Habitat Haul

Bedding: Habitat

Bedside table: Ikea

Lamp: Wilko's

(I know what you're thinking. No - the grey lamp is not staying in the all grey room, but I thought I'd spare you from photographing it in my mid-decorating lounge)
Lamp: Habitat
Print:Society 6

Rabbit cushion: Habitat

Black & White cushion: Primark

Sofa: Next 

Fruit Bowl: Habitat

Coasters: H&M

I've been trying to be more consistent with my posts recently, but being in the middle of decorating a house has made that tricky. You start off thinking that you enjoy decorating and that it will be easy. Then you spend an entire week stripping wallpaper off just one wall only to discover more wallpaper underneath. I have some beauty posts in the works but since I haven't really been wearing make-up and have been spending most my time in homebase, a post on homeware seemed more apt.

I'm still kind of discovering what my style is with homeware and decorating however I've always loved shopping at Habitat. Sadly the habitat section in my nearest homebase is closing and going online only. The good news is that everything was 50% off whilst they were clearing stock. Silver linings and all. I hope this post isn't totally boring and gives you a little home inspiration!

Chloe
x

Summer Mojitos

 As the weather is getting warmer here in England it seems only suitable to write a post on a cocktail. Last year I attended Citadel festival and was served a passion fruit mojito that I've been reminiscing about ever since.
A hot day in a dusty field listening to live bands is definitely where I want to be right now.
Sadly, I cannot re-create that in my lounge. I can, however, rec-create the drink.

Like a classic mojito it still contains the usual ingredients: white rum, mint, lime and sugar.

You can use a sugar syrup or muddle a teaspoon of sugar with the mint leaves and lime, whichever you have. Now to this you could simply add a piece of passion fruit to the bottom of your glass and will taste and look great. However at the festival, as well as fresh passion fruit, they used a puree. And in the spirit of re-creating this drink I found using this mango and passion fruit coulis from Sainsbury's works rather nicely. I've been using large teaspoon in with the muddled lime and mint but I suggest tasting and adding to what your preference is.

Then simply pour over soda water to fill the glass and enjoy.

A refreshing but very easy drink that's great for BBQ's or summer parties.

Cheers!

Why you should check out Louise Young

 When I studied make-up in London I had the pleasure of meeting Louise Young. She came to my make-up school to talk us through some of her new products, and having already owned some of her brushes, it's safe to say I was excited. 

Louise Young was working as a Make-up Artist when she injured her hand and was worried it would effect her work. It was that which made her decide to start a brush line she'd been thinking of for a while. And after using her brushes, you can tell they were created by a make-up artist. They are good quality, withstand constant cleaning and there is every brush you will ever need. This is one of the few brush lines that have such a variety of brushes you don't often see.

Especially what I'm talking about today, Eye Brushes. Many of which coming in multiple sizes depending on your eyeshape/lid space - genius. 

So here are my top 3 Louise Young eye brushes that are worth checking out:

The LY038B Tapered shadow brush 3
It's the smallest of the 3 tapered shadow brushes which makes it the perfect crease brush. Especially if you're like me and don't have much eyelid space to work with. I use it every single day,

The LY13 Mini socket 

Perfect for many things. Shadow under the eye? Smudging eyeliner? A bold cut crease?
Check, check, check!

The LY24A - Superfine liner brush

All of her eyeliner brushes are the bomb. They were the first brushes of hers that I tried because they're the finest liner brushes I've seen on the market. I know different people like different liner brushes, but no matter what your preference is, check hers out. Short, long, fat, fine, superfine. There will be one.

Although I'm talking about eye brushes, a shoutout goes to the Super Foundation Brush (LY34) as I just can't leave it out. Excellent foundation brush, applies products evenly without caking it on and is also absolutely massive so does your entire face in seconds. 

It's also worth a mention that for the quality these are, they are very well priced. Many of the brushes are only £10. I constantly clean my brushes with Isopropyl Alcohol to sanatise them (as does Louise Young and many professional make-up artists for that matter. Don't be fooled by expensive brush cleaners) and years later they're still the same as when I bought them.

Have you ever tried Louise Young brushes? 

Please recommend any favourites that you have!

Louise Young brushes can be purchased online or if you like to have a feel of the brushes before you buy they are available in PAM. 

*This post will come across very pro Louise Young. That's simply because I am. 

I paid for all these products myself, while studying, with my own money.

Salted Caramel Triple Layer Cake

I made this cake recently for step-grandfather on his birthday and it's quickly become a favourite of mine, Firstly, because I cannot get enough of salted caramel but equally because it looks so impressive. Adding another layer to a standard cake is such a simple way to make it look better. Originally when I made this cake I did 4 layers, which looked amazing but it is a lot of cake so today I'm just sticking to 3. 

You could use any sponge cake recipe in the world for this but I use this one.

If you have a recipe you prefer then use it, just make sure you at least double the ingredients.

Ingredients:

350g of slightly salted butter
315g of caster sugar
350g of self raising flour
6 eggs
2 tsp of vanilla extract
for the icing:250g butter (the whole pack usually)
600g icing sugar - ish.
Salted Caramel Sauce (I use Sainsbury's Taste the Difference pre-made one)
300g chocolate (I use half milk/half dark)
Things that come in handy:

3 20cm cake tins
A cake turntable
A icing scraper
Not having these things is fine - I didn't when I first made this cake. If you don't have enough cake tins you can make one cake and slice it into two or three with a bread knife. 

What to do:

Line your tins and preheat oven to 190. Cream together your butter, sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl. Add the eggs one at a time, plus a little flour each time. Fold in the remaining flour. Divide mixture into 3 cake tins (or however many you have, you can always slice your cake once baked). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until ready. Remove the cake from the tins and allow to cool. Assemble the cake with a thick layer of buttercream inbetween each layer.

The icing on top:

The salted caramel element of the cake comes in with the buttercream. A trick I do with most my cakes is just to add a spoonful or two of whatever flavour you desire to the buttercream. For example, I love baking a chocolate cake and adding two spoonfulls of peanut butter into my buttercream.

For this cake I add A LOT of Salted Caramel sauce to my buttercream (usually the whole jar) but add to your preference.

If you find icing cakes really hard and haven't tried a crumb coat before then I really recommend it. Once your cake is fully cooled and assembled, smooth a thin layer of buttercream all over your cake and scrape off any excess. This step cements any crumbs in place and stops them showing through on your final icing. A crumb coat is like plastering your walls before painting them. Allow this layer to set by refrigerating your cake before moving on to the final layer of icing.

Smother the cake completely in icing and then use a scraper (if you have one) or a palette knife to smooth out the icing and gradually scrape off the excess. It doesn't matter if it's not neat or perfect because you'll be dripping chocolate over it.  Place back in the fridge while you melt the chocolate.

 I melt mine in the microwave in a glass measuring jug, as this helps to pour it over the cake.
Let the chocolate cool slightly, then poor around the edges of the cake and let it dribble down the sides, then add the rest to the centre and spread it over the top of the cake.

Then enjoy!

I hope you liked me adding something different to my blog. Let me know if you'd enjoy seeing more posts like this as well as the regular beauty chat.

Chloë
x

The pale girls best friend

If you always go for foundations in the shade "Ivory" and they're still not pale enough for your skin tone, this post is for you. I too am a pasty, pasty white girl and I've got a secret that just might help.

 Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation - in White

If you're like me you'll know the struggle of trying to find a foundation. You probably have a stash of 3 or 4 foundations that you tried but were just too dark or orange for you. 

This not only puts those products to good use but it has opened up a whole variety of foundations for me. Foundations that I could never have used before because of their shade range. I just squeeze a small amount to the back of my hand and mix it into the foundation I want to use. I know at £32.50 this is an expensive product for many people, but I feel it is worth the price. Firstly because it now allows me to use many highstreet foundations. And secondly in using it this way it will also last you an incredibly long time. 

It is also really good as a highlight for pale skins. If you like contouring but haven't found a highlight that works for you then definitely give this a try. It's annoying that lots of concealers or brighteners I see people recommend for highlighting are actually 1 shade darker than my skin. Personally, it's rare that I ever fully contour as I like a more natural base. However I have to say I've used this for nights out and it makes my skin look flawless. I apply it before my foundation to the areas I want to bring out/highlight, such as my cheek bones and jawline. Then apply a cream contour to the hollows of my cheeks/my temples/under the jawline, then simply buff my chosen foundation colour over the top of this. Not only does this give a more defined look, I found it also helped even out any discolouration.

One thing this product is not for is to be used as an actual foundation. Although I like to joke I'm as white as a piece of paper, I am not. And neither are you. Slapping white foundation all over your face will not look good. So, if you are after a whole new foundation then Illamasqua are a great brand anyway in providing products that suit every skin tone. The skin base foundation in itself is a beautiful foundation and shade 02 is the best foundation I've come across for pale skin.

Do you have any recommendations for us pale girls? If so, I'd love to hear them!

Chloë
x

Noticed some changes?

Noticed some changes around here?

My blog is currently under construction!

If you've ever started a blog yourself you'll know that it's easy to fall in and out of spells of blogging. Bloggers block, shall we call it. Although it's something I've always enjoyed doing, it can be difficult for creativity to strike, as well as dedicating time for it. However I seem to be doing more and more things lately that I think "that would have made a great blog post". I'm in my twenties which has brought on many changes and big life decisions. I'm still doing freelance make-up, but also discovering many more interests such as photography and cooking. I'm also currently in the process of moving into my first home which is both incredibly exciting and daunting. And by in the process, I do mean slap bang in the process of it. Today (with the help of generous family) I moved a sofa, my bed, a coffee table and a chest of drawers into the house. A crazy time to decide to start blogging again, but an exciting time - which is exactly why I'm doing it.

You can read my posts and come with me on this journey of trying/pretending to be an adult. I'll be posting the usual beauty stuff, along with my decorating progress, recipe ideas, any tips and tricks, probably many what not to do-s and hopefully some other fun adventures.

I'm still having a play with the design of my blog in the meantime as well as writing up some blog ideas but thought I'd give you an update on what's going on. And a heads up to expect more from this blog soon.

But for now if there is anything you'd particularly be interested you'd like me to write about, please leave a comment below.

Thanks,
Chloë

H&M Beauty: Facemasks

I went into my local h&M last week to see they had totally re-launched their beauty range. I'd never tried any of their beauty products from their old line as they never appealed but they're now packaged to look high end with a great selection of products.

These face masks in their bright packaging are what first caught my eye however I have since picked up other things from their make-up, haircare and bodycare lines and I'm sure there will be another post on those to follow.
What appealed to me with these was the names of each of them, involving fruits and plants with scents you don't often find. They are each priced at £1.99 and you can purchase them from here.

The 4 I decided on were:

Raspberry Leaf

A peel-off mask with vitamin E for combination skin

Kiwi and Watermelon

A self warming face mask with pear fruit juice for combination skin

Cucumber and Aloe

A cooling peel-off mask with passion flower and lotus blossom, for tired skin

Charcoal and Pumice

A exfoliating face mask with walnut and fig for tired skin

Although they come in individual pods (which are great for travel) there is 10ML of product which is enough for you and a friend or partner. Or you could also save what's leftover in a small travel container and use it up to two times more.

One mask that looked slightly unusual to me was the charcoal and pumice mask. Now charcoal is often used in face masks to help clear skin but I'd not used that paired with an exfoliant before. It's a gritty texture that you apply and leave for 10 or so minutes. It will harden like a typical mask but as you wash it off the pumice takes away any dead skin sells leaving your skin clean and smooth.

 I enjoyed using this however if you have very sensitive skin the exfoliation may irritate your skin as the grains are quite abravive for a scrub. I'm used to using a liquid/chemical exfoliant rather than a scrub however I would still use this and will do when my skin is looking dull. 

Have you tried anything from h&m beauty yet? Comment and let me know you're favourites!

Here's some other products from the range that are on my wishlist.

xox

A rant about festivals

Every year I read lots of magazine articles and blog posts on 'Festival Essentials'. Beauty blogs over the summer are full of them. And I read them and I enjoy them. Not because they're helpful, but because they're funny.

Because the people who write them do not go to festivals.

A festival involves spending a minimum of 3 days sleeping in a field. I don't really understand how to anyone that essentials involve fine lace, suede boots and £90 sunglasses. On top of those 3 days in a field you need to factor in rain, mud, alcohol, dancing/moshing and minimum facilities.
 To me, really the only essentials are baby wipes and welly boots.

Yes there are festivals where you can sleep in a caravan and have access to an actual toilet cubicle.
But I go to Reading Festival.

So here's what I take with me, coming from somebody that's gone for 5 years.

Essentials

Tent

Sleeping Bag

Baby Wipes

Dry Shampoo 

Mouthwash
Toothpaste

Anti Bacterial Gel

Deoderant

Extras

Lip Balm
Suncreem (check the weather before you go)

Deoderant Wipes

Anti Bacterial Wipes

As for make-up, if you want to wear it, I'd go simple with cheap products. My advice is not to take anything to a festival you'll be sad not to come home with. I tend to take cheap brushes, a base, a brow product, a lip stain, a cream eyeshadow and a mascara. Although sometimes I don't bother at all.
However one of the great things about festivals is that you can wear anything you like and get away with it. So it's nice to take something fun too. Last year I took a tube of henna, a tube of eyelash glue and pots of tiny sequins and gems. 

I understand that some people reading this will say not all festivals are like that. Which is true.

I recently went to 2000 trees, a beautiful festival in Gloucester that you should definitely go to if you get a chance (and buy a White Russian while you're there.)
It was small and safe enough that I took my iPhone and nothing got trashed either.
But I have also been to festivals where my tent got trampled, someones enitre bag got stolen and a friend required multiple stitches.
This isn't to say either that you won't have a fantastic time. I've loved every one and seen some incredible bands. Even my friend that had stitches will tell you he had the best time ever.

I'm just telling you to pack the essentials.. and not the bullshit ones Glamour writes about.

ps. everyone takes UV paint and flower crowns. Try something different.

Summer Make-up Bag

So it's not news I haven't written a post in a while. Okay, I haven't since February.

Since then there's been so many things I've found and have loved that I could write about. Rather than writing lots of reviews I thought I'd give you a peak into my make-up bag from the last couple of months.

Lots of things I've found and loved bundled into one!

The Base

So I've never spoken about the Dr.Jart BB cream before but it's incredible. It feels like it does wonders for your skin, it has a beautiful glow to it with a dewy finish and it's SPF 25. It just makes you look instantly healthy. Annoyingly it only comes in one shade so it's more of a summer product for me as I'm usually super duper pale. But don't get me wrong, it's not dark and will work for most people, I'm just the whitest person ever. It's often on offer so I'd suggest waiting to get the best price.

I've been wearing this just with the Collection concealer and sometimes a dusting of MAC Mineralize SkinFinish (which I couldn't find to photograph).

As for the All Nighter Setting Spray, you need this in summer. My skin used to eat make-up.

Cheeks

Mary-Lou Manizer is a bit of a full on highlighter. You need the smallest amount but it's stunning.

NARS Laguna is just, well, a classic bronzer. Love it.

Eyes

I was looking for a highstreet eye primer and came across the Soap and Glory one which definitely makes a difference. I put my most used MAC shades in quad and recently the look I go for is Naked Lunch all over, Charcoal Brown and Soba in the crease and Mulch for a smokey look in the evenings.

Lips

The YSL in Peach Passion is my go to summer shade. I think it's definitely worth the money. Recently I've found Macaroon by Topshop which is a pink shade with a bit of peach to it which I think is lovely too!

Dr.Jart+ Water Fuse Beauty Balm

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

Soap & Glory It's About Prime

NARS Laguna Bronzer

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer

Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof

Topshop Macaroon Lipstick

YSL Rouge Volupte Peach Passion

MAC Quad inc. Charcoal Brown, Naked Lunch, Soba & Mulch

Real Techniques Blusher Brush

Real Techniques Contour Brush

Zoeva 104 Buffer

Zoeva 227 Soft Definer (x2)

Zoeva 231 Petit Crease

MAC 266

xox

Face Masks

Skincare add-ons

So a couple of weeks ago I did a post on my basic skincare routine and it was exactly that, basic. It featured the five products I use every single day but on other days I add to my routine. So I decided it might be a good idea to do one or two add-ons to that post with treatment products, starting with masks.  

I chose to write about the two masks I reach for the most. One is perfect for when your skin is feeling dry and needs some life put back into it, the other great to really clean the skin and stop breakouts.

The moisturise boost

Origins Drink Up Intensive, Overnight mask. - 100ml, £22
I have dry skin and had my eye on this for so long. It's a little bit on the pricey side but it's been lasting me really well. It's called a 'mask' but I literally just slap it on at night and wash off in the morning so it's a great no fuss product. I use this probably once a week or more if my skin is looking a bit dull.
This is something you can really see the benefits of instantly. The next morning after using it my skin is so hydrated and looks more plump, it really is wonderful.
The big bonus is that it smells amazing. Apricots and Mango. Delicious.

On a side note: If this is a little too pricey for you the Soap and Glory Beauty Sleep Accelerator isn't the exact same but I do find it very similar. It also has the same wonderful texture and smell.

The Deep Clean

Super Facialist by Una Brennan, Tea Flower Pore Purifying Clay Mask what a mouthful - £8.99
I think it's always good to use a clay mask regularly and this is the one I always go to. Does the job at a wonderful price, what's not to love? It leaves your skin really clean and feeling fresh without drying it out. I use it once a week too and leave it on for five minutes before washing off. Absolutely love it, reduces breakouts as well as clearing any.

Two products that do exactly what I want from masks. However that won't stop me. Next to try on my wish list is the REN Glycolatic Radiance Renewal Mask and of course the famous Aesop Parsley Seed Masque!

Getting NARSissist

For those that don't know the NARSissist Palette was released in stores yesterday (to John Lewis and NARS counters excluding Space NK). The largest eyeshadow palette they've released containing 15 of their best-selling shades. It was a big deal, to say the least.

 However, I left London on the Friday and left the task of getting one to my sister. Ahhh my sister, 

what a hero.

 I spent my morning sat in a dark corner, biting my nails, shaking, awaiting a phone call to say it was mine.

 At 1.58 disaster struck...

"They told the lady at the front of the queue that they're sold out, but John Lewis has 50 left! I'M RUNNING NOW"

Imagine the emotions that ran through me. When my phone rang again I was unsure whether to answer. I let it ring thinking "What if she was unsuccessful, would I be able to handle the news?".  I had to be strong.

I answered.

"I just got the last one they had in the cupboard".

Haha, so maybe that was a bit of an extreme introduction but it's true. To me this is the biggest make-up release in a really long time and I'm not surprised everybody went crazy for it. 

If you travel as much as I do you'll also love this for its size and packaging. For 15 shades it's incredibly sleek and they waste no space. In most palettes they include a brush and I'm so glad this doesn't. I think 9/10 brushes that come with a palette are awful and even then I'll always have one I prefer. All it means is I have a bulky palette but only need 70% of it.
For £50 it's a splurge item for me but I'm really happy with it. Each pan has just less than 1g of eyeshadow so it has a worth of about £91. So not bad at all.

I've seen mixed reviews on the quality of the shadows in this palette but I have no problems with mine. The colours transfer beautifully. I'm already crazy in love with Fez and I've only owned it for a day. Other shades I've been using are Bellissima, Nepal and Coconut Grove. There's also not a single shade I don't like. I think the range of colours is absolutely perfect, you can really achieve any look. I used it last night when I went to a Strictly Come Dancing themed party and today for a casual look. 

If this is out of your price range then I wouldn't worry - I still love my Urban Decay palettes just as much and they do achieve similar looks! I just simply couldn't help myself!

If you've tried any other eyeshadow palettes you love, please share and let me know!

January Favourites

Why have I always felt the need to write an intro for these?
It's my favourite beauty items from January.. 

MAC Lipstick in Chatterbox (Amplified) - £15

This was in my stocking at Christmas (thanks Santa!) and although I'd seen the colour in pictures and wanted to try it, I had no idea how beautiful it really was. It might even be my favourite lipstick ever, it's definitely up there. It's creamy and a fantastic lipstick, as always from MAC, but oh my the colour! It's a bright colour but I think incredibly wearable even for the day.

I am sorry, but you need this.

Zoeva Brushes Starting at around £5

So these are a German brand and because they were so cheap I didn't mind getting them direct and paying for the shipping. Seriously they're worth it and arrived so quick! They're such good quality for the price and I'm so impressed with them. They don't shed any hairs and withhold their shape (and I'm talking seriously, I clean my brushes in IPA). They've just released new sets so worth checking those out. I personally love 104 Buffer (as you can tell by the colour of it, gross), the 227 Soft Definer and the 102 Silk Finish.

Clinique City Block Sheer SPF 25 - £17

Yes, I moved to London and immediately bought this. And yes, I'm a complete sucker and the beauty industry makes a fortune from me. I'd heard good things and was looking for a daily SPF to put under foundation. I'm a really pale skin and should always wear an SPF despite the weather, which I never used to do. This also comes in SPF 40 and it's beautifully lightweight. It has a sheer tint, but it's honestly sheer that even men could use this. However for very dark skins I'd say to try it first as it may give a grey look. I love it and think it actually works well as a primer or by itself to brighten the face.

Jessica Quick Dry Oil - £9.55 

Bought this on a whim because I hate waiting for my nails to dry and now I can't paint them without it. There's other products out there that claim the same thing but this is the first I've tried. It's revolutionary.  Well, it dries your nails super quick. I don't know how I lived without it.

All new finds this month and I'm pleasantly surprised.

Have you tried any new products that you've loved?

New Home

 No, I haven't disappeared off the face of the world. I temporarily disappeared off the blogosphere.

Why? Because I've just moved to London. 

So I've left home for the first time and moved to the capital city. As a country girl I can tell you it takes a little time to adapt to this (see picture above). I can actually walk to shops, mind blowing I know. 

I've also started studying at Greasepaint and I'm currently on the TV, Film & Theatre course. Which is something I've wanted to do since I was 15 and here I am doing it. It's impossible not to love every second of it.

So adapting to London life and starting an intense course is a good enough excuse for the lack of blog posts, SURELY? Ahh if only that was the reason.

 I've actually had no internet until now and a slight case of writers block.

I don't know where to start and I don't know what to write about.

However this is the most exciting part of my life so far and so I'm going to share it.

Here's some things I've been up to:

Seeing people remove Christmas trees the "london way".

Going to great coffee shops.

Lots...

And wearing beards. You know, the usual.

So I'm a little rusty at blogging, so what?

Back soon!

Basic Skincare Routine

For the past 6 months I've been investing more money into my skincare and finding a good routine (which used to be a make-up wipe and slapping on nivea). Without a doubt it's worth the time and money because looking after your skin in the long run, will pay off big time. There's only so much make-up can do, a good base is so important.

Here's my basic routine at the moment and the products I'm currently in love with:

Clinique Take The Day Off cleansing balm - £21

For £21 it's not cheap but it's certainly not as expensive as other cleansing balms that do the same thing. Also because it's a balm a little goes a long way, personally I think this is a very good price for what you get.

 This will take ALL your make-up off and it will do it effortlessly. It's for all skin types and even works for those with sensitive skin as it's not fragranced. I literally rub it into my eyelashes and it does not irritate even slightly. 

To use: Take a small amount, and massage into face (dry) over all make-up. Use a flannel or muslin cloth to wash away. I keep mine with a stack of cloths so I have a clean one for every day. 

After cleansing I go to:

Pixi Glow Tonic - £16

This is my go to toner, it's amazing, it's so cheap and I'm really sorry it's a bitch to get hold of!

This sorts out any of my dry and flaking patches of skin, it will really help if you're prone to break outs, it's just an amazing exfolliator. 

However, I also use the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfolliant (it lives at my boyfriends place) and I LOVE it! Little bit more expensive than pixi glow at £17 for 150ml but much easier to get your hands on.

Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Agent - £17 for 100ml

I have a tiny 50ml bottle that I got from the skincare starter set (worth a buy if you haven't used Aveda before) that seems to be lasting me ages. This is a toner I use on days when I'm taking a break from Pixi glow, or over Pixi glow. I can't really explain why I love it so much, but I really do. 

I love that it's a spray?! But honestly it's a great product that makes a difference. Lovely for dry skin. 

Hydraluron - £24.99

A hideous price but a great product, make sure you look out for when it's on offer at Boots. It's a serum you put on before moisturising and it absorbs instantly and absorbs your moisturiser. Works great with my dry skin, gives my skin a lovely plump appearance!

Origins Make A Difference + - £34

This is a new addition to my collection so I won't go into it too much. So far so good, feels lovely on the skin and really moisturising. I don't think you can go wrong with Origins when looking for a moisturiser.

I use it morning and night!

So that's it, my basic daily skincare routine! I think the most important part of skincare is that it is a routine, you need to stick to it. Even when you're tired or a make-up wipe is nearer! Do any of these ring a bell? Let me know what products you are using, I'd love to get some recommendations!

Hydraluron - 1/3 off!

Just a quick post today for all the other skincare junkies, Hydraluron is currently 1/3 off at Boots!

I'll just let that sink in...

Hydraluron is a serum that you apply before moisturising which increases your skins ability to retain moisture. It's heavily raved about over the blogosphere, by beauty gurus and skincare experts.  

Caroline Hirons mentioned it, so obviously I've been dying for it ever since.

If like me, you've been put off by the price (usually £24.99, now £16.66) now is the time to snap it up! 

It's consitency is gel like and feels slightly tacky but once applied absorbs almost instantly. If not, instantly. It's like magic! I've found it helps for my moisturiser to absorb very quickly too. This means you can apply a lighter moisturiser than you would usually (so great for those prone to breakouts, avoid a heavy cream but still leave skin hydrated).

 I'll do a more in-depth review of course but I just had to share!

Happy shopping!

Growing up

So as you may have noticed, I haven't been blogging lately.
In July I finished my 2 year make-up course at college, with top grades, and life was glorious.

I also had it lined up that in January I would be studying at my dream school Greasepaint.

Utterly, utterly glorious.

All it meant was I then had to work my arse off for the next 6 months to save money for the hell that is living in London. As lots of you may know, working 40 to 50 hours a week in a crappy retail job takes it's toll. Yes I have something to aim for and got to do make-up work on the side, but oh boy does it take it's toll. On top of that I've been, and still am, searching for somewhere to live in London. Well that's a nightmare, let's leave it at that.

The good news is that this week I handed in my notice at my crappy retail job. To anyone else in a dead end job that they hate I highly suggest that you do the same, it's a wonderful experience. I have four weeks left now at my 2 (yes 2!) hideous jobs, and it's time to focus more on writing again. I started this blog so that I can share my experiences while training and working as a Make-Up Artist. To recomend products I've tried and tested, to say to those in the same position "Hey it's hard for me too, I get it", and to generally just share my love for the industry. 

What a better time to do that when I'll be a student at (in my opinion) one of the best make-up schools in the country. 

So I'm sorry for the absence and stay tuned for my return to the blogosphere.

ps. to those of you in jobs you hate, I feel you sister. 

It's never too late.

Brighter Place

Gahhhh, so I've waited to write about this post since July. JULY.

At the start of the Summer I was asked to do the make-up for a music video for RedTails debut single Brighter Place. I of course jumped at the chance and I'm glad that I did!

Firstly, the band are great! Lovely, talented people who are clearly so passionate about what they do.
The song is fantastic and if you like it too it's available to download here.
And lastly, not to blow my own trumpet, the video looks amazing.

The video was shot in two parts over two days. 

For the first look I got a message saying "Think David Bowie as thin white duke, The Fifth Elementm, Paramore Now music video."

What a beautiful, beautiful sentence. 

I had the freedom to be really creative with this look and I just love how it came out.

I went with icy blues and pale skin and worked with the sharp lines of her hairstyle. 

This is Ciara Baron from A Trickle Of Meaning, and doesn't she look amazing? If you're not a follower of her blog (and why not?) go over and take a look!

For the second part I created a look for the singer of Redtails, the beautiful Colette.
Contrasting to the cold blues and whites on Ciara, I used warm gold and copper tones for Colette.

Colette has her own individual style that we really wanted to work with rather than change. The colours suited her skin tone and, (by complete chance as I only met her on the day) went PERFECTLY with her highlights.

(I will be doing a post on this make-up look, I promise)

 I love the footage of Colette, as well as Rick (keys/vocals) and Dan (drums), because it just shows what passion really is. How it feels to love what you do.
This picture shows it alone.
 The two days I worked on this video were brilliant purely because it was a bunch of people doing what they absolutely love. The band, obviously. Me, well duh.
But also the actors and the crew. Which was mostly made up of students.
It was just a great thing to be a part of and to watch.

So please go over to the YouTube video by clicking here and let the band and the people who worked hard on this video what you thought by leaving a comment or a thumbs up!
You can also just watch it at the top of this post too if you're feeling lazy.

For those of my regular readers and make-up enthusiasts who are wondering "What's going on!? Where's the make-up reviews?" I will be doing another post or two on the make-up looks I created in this and the products I used, so stay tuned!

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Director/Producer: Scott Hayden