Updated haircare routine!

I have been trying out quite a few new haircare products recently and I have been getting some comments and questions about my routine so I thought I would update you on my current routine and which products I would recommend! 

I have recently been trying out a new shampoo and conditioner combo from Pureology. This professional brand is specifically designed for coloured hair so I was looking forward to treating my highlighted locks. I went for the Volume range because despite having lots of length my hair lacks volume and being naturally straight I find it lacks texture. I was a little worried about using volumising products because I always find that my hair is left feeling knotty and heavier than usual with minimal results. However I have been pretty impressed with the duo. There is no denying that the shampoo does create a slightly more knotty feel in the hair but the feeling of thickness is instant and when blow drying my hair I can feel and see a significant difference in volume. It takes a little longer to brush through but I am happy to do this if I get the desired results. The conditioner is lovely and soft and feels like a real treatment for the hair. I also purchased a blow dry amplifier from the range which is a clear liquid which I run through the hair (avoiding root area) before blow drying and again it builds volume quickly but without feeling sticky. I only use a tiny pea sized amount as I don't like feeling like I have product residue in my hair! I am enjoying using this shampoo but would like to try some more volumising ranges before settling with this one :)

I have been loving L'oreal mythic oil recently because it is very similar to my beloved Kerastase elixir ultime (which has just about reached the end of its life) but is less expensive and I believe more suitable for all hair types. I bought mine from the wholesalers but it is very affordable online too. I was always sceptical about hair oils because I do suffer from oily roots however they really do improve the quality of my hair and they make brushing through wet hair smoother. I like to use mine from just above mid way down the hair to the ends to avoid any greasy roots.

For creating styles such as curls and waves I have been loving Paul Mitchell Extra Body sculpting foam. This formula is much more appealing to me than mousse I have previously used because it feels less sticky and wet and feels more comfortable in the hair. I find it holds styles well and increases volume quickly. I also love the size of the bottle because this will truly last me a long time! This product is a little harder to get hold of as it is a salon brand however check out local hairdressers and online for stockists.

I'd also like to give a special mention to my Tangle Teezer! This brush really does comb through hair more easily than any other brush I have used and the size and shape is so handy for popping into my handbag! Plus its pink so its gorgeous too ;)

What haircare products are you loving at the moment and what should I try next?

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Organising chaos

I have recently been so busy with work that I have neglected my beauty and makeup products and simply put them into the nearest drawer available so on a recent day off I decided to reorganise my life and try and put some order back into my overwhelming collection! 

I always tell myself to stop buying products and yet the excitement takes over and within 5 minutes I have placed an order and am struck by a guilty but nonetheless happy feeling as I read the words "Your order has been confirmed". My collection of bodycare/skincare/haircare and cosmetics is always growing and yet some products I never even use so I decided to have a clear out of finished or unwanted products and then reorganise the bits I wanted to keep. The majority of my kit is in another room however things like palettes I keep in my room for creating looks for work so most of what you will see is my own personal collection *eek*

Middle drawer: Eyes and lips

On top: Brushes/tools and lip/eye/eyebrow pencils

Top drawer: Face and cheeks

8 drawers in total and still not enough space ;)

I have kept my ikea drawers but simply put new baskets inside to allow me to organise my makeup into sections. My morning routine is now a lot quicker!

I am considering buying some plastic containers from muji to put lipsticks etc in as I think they look really need and that way I can pick them out more easily. I also need to find new ways to store my brushes as they look a little messy and I can't fit them all in! 

How do you store your make up products?

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Practising Facecharts

Part of my job means that I spend an alloted time each week creating make up looks for the team at work. This means putting pen to paper and developing facecharts. I have always struggled with facecharts purely because it is so different to working on a person and the products you want to use don't always apply well onto paper. It is sometimes very frustrating having a clear picture in your mind of what you want to create but not being able to move that idea onto a sheet of paper. I can see a slight improvement in my facecharts since I first started but am always practising and keen to find new tips. Here are some examples of what I have created and some tips I have learnt along the way from fellow makeupartists and members of my team!

The MUJI pen is a must have for creating liner and lashes!

Using a MAC 252 brush creates the perfect contour shape on cheeks

Leave small areas clean on the lips to give a 3D lip finish

Shading the nose and chin area give a more human look to the face

Here are some of the facechart images I have been collecting on Instagram which inspire me to keep practising! Follow these amazing makeup artists for more inspiration!

How incredible are they?

If you have any facechart tips for me please leave a comment below!

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My ultimate Christmas wish list

For some reason I enjoy looking at beauty products online which I can either never afford or don't really need! I love making wish lists despite knowing I will probably never own the products and for some strange reason I don't mind! I think (and hope) that this is something that many beauty addicts do so I thought I would share my current dream wishlist with you. And if Santa is reading this he now knows what to leave in my stocking on Xmas morning ;)

NARS Edie gift set - £54

I only have a few NARS items but I can always be sure that the quality is fantastic and the products look and feel amazing. I have never tried lip or eye products so this kit would be perfect! I love the nude lip colour and the blushers are highly pigmented. The packaging alone is enough to get this set onto my wishlist!

Rae Morris brushes 

The 10 piece set alone is £159.50 but I am so desperate to try these brushes. I have heard great things and seen fav review by one of my favourite Youtube guru's Gossmakeupartis. The kabuki and eyeshadow brushes in particular are top of my list and even if I can't afford the set I will be treating myself to at least one individual brush soon.

Kevin Aucoin Best of eye kit - £74

Kevin Aucoin is one of my favourite make up artists and I would love to try his makeup range. This kit contains curlers, mascara, eyeliner, eyebrow pencil and eyeshadow which works out as a great price for each item but I can't bring myself to spend that amount! The packaging is sleek and I love looking at his products in my local Space NK store.

Illamasqua Limited edition black christmas box - £96

I love a limited edition collection so these goodies are right up my street! Again the price works out as a bargain for the products but its a little too excessive to spend on myself! I have never tried lashes or mascara from illamasqua so would be very keen to try these and the eyebrow cake looks like a great way to define brows instead of pencil. It comes with a step by step guide so would be perfect for beauty junkies!

Liz Earle Ultimate christmas hamper - £199.50

This would be a real dream present to receive! I love this skincare range and am running low on all of my products so this would keep me sorted for most of 2013! I haven't tried some of the body products so I would love to try the entire collection. If you are a true fan of the brand this would be ideal however there are more affordable sets online for those who want to try it out.

What would be your ultimate beauty gift this Christmas?

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Fake tan Favourites!

Despite the fact that it is November and there is nothing natural about a glowing tan, I am still not ready to give up the fake bronzed look! Even though I don't fake tan as often during winter I still like to keep up that golden glow to my skin because I believe it looks healthy and more flattering! I have a few favourite fake tans which I always go back to despite trying many brands and formulas and thought I would share them with you as tan's can be expensive and I am always looking for the perfect one!

1. Xen Tan dark lotion

Probably my all time favourite tan, this lotion contains a truly olive tone which creates an even and natural looking tan. I like my tan to be quite dark and this gives enough colour but does not look orange or too strong on the skin. It smells lovely and glides on beautifully. Because it is a lotion it takes a little while to dry but is well worth it in the morning! I would recommend this for both first time and experienced fake tan users because I have never experience any difficulties or disappointment with this and the xen tan fake tan mitt is also a great product from the range. The latest product from Xen tan is morrocan tan which is apparently deeper and more hydrating so I cannot wait to try it! I tend to buy mine from www.feelunique.com as it is much cheaper there however the actual Xen tan site is easy to use and often has money off codes.

2. Sienna x dark glowing self tan

Another great lotion, this dark formula is probably the deepest in colour on my favourites list. If you are looking for that real holiday in the sun for a week look then this is the one for you. The tone is slightly more yellow than xen tan but still not orange or unnatural looking. I love this because it is hydrating, smells great and you are guaranteed a dark colour when you wake up in the morning. Even after washing off in the shower, the colour left behind is dark and glowing as the name promises! The other sienna x products including the gradual tan, body wash, body scrub and body balm are lovely too so this range has really impressed me. It is fast becoming my favourite go to tan and the fact it is anti cellulite is always a good thing! I buy mine from beauty wholesalers but it is available on www.feelunique.com for a good price too.

3. Famous dave's gold edition tanning mousse

This mousse is paraben free, full of anti oxidants and anti ageing ingredients and easy to use. Mousse tends to dry quicker so its great for topping up during the week and I tend to use it for mid week tanning rather than as the initial colour. It is quite dark but certainly not too dark for first time tanners. It is slightly drying because it is not as hydrating as a lotion would be so I always moisturise the next day however I love the natural colour of it and like xen tan it has that olive undertone which is so flattering. The mousse is a good size so as a top up tan the product lasts me ages. Famous dave's is now available in Boots but I buy online at their own site as they often do special deals such as a free tanning mitt.

4. St Moriz dark instant self tanning mousse

This cheap and cheerful fake tan is arguably not as good a colour or texture as my more pricey favourites however for £2.99 I cannot turn up my nose at this affordable decent tan. The colour is little more orange and the texture is quite drying on the skin but as a quick, top up tan it is an absolute bargain. It is available in Savers but I usually buy from Fragrance direct. I have only tried the mousse formula but I am keen to get my hands on the lotion. This would be a great tan for first time tanners because if you don't like the results you haven't wasted nearly £30 like most other tans. However I usually recommend it to those who tan often because the formula can cause streaky if not used correctly. Overall I can't complain about good results from such an affordable product.

5. Fake bake Bronzer instant wash off tan medium matte

This instant tan is amazing! It is my go to for nights out because it gives a rich deep colour which doesn't streak and glides onto the skin smoothly. It dries quickly and I have never experienced transfer onto clothing on running of product during bad weather! I haven't tried alot of fake bake in the regular tan range but if the colour is anything like the instant then I am definitely interested in trying. I use the product quite heavily but the colour would suit any skin tone depending on how much you apply. I would like a pump action because the tube doesn't really tell you how much to use but I tend to just squeeze a big blob out and hope for the best! It comes with plastic gloves inside which apply it well and stop any orange hand problems! I bought this on a whim at work but will be repurchasing for sure!

My latest fake tan purchase is Vita Liberata extra rich silken chocolate gel

I will be testing it out this week and will keep you updated on the results and see if it makes it onto my favourites list!

What are your fake tan favourites?

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Lashes lashes and more lashes!

I never used to wear false lashes but since starting with MAC I have become addicted to them! My own lashes are quite short and fine and despite using volumising and lengthening mascara's I can never achieve that truly fluttery eyelash look. I have tried many lashes from many different brands but I have to say that MAC lashes are incredible. There are lots of styles available, defined, fluffy, long, short but I have a few favourites which I always go back to!

7 lash

These have to be my all time most used lashes! They are defined and slightly tapered which elongates the look of the eye but in a natural way. I use these for everyday wear or when I want the eyeshadow to be the main feature because they give definition and length but don't distract. They are so easy to apply and the length of the strip fits perfectly onto my lash line. I always have at least 3 pairs in my personal collection just in case of lash emergency ;)

8 lash

Another must have for me, these bundled lashes are spikey and defined and focus on both length and volume. Despite their strong appearance they create a fairly natural look because they replicate the look of a very good mascara with evenly spaced clumps of lashes. They are ever so slightly tapered and the dark black works well with a smokey eye.

12 lash

If you are looking for a dramatic lash these are the ones for you! I use these when I am doing a dark strong smokey eye look on nights out. These lashes with a strong eye and nude lip are my favourite going out style. They are very fluffy, deep black and tapered at the ends to create a winged out look. I always pair these lashes with winged gel liner to create huge feline eyes.

34 lash

These brown/black lashes are a softer alternative to the 12's. They still have that fluffy tapered style but the brown is more wearable for daytime and look fantastic with a gold/brown smokey eye. They are great for people with few and short lashes because they are very long, fluffy and full with a winged edge.

36 lash

These smaller fluffy lashes were originally launched as Sultress lashes because they are sexy but still natural enough for daytime. They are a soft black with a natural tapered look and are my favourites for a vintage eye look. I often pair these with a matte cream eyeshadow and red lips. If you are new to a tapered winged lash then these are a great first pair!

48 lash

These long wispy lashes are my doll look lashes as they instantly open up the eyes and the length makes them quite dramatic so I tend to wear them for evenings. I like to wear these with a brown/bronze smokey eye because they have that soft black colour which is less harsh than the deep black of the 12 lash. If you are looking for both length and fullness these are beautiful.

The must have product that makes these lashes so successful is Duo Adhesive.

This latex white glue dries clear and holds the lashes on all day and night. I have never experience any lashes coming off with this glue and the tube lasts a long time. It is safe to use in the eye area as well as using for body decoration in makeup artistry. Don't be put off by the odd smell it really is the best lash adhesive I have found! 

I like to apply the glue onto the end of a cotton bud and slowly and carefully apply to the edge of the lash. I then wiggle the lashes with the glue on the create a subtle curve so that they apply onto the shape of the eye better. Wait a few seconds until the glue is tacky and then apply onto lash line, lining up with the length of the eye. If you have smaller eyes you may want to line the lashes up prior to glue and cut off any length as necessary. NEVER cut lashes once they are on your eyes! 

Some people like to put mascara onto the lashes however I usually apply my mascara first then leave the lashes as they are. I find that this way I can re-use the lashes more times (approximately 5) by just peeling the old glue off and starting again. You may find that you want to apply mascara though for a stronger look and it can help to create a flawless look between your own lashes and the falsies.

What are your favourite MAC lashes? Are there any other brands that I should try?

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My LUSH collection

I have always loved the concept behind Lush. Their strong views against animal testing and amazing scents make this store a pleasure to visit. There is a store near my work in Kingston and often browse there on my lunch break. I have recently purchased quite a few products from there and thought I would review them for you! My LUSH wish list is constantly growing due to the release of limited editions (notably the christmas collection) and I am always seeing fantastic reviews of products on my favourite blogs.

LUSH Volcano foot mask

A tingling clay foot mask which is perfect for those of us who work on our feet all day! I often have sore, aching feet after my shift on counter and this foot mask is the perfect pamper treatment for my tootsies! I apply it all over my feet on dry skin, then put my feet into clingfilm or a carrier bag to let it soak in for about 20 minutes. It has a cooling feeling and you can feel it soothing straight away. I then wash it off and scrub the product as I do to exfoliate the skin too. This is a retail workers dream product! Soft, smooth skin and feels like a real luxury treat!

LUSH Fairtrade foot lotion

This bright pink minty foot lotion has the same cooling effect of the mask and is perfect for using afterwards. I slather it on and it instantly revives and refreshes my feet, particularly the soles. Another fantastic product for anyone who spends alot of time on their feet I always follow the mask with this cream. It is a light but highly moisturising product and smells great.

LUSH Charity pot

This body lotion has a pleasant but not overpowering smell. It is soft, hydrating and melts into the skin quickly. I like to use this morning and evening and the fact that the money goes to charity makes me feel less guilty about splurging on it. A little goes a long way and anyone who wants an everyday no fuss body moisturiser this is a fantastic option for you.

LUSH ocean salt scrub

I use this product everywhere! It is created to be soft enough for the face which I love using it for but it also feels great on the body and feet. I mix it with a bit of water in my hands then lightly buff onto the skin. The smell is like a mojito with a lime minty vodka aroma. The scrub itself contains quite large granules so I probably wouldn't use this on very sensitive skin however if you use enough water it breaks down to a softer texture. 

LUSH Catastrophe Cosmetic fresh face mask

This is the only product I haven't immediately loved from LUSH. I bought it to make my skin feel refreshed and prevent breakouts as I wear makeup almost everyday for work and wanted a deep clean feeling. When I first used this my skin immediately felt soft and smooth however the next day all of my impurities seemed to have been brought to the surface and I suffered from some bad spots for the next few days. Eventually my skin recovered and felt better than ever but I was a little upset at first because working on a make up counter with breakouts is not fun! I asked the lady in Lush if this was normal and she said yes that it is meant to draw out impurities and takes a while to clear the skin so I would only use this again if I had a few days off work!

I am going to LUSH spa in Kingston on Wednesday for a massage treatment called "The Good Hour" which I am extremely excited about so I will let you know how that goes! Are there any LUSH must haves that I should pick up on my shopping trip and add to my collection?

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