Make up of the day

I'm heading into central London for the day, to do a little bit of "window" shopping as I realise I have little funds to actually spend. Although we are heading to Oxford Street which is a very tempting place to spend your money. 

I thought I would show you what I am wearing on my face today, its nothing too overpowering, in fact I have kept it very minimalistic. 

- Chanel Vitalumière Aqua foundation, I have only recently purchased this and I am currently in love with it. I'm in the shade 10 Beige

- Mac Studio finish concealer In the shade NC15

- Mac Bronzing Powder In Golden

-Mac Mineralize Blush in Ring of Saturn. I'm so drawn to the colour of this, and the pigmentation is fantastic.

-Mac Frost Lipstick in Créme de la femme

- No7  Exceptional definition nutrient enriched mascara In the shade Black

The final result, as you can see its very neutral

I hope you all have a wonderful day, Love Jess x

A gift to myself

Since arriving at university almost a month ago now I have been very careful with my money, and avoided the centre of Kingston and London like the plague, as there is just so many different products to choose from. However yesterday I had a little bit of what you may call an impulse buy, I wanted to treat myself, so I headed of to the local MAC counter. I'm not used to having so much choice in make-up, what with living in Devon all of my life and growing up in a very small town they do not have anywhere near the amount of choice in comparison to here.

I knew I needed a new concealer as my Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection one is on its last legs and I really enjoy trying new products so thought I'd see what MAC had.

I came out with these three products. A MAC 217 blending brush, Studio finish concealer and bronzing powder. 

The studio finish concealer I love, I've noticed you only need a little amount which goes a long way,  I bought the 217 blending brush to apply this concealer under the eyes, which I find works really well and you get a very even finish for your skin tone. The make-up artist in MAC matched me with the colour NW20, which I thought would be too dark for me, as I am so pale, but it really cancels out any of the dark under eye discolouration you can get. (well what I get anyway)

I also thought I'd treat myself to a bronzer, I have currently been using the MUA bronzer but I felt it was a little too dark for me. This is in the shade golden, which I believe is the lightest colour, it just gives me a healthy glow to my skin, because I am so pale I find I look very washed out and ill a lot of the time, especially in the cold winter months. Another thing which I love about the MAC products, is that you don't need to use as much of the product, but you still can get great colour as they are much more pigmented than some of the other make-up brands available. 

I love having all of these make-up counters so close to where I live now, its opened up a new world to me, before I moved to University if I wanted any MAC products, I would either have to order online, or travel just over 2 hours to get to the closest MAC counter. 

Have you tried either of these products? What are your thoughts on them? 

Have a great day everyone! x

ELF products

Its come to the end. I finally sat my last A-level exam,last week. I've never really experienced such happiness to finish exams, probably because every other time, I know I have to go back to college and learn new things, and take yet more exams. However, these were the very last ones.

I've spent the whole morning cleaning, and re-arranging my bedroom, exams take over the simplest of tasks.

Last weekend, I found myself pondering on the ELF website (Eyes Lips Face) I've never actually bought anything from them before, purely because I like to get a feel for the make-up and brush quality in person, however I had heard excellent things about some products, so I thought for the cheap prices, I was going to give it a go. I took advantage of their free delivery that weekend as well. Do be sure to sign up to their mailing list, as they send out regular offers on products.

It arrived!! With careful packaging, so not to damage any of the products

I have never been happier with products that are so cheap, I often associate cheap products with the not so good products, but I cannot apply that to ELF, in fact I could not be happier, especially with the brushes.

 This is the eyeshadow brush, from ELFS studio range, which you can find here. You are able to use this on either wet or dry products aswell, its Taklon bristles so its very soft and gentle on your eyes. This is a cruelty free product aswell, only costing £3.75, I mean what an absolute bargain.

 I have absolutely fallen in love with this brush. (if that's at all possible) Again the blending brush is cruelty free and Taklon bristles, its super soft. Online I got the impression the bristles wouldn't be particularly soft,I'm unsure why, but perhaps because it was only online you can't get a true perception of how it will be. This brush is from ELF's mineral range, and comes in again at such a cheap price of only £5.50.
The blending brush is specifically designed in order to blend harsh eyeshadow lines out, to create a softer look, but also for that perfect 'smokey eye' I genuinely don't know how I have coped without this brush, its amazing.

Next, as I ordered during a weekend of free delivery, there was a promotion for a free eyeshadow, unfortunately you couldn't select the colour, however I was so happy to see it was a really subtle neutral colour, as I have been after one for a while now, and even better it was free.  This colour is Wild Wheat, which I have been using as a base. I like this product, I wish it was slightly more pigmented though. I was impressed it came with a cute little mirror though. This eye shadow is from the studio range, you can find here , where you can also choose from a range of other colours as well.

Last of all (not for long probably), is the Elf Eye Brightener this claims to 'perk up tired eyes and diminish those dark shadows' If you didn't know already I hate my dark circles under my eyes, and I'm forever being drawn into products that claim to help reduce them, in most instances they never really work. However this actually helps so much, I apply it lightly with my bamboo elf blending brush in the outer and inner corners of my eyes. I feel confident enough to not apply much concealer afterwards. I actually love this product, although its hard to get out, because its a loose mineral, a little goes a long way, and you end up getting too much on your brush, well I certainly do anyway. I have even used it to cover up any redness I get around my nose, which does the trick perfectly, especially when you want a very natural look, as its so light on your skin, you wouldn't notice there are even any products on there.

It feels so good to finally be able to write a blog post, now exams are over.

What do you think of the ELF products, or have you tried any of the products featured in this post?

Hectic Schedule

My google reader is currently full of unread blogs, in which I need to catch up on, not always need; I want to catch up on, I just do not have time.
My first exam starts in under two weeks time, so whilst I spend the majority of my time in a state of panic, the other time I need to devote to some flat out revision. Whilst this may be good, I suppose, for my grades, its not good for my blog. Poor little thing is being somewhat neglected, which I feel guilty about. I am overwhelmed by the comments I have received to this day on my other posts, and I am thankful for every single one of my followers. As soon as my exams are over, I will be able to post more frequently, as well as reading and commenting on some of my favourite bloggers. I hope you are all able to understand, as exam periods are incredibly stressful.
For now, I shall leave you with a few photographs of my life this past week, or so.

I've dedicated to my floral dress, and ankle boots. (which have  needed re-healing 4 times now)

I spent Friday evening at the beach with my friends. 

My dog modelling his very own daisy headband

I managed to grab a very much needed coffee fix yesterday

Again my dress, makes quite an appearance, ey?

Wearing my natural collection lipstick, in Cranberry

Sugar Lips

Over the weekend, I caught the train into the city, one which I live closest to, in order to meet one of my best friends. We had a wonderful day, the weather was amazing, we sat down for lunch and talked, it was so lovely to catch up with her. Its sad that a lot of my friends don't live in close proximity to me, although she is only a one hour train ride, it feels like millions of miles away, especially in times of need.
Anyway, as I was in the area, I thought I would take advantage of the larger beauty stores, although I didn't buy an awful lot, just some dry shampoo, in coconut scent, because of course I like my hair to smell tropical. I also purchased a new paddle hair brush as mine accidentally fell down the toilet, as a result I had resorted to some very old, awful hairbrush that practically got lost in my hair multiple times. So I felt it was necessary to invest again in a brand new paddle brush. (If you have thick hair like I do, I would highly recommend these brushes, which you can find here.

As I was walking around the store, I noticed how much I miss out on such a large variety of make-up, although, perhaps it is a good thing, it means my bank has more money.
I came across MUA sugar lips, which is a tinted lip balm, there were I believe 3 colours to choose from, but being the typical girl I am, I zoned into the pretty light pink colour.

They are named according to the Love heart sweets which you can buy, if you aren't familiar with them, you can see what I mean here.
Not only are they slightly tinted, they are a soft vanilla scent too them, which makes them perfect, nothing too over powering.

Its the type of product you can pull out of your handbag and feel good about applying, the cost is only £2 yet it does not feel cheap on the lips at all, its very light, but not at all sticky. You also get 10g worth of product, which for the price, I feel is fantastic.

 My lips with the lip balm applied

My lips with no product.

Have any of you tried the Love hearts lip balm by MUA? If so, what do you think?

I am procrastinating, and must get back to some revision, I hope you all are having a lovely evening. X

Releasing my inner child

I often wish I were still a child, who could get away with anything, who could be easily amused at the slightest of things, and who didn't have a care in the world. Oh how wonderful it would be to bring those days back. Now my life consists of exams, deadlines, work, money. When you are young, you never realise these things will matter, or that you will worry about them, but alas it happens to us all, and we are forever plagued by such boring things, that adult life brings.

Today I became a child again, and wore a Disney tee-shirt. I loved every minute of it. Of course to accompany my childhood top, I wore my new shimmery shirt, from Topshop .

Now all I need is ice-cream and sprinkles to end my day of childhood.

One of my best friends has surprised me, and is travelling down to stay for a few days, which I am extremely excited and grateful about. There are circumstances that happen in life, when all you need is a huge cuddle from a wonderful friend.

Sunshine in May

This year is flying by. I wake up to realise it is May already, and I somehow I have no idea where my time has gone. I have nothing to show for 2012, as of yet. I realise I put alot of pressure onto myself to achieve, often unrealistic targets, in a limited time frame, and when I'm faced with the fact I have yet to meet any, I begin to panic.
Although more recently I'm learning to accept there are more important things to life.

My targets for May:
- Take more photos
- Appreciate the smaller things in life
- Revise

I think these are a few realistic goals that I wish to achieve, I got this idea from Paperbagblog and I think its great, I hope it keeps me on some even path. Whilst the sun shines in May, and makes most people very happy, its not had that affect on me, and I'm doing my best to stay focus on the important things I have coming up. (exams) My beloved Grandma sadly passed away on Sunday, so inevitably my life has taken somewhat of a 360 turn.
My head is away with the fairy's, at the moment. I shall force myself to get back on track for the ever looming exam period.

Sunshine and foundation brushes

I find it almost hard to believe that it is just the beginning of April, especially when I'm sat outside in my garden, wearing practically next to nothing, and I have lovely warm sun rays beaming down onto me. This isn't normal English weather, not that I am complaining though, because I have had a really enjoyable week, even studying is 'fun' when you are sat out in the sun, and I'm more than convinced that the sun brings you happiness.

Anyway... for over a year, I have been applying my foundation with a flat No. 7 brush, and with my Clinique even better foundation, I found that this method worked perfectly fine, however more recently I decided to switch up my foundation a little, and I have now begun using the MAC pro longwear in shade NC20, the consistency I find in comparison to the Clinique is alot thicker and more matte. This is where my problem started, by simply applying the MAC foundation to my face with a flat brush, I found it just wasn't spreading evenly, and was very thick on my face. What did I do?

Well I went and bought a new amazing brush, and I'm not just saying it is amazing, I actually think it is, I love it, and it leaves my skin looking flawless.

This is the real techniques brush, created by Samantha Chapman, who actually has a really good youtube called pixiwoo which she creates make-up tutorials with her sister, they are really good, so go check them out. Any way, I bought this stippling brush, purely because I saw it in boots and it is alot cheaper than any of the MAC brushes (I like to save money). You can buy them online from real techniques, or a range of other stores which are listed on their website at www.realtechniques.com 

This brush has a perfect base, so you can actually stand it up, which is fantastic to ensure the bristles(the bristles are taklon, so they are super soft, and they are also 100% synthetic, meaning they are cruelty free) don't get squashed and for hygienic reasons as well.
The box it comes in quotes that "Creates airbrushed, high definition results with all types of make up" And that's exactly what it does, it makes blending your foundation into the skin, so easy and effortless, and you are able to build up your foundation, without getting that cakey feeling.
Until I tried this brush, I had no idea how much difference a type of brush could make when applying your foundation, but I can safely say that I wouldn't be able to live without my stippling brush now.

Real techniques, by Samantha Chapman

Does anyone else use this stippling brush? If so, how do you find it?

♥ Jess

A scent of cinnamon

I am a huge fan of candles, I think alot of people are really. The scent it leaves and watching the flame is so relaxing, or is that just me?
There is a particular brand which I have been accustomed to, and lets say, very obsessed with. That is, the Yankee Candle. My mum originally bought one for the house a few Christmases ago, and since then I have fallen in love with them, I am forever burning one in my bedroom, I think it gives a really warm and welcoming feel to any room.

I cannot get enough of this scent, seriously.

I'm going to be sad when this particular one burns out, because they aren't always very cheap. Where I live is a card store, but because it is a factory outlet all items are sold at least 50% cheaper than the high street stores, so I was very lucky to find they stock Yankee candles. I was a happy Jess.

♥  Jess

Minimalistic

As I am an A -level student in my second year, I am always fairly busy, I come home to study and don't have much time for myself. Not to mention the mornings, I'm a fairly early riser, but trying to get up for college is just a no go, my body clock tries to keep me in bed as long as possible... what does this mean?

It means that I am rushing around like a crazy girl in the mornings, I never learn, Mum always tells me I ought to prepare everything I need the night before, but I get sidetracked, obviously reading all your wonderful blogs. 

Due to my lack of early morning organisation my make up routine is very ermm lacking, there is no time for beautiful eyes, I just make myself look presentable. 

MAC Pro longwear foundation
Mac pro longwear concealer 

Cocoa butter Vasaline

Number 7 brow pencil in Brown

Rimmel lash accelerator Mascara
Rimmel soft kohl eye pencil in black

Natural collection blush (need to find something far better)

And that is my usual college day make up, something quick and easy, but more importantly something that I feel gives me enough coverage to feel comfortable with, as I get awful dark circles around my eyes, which I'm yet to find a product that really helps with this. 

Jess x

Inexpensive nail polish?

As many of you are already aware, nail varnish can be very pricey, especially those in the more interesting or beautiful colours. I have an awful habit of painting my nails every 2-3 days, although that isn't something I'd advise because it can really damage the enamel on your nails. (Make sure if you do apply colour to your nails, you use a base coat first - I use Sally Hansen as hard as nails)

I've been searching the high street for an inexpensive nail polish for a while, and I came across one from Collection 2000, which I happened to find in Morrisons, but I believe Collection 2000 is in Superdrug and boots as well.

32 BMX Bandit

 

Collection 2000 and I believe it was £1.75

I think this gives a nice blue tone to your nails, its just the right colour for me, not to over powering.

However, on the downside, because of the cheap quality of the product, I have noticed it doesn't really stay on for very long, and is easily chipped, which is a shame, because this colour is almost identical to some of the more expensive brands on the market, but I do feel you don't get much out of this product. Never the less I shall use it again. I don't like to waste anything :)