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

Tuesday's Tips & Treats

Different styles or methods suit different people but today I'm going to share a few of my tips that work best for me, and for the purpose of this post, you!

Rinse out conditioner with cold water 

You may have heard of this before but most likely it's gone in one ear and out the other. That was certainly the case for me. It wasn't until two weeks ago when my mum found out about this tip and decided to test it. Result: she loved it! Instantly buzzing about how soft her hair was, I couldn't help but hold the first hand proof that this works in my hands and give it a shot myself. 

I loved it too. I felt an immediate different in the softness of my hair and also how tame my hair was. The cold water must have reduced any flyaways unlike hot water, where the intensity and heat from the shower to your hair seems to frizz it up. Don't worry, there are no unturned pages when it comes to this trick: just do your usual conditioning routine/method and replace hot water with cold. 

I can imagine you're fretting and worrying that 'how on earth can I enjoy a shower when it's the equivalent of bathing in the Arctic Ocean?!' however there is simply no reason to worry! The heat from the hot shower water before conditioning will have warmed your body up inside and out, so chances are the cold will only act like a soft mint to the tongue and refresh your skin and act as a soft wake up call for your brain if your shower is first thing in the morning when the bird's start singing. 

Blow dry your hair completely

It's fine to strut your stuff in a hair turban after a shower, just not for too long! I find blow drying my hair leaves it totally straight and volumised and doesn't require any further straightening and will last until your next wash. Leave it long enough for the towel to soak in any major moisture but make sure your hair is still damp. To test this, squeeze your hair gently with your hands and it should still feel wet, just not dripping. Brush your hair through (this is easier and more pain-free if you used conditioner whilst washing it) and then comb it through (using a detangler if you must) to abolish all knots and then rack your hair dryer up to full blast and maximum heat. 

If your hair is thick like mine, it may be easier to pull it forwards so that your two sections of hair rest on your shoulders. Make sure that your parting is in place too. Whilst brushing your hair through, point the nozzle of the hair dryer onto your hair still brushing it through and just work your way through each layer of hair until you cannot feel any damp at all. 

It is important that your hair is bone dry because if any part of your hair is still damp it will dry naturally and wave, which is not what you're after if you want totally straight hair. This tip is brilliant and since I started doing this after every wash I haven't stopped. NOTE: even if it rains, your hair shouldn't return to it's natural state but instead curl softly. This is what happens to mine but I'm sure it depends on the thickness and texture of your hair. 

In my case, I cannot fault these tips! 

Enjoy teasing your friends with your secret to flawless hair! 

Chloe. xxx

OOTD

I've been stuck on ideas for what to write about so like confused kids would with a sack load of homework, I resorted to google. One of the first results suggested that I write about what I am wearing today.

Three guesses for what I have decided to blog about!

I chose to blog about what I'm wearing over the many other suggestions because it would provide you with an insight to my every day fashion sense and it's also quite a fun topic to write about because I myself know better than anyone else about what I like to wear!

Instead of using my own photos to show you exactly what I'm wearing, I'm going to be a bit more creative and search the items of my outfit on the internet and from various shops and put together an adventurous outfit concoction which hopefully bears the most resemblance as possible to the original one. If I'm able to, I'll try and find an exact match!

Seeing as it's early October the weather is getting chilly and my need for warm comfortable jumpers is growing, the first item of my outfit is:

This is a very similar cream/beige jumper to my current one. It's from Topshop and only £42.00 but mine was from Forever 21 for (if I remember correctly) £32.00 (so cheaper)! It's cool and neutral coloured for a low-key and casual day. The second item is: 

These look like a perfect match! I'm wearing khaki coloured (my current fave shade) skinny jeans and I can't remember where I bought mine but these are currently on sale at New look. Don't miss out! The third item is: 

These are a similar pair of beautiful gold flower earrings that I put on the instant I get home form school on a Friday. I got them as a Christening gift years ago and the other day during the inevitable childhood rummage we all have from time to time my mum produced these from the precious box. I fell in love with them instantly! (When I'm old and alone with my cats, it'll be okay. I'll have these). The final pieces to my look are: 

Now these are all exact matches, except for the mascara which I do have just am not wearing today! Seeing as today is a stay-indoors day, nothing fancy is required. No bright lipsticks or big eyes just a tinted Vaseline, faint eye liner and soft mascara to do the trick. You can get these at boots.

So that completes my outfit and look for today! Soon I will be doing a monthly review of some of my favourite items or products to do with hair, fashion or beauty and why I loved them so much so keep an eye out there for some success-guaranteeing must-haves that will hopefully work a treat.

Chloe. xxx

Find Your Perfect Parting

Little did you probably know, that your parting can have a massive impact on the accentuation of your facial features. Wrong part; you get the wrong look. It all depends on your face shape. 

Before reading the post, I knew a surprising fair bit about partings as my face shape is oval/heart - according to my oh so salon professional mother - and during the admittedly embarrassing years of my childhood I lived in great naiivity with, embrace it, a middle part. 

Not great. 

Due to this, my mother constantly mentioned (on purpose? Of course) how I looked, to quote her, 'Victorian' and did I like this? Not much: but not enough to actually do something about the drastically drear look. 

Now I am a bit more self aware and am discovering how a deep side parting suits my longer face much more and causes my face to appear wider in shape, instead of stretching it out and making it longer. I found out this is exactly what a middle parting does, on those days where I feel like trying out and experimenting with different partings (as there's such a wide range) which only feels like I'm rubbing salt into a big deep wound as I reminisce of the days in my youth. 

If you're in desperate need - or maybe just interested - of a change in your parting you may be grateful after reading more about which parting suits your face shape best.

If you're unsure what your face shape is (because staring at yourself in the mirror everyday has simply made it no clearer) then find out here.

Happy discovering! 

Chloe. xxx

The Braided Crown

The braided crown certainly makes you feel like royalty! The other night my friend decided to sit me down and try out something on my hair. 

Half an hour and two tries later...

I ended up with this! (And a mega achy neck). 

They may be a few little outcast tufts but I'm not kidding when I say this is all my hair, and it wrapped so prettily into the middle creating a spiral like style (as you can see). 

What I love about this hairstyle is that it keeps all your hair out of your face and if you French plait it (like here) it will stay in for days on end! It's perfect for highlighted hair too as it really shows the two different colours - you can really see my ombrè. 

Thanks Issy! 

Chloe. xxx

My Wishlist

I've adopted a habit where in every season I write a wish list. It's actually quite fun (downside: it makes you realise how you're probably not going to get any of the things) but it's cool to see the type of person you are just by looking at things you would like. I thought I'd share some of the things on my autumn wish list, and I'll say whether I actually have the things now or not as well!

1) A watch

I'm hoping for the birthday.... For now I simply rely on my phone for the time (or my poor friends).

2) Trouser dungarees 

Went into topshop, saw them, looked at the price, left. 

3) Light blue boyfriend jeans 

Did someone say Christmas is coming up?

4) White tee

GOT IT!

5) Grey tee

NOT YET. 

6) New dressing gown 

These are so snugly and comfy for when it's chilly. But no, haven't got one.

7) Gold chain necklace
Before you ask, I don't mean rapper gold chain 'bling'. I mean a simple gold chunkier-than-usual necklace to add a bit of voom to an outfit!

8) Cute white bobble hat

I literally cannot be more specific than that! 

9) Red bow

I bought a white lace one from Greenwich if that counts? I adore Greenwich market.

10) Lipstick

Seeing as it's currently school time, I don't think I'll be needing one of these for a while! 

11) Onesie

I know I'm so late with this but I'm the only one of my friends left without them and I'm sure I'd practically live in it. 

12) Patterned jumpers

I bought one from Forever 21 and it was all I wore for about a week (not literally).

13) Bangles
Seriously want some of these, at the moment I just have loads of random holiday-bought coloured ones but I'd like some silver or gold ones. (note the gold theme?)

14) Tartan Scarf
This is my absolute want. Can't find them in any shops (sad face) so I have been spending most of my time on the internet, shopping! (Which is what I do anyway really).

So there's my wish list so far. No doubt I'll be adding to it as the month precedes! What's on yours?

Chloe. xxx

Plait Fun

When it comes to plaits, 'I'm a total sucker' for them is probably an understatement. Right now I just can't get enough of them! Speaking of which, are plaits the understated look of the season? There are countless things you can do with a pretty braid: from wrapping it over your head to teasing it, the list is endless. 

How to 'work' a plait however, is a different story. Nobody wants to be scuffing around school or the shops trying to pull off the 'school girl pigtail' image. It's frankly a crisis, (unless, of course the prehistoric Viking look is what you're going for) That's right - plaits are not supposed to dangle from above your ears like a curtains cord. Who remembers dear Amanda from Matilda? Say no more. So ... that's why I've equipped this post with some picture inspiration for you to get braiding!

Chloe. xxx

The Messy 4-Braid Updo

"Ugh, I wish I knew how to do that."

... is something you won't be saying. When I saw this step by step tutorial I was surprised at how easy it was! There may be many stages but none of them require the hair dresser knack and this is GREAT for the days when your hair gets in your face and falls out of place (which, let's face it, is every day). Love it. Simples!

Chloe. xxx

Common Hair Mishaps

If you're anything like me you will go to extreme lengths for nice looking hair, because every day should be a good hair day! (Not that this is always the case, unfortunately.) I found this website on Pinterest and was shocked to find how much our poor hair actually goes through each day, and that some things that seem innocent can be proven guilty.
Whether's it's a quick salon-spritz or a brazilian blow dry, here are some of the everyday things that can turn your hair into a turn off. 

Chloe. xxx 

Introducing Autumn

So: it's October and time to get comfy, stay warm, and enjoy those evening bonfires. I've been recently building up my Pinterest board 'autumn fashion' and - clue's in the name - pinning all my favourite fall looks for this season. Want to do all three things above in style? Well you can -here's a sneak peek.

Did someone say flannels? Not long ago I turned down a red and black flannel shirt from Forever 21 for a cream woolly jumper (which I'm wearing right now.) Was it a mistake? Very possibly! 

There's nothing cuter than florals and lace, and combined? Even better. This is not only layering, keeping you warm, but makes for a great evening or daytime outfit which won't leave you freezing. 

Dungarees. You either love or hate 'em. Not everyone's cup of tea, but for a few of you daring, originality seeking fashionistas why not up your wardrobe with a pair of these denim delights.

For more autumn accessories and looks visit my pinterest board here.

Chloe. xxx