Casual Ootd

I thought I would try something different and post an outfit of the day. Recently I have been enjoying wearing shirts whether it be over a t-shirt, done up or over a dress.  This day I was just going to Sixth-form so I opted for black jeans from ASOS, a plain white t-shirt from Zara. I am in love with these t-shirt I pretty much have every colour that they have as they are so reasonable! I brought the flannel shirt from H&M before Christmas but have only just started to wear it more. It looks great layered over a basic top and black jeans for a casual look either with trainers or Chelsea boots which is what I wore on this particular day.

This coat was something I lusted over for a while, its a beautiful shade of blue which makes it stand out! the structured fit of it makes it look smart but its very wearable for everyday. The scarf is also another item that I am in love with and embarrassingly I pretty much wear it everyday when its cold. I brought this from Zara around the same time I purchased the blue coat, I love that its a massive square size it means you can wear it two different ways and also as a blanket.

Thank you for reading!

Recent Make-up Purchases

Recently I have been feeling a bit spendy! I tend to go through phases of what I buy and for the last few months its definitely been make-up. A lot of things that I have picked up are not new releases but things that I have wanted to pick up for a while and just forgotten to!

Something which had blown up in the beauty world recently is the Nivea Men Post Shave Balm, when I heard that it was being used as a moisturiser/primer I was intrigued. For someone who tends to have dry skin I am always on the hunt for new products that are suitable for my skin type. I purchased it about 2 months ago from Superdrug when it was on offer for around £3.00! for something so cheap its definitely worth picking it up to try! I have pretty much used it religiously since I brought it! It makes my skin feel amazing and refreshed, I just put a little on and let it sink into my skin before I apply my foundation and it makes everything go on very smoothly.

 Another new buy for me was the Maybeline instant Anti-Age rewind concealer, I have heard a lot of mixed reviews on this and since I was on the hunt for a cheaper alternative for my MAC pro-longwear concealer I decided to try it out. I have been trying it out for a few weeks and I can honestly say I am not that impressed, I picked it up in the shade 'light' but for me it Is not light enough, There seems to be a very limited shade range which for someone with pale skin Is not great. I also am not keen on the applicator, when I have been using it I have been putting it on my hand and then using a small foundation brush. 

A concealer I have been loving is LA girls pro conceal, I got it in porcelain and it is perfect! very comparable to the pro-longwear. The colour range for this concealer is incredible and I have seen many Youtubers including Sarah Ashcroft using a darker shade for contouring! I think I will purchase a darker shade to do that as the product is a bargain as its under £5.00 I picked this up on Ebay as its not sold anywhere else in the UK. 

I've definitely got a palette obsession, eye-shadow is definitely something which I love to buy. I had heard a lot about the Morphe palettes so when they released the 12 shade palettes on Beauty Bay I decided that the 12NB was something I needed to get hold of. This palette has lots of beautiful transition colours as well as neutral all over the lid shades. One of my favourite colours is the deep plum colour on the left side it looks beautiful put through the crease lightly with a pencil brush. All of the colours are so pigmented but are easily blended. I am very tempted to purchase a few more of their palettes as they are so pigmented and easily to work with. 

Another palette I recently picked up is the Makeup Revolution powder contour palette. I brought it to use with my ABH cream contour palette to set the cream product. The Makeup revolution powder looks very similar to the ABH powder palette except with two highlighter shades. The middle dark shade is probably the colour that I use the most as its perfect for setting the contour. I am also in love with the two highlighter shades especially the silvery one. Makeup revolution recently brought out a cream version so if your looking for dupes for the ABH palettes definitely check this brand out as they are very affordable. 

When I saw that Benefit were selling mini versions of a lot of their products in Boots I was so excited, I was desperate to try out the High beam highlighter and it was only £5,00 which I think is great! I love to use this when I am wearing a matte foundation especially on a night out! I have not used it a lot but every time I have the finish has been beautiful! its very pigmented and in my opinion a little goes a along way. I definitely think its worth picking up if you want to try it but don't want to purchase the full size product. 

Finally I picked up another Maybelline colour tattoo, this is my third one and definitely my favourite. I find this one is a lot creamier than the other two I own (Permanent Taupe, On and on Bronze) but perhaps its because they've dried out. this looks beautiful all over the lid and just blended out or as a base for glittery eye-shadows or pigments. This will look beautiful in the spring with a pinky nude lip, but that isn't not going to stop me from using it in the meantime.  

Thanks for reading, Don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin and my other social media to get updates when I put up new post! 

Wishlist

1. Asos sweatshirt with High neck
2. Zara flat lace up shoes
3. Missguided plunge bodysuit
4. Zara leather messenger bag
5. Public desire soft black ankle boots 
6. Asos t-shirt in stripe with Boat neck
7. Zara Printed blouse
8. Zara boat neck blouse
9. Missguided lace up bodysuit
10. Topshop wide brim Fedora
11. Missguided longline blazer
12. Asos t-shirt dress

Wardrobe Staples (things you need)

Everyone has key pieces in their wardrobe, here are some of mine!

Black boots, no matter what your wearing they will go with your outfit. Black Chelsea boots are a must but who said you have to stop there? fringing has been a big trend this year so I had to get my hands on some tassel boots! obviously black ones as I am a women of very little colour. I like to have simple shoes that make a statement. My favourites have to be the suede Chelsea boots which I purchased from Public Desire in October, I literally cant get enough of these shoes. They are so comfy, they were not to start with but once I wore them in I haven't wanted to take them off since. Another pair which I adore are from Missguided and have a statement block heel. These are part of another trend which stemmed from Dior's perspex boots.  I must admit they are something which I just wanted I very rarely wear them as the pointed toe is a bit uncomfortable and the heel is a little to high for me to cope with. They're definitely one of them pairs of boots which are for occasions were there is very little walking involved and preferably a taxi. 

 Other must haves include polo neck/turtle neck tops or jumpers, they look amazing with sleeveless jackets and they are great layering pieces for both autumn and winter. There are so many variations whether its in the form of a jersey top or a chunky knitted dress. 

My addiction is definitely stripes, I love striped dresses, jumpers, tops everything! one place that I love to buy basic stripe tops from is Zara they always have so many variations! Like this one  which is perfect for throwing on over a leather skirt or jeans paired with a red lipstick for that French/Parisian style. 

I recently purchased this top/dress from Topshop which I have been wearing as both a dress with thick tights and also as a long top with a fur jacket. 

Another important item that definitely makes it as a wardrobe must have is oversized scarf's, they are more of a necessity during the colder months. Whether your wearing it as a scarf or wrapping your self in it as a blanket! they also can make a good umbrella to protect your hair from the rain. One place I think do amazing scarves is Zara which is were I got my black and white checked one. 

Something which is definitely necessary is a good pair of staple black jeans, I get mine from Asos as I find them to be the comfiest and most flattering for my body! I always buy the same ones and they are the Asos own jeans called 'Ridley' they are high waisted and you can get them in both ankle grazer and petite which is perfect for someone like me who is only 5 ft 2. I would say they are comparable to the Topshop Jamie jeans but in my opinion they are a lot softer.

A pair of nude heels are essential, I must admit that as a student I don't very often get the chance to wear heels other than meals or special occasions. But I adore these ones which I purchased from Asos in the summer for a wedding. I have worn them so much, they fit like a glove and although to begin with they were painful they are now very comfy. They are still available on the website I would strongly suggest everyone buying them,  you can buy them here. I have worn them with black jeans and a lacy top for a meal and I also managed a night clubbing in these. Investing in a good pair of heels is a MUST and if they happen to be pointed then you definitely  need them in your life. Some that are also very similar are these from Topshop which although are a little more pricey they are gorgeous and I have seen Topshop bring out different colour variations of these each season. 

Finally a floppy hat and sunglasses are definitely necessary as both can save you from a bad hair day as well as save you from the sun in the summer. I picked this hat up from Topshop its quite a large floppy hat which makes it a pain in terms of carrying around. Fedoras have become increasingly popular and are perhaps more versatile in terms of what seasons they can be worn! I've got a grey one on my wishlist which is also from Topshop. 

My favourite pair of sunglasses are from river island, I prefer cat eye ones as they are more flattering on my face! If I am being honest I have re purchased them a few times because I managed to break them which does indicate that they're not sturdy but they were under £15,00 so I didn't mind buying them again. The tortoise shell pattern makes them a lot more subtle as oppose to a black frame as well as adding more detail.

These are some of my all time favourite pieces that I love in my wardrobe and that I feel are must haves. Of course there are lots of other things that you may class as essentials but in my opinion these things fall under the category of being staple pieces.
Thank you for reading!

February 2016 Wishlist

1. Zara Grey Ankle Boots 

2. Longchamp le Pliage large tote bag

3. Topshop super soft scarf

4. Asos turtle neck swing top 

5.Lola & Gilbert 'Im sorry for what i said' makeup pouch.

6. Zara Monochrome shirt  

7.Tophop Brooklyn Jumper

8. Asos V-neck Black blouse

9. Asos tailored crop trousers

10. Newlook Twill side split shirt 

11. Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette 

How to style Sleeveless jackets

 A recent trend has been sleeveless jackets and coats which have blown up on the highstreet. In spring/summer the thinner material was appropriate and I myself purchased a jersey material jacket from Topshop. But as the weather got cooler the Fur gilets became increasing more popular and therefore easier to get hold off. My favourites sleeveless jackets were from Topshop but you can get hold of them from places like Boohoo and Asos. Asos in particular is a good site to look at as it has lots of different brands like New Look and now Missguided is also on there!

Sleeveless Jackets are great transitional pieces especially when summer ends and the weather starts getting cooler. They are easy to layer with and you have so many options. I loved this pink Zara jumper with the grey jacket for the cooler summer evenings. But you could also wear it with a 3/4 length t-shirt or top on days were its still sunny and warm. 
Wearing a casual dress with a sleeveless jacket makes it look a lot more put together especially if paired with some Chelsea boots or even knee high boots! Converse also look great with this look if you want to go for an everyday casual look. 

Fur Gilets are a staple item in my wardrobe now, I am obsessed I firstly brought a black one from Topshop and then asked for the same in grey for Christmas. I find them very versatile and like the sleeveless jackets they are very easy to layer depending on the weather. Its very unlikely that a fur gilet will come in handy in the summer.Although in the UK the weather isn't particularly warm even in the summer months. 

Recently I have enjoyed wearing Long sleeved dresses with a fur gilet on top, especially striped ones. I have a lot of love for stripes so it was inevitable that stripes and fur would become a go to look for me. Stripey jumpers, stripey tops, stripey dresses all of them I think look great with Fur. 

Another trend I have been enjoying is polo neck tops and jumpers which I also think looks great with sleeveless jackets and coats.

 I must admit my grey fur gilet is probably one of my favourite things in my wardrobe currently and a week wont go by without me having worn it at least once. I do not think its available on the Topshop site any more but if you search around you can probably find one similar. They are definitely worth spending money on as they are such a versatile piece. 
I hope you enjoyed looking at some of the ways I have been styling sleeveless jackets!

MAC Lipstick Collection

MAC Lipstick Collection 2016

I started off with one MAC lipstick which I brought myself for my High-school Prom but now I own 9. I'm very happy with my little collection and although there are many other shades I could buy, I feel it would be unnecessary! Just a heads up I am not really one to go for a lot of colour which means the majority of my collection are nude shades. 

The first one I brought was All Fired Up which is a Retro Matte. At the time I knew very little about lipstick formulas but I remember asking one of the girls in my local MAC for one that would last a long time and was a fuchsia pink.  All fired up is described as 'Bright fuchsia matte' which made it perfect for the occasion. I admit I had not really done  much research and having had this lipstick for 3 years I would say I wear it very little due to how drying it is on the lips. 

Secondly is Creme Cup which is the formula cremesheen which In my opinion is a beautiful pinky nude which for everyday wear is perfect. On the website its described as being a 'light blue pink' which I agree it has a blue undertone which looks great on cool toned skin. the longevity of this lipstick isn't great but its one of those lipsticks that does not take long to reapply due to it being fairly sheer. 

One of my favourites out of my collection is Ruby Woo which is also a retro matte which is described as being 'very matte vivid blue-red'. this is a lipstick that I always reach for even to layer with a more glossy lipstick or lip-gloss. I find it very wearable as its got good lasting power due to it being a matte. The blue tones in this lipstick works perfectly with my pale skin, putting Vaseline on before helps with the dryness but then I find makes it difficult to apply.

Next is Twig a colour that I had an obsession with through all of 2015, its a 'soft muted Brownish-pink', in the formula Satin. This formula in my opinion is the best, whilst being pigmented it is creamy and has a semi matte finish without it being too dry. Its brownish undertones makes it very autumnal. I like to pair this with Double time lip-liner which is also from MAC just to add to its longevity and create a neat line.

A lustre finish that I own from MAC is 'Plumful' it is described as being a 'Blossoming rose-plum' colour. the sheer formula of this lipstick means that when you have to constantly re apply. In my opinion I prefer the satin finish or the amplified over lustre due to they're longevity. I brought Plumful in the winter as an alternative to the purple lipstick trend that was going on in 2015, its a beautiful colour but due to its finish I find I don't reach for it very often.

My only limited edition lipstick that I own is from the Cinderella collection which came out at the beginning of 2015. Its called 'Royal ball' and is also a lustre finish. The sheer pink colour is perfect to wear over a lip-liner for an everyday look. The packaging and the fact that it was Cinderella themed was the reason I brought it,  the pale blue colour with gold details is so pretty. This lipstick is more for show than a purpose, I very rarely wear this as it is very pale and sheer. 

More recent additions to my collection include; Honey love, Velvet teddy and Morange. Honey love is a matte finish and is described as being 'light beige toned with rose' this colour is perfect for everyday but I often wear it with a dark smokey eye on a night out. Its long wearing which makes it perfect for special occasions. Honey love is very similar to velvet teddy but slightly more muted.

Velvet teddy is also a matte but i find it to be alot creamier than Honey love. This lipstick was so hard to get a hold of for a while but it was worth the wait.
Its described as being a 'deep toned beige' and I find myself using this quite frequently. I originally fell in love with Twig which is very similar but darker but velvet teddy is a close favourite.

The newest edition to my collection is Morange which I probably should have waited until summer to get but I had been lusting after it for a while. This beautiful orange lipstick I have often heard Zoe Sugg talk about and it looks so good on her. The formula is Amplified (on the website it says its an Amplified Creme) and its a very pigmented colour with a creamy finish. It is described as being a 'loudmouth orange' which fits it perfectly. This would look perfect with minimal makeup but also with a grey toned smokey eye. 

I think that buying Mac lipsticks is addictive and its not very often that a beauty blogger only has one! The Vanilla scent as well as the sleek black packaging makes them even more appealing, although there are always dupes  that are equally as good. 

The swatches bellow are in order of how i talked about them. Starting from the top; All fired up, Ruby Woo, Creme cup, Plumful, Twig, Royal Ball, Honey love, Velvet Teddy and Morange.