Browsing Bourjois

Mmm, Bourjois! (whatever that means..)

Christmas has come and gone but the sales are standing by! With 50% off bargains round the corner and sometimes more, I decided to make the most of this precious time of the year and spend a little bit of my time in the one and only Boots. With some Christmas money and the right bargain hunting mind set, I was ready to go.

The number one must get item on my list was a Bourjois blusher. For the past six months I have been stealing my mum's one and getting away with it (please don't see this) and she uses the 33 LILAS D'OR one. Afraid of the unknown, I instantly picked up this one but then the other shades and testers shimmering caught my eye. I tried another shade on, liked it, but then another one took my fancy and I tried that one too. I was torn! I liked these two much more than the one that my mum used, as hers is more shimmery and good for a night out but I wanted something more natural and everyday. Both the shades I had chosen were a peachy colour which according to my auntie, suited my complexion and so doing what every indecisive person does, she put both blushers behind her back, told me to shut my eyes, revealed them, and asked me on instinct which one I preferred. Having done this, I had the one I wanted - 39 ROSE MANDARIN. (I am loving these pretty and perky names!)

The next item on my list was a simple black eyeliner. Proceed to next item! Seeing as the 3 for 2 option was available, I decided to go for another eyeliner. But this time, it wasn't a liquid one I was after - it was a pencil. Gaining inspiration (yet again) from my mum who has green eyes, I picked up a gentle green pencil eyeliner. The other day she had explained to me how she uses it only slightly at her waterline to emphasize her green eyes and pronounce the colour more, and seeing as my eyes are hazel, I decided to try and do the same! The green isn't a harsh or unnatural one, it's soft and casual which I like. If you want to try it, it's the Bourjois Contour Clubbing Waterproof Eyeliner in 53 morning lime. (oo, the name)

Head down to Bourjois and stock up on makeup ASAP for the best at its least!

Chloe. xxx

Walks, Wanders and Wishes

Happy Christmas Everybody! I've got the tree beside my, my wonderful Nikon Camera pressie round my neck, and my family around me. What more could I want. Christmas Day so far has been a joy: having watched the Queen's speech with a dinner to come, I now turn to you!

What have you been up to so far this Christmas? Are you having a quiet day in with your closest relatives or going out and doing Christmas party style? Either way, it's a time to reflect, thank, and prepare for the new year ahead! Here's how I've spent my Christmas.. 

My favourite pressie has got to be my camera! I'm thinking of starting a YouTube channel soon so keep and eye out :) after a lovely winter walk down the long lanes and frosty hills, we've returned back home to the warmth and comfort of festive songs, films, and conversations. It may not be a white Christmas, but who cares? The snow shall join us shortly but for now, let's enjoy the day.. 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New year!

Chloe. xxx 

A Quaint Edge to Your Wrapping Paper

I don't know about you, but I take pride in wrapping my presents nicely. I can't bear wrapping my presents with tacky, rubbish paper and when that does happen I almost don't want to give the present to the receiver! It is hard to find good quality and sweet looking paper without spending a lot, but there are other ways to wrap your presents with a cute and warm Christmas edge.

Something I need to try with my presents is wrapping it with old fashioned brown parcel paper. It doesn't sound great, but it is! You can get super cheap rolls of this from any supermarket shops near you. Wrap your present up with a generous amount of this parcel paper and, get this, simply secure it and tie with string (doing the cross thing with the string looks very traditional!)

Once you have wrapped up all your presents, you should get a lovely pile of classic wrapped gifts. I sure would be happy to receive something that looks as beautifully festive as it! And how classic would it be, to receive one of these through the post. My heart would jump with joy, and the gift would probably stay under the tree harnessed by the fear of tearing the nice looking thing, sorry in advance to those.

Chloe. xxx

Bonjour, Party Season

Alohaaa, celebration season!

The other night I said my goodbyes and 'I love yous' to my dear friends at my bon voyage party! A party it was, for I had such a great time and yes, it was fun speculating at everybody's outfits... top trend ATM is definitely tartan. I wore a tartan top, and my friend wore a pair of tartan trousers. Let's have a look through the doors of the house and into the world of dress, music and dance!

TARTAN TEE - Topshop (only in red)
NECKLACE - bought in Outfit but similar one here at ASOS

(I don't usually 'smile' like that!) I wore this top and necklace with short peg trousers bought at newlook and with black heels from Forever 21.

TARTAN TROUSERS - buy similar at Urban Outfitters

My friend topped her outfit off with a silky velvet black long sleeved top - perfect!

Tartan is still a big hit it seems! And seeing as tartan incorporates stripes, stripes have had a come back too. My other friend wore a stripy dress from ASOS with some funky bright yellow heels. (see last pic). LOVE!

Other outfits included a purple, triangle cut back peplum top with black disco pants, maroon velvet shorts, tights and again - a long sleeved black velvet too!

Stuck on what to wear? Think: VELVET. TARTAN. STRIPES. This should whisk you through Christmas and new year festivity before you can say cheers!

Chloe. xxx

"dancing the night away..."

Volume Up!

"I can't be bothered to dry my hair, I'll just let it dry naturally over night..."

Wrong decision. Understandable however, if you have curlissimo hair (like my sister) but if you don't, so many good things come out of using those extra 15 minutes to dry your hair. Here's what:

1. The volume notch will most certainly be turned up if you do. Especially if you flip your head upside down! I know, from experience, that this works! It lifts your roots naturally (the natural angle at which the dryer hits your hair)  so go on and do it!

2. Natural hair is often half wavy and half straight, and a bit bumpy in random places come the unanticipated morning. There's an easy way to avoid this - and you know how ;)

3. I don't know about you, but I find sleeping with wet hair extremely uncomfortable! It is proven that it isn't very good for you. The wet and cold can give you a stiff and achey neck and a horrible cold. 

4. Following my 'Tuesday's Tips and Treats' post - regarding many other well, tips and treats - by blow drying your hair you can also achieve super straight, and lasting hair - which is a lot less damaging than straightening it!

So this was just another little tip for you to pocket!

Chloe. xxx

I Hate Bobby Pins

It's as simple as that. I hate bobby pins. Even when I use about 4 in the same spot, one way or another they will bend or stretch or fall out during the day: doing not what they're supposed to, which is grip your hair and pin it in place!

Sometimes in the morning I fancy putting my hair in a purposely messy bun, or maybe a ponytail. But me, being one of those people with frustratingly annoying flicky bits of hair that you tuck round your ears, and then they pop up again, NEED pins for these hairstyles - otherwise I look like I have hair growing out my ears! It is frequently a wish of mine to have hair like some people who can pull out thin straight strands which frame their face. Although this need for pins comes with some inevitable facts:

Half the time I cannot find any bobby pins to even use. You buy a quite expensive pack of pins from Boots but somehow they end up going missing. You put some in your pockets, in fact, most in your pockets. Some end up on the floor in crevices, driving my mum crazy, and some, just seem to lose themselves!

I simply refuse to be one of those ranting bloggers who has nothing good to say, that isn't what I would like to be so fear not! This post has a point. I have found a solution to this bobby pin problem of mine, and the answer lies on the numerous shelves containing little trinkets belonging to none other than Accessorize itself.

If I could find a link to them I would, but they don't seem to be on the website so I will just have to provide a photo and a description of these magic-working wonders. For my birthday, my friend bought me some thick (verryy thick) hair slides and despite being patterned, they were quite ideal. They secured those annoying tufts of hair around my ears with only one pin needed (shock horror!) and pinned everything in place that I wanted to be pinned in place. Braided hair crown, you say? Why, these slides assure you of a neat and tucked hairstyle all day long! My friend bought me a miracle, and one I can't get enough of now!

Yes, they don't eliminate the fact that they can still get lost but who cares: they work! :) I finished the pack I received for my birthday after about three weeks but whilst in London the other day, I couldn't help but take a sneaky peak in Accessorize again and pick some more of these slides up. So, get rid of your everyday bobby pins and 'bob' yourself down to Accessorize for these convenient slides which basically do the job. You won't be disappointed! 

Chloe. xxx

A Hunter Wellies Tale: Muddy Ever After

Today's discussion topic: are Hunter wellies worth the buy? 

Sure they're quite expensive and being something I'd always wanted, I was sceptical whether they would live up to their reputation as being an every girl's must have as summer becomes autumn and sun becomes rain.

Since it was my birthday a few weeks ago, I decided I would try a pair of these wellies as the only pair I had were pink and purple polka dot. Nothing wrong with that, you may think, but they had holes in. Writing this, I realise another question may come into play: if so, what colour? I had told my mum I wanted them in red, seeing all the Pinterest posts of girls in their quirky plum wellington boots and umbrellas in the rain whilst on an old English street and frankly, I wanted that to be me!

And so the big day arrives, I open the package, and there are my Hunter wellies. I was so happy I didn't even think about the fact they were navy - I was just grateful I had got them! As the day proceeded, I slowly remembered how I had liked them in red and wondered whether I could return them for a pair of coloured ones, to which Mum had no problem with but replied...

"I think navy is more practical and goes with anything. After all, you don't want to be walking down the road where someone says 'hello!' and [mimics someone saying hello then noticing the intensely luminous red wellies] then looks straight down at your feet."

And that's where a mother's instinct comes in handy - there's nothing like a first hand fashion guru who's been there and done that to know what's right and what isn't. After a few days of pondering I tried them on, and when they fit perfectly I didn't want to take them off. The comfort, warmth and look of the wellies was too much to give up now! Deciding navy was for the best, and being slightly impatient, too, I kept them. I think I slowly fell in love with them - though not to the point where I slept in them. (That's another story, involving converse shoes...) Wellies in bed is not a common sight!

So, given the snug but comfortable fit, the stylish and practical look, the warmth and insulation they provide, I would give my Hunter wellies a 5/5 - and I haven't even splashed in a puddle with them yet!

Are Hunter wellies worth the buy? Yes they are!

Chloe. xxx

How To Style Your Locks When Two Become One

Weddings. There's something naturally beautiful about those celebratory days, when the binding rings are worn and the happy couple are congratulated and wished a life full of happiness! The beauty radiates from the venue, brightness in guests' faces, the veil, dress, and hair. No wonder it's so important that everything is done right, the day is supposed to be perfect and hair is something that cannot go wrong! After all, there's nothing worse than a grumpy bride. (haha)

As some gentle inspiration following a recent wedding in which I was a bridesmaid for I'm going to provide some photos of how the bride wore her hair. I have never been as jealous of anybody's hair but hers! It just isn't fair!

 

As you can see, her hair is flawless! Something I love about it are the highlights in the first picture, they're so natural and the blonde is simply beautiful. The tight ringlets at the end of her hair are vital in completing the final up do - even if bits of the hairstyle came loose, the curls would ensure that the style still looks perfect. 

Another different aspect that makes this hairstyle more than special are the dainty flowers that make it simply sublime.

I'm especially proud of my hair (see above) as I did it all by myself. I sound like a gleeful pre school child that's happy with a painting but I was so worried it wouldn't turn out right but it did! Initially I was in two minds about whether to have mine up or down but came to the sensible conclusion that if I had it up, I would be fiddling around with bobby pins or loose strands the whole day and that there was bound to be an unattractive photo of myself with one arm up in the air and a scrutinising expression whilst I dealt with it! Hair down equals not having to limit the dancing in case your locks can't take it.

Chloe. xxx

How To Do The Doll

Asylums are spooky, right? So whilst putting on a performance, it's not just the acting you want to cause chills. It's how you look. Before a drama play I put on with some of my friends at school, we had to get ready. This was the end result!

Step one: get some white face paint! 

Playing a child, a slightly mental one at least, we used white facepaint to create a  pale, ill treated effect. Do this first as the base of your makeup! 

Then I dabbed fading black to brown eyeshadow under my eyes extending it down to the cheek line so I looked seriously tired. 

To achieve a neglected and fragile doll like look, contour your cheekbones to emphasize those hidden babies and use a light and bright pink lipstick - even paint on a spiked upper lip - for the doll from your nightmare illusion. 

To finish, put on your everyday eye makeup (if you want!) and put your hair into high bunchies and secure with a hairband and tie ribbon around them. 

Forget to mention that Halloween gave me a second visit this year - how lovely! 

Chloe. xxx

Katniss Everdeen Hair Steps: The Hunger Games

Katniss sure knows that her signature braid does the trick; no one can make do with a loose strand or the seemingly inevitable hair-in-face whilst battling and clutching for that last thread of survival in a deadly arena. I don't know about you, but fighting for my life (and killing others in the process) certainly is not on my agenda! But a date with the hair department is.

Inspired by the latest Hunger Games film "Catching Fire"- featuring the only mildly admirable Finnick Odair - in which I caught frequent glimpses of the slick plait worn day to day by Katniss Everdeen, I thought 'I could do with a hairstyle like that' so I put fingers to laptop and indeed googled it!

Seeing as the back braid is pretty tricky (although not as tricky as using a bow and arrow to point perfection) I've found a good YouTube tutorial if the steps I've provided aren't as easy to follow.

1) Brush your hair out so there are no knots or tangles! This is so important, as French plaiting is ten times harder if you have knotty hair. Make a side parting.

2) Begin a side French plait, starting on the opposite side to your parting. This isn't a regular French plait, but also more commonly known as the 'Dutch braid' or 'reverse French plait' in which you French plait under instead of over. Unclear? There are lots of YouTube tutorials to check out.

3) Continue this braid around the head so it crosses the back of your head diagonally and bring it all the way round to the front before securing with an elastic band.

4) To create the texture Katniss does, pull the tops of your hair outwards so it looks a little looser and bigger! This hairstyle is great for bangs, as you can leave them out and curl them too.

5) Spray! (If you want.)

This hairstyle might just be the key to survival we all need in this exhausting game which we endure everyday: life! 

Chloe. xxx

Uh Oh - Fashion Crisis!

For the sake of it, I'm going to write a personal anecdote from when I was about 10 years old and stuck in a fashion pit. It's taken me a while to actually understand how to put together an outfit and there is one day I can remember very clearly - which my mum doesn't stop reminding me about! Only now do I look back and shudder at those painful days - when I was a youngster, I really would be happy shoving anything on and didn't care one bit about how I looked!

2008. Inset day. My mum had called me to ask whether I could help out at school and I willingly said yes. 'Hmm, what to wear?' I thought as I glanced through my wardrobe. There really wasn't much! (Of course there was, I just couldn't put two and two together to think that maybe something was hanging up on a radiator or folded on the side) so I literally saw my favourite white cargo three quarter lengths and a flimsy purple strappy top and though't that'll do. Purple and white, that's nice. I was genuinely proud of my assemble. You may be thinking, well that's not awful, but wait. It's coming. 

With 5 minutes left before I needed to go, I suddenly realised I really did have to have shoes on for the journey there (doh) so I thought I'll wear my navy/grey ugg boots, I knew that mum would be very proud of the consideration I had put into making sure my feet were toasty and warm. But remember the purple thin top? This is a cold + warm = what? and purple + navy/grey = areyoumad concoction.

With the sponge and the icing to ultimate perfection, I now had to add the cherry on top. May as well. A coat! Collecting my dark, dark blue duffle coat from the banister I was ready to strut the red carpet, in my opinion. To show you just how awful this outfit was, see this photo which I've made to see roughly how I looked.

You could even see my legs in the small gap between the boots and three quarter lengths - ha!

Chloe. xxx

Winter Coats, but Which?

Sub zero temperatures signal the bright green light for you to drive (not walk - brr.) down to the nearest shopping centre and grab yourself a winter coat. But which one, that is the question? For your benefit and mine, I have put together a photo collection of my favourite winter coats I have seen so far - and it's not even December!

I love this regal puffer jacket, and what's better than in navy, which goes with anything and everything!

Simple and stylish: the trench coat. 

My personal favourites are coats which you can tie up the front to achieve that hourglass figure! Maybe not super warm, but definitely super. 

Last but not least we have - once again - tartan! No, my love for tartan has not in the slightest faded since my last post about my lovely scarf and here we are again. Tartan, everybody! I just can't get enough.

A good idea for coat shopping is to wait until after Christmas for those bargain brandishing sales. But if you're like me and can't wait a tick when it comes to clothes, there's nothing stopping you from going on a bargain hunt of your own. Keep your eyes peeled!

Chloe. xxx

Why I Love My Tartan Scarf

I've just heard that the forecast for Wednesday is snow. And one of my three responses, amongst 'yay!' 'It's going to be freezing.' was '...already?'

I'm scared of the way the cold has chased us down this early, but with winter on the way and Christmas and New Years too I can't say I'm not looking forward to it! And why not embrace these next few months in style? With a pinch of tartan in your closet, you'll feel as ready as ever for this chilly season.

Browsing Pinterest this morning, I didn't have to look hard for my next blog post as I came across this pin: and the funny thing was, I wouldn't have to had looked any further beyond my wardrobe either!

Ladies and gentlemen, the one and only snugly tartan scarf. I was rejoicing quietly inside when I saw this pin, knowing that I actually owned the scarf itself! I wear it every day to school, at the weekends, and it wins the warmest item of the year award from me. Plus, the chicest!

What drew my eye to this scarf whilst in Zara that day was its berry and beige colours. In winter when your face gets dry and pale, your colour palette limits to moody earthy colours, there's nothing like a pop of these plum and caramel tones to lighten up your face and you when you're out and about! Stand out in the crowd with this cosy mass of softness, after all, who'd a thought you could look cool and be warm at the same time?

My tartan scarf from Zara has served me well and it's my little product I cannot help but love. Click the link, if you love it too.

Don't freeze this winter!

Chloe. xxx

The Longer, Fuller Ponytail

Short hair equals sometimes, big problems.

This being one of them: length is just not an option when it comes to styling! You have to go with peppy and neat, instead of long and adventurous. 

But who says that rules cannot be broken? A simple, innocent ponytail could never be the culprit for such a devious scandal like this one. It just couldn't. Unless you've made the right decision by coming to this post and reading on...

The secret: maybe 'a ponytail' is being unambitious - what if you can do two? That's exactly what you can do. But shhhh. (evil laugh). 

I introduce the longer, and much more textured ponytail for those who seek volume or length! (or both!) 

SO quick to do, and everything you could possibly want from a ponytail. Fortunately, very easy too! Simply tie the top layer of your hair up in the same way you would do a usual ponytail and spruce it up a little. Then, do the same forming another mini ponytail using the bottom layer of hair, but for the most discreet and natural look make sure the top layer has more hair than the bottom so it thinnens out towards the bottom of the pony and drags out the length of it too. 

Something to avoid: it's essential that you make the top pony big and wild and all things poof: you don't want a hair crisis and be named the wandering weirdo (I've never been much of a name caller) after walking around with two blatant ponytails, sitting on top of one another. Not good. But with a few trial and improvements, this will become a hairstyle that's in your daily routine, and nothing other than good! 

Happy sprucing! 

Chloe. xxx

29 Hairstyling Hacks Every Girl Should Know

A brilliant web page can subsitute for all the tricks kept up your sleeve. Just like this one. Every girl wants to be the one that can do even better than those doing better, and in the beauty department, this post can give you all the know-how that you need! For all these secrets and specials that you will be dying to know, click the photo below.

Chloe. xxx

5 Uses For Old Tights

Tights. From red to white and inside to out, these can be a treat, but often the opposite!

I was incredibly intrigued reading this post from another blogger, and I wasn't disappointed. The one thing that I hate with a passion is when you buy new tights and somehow, whether it be that they caught on the door, a stray wire, or you tugged on a loose stitch, they get holey.

Instinct is to throw them away, right?

You'll be surprised - or not so surprised, given the title of this post - that there are actually a few things you can do with a pair of useless tights. Don't despair, my little ones! (This happens too frequently for me to kick myself that I threw a pair out the other day, I'm sure another mishap is just around the corner).

1) Cut a loop from the leg and tie it as a headband to use whilst taking your make up off or doing a face mask. Luckily you can use thick tights as an emergency eye mask, too!

2) They make for great wrapping paper storage!

3) To keep those detestable moths outside where they should be, and not inside your wardrobe, make lavender sachets! Cut a loop from the tights of about 5 inches and stuff it with lavender before tying a knot to secure the lavender and hang it up in your wardrobe, for refreshingly beautiful smelling clothes, too.

4) Fill a foot of the tights with cheap oats and tie the rest of the leg around the hot tap of the bath. End result: a delicious and moisturising bath.

5) If, or should I say when, you lose a small earring stud or something tiny and inconveniently hard to see, put a leg of the tights over the end of the hoover and secure with an elastic band. Hoover around where you dropped it, and the item should be picked up without being sucked up!

Chloe. xxx

Firework Night Fever

Although the door to October has been closed, there's still a hint of draft seeping through preparing us for the November chill. In the early days of this premature month, people do their winter shopping, coffee drinking, and that's right, celebrating. Did someone say bonfire night?

Guy Fawks was most unfortunately caught out, clearly not ready for braving the big task of blowing up Parliament but this month, I'm going to protect you from doing just that in spite of all the cold and jittery limbs. Firework night is always a night to remember - whether it be with friends or family - but who wants to remember their frozen toes and half shut eyes. Let me get you prepped for this brilliant autumn night - the good way!

As a spectator of these fiery lights myself (since last night) I endured the cold and managed to enjoy the colourful show so many people came to see. How did I do this?

My first tip for you is to layer up.
Big chance is, you'll be wearing a coat (I'd strongly worry if you didn't) so no matter how trendy you want to look, and even if you do, your outfit is most likely covered by a massive duffel. So I advise you to get out those vests and thin t-shirts until you're wearing at least 3/4 layers - when you're outside and exposed to weather of 8 degrees, looking a bit on the puffy-belly side was the least of my worries and hopefully yours!

My next piece of advise is to bring a raincoat. 
I know what you're going to tell me. "I checked the weather and the forecast for tonight is clear skies and no rain!" That might be so. But raincoats are surprisingly (or not so surprisingly) good at keeping warmth in and letting no lethal breeze pop in to say hello. And if it does rain, then who are you to complain!

Wear hat, scarves, gloves, the lot. Please.
Don't object. You can thank me later.

It's a good idea to keep hair up and out of your face. 
Even if this means wearing a headband, this looks ever so cute, and hair down can get in the way of your coat and scarves and most likely will be ruined by the beating wind anyway! It's much more convenient to simply braid two pieces of hair up the side and into a dainty ponytail or messy bun. Jazz it up with a red bow or some earrings too.

My penultimate tip for you is to wear thick and as casual-as-acceptable footwear. 
Whatever you do, don't reach into your shoe cupboard and pull out your Oxfords or Timberlands, I would strongly recommend sleek glossy wellies or trainers, or a pair of shoes you really don't mind getting grubby. To avoid danger, firework displays are often performed in a vast grassy area or large clear space and it's likely the rain will have made a show a few night prior to the event. You don't want to return home with muddy shoes you can't clean. Even if you're desperate to show off your brand new babies then wait!

Lastly, bring money, and yes I realise this isn't really a fashion tip. (at all).
All you need is a fiver, but you'll be glad of it once your fingers are numb and your teeth are chattering. Firework displays (the big ones) should usually have burger and hot drink stalls and you don't want to be the one left to wither, green eyed as your friend sips a tasty hot chocolate.

The most important thing is to have fun. Hopefully with these tips, you'll have nothing to worry about and instead look forward to the wonderful memory crafting night you've planned with your mates.

Chloe. xxx

Halloween: Hot or Not

If there's something strange going on outside, who you 'gonna call?

Not me! I'm out this evening at a much anticipated Halloween party so will be temporarily MIA - or that's what you think... 

After a great deal of pondering and putting our evil minds to the test, my friend and I came to the chillingly unique conclusion of going as a fallen angel and a vampire. With our costumes hanging up in the wardrobe, or should I say coffin of clothes, everything seemed on point for the moment the sun sets and the zombies come out to play. 

But like a superhero without his sidekick, what's a costume without make up? 

A great un-success. 

To inspire us in the looks department and hopefully you if you're out tonight - whether it be trick or treating or partying the night away - I've put together a photo collection of some Halloween make up do's and don't's. 

HOT

This make up made me tingle. The enlarged eyes and wooden nutcracker mouth has been so cleverly done without overdoing it at all, and is enough to make anyone cringe! This screams 'I'm going to haunt you in your nightmares whether you like it or not' and says watch out.

NOT 

Don't get me wrong: this is good. But for me, it's in the halfway house: almost there but not quite. The eyes are bold and big but dominate the face and Halloween is about all, or nothing. And this is neither! I would add bold red or cherry lips with a trickle of blood, as it's lacking in the scare factor too. This says effort.  

HOT

I'm sure we can all agree that even though it's Halloween, we don't exactly want to look like the living dead - we get enough of that each morning when we wake up and practically shatter the mirror. In other words, we still want to look pretty. But perhaps attractive is the right way of putting it: this make up is again, kept to a minimum but is effective and still holds the deep-pale-vampire mask. This says don't be fooled.

Whatever happens tonight, keep your pepper spray in one hand and your wits in the other. The key to a good night is fun, fright and staying alert! As long as you don't go knocking at number 13 something alley, what could go wrong?

I'll leave tomorrow morning to answer that. Happy Halloween!

Chloe. xxx

My Daily Eye Makeup Routine

I will admit, I am a very frequent makeup user. Which can be a pain! But I do think it is nice to wear a bit of makeup. Nothing irks me more than when people say 'you've got enough makeup on' or 'you don't need any more' - I think however much people wear is up to them and if they feel confident and happy in it, then fine! Saying things like that is like pulling out the loose brick in the Jenga tower causing it to wobble and fall, in other words, can really knock someone's confidence. 

Although I do agree with less is more. I don't think it does much good caking your face in foundation or circling your eyes in thick black eyeliner. Instead, I think a nice gentle touch of powder where needed and a minor sweep of liner to emphasize your eyes can really do more. 

I introduce to you, my daily eye makeup routine. I do this more or less everyday (often without eyeliner which I only do if I have time) so am going to share it with you!

1) First, apply a generous coat of mascara to each eye. I use No7 Fanomenal Lashes (love the pun) and find this makes for a really even and clump-void well, fan of lashes. Focus on the outer corner and bottom lashes too - this opens up your eyes for a more even look! (pic 1) 

2) After step 1 I use a black liquid eyeliner (any one does the trick really, I can't name the one I use as the label rubbed off - great) and following your natural eye crease, apply a thin-getting-thicker line with a gentle, almost 'flick'. I only apply the eyeliner to the outer corner of my eye, not the whole lid! I do my eyeliner after my mascara as it can look different once you put your mascara on and mascara can cover it up if you do liner first, so this way you can clearly add it to your preference. (pic 2-6) 

3) Sometimes, I apply a tiny thin line of eyeliner to the outer corner of the waterline which can give your eye a really lovely shape and definition. Starting from just over half way, gently dab the liner on the waterline where it meets the lower lashes and proceed to just before the waterline stops, again getting thicker (but not too thick) as you go along. (pic 6) 

You can see each step as I go in the pictures (which yes, is my eye!) which should make each step clearer to follow. 

Try it out - it works for me so why should it not for you? 

Chloe. xxx 

How To Get Perfect Curls

It's Friday night. You're going out. You've got the perfect hairstyle in mind. You're so sure it's going to work that you leave your hair til the last hour to do. Everything's going well. Until it falls out ten minutes before you leave!

As a safety in-case-of-emergency hairstyle that we're all going to need at one point in our life, I recommend hair curling. Not the frazzled voom-lacking twist that scrapes a pass with a C+ in the hair department, but loose any-occasion fitting ringlets that can be brushed out for casual or wrapped tight for a strict night in sight. 

Above: I'm proud to present my work of curly art on my friend's wonderfully glossy hair. 

Curling doesn't actually take the predicted lifetime to achieve, instead only about five minutes if you've got the right curlers and, most importantly, the knack. 

Gorgeous curls don't come in a package, they come with patience and practice which is definitely worth it for that last minute crisis! Most people are convinced for a curled look you need to actually curl your whole head of hair (resulting in achey arms and a dose of exasperation) but this couldn't be further from the truth. With time, it should take no more than 10 minutes to curl enough of your shiny locks to look like you've turned a cat's fur coat into a lion's mane. Here's how. 

1) You need good curlers. Ones that will last and ones that provide a good heat. I always use my BabyLiss curlers because they're easy to use and quick! 

2) It's always a good idea to spruce your hair with a good quality heat protecting spray to banish split ends and dryness. 

3) The 'knack' isn't hard to master, but you do need to try! Perseverance is key and all I would do is tie most of your hair up leaving a small piece left dangling at the front as your style guinea pig (pfft, and you thought those things only appeared in science) and experiment. (That too)! 

For good curls, you really don't want to curl a huge lump of hair as these will only drop and won't be princess worthy ringlets. The best curls are light and dainty therefore you only need a small gathered bit of hair to curl. Don't roughly shove the hair round the curler, instead brush the piece of hair out before (this is important) and secure it inbetween your right hand's index and middle finger (if you're right handed) and hold the curling wand in your left hand. Still using the two fingers, wrap the hair round the curler - in the same motion you would string round a ball - making sure that the hair doesn't twist and that each strand of hair is even spread and touching the curler. 

4) Practice! You won't get it right first time - I assure you - so have a go and don't let go until you've got it. Here is a picture of my mastered curl - what yours should look like. 

You can see the curl is evenly spread and ringlet like. This is what you should aim for. 

Relating to the start of this post, if you find yourself in a panic as a result of a failed hairstyle do ten to twenty of these curls on different layers of your hair (some under, some over) and then brush it through. This should take no more than ten minutes. Brushing through means that the hair you didn't curl naturally gets caught in the shape of the piece you did curl and makes your hair look purposefully textured and casual. 

Voila! A top time saving style that requires one thing - practice. You will no longer find yourself fretting on bad hair evenings, instead embracing your locks being the cucumber cool person you are, who always has brilliant hair. 

Have fun ladies!

Chloe. xxx  

Eyebrow Incidents

Don't get me wrong. Trying out new things and experimenting in life is good - most of the time.
But we all know that one time we plucked our own eyebrows and ended up with two... well, lines. Just me?

For the utmost well being of your face, I'm going to warn you how eyebrow plucking sometimes is a fatty concoction of grotesque foods, or simply a recipe for disaster.

About a year ago (I'm still recovering) I began plucking my own eyebrows, stealing my mum's tweezers every now and again seeking the perfect brow shape. Inspired by Emma Watson's brows, I started trying to pluck them to her exact shape, not considering whether we had the same face shape, face proportions etc. They were neat, but my, were they short.

Personally, I actually don't think they looked that bad. But when my mum came in and saw me, I remember the terrifying five words she then said which really scared me:
"Chloe... what have you done?"

Of course, I panicked immediately and started thinking of all the craziest ideas I had to get them back to their original shape but naturally there was nothing I could do, except let them grow back. If they did grow back.

It took days of intense mirror checking, measuring (yes, I went that far) and patience before they finally returned to their longer shape and thank God for that. The only and biggest mistake was how short they had been which only emphasized my long face and did it no justice at all.

All I'm saying is let mother nature do all the work when it comes to growing, your eyebrows will form how they should and your natural shape is almost always the one which suits you best. Don't do what I did and pluck them into oblivion because I assure you, like the ride, this can only end in tears and terror!

Unless, of course, in a past life you betrayed mother nature and karma, being a bitch, has come back to get you with a pre birthday gift of serious eyebrow shockers. In this case, pluck away!

Chloe. xxx

Hair: Short vs Long

I don't even have a reason why, but over the last week or two I've been considering whether to do the most unforgivable thing ever done in beauteous girlkind and - wait for it - cut my hair. (dun dun dun). 

It's currently almost at my belly button and is brown with ombré, which I did in march - but I'm just getting fed up with it, frankly! 

As a result of my complete indecisiveness, I've decided to do what every confused and decision making teen would and make .........

A list. 

If I was going to cut my hair I would cut it to a bit more than shoulder length. Every girl understands that even cutting a cm off your precious hair is something to 'woah, step back' at so imagine four inches - but don't hurt yourself!

Short Hair Pros: 

• Easy to manage (washing, drying, straightening wise)
• Cuts off all dry ends (which is a lot for me as the ombré has reduced how soft my hair is at the ends) 
• Hair is in better condition 
• My hair grows fast - touch wood - so shouldn't need to long to grow back if I don't like it
• It can still be styled (straight or a messy textures medium bob)
• Keeps hair less tangly. 
• Doesn't take as long to do in the morning

Long Hair Pros:

• Can do pretty plaits (french plaits or fishtail plaits and braided crowns)
• Can do fancy updos
• Can do generally more with it
• It suits me (from what I know!)

So I'm torn! I might wait a few months but there's always going to be the big Q. Obviously the list in is big favour of cutting it but I'm not quite ready yet I don't think.

Five months later...
"I've been thinking, should I cut my hair?"
I need help!

Chloe. xxx

A Day Out: Cool in Khaki

Autumn isn't just about leaves falling off the trees, racking up the heating and buying those new fluffy coats, it's also about going out, and enjoying the fresh cool weather and bustle of daily life, which is exactly what me and my friend did this weekend!

Do you ever find yourself gradually falling in love with a certain colour? If you have then you're not alone. My shade of the month award has got to go to khaki. Check out how me and my friend styled it out in the pictures below! We've both got a love for green, and Starbucks too.

If you don't do it right, you just might find that khaki makes you look a tad 'drab'. This is exactly what you don't need in autumn/winter when there's no sign of the sun to brighten up your face, so instead wear brightly coloured tops or accessories to show that you can do just as well without it! Here I wore a pea green scarf and a mustard yellow top and my friend wore a more sea green neutral scarf and a striped top, but either way we've both got some khaki on and simply love it.

Earrings and pop lip colours can also do your face a favour! 

Chloe. xxx

Simple Beauty

I stand envious and green eyed at these full faced beauties who can pull off such a natural and fresh make up look! Sometimes, less really is more. 

It's just one of those days where you wish you could trade faces - just for a day though! 

Chloe. xxx

Messy French Twist

I was desperate to try this out once I saw how easy it was to do this (how easy it seems) and how pretty it was. This hairstyle makes for a great classy up do for any occasion and can be played up (with large statement earrings and heavy make up) or down (with a few hair flowers and a looser wrap). 

Step 1: Spray hair

Spray your hair with a texture spray and lightly tease your hair at the crown and the ends.

Step 2: Pick a side

Choose a side to begin the wrap, left or right (in this case the right).

Step 3: Comb hair back 

Using your fingers, comb your hair back as if you were doing a ponytail and gather the hair onto your preferred side.

Step 4: Wrap hair 

Carefully wrap the hair around your fingers making a tornado shape and keep on wrapping until the twist is in the middle.

Step 5: Pin into place 

Pin subtly into place securing the wrap into place but without flattening it either. 

Step 6: Spray 

To finish off, spray the hair generously for a bit of oomph and if it doesn't feel secure feel free to add more pins or even a crocodile hair pin down the middle! 

Happy wrapping! 

Chloe. xxx