Unsung Multitaskers

On one of those days when you know you have to go out, but just have a serious case of "cannotbearsed-itis" the idea of standing by your Muji drawers and perfecting your brows, lashes and under-eye bags seems completely overwhelming. So on these days everyday, the idea of grabbing a few products, sitting on the edge of your bed with a mirror is so tempting, and the idea of multi-tasking products sounds just perfect. So, I've compiled my list of the products we all know, love, and use, but for the purposes we don't always think of.

Chanel Soliel Tan De Chanel (or whatever this bizarre pot is called) is a wonder product for all year round. It's supposed to be a cream bronzer, but it's quite firm in texture, and nearly matte in finish with zero shimmer, making it perfecting for bronzing and contouring. This bronzer seems to offer quite a pleasant coverage too, and I've found that occasionally using this on it's own is perfect for letting skin breathe, but keeping a healthy glow. FYI it also works darling as a warm eyeshadow.

Benetint is one of those products that can take a while to get used to, being the same consistency as water, and a super-strength stain, the slightest drip on anywhere it isn't supposed to be is going to look like some sort of infectious disease. I found the best way to apply this to my cheeks is with a buffing brush (apply to the brush) then apply very light-handedly to my cheeks. Its a beautiful shade when applied directly from the brush to your lips, and buffed in with fingers. I always find using the teeniest amount of excess from this in my crease really helps to define my eye and lift and brighten my complexion.

RMS Living Luminizer is another weird little pot, but one that offers a beautiful, none-shimmery dewy look, whether it be used on cheekbones, eyelids, or in the cupids bow. This really brightens my eyes when used as a sheer tint across my lids, but it lasts no longer than an hour- any tips for avoiding creasing with something so creamy? (Yup, I did buy this because it featured in Phoebe Tonkin's ITG Top Shelf)

Clinique Naturally Glossy mascara in Brown is something I bought as when I have very little makeup on, black mascara looks so obvious and stark, I wanted to try something new... This is ideal for a natural look, adding volume, length, and a slight curl. It also works amazingly as a brow gel, I discovered this after dropping my brow gel under my bed, its glossy finish doesn't compromise on hold, and with it being a warm brown, it's ideal for dark brows.

Listing Eight Hour Cream as an "unsung" multi-tasker was probably brief stupidity, but the list of things this miracle product can do is longer than my legs... This beauty can be used as; lip balm, cuticle cream, dewy highlighter, on dry/cracked skin, on brows and lashes, knees, elbows, heels... You name it, this cream does it.

Now, LET'S GO DANCE IN THE SUN...

The six BEST nail polishes

It's hard whittling down what your favourite polishes are when you have a large collection of them, probably, if I counted, over 100. But when you look at them individually, there are some clear favourites, and some regularly repurchased.

I thought I'd share the six polishes that I believe to be the best, and probably the ones that would complete a nail wardrobe, without the necessary other 100+ polishes. I guess it's kind of like where to start if you're a newby with nail polishes, too.

Sheers and tints are something I'm a huge fan of, not for everyone, but, something that depending on where you work, or go to school could be a necessity...

I always say that Essie's Ballet Slippers is my favourite polish of all time, and despite the fact that it boasts similarities to OPI's Bubble Bath, the OPI offering is the much more subtle of the two, being pinker and sheerer in tone, and mimicking your natural nail colour more than Ballet Slippers which runs quite white and creamy in appearance. I love wearing this with Dior Nail Glow, which is a completely sheer, pink toned polish. Reviewed here, and obviously, I am still loving it, it'll be due a repurchase soon as I get to a Dior counter!

Butter London's Nail Foundation is a weird concept, but basically, it is a sheer, semi-matte nude/pink colour, one coat mimics the nails natural colour, evens it out and preps the nail for other sheer colours, or works brilliantly on its own. Using this as a polish does work, in about three coats, you can have the mannequin-look nails that were all over catwalks last summer, or with one single coat, your nails will just look healthier, yet people won't know you're wearing any polish (score for those that aren't allowed to wear polishes!)

I'm not always one for colour, and if you were beginning a nail polish collection, the "anti-colours" are the ones you need to go for, the none-bright, and quite classic. Chanel are ideal for fashion colours, and as the brand itself suggests, for classy colours, Rouge Noir and Frenzy are two of the brands most popular shades, I believe, and it's easy to understand why. Rouge Noir is a beautiful deep oxblood red, almost black, but so much softer, and ideal for people that tend to stray away from dark shades. Frenzy however, on the lighter side, is a beautiful grey-toned nude, completely beautiful, suits numerous skin tones, and is appropriate for work and play.

A classic, pillarbox red shade is a must in every ones nail polish collections, being seductive and appropriate for most occasions, all seasons, and the perfect colour for those intimidated by the other brights on the market. I've stuck the Balmain Nail Couture Rouge in here as an example of one of the classic reds I use, but this isn't the easiest to get hold of, all brands have a perfect blue-toned red (Essie-Fifth Avenue, Revlon Red, Chanel- Dragon)

The dupes I know of for the other shades are as follows; 
OPI Bubble Bath; Chanel - Ballerina, Essie - Mademoiselle
Chanel Rouge Noir; Revlon - Vixen, Essie - Wicked, 
Chanel Frenzy; (There are truly no identical dupes of this shade, Essie - Sand Tropez is close, as is Rimmel - Oh, Mr Darcy!)

Currently feeling a touch of irony, typing this with naked nails, now I'm feeling temptation for a couple coats of Chanel Frenzy...

Neal and Wolf (You're my True Love) - Scented Candle Review

Candles are one of those things, you either love them, or just don't care about them. I used to always think they were some sort of gimmick, something that came with the territory of women that love sitting in the bath for long enough to make your skin appear like you've aged 30 years. But now I've become one of the women that LOVE candles, granted, I don't have a bath, but I have a candle. 

On a sidenote, it IS Friday, I apologise for the rambling, and more-so the spelling of "gess" in that GIF, evidently people that spend too much time on the internet are the worst at spelling.

When the lovely people over at my favourite haircare brand, Neal and Wolf, offered to send me their scented candle I did a little squeal. I love scented candles now, and I adore the scent of the N&W products (I'm always declaring that they need to make a perfume!) so I jumped at the chance, and I have road-tested it to its brink during the week. Of course to test this thoroughly, I went for a full blown relaxation session; Netflix, tea, nail polish, chocolate, magazines etc. (such dedication) 

The scent itself, boasts a "true indulgence" with aromas of mandarin and orange blossom which turn into the floral notes of lily, ylang-ylang and orchid, and importantly, isn't too overwhelming and slowly releases its scent to fill the room with the beautiful scent of Neal and Wolf. The first burn of this candle did take about 6 hours to get no rings in the wax, but afterwards, it tends to take about 3/4 hours, giving you enough time to binge watch Breaking Bad and scoff leftover Easter eggs. I tend to have this burning from late evening and blowing it out just before bed leaves me feeling relaxed and ready for sleep, without having overwhelming notes of lavender like most candles for relaxation.

Yet another occasion in which Neal and Wolf have truly impressed me, they are an amazing company, with fantastic products at reasonable prices. As if I wasn't already converted, I can see me buying a LOT more by this brand.

Street Style on Sundays #5

Where the hell have I been? With all sincerity, I have no idea myself.

I've developed an overwhelming obsession with Katie Cassidy's style, which is truly being reinforced with her fashion blog, Tomboy KC. And from this, I seem to really be favouring tomboy-ish and masculine looks instead of the usual "lady" clothes that seem to pop up as soon as the sun starts to make an appearance.

Borrowed from the boyfriend...

Feminine and Masculine combined... 

Probably the safer option of the two, to try out masculine/tomboy dressing. Love a masculine jacket paired with a floaty dress, or leather trousers with heels, not to mention the shirt tied around the waist of your dress. No belt needed.

Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel (Granite) - A Review from the Fussy Brows

It's no secret that brows are completely important to me, and given I've been blessed with a well shaped, full pair, but as blonde as my hair, they tend to be high-maintenance on the products needed to keep them a nice shade of brunette. And before someone questions my choice of brow colour, bare with me... I have got blonde-ish hair naturally, and yes, my hair is a warm blonde now, but I don't suit warm brows (like, AT ALL) so I tend to go for an ashy brown... 

So yeah, having shared an overly long story about my brows with you... Here's what I intended on talking about... 

Anastasia Beverley Hills, the cult brand, founded by Anastasia Soare, the genius behind many A-List celebrities brows, is easily working it's way into the mainstream beauty industry. With all her products being designed to be affordable and easy to use, its understandable that Anastasia is quickly becoming many people's go-to for brow products.

I have a love/hate relationship with brow gel. The kind that leave you with crispy slugs on your face aren't my cup of tea, yet the ones that seem quite soft, then start to crumble into little lumps on your brows (attractive!) aren't much better. I really do like MAC Beguile, but it is SO pigmented there is no easy way of applying it, you really need to dedicate some time to getting it perfect. So I caved, thought I'd try Anastasia's Tinted Brow Gel in Granite. With this being the shade leaning most towards grey, I thought it'd be perfect for my fussy brows.

When it arrived I felt utter confusion at the shimmer particles I could see in the tube... Like, hang on, if I wanted Dior brows, I'd have used a gold eyeshadow?! So, needless to say, I waited until I had zero plans to trial this... (Don't worry, it doesn't translate. Phew!)

I was totally blown away by how perfect the shade is, and how easy it is to apply. The slightly curved wand allows you to precisely apply the product where you want it, and the levels of pigment weren't ridiculous, meaning you can use it quickly, on its own, or over brows already filled in with powder. The "crispy" levels weren't too high, but I'm beginning to think that if a brow gel is to leave the hairs feeling natural, then how much hold can it really have?! I'd say I've probably got the perfect compromise right here.

All in all, this is by far the best I've tried. Probably would get a 9 out of 10. Nothing's perfect...

I got mine from Cult Beauty, for £16.50.

Street Style on Sundays #4

QUICK NOTE: You can now pin directly from my snaps here. Hover over the image, click, and you'll be ready to pin... Whether any of you are as excited as I am, I don't know, but it's totally worthy of a mention...

I love a bit (okay, a LOT) of denim. Me and my jeans are inseperable. When you add leather to the mix, you can guarantee that I will squeal like a little girl at material heaven.

First lot of street style inspiration is denim for spring time, or British summers, whichever way you want to look at it...

Of course I had to compile denim for summer looks too... 

Hope you've had a great weekend so far. Lots of love.

Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum Review - 1/3 off Escentual

I always feel as if I only really need hydrating products around the winter months, but thanks to the not-so glorious British weather, I feel as if my skin is suffering from winter weather all over again! 

I think when we all think of hydrating serums, the first that will come to mind for most, is Hydraluron. But, I may just prefer this offering from the French pharmacy brand, Avene, a tad more (add orchestrated DUN, DUN, DUUUN...)

This Avene Soothing Hydrating Serum is loaded with my faithful Avene Thermale Water, and BOY does that addition help this serum pack a punch. I have a great relationship with the water, and it's becoming one of of my favourite products (reviewed here, featured here, here, and here!) the soothing and hydrating properties of both the water and serum are refreshing, and natural, ticking all the right boxes in a hydrating product. The Avene hydrating serum claims to soothe red and irritated skin, and despite this not being something I get frequently, I haven't had any redness at all since using this every evening, after the thermal water, and before moisturiser. It isn't fragranced, which is something I appreciate in facial skincare products, and it is a creamy white in appearance, with a similar consistency to yoghurt.



While I'm at it... Escentual still has it's 1/3 off French Pharmacy brands, including this serum, other Avene products, and the rest of the French brands that we seem to be falling head over heels for. I'm so ridiculously tempted to go crazy whilst this offer is on, but "I do not need anything!" (repeat how ever many times necessary, and remove self from all temptation.)

Bassbuds X Roxanne Campbell - Music meets Manicures

Twitter is pretty darn good for finding out all of what is going on everywhere, isn't it? I used to always wonder what the attraction was to "just another social media" site, but I literally feel like I'm getting enough news (and gossip, shush!) to last me a lifetime over there. Aaaanyway... BassBuds, the company that creates those gorgeous looking, Swarovski-adorned headphones you've probably seen strewn over the internet and magazines shared that they had a new collection coming out and wanted to share with beauty bloggers. So I jumped up and down shouting me, me, me (using the appropriate emoji) and they sent me over the deets of their latest collection...

Now comes the bit where I was intrigued, the collection is actually a collaboration between themselves and Roxanne Campbell, the incredible manicurist, who's nail artistry for SS14 has been inspired by this Fashion collection of headphones by Bassbuds. Nails and music aren't something that usually comes together, but when you think about it, it's is SO clever, and amazing for someone that is completely passionate about the two. (cough, me.) The lovely PR lady, Laura, told me they would sent me some to trial out, and hoped I could do a nail-art look to go along with the new collection. So I got a tad giddy with my Chanel, and hoped in the time it took to set up my camera and tripod, that I wouldn't chip or smudge...

(I did the nail art by painting one coat of the deep pink, Tapage, all over my nail, and placing hole reinforcers on my nail, after 20 minutes drying time, to cover up the area I wanted to remain in that colour. After two coats of the pale pink, May, I slowly pulled away the stickers and sealed with a coat of Seche Vite top coat.)

Each BassBud has a genuine Swarovski crystal on each sound chamber, making them the sparkliest and most fashionable headphones you probably ever did see. Sorry, Apple... you simply don't cut it anymore. An anti-tangle cable (PRAISE THE LORD!) and a call/mp3 control button. 

I was sent the "Harmony" pair, which have a pink wire, red details and mint green buds. I have my eye on the "Eclectic" pair which are the most beautiful lilac shade and canary yellow. -Seriously, can you imagine the gorgeous nail art that could be teamed with those? (I'd have to get lilac and yellow polish first though, dope!)

The headphones themselves are amazing, and easily the best I have ever used. The sound quality is amazing for in-ear headphones, and the memory foam buds make them much more comfortable than some of the others that can be painful to use. The design, meanwhile, just makes anyone with the slightest magpie tendencies completely weak at the knees, and they make a pleasant change to my usual white (now much muddier in appearance) Apple pair.

I can now take extra enjoyment in my Spotify and nail-painting sessions...

Street Style on Sundays #3

Here's me wishing summer would just hurry up... we're all done with winter now, right?!

The long-length and the floaty...

And the shorter...

Now we just need the sun.

Most Visited.

After actually paying attention to my "most visited" sites on my laptop, I realised, that with the front-runners being Into The Gloss, Who What Wear and ASOS, my Internet life really does revolve around fashion and beauty! So then my little brain cells got ticking, and I thought how curious I would be to see what my "most visited" beauty products would be. So pretty much, my most-used, but that's just too simple...

Despite how much I think concealer is a miracle product, I have never found the perfect one, whether it be too pink toned, too cakey, or stupidly sheer, but my MAC Pro Conceal and Correct palette is pretty darn perfect. With it having two correctors, and four concealers, you can mix and match tones for a perfect under eye, and blemish concealer. (I don't like having favourites, but it is the yellow, shush.)

I won't go on too long about Essie's Ballet Slippers, as with this being my third bottle now, I think you all now just how much I love this day and night appropriate polish. Clinique Chubby Stick for lips in Mighty Mimosa has never popped up on my blog before, and is still relatively new to me, but BOY have I used a lot of it. It is a beautiful sheer pink balm, doesn't require a mirror to apply, and makes your lips just look incredible. I can't recommend this enough for someone wanting something subtle for daytime. I keep this in my handbag and it really does get used A LOT whilst I am out.

With it having been fashion week month, I'm sure you've all heard plenty about Bioderma Crealine and Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre, as they are both well loved by beauty insiders, and are seen in many make-up artist kits around this time of year. Despite being a pain to get hold of, they are both so worth it, Bioderma, being the easiest way to remove makeup, and Embryolisse being fantastically moisturising all day, and giving you the supermodel glow we all try to achieve.

Blistex Relief Cream, is the most un-glamorous lip balm ever, but is the best for my lips, with it being slightly medicated, it doesn't irritate, and deals with the more severe/sore dry lips. I've truly lost count of how many of these I have bought, so it definitely is one of my most used products of all time!

Moroccanoil is loved by so many people, and I truly say this combination of products was the only way I got my hair to grow so quickly and in such healthy condition. I use these as often as necessary, and they most definitely contribute to maintaining healthy hair.

Hope you've enjoyed this post, I'd love to know what your most visited beauty products are!

Recent purchases (temporary AND permanent)

Thought I'd gather up some of the things I've been buying (and doing!) recently, and share them, cause you know, I have nothing better to do. The fact that these seem to be following a colour scheme is a pure accident. As much as I'm a sucker for pretty packaging, I swear...

The This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan (aaand breathe...) is actually a repurchase for me, and has popped up here a few times now, and it is my go-to tanner for my legs in summer given it smells like henna. I think I bought it hoping summer would hurry up, a few days in, nothing yet...

The Kerastase Cristalliste range just sounded perfect for what I was looking for in a shampoo and conditioner, so I thought I'd give these ago when I had a "better than nothing" 15% off FeelUnique haircare.

The Kiehls serum was one I used not too long ago, was unsure whether to repurchase or not, but everything in between has been fifty shades of disappointing, so it's baaaack! And the world-famous eight hour cream? Well... curiousity killed the cat, I felt like I finally had to try it, and so far, I'm pretty darn impressed by this multi-tasking wonder.

My favourite bargain OF ALL TIME goes to this leather jacket from Whistles, which was the only one left in the store, and in my size, and in the sale, and also had 25% off. If that isn't destiny, then what is?

Just look at that... (insert heart eyes emoji here)

I'm in love with it down to the detailing of the little hanger that is actually a chain. Beats a little fabric loop that usually rips.

The weirdest thing you will ever see in a haul type post, but YEP I got a tattoo. It's my first, and despite how terrified I was beforehand, it was pretty exciting. I had it done a few weeks ago, and managed to keep it pretty quiet until it healed.

At least now the title will make sense to you (I hope?)

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers - Necessity or not? - Review

With these being highly rated by beauty insiders like Lisa Eldridge and Charlotte Tilbury, it's hard to not feel as if these are something you need. I've always been both sceptical and curious about Shu Uemura's eyelash curlers, I mean, they're lash curlers, they aren't something you need to fork out so much money on are they? How can these be so different to a pair that cost closer to the £5 mark?

Well, honestly, I GET IT. These lash curlers truly are amazing and really are different to all the other pairs I had tried, and thought to have loved at the time. 

The curling with these takes a matter of seconds, and following the instructions on the box, you should have an impressive curl, with a hold that will last all day. The curlers them self seem to be quite resistant, and whatever doodad (yup- technical!) makes them tougher to clamp together give them more strength to shape all of your lashes in one go.

I like that much unlike my other pairs, the pads that come with the Shu lash curlers are black, meaning any little bits of mascara or liner that make their way onto the pad aren't as noticeable.(But no doubt that is one of the little things only I am amused by.)

All in all, these truly are glorious, and I can happily say that this is one hype I'm glad I gave into. They really are worth the money, and I love the results which come from using them. It's a 10/10 from me, and a full recommendation to anyone wanting a lash curler, whether amateur or expert...

Now, if I go bat my eyelashes at people, think I can get any free food? I'm pretty starved.

Chanel Le Vernis - Spring 2014 Notes du Printemps Collection

Despite how overly excited I was by the Chanel Spring collection, the only things I picked up where the two spring appropriate Le Vernis colours.

I'd been dying to get hold of Ballerina since I first caught a glimpse of it, and it's only just been made a permanent fixture at Chanel (shocking, I know!) But given sheer pinks are my go-to, and what all my family mock me for wearing A LOT, I had to make it mine. Much unlike some of my other sheer pinks, it seems to be quite blue-toned, and I found it took away any slight staining that may be on your nails (just to clarify, I don't have a lot, but sometimes I get a teeny bit. Gross!)

Tapage is definitely the winner of the varnishes they brought out in this collection, given its the most beautiful, yet indescribable colour, as when it is on your nails, they look immaculate, and depending on what light you are in, they can lean more, red, coral, or even pink! It's fantastic to apply, given it's often opaque in one coat. Not something you find often in nail varnish anymore...




I have found both of these polishes to be fantastic, and maybe I've got my love goggles on, but these seem to last longer, and have a better formulation than a normal Chanel Le Vernis. My only qualm with Chanel will always be the thin brush, which you do get used to, but the curved, fan brush of brands like Essie and Dior will always be much easier to use. But I think we all get Chanel varnishes for the luxury, amazing colours, and the beautiful packaging, not for the brush!

All in all, its a huge YES from me where these are concerned. Anyone thinking of trying out Chanel or just wanting a Spring update, try these, I promise you won't be disappointed.

Where does our Inspiration come from? #2 - Beauty

The first post I did looking at where our everyday inspirations come from was focusing on Fashion, and in particular, those I would call my muses, Ashley Madekwe, Phoebe Tonkin and Olivia Palermo. I thought it's about time (apologies for the delay!) that I share the people that inspire my beauty regime.

The Pretty Little Liars star Lucy Hale could not be further away from me in terms of what she looks like, given her hair is SO dark, and she's a teeny tiny petite girl, and my legs look more like Karlie Kloss'. But, ignoring this completely, I love how unlike other young celebrities, she recognizes she has young fresh skin, and doesn't need to overload it with product. Her typical makeup look is emphasis on the lashes, a defined brow, and what I think looks like a "bitten" lip, when the lip is stained with a beautiful raspberry tone, that always makes the rest of the look so fresh and youthful.   

Phoebe Tonkin has already featured in my fashion inspirations, and she had to appear in beauty too, given her similar, youthful approach to make-up and skincare. The defined brow, soft eyes with long, feminine eyelashes, and a beautiful raspberry stained lip. I've found myself bookmarking her Into The Gloss Top Shelf, and repeatedly looking at it wondering what I can buy next. I've already bought OPI's Bubble Bath as mentioned in the article, and it's slowly creeping into the list of my favourite ever polishes. So I must apologise if I start rambling on about her too much, but I'm really finding that I can relate to her wardrobe and beauty regime... 

Maybe a teeny little cheat using a website, but I always turn to ITG for beauty tips, from beauty insiders, celebrities, bloggers, and the incredible interviews they always seem to have with the most beautiful of the beauty knowledgeable. I without fail read their articles every time one comes to my attention, and more often than not will learn some sort of revolutionary tip or trick that can change your regime from tiresome to perfect.

I hadn't realised until doing these posts that I'm ridiculously inspired by brunettes despite being a blonde. Well, it is dark blonde...

Hope you're all still with me, evidently I'm quite passionately inspired by these. Hope you all have a great weekend. I can see sunny skies, so I'm contemplating walking off the bacon butties we had this morning.

Lots of love.