Share your imperfections...

So I have been doing this blog for six months now and I am yet to share with you the biggest set back I have when it comes to making beauty purchases. But I feel now is the time to let you know about my 'imperfection', I know, I know you thought I was flawless right? Thought so. Anyway for about five or six years now I have suffered from very sensitive skin. It is something that my Mam and cousins have suffered with for years but to me it came later on in life.

 

To anyone who has sensitive skin or any form of Dermatitis such as Eczema will know there can be more serious cases than others. At the beginning I had eczema on my legs to the point where my legs were cut and scabbed and incredibly sore. I would not even consider getting them out in public.

 

Then as if I was not already body conscious enough three years ago I developed contact dermatitis on my right hand. 'Contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin that occurs when you come into contact with a particular substance. Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema that can cause red, itchy and scaly skin, and sometimes burning and stinging. It leads to your skin becoming blistered, dry and cracked.' (Taken from the NHS website).

My hand on a good day!

As you can imagine this was pretty irritating. Especially considering we are yet to find the substance that is creating the problem. I believe it to be many things. Anyway it can be really sore and to the point where I don't even want to touch anything it hurts that bad and I have been driven to the point of tying my hands behind my back to stop me itching. This is quite a sensitive subject to me and something I am quite embarrassed about, to the extent I am often shy about holding hands with my boyfriend (of four years) because I am worried about my hand feeling horrible against his.

 

Anyone with a similar condition has probably like me explored every cream, lotion and antibiotic the doctors have to offer. So it is then I set myself out to find products that work best for me. I have to evaluate everything I use on my skin from hand wash to fake tan.

 

The reason I have decided to share this with you is I feel I could use this blog to share the products I have found with other people with a similar condition and hopefully we can help each other and for the rest of you, the products I will share in most cases can be used by anyone to help soften and look after your skin.

I would love to hear your comments on products you have tried if you have sensitive skin or even if you don't. Thanks for reading.

 

xox

 

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Journey to Neverland

 This weekend on my routine shopping trip to the Metrocentre, I popped in to New Look and was astounded by the large selection of Peter Pan Collar necklaces they had in store! All the designs were beautiful and unique I found it so difficult to choose just one. I fell in love with this pastel bead and gold chain colour instantly and knew it was the one for me, for just £5.99 I would definitely recommend!

I received so many compliments this weekend when I wore my necklace to work at the restaurant I work at. And lets face it we all love a compliment! It definitely brightened up my boring black uniform. Who spy's my fave Lavish Alice skirt?

What do you think of Collar necklaces, rate or hate?

xox

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Ciate Colourfoil Manicure: Review

By now you will know I'm a big fan of Ciate's manicure kits! Although slightly more expensive than other brands they are always ahead of the competition with new creative designs. And I for one love nothing more than sitting down to try them. So when I seen an instagram pic of Kimberly Wyatt wearing the Ciate Colourfoil Manicure I knew I needed to try it! So you can imagine my excitement when my brother came home from London this weekend with a Selfridges Bag! I chose the 'Carnival Couture' kit but there is two other colours to choose from with different foils and colours. So here's my step by step guide to the kit...

Duration: 45 minutes (the duration of Towie!)

Price: £18

I love that Ciate included a testing set for you to try out different styles, really helpful when your not sure how it will look and haven't got time to make mistakes!

Firstly, paint each nail with two coats of the Ciate base coat and leave to dry. Quick Tip: It's good to make sure your hand is comfortable when doing styles like this that take a little longer, I bought this manicure cushion from Ebay for £1.99, bargain!

 Secondly, paint a small amount of the Ciate glue on the area, only where you want your foil to go. Once the glue has gone from white to clear, place the foil sheet colour side up on the spot of glue. Rub it down and then remove in once quick movement. This can be slightly tricky, especially if the glue is not dry. Repeat this process with three or four more foils.

Repeat the process for each nail, alternating between colours and patterns. I painted a clear polish over the top as the nails were quite sticky from the glue and to help the look last longer.

 And there you have your beautiful colourfoil nails! I love love this look. Like all of Ciate's kits they don't always last as long as you would like, but great for a night out or special occasion and out of all the kits I have tried so far this definitely lasted the longest at four days. I got a lot of compliments on my nails while I had this on and its definitely one of my favourite looks Ciate have developed so far.

 

Look forward to what you will come up with next Ciate!

What do you think?

xox

Nail Art for amateurs!

So of course we aren't all skilled in the craft of nail art, but I for one love to experiment with new styles as you can tell from my previous posts. Nail art doesn't have to be difficult it can just be as simple as polka dots and stripes which is the look I'm going to show you today!

One thing every Nail Art fan should own is the 'Wah! Book of Nail Art'. It is is full of step by step guides to loads of clever different styles from simple bows to intricate roses. The book is aimed at anyone and really shows you how to do each of the looks with the correct tools and stages to make it perfect.

Today I combined two of the looks 'Candystripes' and 'Polka Dots' because I have to be different you know that... So I'm going to share with you how easy it was to complete!

Barry M is definitely my go to nail varnish brand, so much choice at such reasonable prices.

So for this look I used two pastels colours which I felt would blend well together, 'Mint Green' and 'Berry Lilac'. Start off by painting two coats of the colour on each nail and leaving to dry.

For Step Two I used an Avon double ended dotting tool and brush, which you just pop into the nail varnish of your choice. It can be quite messy so an alternative is Models Own Nail Art pens. I dipped the dotting tool into a plain black varnish and drop small dots randomly around the nail. Careful not to smudge the dots.

Once you have finished the dots on alternative nails, I chose the Lilac nails for the dots. Clean your dotting tool and switch it to the brush end. Carefully brush straight lines vertically up the nail. This is more tricky than the dots as its difficult to get the line straight, especially if you have shaky hands like me! But we don't need to be perfect do we?

 

So what do you think?

Send me your looks!

 

xox

My obsession with Missguided

Anyone who knows me will know I'm not a massive party girl, going out and getting 'mortal' just isn't really my thing. But recently I have been letting my hair down a little bit with my girls and of course any excuse to buy a new dress is good to me. So where do I turn to when in search of the perfect dress: missguided.co.uk!

Missguided is always my first port of call when looking for a dress for any occasion. They have such a varied amount to choose from. While some other sites only have one  have 10 or so dresses to choose from, Missguided have hundreds... and I mean h.u.n.d.r.e.d.s. If you a dress lover like me Missguided is like heaven. In fact my wish list is so long because I'm addicted to browsing, even though my bank account doesn't always support my addiction.

You can trust me to always be honest with my review of any brand, I have no biased here just a genuine love of the site. It is only a recent discovery for me but the purchases I have made I have been really impressed with.  They aren't the type that look so much nicer online and then you get them and the material or shape is nothing like what you expected. And a great plus is none of the dresses have ever cost me more than £30 and you can get delivery from just £1.95. Who can argue with that?!

But just incase you don't believe me, here's some of the purchases I've made so far...

 Me (centre) in Missguided's Monochrome Studded Bustier Dress



(Left) Missguided Cut Out Dress (Gorgeous but too short for me, so I had to cover my bum with this Lavish Alice skirt to be allowed out of the house!)

So if you haven't already, get yourself to www.missguided.co.uk and let me know what you fall in love with.

xox

Tartan for a fiver? Why not!

I love love love the tartan design. Timeless and beautiful it gives life to any outfit. I have loved tartan since I was a child sitting on my Nana's tartan picnic blankets and cuddling into her tartan scarves. However I have never found it that easy to pull off and its only recently when tartan made a comeback on the high street that I decided it was time to reignite my love. I came across a few tartan skirts on missguided.com which were gorgeous but then I came across a gorgeous little tartan skater style skirt for just £5 at Internationale and I was not about to turn it down!

The skirt is so versatile and you can where it day or night to achieve a gorgeous eye catching look. I have so many compliments when wearing it and people are surprised at how cheap it was! And a major plus is that its subtle enough not to feel like you stick out like a sore thumb but still grabs attention.

Here is some looks I have achieved:

Look One: Simple Black Tee

 

Look Two: Cosy with a Chunky Knit

 

 

Look Three: Girls night with a high neck blouse!

 

So there you have it, I fell in love with some bargain tartan, what little treasures have you found in the sales recently?

 

xox

Review: Ciate Sequined Manicure

If you love all things girly, sparkly and unique the Ciate Sequined Manicure kit should definitely be next on your shopping list! With the release of the Caviar Manicure last year it was difficult to believe Ciate could top their innovative design, but the Sequin Manicure is just as original and equally as stylish.

Their creative design twinkles under the disco lights and will certainly have all eyes on you on a night out. The look is quite limited as it's not one you would wear to pop to the shop! But when pulling out the stops it has become my new necessity.

Here's my step by step guide to the finished look... Be prepared for sequins everywhere...

What's in the kit?

 

Step One

Remove all traces of nail varnish and apply a coat of the Ciate Glitter Grip...

Step Two
Treating each nail individually, paint with another layer of sequin grip and then roll in the sequins. Press down to secure and wipe away the excess with the nail brush.

Step Three

Continue these stages with the rest of the nails for your finished look!

 And it's really that simple! Stunning look, only downside being that they aren't very long lasting but it is to be expected with this kind of thing! I have been asked by friends when telling them about my manicure why I haven't went for cheaper similar products available. My answer: I feel Ciate is the original and the best and worth every penny of the £14 price tag. Because if your gonna do it... why not do it the best way you can?!

For other innovative kits you can buy them at Selfridges Stores or online at www.ciate.co.uk. Come back soon for my review of their velvet manicure. Until then keep on loving Ciate.

What do you think?

xox

What's in my toiletry bag?

So Valentines Weekend is coming up fast and if your lucky enough your boyfriend/husband might be whisking you away for a romantic weekend.  Unfortunately I'm not but I keep my essentials in my toiletry bag all the time so I'm never without my beauty must haves. So rather than the traditionally whats in my bag or make up bag etc. I feel its more fitting to my 'take everywhere' beauty pieces.

 

My bag itself is part of pretty pink floral Revlon gift set my Mam bought me for Christmas which also included a make up bag but I prefer to keep it all in the same place and I love the clear compartments so I can find exactly what I want when I want it.

 

Compartment One: Make Up Best Buys! 

 

Foundation: Maxfactor Colour Adapt - I have used this foundation for years and love the smoothness of it compared with other brands.

Mascara: Mac Haute and Naughty Too Black Lash - Read previous posts to see how much I love this product! (explains why theres two!)

Blusher: Benefit Dallas Plum Powder - More of a bronze colour for a sun kissed look

Barry M - I love this make for Nail polish but never tried it with make up but it has a surprisingly nice subtle pink colour.

Bronzer and Brush: 17 - Perfect for a night out with different shades to blend into the skins and a subtle hint of glitter to make you sparkle!

Eyeliner: Maxfactor - Definitely my must have beauty buy! Opens up the eyes with a long lasting bold colour.

Also No7 Eye Pencil Sharpener (best I have found)

Estee Lauder Travel Mirror (compact and pretty)

Passion Peel Off Face Mask (perfect for the morning after the night before!)

 

Compartment Two: Beauty Essentials!

Loreal Elnett Satin Hairspray - My ultimate fave! Strong hold and smells so much nicer than other brands! (also reminds me of my Nana!)

St Tropez Perfect Legs Spray - I have really sensitive skin so its rare that I can find a fake tan that doesn't irritate my skin! But this works great, instant all over effect and no awful itching!

Nivea Double Effect Deodorant - This is long lasting, great smelling and cools you down as well as keeping you protected,

Bastite Dry Shampoo - Because every girl has those bad hair days, cheap and cheerful!

Vera Wang Princess Night - I love love love the girly smell of this perfume and have you ever seen a prettier bottle? I want to show it off not hide it away!

Bourjois Magic Nail Polish Remover - For fast effective removal of those chips on the way to work!

Also Hair Gallery grips and bobbles (because I leave them everywhere!)

 

Compartment Three: This one may surprise you!

 

Combs, Combs and more Combs! Every make size and shape! Because everyone hair needs a boost with a back comb! And I always forget where I left them!

 

So what are you taking away with you for Valentines?

xox

 

Next post: Ciate Sequin Manicure Review: Prepare for glitter... everywhere!

Gel Manicures: Must Read!

So how many of you have had a gel manicure? I'm the first to admit that I prefer to do my nails at home without the hassle of going to the salon and being a student weekly manicures just isn't something I can afford. But Gel Manicures is where I make an exception! Certainly a luxury but one everyone girl should try at least once. I cant guarantee you won't fall in love and want them all the time though!

Gel manicure are designed to treat the nail underneath and help maintain healthy nails and encourage growth. In my experience finger nails last about a week to 10 days (perfect for going on holiday without having to worry about chipped nails) and toe nails can last up to a month! A mega plus is that they dry instantly and don't chip so theres no chance of chipping your nails on the way out the salon.

So I thought I would share with you some of the designs I have had previously, of course being me I like to be a bit adventurous with design but simple colour looks amazing all the same.

 

If your if the Newcastle area get in touch and I'll give you the details of the girl who does my nails! Her name is Ashli (shes my cousin but I'm so not biased as the proof is in the picture!) and her prices are really reasonable and she works from home!

 

Go get your manicures!

xox

One Skirt Day to Night!

Featuring: Lavish Alice Black Studded Pleated Leather Look Skater Skirt £24

So after searching all over for a nice leather skirt for months, I found this gorgeous Studded Leatherette Skirt on Lavish Alice and instantly fell in love. In the past few months Lavish Alice has became one of my favourite online fashion retailers as they always have gorgeous unique pieces at a good price and my items have always arrived within days of ordering which is always a massive plus!

The skirt is so versatile so I thought I would share with you just some of the looks I have come up with. Obviously my photo taking skills leave much to be desired and unfortunately I don't have a photographer following me around but you get the idea...

 Look One: Double Leather! Controversial but I love it! The look on the left is teamed with a basic Topshop Crop, H&M Necklace and Kardashian Kollection Leather Jacket. The look on the right is teamed with Kardashian Kollection jacket and bag, River Island high tops and scarf.

 Look two: This is my favourite way to dress up a winter woolly. This look works perfect with the jumper tucked in or left loose and is cute and girly while nice and snug! Jumper is Dorothy Perkins!

Look Three: This is my night time look! This dress is perfect for a night out and on this occasion I used it to cover the bottom half of my Missguided Dress that was a little bit too short for my liking! I love this look because I had seen the dress on other girls and I enjoyed putting my own twist on it!

 

Everyone should go to www.lavishalice.com for some more great pieces!

 

Upcoming posts: Ciate Sequin Manicure and Ciate Velvet Manicure review!

Pandora Stacker Rings

Do you love rings but can't afford to spend £100's? I have just discovered Pandora Stacker rings and can't wait to share them with you.

These affordable silver rings are perfect if you like to change things up with a range of different looks. Pandora offers a diverse collection of rings starting at just £30. The varied collection includes birth stone gems, beautiful colour stones and small intricate designs. At such a reasonable price you can afford to mix and match till your hearts content.

For Christmas I received two of the clever designs. One from my parents and one from my boyfriend making for the perfect gift. The two I received are the Gothic inspired 'Statement Heart Ring' one of the higher priced rings at £70 but which such gorgeous detail you really can't complain, especially when its a ring you will hopefully keep for a long time. The second ring I received was one of the smaller, intricate designs, subtle yet beautiful. The sterling silver heart ring is priced at just £35 and looks great on its own and stacked up.

The smaller designs look great stacked up with two simple designs and a stone in the centre, but even the bigger rings work great stacked up as you can see from my choices.

To see more of the rings you can visit http://www.pandora.net/en-gb/explore/products/rings where they allow you to create and combine a set of rings online to find your perfect look!

What look will you be stacking up?

xox

Reflection and Memories

This post is going to be a little bit different to what I normally do. Focusing less on fashion and more on inspiration. Nearly 2 months has passed since I last blogged and I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year. Unfortunately after a lovely start to my festive break, many shopping trips included, the second half was some of the hardest weeks of my life.

On January 5th 2013, I lost one of my best friends, one of the closest people in the world to me, my amazing Nana Cath. These past few weeks have been the most difficult of my life but they have gave me a lot of time for reflection.

My Nana was so full of life even through the great difficulties she faced. She believed in living life to the fullest. She loved to spend every penny she had on spoiling her grand kids, all 10 of us, seeing the smiles on our faces. She was the one who encouraged my love of fashion and shopping from a very young age. Taking me to markets on a Sunday, shopping on a Saturday, supermarkets on a Wednesday. There wasn't a day went by my Nana wasn't buying something, even if it meant sending me down to the shop for a bargain she had seen on the telly.

Her wardrobe was probably one of the most fashionable I've ever known, four wardrobes to be precise. Filled to the brim with pleated maxi skirts with matching blouses. Jumper's arranged by colour, the same style in every colour, she knew something good when she seen it. Faux fur coats, tartan scarfs, silk, gold broaches, everything you would associate with the greatest of fashionista's in a little two bedroom flat in Ponteland. And people wonder why I'm such a shopping addict? It's all I've ever known. She used to say she could spend an entire lottery win without even leaving the sofa.

Shopping wasn't the only thing my Nana taught me. She taught me to be brave no matter what life throws at you. Back in December when I had some upsetting news she encouraged me that everything would work out, always encouraging me to look on the bright side, take another route and you'll get there.

The most memorable quote of hers I remember which I am going to share with you all is this...

'If you haven't got it in you, you can't get it out'

If your wondering what she meant by this she simply meant were not all meant to be scientists, world leaders, or even top fashion editors. You shouldn't force yourself to do something because you feel it's what people expect of you. She thought people should just try their best to do what is right for them, don't push yourself to do something that's not natural or your hearts not in it. If you can't do it, you can't do it, don't spend your life worrying about it and move on.

This will stay with me for the rest of my life, I will always push myself to do the best that I can but when I face challenges I won't let them define me.

I have so much to thank my Nana for, and inspiring life lessons and a intense love of shopping is only a fraction of that. I apologise for the emotional post but it helps to write it down and share a little bit of her greatness with you all.

I will be back soon to share my many new purchases with you.

xox