Wednesday 31 July 2013

FOTD


Hi ladies! Here’s one of my current go to looks, I love a bright lip with a simple cat flick for summertime!


Face - MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation - NC30
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Shade 3 Medium
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Medium Dark
Bare Minerals Ready Bronzer – The High Dive
MAC Blush – Fleur Power
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish – Soft and Gentle
Eyes – MAC Paintpot – Painterly
MAC E/S – Amber Lights (lid)
MAC E/S – Handwritten (crease & brows)
Urban Decay E/S – Sin (highlight)
Avon Super Shock Gel Eyeliner – Black
No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara
Lips – MAC Lipstick Viva Glam Nicki

X

Tuesday 30 July 2013

My Perfume Collection!


Hi everyone!
I’m such a girly girl when it comes to perfume, I absolutely love the stuff - It can literally transform my mood. I have acquired a few over the past couple of years and so I thought I’d share these with you in a video. So do make yourself comfy and enjoy!
X

Monday 29 July 2013

My Everyday Makeup



So this post is about the makeup that I am currently wearing on a daily basis. This changes throughout the seasons and depending on what mood I’m in, however for summertime I am leaning towards accentuating my natural tan by using a bit of bronzer and neutral colours on my eyes. Rather than going for a peach or bronze blush like I normally do in summer, I’ve recently been loving a pink blush to add some healthy looking colour to my cheeks. I’ve been pairing this with a pink lip for a fresh faced look. These are the products that I’m using at the moment.
Face
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation – NC30
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – Shade 3 Medium
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Medium Dark
MAC Blush – Fleur Power
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish – Soft and Gentle
Eyes
MAC Custom Eyeshadow Quad:
Top Left - Arena (Lid)
Top Right - Cork (Crease)
Bottom Left – Woodwinked (Lid)
Bottom Right - Amber Lights (Lid)
Mac Eyeshadow – Handwritten (Crease & Brows)
No7 Beautiful Eyebrow Pencil – Brown/Black
Avon Super Shock Gel Eyeliner
No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara
Lips
MAC Lipliner – Stripdown
MAC Lipstick – Please Me
Elemis Loving Lips Quenching Lip Balm
I hope you enjoyed this post, I love looking at other peoples everyday makeup favourites and so I thought I’d share mine too!

X

Friday 26 July 2013

Feel Good Friday #2


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This week I’ve been contemplating the power of positive thinking. I always try to have a positive outlook on life for one reason – if I don’t, the only person it’s going to affect is myself. Everybody has their own difficulties in life, I don’t think I’ve met one person in my life that hasn’t and if anybody on this planet is actually lucky enough to experience a life without any difficulties, well I’m sure they could still find something to moan about if they really wanted to. So here is my point, when you think a happy thought, whether it’s about yourself, about someone else or just about life in general - it makes you feel good, right? On the other hand when you think a negative thought you feel the opposite! So why waste time thinking about things that make you feel bad? Now don’t get me wrong I’m by no means the most positive person in the world and of course like everyone else I have days where I could quite happily kill someone (not literally but you get my drift). However it’s the way in which I choose to deal with those emotions that I feel makes me an optimistic person. If something has happened that has upset me, I accept what I feel – I’ll have a cry or punch a pillow (whatever it takes) and then I’ll decide not to dwell on it and just be happy, simply because I can’t be bothered to feel negative – it takes effort!
So if I ever find myself thinking a negative thought I quickly replace it with a positive one, your thoughts shape your experience of life and we are only on this weird and wonderful planet for a short while so I intend to enjoy my time here. For that reason I take full responsibility for my own happiness, I choose to see the good in myself, in other people and in my life. I accept myself exactly as I am, because I am me and everything about me (even my flaws) make me into the person that I am. I have learned through my experience of life to let go of situations and people who don’t make me happy and I don’t let other people’s negative opinions or thoughts about me affect my mood.
In a nutshell, life is short – you may as well spend your time being happy, right?! So whatever it is that makes you happy (as long as you’re not hurting anyone) go and do it! Don’t worry about what anyone thinks, be you and accept yourself the way you are – because there is only one you in this world and the people who matter will always love you.

X

Wednesday 24 July 2013

My Top 5 MAC Lipsticks | Summer


  L-R:  Candy Yum Yum              Viva Glam Nicki                  Ravishing                     Costa Chic                    Vegas Volt
Where do I begin with MAC lipsticks, they’re just my favourite. Nearly all the lipsticks that I own are from MAC. They have such a wide range of colours and finishes and although at £15 a pop they are slightly on the expensive side, I still can’t resist. So in no particular order, here are my top 5 shades that I like to wear during the summer months.
Candy Yum – Yum. Matte - The brightest pink lipstick I have ever seen, for all the girly girls out there – you will love this. As you can see this one is definitely a statement colour, however I find that it works for day and night. During the day I wear this with simple eye makeup – just a cat flick and a bit of mascara does the job, and for a night time I love this colour with big lashes and a neutral eye shadow, bringing a hint of retro back while rocking this season’s neon trend. If you’re slightly dubious about trying such a bright shade, Barry M’s lipstick in shade #62 is a great dupe and at £4.49 is a fraction of the cost. As with all matte lipsticks well moisturised lips are a must.
Viva Glam Nicki. Satin – A bright flamingo pink which is just perfect for summer, this lipstick looks gorgeous with a tan however it’s a great one for all skin tones. I love this shade for when I’m in a rush getting ready, it really stands out and makes me look like I’ve made an effort with my makeup when in reality I’ve just shoved some face makeup and mascara on, topped off with this lippy. MAC’s satin finish lipsticks have to be my favourite as the colour payoff is amazing and lasts hours while still being moisturising on the lips.
Ravishing. Cremesheen – This lipstick is a gorgeous light golden peachy colour, I find this shade on my skin tone (NC30-35) to be quite neutral and I love wearing it with a brown smoky eye. I wear this shade with MAC’s Stripdown lip liner and if I’m going for the full works I’ll stick a bit of MAC’s tinted lipglass in Florabundance (also a light peach) over the top and what can I say - its love! I wonder if you’ve guessed that I like MAC by any chance?!
Costa Chic. Frost – This is my idea of the perfect coral lipstick, such a pretty colour for spring and summertime. This is one of those lipsticks that can either be worn with minimal eye makeup or with the full works as it looks amazing with both. It’s a bright peachy orange with a slight pink undertone, however certainly not a loud colour which therefore makes it perfect for so many different occasions. A perfect one if you just want a ‘pop of colour’.
Vegas Volt. Amplified – I originally bought this shade a couple of summers ago and at the time I was obsessed with Costa Chic, however I was looking for a lipstick that was similar yet slightly different so that I wasn’t wearing the same lipstick everyday and that’s when I discovered Vegas Volt! This lipstick is a bright coral just like Costa Chic, however it has more red undertones and is an amplified finish which gives it a creamier appearance on the lips. It’s also brighter than Costa Chic yet still fabulous for either day or night time. This is another one that looks amazing with a tan.
So there you have it – my top five MAC lipsticks for summertime! What are your favourite lipsticks to wear during the warmer months? Let me know as I’m always on the lookout for new shades to add to my collection!

You can also check out my Top 5 MAC Lipsticks for Summer Video!

X



Tuesday 23 July 2013

Review: Lush Angels on Bare Skin


This fresh facial cleanser contains absolutely no preservatives which makes it extremely gentle, so if you have sensitive skin or if you just like to avoid unnecessary chemicals this is one for you. Lush claim that this cleanser ‘evens out skin tone, reduces redness and improves the health and appearance of your skin’ – and I completely agree! Since using this product, redness from where I’ve had spots has most definitely reduced and my skin feels a whole lot smoother and softer...and what’s more it smells like lavender, one of my favourite scents ever, so soothing!
The only thing I will say about this is that if I use it after removing my makeup, there still tends to be traces of foundation left on my face when I come to use my toner and for that reason I only use this on a morning and on makeup free days, it’s obviously a little too gentle to remove any remaining traces of makeup. For that reason I would recommend this face wash either for people who don’t wear a lot of makeup or for younger teenagers who may just be starting out with a facial cleanser. It’s a great one to use if your skin is fairly clear and you only need something mild to perk it up, or if you have slight redness as it really balances out your complexion.
To use this you simply need to get a pea sized amount of the product in your hand and add a few drops of water before rubbing between your fingers or in the palm of your hand to form a paste. Then get washing your face, simple!


To find out more about this product visit the Lush website.

X

Monday 22 July 2013

My Skincare Routine | Combination Skin


I believe that having clear skin is the key to flawless looking makeup. If your base is as good as it can be then your makeup will look as good as possible too! Now I know that not everyone is lucky enough to have perfectly clear, blemish free skin and unfortunately I’m not one of those lucky people. At twenty four years of age I still get spots, I have redness from where I’ve had spots in the past and my skin is far from flawless – thank heavens for makeup! However, through my years of trying to achieve clear skin I have developed my own skincare routine which works for me to keep spots at bay. Obviously I’m a girl and like most other girls I am prone to hormonal breakouts which quite frankly I can’t do anything about (other than slap a bit of Sudocrem on before bed and hope for the best). But generally the products that I use and a (fairly) healthy diet plus lots of water are what work to keep my skin clear.
I like to try out new skincare products regularly as I’m a cosmetics freak and I’m always on the hunt for products that will top my current favourites, however my actual routine always stays the same as it works for me and it’s pretty straightforward.
So these are the products that I use.
Day
Clearsil Daily Clear Blackhead Clearing Scrub/
Witch Naturally Clear Oil Control Foaming Face Wash
No7 Beautiful Skin Day Cream Normal/Oily
Night
Chanel Precision Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic
Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion
Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal/Combination
Weekly
Petal Fresh Botanicals Aloe & Pomegranate Facial Clay Masque
St Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub (followed by toner and moisturiser)

To watch my skincare routine video click here!

X


Saturday 20 July 2013

MAC Foundations | Studio Sculpt vs Studio Fix Fluid


MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation – NC30    MAC Studio Fix Fluid – NC35
Studio Sculpt – This is my go to foundation during spring and summertime. It is a gel formula and has a lighter consistency than the Studio Fix Fluid. While it does apply lighter, this foundation still provides medium to buildable coverage and depending on how it is applied I would even go as far as to say that it can provide fairly high coverage. My favourite thing about this foundation is the dewy finish that it provides – perfect for that ‘summer glow’. I like to apply it with the Real Techniques Stippling Brush as I find this provides a flawless, natural looking finish. I would definitely recommend this foundation for dryer skin as it is very moisturising. I personally have normal to combination skin and I find that I do need to powder a couple of times throughout the day when wearing this foundation in order to avoid my glow turning into shine, however I don’t mind doing so as it takes two seconds and I love the finish that Studio Sculpt creates. I've found that this foundation runs slightly darker than the Studio Fix Fluid and I therefore use one shade lighter (NC30 instead of NC35) however this is still ever so slightly darker than the Fix Fluid – another shade down and it’s too light for me so I wear this when I have a tan. There definitely doesn’t seem to be as much variation in colour as there is with the Studio Fix, but all in all I love this foundation. I set it using MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark, this foundation is SPF 15 and retails at £25.
Studio Fix Fluid – I love this for the colder months when my skin requires a higher coverage. This is an oil free foundation and is therefore great for oily skin. I also set this using MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, however once it’s set I’m good to go for the whole day - no need to powder later on! On my skin (normal to combination) this foundation applies matte and throughout the day becomes slightly dewy around my T-Zone, but certainly not shiny. Studio Fix is a liquid formula and is great for those who prefer a full coverage foundation, however I have found that it can become slightly cakey around spots. For this reason, although I would definitely recommend this foundation for oily skin – I’d be sure to get a sample from MAC before buying if you are particularly prone to flare ups, as when my skin isn’t looking its best I find that this foundation can bring attention to what I’m trying to hide rather than concealing it. I apply this with a standard foundation brush and it goes on a treat, I use the shade NC35. As with the Studio Sculpt, Studio Fix Fluid is also SPF 15 and retails at £21.50 however if it is your first time buying this foundation you will also require a pump unless you’d prefer to pour some onto your hand before applying, however doing so could be messy as you'd have to open the bottle everytime you do this. The pump costs £4 and is reusable.
Find out more about these foundations by visiting the MAC website.

X
 

Friday 19 July 2013

Feel Good Friday #1

 
Ahh what lovely weather we’ve been enjoying in the UK these past couple of weeks! It’s amazing how a little bit of sunshine can lift your whole mood. Today is the start of a new weekly feature on my blog called ‘Feel Good Friday’ – had you guessed?!
This feature is my way of sharing tips on staying happy and positive, because let’s face it – sometimes life can be downright stressful!
So this week my focus has been on taking pleasure in the little things in life. I believe that appreciating all the small things in life that make you smile and creating the time in which to do them as often as possible, is one of the many ways of staying positive and happy.
So here are some of the things that I enjoy doing when the weather is as lovely as it has been lately!
Have a picnic – Whether it be in a grassy park, the beach or in your back garden, put a blanket down and have a little feast of all your favourite summer nibbles – my favourite are sandwiches that are cut up into little triangles, these and a cold glass of fruit squash take me straight back to my childhood and instantly make me happy – see, simple things!
Get together with friends and family – Enjoy the warm weather with your loved ones. Have a daytime barbeque or an evening garden party and catch up with those closest to you!
Go for a walk in the sun – Get some exercise while enjoying the sun. This can be a great way of being at one with your thoughts if you’re alone, or of having a good old chin wag with a friend. Either way I always feel uplifted after a nice long walk.
Read a book – I love reading a book as a good old fashioned way of having some ‘me time’, all the technology at our disposal these days consumes so much of our time that it’s easy to forget about the simple ways of just chilling out. So when it’s hot outside, I’ll grab a book and relax in the sun
Wear your favourite summer clothes – Let’s face it, here in the UK us girls don’t get many opportunities to get our shorts and skirts on without freezing our bits off! So I have been taking full advantage of the recent weather and wearing my favourite brightly coloured clothes, my shocking pink summer dress that I bought in the Spring sales made its first appearance this week! Bright clothes = bright mood in my opinion!
So there you have it, the little things that give me great pleasure! What are the little things that make you smile?

X

Thursday 18 July 2013

Summer Haul!

Just thought I’d share a few bits that I bought in the sales with you!

Handbag – Fiorelli
Heeled Shoes – Jessica Simpson
Flat Sandals – Vince Camuto
Nail Polish – Essie – Van D’Go
Perfume – Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb

Check out the video here!

X

FOTD

Hi ladies! A little face of the day for you...


Face – MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation - NC30
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Shade 3 Medium
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural – Medium Dark
Bare Minerals Ready Bronzer – The High Dive
MAC Blush – Fleur Power
Eyes – MAC Paintpot – Painterly
MAC E/S – Woodwinked (lid)
MAC E/S – Handwritten (crease & brows)
Urban Decay E/S – Sin (highlight)
Avon Super Shock Gel Eyeliner – Black
No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara
Lips – MAC Lip Liner – Stripdown
Mac Lipstick – Please Me

X


Wednesday 17 July 2013

Review: Ardell Demi Wispies False Eyelashes

These eyelashes are my favourite for times when I’d prefer that oh so decieving ‘natural look’.  They are long but not too thick and the criss cross design means each individual lash is a different length, which creates a very natural look, making them perfect for either day or nighttime.  With an extremely thin band these lashes are a doddle to apply – perfect for eyelash newbies, or if you’re like myself and just not that great when it comes to applying them.

The only niggle I have with these lashes is that I have found they have a tendency to peel in the inner corner when worn for a few hours, however the finished look that they provide is gorgeous and for that reason I would definitely recommend them. Just be sure to carry some eyelash glue with you incase a half on, half off eyelash incident occurs – never a good look!



 I bought these lashes for £5.49 from Boots.

X

Tuesday 16 July 2013

My Youtube Channel!

Hi everyone! Just a quick post to let you know I have recently started a youtube channel to go along with my blog. You can check out my channel by following this link. If you like it please subscribe and as with my blog, feel free to share your thoughts with me! I'd really appreciate it. I also have a channel called The Kate Show with my best friend who also just so happens to be called Kate, who would have thought it eh?

Take a look at my first video here!

X

Friday 12 July 2013

The Beauty in Starting Something New

Hello and welcome! I have finally decided to start my own blog dedicated to all things beauty related, from skincare and cosmetics through to diet tips and more importantly (rolls eyes)...no seriously - inner beauty, which let’s be honest, seems to be slightly forgotten about at times in the quest to make the most of oneself visually.
So whether you’re seeking makeup, fashion and diet tips, cosmetics reviews or just some positive chit chat about how these things really aren’t the be all and end all of life, you’ve come to the right place.
Enjoy and feel free to share your own thoughts.
Kate
X