up? down? left? right? - how to apply your products correctly

I have blogged about moisturiser and foundation now and given tips on application, but, after talking to some people yesterday there are still somethings people are unaware of!

This will be a short post, an APPLICATION 101 so to say,

Moisturiser
When applying moisturiser always apply in circular motions moving UP the face! Smooth the product upwards. This upward lift will encourage blood flow to the skin in the face, which in turn will increase cellular production in the face meaning fresh skin cells will be produced more frequently, which therefore means skin will appear younger, fuller, with fewer lines. It may not look, at first, as though it is doing anything but if you are rigorous and keep moisturising upwards you will notice your skin is soft, hydrated and youthful.
 
Remember - moisturise UP!!!

Foundation
I have already posted a lot on foundation application and my biggest tip is always use some sort of applicator for foundation. Using your fingers will ultimately make your base streaky and unblended!

As an opposite to moisturiser you should always apply foundation in DOWNWARD strokes. The fine hairs on your face (yes, we all have them) lie downwards and so you need to follow this when applying make-up. If not you will lift the hairs on the face making them visible for all to see, which I know nobody wants. To make sure you've done this properly always apply foundation in a good light, not only to make sure you've covered and blended well but also to make sure you've not caught any pesky hairs!!

That's all I had to say! and, I hope it proves useful.
Please leave any comments below!
R x

smart shaving

Shaving, for me, is one of my most daunted tasks. I hate it. So, anything that can make my shaving experience quicker and more pleasurable is always a bonus. This post will share some shaving tips I've picked up along with some products I have used and found useful.

Shaving Tips 101 (hopefully these will be helpful)

1. Prep: always shave after a hot shower/bath. The steam will open up pores and allow for a smooth shave. If pores are closed hairs can be pulled which will lead to skin irritation.

2. Prep 2.0: exfoliate with a good face scrub. This will force the hairs to stand in the right place. If the hairs aren't in the right place for shaving it can cause a pulling which can irritate the skin. Also, if the hairs are pulled in the wrong way when shaving they can 'spring' back under the pores and therefore cause ingrown hairs. So... EXFOLIATE.

3. Use a sharp razor: a sharp razor will ensure a quick, smooth shape with less irritation.

4. Lubricate: choose a good lubricant (yes lubricant) before shaving whether it be shaving foam, cream, gel or oil. Choose the right one for your skin too. I will break this down below!

5: Follow the hair growth: shave in the direction in which your hair grows. If you don't you are prone to ingrown hairs as well as irritation.

6: After shave wash: always remove any shaving cream, gel, foam or oil after shaving. If you don't these products can sit in pores and cause breakouts!

7. Dry properly: Pat your skin dry post shave. DON'T RUB! Rubbing will cause skin to becoming irritated.

The Products
There are so many products to choose from now-a-days so which one do you go for? I suggest choose the product best suited for your skin. There are four types; cream, gel, foam and oil.

1. Cream

Cream based products tend to be formulated with glycerine which prevents them drying out the skin. This means they are great for guys with dry skin.

Apply with fingers to create a lather, however, when used with a shaving brush these really lather, whilst also making the hair lift for a clean shave.

Taylor of Old Bond Street Coconut Shaving Cream

Taylor of Old Bond Street Coconut Shaving Cream comes in at £8.95 which I thought was relatively well priced. The coconut fragrance makes this product stand out as it smells much nicer than other shaving products out their. It lathers well, brilliantly in-fact when used with a brush. It rinses easily and leaves skin feeling smooth.

2. Gel

I use gel as my main shaving method as they combine all the pro's of creams and foams. They are formulated to keep skin hydrated as you shave so are great for men in a hurry or young guys who are new to shaving.

Apply with fingertips in circular motions.

Clinique M Shave Aloe Gel

Coming in at RRP of £14 it is an expensive choice but Clinique's M Shave Aloe Gel is my favourite shaving product. Once lathered the product prevents razor drag so your blade will glide smoothly across the skin whilst holding in moisture and lifting hairs. Enriched with skin healing and protecting Aloe Vera, M Shave Aloe Gel soothes during and after shaving and helps reduce nicks and cuts. For a smooth, comfortable and close shave.

3. Foam
Foam is great for people in a rush as you don't have to spend time lathering it up yourself! However foams can have a drying affect on the skin so if you have sensitive skin choose one which is suited to this (I'd say even if you don't have sensitive skin go for a sensitive option).

Gillette Shaving Foam - Sensitive Skin

My favourite foam is by Gillette this can be picked up so cheaply at the supermarket, coming in at £1.70 at TESCO but it really is a steal, perfect for any students out there!!

4. Oil
I hadn't really heard of shaving oils until very recently and I was sceptical, but, they are great. The oil in the product means it won't dry out your skin and the oiliness of it will give tremendous razor glide for a superiorly clean, close shave!

King of Shaves Shaving Oil

I came across King of Shaves shaving oil when I was doing my grocery shopping! It was on offer in TESCO for £2.65 and retails at an RRP of about £4 so it is cheap in comparison to its premium brothers! The directions say 2 or 3 drops for your whole beard. Now anyone who knows me will know I don't suffer from huge facial hair growth but I would suggest using more than 2-3 drops as that small a quantity wasn't sufficient even for me!

You can use this product on its own or underneath a cream, foam or gel. I have used it both ways and have had brilliant shaves both times.

After use I'd suggest washing it off with a cleansing face wash, even though it says you needn't bother. Oil getting left on your skin can cause breakouts so was off just to be safe! I'd say try this if you want a super close shave, you won't be disappointed!

Let me know what you think, if you have any favourites yourselves! Comment below!
Much love
R x

application application application

As I have just done a post on choosing the right foundation I thought it'd be good to post about the best applicators for your foundation. Correct application is just as important as getting the right product, if applied correctly you shouldn't be able to notice the foundation at all. So, here goes...

1. The Foundation Brush
The foundation brush is most suitable for liquid foundation. Normally coming in the "cat's tongue" shape they are great for getting an even coverage and for blending. However for an even better application I would suggest going for a stippling brush. The stippling brush is a completely different shape; the end of the brush is flat and from above looks circular. The bristles are densely packed but more feathery towards the end. This allows for a HD effect. If using this brush, work your foundation into the skin in circular motions to buff as you go. The stippling brush is great for blending as well due to the way the fibres work.

Elf Studio Stipple Brush 

My favourite stippling brush has to be the ELF.co.uk brush, coming in a £3.75 it is exceptional value for money, a definite must for everyones make-up bag. Also, check out the other brushes of their site as they are all great quality!!

2. The Sponge

The sponge is best for cream products as it won't absorb the cream (most likely oil-based) product. Sponges also offer brilliant blending results. However, they do harvest bacteria after use so always wash your sponges, I'd suggest with antibacterial face wash; BodyShop do a brilliant tea tree face wash which I use to clean all my make-up brushes.

RealTechniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

I love the RealTechniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. Coming in at £5.99 at Boots it may seem expensive, but, it's design is unlike any other. Offering 3 in 1 benefits this sponge does everything.

Rounded sides - blend large areas of the face with a repeated "dabbing" or "stippling" motion

Precision tip - covers blemishes and imperfections.

Flat edge - for the contours around the eyes and nose

A definite buy if you use cream foundation. This also works well with liquid foundation. Just make sure you wash it!

3. The Kabuki Brush

The Kabuki brush is best for powder and loose powders, especially mineral foundation. The densely packed bristles allow for superior application and coverage meaning HD pixel perfect skin. 

TOPSHOP Kabuki Brush

I love the TOPSHOP Kabuki Brush, for £8 I think it is good value. The bristles are tightly packed and the tips are incredibly soft. Brilliant for applying powder foundations and also for buffing finishing powder on top of liquid. This brush is a great all rounder.

These are just my top three types of applicators, I know there are more out there.

As always, leave your comments below.

Much love

R x

  

find your foundation

A good base is key for all other make-up you wear. Also, the better your base the more youthful you will appear, after all no-one wants to have flaky or in contrast a shiny face. Just like choosing skincare, you should match your foundation too your skin type. This post will try to break down (hopefully) some key points on choosing the right foundation!

1. KNOW YOUR SKIN TYPE!
There are lots of skin types, and much like choosing your skincare routine, you should be equally as aware of your skin when choosing foundation.

Normal - neither too dry nor too oily. If you have barely visible pores, a radiant complexion and little sensitivity you would have a 'normal' skin type. You are lucky as you can choose almost any foundation to wear (you lucky thing you!)

Combination - a skin type which is dryer in places and more oily in others. It tends to be that the cheeks are drier and the T zone (nose, forehead and chin) are oilier.  This skin can look shiny with overly dilated pores with increased risk of blackheads.

Dry - dry skin can look almost dull, with almost invisible pores. It can feel tight and there is greater risk of lines and wrinkles.

Oily - this skin type is prone to more blemishes. With more open pores and increased sebum production spots and blackheads are more easily formed. Excess oils mean skin can appear shiny.

Sensitive - sensitive skin can show up through redness, a burning sensation and itching. This may be due to a medical issue and if you are unsure of why your skin is so sensitive then seek medical advice.

2. CHOOSE A FOUNDATION TO MATCH YOUR SKIN

Cream Foundation - ideal for normal, combination and dry skin. Perfect for more uneven complexions as it provides heavier coverage. The finish of these foundations is dewy with a medium to full coverage. For application use a sponge or stippling brush. A brilliant cream foundation is the MaxFactor Whipped Creme Foundation which provides a demi-matte finish whilst also giving hydration as well. At £9.99 it is also decently priced.

Liquid Foundation - ideal for all skin types but best suited to dry and mature skin. With a light to medium coverage this foundation comes in a variety of finishes from matte to satin. If you have oily skin then choose a matte finish and if you have drier skin then go for a more satin finish as this will provide more moisture. Apply with a foundation brush. I love the MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation. It is a creamy, gel-based foundation that provides medium buildable to high coverage with a natural satin finish. It is long-wearing and water-resistant. As with many premium brands this foundation is pricey at £25 but you do get 40ml for that which is 10ml more than most foundations so cost effective!

Pressed Powder - perfect for oily skin types. They provide a matte finish with light to medium coverage. They absorb excess oils whilst evening the complexion. Apply with a densely packed powder brush for great coverage. I don't tend to use these so this was hard for me to review, but the one powder foundation that keeps coming up is the Bobbi Brown Illuminating Finish Powder Compact Foundation. At £32 this product offers a lasting full coverage with no oil - so it is perfect for oily skin. It also has light reflective pigments which help mask imperfections thus evening out the complexion.

Mineral Foundations - great for all apart from oily skin. These foundations are great for those with sensitive skin. They provide a demi-matte finish in a light to medium coverage. For best application I would suggest using a kabuki brush to buff it onto the skin. Bare Minerals has the best mineral foundations out there. The "weightless foundation provides adjustable sheer-to-full coverage for a flawless look". It is, like the MAC foundation £25 for a 8g. It is definitely worth the money though. Your skin will look great. 

Tinted Moisturiser - for normal to dry skin. Suitable for those who need extra hydration with a hint of colour. A sheer to light finish with giving a 'no make-up' look. Apply with a foundation brush. The Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser with SPF 20 is a great tinted moisturiser. It evens the complexion without hiding the skin beneath. Coming in at £33 for 50ml it is the priciest product on my list but after trying a sample of it I would definitely recommend it as it feels and looks great on the skin. 

BB Cream - ideal for all skin types, but especially good for blemish prone skin. The active ingredients in BB creams help to reduce blemishes whilst providing a light to medium coverage. Apply with a foundation brush. Garnier have produced (and correct me if I am wrong) the first British BB Cream. At £9.99 at Boots this product instantly ‘perfects’ the skin giving a light and sheer coverage meaning imperfections look blurred with fine lines being softened. Your skin will look luminous, smoother and more even. Definitely a more dash than cash product - it is brilliant value for money!

3. COLOUR

Pink Undertones - choose a yellow based foundation to counter-balance the cooler tones in your skin.

Yellow Undertones - and (surprise surprise) in contrast choose a pink toned foundation to counter the warmer tones.

It may also seem obvious but don's choose a shade too pale, or too dark. This will look false, the perfect base should just disappear into your skin.

Most premium brands will stock more shades than high-street brands. If you cannot justify or afford a premium brand and can't find the right shade from a high-street make then buy a couple a mix them! I am a firm believer in mixing foundations, this was you will get a truly personalised shade to match your skin. 

Always test a foundation on your jaw, as this is the 'truest' representation of your skin colour. Always double check this in daylight, shop lights skew colour terribly! If in doubt ask a friend you trust!


Well, I think I could go on and on but I will leave it there. I hope this has been helpful, let me know of any products you like and I will try and review them if I can.
Comment below. Much love,
R x

brilliant blow dry

My hair takes ages to dry, like so long. Since I've been bleaching my hair has become more porous and holds so much more water. This means that it takes me a lot longer to blow-dry my hair and I am used to spending a good 10 minutes getting my hair fully dry (which is a long time for my length hair).

However, I was lucky enough to get a free sample of KMS California Free Shape Quick Blow Dry spray. I was sceptical at first and I am unsure why, I think I am a sucker for packaging and I wasn't drawn to how the product looked (I should never judge a book by its cover) but, I am amazed at how good this really is. It aims to "Speed up drying time up to 50%. Reduces friction while conditioning lightly. Provides heat protection."

There was very little fragrance which didn't really bother me. The spray is very fine and I have found you don't need to use much of the product. Spray and comb through towel dried hair then blow dry and style as normal. 

The product (as the saying goes) does exactly what it says on the tin and my drying time was cut down, I think by more than half the time, which is great as I am always in a rush when getting ready. I also think for its price, at £10.07 with free delivery on beautybay.com it is definitely a product you should own if you want to cut down the time you spend drying your hair.

If you get it, let me know how you get on!

R x

happy healthy hair

It is cold out there! Winter is definitely upon us and I for one am not enjoying it at the moment. But, "What does this have to do with hair?" I hear you say...

Well, extremes in weather can ravage your tresses so it is important to keep it healthy over the colder months. Cold air and wind alike can really dry your hair out, and, so can the intense and dry heat of central heating and fires. This can lead to hair looking dull and potentially frizzy (not what you want when going to all the Christmas parties.)

So, you need to keep your hair as hydrated as possible. A weekly hair treatment is the best way to combat this dryness however salon treatments can prove expensive. This post will show some of my favourite home hair treatments. There will be some bargain beauties alongside some more premium treats so whatever your budget, you will find something!

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor - £4.99

I love this product! I first used this when I majorly damaged my hair with my straighteners when I was 14. The damage to part of my hair was unrepairable (so I shaved it) but for the rest of my hair this product worked amazingly.

The product is thick and smells gorgeous. A very delicate minty fragrance to me. After shampooing your hair can feel dense and tangled but as soon as you put this in your hair it becomes instantly more managable. I often leave this product on for more than three minutes but it definitely is worth it.
The product washes out quickly and easily and leaves hair soft and manageable. A definite purchase for those in need of quick hair recovery!

Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair Masque - varying prices depending on size.

I was first introduced to this after I started bleaching my hair almost two years ago. I asked for a conditioning treatment after my first round with the dreaded bleach and I fell in love. The masque is a  combination of macadamia oil and argan oil along with tea tree oil, chamomile oil, aloe and algae extracts which hydrate, nourish and repair dry and damaged hair. Extended benefits of the product are said to include extension of the life of colour treatments by reducing fading, natural UV protection and the reduction of drying time an amazing 40-50%. 

The main thing I noticed about this product was the fact that I didn't have to use very much of the product at all. A little went a very long way. The mix of oils, including aloe as well meant that the product was very calming on the scalp so great for over processed coloured hair. The recommended usage time for the masque is 10 minutes but I have left it on longer for a more intensive treatment. Once washed off my hair feels light and nourished - not weighed down like some oil based products can make hair. I didn't notice any difference in drying time however, but, this masque is definitely worth a try. Available from most salons and feelunique.com

http://www.feelunique.com/p/Macadamia-Deep-Repair-Masque-250ml?gclid=CNuMs5_J4boCFRMftAodOSgAOA

Moroccan Oil Masques - varying prices

The Moroccan Oil masques are the most luxurious hair treatments I have tried, and are the most expensive ones too! However, although pricey they are most definitely worth it.

                       

Hydration Masque (brown lid) - is a rich, creamy treatment, designed to hydrate and repair damage.

"Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask does not need heat to be activated; only 5 to 7 minutes will treat hair with much needed moisture and protein, adding elasticity and shine. This highly effective mask revitalises and hydrates hair, restoring shine and manageability."

This masque leaves hair feeling, soft and manageable - the cheapest I have been able to find this product is £24.95 on feelunique.com. It is such a good product, no other product matches the quality of it.

Restorative Masque (orange lid) - A therapeutic remedy for colour/chemical damaged hair. I would not recommend using this product at home but if your hair is in desperate of need of saviour then book in for a salon treatment and ask for this. My hairdresser told me that if this product is left on for longer than the 5 minute usage time that the hair will break because there is so much protein packed into each treatment so BE CAREFUL!

"Moroccan Oil Restorative Hair Mask penetrates deep into the hair to help restore elasticity and rebuild strength while repairing damage caused by chemicals and other environmental stresses. This unique formula is rich in proteins and will help bring out hair's inner health, leaving it incredibly moisturised with a brilliant shine."

Ok, I could ramble about different masques I have tried all day, but I will leave you with these three brands. Please comment below with any you have tried and I will have a look!

Much love 

R x

#street style - Dark Craft Glamour

I've photographed Rachael for my blog before and when I saw her the other day I couldn't resist snapping her again. I loved her deliciously gothic inspired outfit.

The black dress looks great underneath the burgundy fluffy jumper (bonus points for use of texture!! she was so soft). I'm also loving the cut out leather ankle boots, I basically love black ankle boots (it's hard to go wrong with them).

Also, I am loving Rach's choice of burgundy lip colour, colour coordination at its best!

The Damned: TOPSHOP A/W 13 Makeup Collection

I know I blog a lot about TOPSHOP but I do work there so I have a first look at products!

Today I want to have a look at some of the A/W makeup collection. With Halloween a week today it is aptly named "The Damned". I love this collection and I already own a few products from it!

(I haven't had time to swatch these yet, but I hope too as soon as possible)



My favourite product is the Illuminating Face Powder - £14

Everyone should own a finishing powder and this is one of the best ones I've used.

The product has a  delicate fragrance and is beautiful smooth to the touch. To look at the product, at first glance has a shimmer to it and one may think it is a highlighter however, once buffed onto the skin with a powder brush you get no shimmer at all. The product does two things at once, it mattifies (which is great because no-one wants to be shiny) and it also gently diffuses light hitting the face for a perfectly smooth complexion. 

I'd say go and buy this, but be quick as I have a feeling this will sell out quickly!

Cheek and Eye Duo - £12

Named Bitten Cherry the cheek and duo is a lovely addition to the collection. The compact is split into two halves, one darker pink and one a frosty pale pink.

The darker colour works as a contour/blush when used on the cheeks and the lighter side working well as a highlighter. Also the two can be used on the eyelids for a frosty pink delicately smoky eye.

I've not used this product myself but I think has good potential.

Lips - £8

I have reviewed TOPSHOP lipstick before and I will again because they are great. At £8 each I think these lipsticks are a bargain for their quality. The three I've chosen to review are Wicked (left) Called Up (centre) and Ruthless (right)

Wicked is a lovely burgundy colour and comes in a creamy finish and gives long wearing moisture. This colour looks great with a clear gloss, for high shine vampiric drama.

Called Up has more purple undertones and the final colour is a beautiful berry colour. The finish of this product is again creamy, providing moisture throughout the day.

Ruthless is the most dramatic lipstick in the collection. It has a blue base and comes out a really deep almost black colour. Coming again in creamy finish this product won't dry your lips out. I say for ultimate drama apply a couple of layers and finish with a gentle dusting of translucent powder for a matte finish.

Velvet Lip - £10

A new product out there. Velvet Lip is a ultra pigmented lip cream drying to a powdery soft, ultimate matte finish. It comes in three colour Plush (middle) is a gorgeous purple colour. There is also Raven (right) which is a pure black and Velveteen Ribbons (left) a lovely deep red colour. 

These products dry very quickly so you need to apply as quickly as you can. First line the lips with a lip liner as close in colour to Velvet Lip as you can get and then get applying! It takes some practise as it's not like a normal lip colour but once you get it right it will look incredible.

Eye Gleam - £9

I've been waiting for TOPSHOP to make these and I hope they make more colours as I love them. These can be seen as a good dupe for the MAC paint pots. Eye Gleam is a mousse creamy eyeshadow. Coming at the moment in three colours Winter Frost (left) Bronze (centre) and Noir (right).

The products work great as a base for eyeshadows and as stand alone colours. They are heavily pigmented and have great lasting power. Winter Frost is a lovely pearlescent white colour, as well as an eyeshadow smooth a thin layer under the arch of the eyebrow for a cheeky highlight. Bronze does exactly what it says on the tin, a beautiful copper colour gives rich and warm tones. Noir is just amazing! The colour is a beautifully dark, a inky black colour with shimmer. It looks great in the light and creates a dramatic and sultry smoky eye. 

Matte Nails - £6

Matte nails are the most fashionable nails around at the moment. If you're going to paint your nails this A/W then try a matte nail varnish. Keeping in with the Halloween theme TOPSHOP have created a lovely range of deep, rich matte nail colours.

Brutal (left) is a gorgeous berry/purple colour. Drizzle (middle) is a purple-ly based steel grey (one of my favourites, it's so chic) and also Dress Up (right) a gorgeous red colour, get your vamp on!

Whichever shade you choose, you cannot go wrong with a matte nail.

Like I said I love this collection and I'm sure you will too! Let me know how you get on with any of these products if you go and get them!

Much love

R x

sartorially spooky: the Halloween trend

With Halloween not far away, what would autumn be without a dark and moody trend? The key is in the title, gothic, and black is (as the saying goes) the new black.  This does not mean that I suggest you all dye your hair black and wear extreme platform boots, the fashion industry has moved on to a more sophisticated take on Gothic. 

MEN: Your key item for this is the black super skinny jean. Use this as your base and then create your outfit around this. Another great piece is the black blazer; you can never fail with sharp, crisp tailoring and a black blazer will become so multi functional. You would be silly not to buy one. Why not try layering black mesh over black jersey for a gothic/sports mix? Or keep it smart but teaming a charcoal turtle neck (yes they are back) with a black blazer and tailored trouser? Or keep it grungy by teaming ripped black skinnies with a dark grey oversized sweatshirt. My top tip for this trend is to NOT treat it like a costume. Make it your own; just keep the colour palette dark.

LADIES: The key here is texture and mixing of texture. You will see everything from high shine vinyl to soft matte leathers. Also think lace and velvet. Fur and sheer netting. As with the gents the base colour here is black but there have been some cheeky pops of acid colour (mainly lime green and cerise pink) to break up the monochrome feel. One of my favourite pieces is the TOPSHOP all in one disco suit which provides a great base for layering other items. A good black coat is also going to prove to be a staple investment and I'd say for this trend why not rock a leather biker jacket - it'll keep it edgy. Think dark lipstick too, Urban Decay do a brilliant one called SHAME. It is a gorgeous deep berry colour and will work brilliantly with this trend. 

I recently took this photo of my work colleague Iona as I think this outfit is great. Iona wears the disco all in one (linked above) with a crystal blossom print t shirt and turquoise "Gwenda"stilletoes. The finishing touch for me here is the lace cat ears. It really adds some fun to the whole piece.
All - TOPSHOP

I haven't covered everything because I could ramble for ages and ages and that wouldn't be fun for anyone, but, I will try and get some more pics up as soon as I can because this trend is great!

R x

bravo worthy brows

Cara Delevingne has set the bench mark when it comes to the ultimate eyebrow. Now I've seen some people tweet about how she "doesn't pluck her brows" but she probably spends more time on her brows than any other part of her body.

Eyebrows completely frame your face; I mean, without them you'd look really weird! But, what's the best way to get the perfect brow?

Well, I don't think there is a perfect way, and I wouldn't say my way is best, but people tell me my brows look good so, I just want to share the products I use to get statement brows everyday.


MAC eye brows - £13

This was my first eye brow pencil. I bought this after someone used it on my brows.

The statement-

"Self-propelling, self-sharpening, brow defining. Confidently adds what you need: shape, colour, density in one streamlined tool. Like a pen, creates its own just-right point. Provides definition, shape, 

deepens/fills in colour. Creates striking arches. Easy to tote around. No sharpener needed."

The product is great, the consistency I found is somewhere between a cream and wax. It is firm which allows for precision, you can really draw on individual hairs (if you have time!). It comes in 6 shades, from fair through to almost black so there is something for everyone. Yes it is expensive for a pencil but if you can afford it, get it as it really is a brilliant must have make up bag piece.

MUA Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit - £3.50

This is my eyebrow wonder product.

I sometimes get weary of cheaper brands expecting the quality to be less but, MUA have really got it right with this product. In your palette you get three shades of brow powder; which can be mixed together easily on the skin and a finishing wax for shape and hold. Also included is pair of tweezers and a small brush. I personally use a different brush with a longer handle as I find I get more control out of a longer handled brush. I'd also suggest that using a translucent finishing powder to hold the brow powder for longer.

You can grab this product in Superdrug or online at www.muastore.co.uk 

For £3.50 it is a real bargain meaning everyone can have fabulous brows!

If anyone else has any brilliant brow products please comment below as I'd love to hear about them.

R x

i bought new shoes

I have gone totally mad for Dr Marten shoes and boots this a/w. Yesterday I treated myself to pair of the black Dr Martens 1461 Shoe. I have wanted them for so long and I finally bit the bullet and got them. I am so happy with them. They are, (as DMs tend to be) notoriously stiff but I actually found them really comfy, they only rubbed a tiny bit and I have no blisters (yay) which is always good news!

If you are looking to grab yourself a pair here is the official Dr Martens weblink;
http://store.drmartens.co.uk/p-461-dr-martens-1461-shoe.aspx

dry eyes?

If like me you suffer from dry eyes, especially in the morning, you'll know how painful and irritating it can be. I use an eye cream during the day and that works brilliantly but I'm yet to find one that I can use of a night time that provide moisture all night.

But.... I have found a surprising miracle wonder that you will most definitely be surprised by.

Vaseline. Yes that's right, Vaseline.

Not so long ago Alexa Chung and many models were using Vaseline as a minimalist eye shadow but this is now my number one go to for dry eyes.

Before you go to bed apply a thin layer of Vaseline around the under eye area through to the outer corner of the eye - the under eye is the most likely place to become dry and irritated. Dry skin around the eyes is one of the most noticeable signs of ageing as well.  

When you wake up the skin around you eyes should feel smooth and hydrated, follow in the morning with your usual eye cream and you should have beautifully moisturised skin 24/7. Let me know how you get on.

R x 

#ootd

This is an outfit I wore a while ago but I think it fits in with my post about the heritage trend. With what has proven to be a warm autumn so far it is still acceptable to wear a short sleeve shirt out and about. I love this green plaid shirt from TOPMAN, the material is really nice and it hangs perfectly off my shoulders. I paired it with black skinnies (standard for me) and my bargain vintage Dr Marten boots (I got them for £13!)

This outfit would look great in colder months too, just layer up with a stone coloured cardigan and denim jacket! If the weather is wet (which it most likely will be soon) why not try a wax jacket or parka.

Shirt - TOPMAN

Jeans - TOPSHOP

Boots - Dr Martens

#street style

Something I really want to do more of is street style. from now on I'll be taking my camera out with me where I go and take pictures of inspiring outfits, or outfits I find interested.

To start, I want to share with you one of my work colleagues and dear friends Rachael. She always looks great and I have taken a few photos of her in the past and I think it's the right time to share my favourite with you.

I adore this outfit. It's as simple as that. The simplicity of this outfit really shines through for me. The snakeskin 3/4 sleeve shift looks great on Rachael's frame and looks great paired with black leather cut out boots (cut out leather will be big this winter). Simple gold jewellery finishes the look off perfectly.

Dress and Boots - TOPSHOP

Rachael also has her own blog; http://www.little-sister.co.uk/
Go and check it out
R x

which red?

Every little girl has watched their mum put on red lipstick and it is my belief that every woman should own a red lipstick.  However there are so many available to but which begs the question; "Which one do you buy?". 

Buying red lipstick can be scary so the most important thing to think about is finding a shade that suits your skin-tone best. I have compiled a list of skin tones and suggested what colours will go best with this skin tone! I'll also give a few amazing products I have tried and tested myself.

The Skin Tones

Porcelain: Ultra-light skin tone which tends to have cooler undertones. This skin tone looks best with a cooler red. Try one in a plum or burgundy tint. If you're looking for something more daring I'd suggest a warm red.

Fair: A light skin tone with cool undertones also is again suited to a cooler red but don't be afraid to be bold with a warmer toned red.

Beige: A skin colour with yellower undertones which is most suited to a warmer red. 

Olive: Warm reds look best on this skin colour with green undertones. This skin tone is best for a 'true' red as well (think pillar box red/London bus red)

Caramel: Cool reds are most wearable wearable as they will contrast brilliantly with the warmer tones in your skin, but warm reds also look gorgeous too.

Dark:  Cool reds are meant for you, don't be afraid to wear a deep wine red shade as this will look incredible with your skin as it will contrast the warmer tones in your skin.

If you're unsure of your specific skin tone just remember;

Warm Skin Tones: orangey reds, warm reds and brown based reds.
Cool Skin Tones: pink tones of red, berry reds, brick reds, bluer tones of red and plum tones.

The Lipsticks

TOPSHOP £8

I really like this lipstick. They are really well pigmented and come in a variety of finishes including, matte, creamy and velvet. The range has about 6-8 shades with warm and cool tones. My favourite one is probably 'Screen Siren' - it's a really lovely true red and will look great on everyone!

M.A.C £15

I'm ever so slightly obsessed with M.A.C products. Mainly due to their sheer number of shades, not just in red but in every colour! They are richly pigmented and again come in variety of textures and finsihes. They really do have staying power as well, and will last even longer if used with a good lip liner. My favourite shade is "Ruby Woo" it is their classic red shade. Wear it with pride.

Chanel £25

A timeless favourite with many women. Chanel have been famous for making the ultimate red lipstick. There moto; "One red, one style". Yes, it's £25 but it will be a true investment. It has a radiant and satiny finish and brilliant staying power. The shade I suggest; 'Incandescente (97)' as it will suit all skin 

tones and go perfectly at any occasion!

There are of course many other brands to choose from out there but these are 3 that I have used in the past. Feel free to comment below with any other recommendations.

Much love

R x 

moisture moisture moisture

With the summer over and winter steadily approaching it is time to take care of your skin. Increasingly cooler temperatures can cause skin to become dry and flaky, and this in turn makes skin look old. To combat this you need to invest in a good moisturiser to use after your face wash/cleanser routine.

My recommendation would be Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion (or Gel) +. 

A friend recommended me this product when I first started university 2 years ago and I have been using this product for two years now and I don't think I could use anything else. 

They recently have created a new formula which "Helps strengthen skin's own moisture barrier. More moisture stays in. Skin feels soft, springy. Has a healthy-looking glow." The product also come with no added oils so your skin will not feel greasy. There is also a gel formula for those who have oily skin and this also provides superior hydration without any oil at all.

You should use this product twice daily after you have used your face wash and toner of choice. Clinique recommend that "for best results use after Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion."

I have to admit that this product is quite expensive at £28 for 100ml but it really is worth it, my skin has been so soft since I have been using it so it is a definite investment.

If anyone has any more marvellous moisturisers that they have tried and tested please comment below as I would love to try them! R x

#ootd

Some days I just love to keep it simple, especially if I'm at work or at uni. I kept this outfit tonal by mixing greys and blacks. To add interest I added burgundy runners and finished off the look with a gold necklace and watch.

Shirt, Sweatshirt, Runners: TOPMAN
Jeans: TOPSHOP
Socks: Tesco
Necklace: Dorothy Perkins
Watch: Casio

#bloglovin

GREAT NEWS! You can now follow my on BLOGLOVIN! All you have to do is click the image on the right hand of the screen and blog you can follow me :)

go on... you know you want too.

R x

Return to Tradition

Now that summer is over, we see a turn away from the bright colours and harsh clean lines that we saw with S/S13. This trend is all about cosy warmth that you associate with winter. Time to think check shirts, Aran knitwear, boots and a big overcoat. Traditional heritage pieces and the great British outdoors influence the trend and although this suggests the countryside (which may seem dull) the trend effortlessly stylish whilst being practical for the time of year. Layering is perfect to create a look for this trend. My best suggestion would be to wear multiple thin layers rather than just one or two big ones as you can take off or add on depending on how you feel. Key pieces to look out for cable knit jumpers; stick to muted colours, like stones, burgundy’s, rusts and olives. Denim is also but think raw indigo denim or darker blues, these look amazing when worn with the brown boot. Boots are important for this trend and A/W 13 sees a thicker soled more hardwearing design. This trend will allow you to go out and enjoy what the great British outdoors in style.

As it's not too cold at the moment I haven't layered too much in this outfit. I have layered however by teaming a flannel check shirt with denim shirt. I have paired this with my staple black skinny jeans and green Dr Martin books.

This is one of my favourite trends as it's wintery and cosy so I will post more outfits/ways to wear over the next few weeks.

Check shirt - TOPMAN

Denim Shirt - Vintage Wrangler

Jeans - TOPSHOP

Shoes - Dr Martins