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).

2014 in a nutshell!

So it's almost the end of January 2015 and I haven't posted once yet this year. What the heck? Slacking?I think so.

My excuse is work. I have been working quite a lot. Although I won't complain because I really do enjoy it, pay day is lush too. I have treated myself as well so they'll maybe be a haul coming soon.

I wanted to write a reflection on 2014 but to be honest, I don't want to anymore. I am just going to mention some of the highlights.

I started this blog in March! after umming and ahhing for months

• For my 19th birthday my family visited me in Liverpool. I am happy I could document it on here. I had a lovely time.
• Going to the ITV Studios to watch Jeremy Kyle was definitely a highlight. Such a hilarious experience. I really would go back.
                 
•  I passed my freshers year of University with a 2:1 in Psychology and 2:2 in Early Childhood, which I felt really happy about.
• I started work in June and made 2 of the bestest friends in the whole world (Beccy and Abbi). I couldn't imagine my life without them now.
                           
• I definitely became a lot more open about my mental health illness last year. I spoke to my family and friends, to help them understand. I don't regret it one bit. I am proud of myself for helping myself and others who suffer that ask me for help. I have a few posts relating to Mental health on this blog and hopefully i'll write more on the subject.
• Going to Chester Zoo was incredible! I had always wanted to go to a Zoo and I really enjoyed myself with my friends from Uni.
                  
• Moving into my first house was exciting. Living with 6 girls is definitely a challenge and things got very heated at times! but we did have fun. I love my room at uni! and I'll be sad to leave it (that's another story).
  
  
                     
• I started my written diary this year, which was encouraged by my therapist and I am so glad that I did. I have recommended it to so many of my friends.
  
  
                    
• I was so lucky this year, I got to visit my best friend Daisy in Manchester. My last post was about this visit. We went to the Christmas Markets and I absolutely loved it, so magical! I am going to her house again on Monday. I cannot wait to see her. 

• Christmas 2014 was fab, anytime I get to spend with my family and friends I feel blessed. I appreciate them more and more every year. Most of the girls in the family got together for my aunties birthday and it was such a good night.
  
  
  
  

Lots happened in 2014. It was definitely a roller coaster of emotions. I didn't end it in the best way mentally but I am working on it, there are a lot of changes to be made for 2015. 

Hopefully next year around this time I can write something alot more positive than this because I do plan to try new things and live without the fear of being judged. I didn't make resolutions as such, I just want to be happier in myself, and put less pressure on myself so that I can enjoy life more and not stress my way through it.

I am so proud of alot of people this year. Especially my best friends, for simply getting through the year. Some people take it for granted that they get through everyday, but with mental illness it can be so much harder to get through single days. So I am incredibly proud of my friends and any strangers that have accomplished it. They have all done so well. I am particularly proud of my friend Elle for getting into University in Brighton. Although it means I can't see her ever! I know she's having the time of her life. Last but not least, I am extremely proud of my Chummy and best friends Daisy and Lauren for Graduating, all of them are brain boxes and I really do envy their success. 

Standard family selfie

  

Now i'm rambling.

It was SOOO difficult choosing which photos to include in this post. I don't care if there's loads, these are just the people in my life that made it such an amazing year.

Thanks for reading.

Christmas Market fun

Hi Honeys,

So I am finally home from University for Christmas and I have a lovely festive post for you today.

So,  Last Wednesday I got the train to my friend Daisy's house in Manchester, and she took me to the Christmas Markets in the city. We got the tram into town which I thought was so random because I didn't know they were still around (ok, i'm stupid). Once in town I admired the view, the decorations were divine. It was almost like something you would read in a book. The wooden huts with fairy light and friendly people all in the Christmas spirit. I think that is exactly what I needed to put a smile on my face. I absolutely love people that are enthusiastic about life. They don't half life me up. We had a little chat to the people on the stalls and they were so friendly. Some were foreign students that were studying in the area and working at the markets and others brought their businesses along with them for the occasion. 

We got hot chocolate and looked around the stalls. I bought some Christmas presents and tasted all kinds of cheese (never known there to be so many kinds!). There were jewelry stalls and all kinds of trinkets. There was a lovely girl (Alice) selling canvases with positive messages on, which if you know me, is right up my street. So we both really liked them. I can't post what I bought because I don't want my friends to see before Christmas! but I got some really cute things. 

I had such a good time and definitely want to go again!

Best shot of the day of Daisy's piss take pose.

As a souvenir of the trip I kept my cute little mug.

Ps. Thanks for taking me Daisy :D

Thanks for reading

xxx

What is important?

Okay, so it has been a while. 

I haven't really been up to writing lately and I figured if this blog is just for fun then there isn't any point forcing anything, cos then it isn't fun to read. I haven’t planned anything to post so this post is just going to be for me to vent, because I love a good vent. I don't know what it'll turn into. So here goes...

These past few weeks, I have had a lot of time to myself to think about what I want from life, where I want to be in 10 years and how I am going to get there. These thoughts always scare people but living with anxiety the thoughts about my future absolutely overwhelm me. I think what scares us is the constant reminders in school that tell us we need to decide what we want to do, and do everything possible to get there. When people like my-self are not 100% what they want to do it can cause feelings of worthlessness and guilt. I know from speaking to friends my age and even younger that feel the same as I do.

The main lesson I have learned whilst having this time is that the most important thing in life is health, and I have started to put my health before anything else. Before University, before going on holiday and before what anyone else expects of me. Today, the day I am writing this, I had planned and paid to spend the weekend at Paris with my friends from University. However, I have struggled quite alot these past few weeks with depression and my mental health. I am home from Uni and have taken some time to look after myself and get back on my feet. I don't regret spending £200 on Paris and not going because I know it was the right thing to do for my health. I feel better now than I did last week and the week before that. I think that is down to having realised what is most important in my life. My happiness, friends and family.

                                   

I have spent time with the people I love the most and who love me for simply being me. I am continuing to discover who my real friends are and who will stick by me when I screw up. These people are who I will invest my time with. I am so grateful for the people who have helped me through this difficult time and those people know who they are.

I mostly want to thank my Mam, Dad, sister and my best friends. My 4 best friends Beccy, Abbi, Daisy, and Lauren have been my rocks and there is nothing I wouldn’t tell any of them. I feel so blessed to have them in my life. Being around these girls I have been able to be myself and have felt entirely comfortable in doing so. In the past I have been around people that I have been afraid to do and say things around. I know now, that it is so much more fun to have fewer close friends than hundreds of people that claim to be friends but run at the first sight of trouble.

 

Lastly, I think what I wanted to get across is that the choices you make in life should be solely your own. I have struggled with caring too much about what other people think of me. I feel like I have been trying to meet expectations and have put far too much pressure on myself to be a better and more successful person. This can mean missing out on having fun and enjoying life on a day to day basis. I am now trying my best to make decision that are good for me and will make me happy.

I hope you’re all well.

Thanks for reading

xxx

(If anyone actually reads this on a regular basis let me know in the comments which size font is better, this post is large, the previous is normal. Cheers x)