Shorty

What exactly is leg length?  Who knows!  On a recent trawl around the shops, on the seemingly impossible task of finding a pair of trousers that fitted, I was left confused and a little dazed at how greatly the sizes differed.  I tried on a number of different 30” leg length trousers and jeans only to find that whilst some were the perfect length others were dragging along the changing room floor.  Now to be fair, some shops do not even enter the realm of shorter (or longer) sizes, cough Zara cough.  So to have the different lengths offered at all is a luxury, but why does it seem such a challenge to get a good fitting pair of trousers?  And yes we can get them altered, but for most of us it’s just too much expense and hassle.

It is for these reasons that I was pleasantly surprised whilst in Zara recently, to find a pair of jeans that didn’t look supermodel length.  

I hurried to the changing room and as I had hoped, they were a perfect length and fitted well.  My faith in Zara was restored, that is until, I re-examined my purchases on my way home, only to discover that my perfect jeans turned out to be ‘cropped pants’!  Oh well, let’s just keep it between ourselves :)

All the Usual Culprits

I thought I would do a quick blog showing my everyday make up look, with all the products I use on a daily basis.

Firstly, yes I’m back to my Revlon Colorstay.  I really like the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua but at the moment prefer the fuller coverage that the Colorstay gives.  I mix the two shades (‘Ivory’ and ‘Buff’) on the back of my hand and apply with my fingers.

For concealer I use Bourjois Healthy Mix concealer (in shade 51) for under my eyes and then Amazing Cosmetics concealear (again I mix the two lightest shades) on any blemishes.  I apply with the concealer brush from Amazing Cosmetics which is small in order to make the application really accurate.  I then apply Maybelline Pure Mineral Foundation in ‘Rose Ivory’ all over my face using my e.l.f. Kabuki Face brush.
 
I use Bourjois Delice De Poudre bronzer (51) to contour my cheeks (with the e.l.f. Blushing, Bronzing and Blending brush) although I’ve been wanting to try the new Bourjois Delice De Soleil Bronzing powder spray which gives an all-over glow.  On the apples of my cheeks I alternate between e.l.f. Mineral blush in ‘Joy’ and ‘Sugabomb’ by Benefit (if I want more shimmer) using my e.l.f. Studio Blush brush.

For my eyes I use my Too Faced Natural Eye palette and the colour ‘Silk Teddy’ all over the lid with ‘Push Up’ in the crease, or if using my Urban Decay Naked palette I use ‘Sin’ all over and ‘Toasted’ in the crease, both applied using my e.l.f. Studio Contour brush.  If I want a more colourful look I’ve recently been using ‘Shattered’ from the Urban Decay Ammo palette (although any bright colour would do), under my lashes using my M.A.C 266 brush.  I curl my lashes using my Model’s Own eyelash curler and use Maybelline Falsies mascara on my top lashes and Clinique Bottom Lash mascara on the bottom lashes.

As for my lips, I usually leave them natural with either just lip balm or a neutral coloured gloss, and that’s it, my everyday look :)

Temptation

I don’t really need a new make up palette, being still in love with my Urban Decay Naked palette, but the latest offering from Benefit is looking very tempting.  I always love Benefit, mainly because of the great quality of their products but also owing to their quirky and gorgeous packaging.  The palette in question is the new ‘Sunday Funday’ palette:

 

I mainly like the look of this palette for the eye shadows, ‘Shimmer Bronze’, ‘Pink Satin’, ‘Light Champagne’ and ‘Pretty in Plum’; it also includes ‘Hoola’ bronzer which I’ve been meaning to try for ages, a liner and rose lipgloss.  The only downside is the ‘Benetint’ which I seem to have lots of bottles of already, but other than that it definitely looks worth a try!

They have also come out with a more night term version called ‘Scene Queen’:

This comes with ‘Charcoal’, ‘Shimmering Beige’, ‘ Minty Blue’ and ‘Navy’, along with ‘Coralista’ blush, ‘HighBeam’, liner and a coral lipgloss.


They both also come with miniature versions of all the brushes you need, so perfect for travelling. Has anyone else given these a try?

Recent Purchases

Topshop t-shirt:

I seem to be on a never-ending quest to find a great basic t-shirt, one that fits really well, looks good and lasts for ages.  The latest contender is this one I picked up in Topshop recently:

It’s a more slouchy style than I would usually go for, but it fits well and comes in loads of colours.  I love the flecked, textured feel and it goes with anything.

Zara shoes:

I just thought these patent flats were great for the price, they were £19.99 and come in black, pink, blue and green.

I love the quilted cushioned sole as they make them more comfy and overall are just great basic go-to shoes.

Office shoes:

I was obviously on a shoes kick because I also bought these beautiful grey bow shoes from Office. 

They are of the scrunched up variety (this is probably not their official name), which do tend to cut off your circulation if you’re not careful, but did I mention the bow? :) I’m always on the lookout for grey flats as I seem to live in grey tights, which I see as striking a balance between the acceptance of rubbish weather that black suggests, and being not quite brave enough to join the tan tights/bare leg  brigade.

Swarovski earrings:

I found these lovely earrings in the Swarovski sale.  I love everything with hearts on and I thought these red heart studs looked both simple and pretty.  

In other news, I’ve been wanting to try the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua foundation after seeing so many great reviews for it on YouTube.  So I went into my local Boots, asked for a sample and got matched for the lightest shade (of course) and am now currently trying it out.  My first impressions are that whilst it does look great on my skin, I’m not sure how the coverage will fare.  I’m used to a heavier coverage like my Revlon Colorstay, but by combining it with a primer (which I don’t typically use) and powder, I might just be able to make this my new best friend.   

And my current non-beauty/fashion love is ‘Pumped up kicks’ by Foster the People simply because I.Just.Can’t.Stop.Playing.It

Long Time No Blog...

I know, I’m a terrible person, but we must continue, and what better way to break the blogging hiatus than with a nice round up of what I have been loving:


Daisy 'Eau So Fresh' by Marc Jacobs: 


Ok, well technically I only got this the other day, but I’ve been wanting it for a while.   I never particularly liked the original Daisy fragrance, but I love this one:

It’s described as ‘more fruity, bubbly and more fun’ than the classic Daisy scent.  With a top layer of Natural Raspberry, Grapefruit, Pear, Mid base of Violets, Wild Rose, Apple Blossom and dry base of Musks, Cedarwood, Plum.  I got mine from Boots and it came with a free Marc Jacobs Bang duffle bag, which I’m not entirely sure what I’m going to do with yet, but hey-ho :)

OPI 'Steady As She Rose' nail varnish:

I actually found this colour after asking my hairdresser what she was wearing on her nails.  I know, I know, I’m not sure what came over me, a rush of blood to the head, from the head massage perhaps?  Anyway, it’s from the Pirates of the Caribbean collection and is a lovely light lilac colour, which is perfect for summer and goes with everything.

Clinique Bottom Lash mascara: 

I decided to try this after Tanya Burr (pixi2woo) recommended it in one of her videos, due to its non-smudging capabilities, and I really like it.

The best thing is definitely the size of the brush, which is tiny, meaning you can get to all your bottom lashes without smudging it all over your face before you’ve even begun.   As for the top lashes, I’ve yet to find a contender to dethrone my adored Maybellines Falsies mascara.

Cetaphil cleanser:


This cleanser is very popular owing to its entirely non-irritating yet effective properties.  

My skin can be very temperamental so I love using this simple cleanser, to remove make up and to gently clean my skin without any fuss.  I get mine online from Victoria Health.


Accessorize Cross-body bag:


I’ve needed a new small bag for a while and found this one, which I think is perfect, in Accessorize:

 I chose purple as I love the bright colour, but it also comes in cream which is now half price in the sale.  It’s got enough room for your phone/keys/purse, but even more importantly it has an adjustable strap, so if you’re short like me, you don’t have to carry your bag swinging round your ankles!

In other news:  


One Day by David Nicholls:

I just love this bestseller.  It’s a perfect mixture of being both funny and poignant.  I love the structure of each chapter being the same day in different years of the protagonists’ lives, and the subsequent need for readers to fill in the gaps.  I’ve read it twice and I can’t wait to see the film.

To Self Tan or Not to Self Tan?

Noooo!  It’s self tanner season, otherwise known as ‘Spring going on Summer’.  The recent warm spell we’ve been having has resulted in troops of denim shorts and summer dresses adorning the pale winter skin we’ve been hiding for months.  So along comes the inevitable moment, to self tan or not to self tan.  I admire those willing to embrace their pale skin, however for me, I look less glistening vampire and more Boo Radley.  There’s no denying the healthy glow a tan gives and therefore every year I find myself, along with scores of others, in search of the perfect tan.  So far I have only ventured into the gradual tan variety knowing without a doubt I would look like an orange zebra if I attempted a full blown self tan.

Of those I have tried so far (Johnsons, Garnier, Dove) St Tropez is definitely my favourite.  I used the Everyday Gradual Tan, which gives a nice natural colour and whilst I wouldn’t say the smell is lovely it’s definitely not the famous biscuity self tan smell.  However although in theory gradual tanners can simply be a replacement for your normal body moisturiser, I still feel they require effort and diligence that I find difficult to muster.   

For a start it seems to be a great undertaking for which you must first clear time in your day.  You then have the preparation, such as exfoliation, in order to avoid satsuma knees and elbows, then in the case of a full-blown self tan the use of gloves and a mitt, a tricky application and then walking around with arms outstretched for what feels like hours on end.  Surely this is all a bit too much for a splash of colour?  Perhaps I should focus instead on enhancing my vampirish qualities? Hmmm...we shall see :)

A Visit to the Hairdressers

I have a complete love-hate relationship with the hairdressers.  The love is owing to the fact that it can be a magical place, with the ability to transform both your hair and your outlook.  The hate however is not so obvious.  It’s not so much about the potential for a bad haircut, which albeit can bring you down as much as the right haircut can lift your spirits; it’s the process.  I consider myself a fairly confident person, but there’s something about the strange world of the hairdressers which immediately deflates my spirits.  On a recent trip to the hairdressers I began to contemplate what exactly creates this unease and came to the conclusion there is no single thing but it’s due to a whole series of events that occur.

From the moment you enter, the bright lights engulf you, leaving you feeling slightly dazed before you haven even taken your coat off.  You sit down in the chair and have the ‘consultation’.  Now this is the pivotal moment, these instructions you are about to give will make or break your haircut.  You know you have to explain yourself clearly and precisely, yet within seconds you find yourself nodding enthusiastically to the suggestion of an orange Mohawk.  


You then proceed to the washing stage.  Now this can be quite relaxing, with a ‘head massage’ often offered, however woe betide you if you do not find a comfortable position for your neck in the sink, as you will soon be praying that a neck massage is also complimentary.


Ok, the haircut, so at this stage the instructions are set, now you can just relax, can’t you?  No, this is where the conversation begins.  You may be one of those lucky people that can chat freely with anyone and become best friends within the first 10 minutes.  However I guarantee that, if like me, you are not fortunate enough to be possessed with these conversational skills; you will undoubtedly be sat beside someone who is.  Whilst your hairdresser asks you the polite conversational starters such as your plans for the day/week/next holiday, and you respond with one-word non committal answers, your fellow haircutee will be discussing the food preferences of her cocker spaniel or the division of assets in her friend’s divorce settlement. 

Whilst this awkward conversation continues, interrupted finally, by the hairdryer, you must face the mirror.  The hairdressing mirror is an amazing thing.  With most mirrors you see yourself, sometimes looking good, sometimes not, the combination of the hairdressing mirror along with your wet hair, means you find yourself looking far less like yourself and more like your uncle.  Then comes the moment when the haircut is finished and a mirror is held up to show you the back of your head whilst the hairdresser eagerly seeks your approval.  However you suddenly can’t concentrate as you become intrigued to realize ‘yes that is what the back of my head looks like’.  Eventually you snap back to reality, nod enthusiastically once again, stand up and retrieve your coat.  After paying for this strange experience you breathe a sigh of relief as you once more open the door back to real life.


However despite this seemingly traumatic experience I continue to return for love of the end result.  So what is the answer?  Well it’s simple, right away you must ensure you find yourself a best friend who is a hairdresser, and whilst you’re at it a doctor and a dentist would also be quite useful :)