A SMASHBOX MASTERCLASS AND DINNER AT HOI POLLOI
26/07/2015
So, you know that time – well, times – that I said I’d stop boring the life out of you raving about blog events I’ve been to for fear of becoming repetitive/boring you/coming across as a massive brag (I hope to god this isn’t the case as it isn’t intended that way at all)… Well, I’ve kinda gone back on that promise.
You see, I was invited to an event on Tuesday which involved an introduction to Smashbox’s new range, launching
their pop up store in Boxpark, Shoreditch – you know, where all the “trendy” kids hang – mingling with the loveliest blogger beauties and an incredible meal at a restaurant I’d heard raved about… basically, it was pretty much blogger perfection, which is exactly why I’m waxing lyrical about it today.
I arrived slightly early – #ControlFreakProblems – and used my time wisely by instagramming the life of lipsticks perusing the makeup counters, swatching every product in existence and in the process, turning my hand into a human/makeup rainbow. (As all the best bloggers do, right?)
Perusing done, time for the masterclass with the wonderful Janine Bird, national makeup coach for Smashbox where we were taken through some of Smashbox’s incredible new launches/existing favourites – which will be popping up in a blog post soon – as well as a closer look into strobing (actually a really old technique which has now just been giving a jazzy name and lots of hype), grey eyeliner and a gorgeous burgundy lip. I’ve been part of many masterclasses before but Janine really is just one of those infectious people that you want to listen to/soak up her knowledge/possess all her makeup skills (please and thank you?) so it was a joy to listen to her and watch her work.
Myself and the lovely blogger ladies
being pushed 😉 jumping into the ring light/selfie stick situation. All of the ladies are tagged on
my Instagram so be sure to go and check them out, total babes [insert heart emoji’s here]
Makeup stuffs done, time for the most important part the food…
We were taken to the
Hoi Polloi which is a gorgeous restaurant in the
Ace Hotel London. Despite having a
tiny bit of trouble actually finding the place – just in case you were wondering, you enter via the flower shop next to the Ace Hotel which has
no signage for Hoi Polloi [insert confused face emoji here] – once we were in, I knew we were in for a treat. We started with cocktails – a Vada Colada for myself because
it sounded posh and I’m really not it sounded
so tasty – and went on to stalk the menu with very excited faces.
Did I mention that after telling the waiter that I had coeliac disease and asking for the gluten free options, I was then brought out this gluten free bread? Oh I never? shame on me. Bread makes me a very happy girl so I knew my relationship with Hoi Polloi was a Love at first chat kinda one 😉
To start, I went for the Cured salmon, beetroot, cucumber and smoked yogurt which was actually stunning. I am the least snobbish person – give me a McDonalds (cheeseburger without the bun #coeliacproblems) and I’m happy – but this really was something special. As well as being common easily pleased, I am also the furthest thing from a food critic, so bear with my awful desciptions. The salmon combined the smoked yogurt really was just so delicious…. BRB, just drooling and day dreaming over the dreamiest starter…
For my main, I went for the Seabass, asparagus and hollandaise which again, was ridiculously tasty. We all shared a mixture of sides with the kale, garlic and peanuts being a particular favourite of mine. Not to mention those dripping chips… [insert heart eye’d emoji’s here]
You know that feeling when you’re fit to burst but know that if you don’t get dessert and somebody else does, you’re going to have all the food envy in the world? Well, that happened, and subsequently so did the Coconut sorbet, pineapple, passionfruit and lime which was possibly the freshest dessert I’ve ever eaten. I’d highly, highly recommend this.
After rolling home a stone or two heavier – absolutely no regrets – I thought that that was the end to the perfect event. But then I opened my goodie bag the next day to find these delights. All the Smashbox goodies (which I tried that day and am blown away by, post coming soon) as well as an amazing Diana F camera. So a huge thank you to Smashbox for totally, totally spoiling us.
So, that brings me to the end of this “Omg, best event everrr”/”Omg that food though…” roundup of my Smashbox masterclass and Hoi Polloi post, I really hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I would love to know if you have any Smashbox favourites? Have you visited their pop up store in BoxPark? Also, let me know if you’ve been to Hoi Polloi, any foodie recommendations for my return are very welcome 🙂
As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
Sounds like a great event.
I love smashbox so I think you're lucky enough to be invited LOL.
Those food looks tasty too.
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin
Thanks lovely, I felt very lucky to be there 🙂
xx
Oh wow, what a fabulous looking event! Love, love, love the idea of grey eyeliner with a burgundy lip can can't wait to see your post on your goody bag bits! 🙂 So gutted I missed you at the Manfrotto event, by the way!
Style Sunrise☀
🙂
x
Ah thanks lovely, can't wait to have a good play with them too. I know, would've been amazing to finally meet you 🙂
xx
Ok, two things – I love the photos here, they're amazing AND that camera bag is beautiful!! Smash box are such a classic brand I think and their lipstick shades look stunning.. I should probably go and have a look at their stand. Looks like you had a great time Elle 🙂 xx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
Thanks lovely, definitely have a look at their lipsticks, such a stunning range of colours 🙂
xx
It looks a great event!! what lovely makeup I can see there <3 <3
Check my trip to Prague in my blog. Beautiful city to visit 🙂
http://www.travelera.es
Thanks lovely 🙂
xx
You shouldn't even worry about posting too many events, the way you write is so honest and funny and not ever boring 😉 I've heard good things about Hoi Polloi, but does it have any vegetarian/vegan options? Maybe I could just drink all the cocktails… I've never tried smashbox either, not sure if it is cruelty free or not? Looks lovely from the photos! xo
Ah thank you so much Amber, such a lovely comment! I'm not totally sure on the vegetarian/vegan options however one of the lovely girls there was a vegetarian and there were options for her 🙂
xx
what a great events ! thanks for sharing 🙂
http://allornothing-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Thanks lovely 🙂
xx
Don't know what looks better! The food or the makeup hahah x
Katina | http://www.katinalindaa.com
Haha I'd say the food 😉
xx
You got so many lovely smash box goodies. I am jealous. My mum loves smashbox. 🙂
I will be looking forward to your next post about smashbox. 🙂
The food you ate looks delicious by the way!
Ellen
My Blog
Fashion Giveaway click here !
Beauty Giveaway click here!
Thanks so much lovely, so glad you enjoyed it 🙂
xx
Love Smashbox's packaging always really easy to use. Looks like you had a lot of fun at this event! And the food looks fab
Tia | at0ut.blogspot.co.uk
So true lovely, the packaging is really sleek isn't it 🙂
xx
It looks like so much fun! I love reading your event posts! The food looks soon yummy (especially this refreshing coconut/pinapple dessert *insert heart shaped eyes emoji -twice-*). The goodie bag was a good one for sure! I am yet to try Smashbox! I have heard so many good things about them. Which product would you recommend / is your fave? Xx
Alexandra | Glam O’Clock
Ah thanks so much hun, I'm so glad you do! My fave products are the lipsticks (fireball and matte mauve in particular) and their creamy highlight/bronze sticks are incredible!! 🙂
xx
I do like Smashbox quite a bit! Would've loved to attend an event to learn more about them. Everything looks sooo delicious, too!
xoxo – Kelly
http://www.dreaminlace.com
Thanks so much lovely, I'd highly recommend the products, such a fab brand! 🙂
xx
Amazing pictures <3
Federica
http://www.thecutielicious.com
The Cutielicious
Thank you 🙂
xx
Hahahahaha…@ controlfreakissues I thought I was the only who feels that way when I am about to go somewhere. Looks like it was a cool event , lovely pictures of you and the other girls. Have a great Sunday.
http://www.stylenbeautylounge.com
Haha I can't help it, but I'm so glad I'm not the only one! 😉 Thanks lovely, was a really fun day!
xx
I love Hoi Polloi! I've only ever tried a few things from Smashbox, I tend to just glance past them but I should definitely make an effort to look into them x
It's so lovely isn't it Vicky? I'll definitely be heading back there again soon 🙂
xx
It looks like you had a wonderful day!! I'm still yet to try any products from smashbox but all the bits you picked up look lovely. The food at Hoi Polloi looks delicious too 🙂 x
Charlotte's Road
Thanks lovely, it really was fab, had such a nice time! 🙂
xx
Love this! The makeup looks amazing
http://www.susannahzabelle.com
Thanks so much Susannah 🙂
xx
Looks like you had such a good time!! Hoi Polloi sounds amazing, what a treat 🙂 xx
Jasmin Charlotte
It really was lovely, I felt very spoilt 🙂
xx
I have things to cover in my comment:
1) I always thought "strobing" was a thing because I've always preferred to highlight rather than contour! And I remember in 2007 Benefit High Beam was REALLY BIG for that. Everyone had the super bright dewy look. At least in Canada.
2) Hoi Polloi's name reminds me of the brand Oi Polloi that I used to do webby stuff for. It was confusing when I read it.
3) A McDonald's hamburger with no bun!?!? Do you really do that?!? Do you eat it with a fork?!? I haven't had McDonald's in 2 years, except for fries. But I'm not sure I could just eat the burger. It's not the saaaaame. 🙁
Aisling | aisybee.
Haha girl, I am laughing SO much! Answers in reply to your comments;
1) I totally remember when Benefit High beam was a thing and I'm kinda sad it's not now.
2) Apologies for your confusion
3) Yes I do eat the hamburgers without the bun, with a knife and fork… it's so awkward but I'm totally not sorry 😉
xx
This Smashbox event looks amazing, and looks like you had an awesome time :)The Cured Salmon sounds and looks so yummy! 🙂
Charlee XO | CharmedCharlee
It was really amazing thank you, and the meal was SO yummy! 🙂
xx
I'm so jealous! I absolutely love Smashbox's products. Fab post & photos.
Check out my latest post <3
http://www.abigailalicex.com
Thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
Love the photos! I adore smashbox! Their primer is amazing! That food looks so good!!!
I'm such a fan of their primer too Stephanie, amazing isn't it? 🙂
xx
I've always been interested in Smashbox, and the event looks so so good! What awesome goodies too 😉
Lauren x
Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty
Lauren, as soon as I saw the camera I was like "… that is an instagram prop right there" haha thanks lovely, loved the event!
xx
I love reading about all the events you go to and general what you get up to 🙂 It sounds like you had such a lovely time! 🙂 xx
Ah thanks so much hun, so pleased you do 🙂
xx
Love the Smashbox colors, amazing! Looks so fun! That meal looks so yummy! Not bored at all dear
http://leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
Thanks lovely, so colourful aren't they. Haha so glad you wasn't bored 😉
xx
HOI POLLOI LOOKS AMAZING! The presentation is stunning and it all looks so tasty! I suppose the Smashbox event looks alright too… Just kidding, what an amazing night! Definitely want to try a few more Smashbox products x
Martha Jane | http://www.marthajanemusic.com
Haha I'm not gonna lie, at some points it felt ALL about the food. So amazing 😉
xx
OMG!! This is beyond amazing! Lovely photos!
http://www.lenparent.com
Thanks so much hun 🙂
xx
Really enjoyed reading this post. The food looked divine and glad you had dessert too 😉. You should do more on events you attend I like reading about them x
https://wwww.majeang.wordpress.com
Ah thanks so much lovely, I'm so pleased you liked it. I've been to so many events lately so there's more to come 😉
xx
What a smashing event (sorry for the Dad joke)! Can't wait to see your smashbox look on the blog soon x
Haha girl, you Dad joke away! Thanks so much 🙂
xx
This event looks great and I'm sure that you spent amazing time and by the way, you learnt about useful beauty tips there, dear 🙂 What's more I really liked your boho dress, which you wore at that masterclass 🙂
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Ah thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
I love the post Have a wonderful week dear:)
http://www.bloglovin.com/blogs/printed-sea-3880191
Thanks so much Ira, so glad you do 🙂
xx
Thank you for sharing this! I do love learning about events for bloggers! I've never tried Smachbox before, but everything looks amazing, the products, the food, the gifts!!
Natalia | Lindifique
Thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it 🙂
xx
So awesome! Hope you have a lovely day.
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BEAUTYEDITER.COM
Thank you!
xx
You've worked hard to go to amazing events like this so don't be sorry about telling us all about them 😀 plus i'm nosy like that & love to see what other people get up to at events. It looks like you had an amazing evening, that food and all those Smashbox goodies *heart emojis* x
Beauty with charm | Zoeva Giveaway
Ah thanks so much lovely, you always leave the kindest comments 🙂
xx
It looks like it was an amazing event x
Heather | Of Beauty & Nothingness
Thanks lovely, it really was 🙂
xx
Sounds like you had an absolutely amazing time Elle! Can';t wait to hear what you think of all the new products too, I NEED more Smashbox in my life 🙂
Claire | Stylingo.co.uk | xx
Yes you do!! Haha honestly I think they're incredible so far so I highly recommend 🙂
xx
Hi dear, i wanted to let you know that i nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award , i hope you can check it out. Kisses
http://www.stylenbeautylounge.com/2015/07/the-versatile-blogger-award.html
Thanks so much Uzo, I'll definitely check this out 🙂
xx
Looks like you guys had so much fun! I love Smashbox products!
Paula
Thirteen Thoughts
Thanks lovely, we really did 🙂
xx
Elle this looks like THE most amazing event- so many pretty makeup products! I'm super jel of all your Smashbox goodies 🙂
Rachel xx
http://www.thedailyluxe.net
Ah thank you lovely, it really was fab 🙂
xx
Looks like such an awesome event again! Also all of that food … YUM!
x- Naomi in Wonderland
Thanks lovely, so yummy 🙂
xx
Such a fun event! So jealous! I have never heard of SmashBox before!
Dora
http://www.BangsBang.com
Thanks lovely, I'd definitely check them out if you get the chance, they're amazing 🙂
xx
Looks like a great event, your so lucky to be invited, love the make-up and food, great stuff <3
Capturing Life Memoirs | http://aimeebustillo.blogspot.com
Thanks lovely, I feel really lucky too 🙂
xx
That looked like a great event.
-Izabela
http://www.mydailywear.co.uk
Sweet pics and post 🙂
*XoXo
– http://www.helenaprimeira.blogspot.pt
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That seriously does look look like an epic event… one thing though, on the menu above your cocktail, does the ingredients list say cornish pasties? Now I'm assuming its some fancy ingredient I've ever heard of but I'm thinking it has the same name as a greggs baked item… #concerned #notdownwiththekids
Rosy | sparklesoflight76.blogspot.co.uk
I've only ever tried one thing from Smashbox, but that was a while ago. I'll have to check them out again.
Grey eyeliner? Is that a new trend? I haven't seen anyone wear it yet, I'll have to google it to see if it's a trend I'll be trying.
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
This looks like such a fab day, how gorgeous do all of those Smashbox products?! I love the camera lens brush holders too 🙂 Your food looks incredible, I'm a sucker for seabass!
lillies and lipbalm
xx
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