My Holiday

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Finally, here is a snippet of what my holiday consisted of. We managed to hit the beach in Jersey quite a few times even though the temperature wasn't as high as the typical abroad holiday. I managed to get burnt which was painful. I unfortunately underestimated the weather. Remember your sunscreen people. It isn't worth the hassle and all the nasty blisters you get. Anyway, lets talk about the nice things I got up to. Firstly, the hotel me and my family stayed in was lovely. Had everything you could imagine even computers haha and internet access (which I tried my very best to ignore, considering you plan to go on holiday to get away from social networking and all those tempting distractions. So many kids though, seemed to spend there whole life on there. The entertainment was average but it was nice to dress up and stay up late every day! I have pictures of myself with an unimpressed face because I felt like the stuff I was watching was the ultimate cringe-fest. 

It was nice to get away from the mainland and relax. The island; so small and beautiful helped me to clear my head from drama back home. After a week, I left feeling strong and optimistic about life. With beauty like that I thought, does everything else truly matter. It is so easy to get blinded by the things around you, forgetting the life you have yet to discover. The holiday made me want to do more travelling and see different cultures and capture the amazing beauty around the world.

Take a look at these pictures and make up your own mind of how they make you feel. 








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Summer Look 2: Pink Lady

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Top: Next
Shorts: Pilot
Earrings: New Look
Lipstick: Revlon

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Summer Look 1: Chilled Hippy

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Where to get the outfit from:

Cream Top: Next
Shorts: New Look
Necklace: New Look
Sunglasses: Dorothy Perkins
Bag: Next 

 How to create this hairstyle:

 What you need:

 -Hair Straighteners/curlers
-Hair band
-Hair grips
-Hairspray

 What to do:

Gather half of your hair into a high pony; leaving a few strands out as we need to use these to tie around the hair band to disguise it. Next, curl  the bottom half of your hair and the hair in the pony. I used straighteners and curled each strand halfway down. This creates a more loose, natural looking curl. After this, the few strands you left should now be wrapped around the pony. If you have bangs, pull them together to one side and clip into place. Cute right!



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Ariana Grande Styled Summer Shoot

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Photography: Kate (me)
Model: Samantha
Hair: Kate 
Make-up- Kate

Play suit and cover-up- both from Primark


Again, I experimented creatively on my best friend . I really wanted to re-create Ariana Grande's signature hair look and because Sam has a very similar skin tone and hair colour of her's, I thought it only necessary to do so. I was surprised at how easy it was to do this hairstyle. All you need is a good brush, hair bands, grips, hairspray and hair straighteners. That is all.  Feel free to do your usual hair care routine along with it. This is only my interpretation of the look. I have noticed that many other youtube vloggers and bloggers used hair extensions as well to give the impression that they have thicker more voluminousness hair which is well-suited to Ariana Grande. However, I tried to make it as easy and simple for everyone, keeping the price down. This hairstyle looks stunning worn with a cute playsuit (like Sam's) or a crop top and shorts.  EXPERIMENT!

Last but not least; make-up was simply the classic red lip and dark eyes, keeping the rest neutral toned.






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Summer bargain buys you don't want to miss out on!

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Probably, my longest blog yet, but here goes.

Hey beauty bloggers, it's been a while since I've last posted anything so as a way to commence July, I am going to show you some of my recent purchases. Most of which are some 'summery' accessories that can jazz up any plain outfit and to finish with, I will review my favourite summer make-up products that I personally feel are worth the spend. I look to aim my blogs to a variety of viewers and as a viewer myself, I like to find good items for affordable prices; not forgetting the quality and style of the piece. (And who else doesn't like a good bargain!) I'm always hunting for new designs and fashion pieces that will take its rightful place in my wardrobe and can be worn in two or more seasons rather than just one. Unlike clothes, that limit you when and where to wear it, accessories, jewellery and shoes are very versatile! Below are some very recent buys (some were brought yesterday)!! so if you are interested there's a good chance they're still in the shops. Don't hesitate to buy guys!

The first item is this beautiful tan satchel. First impressions included: the size. Take it with you to all occasions and still get all your everyday essentials carried around in one place. Perfect right? I'm a one for pretty detailing and although, it may seem plain, the cute buckle and blacked ridged detail around the edges and in the middle instantly transforms a simple bag into a stylish carrier. Originally £29.90, I got it for a whooping £14.95! Unfortunately it may not be a shop you have heard of. It was selling in my local outlet centre in a shop called Foxy and Ginger so many apologies if you don't have one near you. However, you may be able to purchase online via this website at a later date. It is still under construction or they have not made any further redirections it seems but here it is-www.foxyandginger.co.uk.



The second item are these gorgeous sunglasses I found in Dorothy Perkins which I am IN LOVE WITH! I have been looking forever for some unique rimmed but fashionable 'sunnies' and have had to settle for the average. These beauty's on the other hand caught my eye as soon as I saw them; like love at first sight. They give off a Vintage and western feel like vibe and ill be sure to be wearing these on my holiday in August! (ahh so excited!) I really love the brown orange filter on the lens as it compliments my hair and skin nicely. I find great difficulty in getting anything to suit my hair colour and complexion so I had to buy as then and there as I knew I would regret the chance of finding anything so beautiful again.



Last but not least, here are my new ankle boots from Topshop which cost me; £25 and I think that's a steal if I say so myself. Although, many people may associate boots with winter I don't think that's always necessarily true. Wear with shorts; boots can create that festival fever (sorry, deliberate use of alliteration) that we crave every summer! Also, boots are great for those overcast days where you don't know how to clash dull colours with a splash of colour. I recently wore them with my blue jeans,slightly rolled up at the end and a red, burgundy and white chequered shirt. There's SO many ways you can dress for boots so experiment and your see for yourself!



What's in my summer make-up bag?

I rarely review products on make-up I own so here is the latest update on some products worth buying in store today!

I have listed in order of layout shown in this picture:

Firstly, my current favourite lip colour is within the lip butter range  by Revlon  in 80 called Strawberry Shortcake. I brought this for £7.99 in Boots As far as I know it is still being sold but I purchased this around this time a year ago but I instantly regretted it once I saw how pale it was (this was without trying it on by the way). I made a instant judgement, that this was the wrong colour for me. I therefore, put in away, out of sight knowing I would never touch it. However, a year later, I crossed sights with it again and THIS TIME I tried it on. I saw many you tube video's where they kept their lips light, pale and natural but with bright eyes. I experimented one day and I couldn't believe my creation. It look fantastic and the colour suited me better than I thought it did. Strange that! My advice to you is, try colours you think may not suit you because I guarantee you, they probarly will. It's the way you co-ordinate colours. Go onto other blog sites and youtube channels to give you a few helpful tips.  One that note; If you want me to show you some of my make-up creations tell me in the comments below and I'll love to help you out!

The next product is from the youtube sensation Tany Burr's Eye Candy collection in Exotic island. Bright, bubbly and full of colour is the way I will describe this lip gloss. I came across this in my local Superdrug for £6.99 and I had to buy it! I've been a massive fan of Tanya Burr ever since I located her channel a couple of years ago. She has such amazing skin and I have always adored the way she can pull of such natural looking make-up! So, I brought the product and have loved it ever since. It is a fairly bright colour so I am planning to wear it when the weather is much warmer and when I go on holiday (of course)! My make-up tip- (inspired by Tanya Burr herself), is to keep the eyes and cheeks natural, go for a subtle pink shade and a touch of light pink blush. Try Hervana by Benefit!

Thirdly, is this beautiful rose gold blush by Sleek. The amazing benefits of this, is that the gold pigments embedded in with the pink captures the light on the skin; creating that natural glow and tan that we all would go insane for! I like mixing this blush over the top of my bronzer, creating gorgeous colourful cheeks. It's also shimmer and not matte so you can wear this out and look like a sparkling goddess. Good luck!

Finally I want to review a mascara I have been loving! A great cheap alternative for the They're Real Mascara (Please note: I have used this myself) , the Eye rock mascara within the Kate collection by Rimmel London, only £5.99 offers everything the high end one does too but for a much cheaper price! If applied lightly and steadily, you can produce fluttering lashes in an instant without any sticking together or in lumps. This summer is all about THE EYES! /o-o/ - (oh my, I made a sunglasses/ eye symbol) I feel very proud. Anyway, go as retro and lash extreme as you want!

Happy hunting ma'pretties!!
oxoxoxoxox

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Life advice by Kate

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In my last post I mentioned that I have had a crazy interesting few months (well year to be quite honest) and I wanted to subtlety explain how I manage issues that occur in every-day life. This includes, friendships, relationships and family issues.  The first thing I want to say to you is; Never change for someone. It is important to stay true to yourself, follow your dreams, aspirations and never feel you aren't worth anything. Opinions are never facts. Unfortunately bad will always try and empower good but it's the way you manage and cope with those negative comments/people that will determine your mindset. You can chose to let them break you or make you stronger.

In the past year, I have experienced a great deal of new changes; many of which include transitioning from school to university, separating from long-term friendships and tackling emotions from all types of every-day situations. I let them all weaken my self-esteem, self-worth and I was beginning to care less about myself and more what other's perceived me as. All this came to a head the past few weeks and it is only the last few days that I have decided that I no longer want to feel the way I do. Confidence and strength to move on and forget the past  is such a empowering strength that I long to maintain. I am so grateful for having such great people in my life that keep me positive and grounded. Manipulative and bad influences will try and creep up on you but you have the choice (only you) to the extent of which it controls you. Actions speak louder than words. This is a fact. A person can tell you how much they mean to you but if they don't make effort to show you why, than the words they say are meaningless. 

Obviously, I won't be going into great depth of my experiences but to summarise my point. Stand your ground and never brush away something said to you, you know deep down is wrong or offensive towards you. The amazing thing about being YOU is that you create your own future, happiness and resilience. Don't settle for less than you deserve because you know you deserve the BEST! I want you all to know that you all are so very special. There's no one like you. You are 100% Unique. I hope this not so little post inspired you beautiful people to believe in yourself! 

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Festival Season is coming!

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Hey everyone! Apologies for not blogging for a while, it has been an interesting and crazy few months and haven't been in the right mid-set to think or write creatively. Recently I went shopping (every girls constant dream) and grabbed a few things (lie, a lot of things) and it made me think that I should show you some outfit ideas aimed towards festivals as I know they are coming up real soon. My first outfit is very simple but is bright, flirty, casual and has that flower power! I teamed plain light blue high-waisted shorts with a bright pink crop top. On my feet I would wear my current favourite gladiator sandals and finally for accessories, this hair headress! cute right?!
However, don't stop yourself from wearing it elsewhere. Take the festival look to a garden party, friend meet-up or for a day date look. The beauty of this outfit is that you can dress it up or down and still get away with it at various different occasions. BE CREATIVE BEAUTY BLOGGERS!

Festivals? Concerts? what are they?! if you haven't been to a least one so far save up some dosh and go to one as they are defiantly worth your money. Last year I went to see a concert local to me and although I thoroughly enjoyed the music, I loved soaking in the atmosphere of screaming fans, music junkies and sociable people. It's such a easy way to meet new people because you love the same thing! I only met a few people for 5 minutes and we were already excitably discussing what our favourite songs were and so fourth. It was great! I wish school was like that. I want to go to Glastonbury sometime in the future but that is such a distant dream! 

Watch this space guys as I will posting pictures of ideas for festival make-up. The best thing about festival make-up is you can be as crazy, dramatic and OTT as you like. 
Pink crop top: PILOT £7.99
Blue high-waisted shorts: PILOT £15:00
Gladiator sandals: NEXT SALE
Pink Flower headdress: MARKET (but you can get them anywhere, like NEW LOOK or any clothes shop, have a hunt around)

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Historic Rochester

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Taken at different places within Rochester, I captured the stunning eloquence and beauty of it's culture.  With gorgeous landscapes, castles and carefully crafted houses, I shot some sights that are sure to make you wish you could go there. The city of Charles Dickens; with ruins of medieval England, you feel as if you have stepped back in time. I went with my best friend Billy; who also likes the great outdoors. I always enjoy afternoon walks into town as a way to clear my head of all my worries, much better cure to that of staying home and feeling sorry for yourself. It was a fairly sunny day with occasional warm spells (when the breeze didn't pick up that is) so we couldn't resist a gentle stroll into our favourite place. It was the great escape! An escape into historic Britain.The first picture is of Rochester Castle, standing tall, surrounded by a huge patch of greenery. There is something haunting about it that sends shivers down my spine, almost as if it's looking back at me. I've always taken an interest in history, so seeing something well maintained that has been around for over 100 years is amazing! It is open for view and it is just as scary inside as it is outside. 

The next few pictures are of trees (yes trees.) don't judge now but I just thought they were so beautiful I had to take a picture. It could have been because they are covered with newly blossomed flowers, pink, white and yellow. Colours of spring! Rochester is covered with old trees dated back to the medieval times, many guarded to protect it's worth and value.   

The last two pictures are of my friend Billy, posed to capture the atmospheric beauty of Rochester. I just love the relaxed but melodramatic vibe expressed through the last image. He was sitting on top of a monument staring out into the distance. It reminded me of that long thought process experienced during adolescence and the beginning of adult-hood as you begin to look to the future. I'm hoping to became successful myself one day so this picture reflects anticipation but hope that I will one day achieve all my dreams and aspirations. 

I had an amazing day exploring, but above all I had a cracking day out with my best friend. Sharing a few laughs here and there about old school memories as we walk about town, it was a perfect day for reflecting on good friends, great day outs and gorgeous sights. Billy and I also came across a housing estate with a single painted blue house and it made us think of us (funny that) but not like (we are feeling blue) sort of thing but thinking how we are similar to the blue house in difference and uniqueness. We both believe standing out from the crowd is important, not just to be noticed but to have the confidence to take risks,  accept challenges and accept no limitations. The moral of the story is to not be afraid to do things differently if it makes you happy, express yourself through what you love!



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My make-up and hair creation!

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Photography by Kate Russell
Model: Samantha
Hair: Kate Russell
Make-up: Kate Russell

Sneaky Preview:

Modelled by my stunning best friend, I created this glamorous, subtle golden look for that spring to summer feel. I used straighteners to curl Sam's hair but making sure I didn't heat the curl for a long length of time. I wanted to make sure the curls are natural and wavy and look effortless. The make-up consisted of orange, pinks, reds and peach tinted shades.  

Make-up products I used:

Wake Me Up Foundation by Rimmel London
Wake Me Up Concealer by Rimmel London
Bronzing Powder by Bourjois
Coralista by Benefit
Hervana by Benefit
Watt's up highlighter by Benefit
Naked 2 Palette by Urban Decay- I used Chopper all over the lid and tease in the outer crease and blended in a sidewards motion
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara






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Why be optimistic?

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Photography by Kate Russell- Sounds cliché, but this photo reminds me that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. ...and here's another one- always look at the bright side of life..  :D

I am going to start the month of April with a topic based around Optimism; the belief that good ultimately conquers bad and however difficult a situation is, things can only get better.  To begin with, I will tell you a bit about myself and my own personal experiences growing up. From an early age I have always been the type of person to look at life in a positive way. This may be because my parents would never criticise me on my personal achievements. I was never the top A student but my family was always proud of me whatever my results. They just said; 'Do the best you can and we will always be happy.' This always made me believe in myself, to stay focused and stay determined. I am currently at university and I hope to become a therapist for children. I want to help children  develop resilience and coping mechanisms to grow and develop into the best people they are capable of. Try looking it this way. Those bullies you come across during school. Remember they are depressed, unhappy and craving for care and attention. They are not bad people but people who have lost direction (like we all have at the some time) and need to be guided back on track. 

To be honest, I could be bias. I have never experienced a great deal of hardship in the mist of day to day life as others have or are coping with now but I have had experiences where I have had my confidence knocked to the point I believed silence was the solution. Having been bullied in secondary school for being a 'boff'- someone who worked hard, did what the teacher told and never spoke in class because I wanted to learn and listen, I decided not to speak to anyone because I was afraid of what they might say. However, those who truly cared for me kept me grounded and I never changed for anyone. My advice to you is; to never feel you must be quiet, to hide yourself for the sake of someone else. In order to be happy, it is important to be yourself no matter what life throws at you. 

People would describe my personality as 'bubbly, happy and enthusiastic.' Others then say they can't imagine me being sad but believe me I have cried, suffered depression and felt over-sensitive over the smallest of things. We are human at the end of the day so we should never feel as though we are weak and not strong if we experience these things. I personally believe it is a sign of strength. If we allow ourselves to cry, it means you are aware that things need to get better.

Final Words:

My question to you is; why be optimistic? 
I'm not saying it will immediately sort the problem out but it will help you to cope with the hardships of reality. A natural and effective medicine that will guarantee happiness!





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LUSH!

08:52 Unknown 2 Comments



I recently posted telling you guys about a fabulous skincare gift I received; I thought I would stay on the topic and tell you about these gorgeous goodies I also got given for my birthday too. Firstly, just take a look at the lovely gift paper it came in. I just love the pretty flowers! (and you know how much I love flowers :'D). Four body products came in this box and all have empowering smells; your sure to pick a favourite! Mine is already the Lemon and Rose one. It looks so nice. The only bad thing is, I won't want to ruin it's perfectly moulded shape. This a common problem and if your beauty obsessed you will understand. Anyway, being a clean freak myself, perfumed products are my bliss. I like musty fruit scented smells.

I think it's important to put time aside for relaxation. A good bubble bath is defiantly on my list of top favourite things. I could sit in the tub beyond hours on end, close my eyes and get lost surrounded by the most heavenly scents. It's magnificent how a smell can relax you. I once came home having had the worst day ever and I didn't know what or who could help to reduce the stress that was forcing itself upon me. Had a bath, poured some nice smelling gel into the tub and BAM! I instantly felt better. It is simple as that.


CONTENT: What's in the box

 Ro's Argan Body Conditioner- Argan oil, rose, Lemon and Vanilla Shower lotion

Rose Queen Bath Ballistic- Floral, petal

Amandopondo Bubble Bar-  Rose and Citrus oils

Rose Jam Bubbleroon- Rose and Lemon

Photography by Kate Russell

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Fresh as a daisy

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I recently got given this Benefit miniature skincare set as a birthday present and so far, I have very little criticism. Creamy and fresh, my skin feels new after one attempt. The cute little bottles and containers they come in is just one feature that makes these products perfect gifts. Want that sun kissed skin you've been waiting for? You can get it! Here is how I prepare my skin for that silky luscious base:

1. Firstly, wet your face. Then take a pea sized amount of the 'Foamingly Clean Facial Wash' and gently rub it into your skin using circular motions. Leave for a few seconds and rinse off.

2. Secondly, take a cotton wool pad and pour a small amount of the 'Moisture Prep Toning Lotion' on it. Again, wipe it on using gentle circular motions all around the face, taking extra care around the eye area.

3. Thirdly; take a pea sized amount of the 'Total Moisture Cream' and gently rub that on, avoiding spots/acne and any area that may cause irritation. Feel free to add a bit more onto rough or dry areas.

4. Lastly; I then use a small amount of the; 'It's Potent! Eye Cream Benefit' under the eye to decrease the sign of dark circles or tired eyes.

AND YOUR DONE!

Alternatively, for extra radiance you can add the 'Refined Finish, Facial Polish' in after you cleanse with the 'Foamingly Clean Facial Wash.'

One last thing to ensure your skin is up to scratch; apply the 'Triple Performing Facial Emulsion' on your face and neck every morning.

I am currently testing them out myself and hope to buy the full sized products! For more information on Benefit products go to this website: http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/



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SPRING IS COMING!

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Photography by Kate Russell

Why do I love Spring? Well, not only is March my Birthday month, it is the season where seeds blossom into beautiful flowers and baby lambs are born ! I just love the beauty in Spring where the sun shines and your garden comes to life with colour and wildlife. It's enough to grab your canvas and start painting this glorious sight. I became interested in landscape and still life photography ever since visiting several House and garden centres with my parents and I was astonished with the effect in had on my mood. There was nothing but positive energy, full of warmth, bright light and colour. I couldn't help but smile. I wanted to capture it and make a memory and so my love of photography was born. Above is my photo I took in my grandparents garden. I loved this yellow rose; it mirrored happiness and hope. A feeling that is rare and when you can retain in, it's the most beautiful thing. I blurred the background to highlight the significance of the rose and the image is truly astonishing.

A message to all my viewers:

Spring is the month for invention and creativity and by that I mean re-inventing your self; becoming a happier you and banishing negativity. Be creative and express your self through what you love, enjoy and what is passionate to you. Ditch those January and February blues and look to be happy and healthy. Have a Spring clean? take up a new hobby? get rid of bad influences and replace it with good? Whatever takes your fancy but as long as it is an opportunity to be inventive and creative!


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February Fashion Frenzy!

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This month is all about the preppy London look. This means high-wasted jeans, trousers, tartan and leopard print scarfs, hats, lace, light-weight knits and wavy hair ! Here me and my friend model our interpretations of these ideas to create our own look. Comment to let us know what you think! (also, ignore the vampire posters and books in the background. :P)

I feel scarf's make a great alternative for necklaces. They make any look more sophisticated and classy. I teamed this black cream-peach leopard-print scarf with a cream/white top so it didn't appear too over the top. If your wondering how I managed to get my hair this way, I used my Babyliss Curlying Wand and curled my hair in a downwards motion so it shapes my face. I have a round face but this technique can give the illusion of being thinner and more oval.



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My January Favourites

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I'm going to start my blog off with some of my favourite beauty treats that I've been loving this month. Firstly, and most importantly; these beautiful, metallic, bold and shimmery nail polishes from Calvin Klein. I'm officially addicted to their gorgeous shades. I've been loving the deep metalic purple and the Barbie pink, perfect for evening outs or for Valentines day next month :'D They all come in a set worth £12-15; prices may vary. 
DIY: I chose this background for a reason, if you have some, you can buy them fairly cheap in cosmetic/drugstores, buy a nail pointer pen. For spring nails in winter, paint your nails pink and use the bold white shade to make cirlces or dots. Or do it the other way, pink dots over a white background. Experiment. 




My Current favourite make-up pieces:

This month is all about experimenting with colours, mixing peaches in with pinks and using matte eye shadows with shimmer. Let's name in Pick and Mix season, a great way to try out new ideas for the new year. Grab yourself a plum or pink lipstick along with a thick black mascara to show the inner 'girly girl' in you and sweep the Hervana blush above your cheek bones. Good Luck Girls ;)



WHERE TO FIND THESE GOODIES:
-Coralista by Benefit- £23.50 http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/coralista
-Hervana by Benefit- £23.50 http://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/hervana
-Naked 2 by Urban Decay- £37.00
http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10001_10001_123932010699_-1
-Bourjois Bronzing Powder- £6.99
http://www.boots.com/en/Bourjois-Delice-de-Poudre-Bronzing-Powder_35023/
-Loreal Paris True Match Foundation in Ivory- £9.99
http://www.boots.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10052&productId=16049
-Rimmel London Scandaleyes £6.99
http://www.boots.com/en/Rimmel-London-Scandaleyes-Retro-Glam-Mascara-Extreme-Black_1388117/




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