Tuesday 6 December 2016

I'm back!

Apologies for the long lack of posts but I have been on holiday in Mexico!

With a holiday or "vacation" as the Americans say, there are airports involved and that means duty free shopping!

So this time I got 2 new beauty items as follows;
I firstly bought this MAC matte lipstick in the shade, Please Me and it was 280 Mexican pesos.  Now this is my first ever MAC purchase so I had no idea what I was doing but all I knew is that I wanted a nude, pink, peach lipstick in matte finish.

After filling my hand with many swatches I finally settled on the above colour but when I tried it on at home, it was way brighter than I expected! The matte finish and time it lasts it great but will have to play with the colour application a bit.

The second product I bought was on the plane with Thomas Cook and I saw it I their summer duty free magazine as well. It is a mineral bronzing powder that also tans your face with the help of liquid foundation or moisturiser.
It's called Vita Liberata Luxury Tan and I love the colour of it and glow it gives you but I don't personally think it tans my actual skin underneath my make up.


Monday 31 October 2016

7 Pounds in 1 Week

7 pounds, in 1 week?  Is this how much I've spent or how much I have saved?  No, this is how much weight I have lost!

I have adopted the lifestyle of Slimming World.  The Extra Easy plan is really easy to follow as there are only a few key rules.

I'm not 100% great on rules and regulations but basically you have 15 Syns a day (20 for a man) then a healthy A and a healthy B.  The A is dairy so either milk or cheese and the B is wheat so 2 pieces of whole meal bread or 2 weatabix.

The "free" items are meat, pasta, rice, vegetables and fruit so you can eat as much of these as you want. Most over things will be a number of Syns defined by the slimming world lists or information found online.  The best thing to do is join a group, with support and guidance on how to plan you meals.  You will also have a weekly weigh in and get rewarded for mile stone weight loss such as 1/2 stone, 1 stone, 1 1/2 stone and so on.

There are lots of blogs, forums and books with plenty of support from like minded people and receipies to make you favourite meals, sun free.

How I started is by popping to Iceland, picking up some frozen slimming world meals and rice then also picked up some mug shots for lunch times.  This has started me off and inspired me to try my own receipies and think creatively about everything I eat.

If you want to shift some weight, I recommend this plan to everyone and you can even just do an online version with an app.

Wednesday 19 October 2016

New Tips and Tricks

Whilst looking on my Facebook timeline I spotted a makeup artist I followed ages ago, so looked at her work and saw some great "cut creases".  I have tried and kinda failed at trying this look as I had no idea how to achieve it.  But this is because I just thought you put the eyeshadow on and just blend but it's a bit more technical.

This is before YouTube;

And this is after;


Turns out, this make up artist has a YouTube page with tutorial videos which include a cut crease here; https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCyHvYKdVpwjei4H80VHAAsg

What I learnt from her videos is the following;


  1. Blending is key on your face which I knew anyway but she uses serval different types of brushes to blend the face make up
  2. I need me some translucent loose powder for baking and protecting my under eye from eyeshadow fallout - apparently collection have a cheap one that I must seek out in Boots or Superdrug
  3. Liquid bronzer or darker liquid concealer is perfect for contouring your face
  4. The secrets to a cut crease is to start with the crease, slowly adding shadow blending and building up the darkness in the crease.  Then you cover just the eyelid in either eye shadow primer or a long wear eye cream/pencil such as the NYX Jumbo Eye Crayon (think I'm gunna get this in the colour "milk").  This can be moved around and right up to crease with a flat eye shadow or concealer brush. Then you can finish by putting a lighter or different colour eyeshadow on the on top of the lid only and then your usual eyeliner and mascara routine.

Wednesday 21 September 2016

Plump Those Lips

I'm Recently I've seen loads of girls with insanely large lips pumped up with injected lip fillers, especially on Instagram and I think it looks gross!  On the other hand I see normal girls everyday who have thin lips and may not be able to afford these expensive treatments or simply disagree with the procedure.  I am not against cosmetic surgery or alterations as long as it makes you happy, confident and you don't go over the top.  There is also nothing wrong with thin lips but sometimes you want to make them look bigger so I have put all my tips together in a lip tutorial.
To achieve this look, I did the following;
1) Use lip scrub in a circular motion, then wash or wipe off (optional to use a lip plumper cream or suction tool at this point)
2) Use lip balm to calm the lips
3) Line lips with a neutral dark lip liner, just over the edge of your natural lip line, in a cross on the cuspids bow and 3 lines  in the middle of the bottom lip to create definition
4) Then fill the lips in with a slightly lighter nude lipstick, I had to mix 2 shades together
5) The next step is to add lipgloss to just the centre of the lips to make them appear plumped (I used a lip plumping gloss from Soap & Glory)
6) Carefully add a creamy concealer around the edge of the lips with a flat concealer brush to neaten the lines
7) Add highlighter (cream, liquid or powder) to the Cupid's bow on the skin above the lips to make this area stand out
I used the following products along with some others;









Monday 12 September 2016

Foundation; The Struggle

I'm quite pale so finding foundation is hard but basically only wear it to look more alive and healthy.  The struggle is not to look orange or have a line on my neck.

My other struggle is running out so quickly and the glass bottles make it so hard to get the last bits.  There are loads of different foundations but money doesn't grow on trees.

After some research, I recently settled on trying the L'Oreal Paris Infalliable 24H-Matte Foundation in shade Vanilla, which is the second lightest shade.

First of all, I like the packaging because it's in a tube that you can cut to get the last bits and its 35ml instead of the usual 30ml that most bottles hold.  The nozzle once the lid is off, is perfect for dispensing just enough on your brush or sponge.

When using it for the first time I really wasn't sure as I felt so pale like I wasn't wearing anything on my skin.  But once I had some bronzer on, I looked great.

It is very mattifying as it almost feels like once you have applied the foundation, you don't need powder to set but I do anyway.

After a while of using this product it definitely seems darker when I put it on my skin.  I don't know whether this because my skin has got paler or the foundation has oxidised in the tube?  I also find that it rolls up in little balls on the make up brush sometimes and falls everywhere but maybe that is because I need to wash my brushes or not?

Before I was using the Rimmel Pore Perfect in Ivory or maybe true Ivory which is nice and very liquid compared to the L'Oreal thicker foundation.

I got this on 9th July 2016 and I already feel like it may be running out, oh dear.

Overall I give this product 4/5 stars and it is very long lasting!

Monday 22 August 2016

Lazy Up Do Tutorial

It's no secret that I'm not too bothered about my hair, yes I want to look as blonde as possible but I often just wear it down and free!  Today I decided to wear my hair up with some dry shampoo as it could do with a wash.



Tools you will need;
  • Hair brush
  • Tail comb or teasing brush
  • Hair bands x 2
  • Hair grips x 6 or more

If you want recreate this look please follow these steps;
  1. Brush through of your hair to de tangle any knots
  2. Tease the crown and parting of your hair by brushing downwards at the roots in sections
  3. Roughly part your hair at the nape of your neck
  4. Create one plait on the left side and one on the right (make these as lose or tight as you wish but you will get more volume in the style make them looser)
  5. Tie each plait at the as fair down as possible with small elastic band or hair bands
  6. Grab some kirby grips/Bobby pins and pin the first plait across to the other side of your head, curling the ends downward
  7. Now pin the other plait across the opposite side of your head, tucking the end downwards underneath the other plait
  8. I only used 6 pins to secure these plaits in place, findeling with overall shape but you can use more for more hold
  9. You can also use hairspray if you wish









Ok so the one side looks a bit wonky but it was only for work and if it had more time in the mornings, I would actually take a bit more care.





Monday 15 August 2016

Dat Highlight Tho

I am in love with highlighters. 😍


From powder, to cream, to liquid.  The shimmery goodness it my fav.  I think it helps define features and makes your face look slimmer.  It also makes you look very youthful.

I feel that it difficult to take a decent picture of clear highlighter but it looks awesome in person.  My favourite product ever is the Benefit High Beam and I've only got a small sample from boots in the 4 minis for £15 deal.  Then I love my No7 Instant Radiance Highlight stick for £9.95 with a highlighter powder to set the cream.


The following snapchat filter is basically the ultimate highlight that would be hard to create in real life.



Monday 8 August 2016

Netflix and Chill

I love Netflix, it's a modern marvel.  You can watch almost anything you imagine but unfortunately it doesn't have things like Geordie Shore or any other English gems.

My top programmes are as follows;

1) Once Upon a Time - my favourite fantasy series with lovable characters and unpredictable storylines.  Basically it's full of everyone's favourite fairytale characters trapped in our world with no memories of their lives.  All 5 seasons are on there following stints on serval channels.

2) Jane the Virgin - I love this programme as its easy to watch and get into but it keeps me on the edge of my seat wondering what will happen to Jane next.  It has made me cry but it has also made me laugh so definitely recommendable.  It's like Ugly Betty with the Spanish culture netting the modern American world.

3) Orange is the New Black - This really interests me because you get attached to all the characters but they are convicted criminals!  The back stories go through how they got inside and it only makes you like them more.  Warning - there is a lot of lesbian action in there so if that makes you feel uncomfortable, maybe skip it.

4) Pretty Little Liars - How could I leave this out?  It's a teen classic and I have only really watched the first season, so I've got a lot of catching up to do!  This is like a teen murder mystery mixed with a classic high school setting.

5) The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmit - Another easy watch with this American comedy that follows a girl in New York after she was rescued from a doomsday cult.

Monday 1 August 2016

Mad on this Month; Pokemon Go

Of course I have been partaking in the new, well old craze of Pokemon!  As a kid I watched the tv program and had a few of the playing cards but I wasn't fully into the video games and details of the Pokemon evolutions.

Now I'm fully into it.  I love evolving the low powdered Pokemon to their stronger counterparts.  I never learnt all the names  of the Pokemon back in the nineties so I'm learning now and having fun in the process.  

I love that it gets everyone out and about searching for Pokemon and hatching eggs by walking 2km, 5km or 10km.
Everyone can tell when you are playing the game which is good and bad.  You can makes loads of friends into the same things or look a bit wierd wandering around with your phone.

I plan to collect a Pokemon of every evolution.  Gotta catch 'em all!

Monday 11 July 2016

Eyebrows on Fleek; The Products

Everyday I put something on my eyebrows as they deserve as much attention as the rest of your face.  I have slowly been collecting new products for my brows that I need to share.  I started with just a matte brown eye shadow but nowadays you need a bit more oomph and definition.


I have 3 eyebrow pencils in a range of prices and one brow kit in my collection.  So whatever you budget, I've got you covered.


Above, first of all is the Primark, P.S Loves Brow Pencil that is sharpen able and has a decent spooley brush on the other end.  At £1 this is an absolute bargain and I use the colour medium everyday in the week as it doesn't require much precision.  I usually draw on a few rough strokes and the brush on the other end blurs any sharp edges so that you haven't got harsh lines.

Next along is my newest product, the Maybelline Brow Satin £5.99, which is thinner and is twist up with a smaller nib.  The other end has a dome sponge applicator and brown powder in the lid which softens the look once applied.  I love this one as it is a subtler colour with my blonde hair and it is very similar the ABH brow wiz.


Finally we have the Anistasia Beverley Hills Brow Wiz which I paid €22 for a while ago and the delicate brow spooley on the other end has snapped off which is annoying.  So once I have draw on fine lines with the micro nib in medium, I have to use a seperate brow brush to remove excess product.  It does give a really defined brow which is perfect for a night out.

The below brow kit is from MUA and I was given this as a gift in the shade Fair to Mid.  You can pick this up from Superdrug for £3.50.  I like this because it has all the tools you need including a brow wax to set your colour and style in place.  When mixing the two top colours this matched my natural brow colour and the lighter shade can be used as a highlighter on the brow bone.


I hope this is helpful in picking out your brow products and if there is anything you think I should try, let me know.

Monday 4 July 2016

Jamberry Nails - The New Nail Wrap Trend

You may have heard of Jamberry Nails through Facebook just as I did but you might not be sure what this is or how they work.  Basically they are vinyl wraps for your nails, activated by heat and pressure with loads of amazing patterns and colours.  They are great for people who don't have time to wait for their nails to dry or want to wow without all the effort of nail art tools.  I love that I can do my nails and not worry about damaging them for weeks.

I am still working on my timing and technique but they last for at least two weeks for one application.  Jamberry was created by 3 sisters in America that wanted a salon experience at home and it arrived in the UK in May 2016.  I have tried samples, then a whole set, twice now and they have all lasted at least 4 weeks before I took them off!

Take a look at my end results below...

2nd Sample "Tiki Hut"
1st Sample "Sorbet" 
May Exclusive "Floral Fusion"
After 2 weeks
After 2 weeks with Flash
"Blushing Floral"
"Blushing Floral" with Flash
The Application
After prepping your nails by removing nail varnish, pushing the cuticles back, filing nails and cleaning the nails with an alcohol wipe.  To apply the wraps, you basically cut them to size if necessary, heat the back for a few seconds with a hair dryer, place on the nail with tweezers and apply pressure across the whole nail.  To finish of you need to cut off excess wrap, file down the edge and heat the nail with a hair dryer again applying pressure.
Full details and videos in the link below;
They are priced at £15 per sheet or 4 for the price of 3 which means they will be £11.25 per sheet.  There are also some premium wraps at £17.50.  On each sheet you get enough for 2 manicures, 2 pedicures and 4 extra wrap that be used for a pedicure or ascent nails.  I think this is good value for the length of time they last.

Choose from over 300 designs here; https://lianecook.jamberry.com/uk/en/

My favourites are anything floral, sparkly or pink but I also love the striking geometric print ones.  Jamberry also offer a Junior size for children or smaller finger nails and you get more on the sheet!  Search for Jamberry on Instagram and it will give you a world full of inspiration.




Wednesday 15 June 2016

The Ultimate Affordable UK Dupes for Kylie Cosmetics

Ok, so the hype around Kylie Jenner's lip kits, lip glosses and metal mattes seems to grow with every launch.  I did get sucked in there for a minute but I've decided not to waste any more of my hard earned cash on Kylie's products.  I know, shock horror but it's seriously a lot when you think about it with international shipping at $14.95.

So I have now set about to research and find the most affordable and best dupes available in the UK.

First up let's start with the original matte lip kits;

Candy K
  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in STOCKHOLM £5.50
  • NYX Lingerie Lip Cream in PUSH UP £6.50
  • NYX Matte Lipstick in SHY £5.50
  • Barry M Matte Me up Lip Crayon in DRESS REHEARSAL £4.99
  • Maybelline Colour Sensational Liquid Lip Colour in NUDE THRILLS £6.99
  • Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in CARMELLO £16

Dolce K
  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in ABU DHABI £5.50
  • NYX Lingerie Lip Cream in BEDTIME FLIRT £6.50
  • MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Laquer in TRANQUILITY £3.00
  • New Look Pure Colour Liquid Lipstick in MINK £3.99
  • Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in BIRTHDAY SUIT £4.99
True Brown K
  • NYX Lingerie Lip Cream in BEAUTY MARK £6.50
  • NYX Matte Lipstick in MAISON £5
The valentines specials;

Koko K
  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in ISTANBUL £5.50
  • NYX Lingerie Lip Cream in EMBELLISHMENT £6.50
  • Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in NUDE FLUSH £6.99
  • Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in BACI £16

Poise K
  • NYX Matte Lipstick in WHIPPED CAVIAR £5
  • NYX Suede Liquid Lipstick in TEA N COOKIES £6.50
  • Stila All Day Lipquid Lipstick in PATINA £16

Mary Jo K
  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in AMSTERDAM £5.50
  • NYX Suede Lip Cream in KITTEN HEELS £6.50
  • Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in FIERY £16
Additional lip kit shades;

22
  • NYX Suede Lip Cream in ORANGE COUNTY £6.50
  • L'Oreal Paris Infallable Matte Max Lipstick in DISTUBIA £6.99
  • Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in ORANGE SHOT £6.99
  • Stila Colour Balm Lipstck in VIVIENNE £16
Kourt K
  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in TRANSYLVANIA £5.50
  • Maybelline Colour Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lipstick in POSSESSED PLUM £6.99
  • Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in CHIANTI £16
NYX Transylvania
Expossed
  • NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in LONDON £5.50
  • Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Color in SEDUCTION £8.99
Dead of Night
  • MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in POTENT £3.00
Glosses;

Like
  • NYX Butter Gloss in GINGERSNAP £5.00
  • L'Oreal Paris Infallable in INVINCIBLE SABLE £9.99
Literally
  • NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in NATURAL £4.00
  • Maybelline Colour Sensational High Shine Gloss in ICED CHOCOLATE £6.19
  • MUA Luxe Whipped in SPRY £3.00
So Cute
  • NYX Butter Gloss in MADELINE £5.00
  • Rimmel London Apocolips Lip Laquer in NUDE ECLIPSE £6.49
Metal Mattes;

Heir
  • Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in DOLCE £16
King K

  • NYX Wicked Lippies in MISCHIEVOUS £5.50
Reign

  • NYX Wicked Lippies in WRATH £5.50
  • MUA Luxe Metallic £3.00
  • Stila Magnificent Lip Gloss in GARNET £7.50 in sale
  • TECHNIC lipstick in TOFFE old lipstick from a set with N07 Perfect Lips Pencil in 20 Nude
My Old Lipstick
 


Majesty
  • MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in POTENT £3.00 + any blue eyeshadow


    Where to buy;
    NYX and other make up brands; www.boots.com
    MUA and other make up brands; www.superdrug.com
    Stila; stila.co.uk
    Loads of cool make up including NYX; www.feelunique.com