Thursday 31 October 2019

A Halloween To-Do List

A Halloween To-Do List
Halloween is here! Pumpkins are being carved and garlands are being hung, so I'm getting super excited about getting cosy and festive tonight. Here are five things I've added to my Halloween to-do list and I thought this may inspire you too. 

Carve A Pumpkin | If you haven't already, now's the perfect time to go to a pumpkin patch to pick out the one that you're going to carve later on in the evening. I always take my time when picking out the design I'm going to go for, maybe even too long, but I've been scouring Pinterest and I think this moon and star design (but with added planets!) may be the way forward. 

Go For A Walk | There's something about walking around in the early evening during firework night, the Christmas period or Halloween that makes my heart sing. I love seeing all the lights and decorations up as well as seeing everyone out on the streets. 

Bake Treats | As you know by now I've fully embracing this spooky season and despite baking lots of amazing treats on the lead up to the 31st, I want to create something Halloween themed for both our dinner and dessert. Pumpkin soup or pumpkin gnocchi are both options as well as making skeleton gingerbread biscuits or my chocolate orange cupcakes

Watch A Film | There's so many to choose from, but I want to pick something I haven't watched before you I can be super scared like A Quiet Place which I saw a snippet off and I want to watch it in full now. However, once I've watched a horror film I'll have to watch something light hearted like another film or TV show, but I want to keep it Halloween themed, so I'll probably stick on Santa Clarita Diet or Harry Potter. 

Have A Pamper | I'm not sure if it's because the clocks have gone back, but I'm feeling very lethargic at the moment. I feel like a full on pamper session is needed where I want to shave my legs, exfoliate, moisturise and wash my hair all whilst using up my Lush Halloween pieces. Pop on my Halloween playlist that I've posted and light a few candles to kick back and relax. 

What's on your Halloween to-do list? 
SHARE:

Tuesday 29 October 2019

Films and TV Shows To Watch This Halloween

Films Tv Shows Halloween Netflix
I'm been having a very gourd time putting together these Halloween posts and today I wanted to share my favourite TV shows, documentaries and films to watch over the spooky season. I've got everything from true crime to funny horror films, so if you need some inspiration on what to watch tomorrow then read on. 

TV Shows
I actually wrote a full blog post on my favourite TV shows to watch over Halloween earlier this month, but I wanted to share a closer look of what I'll be watching today and tomorrow. Although cancelled, Santa Clarita Diet is easily one of the best series Netflix has produced and with a zombie theme it's not only fitting for the spooky season, but as it's funny it's a lightweight binge-worthy option. 

I clearly have a thing for cancelled series because Scream Queens is next on my to-watch list. It's funny, although gory at times making it a great pick for Halloween. Of course, American Horror Story and Stranger Things are obvious picks, but for a very good reason as they're just so good. 

  • Black Mirror
  • Mind Hunter
  • The Cured 
  • The Haunting of Hill House
  • Black Summer
True Crime 

For me, I love a true crime documentary, but I've been getting into YouTube too especially the likes of Eleanor Neale and Georgia Marie. They tell of cases that may not be covered in a Netflix series, so it's a super interesting watch. 

Talking of Netflix, there's amazing some amazing picks over on there and I'd recommend checking out The Staircase, Making a Murderer or Abducted in Plain Sight. Although I haven't checked it out yet, The Act is a re-inactment of the famous case and it's supposed to be amazing! 
Classic Films

Horror films aren't for everybody, but I feel like the classic slasher films are a good place to start because although they can be jumpy, the rather dated editing style and special effects can make it a little funny at times. The likes of Halloween, Friday 13th and The Nightmare on Elm Street are obvious classics, but Paranormal Activity, The Blair Witch Project and The Conjuring are all newer films that are talked about lots. 

If you're not into jump scares, then I'd recommend something a little lighter. It's officially the season for Harry Potter which is always a good idea and despite associating the films with December, I think it wouldn't do any harm to start early! Hocus Pocus and The Nightmare Before Christmas are two more lightweight ideas. 

  • Sean of The Dead
  • Hush
  • Sinister
  • The Others
  • Bird Box
  • The Woman In Black
What are your favourite TV shows and films to watch over Halloween? 
SHARE:

Sunday 27 October 2019

Easy Halloween Makeup

Halloween Makeup
- If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample, but with no obligation to post. All links in this post are affiliate links. - 

Halloween is next week and over the next few days I want to make the most of it and even wear my makeup a little darker in the form of dark red lips and berry eyeshadow. Here are my favourite products that I'll be wearing on the lead up to the 31st. 

The Urban Decay Cherry Palette* was part of my post last year and it's just perfect for these types of looks especially the last four shades on the right hand side. I use this throughout the year, but the dark shade looks gorgeous smudged along the lash line with a shimmer all over the lid. The Viseart Theory II Minx* is definitely on the more luxe side, but as you can see, the six shades are all wearable and it's how you apply them that can make them look intense for Halloween. 

For lips there's only one that I'm reaching for and that's the Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Queen Lipstick* as this matte shade matches a smokey eye perfectly and the comfortable formula makes me wear it a lot more. It's a classic red hue that can be worn with a darker lipstick in the corners for an ombre effect. 

With strong eyes and lips, I like to make my base as glowy and natural as possible, so not only do I adjust my foundation, but I up my highlighter application too. The Laura Mercier Indiscretion Illuminator doesn't give off a blinding glow, but instead a soft one that can be worn all over the face with ease. 

It doesn't just stop at makeup as I like to give myself a manicure for the big day too. Essie's Sole Mate and Bahama Mama are two of my favourites as they can easily be worn together for a cool effect, but when worn on their own it's super flattering on the nails and very fitting for this season. 

What makeup will you be wearing for Halloween? 
SHARE:

Saturday 26 October 2019

5 Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Favourites

5 Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Favourites
- If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample, but was sent to me with no obligation to post. All links in this post are affiliate links. - 

I've done lots of Charlotte Tilbury posts before including a full collection post, but I know how overwhelming the range of products you can buy can be and therefore I wanted to narrow it down to my top favourites. 

The first CT product I tried is one that has continued to be a favourite of mine ever since and that is the Filmstar Bronze and Glow*. This duo not only helps to create the illusion of cheekbones through the use of the contour powder, but adds a soft everyday glow from the highlighter. 

If I want a more blinding highlighter or I want to them double up, I use the Beauty Light Wand, a liquid illuminator that sits comfortably and blends in effortlessly on the skin without lacking in longevity. They come in an array of shades now, but the original Spotlight offering is my favourite as the champagne hue compliments my complexion perfectly. 

The love for Charlotte Tilbury's cheek products doesn't stop there as there is another contour product I want to talk about too and that's the Hollywood Contour Wand. Once again, if I'm wanting a stronger look I double this up with my bronzing powder, but it can easily be worn on it's own to just warm up the complexion. It's long lasting, can be built up and when used with a beauty blender, this looks like it's part of my foundation as it just blends in that smoothly! 
5 Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Favourites
5 Charlotte Tilbury Makeup Favourites
If you're struggling to pick just one product from CT I completely understand the struggle, but the Matte Revolution and K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipsticks is where you should start. The rose gold casing of the packaging is famous for a reason as it's super dreamy and luxe feeling too. Of course it's the formula that matters and luckily these are amazing! The matte offerings do exactly what they say on the tin, but despite being a little bit more long lasting, they don't feel drying or uncomfortable on the lips. The K.I.S.S.I.N.G are more glossy looking, but once again they don't look too OTT like some nourishing lipsticks can be. I'm cheating a little this one as I've not narrowed it down to just one type of formula or shade, but honestly they're worth checking out nevertheless and I'm sure everyone could find a hue that suits them. 

With the last product I have a little story that comes with it and it's the Wonder Glow Primer*, a product that I have used for years, but never took the plunge and bought the full sized version of. With every Charlotte Tilbury purchase I made, I would request Wonder Glow samples and on a few occasions, I was lucky enough to get quite a lot as well as deluxe versions which meant for a long time there was no need to pick the product up. As soon as I ran out, I noticed a difference in the way my foundation looked especially on the days when my skin was in dire need of extra TLC and I put it down to the absence of Wonder Glow, so of course I had to get it! If you like a glowy base, but you don't want intense shimmer or anything too heavy then this will be a product you should check out! 

What's your favourite Charlotte Tilbury product? 


SHARE:

Friday 25 October 2019

Ultimate Halloween Evening Guide

Ultimate Halloween Evening Guide
- All links in this post are affiliate links. For more info head to my disclaimer. - 

Halloween is slowly creeping up on us (greddit?), so I wanted to share my favourite things to do on the lead up to the 31st. With no trick or treating to look forward to, I know that a lot of people aren't a fan of this spooky event, but I know I am, so if you are too, keep on reading! 

If you seriously want to get in the mood for Halloween then I'd recommend going to a haunted house on the run up to the big day as it was one of my favourite things I've done! I could easily go every year, even twice as the acting is so good in them and it's a great way to spend the evening with friends. 

I know haunted houses aren't for everybody, so if you'd rather something a little less scary then baking is always a good idea! I've done a couple of recipe posts this year, but I've got a lot of my list to do as well like gooey chocolate brownies and dragon egg nests. Eat them whilst watching the latest series of Stranger Things, American Horror Story or just a classic slasher film. 

After baking, I always feel in the mood for a cosy evening in and what a better to kick things off than with a Lush bath. Although they're not supposed to be scary, I find the Disney Sheet Masks hilarious when you put them on, so I feel like it's very fitting. 
Ultimate Halloween Evening Guide
Although in the UK, Halloween still isn't on the same scale as others, I like to embrace it as much as I can, decorating my house with fair lights, bunting and pumpkins everywhere. I've picked up a pumpkin blanket that is super cosy and I've got this witches brew mug that I feel is very suited to the run up to the 31st. 

I'm going to be sharing some of my favourite Halloween films, but you don't have to just sit in front of the television. Books are a great way to get spooked without being too jumpy and for me, it's just as excuse to re-read Harry Potter or The Night Circus - two of my go-to books to explore at this time of the year. If films or books aren't your thing, then I'd recommend checking out some True Crime podcasts, which is something I've been super  obsessed with this October and I've been watching Eleanor Neale a lot on YouTube too. 

Films To Watch 
I've already compiled a list of my favourite TV shows to watch over Halloween, but I knew I had to share my go-to picks. In this list there's some classics, personal favourites and even some funny, rather cringe or lightweight picks for those who want to watch a film on their own without getting to spooked. 

- Harry Potter                                                         - Hocus Pocus
- The Purge                                                            - The Others
- Orphan                                                                 - The Conjuring 
- Paranormal Activity                                              - The Woman In Black
- Sinister                                                                 - IT
- The Hunger Games                                               - Babadook
- Let The Right One In                                             - Scream
- 28 Days Later                                                       - The Addams Family 
- Shaun of The Dead                                               - The Forth Kind 
- Zombieland 
- Hush 
- A Quiet Place 
- The Blair Witch Project 

How do you like to spend your evening on Halloween? 
SHARE:

Thursday 24 October 2019

New Limited Edition Beauty Releases

New Beauty Releases Gift Sets
- If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample, but sent to me with no obligation to post all it. All links in this post are affiliate links. -

I'm not quite ready to say to C-word just yet, but the shops are certainly filling up with all things festive, so it looks like I have no choice. Lots of brands have come out with amazing gift sets and limited editions products that I'm sure will fly off the shelves over the next couple of months, so I thought I would compile a list of my favourites for you to check out (and maybe treat yourself to!). 

The Caudalie Perfect Cleansing Set* is great if you're a beauty lover or if you know anybody that is and you need a stocking filler. Affordable and perfect if you're yet to try anything from the brand and you want to sample a few of their products before you buy the full sized versions. Similarly to this, if you're somebody who can't decide what shade to choose then I'd recommend checking out one of the Clinique Pop Lip Sets* as I find them great if you want to update your lipstick wardrobe. 

Nars seem to nail gift sets every year, but they go SO quickly! The Soft Core Blush and Balm Duo is just another one of the stand out products, but the Never Enough Lipstick Coffret is just as dreamy - just look at that gold packaging. 

I think the Glow Recipe Glow Baby Glow will be ever so popular this year and I'm tempted to treat myself to it as the watermelon mask is already a favourite of mine and the set allows you to try out their new avocado mask too! Another one of my skincare finds is the Drunk Elephant Nightbright which is a great way to sample the usually quite luxe brand. 

Do you like these new limited edition beauty releases? 

SHARE:

Tuesday 22 October 2019

An Alternative Halloween Playlist

Alternative Halloween Playlist
If you haven't noticed - I'm fully embracing Halloween this year. From the pumpkin decor to creating costumes, I've even created my own playlist that I've been listening to on the run up to the 31st. I know how hard it can be to find a Halloween playlist that doesn't have the spooky (yet sometimes cringe) classics on it like you'd have at a kids disco, so I've gone for the a different alternative vibe this year. 

It'll be adding to it throughout the month, so keep an eye out for any new additions, but save it for your own personal use or if you're having a party this Halloween. 



Did do you enjoy this Halloween playlist? 
SHARE:

Friday 18 October 2019

Pumpkin Spice Biscuit Recipe

If there's one thing I struggle to bake it's biscuits and cookies, but this super simple, easy recipe has changed that. It's great if you want a recipe that you can easily adapt depending on what flavours you want to add or if you want to make it accidentally vegan like I did. 

Ingredients (Makes 12) - 

225g Butter (I use vegan margarine)
120g Caster Sugar 
160g Flour
Vanilla Extract
1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
1 Teaspoon Nutmeg
1 Teaspoon Ginger

Method - 

Put the caster sugar and butter in a bowl and cream until smooth. 

Add in a capful of vanilla extract to the mixture. 

Then mix in the plain flour alongside the cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Once the mixture has been mixed, tip the dough out onto a flat surface and sprinkle with flour to stop it from sticking. Roll the dough out and use a cookie cutter to shape. 

Transfer each biscuit onto a baking tray with parchment paper and put into the oven at 170 degrees for 13-15 minutes or until lightly brown. 

Once removed from the oven, lightly sprinkle the biscuits with cinnamon sugar - you can press the sugar into the biscuit slightly using a back of a spoon. Then transfer the biscuits from the baking tray to a cooling rack. 


For decoration I have placed edible leaves on top for an extra Autumnal feel! 

Will you be trying out this recipe? 
SHARE:

Thursday 17 October 2019

Is This Tool The Secret To Perfect Skin?

Panasonic 3 in 1 Facial Enhancer Review
Panasonic 3 in 1 Facial Enhancer Review
- This post is in collaboration with Panasonic. All thoughts are my own. All links in this post are affiliate links. - 

Every now and again I want to seriously up my skincare regime, but that can be difficult when you feel like you've nailed the perfect routine. The next step is to look for a skincare tool that could help me along with my skincare goals and the Panasonic 3 in 1 Micro-Current Facial Enhancer* is exactly that for me. 

This tool has offered great results in terms of minimising wrinkles and improving skin's firmness amongst users, many saying this reduce the appearance of fine lines in 4 weeks of usage. I personally use this tool to better the absorption of my moisturisers and deep cleanse my skin as it promises to enhance penetration of your active skincare ingredients by up to 40% and extract up to 60% more dirt and grease than without using the tool. It's easy to use which makes me so much more likely to pick it up both in the morning and evening and I wanted to share with you a bit more about this tool. 

With three modes, there's one of the purify the skin, one to help your moisturiser absorb better and then the cooling mode; this one helps to lock in all hydration as well as tightening your pores along the way. The Panasonic Enhancer works in way I haven't seen a skincare tool do before by applying micro-current through the skin, alternating between positive and negative energy which when the device is held in your hand it closes the circuit and therefore causing ions to move into the skin - very scientific! 

Back to the three settings now and my favourite is the cooling mode as this is the one I've seen the most improvement of my skin from. When used in the morning before makeup, I find that my pores appear a lot smaller, making my base go on a lot smoother and as the cooling sensation feels great underneath the eyes, this helps to perk up that area in the AM. 
Panasonic 3 in 1 Facial Enhancer Review
After taking off your makeup at night, the cleansing mode works by deep cleanse your skin further. You just attach your micellar water or lotion to a cotton pad and then attach it to the head of the device using the clip provided. I couldn't believe how much more makeup this gets off from my skin and unlike a cleansing tool with a brush head, this feels gentle and satisfying to use. 

Lastly we have the moisturising setting which I saw a difference in my skin just the morning after I first used it - it seriously works! Simply apply your given moisturiser to your face and switch the device on to the selected mode. It warms up slightly and the device times your use so that you don't go over-board. It massages your complexion with ease and makes your skin appear brighter too. 

Overall, I think the Panasonic 3in1 Facial Enhancer is a great tool to have especially if you're feeling like your skincare regime is in need of an upgrade. As you can tailor it to your own needs, I change what I want to get from it each night. It's super easy and convenient and it's seriously upped my game when I want to give myself an at-home facial. 

Have you tried the Panasonic 3-1 Micro-Current Facial Enhancer? 
SHARE:

Wednesday 16 October 2019

Pink and Burgundy Beauty Favourites

Pink and Burgundy Beauty Favourites
- If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. All links in this post are affiliate links. -

On Wednesday's we wear pink..! If there's one shade that I wear the most on a regular basis it's every shade of pink, burgundy and mauve. It's easy to pull off and goes with a variety of looks as it can be worn on the cheeks, lips or eyes. Here are my favourite pink makeup and beauty products that I've currently got at the front of my collection. 

If there's one way to wear this hue in an easy way it's with blusher. It's super complimentary on every skin tone in my opinion and depending on your skin type, you have both a powder, liquid and cream formula to choose from. The Glossier Cloud Paints are always a good idea as they blend into the skin seamlessly; the shades Haze and Puff being the two that give you either a strong burgundy hue or a pretty pink. If cream is what you're after then the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge will be up your street as this can be used on your cheeks or your face for a healthy dose of colour to your complexion.  

Then it's powder, my favourite formula to use daily as I find it's long lasting and easy to top up throughout the day if you need to. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette offers three shades to choose from, but it's their pink shade that I wanted to focus on as it's super pretty on the skin as it offers a natural looking colour that just sits so comfortable on the cheeks. I follow it up with the Laura Mercier Indiscretion Illuminator which looks as pretty on as it does in the pan with it's swirling design that delivers a good amount of pigmentation without being too OTT. 

For eyes, the Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp Quad* is a great pick if you're new to high end makeup and you want a palette easy to use as all four shades can be mixed and matched to create different eye makeup looks. If you want something even easier, then the Hourglass Blaze Scattered Lights will be for you as this shade is a one sweep wonder that gives you a burgundy smokey eye using only one colour. I finish off the look with the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara which is only in this pink post due to it's packaging. 

Extra's in my routine include lip balm in the form of Girl Undiscovered Pink Skies* which has a cinnamon scent very fitting for this season and the nourishing balm to oil formula makes it easy to use. The Essie nail vanishes have been featured on my blog many times before and I've done countless posts, but Bahama Mama and Ladylike are two shades that I wear all year round. 

What are your favourite pink and burgundy beauty favourites? 

SHARE:

Tuesday 15 October 2019

5 Mid-Autumn Favourites

- If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample, but I have no obligation to post about it. All links in this post are affiliate links. -

Autumn is my favourite season if you couldn't tell already and with the new Christmas launches coming up quickly, I've been trying lots of new products out. Despite this, I've been using a handful of items that I've had in my collection for some time and I wanted to share with you my current favourites. 

First up is the Glow Recipe Pineapple C-Bright Serum* which has helped to keep dry patches at bay and brighten my skin even during the transitional period between Summer and Autumn where my skin usually suffers with more blemishes and dryness than usual. I use it underneath my moisturiser and it's made such a big difference with prolonged use as it's really good if you've got a spot that you want to disappear quicker. 

Just like my complexion, my lips often suffer in the colder weather and the Girl Undiscovered Pink Skies* has been helping me keep them in tip top condition. This balm to oil formula sits amazingly on the lips as although it's super nourishing, it doesn't take long to sink in if you use a light layer, but you can also build it up to make it into a lip mask. 

In terms of makeup, I've been using my regular routine, but one re-discovery that stands out is the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze and Glow*. This highlighting and bronzing duo helps to warm up the skin, add definition to the cheekbones and a soft glow to the complexion too. 

For perfume, there was just pick that I thought of when writing up this post and it was the Diptyque Do Son*, which I was kindly gifted just before my birthday from World Duty Free. It reminds me of my 21st when I first treated myself to it and to wear it again two years later was great! 

Lastly we have the Lush Halloween collection in which I have to Punkin Pumpkin which is just as great as it sounds. It's cinnamon scent and creamy formula makes for a nourishing pick for a relaxing bath - something I've been doing much more regular this Autumn. 

What are your current beauty favourites? 
SHARE:

Sunday 13 October 2019

A Cosy Autumn Evening Routine

A Cosy Autumn Evening Routine
- All links in this post are affiliate links. See my disclaimer for more info. -

This cold weather makes me want to cosy up and settle down for the evening and after a hard week, I thought that sharing my relaxing Autumn routine would be perfect to go up on a Sunday! 

I start off the evening either with a baking or cooking session. I've found listening to a podcast whilst either whipping up a batch of delicious cupcakes or cooking my favourite warming dinner very relaxing and helps me de-stress especially if I pick something I've made before. I find soups, curry's and even making your favourite childhood dinner definitely makes you feel extra cosy! 

I treat myself to dinner in front of the television and I stick on something that I love. The Harry Potter films are always a good idea, but even stick on your favourite TV series. Gilmore Girls is a great Autumn pick as it never fails to make me feel cosy, but even a spooky offering like the new American Horror Story which feels very fitting for this season. 

After dinner, I like to run myself a bubble bath with lots of candles and relaxing music playing. Lush bath bombs or bubble bars are always a top choice for me, but the Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée is a long time favourite! In the bath, I like to make the most of having some time alone and I like to pamper myself from head to toe. I like to give my locks a deep cleanse using the Kristin Ess Bubble Mask which you use underneath your shampoo and then I follow up using a nourishing hair mask, whilst I shave my legs and exfoliate all over. 
A Cosy Autumn Evening Routine
When I get out, I take my time to add a luxurious body butter and pop my hair up in a towel to dry. Whilst it's drying, I like to put on my side light to add a certain ambience to the room as I paint my nails in a fresh shade for Autumn - the Essie Angora Cardi being my go-to. 

Then I head back downstairs to put on the rest of my TV series with a cup of tea in my favourite mug (this one is similar) and some chocolate or a cupcake I baked earlier. I like to light my candles around my living room and put on my lamp that gives off a soft light; then I get underneath my bundle of blankets! If you're not feeling TV, then I would recommend listening to a podcast, reading that book on your to-read pile or just dancing around to a feel good playlist! 

What's your favourite things to do on a cosy evening? 
SHARE:

Saturday 12 October 2019

Makeup Tones For Autumn

- Products marked with a * has been sent to me, but with no obligation to post. All links are affiliate links. - 


Autumn is my favourite season to start experimenting with my makeup and switch up my the tones that I wear. Berry tones, glowy skin and a statement red lip is part of my routine in the colder months, so I thought I'd share with you some of my go-to products. 

Blusher is the one of the first items I like to switch out as I find it's super easy to find a complimenting tone to match the rest of my makeup. Every year I bring out the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blusher as it's honestly one of the best shades for adding a pop of colour that still looks natural and super pretty on the skin. 

If you want something a little more natural looking then I'd recommend the Glossier Haze Cloud Paint which is not only super long lasting on the skin, it's easy to use as well! 

As for the eyeshadow, I reach for warm tones all year around, but even more so when the season gets colder. The Charlotte Tilbury Vintage Vamp Quad* is a firm favourite especially in the run up to Christmas, but I find these four shades work well together to create a smokey look that anybody can wear. If I want more choice, I pick up the ABH Soft Glam Palette* which is as gorgeous as the eye as it is in the pan as each shade offers a great amount of pigment and blend together effortlessly.

For lipstick, a red is always a classic shade to wear. The Charlotte Tilbury Legendary Queen* is absolutely perfect as it's super complimentary and great if you want your teeth to look white too. Although red, it's a little darker in tone which makes it fitting for Autumn and great if you're not ready to sport a berry lipstick just yet. 

What are your favourite makeup tones to wear in Autumn? 
SHARE:

Friday 11 October 2019

Quick, Easy Five Minute Makeup

Easy Five Minute Makeup
- If a product is marked with * it is a product that has been sent to me, but with no obligation to post. All links in this post are affiliate links. -

Over the last couple of weeks I've been feeling under the weather and other than my birthday events, I've been using quick, easy makeup a lot more recently. Five minute makeup is perfect for if you want to cover up blemishes, but you don't want to wear a full face of makeup or if you're in the rush and you just want something on. 

Rather than foundation, I've been using the Bare Minerals Bare Skin Concealer* which is a serum base concealer that looks super natural on the skin, can be blended in with your fingers or a sponge and covers everything you need to. Instead of setting it with a powder, this sets itself and doesn't look glossy, so I go in with a bronzer! 

The Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow* has been a firm favourite as it's the perfect tone for adding warmth without having a grey tone. Normally I struggle with using bronzer when I don't have a lot of base products on, but this has changed the way my quick makeup looks. I then add a pop of colour in the form of the Glossier Cloud Paint which is long lasting and perks up my usually lacklustre complexion. 

I can't stop at just face makeup and I find adding brow definition makes all the difference to the way this looks, so the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow Pomade* is great as you can use a thin brush to create the appearance of strokes and this product is super long lasting. After a couple of layers of my favourite Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, I'm then done and ready to apply lip balm to finish off the look. 

What's your go-to five minute makeup?


SHARE:

Thursday 10 October 2019

Shop My Autumn Instagram Outfits

- All links in this post are affiliate links. -

Last weekend it was my birthday and with Autumn in full swing, I feel like my favourite season for fashion is finally here! I've been creating lots of content with the pieces I've been loving the most this October and sharing them on my Instagram here and I thought it was the perfect time to share some links to the items I've been styling. 

I've been wearing the New Look Chiffon Smock Dress in pink to death recently, so of course it had to be my Birthday outfit of course and I put on the ASOS Korey Over The Knee Boots which I also got as a present. These boots have taken me a while to get used to because they're a bit higher than I'm used to, but they've started my off my obsession with this style of shoe and now I'm eyeing up the New Look Suedette offerings

I've started wearing more mustard and rust recently as I feel like it's very fitting for this time of the year, so wearing this Nasty Gal Stripe Jumper Dress to the pumpkin patch just felt right! I've been eying up the Boohoo Buckle Detail Skirt as although I don't need any new skirts right now, it would look great with a jumper tucked into it and paired with tights for the colder months. It's not just clothes I'm loving these sort of tones as this DesignB Burgundy Plaited Headband is absolutely perfect and I think this would spruce up any Autumnal outfit. 

SHARE:

Wednesday 9 October 2019

Chocolate Orange Halloween Cupcakes

Halloween Chocolate Orange Cupcake Recipe
Halloween Chocolate Orange Cupcake Recipe
Halloween Chocolate Orange Cupcake Recipe
After scouring Pinterest for Halloween recipes, I came across this Ghoulishly Awesome Black and Orange Cupcakes which is a marbled take on the recipe I had it mind and I knew instantly I wanted to re-create it. These delicious, moorish cakes will no doubt be gone in minutes - perfect for the 31st or if you're heading to any Halloween parties this season. 

I used a standard chocolate cupcake recipe that I've been using since I was child when I used to bake at the weekend with my Nan. I can do this recipe with my eyes shut, but now is the time to share my secrets! 

My top tip for this recipe would be to weigh your two eggs and then however many grams they weigh, that's how much butter and sugar you should use. If you were making vanilla cupcakes then the flour would be equal too! I have adapted this recipe to show you the average amount of grams this usually is! 

Ingredients (12 cupcakes) - 

175g Butter
175g Granulated Sugar
150g Self-Raising Flour
25g Cocoa Powder
2 Teaspoon Water
1 Teaspoon Orange Extract 
Optional - 1/2 Zest of an Orange

Cake Decor Halloween Frosting 
Baked With Love Halloween Decorations 

Method - 

Start off by creaming together the butter and sugar together in a bowl until it's fluffy and a pale white in shade. 

Then add in the two eggs, one at a time. Once mixed together, add the water and orange extract (orange zest if needed) to the mixture. 

Slowly add the self raising flour into the mixture, 50g at a time until smooth. 

Spoon into your cupcake cases of choice (I use black space themed ones!) and place in the oven at 180 degrees for 20 minutes. 

For the icing, I cheated this time and went with the a pre-made Halloween frosting and decorations, but you can easily re-create this look with an piping bag and nossle! Just make two mixtures of butter icing; dying one with black colouring and the other with orange. Put one half down one side of the piping bag and the other colour down the other side. Swirl on top of the cupcake. For the decorations, I went with pre-made icing decorations, but another few ideas would be: 

- Edible eyes stuck all over the frosting. 
- Cutting an Oreo in half to make wings and a mini Oreo paired with edible eyes to give the appearance of a bat. 
- Create a white spider's web using melted white chocolate and a stencil. Once set, place on top of your cupcake. 

Did you enjoy this chocolate orange Halloween recipe? Will you be re-creating this at home? 
SHARE:

Monday 7 October 2019

A Concealer For Every Concern

- If a product is marked with a * it is a gifted product, but with no obligation to post. All links are affiliate links. - 


I've come on a long journey when it comes to concealer; going from the girl that wasn't that fussy to one that has slowly started to get a collection of different concealers for various concerns. I know it can be a little overwhelming to choose one for your skin type, so I'm complied a list on a handful of my favourites. 

I have to talk about under-eye concealers first as I know they're all the rage at the moment and we've all seen photographs on when they don't work too well. I think a lot of people bring emphasis to making sure the concealer for under your eyes are super light to brighten and contour, but I think it's best to stick to just a shade half or one below what you usually wear for your foundation. The concealer that comes to mind when I think of under-eyes is the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye* which says it all with the name really. 

If you suffer with blue or purple tones under neath your eyes rather than pile on as much concealer as you can, I would recommend trying out colour correcting instead even if it's just building up the amount you apply before your concealer so that you get used to how much you need. 

An all rounder concealer is one of my favourites to own as I love to use them on a day to day basis as they can easily be used to cover redness, banish blemishes and conceal any dark circles you have all in one go. The Too Faced Born This Way Concealer* is my favourite for doing this as it's super easy to blend into your skin and always look seamless which is important when you want creaseless under-eyes and you want to make your blemish cover up look natural. If that one doesn't tickle your fancy then I'm sure the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Away* pick will be as although I'm not a fan of the sponge applicator, the formula and finish makes up for that. It's natural on the skin and conceals everything it needs to around your face. 

If you prefer to have a natural coverage concealer; one that will cover any redness that needs to, but can be worn on it's own if needs be, then the Glossier Stretch Concealer is the one for you. For me, I think it's important that it doesn't appear too dewy or glossy on the skin as this takes away from the overall look and performance. 

For just banish the appearance of spots I would recommend the Nars Soft Matte Concealer. It took me a while to warm to this as I was trying to use it all over my face, but once I realised it works as a top up throughout the day or to cover up any blemishes I have - I started to love it. You need the smallest amount at the end of your Beauty Blender to blend this into your complexion in seconds.

What are your favourite concealers?  
SHARE:

Sunday 6 October 2019

The Top Casual Halloween Outfits

- All links in this post are affiliate links. Read my disclaimer for more info. - 

Halloween season is here and despite being early in celebrating it, I'm full embracing every aspect of this spooky month. There's lots of clothes on the market that are not only perfect for if you've got a Halloween party coming up that you don't want to go in full dress up for as well other pieces that you could continue to wear all year around. Here are my top picks. 

This Nasty Gal Stripe Knit Dress gives me serious cosy vibes and the colours in it work perfectly for this season. I could imagine this could be dressed up or down with a pair of chunky boots or with a hair accessory. Another dress you could wear all year is something with star print on it, plus it'll be fitting for bonfire night through to Christmas too - This Boohoo Midi Pick being absolutely dreamy! 

It's even down to the accessories including socks and these Celestial one's are absolutely amazing and they would perfectly match with Moon Enamel Necklace. If neither of those tickle your fancy then I'm sure this Pumpkin iPhone Case may do. It's a great way to incorporate a bit of Halloween into your daily life without it being too in your face! 

Have you seen Halloween bits that you love? 
SHARE:
Blogger Template Created by pipdig