the blusher

The white line

2011-03-20T08:47:00.000-07:00

I have always wanted a fuller mouth, sometimes I think I can look quite severe because of a lack of plumpness. When I received my Vogue this month there was a striking picture of Kate Winslet on the front. The first thing I noticed was the white line drawn on her cupids bow.

I love the 1920's style lip and this added to the pointedness of the the top lip, so I decided to give it a try. I was curious to see if it would improve my lack of top lip.

BEFORE

Foundations applied, then pink lip liner, and white eyeliner applied in as thin line as possible. I used Gwen Stefani as my inspiration for this look. Sad thing is I think this was the noughties not the nineties!!!

The finished look. I used Estee Lauders Pure Colour Crystal Pink, my favourite natural look lipstick. I'm not sure this gives me loads of plumpness, but I think the severness is nowhere near as bad. I think I would give it a go in the "real" world as long as I had blended the white really well.

double oh seven

2011-03-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

I recently went to a James Bond themed 30th. I decided to go with a 70's bond girl theme, channelling a Jean Shrimpton eye (couldn't find a decent pic). Unfortunately I forgot to take a pic before, and you only have a pic after which was taken at about 1:30 in the morning but you can kind of get the look.

A blue flick with a extended flick on the bottom lash line too. I'd been dancing so not looking the freshest ha!

Faces I like

2011-03-08T11:57:00.000-08:00

Andrea Riseborough

Roksanda Ilincic

Rose Byrne

Volume Length Curl

2011-03-07T13:34:00.000-08:00

I recently had a Debenhams gift card burning a hole in my pocket, and decided to treat myself to a new mascara, YSL style. I have tried false lash effect before I really like it but am slightly put off by the price tag, and the fact it dries out super quick does not make me want to rebuy regularly. So I decided to give YSL Singulier a go.

The description of the mascara is volume, length, curl. I decided to apply two coats without curling my eyelashes, and the result is above. It has given my lashes a bit of curl, some volume (although I would like a teeny bit more), length I'm not so sure, I don't believe you can add a lot of length if there is only so much to start with. I do however think it looks pretty good, I decided that I would give the mascara a fair chance, and it has been open about two weeks, and its definitely better for it. I am undecided as to whether I would buy it again, as £22 is a lot for a mascara. It will do me for the next few weeks though, when it runs out I will be buying my Maybeline favourite next, or maybe I could try a Max Factor one, shockingly its been years since I bought one.

The first rule of make up club is never..

2011-02-27T13:11:00.000-08:00

I expressed my love of Helena Bonham Carter a few posts ago, and I have decided to do a make up look inspired by the character she plays in Fight Club, Marla Singer. I was going to go Planet of the Apes, but not too workable!!

Here is a run down of the products I used:

Laura Mercier -gemstone, chocolate garnet (mineral eye shadow)

Benefit - Bad Girl black eyeliner and Hoola bronzer

Bobbi Brown - mahogany eyeshadow

No 7 - moisture drench lipstick in highland mist

Dermacolour camouflage mini palette

YSL - Singular mascara in black (review to follow)

Powder

you will also need your fingers!

*I applied gemstone all over my lid up to my brow. Everything is applied as rubbishly as possible. Using the chocolate garnet this was applied to just above my socket and down, this was pressed on and then blended out. I then rubbed this under my eye using my little finger and blended downwards.

*I then drew a really rough black line with Bad Girl and blended until it was very smudged and not really noticeable. This was then used on my waterline.

*Powdered my eyebrows in with Mahogany, and then using my fingers rubbed the colour to blend.

*As much as Marla has her yellowy foundation caked on, I decided to apply my moisturiser and while it was still tacky, apply a palish concealer where needed. Then powdered everywhere, this look needs to be as matte as possible.

*Using my new YSL mascara, I applied two coats as roughly as possible, and didn't care where I hit.

*My cheek bones aren't as defined as Helenas, so using Hoola bronzer shaded mine in.

*Lipstick was applied from the tube, and then rubbed in all over. I did this twice.

Do you like my mood lighting below?

Stuck in a rut

2011-02-22T13:34:00.000-08:00

I got asked to do a friends make up at the weekend. We were having a girly weekend in Nottingham visiting a friend, and we got chatting about make up. I was sorting through a friends make up (basically having a good nose) when my friend (S) confessed she felt she was in a rut. She asked if I fancied having a go at doing her make up, I practically jumped at the chance. I love doing it and it's good practice. She explained what she normally wore; lashings of mascara, pink blusher, bright lipstick, and thick black eyeliner, but hardly any eyeshadow.

As you can see below S has the most beautiful natural blonde hair, big blue eyes, and a gorgeous mouth not forgetting her lovely pale complexion. I had a good canvas, so I thought why hide it.

This is what I used and in this order -

* Leggy by Benefit - over entire eyelid up to brow

* Dandy Brandy by Benefit - applied up to the socket

* Brown from Revlon Neutral Khakis - in the socket and just above

* Black No7 pencil eyeliner - blended into the lash line

* Black mascara by Yves Saint Laurent - only applied one coat

* Mary Kay mineral eye shadow Sienna - brushed gently into the brows

* Boots My Face foundation Fair 01 - applied where needed

* Boing by Benefit - where needed

* Oh La Lift by Benefit - underneath the eyes
* Illamasqua cream blusher - on cheeks and used as a lip tint.

Everything was used sparingly. See the look below, including before pic of how much mascara was taken off beforehand, this caused great amusement!!

I think she looks beautiful. On the Monday S sent me a text saying that she had given the eyeshadow a whirl, and had used less make up in general. I even got a pic! I'm a great believer in less is more especially when you are as naturally pretty as S, why hide?

Special thanks to C who took the pics and noted down the products as i threw them in a pile x

Amsterdam

2011-02-21T13:11:00.000-08:00

Just over a week ago I went off to Amsterdam with the BF. It was my birthday the Wednesday before, and this year instead of being a grump I decided I was going to enjoy my birthday,and enjoy it I did. (Along with illness this is why I have been so lax in posting!) We were also there for Valentines day. I had never been before and I loved it, loved the architecture, and loved the people, so friendly. So for the first time in years I let myself enjoy my birthday, how could I not when I got these gorgeous pwessies...?

A gorgeous Leighton Denny Desirables kit, the colours from left to right are; Indulgence, Berry Nice, Supermodel, Lolly Pop, Leading Lilac and last but not least the product in the clear bottle is Miracle Drops (helps speed up your drying time). Also I gave myself a pedicure with Berry Nice and it has only just chipped after two weeks, pretty good or what?

The colours below from left to right are; Barry M Nail Effects (someone reads my blog), Barry M Blueberry, 17 Matte top coat (amazingly weird) and 17 lasting fix nail polish in Toasted Almond.

The bottom tub is Lancome's Youth Activating Eye Concentrate, and its gorgeous, apparently very expensive. I have a very generous Bro, so don't need to worry about the price until it runs out!! Heres a close up -

So I did pretty well. Thanks, you know who you are x

Dripping

2011-02-06T04:51:00.000-08:00

Get the violins out, I am still feeling rubbish. So here is a nail related post. This is the second time I have tried this look, after looking at Sophy Robson blog. I used Belgrave Place by Nails Inc, and then a top coat. I haven't photographed my right hand because its no where near as good as my left. So I better get practising.

pretty rubbish

2011-02-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

Sorry for lack of posts, got a bad cold and the posts I had planned involved photos. Not looking the best so will save them for a later date.

I did however, go to work without any mascara for the first time today. I knew there was going to be a lot of eye rubbing so thought whats the point. Not one person noticed, or maybe they were too polite to mention the fact that I looked like Vic and Bob in this video.

Blog soon x

Red Head

2011-01-24T10:39:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of me with my new redder hair, I love it. I am obviously really stingy when I put my eyeshadow on because you can barely see it, but I am still bothering with my eyeshadow I promise. Plus I am loving Benefits Dandelion blusher at the mo'.

Had a lovely day a short walk round the art gallery and finished off with fennel tea and a slice of dime bar cake.

Tuesday

2011-01-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my look for Tuesday. Don't I look pleased with myself?

I used pretty much the same products I did on Monday (how lazy)

*Laura Mercier - tinted moisturiser
*Laura Mercier - secret camouflage
*Bobbi Brown - colour corrector concealer
*Laura Mercier - secret brightening powder
*LOreal - waterproof grey eyeshadow
*Elizabeth Arden - grey sparkly eyeshadow (sorry I don't know the actual name)
*Benefit - Dandelion blusher
*Maybeline - Colossal mascara
*Nars - gloss in a beige/pinky colour (I have had it so long the name has worn off)

Monday

2011-01-20T12:53:00.000-08:00

I am a bit behind on my posts this week, working out on Monday (whoo yeah), book club Tuesday (geek), hair do on Wednesday (pics to come). Anyway here is the look I wore to work on Monday.

I recently read in a magazine that if you are feeling and looking a bit tired to wear a lilac eyeshadow, so because I hadn't had the best night sleep I decided to give it a whirl.

I used:

*Laura Mercier - tinted moisturiser

*Laura Mercier - secret camouflage

*Bobbi Brown - colour corrector concealer

*Laura Mercier - secret brightening powder

*Elizabeth Arden - lilac shadow

*Benefit - Dandelion blusher

*Maybeline - Colossal mascara

*Blistex - soothing splash (post to come)

Quite quick to do, but I feel I look better than I felt. Think I might be a purple eyeshadow convert!!

Iman

2011-01-17T12:29:00.000-08:00

Today while on my lunch break, I was flicking through the pictures of the Golden Globes on the Daily Mail website, (my guilty pleasure) and especially loved Angelina Jolie's beautiful green dress, it pains me to say this because she is not my favourite celeb.

Here are a few others that drew my attention, for good and bad reasons.

I just love the fact that Helena Bonham Carter has her own thing, and really doesn't care. Look at her shoes, ha! Her face is stunning though.

I love velvet, I love navy, I love Tina Fey.

Love her hair, and make up, don't really get the dress.

While I was browsing the DM, I found an article on Iman. She is just so stunning, and completely in a league of her own (for want of a better less cringeworthy expression). I hope I look as good when i'm in my mid 50's.

Golden Globe pictures from style.com and Iman from Daily Mail.

Belle and Galaxy

2011-01-16T11:33:00.000-08:00

Check out my bling nails, picked these two up from what I call a "cheapy" shop in my local town centre, they only cost £1.39 each. Both by Revlon, and designed to be a top coat. I have just used them on their own.

My little finger has Barry M Grey painted on it, with the Galaxy on top just to see what it looks like.

The darker one is called Galaxy, the silver one is called Belle. I popped into my local Boots and they didn't have it there, so it must be limited edition or something. Just googled it and there are loads of american blogs loving it.

I'm not looking forward to tackling the glitter with a polish remover. I'm sure it will still be there in three weeks time.

The quest

2011-01-16T11:08:00.000-08:00

My skin hasn't been looking the best recently. With how cold the weather has been and then, how hot it is inside, I have been suffering with dry patches and dull skin. I have tried lots of different exfoliators, Dermalogica's daily microfoliant, a micro dermabrasion cream whose name escapes me and more recently Liz Earle's gentle face exfoliator I have come to the end of my second bottle of this, but I just want to try something different. The problem is I don't want anything with granules in. When I was a teenager I use to rub my skin raw with Aapri scrub gel, and I think I am now paying for it. I think that because my skin is so fair, I have developed broken veins on my face and they are becoming more and more obvious. I think genetics plays a part in this, but I don't think scrubbing my face has helped much either.

So I am now on a quest to find a gentle exfoliator, that contains salic acid. I have read that this is one of the best ways to get glowing skin, and I don't think its as harsh as it sounds. When I visited Leeds I asked round some of the high end beauty counters to see if they had an exfoliator or mask that contained salic acid, I didn't have much luck. There was a really helpful lady on the Sisley counter who although didn't have what I was looking for gave me two samples Sisley's gentle facial buffing cream and radiant glow express mask, how could I say no, and when am I ever going to pay of £50 for a cream regularly. My little mitts couldn't wait to get into the little packets.

The lady reckoned there was about six applications in the sample, and I think so far I have had about four and there is more left. You pat the cream all over your face and then roll off in an upwards motion. I add water because I still think it seems slightly harsh. I think it is making a difference to my skin, and it does feel lovely and soft afterwards, just not so sure I could justify spending that amount of money on this cream. I am yet to try the mask, but apparently it has won lots of beauty awards! So I may be giving that a try later on this week.

Take care

2011-01-16T02:53:00.000-08:00

I don't generally make new years resolutions, but this year I am going to try and take more care of myself. The idea came from a friend of mine, her new years resolution last year was to make more effort and she really did stick to it. Sometimes my procrastination skills are worth a medal and stop me from doing what I set out to do, such as applying my nail polish or moisturising my legs. I know the world will not stop if I don't complete these tasks, but I really irritate myself by forgetting to do this sort of thing. You may think I have better things to do with my time, but I can tell you I don't!

Here is a list just as much for my attention as yours, (apparently if you tell someone or write something down you are more likely to achieve your goal).

*Eyeshadow is now going to become part of my daily routine, I have some gorgeous colours, and I really am wasteful if I don't start putting more of them to good use. I am going to start posting some "this was my look today" pics.

*Apply cuticle cream to my nails, I am sick of my fingers getting sore.

*Moisturise the bod more.

*Give myself more pedicures, or maybe treat myself to some. I think like most people this area often gets neglected.

Now I know this list is not going to change my life or anything substantial like that, and it has made me feel slightly embarrassed and very shallow. But I am not going to pretend that sometimes the littlest, most vain things don't get my goat because they do. Plus it probably doesn't surprise you that I am slightly vain because I do spend time writing a beauty blog, which often has me posing with certain "looks". I'll leave it there I think people.

A different kind of Acne

2011-01-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

How gorgeous is my ring?? It's my pressie from my BF. I love green and NEEDED (cough) a gold ring, so decided on this one. It's by Acne and I just loved the chunkyness and structure of the ring.

Now, if only I could afford the clothes.

Lip tint on Max's collar

2011-01-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

The BF and I went shopping to Newcastle on Sunday, I had to change a pressie at Fenwicks so decided to make a day of it, including YO Sushi, oh how I love the deep fried pumpkin.

While we were whiling the hours away in Fenwicks (I don't think I have ever spent that long in a shop) I received a phone call from my Mum, who wanted me to pick up one of the new Max Factor Lipfinity Lasting Tints. I really liked the idea of the tint pen when I saw it advertised on the back of my Mothers Easy Living magazine. (I could go on and on about that mag, slightly middle aged, but sometimes makes for a better read than Vogue). Boots didn't have the whole range so I had to popped into Superdrug, read something similar here.

I decided to treat myself too, I went for No. 03 and I bought No. 04 for my Mum.

I really liked the idea of the pen and just kind of drawing on my mouth. Although I love the colour, I found a few problemos. Have you ever tried to write with a biro or highlighter on a wall? The ink often can't flow to the nib because the pen is not upside down, well application to your bottom lip is fine because the tint is the right way up, as soon as I started on my top lip the colour wasn't as consistent. I think this is more visible on the No. 04 pic.

Also stay away from this if you have even the tiny bit of dryness on them, it will make the dry part stand out like a beacon!

I also think the key to making it last longer, is once the tint is applied keep your mouth slightly parted until it dries. Excuse the slightly severe mouth above.

I wore the tint to work on Monday, and got lots of compliments about the dramatic lip colour. I kept applying a colourless lip balm at work, and it seemed to extend the life span of the tint too. I will keep using the product, and thought I might where it underneath a lipstick to make that last even longer, but I don't think I will re purchase when it either runs out, or drys out (!?)

Max Factor Lip Tint

Back for the New Year

2011-01-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

So its well and truly the New Year. After completely overeating as I am sure everyone else did, and getting over my Christmas break outs which I get every year because of the overeating. I was finally able to try some of my new creams and potions that I received for Christmas.

One of my pressies was the Shue Uemura cleansing oil, I decided on the fresh high performance balancing oil click and I LOVE it!! Yes the wait was well worth it. It says you need three to four pumps and I can get away with about one to two. What I didn't realise was how light it was going to be, I can just rub it in rinse and go, and every last scrap has gone. Officially added to my favourite list.

You gotta' love a bargain

2010-12-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, me and the BF decided to head to York to get all Christmassy. It turned out the be the worst shopping day ever, but I did manage to spend one english pound on a GOSH high shine top coat (courtesy of the pound shop), you know I think it might be a pound well spent. I decided I would paint my nails with Nails Inc Monmouth Street, a colour I have had for ages over the top of OPI's nail envy, and then the GOSH top coat. This was on Sunday evening and its still doing really well, see for yourself.....

There is slight wearage, but I think my nails look pretty good. Here is a picture of the tools.......

So get running down to that pound shop before I grab them all.

Merry Pinkmas

2010-12-08T12:54:00.000-08:00

Here is the other Christmas look, using my Shue Uemura hot pink as the main focus.

*I applied Barry M Dazzle Dust in number 9 and then buffed it in with Elizabeth Arden eight hour cream.

*Using Benefits Bad Girl black eyeliner I drew a line close to my upper lash line, and then smudged with the brush I used to apply my dazzle dust. I did this about three times, and then applied the eyeliner to my waterline.

*I curled my eyelashes and applied about 2-3 layers of mascara (Maybelline Collossol).

*I then babywiped my face to get rid of any glitter that might have emigrated south and applied a little My Face foundation and a little concealer. I applied a little loose powder (Chanel).

*I applied a pink Daniel Sandler watercolour blusher, mentioned in an earlier post to the apples of my cheeks.

*Using the Shu Uemra lipstick in (vivid hot pink) I applied it straight from the bullet and then topped it off with Yves Saint Laurent lip gloss, (the name has been rubbed off!!)

That is it, a very quick easy party look, if you wanted it even more PARTY apply some false eyelashes.

Sloth eye

2010-12-08T09:44:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, I have had an allergic reaction to one of the eyeshadows I have used in my Christmas look videos, ow!! I think its some shimmer I used, see my body rejects any form of glitter, here is a picture I took the day after.

awww poor Sloth.

Ginger nut

2010-12-04T09:48:00.000-08:00

Here is a pic of the new hair....

I love it, I just hope I don't hate the regrowth.

wish me luck

2010-12-03T03:19:00.000-08:00

I have been going steadily grey since I was about 16. Just about the time, I started to appreciate having red hair. I have only dyed my hair once in that whole time and that was by accident, yes I am that rubbish when it comes to hair, I won't embarass myself with the details. It did end up looking really nice but that was about four years ago. I have always been scared by the permanance of hair dye and the fact I am a complete control freak, and don't know the exact colour that my hair will be. However, this Saturday I have decided to take the plunge and get dyed. I have always wanted Karen Elson's hair colour.

However, I have been informed that it will make me look washed out *sad face* so I am thinking of going a Joan from Mad Men, slightly more orangey...

heres hoping my hair will go the colour I want it too. I have decided to take the plunge because I am thinking about growing my hair back in the new year, so if I don't like it, I can cut it out!! So fingers crossed it turns out alright, otherwise you may not see me for a while. I hope I don't chicken out cluck cluck xx

Red and green should never be seen..... unless its CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-01T12:01:00.000-08:00

I was just browsing through vogue online when I came across a photograph of the Christian Dior Spring summer 2010 collection and was immediately drawn to this photo..

and thought do you know what that would make a great Christmas look, if I added a more christmassy green with a slight bit of shimmer (please note, NOT GLITTER) these are the products I used:

*I started by applying Elizabeth Arden eyelid primer (I have the condition of greasy eyelids), if you don't have one just apply loose face powder.

*Then I applied the BB Navajo all over my eyelid right up to my eyebrow, make sure its all blended in.

*Using Mac Humid Frost I applied this to my eyelid until you could see the colour just above my eyesocket. To check this I stared straight into the mirror (sounds obvious but don't look up (like myspace) or down (double chin effect).

*Make sure that the green is very round and soft around the eyes, no eighties winged look here. I don't know if I am just a mucky pup but I had a baby wipe to clean up underneath my eyes.

*I then used the BB gel liner and with a really thin brush applied a very delicate flicked line. You need to keep the eye really clean underneath so no shadow or liner there.

*Then curl your lashes and apply a few layers of a volumising mascara (not to the bottom) I used Maybelline colossal (I hated it at first but after loads of compliments on my eyelashes I have grown to love it, I think it gets better the longer it is open)

*Now apply your chosen foundation, mine was the myface (which I love) nice and light and conceal.

*I then shaded my eyebrows in using Hot Stone, I was quite heavy handed here.

*Using a nice red, using your finger press the colour on to your lips, I didn't want it to look too perfect. With the remainder of the lipstick on my finger I applied this to my cheeks, to stop myself looking washed out.

*A tiny covering of pressed powder and its done.

Cue dramatic shadowed potrait

Sneaky peak

2010-11-30T13:42:00.000-08:00

This evening I have been mostly painting my face with Christmas looks. As you can see one more dramatic than the other. I will be posting the looks, and how to do them over the next couple of days, if you have any requests please let me know people x

Dear Santa...

2010-11-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

please could I have the Jemma Kidd pro pointed foundation brush, Shu Uemura cleansing oil, Mac 187 brush and.....

a beautiful Tom Ford lipstick please.

Thanks x

P.S. if I fancy anything else I'll let you know

Likeminded

2010-11-29T10:43:00.000-08:00

I can always while away the hours with the many fashion blogs I follow, but I am yet to find another beauty blog, or more specifically a cosmetics blog that I love. The ones I do find that aren't by "professionals", are just full of glitter and loads of false eyelashes, completely not my style, although there are occasions for both. You can probably tell by the few photos I have posted on here, I like to be natural. Does anyone know any decent beauty blogs, that are not all about the glamour??

get me nails did

2010-11-24T13:56:00.000-08:00

I really love Sophy Robson's blog, I found it after reading about her in the Times Style mag. She does a lot of amazing advertising work and catwalk shows. I know I seem to post a lot of links on here, but I just love how creative her work is, on such a small space. I have always dibbed in out out of nail polish, but never really got overly excited about it. Recently I have tried to invest a bit more time in caring for my hands and painting my nails too, I have even dabbled in a bit of nail art, thanks to a friend who bought me some jewels from the pound shop, hah! Needless to say but the BF is not impressed with my bejewelling.

Sophy Robsons has videos online and they are actually quite simple, and I think they look pretty darn good. Then I saw this kapowww! how cool is that?? Or does everyone else thinking it looks a bit rubbish?? I can't get the stuff anywhere. When I couldn't find it, I decided to buy a lovely festive green colour by Barry M instead called "Racing Green" slightly dissapointed with the unchristmassy name though. Here is a collection of my nail polishes. Quite a lot really, for someone who isn't that bothered.

Should I be ashamed to say that some of them are years old, especially the Chanel ones, back from when I worked the counter. Amazingly they haven't dried out or gone gloopy, unlike the Nails Inc shades that seemed to be gloopy on the first use, not impressed. Here are my favourites....

The OPI purple didn't have a name, but I have been using the OPI Rapid Dry Topcoat, which seems to make even the Tesco (cough) ones stay on longer. If I do any more bedazzling I will take some pics, for your bedazzlement.

as the title suggests

2010-11-20T12:41:00.000-08:00

I love SEPHORA, wish we had one over here. Happened upon one in Paris after I parted with one euro to nip to the poshest loo ever. Thank god for my weak bladder in this instance. This Sephora was jam packed though. I have heard a lot of good things about Make Up Forever, but living in the North East of England sometimes means you are on the other side of the world when it comes to good make up shops. I think the closest supplier of Make up Forever is London, I know I know we live in the 21st century and there is this wonderful thing called the internet, but I have never played with the textures or colours before. So in Paris here was my chance. I found this highly pigmented liquid/cream blusher called HD Blush Microfinish cream blush in Light Peach.

I went for a kind of peachy colour for a change, as I seem to go for the pinks all the time. You know what I love it, you need a tiny tiny bit and it goes miles, I have started applying it with the Daniel Sandler Water Colour brush, normally I would just apply it with my fingers but it with the blush it blends super quick which you need before it dries.

You wouldn't believe but in real life I had piled the blusher on, sorry the pic doesn't do the blush justice. This is what I really love about the blusher, totally natural, just what I like.

I first picked up on this brand with the blog inmykit.com. I was really tempted to buy a foundation, but went for the blusher (hmmmm theres a suprise). This is certainly won't be my last purchase from Make up Forever.

I am a massive fan of Lisa Eldridge and her tutorials, when I got back from France there was a video on how to apply some of my favourie blushers including my newest blusher!!! I love the colour she has gone for, so vibrant and it really does pop!!!

Gay Paris

2010-11-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

In October I made my first ever trip to Paris, yes at the grand old age of 27 I had never been. It was only for a couple of nights at the end of five days in the french countryside. I have always wanted to go to Paris, and looking at the street photography blogs just made me want to go all the more. However when I got there after an hour long train journey on a double decker train (sad, but so clever I loved it) the weather was just so miserable, and it just got worse and worse. There was even thunder and lightning, I was completely underwhelmed. To top it off I even kicked some dog poo, which to be fair did make me laugh and my friend too. I just didn't get it. I don't know whether I am a bit bias towards Spain, because of how much I love Barcelona, or whether it was the weather or the fact that the french were striking (which really didn't affect us at all) I just felt really dissapointed by the whole place. Here is a pic of my sad sad face, note the stylish any size gloves I had to buy because my fingers were soooo cold.

However dissapointed I was feeling I did find time to do a spot of make up shopping in Sephora and Galeries Lafayette. The whole time I was in there I could not stop thinking about Lafayette from True Blood (don't get me started, love it).....anyhow I decided that I needed to buy a bright pink lipstick, easy huh??? Nope not at all, after visiting nearly all the counters in the "gallery" I was starting to feel a bit dissapointed. The pinks were either too light, not enough pigment when they were applied or full of glitter, not for me. I meandered past the Christian Dior counter where the most beautiful sales assistant tried to help, I liked her even more when I explained that I sometimes have trouble with some colours making my teeth look yellow, which she completely understood and "agreed" that she had that problem too,hah!!! I don't care if she was trying to make a sale!! (it didn't work in the end a man rudely interupted us and took her for himself) so I then moved off to Shu Uemera where I found this....

I don't really class myself as a girly girl, but I love this. When I took photos of this colour on my lips it didn't do it justice, but you can see how pink it is on the tissue. It feels so soft when you apply the colour straight from the bullet, much nicer than other lipsticks I have used. I haven't really timed how long it stays on but I don't care about reapplying when it feels so nice, there is no dried out feeling at all. Will probably wearing this colour to the many many Christmas parties I have in my social calender, along with a Barry M dazzle dust in an irridescent silver, and loads of black mascara. If I decide to leave the house I will post some pics.

getting my finger out

2010-11-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

So its been pretty close to seven months since my fingers tinkered across the keyboard and created a post. I won't bore you with what I haven't been doing in the past months, because even thinking about it stifles a yawn on my side. To be honest I had almost forgot that I actually had a blog until I read a really interesting article by Jennine Jacob of the coveted here I really enjoying reading articles that Jennine puts together.

I originally started blogging because I was jobless and wanted a bit of routine to my day. I think I am definitely one of life's procrastinators, because an hour can sometimes pass and I still have not moved from the comfort of my sofa, and so the weeks have now become seven months. Plus one comment from the BF "done any blogs on your day off recently" made me leap in to action and immediately think what can I write about. So if you can stay with me a little longer a make up related with be making its way to you in a a fast and furious way.

Vote for me

2010-04-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

Its seems everywhere I look, there is a make up competition. I have entered one that is being ran by http://www.londonmuse.co.uk/ via their facebook page. You have to base a look on a fashion icon and I chose Anna Karina. My BF brought her to my attention a few months ago in some crazy french films, one by Serge Gainsbourg.

I was the first entry, which I thought was rather brave. Looking at the other entries, I look like I have no make up on at all. :(

If you would like to vote for me please leave a lovely comment here I need fifty comments to qualify, so I need all the help I can get.

Comp

2010-03-31T10:44:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the lack of posts, I have finally got myself a job albeit temporary but I can't bear to look at a computer when I get home. However, I did find the time to make my first ever make up tutorial. It was for a competition being held by the Jemma Kidd Make Up School you can view it (if you feel you must) here.

Please let me know what you think, I was quite proud of my editing skills!!!

Here is the finished look, as you can see its quite similar to the Little Edie post I did a while back. A certain friend of mine didn't realise it was me, which I found strangely flattering. Apparently she has never seen me pull this expression, ha! I do it all the time on my own.

I really enjoyed talking to myself in my bedroom late last night, of course this was while I was filming the comp entry, so I was thinking I might do my very own tutorial. So consider the bandwagon jumped!

*dAyDrEaM*****

2010-03-15T12:42:00.000-07:00

Long hair where art tho?

*apologies for the teeny pic x

and I thought I loved make up

2010-03-07T12:39:00.000-08:00

Just enjoy.........

This is John Prescotts wife, Pauline and I just love that mascara. I want to know what mascara she uses, because thickness and volume isn't in it.

Tonight Matthew....

2010-03-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie, I often like to look at magazines for inspiration and I came across this style.com/beauty/beautysearch/ you can search for models or celebrities.

Sorry ladies but there are no Cheryl Cole looks.

time flies by

2010-02-23T13:24:00.000-08:00

Today I am in a pretty reflective mood, this time last year I was attempting to live in Barcelona with my BF how different my life would have been if it had all worked out, and do you know what made me remember it? My moisturiser - Dr Nick Lowe Super-Charged SPF15 Day Cream I first bought it when I was moving to Barcelona, making sure it had an spf in it to protect my face against the sun, even though it was going to be February when I arrived. Now I know whenever I apply that cream it will remind me of standing in our flat and being full of excitement and nerves.

I had been using a superdrug moisturiser because I was skint, this also had an spf but because it was my birthday the other week my parents bought me Dr Nick Lowe's cream, and you can just feel the difference in quality between the two, but its what you should expect when there is a price difference of about £12!!!

Whats sad about my time in Barca is I have very few photographs of me there NOT sporting a moustache......

Hot or what? I think if you look past the fact I haven't waxed in a while my skin looks in pretty good shape. Already I am noticing a difference and its only been about two weeks, plus using the Jolene you can hardly notice the tash.

My friend was saying to me the other day how strange I looked with long hair and at the mo, because I change my mind constantly I really dont like it. I think I am going to blame the rubbish hair on Barca water, my bonce is used to the perfumed atmosphere of teesside!

Keeping a theme going look at these hairy ladies stylebubble.co.uk I kinda like it!

I like make up....but only a lil' bit honest

2010-02-04T10:48:00.000-08:00

I was bored the other night and I decided to go through my make up and see what needed throwing out and what I needed to buy.........when I say needed I really mean WANT!

I was surprised by the results so I thought I would tell you what I have in my make up bag.

*29 single eye shadows

*8 eye shadow palettes

*9 mascaras (including some itty bitty ones)

*6 lipsalves (my favourite ever lip balm is a Bolivian Vaseline called "Vaselina" I can't bring myself to use it)

*25 blushers (I was sooooo shocked when I counted these and my fav is defo that illamasqua cream one I have talked about on here)

*12 eye liner pencils

*10 lipsticks (I think I really need more lipsticks I love them so much more than gloss at the moment)

*5 lipliners

*17 lipglosses (see if I love lipstick why have I got more lipglosses)

*1 lipstick/gloss palette

*2 primers

*8 concealers (I went through a lot of these babies and I have defo settled for Laura Mercia for blemishes and Bobbi Brown for under eye)

*5 foundations (I seem to always go back to Lily Lilo mineral foundation, sometimes I can be such a grease monster this stuff works well for me and its so easy to apply on a morning)

*3 powders

excessive what do you think?

a little discovery....

2010-01-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

Just a lovely little blog that I have come across, totally un make-up related but I think her collages are beautiful.........spokesndaggers.blogspot.com

hobbycraft for the eyelashes

2010-01-27T12:33:00.000-08:00

Browsing through www.vogue.co.uk I realised they had vogue tv, so I headed to the beauty section. I came across a two part video called "Beauty by Chanel". My biggest dream is to be a make up artist for the fashion shows, but after I watched this I think I am way too much of a wuss, I may end up crying if I can't use the cotton pads like he shows you in the video.

Look at the beautiful embroided eyelashes that were used for one of the shows, check them out in these videos www.vogue.co.uk/video and vogue.co.uk/beauty/video.

The art that went into them. I don't know if I was drawn to them because I now have the sudden urge to craft all day everyday, but embroidery is something I have yet to try. On Sunday my Grandma was good enough to give me an old embroidery transfer from the fifties, which I am going to have a go at, eventually. But don't worry you will not see me walking down Stockton High Street with it daggling from my eyes.

Copy cat

2010-01-17T12:40:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had a serious make up crush on little edie, played by Drew Barrymore.

Awww poor little edie!

God I look sickly.

To start off I used a mineral foundation to get a good coverage, matt but not too much. I then concealed under my eyes.

Using a eyebrow pencil in a light brown I defined my brows a bit more. If you have a matt brown and cream eyeshadow use those, mine had a slight shimmer, which was more noticable in real life. I applied a lot of the cream eyeshadow all over my lid, I was quite heavy handed with this, I wanted to create a good contrast against the brown. Next I applied the brown into the eye socket, I used the underneath of my brow bone as a guide and created a frown, which was pretty much extended into the inner corner of my eye, and then just below the outer corner of my eye. Keep checking in the mirror when you look up, you want it to be quite obvious. I applied only a touch of mascara for my own vanity, but Drew looks like she has a brown mascara on at the most.

I chose a lipstick as close as Drew's and lined them first with a natural liner and then filled in with the actual lipstick, no brush.

To finish off I used a peachy blush, just a touch.

What do you think? I really like it.

On Thursday I introduced my BF to the thrills of Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face. I hadn't noticed but Richard Avedon was a consultant on the film, as well as designing the opening sequence, I really love his photography. The women look so elegant and glamourous, and I'm not talking Cheryl Cole "glamourous" at the opening of the live X Factor show!

I'd love a print of one of his photos.

Have a look at his photos at www.richardavedon.com

The lady in the photograph is called Dovima, who I have just found out played a cameo in Funny Face as a and I quote "an empty headed fashion model" she can pull the most amazing poses though!

Hair

2010-01-06T09:20:00.000-08:00

This morning I watched a film called Grey Gardens which is about Edith Bouvier Beale (little Edie) and Edith Ewing Bouvier starring Drew Barrymore and Jessica Lange, a true story it focuses on their lives, eventually they end up living in squalor in the Hamptons, a sad story, (but the make up little Edie wears in the early years is gorgeous, I may end up having to replicate it) as little Edie gets stressed her hair starts to fall out, eventually she wears beautiful headscarves with ornate brooches to hide her hair loss.

After the film I decided to take a lovely walk in the snow to go and buy a magazine, my cornershop hardly stocks anything other than the latest issues of Now and Take a break so I was lucky enough to spot the current issue of Elle. Upon flicking through it I came across an article on hair loss written by Ellie O'Mahoney, isn't it weird how this sort of thing happens? I don't know whether its because when something affects you, you are suddenly so super sensitive to it that you have that said subject on radar, or whether you just put it all down to coincidence.

Anyway 2009 was a pretty challenging year for me, and one of the reasons was because my hair started to fall out. I still don't really know why, but all I can say is that it was devastating and it really took over my life. My hair has always been really thick and wavy, I'm proud to say that I loved my hair, it was my favourite feature. I don't remember the day that is started, but I do remember the days I would stand in the shower and tearfully unravel the hair that had entwined itself around my fingers. The thought of showering every other day filled me with dread. I decided to ask my bf if he had noticed, and he had, I had been leaving hair calling cards all over his bed after I had stayed over. No one could tell me why it was happening, not even my GP who said that there was nothing they could do. So I decided that the best thing I could do was cut it off, make the most of what I had left. I decided to cut it to just above shoulder length, eventually the hair loss caught up again so I went even shorter. I kept being told the more you think about it the worst it will probably get, but it was all I could think of, of course it was. Everywhere I looked people had glossy, long flowing hair and mine was just hanging there getting thinner by the minute.

Just after Christmas my hair had grown into a short bob, and it still didn't feel like my hair, so I decided to get it cut even shorter and I will keep getting it cut until it feels like my hair. I don't know how long it will take but I am now lucky enough that it is no longer falling out, so I am not thinking about it 24/7. My hair loss was probably at the lower end of the spectrum, and also not permanent but it affected me enough that I think it will always be in the back of mind, just in case it happens again. I hope you don't think that I have gone all cry baby on you, but according to the article in Elle it's actually quite a common problem, just no one talks about it, so I thought I would.

Rubishy

2010-01-02T09:59:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR (said in dodgy brooklyn accent) how are you two readers doing? I'm doing pretty good after receiving some mint Christmas prwessies. Including a lovely Elizabeth Arden gift set courtesy of my lil' bro Bobski! Love it! Especially a pink lip gloss which I will have to show you some time, when I eventually relocate my camera charger. This is offically the shortest blog from the blusher, so apologies to you two lovely ladies, I will be back soon mucho love xx

Request numero uno

2009-11-30T10:47:00.000-08:00

Earlier this week, I received a request from one of my friends:

"ere, any tips on how to apply that glittery powder gear that barry m do. i got some aaages ago and wana know how to use it properly. Blog it up x"

Well Miss Prettyful I do indeed have some tips, and to conincide with the fact it is the 1ST OF DECEMBER TOMOROW I have decided to show you a christmassy make up look using Barry M Dazzle Dust.

Here are the products that I used.

I started out with a clean face and some moisturiser. I applied a primer over my eyelids and then a neutral beige *yawn*. I then applied Mac's Patina Frost eyeshadow up to my socket, I like using a brush, but if you prefer use those little fingers or anything you like. Then I used Mac's Velvet Moss (kindly bought for me by my BF) I applied this to my socket line and outer corners using a really soft big brush I blended and blended to get a really soft look, and no harsh edges between the two colours. Are you ready for the tip.......here it comes..........

before you apply the dazzle dust stick your finger into some Vaseline and gently pat pat pat over the eyshadow taking care not to rub, otherwise the effort you made earlier with the blending with have gone to pot.

easy peasy!

Then using either a really compact brush or your finger, dip into the lighter dazzle dust in Chocolate and pat the colour onto the inner part of the eyelid and fan out slightly into the green. Now using dazzle dust in Khaki pat into the socket and outercorner and slightly overlap with the chocolate. Using a soft brush buff the two colours together where they join and fan out and keep going until your eyes are nice and even. I used a little cotton bud dipped in the Khaki underneath my eye and smudged. You may think to yourself, why have I applied eyes first? It really is up to you, but I find glitter goes all over my face and its so much easier to take a cleansing wipe and get rid of all the unwanted glitteryness than to carefully touch up your perfect foundation. Now here is that prettyful close up.

Normally I use quite a dark blusher but I just used a Nars Multiple in Antibes for a slight sheen to my cheekbones. To finish off my christmas look I used the most festive lipgloss I have ever seen Golden Gloss by YSL. I think you could add come falsh eyelashes and you would be ready for any Christmas party!

So there you go Miss Prettyful I hope that helps x

My paramore

2009-11-24T14:03:00.000-08:00

Sadly I don't mean my forbidden lover, my life isn't exciting enough. I am talking about the teeny bopper rockers "Paramore", responsible for a song featured on the Twighlight soundtrack which stars Robert Pattinson *sigh* goes the breath of two ladies who should know better.

Being from the north east I have heard lots and lots about Lauren Luke aka panacea81 and her do it yourself tutorials. For those who don't know who she is; Lauren is one of the most viewed users on youtube. People email her with make up looks they want to create, for example Leona Lewis, Cheryl Cole and Britney Spears. Lauren then provides a video of how to do it yourself, some videos have been watched up to three million times, which is a number I just can't seem to fathom. There is so much going on with this lovely lady I could blog all day, but here is a link for you http://www.bylaurenluke.com/

Now I sometimes feel that I can be a bit boring when it comes to experimenting with colour on my eyes so I thought I would give one of her looks a go. I decided to go with the lead singer of Paramore in the video for Ignorance (????? I'm no longer with it *sob*). Here is the video that I used: http://www.youtube.com/panacea81 I didn't have the exact same products that Lauren used but don't let that put you off. Here is the final look.

I think I could easily wear this for a night out what do you think?

I would never have chosen the orangey lips to go with smoky eyes, but I dont actually mind it. Here is the make up I used....

I used the purple and black from an Estee Lauder eye shadow palette, Benefit High Beam (can you tell I use this a lot?) and a Lancome glossy lip nectar.

I have got to say I really enjoyed having a go at this, Lauren is a warm, genuine person and doesn't make you feel patronised when she is going through the look step by step. When I was in my teens I used to spend hours in front of the mirror applying and reapplying make up. Having a go at this made me realise I kind of missed the whole, have a go even though it might look silly attitude that I no longer seem to possess. I am now going to mess around a lot more. With my pale skin and red hair I sometimes shy away from eye colour that is bright and strong, but I think I am now in the mood to experiment more, and that's all down to Lauren Luke. I would also like to add that I had a go at the Britney Spears Toxic inspired look, and lets just say that's a photo that will never see the light of day, not my finest hour.....

Mwaaa x

2009-11-22T10:01:00.000-08:00

As the weather starts to get cold my lips feel like they crack and shrink up, and with my lips being a bit on the small side, keeping as much surface area there is very important to me. I also love wearing dark lip colour and nothing draws more attention to dried out lips than lipstick.

I have bought lots of lipsalves including most recently a Cherry Cola chapstick from Claires Accesories and it smells just like the real thing mmmMMmmm, yes an impulse buy and as you would expect no real relief from sore lips. So back to products that eight year old girls dont buy.

The one lipsalve I keep going back to is Blistex relief cream its fairly cheap and can sort your lips out in an overnight treatment. This cream is slightly greasy but unlike other lipsalves its doesn't just form a greasy layer on the top of your lips, it sinks in. I once got a thick lip and and after a few applications of this, they were as right as rain.

Another fav of mine is Carmex I love that *tingle*, I tend to use this when my lips just need a little bit of love. You may be wondering why Vaseline isn't on my list, well I don't like how greasy it makes my mouth feel and I often find it moves up towards my nose slowly throughout the day, maybe it's got something to do with all that talking! One of my make up teachers once told me that Vaseline was the worst thing you could put on your lips, it can cause your mouth to stop producing the natural oils in your lips. This is because your lips become too reliant on the false oil that you are using to soothe them. True or not make your own mind up but please let me know if you have any favourites, as long as it isnt the Crem De Lar Mer lip balm which is £35! Next time i'm at duty free I'll have a sneaky try and let you know if its any good.

The little sneak

2009-11-13T07:11:00.000-08:00

SUCKKERRR!!! that's me. When I should be buying Chrimbo pressies for everyone else I am drawn into the online auction trap. Hmmm I'll just see what make up bargains are out there....well put it this way I didn't get a bargain I got a fake. A Nars Orgasm blusher fake, mine for only £12.75. I thought I would never fall prey to this type of thing, but I did, and as soon as I went to apply the colour, well there was none. I already own a Nars blusher called Exhibit A and as you can see it is as red as red can be, the colour you see in the compact is the colour you get once applied to your face.

As you can see you can barely see the peachy colour!!!

That is when I felt the thud of disappointment. Beginning to explore the packaging, I noticed there was no mention of colour on the packaging or compact. The blusher was also imprinted with "Nars" this isn't standard. You may ask how I didn't notice this when I was bidding, well it was down to some clever photography. The perspex protecting the blusher was covering the pressed blush. If I had spotted the imprint before I bid, I wouldn't be as mad as I am right now, plus I'd be about £13 better off. As soon as I realised I'd been had, I began to search the internet for examples of fake cosmetics and found this really helpful article by Bella Sugar

http://www.bellasugar.com/1075153. This confirmed that it was indeed a fake. Gutted. Here are a couple of pics to show you where the fakes went wrong. The top blusher is the real one......

So let that be a warning to all you bargain hunters out there, if you are going to buy cosmetics from an unofficial source be sure to have a right good nose and if you are not sure don't do it!

Wipe that dirty face

2009-11-03T03:04:00.000-08:00

Now I'm not afraid to say that I am a right stickler when it comes to taking my makeup off, "yawn" I hear some of you say, but I can't bare that feeling of last night's face all over my pillow. Plus it's not always my pillow (yes that's right I'm nothing but a hussy!!!) so I thought I would share the products that cleanse my virginal face.

My own bed - About a year ago I was invited to a Virgin Vie party and being at a bit of a loss of what to buy, I remembered an article about cleansing oil. Now when I looked into the best ones Shu Uemuras Cleansing Oil was the name that kept on coming up and this was at the bargainous price of.... £23.49 and that's for the smallest bottle, a tear was shed. So as I was flicking through the Virgin Vie catalogue I came across Second Skin Cleansing Oil priced at £10.50 for 125ml. Some of you may cough at that price but I didn't think it was too bad, plus I really wanted to see what all the fuss was about when it came to oils. I use about three or four shakes of the bottle and rub it first into my dry skin and then gently around my eyes, I then take a hot muslin cloth and hold it over my face and wipe off. This oil is recommended for dry and mature skin, I have combination skin and since using this break outs have definitely become less frequent. It even gets rid of stubborn eye makeup. I'm just starting on my second bottle, and its quite rare for me to go back to the same product so I think that says a lot. http://www.vieathome.com/

My other cleanser of choice is Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, this smells delish. I'm a sucker for eucalyptus and as you rub this in it makes your skin tingle ever so slightly. You then remove the cleanser with a muslin cloth which are included with every purchase. I tend to use this when i feel my skin is looking a little bit dull. So now that winter is here this will be coming out to wake me up on those dark mornings. I have had a lot of Liz Earle products, and I love them, so if I got a gift set from Liz Earle every Christmas I would be a very happy lady indeed. http://uk.lizearle.com/

Sleepsing over - A lot of the time I sleep out at my Boyfs and I can't always be bothered to take my normal cleansers, so I end up relying on Simple face wipes and the LOreal De-Maq makeup remover. I only need a little drop and rubbed gently onto my eyes I soon resemble a panda which I can then remove with a wipe, I then like to splash my face with some water to get rid of any oily residue. This is super quick and I can soon put my head down for some well needed beauty sleep.

Please let me know if you have any recommendations, because I love nothing better than squeaky clean skin x

What are you blushing at?

2009-10-25T07:38:00.000-07:00

The other week while rooting through a vintage fair organised by http://www.vintagefair.co.uk/ I decided I’d pop into Fenwicks. This is the nearest place for me to gaze all google eyed at the latest beauty products. Speaking of new, I spotted a counter called Illamasqua; now forgive me for jumping on the bandwagon about six months too late but I hadn’t been to Newcastle for ages. Anyway, I was straight over and realised I REALLY needed a new blusher. Right away I was drawn to a gorgeous deep burgundy called..... – unfortunately I have a problem it doesn’t tell me on the compact. But here is the colour up close.

The lady on the counter was really helpful without being over powering and gave me a brush to apply the cream blusher, something I had never tried before. It gave a lovely finish on my cheeks and since then I have tried the blush application with all my cream blushes with great success. I think at first some people might be daunted by the darkness of the colour. Unlike some colours what you see if what you get, pigment wise this cream blush is very strong. As long as you use a gentle hand and build up the colour you won’t end up looking too OTT, unless of course that is what you’re going for. Personally I know this won’t be the last time I invest in Illamasqua, in fact I’m really excited about exploring their products in the future. Especially since the lovely lady who was working the counter that day let me have a go at the lucky dip. I managed to get my little mits on a full size Illamasqua intense lip gloss worth £12.50 kerching!! You can explore their products and watch some really interesting videos at http://www.illamasqua.com/

Update: 07/12/2009 found this http://www.makeupmole.com/brand-breakdown-illamasqua/

Just for starters

2009-10-20T14:26:00.000-07:00

I can still remember my first make up – an Avon lipstick in what can only be described as a frosted candy pick, nice look for an eight year old red head with pasty skin and a scattering of freckles. I thought I looked very grown up and I must have looked pretty dam cool if my parents let me walk to the corner shop with the lippy on and my new red tucker boots from Clarks.

That must have been when my love affair with all things make up began, now rather than flicking through the Avon catalogue, nothing make me happier than perusing the internet hungry for new products that I must have right now. When I say right now, I really mean as soon as I afford that £30 product with my measly budget. I want to meet the make-up lovers out there, who like me can’t afford everything they want, but don’t stop yearning.