I've always been lured in by the idea of Tarte, after watching countless US beauty gurus rave about their products left right and centre and the wondrous words 'Amazonian Clay' being thrown around for years I've desperately wanted to get in on the action, however unless willing to part with a mighty expensive plane ticket over to America, there wasn't much hope at all. Today however that all changes as Tarte launches on to QVC with a thirteen piece collection* of their best bits for us UK girls to delve head first into.

The collection is available online as of now but if you're looking to hear more about the products and more than likely watch a few demos the show times are 2pm and 6pm - I know what my plans are this afternoon!

* Gifted PR Samples

Share This Post



  • March 28, 2014

Tarte Comes to the UK



I've always been lured in by the idea of Tarte, after watching countless US beauty gurus rave about their products left right and centre and the wondrous words 'Amazonian Clay' being thrown around for years I've desperately wanted to get in on the action, however unless willing to part with a mighty expensive plane ticket over to America, there wasn't much hope at all. Today however that all changes as Tarte launches on to QVC with a thirteen piece collection* of their best bits for us UK girls to delve head first into.

The collection is available online as of now but if you're looking to hear more about the products and more than likely watch a few demos the show times are 2pm and 6pm - I know what my plans are this afternoon!

* Gifted PR Samples

Share This Post




Last week I covered my Morning Routine and now it's time to take a look the the skincare I reach for most in the evening. From thorough make up removal to fresh skin inducing serums I think I've just about got all steps covered with products I know I can rely on and a routine that myself and my skin are very happy with.




Share This Post

  • March 24, 2014

Evening Skincare Routine


Last week I covered my Morning Routine and now it's time to take a look the the skincare I reach for most in the evening. From thorough make up removal to fresh skin inducing serums I think I've just about got all steps covered with products I know I can rely on and a routine that myself and my skin are very happy with.




Share This Post



I've been gradually edging my way back into the eyeliner crowd recently, being particularly partial to a slick of the Bourjois Liner Feutre in Noir Moka, a brown liquid as apposed to the usual black which defines well but with a softer edge. As with any liner though, when worn alone I still feel like something's missing. This is where MAC Soba comes in.

A mostly matte 'one sweep wonder' shade, it sits somewhere between a mustard yellow and a neutral beige with just the smallest touch of a finely milled gold shimmer running through. I find this works best when patted over the top of a creamy base - my pick being the Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly, also from MAC, with either a flat brush or fingers (who would have thought you'd see the day!) then the edges softened with a fluffy blending brush. It's the perfect partner to any liner, adding just a hint of warmth and definition without overshadowing the main event.


Share This Post

  • March 22, 2014

MAC Soba Eyeshadow



I've been gradually edging my way back into the eyeliner crowd recently, being particularly partial to a slick of the Bourjois Liner Feutre in Noir Moka, a brown liquid as apposed to the usual black which defines well but with a softer edge. As with any liner though, when worn alone I still feel like something's missing. This is where MAC Soba comes in.

A mostly matte 'one sweep wonder' shade, it sits somewhere between a mustard yellow and a neutral beige with just the smallest touch of a finely milled gold shimmer running through. I find this works best when patted over the top of a creamy base - my pick being the Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Painterly, also from MAC, with either a flat brush or fingers (who would have thought you'd see the day!) then the edges softened with a fluffy blending brush. It's the perfect partner to any liner, adding just a hint of warmth and definition without overshadowing the main event.


Share This Post



Finally, the one you've all been waiting for.. It's time to talk skincare. I always find it hard to pin down a certain routine as the products I use often change from week to week - blame that on my ridiculous need to try every skincare product out there. For the last few months however my routine has stayed pretty standard and I've found a combination of products that work together to keep my skin in a good place. To save you from a mammoth half an hour video I'll be splitting my routine into two parts over the next week. Morning detailed right here and the slightly more comprehensive Evening addition next Sunday. I really could chat about skincare for hours!




Share This Post

  • March 17, 2014

Morning Skincare Routine



Finally, the one you've all been waiting for.. It's time to talk skincare. I always find it hard to pin down a certain routine as the products I use often change from week to week - blame that on my ridiculous need to try every skincare product out there. For the last few months however my routine has stayed pretty standard and I've found a combination of products that work together to keep my skin in a good place. To save you from a mammoth half an hour video I'll be splitting my routine into two parts over the next week. Morning detailed right here and the slightly more comprehensive Evening addition next Sunday. I really could chat about skincare for hours!




Share This Post



I've been planning a trip to Sprinkles since a new branch of the dessert wonderland opened up in town last year, but every Saturday we've tried the queues have been way out the door - clearly a sign of the good things happening inside. This weekend though I was up bright and early and with the help of the speedy five minute make up routine that I posted about yesterday we were out the door by eleven - well, earlyish anyway.
  • March 16, 2014

This Week #57



I've been planning a trip to Sprinkles since a new branch of the dessert wonderland opened up in town last year, but every Saturday we've tried the queues have been way out the door - clearly a sign of the good things happening inside. This weekend though I was up bright and early and with the help of the speedy five minute make up routine that I posted about yesterday we were out the door by eleven - well, earlyish anyway.


To me there are generally two types of minimal make up. The first is achieved by using as many products as possible to have the reverse effect of looking like you're not actually wearing anything - the 'no make up, make up look' . The second crops up more out of necessity - eg. it's seven-thirty on a Saturday morning and I want pancakes, what is the least amount of effort I can put in while still making myself look presentable to the world. Today was a use for the latter.

I started with a good helping of Chanel Le Blanc base which adds some much needed life into my skin without the tell tell signs of false shimmer, then dabbed on a thin layer of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser to even out some patches of redness while still keeping things fresh and hydrated. I think the key to minimal make up is definitely strategically placed cover up and another wonder product from NARS, the Radiant Creamy Concealer, is perfect for hiding both dark circles and blemishes alike with it's highly pigmented formula that blends in effortlessly to leave a natural skin finish, giving away no signs of what may be lurking beneath.

Benefit's Dallas powder has been rattling around in my collection for a very long time - it even made an appearance in my first ever (rather embarrassing) make up tutorial, although with some slightly heavy handed application back then. Whenever I crack this out though, I'm reminded of how perfect the colour is for not only adding warmth but also a slight pop of colour, doubling up as a bronzing product and a blush in one.

Eyes don't fall too high on the list to dedicate extra time too but mascara is absolutely essential - as are lash curlers. A few quick pumps with the Shu Uemura S Curler and I'm instantly looking more awake. As much as I like to pile on the volume, I think overly done lashes can look out of place when there's not much else going make up wise, but one or two coats of No7 Lovely Lashes Mascara adds some natural definition while keeping things soft and fluttery.

Brows are also a very big must and although I usually spend the longest portion of time sculpting away at them I've recently come across a product that cuts that down to mere seconds. Gimme Brow* from Benefit is essentially a tinted brow gel but the consistency actually feels a lot more like a mascara. It gives enough colour to fill in most sparse patches and the mini wand makes light work of shaping with a formula that once dry keeps every single hair in check - no wild brows running away here.

The final step while I'm heading out the door is a quick slick of something on the lips and although not usually a fan of gloss, I've definitely been converted but the Maybelline Colour Sensational range. Cashmere Rose is the perfect natural pink, with a light shine that feels just like a lip balm with no stickiness in sight. This adds a touch of dimension to my make up - plus, there's no worry of smearing this all over my face when digging into breakfast! Five minutes? Job done.
* Gifted PR Samples

Share This Post

  • March 15, 2014

Minimal Make Up



To me there are generally two types of minimal make up. The first is achieved by using as many products as possible to have the reverse effect of looking like you're not actually wearing anything - the 'no make up, make up look' . The second crops up more out of necessity - eg. it's seven-thirty on a Saturday morning and I want pancakes, what is the least amount of effort I can put in while still making myself look presentable to the world. Today was a use for the latter.

I started with a good helping of Chanel Le Blanc base which adds some much needed life into my skin without the tell tell signs of false shimmer, then dabbed on a thin layer of NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser to even out some patches of redness while still keeping things fresh and hydrated. I think the key to minimal make up is definitely strategically placed cover up and another wonder product from NARS, the Radiant Creamy Concealer, is perfect for hiding both dark circles and blemishes alike with it's highly pigmented formula that blends in effortlessly to leave a natural skin finish, giving away no signs of what may be lurking beneath.

Benefit's Dallas powder has been rattling around in my collection for a very long time - it even made an appearance in my first ever (rather embarrassing) make up tutorial, although with some slightly heavy handed application back then. Whenever I crack this out though, I'm reminded of how perfect the colour is for not only adding warmth but also a slight pop of colour, doubling up as a bronzing product and a blush in one.

Eyes don't fall too high on the list to dedicate extra time too but mascara is absolutely essential - as are lash curlers. A few quick pumps with the Shu Uemura S Curler and I'm instantly looking more awake. As much as I like to pile on the volume, I think overly done lashes can look out of place when there's not much else going make up wise, but one or two coats of No7 Lovely Lashes Mascara adds some natural definition while keeping things soft and fluttery.

Brows are also a very big must and although I usually spend the longest portion of time sculpting away at them I've recently come across a product that cuts that down to mere seconds. Gimme Brow* from Benefit is essentially a tinted brow gel but the consistency actually feels a lot more like a mascara. It gives enough colour to fill in most sparse patches and the mini wand makes light work of shaping with a formula that once dry keeps every single hair in check - no wild brows running away here.

The final step while I'm heading out the door is a quick slick of something on the lips and although not usually a fan of gloss, I've definitely been converted but the Maybelline Colour Sensational range. Cashmere Rose is the perfect natural pink, with a light shine that feels just like a lip balm with no stickiness in sight. This adds a touch of dimension to my make up - plus, there's no worry of smearing this all over my face when digging into breakfast! Five minutes? Job done.
* Gifted PR Samples

Share This Post




I've been purchasing lip products left right and center recently - can't beat that 3 for 2. There seems to be an abundance of new launches, formulas and colours out at the moment, most coming from budget friendly brands and from matte crayons to liquid lipstick I've been trying them all. These five make up my current 'lip wardrobe' of most worn shades, including a few old favourites and a couple of new discoveries that have made the process of selecting a lipstick in the morning a rather challenging one.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Unapologetic: - Pictured above
I became slightly obsessed with getting hold of the Matte Balms after the announcement of their release and they've ended up being just as perfect as I first imagined. All the shades are incredibly pigmented, especially the almost neon pink Unapologetic which has become one of my favourites to pair with nude eyes. The matte texture is velvety soft while being hydrating at the same time and these stain the lips so well I've even managed to a go a whole day (meals included) without having to touch up.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipgloss in Cashmere Rose: - See me wearing it here
On the other end of the spectrum I've been favouring a nude lip a lot more often these days. Never usually a fan of gloss, I think I've been converted by the balm-like, non sticky texture of the Colour Sensational formulas and have already amassed quite the collection of colours of which Cashmere Rose has turned out to be a favourite. The perfect throw on subtel colour that adds a hint of shine and a tint of soft pink.

L'Oreal L'Extrodinaire Liquid Lipstick in 201 Rose Symphony: - See me wearing it here
On days when my lips are super dehydrated and almost any product I own would pick up on dry patches, it's the L'Oreal L'Extrodinaire I turn to. The most hydrating lipstick (liquid or not) I've ever come across, this feels identical to The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care that I recently declared my love for, but with the bonus of a coloured tint. The strong fruity scent may put some off but I can't stop myself applying this repeatedly throughout the day. Although the shades may not be overly pigmented they definitely pack more punch that a lip gloss alone.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito: - See me wearing it here
After years of searching, I think I may have finally found a lipstick that matches the exact shade of my lips. Slightly pointless some may think, but for days when I'n not feeling all that into colour this is the perfect way to even everything out, add some moisture and make my lips look a little more polished than their natural state. The Super Lustrous formulas are very balm like (can anyone spot a trend forming?), adding the perfect amount of hydration without skimping on the colour payoff.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square: - See me wearing it here
Although I've been neglecting red lips over the last few months, when I do decided to go for a full on bold pout it's NARS Red Square that I automatically reach for. Red lipstick can be notoriously tricky to apply but this goes on like a dream. The crayon tip lines and fills in at the same time and although it can be a touch on the drying side (I make sure I've always got a thin layer of Reve de Miel on before hand) this stuff doesn't budge. At all. It's also the most perfect shade of orange tinged red.

So there you have it, five products that have been occupying my lips non-stop. What's your favourite lip choice of the moment? I'll be taking notes!


Share This Post

  • March 13, 2014

The Lip Lineup




I've been purchasing lip products left right and center recently - can't beat that 3 for 2. There seems to be an abundance of new launches, formulas and colours out at the moment, most coming from budget friendly brands and from matte crayons to liquid lipstick I've been trying them all. These five make up my current 'lip wardrobe' of most worn shades, including a few old favourites and a couple of new discoveries that have made the process of selecting a lipstick in the morning a rather challenging one.

Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balm in Unapologetic: - Pictured above
I became slightly obsessed with getting hold of the Matte Balms after the announcement of their release and they've ended up being just as perfect as I first imagined. All the shades are incredibly pigmented, especially the almost neon pink Unapologetic which has become one of my favourites to pair with nude eyes. The matte texture is velvety soft while being hydrating at the same time and these stain the lips so well I've even managed to a go a whole day (meals included) without having to touch up.

Maybelline Color Sensational Lipgloss in Cashmere Rose: - See me wearing it here
On the other end of the spectrum I've been favouring a nude lip a lot more often these days. Never usually a fan of gloss, I think I've been converted by the balm-like, non sticky texture of the Colour Sensational formulas and have already amassed quite the collection of colours of which Cashmere Rose has turned out to be a favourite. The perfect throw on subtel colour that adds a hint of shine and a tint of soft pink.

L'Oreal L'Extrodinaire Liquid Lipstick in 201 Rose Symphony: - See me wearing it here
On days when my lips are super dehydrated and almost any product I own would pick up on dry patches, it's the L'Oreal L'Extrodinaire I turn to. The most hydrating lipstick (liquid or not) I've ever come across, this feels identical to The Body Shop Aloe Lip Care that I recently declared my love for, but with the bonus of a coloured tint. The strong fruity scent may put some off but I can't stop myself applying this repeatedly throughout the day. Although the shades may not be overly pigmented they definitely pack more punch that a lip gloss alone.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Cognito: - See me wearing it here
After years of searching, I think I may have finally found a lipstick that matches the exact shade of my lips. Slightly pointless some may think, but for days when I'n not feeling all that into colour this is the perfect way to even everything out, add some moisture and make my lips look a little more polished than their natural state. The Super Lustrous formulas are very balm like (can anyone spot a trend forming?), adding the perfect amount of hydration without skimping on the colour payoff.

NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Red Square: - See me wearing it here
Although I've been neglecting red lips over the last few months, when I do decided to go for a full on bold pout it's NARS Red Square that I automatically reach for. Red lipstick can be notoriously tricky to apply but this goes on like a dream. The crayon tip lines and fills in at the same time and although it can be a touch on the drying side (I make sure I've always got a thin layer of Reve de Miel on before hand) this stuff doesn't budge. At all. It's also the most perfect shade of orange tinged red.

So there you have it, five products that have been occupying my lips non-stop. What's your favourite lip choice of the moment? I'll be taking notes!


Share This Post

@Instagram