Lazy Sundays Recommends: New Talent

So it's been a while since I've felt like I have found something worth recommending to you guys and this evening I have stumbled upon something which is worth a look. I'm not gonna lie I do know this lovely man but that is all the more reason to share this with you guys, his name is Karl Reay and he is a wonderful as he is talented! 

 So I actually couldn't insert the video I wanted to share with you guys (silly blogger!), but here is a cover of Cold Coffee originally by Ed Sheeran, although if you click on his name you can get to the video I'd like you all to see.

Although this isn't the video I wanted to show you guys (just because you don't get to see what a lovely person Karl is!!) it is a great cover and it's definitely on my iPod! 

Hope you guys enjoy Karl's music and do check him out on YouTube! Show him some love and support!

x

Beauty Haul and MAC Dupe!

Watch out for the post on make-up storage as I will certainly need some soon with the amount of beauty products I have been buying. I normally never buy much in one go just pick up a few bits and bobs here and there, but these past two weeks I have gone all out! 

Here's most of the products I purchased ( I probably forgot some, silly me! )

So lets begin on the left with Oilatum, I purchased mine in Boots but I linked to Lloyds Pharmacy because it is cheaper! Now this is £6.10 in Lloyds Pharmacy, and I haven't used this for very long, but I have heard marvellous things about it; I must say so far so good, I'm definitely not disappointed. It hydrates quite well and takes away the raw/tight feeling I get after cleansing and isn't whatsoever greasy, after about 10-20 seconds you can barely feel it on your skin! I first heard about this product two weeks ago when I popped to the Urban Decay counter in Debenhams; the counter girl suggest I'd be better off with a finishing powder than the setting sprays, but I mentioned my dry skin, she was absolutely lovely and suggested a range of products she had tried herself one of which was this cream. I'll let you know how I get on with it in a later post.

They're Real by Benefit, now this is a mascara I desperately want to love, and in some respects I really do but in some I'm just not a fan. I'm a girl who doesn't like to stand out, in terms of my make-up, I keep it plain and natural so I don't think the mascara and I are a match made in heaven whatsoever! It's great if you like a lot of volume and striking lashes, I unfortunately found it a little clumpy and a pain in the bum to remove! So difficult in fact it became frustrating, I'll use it up but probably stick to Max Factor next time. In my opinion definitely not worth the £18.50 price tag, as you will probably only use it on night's out or parties so won't get your moneys worth.
Real Techniques Blush Brush, I absolutely love, love, love it! It's absolutely brilliant, for £9.99 you could not do better; there isn't much more to say! Come pay day I'll be back in Boots buying myself every single one in the range, just a pleasure to use!
Urban Decay's All Nighter Setting Spray, well I can't say I can't live without it, but I do like it. I've been religiously using this for a week and half now and I do like it but no way do I get the quoted 16 hours. It also dims your make up down a lot so if you do use a powder blush be prepared to apply more than usual just because it will take away some of the colour. The reason I don't get the 16 hours may be because I don't use a setting powder so don't take it as a sign of it being a bad product! A lot of people love it and I do agree it has prolonged and slowed down the inevitable disappearing act of my make-up! I would say £19.00 is a little steep but I think you do get a lot for your money as you don't need much of the product.
TRESemme Salon Shine Glossing Spray, well it does what it says on the tin! It's not magic, it doesn't get rid of my frizz all together but it does help. It's light therefore doesn't weigh down my hair and it does contain Argan oil, so all in all a good product for £4.99. One little side note, I really don't like the smell, but that's me just being a little picky!
MUA Shade 17- Matt, You've probably heard all there is to say about the great, affordable eyeshadows. Lets leave it at that, it's lovely and it's only £1, this shade is an absolute essential for any look.
I've always been a bit unadventurous with my blushes, I got my first blush when I was 12 or so and stuck with it, imagine the emotional breakdown craziness that went down when the shade I loved and enjoyed got discontinued. Please don't judge me but I still have the old blush and save it for special occasions as I treasure it more than most of my other belongings and it's only a Maybeline mouse! Anyway so as it's slowly running out I decided to find a back up and I think I have, the Liz Earle Powder Blush in Coral 05. It's not a colour I'm used to as I normally stick to light pinks and rather natural looking colours, and one day I did overdo it, mum even asked if I was sick but what the heck I like it. You do have to be very careful as it is very pigmented but paired with the Real Techniques Blush Brush it's fabulous! I will definitely buy it again when it runs out and maybe add some more colours to my collection.

Here's a little swatch, and this is a very pigmented swatch just to show you the colour. Don't be scared you definitely don't have to apply it this heavy to your cheeks! I certainly don't. 

Last but not least I will do the lip products together because when taking pictures of swatches I realised they're basically the same. Great, got two lip products exactly the same shade.The Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous is what one may call a dupe for MAC Cremesheen Ravishing in colour anyway.

Now there is a slight difference, the Balm Stain is slightly more sheer and has a shimmer to it, whereas the MAC lipstick is more matte, more of a pink tone to it and has a slightly better colour pay-off. However, what does one expect, one is only a Balm Stain and the other a lipstick. I initially bought the lipstick because I thought I needed something a little brighter to cut through the doom and gloom of London, and well the Balm Stain was just an impulse buy after I read the review by Louise from Sprinkle of Glitter, she did say she does get a lot of wear and does not have to re-apply and I don't know if it's just me or others have had the same problem but I wore it for the first time today and within an hour it was gone! I will give it a go with my lip primer but I thought this might have been the end to 101 and lip products in my little bag!
Just to prove when first applied they do look almost identical here's a picture of my lips.

When first applied I actually prefer the Balm Stain but as I say it barely lasted me the train ride into work. As I say lip products in general don't last well for me and do crease, so do check out Louise's blog as I do agree with her opinion most the time and she is very honest!

Just before I finish I must warn you of the slight peppermint/eucalyptus type smell that the Balm Stain has, it's not really to my licking but some of you may like it. I didn't notice it on the testers so it probably fades with time!

Woah.. All done! Long post I know but I thought I wouldn't do this half heartedly as I've actually tried some of the products so just giving my opinion!

x

Project Kate Upton

Let me take you back.. back to 2006 in fact; the year we lost Pluto, the year the Wii allowed us to look silly and work out in our living rooms (very appropriate for this blog, makes me think it was all meant to be) and the year Google bought YouTube. However none of these events made as big an impact on me as the release of 'Step Up' and before you rush to judge and heckle me I have two words: Channing Tatum. The man is a beast and recently, being the good little fan *cough*stalker*cough* I am, I got to see him when he was promoting his new movie at an Apple Store in London along side Matthew McConaughey! Talk about a sexy duo! 

So yes the picture is a little crappy, unfortunately we were a wee bit away. Nonetheless  they're both still sexy blurry!

And this probably where I get to the point, when I saw Tatum and McConaughey I realised that I will never have the chance with someone as sexy as these two, unless I myself become a sexy little devil! So here comes project Kate Upton. Despite what a little naughty blogger has said about Kate Upton recently I think she's a sexy little minx who is only 20! Crazy ha?? So I have set myself a challenge to get a Kate Upton body by the time I'm 19-20. Yes I understand I'm probably way out of my depth, but I'm a similar height to her so why not, and she's not crazy skinny just sexy so who knows, maybe I can get her spiffing figure! Without disclosing how old I am, I still have a fair amount of time so today I decided to take a rest and bake some cookies!

Don't mind the mess, it's all part of the process! And no I could in no way do this alone, however my chum was a little camera shy!

Hopefully next summer I'll have beach pictures to be proud of! So wish me luck guys!

x

Ribbons Galore

So I thought it was time I mixed it up a little and went in search of something new and fun to write about, not just clothing! Don't get me wrong I love clothes and sharing the cool things I find but sometimes I feel like it can get repetitive. Finding something new is never easy and trust me I was struggling, so I turned to a friend for some inspiration and him being a man he had nothing: well what appeared to be nothing, however turned out to be something totally brilliant. His man-thinking lead him to answer with one word 'ribbons' at first I thought he was just trying to dismiss me without much consideration, but then I thought maybe it's a great idea to take something so ordinary and see how out-the-ordinary something so simple could become. Lo and behold I discovered the art of 'Ribbon Sculptures'. 

Before this I had no idea that a ribbon could turn into a turtle, a flower or even a little 'Angry Bird'. How wonderful is that??

1 from leilei1202
2 and 3 from soCuties
4 from Jenbenitodesigns

So everyone can agree these are cute but most of you are probably thinking, "What use will I have for these?". Well why not make these into a little clip or a broach for yourself if you feel like a little bit of fun needs to be injected into your outfit. Why not share the fun and colour and make  a cute little clip for your daughter, niece or a younger sister? Another great way you could use some of these ribbon-marvels is to brighten-up your home or even cute decorations for a party, or even the party favours themselves! Oh the possibilities are endless. Now I say pop to YouTube if you have time on your hands and see how to make some of these yourself, but if you're in search for some cute decorations or some present ideas definitely give some of these a go! 

If this hasn't been a post that's interested you much I do apologise but every time I look at that little blue bird my heart melts! Had to share this with you guys!

x

Although it's not New Year it's Definitely Time for a Resolution

When I was little I hoped to grow into a woman who loved to listen to french music, wore vintage clothing and was able to seduce a man with a flutter of an eyelash. Today I hit Brick Lane in hopes to find some wonderful vintage clothing, you know the sort of gems one hears others find but never does so herself: the urban myth! Once again I was disappointed in what I found and not only that I came to realise that although the vintage clothes look very unique on some people they just don't suit me; the prints are too crazy, the shapes are far from flattering and not to sound snobby it sorta smells funny!

On my walk through Brick Lane I saw the women I once hoped of becoming and was envious of how wonderful they look, I decided enough was enough and I should ditch the french vintage and red wine dream forever and be the silly girl I am! I am in no way demeaning or giving up on myself, I'm doing quite the opposite, I shall be who I am. Stop listening to songs I don't really understand, no matter how hard my French teachers tried and no longer be ashamed to admit I do have 'Call Me Maybe' on my iPod despite the constant abuse I get about my music taste from a certain someone! Admit that Forever21 is not too main-stream for me and wear the clothes that fit me rather than not buy anything because the "vintage" clothes come in one size and it's never mine!

And if you may now excuse me I shall go wash off the smell of aged leather and death that has been lingering on me all day, and practice my eyelash-fluttering skills!

x

The Jewellery Hunt

In search of the new and exciting in the world of the web, I stumbled upon a whole craft I had no idea existed: the craft of shaping antique spoons into wonderful rings. At first I thought it was just a great idea this one person I stumbled upon had but on my midnight trawl through Etsy I found many more! 

1 and 2 from Silverware Jewellery Etc.
3 and 4 from Milomade

I think these rings look absolutely marvellous, and what a great way to reuse and recycle! Yes these spoons looked great in your grandmother's china cabinet, only to be used if the Queen herself popped in for a visit, but if you're being honest you'd have not much use for them now! Well now you definitely do! And yes this will mean that Antiques Roadshow will see a shortage of silverware, but sacrifices have to be made! 

Etsy is a world filled with the weird and wonderful so I thought I'd have a quick look and see what I could find, and believe you me I found things I cannot wait to buy and things I regret ever seeing....

Here are some of the little gems that lurked in the world of Etsy,

1 from SunAndMoonCraftKits
2 from Kica Bijoux
3 from BlackberryDesigns

The great thing about Etsy is that it's a marketplace for individual, creative and interesting people who create very fabulous and unique things, and in a world where on your way to work you probably pass at least one woman wearing the same top or skirt as you there is no better place to shop!

*Oh I did find some things that no one should ever see so bare in mind that you might be entering unchartered waters and find things no self respecting retailer on the high-street would stock! But that's partially what adds to the charm and appeal of the place.*

So why not give the unknown a go and see how you can jazz up your look wether it's a fork hanging from one ear or just a statement piece of jewellery!

x

Outfit of The Day

Dress from H&M
Belt and Bracelets from TOPSHOP
Shoes from Office
Bag from Monki
Necklace from BAUBLEBAR
Umbrella from Brollies Galore

So the summer doesn't seem to be arriving any time soon so I think it's time us women took back control and stopped waiting for the sun to grace our city with colour and summery-feel. The beautiful women of London should cover the streets in colour and fun, forget the rain just bring a bright brolly and make everyone smile!

Unfortunately I could not find the UK site for Monki but there are stores dotted in and around London, there is definitely one on Carnaby Street so you could pop in if you don't like staying in all day waiting for your delivery. Also the necklace is from BAUBLEBAR which is a US site so do double check if you decide to order; what the charges would be and if there are any customs duties to be paid. 

Apart from that I hope this has inspired you to brighten up the dark and dreary city that is London and the UK in general right now! Dress up a little but don't forget your brolly or your raincoat! 

x

Outfit of The Day

Jumper, Shorts, Shoes, Bag and Ankle Socks all from TOPSHOP
Jewellery all from ALL SAINTS

June Beauty Favourites!

This month I have changed up my skin and make up routine big time! Some things, however, have remained the same and have been my favourites for a long time now. True to blogger style I have decided to put together my favourites for the month!

1.Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish; I probably don't really have to say much about this product, everyone has been raving about it and rightly so: it's amazing! My skin has never been this clear and unlike most cleansers it really hasn't dried my skin out! This has been a real blessing as most cleansers leave my skin dry and sore to the touch!

2.Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation; once again product that has probably been spoken about more times than it has been purchased! I first started using this foundation around January/February time and have not looked back, I think it's marvellous. However I will say that the lasting time of the foundation isn't the best so if you require a lot of coverage for the whole day do use a setting spray or powder. One more thing to add is that if you have very dry skin this might not be the best foundation for you, but I have heard that the Healthy Mix Serum is a great alternative and much more moisturising.

3. Johnsons Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Wipes for Normal Skin; wow what a long name! These have become an absolute essential, due to the slightly oily liquid these wipes are soaked in they are great for taking off make up and even a mascara as stubborn as Benefit's They're Real! I usually remove my make up first with these then follow up with my Cleanse & Polish! They're a must have if you prefer to remove your make up with wipes rather than a bottle of cleanser.

4. MUA Heaven and Earth Palette; MAC quality for £4! That is all you really need to know! This palette of eyeshadows is a great dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Palette at a fraction of the price. These shadows last really well, obviously I still use a base such as the NARS Smudge Proof or a MAC paint pot, but they do last absolutely ages. Highly pigmented and reasonably easy to blend.

5. Freederm Oil Free Perfecting Moisturiser; it has been absolutely years, if I had to make a list of things I could not live without this would definitely be on it! This moisturiser has never caused me any problems with spots and acts as a great base for foundation, as I have quite dry skin. It is absolutely marvellous and a pleasure to use. It is not heavy so if you're used to a thick creamy moisturiser this might take time to get used to but you will certainly not look back! For those with sensitive or spot-prone or oily skin definitely give this a go, right now would be a great time as Boots are running  a promotion of 2 for £7, and if you don't like it you can just give it to me!

6. Lolita Lempicka Eau du Parfum; I have saved the best till last! I discovered this perfume quite recently and totally accidentally! I came across it whilst trying to find Miss Dior Cherie in Debenhams. The pretty little bottle caught my eye and I'm glad it did! This beautiful smell is perfect for those girls looking for something a little bit more mature but yet still wanting to keep the sweet sugary smells. I absolutely love it. Only downfall of this perfume is that it is not as fresh as I would like for summer but then again I do like really light and fruity smells in the heat! I think this a great all year round perfume as it's not too light but yet not too mature and heavy!

x