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

Contouring made easy

After taking elfs contouring master class yesterday, (see post here) I couldn't wait to try all my new goodies this morning.

Before I start applying any make up I usually prep my face with Nivea Visage reviving day cream. The moisturiser gives my skin a healthy looking glow and keeps it well hydrated - something thats very important to me as I suffer with dry skin. The product can be picked up in most supermarkets and drugstores.

Once the moisturiser has settled into my skin I go on to my usual foundation routine using Benefit "hello flawless" in Ivory with a flat head foundation brush. Once I have applied the foundation I use Loreal Paris "True match minerals" to create a matte look that leaves my skin looking airbrushes. 

From there I go on to apply my eyebrows. I use an eyebrow pencil from a previous Brows kit that I own. I also used Elfs eyebrow kit that includes the wax and power in a shade medium. Everyone who knows me knows that I am a huge eyebrow fan and will spend more time applying my eyebrows than any other make-up. I first of all use my pencil to define the shape of my brow and use as a guide line later on. I then take my angled brush and brush the wax over my eyebrow and later setting the wax with the power provided in the kit. 

I've been lusting after the contour look for months and finally got to take a class on perfecting this look. I was pleasantly surprised that the look can be achieved in 2 simple products using a figure of 8 motion. To create the look before to pick up Elf Concealer Stick and Elf Contouring Blush and Bronzer set. 

 Using the guide the class provided I recreated the look on myself using these products. To finish off the look I used my new elf glittered blusher; "Twinkle Pink" and Collection 2000 mascara. 

Elfs contouring masterclass #flushblush

Long go the days of thick foundation, gloopy mascara and overly priced drugstore cosmetics, elf are here. 

Boasting good quality make up for even better quality prices.

After spending Easter at home and wondering the streets of Cardiff, I was informed that the previously online based make-up brand elf, that is so popular within the beauty blogging world, had opened up their first shop. After spending my hard earned pennies I was informed of elf's first in-store based masterclass; contouring. Not wanting to miss out on all the dirty little secrets of the make-up industry I signed up. 

To say I enjoyed the master class would be an understatement. Not only did I learn some fantastic tips, I also got to meet some very lovely ladies and had a great laugh (hashtag galore). After being greeted with a glass of bucks fizz and a browse around the store, we were invited upstairs to begin the learning. With an extremely handy pamphlet we were taken from contouring for the daytime, night time and the glamour-puss iconic look. 

 With the help of the amazing elf girls and all their advice I couldn't leave the store without a few cheeky purchases:

Clockwise:

Contouring Bluch & Bronzing Power - St.Lucia £3.95

Blush - Twinkle Pink £3.95

Concealer stick - Ivory £3.95

I'd like to thank all the lovely ladies at Elf Cardiff as they really opened up my eyes to hundreds of new techniques from make-up brushes to the use of having a darker foundation. I cannot wait to try all of my new products out tomorrow!

Elf website

Elf Twitter

Elf Cardiff Twitter

Destination, nails.

These days it’s just as important to have fabulous nails as it is to match an outfit with the perfect accessories. Any nail or fashion fanatic would be able to tell you that.

As the nail trend becomes more popular, so does the demand for nail salons. Here are my two favourite nail bars in London:

Wah Nails –

You’re either familiar with the name, the famous designs or even their “How to” books that are stocked in various retail fashion stores like Urban Outfitters. There is no escaping Wah Nails.

Founded 2005 in London by Sharmadean Reid, Wah Nails was initially created to channel the female hip-hop, street fashion craze that was quickly taking off. Wah Nails express in their blog they wanted to create an “international community of girls who loved their Nike sneakers as much as their Prada wedges”.

On August 1^st 2009, Wah Nails opened their first doors in the East End of London creating a buzz around the nail art world. Before they knew it appointments were fully booked and customers from all around the world were desperate for a bit of nail-art-action. Finally being recognised for their talents, the remainder of 2009 was spent attending London Fashion Week, parties for the likes of Nike and Marc Jacobs and setting up an extremely successful pop up salon in Selfridges.

Wanting to increase customers from all areas of London, Wah Nails set up a concessional store in the basement of Topshop Oxford Circus. Following the success of another Wah Nails salon bar, they recently set up shop in the famous shipping container mall “Boxpark” in the vibrant and unique area of Shoreditch, London.

MW Nails –

The unique nail salon in East London has every nail fanatic digging out their passports ready for the ride of their lives. Wanting to create a real escapism vibe, the entire interior of the store is set out like an aircraft! Using an ex-American Airlines 737 Boeing aircraft as well as First Class seats from Air France, no expense is spared when creating the best possible vibe.

Not only catering for your nails, MW Nails also offer various foot and hand massages that are bound to leave you blissfully unaware that you’re not on an exotic, private island.

Despite the luxurious experience the prices aren't

going to damage your holiday fund. At a mere £15 why not try a Shanghai Shape or a Monte Carlo Minx for £34?

Wah Nails - wah-nails.com
Wah Nails Facebook -www.facebook.com/WAHNails?fref=ts
MW Nails - www.mwnails.com/
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