Wedding Day Blues

On June 2nd 2012, it was the day of one of my best friend's wedding.  To say I was emotional would be a grand understatement, because as I sat there watching the ceremony, and saw her stunning lacy, 50s style dress as she walked down the isle, all I cold think was, 'Wow! How did we grow up so fast?  Surely it was only yesterday that we were a couple of punk rocker school girls listening to Blink 182, wearing chains on our jeans and dying our hair black.  And here we are - 10 years later and the story has changed so drastically.

When I got the invitation, I knew my dress had to be simple but colourful.  So I decided to go for this Karen Millen number

This dress caught my attention with its multitude of blue tones.  Floaty and summery, for me, it made the perfect dress for a wedding.

Dress: Karen Millen
Clutch: Fiorelli
Shall: Osprey
Shoes: Karen Millen
Necklace: Topshop

I completely forgot to pack a lipstick, so had to rush to Sainbury's before heading to the wedding to purchase something.


I got this stunning pink shade in Pink Blush from Rimmel.  The colour is gorgeous and the texture is so soft.

Indulge with N Dulge

According to a recent letter I got from Space NK, there are only a few people out there who love beauty more than I do.  I can't say I disagree considering I buy at least one beauty product every day.  I mean, right now I'm dying my hair for the second time this week.

So Space NK upgraded my loyalty card to De Luxe, which means I get double the points, plus better rewards.

 

I was a huge fan of the card originally, and if you haven't already signed up for one.  Do it.  Right now.  It gives you amazing rewards and let's face it, the products at Space NK are pretty damn good anyway.

So to christen my new loyalty card, I decided to obviously purchase some things.  The Nars trio eyeshadow in Ramatuelle is stunningly amazing.  Warm, shimmer tones can be used to build up colour, or to simply highlight.

I'm also a big fan of Rococo Nail apparel and today I got Lady Lavender, Psychedelic Roc and Eccentric.  All amazing colours which last for ages.



Splendid Summer

If you want a foundation that gives you great protection from the sun, go for Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser.  This must-have bottle is packed with SPF 30, so it's perfect for a suble cover-up.

Maybelline's new Illegal Length masacara is also something you need to try.  With it's long wand, it seperates and lengthens the lashes for a super extended result.

Nars shimmer eyeshadow in Strada is one of my favourites.  This purple with gold undertones glides on amazingly.  Build it up for a evening do, or leave it soft for a casual, day to the beach look.

Worn together, this mighty trio will give you the perfect Summer look.

The 'Simplicity' Look

When out buying make-up, we're often buying things because the colour stands out rather than what it looks against our skin tone, whether we're brave enough to wear it, or weather we even truly like it.  I'm a huge victim of this.  I walk into Space NK and head straight for the brightest colour.

But sometimes beauty lies in the most demure of tones.

Penny Lane Blush, Fathom Eyeshadow

Looking past the glitter and the shimmers, my eyed focussed on Penny Lane cream blush from Nars - a brown neutral tone that would suit any skin colour.  It's a colour you can wear with anything and won't sit in your draw untouched.

I also spotted Fathom eyeshadow.  This soft pink has a dazzle to it, so it's perfect as a base to build up your eye make-up, or worn on it's own for a touch of sophisticated glamour.

These two are definitely worth the money as you'll never be able to part from them.

Viva Glam Nicki

If you haven't already got this, get it.  Right now please.  The colour is sensationally amazing and you possibly won't ever find a bright pink quite like this one.  Viva Glam Nicki is your lipstick for April.

It glides on so smoothy and the intensity of the colour makes it last all day. 

And keeping to the theme of bright pink, I just had to mention these trousers from H&M.  I'd say they're best worn with neutral colours.

Black & White top: H&M

Pink Trousers: H&M

Tan shoes: Kurt Geiger

Necklace: Stolen from my mother



A Soft Caresse from L'Oreal

As much as it pains me to admit this, I am a complete snob when it comes to lipsticks.  I stick my nose up at anything below £10 and brand it as a complete write-off if there's no MAC branding in site.  But as much as I tried, I couldnt steer my attention away from the new L'Oreal Rouge Caresse lipsticks.  You could have dangled three MAC lipsticks right in front of me and I still would have chosen this.

With the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine range, as well as the multitude of other glossy lipsticks out there, it was about time this fad reached the High Street, and L'Oreal could not have followed the trend any better.

My attention was instantly grabbed by 202 Impulsive Fuchsia.

With a slight hint of a purple, this strong shade is perfect if you want statement lips. 

With a variety of 10 irresistable shades, Rouge Caresse is the ultimate Spring lipstick.



Candy Kisses

SHOP MAC

Eye-popping colour that's sweet and sour at the same time?  Well, that's the latest from MAC.  Bright,beautiful bold colours that leave eyes lingering on your luscious lips, quirky eyeshadows that awaken the eyes, and delicious creme blushers for a colour pop look.

Pure Spring shades, packed in perfectly colourful packets that leave you wanting more.

Being the lipstick obsessed girl that I am, I decided to buy Quick Sizzle and Watch Me Simmer.  These were the two shades that stood out the most, and they certainly don't leave you disappointed.  Quick Sizzle has insane staying power and a sultry candy pink that makes all eyes go on you.  Watch Me Simmer has a creamier edge to it and a more pinky, orange tone.

Quick Sizzle

Watch Me Simmer

Creme Blusher in Florida is also an essential.  Matching Quick Sizzle, make sure you keep your eye make-up light and simple.

It's KIKO time

It sometimes dawns on you when you notice something new that you must have it.  Right that second in fact.  So when I walked past KIKO in Westfield, I had to go in.  And I had to try out a little bit of everything. 

I'm no stranger to their coloured eyeliners as gifts from friends, by the extended make-up range has always been somewhat of a mystery to me.

I bought:

1. BB Cream Coloured Beauty Balm in 01 Light
2. Natural Concealer in 01
3. Hydrating Mask
4. Creamy Touch Eyeshadow Due in 06
5. Skin Evolution Foundation in 01 Porcelain
6. Automatic Precision Eyeliner and Kohl in 716
7. False Lashes Concentrate Volume Top Coat Mascara
8. Unforgettable Mascara
9. Nail Lacquer in 341
10. Nail Lacquer in 343

BB cream seems to be a beaty trend at the moment with more and more make-up brands releasing this as the new must-have.  I've tried a couple in the past, but this KIKO one is certainly my favourite of them all.  It's the perfect all-in-one for all those busy girls as it primes, moisturises and gives light coverage for an all over glow.  

I was surprised this concealer works so well considering that on first impressions it looks like a highlighter.  It's different to the rest in that it has a pink colour to it, but once blended around the eye area, I understand why.  The creamy formula smoothes on instantly and hides away any signs of sleeplessness and stays put all day.

I tried KIKO's Hydrating Mask very briefly and have to say that this product does exactly what it says on the tin.  After leaving it on the skin for 10 minutes, the results were great.  My skin felt incredibly soft.

This black eyeliner goes on great and gives a selection of great looks - from rock chick kohl to evening look smokyness.

KIKO have a range of top coat mascaras that will simply blow you away.  The idea behind these is that they act as an 'enhancer' when applied over your regular mascara.  Coming in a selection of volumising, curling or lengthening, these cute and colourful make-up essential leave you with definite results.  I bought the volumising one and don't think I will ever part with it.

The Unforgettable Mascara curls eyelashes to perfection.  It's bristles separate and minimise clumps, whilst the spoon-like brush lengthens to give a cat-eye effect.

KIKO's nail lacquers come in a rainbow of colours and you're bound to find your perfect one.


What's even more amazing is that it's all at affordable prices!

Just Landed From Nars

What I love about the new Nars Spring 2012 collection is that unlike other make-up ranges out there at the moment that seem to have committed to soft, pastel shades, prim and proper for a pretty spring time, Nars have combined the freshness of the new season, with a Summer fever edge.  The range contains blissfully pink blushers, but teamed with dark eyes and strong lips.

I treated myself to Nars blush in Gaiety, the eyeliner in Dark Rite and the nail polish in Diamond Life.  The nail polish is a lovely pearlescent purple - incredibly glam but perfect for day to day wear, which I love.

For the lips, however, I opted to go with Lipstick Queen's new shade, Saint Eden.  This glossy cherry red feels like it's moisturising your lips while giving you that summer twist.

 A definite must have!

Another brand new blusher in the market is Hervana by Benefit.  Hervana is a delightfully pale pink blush that adds dimension to your look.  It's perfect for subtle prettiness.