New makeup brushes

So for a very long time now I've been using the most cheap basic brushes and my fingertips to blend in my base makeup and a standard blusher brush for contour and blush, and I was getting a bit fed up of having streaky makeup. I knew it wasn't my actual makeup and I needed new brushes.

So I went on good old eBay to see if there were any good sellers. And I found an excellent one (who I will link down below) selling brushes similar to real techniques brushes. I was going to buy the real techniques ones until I found these, as I wanted to see how I got on with buffing style brushes before I went and bought the whole core collection.

I randomly decided to photograph these outside...

They are synthetic brushes and I have been using each one for a different thing:

(Left to right)
Blusher,

Contour (it is angled, but you can't see it...)
Handbag powder brush
Foundation and powder

Concealer and foundation

 

They're really soft but take a long time to dry when cleaned, so beware!
I'll leave the links to the set, the individual buying option, and the eBay shop.

 

Brush set: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-Blue-Pink-Gold-Flat-Top-Foundation-Angled-Blusher-Face-Powder-Makeup-Brushes-/400499630142?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Make_up_Cosmetics_Make_up_Brushes_PP&var=670101072184&hash=item5d3fa3603e
Individual brushes: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Professional-Cosmetic-Stipple-Fiber-Powder-Blush-Brush-Foundation-Makeup-Tool-/161004745301?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Make_up_Cosmetics_Make_up_Brushes_PP&var=460165444437&hash=item257ca17255
eBay seller: http://stores.ebay.co.uk/makeyourselfbeautiful

 

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx

 

Autumn OOTD- a cold day at sixth form.

I thought I'd just share an OOTD today, as I quite liked this outfit and thought it was worth sharing.

 

Outfit

Shirt and Skirt- Primark

Jumper- Next

 

Makeup

MAC Studio Sculpt- NC20

MAC Select Moisture Cover Concealer- NC20

MAC Sheertone Blush- Dollymix

Maybelline Baby Lips- Cherry Me

Maybelline Colour Tattoo- Pink Gold

 

If all my makeup disappeared...

Then what 10 things would I repurchase?

 

1) MAC Studio Sculpt foundation. It's new to my collection but I think it's safe to say that this is my new holy grail base. I don't have good enough skin for light coverage foundations and find the gel formula perfect for dry skin as it doesn't settle in dry patched like liquid's do. It doesn't cause breakouts and is surprisingly gentle on sensitive skin.

 

2) MAC Select Moisture-cover concealer... it does what it says on the tin, conceals, covers, and is moisturising- good for people who struggle with concealer going dry and patchy.

 

3) Maybelline Baby Lips in Cherry Me... to be honest, I would buy any tinted lip balm again but this is my favourite at the minute!

 

4) Rimmel Stay Matte Powder. This is just a beauty blogger classic, and rightly so! It's brilliant and I've not yet found a better setting powder... It's also good for lazy days with a bit of concealer underneath!

 

5) No7 Maximum Volume mascara... I just love this, and have used it since I started using makeup as it's a nice natural everyday mascara

 

6) Colourworks eyeshadow quad... I use one of these colours for my eyebrows and couldn't live without it! I completely ignore the other colours and I don't even know if you can still buy it but I would repurchase if I could!

 

7) MUA Heaven and Earth Palette... I only use neutrals on my eyes so this would be all I would need for eyeshadow!

 

8) Benefit That Gal Primer... this is brilliant for when you don't have time for a full face of foundation as it just gives you a little pick me up

 

9) MAC Costa Chic Lipstick... it's my favourite everyday lippy, couldn't live without it to be honest...

 

10) Clear mascara! For eyebrows and trips to the swimming pool!

 

 

 

So that's everything I'd repurchase after having a breakdown over having no makeup... is that sad? Leave me a comment letting me know what you'd repurchase... or create a blog post about it!

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx

Moving out of your comfort zone.

I decided to write this blog post after auditioning for my last ever school show this week. This is because, although I've been in the shows since year 7, I've never actually auditioned for one. This is because I have a huge fear of singing created by some not very nice people putting me down in the younger years. This year I convinced myself I would audition, and then I woke up on that morning to find my voice had gone. However, I still went ahead and auditioned and realised how much of an idiot I had been by stopping myself the previous 6 years of school!

 

Now, the audition wasn't the greatest and compared to everyone else in the room I felt a lot worse, but I genuinely didn't care for once. All I cared about was that I'd actually stood up and did it for the first time. It didn't matter that I was all croaky, couldn't reach the high notes and had never even heard the song before- I did it, and I was proud. I still don't know what the outcome is, but to be blunt, I don't really mind. I'm writing this post in the hope that at least one person will try and leave there comfort zone, for me it has always been singing in big groups behind my extremely talented friends, for other people it might be even getting involved in shows, or art, or anything that you think you'll enjoy but are too scared to try.

 

Since a very young age I've always been a very anxious, panicky person. As a child I was often on edge and wasn't extremely relaxed. When I moved to secondary school this seemed to move on to being extremely self conscious, shy and quiet, and recently it's amounted to me staying away from a lot of social situations because I'm just too scared to try and be involved. Shyness and anxiety is extremely restricting and it can feel like you just can't get out of it. So I tried to push myself in a situation where I knew everybody, the staff and students, to actually try and achieve a small goal.

 

I know a lot of people will think it's stupid to be scared of little things like singing in a room of school friends, or even going out to the cinema, but for others this is their daily reality. It's difficult for anyone to move away from their comfort zones, but it's important to do so. Even if I still end up in the chorus this year, I'll still know that I at least went for it this time, and made the most of my last year in school.

 

So whatever your fears and anxieties are- whether it be a big thing like performance or something smaller like getting on public transport alone- just know that you're not alone and you can take small steps to get over them. I still have a long way to go to get to a "confident Katie" but little steps just help to get there. I hope this has helped at least one person to know that you can get over fears in order to achieve goals.

 

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx

Herbal Essences Beautiful Ends- Review

Today I thought I'd take some time to rave about two products that have actually made a difference to the ends of my hair, unlike products I have used before that never seem to do anything. My problem is that anything that is for "treating" dry and damaged hair seems to weigh down my extremely fine hair, which is awful when I'm trying to create volume without heat to save my already damaged hair! It's like a vicious circle!

 

 

 

Anyway, to get to the point, I have been using the serum and intensive mask from the Herbal Essences "Beautiful Ends" range for around 2-3 weeks now. I first bought the serum on a whim in Poundland (yes, you heard that right, Poundland!) and used it the same night after washing and conditioning with my usual Aussie products. My Aussie haircare is brilliant, and I thought my hair was already a lot better- this somehow improved this further! This serum seems to stop that thing happening where the layers of your hair stick out at the ends and it looks frizzy, conditioning them, and smoothing them out, without weighing your hair down so you look like you've stuck it to your head. It smells great and is easy to just pump onto your palm and rub through the mid lengths and ends of your hair to avoid straightening those fly-aways!

 

 

 

I then spotted the intensive mask whilst in Wilkinson (or Wilko's as I call it) with my mum. We decided to both try it and phwoar is this good. I leave this on for around 5-10 minutes and then brush through it and rinse away. I just like to brush it to let it get deep into my scalp and that way I'm giving my brush a wash too! I use this around once a week, normally on a Sunday, and it just softens and treats my hair. The smell is again beautiful and is lovely to have on your head for 10 minutes, and makes a change from the typical Aussie scent.

 

Overall these products are lovely and I would definitely recommend hunting them out. I'm pretty sure they're stocked in virtually every English drugstore and supermarket, so they're not that hard to find!

 

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx

An Autumn OOTD- An outdoor gig

So on Sunday I went to my friend Brandon's gig. He's in a great local band and I'll leave a link to their soundcloud below, as well as their Facebook page. I thought I'd share with you what I wore for my first OOTD.

 

 

 

(Looking a bit windswept after the gig!)

It was at a local park for charity and it was a mild, windy day, but I catch the cold easily so wrapped up in some knitwear!

 

Cardigan, shirt, trousers and bag- Primark

 

Shoes- burgundy high top Converse

The Gorgeous Chans:
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/TheGorgeousChans?fref=ts
SoundCloud-  https://soundcloud.com/the-gorgeous-chans
 

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx



Handbag Essentials- Autumn and Winter.

So today I'm going to share what I think are my handbag essentials for the colder months. I will be using these things in Sixth Form, but also take them around with me everywhere and are just general daily essentials.

 

 

Firstly, I recommend a cream as hands can get very dry in the colder months. I like this one as you can use it on your hands, feet, body and your face so it's a good all rounder and does the job.

 

 

Next, a lip balm is a good idea to avoid chapped lips. This Nivea one is great as it has a slight tint and shimmer to it without taking away from the moisture, so means you don't have to worry about having zombie looking lips, they still look more alive and moisturised at the same time!

 

A powder is a very good idea in case your foundation wears down or goes a bit shiny, especially good for if you've been running around because you're late! I recommend a compact as it's easier, and this is next on my shopping list, but for now I just carry a powder brush with me.

 

Next is a body spray and/or deodorant as you want to smell nice and fresh!

 

This is a pretty mirror that my lovely friend Eleanor gave to me, and it's a handy size for checking makeup and doing quick touch ups. Great if your school doesn't allow makeup, you can put a little (unnoticeable) amount on in the toilet to avoid detentions!

 

Hand sanitizer- you never know what germs are around! And good to clean your hands before makeup touches to avoid dirt induced breakouts!

 

I just carry a small brush, bobbles and clips for when my hair isn't behaving, or the wind keeps blowing it into my face!

 

This is the little bag I keep it all in, along with lady things, tissues and some painkillers, as these are all handy to have too!

I hope this was helpful or insightful for some people,

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx

My new obsession

Recently I've been absolutely obsessed with my MAC Red lipstick as I'm really pale and always thought it would look too bright on me. Yet with the whole Marilyn Monroe look coming back in I've realised a red lip can suit pale skin.

 

So if you've always been afraid of a red lip, then give it a go, you never know, it could look a lot better than you would imagine.

Lots of Love,

Katie xxx

Smart Lookbook

So I thought as many people are going back to school, college and university and the Autumn Season is starting for those at work, it would be nice to style up some smarter outfits for those of us who have to dress smartly for school and work as I'm one of them myself. Many of these outfits are transitional from warmer to colder weather due to a lot of layering, and can be swapped around in a capsule wardrobe type way.

 

 

The first outfit is a very Autumn suited one, with muted greys and blacks but speckles of mustard yellow running though the print (Which you sadly can't see) This can be paired with a jacket, coat, or blazer to smarten things up and to keep warm. You can also ditch the tights and cardigan for a cooler outfit.

 

 

 This one is definitely a more summery, smart look as it's much brighter, so good for warmer countries or just brighter days. Of course tights and a coat could warm this dress up- or just a blazer like I have added in the middle photo.

 

 

 This is one of my favourites as the printed dress paired with little vintage boots looks quite 40's, as well as being very Autumnal and fitting with the inevitable English rain...

 



This outfit is a really good one for transitioning from late summer to early winter as the key piece- the skirt- is navy and white, a classic all year round colour scheme. It can be wintery with a coat or suited for late summer with a cream cardi and clear tights/bare legs, depending how brave you are!

 

This is personally my utter favourite from the lot as I love the pinafore dress. It can be paired with shirts of nearly any colour, t-shirts, crop tops- nearly anything- and still looks great. It's really good for moving from summer to winter as it is easily layered up, or brightened up!


 

This outfit is simple and plain, and can be smartened up more with a blazer and is nice for a fast paced morning as it is easy to throw on.

 

 

This final outfit is one of mine that I always go back to. I often wear this to sixth form as it's smart, classic, and the contrasting prints liven things up a bit.

 

Hope you liked these outfits! Comment below what your go-to autumn looks are for smarter occasions like work, interviews or posh do's!

Lots of love,

Katie xxx

 

My everyday makeup look

So I thought I'd share what I've been loving to use as my everyday makeup look. I like to have very natural and minimal makeup as I'm still young and don't like looking cakey and plastered in makeup.



My everyday look.
 

At the minute I'm enjoying pairing a more red-toned blush with neutral shimmery eye shadow and a subtle coral lip. These are the products I use to get this look:

MAC Studio Sculpt foundation in NC20
MAC Select Moisture Cover concealer in NC20
Benefit That Gal Primer (small size)

MAC Sheertone Blush- Dollymix
Bourjois Bronzing Powder- shade 52

MUA Heaven and Earth Palette
(Bottom row 2nd and 3rd colours)

 

Bourjois Volume Glamour Ultra Care Mascara- Ultra Black

 Non-branded clear mascara and shadow works palette (eyebrows)

 

 

MAC Frost Lipstick- Costa Chic

 

So that's what's on my face right now!
Lots of love,

Katie xxx









 

 

My August Favourites

So it's finally September! And that means three things: Back to School, Spider season in the UK and August Favourites! I've actually been looking forward to writing this post as I have been loving so many new things this month!

 



Leather Jacket- Topshop £58
Shirt- Local shop
Dress- Miss Selfridge
Shoes- Dr Martens

So my only fashion favourite this month is my faux leather jacket, pictured above. I've been loving this so much as even though it's still summer, I feel the cold very easily and it's not that warm in England right now! It goes with everything I own bar my disco pants so I've been wearing it non-stop! My family actually keep making jokes that soon I'll need some new superglue to glue it back on again...

 





So at the beginning of August I had a big breakout and my skin dried out and I felt rubbish about my skin, and so decided to try out the much raved about MAC studio sculpt to try and hide my hideous skin. And this does just that! The colour range is great for my extremely pale skin, something that drugstore foundations fail to provide. In this foundation I'm shade NC20 as I have very olive-yellow undertones. The coverage is amazing and the formulation is lovely to blend and easy to work with. I first thought it had a hefty price tag, but it is apparent that this will last a long time seeing as you need the tiniest bit.

 

 

Staying with the MAC theme, this month I decided to delve into the world of red lipstick, pondered over Russian Red and Ruby Woo- but eventually ended up with MAC Red, which I'm so happy with. The colour is a pinker toned red, but still nice and deep- which makes it less bright. It's a satin finish which makes the staying power amazing and is not too drying on the lips. This lipstick is such a nice red one- the best I've ever owned for fair complexions as it's not too overpowering and doesn't wash me out.

 

 

This No7 Intense Volume Mascara is not one that I use every morning, but always have in my handbag as it's the mini size. It's just a natural, enhancing mascara that is handy for on the go, doesn't drop onto my face and lasts a long time- it's quite dramatic so handy for nights out or for glamming up your tired morning makeup!

 

 

My next makeup favourite is the MUA Heaven and Earth Palette. Yes, I'm late on the bandwagon with this one, but oh am I pleased with it! The colours are all extremely wearable and there's not one that I dislike- a rarity for me with palettes! They are long lasting and overall just great everyday eye shadows.

 

 

I have also been loving this Primer from Benefit this month (the trial/travel size) as I've not been wearing too much makeup, so this is good for making me look more awake really quickly. Today my friend even said she thought I had foundation on my skin looked that nice- a massive compliment for someone with skin as bad as mine!

 

 

And last but definitely not least, are the Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paints from Barry M. Again, kind of late on the bandwagon with these but they're so good I have no choice but to rave about them! They last well over a week and are so easy to apply. The colour range is beautiful and I have (left to right) Prickly Pear, Lychee, and Blueberry. Three lovely colours. I chose these as my nail polish collection was lacking any lilacs, blues and nudes so I stocked up with these!

 

I hope you liked reading all about my favourites this month, leave a comment telling me what your favourites were!

Lots of love,

Katie xxx