Natural and Awake Makeup Look

For those tired and dull skin days (having had lot's of those since being at uni). My face is always in need of a bit of a pick-me-up. These are some of my beauty picks for an awake and fresh faced look after pulling those pesky all nighters. 

First, I like to prime my face with the Benefit "that gal" Brightening Face Primer which instantly corrects dull skin and gives a natural glow to the skin. Then I use the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation which is becoming to be my new favourite foundation. It has a light to medium coverage that is buildable and gives a lovely natural, dewy and glowing finish. Under the eyes and any blemishes I have I use the Benefit Erase Paste. This also does a brilliant job of brightening under the eyes to hide those dark circles and makes you look more awake (even if you are a walking zombie).
I like to have a subtle pink glow on the cheeks and for this I use the Topshop Head Over Heels Cream Blush which is a lovely coral pink colour and complements any skin tone. If I wanna go that extra mile and look even more awake I will go in with a highlighter and for this I use just a bit of Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle, this gives a bronze, rose gold colour to the tops on the cheek bones. 
For eyes I keep it really simple, to be honest I would rather have that extra few minutes in bed then faff around with eye shadow when I haven't had much sleep. So I just pop a bit of BareMinerals Eyecolor in Soul on the tear duct area to brighten up the eyes then use a few coats of Maybelline The Rocket Mascara. Then to finish off the look I use Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss.

xoxo

Christmas Jumpers

The Christmas season has once again rolled around and I felt like a festive post was definitely in need. Let's face it, as soon as we get into December it is finally universally acceptable to break out the Christmas decor, buy huge tins of chocolate, have numerous trips to Starbucks to take advantage of there festive drinks (having so many in the Christmas season you actually forgot that in fact the cups are not normally red) and last but not least, the Christmas jumpers.

Everyone loves a good Christmas jumper. They are everywhere tempting you to buy one every time you walk into a shop. Let's be honest though, you don't want to be shelling out a load of money on a jumper that is only socially acceptable to wear for one month (even though you may wear it for more).

So after many of hours scanning the addicting world of online shopping I have found a some festive Christmas jumpers that won't break the bank.

1. Topshop, Kitted Gingerbread Man Jumper £42.00 

2. ASOS, Only Christmas Pudding Jumper £25.00

3. Next, Snowflake Sweater £32.00

4. New Look, Cream Reindeer Sequin Nose Fluffy Christmas Jumper £27.99

5. Next, Fairisle Pattern Sweater £30.00

6. ASOS, Pop Boutique Reindeer Knitted Christmas Jumper £30.00

xoxo

Lazy Day // The Essentials

Lazy days, you just can't live without them. Call me a hermit but I enjoy a bit of 'me time', the kind of days where you don't leave the house. Every lazy day comes comfy clothes, pamper products, and the entertainment of course...

The Pampering

With every lazy day comes a face mask, an Origins one to be exact. This Origins Out of Trouble 10 Minute Mask does the job of soothing your skin and stopping any unwanted breakouts. I also use this day to give my nails a little TLC. I remove any nail polish, file and buff my nails. I then apply two coats of OPI Nail Envy Strengthener to give my nails a break from it all.

The Entertainment

Gather up your favourite magazines, my personal favourites being Cosmopolitan, Glamour and Company. Now is this just me or does everyone search through the pages for the samples first? Guilty. I then browse through Netflix and catch up on some Heros, Vampire Diaries and a few of my favourite rom-coms.

The Outfit
This normally involves the comfiest things in my wardrobe and I am a big fan of the Brandy Melville Layla Hoodie. Literally the softest thing I have ever worn. I pair this with some leggings and these cute cream knitted slipper socks that I got for Christmas a while back. Hair up in a messy bun, and I'm ready to start my lazy day.

What are your lazy day essentials? 

xoxo

The Review // Living Proof Prime Style Extender

I have to admit when I first heard about this product, I thought it was a gimmick. Maybe because I don't really use or believe in primers as I have never really found they made a massive difference to my makeup. Having said that when I saw there was a hair primer, I was pretty curious as to how it actually works (and if it does work) so I figured I would test it out to cure my curiosity.

My hair isn't really one to hold a curl and as this product claims to "save time and forget the touch- ups" this compelled me even more to try it. And yes, Living Proof does live up to its name and it's claims. It also smells like you have been in a hair salon after you use it which to me, is always a bonus. Not to mention it cuts my dry time in half which is a massive turn on for little old lazy me (time to say goodbye to that hairdryer arm cramp). 

On top of all the other things I have mentioned of why I love this product so much, it saves your hair for another day without a wash. Washing my hair is seen as a chore for me so alas, brownie points for this. Having said this, I'm sure this product will be different for everyones certain hair type. My hair being thin, pin straight and not one to hold styles, this product helps to give it more of a mattified texture and not a rough, beachy texture. It still keeps the shine and movement in your hair by simply making it feel a bit fuller. The primer eliminates that annoying first day freshly washed hair that never cooperates. 

Have you tried this product and what do you think of it? 

xoxo

Hair Inspiration

I am stuck in a 'hair rut'. I'm sure we've all been there. In fact I have been here before but alas, I was just too darn lazy (and admittedly a bit scared) to do anything about it. However, I figure a new season, new chapter in my life with university, and a new found love in the Pinterest hair boards.... I thought a new 'do would be fitting right about now.

Thus, after hours of procrastination from my university assignments *slaps wrists* on Pinterest I have come up with a few ideas of what I have in mind for my new 'do.

 Image found via Pinterest

Image found via Pinterest

                                                                         Image found via Fabsugar

How can you not love these girls hair?! That effortless, slightly wavy look is my ultimate favourite. Especially because it would take me close to no time at all to style it in the mornings, instead of spending an age on my long mop- I will be having some quality time, just my bed and I.

What's your preference on hair length? Long, medium, short?

xoxo

Skincare Routine

I am skincare fanatic. I have tried almost every product in the market to find 'the one' in terms of skincare routines, and yes, I have found it.
First off, I should probably tell you a little bit about my skin type. My skin is a bit all over the shop, a bit oily in some places, the occasional dry patch and acne prone. Fun stuff. However, these products are perfect to keep everything in control so here is my step-by-step skincare routine.

Step 1

I start my removing all my makeup at night with Bioderma using a cotton pad. This product is also amazing at removing waterproof eye makeup! This takes the majority of my makeup off so it's ready for cleansing.

 Step 2
With a makeup free face, I put a pea size amount of La Rouche-Posay Purifying Foaming Gel on my Clarasonic Mia. This face wash is perfect for eliminating any oily areas on my face and paired with the Clarasonic Mia it works the face wash right into my skin and into my pores, cleaning any unwanted dirt off my face. It also helps prevent blemishes from coming up and any oily areas on my face which is always a bonus!

Step 3

After cleansing my face, I put a pea size amount of La Rouche-Posay Effaclar Duo- I am in love with this product and it is definitely an important part of my skincare. It helps to prevent any blemishes from coming up and heals any that have, basically like a calm spot treatment that can be used all over your face. As I mentioned before, my skin sometimes has some dry patches so I pop the Aveeno Moisturising Cream for Dry and Sensitive Skin on any dry areas. For my moisturiser I use La Rouche-Posay Moisturising Cream for Sensitive Skin and then on any blemishes I use Origins Super Spot Remover which pretty much does what it says on the tin. 

In the mornings I use this same routine apart from the Origins Super Spot Remover and Bioderma.

xoxo 

Loose Curls Tutorial for Long Hair

When I get bored of my usual straight, flat hair I always go for big, loose curls. These will last all day on my hair and you can refresh it the next day with some dry shampoo plus a few more curls to finish it off.

Step 1 

After getting out of the shower I towel dry my hair until it's still damp. Then I grab my Bumble and bumble surf spray and scrunch and spritz all throughout my hair (from the roots to the ends). This gives me some texture and makes the curls last longer.

Step 2 

I then blast the hairdryer through my hair so it's 100% dry (I dry it upside down for some extra volume). The surf spray will add a gritty texture to your hair which you will feel when it's dried. 

Step 3

Now I get my tangle teezer and brush out any knots before I get to curling. This will ensure the curls are smooth and bouncy later. 

Step 4

Time for the fun part. I use my Remington Pearl CI9532 Pro Curl Hair Styler (32 mm barrel) which gives me loose, soft waves. I go for the top heat of 210c which I know is certainly not the best for my hair, but it's hard enough trying to get it to hold a curl because of it's length! If you prefer tighter curls go for a smaller barrel and larger curls go for a bigger barrel. This is by far my favourite hair curler and I have tried a lot, possibly too much for one girl! 

Top tip

For longer lasting curls, I hold my hair on the barrel for about 15-20 seconds. Then when it's done I hold it in my hand until the curl has cooled down. 

Step 5
It usually takes my about 15 minutes to curl from start to finish. In this time I pop on an episode of Netflix or blast on my favourite songs, and depending if anyone is in the house I will sing at the top of my lungs! That's just what I do to pass the time anyway. So back to the hair.... After curling I will spray the Tigi Bed Head Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray through my curls. This hairspray literally smells like apples and is never sticky or crunchy on my hair, so this is the one I usually go for.

Step 6
To add a bit more somethin-somthin to the hairstyle I spray some Umberto Giannini Glam Hair Backcomb In a Bottle in the roots and work it in with my fingers. Then I will give my hair a shake, mess it up with my fingers a bit and voila- loose curls for long hair.


xoxo

Wishlist #1

I like to think of this 'Wishlist' series as a 'window shop lineup'. Everyone has heard of window shopping I gather? Admiring the things you can't buy but wish you could, or rather just making a mental note of them the next time you finding yourself deserving a bit of a treat or some retail therapy.

This wishlist is here to give you some ideas of things you might want to try out or if you are simply just bored of an evening and browsing the internet because there's nothing else better to do.

1. Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish

It's time my hair has a bit of 'omph' to it.

2. YSL Forever Youth Liberator Foundation

My skin definitely needs a bit of a pick me up and I have heard very good things about this one, however I don't think I can bring myself to spend a small fortune on my face.

3. Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette

I am a big lover of the Urban Decay Naked palettes and my addiction doesn't stop at this one. 

4. Living Proof Prime Style Extender

A primer for your hair to make the style last longer?! Yes please. 

5. Essie After School Boy Blazer

First, how cute is the name?! Second, this colour is just too amazing.

6. Imitation Leather Trousers

I may be ordering these as I type, just maybe.

What's on your wishlist?

xoxo

The Daily Makeup Routine

The Face

I have been more into BB creams lately instead of foundation, foundation just makes my skin look a bit of a 'nothingness' and 'dull'. This Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream gives a nice dewy, natural finish. BB creams don't tend to be very high coverage, hence the natural finish so I go over any blemishes and dark circles with the Make up For Ever Full Cover Concealer. This concealer is one of the best in the market, it's waterproof so it literally doesn't budge one bit... not to mention neither does it crease under the eyes which is a big bonus. When my face is looking a bit colourless I like to bronze it up with the Bourjois Chocolate Bronzing Powder, yes you heard right... chocolate. Basically imagine putting hot chocolate powder on your face, it smells like a dream. Don't worry though you don't go around smelling like a bakery all day though (however, not necessarily a bad thing), the smell doesn't linger. Then for a rosy glow to the cheeks I add a bit of Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Rose Petal. 

The Eyes and Lips

For days when I have enough time for eyeshadow, I like to keep it pretty natural. I always reach for my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette with my Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion (which is amazing, my eyeshadow stays on all day). I put 'Bootycall' from the palette all over the lid with 'Tease' in the crease and 'Busted' as eyeliner. Then I curl my lashes with my eyelash curler (from boots but not too sure on the brand) and apply a few coats of Maybelline The Rocket Volume Mascara. This mascara looks like you have false eyelashes but in a nice, natural way (I am not aspiring to rock the look of a Geordie Shore girl, don't worry). For the lips I keep it really natural with the Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss, this just adds a neutral peach sheen to the look.  

The Tools
I use these brushes everyday so as you can see, I am a big fan. From left to right, I use the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush for blending in the BB cream and any concealer I don't blend with my finger. This brush gives a natural, airbrushed look to your foundation/BB cream. For the bronzer I use the Real Techniques Blush Brush as it has a tapered end, it's easy to work into the cheekbones and down the side of the face. I will also use this brush for blush as well but the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush I apply with my fingers. Next I use the spooly to comb through my eyebrows (makeup tip: spray hairspray on the spooly before you comb to set the eyebrows), I can't remember where I got this but probably just a cheap basic Boots Drugstore one. In the crease for my eyeshadow I use my favourite eyeshadow brush which is the the MAC 217 Blending Brush, a little on the pricey side but it has lasted forever and its still in amazing condition. All over the lid eyeshadow colour I use the MAC 239 Eye Shader Brush. Last but not least, I use the Bobbie Brown Eye Liner Brush on my top and bottom lash line to apply the eyeshadow for a natural, blended out eyeliner look.

xoxo

Sweater Weather // Fashion Picks

Sweater weather is without a doubt my favourite time for fashion. The new jackets, boots and especially the knitted jumpers, which as you can imagine, does not do well for my bank account. Nevertheless, these are some of the items I tend to gravitate towards in the colder months.

Topshop, Biker Jacket £58

This is the kind of jacket you can wear with anything. Jeans, dresses, skirts, leggings, the list goes on. Biker jackets instantly makes a casual, simple outfit look more put together and adds a 'edgy' twist. I usually layer a knitted jumper with this to mix up the textures of my outfit.

Steve Madden, Combat Boots £99

I've had these boots for two years now and they are still in amazing shape. I actually prefer them now as they have a more 'worn' and 'lived in' look. Plus they are the comfiest things in the world. I wear these with basically anything, jeans, leggings and they are a perfect transition piece with summer dresses and a knitted jumper.  

ASOS, Tartan Scarf £20

This is a fairly new addition to my many scarfs I have collected over the years. I have loved the new tartan trend this season but didn't want to go all out with a tartan skirt or bottoms, so I decided on this scarf. If I'm feeling extra lazy or in a rush in the morning I just throw on a pair of jeans, white tee, biker jacket and this scarf. Voilà you look like you made an effort but really it only took you two minutes.

Topshop, Knitted Angora Cable Jumper £46
I was on the hunt quite a while for a classic cream knit and when I found this one, it was love at first  sight. Just a basic slouchy knit that screams 'sweater weather'. I wear this with a pair of denim jeans, some boots and I'm good to go.

Topshop, Check Shirt £30
I had my eye on this one for quite a while, after seeing more and more people in these check shirts looking so good I figured I had to get one. This is literally the softest darn thing ever. The perfect piece to throw on with some jeans and converse in the morning, especially when you're in a rush and tired (essential for a university student like myself).

Topshop, MOTO Blue Jamie Jeans £40
Everyone needs a good pair of skinny jeans to go with those knit jumpers. I used to prefer wearing skirts and dresses but since I have moved to Plymouth I have learned the wind is a tad bit stronger over here than where I used to live. Needless to say a flowy dress or skirt is not ideal when you're trying to walk to a lecture on a windy day. I have then resorted to jeans which I have been loving. I recently purchased this pair from Topshop and they fit like a glove, soft and stretchy.

What's your 'sweater weather' fashion picks?

xoxo

Top 5 // Fall Nail Polishes

This is the time of year I get to dig out my favourite 'cosy' shades on the nails. Pair these polishes with a cosy knit jumper and there you have it, the epitome of fall.

Essie, Smokin Hot

This is the dark mysterious twin of Love & Acceptance by Essie, a perfect fall take on the pastel purple polish spring trend. You just need one coat, with the new wider and easy to use brushes it  takes me two minutes to paint them!

Topshop, Fallen Leaf

I love love love this olive green colour trend for the colder months. I have to say, at first glance I wasn't too taken with it, but when on the nails it's just amazing. Bit of a venture out of the usual fall reds and I'm loving it. 

Essie, Bahama Mama

This colour. I literally fell in love with this when I saw it, a deep berry/plum shade. As if you smeared a plum all over your nails, well not exactly the exact same effect... but you get my gist. As well as Essie Smokin Hot its super easy to apply with only one coat!

O.P.I, I'm Suzi & I'm a Chocoholic
I describe this colour as 'red velvet cake' and let's be honest...who doesn't like red velvet cake?! This is such a lovely colour for Fall, very warm and cosy which is perfect for this 'sweater weather'.

Essie, Fishnet Stockings
A.k.a the ultimate 'sexy' red. Not to mention that I love the Essie nail polishes because of the formula, it's my favourite red out of all of them! (and I have a lot of reds!) Not too bright, not too orange and not too brown. Two thumbs up from me!

What's your top Fall nail polish picks?!

xoxo

Cold weather essentials // Top products for dry skin

That pesky winter weather always takes a toll on my skin when that time of the year rolls around so here are my top products for conquering that dry skin!

La Rouche-Posay, Moisturizing cream for sensitive skin 

I love La Rouche-Posay and not to mention they are a big part of my skin are routine! My skin is usually dry and sensitive despite the cold weather so this moisturiser is perfect. Pop a pea size amount before bedtime then the same in the morning before applying your makeup (I normally wait 5 minutes for it to soak in before foundation). 

The Body Shop, Vitamin E face mist 

This stuff is amazing. You know when you've had your makeup on for a few hours and your skins feeling a bit 'eugh'? Just spritz this little gem on your face and it will give you that extra boost that you need. Especially good if you skin is feeling a bit dry it gives that lusted dewy finish! 

Dr Jart, Water fuse BB cream

In winter, like I said my skins tends to get even more dry than it is already and I find most foundations tend to stick to dry patches leaving your skin looking even worse that it did before you put the foundation on (so what's the point?!) That's where BB creams come in (my ultimate favourite being Dr Jart) a happy medium between a tinted moisturiser and foundation you could say. 

Fresh, Sugar lip polish

Everyone needs a good lip scrub to exfoliate those babies in the cold season. This one smells like brown sugar, no joke. The kind of heavenly smell you get in the first step of making cookies, you know when you mix the brown sugar and butter together, Is it just me who sometimes stops on this step and gets straight to the eating? just me? oh okay then ;) but seriously who doesn't want that on their lips?!

Revlon, Lip butter in Pink Truffle 

If you are looking for a bit of colour and moisture, my personal favourite are the Revlon Lip butters, Pink Truffle being the 'best cold weather colour'! 

The Body Shop, Shea body butter 

This has everything you could ever want in a body butter. Thick and luxurious? check! Not greesy? check! Smells good? double check! Normally I lather this on my elbows, feet, knees and hands when I get out of the shower and before I go to bed, resulting in lovely smooth (and smell good) skin!

E45, Nourish & Restore body lotion 

Pretty basic just a good everyday, all over moisturiser! Again, I put this on when I get out of the shower and at night all over! I tend to find The Body Shop one a bit heavy for all over.

So that's it, those are the products I use to help me through those cold months which are creeping up on us! 

xoxo

5 Reasons Why I Can't Wait Till Fall/Winter

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a summer girl. If I could I would live in the hot weather everyday (which sadly is not very regular in the UK). I love the beach, the sun and summer nights when you aren't freezing your toes off.
Having said that, there are some things I look forward to when fall/winter season rolls around.

1. Starbucks seasonal drinks Pumpkin Spice Latte, Salted Caramel Mocha, Gingerbread Latte. My mouth is just watering thinking about it. Everything about them is just so good yet so bad at the same time and bonus, they always act as a wonderful hand warmer.

2. Cosy knits Even though I love my sundress' and don't get me wrong, it will be sad to see them go. However, nothings better than cosying up in a chunky knit with that Pumpkin Spice Latte.

3. Warm duvet, cold outside I don't know if this is just me that likes the feeling of being all snuggly and warm in your duvet when the crisp, cold winter air fills your room. It does however, make getting up in the mornings 1000x harder. The one thing I don't like about summer are the hot nights when it's absolutely impossible to get to sleep because you're so hot and constantly turning your pillow over for that blissful few seconds of a cold pillow.

4. Beanies Aka the best friend of a bad hair day. In the colder months it is finally acceptable to wear them. Just throw one of these babies on in the morning and no one will ever know.

5. Festiveness As everyone knows, with cold weather comes Christmas and everybody loves Christmas. Oh and those Christmas songs on the radio everyone loves but pretends to hate, gotcha ;)

xoxo

Photo source Top Left: Mine   Top Right: http://www.pinterest.com/pin/373869206536626576/   Bottom Left: http://terrif-uck.tumblr.com/post/34346383448   Bottom Middle: Mine   Bottom Right: http://cozychristmascarols.tumblr.com/post/37966310449 (photos found on pinterest)

Lazy Girl // The Essentials

Lets face it, we are all guilty of being a little lazy sometimes/all the time. I though I would share some of my 'Lazy Girl essentials'...

Batiste, Dry Shampoo 'Tropical'

The ultimate ‘lazy girl product’, I don’t know about you but washing my hair is definitely seen as a effortful task. In the morning especially, when I would really prefer that extra time in bed rather than washing, drying AND styling my hair (that really sounds all too much for an early morning). Let’s be honest though, you don’t want to go out looking like a ‘scruff bag’ so I spray dry shampoo in my roots, let in soak in for a minute then work the products into my hair using my fingers. This also gives it a bit of ‘omph’ and makes it smell like a tropical paradise (what could be better?!).

Simple, Spotless Skin makeup wipes 

Makeup wipes are ‘lazy sibling’ of face wash. On more than one occasion I have been guilty of not being bothered to take my makeup off after a late night out (especially being a university student these come in particularly useful, as I’m sure you can imagine). This normally results in my skin breaking out, which leads to me needing more time in the morning with makeup trying to make my skin presentable, as Sweet Brown would say “ain’t nobody got time for that!” Anyway back to the product, I quickly use these to remove any makeup that night but I wouldn’t recommend doing this every time because your face still needs a good cleanse, just on those late lazy ones.

Seche Vite, Dry Fast Top Coat

Waiting for your nail polish to dry can be very tedious, especially for people like me who repaint their nails very often (maybe even too often). This topcoat is by far the best one I have found and speeds up the process 10x faster!

Tangle Teezer

I think I speak for my fellow ‘Rapunzels’ out there (and really any hair length) brushing my hair comes in a close second with the dreaded task of vacuuming. Sometimes (well actually all the time) I end up rushing through it pulling at my hair and can almost hear my hair breaking! The Tangle Teezer is so much gentler on the hair and gets the job done quickly, say goodbye to the days of the dreaded hair brushing! 

xoxo