Cosmetic queens.

It seems that every blog post I do these days is centred around ELF Cosmetics. (I promise i'm writing this off my own back, not being bribed with an abundance of samples).

However, this was something I couldn't just not talk about. 

Elf are giving girls will all face shapes, all complexions, all ages and all areas of Europe the chance to be the face of their next official photo shoot. This is a company thats constantly moving forward and one of the very few to recognise, we're not all 'perfectly airbrushed'. Having an unknown, 'everyday girl', especially for a cosmetics company is a big risk, one that I believe will pay off. 

In society today, young girls, including myself have been brought up with the rise of celebrities in the media. With more celebrities arising out of no where, more articles on "getting the perfect skin" and "how to lose a stone in a week" are being published. Despite companies criticising the media, nothing is being done to stop it, as these companies are still using "perfect" models. 

Elf are asking the public to share their selfies under the hashtag #elfForEveryone to find the next REAL girl. I implore everyone to take part, whether they want to be the next face or not because by doing this elf cosmetics are showing they really are trying to make a change, a change for the better. 

Elf Facebook

Elf Twitter

Elf Website

Styling Up

Earlier this week I was approached by the online fashion styling based company "styling up" to review their brand new, up and coming fashion advice and online shopping site.

I was instantly impressed with their goals to help women of all dress sizes according to their body shape. My favourite bit was knowing that I was getting the same excellent results as I would in John Lewis and House of Fraser, expect I didn't have the disapproving sales assistant "MmmHmm" over the size of my arse.

Styling up is an easy to use site that takes registering to a whole new level. When registering, providing you already have your bust, hip, waist and inside leg measurements, registration will only take 2 minutes. From there you can access the items stylists have personally chosen for your body type using categories like style, price, occasion etc.

If this wasn't appealing enough for you, you can now earn Style Points. Style Points can be gained when purchasing items, reviewing, inviting friends and social networking interaction. You get 15 points just for signing up! Now you're probably thinking collecting Style Points is exactly like a Tescos Club Card - you need about 10,000 points just to get a 1st class stamp. But Styling up is different. For just a mere 150 points you can get a £10 M&S voucher or 200 points a gorgeous silicone necklace by Beija Flor.

Now down to the good stuff - the clothes. I will be honest I wasn't expecting much in terms of the clothing range due to it being a start up, however, I had the greatest shock when I saw that online giant brands like Miss Guided and Boohoo were available. I had an even greater shock when I saw that my-favourite-designer-but-too-poor-to-afford French Connection were available and affordable.

I've included some of my favourite picks.

French Connection - Big Brushstroke Draped Crop Trousers - £55

I have fallen head over absolute heels for these trousers. It's no secret that I am a big lover of dark colours and outrageously bold printed trouser so these are my biggest fashion dream. At a mere £55 they're not ridiculously unaffordable as well.

French Connection Chequerboard shorts - £37.50

These masculine style shorts are perfect for a late summer evenings or a night on he town. The bold print stands out that you could simply team them up with a blazer and a plain t-shirt focusing just on accessories. The tie waist belt adds a touch of femininity while ensuring your waist size is accentuated. 

Styling Ups website: www.stylingup.com

Styling Ups blog: www.blog.stylingup.com

Swimwear has never looked better

I go on holiday in exactly 8 days to Malia, Crete. Being on a girls holiday in a place dominated by hormonal, drunk teenage boys, to me it's vital to ensure I have a strong and sensible bikini or one piece. I could not think of anything worse than someone coming up behind me and undoing my bikini top, resulting in me showing Crete a little bit more than I intended too.

On a shopping trip on Saturday before work I bagged myself a few bargains.

Striped bathing suit, Primark - £8 

Jelly shoes, New Look - £8.99 with 10% student discount. Orig £9.99

Jewelled bikini top, Primark - £8

High waisted bikini bottoms, Topshop - £10

Black string bikini, Primark - £3

Coin purse, Primark - £2

Student Diary 2013/14, Independant store - £6

The great thing about the all in one is that it's underwired. For all you small boobed girls as well, you'll understand how great this is in a one piece. When trying on bikini tops i've often been left wondering, where do my boobs disappear?  They might be small but I know I had some. With this all in one it lifts up and maximises to give to the impression that there is actually something there. It includes a halterneck strap which came change the entire look of the swimsuit. Being a curvy size 6 and having bigger hips, than well, any other part of my body, I struggle to make swimsuits look sexy but I'm very pleased with how it looks.

This is my splurge. After doing a lot of online shopping research I realised to get a high waisted bikini, including the top, you're looking at £30+. To me thats far too much for a bikini, especially given the fact you wear it for a week, put it back in your wardrobe and forget about it until you've bought a whole new set of bikinis. However, wandering around Topshop I saw these black bikini bottoms. At £10 they're a little bit more than I wanted to pay but they really do fit great. They make me feel sexy and just like a 50's pin up. As the bottoms didn't come with a top I knew exactly what top to buy. The Primark jewelled, halter neck top simply called my name. Drawn to the white colour and the stunning centre piece I knew they would be teamed perfectly. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the top was not heavy and fit lovely. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a bikini top.