LIVERPOOL BREAK

Road trip number 2,

Destination - Albert Dock, Liverpool!

Yet again, me and Nathan had a lovely weekend away full of good food, good cocktails and good shopping! We stayed in The Titanic Hotel which I can't rave about enough. Right on the docks, this hotel is breath taking. Each room is like a suite and everywhere is so spacious. We loved it and will definitely be visiting again!  

 (These photos are off their website, my photos were just not doing it justice and the hotel is every bit as beautiful as these professional pictures) 

We set of Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately we both had work till about 3 so didn't get the full day there. When we arrived we chilled for a while until the 'getting ready process' began. I had a nice bath and just took my time which was lovely as normal life is one big rush.

We had dinner reservations at 'The Smugglers Cove' on Albert Dock. Yet another amazing place! I think this place was designed to be like a pirate ship. 

I had a Halloumi and vegetable Kebab Skewer with Cous-Cous and one too many Pina Coladas!

In the morning we went down for breakfast and I'm so annoyed I didn't take any pictures because it was the nicest hotel breakfast we've had by far. We both had a full english and some pancakes. Obviously we weren't sticking to the diets that morning!
After breakfast, we went down for a swim in the Therma Spa which was really lovely. You get access to the pool, Sauna/Steam room, Foot spa and lounger.

Once again, we had a lovely weekend and can't wait for the next one! 

x

WOULD YOU RATHER / BEAUTY TAG

1.) Would you rather lose all of your mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lipglosses or lose all of your palettes and eyeshadows?

Definitely rather lose all of my palettes and shadows! 

2.) Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

Never be able to cut it again. I don't have much of a style anyway and I love to just tie it up so, more hair the better!

3.) Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

Coral cheek 100%. I veer towards corals with all my looks anyway.

4.) If you had $1000 to spend, would you rather buy clothes or makeup?

Can I not split it on both :-(! Id have to say makeup. I just love wandering round makeup stores and I know I will always find things I want. Sometimes I can go clothes shopping and not find one thing I like.

5.) Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?

Eyeliner as lipstick probably... I use lipliners on their own sometimes so I assume it would just be the same thing!

6.) Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Sephora all the way. I would never want to limit myself to just the one brand!

7.) Would you rather only use one eyeshadow color or one lip color for the rest of your life?

One eyeshadow colour. Im not very adventurous with my eye makeup, Id rather mix it up with a bold lip.

8.) Would you rather wear winter clothes in summer or summer clothes in winter?

Probably winter clothes in summer, I hate being to cold. At least I could remove some layers if I'm to hot!

9.) Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

Dark nails! Im a massive lover of dark colours on my nails and I think they suit all the seasons.

10.) Would you rather give up your favorite lip product or your favorite eye product?

Eye product I think. I have an obsession with lip products and have a whole drawer of lip balms. I know, I have a weird attachment to them.

11.) Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

 This questions quite funny to me because my everyday style is a messy bun so, It wouldn't affect my life to much! 

12.) Would your rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?

Never use lipgloss. You could always replace it with a good balm? I love painting my nails so I could never give that up!

13.) Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?

Ha well this is just awful. Im gonna have to say sharpie them in everyday. I reckon I could find a good enough shade and make it work for me!

14.) Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

Wow toughie. Im gonna go with nail polish as makeup makes me feel ready for the day. Nail polish doesn't do that for me, but id definitely miss it!

LONDON TRIP

So me and Nathan decided to have a mid-week break in London. It was quite spontaneous for us as Im normally a super organised freak! Saying this, we had such a lovely time and a much needed break from work. 

We got the train Thursday morning and stayed in the Park Plaza in Westminster. 

I seriously recommend this hotel, it was Uh-Ma-Zing. We were only having a one night stay  so we tried to squeeze as much in as possible! When we arrived we had reservations at Marcus Wareing's michelin star restaurant in Knightsbridge. As expected, It was out of this world and was really nice spending an afternoon experiencing how the other half live!

After dinner we spent our afternoon in the hotels spa area and had a swim. 

Whenever a hotel has a pool, you can guarantee we'll be there!

On the evening we had organised to meet our friends who live there for dinner. They took us to a lovely Italian restaurant on the Thames and then to the Rumpus Room Rooftop Bar in the Mondrian Hotel for cocktails. We had a really lovely time with an beautiful view.

We tried to get up the next morning to see the Solar Eclipse but London was really cloudy so no such luck. Friday we decided we would go shopping and see some sights so we set out and walked to The Breakfast Club in Soho. Delicious! 

Afterwards we went into Knightsbridge to do some shopping and mainly, to visit the famous Harrods. 

We actually didn't buy one thing from Harrods but had a nice time walking round the store. In the cosmetics section, I got really excited and wandered over to Estee Lauder to grab an EE cream which I've been wanting for a while. I was seen by an extremely rude sales assistant so I actually went to Harvey Nicks to buy it instead.

Luckily, there I was served by a really friendly lady who also gave me a free mascara so It was a good decision all round! 

I won't do a detailed review but I have to say the Enlighten EE cream is absolutely beautiful. Really light and dewy with just the right amount of coverage. 

I got mine In Medium. As far as Im aware it only comes in 3 colours. It costs £34.00 and you can purchase it here at FeelUnique.com.

Our train home was at 8pm so we decided to just eat at London Euston station. Our choice was Ed's Diner and it was a good one! 

So after a lovely break, we had a chilled train ride home.

Great chance to relax and read my book!

X

CHANEL Vs NO7

Well everyone... Ive been shopping. 

Now I know everyone always says they love shopping but when I say it... I really mean it.

I could spend hours upon hours wandering round Selfridges or Boots just 

playing with makeup... and I will never get bored! Its got so bad, my poor boyfriend knows the name, shade and price of my favourite Mac Concealer. 

Recently I bought myself No7's Superlight Foundation and Ive been 

absolutely raving about it. Now as I'm sure most makeup junkies know, you just can't buy new makeup before checking out online reviews. So whilst doing my research I heard it was also a great dupe for Chanel's Vitalumière Aqua foundation. 

After I loved it so much, I foolishly assumed the Chanel foundation would be even better (Considering it was double the price!) so I went out this weekend and brought it.

Chanel VitaLumière Aqua Foundation / £33.00

No7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation / £14.00

 both brought from Boots.UK

So firstly I really like both their packaging. Compact and classy, nothing fancy or unnecessary. They are both 30ml & Both have an SPF 15.

Chanel VitaLumière - 'Ultra light skin perfecting makeup. Luminous and naturally radiant'

No7 Superlight - 'Life-Proof foundation for a super-natural, flawless completion with a barely there feel.'

Left - Chanel VitaLumière , Shade 40 Beige

Right - No7 Superlight, Shade Warm Beige

 The Verdict? Save your money! It pains me that I already had an amazing foundation and I went out and spent £33.00 on one that is actually (in my opinion) not that great!

No7 Superlight is totally true to its word. Really dewy and lightweight, It feels like I'm not even wearing anything on my skin. Im Normal/Combination and it suits my dry skin on my cheeks and oily T-zone. I actually can't fault it, I really love this foundation.

However, Chanel's Vitalumière I find to be actually a bit heavy for my skin. 

I tried this out for a week and every time I used it It just disappointed me. 
I kept expecting it to turn me into a Dewy Goddess but alas, It did not. 

I also found It to react with oils throughout the day and turned me a bit orangey, which I have found with other foundations in the past.

Im sure on a night out with a good powder will love this foundation but for my everyday, i'll be sticking with my No7! 

X

L'OREAL COLOUR TROPHY

So a few weeks back I teamed up with Sassy Hair (my friends hair salon) to do the makeup  for the L'oreal Colour Trophy competition. 

It was a lovely day making up some beautiful models and now I have the final edits back, I thought i'd share them on the Blog.

Im really excited to finally be able to publish these photographs because finally we have had news back that we got through to the Regional Finals! 

Models / Richard Jones, Will Jones

Models / Richard Jones, Lydia Heath

Models / Yasmin Green, Will Jones

I loved doing this girls makeup, but I really wanted to let her natural beauty shine.

Primer - Mac Strobe cream & Benefit Professional 

Foundation - Nars Sheer Glow 

Blush - Mac's 'Desert Rose'

Bronzer - HD Brows Bronzer in Medium (very lightly)

Lips -  Mac liner in 'Boldy Bare' with Sleeks 'Bare All' lipstick

I primed her lids with Mac's paint pot in Painterly. 

I used Mac Eyeshadow in 'Kid' over the lid and 'Butterfudge' in the crease.

I used Maybelline's Colour tattoo in Pink Gold under the eye.

L'oreal Gel Liner on the lash line and finished with Givenchy's Noir Mascara.

  

Model / Stephanie Melbourne 

Primer - Mac Strobe cream & Benefit Professional 

Foundation - Mac Studio Fix Fluid  

Blush - Sleeks 'Flushed'

Bronzer - HD Brows Bronzer in Medium

Lips -  Mac liner in 'Spice' with ArtDeco's 'Dita Von Teese' lipstick

I primed her lids with Mac's paint pot in Painterly. 

I then used Maybelline's Colour tattoo in Permanent Taupe on the lid.

Over that, I used Macs 'Amber Lights' in the centre of the lid.

I used Mac's 'Saddle' as a transition shade.

I used Mac's 'Dance in the Dark' in the crease and inner corner of the eye.

I used Mac's 'Devilishly Dark' on the outer V to darken it up. 

Maybelline's Gel Liner, Givenchy Noir Mascara & Ardell Lashes.

 Primer - Mac Strobe cream & Benefit Professional 

Foundation - Mac Prolongwear 

Blush - Mac's 'Desert Rose'

Bronzer - Chanel tan de soleil

Lips -  Mac liner in 'Subculture' with Sleeks 'Bare All' lipstick

I primed her lids with Mac's paint pot in Painterly. 

I used Mac Eyeshadow in 'Saddle'' in the crease.

Over the lid, I used Mac's 'Regal Affair' 

In the inner corner & on the brow bone, I highlighted with Urban Decays 'Virgin' 

L'oreal Gel Liner on the lash line and finished with Givenchy's Noir Mascara. 

Ardel Demi Wispies. 

Looking forward to the Regionals in Manchester,

and many more photos to come!

SKINCARE ROUTINE

So before I begin, I'll start by explaining my skin type. 

I'd say I'm pretty lucky. Ive got what I call the bog standard, normal/combination. 

Fairly oily t-zone with the occasional break out, but I know my skin could be a lot worse so Im certainly not complaining!

Plus, we oily folk are known for ageing well so... Result!

My skin was a lot worse when I was young. Around the age of 15/16 I remember feeling quite self conscious of my skin. Luckily, I had a sympathetic mom who would always buy me new products to try and help. I tried Freederm, Clearasil, Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, Simple, probably every anti blemish range boots has!

In the end when nothing was working, I took a trip to the doctors where I was prescribed Duac. Its a kind of Acne Gel which has an antibiotic in and this cleared my skin up a treat. Being honest, I think age played a big part in becoming happier with my skin. All those nasty hormones calmed down and you definitely become more confident with age, which helps!

That all being said, I have and will always enjoy looking after my skin and am finally in a routine that works for me, using products that I'm really happy with.

La Roche-Posay

So I'm currently using the La Roche-Posay 3-Step Anti-Blemish System. 

This set includes -

- Effaclar Gel Purifying Cleanser

- Efaclar Clarified Toner

- Effaclar Duo + Anti Blemish Cream

I am loving this system. I bought mine from boots.

It costs £32.50 with a very brave claim of 'Clearer skin or your Money Back' !

This cleanser is a foam cleanser which I love, Really refreshing and makes me feel squeaky clean. They also don't really have a scent which I like.

The toner is really gentle on my skin and the Effaclar Duo is fantastic. 

Super lightweight and sinks into my skin almost instantly. I absolutely hate that sticky  thick feel you get with some moisturisers, but this one is lovely.

The anti blemish cream claims to 'reduce the appearance of blemishes and unclog pores. It also helps to reduce the appearance of red and brown marks. Proven efficacy on the key signs of oily, blemish-prone skin, which include:- Blemishes- Clogged pores- Excess sebum- Uneven skin texture'

Alongside this , I bought the Effaclar K.

Boots / £13.00

I also love this product however I use the Effaclar Duo more often as I feel its part of my 3-step routine. 

The Effaclar K is more of an 'Anti-Relapse' cream. I feel they are very similar though so not much to say on this product! I probably didn't need both, Either or!

Now the Hydraphase UV Intense Legere is slightly different. 

Brought from Boots / £16.50.

This is definitely an Anti-Aging product. I brought this on bit of a whim and it claims 24hr Rehydrating care. 

Im not entirely sure why I brought this and just as I expected, It's a little rich for my skin.

That being said, Summer is coming and I just know this is going to be perfect for me when my skin becomes a little dry. And of course, its an Anti-UVA with SPF 20 so this will definitely be holiday must have.

Last but not least, my Sanctuary Therapists Secret Oil.

This product is Uh-Maz-Ing. 

I was skeptical when buying this but my cousin (Who also has oily skin) urged me to buy this and Im so happy I did. I know, Oils on Oily skin sounds horrific and a total grease fest but you seriously have to give this a try.

Again, I buy this from boots and its £17.50.

The claims -

'This Sanctuary superfood for skin works on all skin types to help replenish the skin’s own natural oil content and provide noticeable plumping and lasting rejuvenation. A potent mixture of pure oils, sunflower, jojoba and wheatgerm oil, known to be rich in vitamin E, soak into skin to help hydrate and condition. Rosehip seed oil helps rebuild and strengthen while the balancing duo of precious rose and frankincense both soothe and calm, for skin which looks dewy-soft, radiant and noticeably younger.'

I promise you it delivers on all those things. I never put the pure oil on, I just add a few drops into my moisturiser and it is just beautiful. Not greasy at all, It sinks in almost immediately but leaves me with this dewy glow which I love.

 (Also, its a perfect makeup base!