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. 

The 90's kids reunion.

So it's been an exciting reunion for the kids of the 90's. First The Fresh Prince of Bel Air dance reunion on Graham Norton, Monsters Inc 2 (!!!) and the most anticipated fashion return of the year, the jelly shoes.
It seems hard to believe that over 14 years ago these shoes were the height of fashion, coming in a range of styles, colours with the option of glitter or non glitter. So can you blame every teenage girl wanting to get their hands on a pair?

Made in the 1980's they were normally bought for less than a £1, however they didn't particularly sell well so in the 1990's they relaunched their campaign and products. However, 10 years later they're back and better than ever.

The styles have changed and been adopted to the latest trends (90's grunge - how fitting) but also a whole new price tag has been added for a whopping £25!

Here are some of my favourites from the Topshop collection:

Being a total stinge and refusing to subdeud to Topshop prices I shopped around a bit, even looking in Primark kids section (the joys of size 2 feet) and eventually found a pair in New Look. For an absolute steal at £8.99 (10% student discount - Original price £9.99) you honestly can't go wrong as they're perfect for this gorgeous weather!

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.

She returns...

It's HOT HOT HOT!

Sitting in my garden, hiding under an umbrella recovering from a bad case of sunstroke and sunburn, I decided that this is perfect weather to finally catch up on my blog.

I've been absent for a good 4 months now due to revising (now finished) A-levels, working in order to prepare for holiday and just generally enjoying my new found freedom of finally turning 18.

Didn't my mum do such a good job making my birthday cake from scratch?

Not only did I receive a delicious cake, I was also very spoilt receiving lots of money, numerous bits of jewellry and my most prized possessions my Marc By Marc Jacobs two link chain bracelet and my Vivienne Westwood Time Piece watch. 

My mother and I decided to take an impromptu trip to Bristol on Monday and walked around in the glorious sunshine, saw the sites (a number of Gromit statues) and Bristol Zoo! While waiting for her to get out of work I decided that my ginger skin was far too hot and bothered to get out of the car so I improvised a spot of sunbathing.

I've also included a few outfit posts from over the past week:

Jeans - Topshop

Black Vest - H&M

Boyfriend blazer - Peacocks 

Necklace - Gifted* (Topshop)

Marc By Marc Jacobs bracelet - Gifted* (Shopbop) 

Vivienne Westwood watch - Gifted* (Selfridges & Co.)

Silver ring - Gifted* (Thomas Sabo)

Chelsea boots - New Look

Chelsea boots - New Look

Playsuit (Backless) - Urban Outfitters

Denim jacket - Taylor Momsen for New Look 

Gold Chain necklace - Gifted* (Primark)

15 minute spending galore

With 15 minutes to spare before I start work I decided that it was probably about time I spent my 'The Body Shop' gift card from my mums lovely cousin. Armed with a generous £20 voucher I headed in store.

Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner

Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

White Musk Libertine

Nutriganics Refreshing Toner

For a grand total of £17.85 I came out with 3 paid items a free gift and a discounted membership to The Body Shop. I was amazed by the layout of the store and the easy going staff, not to mention the "Spend more than £15 and get a free gift" ideas. I'm a big lover of The Body Shop and swear by half the make up in there but instead of going for my usual eye liner and eyebrow pencil combo, I decided to go for something completely different.

 Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner - £5*

 Having received a sample sized version of this (a very generous size) as my mum had bought £15 worth of products at Christmas time I got to experience an oil based toner for the first time. Like all The Body Shop products the appearance of the item isn't wonderful but due to it being extremely well priced and their recycling ethics you can't help but brush off the appearance. The smell of Tea Tree is very apparent but not overwhelming. Apply to a cotton pad and simply sweet over the face. That's all there is to it. Applying this to your beauty routine once a night will cleanse your pores and show off visibly, healthy skin. Over all I'm extremely satisfied with the product, so much so I bought an extra bottle for when mine runs out.

Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash - £8*

For a slightly over priced £8 you can pick up yourself a deep cleansing facial wash. By applying  a small dab to wet skin in a circular motion the bladderwrack seaweed helps cleanse pores and wash away any traces of make-up. Unlike most cleansers this one is a gel-base and free of any extra 'bits'. It's application is completely smooth. However, spending £8's on a facial wash is out of my price range and I only purchased due to my gift card. Albeit if I'm impressed with the cleanser after using it solidly until the bottle is empty, only maybe then I will consider adding it to my beauty shopping list.

Refreshing Toner - £3*

Found in the bargain bin I picked up this refreshing toner to apply just before I go to bed. From the outside I was under the impression it was a moisturiser. Until I got to test out the products later in the evening I was pleasantly surprised to find it was an oil-based product and is applied by a cotton pad. With traces of babassu oil I was impressed by how much it made my skin feel. Suddenly my usually dry skin was perfectly refreshed and well looked after. Given it's handbag size and won't take up any room in your beauty bag I highly recommend you grab yourself one. I can tell this is a product I wont be able to live without. 

White Musk Libertine, Solid Parfum - £5*

Gifted by the lovely ladies at The Body Shop I was given a solid parfum product.The smell is a perfect blend of girly meets sophisticated with a touch of libertine. I often have the problem on a night out of not having enough room in my clutch for any perfume. However my issue has been solved. The size of a small lip balm tin, this will fit perfectly in my pocket or bag. The parfum is applied by rubbing your finger in the look-a-like soap and applying to the skin. It's as simple as that as yet smells as if it's straight out the bottle. For £5 this product is definitely on my shopping list.

As New Look is directly opposite my work place it's hard not to stray in sometimes. I've been looking for the perfect pair of Chelsea boots for quite some time and New Look delivered. The boots immediately called my name and were the last in my size. They originally retailed at £27.99 and were in a flash sale at just £15. I couldn't resist. 

www.thebodyshop.co.uk

www.newlook.com