The How To | Gold & Bronze Summer Look

I'm loving wearing gold eyeshadow at the moment this summer, so I decided to embrace it and create a whole summer look based around the gold eyeshadow - which then included a s*it tone of bronzer, excuse my french.

The How To | "No Make Up" Make Up Look

I'm lucky enough that a couple of days a week I get to work from home - which usually means a lazy make up day. If I'm not going anywhere I just won't bother, however if I'm popping to the shop or going to see my Mum I'll put together my version of a no make up, make up look.

The Food Post | Surprise Flapjacks

Part of me feels like I should learn how to make healthy cakes and treats, however when I look at these I just can't bring myself to feel guilty. I do love a good flapjack, however I tend to find some can be a bit dry. So I made myself some gooey versions with a little surprise...

The How To | GRWM: Current Everyday Make Up

You guys seemed to like my last GRWM video so I thought I'd do another one, slightly different setting, and see what you think! I decided to show you guys my current everyday make up as I'm really liking how it is at the moment, and it's quite simple and quick to pop together on those days I'm travelling up to London for work (oh hello 5am starts). Click here to watch the video, don't forget to subscribe and give it a thumbs up if you'd like to see more GRWM/Tutorial videos!

The How To | Helping Poorly Skin

So, don't get me wrong, I've been ill before and it's been worse then the past week. However, for some reason the past week has really taken its toll on my skin. Remember in my skin care routine when I said "I'm so lucky I don't get dry skin..." Yeah, can't say that anymore! My skin has gone super annoying. It's gone very dry around my nose and forehead, and it's just got very dead and dull. Not only that but I have massive dark bags under my eyes. Super fun right?!

The Video Post: GRWM Filming Face

After filming my PM Skincare routine I realised I really loved my make up for that video so decided to recreate it for you guys.

The Video Post | My PM Skin Routine

Following on from my AM routine I wanted to show you guys my PM routine as well as I use a couple of different products.

The Food Post | Honey & Cinnamon Cookies

Since I've moved into my own house I have developed a complete and utter love for baking. It's so relaxing and honestly, it's just good fun. Therefore I thought I'd pop some of my favourite recipes up on here for you guys to recreate. If you do please share them with me on twitter (click here) or instagram (click here). 

Today I want to share with you one of my recent discoveries, honey & cinnamon cookies. The original recipe had ginger instead of cinnamon but I decided to switch it up a bit. These are super easy to make and just a bit different from the usual chocolate chip mix - which means I can insist they are healthy cookies (hmm, maybe not). They should be lovely and crunchy on the outside and spongy on the inside. Perfect.

Ingredients:
100g Caster Sugar
100g Butter

175g Honey

1 Egg

1/2 Tsp Vanilla Extract

1/2 Tsp Biocarbonate of Soda

250g Plain Flour

1 Tsp Cinnamon

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 180 degrees, or Gas Mark 4.

2. Over a low heat, melt together the sugar, butter and honey. Once melted and all mixed together leave to cool for about five minutes. I usually transfer it to a mixing bowl so it's not still in a hot pan (it doesn't really matter too much if it's still warm)

3. In a seperate bowl mix the egg, vanilla, biocarbonate of soda and cinnamon.

4. Pour into the hot mix whilst stirring until all joined and mixed together.

5. Slowly add the flour to the mixed and stir until well blended.

6. Drop by spoonful onto baking trays, about 5cm apart. I did tablespoonfuls for large cookies, for smaller ones do teaspoons.

7. Bake for around 12-15 minutes, then remove from the oven and allow to cool.

8. Once cooled, sprinkle some cinnamon over the top.

Top tip: These are so yummy broken up with ice cream and blackberries with a drizzle of extra honey over the top. YUM!

What's your favourite cookie recipes?

The How To | A Glowing Base

For someone who deals with oily skin on a regular basis I usually have to put up with either having an incredibly shiny face or a very matte face due to products I'm using to combat the oil. As much as I do like have a matte face I've always wanted to be able to achieve a nice glowy complexion - one that doesn't make me look oily or sweaty. I think I've finally found the perfect duo to do this.

It's a complete mix of higher end and drugstore (which I love) but they work together so beautifully to create such a nice glowy complexion and they are the perfect product for oilier skinned gals like myself. The Seventeen Skin Wow Primer is basically a highlighting primer, you can use it under your foundation, on top of it on your cheek bones to lighten or mix it with your foundation (clever little thing isn't it). I've used it all three of these way but the way I want to talk about today is mixing it with my foundation. I basically squeeze a little blob on this onto the back of my hand, then I squeeze a little blob of foundation - in this case the Benefit Hello Flawless foundation - on the back of my hand next to it. I then take my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, mix them together on the back of my hand (like a paint palette obvs) and the buff into my face. By the time I put it on my face I do usually have another primer already in place ready so this goes on top of my primer, in the middle of my base sandwich.

The effect I've found is that not only does my foundation stay in place longer thanks to it's priming properties, but it adds an extra healthy glow to my face that doesn't look horrible and shiny and oily - just plain healthy and lovely. Even when I complete my base sandwich by adding transluscent powder (not illuminating powder) I still have a lovely glow. I'm in love with this combo. The Benefit foundation is basically made with oily skin in mind so it's perfect at keeping the oil at bay whilst the Wow Primer is busy making me look like I've had multiple days of sleep. Beaut.

Just FYI, the other products I use in terms of primer and powder for this is currently Kiehls Micro Blur Skin Perfector (primer) and Collection Sheer Loose Powder. If you don't want to go for a more pricey foundation then the Revlon Nearly Naked foundation also works amazingly for this if you have oily skin like me.

How do you achieve your perfect glowing base?

The How To | Natural Contouring

I've always been a little bit scared at the idea of contouring - and scared when I've tried it as well. It's never looked quite right one me and I end up foregoing it in the end. However, falling in love with youtube again lately I stumbled across a video by the Real Techniques ladies here that changed all that. I would highly recommend watching it! Since this video I have contoured my cheeks every single day and loved the look it's give me. So, how to contour for me...

Before I used to suck my cheeks in like a fish - so attractive! Not a good move for me, I just looked like I had two brown lines down my face, not so good! Now I start from the middle of my ear and in circular movements move down in a straightish line to the corner of my mouth. I make sure to stay darker need the top of the cheek, up near my ear, and keep it light near the mouth. This creates a more natural contour. I use the Real Techniques Contour Brush to achieve this and my favourite bronzer, Bourjois Bronzing Powder. The circular movements keeps it blended and natural. 

Next, again in circular motions brush blusher over the apples of your cheeks and up your cheek bones. Add any highlighter as well. Then, I use my foundation brush (hello Real Techniques Buffing Brush). This blends it in nice and naturally. Voila! Nice and natural contouring. I am in love with this. 

 

This really helped with my contouring and is the only method I use now!

 

What's your contouring method?

The How To | Sleek Straight Bob

I had my first little go at Space NK the other week - exciting! I found this set for £15 in the sale, bargain! Bumble and Bumble is a brand that I've coveted for ages, especially since I've had my hair cut short. When I saw the blow dry serum I had to have it. I really struggle where my hair is shorter to make it sleek, without frizz and just nice. 

So, having used this a couple of times I thought I would pop together a simple "how to" for a straight and sleek bob. 

1 |

Wash your hair as normal, I don't use a specific straight or sleek version, I actually use good old Head and Shoulders shampoo with an Aussie conditioner. Both specifically for coloured hair.

2 | 

Wrap hair in towel, like a turban, and leave it up for around fifteen minutes to let a lot of the excess water drain off. Then give it a very rough towel dry to stop any dripping.

3 |

Brush is out to your normal parting and get rid of any knots or tangles. I use a flat head brush as it leaves it more sleek and smooth.

4 | 

Spray Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray into the roots, massage in. Do this in different layers to get as much exposure as you can. Then, put Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry through the mid lengths and ends, brush it all through.

5 |

Section hair off and blow dry. I use a flat head brush again and just bring the hairdrying down onto the brush and pull out. The Thickening Spray acts as a heat protector so you don't have to worry about that, but obviously you can add your own if you feel it's needed. Do this until your hair is dry.

6 |

Then run your straighteners through the midlengths and ends of your hair just to make sure it stays nice and straight.

That's it! I love this set, especially the Straight Blow Dry serum, it's actually genius. You can buy the hair spray here and the blow dry serum here. 

How do you get sleek and straight hair?

The How To | Winged Eyeliner

It took me a little while (um, years) to perfect this and now I wear it every single day. I don't feel like me when I don't have my eyeliner on! I think it is just a very classic look, you can go from day to night with it and it's never "too much"... Judging on how much you put on of course.

I've tried different types of liners over the years to try and get it right, pencil, pen, liquid, gel etc you name it I've probably tried it! But my favourite, and general go to, has to be the L'Oreal SuperLiner. It has the nib of a felt tip, is fine and incredibly precise. Unlike the felt tip markers you can reuse this over eyeshadow as it has a tiny little pot to reapply the liquid onto the nib.

Step One

I usually pop a nude/natural eyeshadow on first. I've found this is the best way to ensure it lasts all day. Eye primers really don't work for me. This is Brule from Mac.

Step Two

Next, I get as close to the inside corner of the eye as I possibly can with the thinnest tip of the liner. I hold the outside corner with the other hand to hold my eyelid tight and smooth.  I draw the outside line across the lid, preferably in one smooth movement, and then flick. You will get better at the flick with practice, trust me!

Step Three

Colour in your liner. Coat the tip with liner and fill in the inside of the line you've made and the flick as well.

I go over this a couple of times, so it really depends on how dark you want it.

Step Four

I use a pencil to draw on my waterline. My pencil of choice for years has been a little Chanel number, I've never found anything better. I also use this to try and draw up to the flick to join the waterline with the eyelid.

Step Five

Using the liquid liner again I just tidy up the corner flick.

Voila!

Trust me, with practice this gets a lot easier. I wear this line every single day and I couldn't be without it now, I feel a bit bear to be honest if it isnt there!

The products I've used to create this are: Mac Brule Eyeshadow, L'Oreal Superliner in Black and Chanel Intense Eyepencil in Noir.

How do you create your perfect liner look?

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Trends | The Lady is a Vamp

I want to start this off by saying this is NOT a tutorial. I'm not a make up artist or any kind of expert in applying make up. I just love playing with it and trying new trends. I've really wanted to try out this new vampish trend that seems to going around this autumn so I thought I would share the results with you!

I'd bought a couple new products to help with this as well so let me talk you through it...

For me, the idea of a vamp look is the eyes and the lips. Keep the eyes nice and dark and the lips deep and berry-ish. For the eyes I used new Bourjois Cream to Powder eyeshadow in Prune Nocturne, a deep purple berry with hints of gold flecks through it. I popped this all over the lid, adding another layer through the crease and lash line. Then I used Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Blackmail as a liner along the lash line. Then, my usual Chanel Intense Eyepencil in Noir along the waterline. Add L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara and you had a nice vamp eye. I also used Soap&Glory Kick Ass concealer under the eye to help create a porcalin affect under the eye, just to make the eyes stand out more.

For the lips I used Mac Lip Liner in Cherry to create a nice matte base and outline, then I covered it with Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107. Both create a gorgeous dark vampy berry colour on the lips that make them stand out and make your skin look paler.

I love this look, it's quite a subtle vamp-ish look for me, I could have gone darker with the eyes probably but I'm not usually one for really dark eyes so I wanted something a little lighter as everyone is different. Again, I'm not a make up artist so there are probably better ways to create this look but hey, this is just me.

How would you create your vamp look?

Hair | The "Shob"

Since I've had my hair chopped off I've been playing with the style a lot to see what suits me best, and just generally what I prefer. For the past month I've been turning it into a shaggy bob, or "shob" as I saw Heat magazine call it recently and I have to say, I'm loving it like this. I've never been a huge sleek and straight person anyway, always prefering a bit of wave or curl, so I'm so happy I don't have to loose this with my shorter hair.

So, for all those who want to know how I get my "shob", here is my how to!

So first of all, I've been washing my hair with Head & Shoulders for Coloured Hair - I was having issues with a flaky scalp but this has cleaned it right up (just after two uses) and it's designed for coloured hair which is good for my highlights.

Popping it up in my towel for fifteen minutes, then I give it a good rub to get rid of any dripping. Instead of combing it, I run through it roughly with my fingers to get rid of any tangles and also to sort out my parting (side parting thank you, just off centre).

Next, I use Aussie Dual Personality - yes I want it shaggy but I do NOT want the frizz and this is ideal for this. It has been a god send since I've cut it. I pop about half a pump into my hand then roughly run it through my hair with my fingers from root to tip. Next I just do a rough blow try.

After this, I pop some Elnett Heat Style Spray for Volume on, to protect from heat and just to keep it's volume, then I curl my hair using my GHDS. I run them through quickly to create waves. Afterwards I ruffle them up and pop on some Clynol Hair Spray for hold.

To maintain it over the days I use Batiste dry shampoo for volume and healthy looking hair, and also add some salt spray for texture.

Voila - you have yourself a "shob"... or Shaggy Bob!

Have you tried a "shob"? What do you think?

How To | Blog with a Full Time Job

Running a blog with a full time job, and college on the side is hard, I'm not going to lie! There are times when I do think why do I do this to myself, but the answer is (and has always been) that I love it too much not to. I try and put a post up every day, mainly because I get excited when I know a post is being published and I can't wait to see what you guys, but also because I know when I go to look at my favourite blogs and they haven't posted that day I'm always a little disappointed.

So how do I do it? I promise I am not wonder woman - it's purely a matter of time management! So here are my top five tips!
1. Set aside time for taking pictures and writing
I usually have Wednesday's off work, so these are usually my days for taking pictures of products or outfits, or anything else I plan to post about. I do it all in one huge lump so that it's all done. I then upload them and edit them then and there.
Again with writing, I will usually use one evening a week (usually a Tuesday) where I sit down and write all my posts for the next week. This takes off a bit of the pressure and I spend an evening doing something I love!

2. Schedule Your Posts
I work in a shop, so access to a computer is pretty limited and definitely prohibited when it comes to personal use. So, I schedule all of my posts when I write them. This way I don't have to worry about getting a post up or what time it will go up - I schedule for the same time every day so I know when it goes up and can then tweet the link accordingly.

3. Don't stress if you don't get a post up!This is one I struggle with, mainly because I love putting posts up everyday, so if I've had a busy week and not had a chance to write posts I get a bit stressed. BUT! I keep telling myself to stop stressing - it's my blog and if I don't post for a couple of days the world will not end, people will not hate me for not posting.

4. Keep a notebook
To begin with I didn't do this and I was a very unorganised blogger. My posts were all over the place and features weren't really something I did - definitely not well. But recently I've started carrying a notebook around so when I get any ideas I can pop them in there, link any posts together and see when I can space them, what I can do for them and prepare.
With a feature like "Any Size" this is ridiculously important - I need to remember what theme is when and who I have signed up for it and when the pictures will be in by. This notebook is a definitely blog saver.

5. Take a break!
On my tea/lunch breaks I sit in the canteen and wonder what to do with myself. So I pop onto my smartphone and catch up with my favourite bloggers on twitter and their blogs as well. I read posts, and just have general chitter chatter.

I'm not going to pretend I am an expert - I definitely don't get it right all the time! But most of the time I manage and this is how I do it. I know a lot of bloggers struggle, so I was hoping this could help a little! There is no definite how to - just what works for you! Another great post on this is one written by the gorgeous Beth other at Bird Words, you can find it here so check that out as well if you need some more tips!

What are your tips for running a blog with a full time job?

How to | Removing Glitter Top Coats

One of my big bug bearers is removing glitter nail varnish. I love glitter top coats at the moment, they are just so pretty and adds a bit of texture to your nail. However, I dread taking it off! So I made it a little mission to find an easy way to do this that didn't damage my nails too much...

So, I start off with a nail file, any old one will do, this particular one is just a cheapy one I got in my stocking. I use this to try and file off some of the glitter on the top coat. This loosens it and removes some of it as well.

Then, I stick my finger into Bourjois Magic Nail Varnish Remover - there are loads of different types of theses nail varnish removers so any one will do - swizzle my finger around in it then pull it out. Usually there are still a couple of bits of glitter on there so just another couple of swipes with the nail file and it's clean off.

I do find that this can be quite damaging for my nails though as you are filing away the surface so I try to combat this with this beauty, which is The Body Shop Almond Nail and Cuitcle Oil. Just a couple of clicks to release the oil, then brush onto the nails, massage in and it just helps to keep your nails conditioned and happy.

Now you're ready for a new coat of colour!! Just don't forget the base coat!!

How do you remove glitter top coats?

Golden Eye

 PRODUCTS USED: MUA HEAVEN AND EARTH EYESHADOW PALETTE  |  RIMMEL SCANDALEYES EYESHADOW CRAYON IN BULLETPROOF BEIEGE  |  MAC EYEPENCIL IN DUCK  |  GOSH EYELINER PEN IN BROWN  |  CHANEL INIMATABLE MASCARA IN NOIR

So this is how I've been wearing my eye make up for the past few weeks, it's ridiculously simple and it's a natural look for everyday.

I start off with dusking my eyelids with the a gold shadow from the MUA Heaven and Earth Palette and then run over it with my Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Crayon in Bulletproof Beige, which I also use in the inner corners to open my eyes up. The crayon ensures the gold colour throughout the entire day.

Next I go to my liners. I use my Gosh eyeliner pen to do my lash line and the flick. This tends to last all day and I love it at the moment as opposed to my usual black. I then do my waterline with my Mac pencil for a subtle line and to open my eyes up. Then it's finished off with black mascara, cause lets face it - nothing beats it.

This look tends to last me for an entire day and is suitable for work. I would definitely recommend picking up the scandaleyes eyeshadow crayons, they are so easy to use, really quick and really last. Definite a great buy!

What's your current everday eye look?

The Perfect Bold Lip

Ok, so perfect may be a little strong, but this is basically how I accommodate a bright lip and it seems to work well for me! Up until a few months ago I hated the idea of wearing bold bright lipstick, I just really didn't think it suited me and was never brave enough to wear it. Now I find any excuse to slap on a bright pink, coral or red - and I'm still searching for the perfect berry!

What I find really important when sporting a bold lip is preperation. I get quite dry lips and the last thing I want is to have bold flakes all over my lips. Not attractive. So I always start with an exfoliator, my favourite being Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub. It's incredibly yummy and gets rid of all the dead flakes. Scrummy yummy. Then I moisturise and revitalise, the one I am loving at the moment is Nivea's Lip Butter in Raspberry Rose. It's a gorgeous lip balm that softens instantly and tastes amazing.

Then I get my colour on. My two favourite bold lips at the moment are Rimmel's Kate Matte Lipstick in shade 107 (review here) and Rimmel's Moisture Renew in Lily Extase (review here). Both really bold and gorgeous colours that I keep reaching for and both totally different from the other. I love both of these and would highly recommend them both. (Don't ask me why the two pictures are different tones - my camera was obviously doing something weird).

So really, my main tip for a bold lip is preparation! Make sure your lips are in the best condition as bold colours highlight everything. And make sure you're confident in the colour you're wearing, otherwise it'll be completely lost in a face of uncertainty.

Hope you liked this post! Little bit different but definitely something I want to keep doing so let me know if you'd like any more how to's etc.!

What's your tip for the perfect bold lip?

Taming the Wave

I dread washing and drying my hair – and I know I’m not the only one. It’s not because I don’t like my hair, I do, it just takes forever to dry and style so that I’m actually happy with it.

Not only do I have thick hair (and I mean thick – hairdressers run when they see me coming) but I have naturally very wavy hair. I can’t let it dry naturally otherwise it looks like I’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards, birds would take residence up in it.

I spend around half an hour blow drying and styling my hair after it’s been washed – and that’s also after leaving it in a sexy towel turban for twenty minutes. I know a lot of people have the same trouble as me so...

Here is my general routine:

I use Herbal Essences Tousle Me Softly shampoo and conditioner. I am a complete Herbal Essences addict and switch between different types, but this is my love at the moment.

It really helps to actually control my waves as well as the frizz that comes coupled with waves. Not only that but it smells amazing. It really leaves my hair feeling soft once it’s been blow dried as well which I have discovered is a hard thing to achieve with my hair!

Once I am all clean and out of shower I spritz my hair with GHD heat protector. As well as being a heat protector I have found it actually helps to straighten my hair out – whether it means to or not I’m not sure but it does!

I have had really dry hair as late due to an accidental hair dying incident a couple of years ago so I always use a heat protector now just to be sure (and I don’t let drunk guys dye my hair anymore either!).

Once I’ve left it in its turban towel for twenty minutes i brush it out and then blow dry it. I have to do this section by section so that it dries straight and keeps my wave under control. I used a round barrel brush as well to keep the volume.

I would also always suggest drying your fringe first (if you have one) as otherwise it’ll dry a different style to the rest of your hair!

My one tip for taming and controlling wavy hair is this: take your time with it! If you try and rush it, it won’t look the way you want it to! I would use trial and error with products as well, products that have worked with controlling my mums waves or my friends waves haven’t necessarily worked on mine. Different products work differently on different types of hair!

What's your hair routine?