MY CURRENT FAVOURITES

Originally this was intended to be for my June favourites but I had a stage of not really feeling like blogging and then as we got further into the month it just seemed too late to post, so here we have it my current favourites instead as I couldn't ignore these products that have been doing me so well recently.

My absolute essential product over the summer months is self tan. With everyone jetting away and coming back so tanned, I just feel like I have to be tanned too. I can embrace the lighter natural skin during the winter but when I'm showing more skin I feel better when it's tanned. I recently posted my tanning routine which you can read if you want more detail, 'here'. I absolutely love Lauren's Way. I love all of the ones that I've tried but I discovered the spray formula during June and think that is makes the application much easier and quicker and doesn't feel heavy or sticky on the skin. I love the Rapid tan as it develops quickly, you don't need to make sue you've got over 8 hours for it to develop every time you want to apply self tan. Full review here.

Of course, with beautiful tanned skin, come the chore of exfoliating a lot!I can't believe during all of these years of wearing fake tan I have never bought exfoliating gloves; they're amazing! I bought these from Primark and I don't think they were more than a couple pound if that.

My next favourite is the Make Up Revolution Iconic Blush Bronze and Brighten palette in Smoulder. I recently did a post showing all four shades of this palettes but Smoulder is my absolute favourite and I have used it pretty much everyday this month. The other day I found MAC Peaches, which I loved last year, I tried wearing it and just didn't like how it made my make up look at all, I needed the pretty pink in Smoulder. I love the highlight in this palette too as it's just so pretty. I even got complimented on it from a very unlikely source at work - who knew men notice that pretty thing on your cheekbones?!

For ease in the mornings I always tend to opt for easy neutral brown eye shadows, but recently I have been branching out a little and I mean a little as it's only a small extension of the usual brown family. I've been enjoying using slight plum/purple toned shadows, like Quarry from MAC and the Naked 3 palette from Urban Decay. It obviously still looks very neutral but it's a nice little change and I feel that the colours really brighten up my eyes and emphasis the green in them.

My go to lipstick lately has been MAC's Kinda Sexy; it's a gorgeous neutral nude shade, which leans more on the peachy tone making it really flattering and I find that is such an easy shade to pair with most make up looks.

Onto jewellery now. I always love the look of lots of cool and simple jewellery but I'm pretty rubbish at buying any. My money normally goes on make up then clothes and maybe shoes. I then struggle to justify more on jewellery and bags etc. While I was in Forever 21 a month or so ago I decided that I was definitely going to make the effort to chose a necklace that would go with lots of outfits and just make them look more stylish and like I've made more effort. I love how you can just wear very plain clothes but with the right accessories it looks so much more stylish. I picked up about five different necklaces as they were only a few pounds each, so hardly broke the bank. They are all gold, very simple and some quite unique and I've loved incorporating them into my outfits. 

A recent discovery, which I am blaming my mum for as she bought me it first is the Sweet & Salty Poshcorn. It seems a little odd really raving about a pop corn so much, but it's the best that I have ever had. It's the perfect combination between sweet and salty and is just so addictive!

My final addiction favourite recently has been the TV show Desperate Housewives. I watched the later seasons when they were originally on the TV and a couple of years ago I think they were all on Netflix, so I watched them all then. They have recently come onto the Sky boxsets so I've been watching them like crazy as they just don't ever get old. I've even managed to get my boyfriend Jamie into them, which is really funny as he was sure he wouldn't like it at first but now he sits and watches, asks questions and moans when he doesn't like certain characters. 

Those are all of the things that I have been loving recently, what have you been enjoying lately?

FURNITURE SHOPPING, BOOTS HAUL & NANDOS - MY WEEKEND

I know I go on about it maybe a little too much but I, like most others (unless you're an unfortunate soul who has to work), LOVE weekends. Now I have your typical Monday - Friday hours, I find myself constantly counting down until the weekend - granted, one day I plan to have a job that I don't count down the days quite so much, but for now it's a  regular hobby of mine. If you're a regular reader and you've read about me moaning about my previous job, you'll understandably think that I can't be pleased, which isn't the case, I just know  what job I want and need to work to get to it and go back to that horrid education even after completing my degree, so until then I mostly live for the weekends! 

My weekends are mainly spent with family; seeing my sister and visiting my grand parents. It's so nice to be able to spend lots of time with the ones that are most special to you. The other weekend, My boyfriend, Jamie and I went to my mums house, so that I could spend the day with my sister and he could go and see his family (luckily they live very close). My mum and her boyfriend made us breakfast when we got there, I'm fussy when it comes to eggs and only like the white part and can't stand the yolk, which is why the photo may seem a little odd. I wanted to start writing more lifestyle type posts, as my sister told me she doesn't bother reading my normal posts as she finds lifestyle ones more interesting (thanks sister), so I wanted to branch out.  It's surprising how hard it is to remember to take photos  in your normal day to day life, but I will get better at it! Everyone else was tucking into their breakfast and there I was standing on the chair, trying to get a decent angel and light for my breakfast shot... how do people make that look so easy?! 

I thought it was cute that my sister and I were wearing alternating colours, with our tops and jeans.I had been needing a pair of black jeans for ages as mine had officially come to the end of their life. I finally bought a pair from River Island a few weeks before and I think this was their first outing. Of course the first time I wore them I managed to get lily pollen on them which is notorious for staining. Luckily it all came off, with a helping hand from my mum hoovering my leg - if it worked I didn't care how it came off. Little tip there! 

My sister Hannah, is moving house soon so wanted to go and look at some furniture, which interests me for a little bit and then I easily get bored. Luckily for me there was also a Boots where we went and obviously I couldn't not go in. I had been wanting to get the Garnier Micellar cleansing water, the original pink version was out of stock so I just picked up the green version which is supposed to be good for combination skin. I doubt that there is much difference between the two but so far I'm liking it. Rimmel had a 3 for 2 offer on and I had been lusting after some of their highly raved about lip liners. Hannah and I got the same colours, Spice and Tiramisu. I wanted East End Snob but it wasn't there *cried a little inside* But all is restored as it may have just found its way into my superdrug online order (the only time I'm going to say damn you bank holiday, as it's just going to take even longer to come)! To satisfy the 3 for 2 I also bought one of the Kate Lasting Finish Lipstick in the shade 08, which is a natural pinky mauve. 

After forcing Hannah and Jamie to take photos with me and the cats getting in on the action, we deliberated over what to have for dinner. I wanted pizza and Hannah wanted Chinese, some how we ended up going to Nandos and getting take away, which always seems a good idea when it's a Saturday night and hugely busy. I told Hannah and Jamie that I would stay at my mums house while they went to get it, as it was their idea and I didn't want to go to a busy place and just make it even more crowded. They didn't like this plan, so I ended up going. I sat in the back and they left me out of their conversations the whole way, as they both get on very well and have similar taste in tv programmes so often chat a lot about Family Guy and stuff I don't like and take the mick out of me. Luckily for me I had the food in the back so it wasn't all bad! Mwahahaa! 

I hope you're all having a great weekend and make the most of the extra day! 

CELEB STYLE | BLAKE LIVELY

Now, who didn't love The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants in their youth? A classic chick flick that doesn't just show the fun lives of 4 best friends but also actually opens your eyes to all types of real life issues that unfortunately effect all of us, be that family drama or death, which is rare to see in your typical chick flick. 

Anyway I'm getting distracted! That was the first interaction I had with Black Lively, and ever since she has been on my admiration list! Although she became a household name in Gossip Girl I was more drawn to the books, so wasn't an avid watcher, however she still looked amazing throughout the series. 

Once again I've been stalking looking at photos on Celebrity Style Guide and have found an outfit that I need to buy, but obviously, I have found alternatives that are slightly more in a realistic price range ! 

I can see this being the perfect outfit to take you from summer into Autumn. If it's a warmer day the tights and jacket could be removed. In my opinion Blake always rocks the causal look when not on a red carpet, obviously, and this is part of why I love her style; it's easily transferable to our lifestyle, for example I cant see myself sharing Miley Cyrus' recent wardrobe choices! 

Here are some similar items that I've found, so we can all steal Blake's look!

1. I've always had a crush on River Island shoes however at £40 I'm far too indecisive to be spending so much on each pair of shoes, so I've generally been able to find alternatives in New Look however, for the sake of Blake I've chosen these as an alternative to the high heel. 

2. After looking at numerous websites I had almost given up on a suitable bag, but then this came up as a suggested item on New Look and is £27.99 but equally beautiful. I shouldn't admit this, but I am yet to perfect walking in heels, and generally feel too conspicuous in them, so have always been a little more into bags than shoes the result being more bags than I can go out to use! 

3. For those who prefer more figure hugging clothes, this River Island Jacket is £50 and very versatile for any Autumn look. 

4. This bracelet is from Miss Selfridge and although I wouldn't intentionally look in there for jewellery I think it would look great with the outfit, adding a touch of glamour to the slightly tribal feel of the skirt, the bracelet is £7.50. 

5. This skirt first attracted my eye while on a shopping trip and ever since I've been trying to find an excuse to purchase it, I think one has presented itself! It can definitely be styled for the day time or evening so at £34 and rated 5 stars on the website I can't see how it doesn't pay for itself! It's also available in both tall and petite - no excuse not to buy it!

6. Forever 21 has created these boots at £32.75, and although I am yet to own any ankle boots from here I did buy some Knee high brown flat boots last year and they have been perfect. 

7. This Topshop Cashmere vest is £20 which seems a little expensive however after purchasing similar items I can't fault them,  they're super soft and as boring and bland, as it seems I love grey as it goes with any colours or patterns which I normally prefer to wear in blazers or skirts. 

8. These boots are the closest match that I could find to Blake's. I personally couldn't ever wear them, which is why I've found some lower heel alternatives!

9. From Topshop, no surprise this is £85, however, I did buy a blazer very similar to this from River Island last year and wore it for weeks as it's warm without that 'preparing for a cold winter look'. 

10. This jewellery piece isn't partially close to what Blake was wearing however when I saw it I had to incorporate it somehow, there seems to be a pattern with Topshop items here! It's £15.50 so I would for sure advice being patient and waiting for the sales seeing as most of the jewellery becomes half price, I seem like a bit of a cheapskate but when there's so many beautiful clothes to buy I need to be! 

11. Finally this Topshop bag is £36 and beautiful... It almost brings back a fashionable nostalgia to the days when backpacks were the only bags to my name! 

12. This bracelet is also from Miss Selfridge and costs £8.50. I think it would be a great addition to an otherwise fairly plain outfit. 

I hope you've enjoyed my choices, this has been a very risky post considering now I have so many more clothes that I 'need' to purchase after looking at so many websites. Please tell me there's other people out there who constantly look up celebrity styles just so I don't feel quite as stalkerish! 

OOTD - KARDASHIAN KOLLECTION SKIRT

Hey!

I'm one of those people who like dressing up for no apparent reason. I'd love to tell you that I went out somewhere which required a nice outfit, but I didn't. This outfits only outing was a trip to Sainsbury's! Obviously minus the heels. 

Since escaping my more tom boy years, up until I was about... 10 years old, I've always liked dressing well, wherever I'm going. I go by the saying that if you think you look good, you feel better about yourself and your confidence. I feel a lot more confident if I think I look nice. Don't tell anyone but I sometimes even wear heels while I'm sitting at my desk writing whatever horrible assignment I've been set. It just makes me feel more professional and I guess I must be of the impression that this somehow helps my brain and thinking power... hmmmm each to their own!

Okay, this is getting too chatty and we're not even onto the outfit part! 

The skirt is from the Kardashian Kollection, stocked by Dorothy Perkins and it was on sale!! Yeeeyy!! It's a cream colour and the PU, leather like material. It's high wasted and I think it would flatter most figures. The blouse is from Topshop, but a couple of years old. I wouldn't have normally paired the two together, however, in the Kardashian shoots, Khloe wore this shirt with a white blouse, so I thought I'd give it a go. I think it's a really pretty and feminie outfit. To avoid it looking too much of an overdose of light colours and too insipid, I added the black heels, belt and necklace, to give a tiny bit of edge to the outfit. The necklace is from Forever 21, the shoes from New Look and the belt from Primark. 

You can get the skirt online and lots of the items are now on offer. 

OUR OUTFITS OF THE DAY

It all seemed like a great idea; go for a walk in the countryside, in the lovely warm weather and while out take some photos for the blog. Well, this did all happen, however, I've now been dying of hayfever ever since. I'm so envious of Hannah and everyone else who doesn't suffer from hayfever, if you do suffer, you'll know how horrible it is and how useless the majority of the hayfever relief products are.

And yes, we have matching sunglasses... I like to copy Hannah.

Hannah's Outfit 

I'm really loving poka dots at the moment; anything poka dot immediately catches my eye when shopping. This poka top is from Hollister and I love the cut out shape in the back, as it makes the top a little more interesting and I really love when tops and dresses have cool backs. The red shorts really brighten up the outfit and are quite high waisted, so work well with the top being a little on the cropped side. 

 

 

Poka dot top - Hollister

Red Shorts -  Forever 21 

Necklace - Forever 21

Earrings - Topshop 

Shoes - New Look

Sunglasses - River Island

Georgia's Outfit

  This is such a cheap outfit. The necklace itself cost more than the top( christmas present), shorts and shoes put together. The top was only £4 from Primark! Can you believe that they still sell tops that cheap?! I bought two colours... as you do. One has already been washed and it's still in great condition, so I'd really recommend these tops if you're looking for plain coloured tops. The shorts are also from Primark and were around £10. They're really cute and can be left casual or dressed up. 

 

Top - Primark- £4

Shorts - Primark- £10

Sunglasses - River Island 

Necklace - Lola & Grace

Nail Varnish - Barry M Gelly Blue Grape

Shoes - Forever 21

Hope you're all enjoying the warmer weather and if you've found any miracle hayfever remedies TELL ME! :)

CELEB STYLE - JESSICA ALBA

 I hadn't heard much of Jessica Alba in regards to any films or acting roles that she has had recently, but apparently she has been busy, so wikipedia tells me anyway, when I quickly researched before writing this. 

I have however seen a lot of photos of her just strolling around with her two daughters and I've started to really love her style. It's so casual and laid back but at the same time very pretty and polished. This outfit caught my eye as it's a really nice mix of edgy style, with the boots and black baggy top, but still a bit girly with the patterned skater skirt. It looks like something that can easily be thrown together, but each piece really seems to compliment the other and makes a great day time outfit, which would be great for this time of year. The outfit just looks so effortless but great. I love how different the top is, as although it's only a plain black top, I really like the different sizes in the straps and I could not find anything like it when looking! *cries a little inside*

Where can you get Jessica Alba's style?

1. Dr Martens 1460 Boots £100
2.  Alana patent lace up boot - Boohoo - £25
3. Block heel combat boots - Forever 21 - £29.80
4. Brown tortoise shell cat eye sunglasses - River Island - £13
5. Split shoulder tee - Topshop - £15
6.  Cooperative blue style skater skirt - urban outfitters- £30
7. Meadow floral skirt - Topshop - £28
8. Chunky cat eye sunglassed - Topshop - £16
9. Messenger box bag - Zara - £25.99
10. Daytime clutch bag - Zara - £29.99

CELEB STYLE - HILARY DUFF

We have always loved Hilary Duff - what young girl didn't watch Lizzie McGuire?! She's so pretty and she seems like one of the good celebrities; you never read anything bad about her, unlike *cough*  *Lindsey Lohan* *cough*... Anyway, lately we have also been loving her style. Although this look isn't your usual summer look, well lets face it, we don't have much of a summer in the UK generally so we thought this was a cool and effortless look that has the bright red jeans for some summer colour, but also has ankle boots and a khaki jacket in case it's not exactly hot outside. This would also be a good transitional outfit as it would be great for autumn/fall too. Hilary seems to have kept the outfit really simple and plain, however accessories with the  studded detail on the boots, lots of gold jewellery and a blue ring. It's a really great outfit if you're feeling like you want to look casual but still with a touch of glamour and edgy feel.  

Image from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2342140/Hilary-Duff-dresses-son-Luca-letter-print-trousers-head-lunch.html

Where can you steal Hilary's look from, for probably a lot less!?

1. London Rebel Black Studded Suede Cowboy Boots - New Look - £44
2.  Overlay V Section Bracelet - Topshop - £8.50
3.  Chained Spiked Studs - Forever 21 - £3.15
   
4.  Stone Spike Mesh Wristwear - Miss Selfridge - £12.50
5.  Coloured Zippered Skinny Jeans - Forever 21 - £22.75
6.  Multi Stone Ring - Miss Selfridge - £6.80
7.  Over Sized Spike Pendant - Topshop - £8.50
8.  Penny Fitted Jersey Blazer - Boohoo - £15
9.  Single Spike Stretch Bracelet - Topshop - £8.50
10.  Three Tube Stud Earrings - Topshop - £8.50
11.  V-Neck Top - H&M - £2
12.  Cream Stud Panel Holdall Bag - River Island - £35

FOTD & OOTD : Brown/gold smokey eye + pink lip

 

This is all very new to me. Firstly, I think I only worked out what 'FOTD and OOTD' (I think)! is a few weeks ago. I'm not very good with slang or any type of abbreviations the youngsters use today - yes I am 20 but really I feel nearer 50. Secondly, before I started this blog I despised 'selfies.' I stayed away from them as I could never get the angles right myself and ended up looking very odd! I was always impressed by anyone who could actually take them and still look good! So after searching through the masses which were either blurry or just too cringey, this is the best I've got. No one tells you how hard taking close up photos of yourself is, I have a new found respect for beauty bloggers! 

 I think this is a good fresh but made up look for spring/summer. The skin has a fresh, light healthy glow as I have only used a low/medium coverage foundation, which is especially good for the warmer weather that spring is SUPPOSED to bring!

 The eyes are nicely defined with the brown eye shadow, but not too heavy. (I hope)!

 I have shaped the eyeshadow with an angled brush and just used the darker shade in the outer corner of the eye and lightly through the crease and under the eye.

 Outfit: 
-Top: New look
- Trousers: Forever 21
-Shoes: Zara 
- Bracelets New look

Products used:   

Face:  

  - Primer: Rimmel  Fix & Protect pro (Wouldn't recommend it as a primer but it is moisturising and my skin was feeling pretty dry + I'm trying to use it up)
-  Foundation: Bourjois  Healthy mix serum  (shade 55 dark beige)
- Concealer: Collection (Shade 2 light) and Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch (shade 01).
- Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte (Shade peach glow 003) - (Unfortunately missed out of the photo)!
- Bronzer: Bourjois bronzing powder
- Blush: Benefit Hervana (also manages to escape the photo, I'll get better)!!

Brushes: 

- All Real Techniques : 
- Buffing brush for foundation
-Multi  task brush for powder and bronzer
- Contour brush for slight contouring around cheekbones 
- Blush brush for blush
- Deluxe crease brush for concealer

Eyes:

- MUA Undressed eyeshadow pallette
- MUA matte eye shadows in shade 20 and 19  
- Mascara: Avon super extend extreme 
- Brows: MUA pro-brow kit 
- Eyelashes: Eyelure false lashes 101
- Eye liner: MUA jet black and snow white
You can order MUA worldwide online

Lips:

- LUSH Sugar scrub (previous review on blog here)
- Revlon lip butter (shade Sweet tart) (previous review on blog here)