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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Macbeth review

It is an experience like no other when a theatrical production transports you away from reality, displacing you in an unfamiliar dream-like sensation. Over exaggerative, you say? I say not. Today I went and saw Jamie Lloyd's production of Macbeth and indeed, excuse the use of hyperbole, experienced the performance of a life-time. Although I have to admit, on a vain level, it was Jame's McAvoy's performance that led me to see the production I was truly not disappointed.

Presented in a dystopian, fracture Scottish landscape Shakespeare's Macbeth came into a new light of interpretation. Traditionally, the tragic hero Macbeth is interpreted on a same wave-length as Hamlet: deluded and decaying into a self-conscious layer of madness. However, here we saw a revolutionary performance as the audiences witnessed the blood driven, ambitious and terrifying portrayal of Macbeth. McAvoy, I believe, picks up Macbeth's tortured conscious like no other has done before: creating a futuristic, yet albeit, a realistic and timeless interpretation. Here was a character who was not and immature Hamlet. It was a shell-shocked, troubled and anxiety-ridden soul who was not comfortable but yet seemed to share our own personal issues: How do we deal with our fears and struggles when we know we are in the wrong?

McAvoy brilliantly depicted Macbeth's slow pyschological turmoil; bringing to life and emphasising Shakespeare's haunting soliloquays as he gaged and deluded over the lines. Indeed, 'the dagger of the mind' was enticing and metaphorically powerful.
Moreover, the Scottish setting of the play was, in a peculiar phrase, beautifully presented. Never have the words of Shakespeare has so much power as the actors seemed to sing their lines of conflict and chaos. Shakespeare's haunting language has never seemed to reveal so much prophetic layering.

Clair Foy's portrayal of Lady Macbeth of corse can not escape praise. Her strong depiction as she confidently and almost psychological abused Macbeth to kill Duncan struck a new level. For such a young actress it was deeply interesting to watch a new portray of what is so traditionally perceived as a mature role. Her slow isolation from her husband is outstandingly captured as she too descends into her madness.

Drawn to tears I left Trafalgar studios emotionally drained. Undoubtedly this is a remarkably production; one which doesn't deserve the Guardian's three stars!! Definitely catch this if you can! It is bloody, brutal and undeniably brilliant.

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February Favourites

How can it be March already?! 2013 is going far too quickly, though I'm sure I say that every year. My new busy uni/reading schedule has meant a recent rejection of my blog: I apologise. However, here I try and make amends and share with you my February faveourites...

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Stay on Shadow Paint in the colour Cosmic - This eyeshadow really does what it says on the tin. An excellent stay on shadow, and they definitely mean one that stays on. Praise the lord for those of us with oily eyelids! Although in the photo Cosmic looks very burgendy toned, when painted on it creates a lovely, dark, glittery-brown effect. I have been wearing this just by itself for a daytime natural look and then making it more smokey in the evening with the addition of a darker brown such as Nars Mekong.

Soap and Glory Scrub Your Nose In it Exfoliator - I came across this product after a Sunday Girl recommendation. I don't have a particularly oily T-zone (which the product says it helps) as so was slightly apprehensive that it might be too strong and making me come out in blemishes! However, this product really is worth a GLORY award!! For £8 it is fantastic. I have been a user of the Clarins exfoliator for a while now, and believe this does the exact same job if not better! It works really well; deep cleaning and helping to refine those pesky pores!

Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara - We know I love this (see why here) I'd be lost without this one!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair - When I had my Estee Lauder haul I was given a few samples to try out. At the time I had quite a few cheeky blemishes on my face and they advised me to use this serum. Despite it's worldwide beauty hype I have never wanted to bring a serum into my skin care regime. I have constantly believed that they are unnecessary and would clog up my pores resulting in more blemishes. However, I was wrong. Indeed I have been far too stubborn. This serum has worked wonders. Not only have my blemishes disappeared but my whole complexion has dramatically improved. The only unfortunate outcome now is I need to save up to by the proper sized bottle..

Illasmasqua Speckle Nail Varnish - My last post saw my hype about this polish. Since then and the wider recognition of this uber-cool polishes ASOS have now sold out the collection. If you are lucky enough to find one of these varnish's please do. Your daily compliments will be never ending!

Nars blusher in Deep Throat - During the colder months I like to stay off the bronzer and up the blusher. Deep throat has been able to substitue my bronzer addiction. It is a lovely pink/coral tone with a slight hint of shimmer. This blusher definitely provides you with a daily pick me!

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Illamasqua Speckle

Illamasqua's new S/S 13 range has taken off with a bang. The collection takes its inspiration from our imperfections, and thus campaigns to stand up to these self conscious features: our imperfections should infact be our most beautiful and unique qualities.

There is not one beauty blogger that hasn't hyped over these beautiful speckled beauties and I now add to the the rave!

These limited edition polishes come in five pastel shades, Scarce, Mottle, Speckle and Freckle and are inspired by the imperfection of freckles, or some say the irregular markings of birds eggs. Ironically  these nail varnishes do in fact remind me of mini eggs, not only for their aesthetics but for their delicious quality!

I have been trying out the colour Speckle (as seen in the photos) and have fallen instantly in love. It's pale, blue lavender tones have become my new outfit accessory. It is so unique from any nail varnish I have seen before. It is great for that every day extra sass: not too over the top yet not too subtle! Worn under my Seche Vite topcoat (click here for my review) they have so far gone nearly five days without chipping: very promising!

I am new to the world of Illamasqua nail polishes but have to truthfully admit that I am very impressed by the quality. It has an easy brush for application and a quick drying speed, which is definitely a bonus. Now the only negative is that I need to order the rest of the collection...

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January Favourites

Bare Minerals Original Foundation - I am not a huge lover of foundation but over January I fell in love with this raved about product. It sits really well on the skin, and being a of a mineral consistency it had a lovely lightweight coverage. Moreover, with spf 15 this product also acts as a moisturiser. This foundation is perfect if you are looking for a light, natural coverage.

Clarins Ombre Minerale 4 Couleurs Palette in Odyssey - I was treated to this bad boy palette for Christmas, and it really has lived up to my excited expectations. This palette was part of Clarins' Christmas collection and (unsurprisingly) sold out instantly! Being a lover of natural eyeshadows these colours create the perfect day time and night time smokey look! They are beautifully pigmented and of corse the packaging makes me feel like Im unwrapping a present every time I use it. 

Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleansing Spray - I have a love hate relationship with one. Its a fantastic product in that it does what it says on the tin. It really is a FAB dry shampoo - it instantly cleans your hair and does not leave the overwhelming white remaints. However, the smell is really not to my liking. It describes its smell as 'Soap Bark Tree', and this really is not my thing. Yet, please don't be disheartened. This product does its job, and in my opinion, is better than Batise dry shampoo.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter - I think we can all admit that the Body Shop have had a rocky road with marketing over the past few years. I was given this product in my complimentary bag at the Company Magazine event and I really have fallen in love with it. It gives AMAZING moisturisation and lasts all day. It has made me remember why we used to love the Body Shop butters in the first place! 

Benefit Brow Zings - Im sure I mentioned about this product in my favourite products of 2012 post...I cant remember. If so, I am emphasising my brow love. In my process of trying to grow Delevigne brows (don't mock me now) this has helped create that look. More importantly, it has helped to recreate this look NATURALLY. It does not create a drawn in with permanent marker look but creates a natural finish. With a how-to-guide this is, in my opinion, the best brow product out there!

Dior Blush in Sugar & Spice - I have had this product in my makeup draw for a while now, but fell in love with it again over January. In the winter months I don't particularly like a light, coral colour for my pale tones. This Dior blush however created the perfect balance between giving me a bronze and plum look; giving my face the warm lift my complexion so needed from the cold!

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Borough Market

I may ramble on about makeup and fashion the majority of the time, but one of my other passions is food! Yes, I do indeed love my food (hello fatty!). However, I am actually a fussy eater. Im obsessed with healthy food: by healthy I mean good, organic ingredients in wonderfully, prepared-on-the-day receipes. 

So with now living in London for five months now I finaaaallly took the needed trip to Borough market with my London bred friend Charlotte (check out her blog here). 

The market really was incredible. It was a visual heaven of food!! With produce from all around the world and try before you buy options (yay to my hungry belly!) I really was in a tasting paradise. 

If you are like me and love food and experimental cooking then you seriously need to check out this place. With a range of unique and international produce you will be able to find that scrumptious, impressive ingredient that you need to impress your dinner party friends.

Or, if you just want a quick bite to eat then you be introduced to unique take away experience. But warning, it will take a while to make up your mind!

As you can see I was mighty impressed by my free range chicken wrap with rocket, salsa, mayo and sweet chilli dip...quite a mouthful, I know!

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Revlon Grow Luscious mascara Review

Have you ever stumbled across a product and thought 'Wow, it really does what it says on the tin?' For me, this was my response to Revlon's Grow Luscious Plumping mascara. Seriously, it really is rather 'lushful'!

I came across this product after running out of my Clinique High Impact Mascara (tragic times for my student purse) and felt like I should give this a go. And, I'll admit I was surprised to say it achieves the same, if not more than Clinique! I have been using this mascara for about two months and have definitely noticed a difference in the length of my eyelashes. I would have done a before and after if I had known how miraculous the growth would be.

Moreover, it seperates, defines and most importantly does not leave clumps. As soon as I apply this mascara I notice that my eyes dramatically look more big and awake. As you can see I really cannot rave about this mascara enough. For the price (£9.99) it really is a genius in a tube! Click here to read more and maybe even purchase!

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Estee Lauder Haul

I have, cheekily, been a tad extravagant this week with my student budget! On Tuesday I was fortunate to have a makeup lesson at Estee Lauder and came away spending a little more than intended...

I finally bought the Day Wear BB cream. I've never been a big fan of caking my face in foundation; infact I regularly just go natural! However, with the stress of exams and student life I have finally realised I need some coverage. This product has quickly become a perfect staple for me! If you are looking for something which will provide you with light coverage this is definitely for you. It creates a lovely dewey, natural finish; making your skin look wonderfully healthy! What more could you want?! Plus, its filled with wonderful ingredients, including spf 35. It really is the healthiest coverage you could ask for.

As you know I've always been MAC obsessed. For ages I have been wanting to purchase their paintpot in constructivist, however Estee has provided me with a fab alternative. Say hello to their new range of Pure Color Stay on Shadow Paints. As a creme product they are easy to blend and apply; creating a smokey yet natural look. Mine is in the colour cosmic!

My third purchase was that of a Crystal Creme lipstick. In my lesson I couldn't choose between a gloss or a stick and this product combined the two (just like MAC's creme sheen's sticks). I fell in love with this instantly as it created a perfect natural shine. Surprisingly it was quite a brown/pink shade; a tone which I have never been drawn too before, but trust me this shade, known as Crystal Nude, is a must!

Thankfully, or perhaps stupidly, my purse stretched a tiny bit more to invest in the Advanced Night Repair Eye cream. I have suffered with dark under-circles for a while now, and feel it is finally time to take action! This creme claims to reduce fine lines, provide moisture and reduce darkness! So I will have to keep you posted with my verdict on this one!

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Company Blogging Forum

Last night Style Scout and I took a little trip to the Company Blogging event. Being used to a boring routine of revision we were perhaps a bit too excited about this trip to Shoreditch! After getting a tad lost, (and annoyed with google maps!) we finally arrived to what can only be described as an exciting evening of fashion blogging inspiration!

The evening consisted of talks from the editor and Company team; sharing their tips and advice about the blogging world! As well as meeting some other bloggers the event was truly encouraging for the blogging newbies. So with my new found skills I promise, or will try to, make a space for folkesthinks in this blogging environment. Watch this space! For more photos and advice from the night check out Company's website.

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New Year, New Skin!

We may welcome in the New Year with celebration but without a doubt it can be a time of blues. We feel fat, unhealthy, spotty....You know what I'm talking about. But it's a great opportunity for CHANGE. If you are like me then every January will be time for Pre-Spring organising; sorting out my wardrobe, makeup and health. Basically getting 'clean', however weird that may sound...!
So with the popularity of my origins post I decided to share my top skin tips for 2013. Recommending products that will help you say welcome along a clean, healthy, pore-free, radiant face!

Skin Routine

So...
My first tip is make sure you scrub that dirt off. The most common problem with unclear skin is that people don't know how to clean! Im sorry but just using soap and water really isn't going to do the trick! Now if you haven't heard about the hype of Liz Earle Cleanse and polish, my number 1, then where have you been?! This product really cleanses your skin. With the use of hot water and the action from the Muslin Cloth (which comes with the cleanser) it really works to unclog your pores and get rid of the dirt!

After a good cleanse you then need to use a toner. I like to use Elemis Balancing Lavender Toner. This helps to balance your skin's phd level. You don't really need to know the science behind this, but it basically helps to reduce the size of your pores and ensure your skin has been removed of daily impurities.

Then you want to MOISTURISE. This is such an important thing. You may not bother, but you really will have to suffer later in life. Everyday our face has to suffer from impurities within the air. It faces factors such as pollution/cold weather/poor diet/stress which remove moisture from the skin. Moisturising twice a day helps to repair and protect. It boost collagen levels, protects from spf and basically just makes your skin feel lovely ok?! Please just moisturise guys!!

A weekly step which we probably most forget is exfoliation. This will help to get rid of the build up of dead skin cells and overall helps your skin to feel fresh and renewed. I like to use this one from Clarins.
This step is also similar to using a mask. When your skin is feeling dry, tight or you're suffering from a black head break out then just relax and put on a mask! One such as this Origins one will help to revive a bright complexion and hydrate the skin.

My last tip is a solver after nights out: a face full of makeup that we simply cant be bothered to take off. I know the feeling! My ultimate product for this is no other than Witch Hazel foaming cleanser (just £3.99 I might add) or Clarins' Milk cleanser. In just one quick flash they quickly remove everything...and I mean everything! So there really is no excuse to go to bed with a full face of makeup that will just clog your skin up and lead to blocked pores and spots!

All of these steps/products really can't be recommended enough and I promise will help towards clearer skin.
HOWEVER....
If you really do want to have extra-beautiful skin then you need to remember...
1. You are what you eat. Im sorry to be blunt. But what you put in will reflect on your face. If you like to eat chocolate and sweets then the amount of saturates and refined sugar WILL eventually lead to horrible skin. Sorry, but its the truth girls!
2. Water, water, water.
Water helps to flush out toxins of the body, resulting in a brighter complexions and hydrated skin.
3.Green/herbal tea.
Studies have proven that it helps hydration levels thus resulting in a gloooowing complexion.
4. Don't use makeup wipes to clean your skin. Want to know why? Then read here

I hope you find that useful. If you have any 'holy grail' products that help you achieve clear skin, then I would be delighted if you leave me a comment!

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Bright 2013!

Ive never been one for sales. The humidity of the store, clothes everywhere and people fighting does not, to me, sound like a pleasurable shopping experience. Indeed, it scares me. So for me Im already saying buh-bye to last season and hello to 2013!
Being a typical wearer of blacks, greys and navy's 2013 brightly welcomes some bold new moves. White, snake skin and bright (as in whoa, retro bright) take over the fur, feathers and embellishment.
I have put together a few of my favourite pieces which epitomise the wonderfully exciting new season. Enjoy!
1. Topshop white shift dress, now reduced to £75!
2. My favourite new River Island Jacket!
3. Urban outfitters Snake Skin stye jeans
4. Admittedly my student budget will never cover this, but everyone needs some bag porn! Hello Proenza Shula
5. Simple bright Topshop Knit
6. Finally, a beautfiul patterned topshop skirt.

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Favourite products of 2012

 I know we have a few days of 2012 left to go, but with exams looming I wanted to write this before I was overwhelmed by pre-exam stress! As my friends know I am cosmetic obsessed. I could talk about makeup and beauty related products for hours, so it is no surprise that the majority of the post is makeup related!

So in no order I will start off with Real Techniques brushes. I only own two myself but they really are well worth the beauty-blogging hype! Whether you believe it or not, whatever branded product you have, you will only achieve an effect and long-lasting look by the application from the right tools! These brushes not only provide that excellent application, but are affordable!
I know my friends and I will preach that the 'stippling' and 'buffing' brush are essential if you are trying to achieve a flawless foundation look.


Next is my Nars Laguna bronzer...

Nars Bronzer in shade 'Laguna' 

This really is a one-pan wonder! On first glance it looks quite shimmery and orangey, but if you are looking for a natural, healthy glow then look no further than this bronzer. It's a classic that a makeup bag CANNOT be without. It is no surprise that it's Nars' best selling product. For £25 I promise this is not a regretful purchase.

Mac Cremeblend Blush 'Something Special' £17.50

Now yes I know you will be thinking how awful this product looks. Unfortunately the brush I use for likes to leave its bristles behind! However, this is normally the beautiful cream blush in 'Something Special' by MAC. I believe that it is essential to NOT slap your face in foundation every day if you want clean, blemish free skin. If you are still looking for a nice colour on your cheeks then make sure you use a cream blush. For me, my go to product will always be this! Although it looks quite dark, indeed when I received this I though what the hell have I ordered, but once applied on to the skin it creates a lovely natural pink colour.

Mac eyeshadow in 'Woodwinked' £14

My next favourite product (another MAC) is their eyeshadow in the shade 'Woodwinked'. A brilliantly, pigmented colour, it really is gold in a tin! This shadow blends really well and so it works well as just one shade for a day time event, or blended into a darker brown for a smouldering smokey eye evening look!

Then we have the Marrakesh High Tide Conditioner. When the Morrocan oil hype came about, my student budget would unfortunately not stretch. When researching for an alternative I eventually decided to try this. If you have long hair, enjoy heated styling and thus suffer from dry hair then this really should be your go-to conditioner. It smells wonderful and its thick consistency really gets to work on those slip ends, resulting in a shiny, healthy hair look...what better result could you want?!

Apologies again for another MAC product, but here is their eyeliner in coffe.

Mac Eye pencil in Coffe £13.50

 I have always had quite pale skin and have come to the decision that black eyeliner just doesn't suit me. It is far too dark and I end up looking ill or gothic...both of which are not looks I'm trying to achieve. So for me I will NEVER look no further than coffe. A pencil which achieves a dark-brown shadow and is just (without sounding big-headed) perfect!

Here we have the Yves Saint Laurent .Now I'm sure there are other products that achieve exactly the same effect for half the price. But if you are like me and love slick packaging and want to feel like Bardot and Hepburn when applying your eyeliner then this is the product! This was the first liquid eyeliner I bought. I remember being so nervous when trying to create the famous flick, but this product seems to make it so easy! The liquid is not heavily black like maybelline and it is not fidley like a pot gel liner.

Finally, though (apologies) my photo doesn't show it clearly, is the Benefit brow zing kit. For 2012 Cara Delveigne took the modelling world by storm. Who hasn't fallen in love with her and her beautiful eyebrows?! Now I have never been one for colouring in my brows and I cannot stand seeing someone who has coloured them in so much that they achieve a sharpie-like style! No, if you are looking for a natural way to just make your eyebrows look thicker then this clever kit will help you achieve that. One side is a power to help you colour in, the other a wax to help you set. With brush and guide provided you will not be having an eyebrow disaster!

Now I know that was a long post but I love recommending products, and these really have become my every-day makeup bag essentials! I promise you they are worth the hype. I would love to know what have been your 2012 loves so as to discover some hidden gems!!

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Origins Perfection

So this time of year can unfortunately bring around its skin problems. Dryness, red patches, a dull complexion...ringing any bells? Without sounding big headed, I have always been complimented about my skin. In fairness I rarely suffer from blemishes and tend to have quite a dewy, natural complexion. Indeed, it has never always been this easy. In Winter Months I used to suffer from really bad, dry, flakey patches, which as you can imagine was not so attractive!
And so I thought I would share you in on my secret! My wonder, holy grail, never-go-without moisturiser!

I went to Origins after a Tanya Burr vlog, and was recommended the 'A Perfect World'. Now excuse the use of hyperbole but it really is perfection in a tub! It is not too heavy, the smell is not overwhelming, and a little really does do a lot! My skin without fail has never bothered me since I moved to this moisturiser. I don't think I could ever talk of a product highly enough!
Now yes, this moisturiser does not come at a small price. However, can you really get expect to get a wonderful, good ingredients for your skin moisturiser under £10?! If you can, then please do prove me wrong!
To check out this moisturiser and other Origins products then click here!

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Valentino time

Somerset House is currently home to some wonderful sights and exhibitions; conveniently located right next door to my University my lovely friends and I decided to take a trip yesterday to the much  talked-about Valentino exhibition. 'Master of Couture' is a respect to fifty years of Valentino's genius. With 230 dresses on display we were all excited for the treat ahead!

And oh boy were we right!! The Couture Collection is mesmerising. Indeed it was hard not to be in awe of the dresses that were displayed on the mannequins as works of art. It was impossible to not be in awe of the intricacy, hard work and craftsmenship that obviously went behind such fabulous pieces of fashion! What made this more incredible was the layout of the exhibition. The gallery was cleverly set out like a runway, with the spectator beings the models, and the mannequins being the spectators.

It was interesting to note that dresses were not characterised by year or collection but by style and theme. This created an interesting perspective on the development of couture over the fifty years.

Unfortunately we were not able to take pictures. However, I can recommend that you check out this:

And of corse the exhibition (which is £9 for students) which runs until the 3rd March. So if you want to be dazzled and awe struck by fashion then take this insight into Valentino's world!

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Festive nails

It is this time of the year that the trend of sparkle comes along. For me, this year this has been best achieved in the product of the glitter nail varnish. What better to get you in the Christmas nails than looking down and seeing wonderful sparkles on your finger tips. 

In terms of best value for money I would have to recommend the Rimmel and Topshop products! For less than £6 (providing you use a top and base coat!) you really do get a fabulous, festive finish.

Rimmel Precious Stone £3.99

Topshop Nails in Mercury Risin £6

This product is not as blingy as the above, and this photo definitely does not do it justice. But if you are looking for a subtle shimmer and festive red then definitely look no further than Essie Thigh High. As you know from previous posts I love an Essie polish. Indeed it is more than Rimmel or Topshop, but I would definitely say it is worth it!

Essie 'Thigh High' £7.95 (boots only price)

Now I just wanted to include two high end products. Mainly just to drool over in my student case! However, if you are lucky enough to splurge out then I would look no further than these two! The Opi will give you first time results with a serious case of sparkle, and you wont have to find yourself doing many coats to achieve the desired finish. Finally, for overall beautiful packaging and finish then just look at Estee Lauder: Christmas perfection!

Opi Goldeneye 007 Skyfall collection £11

Estee Lauder Nail Enamel in Chaos £14.50

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The dark side

Think of burgendy, plum and deep red. Intense, dark, perhaps even seductive. These are the jolly Season colours which are definitely set to get us in, if the perhaps not the Christmas, the fashionable winter moods.
I have never been one to brave the bold, lip-colours. However, I believe it is time for those of us who have been previously reluctant to man up and pucker up! A dramatic lip can be the key accessory to an everyday look or the final touch to an evening out.

So, who wins for producing such product to get us bang on trend? Without a doubt it has to go to the wonderful Chanel. Their Christmas Collection 2012 really sets the mark. So if you would like some extra treats for christmas, make sure you take a look at the Chanel stand!
My favourite out of their collection, especially to gain this bold, dark lip look has to be their Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in L'Impatiente. With a name like that how can one refuse?! It really is a delightful product which is sure to sit lovely in your makeup bag, and on your lips!

However, for those of us students who have the limited budget I have managed to find some less-extravagent numbers which will still give us the desired Parisian look.

As you might know from my previous posts I love Topshop lipsticks! For only £8 they really do achieve as great a finish as a high end product.
For the dark effect then head no further than the shade 'beguiled'. Indeed on first look it looks a shade to scary, but please believe me in that it does not look like a terracotta brick colour!

If you are willing to extend your budget just slightly then undoubtedly there is the ever-so brilliant mac. Instead however of choosing one of their plummy colours I have chosen to show you my favourite shade of 'Dare you'. It is a tempting red: a mixture of plum, red and gold.

So without sounding cheesy, I would say brave up, be confident, and go to the dark side!

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