BEAUTY | NARS Haul

So this is my first haul post, and I really don't know why I've not done it before! I don't usually buy NARS products, but I guess I was feeling a little spontaneous the other day. I know it looks like I've massively spoilt myself for no reason, but I had just had three vaccinations for my travelling expedition in summer so was feeling sorry for myself, and thought a little treat would make me feel better.

I needed a new highlighter and I always used to use NARS Island highlighter, which was slightly orange, but now I'm older I feel like I need a more sophisticated colour. The girl at the counter was so helpful and chose out a colour for me, which is called Copacabana. Copa cola cabaaaaana (you know, like the song?) Its really bright and really lightens up my face which I really think makes a difference, as bronzer alone sometimes looks dull. 

The girl who was helping me sort of got carried away doing my make up and added some blusher, which I never usually wear as I always thought it would look like drag queenish on me, but it really doesn't if you do it right! To apply, I smile cheesily and dab it in the plump part of my cheeks, making you look like you're always smiling. I chose Torrid, which is slightly peachier than the standard blusher, but it suits my olivey skin much more than a pinky tone. It just adds another dimension to my face, which looks much more natural than just bronzer. 

I also needed a new eyebrow pencil, so I chose Caucase. Its ashy tones give a really natural look and the waxy consistency of the pencil ensures your eyebrows don't look obviously drawn on. Naturally my eyebrow hair is white, which is odd when I have dark hair, but up until I was two years old I had bright white hair and then it turned brown... Weird! So my eyebrows stayed white I guess. It means that I really don't suit harsh eyebrows, and this pencil makes it easy to apply and shape, whilst also looking natural. If you want a more harsh line then thats easy too as its buildable with more layers. 

This eyeshadow pencil (No. 12) is great for shading in the corners and defining the edge of your eyeshadow. I hate using the same eyeshadow brush for the light and dark colours, because it means the blend in too much, so I needed one for the darker colours which I usually apply at the edges. Also, it really annoys me when the pigment flicks under your eye after you've done all the rest of your make up and it ends up looking like you have bags.. Not a great look. I don't know how it does it, but this brush ensures that doesn't happen, maybe because its so soft. The shape of the bristles mean you can create a really deep colour in the corner, contrasting to a lighter shade at the inside of your eye. 

I really love all my NARS beauty collection, and it was definitely money well spent. It also gave me a chance to use my Dad's Nikon camera, which is SO much better quality than my iPhone, and I'm pretty pleased with how these photos turned out to say it was my first time. Still getting the hang of it though!

Also, I apologise for the state of my nails, they have been done now, so do not worry hehe. 

Do you have any of these products? Which one is your fave?

In a bizzle, Amy xi

STYLE | Leather and Pastels

So as winter slowly transforms into spring, I want to bring some lighter colours into my wardrobe. Living in Newcastle means that it is still very dark when I wake up, and when I get home. The plus side is that it's still dark when I come home from a night out, as I always hate it at the end of a night when it gets light and you don't quite look the same as you did at the beginning (never a good thing). 

Although nothing will ever compete with the trusty colour black, I always want to add a little something lighter to it! But I love the juxtaposition (ooh clever word!) between the black leather and baby pink. Its like a sort of princess goth.. 

I would wear the cream skirt with the pink textured jumper, and the black boots perhaps with some cream frilly socks peeping over the top of them. And of course with the ol' leather jacket to finish it off. The pink jumper would also be perfect with the gold patterned shorts, and the metallic element means this outfit would be brill for girly drinks. 

Loving the 'Petal' lipstick from Topshop. Which isn't really a statement colour, but I would team it with soft eyes, maybe a thin flick at the corner of my eyes. I also love the half up, half down small bun, as I always think it gives your outfit an edge. 

The little satchel is the perfect size to fit the necessities, such as lipstick and money to shop of course! 

Teaming up any of these pieces would make the perfect combination for a day out, and even a date, especially with valentines coming up (wink, wink). 

Do you like the pastel and leather combo? Where would you wear this look?

Amy xi

BEAUTY | January Nails

I used Topshop nail varnish for this effect, both in black and white. And yes I got a bit carried away! Couldn't quite do it for my right hand as my left hand isn't as skilled with a brush.. So only did one yin yang on that hand. My favourite is the yin yang I think. Love the cross aswell, a slight copy of Miley Cyrus though, but I love her so thats okay!

BEAUTY | Winter Skincare

3.

As soon as that extra chill hits the winter breeze, you know your skin is in trouble. Well in my case, a lot of trouble. Ever since I was a baby, I've suffered from eczema, and I hate it. I have it on the inside of my joints, at my elbow and knees, but also on my mouth which is the worst as its so hard to cover. Usually, it gets worse whenever I'm run-down, drinking too much alcohol, and not sleeping enough. But it gets especially worse when its cold.

However, because I get it so often, I have found many many ways at reducing it! Here are some of the products I use!

Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Gel: £27.20

Clinque Moisture Surge: £32

Every morning and night, I use Clinque Moisture Surge, or, Clarins HyraQuench Cream-Gel. They are both hypo-allergenic products, so they don't irritate my skin with un-natural fragrances and chemicals. They are also a great base to wear under your make-up as it protects your skin from drying out throughout the day. Although they may be expensive, they are definitely worth it if you have sensitive skin. Also, you don't need to apply much at a time, so they last for ages!

E45 Shower Gel: £4.40

E45 Ich Relief Cream: £5.29

Savalon: £1.67

Homeoplasmine: £6.00

Hydrocortisone Cream: £3.49

These products are more specific to dealing with dry skin and eczema, but they really do work! In the shower I try not to use shower gel with too much fragrance in them as it can really irritate my arms, so I wash my face and eczema with it, which is so soothing. If you have eczema, you will be able to sympathise with me about how itchy it can get. Even when its red-raw and stinging so much, its so hard not to itch it. And I end up scratching in my sleep! So this itch relief cream is so useful at reducing soreness and stops it irritating you. However, it doesn't last forever, so you end up applying it every 5 minutes. 

Savalon is infamous for stopping infection. The week before I was to start uni, my eczema got very bad (probably because I was so nervous). And I got a secondary infection of impetigo. This was because my skin was so run-down that it is so susceptible to catching diseases. If I had been applying anti-bacterial Savalon, I could have prevented it, but it was too late and I had to go on a course of anti-biotics. Fortunately it was gone before I started uni, Thank God!

Homeoplasmine cream is a French made product that I originally found in France, but it can be bought on the internet very easily. I wouldn't say that it is great at treating your eczema, but it does sooth it, much better than Vaseline, as its thicker. And it cures dry skin in seconds!

This brand of Hydrocorisone cream was prescribed to me by the doctor, however E45 have their own version which is just as effective. Its very strong cream, that basically replaces your skin, but don't use it on your face as it can be very harmful. Also, if it is used too often, then your skin would become immune to it, and its doesn't work as well as it should. But if you're really struggling to get to the bottom of curing you're dry skin or eczema, then give it a go! It works.

Johnson's Baby Oil: £1.49

Simple Oil Balancing Facial Scrub: £7.40

Most of my friends end up breaking out in spots and blackheads when they're run down, but I unusually get very dry skin. Therefore Johnson's Baby Oil might seem like an over-reaction, but it really works well at defeating the dryness. It has no fragrancing (as its for very sensitive baby skin) and although it is oil, it isn't too oily and does dry quite quickly. If you apply it just out of the shower then it locks in all the moisture and your skin will stay silky smooth. 

However, sometimes it can be too much moisture, and a few blemishes may appear. I have such a weird mixture, as I might have a dry patch right next to a spot. SO annoying. That's where the Simple Facial Scrub comes in. In the shower I give my face a scrub with it, which clears my pores. When I get out of the shower, I splash my face with cold water, to close my pours, making sure that dirt and nasty things in the air stay out. This is when I apply the baby oil, to lock in the moisture.

I hope this helps guys! 

Do you have any skin beauty secrets?

Amy xi