My Perfect Evening Eye Make-Up Tutorial

I repeat this eye make up on most nights out, and have been asked by a few to show how I achieve it! So heres a little (and by no means perfect) video of me applying my eye products to get this smokey and autumn-y look.

All products and brushes listed below...

Hope you enjoy xxxx 

Products Used:
Mac brow pencil - spiked 
Mac select cover up concealer - NC15
Mac eyeshadow - nylon
Max Mineralise Skin Finish - dark
Mac eyeshadow - rule
Benefit they're real gel liner - black
Mac Upward Lash Mascara - upward black
Urban decay eyeshadow - faint & crave
Rimmel eyeliner - kohl 

Brushes used: 
Artis - circle 1, oval 4 & oval 6

Morphe - flat concealer & rounded eyeshadow

My Favourite Beauty Must Haves this Season!

This season I have been going crazy over the amount of new make up and beauty products on the shelves. This is probably helped by the fact that I live within walking distance of Selfridges... possibly not my best location decision. 

In all of my web surfing, blog reading and youtube watching, I've recently discovered some brand new products to add to my make up collection. Here are some of my absolute faves...

1. Smashbox #shapematters palette £60

This palette is a life saver for anyone starting out and experimenting with contouring, highlighting, brow shaping and different eyeshadows.
The left three products are for filling the brows, this includes different shades (although probably not suitable if you have really light hair) and also a wax to fix the powders in place once on the brow. On one end of the brush there is also an eyebrow brush to apply these with. As far as powders go I really do love these because of the shades, but I personally prefer using a pencil, as I think it's a little less dry and messy.
The middle 4 products are for the face, and include a deep contour, matte bronzer, light powder and highlight. I LOVE these powders, they apply so easily, and look really flawless when on, and you don't need much of them for the perfect coverage. This is basically what I use the palette most for- especially the highlight! I'm just so gutted they don't sell it separately to the full £60 palette! eek. 
The 9 eyeshadows on the right of the palette are also pretty great (although I suppose they should be as they're supposed to be the 9 best-selling shades). I find that they're really good as every day and base shades, although I prefer other brands (Mac and Peaches & Cream) for a more dramatic evening-look. Below is an example of the look i created using the posh and aubergine shades- basically just the lilc and purple colours.

2. Mac Nylon Eyeshadow £13

Believe it or not, I don't actually use this eyeshadow..as eyeshadow. Its an amazing highlighter for under the brows and on the tear duct area. I love it for evening looks, where you're aiming for a little more of a 'glam eye' and to accentuate the effect of your eyeshadow and liner. This is shown on below (even if the quality is rubbish!)

3. Mac Select Cover Up Concealer £15.50

This has to be the best concealer and shade I've tried out so far. It applies really easily and has great coverage for around the brow area and below the eyes for highlighting and below your foundation.







4. Peaches & Cream Pigments £5.95 each or Super 6 for £23

These pigments are fab because they carry a really vibrant shimmer and are really clean and easy to apply to the lid as well as blend when they're on. Below are the swatches of my favourite shades- pearl, wish and famous! They're all really glittery, but very fine, so are applied easily and they don't take a world of blending or mounds of primer to stay in place.

5. Mac Brow Pencil £13.50

I use one of the darkest shades, spiked. I love this brow pencil because of how soft and small the tip of the pencil is. This makes it really easy to fill your eyebrows and create a precise line for the arch of your brow. Because the pencil is so soft, it makes it really easy to create a more 'shaded' and natural look when pressing very lightly.

University Bedroom Inspo

Since I am soon to be beginning my second year at University in a brand new type of accommodation, this week I thought i'd start looking for bedroom decoration and inspiration to create the perfect and pretty style for my new abode.

My friends and I looked all over for the perfect new house for us to share in the centre of Birmingham. What we came across was something quite unusual and exciting. FreshStudentLiving, a student accommodation business, have taken on the mammoth task of renovating Birmingham's former and very much run down Fire Station, pictured below.

Conveniently, the Fire Station is on the very corner of our campus, directly next to the main building, so is in the perfect main hub of University life!

Opening for the first time in September 2015, the new student rooms pose a very modern and unique style. The following pictures are shown on the virtual tour online to give future residents an idea of their new homes.

Since looking through the virtual tour images, I've had a lot of thought about what i would like my new room to look like after i've moved and settled in! 

And so, I've created a list of ideas and inspiration of items and products to decorate my new room and home with my other friends. (Since I'm such a girly girl; you'll notice everything revolves around the colour pink,etc!)

I love having my Uni room really warm, pink and welcoming, and so I love this bedding collection from Next! The floral duvet and pillows (£30 double) go really well with the pink patterned matching pillow case and fitted sheet set (£12 double), and looks lovely paired with the throw (£35) and cushions (£12 each). Although this is from the kids section, I do think it would also work lovely if toned down slightly with cream or white cushions, fitted sheets, pillows and a rug, rather than all pink, similar to the following below...

Tesco Soft Shaggy Rug 70x130cm £20

Tesco Cushions £3 each - or you can even have a go at making your own as I will be doing!

Since I will also be sharing a bathroom this year, its also important to organise and keep my own bathroom accessories separate and tidied from housemates! So a nice bathroom collection would be lovely to add to decoration and organisation. 

Homebase Heart Storage Drawers £12.99

 Homebase Heart Bathroom Accessory Set £14.99

Wilkinsons Metal Overdoor Hooks £3.50

Summer 2015 Jewellery Must-Haves.

Being brought up in a family-owned business, one of my main heart-felt obsessions is Jewellery.
From bangles to ear cuffs and anklets to pinky rings, I love all things pretty, sparkly and wearable. Jewellery can not only be used to dress up or dress down an outfit, it can even make one, and therefore, is the vital ingredient to completing your look, no matter what style you go for.

Here is a selection of items I've brought together for you to create the perfect Summer look this 2015!

All Things Rings

From left to right: Pinky £9, Fiorelli CZ £32, Twisted £12, Clogau Rose Gold £99, Cai Onyx £24, Band £16, Moonstone 3 Design £56, Singular Moonstone £30, Bobble band £14

These are the rings that I stack and wear all day, every day- and as you can see, I'm a confessed addict. I love the depth of moonstone in rings because its wearable with all colours and adds depth to simple outfits such as linens and whites. 
I also tend to stick to silver, although I think the mix of rose gold compliments skin tones well!

Simple Statement Necklaces

From left to right: Coeur De Lion GeoCube Collier in Swarovski Crystal and Stone White code no. K432 £119.00, Coeur De Lion Geocube Collier Multi colour Swarovski Crystal code no. K4245 Reduced from £199 to £105

I LOVE the simplicity and style of this German brand Coeur De Lion. They handmake a huge range of coloured jewellery crafted from Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stones, making it sure to be your perfect statement piece this Summer.

Paired with a block coloured dress or plain outfit, these necklaces are sure to create a true statement and that bring out true effortless and sophisticated style.

Detail Bangles

From left to right: Sterling silver Messaged Bangle £66.99 £45.99, Danon Satinized Silver effect bangle with dangly heart £20.99, Sterling silver arrow bangle £54.99 £39.99

Silver bangles are great every day accessories that are perfect for easy, quick style! These detailed bangles can be worn with anything too add class and detail, making them a great piece of jewellery to wear on a regular basis.

A combination of bangles can also look great if you don't usually wear much jewellery and want to especially dress up your chosen look. And whats more!? They're so reasonable to buy...so get collecting!

Elegant Earrings

From left to right: Hot Diamonds Eternal Rose Sterling Silver and Rose Gold Diamond Studs £59.95 £49.99, Sterling Silver and CZ Flower Studs £29.00

These elegant, small and delicate stud earrings are a really lovely way to brighten up your style this summer. And lets face it, who doesn't love flowers? The small diamonds and CZs in the centre of the earring also add an extra glitz to the design, making it greta for both day and night!

All of the jewellery shown can be found at http://www.therealthingjewellery.co.uk/ or in store.

Find the Best Swimwear for your Body Shape

As we all know summer is just around the corner, and what comes with summer? Sun, sea and...well you can finish that one off.
BUT, summer isn't all sunshine and rainbows! All of us ladies are different, and what comes with that is a large range of different beachwear. Its nice for us all to accentuate our best features! But which bikini shape is right for you? 

One problem I come to every year when planning my holiday shop is which swimwear to buy for my body shape. Rather than having an exciting upbuild to my holiday, I find that shopping for the perfect bikini turns into more of a chore, specifically in finding one that suits me but also doesn't break the bank!

From curvier frames to athletic body shapes, here is what my research has found to help us all choose the right swimsuit to flatter our frames!

Pear Shape

As the name suggests! You're curvy at the thighs and hips, but smaller on the of your body frame, just like Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian. 

Look For: 

• Finding the correct coverage for your bottom half and something that should draw the eyes upwards to balance your proportions.
• Patterned/eye-catching tops or plunging necklines 
• High-waisted bottoms to accentuate your small waist 
• Tie-waist bottoms
• Bikinis that you can buy the tops and bottoms separately so you can get the perfect fit for both halves of your body

Avoid: 

• Thick banded bottoms e.g. boy shorts 
• Bottoms with busy prints
• Ruching, draping and pleating- although a little is fine

Swimwear:

ASOS

Bottoms £8

Top £11

LIPSY

Bottoms £12

Top £14

RIVER ISLAND

Swimsuit £35

Apple Shape

This shape is for the more rounded body, as you carry most of your weight round your middle. Similar to celebs Queen Latifa, Jessica Simpson and Meghan Trainor.

Look for:

• Costumes or bikinis that smooth your middle- material containing lycra
• Thicker straps 
• Show off your legs by opting for a high-cut bottom
• Gathered fabrics and 'wrap-style' designs
• If the weight is carried slightly lower, try a high-waisted retro style bikini
• Eye-catching details around the neckline e.g. embellishments

Avoid:

• Thin straps that may make you appear smoother
• Over-simplistic bikinis 
• Low-cut bottoms
• Body-hugging costumes with little detail or range of colour

Swimwear:

SWIMWEAR365

Swimsuit £24.99

POUR MOI

Top £27

Bottoms £22

ASOS

Top £20

Bottoms £14

Hourglass

If you're curvy with full bust, hips, thighs and bum then your shapes Hourglass! Just like Marilyn Munroe, Kelly Brook and Scarlett Johansson.

Look for:

• Swimwear that highlights your curves but gives a good balance of coverage and support
• Asymmetrical suits that highlight the neck and collarbones
• Colour block swimwear that highlight your shape
• Vintage style suits
• Lucky for you! you can get away with a number of different suits as long as they have a good balance

Avoid:

• If you aren't too happy about exaggerating your curves, stay away from thick straps and monokinis 
• Mix-matched tops and bottoms- they can make your body look disproportional 
• Straps that are too thin and don't give enough support
• Bottoms that don't give enough coverage on your bottom half as well as your top- try and get separate buys to get just the right fit for you!

Swimwear: 

ASOS

Top £18

Bottoms £16

MISSGUIDED

Top £15

Bottoms £12

NEXT

Top £18

Bottoms £14

Athletic/Slender

If you're body is more straight up and down, with fewer curves, your body type is likely to be slender or more athletic. Celebs with similar figures include the likes of Jennifer Aniston, Cameron Diaz and even Angelina Jolie! 

Look for: 

• Accentuate your curves with styles that help flaunt your frame- suits with less coverage, for example
• Tops or bottoms with bold prints, ruffles and embellishments
• Cut-out monokinis or bikinis
• Smaller swimsuit bottoms create the illusion of a bigger bum!
• Triangle tops or bust booster tops

Avoid: 

• Straight-down one pieces 
• Bandeau bikinis that give no flare to your figure
• Square or rectangular designs that make your body look straighter
• Block colours
• Buying separately, athletic/slender figures usually have around the same size top and bottom, so don't waste money buying separately where it makes sense not to!

Swimwear:

MISSGUIDED

Bikini £25

BOOHOO
Bikini £18

LIPSY

Swimsuit £35

Whats inside my make up bag?

As we all know, one of all girls' best kept secrets is what lies within their make up bags! Girls can have masses of products to their name, but many of us use less than ten of them on a daily basis. 

Here is ten of my favourite products that I use to keep myself prim and proper (or...not looking like a zombie) on a day-to-day basis, as well as extra bits for the odd night out!

Make up: 

1. Estée lauder double wear foundation in ivory rose £29.50

I could swear by this foundation! I never have trouble covering all of my blemishes to create an even and flawless finish on my skin within seconds. Whats more, it lasts hours- making it perfect for all adventures such as festivals and nights out, as theres no need to worry about hitting the loos to re-apply. It is so tough however, taking it off can be a struggle. Make sure you have plenty of remover and wipes at hand...or face the patchy consequences.

2. Benefit hoola bronzer £23.50

I love this bronzer for its compatibility to my skin tone and matte-finish. I got sick of using bronzers that created a 'shimmery' Kesha-esque look on my skin, and found this as the perfect alternative! Whats best about using this bronzer is that I'm able to apply as much or as little as i want, enabling me to change my look from day to night time. 

3. Urban decay naked basics eyeshadow £23.00

I bought this recently after shamelessly borrowing the same product from friends a few times when getting ready for nights out. Again, what I love about this product is the matte-finish it leaves, rather than a glittery finish as some cheaper alternatives do. Its very easy to apply with the right brushes, and doesn't budge without remover!

4. Benefit high beam highlighter £19.00

I use this product for nights out to help highlight specific areas such as below the brow, on the cupids bow and the upper cheekbone. It gives these areas shimmer, creating an illusion of more shape and glitz! However, I have made the mistake of applying in the dark before- shiny is not the look i'd choose to go for.

5. Rimmel volume flash mascara in black £5.99

I've tried quite a few different mascaras from many different brands, but can't help finding myself coming back to this from Rimmel. I find this works best for my eyelashes alongside an eyelash curler, and takes the least time to apply up to full effect!

6. Benefit 'They're Real!' push-up liner £18.50

What I like about this specific eyeliner is the ease of it's application. I would describe the texture as more of a 'gel' than a liquid, and therefore moulds easier to the delicate skin on the eyelid, making mistakes harder to create and making it easier to draw the perfect line. I haven't got the steadiest of hands and it works for me!

7. Rimmel super stay 24hr waterproof powder in fawn £5.99

I love this product for its one-coat coverage on the skin as relatively little product is needed to cover blemishes and correct time-worn make up. However, too much of this powder can create a 'cake' appearance on the skin...not a good look. 

8. Bare minerals prime time primer in medium £21

I use this on nights out rather than on a daily basis mainly due to its small bottle and rather large price! Nevertheless, the money is well worth it, as when using this product my skin is made to feel silky and smooth enabling me to apply my foundation and other make up with ease. The primer also creates a longer-lasting base for make up- even better!

Not the best product for oily skin however, as it is very oil based.

9. For contouring: Rimmel lasting finish 25hr foundation in light porcelain £7.99 and Rimmel match perfection foundation in bronze £6.99

I only use these products on nights out to highlight on contour areas on my face in order to create a more 'sculpted' and unique or glamourised look. Admittedly, I would in no way describe myself as experienced, and so I am still experimenting with these products each time i apply them! But hey ho...I do think it is a new and fun way to find out about new products and techniques to give yourself an extra special look for an occasion.(even if when i did first try it i ended up looking more like a modern day clown)

I use the lightest colour in the 25hr rimmel foundation (porcelain) to highlight, and the darkest shade of rimmel match perfection (bronze) to contour areas on my face. In the past, I've tried cheaper palettes- but found them very thick in texture and unnatural. I've got my eyes set on the Anastasia Beverly Hills Pro Contour Kit (£39.00) next!

10. Rimmel professional eyebrow pencil in dark brown £2.99

I love the simplicity of this eyebrow pencil and how i can use it to create clean strokes with a combination of the brush and pencil. The secret to keeping control over the pencil is keeping a sharpener at hand to keep the tip sharp and precise.

Brushes:

1. Beauty blender egg £16.00

2. French connection eyeshadow brush (£16 as part of kit) 

3. French connection angled contouring brush (£16.00 as part of kit)

4. Bare minerals flawless application brush £19.00

5. UBU berry blush angled blusher brush £5.00