The Bedroom tour

I don't do many lifestyle posts despite my love for reading others. After a recent room decoration and change around I decided experiment with my new camera. As my photography improves I hope to do more similar posts...

 Owl Lamp - Dunelm- Mill

Owl Bookheaders - Laura Ashley (If you couldn't tell I have a thing for owls!)

After I finished senior school I bought a glass frame and board from Hobby Craft and decided to make a big collage of my memories and favourite fashion moments and celebrities. This is one of my favourite things in my room and think it is a great way to display photos. I'm currently in process of collecting items for my new one!

Bird cage lamp - Laura Ashley

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February Favourites

First up, January's cold blasts have left my lips in a bit of a state: chapped and uncomfortably crusty (at least I'm being honest gals) has not been a particularly enjoyable experience. I have therefore been relying on my NUEX Reve de miel Baume Levres Nourisshing Lip Balm. The consistency is rich and thick and thus application feels like it provides a thorough nourishment. The smell is simply delicious. A little pricey for your average lip balm but this stuff does miracles in just one application...and I really mean that.

For a while now I have wanted to purchase Soap and Glory's Whipped Clean Shower Butter, and a bit of 'fed-upness' motivation finally made me move!  The smell is definitely a dupe for Laura Mercier's Pistachio range; its almond/pistachio/shea butter heaven. Its formula is similarly luxurious: thick and creamy, a splodge and lather into the skin instantly turns into foam. The only negative thing I can say about this is it's more of a nighttime, relaxing smell...but is that really even a negative? It's the perfect post-day shower essential. Next on my list is the moisturiser...Soap and Glory aisle, I'm coming for ya'.

After a horrible stressful month of exams and the most ridiculous amount of words I have ever had to write, the Kiehls Midnight Recovery Oil had to be purchased. I had read a lot of praise for this product and was really intrigued to try it. Although serum is a regular part of my skin care regime an oil was something I had never tried before. At first it was very weird to apply, the oil was just too much for me to handle. But after a few every-other-night sessions this stuff really did illuminate my skin in the morning. It's lavender scent was of course perfect for bed, and it really did seem to re-moisture and renew my skin. This is a definitely must for those bad times of the month!

Nars Creamy Concealor  is the most expensive makeup number, for what it actually is, I have ever purchased. I was bribed (yes, definitely bribed) to be put on a waiting list at my local Space NK...I was literally forced to say yes. Dramatisation over, it really was worth every penny. This concealor is so easy to blend and my shade, vanilla, is perfect for my skin-tone.

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An ode to Nars

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Favourite Skincare of 2013

My love for skincare has dramatically increased throughout 2013; obsessive researching, youtube watching and a lot of testing has resulted in a routine that my skin has grown to love.

When it comes to taking away the makeup then look no further than Bioderma. My friends laughed at me once for telling them how bad makeup wipes are for taking off the makeup even though they had never watched this genius Caroline Hirons, whose advice is responsible for these purchases! Bioderma is a non-alcholic/nasty chemical water that removes all makeup. Therefore it does not harm the skin.

Praises are also sung to The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof eye-makeup remover which does wonders when removing stubborn mascara - my rave is more developed here.

Before I go to bed I apply Origins Night-A-Mins. A small amount provides thorough moisturisation aswell as a happy face to wake up too; as soon as I apply this my skin instantly becomes brighter and more nourished. However, what may seem like soulmate love has to take a step aside to more advanced! number. If I could only choose one product to live with forever then it would have to be Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Serum. Oh my goodness, this product is amazing. I have never tried something as effective as this; it heals spots, dryness, redness, dullness, do I need say anymore?! This product is worth every one of its many pennies. A similar product is hydraluron; used in the morning it creates extra moisture so only a little bit of your moisturiser is needed to last all day long. Most of these serums have created a nice little harmony in my skin routine...cheesy I know.

However, when things aren't looking too great  I reach for Ren's Clarifying Clay Cleanser. Charcole based it gets really deep into the pores to remove all that dirt! A bad patch of skin is easily solved with a few washes from this. Similarly, there is the Origins Clear Improvements mask. A hot little number that is there for those nights when you and your skin just need pampering. Throughout the year I used this when feeling slightly fed up with my skin. Not only does it help with getting rid of blemishes it also  helps to create a brighter complexion. A well rounded mask I say. 

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Favourite makeup of 2013

After a ridiculous amount of essays, revision and job demands I am finally free!! Due to such business I have, unfortunately, had to disregard the blog for a while...but now I am back with the better late than never post of my favourite beauty products of 2013.

So, to start right off with the business, my favourite "base" has been Estee Lauder Day Wear BB cream. Purchasing it early on in the year I think I have used this almost everyday since my pin was entered. It provides a light coverage, aswell as a light texture allowing it to blend into the skin really well. Despite being a BB cream I have found it does the job well when it comes to covering up a blemish or two.

As appeared in last years favourites post the Benefit Brow Zings triumphs again. When it comes to the brows (or the big brows in my case) I never look anywhere else. With a wax one side and a power the other this little kit is great value for money (it also includes tiny tweezers and two brushes - too cute). I can guarantee your brows will always look perfectly defined from use of this kit.

Then it is all praises to Nars. Their creamy concealor has to be one of the best in the beauty product world. It blends in perfectly with your base whilst brightening the under eye area. If you suffer from dark under eye circles like me then you'll find that the creamy texture is designed to solve this problem. Thanks to my wonderful friend Chloe (check her blog here) I was introduced to the oh-mah-god factor result of the Nars Orgasm. If you are a user of this then perhaps you will know why it has been titled orgasm! This has become my all time favourite blusher. It's pink, gold shimmer tone is the perfect pick me up. To apply this fancy one the MAC 163 has been doing wonders; contouring, blushing, highlighting, its a fantastic brush. 

When trying to solve my addiction for MAC eye-pencils I discovered Rimmel Scandal Eyes kohl eyeliner in Bronze. The perfect golden brown eyeliner that defines my eyes just how I like: a little bit of smudge and bronze simmer.  I owe Rimmel more than providing me with my favourite eyeliner, they saved my purse from MAC's soaring prices.

I had a little difficultly when thinking about what eye shadow I used the most over the year, for the most part of the year I definitely didn't try hard enough when it comes to shadow - a resolution that I have put forward to 2014! However, I then remembered my love for the Clinique Chubby Stick for eyes in Ample Amber: a beautiful rose tinted light gold that creates a wide eyed effect. My many lazy student days were saved by the quick application of this stick.

For the nail department I would look nowhere else than Essie. They consistently offer a wide range of shades, the brush provides easy application and the formula contains an excellent shine that doesn't always need a top coat. In the photo I have chosen the shade solemate but I could easily have included watermelon, or chinchilly or lapiz of luxury. Despite my Essie obsession I could not ignore the colour of my summer, Bourjois nail enamel in turquoise. I bloomin' love this shade, when wearing a neutral wardrobe it always finished off a look.

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Luxury Beauty Christmas Wish List

Luxury Beauty Christmas Wishlist by folkesthinks 

With a week to go I thought I would share with you some of my favourite luxury beauty items. 

1. The Urban Decay Naked 3 palette. I unfortunately don't own palette 1 or 2, but 3 certainly seems the best so far. With a full range of colours to create a neautral, matt or smokey look it is a great, adaptable palette. I have my eyes on the far right purple colour for a smokey look!

2. Where would we be without Nars Orgasm and Deep Throat blusher. So the invention of the Nars One Night Stand palette was just genius. Bravo Nars. A whole palette of there blushers really would send me to Nars heaven. 

3. Kiehl's Creme de Corps body moisturiser is one of the most incredible smells I have every experience. And I mean that. A combination of soya milk and honey I just want to smooth this into my skin all day long.

4. The new Shu Uemura eye lash curlers may look like a weird contraption but they are designed now to catch the teeny corners of your eyelashes, creating a wider, fuller lash. 

5. Laura Mercier Souflee Body Creme Sampler Collection would not only look perfect in my bathroom but feel and smell perfect. My Auntie is a big Laura Mercier fan and whenever I stay at her's I always make sure I can use some after a bath. Yes, this whole set would make me very happy indeed!

6. Clinique's Black Honey nail enamel would be the perfect partner for my Clinique Black Honey Eyeshadow. A sophisticated, deep, burgundy red which will nicely welcome in the New Year!

7. This Works Dream Team is apparently not an essential to some of my friends, but I think they're wrong. If you love sleep, like me, but stress, again like me, then this is a must have! It contains the This Work Pillow Spray - a refreshing mist for your pillow containing sleeping send-off smells - and their Deep Sleep Stress Less roller ball to provide you with even more aroma's for a perfect night sleep. 

8. Last, but most certainly not least, is this Diptyque set. Diptyque is certainly not a cheep company, however you get what you pay for and they smell and look beautifully expensive!! This set is supposed to be lit all at once to create a wonderful unison of smells!  

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November Favourites

My favourite thing throughout the month of November has been my Diptyque Christmas Candle. A diptyque candle has been on my wish list for a while now. Whilst some may think they are extortionately priced - which yes, I guess they kindaaaa are - they really do make the room smell wonderful in minutes, and of course the jar is rather beautiful. Mine smells of Indian Incense and it has thoroughly cheered me up through the cold winter of November!

The Origins Super Spot Remover has saved my skin this month. As the turn of the winter weather (and the increase of chocolate) has sent my skin a bit crazy recently, I have been using this to cure the blemishes. I have even used it on my boyfriend and it wiped his clean overnight. I thoroughly recommend this if you want those pesky spots to be gone in a hurry.

As my 7ams and work demands have increased November has been a month where I haven't had much time to spend on my makeup routine. So, to speed things up, I have been relying on the Clinique Chubby Sticks for eyes. The shades Ample Amber and Fuller Fudge have satisfied my neutral palette quite nicely! They are seriously simple to apply and just a blending out with the thumb will not only speed up your routine but make you look like you've spent time trying!

Finally, the random purchase of Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Shampoo and Conditioner left me and my hair slightly speechless! In the hunt for some small products to take the gym I simply picked these up just by chance. However, without sounding hyperbolic, they really are the best shampoo and conditioner I have ever used. I suffer from quite dry, fine hair and they both bulk up the moisture and leave hair looking wonderfully shiny.

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Winter Lipsticks

For a while now I have being trying to gain more confidence when it comes to lipsticks. I've always been a balm girl and believed too much colour meant too much "trying". However, I think its time now I realised my mistakes when it comes to the pouting department. Vivid lipcolour is in trend. It is ok to be bold; enhancing your confidence and femininity. What a way to bring in the Christmas season with a bold, sumptuous red pout!

And so, as my confidence has grown, so has my collection. So I'm going to share with you my favourite colours that I think will be great for the winter, and of corse, Christmas months!

So, (from left to right)...

Body Shop Colour Burst Lipstick Enraptured Red. This really is a "boom, Ive got colour (holla)" shade. (If you know what I mean ladies!). I always feeling like Lady Scarlet when applying this. Applied with careful precision, this is an excellent formula for long lasting colour.

Revlon Colour Burst Lip Butter - Raspberry Shortcake. I have quite a few products from the Lip Butter range. Yes, this technically isnt a lipstick, but it provides a lovely, hint of natural, raspberry toned colour which is perfect for winter. For a day time look when I perhaps don't want to be too bold (or, simply, can't be bothered) this does the job perfectly.

MAC - Dare You. A smoothy, promiscuous, yet slightly innocent red. This isn't as vivid as the Body Shop red yet still provides a full, shimmering red colour. If you're looking for a seducing pout then I thoroughly recommend 'Dare you'.

MAC- 'O'. My friends are always asking to borrow this on nights out. Being a frost formula the shade provides quite a glossy finish. This is one of my favourite lipsticks. A great step up for someone trying to branch their way slowly in to the world of bold lip colour.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick - Glam plum Fulham. Whilst providing a tremendous amount of eye-popping shade this lipstick provides an unbelieveable moisturising finish. Easy to apply, fab colour and an affordable price. This lipstick, if you are to get any, is most definitely the one to go for!

Topshop - Beguiled. One can never go wrong with a Topshop lipstick. This, whilst perhaps looking a little terrifying in colour, this shade is a great daaaark red. Matt in texture this is perfect is you are looking for a more vampy red.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick - Black Cherry. As you will see from my last post, this really is a very dark shade. Like a black forest gateau (excuse the food reference) it provides a dark, red colour and certainly one that will get heads turning (not based on personal experience!). If you're daring then I really do recommend giving this shade a go!

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What I wore #4

Recent celebrations for my friend's birthday meant another occurrence of yay-birthday-makeup excitement: a tragic case for the beauty obsessed! In my books, the best bit about going out is the getting ready: sad, I know!

So, a swooping of Revelon Nearly Naked Foundation made an appearance again. I don't use this often (I'm not a foundation lover, it has to be said) however, every time I dig it out I feel bad for neglecting it - it really give great coverage for a high street product. With a smudge of Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer I was prepped for my favourite palette from Clarins - a limited edition Christmas 2012 set. A hint of matte bronzer, with a layer of gold pigment sparkle always makes me ready for a night ahead! However, I always add my trusty Nars Eyeshadow in the shade Meekong for extra smoke. With a layering of Rimmel Scandel Eyes kohl in the shade bronze and lashings of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme mascara (a product I still need to buy full size!) the eyes were all set.

Of corse a shading in of the brows with the oh-so-amazing Benefit Brow Zings never goes a miss. I then decided for a bronzed look, and so out popped the Nars Laguna Bronzer for some tanned contouring. If you haven't heard me mention this before, then this really is the only bronzer a girl will ever need! Of corse, topped off with Nars blusher in orgasm the face was all paired up - the combination of these two Nars products really does work a treat!

Finally, I used my new Revelon Super Lustrous lipstick in the shade black cherry. A little daunted at first - this is the darkest shade I own - however, I felt this was the perfect, winter shade and will definitely be making use of it more this season. 

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A Spot of bother

The turn from Autumn to Winter is not one I particularly look forward to. A dramatic dip in temperature, extra layering and hat hair have a huge dislike in my books. However, the main problem is the havoc the change does to my skin.

Yes thats right, it has all finally caught up with me and my skin has had to suffer! Dryness, blemishes and a dull complexion: my skin really has had its ups and downs the past two weeks. So, with a bit of some TLC and with the help of some 'wuuuuunderful' products, I have finally got my skin back on the right track. 

The main player has been the Ren Clarifying Clay Cleanser, a number I mentioned on my October Favourites. I have been replacing this with my Liz Earle at night time. It does smell a little funky yet one pump really has done wonders. A clay based cleanser always works when your skin is conjested with blemishes. It works to get rid of the nasties by a thoroughly deep cleanse. The only negative is its drying properties so a good moisturiser is the crucial next step.

I have then been using the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask. I have read a heck of a lot about this mask and felt it was the best thing to cure my intense dryness. My thoughts after just the first use was WOW. I really don't know where this product has been throughout my life! You apply it before you go to bed which I wasn't 100% comfortable with at first. However, its beautiful smell of peaches and passionfruit soon sorted out that fear. The next morning my face felt fresh, rejuvenated and full of moisture. This product really does what it says on its packaging!

Finally, the Origins Super Spot Remover has been the zapper for my pimples! Its tingling sensation made it feel like it was doing it's job, and boy it most certainly has! A pretty pricey number for its size however your blemishes will soon go with a spot of this over your annoyance!

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October Favourites

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in the shade Glam Plum Fulham has been the perfect autumnal plum colour. Admittedly, a little tricky to apply on my small lips I have had to spend time with a lip blush applying this one. However, that goes out of the question when thinking about the colour and the moisturising texture of this lipstick. Rimmel need a round of applause for the successful update of the collection.

Bobbie Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in the shade Forest. This was a little treat bought for me by a friend in September. However, it's full use was demonstrated in the last month when I decided to spice things up in my makeup looks.

Body Shop All-in-One BB Cream
I don't think I gave this product enough recommendation in my Body Sop Haul. It really does give wonderful and accurate coverage: coming out of the tube as white and adapting to your skin tone upon application. This truly provides you with a perfect natural glow.

A second praise to the Body Shop for their Brown and Liner Kit. Over the autumnal October I have been using the lighter brown shade to create a subtle contour rather than going OTT with Nars Laguna which I think looks a little false in the colder months.

Finally, a little gem which has become part of my skin routine. Ren Clarifying Clay Cleanser has been helping me beat those spots (yes, I've been unfortunately suffering from the dreaded S word) from my stress! I have been using this every night and it has calmed my skin a-hell of a lot down!

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Body Shop Haul

As you saw from my post about their increeedible eye make up remover, I have been having a slight affection for the Body Shop recently. For many years this has not been the case. I only regarded them as an alright-moisturiser-place, an eco-friendly, struggling chain for the suffering high street.

However, this has all now changed. I cant apologise enough for my misconceived opinions. Since their recent makeover, and due to my hours spent of research on   on Vivianna Does makeup (thank you you Beauty Blogger goddess!) I have finally branched out within the Body Shop and made many makeup purchases.

So lets get started...

Firstly, I have been loving their colour crush eyeshadows especially in the shade CCoconuts About You. In my opinion this is Mac Satin Taupe without the shimmer.  With a quick application of their  Eye Definier in shade Rich Brown a subtle grey smokey smudge has been the result: a wonderful everyday  I'm-going-to-try shade!


Since growing in confidence I moved up the scale when I purchased one of their Colour Crush Lipsticks in the shade Enraptured Red. A vibrant, scarlet red, has been a bold step up...and I've been loving it! With a matt finish this lipstick is perfectly on trend for this Autumn/Winter.


Now my new Oh my god/amaaazing product is their Brow and Liner Kit in the shade 02. As we move into the colder, winter months I can sometimes find the bronzer look to be a bit too desperate. And so, after taking advice from Vivianna, I have been applying the darker shade of this to contour my face. This subtle definition has been a perfect pairing with my autumnal blushers resulting in one happy look I've got cheek bones look!

Finally, after much deliberation, I purchased the All-In-One BB Cream. This has been a whole new world in BB creams; coming out white and turning your shade once applied to the skin. This has created a perfect every day nature base. Admittedly it does not cover spots, but for the good days, I can guarantee this is the one!

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September Favourites

September is always a favourite month of mine. No, not just because it is my birthday. But because of the organisational, back to school, warm autumnal days time. Yes, I love going back to a routine and September usually means a bit of a sort out with storage and life!

This month I've decided to keep it nice and simple. I cannot admit that I have been wearing a lot of makeup as I have been unfortunately too busy to bother but, more crucially, I have been wanting to show off my skin. This I believe has been all down to the Origins High potency Night-A-Mins moisturiser. This has been on my wish list for a while now and my birthday month gave me the excuse to purchase. I find it to be a high intensity, thick creme, which means a small amount of application goes a long way. My skin has felt dewy and glowing and I fully believe it is down to this!

An unusual number next, but Body Shop Camomile waterproof eye & lip makeup remover is amazing. Want to know more then read my post.

As the bold lips have become more trendier I have decided to be more braver. With a whip of Revlon Just Bitten Kissable balm in the shade Lovesick on my lips I have been confidently rocking this shade out. Even to lectures may I admit. I love how this gives a shade of colour but is a balm formula, meaning I don't look caked in lip product.

My Nars blusher in the shade orgasm has been an every day saviour. Thank you style scout for my present. It is just the perfect, natural pink blush. I really do mean perfect.

Finally, I have been loving an application of Rimmel Scandal Eyes waterproof kohl in 012 bronze. It is so 'creamy' and easy to apply and creates an intense smokey effect.

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Body Shop Camomile Eye make-up remover

With my oily eyelids waterproof mascara is a necessity.  An odd feature I know, but if waterproof wasn't applied I would look like I was going for a halloween/mascara run down look everyday. Now, nobody wants to see that look do they! 

As a girl with expensive taste the Clarins make-up remover has been on my wish list for sometime. Why? Because my cheap simple remover, which claims to remove waterproof mascara does not work. I am left constantly rubbing my eye with a drenched cotton pad of remover and nothing is budging....However, this was my old routine.

 I heard a rumour out there that the Body Shop's Camomile make-up remover does the same job as Clarins and at half the price. I was, obviously, sold and went out straight away to purchase this needed item. I am pleased to announce that this boy does the trick. It is a dream to use. Simply shake to activate, squeeze a bit on a cotton pad, place over the eye for about 5 seconds and Voilà: all my eye make-up, yes my tough to remover waterproof eye make-up is gone!! Safe to say I have since removed the Clarins number from my wish list and replaced it with my replen of this. 

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Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus

Last night I was searching for the perfect shade for my nails. After a freeeezing few days I was getting into the Autumn mood. However, could I find any appropriate fall shade in my nail draw? Not at all. So off I went to my mums draw. Now, if you thought I was a nail varnish addict then you haven't met my mother. She counted her nail varnishes once. Eighty Four. Yes, that's right ladies and gents. Eighty Four. Enough said.

So, with that collection it is no surprise that I managed to find my desired shade. Say hello to Nails Inc Piccadilly Circus. This, in my opinion, is the perfect autumnal shade. Mullbery/damson-esque: it perfectly sets the tone.

Now all I need is to add it to my collection.

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What I wore on my face #3

Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation in shade 150 nude was the choice of base on Friday. I don't use foundation often but always select this as my luxury choice. It blends in really well, creating a better version of your skin look. It's a little thick so I don't lick to use too much but find its finish very satisfying!

Brows is undoubtedly Benefit's Brow Zing's in the set medium.

On my eyes I started off with Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in the shade cosmic: a beautiful cooper shade of medium brown with a hint of shimmer. I love to use a cream shade as my base on a night out as I find everything stays in place quiet nicely! Over this I then applied the dark brown shade from my Clarins limited edition palette. To enhance my creases I, carefully, applied Nars eyeshadown in Mekong. This is a VERY dark brown and always takes me time to apply as it can almost look black. Despite this I find it the perfect shade for creating a smokey dark look. All blended out with a trusty MAC 217 the shadow is complete! Next I used Bourjois Volumizer Mascara. An incredible drug store mascara that gives amazon volume, it really does what it says. With a quick flick from Barry M Blink Waterproof precision eyeliner and an underlining from Mac eye pencil in Coffe the job was done!

Nars blusher in Orgasm swooshed my cheeks whilst being accompanied by its partner, Nars Laguna Bronzer. The perfect duo.

Finally to finish the look my new Mac Lipstick in 'O' bought out the need to express the berry lip trend. And thus I was ready to go out and pardy with my friends.

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What I wore

Birthday Night Out Look
Last night was spent celebrating my 20th Birthday with my best old school friends. Going out for drinks in our home town whilst the rain poured down with rain meant jeans would definitely be on the cards.  I teamed my Topshop high waisted black jeans with a silver beaded cami from Miss Selfridge; a recent purchase which I know will bring me into the Christmas (shudder at the thought) when sparkles are essential. With my trusty Mulberry handbag and new Topshop heels I was ready for a celebratory night ahead.

(Clinique Happy on my Toes and Bourjous 1 second enamel in Turquoise block on my fingers!)

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Birthday makeup haul

On Wednesday I turned the ever so sounding grown up age of twenty! As a makeup lover it was quite natural that I would just share with you what I received. Please note this is not in a show off way, its just an excuse to me to talk about all things new and show how well they photograph together!

Firstly my wonderful friend Chloe or Style Scout (please check out her blog as one day she will have an influence over what is published in Vogue) got me a lovely goodie bag from Liberty's which included...

Nars Blusher in Orgasm. Why I have never purchased this myself I will never know. It is the perfect, peach, pink just oooooh-wow shade. I love my Nars blusher in Deep Throat but now I realise why this is there best selling blusher. I know this will be the perfect pick me up in the cold days of Autumn.

Bobbie Brown Cream Shadow Stick was the second surprise. I have been a huge fan of the Clinique Chubby sticks but, ironically, have been disappointed by how chubby they actually are; making them difficult to apply completely and neatly over the lid. This Bobbie Brown number however has resolved my problem. With a smaller stick this has answered my problems. In the shade Golden Pink Chloe chose my favourite shade!

Then finally I had in the Bobbie Brown Face Touch Up Stick in shade sand. This is my saver throughout the day when I need the pick me up around the eyes and pesky blemishes.

I have the kindest and most generous friend in the world right? Love ya if you're reading this!!

My second best friend, my mother, then treated me to my final two items.

A MAC 217 brush. Perhaps the only makeup brush a girl ever needs. It applies, its blends, it smudges. It is the all-rounded tool for applying eyeshadow. After receiving a fake from ebay I needed the real thing in my life!

A few Christmas' ago my mum bought me a lovely tartan Mac set which included a limited edition lipstick. Great that there aren't many of these shades in the world but a bit of a bugger when you need to replenish you're favourite dark shade! So after much swatching in the MAC concession I finally found its replica in the shade 'Oh'. A beautiful deep set, bronzy, burgundy red which will be making an occasion more often on my lips now that I know I can repurchase!

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Blue Rules

I am a lover of the colour blue. A love which is perhaps most expressed by my room: blue bedsheets, blue walls, blue carpet... When it come to beauty I therefore also love to express it through my nails. It was only the other day when I realise I own eleven blue nail varnishes. Eleven. Indeed, I have every blue shade you could possibly think of. Yet I still have a need to buy more blues. I just love blue ok??

Today I decided to choose my 'top five' and hopefully you will see why. 

1. Chanel Blue Boy
This was a pricey number, but a special one I bought for my leavers ball. I wouldn't normal recommend Chanel as I find they chip straightaway. However, I have, somewhat, found a way to save this: an application of seche vite top coat.

2. Essie Button Lapiz of Luxury
I cannot find a better word to describe this colour than luxury. A beautiful deep set blue

3. Essie Bikini so Teeny
With a touch of sparkle this is one of my all time favourite nail varnishes. It is just the perfect blue.

4. Bourjois 1 seconde Nail Enamel in Blue
This really does apply in 1 second. You need no second coats. The wide brush makes it also very easy to apply.

5. Nails Inc Chelsea Psychic Gardens.
A dream baby blue. It needs a few top coats but I love wearing this when my nails are in good, long condition with lots of silver rings. My fingers seem to look quiet expensive...they like it!

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August Favourites

After a depressing moan about the dry and awful condition of my hair I decided to purchase L'oréal Ever Riche No Sulphates shampoo for Dry Fine Hair. For the price of this shampoo it should almost be described as miraculous! After one wash I couldn't get over how smooth and healthy my hair felt to touch and it's noticeable added shine. I thoroughly recommend this shampoo if you have currently fallen out with your un-manageable locks!

I love a good skin care regime and bought the Origins Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask a while back now. However, throughout the month of August I made a conscious effort to use this one a week rather than every now and again. I have definitely noticed the difference: smaller pores, a clear glow and not to mention NO SPOTS throughout the month. NO SPOTS AT ALL. I mean it, hence capitals.

When YSL discontinued my favourite liquid eyeliner I have been searching the shelves for a similar dupe. What I so loved about this eyeliner was how thin the pen/brush was. If you're a eye-liner flick amateur like me then you'll know that a smaller brush is easier to create a flick. This month I discovered the Barry M Blink precision eyeliner. This is the first time I have bought something from Barry M and have been seriously impressed. It was easy to use and stayed on my eyes all day/evening; a big achievement when it comes to my non-stick eyelids!

August has been a pleasant summery month and to translate this summer hype I have been regularly using a highlighter. For this I have turned to MAC Mineralise skin finish in the shade Soft & Gentle. On first glance this product can look far too shimmery but applied to the cheek bones it creates a soft and natural shimmer that can cheat and make you look energetic and healthy!

Finally, I've been using my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush all summer to apply my cream blushers. I realise I hadn't given it enough hype and thought this would be the best opportunity to declare that this is the perfect brush to create the natural, apple of the cheeks blush!

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What I wore on my face #2

Last night I went out with some friends. Once again I opted for a classic Emily natural make-up selection but tweeked it slightly by trying to create more of a smokey look.

Face: Surprise, surprise Diorskin Nude BB Creme. My most recent favourite when it comes to wanting an all over colour, glow and healthy dew! For a bit of bronze I went for Nars Laguna Bronzer. Unfortunately I'm running low on this little number. When I think of a bronzer this really is the perfect, dreamed of bronzer. It sculpts, it tans, it glows and all without being too shimmery: it does what a bronzer should. Perfection. Applied with a MAC 163 brush I contour and bronze it up! On my cheeks I used Stila Covertible colour in Gerbera, a warm peachy-pink, followed by a bit of Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle for a bit of cheeky highlight. 

Eyes: Firstly I used my go-to primer, Stay Don't Stray by Benefit and then applied Mac Woodwinked all over the lid. This is a warm gold colour which is brilliantly pigmented so you're colour actually shows and stays.  In the crease I then used a bit of Faint from my Urban Decay Naked Pallette to create a bit of shadow, followed by Nars Mekong, a very dark glittery brown, just to top the shadow I off. I then used a sample of Estee Lauder Sumptuous Extreme mascara which, as you can see, gives incredible length. With a bit of Rimmel scandal-eyes waterproof kohl in 012 bronze and BarryM Blink precision eyeliner I felt a natural smoke was achieved!

Lips: In highsight I perhaps should have chosen a red, but some reason chickened out last night. Instead I used Kate Moss for Rimmel Lasting Finish lipstick in shade 101 with a touch of Revlon Colourburst Lipgloss in shade008 Peony to create a shimmery blend of pink.

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What I wore on my face

Last night I went on a little date out with one of my friends.  As you know how much I love talking about and reviewing products I thought I'd finally show you what it looks like when applied!

Although quiet simple and nothing too ultra glamorous I personally like a natural, glowing (yes, the overuse of that word again!) finish.

At the moment I am LOVING the new Dior BB creme. A luxury item at £30, however it certainly gives a high class finish. I'm not too keen on foundations and I'm a thorough believer of the no-spots-or-redness-then-you-don't-need-foundation- look. I find this BB creme is best applied with fingers so as to ensure correct blending and dewy finish..

I then used Bourjois Volumizer mascara, a product I immediately go to for length. It's two step wand allows you to create super volume, hence the volumizer with a Z title. Therefore 'hello-Big eyes' is always the effect. As for my un-feminie sweaty eyelids I use Benefit's stay don't stray primer with a sweep over the top from my favourite Clarin's palette of brown followed by a lining of Mac Coffee eye pencil. An essential for a subtle smokey hint. 

Being a lover of YSL's touche èclait for so long I was OVERJOYED when I found it's dupe. Rimmel wake me up concealer is AH-MAH-ZING!! Seriously girls, I would never, ever turn to a high end concealer again...I think! It definitely does the job of hiding those sneaky dark circles!

For my cheeks just a sweep of Clarin's bronzer to give a subtle healthy glow followed by a pinch of Stilla's cream blush in the colour Gerbera. 

Simple I know, but a subtle healthy look for Summer always goes a long way I believe. 

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July Favourites

July was an absolute scorcher! Hurray, we were finally able to celebrate summer. The perfect weather had, after what seemed like a wait of eternity, arrived in the England and one could top up the tan and chill with a British BBQ and pimms!
On the makeup front however, problems were soon to arise, such as 'aaaah, how is this stuff not going to melt off my face' scenario!

Therefore, the top of my list has to be Diorskin Nude BB Creme. Now I know some of us may all disregard the BB and CC nonsense but this really is a beautiful product. It provided me with a light coverage that was so needed in the hot weather, whilst also creating a healthy glow. I couldn't help but notice my skin in the mirror and, apologies, have a good old vain stare!

In the summer months I always tend to stay away from powder blushers and so I brought this product back up from the depths of my makeup bag! Bobbie Brown Sheer Colour Cheek tint in the shade sheer pink is the prettiest, cheeky pink that I can only describe as giving you the cute, little girl colour. Blended into the Dior it worked a treat on my skin!

To keep up the tan I purchased (after a Tanya Burr recommendation of course!) the  Clarins Bronzing Duo. This has been a wonderful number which has allowed me to finally put the Nars Laguna down. I have found the Clarins the perfect bronzer for a daytime look. Applied with a Mac 236 brush it has created shape and a lovely summer time glow!

On my nails I have been using Bourjois 1 second nail gel in the shade turquoise block. After the Vivianna Does make-up post I couldn't not say no. Easy to apply and a brilliant, vibrant colour. This shade has wonderfully enhanced my tanned hands!

For Lips I have returned back to my Revlon Colour burst lip butter's, particularly the shade Strawberry Shortcake. These lip butters give wonderful shine and colour and are not as heavy as lipsticks which I prefer for nights out or the winter!

Finally, my July scent has obviously had to be Esteé Lauder Bronze Goddess. I purchased this at the airport (duty free savings and all that!) and enjoyed a luxurious spray a day on holiday. It smells of all things holiday. It really is just summer in a bottle. I thoroughly recommend giving it a sniff next time you are near a concession!

Enjoy the sun while you can and let me know what your Summer Staples have been. I love a good beauty discussion!

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Hydraluron Rave

My rave throughout this post should be credited to the one and only Caroline Hirons: skin-specialist,  all knowing face expert, in my opinion skin goddess (check out her blog here). There is nothing about skin that this lady does not know!

So with my investment and growing knowledge for skin-care I had no alternative (sorry piggybank) in purchasing the Hydraluron Moisture Booster Serum. 

Caroline states that the majority of skin is dehydrated. Now don't shrug this off so soon! Can you personally claim to drink 8 pint glasses of water a day? If yes, then congratulations you fish-like human! However, for the majority of us busy ladies out dare, drinking the required daily water intake is a challenge. This is where the wonders of hydraluron serum step in.

Its a hydraronic acid-gel based formula. Indeed, I was slightly frightened by the word acid too, and have nightmare visions of my face burning off. However, this is DEFINITELY not one of the outcomes. The acid binds to the skin, therefore attracting double the amount of moisturiser, and ultimately resulting in more moisturised skin! Immediate hydration is therefore guaranteed. 

I have 100% noticed the difference with using this product. I have realised that without this stage my moisturiser was just sitting on the surface, rather than being absorbed. With this stage now added in, my skin looks immediately hydrated, and my makeup application has been far more successful, even resulting in a dewy, healthy finish which I have been desiring for far too long.

At only £25 from Boots this stage NEEDS to be in all ladies handbags. 

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