Super freak!

As a complete and utter beauty addict, and as a self proclaimed hands-down blush junkie, at the beginning if the year i firmly decided not to splurge on any more cheek products. Speaking as a girl of twenty two, i currently own the excess of thirty blushers, which is pretty darn impressive when you think i actually only have two cheeks - whoops. Nars cosmetics being my ultimate vice, i currently own five of their infamous blushers and i thought i would share my collection...

L-R: Gina, Deep Throat, Gilda, Orgasm & Cactus Flower.

Deep Throat - described as a peach with shimmer

This is my all time favourite baby pink blusher, it seriously works with any look and on a majority of skin tones - from pale to tan. It has a very light shimmer in the pan that translates on to the skin, which acts as subtle peachy highlight. This is my most used blush out of my entire collection, if you were looking to splurge i would definitely recommend this as your first Nars blush!

Gilda - Coral 

This blush is very true deep coral, not as girly as i hoped but rather intense deep shade. As per usual with Nars blushers the pigmentation is amazingly good quality, however when your pale as i am you really need a light hand with this shade or end up rather muddy-looking. Applied lightly it can add a warm glow to the face as well as acting as a great contour. This looks amazing on naturally tan face, one i definitely whip out on holiday.

Cactus Flower - shimmering poppy

The one and only cream blusher i own in my Nars collection. Poppy is the exact red to describe it, shimmering not so much. As seen in the photo, it has serious golden undertones i.e big fat particles of golden glitter that like to perch on your pores. Not so pretty. I only use this blush on the odd occasion, along the contours of my cheeks rather than the apple, with a very light delicate hand. If you can handle the golden glitter, go for it! 

 Orgasm - peachy pink with shimmer

On the infamous Orgasm, snigger snigger. How i shied away from this award wining, much hyped product. Why? Its golden sparkle. But oh how i was so wrong! A baby pink similar to Deep Throat, Orgasm is infused with a beautiful golden sheen (notice the different between sheen and sparkle), it acts as an all-in-one blush and highlight. Again to be used sparingly around pores, but definitely a must-have shade - perfect for summer, yet brings back dull bland skin to life in winter without being too overpowering.

Gina - Tangerine

Gina was an expensive mistaken freebie from ASOS, instead of originally sending me Gilda then sent Gina by mistake. In their error they let me keep both, score! Lighter than Gilda, Gina - are we getting confused by the G's yet? - is a true tangerine orange. Easier to work with, it appears less muddy than Gilda which is more red toned than orange. This certainly adds a pop of colour to the cheeks and looks fab on both pale/tan skins!

Click to Enlarge. 

L-R Deep Throat, Gina, Orgasm, Cactus Flower & Gilda.

L-R Gilda, Cactus Flower, Orgasm, Gina & Deep Throat.

I know theres a small percentage of you are currently in a bewildered state at how these blushes seem to all look the same, bore off - if you can see the difference, read on. As soft as butter, incredibly long-lasting on the skin, fantastic pigmentation and that iconic smooth black Nars packaging (swoon) is certainly worth the £20.50 pop. I throughly recommend purchasing one of their amazing gift sets for value wise such as this one, and secondly after having a good swatch in-store be sure to order from ASOS. If your a student you can save 10%, they have amazing discounts for us 'normal' people from time to time and have free shipping. If your new to Nars, go for Deep Throat - its an all round winner.

Any thing i should add to my wish-list from Nars?

Somebody that i used to know.

Striped Top - H&M / Dip Hem Skirt - Tesco / Boots - H&M / Alexa - Mulberry

Don't you just love good old British weather? I just spent a bladdy fortune on Summer lustings, but alas typically we are due full-force April showers. I picked up this navy dip hem skirt whilst grocery shopping in Tesco last week, best bargain ever - snapped up for under fifteen quid. Instead of teaming with the tan and sandals i had visions of, out came the black tights and trusty H&M tough ankle boots.

I wore this outfit for work yesterday as it seemed Old Street was one big puddle, but i did happen to chance upon the very fashionable Henry Holland in Eat - great taste H. Then i made a speedy dash over to a styling event hosted by eBay Fashion Outlet with Sarah. We got to scoff free champagne (lethal) and style an outfit from a mix of vintage and outlet finds hand-picked from the eBay team. I went for the Hampton's meet 80's look, as seen here, clearly bring the Croydon face life back people - cringe. I got to mingle with the beautiful Fritha and Fleur, drink more free champagne and watch Sarah werrrrk it for the camera baby!

Now you told me all your eBay selling tips, tell me your buying ones! The lovely Lucy amazes me with her almighty gems she scores!

Now this is a story, all about how my life got turned upside down..

I must admit that whilst writing this i am definitely feeling the sorry effects of last nights cocktails and even achey muscles from dancing endlessly (and badly) to good old eighties tunes for one of my dear friends birthday. I thought i would show you some of the bits and bobs i used to beautify oneself, and show you a snippet of my outfit to make up for the miserable forgetful memory of taking a proper outfit shot at the start of the night - i blame the rum!

Katy Perry for Eylure Sweetie Pie Lashes - Boots (£5.95)* / Kimberly Illiminating Body Butter - Boots (£7.95)* - Xen Tan Dark Intension Lotion - Feel Unique (£21.95) 

I wore this cream shift dress that i purchased from the Topshop Outlet last year, this beautifully embellished bargain has been impatiently waiting to be worn, and last night i couln't resist. Teamed with my raspberry clutch from as per usual Topshop and a navy Zara blazer it certainly called for some much needed tanning.

Enter Xen Tan Dark Tanning Lotion, the biggest fake tan mistake known to man. Having used a sample of the Luxe Tanner last summer i was blown away by the sheer intense olive colour i developed over one night, that lasted an actual entire week. The Dark Tanning Lotion blew me away, in terms of its shitness. After slathering it on with tanning mitt, then washing the guide colour of the next day, i awoke with barely a hint of bronze. Annoying when a bottle retails at £20, yet its drug-store cousins can do a better job at a fraction of the price. Another application, slowly getting there, another application and i look like faded fake tan. Xen Tan reckon its my levels of melanin in my skin pigmentation, i beg to differ. Such a shame when their Luxe Tanner (at an eye-watering £29) is the bee's knees. Bugger.

I then slathered on some Illuminating Body Butter by Kimberly from Girls Aloud that i received in a press goody bag. Random i know, but it's an extension of the GA Eylure lashes. This isn't a product i would ever personally reach for on the shelf in Boots, many because the word illuminating usually translates to glitter in my books. But in-fact this coconut and shea butter scented is actually pretty darn good. It adds very subtle shimmer that catches in the light, very moisturising and perfect for the legs. I would definitely throw this is my luggage for hot holiday evenings.  

No night out would be complete without a set of offensive false eyelashes. This pair are part of the new Katy Perry range from the eyelash Gods, that are more commonly known as Eylure. I hadn't really heard too much about this range prior to trying them, but after having a little chat with the CEO of Eylure (yes i know!) Katy Perry actually designed every lash and all the copy for the packaging, and used them religiously for her Round the World tour last year - impressive much. Needless to say, i settled for 'Sweetie Pie,' a fluttery romantic pair, easy to apply and job done.

I hope you enjoyed this post and can look past the awful drunk photos. Have you used any of these products? 

Honey, honey!

Oh yes, thats right the Topshop mid-season sale ladies! After filling my basket with a good hundred thousand items, i swiftly cut it down to these two must-have items.

Blossom Dip-Hem Dress - Topshop (£46.00)

Ok - so technically this wasn't actually in the sale, but hey, i did qualify for free shipping after adding it to my basket right? Terrible excuse. I actually spotted this a few weeks back online, and not surprisingly it sold out online instantly. Its floral blooms pattern scream summer to me, i couldn't resist. Dressed up with wedges (think this pair or maybe this pair) and blazer for a evening look or dressed down with a tan waist belt and golden sandals for a certain summer picnic? Sold! 

Lace Cardigan - Topshop (reduced from £40 to £25)

This is probably the most over expensive item i've clapped eyes on in Topshop, forty quid for a cardigan i don't think so Phillip. But it is far too pretty to leave behind so i'll camp out for the sale mate. A month or so later, this (very cute) bad boy was a fraction of the price and MINE! I'm not sure why i fell head over heels for this, the dainty lace is a prim and proper twist to any outfit.

Did you snap up anything in the Toppers sale? I bought some fabulous gems from good old Tesco which i can't wait to share.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Well, well, well its been a little under than a week since i last posted as alas working both part-time in retail and beauty pr is definitely taking it's toll! Other than working, I was delighted to attend a Fashion Blogging/Digital Media talk at the V&A last Friday night, it was completely free for any one to attend and boasted some amazing guest speakers. The Victoria and Albert museum really do host a number of fabulous yet free fashion events all year around - it is really worth signing up to their mailing list. Enough catching up, lets talk about my even more exciting trip that i took on Sunday with my brother and father: The Harry Potter Studio Tour. 

Warning this post contains spoilers, serious fan-girling and lots of HP photography.

Set in Watford, the Harry Potter Studio Tour is a must for any mad HP fan, set in the warehouse original scenes were filmed it hosts a great number of sets, costumes, props and one bloody amazing gift shop. Personally, like many i much prefer the books to the films - what a naff final ending - but its still amazing to see the wizarding world come to life! Tickets are on the pricer side, but oh so worth it. You are provided with a timed slot to enter, but in no way are you rushed around and photography is very, very much encouraged. The staff are extremely passionate and just as potty (aha) about HP as we are, they do often jump on over and point out amazing titbit details. 

Our daughter's daughters will adore us!

Because you haven't seen my mug in a while and i was feeling pretty nostalgic about my Mac photo boof, which has been very neglected since the arrival of the fancy Cannon jobby. Anyway to the actual point of this post, there are number of products that i have been currently coveting recently. I have been really enjoying using my collection and re-falling in love with items i bought eons ago. The Chanel fund is very approving of such actions. 

Can you tell i'm a Nars junkie? Truly addicted.

Matte Morphose - L'Oreal (£10.29)- I never normally buy into high-street foundations, simply because they are just naff to put it bluntly. This L'Oreal moose formula is a very underrated gem in my eye, the very soft moose glides over the skin leaving an almost airbrushed natural look - i had to pinch myself. It really does give an amazing base, softening the appearance of pores and suitable coverage, without ever caking (if you know how much to apply that is). The only downer is its longevity, it doesn't seem to last - needing a powder touch up mid-afternoon. I do however buff it in with a Sephora Mineral Buffing brush  to work the product in well. Do stay away if you have rather dry skin, but i do high recommend a swatch next time your in Boots. I mostly carry this in my bag if i'm going out after work, when i need a good touch up of foundation.

Studio Studio Finish Concealer - Mac (£13.50) - This baby was one of my first ever purchases from Mac, a very long while ago. Its industrial strength concealing properties do wonders on imperfections, and lightly blended in under the eyes with a fluffy brush really covers under-eye circles perfectly.

Kohl Eyeliner in Saddle - Topshop (£4.00) - In a bid to ditch the harshness of a liquid liner for summer i delved into my eyeliner stash and came across this very soft yet strongly pigmented dark brown kohl liner from Topshop. With a very thin line drawn on the upper lid every day it creates a very subtle definition and definitely makes my lashes look thicker without looking too heavy for day-time. Brownie points for actually using one of the thousand pencil eyeliners i own, they seem to go so unloved! 

Eyeshadow Duo in Tzarine - Nars (£24.00) - As you can see the champagne shade is a very much loved shadow of mine, it creates the perfect wash of colour. I can pair it with just about every other eyeshadow i own, and when it finally hits the dust i'll be heartbroken. (And then swiftly buy another). The navy as you can see is untouched, can't quite figure out how to use this without looking like i've been in ten rounds with Mike Tyson.

Eyeshadow in Nepal - Nars (£17.00) - Do not let the shade in the pan fool you, what appears to be a dark brown is in actual fact a very light red-toned, peachy champagne bronze hue - think All The Glitters from Mac but better.  It's buttery texture makes blending a dream, it can be worm softly for day time or packed on for a smokey night-time look. Its an absolute must for blue-eyed ladies, it simply makes the blue pop - so pretty!

False Lash Effect - Max Factor (£10.99) - Another item i rarely purchase from the high-street, i prefer to buy into high-end mascaras that will give me the 'real' false lash effect - think Dior Show or YSL - they give maximum length and volume to the extreme. But lately i've enjoyed wearing more fluttery lengthing mascara, that looks more dainty than fierce. Max Factor does exactly what it says on the tin, full lashes - natural look.

Blush in Orgasm - Nars (£21.00) - Another beauty i've neglected of late, preferring to use its more pinker based cousin Deep Throat, i've throughly enjoyed used the infamous Orgasm with the sunny weather. The slight shimmer infused in the perfect coral/pink hue is definitely pastel pretty!  

And one for the photography snobs - look how pretty Nepal is? Have you tried any of these products?

SWOON!

Leather and Wooden Sandals - See by Chloe (£265.00)

This is what dreams are made of, sadly my purse isn't. But hey, i do have a £50 Net-A-Porter voucher right? I kid, but really i do.

You'll find him next to me!

Some of you may be aware of the on-going struggle i have with my barely-there eyebrows, ultra fair and barely there. After a quick flirt with M2Beaut courtesy of the bloody lovely Charlotte, my sparse eyebrows miraculously became full and more shape-worthy. However, after shaping and having a bloody well good pluck they still need to be given shape and colour. After a long-standing relationship with my trusty Laura Mercier Blonde Brow Pencil that was increasingly getting shorter by the day, i started my next love affaire with Clinique Superfine Liner in Soft Blonde.  

Superfine Brow Liner - Clinique (£12.00)

This ultra slim pencil twists up to give a precise, yet natural looking brow. I found it rather hard to find a shade that suited my fair brows, having given up with powder and gels for being to dusty and the wrong colour, i was delighted to have come across this pencil from Clinique.

Simply twisting the pencil up, it's crayon is very soft but long-lasting on the skin. It isn't hard or heavy, meaning it easy distributes colour without turning them in to angry caterpillars. Any mistakes i make, i can easily wipe away with a cotton bud, but over all the ease of using this product is a dream. I don't have to faff around with a sharpener, or purchasing an expensive brush to apply with. Simply twist, apply and go! As its so much softer than the Laura Mercier pencil, it actually allows me to be a lot more daring and creative with the shape - ooer! And for £12 - i think thats pretty reasonable, considering the shade blonde doesn't appear to exist on the high-street.

Here is a very scary mary before picture, sans make-up - au natural..

and heres after.. aver mascara and brow pencil..

Now i'm not saying my brows are perfection, as i have a long way of grooming and coaxing to go. But ever little helps right? Since wearing my contact lenses, filling in my brows has done wonders for my face shape / balance malarkey. I know a lot of women who either can't leave the house without freshly groomed brows, or other ladies who haven't even given it a thought. Funny.

Do you fill in and groom your brows?

Blue Jeans

And just like that, after dull winter months of stocking up on wooly tights, sunshine finally arrives and despite all those summer clothes neatly tucked away, barely worn from last year - you suddenly feel the urge to buy a completely new wardrobe for S/S12. Currently coveting...

Bright Blossom Dip Hem Dress - Topshop (£46.00) / Embellished Flower Tunic - Topshop (£55.00) / Navy T-shirt Dress - Topshop (£25.00) / Blossom Tee - Topshop (£36.00) / Toe Cap Pointed Flats - Topshop (£28.00) / Pale Pink & Baby Yellow Ballet Flats (£18.00/£16.00) / Floral Pumps - Cath Kidston (£18.00) / Lace Cardigan - Topshop (£40.00)

I have fallen head of heels in love with the Topshop Floral Dip Hem dress, i adore the bright floral patten and the shape of the dress. Worn with a plaid belt and casual blazer for day, or tan wedges and fuchsia clutch for an occasion. I love love love the print so much, i might have to ahem, buy the blouse version too? The embellished vest is far too pretty to resist, perfect for holiday evenings, where as the simple navy dress is a go-to staple to casual summer days. A sudden re-vamp of ballet flats in pastel and metallic tones are calling me. The Cath Kidston pumps are beyond cute, and not a bad price of eighteen quid!

Floral Lace Dress in Mint, Cream and Yellow - Topshop (£36.00)

This is dress is so dainty and pretty, the colour range is bang on trend for this season. Lets just ignore the impending bra palaver and focus on the ever so lovely lace back detailing. I'm torn between mint and yellow, but at that price and cost per wear - be cheeky and buy both!

Amen to payday on Friday! Anything caught your eye?