Holly Jolly TAG 2!

Well, as there is only 12 (yes, 12!) days until Christmas, I thought I would get a little festive. (As you may be able to tell, I have become slightly obsessed with TAG posts.)

1. Do you start your Christmas shopping on Black Friday or wait until last minute?
As we don't have Black Friday in the UK, I'll take it to mean towards the end of November-ish.
I always tend to start my shopping at the end of November. Mainly because I can't be doing with the crowds you get in the last week before Christmas!

2. If you could be in any Christmas movie, what would it be?
Ooohh, I think that's got to be The Santa Clause. When I was younger, I loved their take on the North Pole and Santa's Workshop. I would imagine that I could go, and that it actually existed.

3. Which do you like better? Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?

Christmas Eve. The anticipation of something magical happening hangs in the air (okay, that sounded very cheesy, but it's the truth), and everyone seems so happy and joyful. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas Day, but whenever we have eaten our turkey dinner, and are sitting around watching TV, I always seem to get the feeling that it's over, after all the build up.

4. When does your family put up your Christmas tree and who decorates it?
This seems to change every year, but it's usually between the first and second weekend in December. When I was younger, my mum always used to decorate it, but nowadays, I decorate it.

5. White lights or coloured lights?
White lights!!

6. Are you guilty of peeking at your presents or do you like the surprise?
I've never really been one for peeking. I would go around trying to find where they were hid, but never really peeked at them, as I do love the surprise, especially if I haven't asked for anything in particular.

7. Would you rather live in a gingerbread house or in Santa's Workshop?
I have always been slightly obsessed with gingerbread houses, and so I think it would a gingerbread house. I think Santa's Workshop would get too busy for me!

8. Tell us your Christmas Eve traditions!
We don't do anything too big on Christmas Eve, really. We usually go around delivering presents to family and friends that we wont see on Christmas Day, and if it's our turn to host Christmas Day Dinner, we will probably get the veg ready, and decorate the table. Then at night, we will all sit around watching some of the specials that are on television. I may be 20, and my brother may be 14, but we still leave a plate out for Santa, made up of a glass of milk and a mince pie for Santa, some chocolates and sweets for the elves, and a carrot for Rudolph! I take my stocking up, and then go to sleep.

9. If you could be under the mistletoe with anyone, who would it be?
Um, I don't really know. Maybe James Lafferty (Nathan from One Tree Hill), but I don't really know.

10. What tops your tree?
An angel! It's always been an angel. And my dad always puts it on top of the tree.

11. Can you name the 12 Days of Christmas?
No, I could used to, but I get them all mixed up now!

12. Have you ever gone Christmas Carolling?
No, that's one thing I've never done.

13. Do you countdown to Christmas? If so, how many days are left?
Yes! I have two chalkboard countdowns hanging up; a gingerbread man one and a Santa one. There are 12 days left!!

14. What are some foods and treats you can count on having every holiday season?
Turkey obviously! Candy canes, and the tins of chocolates that they do. Also, my great-nan's homemade fudge! That's so good!

15. How has Christmas kept its magic for you as you've grown older?
I think it will always be a magical time for me, as it brings back so many memories of when I was younger. Also, I like to think that I put a lot of thought into my presents, as I want to really show my parents how much they mean to me, so I get so excited to give them to them, and see their faces. Do you remember the John Lewis advert from last year (the boy who was so excited to give his mum her present?) well that was me last year.

November Favourites/40 Beauty Questions Tag!

This last month I have been on a strict budget, due to Christmas coming up, so I haven't really been trying or buying any new things, so I don't have anything new to post for my November Favourites. I have just been loving my usual things, i.e. Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream, Collection Lasting Perfection concealer, and Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Dusky Pink.

So instead of doing a November Favourites post, I thought I would do the 40 Beauty Questions tag, as this will help you to get to know me better, and includes my all-time favourite products. So, let's get into it:

SKINCARE:

How many times do you wash your face daily?
I try to be good, and wash it twice a day (morning and night), but lately, I haven't been so good. I usually just wash it in the morning, and then remove my makeup in the evening with a cream cleanser.

What skin type do you have? (dry, oily, combo?) 
My skin is very weird. I suppose it is combination, but it's not your typical combination skin (i.e. oily t-zone, and dry cheeks). My t-zone is the main part of my face that gets oily, but my whole face can also get dry. The main parts that are prone to dryness are my forehead, nose, and chin, and occasionally my cheeks, however, I find if I use a good moisturiser, day and night, this isn't too much of an issue.

What is your current facial wash?
The Clinique 3-Step System Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar. I haven't got much to say about it. Not my favourite thing. But I've recently brought Coalface cleanser from Lush, so I can't wait to try that out.

Do you exfoliate? 
YES! It's one of the things that I have to do to help with my dry skin, as it removes all the dead flakes, that your foundation clings to (I know, horrible!). 

What brand do you use?
I love to use my Clarisonic Plus. I also like the Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Scrub.

What moisturizer do you use?
The Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser. I really love this, as it is light, so doesn't make my face oily, but it is still very hydrating, so it kinds my skin moisturised.

Do you have freckles? 
No, I don't.

Do you use eye cream? 
No, not really. I recently brought the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream for £2.99 on offer, so I'm going to start using that.

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
Oh, yes!! I have always suffered from this, but I'm the first to admit that I don't have it as bad as a lot of other people out there.

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ? 
No, I haven't. I've been curious, but never actually tried it out, yet.

MAKE-UP:

What foundation do you use? 
Foundation wise, I use the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, but the one I wear everyday, is the Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream. I swear by this!

Do you know your undertone colour?

No. This is something that I really need to learn, but I've never really understood it. (I can feel a Beauty Beginner Series post coming up!)

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

They're not really something I've ever used. I don't quite trust myself with the glue just yet. I think when they are used to enhance your natural eyelashes, they can really make your eyes stand out, but I really don't like it when they are used over the top.

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months? 

Yes, I did know that. I've currently got one that I've had for longer than that, and it needs throwing out.

What brand of mascara do you use?

I really like the MaxFactor False Lash Effect Fusion mascara, and the Maybelline mascaras.

Sephora or MAC? 

I've never shopped at either. But if I was to choose one, it would be Sephora (even though I live in the UK).

Do you have a MAC Pro-card? 

As previously said, I've never shopped here, so no, I don't.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application? 

Mainly my fingers, but also brushes and eyelash curlers.

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? 

I don't tend to wear eyeshadow everyday, so it's not really a must-have for me. But when I do wear eyeshadow, I try to remember to put some primer on.

For the face? 

It depends on what my skin is like, if I'm quite dry, then yes, as it helps the foundation not cling to the dry patches/flakes.

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?

The neutral shades.

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? 

I have quite sensitive eyes, so I have to be careful with eyeliner. I tend to just not wear it really. But if I had to choose it would be pencil, as I am useless at applying liquid eyeliner.

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? 

I don't really poke my eyes, but I have been known to get it all over the place!

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? 

I like them, it's just a shame they're so messy!

Do you use mineral makeup? 

No, it's never been something I've wanted to try, as I have heard some bad things about the Bare Escentuals line, making people break out.

What is your favorite lipstick?

Just any type of tinted lip balm.

How about lipgloss? 

Not really something I use, as I always find them too sticky.

What is your favorite blush to use? 

Boots Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Dusky Pink.

Do you buy your makeup on eBay? 

Well, I once brought a Naked2 Palette off eBay, but once it arrived, it was a fake, so since this, no, I don't buy any makeup on eBay.

Do you like drugstore makeup? 

Yes! I love it! I don't think you can beat some of the products that they have to offer!

Do you go to CCO's? (Cosmetic Company Outlets) 

No, I've never been to one. There's not really one close to me, so I think that's why. I would love to go to one though, especially with a full purse!

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? 

Yes, I still do now and again. I haven't brought up the confidence to actually act on it yet.

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I can be, yes. If I'm in a rush especially. I'm terrible at applying eyeliner, so I tend to just leave that wither until I really want to put some on, or when I have the patience to actually sit down and take my time. I think that this will come in time though, with practice.

Name a makeup crime that you hate? 

Visible lip-liner, and foundation too dark for your skin.
Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? 

Neutral all the way!!

Which celebrity always has great make up?

I love the way Taylor Swift does her make-up. It looks very glamorous, but not over-the-top. She always looks so put-together and polished.

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use?

Concealer! I have a lot of acne scaring, and blemishes, so I would have to use some concealer to just cover them up.

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?

Yes, I could, and I do sometimes. When I really can't be bothered putting makeup on, or just running a few errands, I'll just go out without makeup.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? 

No, I think my skin looks a lot better with a primer, foundation and concealer on. I also feel better with these on. I'm really jealous of those people who are really happy in their own skin, but me, personally, I don't think I look good without any makeup on.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

As I am new to the whole beauty world, I haven't really tried any of the high-end brands, so I can't really say high-end wise. But high-street/drugstore wise, I really like Maybelline as an overall brand, I love Revlon's lip products, and Bourjois's foundations.

What do you think of Makeup?? 
I think it's a great thing. Some people may think it's shallow and what not, but I think it's a great thing to boost a person's self-esteem, especially if you have any skin-problems. I think it's also a great thing for individuality. You can express yourself with your makeup, just like you can with clothing.


I hope you enjoyed this, and has helped you get to know me a bit more.

Beauty Beginner Series: The Face

This post will be slightly different to the usual, but please bare with me, there is a point to this post.

It occurred to me the other day, that I've been posting all of these posts about face makeup etc, and saying where to apply certain things, but I haven't actually included a labelled picture of the face, explaining where everything is (e.g. apples of cheeks, hollows of cheeks etc).

This image will be something that should help you with the past posts, and will also help you with future posts, for example, when I go onto explaining how to apply eyeshadow, contouring and highlighting etc.

Oh, I just wanted to say, now that it's the run up to Christmas, things are going to be hectic for me, especially at uni, as we have an important assessment two weeks after Christmas, so I wanted to say that I am going to post a new Beauty Beginner Series post every two weeks, instead of every week. I'm sorry to do this, but I hope you understand.

Beauty Beginner Series: What is Blusher?

First off, let me please apologise for missing last week's post of this series. Things have been a bit hectic at uni, so I didn't have time to write up a detailed post.

Secondly, I thought this week, to continue on from the previous two posts in this series, as they were both about face products, I would try to answer the question 'What is Blusher?' So, let's get into it.

For a lot of people, blush is one of those love or hate products. When used correctly, it can give your face a healthy, natural colour and glow, but when used wrongly, the phrase 'clown face' comes to mind!

Like, foundation and concealer, blusher comes in many forms. Powder blush are probably the most well known and most used type of blush, but there are many more.

• Powder Blush is good any type of skin, but is slightly better for oily and combination skin, as it helps to absorb some of the oil.
• Cream Blush gives more intense colour than powder, so only a little is needed. It also needs to be blended thoroughly, to avoid any harsh, obvious lines. Fingers are the best way to apply cream blushers, working from the apples of the cheeks outwards. As cream blush contains more moisturising ingredients, it is usually considered best for dry skin.
• Gel or Liquid (or Tint) Blush is good for adding a slight glow to the cheeks. They are not usually as pigmented as powder and cream blushers. They can work well for anyone who has oily to normal skin, as they last long, and tend to be oil-free. These are very fast-drying though, so you have to really blend them quickly. 

Whichever type of blush you choose, make sure you choose one that matches your natural skin tone and colour. You can tell what colour blush you should get when your cheeks have their natural rosy glow to them, after you have been out in the cold, or have just been doing exercise. The easiest way of choosing your perfect shade, is to give yourselves a good smack on the cheeks (sounds cruel, but it's true!). Don't go smacking yourselves so hard that your cheeks will just go red though! That won't work. Lightly pinch your cheeks, and this should give you the colour blush that you should be buying. It may be best to do this bit at home, though, just avoid any strange looks off other shoppers!

Blush should be applied after foundation and concealer, and then blended out with a brush and a little of the powder you have used to set your face with. If you can, it would be better if you apply blush with a proper brush, rather than the poxy thing that comes with it, but if you can't, then just use the brush that came with it. (E.L.F. do some reasonable quality blush brushes for £1.50 that you beginners can't go wrong with, plus Christmas is coming up!)

To apply blush:

• Dap your brush into the blush, and tap off any excess; it's always best to start lightly, then build it up if needed
• Look in the mirror and SMILE! This will help you to determine where the apples of your cheeks are
• Apply the blush onto the apples of your cheeks, blending well.
• If you've put too much on, then go over it with a bit of translucent powder, and this should sort it out
• This video will show what I mean more.

I hope this helped you, and if you have any questions, please let me know, and I will try my best to answer them!

I ♥ Fall TAG

When I saw this tag video on YouTube, I knew that I wanted to do it, so I thought that this would be perfect for my first 'tag' post. Also, it's slowly coming to the end of Autumn, so I thought I had better do it quickly. The tag comprises of 10 questions, all based on autumn/fall. There are several about Halloween, and yes, I know Halloween has been now, but imagine that it hasn't yet, please! I wasn't tagged by anyone, but knew I wanted to do this, so here we go!

1. Favourite Fall Lip Product? 
I'm not really a big lip product person, I just tend to wear lip balm, as my lips get really dry and chapped. So, I would say my favourite lip balm is strawberry Chap Stick, or the new Vaseline Pink Bubbly.

2.  Favourite Fall Nail Polish?
Hmmm, just lately, I think it's got to be Essie's Ballet Slippers or Essie's Brooch the Subject.

 3. Favourite Starbucks Fall Drink?
Now, this may come as shock horror to you, but I don't drink coffee, or tea, for that matter. I just don't like them. The only hot drink I will have is an occasional hot chocolate, so that's probably all I'll order.

4. Favourite Fall Candle?
As Bath and Body Works aren't in the UK, I've been on the lookout for a great range of scented candles, and I think I've finally found some; Rosie Loves Candles. I am in love with their Parma Violets scent at the minute, not very autumn-y, but I love the smell of it.

5. Favourite Fall Scarf or Accessory?
I love a good, cosy scarf in the autumn. I haven't really got a favourite, just as long as it is warm and cosy, and soft, I'll love it!

6. Haunted House, Haunted Hay Ride or Haunted Corn Maze?
Where I live, there isn't anything like these, so I've never been anything like them, but, I can't stand it when people and things jump out at me, especially in the dark. I just hate that feeling it gives you. So, even if there was something like this around me, I probably still wouldn't go. I know, I'm a bit of a whimp!

7. Favourite Halloween Movie?
Well, that's easy! The Halloweentown movies from Disney.

8. Favourite Candy to Eat on Halloween?
There's no particular sweets that I have to have, but I do love a toffee or chocolate apple this time of year, so I would probably say that.

9. What Are You Dressing up as for Halloween?
I was miserable this year, and didn't dress up as anything. Mainly because I wasn't doing anything for Halloween this time.

10. What is Your Favourite Thing About Fall?
The weather! The colours! The clothes! Boots! Layering thick cardigans and scarfs! Lighting the fire and being warm and cosy!


I tag anyone and everyone to do this. Thought, it'll have to be quick, as autumn/fall will be ending soon! :D

October Favourites

Yep, it's time again! October Favourites!

1. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - this has been on one of my favourites before, but I've really been loving this this month again

2. AUTUMN!! - I have been loving that it is autumn again! Just lately, it has really felt like autumn, with the sun and blue skies, and crisp, sharp air. I love the weather, the clothes, boots, and the colours! (I heart fall tag, coming up!)

3. Lioele Beyond the Solution BB Cream - LOVE this stuff! It's a really full coverage BB cream, but it feels so good for the skin. Only draw back is it is only available in one shade, and it's a Asian brand, so it's difficult to get hold of in the UK. I got mine from YESSTYLE

4. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum - this is great for days when my skin is dry, as it doesn't tend to stick to dry patches as much as a lot of other foundations and BB creams etc.

5. Vaseline Pink Bubbly petroleum jelly - Vaseline with a hint of colour, and a lovely smell and taste? What more do you want in this cold weather!

6. Essie Nail Polish in Ballet Slippers - a gorgeous light pink colour, that's great for this time of year (I think anyway!). I got mine from Fragrance Direct for £1.99!

7. Barry M Bold Waterproof Eyeliner - a really nice, pigmented, soft eyeliner. Goes on so smoothly, and stays

8. Taylor Swift RED - been waiting for this album for ages, and I am so glad it's finally come out. I am in love with it! Favourite tunes off it include: Red, All Too Well, Begin Again, and I'm loving The Moment I Knew and Come Back...Be Here off the deluxe edition

9. Simple Kind to Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser - I use this after my morning and night skincare routine, and it just adds that extra hydration that my skin has really been needing lately. When I put this on at night, quite generously, I don't have any dry patches in the morning. Even thought it's hydrating, it is still a really light moisturiser and doesn't make my skin oily either!

Beauty Beginner series: What is Concealer?

This week, I thought I'd look at the question 'what is concealer?' We touched on this slightly in the 'what is foundation?' post, but I thought I would go into a bit more detail.

Concealer is more concentrated form of foundation. It has a lot more coverage than your typical foundation, and is used to cover any blemishes, dark circles, hyperpigmentation or any else you may want covering (although, if you have serious skin problems, such as birthmarks, scars and vitiligo, a heavy camouflage makeup may be required). The difference between foundation and concealer is, foundation is mainly used all over the face and neck, to create a even skin tone, whereas concealer is used only on small areas where extra coverage is needed (e.g acne and dark circles).

Although a lot of people do use it with foundation, concealer can be worn by itself if that is all that is needed.

Generally, concealers do not come in as great a colour range as foundation, usually having only 3-4 shades (light to darkest). It is best that you choose the shade that is 1-2 shades lighter than your skin tone, but don't go too light, as you'll look like a raccoon! The general rule for choosing colours, is to pick a yellow based concealer, as this will counteract any dark marks, and redness.

Just like foundations, concealers come in 3 main forms. The most well known is the liquid concealer and the stick concealer.

• A stick concealer looks very similar to a lipstick. This type of concealer is good for covering scars and blemishes, but they tend not to blend very well. This is not recommended for under the eye and sensitive skin, due to the blending restrictions.
• A liquid foundation is good for covering large areas of the skin. It works well for covering acne, dark circles and blemishes. They cover well, but not as well as a stick concealer, but blend a lot easier.
• The last form of concealer is a powder concealer. This is probably the easiest to blend, using a brush, but offers the least amount of coverage. This is best used for small blemishes and under eye circles.

Another way of using concealer is using colour corrective concealer. This takes the idea of a colour wheel, using opposite colours to counteract any skin problems. For example, if have any redness in your skin, you would use a green colour corrector, to neutralise the redness, making it less noticeable.

A basic guideline to follow is:

• Beige - this will conceal flaws and shadows, while also brightening the under eye area
• Green - neutralises any redness caused by acne, rosacea, or just red skin tones. If you have a significant problem with this, it may be worth investing in a green based primer, that is designed to go all over the face, rather than pinpoint application
• Yellow - conceals bluish bruises, under eye circles and dark spots
• Purple - neutralises yellow coloured imperfections such as sallow complexions and yellow bruises. It can also help to conceal very dark under eye circles on darker skin tones.

When applying colour corrector, you should first apply the colour corrector that you need where you need it, and then apply a concealer the same shade as your skin over the top of it. You should then apply your foundation as normal.

I hope that this helps, and has answered some questions you might have had. Feel free to leave me a question you have that you want me to answer at beautybeginner13@gmail.com

Makeup Storage: Before

For some time now, I have really wanted to get my makeup storage into some sort of organisation. I am one of those people who loves to organise and just needs to do it, as I feel much more on top of things. Well, this has been driving me mad! As you can see, my makeup at the moment is just stored in a drawer, in no particular order.

Well, I am now on a mission to get this drawer organised. This means I have a genuine reason to watch all of them makeup storage/collection type of videos on YouTube (yay, I love them!), and for a shopping trip to IKEA (love that place!). I'll let you know when I've found something that works.

Beauty Beginner Series: What is Foundation?

To start off this new series, I thought I would answer a question that I know a lot of beginner's struggle with; what is foundation?

I will split this up into several mini-quesitons such as:
What is it?
What does it do?
Types of Foundation
How to find my shade?
How to apply it.

First off, What is Foundation?

Foundation can come in many forms, i.e. liquid, powder, mousse, loose powder etc, but they all do the same thing. Foundation is basically flesh coloured, and is applied to the face. It is used to even out your complexion and to cover flaws. It gives you the look of flawless skin. There are mainly four types of coverage you can get in a foundation:

• Sheer - this is the lightest foundation you can get. It contains the least amount of pigment, so it is very transparent. It wont hide discolourations, but can minimise the contrast between the discolouration and the skin tone.
• Light - this contains slightly more pigment than sheer, so it covers unevenness and slight blotchiness, but wont cover freckles.
• Medium - this is usually the coverage that most people who have problem-skin go for. It covers freckles, discolourations, blotchiness and red marks left by blemishes and acne.
• Full - this type of foundation is very opaque, and is used to cover birthmarks, vitiligo, hyperpigmentation and scars. It also known as corrective or camouflage makeup.

Types of Foundation:

Nowadays, there are so many types of foundations, from thick, heavy, full coverage creams, to light and moisturising tinted moisturisers.

• Tinted Moisturiser - this is a great product to use if you just want to even out your skin tone and relieve dry skin. They contain a hint of colour, just enough to even out the skin tone. Concealer may be needed to cover problem-areas.
• Mousse or Whipped Foundation - this is easier to apply in thin layers than liquid foundation, meaning you have more control. Mousse foundation is liquid foundation with air whipped in, making it lighter and smoother, so it wont feel as heavy on the skin as a medium to full coverage liquid foundation. It is designed for all skin types, but can be especially nice to dry or ageing skin, as it goes on smoothly, and doesn't look cakey in fine lines, and dry patches.
• Liquid Foundation - this is probably the most used and most popular foundation out there. It is readily available in all high street stores, and applies so smoothly. It is also good for around the eyes, where you may want a bit more coverage, using a small lip brush for best control. People with sensitive skin should be careful when using waterproof or 24 hour versions of liquid foundation, as these contain oils and waxy ingredients, so may create a slight skin irritation. If any problems do occur, then switch to a non-waterprrof type and see if that helps, or try using a natural one, made with organic ingredients and essential oils.
• Cream-to-Powder Foundation - this foundation is also quite popular. It goes on as a liquid,but dries to a powder finish that minimises oil and lasts all day. These can be quite confusing, as they are not packaged like a traditional liquid foundation, rather in a compact that looks like powder. The main advantage of this foundation is its easy application, and you don't have to apply a powder for full coverage.
• Minerals - these are the latest thing in the makeup world. They are very popular at the moment, due to the foundations having very few ingredients, and the ingredients they do contain, tend to be mainly minerals, making it perfect for people with allergies or sensitive skin. 

How to Find Your Shade:

Instead of writing a short essay on this, I will link you to a great article HERE, which explains all that you need to know about finding your shade of foundation.

How to Apply Foundation:

Foundation can be applied in many ways. It can be applied using a foundation brush, using a cosmetic sponge, and the good old favourite, your fingers.

Start in the centre of your face, and work outwards, and downwards. Make sure you blend it in really well, as you don't want any obvious orange lines, especially around your chin and hairline, as this looks really bad, and you can really tell you've got make-up on. You don't need to use foundation all over the face if you don't need it. After you have applied foundation, if you need to, you may want to apply concealer (a corrective cosmetic, used to cover up dark circles and blemishes), to achieve a flawless appearance, and a full coverage.

THIS video explains how to apply foundation in a bit more detail.

Well, that is the first of my new series completed! I hope this has helped at least one person, and you have enjoyed. I also hope it hasn't been too lengthy or boring.

As I am nowhere near an expert, I would strongly advise anyone who is really struggling to visit a makeup stand, either in a department store or a high street store, such as Boots, and ask them for a skin-consultation, as they really know what they're talking about, and will be able to suggest things that are perfect for your skin and needs. The No7 brand at Boots, have recently brought out a brand new invention which tells you your perfect shade of foundation. So, no more guessing in the bad artificial light of the stores. After it has chosen your shade, you then have a skin consultation with a member of the No7 team, deciding which is the right foundation for your skin and the coverage you are after. Although I haven't actually got round to trying this service out yet, I think that this is a must for everyone, especially you Beauty Beginners, even if it's just to get your right shade.

A New Series?!

The other day I was thinking, as this blog is called 'Beauty Beginnner', I haven't really been explaining things from a complete beginner's point of view. So I thought that I would start a new series of posts, where I try to answer the basics, for example, 'what is foundation?' 'what is concealer?' 'where do you put blusher?' 'where do you put eyeshadow?' and so on.

So I'll try to make this a weekly thing, answering a new question every week. I'll also try to make it as simple, but interesting and knowledgable as possible, and if you have any questions you want answering, then feel free to email me at beautybeginner13@gmail.com

The first of this series will be up in the next couple of days.

NOTD: Cupcake Time!

Just a quick nail of the day. This design was based on a video by missglamorazzi (a YouTube beauty guru) where she did a tutorial on Cupcake Nails. I love the videos by missglamorazzi, as she is so beautiful, and she also makes her videos interesting. I really recommend that you check her out if you haven't already.

Colours used:
Bases:
Miss Sporty Clubbing Colours Nail Polish in Grape Fit
E.L.F. Nail Polish in Fair Pink
Barry M Nail Paint in Lemon Ice Cream
Barry M Nail Paint in Mint Green
Miss Sporty Clubbing Colours in Blue Bath
Cupcake details:
White - Sally Hansen French Manicure set in Fair Nude
Red - Max Factor Max Colour Effects Mini Nail Polish in Ruby Tuesday
(Sprinkles are the same colours used as base)

October Wish List

1. Sigma Mrs Bunny Brush Set

2. Lioele Double the Solution BB Cream

3. Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder

4. Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser

5. Barry M Waterproof Eye Liner

6. Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

September Favourites

Not much this month, sorry.

1. Clinique 3 Step System for skin type 3 (oily combination) - this has really got rid of my oiliness, skin feels so much cleaner and nicer.

2. Batiste Dry Shampoo Original - a really really good dry shampoo, great to use on second or third day hair.

3. Urban Decay Naked palette - great for everyday makeup.

4. VO5 Gloss Me Smoothly Shampoo and Conditioner for Frizzy Hair - been after a decent shampoo and conditioner for a while after using John Freida's Frizz Ease, which left my hair really greasy (horrible!), this combo really works with my hair, and leaves the curls really nice, and hardly any frizz.

5. Warner Bros. Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter - I was lucky enough to visit this attraction at the beginning of the month, and fell in love with the sets and magic behind the scenes. I would recommend this to any Harry Potter or movie fanatic, it is a really good day out.

6.  The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector - with the transition into Autumn, my hands have been really dry, and this works wonders on really dry skin.

Fall Hall!

So, I've been having a bit of a shopping spree just lately, trying to get some new stuff in for autumn/fall. Autumn is my favourite time of the year, as I love the clothes, and the colours. I love being warm (but not hot!), and snuggling with a blanket and hot chocolate. Anyway, I've been doing a bit of shopping, and so I thought I would do a bit of a collective haul. Most of this was done on the internet, as there is no decent shops around me, so some of the bits have not yet arrived, so I'll just post the pictures that are on the website, rather than my own (hope that made sense).

Warning: This post will be picture-heavy

First off is Next:

Above: (l-r) Navy heart jumper (now sold out), Slubby Top in (Black, Pink and White), and Grey Notch Neck Top


Next up is H&M. I have never shopped with H&M before, but I was really pleased with their clothes and the quality of them.

Above: (Top, l-r) Coral and Grey Top, (Bottom, l-r) Powder Biege Cardigan, Grey Cable Knit Jumper

I also got a couple of tops from Simply Be:

Above: (l-r) pack of 2 Button Placket Tops, Lace Detail Long Sleeve T-Shirt, Turn Back Cuff Pocket Detail Top in Teal

Lastly for clothes, I picked up a lightweight coat, perfect for these autumn days from Yours Clothing:

Above: Black Lightweight Jacket

Beauty and skincare wise, I picked up a couple of things:

Debenhams:

Above: Clinique 3 Step System, Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel, Urban Decay Naked Palette

Last up was from the ASOS sale:

Above: PIXI PixiGlow Tinker Bell Fairytale Palette

Well, that was my Fall Haul! (No, I'm not American, I'm just geeky, and like the way it rhyme's!) If you haven't guessed, I am a more curvy lady, so some of this clothes mentioned may only be available in plus sizes. I'll have swatches up soon from the palettes in this post. I really can't wait to start layering up clothes with warm cardigans and jumpers and BOOTS! I LOVE BOOTS! (But, I need to find a new pair as mine have had it). I just hope the weather picks up a bit, as I really don't like rain!

DISCLAIMER: All of these products were purchased with my own money.

Check Out This Gorgeousness!

I'm in love... with the new products MUA are bringing out over the next couple of weeks. I am a big fan of MUA's products. They are really affordable, and great quality. Perfect for if you are just starting out in makeup. The other day, when I was browsing through their blog, I saw that they are introducing several new products into their range. Well, I was blown away by them! They look amazing. The first of which was a new Artiste Palette, including 6 marble effect eyeshadows, 2 blushers, and a highlight and contouring powder (the perfect all rounder palette for only £6!) The eyeshadows look really nice, and from past experiences, they should be really well pigmented.

The second products I saw, were the ones I was most impressed with, the Nail Constellations! Which are pretty much tiny beads that you pour over wet nail varnish, leaving a beautiful look and effect. First, just look at those marketing/advertising images! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!

Above: Gemini 

Above: Pisces 

Above: Libra

Above: the complete range of Nail Constellations

Now, this nail art idea isn't exactly original (Ciate came up with the idea, and do their own sets and colours), but compared to the £18 Ciate are charging for one bottle of beads, and one bottle of polish, it may surprise you when I say each bottle costs £3!! Although it doesn't look like you get a bottle of nail polish to attach the beads onto with, you could still buy a bottle from MUA's range, and that would only set you back an extra £1! Both these products hits selected Superdrug's and online September 26th, and I will be extremely tempted to try these out!