12 Days of Beauty- Illuminate your Christmas with Marc Jacobs

 

Daisy, Marc Jacobs- Luminous Body Lotion

It's day two of my mission to find twelve of the best Christmassy beauty products out there, ideal for self indulgence or a gift for a loved one- although I can't promise these products won't end up in my own beauty collection! 

I had Marc Jacobs Daisy during the summer and I fell in love with it. You know that fragrance you catch a whiff of and it takes you to a certain place, time or memory- well this will always remind me of the months leading up to last spring; fresh, flowery and totally addictive! 

Even though the perfume was one of my favourites, I wanted a product that withheld the same beautiful scent, that I could incorporate into my beauty routine; suitable for those lazy days when it seems silly to waste perfume, but still achieve that same fresh, flowery fragrance. 

The Luminous Body Lotion did this perfectly, it gave me a scent that was subtle but still noticeable; combining with the perfume creates a more intense kick, perfect for a night out. Yes, I know it's almost Christmas and I'm blogging about a summer fragrance, but to me, the scent can be worn all year round, giving that same fresh feeling. 

Even though Christmas is only a few weeks away, I'm sure everybody wants to replicate last summers glow, especially the beautiful dewy appearance to the skin as the light catches it. However, the tiny glittery particles combined with the lotion illuminates the skin- summery and beautiful but ideal for the weeks leading up to New Years. 

The lotion left my skin feeling baby soft, even if you have to do that awkward naked stand in the bathroom whist waiting for it to dry- only a minor disadvantage that is seriously outweighed by the beauty of this product. Softening and scented, Marc Jacobs has delivered a lovely fragrance that can be worn all year round, and if purchased this Christmas, a quick whiff in later years will make you think: 'Ah, remember Christmas at 2013'.

Indulge yourself or give to somebody you love this Christmas- I know I'd be a happy bunny if I saw this under my Christmas tree! Get buying beauts!

12 Days of Beauty- Day 1

Clarins- Beauty Flash Balm  

Hello sweetness! Now I know I've mentioned Beauty Flash Balm before, but it has to be my favourite skin care product out there at the moment and it's the perfect beauty item to have on your Christmas list. My mum swears by it and after trying it, I can't get enough!

You can use it as a moisturiser before applying makeup or it's perfect for those lazy days when you give your skin a break. Believe it or not, from first application, your skin is brought to life leaving a beautiful, natural glow whilst instantly rejuvenating; say goodbye to dull and tired skin! However, it can also be luxuriously lathered on with a thick layer for 10-15 minutes which intensely hydrates, brightens, tightens and stimulates a fresh, natural appearance- treat yourself girlies!

Recommended by ELLE and many celebrities, the magazine insists "when applied in a thin, consistent layer with no rubbing" it is "excellent at lifting and tightening skin,". Who needs to break the bank with high end beauty treatments when Clarins Beauty Flash Balm does it all for you?!

 An indulging treat for yourself or a perfect gift for someone you love, whats better than the gift of beautiful skin? 

Lily Allen- Making a statement

Hello beauties! I thought I'd share with you my new idea for a weekly post- celebrities in the public eye that inspire me, whether it's because of their style, beauty, fashion or behaviour. I will try it for a couple of weeks and see how it goes!

Now my first celebrity is Lily Allen; known for her outlandish attitudes, boisterous behaviour and bold image, Lily Allen has always been treasured in the music and fashion industry and admired for her down to earth personality- an attribute that won the hearts of the world. But after her recent comeback after transforming from stay-at-home mum to her previous music roots, her new single 'Hard Out Here' has created widespread controversity. 

The song and video highlights feminist issues and criticises expectations and the way women are portrayed in the media- a statement that I love and admire Lily for, as being in the public eye and making her living from the music industry makes criticising its nature a bold and brave statement. 

In a crude but truthful way, Lily highlights expectations in the media, at home and embedded into society with her video beginning on a surgery table whilst perfection hungry surgeons practise liposuction whilst questioning, 'how does someone let themselves get like this?'. She insists she's had two babies- her reasoning for originally closing the doors on her music career and portraying her recent slam from the media about her appearance since giving birth. 

She insists that 'there's a glass ceiling to break' and 'Inequality promises that it's here to stay, Always trust the injustice 'cause it's not going away'- a concept that is truthful but worrying with unrealistic perceptions on the concept of beauty being thrust onto the next generation. 

With half naked women being portrayed as 'sexual objects', shaking their behinds in front of the camera in skimpy outfits- what else do you expect to see on the internet these days? 

Her quirky but outlandish video has definitely had a massive impact on myself, opening my eyes to Lily's crudely worded but painfully truthful reality towards media expectations, especially when she boldly states: 'You're not a size six, and you're not good looking'. I'm sure many of you as well as myself have been conscious at some point about body image and weight, with the music and fashion industry in particular being the catalyst of unrealistic expectations on 'perfection' amongst women. 

Lily herself has been a victim of this after constant criticism about her baby weight; the repercussions of which were highlighted after she admitted that she had an eating disorder. She admitted that the surge of positive comments she received after losing unnatural amounts of weight were shocking- appearances on high fashion magazines whilst the press paraded her new slim but unhealthy look. 

Lily's statement has not only rejected these expectations that are embedded into the media, but has opened the eyes of many young women like myself to be aware of the issue and fight back. Should other music artists and celebrities follow Lily, the transformation would emphasis the importance of confidence and natural beauty- real women that don't stand a chance in the perfection hungry society we live in today. To read more about confidence,  look at my other post 'What does confidence really mean?'

A natural beauty, making a statement for 21st Century women and the perfect first inspiration to dedicate to my new weekly posts! 

To watch Lily's statement, follow the link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0CazRHB0so

Let me know your reactions and what you think! 

MY MAKEUP LOOK TODAY… Natural, with a healthy glow

 Lancome Colour Design- Sensational Effects Eyeshadows 

I love this pallet, the colours are bold but natural and make the eyes pop.. particularly the shimmer shades which helped me to create a natural glow for my look today.

Topshops All Over Glow- Liquid Illuminator 

Applying this below the brow line, cupids bow and cheek bones create a beautiful shine when the light hits your face- illuminates and brightens the skin.

Max Factor- Wild Mega Volume- Volumising Mascara- 

I have naturally short eyelashes but this mascara works like magic!

Max Factor Creme Puff Pressed Powder- Natural 

The best powder I have ever used- affordable, flawless coverage, long-lasting and actually smells good!

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch 

This is only a recent discovery, it softens the under eyes beautifully before applying concealer- a natural finish and I would definitely recommend- despite the price.

2True- Twist 'n' Line Eye Definer 

So it's cheap but does the job! As the photographs show, putting a touch in the corner of my eyes makes a natural but bold statement, highlighting and defining my eyes. A bargain! 

2True- Effortless Eyeliner 

Yet again, another cheap one, but I get through so many liquid eyeliners because I wear it most days, so 2Trues Effortless Eyeliner works best for me. Cheap but long-lasting! Another bargain...

L'Oreal Paris Rose Radieux Illuminating powder 

*Look at my 'favourite quick fix beauty products' post to see my review*

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint- Heavy duty under eye concealer 

*Look at my 'favourite quick fix beauty products' post to see my review*

B.Cheeky Blusher- 130 Macaroon

Beautiful colour, affordable and gives a girly, rosey finish to my makeup look today. 

My favourite quick fix products!

Torn between staying in bed and getting up early for uni five days a week, I have learnt to compromise when it comes to makeup- my bed seems more appealing! 

Here are a few of my favourite quick fix beauty products that make my mornings easier but still achieve a flawless result…

 1) Seventeen Phwoarr Paint | shade: Fair | £5.49

I swear by this stuff! I only really wear foundation when going out, so I needed a concealer that would cover generously and give me the same coverage as foundation. Yes, I know it's meant to be 'Heavy duty under eye concealer' but I like to apply it on blemishes because the thickness gives reliable coverage and lasts all day. It's by far the best concealer i've ever used, and what's not to like? Look at the price! It even comes with a compact mirror so it can be carried around for quick touch ups during the day. 

2) Clarins Beauty Flash Balm | £29.99 

Okay, so it may be a bit pricey, but the results are so worth it! I haven't used many Clarins products but my mum has relied on them for years so I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. I loved the effect it had on my skin, particularly after applying makeup. Softening, brightening and tightening, the cream behaves as a combined moisturiser and primer and provides a soft, fresh base for your makeup. Quick and beautiful, try it!

3) Vaseline Lip Therapy | Rosy Lips | £1.99

Surely, everybody at some point has owned a pot of Vaseline! Always reliable and does the job, the petroleum jelly provides long lasting lip hydration. But I love the Rosy Lips edition with added rose and almond oil.. not only does it smell flowery and fresh but it has an injection of colour!

4) Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm | Shade/flavour- Cherry Me | £2.99

Maybelline have developed the latest technology of lip care with Baby Lips- guaranteed to maintain 8 hour hydration and conditioning care that leaves lips feeling baby soft. I love this product, I carry it around everywhere with me! And with a variety of shades and flavours, there is one ready for any occasion! At the moment I'm using Cherry Me- tastes delicious and gives a beautiful, colourful finish to my lips- I like to lather it on top of lipstick as well to keep it lasting longer. 

5) L'Oreal Paris Lumi Magique Pearl Powder | Shade 02 Rose Radieux | £8.99

I only purchased this the other day, and I love the results. I've been on a mission to find a powder that illuminates but doesn't give a cakey, cheap look. Lumi Magique Peal Powder does this perfectly, giving me light, natural coverage but a healthy glow for when my skin needs a little.. oomph. 

 6) L'Oreal Paris Elvive Colour Protect masque 300ml | £5.09 

This isn't exactly something i'd use in the morning when i'm in a rush but it helps me to achieve strong colour protection, quickly. I colour my hair quite a lot so i need strong protection to keep my hair in healthy condition. Easily applied in the shower instead of your usual conditioner, L'Oreal deeply nourishes and protects hair colour, a result I saw in just one use! 

7) ghd Thermal Protector 150ml | £5.99

My last favourite product is ghd Thermal Protector. Now, I don't own ghd straighteners but I wanted ghd standard heat protection, and it works brilliantly! I didn't actually buy this product, my boyfriend owned it but he doesn't even have enough hair to use it so why let it go to waste! Spraying on before blowdrying, straightening or curling, it leaves a perfectly protected, shiny finish. A quick way to achieve a healthy shine whilst heat protecting.

Good luck! 

Which Moisture Match are you? Beauty MUST HAVE of the week!

Garnier Skin Naturals have promoted their latest development in moisture technology; a range of moisturisers that match your skin type depending on the look you want to achieve and the changing seasons. Acknowledging that different skin types have different needs, the new range provide 24 hour hydration with a variety of specialised textures and carefully selected ingredients, each moisturiser is customised to match specific needs. Which Moisture Match are you? 

I have never been able to find a universal moisturiser that suits me all year round. The condition of our skin is forever changing alongside our moods, the seasons and environment. Garnier have managed to create a range of moisturisers suitable for all skin types, for any situation! Whenever I find a brand of moisturiser that works for me, it never provides the same standard of hydration for other skin types which can lead to an inconsistent and ineffective beauty routine. 

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My skin has always been naturally oily and annoyingly spot prone- that's why the 'Shine Be Gone' moisturiser works best for me. Mattifying and fresh, it hydrates for 24 hours and keeps my skin oil free all day- goodbye future breakouts!

Whilst the product co-ordinates with the condition of my skin, I know that I can rely on Garnier to provide the same standard in moisture balancing when summer arrives. The specific moisturiser I use already is perfect for hot summer days- stopping oil from coming to the surface and mattifying all day long, stay in the sun for longer and remain fresh and shine free! 

You can also do this with 'Protect and Glow'- a moisturiser combined with SPF 20. Illuminating and hydrating, achieve that beautiful summer glow whilst protecting from the sun at the same time! 

However, as Christmas looms and the frosty weather dries out your skin, who wants to be sporting the flaky look at the Christmas party? Not flattering. That's why 'Start Afresh' and 'Goodye Dry' have been formulated to target dry/ very dry skin- fighting the flake and restoring skin to its natural moisture level. These ultra- hydrating rich creams will keep your skin looking fresh, hydrated and beautiful come the New Year! 

On the other hand, of course there has to be a moisturiser specially targeted for the mornings you wake up and feel.. urgh. Worry no more and lather on 'Wake Me Up'- perfect for dull skin that needs an injection of life. Packed with revitalising hydration, nobody has to know what you got up to the night before!

You can't change your skin, but you can change your moisturiser!

 Not sure what Moisture Match you are? check out http://www.garnier.co.uk/_en/_gb/moisture-match/home.aspx to find out!

What does confidence really mean?

After revelations on the hit reality show 'I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!', that Olympic medallist Rebecca Adlington had severe confidence issues; I started to question the real meaning of 'confidence'.

With a small apprehensive smile as model Amy Willerton flipped her hair showing the camp mates her 'signature look', Rebecca retreated to privacy and announced that she had "never been one of the pretty girls". Clearly upset with her lack of confidence, she later highlighted that she had received abusive tweets about her appearance during her Olympic triumph- an astonishing discovery considering all she has achieved for the UK in 2012. 

Confidence has been a forever desired attribute amongst women and young girls particularly over the past 10 years- with the constant development of modern technology and access to the Internet, young women, like me, are thrown into a sea of criticism and unrealistic expectations from the media on how we should be and look. After the Olympic medallists media break down, the concept of 'confidence' has come to light. What does it really mean? Is it essential for complete happiness? and does it effect the way we live our lives? 

Having had confidence issues myself at some points in my life, I am aware of the psychological repercussions it can have. Weight, body shape, facial features and petty imperfections that go unnoticed, I would worry about appearance every day, not realising the qualities I already had which made me beautiful as an individual. 

Yes, you can get through life with no confidence, but your quality of life would be questionable. It isn't until you acknowledge the beautiful qualities you already possess that your true confidence will shine. In relation to Rebecca, all that she has achieved and the thousands of young girls that look up to her is a quality that makes her beautiful and inspiring. 

After all, it's your personality and the way you interact with others that create your friendships, bonds and relationships- people that bring out the best in you and your beauty within. Surround yourself with people you admire and love; as my mum has always said to me, "fill your life with positive people, get rid of the drainers". After all, who wants to be friends with someone with all looks and no personality? Looks fade but brains and personality are forever. 

However from personal experience, I feel that confidence comes with age and life experience. Moving away from home and going to university was a prospect that petrified me. Living for myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone has dramatically increased my awareness of the importance of independence and the concept of confidence. Putting myself out there has made me realise that sometimes, confidence can be considered as just standing on your own two feet- independent and free. 

Alongside your life choices, taking a risk here and there and making yourself think, 'I actually did that' will slowly but surely boost your confidence- or you can take the big step like I did! 

Lastly, boyfriends- a subject going through every teenage girls minds at some point. Being in a superficial relationship based on looks is never going to work- maybe for celebrities that want to create a media storm, but realistically, it's a recipe for disaster. With young girls increasingly being controlled in relationships alongside the rise of domestic abuse; a boyfriend should fulfil your life, not drain it. They should support you on the road to achieving true confidence, as I have learnt. Luckily, I am in a relationship that has boosted my confidence to the highest it's ever been- telling me I'm beautiful when I'm at my worst and being loved unconditionally. Somebody I don't have to rely upon to be happy, but  boosts my confidence when I need it and the belief in myself. 

Confidence shines from within. Regardless of what dress size you are, body shape, or what you look like at all; confidence will blossom when surrounded by the right people and the life choices you make. It's not until you step away from the mirror and look within that you will discover true beauty.