Breakdown of a Face: Kim Kardashian

Love or hate Kim you can't deny the girl's makeup is always flawless.

I've done some research into her favourite products and brands and here is what I think she is wearing on her face.

1) Even though you can't see them in this picture I have picked - Kim has some of the world's most perfectly sculpted eyebrows - I believe she uses the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate which costs £15.00 and is available here.

Remember the above photo that was all over the net a few years back?! Kim has always been the queen of the contour and I believe this look is achieved by using two products. The light areas under the eyes appear to be a slightly lighter foundation and 2) NARS Albatross and the darker area have been created using every blogger's favourite bronzer 3) NARS Laguna. You can buy both these products here for £22.50

4) I read an article in the Metro on the bus the other day which stated Kim's foundation of choice is the Urban Decay Naked foundation and she even wore it on her wedding day. This foundation is available here and retails for £27.00

5) If you google Kim Kardashian lipstick you get 1650000 results but I believe Kim's trademark "your lips but better" lipstick is Mac's Angel. You can buy this here for £15.00

6) Another trusty tip from the Metro is that Kim's wedding day mascara was apparently the new Urban Decay pervision - I'm yet to try this so can't comment personally but I was surprised it only costs £15.30 as I expected it to be around the £20.00. You can buy this mascara here.

7) Kim is a big liner girl and to recreate this look at home any easily blendable liner would be fine - I like the Urban Decay 24/7 liners or the Mac Pearlglide intense liner which is £15.50 and available here.

8) Finally what's a smoky eye without a beautiful brown eye shadow- I love Mac's carbonized which is almost a perfect match for what's in this picture. I couldn't find a link online but pretty sure it's still available in store.

BRAND FOCUS: Bourjois My Top 3

Bourjois has for years been one of my favourite drug store brands. 

I remember our first meeting over 10 years ago in a French supermarket where I picked up one of those "wonderful" white and black double ended mascaras, which may I add despite being the clumpiest kid on the block were massively ahead of their time and not dissimilar from the new Urban Decay mascaras, 

So when it came to narrowing down the 3 products I love the most from this brand 2 were completely obvious to me, the third is a new launch and I'm still feeling quietly guilty that I'm not mentioned a blusher which has been in my mak-eup collection for years!

Number 1 - The Healthy Mix Gel Serum Foundation - (I use the colour Light Beige). £10.99

This blogger's favourite is my ultimate day time drug store foundation. I tried the normal healthy mix foundation and really liked it but find this one is a little more natural looking and leaves my skin feeling a lot healthier at the end of the day. I also find the serum based foundation stays on a little bit longer as the formula is designed for long-wear. *up to 16 hours*

Number 2 - Boujois Delice de Poundre £7.99

This is a product I'm pretty sure almost every beauty blogger will have at least one shade of in their collection. I personally much prefer a Matt bronzer to a shimmery one and find that shade 52 (Peaux Mates / haleees) is the best colour for my skin tone. 

Number 3 - Volume 1 Second Mascara £9.99

Last up is the product that bullied out the blush and is my newest Bourjois purchase. If you like single fluttery almost spider leg like eyelashes this is the product for you. I actually received this as part of the Glamour Beauty Box but will definitely be repurchasing. 

What are your top recommendations from this brand?

B&M Beauty Bargain(ish)

Hands held up high.. I have an odd obsession with buying tat from bargain shops but sometimes you find a bargain amongst the various bits and bats I'll never use.

Today I picked up 3 of the Maybelline Babylips for just 99p each. 

From Left to Right (Anti Oxidant-Berry, Soothing Cherry and Mango Pie.)

They all taste really nice on the lips and are SPF 20 which is always a plus especially with the weather getting warmer.

HOWEVER....

They are all clear...!! Not sure if I'm keen or not.I don't think these have ever been stocked in the UK so it's a nice product to add to the collection.

Summer Wedding Looks Sorted - All under £100.00

Dress - Miss Selfridge - £39.00
Bag - ASOS - £12.00
Shoes -Boohoo - £18.00
Necklace - Argento - £20.00
Total £89.00

Skort - New Look - £17.99
Top - New Look - £14.99
Shoes - Matalan - £15.00
Blazer - Boohoo - £25.00
Bag - Spoiled Brat - £20.00
Total £92.98

Dress - Reiss - £69.00
Shoes - New Look - £19.99
Bag - New Look - £10.00
Total £98.99

May Favourites

Lots and Lots of Budget beauty buys this month!! I have been loving a lot of drugstore products this month so thought I would share them all with you. There is one MAC cheat though!! :)

Revlon Colorstay in Natural Beige £9.49
This has become my go to going out foundation and the shade is perfect for my skin tone (or it was until I got a holiday tan!). 
Definitely a medium to high coverage product this is great for a night out or for anyone who isn't confident with their skin.

Revlon Matte Balm in Showy £7.99
I have quite a few of these and think they are one of the best lip products about. Showy is a beautiful cool toned bright pink with blue undertones, I have been loving this. I also love the minty taste of the balms and their staying power.

Mac Brow Set in Beguille £13.50
This is a product that when I first purchased I didn't really like - however when I ran out of clear mascara last month I gave this another go. When spending a bit more time applying it I've actually really enjoyed using this product. It's a really good colour for blondes too as I know the beauty industry doesn't always cater for our brows!!

Real Techniques Buffing Brush (part of a set retails at £29.99 but got on offer at £14.99)
I've picked up a fair few of the real techniques brushes over the last few years and have been very impressed by their quality so when Feel Unique had a promotion for 6 brushes for £15.00 I couldn't refuse!
This brush is for putting on foundation and is just perfect! I've also been using this brush to contour as it's great for loading on loads of product.


Rimmel Scandalous Eyes Waterproof Kohl in Nude £3.99
I know some people are going to hate me for this comment but generally I'm not a fan of Rimmel products (other than the lipsticks) which is why I had avoided buying this product despite hundreds of bloggers raving about it. How wrong was I? This is without doubt the best nude eye-liner I've EVER owned and has now made it into my everyday makeup regime.

Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Cleansing and Toning Lotion £3.59
I'll hold my hands up and admit I am someone who spends way too much on skincare so when someone at work recommended this cleanser to me I was dubious about how good something which cost less than 4 quid could actually be. However my skin and this cleanser have got on really well - this is actually my second bottle of the stuff. I find the smell very energizing in the morning and touch wood I have been spot free since using this.

Sure Aloe Vera £3.19
I know arm pits and sweating aren't something us beauty bloggers like to talk about but I have really been liking this deodorant this month. I sometimes get very dry skin under my arms and have been impressed with how nourishing this product has been.

Sleek Blush in Life's A Peach £4.49
This peachy blusher in the most perfect colour for spring - you have to be careful with the application though to avoid looking like you've been tangoed!!!


What products have you been loving this month?

Nicola

xxxx

MUA Colourblast Eye-shadow Tints

I'm sure like most beauty bloggers I've been seriously lusting after the Ombre Blackstar by Terry but as I've never really tried an eyeshadow stick before I wanted to get my hands on a cheaper version to see how I get on with using a stick rather than a shadow before forking out the £28.00.

I picked up three of the MUA colourblast sticks from superdrug. They retail at £3.00 each but are currently on 3 for 2 so work out at just £2.00

Pros

1. Nice selection of neutral colours - sometimes find MUA shades a bit gaudy. Does anyone actually wear baby blue eye makeup?
2. Nice finish and easily blend-able
3. Cheap
4. Colours work well with each other
5. Easy to Use

Cons

1. Slightly too big - would be easier to use if they were a bit thinner.
2. Very glittery - quite a lot of fall out on lashes which is surprising for a cream product.
3. Don't last very long - you will need to use a primer with this product. I find this a bit disappointing as I tend to use cream eyeshadows as a base for other products.

Overall these are a good product for the money but I do feel I will be investing in the Blackstar shortly!!!

My High End Designer Bags

If you're anything like me you'll spend hours online browsing designer bags and deciding which one to save your pennies up for next... 

I'll start off by telling you which designer bags I already own...

First up I have my fave going out bag which is the Mulberry Daria in tan - I think this bag was discontinued about 5 years ago as I picked it up in Cheshire Oaks in 2011

You can buy similar here for £550.

Next up is my other Mulberry which is my go to day bag... This is my Mulberry Roxanne... if there was a fire in the house this would be the first thing I saved.

I got this bag over 6 years ago for my 21st Birthday and I must say as it's got older I've just loved it more and more.]

Once again sadly Mulberry have dis-continued the Roxanne but I still adore it.

I have hundreds of photos of me with this bag but thought I'd give you all a good laugh so here is me, the mulb and Juan Sheet!!!

Finally here is me and the most expensive thing I own which is the iconic black Chanel bag in black leather.

Anyone on the blog circuit will probably already have a fair idea how much this cost but I've never actually looks exactly as my boyfriend bought this for me (defo a keeper).

Here is me with the bag in Budapest.

A Very Honest and Embarrassing What's In My Bag?

First of all I thought I'd share with you the bag I'm currently using which is Just Cavalli from TK Maxx and I believe was about £150.00 reduced from £350. Sadly I cannot provide you a link from it as there isn't anything similar on their website.

If you go into your local TK Maxx however seek out the Red Section as it's offers quite heavily reduced designer items (up to 70%). You can also pick up Pucci, Marc Jacobs, See by Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood. 

So I thought I'd do this post because I emptied out my bag and was shocked about the quantity of things I had in it. I've never done a what's in my bag before so here is the embarrassing truth? 

1) A disgusting amount (8) lip products, I've got lip balms, stains and a lush lip scrub. Just to clarify I have not put all these lip products in one one day but have accumulating them over the last couple of week as I always chuck in the colour I'm wearing.

2) All my other makeup - which actually normally goes in the makeup bag pictured. Basically there's a bit of everything!!! This is all my day to day makeup which I won't go into but please let me know if your interested in my day to day makeup routine and I'll do a post.

3) I love this so much I don't class this in my normal makeup - this is the Naked 3 palette. I don't usually put this in my bag but went out after work the other night so chucked it in! I got mine here.

4) My Makeup bag is from boots and is a Ted Baker one. This cost £14 and you can buy this here.

5) My hair always begins to look flat around lunchtime so I always keep my tangle teazer and the Charles Worthington Volume and Texture Spray. I got both of these from Boots too!

6) Not sure how this has happened but I have 3 perfumes - I have the Taylor Swift Wonderstruck (this is my fave cheap scent), Vera Wang Princess and MAC turquatic which I'm literally obsessed with!!

7) Two nail polishes - have been chucked in to top up chips. One is a Model's Own one, the other is Nails Inc

8)Change - hilariously I had £8.67 of chain in the bottom of my bag! No wonder my bag is so heavy!!

9) Hypochondriac Alert!!! Paracetamol, heartburn tablets, Cold and Flu and anti-hystermines

10) Iphone Charger

11) Diary and work items

12) I got my Michael Kors Purse and phone case in pink which I don't think is available any more but it's available in green here for £85.00. My iphone is inside here!!

Spring Wishlist (and cheaper alternatives!)

Luxe

1) Jacket - Topshop - £185.00
2) Skirt - Ted Baker - £129.00
3) Dress - French Connection - £110.00
4) Bag - Michael Kors £315.00
5) Shoes - Kurt Geiger - £270.00

Cheap

1) Jacket - Miss Selfridge £52.00 (I realise this is slightly cheating but this is a leather jacket!!) 
2) Skirt - BooHoo - £8.00
3) Dress  - BooHoo £25.00
4) Bag - TK Maxx £24.99
5) Shoes - New Look - £22.99

My Week in Photos!!

First of all a big apology for being a bad blogger this week it's been rather a mental one! Rather than bore you all going on about what I've been up to I thought I'd share some photos with you.

Please let me know if you've been up to anything exciting this week?!

I've been listening to....

On Tuesday I went to see HAIM.

I've been SCREAMING at...

On Wednesday with a 7% iphone battery we had a 9 hour power cut... it was a good excuse to burn nice smelling candles and play scrabble with my fella!! We also obviously had to eat all the ice creams...

I've been laughing at...

 Last night we went to see Jack Whitehall who was absolutely hilarious!! 

I've also spent all week chuckling at the photos from my friend Anita's hen do last Saturday.

And finally with my shopping ban I have spent a lot of time lusting after...

The Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette - I NEED THIS!!

These amazing ASOS shoes which are a pure bargain at £22.00 and are defo are my pre lent wish list...

NARS blush, Adult Content highlight and bronzing palette

So the final item I order before I put myself on a spending ban arrived yesterday and my lord is it a beauty!! I ordered this from a website called Urban Retreat (as it was sold out in Selfridges!) but I'm very very impressed with this website.

It came really really quickly - the packaging was amazing so I would definitely recommend trying it out.

You can buy this product here for £30.00 but they have loads of lovely stuff so have a browse!!! 

Now for some pics!!

What I Like

• Not the normal NARS blush palette shades - I love Laguna and Orgasm but I imagine most beauty blogger already own these products
• Zen is a gorgeous matte bronzer and is AMAZING for contouring -so much so I am even thinking of purchasing the big one.
• Miss Liberty is a lovely subtle highlight and while it is obviously shimmery it doesn't have too much glitter in it.
• I've never owned Deep Throat and now I am in love - this is the perfect day look blush - it reminds me a little bit of benefit coralista but is darker and I think it blends better.

What I don't like

• This comment should really be in the middle as it's not that I dont like it but I am a bit scared about how pigmented and bright desire is - I think it's defo only night out friendly.
• The size of the palette - guys this palette is tiny and while I think Deep Throat is almost a full sized blush the rest of them are diddy!!

Has anyone else got this?

What's your fave NARS product? xxx

LENT SPENDING BAN!!!

So from tomorrow I am planning to do something I don't think I've ever done before... put myself on a 40 day spending ban!!! :(

I am without a doubt a self confessed shopaholic and do not go a week without buying myself at least a small treat so I'm going to find this really hard.

I also have a few events coming up - a wedding, a dinner party and a uni reunion that I would have without a doubt bought new outfits for so I'm going to try and will be doing some posts about using what you all ready have....

Are you giving up anything for lent? xxx

March Wish List

1) Nars Adult Content Palette - Contains the shades Zen, Miss Liberty, Desire, Deep Throat £30.00
What I like about this is the fact it doesn't contain the normal NARS shades and is a great way of trying some of their less well known products.
2) ASOS french bulldog dress £35.00
I'm dying to get an actual french bulldog so I'm thinking this might give my boyfriend the right hint!!
3) Hourglass Ambient Lightning Blush in Luminous Flush £28.00
This may very well be the prettiest product I've ever seen and it needs a place on my dressing table ASAP!
4)Revlon Matt Balms £7.99
I'm absolutely desperate  to get my little mitts on these but because of the 3 for 2 at Boots there are literally none left!! Might have to do a little online order!!
5)Zara Blouse £25.99
I saw a girl wearing this out last night and fell in love with it - I have recently bought a white leather skirt and think they would look perfect together...
6) Topshop Shoes £62.00
I'm really fancying these for my spring work shoes - I love the detail on the skinny heel!

My All Time Favorite Oscar Dresses

With the Academy Awards this Sunday I am looking back over my top ten all time favorite Oscar dresses. 

1) Michelle Williams in VeraWang

This is just divine - when I think of Michelle I actually think more about this dress than whatever she won the Oscar for...

2) Amy Adams in Oscar de la Renta

Anyone who reads my blog will know I am in love with Amy Adams style. I think this dress is very very princessy but the different textures make it just the right amount of edgy.

3) Julia Robert in Valentino 

How timeless is this dress - unbelievably Julia wore this dress to the Oscars in 2001 making it 13 years old proving a classic dress can stand the test of time.

4) Another timeless look from the beautiful Audrey Hepburn. This Givenchy dress is beyond stunning and the waistband emphasizes Hepburn's microscopic waist!

5) Forever famous at the leg split dress I'm usually not a fan of Angelina but absolutely love this Versace dress. What i LOVE about this dress is the material. Velvet is not the obvious choice for LA heat but Angelina proves pride stands a pinch in this fabulous frock...

6) How fabulous is this Balenciaga dress on Nicole Kidman's colouring. I think the neck detail and caping is such a unique design feature.

7) More RED!!! How amazing was Heidi's Dior dress. I remember seeing this on the red carpet and Klum's gorgeous dress and body were unmissable!!

8) I'm a massive fan of the textured skirt and I do realize this 2007 Oscar de la Renta dress is very very very similar to the dress that Amy Adam's wore last year but I couldnt not include it. The dusty pink on Penelope Cruz's skin is just perfect.

9) Jennifer Lawrence I LOVE you. This Dior dress is one of the most pretty things I have ever seen!! Of course this will eternally be remembered as the dress Jennifer fell over in!!

10) Last up is style goddess SJP... This Dior dress is once again going down the princess route... what i do love about this dress is the belt. I think the belting detail makes a very very very girly dress a bit more edgy.

Do you have a favorite Oscar Dress - if so please let me know as I'm always up for a bit of style porn.....

Glossybox February 2014

So just as I was about to cancel my Glossybox they come out with this bad boy!!! This is the best one I have had in the last year so think I may be keeping the subscription going a little bit longer! Here's the breakdown!!

First of all I love the box - it's a valentines edition so is covered in kisses!!! :) I'll start off with the not so good....

Ok I'll start with the worst - this is a sparking body shimmer. This is from Nougat which is actually a brand I quite like I'm just not really sure what to do with this.

I don't really like glitter on my skin generally the only use I can really think of this is maybe it would look nice on tanned legs in the summer.

Product Size 100ml
Value £5.64
Full size avaliable at amazon here.

I'm generally more of a lipstick than a lippy girl but I suppose this isnt bad. It' a nice shimmery shade but I would really prefer to recieve a sample of a high end brand that a full sized cheapo!
Product Value £2.99

Now it get's GOOD!!!!

Yes Glossybox has done full sized before but they are often in the shitty colours that nobody wanted - I got Ciate (one of my fave brands) in a very classic red colour called "red hot chilli"

Really pleased with this as I would have gone out and purchased this item

Product Value £9.00 and available here.

Next up is another product I am very excited to try - I recently bought a Kohl liner from Primark and I have been really liking it but the staying power isn't very good so I'd been considering trying another option.

The pigmentation of this product looks really good (sorry the pics arent great only had my phone on me).

Product Value £5.99 and available here. I've also just spotted they do this product in gold so might have to pick up that bad boy!!

This isnt something I'll use but still happy to have it in the Glossy as sure I can shove it in the direction of my other half and as it retails for £7.49 in Boots happy to have another full sized sample. You can get this here

Overall a great box - did you get the same in yours?