Sunday, 30 March 2014

CHERRY BLOSSOM

Blouse - Boohoo
Shorts - Urban Outfitters
Boots - Office
 Bag - Accessorize
 Watch - Michael Kors
 Socks - Topshop
 Tights - M&S
Lipstick - Kate Moss 107

So this Mothers' Day we went out for a meal, and running late (which has become a terrible habit lately), I quickly threw on this outfit in a hurry and I'm actually really pleased with the outcome. It was certainly great not having to wear a coat and show off this cherry-red look to the full on this lovely Spring day of rich blossoms and sun.

Sunday, 23 March 2014

MAC | EYES, BROWS AND BRUSHES





I often get asked many questions on Instagram which MAC eyeshadows I have, so I thought a post about my MAC products which I use to create my everyday eye and brow looks seemed like the perfect opportunity. I currently own eight MAC eyeshadows, the ones which I use on my eyelids in the Pro Palette x15 and the two which I use for my brows and eyeliner in my Duo Palette.

Naked Lunch - champagne white

Paradisco - orange toned pink

Pink Venus - glittery pale pink

Satin Taupe - metallic smokey brown

Cranberry - deep crimson (or cranberry, in other words)

Expensive Pink - rose gold (warm pink with gold running through it)

Carbon - matte black (I either use this for outer corners when doing a smokey look or for eyeliner)

Charcoal brown - matte chocolate brown (I use this for my brows)

Vanilla Pigment - This isn't an eyeshadow but an absolute favourite MAC product of mine. Only a small amount is needed in the inner corners of your eyes to make them appear brighter and also along the brow bone to enhance the arch and give an elegant structure to your face. I've had this product for nearly a year and it's still full!

My current favourite combinations of these eyeshadows are Naked Lunch with Satin Taupe blended in the outer corners (blending is where MAC's 217 brush comes handy), which gives a pretty, bright eyed look and Expensive Pink and Cranberry which gives a warm bronze/pink eye look which is perfect for Spring. For my brows I use Charcoal Brown on MAC's 266 angled brush. I absolutely love this brush because it creates the ideal brow shape and is perfect for shaping the desired arch.

I love reading your recommendations for MAC eyeshadows, and you guys have convinced me to put Sumptuous Olive on my shopping list! I'd love to add one more...what do you recommend?

Sunday, 9 March 2014

GREEN AND GREEK

Playsuit - ASOS, Swing Coat - Topshop, Boots - Office, Bag - Forever 21, Watch - Michael Kors.
Finding this gorgeous Greek-style playsuit on ASOS was really very lucky of me, not only did I fall in love with the loose-fitting style and gold belt, but it had been reduced from over £40 to £25, bargain! As I'm sure many of you know by now, mint green is my favourite colour therefore I knew this item was a must have as it matches the majority of my wardrobe. I have also styled my hair to match the Greek theme, curly with a plait pinned across my hairline (click to read one of my previous posts - Hair history, maintenance and styling tips - where I talk about how to do this look). And what better day to take the Spring-themed outfit than on a very Spring-like day!

Sunday, 2 March 2014

MOTIVATION AND FITNESS





We all aspire to be healthy and achieve our goals, but we often feel lost and unsure of how to get there. So I thought I'd give you a few top tips which I have been following and finding successful.

Firstly, motivation. Always something incredibly hard to grasp when the task you have to complete is exceptionally boring. So what can you do to make yourself do it? Well, first of all, think hard about how it may be benefitting your future, and when you reach that future point how you will be regretting not doing what could've made things better. Sometimes the smallest of tasks may seem like a milestone, but that's only because we don't want to do it. Therefore, completing it to your highest standard will not only get it out of the way but if you know you've executed it properly it'll be very satisfying, and more likely to have a better outcome. Admittedly, I often get spells of no motivation whatsoever and all I want to do is sit back and watch YouTube videos with a tub of ice cream, and to be fair there's nothing wrong with doing so. However, what I do which really helps get my mind into motivation is saying that once I have done the task needed doing, I can reward myself with these luxuries. It's actually a great way to get me to do something, I've found, because truthfully both working hard and relaxing are good for me in different ways.

Onto the fitness side of things, you don't have to have the stereotypical body shape to be considered 'healthy', just as long as you know you're eating healthily, exercising as much as you want to or is needed and feeling fit mentally. I'm naturally very slim, which personally I don't like because sometimes people assume other things, however I eat just as much as I should do (the picture above is just a random snap for you to see my current body shape). But just being naturally slim doesn't mean I'm necessarily fit. So, what I've resulted in doing is muscle building exercises. Dependant on what type of shape you are, different exercises are required (if you want to know these I suggest Googling them, to my own disappointment I'm not a fitness guru!) So to build up an actual shape to my figure I have been doing weights, sit ups and squats which I have found are beginning to build up some definition, yay! Over time if I keep motivating myself to do this, I will have a much better fitness level. If you're after some motivational guides into the fitness and beauty world I recommend Lauren Conrad's Style and Beauty books, I have found them really informing and helpful.

Food is everyone's one weakness. We need to eat, we want to eat, but we have to be careful what we eat...it sucks right? All I can say is make sure you're getting enough of everything in your diet, that includes carbs as well and fruit and veg. Carbs and protein will help build up muscle and fruit and veg are good for your appearance. Lowering your intake of sugar will reduce spots and actually feeling mentally down. I love fruit and this has made me feel a lot better. Always remember to drink plenty of water, preferably a glass or two a day as this is also good for your appearance, preventing cell dehydration and providing needed minerals. I always think healthy food looks nicer, for example in the photos above it all looks fresh and colourful whereas if you put it next to a processed food item it wouldn't look nearly as appetising. But have no fear, there is no harm in rewarding yourself with a sweet snack. If you still want to remain healthy but satisfy your sweet tooth, I recommend dark chocolate. Although I know some people don't like it, I love it and dark chocolate is also known for being good for your brain...so there's a fun fact for you today!

I always hope these posts are helpful to you guys, and I also enjoy reading your lovely feedback.