Beauty | Fashion | Fitness | Lifestyle

Tuesday 31 January 2017

January Favourites 2017

January has officially ended! I hope you all had a great month and stuck to your new years resolutions if you've set any!! I have rounded up my favourites for the month which I find very intriguing to discover what products have stood out to me the most.

 

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Sunday 29 January 2017

What's In My Make-Up Bag


Hi everyone, 
 
I recently asked you all to let me know what else you want to see on my blog and by popular response you all wanted to see inside my make-up bag. I was gifted this last year for my birthday from my boyfriend. This is a hanging travel case bag from Victoria Secret. It stores so much make-up and has three separate compartments! I take this everywhere I travel, it's sturdy and divides everything perfectly. 
 
As you can see from pictures below I have all of my holy grail make up items in there including skin care products to prep the skin and sample products, some from brands and some from magazines - there can be good samples from brands such as Clinique & Benefit in the magazines so definitely have a look next time you pop into a shop as it's a cheap way to discover some beauty products and most make-up counters are more than happy for you to trail the products with a small free sample. I usually buy all my make-up in stores but recently I've noticed the benefits of ordering online. I have recently subscribed to Birch Box and am due to receive a free ciate eyeliner worth £15 because I signed up at that time - website's such as Mac & Clinique have recently offered a few sample products when you spent a certain amount of money (something I feel is not offered in store - what are your thoughts... do you shop online or in store and what is better for your money?!)
 
 

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Monday 23 January 2017

Pamper Day | Girly Day

Hello beaties,
 
I thought I'd blog about my recent pamper weekend. I love spending a bit of 'me' time as I'm sure you all do too.
 
What do you do to relax & pamper yourself?
 
 In my previous post I showed the beauty items I treated myself with.. and I was a bit naughty yesterday and treated myself to an Adidas Hoodie & Puma work out leggings!
 
You can never spoil yourself enough right?


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Saturday 21 January 2017

Beauty Haul | Shopping Trip

I went out this afternoon and did a little bit of shopping and thought it would be nice to share it with you all. I'm thinking about doing a 'follow-me around' where you virtually come shopping with me?




How many girls can relate to this quote?
I've mentioned this previously, a shopping trip to me, is not complete unless I've been to MAC. I had a nosey through the store but I always find MAC too be SO busy so if I know what I need to stock up on I'll quickly pop in and head back out again. I usually go to a MAC counter in a House of Fraser store, but I love their individual stores there is crazy amounts of each type of product to choose from it is every beauty lover's idea of heaven. I've been to several in London before and conveniently come out with a lot more make-up than I planned to buy. (It's easy to do right?)

I repurchased my go to foundation which is the MAC Studio Fix Fluid. My shade is NC15. This foundation provides medium-full coverage and gives a flawless matte finish, controls oils and has an SPF 15 protection. Perfect for all occasions. I have lost count how many times I've repurchased this!!
                                                                
 

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Wednesday 18 January 2017

Night Time Routine - Including Skin Care


Hi lovelies,

I wanted to show you all my night time routine & in depth skin care routine. So, I walk through the door after finishing a long day at work. Here's an outfit pic of what I wore today, I work from my laptop, so always carry this heavy bag, alongside my gorgeous Michael Kors handbag! I throughouly enjoy my job and would love to post a week in my outfits post if you'd be interested? As part of my new years resolution you ALL should know by now - I've joined the gym. So around 5:30 I'll get changed and ready to pop out to the gym. I wear a long sleeve thermal top, gym leggings, nike trainers & ALWAYS take my PINK by Victoria Secret water bottle to stay hydrated. I go to the gym 3-4x a week for anything from an hour an a half to two hours! 'No pain no gain ladies and gents'



Leather jacket - New Look
White shirt - H&M
Scarf - Essex Boutique in Cornwall
Leggings - Primark
Shoes - Aldi?!?! YES I know!

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Saturday 14 January 2017

My New Year Resolutions

✭✭HAPPY NEW YEAR!✭✭
 
2016 was a really good year overall. I progressed and leaped through my career path and have become so successful and have been told I am doing very well, which is lovely to be complimented on your hard work and efforts and since November, I've been given even more responsibilities which I have embraced with two hands and have enjoyed the challenges which has come with it. I cannot wait to see where I go this year in my career. I had an amazing 2 week holiday with my boyfriend and his family to Estepona, in Spain this holiday was incredible, we are already planning to go back there as we had so much fun. I also went to my first ever proper football game to watch Oxford with my boyfriend and his younger brother Jacob. I PASSED my driving test first time in June. I turned 19 this year and also welcome the birth of my nephew, watching my nephews grow up is the most amazing thing ever. Our family's business is re-launching which is super exciting! I actually developed a tan for the first time EVER - rather than relying on fake bake to give me that sun-kissed glow!
 
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Tips: Top 10 Beauty Hacks Every Girl Should Know

❶   Mascara isn't just for your eyelashes:
I have discovered that clear mascara is a good eye brow tamer! Once you have applied your eyebrow product whether you use a pencil, powder or gel use your clear mascara and run the brush through your brows to hold your eyebrows in place all day longer. This is an inexpensive way of using a product that has a multi-purpose. You can buy clear mascara from drugstore brands for as cheap as a few pound.
 
❷  Use your ring finger to apply eye cream:
Did you know that your ring finger holds the least amount of pressure onto the skin, with your eye being a delicate area ensure when you apply eye cream. Use this tip when appealing concealer underneath the eyes - as using the most sensitive part of your finger you will help reduce wrinkles also.
 

How to correctly colour match your skin:
It is sometimes tricky trying to find your correct shade in at a make-up counter where the artificial lights is beaming down on your skin. Even worse, you don't want to test some foundation on your skin and walk out orange! Yikes. So follow these tips. Do not test the colour match on your wrist as it is too pale, ensure you test the foundation, concealer or powder on either, your face or neck.
 
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Thursday 12 January 2017

What I Got For Christmas 2016

I had a lovely Christmas, as I do each year as it's filled with fun, laughter, love and happiness.
Christmas is a time for giving, quality time and sharing the good.

 Do a good deed - and ask for it to be passed on it's always good to share good spirit all year round, but everyone is happier at Christmas.

I would like to make a special announcement to my Nanny who has passed away I used to adore preparing the Christmas dinner with you and drinking a glass of sherry!

I love giving at Christmas, I always go waaay over than I expect - but hey my loved ones deserve it and hey, it's an excuse to shop!





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Tuesday 10 January 2017

Routine: Every Day Make Up Tutorial


Here is my every day make-up tutorial, may I add I do have the occasional day where I sit back and relax hair tyed up tracksuit on and not a care in the world about my make-up free face! I love these days as there perfect for letting your skin breathe - a good time to do a skin cleanse!

So, most of the products featured here you may recognise from my most popular post to date (Best of Beauty 2016) well... of course they would be in here, they are my favourites after all.

 

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Sunday 8 January 2017

Beauty Insider: BAC-TO-MAC Program & Recycling Scheme

Are you a make-up lover enthusiast?
Do you love MAC Cosmetics?
Do you want to help the environment?

If you've answered yes to one or more of the above questions then I'm sure you'd like to discover how you can receive FREE MAC Cosmetics Make-Up from taking part in this program.

It's super simple, easy, and anyone, is eligible!
Just to reiterate those words MAC & Free did really just go together.

It's really good to hear of a luxury high-end brand offering a service

like this to help the environment and to offer us beauty lovers a free lippie. YAY, this literally makes me love MAC so much more. So how do I apply to receive a free MAC lipstick? all you need to do is return six empty, primary packaging containers to your nearest MAC Counter or online via MAC cosmetics website and if you're not sure which empty products will be accepted just check on their website.


MAC HAUL -
some of my staples

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Saturday 7 January 2017

Guide: Hair Care Routine & Product Reviews

Have you got that Winter feeling? Hair feeling dull & in need of a pick me up?

Well girrrrrl, I've got you covered!
We all love our hair, let's be honest, you can do so much with it and it can complete your overall look in seconds. My hair is my pride and joy - I'm so fussy with it and yes, I've got my favourite hairdresser which I've had for over 4/5 years and is the only person I trust with my hair. I'm thinking of booking in the salon later this month or next to get a full head of blonde highlights (this is what I get every time I go - 2/3 times a year!) and would like to do a post about it. Maybe before/after photo's and allow you to follow along with me for a pamper day. These days are the best they can make every girl feel like a princess.

I've tried so many different shampoo's and conditioners and masks over the years that promise you miracles for your hair... some do meet those expectations but some, well... let's say I never repurchased! However, I've got my own favourites, as you all do and thought I would post about them on my little space of the internet. I'd love to know what your fave products are too!!!

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Thursday 5 January 2017

How To: Clean Your Make Up Brushes

Tools you need to clean your  make up brushes:
  • Your Make-up Brushes
  • Brush Cleansing Palette (Mine is from Real Techniques)
  • Brush Cleanser (I use baby shampoo and MAC brush cleanser)

Now you have everything you need - pop into your bathroom and get ready to make your brushes sparkle!

It is really important to regularly clean your make-up brushes as they can attract bacteria and with the product build up can stop the brushes working as well as they should. I would recommend cleaning your brushes once a week - and if you use brushes/make-up products on your friends or clients then you need to clean your brushes after each use.
There are so many brands out there on the market which sell both the palettes to clean your brushes and also the brush cleansers themselves and I have tried SO many and have discovered my favourite two - one a cheap alternative and one slighty higher-end.


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Wednesday 4 January 2017

Best of Beauty 2016 - Yearly Beauty Favourites


Here are my overall 2016 beauty staples, must haves and absolute favourites.

Category 1: Foundation & Concealer

Foundation:
Studio Fix Fluid by MAC Cosmetics (NC15)I've been using this foundation for roughly a year and a half now, and have never parted from it. It provides full coverage and makes your skin look flawless. The foundation is buildable, so based on the amount of product you apply, will be dependant on the coverage. This product is long lasting on the skin and blends well - I use a flat top kabuki brush to apply/blend. Tip: to make your foundation last all day - apply a primer after foundation.


Concealer: Lasting Perfection by Collection (Fair 1) 
This product is a MUST HAVE - it is perfect for concealling your tired, dark circles underneath the eyes and makes those blemishes disappear without looking cakey. I have lost count on how many tubes of this I've gone through - it makes your skin look incredible and retails for £4.19 in Superdrug stores. This product claims to last on the skin for 16 hours! Maybe you could test that if your feeling tired and forget to take your make-up off! We all do it now and again.



Category 2: Bronzer/Contour & Highlighter
Contour Palette: NYX Cosmetics
This palette is perfect for all skin tones - its great to contour and I am in love with this product and how well it blends, and for giving me a 'bronzed goddess' look! As you can tell, i've hit pan on quite a few shades (note to self - will HAVE to re-purchase)
This palette also includes highlight shades - which are so pigmented and stay on alllll day and make your cheekbones stand out - I put this on my high points, cupids bow & tip of the nose.
Bronzer: NARS Bronzer (Laguna)
I brought this bronzer when I went to Bournemouth from Space NK and I felt like I was in my element scanning the shelves of all the luxury make-up items. I could of spent so much money but resisted and the bronzer was WORTH the money 100%.
Highlighter: MSF (Soft and Gentle) by Mac Cosmetics
This highligter is perfect to add a nice shimmer and glow to your skin - and last's forever so very much worth the price,




Category 3: Eyes - Eyeshadow, Primers and Mascara
Eyeshadow & Primer: Naked & Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay

Every girl deserves to own at least one urban decay palette, the eyeshadows are so pigmented. They blend effortlessly and allow you to create a neutral every day look for work or school to full on glam and party style! The palettes go hand in hand with the eyeshadow primer potion from Urban Decay - your shadows will not crease, budge for the whole day and night - (yes i've accidently slept in my make-up and done the 24 hour test!).

Mascara: In Extreme Dimension 3D Black Lash by MAC Cosmetics
WOW is the first word that springs to my mind when I apply my mascara each morning - this mascara wand has bristles at the top point of the wand which is perfect for getting those outter corner lashes and giving a fluttery look. This mascara lengthens my lashes and adds volume, two things I want most from my mascara - not only that, it also gives me a compliment from friends who say 'wow, are they false lashes your wearing, they look amazing!' NO.. their real, and all thanks to one of my go to brands - MAC.




Top: Naked Palette
Naked 2 Palette



Category 4: Eyebrows - Eyebrow Gel & Brow Tamer

Eyebrow Gel: by NYX cosmetics (Blonde)
I apply this gel focusing mainly on the mid-end of my brow and run lightly through the beginning of my brow for a natural look. I use an angled brush to do this - recommendation: Real Techniques eyeshadow brush set. To go hand in hand with this I use the Brow Tamer: by Pixi Cosmetics which is a clear brow gel to set the gel in place and ensure my brows look... well, 'on fleek' like my last post pointed out, brows are sisters not twins and take forever to get right. Have you got any tips to get the perfect brows? I recently got mine tinted and waxed and I must admit they look 10x better!






Category 5: Brushes - Face & Eye Brushes

I am a big LOVER of the Nanshy Brushes. They are synthetic brushes which are 100% vegan and crutely free! The design is beautiful and the shape holds well. They blend my make-up easily and the bristles are smooth - I need to invest in more!
The brushes with the purple handles are by Real Techniques - Sam & Nic Chapman who i've followed their tutorials for years on Youtube and am so glad they brought out brushes as the quality is amazing and they are so readily avalaible - I have purchased their brushes from both Boots and Amazon. The brush on the end, right hand corner is a 217 brush by MAC Cosmetics, hands down the BEST eyeshadow blending brush I've ever used it blends the shadows in your crease so effortlessly and makes my eyeshadow application look great!






I hope you all enjoyed my post and having a look at what my best of beauty 2016 products were, I'd love to know yours to. So please comment below, Beauty with Em x
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Review: M&S Beauty - The Ultimate Beauty Advent Calendar (2016)

My Beauty Calendar sitting on the fire place.
Every girls dream... A present EVERY day til' Christmas.
I think so too, right?

This beautiful advent calendar was a
Christmas present gifted to me from my Mum and Dad. It is branded by Marks and Spencers and has a product value of over £280. However, there was a discount of purchasing the calendar for only £35  if you 'spend £35 on clothing, beauty and home' which was amazing value for money.

Inside this heavenly tree was filled with 25 beauty treats and goodies! Varying from travel sized items (perfect for the handbag girls!!) to full-size items. Yes, FULL size products.

The best thing about this calendar is not just  getting into the festive spirit early and having a mini Christmas every day, running downstairs, past the Christmas tree all lit up with the ballballs sparkling you get to pull the box out of the calendar and unwrap a product (most were wrapped in green tissue paper - it felt like a present) It's about trying out a new brand, which possibly you've never heard of? Possibly not, or maybe you did not want to splurge on buying the item full price without sampling the product first.

Want to have a sneak peak at some of the products inside?
Of course you do...

There were so many brands included such as:

Some of the products from the beauty calendar.
Eyeko, Burts Bees, Pixi, Neal's Yard Remedies, Emma Hardie, Philip Kinglsey,Ren and so much more.


My top 5:
1. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm: This is a perfect addition to my pamper routine, it made my skin feel so smooth and clean - I will be repurchasing!
2.Eyeko Skinny Mini Liquid Eyeliner - Black:Easy to apply, with a thin tip applicator (I can even do winged eyeliner with it!)
3.Pixi  Brow Tamer: Brows are sisters, not twins but this is now a holy grail make-up product as it keeps those stray hairs stay in place all day!
4.Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief EyeCream: Kept my eyelids feeling hydrated and helped with eyeshadow application.
5.Philip Kingsley Elasticizer:  Moisturizing hair treatment mask - another beauty must have

Did you buy a Beauty Advent Calendar for Christmas 2016? - if so, let me know in the comments.
I cannot wait to see what Marks and Spencer's bring out this Christmas and all of the other companies
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