Chop Chop

Apologies for being off the radar lately! The past few weeks have involved finishing my summer placement, doing some exams at university, and jetting off for a VERY last minute (but much needed) holiday in Turkey.

As you can imagine, I didn't really have much time to organise any scheduled or guest posts so sorry about that. I will say though, that the recent change from two uploads a week to once (usually on a Sunday) is probably going to be more of a regular thing, as I'm starting my final year of my MEng Electronic Engineering degree and will be prioritising my time to work on that.

Anyway, today I'm sharing a bit of a makeover I had just before I went on holiday: chopping half my hair off. Previously, my hair reached my belly button, and now it's kind of a long bob sitting just below my collar bone. I also had some dark lowlights put back through, as my roots were getting ridiculous and the maintenance of blonde hair was just too much effort for me.

The story doesn't end there though. Oh no. There's a reason I went for such a dramatic haircut (and not just because Turkey was insanely hot). I've been growing my hair for the last three years with the intention of donating to www.littleprincesses.org.uk which is a charity providing wigs for children with cancer, alopecia, and other conditions leading to hair loss. 

The minimum donation is 7 inches, but we cut off 10 inches (plaited, so it should more when un-plaited!) and there are certain 'rules' about what hair is suitable - more details on the website if you wanted to do this yourself!

This is also why I've had a bit of a 'hair bootcamp' this summer, with weekly hair masks and treatments, just so it could be in the best condition possible to be turned into a wig.

I was definitely nervous before doing this, and the idea of someone else having my hair is a little weird; but I know that that person needs it more and I've definitely discovered that there is such a thing as too long hair!

Tomorrow is National Lipstick Day?!

Exciting times! Tomorrow (Tuesday 29th July) is apparently National Lipstick Day and to celebrate, Debenhams have a lovely offer for one day only: £5 off any full price lipstick! (online only)

If you follow me on Twitter, then you'll know that last week I managed to miss both Batman Day and National Tequila Day, so I think I might take advantage of Debenham's offer, particularly as they've also got Mystery Gifts with online purchases above £5.

It seemed rude not to share this offer I stumbled across; so if you've had your eye on a high-end lipstick, or feeling like treating yourself - now is the perfect time! Debenhams lipstick range can be found here.

Nars Makeover

Orange eyeshadow isn't really a colour I've considered wearing before. That was until I had my Nars makeover on Friday, and discovered how it could be used to really make my blues eyes pop.

Nars are currently touring a few Space NK's across the UK to launch and promote their new Dual Intensity eyeshadows. I booked my appointment and eagerly waited. 

The products used for my look were (all Nars obviously):

- Multiprotection Primer

- Sheer Matte Foundation in Mont Blanc

- Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

- Pressed Powder in Flesh

- Smudgeproof Eyeshadow Base

- Mediteranee Eyeshadow Duo

- Dual Intensity Eyeshadow in Himilia

- Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Martelli

- Larger Than Life Lengthening Mascara

- Brow Perfector in Caucase

- Brow Gel in Oural

- Laguna Bronzer

- The Multiple in Copacabana

- Desire Blusher

- Roman Holiday Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

The Dual Intensity eyeshadows are absolutely beautiful with a soft buttery texture. Some shades are more pigmented than others, but you can apply them wet as well as dry so the less pigmented shades become more pigmented.

The shade Himilia used on me looks so versatile, as an all-over-the-lid colour, or in brighter looks like this one, or even with a bit of black through the crease for a smoky eye. The only downside is that they are rather pricey at £21 each.

Throughout the makeover, and even afterwards, there was absolutely no pressure to buy anything, but I did opt to try the Sheer Matte foundation, as my Sheer Glow has just run out (look out for a comparison post soon!). I've also ordered the Mediteranee Eyeshadow Duo and the Roman Holiday Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, which were used for my look.

As part of the event, everyone got a face chart of their look, and a little gift bag of treats. A deluxe sample of tinted moisturiser, miniature eyeliner, and the cutest miniature size of blusher in Deep Throat.

I also picked up some great tips from the makeup artist, and it seems only fair that I share the love!
- Use brown eyeliner in the waterline for a less harsh look than black
- Gently lift up the hood of the eye while applying eyeshadow to the crease
- Apply blusher in a U shape on the apples of the cheeks, for a more natural look (and avoid clown cheeks!)
- Use highlighter liberally! Cream highlighters (such as the multiple) work well, applied right across the cheekbones to the hairline
- If you have thicker brows like me, only apply brow colour through the bottom of the brow, to add definition
-Don't bother with brown or clear mascara, it's not worth the money!

There are still some dates left for this Nars event over the next week (more info here), so if you can get yourself to one of the participating stores I would highly recommend it. If not, the Dual Intensity eyeshadows are now available to buy, along with everything else by Nars. I know I have a wishlist about a mile long now...

Hong Kong Happenings

Hey! Today I thought I'd share some of the snaps from my recent trip to Hong Kong. I had such an incredible week exploring the city; it's such a varied place. To experience mountains, city skyscrapers, and beaches all so close to each other was so bizarre!

I think one of my favourite parts of my trip was a spontaneous hike up a mountain - I wasn't particularly well dressed for the occasion (ahem, sandals and a mini skirt) but the view from the top and sense of achievement was so worth it. I also walked past wild monkeys on the way up which was pretty damn cool.

I fit in a lot of tourist-y type things during my week, Lantau Island and a visit to the Big Buddha, Lamma Island, Chi Lin Nunnery, Nan Lian Gardens, Wong Tai Sin Temple (where I had my Chinese fortune read), and Ocean Park where I got a bit excited about seeing a Giant Panda.

The food there was so good too, I ate a lot of dim sum and I already miss Cha Siu Bao (barbecue pork buns). We went to a restaurant called Tim Ho Wan which does dim sum, and happens to be the world's cheapest Michelin star restaurant. I think 3 of us ate dinner for less than £20.

Anyway, enough rambling from me and onto the pictures:

I'd never really thought about going to Hong Kong before, but my friend is currently on a year abroad there so I decided it was a perfect opportunity to visit her, and travel a bit at the same time. I can certainly say it's inspired me to travel even more; best I start saving!

xxx

#NottsBloggerMeet

Hey! Last weekend I attend the #NottsBloggerMeet hosted by the lovely Becka and Sophie. I can't thank them enough for such a great, well organised day.

We all met up in Zizzi's for a spot of lunch (I had possibly the world's largest pizza!), and the tables were all set out lovely with cute cupcake boxes with handmade biscuits inside!

During lunch also had a couple of brands visiting us. The first was Harlequin Cosmetics and Becky told us all about her small family run business of handmade soaps, lip balms, body butters etc while we were smelling the wondrous goods (my favourite was the Citrus Burst shower gel) and made sure we all left with samples to try! The other brand visiting was Charmed Ivy, who set out a selection of their handmade jewellery for us to admire and/or purchase.

After lunch, we all set off shopping (with our giant goodie bags in tow), and boy was there some shopping done! I picked up a bumble and bumble hair mask to try out, a new Seventeen pencil sharpener (my previous 7-8 year old one finally broke), a Models Own nail corrector pen and Barry M Nail Art Pen in Boots 3 for 2, and a gorgeous blue tote bag from New Look. I've also included some other recent purchases I've made: La Roche Posay skincare purchases, La Tentacion de Nina perfume and new spring jumpers, because the arrival of the new season doesn't mean the weather is miraculously better!

The contents of our large goodie bags! (So large we had to cheekily ask Space NK for large bags, because the originals were all splitting!)

What have you been up to/buying recently?

xxx

Dinner in the Eiffel Tower

Hey! As promised, today I'm going to show you the pictures from my amazing 21st birthday meal, up the Eiffel Tower of all places!

The whole evening was amazing, one I will remember forever (plus it's now documented here ;)). The food was delicious, I ordered a trio of salmon as starter, a cereal crusted chicken main (sounds weird I know!) and a Mont Blanc with candied chestnuts for dessert. There was complimentary champagne, and plenty of wine. The waiters were very attentive, and on finding out it was for my birthday, added a candle to my dessert and sang to me (why is it always awkward when people sing happy birthday to you?). There was also a professional photographer, so we did get some fancy photos too.

As for what I wore, I kept it simple and classy with this dress, black tights and my new Next shoes from the airport. Jewellery was also simple, this necklace and new Eiffel Tower earrings purchased that day I believe!

For makeup, I switched up my standard gold smoky eye by using MAC Club all over the lid, and gold as more of a liner. I paired this with classic red lips (Mavalia Poppy Red*).

I think that wraps up this mini-Paris-series I've had going this weekend! Hope you've enjoyed.

xxx

Birthday Weekend In Paris

Hey! So two weeks ago now (I can't believe how fast time is flying this month) my mum and I went to Paris for a long weekend prior to my birthday. This was my main 21st birthday present, along with a beautiful Clogau (welsh gold) necklace and charm for my Pandora bracelet. The weekend was incredible, filled with cake, cocktails and beautiful architecture. 

I borrowed a DSLR camera from my university's Photo Society, so I could take fancier photos to remember the weekend. And boy did I take a lot of photos! Well over 600, so I will just share a few of my favourites with you. Although that is still quite a lot so brace yourselves for a picture heavy post...

Day 1: Cheeky duty free purchases in the airport, and tasty eggs royal for breakfast, and then arriving in Paris. We took a Seine cruise to get a general feel of the city, and discovered the Statue de Liberté! Our hotel was right on the doorstep of the Eiffel Tower, which was awesome.

Day 2: Our first full day, the most delicious pain au chocolat I've ever tasted for breakfast, and then off to the Arc de Triomphe and the Avenue de Champs Elysees for shopping. We walked the entire length and back, stopped for some cheeky macarons and afternoon tea in the famous Laduree. We then had some time left in the day so decided to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral, and put locks on the Pont de l'Archevêché. Then dinner and cocktails in the Hard Rock Café.

Day 3: We spent the morning looking around the Louvre, which I found to be more of interest than I thought since I'm not hugely into art. Took loads of pictures and I think my favourite part was this huge room filled with Italian crown jewels, and the ceilings and walls decorated lavishly. We also visited the outside of the Moulin Rouge (which turned out to be NOTHING like the film...) and walked up basically a mountain to get to the Sacre Coeur - great views though.

In the evening, was an extra treat in the form of dinner up the Eiffel Tower - super fancy and I might do a separate post about what I wore etc.

Day 4: Our final day was spent bimbling (is that a word?) about the streets of Paris, finding all sorts of gems such as a biscuitier and a chocolate museum, before having to catch our flight back home.

We literally did everything there was to do, I was truly exhausted by the time I hit my bed! I'll do another post featuring the things I bought in duty free/Sephora since this already has enough pictures I think!

xxx