20!

(Disclaimer - I have neglected my blog for so long for so many reasons and this post is long overdue. Therefore, I was going to scrap it but I had such a good birthday I decided to post it anyway)

I have had this blog over a year now. That is crazy. It doesn't feel two minutes ago I was writing my 19th birthday post. Lots has happened since then. However, this post is dedicated to my 20th birthday celebrations because I had such an amazing time and was spoiled rotten.

My actual birthday was on 27th March, but I celebrated a week early because it was just easier for everyone. My best friend Daisy from University traveled from Manchester to stay at my house for the weekend for the first time. It was such a gorgeous weekend (take me back).

On Saturday 21st, me, Daisy, Alice (my sister) and Amy (our friend) went to York for the day. I absolutely loved York on my 18th, so I thought, why not? I was not disappointed. We went for a day of cocktails and delicious food. We got the train to York and I think it took about an hour.

 The bar crawl started in Wetherspoons for a spot of lunch and we moved alone to Slug and Lettuce for dessert. It was to die for! If I remember rightly we went to Gibsons where we met the most hilarious Stag do (Only yesterday I found a stick on moustache in my bag, ew) and ordered the most delicious cocktails EVER. We won shots in a coin toss and I completed a task on the to do list. Yes, my friends made me a to do list. This included telling someone hot I loved them, proposing to Daisy in public, and claiming a glass from a pub. I was persuaded to tell this dude I loved him but he was not hot. My sister slipped a shot glass in my back, thinking I had no idea, yeah right haha. I loved Gibsons, the music, the atmosphere, I could have stayed there all day. We finished the day in Vodka Revolution with a teapot of alcohol (can't even remember what it was ngl). We got the train home at around 7:30pm if I remember rightly. 

The celebrations continued with my friends from work on my actual birthday weekend...

And the day after...

Some of the gorgeous gifts from my friends and family...

Thankyou for reading x 

Makeup look

Hellooooo...

I am back, with a makeup post, because who doesn't love a makeup post!

First of all, I'm not claiming to be a pro because I am far from it...I just simply love doing my makeup. Also, I apologise for the poor quality of the photos, I need a new camera asap. It's my birthday soon... (hint hint).

This makeup look is one I go for on a day to day basis, if i'm going to work, or just out with my friends. I don't do it exactly the same everyday. I sometimes miss out certain steps, add steps or just change the way I do steps. I hope you like it x

Step 1. Primer

                                                   

I got this mini POREfessional in a gift set with 2 other Benefit Products. I had heard alot of good reviews so I thought I would give it a go. I absolutely love the consistency of this product. It makes my skin so smooth and is a fabulous base for my makeup. I would definitely repurchase the full sized tube.

Step 2. Foundation

I recently decided to give Mac Studio Fix a try. I use NW10 because I am as pale as snow white. It definitely is one of the best I have used. I apply this by pumping 2 amount on to the back of my hand, and dotting it around my face with my index finger. I then use the Real Techniques stippling brush. I brush small circular motions on my face for the best results. This brush is my favourite from the collection and I have highly recommended it to lots of people.

                                    

Step 3. Eyebrows

To fill in my eyebrows I am currently using Brow Zings brow shaping kit by Benefit in Light. I really enjoy how effortless the brush combo makes it to apply. I apply the wax with the angled brush, and then the powder over with the other. I like the natural finish of this product. 

 

Step 4. Concealer

The Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Ultimate wear concealer is definitely a staple in my makeup bag. Again I use one of the palest shades in fair 1. I have repurchased this more times than I can remember. I refuse to buy any other because this is high quality and very affordable. I use my ring finger to apply this to cover any blemishes and imperfections (such as scars and spots). I also try my best to hide the dark circles under my eyes, because I am not always the best at sleeping!

Step 5. Powder to set

I have been using Rimmel Stay Matte long lasting pressed powder since I first started using makeup at around the age of 13. I love this product. At the moment I have the shade Transparent 001. I use this to set my face makeup and brows. This powder is light weight on the skin and applies evenly across my face. I use the Real Techniques multi task brush. This is a close 2nd in my brush collection.

Step 6. Eye shadow

Eye shadow is most definitely my weak point. I really need to learn how to. Some please teach me. I still use it nonetheless. My sister bought a In the Buff palette and I don't think she has used it more than once. So I have kinda claimed it. I used an eye shadow applicator that was included to apply sand to the whole lid. I then added silk to the outer corners and crease. To add a bit of depth I applied thunder to the crease to finish the look. It wasn't a huge success but I do like how it turned out.

 

  

Step 7. Eyeliner
So I have recently only been using eyeliner on the top of my lids. In School/College I always used pencil on my water line, but I haven't for ages. I found that it would just smudge and it would also make my eyes appear smaller.
I have used 2true Effortless eyeliner from Superdrug for years now. It isn't at all effortless! It takes me forever to try and even out the wings and usually ends up being thick when I am aiming for a thin line, but hey ho first world problems for ya. I don't always wing my eye liner and sometimes I make it more dramatic than others. Some days it goes better than others aha. I love a good eyeliner day. I usually leave it to late in the morning to correct any mistakes so just let it go as thick as it ends up. Who knew I could speak this long about bloody eyeliner. 

 

Step 8. Mascara
I am not really fussy when it comes to mascara. I use whatever I can get my hands on. I am a real fan of the Miss Sporty collection. At the moment I use Bad Gal Lash by Benefit and go over that with Miss Sporty fabulous lash curved brush. This combo leaves my eyelashes looking long and spread out. There is nothing worse than clogged up lashes (vom). I only apply mascara to my top lashes, I don't put any product on my bottom lashes.

 

Step 8. Contour

To contour I use Rimmel natural bronzer in Sunlight 021. I use the Real Techniques contour brush.  I apply a diagonal line from just under my temples to my cheek underneath my eye. I do this accurately by pulling a 'fish face'. I blend this with my multi task brush.

Final stage. Blush

I really want a new blush but at the moment I am still using the same MUA blush as in my last makeup post. It is in the shade bubble gum. It's an alright product as it's very cheap. However, it does't last very long without fading. Not something I would recommend unless you were just starting out in makeup.

I applied this with my Buffing brush by Real Techniques that I forgot to take a photo of, and it's not in arms reach (so lazy). I am sure you know what it looks like, if not google it :P

Finished look...

Thanks for reading!

My sad face for crap quality photos
Any donations welcome to Kate's new camera fund (Y).