beauty

The Beauty Blogger Award

I have something a little bit different for today’s post. I was very kindly nominated by the lovely Maymaysparkle for the Beauty Blogger Award. The award is open to any beauty blogger with less than 200 followers and I really appropriate the nomination.

My questions to answer:

  1. Why did you start blogging? I started my blog so I could keep a diary of everything that  catches my eye, it gives me a space to write my thoughts on everything current right now.
  2. If you could only use one makeup product for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be by Maybeline Eye Brow Pencil -strong brows are everything. They frame your face and keep you looking neat and structured.
  3. Concealer or Foundation? Defiantly Foundation. I don’t really wear concealer, I always feel its a little bit too heavy.
  4. Blush or Bronzer? Always bronzer- For brunettes I always believe warm golden tones look better on the face so always bronzer for me to define the cheek bones and contour the face.
  5. Lip gloss or Lipstick? Lipstick 100%- I am really not a fan of the sticky feel of gloss. I love a nude lip stick or a matte plum lipstick for a bolder look. 
  6. Natural or color eye shadow? I would have to say dark neutrals. I love a rich brown smokey eye. 
  7. What is your favorite clothing brand? I like to shop around to keep my wardrobe varied, but I do love Zara, Mango, Topshop and H&M
  8. What is your favorite shoe brand? Again I love so many. Nike for trainers but anyone for all my other shoes.
  9. What is your favorite perfume? I love my Calvin Klein CK into U, but also love Dior. Light, fresh and sweet for me.
  10. What is our favorite beauty quote? “A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear” -Marilyn Monroe
  11. If you had a million dollars, what would you buy? A gorgeous London apartment and a frenchie and then I would give the rest to my family. 
  12. What are your hobbies? I absolutely love photography and design.
  13. What is your favorite nail polish brand? Essie
  14. Are you good at doing makeup? I’m getting there -I am always learning new tricks and trying things out.
  15. Who are your favorite Youtubers? I don’t watch that much youtube but I do love Lisa Eldridge -she has such a timeless look that’s so inspiring. 

My nominees are…

Lush Looks Make up Artist                  Sense                                   Fashion and Cars

Beauty                                                Angelwonder                         Kelly Erika

and Northern Nancy                           Blog Beautuoso                     Mane Interest

Questions for my Nominees:

  1. Mac or Nars?Christina Drejenstam nail polish
  2. Mac or windows?
  3. Whats the first thing you do in your makeup routine?
  4. What’s your favorite makeup remover and technique?
  5. 3 things you could never live without?
  6. Which product is always in your handbag?
  7. Who do you take inspiration from?
  8. Why did you start your blog?
  9. What event are you most looking forward to later on this year?
  10. Heels or Trainers?
  11. Nike or Adidas?
  12. Nudes or colours?
  13. Whats your favorite treat?
  14. What is your favorite food?
  15. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?

Good luck to everyone and I look forward to reading your answers! Lots of love x

my top two foundations.

Finding the right foundation for your skin tone and type can be an absolute palaver. There are so many out there you have to consider whether you want a liquid or a mouse, light or full coverage, matte or dew finish and then you need to find the right colour- this is the part I struggled with for years.
foundation colour chart

Here are a couple of tips for finding the correct shade for your skin. Firstly decide what coverage you need, if you have dry or sensitive skin go for something light with natural ingredients also consider a dewy finish as this will be more moisturizing than a matte finish that could dry your skin out further. If you have “normal” skin then you have roam of what ever you like but I would recommend a light to medium coverage, anything too heavy with leave you looking caked and blotchy when it wears off.

foundationPicking the correct shade is the tricky part. When you go shopping for a new foundation I would say wear minimal to no make up so you can a clean base to work from. If you can I would recommend going somewhere like Selfridges or Debenhams or any department store where the staff are on hand and able to advise and test the products on your skin for you. If you are testing the foundation yourself then apply a small amount to the jaw line, this is the palest area of your face and if the foundation matches this area it will blend easily into your neck for a flawless finish.

I have fairly normal skin and prefer to wear a medium coverage matte foundation, my skin has a sandy beige under tone so I have found lots of foundations look too pink against my skin but now I have found my two favorites. Mac Studio Fix Fluid in shade NC15 and Revlon Colourstay in 180 sand beige. Both foundations have a similar consistency and apply really well to the skin with a foundation brush. Revlon Colourstay is a slightly deeper shade which is perfect for night or in the summer when I have a little more colour while Mac Studio Fix is the perfect shade for every day.

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These foundations may not be the right ones for you but they are defiantly worth a look. Let me know what your favorite foundation is by leaving a comment bellow.

Mac Studio Fix Fluid £21.50 http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/shaded/158/1231/Studio-Fix-Fluid-SPF-15/index.tmpl?77tadunit=fcb8c5d7&77tadvert=7634424279&77tkeyword=mac%20studio%20fix&77tentrytype=s&cm_mmc=google-_-search-_-brand-_-mac%20studio%20fix&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCxocBEiQAmcs-epnSWgx8bwa1z2Lt1-xExAw5Ln0IWG5LKOYe99B144QaAsy_8P8HAQ

Revlon Colourstay http://www.revlon.co.uk/Revlon-Home/Products/Face/Foundation/ColorStay-Makeup-with-SoftFlex-for-Combination-Oily-Skin.aspx

Kim Kardashian Goes Blonde.

Kim blonde

So, what do we think?

It’s a bit Barbie and she couldn’t really get much more fake but you’ve got to give it to her, she still looks good.
She arrived at Paris Fashion Week in a beanie and has now revealed her new look. A long feathered bob in a striking platinum blonde, she appeared in a black velvet origami mini dress and her hair swept back off her face looking very “modern power women”.

Kim

It’s striking for Fashion Week but I can’t see it lasting, the maintenance is going to be extreme and how damaged must her hair be. I’m sure she will be back to her dark brunette soon.

Kim and K

Kim and Kanye are both dressed to impress in front row seats at the Balmain. They do like to coordinate their outfits and today they both opted for black velvet. Black on black is so dramatic that and Kim’s new hair makes for a striking entrance.
Check out my posts on Black Bags and Clutches- links below and feel free to leave a comment below, what’s your opinion on Kim’s new do?

https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/03/05/in-your-clutches/

https://katielouisaclarke.wordpress.com/2015/03/05/the-big-black-bag/

In Your Clutches.

To take you through into night, everyone needs a clutch for those few key essentials. You can’t go wrong with black. These are my favorites.

clutches

religion clutchOn the left we have a stunning angular clutch by Religion- this is from their Angular Range it is RRP £40 but it is currently £28 on ASOS. This bag is large and its striking shape makes it modern but the black keeps it minimal. I adore this bag, it looks stunning here paired with a wet look pencil skirt but equally it would amazing with a pair of suit trousers and stilettos.

The middle bag is a Matt & Nat Grab Clutch Bag with Zip Compartments, this eco friendly company has mastered ethically bag making. No animals are hurt or
mat and natharmed in the making of these products and their collection of bags make from up cycling and sustainable sources are at the forefront of the currents trends while echoing the hues and textures of nature. I love the grab design, it looks so clean cut. This bag is priced at £65 a little pricey but you are paying for piece of mind and modern design.

asos clutchThe final clutch on the right is so minimal and stunning- a simple fold over, all soft leather bag made by ASOS is priced at £28. I am a real fan of the simplicity of this bag, its more relaxed feel makes it perfect for a lunch date or drinks after work, dress it up or down.
Black leather is every girls staple. All these bags are available from ASOS. Happy shopping!

http://www.asos.com/women/bags-purses/cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8730&via=top

The Big Black Bag.

The black bag is every girls staple. Its more wearable than the little black dress- the black bag can accompany anything from jeans and a T shirt on weekends to work to a night out. I just wanted to talk you through my favorites right now. With the black bag you need to consider what makes it different from other bags- think different textures something that breaks up the shape.

For everyday- Go Big. Think Tote, Shoppers, Box bags. Keep it black but consider contrasting leather with suede, gold or silver finishes and consider croc- a popular texture for the season.

best of big

From left to right. First we have River Island Suede and Leather Shopper bag £45. I love the croc suede, you don’t often see it, also the luggage tag adds a relaxed feel perfect for the weekend. Next along is Zip Top City Bag by ASOS £32- the all over crock makes it stylish and sophisticated, the gold finishes and boxy style make it perfect from the office. Next along is Pieces Tote bag in Contrast Black with Strap Detail £40, the perfect bag to wear on your shoulder suitable for any occasion and a good size for all your must haves. And finally Mango Hobo Bag £34.99- the most relaxed bag of them all but the slouchy nature is dressed up with the contrast black nylon with leather front pocket, perfect for Monday all the way through to Sunday.

black bags

For anyone living a busy life these bags are perfect. Keep everything you could ever need to get you through the day close at hand.

All these bags are available from ASOS.

http://www.asos.com/women/bags-purses/cat/pgecategory.aspx?cid=8730&via=top

ck in2u.

It’s hard to find a new fragrance. There are so many out there and when you go to try them out you end up with a thousand smells sprayed up each arm in a cloud clashing fragrance that make you dizzy. I’ve decided I am not much of a fan of floral smells, I find them almost bitter and some put my teeth on edge. I also don’t like musky based smells as I find them too strong and lingering. How ever I did really like Lady Million for a while, it has a sweet but not to sickly smell that you can wear day or night. My Lady Million was running out, I wanted to find a new fragrance but didn’t know where to start.

My boyfriend Zac started wearing Calvin Klein in2u soon as I smelt it- I loved it. It has a sweet manly fresh smell, when Zac wears it, it makes me melt at the knees. Mmmm it’s good. I think I also like it so much because to me it’s Zac’s smell, the smell he wears when he’s all dressed up.

A popular fragrance for young men, Calvin Klein In2U Him Eau de Toilette is a masculine and fresh fragrance which is perfect for evening use. On trend and distinctive, Calvin Klein In2U Him is a combination of Lemon and Tomato Leaf top notes, heart notes of Cacao Pod and base notes of Vetiver, Cedar and White Musk. Calvin Klein In2U Him features a stylish glass bottle which makes it an essential fragrance for any young man looking to make a fashion statement.

I then thought I should try the ck in2u for her- then we could have the matching couples fragrance. I tried it and fell in love with it, its sweet but clean and fresh. I like the vanilla under tones mixed with the pink grapefruit, it’s such an easy sent to wear.

Described as a fresh and floral scent which opens with fresh pink grapefruit and sugar orchid, Calvin Klein In2u expresses the freedom of the new age and the possibilities available to the youth of today. The base notes feature amber, red cedar and vanilla, making it a perfect concoction for the modern day woman. Housed in an urban style bottle with an attractive and minimalist design, Clavin Klein In2U is deliciously floral and is a signature scent not to be missed.

Ck in2u pair

The ck in2u range has been around for quite a few years now, Calvin Klein have brought out ck in2u Heat for Him and Her as well as a Pop range- I haven’t tried them out but I will. I have been using their original line for about 2 years and I can see myself continuing to use it for the foreseeable future. The fact it’s been around for a little while also means its often on offer or reduced in price, I picked up a 150ml bottle of for Her for £19.99 I think it is RRP is £50. It is available at most fragrance retailers and department stores.

So Nails.

There’s nothing more girly than painting your nails. It looks so pretty and stops them breaking. Wack on some colour and look fabulous all week and then surprise yourself a week later with how much your nails have grown. Also a good colour on your nails finishes your look and makes you feel like you’ve made more of an effect even when you haven’t. Right now I am wearing Barry M Matte in Crush- its a dark burgundy berry colour- the matte finish is so sophisticated, in my opinion its just more subtle than the glossy finish making it more wearable. All the colours in their matte range are so nice and at £3.99 a bottle and often on offer with 3 for 2 they are definitely well worth a try.

Barry-M-Matte-Polish

Another nail vanish range I am in love with is Essie’s Autumn Collection- I know we are heading into spring but theres still plenty of time was those autumn shades. Essie is a little more expensive but the vanishes do last longer without chipping and the colours are so scrummy. I have Sew Psyched which is a neutral pale khaki tone.essie

A cashmere-soft sage pewter nail lacquer is perfectly suited to set off fall and winter styles. dressed up or down, this shade is sure to start a fashion frenzy.

Its something a little bit different and I think it goes really well with my skin tone and being neutral it goes with everything.

http://www.boots.com/en/Essie-Nail-Polish-Sew-Psyched-13-5ml_1347605/

http://www.boots.com/en/Barry-M-Matte-Nail-Paint_1388205/

The Bearded.

Beards are sexy as hell. There is nothing more manly than a man with a beard. Its that rugged, worn in, easy look that’s charming and so endearing. A smooth faced man is like a man with a high voice- luckily David Beckham has a beard to cancel out the latter and thank god in pictures you don’t have to hear him speak. And no girl likes face burn. To avoid that sore blotchy face from too many kisses there is one simple solution… just head straight for the bearded instead.

stubble

I watched the Oscars earlier this week. I think nearly every guy there was fully suited and booted and finished with a well groomed beard. My first prize would have to go Chris Pine-Who else; what a fine specimen of a man he is. But in at a very close second it would have to be Chris Evans- such beard perfection.

pine and evans

So dreamy. A good beard adds to the jaw line and frames the face. It should be trimmed under the cheek bones to create a clean line, similarly a straight line can be trimmed into the neck line, this gives a neat edge to the beard and keeps you looking polished and fresh.

In my opinion baby faces should be left for babies. Full stop. I’l just leave you with one final image of the ever so handsome Chris Pine. If the don’t share the same enthusiasum for a good beard then maybe Pine’s fine blue eyes will change your mind.

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Calvin Klein.

I adore a little bit of CK- If only I had the money to get to really enjoy their clothes! Their collections are always simply Clean cut, Minimal and Modern. But they carry a price tag to match.Main-Moss

More in my budget is their underwear range- So comfy and they look so good. Theirs nothing better to lounge around in the house in. Or for a casual weekend look keep it comfy with a loose over sized jersey top and jeans maybe show a little bit of that iconic branded elastic above your jeans or through a dropped arm whole vest.

On my wishlist next is this gorgeous set of Grey Dual Tone Bra and matching Briefs. Triangle bras are very in at the moment and that suits me fine- no uncomfortable under wire and unnecessary padding, they are so feminine and a splash from the past.grey dual bra set For me this Duel Tone set sits perfectly between aesthetic fashion underwear and sports underwear making it extremely versatile. A defiantly staple. The triangle shape frames the cleavage more so than the more traditional scoop neck sports bras, this means you can wear it under more as it doesn’t have those thick shoulder straps.
This set is still a lot to spend on two triangles of fabric but they are so gorgeous. I’m resisting the temptation to get them just yet. They are out of stock in a few stores but I’m waiting for a good student discount perk to come along so I snap them up for less.

Get to know me.

me

I’m 20, a student and living in London. I always read blogs, possibly one of my favorites in Anouska Brandon http://www.anouskaproettabrandon.com/ I love her style, she keeps it simple with a lot of monochromes and clean lines. I just think she is great! I started a blog to have a place where I could put my thoughts on everything that matters to me, at the moment I’m not sure where this blog will go but you have to start some where.

I would describe my style as minimal, I wear a lot of neutral tones often with just a touch of colour, dark burgundies and forest green are great to play around with at the moment along with textures- I am all about textures right now- black on black can look so polished when you mix up the textures and fabrics: coated black jeans, a fine knit jumper and teddy bear coat all black but will look far from boring. Black is defiantly my go to look for winter, day or night black is perfect- you can always add a little splash of burgundy into the mix, maybe your nail polish or a cozy scarf and you are done. marble, wood + gold //

Along with fashion I love interiors. I am forever scrawling through Zoopla looking at the gorgeous apartments near by in London. I am not going to be able to afford them for years and years and years (if ever) but I look anyway. I judge a house on its kitchen, if it has a fuss free, modern, clean line kitchen, it makes it through the first round, I then move onto looking at living space and bedrooms and a modern stylish bathroom is a must. I always look to see how I would dress any space; dark woods, off white walls, warm neutrals with metallic accents screams understated class, that and huge floor to ceiling windows overlooking the London sky line sounds like my kind of place.

textureI did A levels in Art, Textiles and Photography, I have an eye for good composition and colours, at the moment I just wish I could do more with it but its hard to find the time but again minimal and abstract with an array of textures and I’m sold. Dance has always been a part of my growing up and I am currently in my 2nd year at Trinity Laban studying Contemporary Dance for my degree. It literally takes up all my time, I’m enjoying it but at the moment I feel there are so many artistic and creative paths that interest me I’m just hungry to get out into the real world and put them all into play.

Hopefully this has given you a little in site into who am I so please stay tuned for more posts to come

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