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