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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Little Black Jacket

Coco Chanel. One of the most influential fashion designers of the twentieth century. When creating the Little Black Jack in 1916 who would have known how iconic, desired and timeless the piece was to become.

With so many women still craving for this luxurious fashion item it was only necessary that some sort of tribute should be made to celebrate the fashion antique. And so the genius that is Karl Largefeld, with help from former French Vogue editor Carine Roitfeld, created the wonderful exhibition that is currently gracing the halls of the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. 

Wall after wall visiters are welcome to drool upon wonderful, classic Chanel black and white photographs of models and actresses all wearing the LBJ.   Taken by Largefeld himself, I was in awe of the beauty and fun that oozed from each picture.

On leaving the Saatchi I too, like the many before me, felt the need to add a LBJ to my wardrobe! But with a free print of one of the photos (for everyone who comes to the exhibition) my bedroom wall is now graced with a bit of classic Chanel, and so I can dream of a future purchase.

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Primrose Bakery

As you know I am obsessed with all things fabulously British and 'vintagey', and so my love for baking and beautiful looking cakes should come as no surprise! Therefore when I realised I lived within walking distance from the Primrose Bakery I went into my far-too-excited mood!!

So, at the weekend I finally ventured in for a famous cupcake an hot chocolate! With a lovely, quirky interior I felt so comfortable and cosy as I tucked into this...

As you can see it was visually delicious and the taste stood up to its look! So for anyone who is in to beautiful cupcakes, or just is looking for somewhere to have an enjoyable sit down and cake then I would recommend the Primrose Bakery!

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Tim Walker Exhibition

Surreal, fantastical and magical are just a few adjectives that one would expect to hear when regarding a Tim Walker photograph. In my opinion, there is no other photographer that has the gift of Walker; being able to transport the viewer to another world. A world of make-believe and beautiful dreams. He achieves this in just one shot, ultimately creating a fairy-tale wonderland landscape. Thus it is ever so appropriate that the name of his new exhibition (featured at Somerset House) is titled 'A Story Teller' and indeed it lives up to its five-star expectations!

For free (yes, free!!) viewers are transported into the fashionably- exquisite world of Walker. From past Vogues and Bazaars we are able to adore over his well known beautiful shots and well known stories.

 Walker captures fashion like no other. He shows the links between fashion and fantasy. A wonderful world which we do not want to leave.  From swan-lake typography, cello-playing bees, to nine feet tall skeletons, the Somerset Gallery comes alive with Walker inspiration. We feel part of his world as we walk through and witness the essence of Walker narrative.

It is an exhibition of escapism. I truly could have spent hours sitting and drooling over these wonderful photographs, wishing to be in the beautiful, world of Walker. Undoubtedly this is why he stands out in the world of photography and thus is taking the photographic world by storm. He is a transporter. A district, recognisable artist. No one does it like Walker, and thus this is a must see exhibition. Whether you are already a Walker fan or not I can guarantee you will be a Walker-fanatic by the end of your journey through his world of fashion fantasy!

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