Beauty dreaming...

So i've put myself on a beauty spending ban. This might seem easy but for a beauty addict like myself it is proving very hard! I have decided to try and use up my existing products before buying things I don't actually NEED. So far I have managed a week without spending which is quite an achievement for me! But this doesn't stop me from window shopping and I have created a wishlist of things I would love to treat myself to when I feel that  I have managed to save up some money and won't feel so guilty about!

Here is my beauty wishlist for this Spring:

1. Makeupforever HD foundation - Guru makeup/PAM approx £30

I have been desperate to try this for many years but because it is only available in select stores in the UK I haven't had the chance to find my perfect colour and am too nervous ordering a shade online without seeing it first. I think I may be #127 which is a yellow medium tone but am keen to go to the makeup shops in Fulham/Shepherds Bush which stock it. I love the idea of a flawless HD base and the reviews I have seen are great. I love a smooth finish that still retains a fairly natural look so will definitely be buying some this year.

2. By Terry Rose de Rose sheer liquid blush - Space NK £40

I literally fell in love with this liquid blush the moment I tried it but its hefty price tag has always stopped me purchasing it. I first tried it years ago on a make up course and the texture, smell and finish are stunning. The rose smell and light feel make it feel instantly luxurious. It has a luminous satin finish which instantly gives radiance to the skin. I love the pink shade for a winter glow and the coral/bronze tone for summer so I will definitely be investing in at least one colour this year.

3. Chanel les beiges retractable kabuki brush - House of Fraser £33

The new Chanel Les Beiges powders are stunning (can be used as powder, foundation or bronzer) and the most exciting launch for me is the brush that comes with them! The retractable kabuki is perfect for travel and the bristles are incredibly soft. I had a look and feel of the brush last week and could not believe how luxurious it was! It is not cheap but the feel of the brush hairs, the handy size and the beautiful packaging make this a must have for me! I am a total brush addict and currently own nothing like this so I am very excited about purchasing this. 

4. Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders - Space NK $45

These powders will be launching in Space NK UK this week and I am so excited about them! Goss makeupartist recently did a review on his channel and the way the product sat on his skin and improved luminosity assured me that I would need to invest in them. I have been keen to try something from this brand especially the skin products and brushes because the quality looks fantastic and it is exclusive to only a few places in the UK including Space NK and Liberty London. The powder comes in a variety of shades including Radiant Light a golden beige colour which looks perfect for Summer and Luminous Light a gorgeous champagne pearl tone. The powders are created to refine the appearance of the complexion and produce multi dimensional luminescence on the face - perfection! 

5. Kiehls Midnight Recovery Concentrate serum - £35

This night treatment claims to improve radiance and the effects of ageing. I love night products because I wear so much makeup in the day for work that it is truly the only time that I can treat my skin. I usually use my regular moisturiser at night so I would love to invest in something more luxurious for the evening. It contains essential oils and 99.8% naturally derived ingredients. It is recommended to use 1-2 drops per night so despite the price tag I think this would be a worthwhile investment and many of the reviews have claimed that the skin looks instantly improved in the morning! 

What is on your beauty wish list? Have you tried any of mine?

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Bloglovin!

<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3190244/?claim=tfnck4hvbce">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a>

So it seems that GFC may be coming to an end so I have decided to join Bloglovin! I am a total newbie to this so any advice is greatly appreciated !

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Shopaholic tag

I saw this great blog post on Emma Kelly Glossy boutique http://www.glossy-boutique.com 

and decided I had to fill it out not only because I love blogging tags but because I am a self confessed shopaholic! So lets see just how bad my addiction is....

How old were you when you realised you were a shopaholic?

To be honest I have only recently realised just how bad I am! I have always loved pretty shiny things even as a young girl but only in the last few years since I started blogging and my make up career have I really noticed how much I spend time looking at products!

How do you feel after shopping, and do you have any weird habits you do after shopping?

I feel fantastic after a shopping trip although sometimes a little guilty if I've overspent! I usually bring the products home and show family or friends what I have bought. I also tend to keep them in the packaging or wrapping in my drawers until I use them for some reason.

What are your top 5 favourite stores to shop at and why?

For clothing I love Topshop and Miss selfridge because I can buy both basics and going out clothing there. My favourite beauty store is Space NK and any department store beauty hall such as Selfridges! I also love Liberty for browsing expensive products which I can put on my dream wish list! Thats not including the hundreds of online stores I love!

What item do you have the most of in your closet?

Black clothing! As a makeup artist I am wearing black 99% of the time!

Whats the most you have ever spent on 1 shopping trip?

I don't know exactly but probably about £250 on makeup and beauty products especially when I first started out in makeup and had to buy products for my kit so technically I couldn't feel guilty ;) On clothing I have probably spent about £200 in Topshop Oxford St before including clothing and accessories.

Do you ever experience shoppers regret?

I generally only buy things I know I will use so thankfully I never need to return products. I have bought a few beauty products which I hardly ever use which I do slightly regret but I tend to go into a shop thinking " If I don't want it immediately, I shouldn't buy it"

What was something you regretted buying?

I regret buying things like embellished tops because after one or two wears the beading has come off and I can't wear it again :(

What is your favourite thing to buy?

I have a makeup and beauty addiction first and foremost and makeup brushes are my vice. I am always keen to try new brands so I own many different brushes and brands. As far as clothing goes I like to buy dresses whether they be day or night styles. I also love statement necklaces!

Do you buy the same items in different colours?

Yes! A lot of my Topshop jersey tops and t shirts come in a variety of colours so if I find a style that fits I like to buy at least 2 colour variations because I know I will get a lot of use out of them

Do you ever use dressing rooms?

I always try on clothes because at 5ft1 and a size 8/10 with a large chest I really struggle to find a good fit!

Do you prefer to go shopping alone, or with others?... and who is your favourite shopping buddy?

I like a girly shopping day or a browse with my bf but I have to admit I tend to find more things I want when i'm on my own because I can really focus! I do most of my shopping online so i'm used to shopping alone!

If you could go shopping with a Celeb who would it be and why?

It would be a toss up between Lauren Conrad and Kim Kardashian! I love both of their styles despite being quite different. Lauren wears the beachy girl next door styles I like whereas Kim is more edgy and I love her designer accessories. I would probably invite Kim first so Kanye could lend us some spending money ;)

If you could go shopping with a Blogger/Youtube guru who would it be and why?

That is a tough one as I have so many favourites! I would probably invite my makeup guru Wayne Goss (Gossmakeupartis) because he could tell me his honest opinion on the best makeup products to invest in.

Whats your favourite, treat, snack, drink during or after shopping?

I like to keep hydrated while i'm shopping so a water or juice always has to be in my handbag. I will usually just grab a sandwich if I am shopping alone but if its a girls day out I like to make a day of it so will usually suggest a dinner after.

What is something you have always wanted to buy but never had the money to do so?

I have always wanted to buy myself a designer handbag such as an Alexander Wang or Chloe. I think this year I will stop buying so many beauty products, save up especially and treat myself ;)

If you had £1000 to spend on anything you want, what would you splurge on?

I would probably invest in some really expensive makeup brushes, an Alexander Wang bag and as many lipsticks as I could get my hands on!

Are you a proud shopaholic?

Strangely, yes!

I tag all of you to take part in this tag as I would love to hear your shopping confessions too!

x

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?

x

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!

x

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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