Latest in Beauty, The Glamour Beauty Edit Box July 2014

If you are looking for some new beauty products but you aren't really sure where to start, then this is the beauty box for you. The Glamour Beauty Edit Box is full of great products that you will actually use and love. It also includes a newly launched Illamasqua lipstick! The box is worth over £80, but costs just £16.95.. You all know I love a bargain!
I received my box around two weeks ago but I held off on blogging it until I'd had enough time to test everything out.

The Illamasqua Glamore lipsticks usually retail for £18.50. This whole box costs £16.95. I think you know where I'm going with this...Value. For. Money. Plus you get 8 other items! Illamasqua have only just launched their new nude shades within the Glamore line and each box contains one full-size lipstick.  

The shade I received is called 'Buff', and although it looks a little brown I actually really like the colour. It's completely different to what I would usually choose and it's really long-wearing.

I have never used a cleansing 'oil' before so I was a little sceptical as my skin can get quite oily on it's own but I really love this product! This is a deluxe sample size, but I think it's more than enough really. You only need to use a small amount and this oil literally removes every scrap of make-up, even waterproof mascara! It's also really moisturising. I think I will definitely invest in a full bottle once this sample runs out.

This product I found a little strange if I'm honest! It's literally a tube of little white fibres that you brush on your eyelashes between two coats of mascara. It's meant to give your eyelashes that false effect without the fuss, but I'm not sold unfortunately. I've used this a couple of times now and I can honestly say I can't really see a difference. Maybe I expected a little too much of this product? I don't know but I am a little disappointed.

I've never used a cream blush before (I know, I need to broaden my horizons!), but I really like this. It looks so dewy and fresh on the skin, not the usual powdery look I usually get with blusher. It's also really easy to blend! A big thumbs up from me!

I love trying new hair products, and this Toni and Guy Volume Whip didn't disappoint. It adds volume without leaving roots greasy or sticky. It's great if your hair tends to sit a little flat after you normally blow dry it because it's so weightless.

This Crabtree and Evelyn nail polish is a really nice, bright rosy-red shade. Although it does take a couple of coats to fully cover your nails. 

I've never actually used a tanning mitt on myself before as I don't normally fake tan. I'm more of a gradual tanning moisturiser kind of girl but this mitt is really useful for applying that too! It doesn't leave any streaks and blends whatever tan you are using perfectly. Also, no orange hands! 

As I said, I don't generally use fake tan, but I really liked this one. It's only meant to last 24hours and I think that is perfect. It's a BB cream and tan all in one so it's really moisturising. If you just want to be tanned for a special event, this tan scrubs right off in the shower the morning afterwards. So no annoying streaks! 

Unfortunately I'd already been on holiday when I ordered my box so I didn't get to test this suncream against the Turkish sunshine but I have tried it out here. I went on a long walk with my friend in a bandeau top and I usually always sunburn my shoulders but this time I didn't! This cream provides excellent protection and it smells amazing! Giving me massive holiday blues already!

I really think this box is amazing value for money, it;s full of amazing products and I'm so happy I purchased it! Get yours here.   

The Liebster Award 2014

Recently I have been nominated for the Liebster Award five separate times! While I am very flattered you lovely ladies enjoy my blog so much, I feel it may get a little monotonous if I do five separate posts. I feel it is only fair to answer the questions of the first person to nominate me, Jaye over at Jaye's Journal, but I have read each of your blogs so I'm giving you all a little mention.  
If you have never heard of the Liebster Award before it's basically a way for bloggers with under 200 followers to discover new blogs whilst raising awareness for their own blog. It's a nice way to get to know some interesting things about me and also for you to check out the other bloggers I have mentioned.

I would also like to thank...
Amy at Little Love Heart, I particularly love her recent lipsticks post, check it out if you are looking for a new red lippy.
Nikki at Nikki Andrews.com, take a look at her '5 Product Face' post!
Viran, ViranFreak, she recently dip-dyed her hair and it looks so cute!
Julie-Ann, Our Dreams Of Fashion, I love her post on printed trousers.

Please take a look at these lovely ladies blogs, that is what the Liebster Award is all about after all!

Now, on with the questions:

1. What is your most treasured possession and why?

My most treasured possession is probably a cuddly Eeyore toy my mum bought me for my birthday years ago! He was always my favourite Winnie the Pooh character and I've had him that long now he looks so worn and battered. I used to take him on holiday with me but not any more! He did come to uni with me though.

2. If you were given £20 right now, what would you spend it on or put it towards?
I think if I was given £20 right now I would use it to pay for my hair cut tomorrow! As well as needing a good trim, I'm having my full fringe cut back in. I generally grow it out for the Summer so it's less of a faff on holiday but I miss it now! 

3. What is your dream job?
If you know me well, you probably already know the answer to this! My dream job would be Fashion Director at Elle UK. I've pretty much always wanted to work in fashion but I used to be embarrassed to tell people that. I was always clever at school and I used to think that maybe I should want to have a career being a doctor or a lawyer or something else like that. Recently I decided that I want to do a job I love so I never have to really work a day in my life. I never want to wake up and feel annoyed or fed up of the fact that I have to go into work. I don't think a career in fashion should be ridiculed or put down as unimportant in the real world, just because I love clothes does not make me a materialistic bimbo! As Coco Chanel quite accurately pointed out: 'Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening'. As for Elle UK, ever since I made my Nannan buy me my first copy at around age 13, it has been my favourite magazine. I love everything about it and I find Editor-in-Chief Lorraine Candy a very inspirational and wise woman.    

4. What is your favourite post of all the posts you have written?
I think my favourite post so far has to be my Benefit Bronze of the Champions Tutorial. I've never been very good with make-up. I have a very basic knowledge of products and ways to apply things, but I feel like I proved to myself through this post that I am learning more and more about make-up everyday through blogging and that I can also pass on this knowledge and maybe help someone else. I also really love the make-up look I somehow managed to create so that's a bonus! 

5. Most influential blogger and why?
This is a tough one! I love so many bloggers but there are two that I really keep up to date with and they kinda influenced me to start my own blog. I love In The Frow mainly because Victoria is a lecturer with a PhD (and beautiful bright purple hair!), but also has a real evident passion for fashion and beauty through her blog. I also love The Sunday Girl because Adrienne's inside knowledge of all things beauty has greatly improved my own knowledge! Also, if she is recommending something, you better believe I will be buying it!

6. What is your favourite thing about blogging?
My favourite thing about blogging has to be that I get to share all my thoughts and ideas about what I really love with many many people who share that same passion. It's opened up a whole new world for me where I can indulge in fashion and beauty in new and exciting ways and I can interact with a wide variety of people. 

7. What are three things you’re most grateful for?
This is a surprisingly hard one! I think I'm really grateful to be healthy and fit because there are so many people who cannot do things which I consider simple, such as walking or running. I feel blessed that I can do those things without help or hindrance. I'm also grateful I have a family that support me in all of my endeavours and I know they are proud of me no matter what. I have to be grateful to the universe too for the amazing group of friends I have been gifted with, I wouldn't get by without them! 

8. What is your biggest motivation?
I want to live a full and happy life. That sounds a little silly, because of course everyone wants that, don't they? What I mean by that is that I want to build a career and life around fashion and although I don't 100% know what I need to do to get there, I'm one hell of a determined person! I'm not going to stop trying until I get to where I want to be in the world, so I suppose you could say my biggest motivation is that I just want to be happy. 

9. What advice would you give to 13 year old you?
It doesn't really matter what other people think of you. Be nice to everyone you meet and it will all work out fine. 

10. When and why did you decide to start blogging?
I started blogging in April this year because I decided that if I really wanted to work in fashion journalism, I should probably have a blog! Also, I wanted my own little section of the internet where I could explore my own personal thoughts and feelings about fashion without boring some of the people closest to me. They are my very best friends, but they just don't find next season's coat trends as wholly interesting as I do! Also, I thought it would be a good way to put myself and what I do out there for all to see.

11. If you could only wear one pair of shoes for the rest of your life which would they be and why?
Oh wow! I have so many pairs of shoes it's really a little ridiculous and that makes it really hard to choose! I think I'm going to have to go with my Liberty London vans. They are so comfy, practical for pretty much any weather and the print on them is gorgeous! 

Top 5: Next's Autumn Catalogue

While most of us are still basking in the warm glow of the British summer sun, fashion has moved on to next season already. This is great news for those of us who like to plan (buy) ahead, but it can be a little confusing browsing through catalogues and shops filled with winter coats whilst you are still wearing sliders and denim cut-offs. 
I personally love to know what to expect from the shops come September so the arrival of my mum's Next catalogue on Sunday was a little treat.
Although it was really hard to pick just five items (well done Next!), I've managed to narrow down 344 pages into my five favourite essentials.

1. Fuchsia Roll Neck Dress, £38. Add a pop of colour to your Autumn wardrobe with this bright pink beauty! Laid back and effortless style. (It also comes in black).  

2. Metallic Cable Sweater, £45. Metallics are still a big thing for next season and I love this jumper. A very subtle nod to the trend. 

3. Plum Quilted Biker Jacket, £55. While the classic black biker jacket will never go out of style, update the colour a bit with this plum coloured version. 

4. Pleated Lace Skirt, £40. Dress it up, dress it down... This skirt is an excellent versatile addition to your wardrobe. The lace makes it look so much more expensive too!

5. Waterfall Coat, £65. There is no doubt about it, I will 100% be buying this coat! Such a bargain at £65 and the colour is gorgeous. I love a cosy coat I can just wrap up in when its freezing out.

Have you purchased any Autumn/Winter essentials yet? Have you found the perfect coat? Leave me a comment! 

Semi-Permanent Make-Up - the make-up of the future?

Have you heard of semi-permanent make-up? Maybe you have and you aren't really sure what it is. Very recently this whole new area of cosmetics was brought to my attention and I thought I should perhaps focus on it in more detail.

The term 'semi-permanent make-up', also known as micropigmentation, covers a range of cosmetic treatments that involve inserting small amounts of pigment (ink) into the dermal layer of the skin in order to enhance and add to [typically] female features. This state-of-the-art procedure, which is essentially tattooed on make-up, is being used increasingly by celebrities as a way to streamline their beauty rituals. Celebrities such as Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Lucy Meck, Louise Roe, Angelina Jolie and Amy Childs are among the widening variety of stars who are reportedly fans of the procedure.

The range of treatments typically includes eyebrow enhancement, eye liner and lip liner. Also there are semi-permanent cosmetic treatments for beauty marks, scar camouflage and areola  reconstruction. All these procedures use a technique which is far less invasive than traditional tattooing, hence the 'semi-permanent' tagline. It is general consensus that while people's skin differs widely, semi-permanent cosmetics can last anything from one to five years.  

There are very obvious benefits to having your make-up tattooed on: semi-permanent make-up has been dubbed the 'make-up you wake up in'. I for one cannot apply eyeliner to save my life, it's never even and it never looks as good as I hope! If my eyeliner was already permanently applied for me, this would no longer be such a chore. The same goes for the eyebrow treatments. Having perfectly shaped and defined eyebrows 24/7 sounds like a dream! If you have a signature look, or are looking to make your mornings a whole lot easier, semi-permanent make-up may actually be the answer for you.

If you are not naturally blessed with full lips but you love the Rosie Hungtington-Whitely look, you could enhance your lips with semi-permanent lip liner. I think the lips below still look incredibly natural.

However, there is a darker side to this new field. Many 'technicians' who claim to be qualified will offer highly discounted treatments to gain customers, but how do you know these people are credible? You are essentially getting a tattoo on your face, you need to ensure it's done correctly! Before you undertake any kind of cosmetic procedure, you should do lots of research into the practitioner and the treatment itself.

I'm excited to find out more about this newly emerging field of cosmetics, are you intrigued? Leave me a comment!

Look out for a post next week where I talk to semi-permanent make-up artist Sue Nightingale (www.suenightingale.co.uk) and learn more about these cutting-edge treatments. 

3 Ways To Wear It: The Slogan Sweat

I'm thinking of making '3 Ways To Wear It' a regular feature on my blog, so please do let me know what you think in the comments!

Slogan tees and sweatshirts are everywhere right now; you can pretty much say anything by plastering it across your clothes. I tend to think you belong in one of two camps when it comes to the slogan sweat, you either loathe them or are really confused about how to wear them! 
I've come up with three ways you can style up your slogan sweatshirt and give it a little more versatility. 

This post features the 'More Issues Than Vogue' sweatshirt from In The Style UK and the much coveted 'Full Time Fashion Blogger' sweat from River Island. 

1. With a [leather] skirt. 

Think casual Friday at work. This look is still comfy and relaxed but the leather skirt and loafers give it a bit of extra style. 

Skirt, H&M. Loafers, Schuh. Clutch, Chic.

2. With heels. 
Cocktail date on a week night? This is your look. The sweatshirt makes this outfit look effortless. You may have spent over an hour getting ready, but nobody will ever know! Perfectly laid back but still well put together. 
Jeans, Topshop. Shoes, Marks and Spencer (!). Clutch, Primark.

I thought these shoes deserved a close-up, how gorgeous are they?! I can't actually believe they are Marks and Spencer and what's more, they are my mum's ! I love the stud detailing for the heel itself and they aren't too high either. Excellent buy mum.

3. Monochrome.
This ensemble is just pure casual, but I think monochrome always looks good. You can run errands all weekend in this look and still appear put-together doing so. Easy! 

How would you style a slogan sweatshirt? Leave me a comment! 

Benefit 'Bronze of the Champions' Sort-of Tutorial, Sort-of Review

I don't pretend to be an expert when it comes to make-up. In fact the idea of anybody actually taking make-up tips from me is pretty funny since day-to-day I never wear any make-up. However, I promised a closer look at my date night make-up so I decided to make it a little sort-of tutorial; 'sort-of' because I myself am no expert.

What I found really useful about this set was the inclusion of 'Tips and Tricks'. This enables make-up beginners like myself to create the look with minimal confusion or trouble.   

Here goes then...

1. I'm not wearing foundation here, I never really wear it in Summer at all. However I do have on Benefit Pore-Fessional Primer. First I applied the Creaseless Cream eyeshadow in 'Bikini-Tini' to my whole lid.

2. I then blended the Long wear Powder shadow into the corner of my lid, creating a smoky look.

3. Next I attempted some contouring with the Hoola Bronzer. The 'Tips and Tricks' states that applying the bronzer below cheek bones should slim your face. I'm not sure I did this right but I think it looks fine! 

 4. Highlighter comes next. This is the very first time I have ever used highlighter so I was a little wary but I actually really like how it turned out. Again, the 'Tips and Tricks' says to blend this into cheek bones and brow bones, I hope this is clear on the picture.

 5. I used Magnifibres Brush-on False Lashes with Benefit 'They're Real' mascara. The Magnifibres product came in my Latest in Beauty box last week and I've been dying to try them. I'm not all that impressed so far actually, I don't think they made a difference! 

 6. Next I filled in my eyebrows a little with my HD brow palette in 'Foxy', just to add a bit of definition.

7. My lipstick also came in my Latest in Beauty box and is one of the seven new Illamasqua Glamore nude shades. This shade, 'Buff', is not what I would have chosen myself but I'm actually glad I received this colour. It's nice to try something different every once in a while.
I already have the Hoola lipgloss that came with this set but I thought I would try my new lipstick out instead with this set.

That's it! It's that easy. These next few shots show the full look. I'm really pleased with this Benefit set, definitely worth the money. The colours are perfectly neutral and will go with pretty much any outfit. I think paired with the lipstick it works better for night time. For day I'd probably just wear a lipbalm. Get the 'Bronze of the Champions' set from ASOS here. 

I'd love to see some of your favourite make-up tutorials, leave me a comment!

Top 5: Wedding Guest Outfits

As well as the beach days and the holidays, summer is all about weddings. Securing the right dress is not only essential for the bride, it's essential to you as a guest also! You don't want to outshine the bride on her big day, but you do want to look fabulous of course. 
Here are my top five favourite outfits that would work great for a wedding! Do not be afraid to push the boat out a bit in terms of styling. Hurry, some are in the sales and going fast!

1. Tilly Floral Bodycon Midi (Boohoo), was £20 now £12 ! Perfect for styling with some nude barely-there sandals and a nude clutch.

2. Rose Print Asymmetrical dress (River Island), was £50 now £20 ! This dress is such a bargain at £20 I may just buy it anyway, who knows when you're going to need a little glamour! The asymmetric structure adds that little bit of difference to what would otherwise be another floral print dress. 

3. Kozia Scalloped Detail jumpsuit (Missguided), £29.99. Why not try a jumpsuit instead of a dress? This Missguided one is super classy and would look great with some simple gold jewellery. 

4. Topshop Limited Edition Palm Print Jaquard Co-Ord, £150 if bought together. I think you can definitely wear darker colours to a daytime wedding, as long as they look a little something like this! This co-ord is tailored to perfection and is totally appropriate wedding guest attire if paired with the right heels. I love the wrap detail on the skirt. 

5. Ted Baker Wispy Meadow Maxi Dress, £229. This dress is a little slice of pleated heaven, it's beautiful. If you are looking to make a real statement, this is the dress to do it in. 

Are you going to a wedding this summer? What will you be wearing? Leave me a comment!