May Favourites!

How is it the end of May ALREADY?! This year is going by mighty fast! Anyone else feel like that?

I thought I would share what I loved about the month of May seeing as it’s coming to an end.

Beauty

Skin care:

Let’s start with the only skin care product in this favourites. I’ve really been enjoying this Clinique 7 day scrub cream (Sample; 30ml). Now, the title implies you can use it everyday but personally I don’t think it’s particularly kind to scrub your skin everyday like that. So, I’ve been using it, probably, 3 times a week and I my skin feel’s so refreshed after using this. I got it as a sample in a magazine a couple of months ago (I want to say Glamour, but I’m not sure). It doesn’t make my skin feel dry like some other exfoliators do, so a thumbs up for me!

Make up time:

My one and only Nars Blush in Amour (*post here*). I have been reaching for this quite a bit for a subtle flushed look. Next is my trusty MAC Studio Finish concealer in NC42. At the bottom there is a my rediscovered love; Maxfactors False lash effect mascara.

This Bare Minerals 'Mineral Veil' (orignial) has been a real saviour in the recent heat wave we have been enjoying in the UK; a light dusting of this has really helped set my make up in place. (I think it’s better than MAC Mineralise Skin Finish =O, there I said it, lol.)

Final little pieces are my Sleek products, I didn’t mean to put a bunch of Sleek products in but I have been consistently using these products. And if they are good, they are good!

Going clockwise is the Sleek contour Kit in Medium. No explanation needed I think. Sleek Blush in Life’s a Peach, it gives a really ‘brightening’, ‘awake’ look to my face. Finally, the Au Naturel palette (*used here*) for quick and easy everyday looks.

Leisure

Books:

I am one of those who got sucked into reading the Hunger Games and I have to admit that I don’t regret it one bit. They are a fabulous read. I found the second book hard to get into, but the second half makes up for the slow beginning. I still haven't watched the film though, don't think I want to, it will probably be a disappointment. Anyone able to compare?

TV/Movie:

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Made in Chelsea is my ULTIMATE guilty pleasure. I know that it’s trash TV and completely falsified but I can’t help but watch it! I don’t watch any other reality TV because I can’t stand them, but this just goes to show you how addicted to crap you can get lol! My favourite people in the show are Millie Mackintosh and Francais Boulle. Do you guys watch it? It's alright to admit it...this is a safe place! Who's your favourite person?

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Now this I am NOT embarrassed about! I absolutely love this programme! And sadly the 3rd season of Vampire Diaries ended this month, much to my sadness. I remember when the first season came out and I thought it was just a rip off of Twilight, but it is SO much better. And there are far better looking people in this show! (Ahh Damon (left)...*Drolls*)

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And finally Avengers! Ahh this was an amazing film! That’s all I can say about it! A definite must watch. Even my friend, who doesn’t like these types of films loved it! Full of action and funny one liners!

Music:

Now these two men have the most amazing voices and are perfect summer ‘back ground’ tunes! I don’t think there has been a day since getting both their albums that I don’t play them. If I HAD to choose my favourite song from their ablums (which is hard!) it would be; for Ben Howard (left) – Promise. And from Michael Kiwanuka (right) – Rest. They both have soothing voices and if you like chilled type of music then I would definitely recommend checking them out!

Well, that was my long May Favourites! Hope you enjoyed that. Are you enjoying any of the things mentioned above? Would love to know! =) x

Make up Storage!

I’m always interested in how people store their makeup, I don’t think im the only one. So I thought I would share how I store mine.

It’s all on display, nothing is out of reach. The reason I have it like this is, I know that if it were stored away in a draw; 1) I wouldn’t use half of it and 2) It would be a mess. I’m one of those people, that if it’s not easy to put away it will get left out.

Having said that I have these 4 draws (2 sets of 2 draws) from Muji, which I am sure you have all seen before. If I’m honest, I tried to look for alternatives but there aren’t any!

The top draw holds all my ‘drugstore’ blushes.

The second draw holds all my ‘high end’ blushes.

The third draw holds my individual eye shadows.

The last draw holds all my lip sticks.

At the top I sit my EOS lip balm, which is the most hydrating lip balm I have ever tried and some hand sanitiser. In this Lancome box I have all my eye liner pencils.

In between here are my Foundations and next to that I have tried to fit all the palettes I own into a box (which I believe is from Paperchase, it was given to me for one of my birthdays).

It holds my sleek palettes, A Christian Dior gift set (birthday gift), some estee lauder palettes, my MUA heaven and earth palette, some foundations that need to be stored upward facing and my MAC quad.

Next I have this cute three draw set from Homebase! I bought this when I didn’t have a lot of makeup.

The top draw contains my mascara’s, gel liners, paint pots and liquid shadows.

The second draw contains lip glosses and liners.

The bottom draw contains my concealers and setting powders.

On top of that sits my other larger palettes.

And here are my brushes in Ikea pencil holders, not in the nicest of holders but they are fine for now.

Have you done a storage post? I would love to see it, link them in the comments! =) x

*Just to say that I'm not showing off and I hope I haven't offended anyone with this post.*

FOTE!

The weekends are a sigh of relief to everyone I think! 5 more days till the next one! Yay! I organised an evening out with my cousins on Friday, not an easy feet let me tell you! But I was so happy that all of them were able to come out (except one of my cousins seeing as she is preggo! =) I’m so excited to welcome the new addition to the family!)

Here is my make up for the evening, it wasn’t anything too elaborate, quite subtle.

My Sexy Face ;-)

Products used:

Face (clockwise):
No 7 ‘Vital enlightening Highligher powder’
MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC42
MAC Mineralise Skin Finish in Medium Dark
Bobbi Brown Corrector in Dark Peach
Sleek Contour Kit in Medium
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC42
Sleek Blush in Flushed

Eye and Lips (Top to Bottom):
Maxfactor False Lash Effect Mascara in Black
MAC Paint Pot in Nubile (used a base for the eyeshadow)
Revlon Lip Butter in Moroccan
Sleek Eau La La Liner in Cocoa
Sleek Au Naturel Palette (Used the darkest Brown (bottom row 4th colour from the left) to darken the lash line)
MAC shadows in ‘Romp’ and ‘All that Glitters’

Brushes used (Left – Right):
Real Techniques Buffing Brush (core collection) (Put foundation on with this)
Sigma Tapered Highligher F38 (contoured with this)
Sigma Powder/Blush F10 (set makeup with this)
Real Techniques Stippling Brush (applied blush with this)

Brushes used (Left – Right):
Sigma Small Tapered Blending Brush E45 (Applied ‘Romp’ to outer crease)
Lauren Luke Angled Liner Brush (Applied the Darkest Brown from the Sleek palette to the upper lash line)
Lauren Luke Blending Eye Shadow Brush (Applied ‘All that Glitters’ with this and used it for blending the shadows)
MAC 224 (Blended concealer with this)
No 7 Precision Eyeliner Brush (Concealed with this)

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! =) And have a lovely week! =) x

Origins Eye!

As a woman in her mid twenties (ahh scary) I have really started to think about the changes my skin will be going through. So far I haven’t really concentrated on my facial skin but I think on my 25th birthday I will treat myself to some anti-aging moisturiser. I have, however, started to think about my under eye area. I personally think that the skin around your eye really tells your age compared to any other part of your face.

So, about 6 months ago, after hearing good things about Origins products, especially their mega mushroom eye cream I thought I would go to the counter and see what was suited for me. Fortunately I don’t suffer with really dark circles (a little not a lot) or puffiness. What I’m scared of, as I explained to the woman at the counter, is sagginess and fine lines. I know it sounds premature to think about such things occurring but prevention is really the best thing. So, after saying that, she recommended the 'Perfect World for Eyes – firming moisture treatment with white tea.’

Looking back I wish I hadn’t made an impulse buy, which lets face it this was. I should have done a bit of research.

The packaging states that it’s got Vitamin A with firms and tones. It also has properties to reduce dark circles, while the White Birch Extract helps lessen the appearance of new creases.

Good Points

• The texture is gel like.
• It’s really easy to pat in to your orbital bone (the bone around your eye).
• You only need the minimal amount of product.
• The smell is nice.
• I think my skin does absorb it really well and my under eye area does feel hydrated after putting this on. But I cant say anything good about the actual claims.

Bad Points

• I remember putting it on the first time and feeling a ‘firming’ sensation, but now I just think that was in my head. I used it regularly but I just didn’t see a difference and that ‘sensation’ had disappeared.
• I haven’t noticed any firming action.
• I think it actually made me look more tired.
• Another sore point with this particular product is the pump. If I were to push that pump all the way down I would have far too much product. So I have to tap it so I dispense the right amount.

I wouldn’t recommend this product, if I’m honest. Maybe the affects are more noticeable after using it for years or for women who actually have fine lines etc. I still use it because it was expensive and it’s not actually doing any harm. I’m not saying don’t have a look at origins products, because they have some really nice skin care products which I have tried. I would just suggest doing some research before going to buy an expensive eye cream.

Have you tired this product? What eye cream do you use? I would love to get some recommendations! =) x

Collective Haul!

Hello my lovelies! Hope you’re all well! Just thought I would share my recent purchases. I’ve bought mainly beauty, because to be honest I have felt a little uninspired by the clothes out there and I haven’t really wanted to spend my money.

These goodies have been picked up over a few trips when I have met up with friends over the past month.

Let’s start with the jewellery which I picked up from Miss Selfridge. I’m always tempted by the sale items, like most people I suppose. I have really been loving just wearing studs lately, but I haven’t got a good collection and saw these cute ‘peace’ sign studs along with some plain diamante ones. £1!!!! Can you believe it!

Along with that I bought a long gold necklace with what I would describe as an arrow head pendant. It’s simple and can be worn with almost anything. £2! True Bargains! =)

I bought a few hair bits. My hair has been feeling a little on the drier side so I thought I would get an intensive conditioner. Saw this VO5 one and thought I would give it ago seeing as I have their oil.

I also bought this Sea Salt Spray by Toni and Guy. I want to add a bit of ‘something’ when it comes to styling my hair. I’m so bored of it. So why not add a bit of ‘texture’, have yet to try it though! Hope it works!

Now on to the beauty! =D It’s three for two in superdrugs so I went on a bit of a splurge.

I bought these two lipsticks. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in ‘Cherries in the snow’ and Barry M Lip paint in ‘145’. I have been searching for a really nice deep pink lipstick for ages. You should have seen my hand when I was swatching them all.

I also got this Collection 2000 Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner in Black. I wanted to try a new liquid liner in a felt tip form and this fit the bill perfectly. And it was £2.99! I think it was the cheapest one and in my eyes the best for what I was looking for.

Sleek eau la la liners in Dragon Fruit; Lingerie; Cocoa

I’ve seen a lot about these Sleek Eau la la multi use liners so I thought I would give them a go. I got two liners for the lips and the brown for eye liner use. Obviously they are interchangeable but I don’t think I want a red eye. Sounds sore! Lol!

Inglot polishes in 888; 955; 969

Last on my list of new purchases were these Inglot Nail Enamels. I have seen a few posts on these polishes so I wanted to give them a try. I could have been sensible and just bought one, but I couldn’t help myself. My justification is that I haven’t spent my money on anything else during the month. That’s ok, right? Lol!

Have you guys tried any of these products? What you say about them if you have? =) x

My Make up Journey!

I am sorry for the lack of posting, I have been weirdly busy this past week, I have been meaning to finish this post off for so long. I read the lovely Ruby’s *Post* on her makeup journey and it made me what to share my own. I hope it’s not too much of a snooze fest!

I don’t know about you guys but as a teenager I was so scared to wear makeup! Simply because I was embarrassed that it would be so obvious that someone would point it out, defeating the purpose of makeup. Even the first time I did my eye brows I was scared of what my friends and family were going to say, although to my surprise no one said anything bad.

My mum doesn’t wear makeup (she doesn’t need it, skin like a baby’s bottom I tell ya!). She had random lipsticks that she didn’t wear and some kohl but that’s it, no eyeshadow or mascara. But I used to ‘play’ with what was there, that’s when I fell in love.

Love of colour

The fear I had was enough to put me off till I was about 17. That’s when I really got into eye shadow. In college I would match my eye shadow to what I was wearing (I still do on some occasions) and mascara. I don’t know where my fear went if I’m honest. I think going to college you’re allowed to express yourself a lot more than when you’re in high school.

I wouldn’t touch my skin; I wasn’t interested in foundation, mainly because it was daunting trying to match a foundation to my skin, that and I couldn’t be bothered. And as for lipsticks, I thought every lip colour looked disgusting on me, so I stuck to clear lip gloss or Vaseline.

I loved experimenting with colour even if my array of products were limited. I remember when Barry M was introduced to my local Boot’s, oh how I swooned, but I never bought their dazzle dusts, I wouldn’t have known where to start. So I stuck to their eye liners. I bought a few bright eye shadows, a mascara and that was enough.

Complete face

When I had bad skin that’s when I invested in foundation. And then I finally got introduced to YouTube make up “gurus” by my university mates, it was from then I really got obsessed with make up, what they had I wanted. Obviously I couldn’t afford all of that but I must say that I have accumulated a lot through birthday’s and ‘investments’ (as I like to call them). I learnt different techniques and that there were different textures to products etc.

This moves me onto where I am now in my makeup journey. I now wear a full face of makeup, not all the time but most. I have now accepted that lip colours look nice on me, not all but most work. I wear blush and contour, all of it makes a difference to the ‘look’. I like putting it on, I get that it’s time consuming but I genuinely enjoy it. It’s my only way of being artistic, or at least that’s how I think of it.

Now I don’t restrict myself to wearing shadows that match the colour of my outfit but more what suits the occasion. Do I want to be bold? Or subtle? I suppose it goes with my mood as well. I have realised that makeup is a way of expressing yourself! If you want to wear bright pink shadow, do it! What’s stopping you? If you don’t like wearing makeup, good for you! Now I am slowly getting obsessed with skin care, because lets face it, if your skin isn’t nice then the make up isn’t going to make it look any better. I suppose I kind of worked backwards.

I reckon I will soon be worrying about how to put make up on wrinkly skin! =O Let’s hope that it’s not for a while! I would love to read your journey! So let me know if you have written one! =) x