10 songs to run to...

Ironically, as I write this I have to admit I have been less than proactive with my keep-fit regime recently. Actually, even that's a porky pie- the closest thing to exercise I've done recently is hoovering the house! But before you judge, I am planning a Summer holidays shake-up (more to come on that in a future post!).
 
Here are 10 of the songs that get me motivated when I go running:

Acapella by Kelis: 
This track has an addictive beat that will get you motivated and helps keep my stamina up. In fact, the whole of Fleshtone is good for running to because of the bass lines and electronica-vibe.

Spotty Day Make-up!

Today's make-up post is all about concealing spots. I posted about dealing with break-outs in one of my earlier posts, but seeing as my skin has decided to wage war on me, it seemed like an opportunity to show how I keep them hidden during the daytime.

Sixties-inspired Make-up

My friend Hannah's 30th birthday party gave me a great excuse to do a sixties-inspired make-up look over the weekend. It was great to see everyone dressed up in their 50s and 60s frocks and the birthday girl looked fabulous!

My pencil eyeliner picks

Today is the day I am posting about ten pencil eyeliners I use on a regular basis.

Review: Eucerin Even Brighter Range

Eucerin Even Brighter is a range of skincare which claims to use B-Resorcinol to reduce the melanin production in the skin. Basically, it gets to work on age spots, pigmentation and freckles and 'brightens' them. 

Peachy Lipsticks: 5 favourites

Here is my run down of peach lip colours: enjoy!

Dior lipstick in Grege 1947 is a neutral peach shade which would work well on many people. The formulation is moisturising and balmy which makes it very comfortable to wear. The silky feel on the lips is luxurious compared to cheaper brands I use. On the downside, it means that this isn't a lipstick that will wear for many hours, but it really is such a pretty and wearable colour that it is worth it in my opinion.

Burberry Make-up Look: Natural and Classy

As you will know if you have seen this post, I recently got my hands on some Burberry make-up products which I was really happy about. I'd read about Burberry make-up, particularly the eyeshadows, and really loved the neutral, classy range of shades available.

I like the concept of well-applied, neutral make-up that enhances the wearer's features, rather than screaming "look at me! I'm wearing make-up!" Of course I do also like to experiment with bolder looks from time to time, because make-up is, after all, about fun. When I say 'well-applied' I mean wearing less, but applied with care and thought. I am by no means a professional, but I enjoy learning new techniques and getting better at the application process.

Review: Eye Creams for Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Signs of aging often first appear around the eyes. At least, that's what happened with me. For the last 5-6 years, I have been an eye cream convert. If I was smart, I would have been using one many years before I hit my mid twenties!

Review: Origins Ginzing Brightening Cream Eyeshadow

I have been using the Origins cream eyeshadow for some time now after picking the shade Bamboost up from a CCO (discount cosmetics outlet). This is now my everyday, most reached for eyeshadow. It is the most flattering, purple-toned taupe brown- very much like my favourite Mac shade, Quarry, but in cream form. It is just lovely.

My Perfect Neutral Nails Shade

Sally Hansen's Mauve Along (374) is my perfect nude nails shade. I love neutral nails because they're work appropriate, stylish and more forgiving than brights. The colour is a mauve-toned taupe and is just beautiful.

A few of my favourite things #3 (May 2014)

Currently wearing

 Stripes

Chic, stylish and always in fashion: stripes are definitely a favourite of mine for Spring/ Summer (hell, for all year round!). This loose-fitting tee from Zara is affordable and works with so many different bottoms. This can be worn over leggings or jeans; it can be tucked into skirts or shorts (I'm talking hypothetically there- my legs are way too sorry-looking for shorts at the moment!). I got this in Zara last year, but they still have similar tops in a range of colours. 

 

Topshop Make-up: Soda Pop Shades for Summer

Left to right: Flush, Head Over Heels, Art School

Topshop cream blushes are fabulous. I recently got my hands on a second shade, Head Over Heels, which is a pinky peach colour. In the pan these look slightly scary and boisterous, but they melt into the skin and blend wonderfully. For Summer, these soda pop shades are so cheerful and flattering. I featured Flush here in a make-up look, so have a look if you want to see how it translates on paler skin.

How to be confident

When I was thinking about writing this post, I thought to myself: are you really in a position to be giving advice about confidence? The answer is yes and no.

2000: Quite quiet                      2014: Quietly confident!

Like most teenagers, I wasn't the highest in self-esteem, but quite good at hiding it most of the time. Actually, I used to worry about a lot of things, but I rarely told anyone. Things like whether I would stumble over my words if I spoke in class? Was I ever going to grow any taller? (The answer to that was no!) Were people laughing behind my back? Did people think I was ugly? Or boring? 

I guess, the typical paranoid worries that a young girl might have.

I could say that I don't have any worries now, but I'm not going to lie, I do. It's just that I have become quite good at putting things into perspective. And as a result, I would now say that I am a confident person, most of the time. 

Burberry Make-up Haul and Swatches

I managed to pick up some Burberry make-up recently at a snip of the rrp. Ever since seeing the eyeshadows on beauty blogs and Youtube videos, I was really keen to try them out. The brand is renowned for making stunning wearable colours with luxe packaging.

Pretty Pink Wearable Make-Up, feat. the Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

I'll be honest, I bought the #Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette thinking that the pink toned shadows would be a match made in heaven for my pink-toned skin. Despite this, I have struggled a bit to make this work for me for everyday make-up looks.

Wearing Clarins' Complexion Base only

So I decided to give it another try, and I'm pleased with the results. Here's how I achieved this pink-themed, yet wearable make-up:

Bath and Body Products: Mini-Break Edition!

This is my second post about the products that I used while I was away recently. There's not much that's as relaxing as being away on holiday, having a nice bath and using a select bunch of your favourite products. So here's what I chose:

Review: E.L.F. Blushes

If you haven't tried E.L.F. products, why not? They are a company selling quality yet hugely affordable cosmetics and I have been using their blushes for some time now, along with trying other products from the range, including their amazing brushes.

For £3.95, you get 4.75g of product. The packaging is sleek and their are little windows so that you can actually see the product inside.

I own two shades: Tickled Pink and Mellow Mauve.  

Tickled Pink is a sweet, light warm pink colour whuch is perfect for pale to medium skintones. I find that the pigmentation is good and can be built up. There is a very subtle shimmer in both blushes which is great to find in a cheaper brand because sometimes shimmer can be overdone.