What's In My Make-Up Bag...

I did this post a good few months ago but I felt it was in need of an update as I have chopped and changed many of the products that I previously used which has given my make-up bag a whole new look. 

Left to Right Clockwise

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner
Rimmel Exaggerate Pencil Liner
Revlon PhotoReady Eye Primer and Brightener
ELF Clear Mascara and Eyebrow Thingy (technical term there haha)
L&B Blending Brush
N07 Winter shades Quad
Primark Eyelash Curlers
Clinique Pink Chocolate Quad
Benefit High Beam
Ruby and Millie Shader Brush
Japonesque Crease Brush
MAC Quarry
Revlon Pink-A-Boo Highlighter
Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder Double Wear Sample
Estee Lauder Duluxe Face Compact
Chanel Viatlumiere Aqua
Elizabeth Arden Skin Ceramide Smoothing Concealer
Maybelline Collosal Volume Cat Eyes Mascara
Hair Bobble
Real Techniques Buffing Brush
N07 Blending Brush
Ruby and Millie Blush Brush
Optrex Eyedew Eye Drops
Real Techniques Contour Brush

Any questions ladies, ask away...


♥

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Review

I just want to start off by saying that I am ridiculously late on the bandwagon with this foundation, but if you're anything like me, when it comes to foundation, I find something I love and stick to it. 

This was the case for around about 18months where I'd stuck to Clinique's Superbalanced Make-up and no matter what other foundation I tried, I always ended up returning to my trusty Clinique foundation.

Then there comes a time when you buy something on a whim, and you have to explain to your boyfriend why you can't pay your half of Pizza Express as you've just spent £32 on a foundation! Part of me wanted to hate this foundation so I wouldn't have to spend this ridiculous amount of money again, but alas, I love it.

As this foundation has been around for a long while, there are a fair good few reviews floating around on blogs and YouTube, which you have all undoubtedly read/watched, so I won't bore you with all the technicalities, but I will share a few of my thoughts on this pricey little beaut of a foundation!

Firstly I've always wanted to have something from Chanel in my make-up bag, as superficial as that sounds, it really is the luxury in make-up and it makes me feel like a grown up when I see it in my bag ha! The packaging is exactly what one would expect from Chanel, but ladies this really isn't a good enough reason alone to buy a foundation!

 I was colour matched at 20 Beige, which is pretty much perfect for me. Colour matching my skin is something that many ladies at make up counters struggle to do as I'm relatively pale, with pink undertones. Once at an Estee Lauder counter, 6 shades were tried on my face before one that matched was found, and even then when I got the sample home it was far too dark!  

 Anyway back to this foundation....

The fact it has SPF 15 is perfect for me as I'm not one for putting on sunscreen before my foundation as I am far too lazy and forgetful . The chanel website states 'its crystalline fragrance accentuates the sensation of freshness and pleasure on application' which I'd have to agree on, it has a nice,clean, fresh scent which makes it all the more luxurious! 

The website also says to apply the foundation with your fingers to work it into the skin, but as I am wild and play by my own rules, I apply it with a Real Techniques buffing brush. I find this way, I get the desired 'second skin' flawless look and just generally find it easier with a brush. 

Overall this foundation gets a massive thumbs up for me, as it is pretty much perfect!
I do urge those of you who are stuck in a rut with your foundation to try this beauty from Chanel, but maybe do the sensible thing and get a sample first as £32 is a lot of money to part with if you don't get on with it.

 Obviously this foundation isn't for everyone and there may be a lot of you who have already tried it and didn't get on with it, but this is my new love in foundations and I will continue to repurchase even if I can hear  my debit card screaming haha.....


♥

Face Of The Day...

F.O.T.D

Seeing as I'm heading off out to the London Eye tonight with my ever so lovely boyfriend, I thought I'd take some extremely vain and posey (it's not a word but you get my drift) pictures of myself and do a face of the day post!

Face

Benefit That Gal Primer

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (review very soon)

Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Smoothing Concealer

Revlon Photoready Eye Brightener

Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Bronzer

Estee Lauder Radiant Peach Blush

Benefit High Beam Highlighter

Eyes

Benefit Low Profile all over lid

Clinique Stone Violet in crease

Maybelline Master Precise Liquid Eyeliner

Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner in water line and smudged in lower lash line  

Lancome L'Extreme Mascara 

Lips

Estee Lauder Orchid Passion Shimmer Gloss (review very soon)

I have fake tan on so this is why I have a slight orange tinge to my skin...I shouldn't be allowed near fake tan as Nicola + Fake Tan = Disaster

♥

Nail Of The Day....

After seeing many nail of the day posts on other blogs, I decided, like a sheep to do my own.

I used Barry M Nail paint in Mint Green (very messily as I find doing my nails a chore) as a base colour, then I wanted to do a cute little cupcake design on each nail.
It turned out that I was far too lazy to do it on each nail so I stuck with just one. I think it looks quite cute and was perfect for a evening out with the girlies. Not too sure work would approve of this haha.

Have a lovely week ladies.

P.S Xtrasonline which you can find HERE are currently selling a small selection of Essie nail polishes for £2.99 so I urge you to head over there before they all sell out!

♥

Flower Show

I'm not in any way knowledgeable about flowers. I know the basic flowers that you learn when you're like 10 but when it comes to fancy names and different types I have no clue! This weekend I went to a flower show with the boyfriend as my uncle was showcasing some of the flowers that he had grown.

We were luck enough to take a few of them home so I took a few pictures and wanted to share them with you, I think they are the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen!!

Aren't they just the most beautiful flowers? I look at these and it just makes me smile!

Wedding flowers are the first thing that come to mind when I see these. They would make such beautiful table decorations, hurry up and propose Aaron haha.....

♥

100 Follower GIVEAWAY Winner

Good Evening Ladies...It has been a while.....

(All Images from wehearit.com)

 Summer has swiftly departed since I last did a post and autumn is now upon us...Instead of me giving you information about the seasons I must apologise for my absence!

I have been extremely busy working such unsociable hours! I've barely had time to do see my family, friends and boyfriend, therefore my bloggy blog took a back seat for a while. But fear not, I am back with a whole list of posts to do...Lucky you eh?

Now I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who entered my 100 follower giveaway and will proceed to tell you who has won the goodies!

The winner is......... KELLY WATERS

(The winner was chosen at random via random number generator)

Congratulations Kelly!!

 I'll send you a little email to get your address and your goodies should be on their way ASAP. 

For those who didn't win this time, don't fret, I will be holding another giveaway sometime in the near future. Am thinking something along the lines of LUSH goodies and possibly some Estee Lauder beauts!

How does that sound?

Anyway for the time being, let's all congratulate Kelly and I hope she enjoys her lovely Nails Inc and Illamasqua goodies.

Have A Lovely Week Girlies

♥

100 Follower GIVEAWAY

I am honestly thrilled to bits that I have 100 followers! I know there are people out there with waaay more followers than I have, but to me reaching 100 didn't seem possible when I started my bloggy blog at the beginning of the year! So to thank you all, I've got a little giveaway for you!

NAILS INC NAIL POLISH: L-R Westminster, Bow Street & Montpelier Square

ILLAMASQUA BLENDING BRUSH 2

Rules
For one entry:

♥ Follow my blog via  GFC

♥Leave a comment with your GFC name and email address

For two entries:

♥ The same as above but leave a link on your blog to this giveaway 

That's it! As simple as peas! That made sense in my head but I'm not too sure it does now. This giveaway is open internationally as I am willing to ship these bad boys anywhere!

Good Luck Ladies

[This giveaway will close one month from now, so September 5th at 19.00 British Summer Time and the winner will be announced right here on my Bloggy Blog so keep your eyes peeled]

Much Love 

♥

Style Crush...Kourtney Kardashian

A few weeks ago, I watched Keeping up with the Kardashians for the first time ever! I know what you're all thinking, I'm so behind the times right? But to be honest I don't actually watch that much t.v and I always flicked past it whenever it was on. 

I now have to admit that I am hooked, my boyfriend and I will watch the lovely Kardashian and Jenner family at any opportunity we get (I think he enjoys it even more than I do haha) and I have come to realise that I have a serious style crush on Kourtney Kardashian.

[All Images from google]


I think she is absolutely gorgeous! She has amazing hair, facial features, teeth and a figure to die for! (serious girl crush haha) I also love that she's petite! Being petite girl myself, it can be frustrating finding clothes that fit perfectly, but Kourtney Kardashion is petite and looks fabulous!!

Her style is so feminine and classy, yet effortless. She never tries too hard which is what I'm soooo envious of! Of course she has the money to buy such fabulous clothes, which I unfortunately don't. Alas! But I'm pretty sure she would make a paper bag look great!

Another thing I love about Kourtney Kardashian is her personality. Yes she can be slightly blunt and sometimes looks quite misog but she is such a sweet person! On top of that she is a great mum and shares a wonderful relationship with the rest of her huge tight-nit family! She is definitely my fave out of the trio!

[All Images from google]

Kourtney inspires me with her make up too. Her skin is always flawless and bronzed,! Jealous much?
She can pull of an intense smokey eye and a bright pink pout with ease, yet can still look as beautiful with minimal make up!

Oh to trade lives with a Kardashian.....

♥

Lipstick Obsession...Exotic Orchid Shimmer

If you've been reading my blog for a little while now, you will know that I love lipsticks as I don't stop banging on about them! In my Estee Lauder Lipsticks post, which you can find HERE, I briefly mentioned one of the Lipsticks Exotic Orchid Shimmer. I am in love with this lipstick, it has become my new obsession. 

 It was always one of those lipsticks that I would wear only on a night out, due to the vibrancy and the paleness of my skin but over the past two weeks I have been wearing it every single day.

This is a hideous picture...Apologies

 Packaging:  Love Love LOVE the packaging. Sleek, shiny gold tubes. What more can you ask for?

Scent: Most Estee Lauder Lipsticks have a particular scent that I can't quite put my finger on but it I do love it. It's fruity but not too overpowering which is what appeals to me.

Durability: The durability of this lipstick is great. Stayed on for pretty much my whole day at work with just a few touch ups and it also didn't dry my lips out which is an added bonus! 

Consistency: This lipstick goes on like a dream, it's so creamy but it does tend to slip during the day. I would definitely  recommend bringing a compact with a mirror with you if you are wearing this lipstick as no one wants lipstick smudged all over their face!

Price: The price is something I dislike about this, and all Estee Lauder products. I can justify spending £18 when I have the money but if I don't, I do feel it is a little steep for a lipstick. 

If you like Estee Lauder lipsticks, or just bright colours and don't mind spending £18 on a lipstick then I highly recommend this! This is by far my favourite lipstick in my whole collection!

♥

Hair Of The Day...Loose Voluminous Waves

Just a quick hair and face (kind of) of the day post today girlies. I'm off out in Wimbledon for dinner this evening so I messily curled my hair and then brushed the curls out so that I had loose waves. I then backcombed the hell out of the top sections and my fringe (which is now crazily long and in need of a good old snip) and hey presto I have loose voluminous waves. With half a can of hairspray on my hair it should survive the rain and wind that I shall venture into.

I look naked but I promise I'm not... I have a bandeau top on haha

Hope you all like it.
Any questions ladies....ask away 

♥

Absence Makes The Heart Grow Fonder?

If you're anything like me, you may find that there are simple things in life that just make you smile! I've been absent from blogging for a little over a week due to some sucky things that life just throws at you every now and again, but today I've had a day that has just made me smile, laugh and have a jolly good time!

(Image weheartit.com)

Today I helped my Dad with the gardening. I'm not particularly an outdoorsy kind of girl and I'm definitely not green fingered, but it allowed me be out in the beautiful sunshine, which is very rare in London, and it also helped with my mood as I could take my frustration out on those darn weeds! 

I went for a loooong walk with the bf. Admittedly I hated the idea of walking in the heat when he first suggested it, but once I'd reluctantly left the house, we ended up having a good old giggle!It also counted as strenuous exercise as we trekked up a humongous hill (his idea yet again!), which is great for my weight-loss programme! 

One of my friends sent my photo's from my last birthday over and I had a right good laugh at the drunken antics and how ridiculous we looked in our geek outfits!

Writing this post is also another reason that has made me smile. I love my little bloggy blog and how there are no constraints to what, when and how I write on it! 

Hope you all have a lovely weekend......

 ♥

Estee Lauder Make Up Collection Video

I've recently dabbled in making YouTube Video's and I must say I'm really enjoying doing it..I still feel a bit like an idiot talking to myself but I'm sure once I get into the swing of things it won't feel so strange. I did a post a few months back on my Estee lauder Lipstick Collection and got a few request on what other Estee Lauder products I owned so I hope this answers the questions that you had. Please check out my YouTube channel if you liked this video.

Have a lovely week ladies

♥

Hair Of The Day...Bow Updo

This is a really simple look to achieve, but after trying and failing numerous of times to type the explanation out, I've come to the conclusion it is impossible for me to explain without doing a demonstration. If you'd like to know how to achieve this updo or just have any questions then please ask away :) I may do a YouTube video or maybe a step by step photo blog post jobby thingy majig if that would interest you ladies at all?

Loveth 

 ♥

Calorie Counting

Image: weheartit.com

This is a different type of post from me today girlies and that is due to the fact that over the past 3 years or so I have become quite, lets just say, Chunky. 

I think my time at uni played a huge part in my weight gain. To me studying = FOOD! Lets face it is anyone ever healthy at uni? Uni for me, consisted of late nights, skipping meals, vast amounts of alcohol consumption (I was a student not an alcoholic) and spending my money on clothes and make up rather than food, this is just a recipe for disaster!

Now I'm living back home with the parentals. I've become slightly more health conscious (In other words my size 10 jeans are a tight squeeze) and I've taken the plunge and started calorie counting and exercising! Obviously exercise is the main component of weight loss but I really want to start eating healthily as I know that I always feel better after eating a healthy meal opposed to eating pizza.

 Previously when I've tried to diet all that seemed to be on my mind was food but to combat this I've downloaded a Calorie Counting app on my iPhone, and this has allowed me to plan and document exactly what I've been eating and the calories I am consuming. I'm aiming for a 1500 calorie a day diet but have actually been floating around the 1000 calorie mark as I have been cutting out all of the unnecessary junk that I used to eat.

I've substituted bread for Ryvita, Crisps for Snack a Jacks and all white pasta for brown pasta. Instead of having a chocolate for a snack I now have a Satsuma or a low fat yogurt, and my main meal is now at lunch time so that I can have a light dinner, which really helps as I don't exercise in the evenings. 

I've been sticking to calorie counting for roughly 3weeks and I can see the benefits already, I'm not as lethargic as I previously was and I have already lost 6lbs which is very good news indeed. Fingers crossed I keep it up and I'll end up having a body like Kim Kardashian in no time (I can dream right?) Haha!

Do you have any calorie counting/weight loss tips?

♥

Hair Of The Day...Bohemian Bun

No Make up...ERGH!

This morning my hair was as flat as pancake and could have quite possibly done with a wash and blowdry! Instead of going of through the whole process of washing and blowdrying ( It takes me so long as I have sooo much hair), I spritzed lots of Batiste all over, parted it and did a large bohemian twist on the left side of my hair. I brought the plait to the right side of my head and secured it with the right side of hair in a messy bun. I then hairsprayed the hell out of it and headed out in the horrendous rain and wind. Where on earth has Summer gone?

I took these pictures after being out in the monsoon (slight exaggeration) and think that it lasted pretty well. I'm surprisingly very pleased with this quick simple updo...I hope you like it.


♥ 
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Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipsticks Review

Most of you will already know that I love lipsticks. A few weeks ago I did a haul post from xtras online (which you can find HERE) and I bought 3 Maybelline Moisture Extreme Lipsticks . So, what do I think of them once I'd given them a whirl?

Rose Sunrise, Amber Shimmer,  Flamant Rose Flamingo

Amber Shimmer, Rose Sunrise, Flamant Rose Flamingo

Packaging: I find the packaging to be a little meh. I'm not really a fan of the red bullets as I feel they look slightly cheap and tacky

Texture: A.mazing. Super moisturising and I really feel like my lips are being conditioned as well as applying a beautiful colour. 

Pigmentation: The two pinky coloured lipsticks are really pigmented but sadly Amber Shimmer didn't live up to the high standard that the other two had set.

Durability: As the lipsticks are a moisturising formula they don't last as long as a matte shade would, therefore I do find myself reapplying the lipstick quite frequently.

Price: I LOVE the price of these lipsticks, £1.99 is an absolute bargain for such a moisturising lipstick. I think the original price before they were discontinued was around £6 which I too could justify paying for them.

Overall I love these lipsticks, I like the fact that they make my lips feel conditioned and moisturised whilst adding a beautiful flash of colour. I have a feeling I will be buying more from the collection in the near future.

Have you tried these lipsticks? What is your favourite shade?

♥

Costume Jewellery

I'm aware that costume jewellery doesn't tickle everyone's pickle but recently I have become a little obsessed with it. I have a bought a few rings over the past few weeks and wanted to share them with you as I actually love them, even if they are a little chunky and garish.

I wasn't intending on doing a post when I bought these rings so I cannot find the receipts for the life of me (is it me or do receipts just go missing when you need them?), but I do remember where I bought them from, so hopefully that may help if you see something that floats your boat.

Clockwise From Left to Right: 

White Butterfly Ring: Accessorize

Black and Gold Flower Ring: Miss Selfridge

Cream Floral Bow Ring: Primark

Black Rose Ring: Miss Selfridge

Coral Flower Ring: Accessorize

Turquoise and Gold Ring: Miss Selfridge

It will come as no surprise to you that I like Miss Selfridge jewellery, I find that it's so reasonably priced and I always see something that I instantly need want in my life!

Do you like costume jewellery? What is your favourite type of costume jewellery?

♥

Hair Of The Day...Simple Updo

I thought today I'd do a quick and my first ever Hair of The Day Post. I was having a nightmare with my hair this morning, my fringe wouldn't sit right and I think I may have left my conditioner in too long as it looked a tad greasy so I thought I'd try a simple updo. 

I have such a cheesy grin ha

Trying to do a pout but ending up looking a strange haha

I literally just twisted the back sections of my hair and tied them together as you would with the start of a bow. I then used kirby grips (bobby pins) to secure it and then brought the front sections to the back and pinned them into place. My fringe is getting far too long and in need of a snip but I twisted it to the side and also pinned that in place.  I added the flower head band just to cover up the messy sections and it also helped keep my fringe in place. This took the whole of 5 minutes to do and I think it looks quite boho chic! 

Hope you like it girlies, if you have any questions ask away.

♥

It's Oh So Natural To Me

Unfortunately for me, I am unable to pull off dark, dramatic, sexy eyes as I feel I somewhat resemble a drag queen! I long to have big eyes, not big googly fish eyes, but big eyes that can really take dark, dramatic eye shadow and liner. I tend to stick more natural, light coloured eye make up as I feel it complements my smaller than average eyes so I thought I'd share with you my favourite eye shadows for a natural eye.

NARS CREAM EYESHADOW EL DORADO

BENEFIT SILKY POWDER EYE SHADOW LOW PROFILE

CLINIQUE QUAD, LEFT TO RIGHT: PINK CHOCOLATE,  STRAWBERRY FUDGE, STONE VIOLET, CHOCOLATE CHIP

MAC SATIN FINISH EYE SHADOW VELOUR

N07 STAY PERFECT EYE SHADOW MINK

FRONT COVER EYE SHADOWS, LEFT TO RIGHT: MOTHER OF PEARL AND BISCUIT 

 I normally use the lighter and shimmer shadows all over my lid and then the darker, matte shadows in the outer third of my lid, crease and under the bottom lashes for a more smokey effect. I feel that the smokey effect with these types of colours is less harsh for my small eyes and can be worn in the day with a brown kohl in the water or a thin brown liquid liner right at the lashes for a night out. I really notice a difference in the appearance of my eyes when I wear the colours above, they seem to make my eyes appear bigger and bluer in colour which is exactly why I stick to the warmer, natural shadows. I would really recommend these shades for those of you with small eyes like me and for those of you with big eyes, I'm ever so jealous ha! 

I'd like to just say apologies for the cheesy title and reference to an old S Club7 classic but it had to be done! 

Hope you all enjoy the Diamond Jubilee and the extra days off work. I know I will!

♥