Tuesday 10 September 2013

Back to School Makeup

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A quick post for the 'Back-to-School' season. I thought I would share my everyday makeup with you all as it's so simple and would make the perfect 'Back-to-School' look. 

Base
For my base I used my Clinique Super City Block in SPF 40. I like to wear an SPF on my face everyday, even in the Winter as it really is going to help prevent wrinkles forming and this is my favourite one. It's also available in a lower SPF which I might buy for the colder months. To give my skin a healthy, glowy complexion I used a tiny amount of the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer on my cheeks. Although I think this is a good primer, something like Strobe Cream from Mac would work just as well- it's all about giving your skin that glow under your makeup. I used Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer under my eyes and the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation lightly on the face, working it in well with a Real Techniques Face Brush for a natural finish. They have light reflecting particles for added illumination and last well. 

Eyes
I use a tiny bit of Mac 'Omega' Eyeshadow on an angled brush through my brows for a tiny bit of definition- nothing too 'Scouse Brow'! I washed a small amount of the shimmery shades from my Nars Alhambra Eyeshadow Palette over my eyelids and added a small amount of Bobbi Brown Bronzer into the crease of my eye for added definition with a fluffy brush. I line my eyes with the Maybelline Gel Eye Liner in Brown which is a great dupe for Bobbi Brown's Gel Eyeliner in Chocolate Shimmer Ink at a fraction of the price (and you get a handy brush with the Maybelline one too!). I used Make Up Forever Smoky Lash Mascara on my top lashes only for a more feline effect. I love this mascara, it's honestly the best I've tried- it adds so much volume and length!

Lips
On my lips I've kept it simple as this could be a school or everyday look so I don't think a lipstick is necessary. Instead I opted for a Clarins Instant Light Lip Perfector which combines all the benefits of a fabulous vanilla scented lip balm with the pale, milky pinkness of a lip gloss. These are perfect to throw in your handbag or school bag and have a nifty squeeze applicator so you don't ever need a mirror to apply it!

Final Touches...
Finally I bronzed the hollows of my cheeks, my temples and my jawline with the Bobbi Brown Bronzer (I have the lightest shade!) and added a tiny amount of Mac Dainty Blush to the apples of my cheeks, for a pretty yet natural pink flush. If you want to highlight your face, you could dust a small amount of the light Nars Eyeshadows on your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and cupids bow for a pretty finish.  I don't powder until the very end, and I only powder my T-zone to stop my face looking oily- for this I use Maybelline Stay Matte in Translucent. It's amazing and super cheap too! 

So that's my everyday/ natural/ back-to-school makeup look for you all! If you like it I might photograph my usual smoky eye look and explain how I achieve that :)

xxx




Wednesday 4 September 2013

OOTD: Highland Fling

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September is my favourite month, I love the start of a new school term (second year of university for me- scary stuff!), the Autumnal clothes in the shops, and the fact that it's my birthday in less than 2 weeks. This year I can't wait to embrace Autumn by layering up and toning down the colour palette of my wardrobe. The first trend I will be championing is definitely the tartan trend. I'm sure many of you have noticed the tartan trend creeping slowly into the high street this season- I certainly have, and I couldn't wait to get my hands on some tartan myself!

This dress is from River Island and is only £25 so if you love it then make sure you get it before it sells out! At first I wasn't sure if I could work it, as I wanted to keep the dress preppy, rather than look like a 6-year old or too punky, and I think I've got it just right. The preppy 'geek chic' look is definitely making a come back this season and this dress captures both dress perfectly. I paired it with my Zara studded ankle boots from last year, a pair of frilly socks from Topshop and my beloved Cambridge Satchel. I think the accessories really pull the look together and I can't wait to wear this dress to my university lectures. A chunky cream cardigan would be the perfect addition to this outfit for when the weather gets a bit chillier! 

Will you be embracing tartan this season? I have a few more tartan purchases that will be making their way onto my blog soon so look out for them! 

xxx

Dress- River Island (link)
Boots- Zara
Socks- Topshop
Satchel- Cambridge Satchel Company
Watch- River Island
Screw Detail Bangle- Bought on Holiday
'Love' Bangle- River Island
Midi Ring- River Island
Thumb Ring- River Island
Pearl Earrings- Forever 21