Category Archives: beauty look

Shu Uemura Ultimate Makeup Palette

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Shu Uemura Ultimate Makeup Palette

Hold on to your beauty hats! This is a very sneaky peek of the mega palette from Shu, the Shu Uemura Ultimate Makeup Palette. I don’t have a lot of information on it yet (and I know there is another exciting bumper product coming, too, which I’ll post about asap) but can tell you that it goes on sale in Harrods in June.

If you’ve got your eye on this, you’ll have to start saving (well, I would, anyway) because it’s a very cool £792! It’s absolutely a make-up lover’s dream with 80 shades.

NB: #mathsfail @joannajana spotted there are in fact, 72 shades! #bloggerfail

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Topshop Maternity: Outfits for Every Occasion

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topshop maternity clothes

I’ve been doing some styling this week; Topshop set me the task of creating a maternity mini-shoot for this advertorial*, finding different outfits for different occasions. A nice little challenge, as it has all been a bit dry on the old fashion front, recently – having an ever-changing figure does not make life easy when it comes to clothes shopping, and so my off-duty uniform has basically consisted of the same pairs of leggings and jeans, worn on rotation, topped off with huge t-shirts and bits of knitwear that I can manage to stretch over my bump!

So a “maternity clothes for every occasion” styling post was just up my street. Granted, most of my “occasions” are very casual – it’s not like I’m going out clubbing at the moment, or finding suitable attire for a dirty weekend in St Tropez – but there are subtle differences! Here we go:

topshop maternity clothes

Something Smart for Work

What I have really struggled with, pregnancy dressing-wise, is finding that middle-ground between casual and try-hard. You know when you have to go to a meeting and you don’t want to wear jeans, but you also don’t want to look like an overly-keen candidate on The Apprentice? This dress hits the sweet spot with its smart fabric and “body-con” side panelling.

topshop maternity clothes

It’s pretty tight, though, so I took the sex factor down a bit by throwing a nice long cardigan on over the top! The Geometric Bodycon Dress is £30 here (I might be tempted to take a size up, it’s very snug!) and Salt and Pepper Cardigan, £30 here.

topshop maternity style

Something Slouchy for Home: Part 1

Because – let’s face it – I spend a hell of a lot of time at home, working on my computer. And when I’m squirrelled away, incognito, I just want to be comfortable. So: Topshop Maternity Luxe Charcoal Joggers (a lot softer than the other jogging bottoms and with a kind of “sport-luxe” look to them) and a simple black “slubby” t-shirt. The joggers are £28 here, the T-shirt is £14 here.

topshop maternity style

Something Slouchy for Home: Part 2

Well, a girl has to have options even if she is staying at home! This outfit is a little more structured, though – the ponte leggings are quite thick and firm, more like trousers than leggings, and so you could throw on some boots and a leather jacket with this and feel confident meeting the outside world. It’s kind of like…smart slouchy. I’ve had loads of compliments on my Salt and Pepper Jumper (£36 here) and I have to say that the leggings (£20 here) would be fine post-baby too, as well as being useful from very early pregnancy when you can’t bear to wear anything tight in the tummy region.

topshop maternity style

Something Familiar for Everyday

My old daily “uniform” was always jeans, a vest top and a plaid or checked shirt. It’s what I feel most me in. And so this is probably my favourite outfit. So much so that I’ve done two options! Both great for everyday trips into town for appointments and events, meeting friends, going for lunch, doing stuff at the weekend… The first version shows the Soft Checked Shirt (£38 here) with dark grey Leigh Jeans (super-skinny, nice soft feel, £38 here) and a grey ribbed vest (£6 here).

topshop maternity style

Version two is a bit double-denim; dark-vintage Leigh Jeans (go down a size – all the other washes seem to run true to size but these came up a little bigger on me! They are £38 here) with a peach-coloured vest (£8 here) and Oversized Chambray Shirt. The shirt seems to have disappeared from online, but it might be in-store still…

topshop maternity style

Something Dressy for Evening

Actually, I say evening, but this little black dress is just as suitable for daytime with some flat ballet pumps. Dresses with full skirts like these do tend to make you look very pregnant, but I quite like that – the resulting shape is somehow quite cute and feminine! The lace panel detail on the shoulders of this LBD is lovely, too… £28 here.

topshop maternity collection

Something Different Because…

I almost forgot about this one; I picked out a top in a colour that I’d never usually wear, just because I thought that it might make a nice change. I’m still not 100% sure whether this kind of shade suits me – what do you think? It’s the Maternity U-Neck Top (£18 here). I’ve gone for black jeans with it (Leigh again, I just really like the fit) but actually, it would be quite nice with something grey.

You can find Topshop’s Maternity Collection online here.

*This post is a Topshop advertorial. For your reference, I am usually a UK10 and all of the items shown are a UK10, so fit true to size except where noted. I was 28 weeks pregnant when the pictures were taken. Hope that helps!

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The Importance Of Diversity In Beauty

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It’s not hard to understand why women today are under increasing amounts of pressure to look and feel a certain way. Airbrushed images of stereotypical perfection are practically force-fed to us on a daily basis; everywhere we look there’s an incredibly poised and traditionally beautiful woman in her undies attempting to sell us an idea of ultimate confidence. If we just buy that lipstick/drink that beverage/wear that dress/use that face cream we’ll become the person we’ve always wanted to be! I’ve grown up believing that my body in its natural form is not to be celebrated; if anything it’s something to be ashamed of and wrapped away, simply because I don’t look like the six foot Amazonian Goddesses that strut down the runway or feature on the front covers of my favourite magazines. Beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, colours and forms, and it’s vitally important that women are represented in all their glory – on the telly, in magazines, within the fashion industry and as part of beauty campaigns. None of us are the same and that’s what makes us all beautiful; if we were all carbon copies the world would be a very dull place indeed, so it’s vitally important that we learn to embrace our imperfections or differences and celebrate them. Whether you’ve got a wobbly bum, greying hair, laughter lines or all the freckles, you’re beautiful just the way you are.

I do find it incredibly frustrating that the beauty industry in particular can be very one-dimensional. It’s hard to relate to the images of perfection (that are often so manipulated that they don’t actually represent the woman behind the camera,) when I’m struggling with a saggy chin and boobs that seem to have a mind of their own. Although we’re seeing more brands embracing diversity, as a whole we’ve still got a long way to go. The importance of these campaigns is paramount to the mental stability, confidence and attitude of future generations – so that they don’t have to battle with the same issues that my peers and I have struggled with. Over the last decade, one of the brands that’s been able to establish and continue a thought-provoking conversation on female beauty is undoubtedly Dove. Their campaigns were the first to break down barriers and illustrate that every woman can be beautiful: it’s just that they have to believe it from within. When their ‘campaign for real beauty’ started over ten years ago, women were possibly at their lowest ebb with only around 2% admitting to feeling beautiful; skipping forward via a few viral campaigns (many of whom went viral before ‘going viral’ was even a thing,) and thankfully that’s changed somewhat.

More than ever we’re happy to embrace our differences, imperfections, wobbly bits, skinny bits and changing bits as we realise life is not defined by the label in our clothing. It’s much easier to relate to someone who looks more like us, thanks to the power of the internet and in particular blogs, and for us to truly believe that there is more than one definition of beauty. I’ve always believed it’s so important to see that other women have cellulite, wobbly tums, wonky boobs or toes that stick out of sandals – so that we don’t judge ourselves by unrealistic perceptions and measures of what’s aesthetically pleasing. Personally I’m incredibly thankful to brands like Dove who are making a positive change, rather than just trying to sell another pot of face cream by prying on our insecurities. I’ve always adored their ‘real women’ campaigns as something that makes me feel good, positive and excited about the changes that will inevitably happen to my body in the future. It helps that their products are pretty stonking too!
I’ve used their deodorant for years as one of the few to keep me feeling confident without irritating my under arms, while their body washes are always a fixture in my bathroom. Even their delicious body oils and lotions leave my skin hydrated, smooth and soft, while their hair care range is surprisingly good for such an affordable price. You just can’t go wrong with a stash of Dove. (You can read all my previous features here.) While I’m excited to see what’s next for them in 2017, I’m also to see what campaigns they’ve got up their sleeves to keep the conversation positive and empowering… The first of which is something really rather exciting, in association with my favourite weekend destination Wilko. (Yes, I’m one of those people that can spend two hours wandering the aisles of my local store and picking up all manner of bits and bobs!) Dove are on the lookout for TEN women to be part of a new campaign which will feature in Wilko stores across the country in 2017; it doesn’t matter what size, age, height or ethnicity you are – you just need the right attitude.

What do you think about the perception of women in the beauty industry? Are you excited about the changes that have been made so far, or are you concerned not enough is being done?

 

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Stuff In My Bathroom I’m Loving Right Now (Eight Of My Fave Pampering Treats With The Best Fragrances!)

 
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Although I wanted to spend my summer sat outside sipping on glasses of pink tinted wine, the severe lack of sun and abundance of rain has meant you’re more likely to find me soaking in a bath with a good book. I can only but hope the weather perks up towards the end of the summer (hello October wedding!) but in the meantime my priority is definitely a little pampering in my newly decorated bathroom. There may not be a huge number of new products landing in stores, but there are some great firm favourites and recent discoveries that have left my home filled with beautiful scents and my body buffed and pampered. If you need a little TLC or just an excuse to pick up some new treats, here’s all the stuff I’m loving right now and are firm faves on my bathroom shelf.

Clarins SOS Comfort Nourishing Balm Mask (£26.40)
This really rich creamy balm is infused with essential fatty acids, alongside a blend of mango oil and kernel butter to plump and moisturise your skin. Applied all over the face and left for around ten minutes, it’s a great treat when you want your skin to look and feel fab ahead of a big day or night out; I adore the texture and the delicate scent, as well as the fact it doesn’t leave my skin feeling tight. I’ve been using it as a morning pick-me-up when I know I’m tired and it’s showing on my skin, and even as a pre-wedding treatment when I need my skin to stay hydrated and radiant all day long. I’m not normally down with masks that you use in the morning, but this is an absolute gem that I’m using up far too quickly.

Ren Anti-Fatigue Kelp & Magnesium Salt Body Scrub (£26.00)
Oh Ren, you know how to keep a girl feeling fabulous. I adore the Ren skincare products, but I’ve not really dabbled much in their body care until this amazing new range landed on my desk. Not only do they have this super rich and hardworking salt scrub to buff away dryness and leave skin smoothly polished, but there’s a bath oil, body wash and body cream too. All the formulas are enriched with Atlantic Kelp Extract and Microalgae Oil to help replenish skin with moisture and essential minerals, as well as being infused with REN’s Anti-Fatigue blend of essential oils to refresh and de-stress body and mind. This is great to use on legs after a long day walking around the city, letting the scrub fall into the water to surround you with the relaxing scent too.

Being by Sanctuary Spa Cloudberry & Lychee Blossom Body Wash (£6.00)
Our bathroom is usually stocked high with bottles of Dove (or whatever lands on my desk!) but sometimes you need to keep your morning shower a little bit out of the ordinary. This new brand from Sanctuary is pushing the limits of the industry and celebrating all forms of beauty, while adding a touch of sass to their products – this is no different. I love the funny little fruity face on the bottle, but the scent inside is all kinds of juicy and delicious; there’s nothing spectacular about this body wash, but sometimes it just needs to be tasty and fun.

Ecoya Guava & Lychee Sorbet Candle (£39.00)
Possibly the most beautifully scented candle I’ve ever had the pleasure of breathing in, this smells like summer in the most tropical way. With layers of delicious guava nectar interwoven with sweet lychee and underpinned by berries, this soy hand poured candle is utterly stunning – even before it’s been lit. It’s the perfect bathroom scent if you want something uplifting and energizing, while the natural waxes and lead-free cotton wicks ensure a healthy approach to home scent. It’s really good value too, considering the 80 hour burn time (up to double what you’d usually get,) and there’s even a mini version if you want to take it away with you.

Decleor Micellar Oil Cleanser (£26.00)
Since I’ve moved I’ve discovered some real gems lurking in the back of my bathroom cabinet, and this is one of them. Decleor isn’t a brand I’ve really had much time for over the last few years, feeling like it was a little outdated and not really for me, but this has broken down that barrier and left me wanting more. The combination of oil and water in this cleanser work deep into pores to dissolve and disperse dirt and impurities; with only a few pumps massaged onto dry skin, makeup is broken down and easily washed away with a damp warm flannel. Ingredients include Sweet Almond Oil Vegetal Squalene (derived from Olive Oil), rich in essential fatty acids to help strengthen and soothe the skin while maintaining optimal hydration levels. It isn’t greasy and doesn’t leave any residue, nor does it irritate or sting around the eyes – it smells really fresh and leaves my skin super clean.

Klorane Soothing & Anti-Irritating Peony Shampoo / Conditioner (£10.00)
Peonies aren’t just for Instagram shots and flatlays you know – they’re also a great ingredient in beauty products, thanks to their soothing and anti-irritating qualities. Klorane is a French pharmacy hair care brand that I’m utterly in love with (try their dry shampoo, it’s the best ever!) and this is their latest addition. Specifically formulated for sensitive scalps and dandruff, the Peony shampoo and conditioner claims to bring instant comfort to scalps that are feeling tight and itchy. The super lightweight gel-like formula helps to maintain an optimal scalp balance and 24-hour comfort, as well as hair that’s soft and tangle free. Although I don’t have an irritated scalp, I love the scent and the soothing properties it offers – as well as the super light gel conditioner formula that doesn’t weigh my hair down.

Miss Patisserie Mango Bath Slab (£5.00)
This vegan brand are shaking up beauty just a little bit, adding in super cool scents and interesting textures – and this Mango Bath Slab is the perfect example of what they have to offer. Although it doesn’t smell overtly sweet like you may expect, the brightly coloured bricks can be broken off and dropped into your bath for a little somethin somethin. The only issue becomes how to store it until next bath time…!

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Bath Oil (£58.00)
Sometimes the classics are the best. I’ve got so many gorgeous Jo Malone bath oils (I’m not sure if its the bottle or the scent I love more to be honest,) but recently I’ve been opting for the classic rich and elegant fragrance that is Pomegranate Noir. If you’re not familiar with it, then Jo Malone describe it as: “Ruby-rich juices of Pomegranate, Raspberry and Plum are spiked with Pink Pepper and laced with Casablanca Lily and Spicy Woods.” Sounds dreamy right? I love adding a few drops of this to a steaming bath and breathing in the aroma – because we all need a touch of luxury every now and then.

Which would you love to have in your bathroom this summer?

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L’Oreal The Brush Contest

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Loreal Brush

So, this is an interesting competition for beauty bloggers and vloggers. L’Oreal The Brush Contest is an international competition to find the next L’Oreal make up artist from a social media source. The winner gets a trip to Cannes to design red carpet looks, and also a one year paid contract. The winner of L’Oreal The Brush Contest will work with L’Oréal to create looks at shoots and beauty tutorials while also working with product development and representing the brand in press interviews. To enter, upload a 3 minute video creating a look on yourself or someone else and bear in mind that key to this is that L’Oreal are looking for ways to make high end make up looks accessible and wearable for anyone. I know perfectly well that loads of hugely talented bloggers and vloggers will instantly think, “oh, I’m not good enough, I can’t win that!” but remember, someone has to win it, so don’t do the typical Brit thing of thinking you can’t. You can. I’d love to see a UK winner on this one because I know we have an incredible amount of talent behind those cameras… if you can’t do it for yourself, do… Read More

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