Engagement

Last night I attended my cousin's engagement party. We went to a lovely Indian restaurant, which considering I don't favour Indian food I really enjoyed. I kept the pastels theme strong, and teamed the printed dress with my Chanel pearl, diamond and gold necklace.
I also finally got my hair cut yesterday! First time in a year, so I had quite a lot chopped off. The blow dry is really voluptuous and 60's. Hope you like!

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Spring is Here

So after my insane nearly 4 week hiatus, I am back and ready for Spring! The last month has been insane, and I was working for like 12 hours every day hence my absence. My team and I succesfully presented our work to Proctor & Gamble on the 16th, and since then I have been in Newcastle and back in Oxford to celebrate my birthday.
So celebrations aside, the Spring season is finally upon us and I have created a look today that I feel represents the new found sunshine. I have been collecting a new wardrobe for Grazia, (which starts in 10 days!), and have begun road testing the outfits today. All clothes & shoes are from Primark. I'll be wearing this look to The Hunger Games tonight, and I cannot wait. I read all the books prior to the movies release, and so I am looking forward to seeing how they interprate things.

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Ch-Ch-Chelsea Girls

Inspired by my current favourite song Chelsea Girls which is apparently by Duffy but I'm convinced it's not. Also inspired by new Chelsea boots from ASOS, and new green jacket from New Look. Jeans from Primark, shirt from New Look, bag from Pauls Boutique

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Pour That Sangria

I must admit that I went a little photo editing happy here,  but I am feeling a little post war vintagey after watching Burberry's AW12 show, and also feeling slightly senorita as I'm going to Nando's tonight. My mood is so easily swayed. So I embracing Spring looks today with this new skirt from Forever 21. This is my first clothing purchase from F21, and it looked way more pink on the website but I love the peachy nudey colour. I've teamed it with this cream knit from Banana Republic, clear tights (it is still cold), and leopard print loafers. 

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The Bee.

Realized as I took these photos I look like a bumble bee, slightly odd. Another lazy Sunday watching live streams from LFW (Topshop Unique is freaking awesome), writing beauty articles and food shopping. My jumper is from H&M, and as you can see is slightly too smalls. Jeans from Topshop, rolled up with New Look leopard print loafers.

Product of the day: Toni & Guy Cleanse Dry Shampoo and Lancome Genefique

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Burberry AW12, A Sneak Peak

A still from the Burberry A/W 2012 show, from Hyde Park at London Fashion Week.

War time opulence, pockets, rope belts, owl jumpers, velvet, tweed, wool, fine tweed, volume, peplum

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Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24hr Foundation

.... is my new holy grail foundation. Since finishing my acne program, my skin has been looking clearer than ever (with a few exceptions) and the need to switch to a lighter coverage foundation has landed on my shoulders. I have been using Estee Lauder Double Wear for a few months, and even got several tubes for Christmas. Although the Double Wear Maximum Cover was excellent for covering my acne, rosiness and skin pigmentation it was just too heavy for everyday wear and was creating more problems than it caused. Estee Lauder and MAC products are well known for containing titanium dioxide, which is a known acne irritant. Funny how I learn this after finishing my acne program!

I have trialed the Laura Mercier Silk Creme foundation (read my review here), Chanel Perfection Lumier (still runs orange and oxidizes on my skin through the day despite being recommended by the media for oily/combination skin types), MAC Matchmaster (disaster review here) and many other drugstore foundations on the search for a new lighter coverage foundation that lasts all day. I saw the ad claims for the new Lancome foundation in Stylist a few weeks ago, and went to John Lewis Oxford Street to test it out. I was given shade 05, which was too pink but the consistency and longevity of the foundation really blew me away.

Wearing the Lancome Teint Idole 24hr Ultra foundation, mascara and brow pencil

In the knowledge that this foundation may really be a saviour for me, I went to a selection of counters from Selfridges (who gave me shade 07, which is just beyond wrong), to House of Fraser and Debenhams who correctly matched me to shade 001. I collated a total of 10 foundation "samples". This seems really cheeky, but when you're on a student budget and the foundation that might save your life costs nearly £30, measures must be taken. Second to that, my ever changing skin needed more than a few days to get used to the product.

Overall, I must congratulate Lancome on creating this excellent foundation. It works great for my combination/oily skin by being 'watery' enough but also having excellent setting time. I did powder my T Zone several times using the Natural Collection powder, but it has broken me out like crazy (and has done the same to several other beauty gurus on Youtube) so I have ditched that. I don't feel the foundation needs a setting powder, but I would prefer one. It works excellently with my YSL Touche Eclat, but not so much with MAC Select Cover Concealer, but I think that is pretty rubbish anyway in terms of staying powder.

4.5 out of 5. Cost being the only downside. There's an amazing array of shades, and Lancome's staff are incredibly helpful in helping you determine the correct shade.

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Ultrasound

So I had my very first skin ultrasound today. I went to Elizabeth Arden at John Lewis in Reading, which is just north of London. My aunt and I were having a girly day of movies, lunch and beauty shopping and after having her own appointment, the darling shop assistant offered me a free consultation. Here are the results:

With the higher score and the letter A being good, the results are really mixed. I got two A's, for pigmentation and brightness which are the most obvious signs of visible ageing. However, I got a B for elasticity and two C's for moisture and skin texture. Not good at all.

My skin is in desperate need for replenishment of moisture. The sales assistant explained to me that due to having oily skin and using acne products, layers under my visible skin are blocked with dead skin cells. They are locked together, and therefore my moisturiser and moisturising masks can't get through to help my skin reawakening after my acne program. 

I was reccomended three products: first, the 3 in 1 Intervene face wash, which is a cleanser, toner and primer in one, the intervene day cream (which is SPF 30 and oil free), and the Intervene Peel and Reveal mask to be used once or twice a month. This contains a low level of salicylic acid which breaks down the lower level dead skin cells, meaning the moisturising products can get in to the skin.

My aunt was kind enough to buy me the face wash, and I will be receiving samples of the mask and day cream by next weekend. I will also be having a treatment (worth £65) and a follow up consultation for my birthday next month, and another check up in June before I go to Marbella with my boyfriend for the summer. Reviews coming soon! 

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Black and Purple

Today was a day of several successes. Number 1, I mastered the fishtail braid. I have been trying to do this hair style since I first saw it about a year ago. I watch a Forever 21 video and suddenly I could do it. Alot of concentration, and missing my morning train was all it took. Number 2, I went to uni feeling confident in my outfit and still looking stylish. I wore a Jackie O style trousers-with-loafers, a black jumper and my purple coat for a pop of colour. Number 3, we completed our last shoot today. Up and onwards!

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Confessions

Make up by Dior @ Westfield London

For the last 6 weeks, I have been so busy that I just haven't had the time to blog or even film videos. I have barely touched my twitter, or kept up with Style.com. The great big reason? For once, I am actually extremely busy at university. I have always been honest about the work ethic at the London College of Fashion and this time is no exception. I have been drafting, planning and carryout of a photoshoot, liaising with PR's and other fashion darlings to get the best products for our fashion and still life shoots, researching and interviewing numerous people from The People's Supermarket and the Architectural Association. On top of this I have been working on exciting trend reports about life in 2017, and writing beauty articles on the future of skin care. So as you can see, actually busy!

But today's wake up call came when I asked my flatmate Chris what he was doing this weekend and he replied, "Urm, fashion week!". I had actually completely missed the fact we were in the midst of A/W12 shows. I am ashamed.  Today's post however, will be preparing for several that are upcoming...

• Skin care update! I have normal/combination skin after finishing my acne program so I have a completely new routine.
• Foundation update: After testing over 10 new foundations, I have found my brand new HG foundation, and if you have followed me for a while it may surprise you
• Spring fashion: I missed snow outfit posts, and I'm frankly bloody sick of winter. So I have begun stocking my spring wardrobe. It began with this skirt, in nude.
• Spring beauty: After my purple liner challenge, I have a new love for pastels. Oh and corner lashes.
• LONDON FASHION WEEK: Obvious. Needs no explaining.

Sorry for my absence again my loves. I promise not to leave you alone for quite so long again... well until third year when I will probably die from overworking... 

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Good Morning

Hello dear readers. I can only apologize for my extreme absence. I have been so extremely busy with my current project at university, in which I am creating an entire future forecasting portfolio with an amazing team of people. I just wanted to share a small film about Tom Ford which a university friend of mine showcased on her blog. It shows the creative mind of the wonderful Tom Ford, and his development from an architect/actor to the world's most acclaimed designer. The documentary really shows the focus on culture, life and society and how it impacts upon fashion and beauty and design in general. Hope you enjoy! I will be blogging from LFW, so you can look forward to that.

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J'adore Dior

I haven't covered Fashion Week or Couture Week for a few seasons now. Although I am studying fashion, I don't feel my opinions are strong enough to justify critiquing fashion just yet. However, I have just been flicking through Dior's Couture collection and it is simply beautiful. The change over from John Galliano to Bill Gaytten has been smooth and even. Gaytten has created a collection based on Dior's heritage; clean cuts and beautiful tailoring. I can't help but love the 50's references, and simply adore the chiffon. Sigh*

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Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation Review

I am so behind on 'new' foundation loves, but I have finally gotten my hands on a sample of the Laura Mercier Sillk Creme Foundation! It seems everyone and their cat loves this foundation for its semi-matte, yet luminous finish and excellent coverage. It is also hailed by gurus and bloggers that it doesn't oxidize (go orange) at all, and gives a beautiful coverage all day long. I was given the colour Cream Ivory by the sales assistant in John Lewis. Frankly, his service was horrific and I will be writing to John Lewis Oxford Street this week to complain!

Throughout the day, I updated the experience on my Twitter so follow me there for up to the minute updates. To begin: the application was interesting. I used my MAC concealer brush to apply dots along my inner cheeks, which is where I usually begin my foundation as that area needs the most coverage. I began blending it in with my Real Techniques buffing brush and was horrified as it split and went all crumbled as the MAC Matchmaster did. However, with further blending it seamlessly blended in to my skin leaving an almost full coverage. This foundation also builds well as I needed a little more coverage on my cheeks.

Very fashionable dressing gown- thanks mum. So as you can see the coverage is pretty impressive. Unfortunately I have an open spot (my own fault) on my forehead, but you can see it doesn't quite cover red spots or under eye circles. For the first time in what feels like forever, I used my YSL Touche Eclat in shade 1 (original collection) under my eyes and MAC Select Cover Up concealer in NC20 on my spots and around my nose. This worked perfectly.

On the tube home... So after 5 hours of pretty incredible wear, shiny nose hell arrived. I have oily skin and powders make me look cakey, so having a shiny nose is something I am used to. Overall though, the colour and the coverage was impressive throughout the day. Bear in mind I was in an air-conditioned room all day and then in the freezing cold air, then the hot tube. 

By the end of the day the shininess had covered my face, and the product had begun slipping away. This was after 10 hours of wear, so I am genuinely very impressed with the product.

Pro:

• colour is great
• coverage is almost full, leaving the skin showing through a tiny amount
• it lasts a very long time in different environments
• the skin feels soft and not cakey
• doesn't sit in fine lines 

Con:

• doesn't cover spots 
• doesn't cover dark circles
• takes a lot of blending to seep in to the skin
• price!

Overall:

8.5/10. I am really considering asking for this product as a gift for my birthday in March, rather than paying for it myself. Available at most department stores, and on Laura Mercier's website. 

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Spring Trend: Flirty Lashes

Inspired by Louis Vuitton's S/S12 make up looks, today I used a new mascara to experiment with more flirty lashes. My general mascara love is Rimmel's Extra Super Lash in Brown/Black. I love the natural look that doesn't look clumpy, overly black or fake on my pale skin and blonde hair combination. The Vuitton spring look however, made the lashes look fluttery and flirty. Focusing on the outer corner to create an open eye look, false demi or individual lashes can be applied for an evening appropriate look. You could also use a separating and lengthening mascara on the outer lashes too.
So I raided my limited supply of mascaras and picked out MAC Zoomlash in Black. I was hunting for my YSL Shocking but I couldn't find it anywhere. I used the tip of the brush to manually place the outer lashes where I wanted them and used light coats to build up the intensity. If you have a favourite mascara for the Spring season, comment below and I will check it out.

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MAC Matchmaster Foundation Review

Today is the day I reveal possibly my biggest disappointing on 2011. Late I know, but I forgot how badly let down I was by this product and I used it on Monday. MAC's foundations have had a bit of a bad rep with me. I loved Satinfinish when I was in my first year at uni, but as my skin became more oily it began to 'split' during the day and look kind of like a split custard on my face.
Matchmaster has basically the same effect. I purchased the MAC Matchmaster foundation in November last year after reading press about it in September and hearing loads of Youtube girls and bloggers talking about it. I was advised that the shade 1.0 was ghost white, but it turned out that it was pretty much the perfect colour for me. It didn't have a hugely yellow undertone, which I had been so used to from my Chanel Mat Lumier and Pro Lumier.

 So, I applied this on Monday using a stippling brush from Real Techniques, which is my most favourite foundation brush ever. I have, in the past, also applied Matchmaster using a Model's Own Foundation Brush (similar to a MAC 190) and my fingers. All three application techniques however, just don't work with this product. I am at my wits end of trying to find a way to make this actually blend in to the skin. It first looks streaky, then crumbly and over the day just split up entirely.

The coverage is frankly rubbish, but I have been really lucky with my skin this week and have been really wanting to wear a lighter coverage foundation. It looks OK from about 2 metres away, but any closer and you just look multi-coloured and patchy! Such a disappointment considering the price. 

I have oily skin, like a boat of chip fat oily skin, so for me the sign of a really terrible foundation is one that can make my skin look flaky, uber dry and unhealthy. I want a matte to semi-matte finish, so a dry and crumbly finish just isn't for me. If you have worn this foundation and love it, leave a comment below and let me know. Also, if you have a medium coverage foundation that you love just let me know.  For on-the-move make up reviews, follow me on twitter here. 

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OOTD: Butterfly Comfort

 

Another average outfit. I spent the day at the library working on my current research project. I am evidently becoming an expert in future community and where fashion & cosmetics are going in the next five years. 2017= very exciting!
Shirt: New Look
Jeans: Topshop
Bag: Paul's Boutique
Cardigan: Atmosphere
Perfume: Burberry Body
Earrings: Forever 21

So the sun managed to make an appearance over North London today, so despite begin only 5 degrees outside I wore my Bourjois sunglasses I got in the summer holidays, and felt beyond glamorous. It was definitely a busy day, full of iPad's running out of battery, children running in to me and loosing my eyesight slowly but surely staring at books.
I am currently in love with testing new face products. I have been looking at face masks for the last week, and this week I'm trialing two new foundations. I wore possible the most rubbish foundation, for its price, today and I will be reviewing it later this week. How was your day?

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Purple Liner Challenge

So the big trend this season, as I said in my "Spring Trend: Pastel Nails" video is... candy pastels. Today I rocked purple eyeliner. As a fun alternative to my usual black winged liner, this purple look was more unique and exciting.

 I used my Accessorize pallet that I got for Christmas from my boyfriend's Mum. I selected the blue/pink toned purple from the top row. I used a MAC 266, which is an angled eyeliner brush. I ran the brush under the tap, and knocked off the excess water. I then dipped the brush into the purple colour, and ran it along the top lash line. It applied quite watery, but was easy to build up colour intensity. I also used the MAC Matchmaster foundation again today, review coming up this week!

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Mayan Mud Mask

So unless you hadn't guessed, I have become obsessed with face masks. I got a few new ones for Christmas, and I have become really obsessed with them. You can read my Elemis reviews below, but today I am using a natural mask.
For Christmas, I got a Mayan Mud Mask. Yes, that's Mayan as in the people who have predicted the end of the world. I've always had a bad run with mud masks, as they generally contain cocoa butter and shea butter. This mask, to my surprise, is actually mud. Like, grainy weird looking mud. It's dry, and doesn't have that elasticy rubbery texture that packet mixed masks you can get from Boots and Superdrug. You start the mask by mixing it with a tsp of warm water. It takes alot of mixing, but becomes a thick watery paste.

I used a Model's Own foundation brush to apply the mask on to my skin. I used up and down motions starting at my chin and working towards my forehead. Just a word of warning, it is incredibly watery and drips down the face so hold your head over the sink!

So I look insane. I am wearing a towel around my shoulders as I am wearing white pajaymas and don't want them ruined. It dries into a crumbly mud texture on the face, which is slightly uncomfortable. However, as you wash it off with warm water it acts as a mild exfoliant getting ride of any dry skin that's left behind. Here's another shot of me looking insane:

At the end of the day, the mask has left my skin feeling tight but in the way that is good... makes no sense, and  soft which is just lovely. So for looking absolutely mad, the results are worth it. On to the next mask! I promise there are some OOTD's and different reviews coming up!

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Elemis Exotic Moisturising Mask Review

Another mask review! Today I used the Elemis Exotic Moisturising Mask. I went on a night out last night with Chris and the girls, and when I woke up this morning my skin was incredibly dry, dehydrated and generally unhappy. Not only that, after using the Elemis Papaya Peel a few days ago (review here) So a moisture mask was just what I needed.

This mask is enriched with plant extracts that are naturally known for their moisture boosting properties, including super soft honey, sea rocket, mallow, mandarin and bergamot. These also make the mask smell incredible. Upon application , the mask does tingle but I had just fully cleansed using Nivea Daily Essentials Refreshing Cleansing Lotion (review/video coming soon) so my skin was feeling a little sensitive.

The mask claims to be "super moisturising" "deeply cleansing" and provides "a youthful glow". As with the Peel, this is also an anti-ageing product. After washing the mask off after 10 minutes, (it can be worn overnight) my skin feels very soft but not completely remoisturised so I would reccomend leaving it on for at least 15-20 minutes. Seeing as I have oily skin, I expected this mask to really help.

End of story? I like this mask, my skin feels soft and replenished, but it should be left on for longer. You can purchase the full size mask here for £30.70.

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Most Used Hair Product

I am incredibly picky when it comes to hair products. Not only that, I change them up as often as I can. So when I finally stick to a product for more than a few weeks, I know I must really love it. I generally go for products that perform the same functions. I like smoothing and frizz controlling serums, creams and oils. Anything to control my mass of frizzy and unruly hair!

 This Create the Shape Smoothing Balm from a company called Guy Kremer. I was sent this last Autumn for consideration at Anarchy Magazine. I have been using it nearly every day since I was sent it, which is a sure sign that the product is really working for me.

The product comes out as a thick balm textured cream. You need about a pea sized amount for all of your hair, which is how it has lasted so long! It creates a smooth and soft texture to the hair, defrizzes well and keeps my hair smooth straight throughout the day. I was also sent the Guy Kremer Hairspray, however it doesn't have the same hold power as this balm so I would definitely reccomend the Smoothing Balm. You can buy it from the official Guy Kremer website here.  

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