Cheek of the week?

We've all seen FOTDs and EOTDs but do we think COTW could catch on??!  It does rhyme after all...

I would happily make the statement that cheek products are my favourite to buy.  Lipsticks are nice but I never really get that excited about; eyeshadows I love but have enough to last me lifetime..

Cheek products however possess an appeal second to none...  The allure of a new bronzer, blush or highlighter is sometimes just too much.  The multitude of formulas and vast selection of shades means I never get bored of madly swatching products in the aisles of Boots or at the Selfridges' counters.  And as such, I can always justify a new purchase.

Most recently it has been Sleek's Rose Gold that I finally got my mitts on two weeks ago and it hasn't been off my cheeks since.  Combined with Chanel Bronze Universel and MAC Hush Cream Colour Base, it creates the perfectly defined, highlighted and rosy cheeks that I am always aiming for.

These three products were made for each other.

What cheek products have you fallen in love with recently?  Do we think COTW could catch on?!  Did Rosie cheat with Hugo? (Not connected but an all important question all the same...)

Let me know! xxx

Undecided

With the colder weather rapidly approaching and a serious lack of sleep, my skin has taken a bit of a hit recently and is looking somewhat lacklustre.  Not even my beloved Hush cream colour base can save it - really desperate times..!!

I hoped that a quick purchase of Fix+ would give me a healthy, dewy complexion but unfortunately I feel like I've wasted £12.50 on a bottle of water that basically doesn't do much?  I've tried it under my make up, over, both, blasted my face with a hairdryer after.... but - nothing?  No effect that I see?

Don't get me wrong - it feels lovely and refreshing when applied but I can't help but think I could have bought a spritz bottle and filled it up with water??

What do you gorgeous girls think?  Are you fan of Fix+ or feel that it is a bit of a gimmick?  I am by no means disheartened just yet......I have a feeling one of you will give me a tip of how to use it and I'll fall immediately in love.....

xxx

Face and Nails of the Week

I have been happily stuck in a rut with my make up this past week or so.  I've now got this down to a fine art and it literally only takes me a few minutes in the morning.  In this picture, I've gone heavy on the highlighter and added some 110 Eyelure lashes - my new absolute faves!

You can also spot my newest nail varnish purchase - Rimmel's 'In Style Coral'.  It is is a beautiful pink-toned coral that is near to Rose Libertine but slightly more coral toned and therefore an absolute hit with me!  Between this and Barry M's Peach Melba, I'm set for colours this summer!

FACE

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Estee Lauder Double Wear Concealer

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer (52) to contour

MAC Something Special Cremeblend Blush

Benefit High Beam to highlight

EYES

MAC Bare Canvas Paint all over lid

MAC Tempting through outer third & crease and smudged along lower lashes

MAC Dark Edge through brows and lightly through crease to darken at night

Dream Weave mascara

[110 Eyelashes at night]

 

LIPS  

MAC Something Special Cremeblend Blush

Lipgloss: Jemma Kidd Petal OR Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker

NAILS

Rimmel - In Style Coral 

I hope you're all having a lovely week

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

An Update and Weekend Wish List

Hello gorgeous girls!  I am so, so sorry for going AWOL over the last few weeks.  This is down to a combination of finishing exams, a technology breakdown, a few random road trips and leaving Manchester for the final time.  It was very emotional and yes, I did cry!

But moving upwards and onwards, I am now back in leafy Warwickshire for the foreseeable future and am happily settled in my gorgeous family home.  Things are nowhere near calm however as we are in the midst of decorating and stacks of DIY is calling but this does mean an entirely new bedroom - inspiration is flooding in from weheartit!

As for me, I am in the graduand limbo before graduation in a few weeks and trying to relax but constantly finding jobs to apply to - why is being an adult so hard?!

I am excited about the prospect of a 'real job' though - I have no idea what I really want to do so the sky is the limit which is pretty exciting!  I have some amazing things in the pipeline but I don't want to jinx them by saying too much...

However, I cannot stop myself from mentally planning what I might buy - typical girl - with my first real salary....

YSL Rouge Volupte 

Oooh 1 or the whole collection - I just need some YSL in my life!  I have always had a mental debate with myself over whether these are worth the cash but I have fully decided - YES THEY BLOODY WELL ARE!

 Dressing Table 

I've never had a proper dressing table (I make myself sound so deprived..!) but with my room being re-done, it is something that I really, really want!  I'm torn between a Venetian style like pictured or a white shabby chic version... What do you reckon?!

Lily Flame Candles

What girl's room would be complete without a stupidly large array of scented candles?!  I love this brand - the scents are amazing and they look so cute too.

Chanel 2.55

One day, one day..!!

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural

 I have a love-hate relationship with powder and feel I've tried every one available in the drugstore.  This is therefore the next logical step...MAC have never let me down before though so I have high hopes!  I am excited by the light coverage that it can provide - I am hoping that over some tinted moisturiser it will be all I need when I'm tanned.

Some are realistic and some are very much not - but then a girl can dream..!

IN & OUT #4

IN

Summer Holidays: In the last few days I have booked to go away for 8 days of Spanish sun with my house mates.  We are venturing to Lizzie's beautiful apartment for a second round of what we had last year.  I literally cannot wait to see this view again and I've been stocking up on the tanning oil already ;).  July, please hurry up!!!

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation: I think I have a winner of my foundation trial....for now anyway!  It has the medium coverage that I crave but with a gorgeous dewy finish that I love.  I think it's time for my Double Wear to move over, especially as this is so much cheaper at £10 compared to £25 and it smells pretty damn nice too!  If anybody would like a full review, please just ask :)

Vero Moda:  This is a store that I always have a little mooch around but never actually splash the cash in.  This all changed a few weeks ago and I have completely fallen in love with their high waisted jeans.  No falling down in sight - if you have a small derrière like me....you need a pair of these!!

MAC Lady Blush Cremeblush: MAC have unfortunately discontinued this range and replaced them with Cremeblend Blushes; subsequently changing the colour too.  However, if you can manage to get this version, it is AMAZING.  It gives a beautifully dewy pink sheen to the cheeks that I'm absolutely in love with.  It also looks gorgeous on the lips.  Can you tell I love it?!

OUT

Technology:  My laptop has spectacularly died for the second time in 5 months hence a lack of posts recently.  Hopefully it will all be sorted soon though and then I'll be back properly - I promise! 

University: From the 7th June, my exams will be over and I'll be finished with education for good!  I am so, so excited and cannot wait to blog and tweet to my hearts content!  Then I just need to look for a 'real job'......any ideas?!!

Powder: In line with my new foundation, I am loving a natural and radiant finish so my powders have been banished.  They may need to be bought back out when the weather gets warmer but for now they are seeing no love from me!

Ollie from Made in Chelsea: I do feel sorry for Gabriella but HOW did she not realise?!

What are you loving/hating at the moment?!

xxx

TAG: 11 Most Reached For Products/March Favourites

My eleven favourite products change constantly but these products have been consistently used day in/day out for the whole of March...so I'm killing two birds with one stone!

Skin care, hair care, tan and bases

St Moriz Dark Mousse

John Frieda Serum

Olay Multi-Radiance Fluid

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Concealer

No 7 Creme Touch Powder

Eye and lip products

Collection 2000 Big Fake Lash Mascara

NAKED Palette

MAC Tempting Quad

MOR Passionflower Lip Delight

17 Beehive Mirror Shine Lipstick

As you can tell, these products have been loved to death and is seen by their completely battered packing!  If there is anything that catches your eye for a full review, just say!

What have been your favourites recently???

xxx

A Match Made in Heaven: #2

Another day; another few select products that were a match made in cosmetic heaven....!

Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Kabuki & MAC Cream Colour Bases

The synthetic brush picks up the perfect amount of product and allows it to be buffed in perfectly where needed - a fantastic finish that I just can never achieve with my fingers.

I absolutely love this brush - any other flat top kabukis that I should invest in?!

Modern 60s

Dewy skin, dark cut crease and pinky nude lips

FACE

Chanel Pro Lumiere Foundation

Bobbi Brown Corrector then Creamy Concealer under eyes

No 7 Transparent Créme Touch Powder to set

No 7 High Lights Illuminating Powder in Island Glow to Contour

No 7 Blushers in Soft Damson and Honey blended onto cheeks

MAC Hush Cream Colour Base to highlight cheekbones

EYES

MAC Bare Canvas Paint all over lid

Urban Decay Whiskey eyeliner through socket and on upper & lower lash lines

Urban Decay Buck eyeshadow blended through the socket over the liner

Sleek matte black shadow put lightly through socket to darken

L'oreal Super Liner Carbon Gloss along upper lash line and flicked out

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara

Sleek matte brown shadow through brows

[In hindsight, I would have thickened the flick and added lashes - but there is always next time!]

LIPS

Prestige Silk Lip Liner

MAC Hue Lipstick

Revlon Peach Petal Lipgloss

xxx

MAC Cham Pale and Stylishly Yours Haul

MAC's latest offerings have caused a stir in the beauty community and this time, for a good reason.

The gorgeous Cham Pale collection beautifully described as the 'ultimate luxury..shimmering with all the bubbly optimism & golden glow of the best that's yet to be' pretty much sells it to you on the spot.

As for the the Stylishly Yours collection, it's promise to be 'always flawlessly fabulous' entices you in.

I am a marketing man's dream...

Chromographic Pencil NC15-NW20

A flesh coloured pencil has been something I've been searching for for what seems like forever.  This silky soft pencil, when applied in your waterline, very much opens up tired eyes.  When smudged into the very corner of the eye socket, it also gives a wonderful highlight.

   Virgin Isle Cream Colour Base

If you have been following me for a while, you will know that Hush CCB is one of my all time favourite products.  The other colours have therefore been on my mental list, especially Virgin Isle after seeing Nic (Pixiwoo) use it in this video.

Rumour has it that this is now discontinued on the main line and is now a Pro product so I snapped it up in this re-promote.

It is such an amazing colour - so highly pigmented, blends beautifully and lasts on the cheeks for a long time.  It has unfortunately sold out now online but if you can get yours hands on one, I would highly recommend it as a product.

What did you pick up from the collections?  Am I really missing out on the Cham Pale paint pots?!

New Year's Eve Make Up

Happy New Year my fellow beauty addicts!

This New Year's Eve was relatively low key - good food and drink with some of my dearest friends and then a trip to a local small establishment for drinks at midnight and dancing into the early hours..

I had planned to dress in line with this casual plan but who was I kidding?!  I teamed a sparkly dress with killers heels and got my make up stash out - I can't resist a chance to get dolled up!

MaxFactor Xperience Foundation

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

No 7 Créme Touch Translucent Powder

MAC Dainty Mineralize Blush

MAC Dark Edge (from Cult of Cherry Tempting quad) through brows

MAC Bare Canvas Paint - all over lid

Urban Decay Gunmetal - all over lid

Urban Decay Creep - blended out through outer third and crease

Barry M Navy Glitter Dust - lightly placed over entire lid 

L'oreal Voluminuous Mascara

17 Beehive Lipstick

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lipgloss

I gave the Xperience foundation another try since the texture of my skin has improved significantly since using the Oilatum cream.  Unfortunately, it still didn't last long and is definitely a day-only foundation from now on.  And the Soap and Glory lipgloss?  Amazing and addictive...!

xxx

Products of 2010: MAC Cream Colour Base - Hush

Many products have come and gone this year but only a few have truly gone the distance and earned my love.

This is most certainly one of them!

I know Hush will be a staple in my collection forever.  It is truly amazing - a creamy highlighter that when swiped along my cheekbones gives me a glow I could only ever dream about...

It is love - pure and simple!

Thank God it's the weekend

A sort of blog-vlog if you will :)

After a long week of mainly ten/eleven hour days, on Friday all I wanted to do was crash.  However, never one to miss out on a social opportunity I hot-footed it to my best friend's house ten miles away to see all my old school friends.  We had a fantastic time laughing, reminiscing and munching some highly calorific treats such as these meringues I threw together ....

After all this I didn't get the early night I needed and then being so dedicated to the shopping cause I woke at 8 on Saturday to go to a nearby open-air market which always promises a bargain.

My early morning was not in vain - a Topshop £28 dress for £6 (pictures later) and these little gems:

John Freida Brilliant Brunette Luminous Colour Glaze - £1

L'oreal Studio Secrets Primer - £2

I've always meant to try these out but never got around to it - for those prices how could I resist?! 

I was home and exhausted by midday and after a quick application of St Moritz I fell into bed and had a fantastic nap.  You know, one of the good ones where you fall asleep easily and sleep for just the right amount of time to ensure you wake refreshed and not groggy.  As a student I have perfected the art of napping...!

I then embarked on the mission of getting ready to head out for the night and after a few hours of primping and preening I was ready to go...I could not be a wash-n-go girl if I tried..!

This was the dress mentioned earlier - I was really not sure about it as 99% of the time I wear black on a night out but I warmed to it in the end.  Variety is the spice of life and all that....

I teamed it with just a black skinny belt and my new Bertie shoes which I couldn't be more in love with if I tried.

The elasticated straps mean they are so insanely comfortable and the fact that I got them in the sale for a tiny price make them 100 times more beautiful.

My make up was pretty standard for me - bit of MaxFactor foundation, 3 tone smokey eye, Hush cream colour base and pinky lips and cheeks.  Classic combo!

I had such a fun filled evening with my bestest and even though one too many tequilas were consumed I actually feel bright and breezy today!

I am going away on Tuesday for 2 weeks so today's tasks are to start packing and schedule some posts - typical lazy Sunday :)

Also, I will be watching The Wanted's music video about a million times to catch a glimpse of this beaut..

I mean...his surname is George - it'd be rude not to marry him right?!

Love Mrs George George

xxx

June Favourites

• MaxFactor Second Skin Foundation - For days when I want slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturiser this does the job perfectly.  It evens my skin out with a dewy finish but my freckles are still visible - perfect for when I don't want to look too made up.

• Elf mineral foundation - Perfect for setting my make up in this weather and giving some coverage at the same time.  Be warned though - even the lightest shade is still pretty dark..

• The Body Shop Nature's Minerals Blusher Kabuki - I bought this last Summer and have literally used it every day since.  I use it for powder and honestly don't know what I'd do without it.  It is probably the softest brush I own and it just buffs in powder beautifully.  The best part?  I got it for a steal off eBay..

• Barry M 147 Lipstick - I am honestly in love with this colour!  I was so distraught that I lost it last weekend after one too many vodkas that I rushed out and bought two...as you do!  It is a perfect peachy-corally-pink and looks as good on the cheeks as it does on the lips.  It is however, like it's 101 sister, extremely drying and always needs a lip balm under.

• MAC Hush CCB & Sonia Kashuk Flat Top Brush  - These two work so well together - the brush picks up the perfect amount of product and allows it to be buffed all the way along the cheekbone for a gorgeous dewy finish.

• BB Creamy Concealer - Heavy duty enough to cover my dark circles but doesn't cake or collect in fine lines.  When set with the powder provided it stays put all day and makes my eye area look bright and awake even when all I want to do is crawl back into bed!

• Bourjois Liner Effect Mascara - If you've followed my blog for a while you'll know I gave this a pretty negative review a while ago.  However, I have to say sorry to Bourjois and admit I now love it.  I guess it has dried up a little and it is now the perfect consistency to work with.  Yes, the brush is still fiddly but when I have the time and patience, it can result in the most amazingly lengthy lashes.  Its not perfect, but pretty damned near :)  

And finally...

Decorated coral toe nails - I refuse to leave the house in Summer without my feet looking their bestest!  And this has been my design of choice so far this year.... simple but effective!  

The shoes?? KG and beautiful but they are the DEVIL - no pain, no gain I guess?!!

Out and about this week - Clothes, Make up, Hair & Nails

Dress: Camden Market

Belt: ASOS

It has been so beautifully hot this week that I have spent most of my time in the garden but when needs must and I've had to pop out, I've chosen this dress a fair few times.  It's far too hot to be faffing about with multiple items of clothing so I've just thrown this on, belted up and gone about my business!  The make up has been super-natural - Nivea young tinted moisturiser; any mascara and a clear gloss.

Nivea Young Tinted Moisturiser

L'oreal Studio Secrets HD Smoothing Foundation

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

ELF Mineral Foundation - to set

No 7 Mosaic Bronzer - to contour

MAC Hush Cream Colour Base - highlight

No 7 Pink Petal Blush

MAC Bare Canvas Paint - all over lid

Zara black eyeshadow - in crease & outer third

No 7 grey/silver - blended into black 

ELF Medium Eyebrow Kit

Prestige Silk Lipliner

Barry M 147 Lip paint

Jemma Kidd Shell Lipgloss

Earrings: Accessorize

Hair: Styled as in my hair routine

A bit more glam for a night on the town!  I did nearly die from the heat when getting ready though - 28 degree weather + hair dryer + curling tongs = a melted George ...!

Nails of the week: OPI - Got a date to-knight

I really cannot fault this polish - gorgeous wearable pink, applies very smoothly and this photo is after 5 days of wear.  One of my faves for sure!!

Post-exam splurge

Just a few bits and bobs I treated myself to after my exams.  Nothing too spectacular but I always love being nosey and seeing what others have spent their well earned monies on...so hopefully some of you share that trait!

Bobbi Brown Corrector

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Kit

I needed something heavy duty for my under eye circles which after numerous all-nighters were pretty horrendous.  These products make me look alive even after serious sleep deprivation!

MAC Hush Cream Colour Base

MAC Hue Lipstick

Nothing much to say about these ... I just love them!  Perfect new additions to my collection :)

Yesterday

The Outfit

Top: River Island

Belt: ASOS

Jeans: Crafted at Republic

The Hair

Curled the same as in my hair routine.  I decided to go sans hair extensions - this warm weather makes me want to embrace the natural side of things!

The make up

MaxFactor Miracle Touch Foundation - 45 Warm Almond

GOSH Touch Up Concealer - 2

No 7 Creme Touch Face Powder - Translucent - Lightly on t-zone

Prestige Glam Tan 

MAC Paint - Bare Canvas - All over the lip

MAC Eyeshadow - Tempting - Outer third of lid; Lower lash line

Bourjois Clubbing Mascara

ELF Eyebrow Kit - Medium

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - Peach Petal

Click on photos for a more detailed view xxx

London Haulin'

London Haulin'/London Calling...get it?!! Ohhh gossh I think I am slightly delirious tonight...apologies for my awful attempt at a play on words...!

Anyway, moving swiftly on....

It was my 21st in November, which seems like an absolute lifetime ago, and I received some dolla off some wonderful friends and family.  I was very good and saved all of it up & then added to the little fund with some pennies I earned from nannying this easter.

I then went and dropped the entire lot within the space of a few hours on Thursday in the capital.  As you do!

First stop was Zara which is perhaps my favourite shop in the entire world.  I always find something in there which I absolutely love.  I was quite restrained though and didn't go too crazy....

As soon as I saw this bag I had to have it.  It is so fresh and crisp for the summer and it looks so much more expensive than it's £40 price tag.  Now the task is to keep it looking so pristine....

I find it so hard to photograph clothes nicely - this photo does the top no justice at all.  It is the palest grey chiffon and teamed with skinny black jeans and sky scraper heels, it makes the perfect dinner outfit - right up my street :)

Next stop was the infamous Harrods.  I know it is full of tourists but the store always gives me such a thrill.  It reminds me of when my brother and I were little and we would go to see the front of the store lit up at Christmas.  We then got to pick something out in the Arcade... aww happy memories!  Armed with a giftcard - again from my birthday - I headed straight for MAC.  I didn't pick out anything spectacular but ticked another few things off my never-ending list..!

I bought Bare Canvas paint which I love.  It provides a great base for your eyeshadow or just evens out your eyelids if you are going without.  The other item is a mineralized blush in Dainty.  The swatch below shows it is very sheer - a bit of a disappointment but in hindsight probably good for the summer when my cheeks will be pink enough!

  

And last but by no means least, I made a trip to Sloane Street for my new Louis..

This was the main reason for my saving - I always said I wanted to invest in a bag for my 21st instead of squandering the money on clothes I wouldn't like in six months.  I absolutely love it - my pride and joy - perhaps this is the feeling people get when they have children?! 

xxx

p.s. I just want to say thank you to Sophie for featuring me on her blog...I feel very honoured.  Please go and check the post out here if you haven't already seen it ... but please excuse my ridiculous posing and pouting...I really need to learn how to take good FOTD photos..!