Monday 25 August 2014

NAIL ENVY

 


They say "Your nails are the reflection of yourself".... I defiantly agree with that. We change the colour and design of our nails according to mood and in order to match with our outfit.... (most of the time anyways). It pulls a look together, finishes it or in other words polishes it ! 
I love experimenting with my nails and trying out different designs. Trends have changed and with that the direction of the nail polish industry. What used to be a flush of colour on the tips of your fingers are now: Sand textured polish, feather effect, hologram effect, foil effect... lets just say the list has amped up a bit. We're too spoiled with the range of choices and should take advantage of it! Especially when they're in season!
I'll let you in on a little secret.... see up there, that's a collage of fall/winter nail polishes that are taking the fashion world by storm! These colours have been loved and tested fresh on the runway by some of fashions biggest brands such as Fendi, Ruffian + Chanel. These colours are reaching out to all ages and to all forms of styles out there.
Some brands such as Essence, Catrice, Dior and Jinsoon have been highly impressing me lately with their on point colours for this coming season. See for yourself!
As far a design goes keep things simple, go minimal! Less is more (something we never stop hearing) Whats been loved recently are clean sleek nails thus painting them the one colour gives the illusion of luscious, long and chic nails. Don't forget to top them off with a high glossy top coat for that bulletproof look or a matte top coat for a more textured and velvety finish.
Either way have fun experimenting and finding your perfect shades for the coming season.


Some Nail inspo to get y'all started!


Tuesday 19 August 2014

BACK TO SCHOOL | SKIN LOVIN'


Good to be back......


Lets face it the idea of coming back might not always be a glorious time for some. But ... that's where I step in and make it all better (if only) !! I can't make miracles but I can surely give you these tips that hopefully make the concept of  'back to school' less daunting. 
Start off by thinking positive, I know if only it were that easy. But really... try and eliminate bad thoughts from the past and just remind yourself of your friends, pupils, new friends to be and imagine of new memories you'll be enjoying together. Also, what tends to work for most, including myself is to make a small goal/expectation plan, nothing major or anything, just even the simplest day to day goal organizes the day and seems less clustered with work. 
O.k so now that we have a clear + focused mind lets move on to skin care + beauty. Here I've picked out some favorites that I've been loving and that I recommend. From 'on the go' students to the 'all the time in the world' students I've got you covered. 
But before we get to the good stuff, basic skin care is crucial, depending on you skin type and your facial routine its important that we take good care of our face, as its delicate and sensitive and needs plenty of attention and regular care. 
So here I gathered my favorite facial products that have helped me through the highs and lows. And ones that I always reach out to when in need for assistance!


1. Nivea daily essentials light moisturizing day creamA rich creamy moisturizer that softens skin and protects at the same time. Long lasting and easy to apply leaving skin non-sticky. *Using SPF in your daily skin routine not only protects your skin but prevents from future wrinkles and helps keep skin looking and feeling youthful. I wouldn't highly recommend this for sensitive skin as it has a light scent and might irritate.

2. Clean and clear morning energy skin brightening~ It's one of those products that won't be leaving my shelf. A must have in your skin routine. Brightens, clears, prevents acne, clears blemishes, freshens the face, un-blockes pores. I mean what more do you need?! Also smells like summer in a bottle. Can't get enough of this!

3. Simple kind to skin purifying cleansing lotion~ An absolute favorite! Perfect for all skin types.* Even oily skin must moisturize! Feels like applying a watery based cream. Seeps in the skin flawlessly and leaves it feeling silky and smooth. Full of vitamins and never irritates the skin. Love!

4. Neutrogena visibly clear 2 in 1~ Recently I've been using this and noticed a huge difference. Quality of skin wise, it's smoother and more clearer for longer !? If that makes sense? I would categorize this face wash in the non-gentle category as you might find that it tingles your skin while washing and for some again might cause irritation. But strangely enough doesn't dry out the skin at all but instead like I mentioned leaves it smooth and soft.

5. Botanics All Bright Cleansing Foam Wash~ Another favorite! And one that will defiantly be re-purchased. This dainty thing is amazingly gentle and soft (and has a subtle fresh scent) Scientists even used active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew ,to help brighten skin, exfoliate, cleanse, and even help lift away makeup! + impurities.

6. Neutrogena visibly clear pink grapefruit~ One of my favorite exfoliates, amazing to use during a a bath to get a deep skin cleanse. Beautiful scent and leaves skin feeling renewed and extra clean. Gentle enough to use daily! But for those with sensitive skin (like me at times), use twice weekly or even one a a week .


Now my favorite part the makeup! I collected some backstage images of models from various fashion shows. I think that the looks are simple, fresh, illuminating + girly yet boyish. There's something for everyone here to take either an entire look or bits and pieces from each shot. 
Pictures collected from: Costello Tagliapietra, Dolce&Gabbana, Givenchy, Gucci , Michael kors,


1. Seventeen BB Magic Blemish Balm~ Where foundation meets skincare... as they claim. And they're right! It's a flawless and easy product. Especially on a busy morning. Can be applied with hands, sponge or brush. Covers naturally and heals acne in 4 weeks! well we won't go that far, it heals something not everything. 

2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush~ One of my favorite blushes of all time!! The lasting power is amazing! The colours are beautiful and the quality is best to non! This is one of the best blushes to trust to go to school in, as it won't dare to budge and looks very flattering.

3. CLINIQUE Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturising Lip Colour Balm~ Beautiful lip colour range and adapts to the tone of you own lips to reveal luscious looking lips. This product is easy to carry around and is non messy to apply as its a retractable lipstick! Because the last thing you need is lip-liners and sharping !

4. Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream~ A highley talked about product, but with good reason. It's oil free perfect for those long school days, includes SPF 30 to keep skin looking and feeling young and healthy + has the coverage of a foundation without the need to use one! 

5. Benefits Creaseless Cream Shadow~ For those wide wake eyes this is a must have! One of the quickest eye-shadows to apply. Just use your finger, dab on the eyelid and your finished! The lasting power is phenomenal, basically won't move an inch all day long !

6. L'Oreal Paris Nude Magique BB Powder~ Can be worn on its own for a velvety matte finish or can be used with bbcreams/foundations. Either way its a beautiful + long lasting powder, dainty enough to bring and use on the go with its built in mirror and sponge!

7. Clarins be long mascara~ If you're looking for extreme lashes this is your mascara. Lengthens and amps them up to give your eyes that extra umph!!

8. Max Factor Mascara Clump Defy Black~ Another beautiful mascara that gives you that length wanted but without that over the top look. Great for those that want simple lashes without a hassle! 

9. Bourjois little round pot blushWords can't describe how in love I am with these pot blushes! High colour payoff, looks absolutely beautiful, lasts all day! I'll always go back to these blushes without a doubt! Trust worthy enough to wear on it's own.

10. No7 Lovely Lashes Mascara~ Last mascara I promise! And it won't disappoint, this gives you long glossy lashes without a trace of clumped mascara. Giving you that natural look on a lazy day.

11. Bourjois Radiance Reveal Healthy Mix Foundation~ If in need for a more heavy coverage but don't want that powdery and heavy look. This is perfect for you! This foundation gives your face a fresh radiant glow without the shimmer and glitter! It reveals a flawless and youthful side to you. All this with a lasting stay of 16 hours, well lets say your safe for a days worth of school!

12. Rimmel Match Perfection Illuminating Concealer~ This lovely product hides the signs of last nights fatigue! whilst highlights the face softly + evenly. Its quick and easy to use, blends like dream. And should defiantly be given a go!

13. Rimmel-1000-KissesThese babes come in quite handy for us students, known for their long-lasting qualities, I can safely say they are the perfect cheat to natural lips! Easy to use on the go can be worn as a stain or as a full lip tint. Either way you get amazing results.

14. BareMinerals READY™ Eyeshadow~ A well worth eyeshadow quad! With beautiful ranges of colours to suit any eye! highly pigmented and long-lasting! And super cute in size convenient enough to touch up during those long days!

15. Bourjois Paris Happy Light Matte Serum Primer~ To start of, I have to say love it !! Bourjois never disappoints and certainly this serum primer knows how to deliver. It leaves skin demi-matte for that natural finish and keeps skin at bay form getting oily throughout the day. A must!


                  
Here are some videos about 'back to school'! I've chosen some of my favorites to share with you! Hope you enjoy! + Here's to another year of school....

                      

Thursday 14 August 2014

SOFT-HUED








 





 Jeans // Tk maxx
Top // Primark
Jacket // Furla 
Rings // Topshop + River Island
Boots // A|Wear 

Friday 8 August 2014

Tuesday 5 August 2014

INSPIRED MAKEUP LOOK | ARMANI PRIVÉ FW 2014/2015



Get The Look

1. Start off with a clean base by moisturizing and priming. I used bourjois happy light serum for a natural overall glow. Then conceal to the areas needed such as acne, around the nose and under the eye. *Using your ring finger helps create a better coverage and is more gentle on the eye as under eye skin is delicate and needs a light hand. 

 2. Choose a foundation that has a demi-matte finish meaning it it's too matte and not too dewy. Giving your face a young, flawless and smooth complexion. Powdering your face is optional, I left mine as it was to let my skin show through, as we're trying to bring the attention to the eyes and a very heavy coverage might over do it.

 3. Next are the eyes. You'll want to leave them un-primed as again we want a natural vibe and this look would be perfect with our bare lids showing through. So start applying a rich black eyeshadow as a liner and work your way out, as if creating a cat- eye.* Apply gently and in small amounts, you can always add more. Then take your black eyeshadow and add some under the eye half way, this creates a flattering and open eye. Then taking any sort of blending brush connect the top and bottom lid and blend out towards your temples. *When coming across any mistakes use makeup wipes or Q-tips for an easy clean up. Blend in an upward and outward  motion as this creates a flirtatious + sophisticated winged look. *Dropping the wing down gives off a unbalanced look as opposed to  youthful and chic. To finish the eyes apply mascara to the top lashes only. Simplicity can work better sometimes then complexity.

 4. Now the brow! Fill in you brows with any sort of eyebrow fillers remembering to lightly fill not harshly fill. Again using a light hand over blend them from their natural shape, we're going for a thick boxy look. *From over filling them use a spoolie brush to comb out product, and for a less overly filled look finish them with a brow gel. *And whats great is an untweezed brow looks more editorial..apparently!

5. Lastly using your fingers dab any nude, pink, coral or rose shade of satin lipstick to your lips. Non-matte gives your face a more youthful touch and pulls this look together creating a less harsher aura.

Good Luck!


I absolutely adore this look, runway or not I thought recreating this look into something more wearable would help some of you, as I know it might be a bit tricky to pull off a dark eye! Especially if your a beginner in makeup or you find dark smokey eyes a challenge (as most of us do!) Non the less always experiment. You never know what might suit you best until you try them all! I found this look timeless as the drama is all in the eyes and I loved/noticed that natural skin is all in! So that's exactly what I did, keeping my skin + lips soft and natural gave me more room to amp up the eyes without over doing the look. I loved the end result as it looked pretty in the light and bold in the shade. It's something that I'll be giving a try more often anyways!







Such a beautiful collection, hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

                      

Friday 1 August 2014

COOL TRENDS FOR FALL/WINTER 2014-2015

60's Vibe
 
 left to right : Valentino, Ralph Lauren , Louis Vouitton , Giambattista Valli , Miu Miu


 It's back! Mini-skirts, trapeze dresses, patent Mary-Janes, graphic bobs and pastel colors paid tribute to the baby doll style, refreshing our memories on the cultural decade. We'll be seeing more of the 'the sixties' look coming to fall/winter. And we're loving it already!

Crazy for Crochet 
 
  left to right : Cline , Haider Ackermann , Sonia Rykiel , Marc Jacobs , Stella McCartney 

Soft, sophisticated and chic what more could we ask for? A trend that can't and won't be missed for winter. Rich and delicate looks best in earth/neutral tones. And as you can tell from above nobody disappoints.

 

Whimsical Furs

 left to right  : Versace , Fendi , Alexander McQueen , Just Cavalli , Balmain


This never ending classic has just been updated in the most extraordinary way possible: Vibrant colours, patchwork effect, and creatively bringing out the wild side. Simple layering for that luxurious look.
 (Check out my previous post on Alexander McQuenn for further insight!)

  
Tailoring 

 left to right : Maison Martin Margiela , Hermès , Haider Ackermann , Christopher Kane , Stella McCartney
 

Us woman sure know how to bring out our masculine side..and we're doing it right! Edgy yet minimal with a gentle over-all colour, brings out rich textures in an outfit. All kept clean and simple with sharp cut patterns, colours + shapes. As shown above, gives off a confidant/dominant aura. 

 Just some my favorite high street brands that deliver just as exquisite pieces as these high end brands