The Beau Bow has kindly tagged me in her personal questions TAG, so thank you for giving me the opportunity to tell all my readers a little more about myself! Im just going to crack right on, enjoy!
1. What do you order at Starbucks?
I don't! Funnily enough whilst I've been studying at university, I have been working in an independent cafe... and I can't stand coffee! But I would like to think I'm pretty good at making it (ha!). However, I do LOVE milkshake and if I'm in a coffee shop that is selling milkshake, I can guarantee I will be drinking one.
2. What is the one thing in your closet that you can't live without?
The one thing? You having a laugh?! I can't live without my wardrobe full stop! But if I had to save one thing from my closet, I think it would have to be my Gucci clutch bag which my Nan gave to me as a gift. It's my go to clutch bag and is classy, elegant and a classic and I'm defiantly a bag girl - forget the shoes. It's all about the BAGS.
3. What is the one thing that people don't know about you?
Not many people know that I did kickboxing for 10 years and I have many a belt which I'm very proud of. It is actually something that I would recommend to anyone. It's great for keeping fit and also gives you confidence to deal with different situations (self defence). I have recently been considering getting back into kickboxing. I've missed it.
4. What is the one thing you want to do before you die?
To get published in a well known national paper/magazine... that would be truly incredible...
5. What's one food you can't live without?
I LOVE pasta! It is awful, but I have to admit that most of my "diet" contains a large proportion of pasta! I have tried so hard to cut out pasta and to eat less of the lovely stuff, but honestly I find it so difficult! I have 0 will power.
6. What's one quote you live by?
I wouldn't say I live by any quote but, I truly love this quote from Julia Roberts - 'I believe that two people are connected at the heart, and it doesn't matter what you do, or who you are or where you live; there are no boundaries or barriers if two people are destined to be together.' Gushy I know, but true...
7. What do you like and dislike about the blogging community?
I love the fact that I can share my tips and experiences with people all over the world. I also really love it when people respond to my posts, it's really nice to know that people appreciate what I write. And of course I like to spend time reading through other blogs to see what they have to offer to the blogging community. As I'am new to the blogging community I haven't yet come across any dislikes and I hope it stays that way!
8. What is your number 1 song on iTunes/iPod?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Robin Thicke Blurred Lines! I don't care what anyone else says, but this song makes me want to dance! I have also found myself singing along at the top of my lungs in my car to this song! It is defiantly my most played song this month on my iTunes with just over 60 plays... is that terrible?
9. What kind of style would you describe yourself as having?
I wouldn't say I have a particular style. I would like to think I'm quite on trend but I have never really thought about it to be honest! I literally see something I like and buy it! But I'm not a fan of slogan tees, so many girls and now boys wear them! I see them EVERYWHERE! I will have to update you on what style I have...
10. Favourite number?
6.
11. Two hobbies?
One of my hobbies would have to be writing. I write for an online magazine and also write for a student fashion clothing website called My Fashion Shop, I'm extremely grateful for the opportunities I receive to write, I thoroughly enjoy it! I used to be a very keen dancer and completed ballet and intermediate modern however since I started university I have stopped dancing as I am so so busy!
12. Two pet peeves?
I HATE people who spit on the road/path/wherever in public - it is unhygienic, unattractive and disgusting! Please keep it in your mouth and dispose of "it" in a more appropriate place. Thanks. Another pet peeve would be wolf whistling. Men who do this must think they are wolves. I am not a dog and I dont respond by being whistled at. Its rude and I dont find it flattering! (Gosh a sound like a right old whinge bag - but you did ask!)
13. Your guilty pleasure?
Indulging in a large bar of chocolate, shutting myself away from the outside world and spending hours catching up on my favourite TV programmes literally one after the other, until I have nothing left to watch! I sound so lazy but it is so nice sometimes to just do nothing!
I TAG:
Thank you for reading! Let me know your opinions in the comments box below - Do you share the same pet peeves? Do you LOVE pasta like me?
Emily
Here is a blog post which I'm sure many of you have come across before! I thought I would add to the hundreds and show you what I keep inside my bag - the excitement...
As you can see I carry everything with me! This post should really be called "What's not in my bag?"! But I hate being out and needing something and not having it! And yes, this is a summer edition and I have a brolly in my bag, but here in the UK our summer can be very unpredictable! I must admit what I have in my bag changes day-to-day, but these are the bits and bobs which I carry with me the majority of the time.
Journal from John Lewis - I LOVE this journal, it was a present from my mum at Christmas and I use it to write down all my ideas for my blog and any article ideas. The pages are quirky and colourful and it is a very cherished item of mine. John Lewis has a lovely selection of journals and if you are like me and love writing, a journal is worth a buy!
Google Nexus 7 - Although I'm a huge fan of Apple products, this 7inch tablet is great for surfing the internet and watching YouTube videos in HD. It's light and the battery lasts all day. I also love using it to read books on journeys to and from university.
Diary from WHSmiths - I don't know what I would do without my diary - I'm sure you don't need me to tell you what I use this for! Oh! And I always carry a black biro with me - this is very important! I only ever write in black biro... I don't know exactly why... but never blue, always black!
Purse from Ted Baker - I have had this purse for a couple of years now and is starting to look a little worse for wear, but I love it too much! (Maybe I should ask for a new one for my 21st Birthday?) Funnily enough although this purse looks rather fat, it is not full of money, but lots and lots of store cards and vouchers... very frugal of me.
Wet wipes and hand sanitizer - Ladies it is so important to keep your hands clean - but I'm sure you all know that! These wet wipes are from Primark and smell lovely! They came in a twin pack for £1 and are brilliant for when I go to boots and cover my hands in make-up! The hand sanitizer is essential! I use it a lot - maybe too much?
Make-up Bag - This was a gift a from my boyfriends parents a few years back and I love it! It's just super cute. I believe this is also from John Lewis.
Mac Fix + - Although I dont always feel this "fixes" my make-up as advertised it is very hydrating and soothing. I find it is great if I have been at work and my skin needs a boost (as it can get very dry and my complexion can look rather dull)! It leaves my skin looking bright and dewy.
Mac Lovelorn lipstick - This is currently my go to lipstick. It is a soft, subtle pink and can be worn everyday.
Zara perfume - Now if you have read some summer essentials blog post you will know just how much I love this fragrance! So refreshing and light! And the bottle comes with this cute little roll on applicator which fits perfectly in my make-up bag.
Studio moisture tint SPF15 - This is perfect for this season! It is a light tinted moisturiser and is has the perfect coverage to even out my skin tone as I suffer from redness. It is a great alternative to foundation and leaves my skin looking lovely! I use it on its own and sometimes fix it with powder if I want it to last all day! It isn't oily and glides onto my skin perfectly.
Elizabeth Arden 8 hour cream - I love this product! It is a lifesaver! I always have it with me no matter what! It is great for lips, dry skin, to shape brows and sunburn! I also love to use it as a base for my lipstick as it is so hydrating! This is worth a buy, it literally does everything! I highly recommend it.
Vaseline 24h Anti-Perspirant - I bought this anti-perspirant as it was half price in SuperDrug and its great. I wouldn't say it lasts 24hrs but it smells fresh and does the job! Handbag essential for this summer to keep fresh and clean.
Nivea lip butter (raspberry) - Just like the zara perfume this has also featured in my summer essentials blog post. It is a great lip butter and smells DIVINE.
Umberto Giannini instant beauty makeover spray - As I have naturally have long, straight hair it can look a bit dull and boring and this spray is a great pick-me-up. It smells great and it gives my hair a boost, leaving it feeling hydrated and shiny.
GOSH The secret of longer lashes mascara - I received this product in last months Glossybox and I'm currently trying it out. So far I do like it but if you have read my blog before you will know I find it hard to find a better mascara than my MaxFactor false lash effect! However this mascara does leave my lashes looking longer and the brush is great however not sure about the volume! The mascara has defiantly improved the length of my lashes, so if you need a mascara that lengthens its worth giving this a try.
Maybelline Fit me concealer - This has to be another hand bag essential! Just incase I get or have any horrid spots or dark circles! This concealer is my current favourite.
Here is the HUGE bag where I carry EVERYTHING ABOVE! This bag is 100% leather and from Pelle Moda, however I got mine from Social discount network which was and is still selling it for less than half price - bargain.
So what do you keep in you bag? Do you carry around as much as me?
Emily
It is really important to keep your brushes clean. So many people dont even think of cleaning their brushes! If you are reading this and don't, START NOW. It will prevent skin problems, prevent colour mixing and help make your brushes last longer.
When I initially started cleaning my brushes I was advised by a MAC make-up artist to use baby shampoo, by massaging the shampoo onto the brush and washing it under a hot tap. I found this messy, time consuming and my brushes didn't always clean up so well. Some prefer methods like this, but I've found a simple solution.
I recently purchased some new brushes from Real Techniques which I absolutely LOVE and I decided that I wanted to be super good and buy some brush cleaner. So I did and now cleaning my brushes is no longer a chore and I find it so satisfying (is that sad?).
How to clean your brushes:
Below are my very dirty brushes. I just wanted to show what they looked like before.
1. Firstly I take my brush cleaner, which I bought from amazon for just under £5. And it may only be 150ml but you really don't need much, to get your brushes super clean.
2. Take a piece of kitchen roll and fold it up and put a little bit of the cleaner onto the tissue. You really dont need much of the cleaner - so dont go crazy! You can also use large cotton wool pads too - it all works the same! (I also advise you do this in the bathroom as brush cleaner can damage surfaces if left on them!)
3. Next take a brush and swirl it onto the tissue in clockwork motions (softly) until the brush is clean. This literally takes a minute depending on how dirty your brushes are. You can also use this cleaner to deep clean your bushes, by squeezing some of the solution into a bowl and soaking the tips of your brushes for 15 minutes. I also unfold the tissue and then fold it back on itself, when I start cleaning a different brush. But you can just take a new piece of kitchen roll or a new cotton wool pad.
4. Finally after 3 simple steps your bushes are sparkly clean! Just take a look at mine now! I also love the fact this brush cleaner is scent free and doesn't make my brushes soaking wet, so if need be, I could use them straight after! However, you may want to rinse them afterwards, this is up to you (I do this when I deep clean them as they have been soaking in the solution).
This professional brush cleaner works so well! You can use it to deep clean or quickly clean your brushes! This brush cleaner is a gentle solvent and is suitable for any cosmetic brushes. I highly recommend it.
You can buy this brush cleaner here!
How do you clean your brushes?
Emily
Yesterday I went into London with two of my friends, to the Make-Up London Academy in Finsbury Park. We took part in a 3hr Mac make-up masterclass and it was such good fun!
I would like to think I'm a pro when it comes to make-up. But really I'm just your average joe! Every now and then I fall out with my liquid eyeliner. I buy the wrong foundation colour and have bad make-up days - sound familiar?! So, today I just want to share with you what we learnt and a few tips that the make-up artist shared with us, which you might find helpful.
SMOKY EYES
We had 1.5 hours demonstration, which focused on the perfect base, foundation, smokey eye and false lash application. So I'm going to focus on the smokey eye, as that is what we spent the majority of the time on and what I found the most helpful. In the blogging world there are thousands of how to videos and blogs when it comes to doing the perfect smokey eye, so apologises if you have seen this before, but hopefully there will be something here for everyone.
Here are the steps which I took to get a smoky eye which I attempted to create on my friend Naomi as instructed by the make-up artist.
We used 3x colours, a dark midnight blue (darkest shade), magenta (middle shade) and a light cream colour (lightest shade). MAC COSMETICS sell eyeshadow sets and individual shadows. Also SLEEK MAKEUP have some fantastic palettes which are inexpensive and highly pigmented.
1. PRIMER - This is so important! Using a primer is so beneficial it will stop your eyeshadow from creasing. It will also keep the eyeshadow in place and really helps bring out the colour of the shadow in its truest form. Apply primer onto both lids, either using a small brush or your finger.
2. LIGHT SHADE ALL OVER THE LID - this is quite simply packing on the lightest shade all over the lid, apply this to the lid only - there is no need to apply up to the brow bone.
3. DARK COLOUR AS LINER - using a push eyeliner brush, apply the darkest colour as close to the lash line as possible. This honestly is a lot easier than I thought it would be and is the perfect alternative to liquid eyeliner if you struggle with this.
4. USE COLOUR IN CREASE - using the middle shade, using a soft motion start from the outer corner of your eye and apply the colour into the crease. Apply this to around the middle of the crease (see picture). This is used as a guideline for the darker colour.
5. DARK SHADE ON TOP OF MIDDLE SHADE - again like the previous step but now using the dark shade, use a soft sweeping motion and apply the colour into the crease.
6. BLEND - Using a blending brush using circular motion, blend the colours along the crease to blend out the hard line.
7. REAPPLY - Now reapply the darkest colour again (Step 5).
8. REPEAT 6&7 - Simply repeat step 6&7 until you get the desired depth of colour.
9. CREATE OUTER C SHAPE - This is the part I'm going to struggle to describe but here it goes... taking the darkest colour create a C shape on the outer corner of each eye. The more colour you apply here the smokier effect you will create.
10. BLEND CREASE WITH MIDDLE SHADE - Apply the middle shade into the crease once again. By blending this into the crease, it will give the effect of the colour getting lighter as it gets closer to the brow bone.
11. REAPPLY LIGHTER SHADE - After applying such dark colours you may find you lose some of the lighter shade. So just reapply this to the eyelids.
12. LINER - If you are confident in using liquid liner, line your lash line with liquid liner. If you start from the inner corner of your eye you will find it much easier than starting from the outer corner. If you don't want to use liquid liner, just repeat step 3 (you can always use a black shadow instead to get a fuller look). You can also apply pencil liner to your water line.
13. MASCARA - Apply your favourite mascara. Apply mascara to your bottom lashes first, because if you apply to the top lashes you may find you get some on the bottom lashes also - which can be a pain when you come to applying mascara to them. Do not pump your mascara to get product onto the brush, as this will dry out the mascara much quicker (as you are pumping air into the mascara), instead swirl it around - this way your mascara will last longer!
14. COLOUR 1/3 ON LOWER LASH LINE - If you want to go for the full smoky eye look, now apply the darker shade and the magenta to the lower lash liner using a small eyeshadow brush.
FINISHED.
This is the first time I have attempted a smoky eye on someone else! I don't think I did too badly, but it could have defiantly have been improved!
Remember...
- There is no eye shape that it not suited to smoky eyes.
- Be gentle! Remember soft sweeping motions, you do not need to apply lots of pressure on the brush to get the colour onto the lid - I made this mistake, so be soft!
- You dont have to use black, you can achieve smoky eyes with bronze colours, purples, blues, and even shades of green if you want to be daring!
- If you go wrong just blend it out!
- Practice, practice, PRACTICE!
- To open up your eyes apply a creamy white eye pencil to your water line.
- To get a cat eye effect use a black liner on your water line.
- If done properly you wont need to touch up the initial application - but we aren't all pros!
- By putting translucent powder under the eye it will be easier to clean up the fallout (eye shadow dropping under your eye).
- If you fancy adding a little more colour just put a bit of colour in the inner corner of your eyelids - metallic colours work really well here!
- Smoky eyes do not have to be harsh they can be subtle and very sexy.
If you want to find out more about classes and courses at the Make-Up London Academy click here.
What are your tips for a smoky eye? What do you find difficult about smoky eyes?
Emily
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