I can't say I've ever been one for a full on Halloween get up. Donning a mask for the night doesn't have much appeal and fake blood just stains everything but when October 31st rolls around I do get the urge to throw on something black and generally 'vamp it up' in the make up department.

MAC Rebel Lipstick has been sitting in a draw for a while now waiting for just such an occasion to be used. It's a deep purpled toned berry that takes a little bit of bravery to rock on a daily basis but looks equally amazing on fair or dark complexions. Think glowing perfected skin, a wash of soft bronzer and a slick of this for a look that's all about the lips.

If playing up the eyes is your forte then a smokey look is a must. I love how easy it is to blend a single cream shadow out, creating different tones and packing on the colour exactly where it's needed. Drugstore brands are on fire with their cream products at the moment, Maybelline and Rimmel do a great selection but the Bourjois Colour Edition in Prune Nocturne* is my pick for a smudged out purple haze with just enough shimmer to give it some festive edge.

Last of all add the finishing touch with a deep red polish, I've opted for Essie Sole Mate, striped onto the tips of naked nails and topped with a good glossy clear coat, giving effect that you've just elegantly dipped your fingers in blood. Hey presto, you're vamped and ready to go catch the tube without gaining any odd glances from passers by. Happy Halloween!

* Gifted PR Samples

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• October 31, 2013

Vamping Up

I can't say I've ever been one for a full on Halloween get up. Donning a mask for the night doesn't have much appeal and fake blood just stains everything but when October 31st rolls around I do get the urge to throw on something black and generally 'vamp it up' in the make up department.

MAC Rebel Lipstick has been sitting in a draw for a while now waiting for just such an occasion to be used. It's a deep purpled toned berry that takes a little bit of bravery to rock on a daily basis but looks equally amazing on fair or dark complexions. Think glowing perfected skin, a wash of soft bronzer and a slick of this for a look that's all about the lips.

If playing up the eyes is your forte then a smokey look is a must. I love how easy it is to blend a single cream shadow out, creating different tones and packing on the colour exactly where it's needed. Drugstore brands are on fire with their cream products at the moment, Maybelline and Rimmel do a great selection but the Bourjois Colour Edition in Prune Nocturne* is my pick for a smudged out purple haze with just enough shimmer to give it some festive edge.

Last of all add the finishing touch with a deep red polish, I've opted for Essie Sole Mate, striped onto the tips of naked nails and topped with a good glossy clear coat, giving effect that you've just elegantly dipped your fingers in blood. Hey presto, you're vamped and ready to go catch the tube without gaining any odd glances from passers by. Happy Halloween!

* Gifted PR Samples

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It wasn't too long ago that I found myself professing a love for all things deep, dark and berry when it came to nails this Autumn and I've been quite content layering on a dose of Chanel Rouge Noir or Essie Sole Mate throughout the month. On a recent browse of Feel Unique however - scouting out yet more burgundy tones, I spied one of Nails Inc's new additions: Sheraton Street*. Albeit the complete opposite of what I wanted, something about the dusky grey blue caught my eye and it was swiftly added to the cart. There's been a lot of talk of pastels for Autumn, from the runways of Fashion Week to THAT Topshop Coat and while I may not be about to drop nearly £90 on a fluffy pink number I can certainly stretch to bringing pastels out in my Nail Wardrobe.

The polish itself isn't like anything I've seen before - something important when planning another addition to my hoard. I'd almost describe it as icy, like the top of a frozen lake making it a perfectly timed purchase for the colder months. Like any pastel it's application is a little tricky, theres the odd bit of streaking which means two coats are a must, but with this shade I'm certainly prepared to do the legwork.

* Purchased with a gifted PR voucher
Rings: Topshop & River Island

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• October 28, 2013

Nails Inc Sheraton Street: Pastels for Autumn?

It wasn't too long ago that I found myself professing a love for all things deep, dark and berry when it came to nails this Autumn and I've been quite content layering on a dose of Chanel Rouge Noir or Essie Sole Mate throughout the month. On a recent browse of Feel Unique however - scouting out yet more burgundy tones, I spied one of Nails Inc's new additions: Sheraton Street*. Albeit the complete opposite of what I wanted, something about the dusky grey blue caught my eye and it was swiftly added to the cart. There's been a lot of talk of pastels for Autumn, from the runways of Fashion Week to THAT Topshop Coat and while I may not be about to drop nearly £90 on a fluffy pink number I can certainly stretch to bringing pastels out in my Nail Wardrobe.

The polish itself isn't like anything I've seen before - something important when planning another addition to my hoard. I'd almost describe it as icy, like the top of a frozen lake making it a perfectly timed purchase for the colder months. Like any pastel it's application is a little tricky, theres the odd bit of streaking which means two coats are a must, but with this shade I'm certainly prepared to do the legwork.

* Purchased with a gifted PR voucher
Rings: Topshop & River Island

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This week you might have noticed a little silence here on the blog as I've been away on our annual family holiday to Wales. We stayed in St Davids which is honestly the most charming coastal City, wedged between two incredible beaches and full of quaint little shops and cafes. I've been visiting Pembrokeshire pretty much every year since I was born so this place feels like home to me and it's sad to say goodbye again!

• October 27, 2013

This Week #48

This week you might have noticed a little silence here on the blog as I've been away on our annual family holiday to Wales. We stayed in St Davids which is honestly the most charming coastal City, wedged between two incredible beaches and full of quaint little shops and cafes. I've been visiting Pembrokeshire pretty much every year since I was born so this place feels like home to me and it's sad to say goodbye again!

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This week I came to an inevitable conclusion; I own too much make up. Take a wander around my bedroom and you'll probably find cosmetics peaking out from every nook and cranny. Blushers on the bedside table, lipsticks lined up along the window sill and at least three of four forgotten palettes lying dormant under the bed (which is most unfortunate for the boy who has to share it with me as they're usually stuffed under his side). I'd already dabbled in some Muji storage and bought a two draw unit last year but after getting frustrated with only being able to squeeze a minimal amount in there things invariably ended up migrating out and around, covering my dressing table and hiding the goods that were left untouched in those acrylic draws.

Being spurred on by the slightly more laid back approach I find myself having with make up these days I decided it was not only time to invest in more Muji - well duh!, but also reign in my out of hand cosmetics cave. The set up now stands at four draws high, each catering to a different product. Lipsticks, Cheeks, Eyes and Foundation - everything you could ever need for a full face of make up. Still lacking on space a tad, albeit better than before, this means only the absolute cream of the crop make it in to the coveted on-table storage. But don't worry, the rest haven't been forgotten and are neatly organised away in my other new storage best friend - the aptly named Ikea Alex. Nine draws standing at well over a meter high that could house even the Kardashian's make up stash ... well, probably not. It's become a new Sunday ritual to have a nosey inside and see if I deem anything worthy of being promoted to the Muji draws for use during the week.

The big make up shake-around has actually lead to the re-discovered of a few old friends, including Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation which is serving up a healthy dose of glow to my complexion and Benefit's Hoola Bronzer, my current cheekbone-carver of choice. Who knew organisation could pay off so well!

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• October 22, 2013

Operation Organised

This week I came to an inevitable conclusion; I own too much make up. Take a wander around my bedroom and you'll probably find cosmetics peaking out from every nook and cranny. Blushers on the bedside table, lipsticks lined up along the window sill and at least three of four forgotten palettes lying dormant under the bed (which is most unfortunate for the boy who has to share it with me as they're usually stuffed under his side). I'd already dabbled in some Muji storage and bought a two draw unit last year but after getting frustrated with only being able to squeeze a minimal amount in there things invariably ended up migrating out and around, covering my dressing table and hiding the goods that were left untouched in those acrylic draws.

Being spurred on by the slightly more laid back approach I find myself having with make up these days I decided it was not only time to invest in more Muji - well duh!, but also reign in my out of hand cosmetics cave. The set up now stands at four draws high, each catering to a different product. Lipsticks, Cheeks, Eyes and Foundation - everything you could ever need for a full face of make up. Still lacking on space a tad, albeit better than before, this means only the absolute cream of the crop make it in to the coveted on-table storage. But don't worry, the rest haven't been forgotten and are neatly organised away in my other new storage best friend - the aptly named Ikea Alex. Nine draws standing at well over a meter high that could house even the Kardashian's make up stash ... well, probably not. It's become a new Sunday ritual to have a nosey inside and see if I deem anything worthy of being promoted to the Muji draws for use during the week.

The big make up shake-around has actually lead to the re-discovered of a few old friends, including Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua Foundation which is serving up a healthy dose of glow to my complexion and Benefit's Hoola Bronzer, my current cheekbone-carver of choice. Who knew organisation could pay off so well!

YouTube | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Facebook | Instagram

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01. Finally I have found the perfect tartan scarf - thanks Primark! | 02. Contemplating a colour transformation with the new Bleach London dyes | 03. An afternoon spent with Leandra Medine and her Canadian Tuxedo | 04. Saturday morning make up | 05. Doing breakfast the right way with Banana and Nutella pancakes | 06. Some cosy new Autumn additions from Mink Pink and Mango
Product of the Week: As you may have clocked in my recent Autumn Get Ready With Me video, the Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner in the shade Black Gold has been getting some serious love from me this week. The perfect burnished olive green shot through with gold shimmer, I've been slicking this over my eyelids on a near daily basis since it's purchase. Snap it up soon though as the Fade to Black collection which it hails from is only out for a limited time - I may need to stock up!

• October 20, 2013

This Week #49

01. Finally I have found the perfect tartan scarf - thanks Primark! | 02. Contemplating a colour transformation with the new Bleach London dyes | 03. An afternoon spent with Leandra Medine and her Canadian Tuxedo | 04. Saturday morning make up | 05. Doing breakfast the right way with Banana and Nutella pancakes | 06. Some cosy new Autumn additions from Mink Pink and Mango
Product of the Week: As you may have clocked in my recent Autumn Get Ready With Me video, the Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner in the shade Black Gold has been getting some serious love from me this week. The perfect burnished olive green shot through with gold shimmer, I've been slicking this over my eyelids on a near daily basis since it's purchase. Snap it up soon though as the Fade to Black collection which it hails from is only out for a limited time - I may need to stock up!

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Autumn has begun to fully set in over the last few weeks and I've found myself gravitating towards a more seasonal inspired make up. Sheer bases, olive greens and berry tones are all things I've been drawn to when I sit down at my dressing table in the morning to decide what will be making the daily cut and last weekend I opted to forgo the extra hour in bed and film a quick and simple make up look that's been keeping me happy. Also, stay tuned until the end for some *ahem* overly posed *ahem* snippets of my outfit and a the tinniest of vlogs!

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation (shade 100 Porcelain) | Bobbi Brown Corrector (shade Bisque) | Origins Plantscription Concealer | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (shade Vanilla) | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light | Nars Laguna Bronzer | Benefit Rockateur Blush | Bourjois Java Rice Powder | Smashbox Brow Tech To Go (shade Brunette) | Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner in Black Gold | Clinique High Impact Extreme Mascara | No7 Stay Perfect Mascara* | Nuxe Reve de Meil Lip Balm | MAC Dangerous Lipstick

* Gifted PR Sample

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• October 19, 2013

Get Ready With Me: Autumn Make Up Look & Outfit

Autumn has begun to fully set in over the last few weeks and I've found myself gravitating towards a more seasonal inspired make up. Sheer bases, olive greens and berry tones are all things I've been drawn to when I sit down at my dressing table in the morning to decide what will be making the daily cut and last weekend I opted to forgo the extra hour in bed and film a quick and simple make up look that's been keeping me happy. Also, stay tuned until the end for some *ahem* overly posed *ahem* snippets of my outfit and a the tinniest of vlogs!

L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation (shade 100 Porcelain) | Bobbi Brown Corrector (shade Bisque) | Origins Plantscription Concealer | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (shade Vanilla) | Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light | Nars Laguna Bronzer | Benefit Rockateur Blush | Bourjois Java Rice Powder | Smashbox Brow Tech To Go (shade Brunette) | Smashbox Waterproof Shadow Liner in Black Gold | Clinique High Impact Extreme Mascara | No7 Stay Perfect Mascara* | Nuxe Reve de Meil Lip Balm | MAC Dangerous Lipstick

* Gifted PR Sample

YouTube | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Facebook | Instagram

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I'm not usually one to buy in bulk when it comes to beauty due to my ever wandering tastes and owning far too many products as it is. It's quite a rarity therefore for things to actually get used up and repurchased in my stash, but there are a select few that I find myself reaching for on a daily basis and invariably running out of all too quickly.

Pepta-Bright and Hydraluron from Indeed Labs are the glue that keeps my Skincare routine together, the first acting as a daily fix for dull skin that's also been working wonders on redness and scarring, and the second being sandwiched on between serum and moisturiser to keep the hydration levels up and oily patches at bay. Coming in at £29.99 and £24.99 a pop however, it's definitely a purse-emptying habit.

This is where my good friend the 3 for 2 comes in. I like to keep an eagle eye on the offers in Boots - ever the savvy saver! - and yesterday on my weekly peruse of the isles, I saw those happy signs plastered all over the skincare stands and these two products were swiftly deposited into the shopping basket with an extra one coming in absolutely free. I can go to sleep happy tonight knowing that these will be sitting, ready and waiting in my stockroom of a beauty cupboard until another one reaches it's end. Hurrah for stocking up!


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• October 16, 2013

The Skincare Stock-Up

I'm not usually one to buy in bulk when it comes to beauty due to my ever wandering tastes and owning far too many products as it is. It's quite a rarity therefore for things to actually get used up and repurchased in my stash, but there are a select few that I find myself reaching for on a daily basis and invariably running out of all too quickly.

Pepta-Bright and Hydraluron from Indeed Labs are the glue that keeps my Skincare routine together, the first acting as a daily fix for dull skin that's also been working wonders on redness and scarring, and the second being sandwiched on between serum and moisturiser to keep the hydration levels up and oily patches at bay. Coming in at £29.99 and £24.99 a pop however, it's definitely a purse-emptying habit.

This is where my good friend the 3 for 2 comes in. I like to keep an eagle eye on the offers in Boots - ever the savvy saver! - and yesterday on my weekly peruse of the isles, I saw those happy signs plastered all over the skincare stands and these two products were swiftly deposited into the shopping basket with an extra one coming in absolutely free. I can go to sleep happy tonight knowing that these will be sitting, ready and waiting in my stockroom of a beauty cupboard until another one reaches it's end. Hurrah for stocking up!


YouTube | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Facebook | Instagram

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This month's favourites video has been long overdue, but finally after many rather boring technical issues here's a look at the products I've been loving throughout September (and the first half of this month it sees too!). I've got a new favourite drugstore foundation, a host of hair care products to talk about and things are definitely starting to get Autumnal on the colour front..

L'Oreal Ever PureColour Care & Volume Shampoo | L'Oreal Ever PureColour Care & Volume Conditioner | Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray | Schwarzkopf Got2b 2 Sexy Volumising Hairspray | Schwarzkopf 2 Sexy Volumising Spray Mousse | Bumble and Bumble Texturising Dryspun Finish | L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation (shade 100 Porcelain) | Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder | MAC Relentlessly Red Lipstick | Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Papaya Punch | Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Party Pink | Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Electric Pink | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (shade Vanilla) | Chanel Rouge Noir Nail Polish | Essie Bordeaux Nail Polish | Essie Luxedo Nail Polish | Elemis White Flowers Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover*

* Gifted PR Samples

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• October 12, 2013

September 2013 Favourites

This month's favourites video has been long overdue, but finally after many rather boring technical issues here's a look at the products I've been loving throughout September (and the first half of this month it sees too!). I've got a new favourite drugstore foundation, a host of hair care products to talk about and things are definitely starting to get Autumnal on the colour front..

L'Oreal Ever PureColour Care & Volume Shampoo | L'Oreal Ever PureColour Care & Volume Conditioner | Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Blasting Freeze Spray | Schwarzkopf Got2b 2 Sexy Volumising Hairspray | Schwarzkopf 2 Sexy Volumising Spray Mousse | Bumble and Bumble Texturising Dryspun Finish | L'Oreal Nude Magique Eau de Teint Foundation (shade 100 Porcelain) | Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Powder | MAC Relentlessly Red Lipstick | Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Papaya Punch | Sleek Matte Me Lip Cream in Party Pink | Smashbox Be Legendary Lipstick in Electric Pink | Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (shade Vanilla) | Chanel Rouge Noir Nail Polish | Essie Bordeaux Nail Polish | Essie Luxedo Nail Polish | Elemis White Flowers Eye & Lip Make-Up Remover*

* Gifted PR Samples

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Believe it or not, I'd never actually been to a Blogger event up until last week when I was thrown right in at the deep end and attended the the Cosmo Blog Awards 2013. Still trying to recover from the shock that I'd been nominated and with Mother in tow for next day shopping adventures, I hopped on a train last Wednesday and set off for London.

• October 09, 2013

Cosmo Blog Awards 2013

Believe it or not, I'd never actually been to a Blogger event up until last week when I was thrown right in at the deep end and attended the the Cosmo Blog Awards 2013. Still trying to recover from the shock that I'd been nominated and with Mother in tow for next day shopping adventures, I hopped on a train last Wednesday and set off for London.

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