Game of Thrones Hair

This is what I like to call my Game of Thrones hair, long brushed out waves ala Queen Cersei.

The tools you will need:

Curling wand - (You can use straighteners but for this kind of wave, a curling wand is better) I have the Babyliss Waving Wand which I love as its so quick and easy to use and gives me the exact waves I want. Plus you can buy them for £20.00, bargain. I never use my GHD's to curl my hair now.

Hairbrush - Any hairbrush will do, my favourite one to use for this is my Mason and Pearson brush as it helps smooth the hair but my little brother keeps stealing it, so I had to do with any ole brush.

Hairspray - Now I don't always use this but if its particularly windy or I want my curls to last all day then I will.

Moroccanoil - Again optional, I sometimes smooth 1 pump of this through the lengths and ends of my hair after I have curled and brushed it, to tame any frizz.

Game of Thrones toys are optional!

1. Start with clean, reasonably straight hair (if you hair is particularly frizzy you may need to straighten first). I always set my Waving Wand to the highest temperature, my hair has never snapped but as my hair is so straight I need a high temperature to keep a curl!

(I have serious bitch face when I curl my hair, its the concentration!)

2. Start curling - I don't bother sectioning my hair or anything fancy like that, I just start! The important thing to remember is to curl away from your face! I cannot stress that highly enough! Also don't curl from the root, you want to curl from about mid way down your head. I take quite big sections of hair, remember you want loose waves not tight ringlets so the wider section of hair you take, the bigger the wave will be.

3. Repeat on the other side of your head, again curl away from the face my friends.

4. Brush out - Once you have curled all your hair, leave it to cool down. Once your curls are cool you can then brush them out. If you brush out when they are still warm you risk loosing the curl (that sounds a lot more traumatic than it actually is!) 

Again I don't do this is in a particularly neat fashion, I just brush my hair from root to ends.

5. Styling products - Now your hair is brushed out this is the point where you can add your oil if your ends are a bit frizzy and any other styling products you want. Grab that hairspray!

Et voila

This is my go to hairstyle if I am going out, or for any special event. In fact its pretty much the only way I really style my hair. Brushed out waves are the best!

The next day I will usually just twist the front 2 sections of my hair and clip them back but if you want to channel your inner Khaleesi, plait the front 2 sections instead and clip back.

Now I just need to find my very own Khal Drogo

November Favourites

My favourites were really easy to pick this month because I have worn the same two makeup looks pretty much all month long. I really want to experiment with some darker, vampier lipsticks but I need to leave my bed earlier in the morning in order to do that! 

MAC Blush in 'The Perfect Cheek'

Without a doubt my favourite MAC blush and possibly my favourite blush ever......

If I have a slightly darker eye, or a neutral lip, I always reach for this because it just gives your cheeks a little something. 

Typical MAC discontinued this colour but I hear the shade Cubic is very similar, if you want an alternative.

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow and Mood Boosting Blush in 'Natural'

Also known as the blush with the longest name ever! I am a sucker for these blushers, I cant help it, its the hearts and the promise of happiness! I have two of these Happy Booster blushers and I honestly use  them way more often than any of my NARS blushers. These are just so easy to wear, they distribute just the right amount of colour, so they are easy to apply and you don't end up looking like a clown. I also love the hint of shimmer because it saves you using a separate highlight. 

If you are going to America anytime soon, put one of these on your shopping list!

By Terry Ombre Blackstar in 'Misty Rock'

I am finding it impossible to get up in the mornings at the moment. I'm surprised I haven't developed RSI from hitting the snooze button on my phone. This laziness means I don't have a lot of time for my makeup, which makes cream eyeshadows my BFF. I cannot turn down a good cream, metallic eyeshadow. It takes literally seconds to slap it on with your finger and looks like you put in a lot more effort than you actually did. If I had to pick a favourite it would be Misty Rock. Its hideously expensive yes, but it lasts all day, looks amazing and I always have at least one person ask me what my eyeshadow is when I wear this.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream in '13'

My mum went to New York in November and unluckily for her, she left with a massive Sephora list from me! I have a post planned to share all the Sephora delights and this cream shadow was one of them. I love the gold colour and its perfect for this time of year. Since I got it, its barely left my lids!

L'oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in '104 Beige Countess'

My friend Nat got me hooked on these L'oreal polishes and they have to be one of my favourite discoveries of 2014. I love the mini size, because who actually uses up a whole bottle of nail polish and the shade range is really, really good. They have the best nude shade range and I think I pretty much have every single colour! My nails are in crappy condition at the moment so this nude colour has been on them pretty much non stop.

Essie Nail Polish in 'Summit of Style'

This is the only time of year where I am prepared to go through the ordeal which is removing glitter nail polish. Men you have no idea! 

These Essie luxe polishes seem to be sold out everywhere but if you can get your hands on Summit of Style, its a beauty. 

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Black

This smells what I imagine its like to be an Olsen twin, amazing (except for the really old boyfriend, we will leave him out!) If you like warm, masculine scents you will love this. Its perfect for this time of year and its a scent you could wear everyday, unlike Tom Ford's Black Orchid which can get a bit overkill. Every time I smell this, I feel like I am hugging a man shaped pillow <3

Sephora Kiss Me Balm in 'Candy Apple'

You know I love my EOS lip balms, well this Sephora version has answered my prayers because its tinted! Tinted lip balms are my saviour and the fact they have a sheer red shade, even better! This gives you that instant relief from that horrible dry lip feeling, plus it also gives you a hint of colour to make you look a bit more alive.

Game of Thrones Books

I thought I would include one non beauty favourite this month and that is the amazing Game of Thrones book series. I am a huge fan of the TV series but just never got round to reading the books. Now I commute everyday I spend my entire journey to and from work with my head in one of these, I am hooked! I am currently on the third book, not bad going for 3 months! 

I was worried that having watched the TV series, I would find the books boring with a lot of duplication but there's so much detail that's not included in the show and you get such an insight into each character. Its also helped me understand some of the houses and history to each house. If you were putting off reading these like me, don't waste another minute you won't regret it!

All Things Holiday

Anyone else out there struggling with a serious case of the post holiday blues?

I was in desperate need of some chill time and it was so nice to just laze around, read, swim in the pool and eat nice food. It was also really refreshing to have a week not using my phone or the internet. Its kind of scary how reliant we all are on those two things now, but having a break just reminds you that you don't need to be!

I love reading on holiday and its something that I really want to make a conscious effort to make more time for. If you are looking for a new book recommendation, I read and loved "The Girl With All The Gifts". I hadn't heard anything about this book but the cover intrigued me and it turned out to be one of my favourite reads in a long time.

I have also finally started the first Game of Thrones book but that is quite the tomb, hence why I need to make more time for reading!

I had to share with you the amazing nail polish that has been gracing my nails for the past week. Its by Pop Beauty and its seriously the brightest neon orange nail polish I have ever used. Pop Beauty used to be available in the UK but now it only seems to be available online, although you can get Pop Beauty in Walgreens if you are in the US. 

If you are looking for a radioactive nail polish then you need to try this. 

Pop Beauty Orange Nail Polish £6.50

My holiday makeup was seriously minimal this year. I never wear makeup in the day on holiday, as I spend about 90% of my day underwater but in the evenings I do slap on a bit. I actually ended up doing the exact same makeup look every night because I liked it so much and it was just really quick and easy.

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation in Soft Rose

This is a really lovely foundation because it gives your skin the healthiest glow. The coverage is quite light but that suits me as I cant bear the feeling of heavy foundation on my face and I like that it doesn't cover my freckles. 

Available from Boots £12.50

YSL Couture Palette in 03 Afrique

This was a bit of a naughty purchase but I somehow justified it to myself by saying that there wasn't a single colour in the palette that I wouldn't use. Of course I have only ever used one of the shades and that is the colour on the top left hand side. I just blend this all over my lid and it gives the prettiest peachy gold glow.

Available from Boots £39.50

MAC Eye Kohl in Teddy

I couldn't find my favourite brown eyeliner anywhere so I had to buy a replacement Teddy in duty free. I just apply this to my tight line and a tiny bit to the outer corners of my eye and smudge out.

Available from MAC £14.00

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Heftiest Hibiscus

I have my friend Nat to thank for this discovery. She wore it on a night out and I loved it so much I had to go out and get it. This is a red toned coral which you can either blend in for more of a subtle look or go all out for a full on bright pout.

Available from Boots £17.00

Of course I made a couple of cheeky purchases in duty free. 

First of all I had to replace my beloved MAC Teddy Eye Kohl and trust me, if my original one turns up I wont be happy! 

My Laura Mercier Foundation Primer only has a few drops left in it so I needed a replacement primer. I used MAC's Skin Base on my Sister on her Wedding day and I was so impressed with how well her makeup lasted that I wanted to get this for myself. 

Finally a completely unnecessary purchase, another nail polish! 

I am just a little bit in love with OPI's new Nordic collection and I also have a bit of a thing for green nail polish so of course I chose "My Dogsled is a Hybrid". There is also a beautiful dark purple colour from the collection which I think I will have to get "Viking in a Vinter Vonderland" OPI have the best colour names!

So I guess Summer is officially over now, at least my orange nail polish will be acceptable for Halloween!

Spring Favourites

Spring has sprung my friends and it feels good. 

I thought I would share a few beauty/makeup products I am loving at the moment but also incorporate a few other non beauty related things. I know this is a bit different to what I normally blab on about but I thought it might make a change, plus I love reading these kind of posts on other blogs. 

Flowers

I have gone a bit flower crazy these past few weeks but looking at them makes me happy. I am particularly loving Daffodils at the moment, they are so cheap £1 for a bunch and they last at least a week. Other favourites of mine are Stocks, which also last ages and Tulips but as they droop so quickly I don't buy them very often. 

MAC Face & Body Foundation in N3

For the first time in a very long time my skin is spot free, more on that later! I have been taking full advantage of this by using lightweight foundations and Face & Body is my current favourite. The coverage is very light but it just gives my skin a lovely glow and doesn't feel like you are wearing anything. I used my NARS Sheer Glow instead the other day and it felt so heavy on my skin in comparison.

NARS Copacabana Illuminator

A blob of this mixed in with the Face & Body gives you such a beautiful glow, perfect for Spring/Summer.

Milani Illuminating Face Powder in Beauty's Touch

Damn girl, these Milani blushers are something else. I'm considering flying out to America, going to Walgreens to buy the entire Milani line and flying home again. That's economical right? 

Next on my list to try is their much hyped blush in Luminoso.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + 

I have been using Effaclar Duo + for about three weeks now. I apply this every night after cleansing, followed by my moisturiser and I am genuinely amazed at the improvement in my skin. My skin hasn't been this clear in ages, I have had a couple of tiny spots which have gone overnight but that's it. 

Its that time of the month and usually I would have a chin full of angry red spots but there's nothing. I haven't noticed any difference in terms of fading marks on my skin yet but I think I will need to use this longer to see results.

Its always difficult recommending skincare, as what works for some doesn't work for others, but this has been a bloody miracle worker for me and I really would encourage you to try it if you are having similar skin problems. 

MooGoo Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser

I had never heard of MooGoo before but my Mum is currently having chemotherapy and as a side effect has been experiencing problems with her skin. MooGoo was recommended to her as they are a natural company which specialise in skincare for people with skin and scalp problems. She got the Blemish Cleansing Moisturiser as a sample with her order and this combined with the La Roche-Posay have worked wonders for me. I don't want to rave too much about how much better my skin is, in case I jinx it but lets just say I am thrilled with the results I have seen. I love natural products and supporting ethical companies, so I will definitely be purchasing the full size of this.

Brighton

A couple of weeks ago I conquered my fear of driving on the motorway and drove to Brighton with my friends for the day. I had such a lovely day eating salty chips on the beach, getting a bit addicted to the 2p machines in the arcade, walking through the lanes and finishing off the day off with a Bens Cookie! It was just so nice to get away and have a change of scenery!

My Inner Geek

Colour coding my book shelves

Game of Thrones Season 3

Aaaaamazing, I want to be Khaleesi! 

Dorothy Perkins

I had not bought any new work clothes in a loooong time. I actually hate buying work clothes but I have bought a few new colourful dresses and cardigans from Dorothy Perkins and I love them. My favourite is my daisy dress which I got when they had 25% off everything online, bargain! I feel like I'm channelling Zooey Deschanel in this!

The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

A very thought provoking read so far. I'm only about a quarter of the way through but there are some very interesting points in here and I feel in need of some positivity right now.

Walking

I am a country bumpkin at heart and its so much nicer taking your dog out for a walk in the sunshine, than torrential rain!

Smells Like Summer

I am definitely one to change my perfumes in the Summer. I like heavy, quite masculine scents but when it comes to the Summer I want something much lighter. My Summer perfumes are still made up of my favourite notes, amber and vanilla but in a much lighter way.

I am quite picky when it comes to perfumes as I don't want to smell like anyone else! I like to wear a scent that is unique to me and I thought I would share my favourite Summer perfumes.

YSL Saharienne - Out of the four, this is the 'safe' option. I can't imagine that anyone would not like this scent. Saharienne symbolises "a sexy woman with a feline twist, born from the alliance of sand and the sun" I know perfume adverts can be incredibly cringey but that I have to admit I love that description. Makes me think of Khalessi from Game of Thrones! There is some citrus in here, white petals and amber wood. (N.B Pretty much every perfume I like contains amber!)  Sadly this doesn't come with a Khal Drogo of your own.

Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Mandorlo di Sicilia - I seriously adore this perfume. If like me you like a more unique scent definitely check out Acqua Di Parma, they are an Italian brand and their scents are beautiful. Mandorlo di Sicilia is a sweet scent with Mediterranean almond, vanilla and white musk. This is a very me scent and if you bottled the Mediterranean I imagine it would smell like this!

Bobbi Brown Almost Bare - This has quickly become my signature scent, I got through a bottle in just over a month! The name of this perfume sums it up perfectly. I imagine this is something Jennifer Aniston would wear, its simple but classic. Funnily enough I get a lot of compliments from men on this perfume, the man in Superdrug even asked me the name of my perfume, which must tell you something.

Maison Martin Margiela Replica Beach Walk - I have mentioned the Replica line in several blog posts so I won't repeat myself but just close your eyes, imagine walking along the beach, the sand between your toes (don't imagine a pebble beach!) this is exactly what this perfume smells like. You couldn't get any more summery if you tried!

Face of the Day for Afternoon Tea at the Savoy

To celebrate milestone birthdays for both my Nans, we went to the Savoy in London for Afternoon Tea. I have never had the experience of afternoon tea before, probably due to the fact I don't drink tea or coffee!

The Savoy is beautiful and for me the best thing about the afternoon was admiring the architecture and interiors. I took a few pictures which I thought were too beautiful not to share.

I fell in love with these pop art paintings of various famous guests who have stayed at the Savoy, including Marilyn Monroe, Alfred Hitchcock, Ava Gardner, Katharine Hepburn and Frank Sinatra.

From one form of art appreciation to another, makeup! I was in a mood to experiment slightly with my eye makeup but as I knew there was bound to be a family picture or two taken, I wasn't about to do anything too crazy!

Face

Foundation

Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet in B30

A fail safe, I love that this provides a good level of coverage but doesn't look or feel heavy on your skin.

Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

I really have tried with this concealer but I just don't get the hype. The coverage is ok but not great, the lasting power is so so and the annoying applicator drags my skin. I just think there are better performing and cheaper concealers out there.

Bronzer

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Aphrodite's Shell

This is lovely but no longer available. If you are looking for a new bronzer though I highly recommend Jouer, which you can buy from Cult Beauty.

Contour

MAC Sculpting Powder in Sculpt

This is available online as a MAC Pro product. I like to use a tiny bit to try and add some definition to my chubby cheeks.

Blush

MAC Cheeky Bugger Blush

Full review here

Powder

MAC Prep & Prime CC Colour Correcting Compact in Neutralize

Full review here

Eyes

Eyeshadow Primer

Nars Pro Prime Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base

My favourite eyeshadow primer

Eyeshadow

Too Faced Chocolate Eyeshadow Palette

Now is the time I have to try and remember what shades I used! All over the lid I used Marzipan with Salted Caramel and Milk Chocolate in the crease. I posted a more in depth review of this palette here.

Eyeliner

MAC Teddy and Powersurge Eye Kohl

Not one but two eyeliners, can you tell I was feeling wild?! I used Teddy, which is a metallic brown, smudged out on my upper lash line. I then used Powersurge which is a metallic gold in my waterline. I always forget I own this liner but its perfect for bronzey summer makeup looks.

Mascara

MAC Extended Play Gigablack Lash

A repurchase, one of the best lengthening mascaras I have tried. It also lasts all day without flaking or smudging.

Eyebrows

Hourglass Arch Brown Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette and Illamasqua Brow and Lash Gel

As always!

Lips

Lipstick

Nars Pure Matte Lipstick in Bangkok

As I did a slightly heavier eye makeup, I wanted to keep my lips pretty neutral so this matte lipstick by NARS was perfect.

When it comes to hair I am pretty boring and if I am going out there is only hair style I do, which is my Game of Thrones Hair. There are two tricks to this, number one my Babyliss Waving Wand, which makes curling your hair idiot proof and number two brushing your curls out. This is the key to getting those loose, big waves! 

I am also currently loving the Lee Stafford Argan Oil Flexible Hold Hairspray. Smells amazing and not a single strand of crispy hair in sight. The hold is quite light though, so bear that in mind.

For nails I went with my current favourite polish, Essie's Lilacism <3

I also just wanted to share my earrings as I think they are pretty cool ;) Jules Smith has some amazing, unique jewellery designs and I loved these art deco inspired Sunburst earrings. You can drool over her pieces on Shop Bop.