The Relaxation Edit

I don’t know about you but I’m craving a little me time (and definitely not feeling 22).

Relaxation. It’s something we all need in our crazy, hectic lives. The ‘slasher’ generation, as millennials are sometimes referred to, not in reference to a fondness for 90s horror films but instead due to the multifaceted way in which young people often approach work, could really do with a little R&R.

Even those who aren’t so busy could benefit from a little me time. It’s so crucial for refreshing, recharging and feeling much more energised the following day.

As you can probably tell, I’m a big advocate for taking time out daily to do what makes you feel calm and help to forget the perpetual worries that are a nasty side-effect of adulthood. I realise switching off can be more difficult for some than others, and poor mental health won’t be solved by simply lighting a candle, but the act of taking care of oneself and prioritising needs and wants is something that has certainly helped me during challenging, stressful times.

The wonderful thing about relaxation is that it’s so personal. Years ago, writing my dissertation I found glimmers of light in stepping out of the house – and the prison that was my bedroom/study room/personal hell – and going for breakfast or coffee with a friend. For another housemate, she found solace in losing herself in a world of video games. It’s each to their own and I find that so charming.

Growing up watching romcoms, my image of relaxation was always centred around the fabulously glamourous heroine, surrounded by thirty candles in a bath that never seems to lose its bubbles, while sipping elegantly on a glass on fizz. I’ve tried to recreate it and it doesn’t quite work that way. Well, not unless you’re willing to use an entire bottle of bubble bath. And don’t even get me started on the fire hazard from that many candles, which is frankly stress-inducing and enough to extinguish any feelings of bliss.

There is something romantic about the idea of relaxation, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to romanticised into a perfect image, such as the one above. It’s about a feeling, and not about trying to attain what you think it should look like. 

It also doesn’t mean that money needs to be thrown at the problem. I realise that may come across as a tad hypocritical, given this is an edit, and therefore essentially a buying guide. For me though, buying lotions and potions and using them is a relaxing act of self-care and I’m aware that other beauty bloggers feel the same.

This is my personal pick of relaxing buys, but remember to do what makes you happy – and more importantly, relaxed. 

I love coffee, that much I know. Wear your heart on your sleeve, or, erm, PJs with this Topshop nightie, £16. It’s wonderfully oversized – as the best PJs are – meaning maximum comfort. It seems that a new ‘revolutionary’ type of gin is released each week (salted caramel flavoured gin, no thanks), but pink gin is the one that has outlasted the hype and earned a place on our spirit shelf. This Gin Lane 1751 gin, £24.85, has a medium-sweet taste, as perfect in cocktails as it is with tonic.

Speaking of booze, have you tried an alcohol-scented candle? Me, neither, but make a start with this lush Next Home Prosecco Jar Candle, £8. Other than that, is there a scent more relaxing (and sleep-inducing) than lavender? With complimentary mint, this John Lewis candle, £10, has a burn time of 40 hours. 

Let's talk skincare. Admittedly out of my price range, I couldn't not include the Glamglow Glitter Face Mask, £44, because, well, look at it. At the lower end of the price scale, while they may evoke memories of teenage sleepovers, I've always loved face mask sachets. This Montagne Jeunesse Dead Sea Mud Mask, £1, is a delight – and a bargain. Win win. Also a winner? Soap and Glory's Face Soap and Clarity, £8. It leaves skin feeling soft, refreshed and has a delicious citrus scent.

I find nothing more relaxing than sitting back and enjoying a book in the evening, and Dolly Alderton's memoir Everything I Know About Love, £10.99, is at the top of my wishlist. For healthy hair, L'Oreal Botanicals Geranium Hair Mask, £9.99, restores dull, lacklustre hair back to excellent condition, thanks to its infusion of geranium, coconut oils and soya. And finally, no relaxation edit would be complete without socks. Let's not fight it: socks are cool, and yes, I have reached the stage where I hope I receive them for Christmas. These Monki ones, £6 are so fluffy and cosy. 

NG <3

November Beauty Wishlist

We’re in the penultimate month of 2017. I’ll just give you a minute to let that sink in.

I can’t quite believe that I’m already compiling a list of November’s most covetable beauty buys. It got me wondering, what is ‘November’ synonymous with in the beauty industry? What glamorous party makeup is to December and pastel hues are to April, November is that tricky in-between month, wedged between Halloween and Christmas.

With the emergence of winter weather and a plethora of ‘miracle’ products on the market, it’s arguably a ‘beauty self-care’ month – in other words time to tackle annoying issues such as frizz and dry skin. As useful as such products are, however, I can’t quite imagine that an excellent face cream has quite the same impact as the instant gratification of a bold lipstick. With this in mind here is my November beauty wishlist. Who says December has a monopoly on all the fun? 

From left to right:

Fenty Beauty Galaxy Eyeshadow palette, £39

Following suit with the glamourous mood of A/W17 (ballgowns at Balenciaga, embellishment at Dolce and Gabbana and those bedazzled Saint Laurent boots), Fenty Beauty has gone all out with this dazzling palette. Rihanna described the Galaxy range as "glitter on glitter on glitter" and this shimmery collection of 14 shades does not disappoint with everything you need to create out-of-this-world looks (sorry, I couldn’t resist). Second only to my desire to finally own Naked Heat, this is surely one of the prettiest palettes to drop for quite some time.

Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask, £1.99

Winter is here and, right on cue, my usually oily skin is a victim of the chill and has become noticeably drier. Enter this tissue mask from Garnier that claims to "diffuse the equivalent level of hydrating serum as per one week's use of day care." It’s a super hit of hydration, with pomegranate extract, hyaluronic acid and plant serum, that works its magic in just 15 minutes. I’m yet to try a sheet or tissue mask (late to the pamper party, I know) but I’m so intrigued by the recent shift from gloopy peel-off masks to more convenient, targeted ones. 

November Birchbox x Vogue, £10

Netflix. Spotify. Apple Music. Subscription services are big business – and not just in entertainment. Brands such as Beauty Pie, which offers members discounted products at factory cost, and beauty box services are slowly becoming the new norm. Monthly service Birchbox has collaborated with Vogue for its November box resulting in packaging as stylish as you’d expect and five personalised products to match from the likes of Benefit and Bumble and Bumble. And speaking of Vogue, I’m eagerly awaiting November 10^th so I can get my hands on a copy of Edward Enninful’s inaugural issue at the head of the glossy. 

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Balmain Lipstick in ‘Domination’, £12.99

When L’Oreal collaborated with Balmain, the result was likely to reflect Parisian elegance. Sleek and luxurious, while it may be more costly than a standard L’Oreal lipstick, this collection of 12 bold shades promises rich colour with a moisturising matte finish. The standout shade for A/W is definitely ‘Domination’, a deep red with an attitude that certainly matches its name. 

Benefit 'Beauty School Knockouts' Makeup Kit, £25.07

The best things come in small packages, right? Well so is the case with this compact kit of six popular Benefit favourites. While they might be miniature in size, the variety of products is the real winner here – from Gimme Brow to POREfessional primer: face, lips, brows, eyes and cheeks are all catered to in this set. Even better? The reduced price means that the cost equates to just under £4.20 per product. In the words of Tom Haverford: Treat. Yo. Self. 

Matrix Oil Wonders Volume Rose Pre-Shampoo, £9.55

‘Pre-shampoo’ seems to be the new beauty buzzword. Who wants the basic routine of shampoo followed by conditioner when you can add a touch of luxury and some hardworking products into the mix? Admittedly, part of me does wonder why, if a brand’s shampoo is as good as it claims, we need to add yet another costly product into our routine, but having said that I am a sucker for novelty new products, especially ones that promise to regenerate strands from root to tip and leave hair softer, smoother and thicker. 

What beauty buys are you coveting this month? 

NG <3

Twitter . Instagram . Bloglovin'

Spring Beauty Wishlist

Spring has officially sprung. I never pay attention to equinox dates, ‘the first day of spring or summer etc…’, because let’s face it, the weather hardly matches. It was only a few years ago that I remember the start of spring was marked accordingly with a sprinkling of snow. 

But now it really feels like spring; it’s noticeably warmer (hello denim jacket- I’ve missed you) and there’s a fresh sense of energy in the air, probably resulting from leaving the newsroom after working on a computer all day and being greeted by daylight. The countdown to lazy summer afternoons spent in the beer garden has begun; I’ve even had my first glass of Pimms of 2017.

Before I ramble on about the weather for a whole post, (it’s possible, I am British after all) I will get to my point, after all Oscar Wilde once said “conversation about the weather is the last refuge of the unimaginative”. Guilty as charged. 

Spring for me signifies change. Time for a refresh. As we move from A/W 2016 into S/S 2017 and welcome tulle, fuchsia and the 80s revival, it’s a chance to update your beauty routine and invest in some spring buys. Here’s my beauty wishlist for the next few months (all donations kindly accepted): 

Left to right:

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour, £8.99

I’ve been recommended this lip colour by the beauty pages of just about every magazine going. The promise is velvety, matte lips without the drying effect that many similar products have and there’s a variety of vivid shades available. Top of my list are ‘Flirtation’, a summery coral shade, and ‘Love’, for a more dramatic red lip.

Makeup Revolution 'Beyond Flawless' Palette, £8

I’m a recent convert to Makeup Revolution products after becoming obsessed with their blush palette and finding that their products are just as appealing as their price point. I’ve been lusting over Urban Decay’s Naked Smoky palette since I bought Naked 2 (treat yo self) but now that my student status has been reactivated I’m all about quality bargain buys. The ‘Beyond Flawless’ palette features 32 shades, ranging from dusky pinks to shimmery bronzes to jet black. All you need for the perfect smoky eye. Oh, and it works out 25p per shade. Like more incentive was needed…

Sleek 'Solstice' Highlighter Palette, £9.99

A shift has happened over the past few years in my make-up collection and highlighter has become as much a staple in my routine as mascara. I always find myself complimenting my friend Rachel (check out her blog here) on her highlight and she is an avid fan of this Sleek palette. I’ve got a lot of time for Sleek products. I always find they have amazing staying power and I’m so tempted with this palette due to it featuring a mix of cream, matte and shimmery textures. 

Origins GinZing Moisturiser, £24

I don’t use the term ‘the one’ lightly but when it comes to this moisturiser there was no hesitation. It’s lightweight, oil free, boosts hydration levels and smells incredible. The problem? The price point. Eeeek. Like l said, all donations kindly welcomed. 

Benefit Rollerlash Mascara, £20.50

Benefit, you’ve done it again. Just when I thought Bad Gal could not be topped I tried Rollerlash. I’ve never got on board with They’re Real, finding it a little too clumpy for my liking, but Rollerlash creates natural, curled lashes that are perfect for daytime. Plus the packaging is soooo pretty. 

L'Oréal Elnett Glam Waves Hairspray, £6.63

Despite the smell I’ve always been a fan of Elnett and I’m so excited to try out the brand’s new release that promises to ‘magnify all types of waves’. I have naturally wavy hair and I can’t resist amplifying it with my Babyliss hair wand and using at least half a can of hairspray to preserve volume so I can’t wait to use this. 

John Frieda Beach Blonde Salt Spray, £6.99

Summer is the time of year when I desperately try to emulate Gisele’s sun kissed beach waves. Sadly I never reach the desired effect but if I start to practice in spring surely I’ll get there by June? Or maybe July? Probably not but regardless, I have faith in John Frieda. 

What's on your spring beauty wishlist? 

NG <3

Twitter . Instagram

Photo credit: Camdiluv ♥ via Flickr

Hot Lips

When it comes to daytime make-up, although my look is less dramatic than at the night, I'm not one to shy away from experimentation. In regards to eye make-up I tend to go for the same colours, but when it comes to lipstick and gloss I like to mix it up playing with different hues and finishes. Here are my favourite daytime lip products from my collection...

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in 'Tantalizing Taupe'.

This is the newest lipstick to my collection. The colour is very natural and low-key for daytime, yet the shimmery, matte finish gives a touch of sophistication. I prefer to team this nude colour with quite dark eye make-up, so to allow this to take focal point, whilst still having a subtle flush of colour.

Clinique Chubby Stick Lip Balm in 'Plushest Punch'.

This bright, fuchsia shade is probably the most vibrant of my selected daytime colours. The best thing about this product is it's versatile; you can build up the colour to create an intense look, or dab the chubby stick lightly on the lips for a more toned-down look. Plus the balm has moisturising properties, meaning it's a great product to use for the long term.

Seventeen Lip Lustre in 'Talk That Talk'.

This lip gloss offers a peachy shimmer to lips, making them seem more voluminous. It can be a little sticky, but as an inexpensive gloss it's a great product. I often layer this over matte lipstick to give a hint of gloss.

Rimmel Kate Lipstick in '16'.

This is by far one of my favourite lip colours yet. I actually bought this by accident, mistaking it for another colour, and I can honestly say I'm so glad I did. The colour is a pink shade, with coral undertones that is perfect for spring and summer months! The texture is very creamy and this lipstick works well with many different make-up looks.

Rimmel Apocolips in 'Luna'.

It's the colour of this lip gloss that has won me over. It's a highly-pigmented, peachy shade that brings a brings a fresh, unexpected twist when adding colour into your 'daytime' make-up collection. I also love the glossy finish.


What are your go-to products for daytime?


NG <3

 

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

#nomakeupseflie

When I saw the first 'nominations' I was very sceptical as to whether not this overnight trend was actually helping at all. I should probably explain before I go further. In the UK, many women are taking selfies of themselves with no makeup on, and posting the pictures on social media sites. Why? It's all for charity. Originally my thoughts were 'surely they're not getting people to sponsor them' and 'how exactly is this helping?', but as the phenomenon has increased, so too have my positive perceptions of the campaign. The idea is that when you get 'nominated', and post your picture online, you are responsible for donating the small amount of £3 to Cancer Research UK via text. This does not seem like a lot of money, but when you consider that over £1 million was raised in 24 hours due to these text donations, it is an astonishingly successful campaign.

You may ask 'why not just donate the money anyway?' but the #nomakeupselfie hashtag is getting people talking, and is partly a reason why this has become so successful. Whilst going make-up free is hardly an amazing feat, it's something that catches your eye when scrolling through a generic series of posts on your news feed. It's something that every woman can do, and the fact that you donate yourself and it's not a sponsorship means not having to rely on others for their donations, making this a much more quicker and easy way to give to charity.

I can understand people's criticism regarding this trend, but surely anything that spreads awareness and raises money for a good cause is a positive thing, no matter how small the effort or donation. I've bared all-now it's your turn!

 

 

NG <3

 

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

The Face; 2013

2013. Last year. Oh, gosh that sounds scary, but then again I am one of those people who still write and scribble out last year, when writing the date in March. 2013 was a great year for me, in regards to finding reliable make-up products that I stuck with permanently. Chances are, I have probably raved on about these beauties before on NG but honestly, these products have seen me helpfully through 2013 and it would be a disservice not to compile a list of my beauty heroes from last year.

Clinique Stay Matte Oil Free Makeup Foundation

Probably my most used product of 2013, I discovered this product by chance when browsing online and have never looked back since. I use the shade 'alabaster', the second palest shade available. The foundation's formula is ideal if you have oily or combination skin as it has a matte finish, yet astonishingly, it still has a lightweight feel and avoids the dreaded 'cake' that is a side effect of so many matte products. I find the foundation to be long-lasting, although I would advise wearing a powder also to keep the foundation in place. The only downside is it's a little on the expensive side. I must admit, no matter how skint I am foundation is the one beauty luxury I will always allow myself!

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer

I bought this concealer after seeing Tanya Burr use it in a tutorial.
I am surprised at just how long the small tube lasts, I bought this one months ago and it's still going strong. The method of application reminds me of a lipgloss wand, which I like better than concealer brushes as I believe it makes for an easier and more precise application. I also found that, rather than  rubbing in this product to cover blemishes, it is more effective to dab your finger over the blemish, after you have applied the concealer so it targets the blemish itself and not the skin around it. Easy to apply, great coverage (especially of dark circles) and long lasting. What more could I ask for in a concealer?

L'Oreal Super Liner Brow Artist Pencil

This year, in the beauty world, eyebrows have been big, literally. I have always liked to have thick brows but this was the year I started filling my brows subtly in. This product is a multi-tasker. The pencil (I use the shade 'Blonde') fills in eyebrows and the shades are excellent as they are tailored to your hair colour, meaning you won't choose a shade too light or dark (I must say though, I haven't seen any shades for redheads, which is a shame). The brush allows for shaping and tidying the brows, and then finally the wax finishes brows by fixing them in place. What's not to love?

Sleek 'Mirrored Pink' Blush

2013 was the year I discovered Sleek. Despite some terrible customer service on the website, it has not put me off the brand (although, I will only purchase IN store now!). This blush in the shade 'mirrored pink', may just be my favourite blush colour I have encountered so far. The shade is a shimmering rose-gold pink, that not only colours, but highlights. The packaging even has a mirror in it for application on the go.

Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Volumising Mascara

I was surprised at how great this product was, given the price. I am a sucker for wanting big, long, voluminous lashes and this little budget buy did give me the effect I wanted. The brush is an hourglass shape, which enhances the volumising effect of this mascara. The packaging isn't what I would expect from Max Factor, it's a lot less sleek and sophisticated than their other mascaras, but at £4.99, let's face it, does the packaging really make a difference? A firm makeup bag favourite!

And other favourites of the year?

Haircare Product-Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray
Nail Polish-Essie Polish 'Naughty Nautical'
High-Street Store- New Look/H&M/ River Island (I couldn't choose!)
Television Show- Revenge
Album- Vampire Weekend-Modern Vampires of the City

What were your favourite products of 2013?


NG <3

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you had a lovely, relaxing time over the festive period and are looking forward to a happy new year. I'd love to hear how you celebrated Christmas.
I wanted to share with you some of the bits I was lucky enough to receive this Christmas. Most are beauty related, and I thought it was appropriate to post seeing as NG is part beauty blog. Again, I'd love to hear what presents you kindly gave and received this December!

Soap and Glory is by far one of my favourite beauty brands so I was delighted to receive The Yule Monty gift set off my parents. It contains lots of lush beauty products that I am sure will see me through the year!

I love opening a new perfume on Christmas day and the surprise of smelling the fragrance for the first time. This year I got Taylor Swift's Enchanted Wonderstruck. I must admit, I expected the smell to be slightly more sickly but I love it! It's a fruity scent with notes of peonies and passion fruit-perfect!

I was so grateful to receive this River Island satchel. I've been after a satchel for ages and I love that this one is so compact and sleek.

Between the Soap and Glory set and other bath gifts I got, I think (hope) I will be smelling nice indeed, next year. My boyfriend's sister got me a lovely body spray and body butter set. I love the fruity fragrances.

I like my jewellery big and sparkly, so I was so happy with this emerald-coloured necklace, from my boyfriend, and this bracelet, which I think has a Moroccan look to it.

For me, there is nothing as luxurious as a long soak in the bath whilst reading a magazine. Add a face mask and some wine and it's pretty much my perfect night in.

And last, but certainly not least, say hello to Tilly, the new addition to the Gregson family. If you follow me on instagram you will know that I was blessed to be gifted this gorgeous cocker spaniel puppy from my boyfriend's family. She's settling into the family home lovely, and I have to say she's as cute as she is naughty...

It took me ages to get this picture of her-she is so energetic so it's hard to get her still. Probably the best Christmas ever!

I hope you've enjoyed this post and I haven't bored you. I am so grateful to receive the gifts that I did. I think, though, that it is always so important at Christmas to cherish the things in life that aren't material, family and love, for instance, and  to spare a thought for those who aren't as fortune as yourself.

Again, merry Christmas!

With love,

NG <3

 

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

Duck Egg

It may be my inner Blair Waldorf. Or it could possibly be my obsession with interior design on Pinterest. Whatever it is, my latest love is influenced by the wonderful world of home decor. Ever since summer I've fallen for the colour blue and its calming connotations and now my adoration has progressed even further; I want my bedroom in all its rose pink glory to be transformed into a blue haven. This is quite a drastic change for the 13 year old who swore to never have any other shade on her walls than pink (Elle Woods was my icon at the time).

My chosen shade is duck egg, a light, pastel blue. I find it so regal and when I see the shade I'm instantly reminded of Sophia Coppola's Marie Antoinette and Downton Abbey. The truth is though, seeing as I'm not actually living at home at the moment and only spend a few months a year away from my student dwelling in Nottingham, the transformation's on hold. All the more time for Pinterest inspiration I say!
So as an antidote for my craving blue, here are my top pastel blue style picks!

NG <3

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

What's in my Bag? University Edition

This is my third 'What's in my Bag' post. Forgive me for being a tad repetitive but I bloody love these posts! My latest offering is a peek inside my uni bag that I use day-to-day...

I love using a rucksack as I carry so much stuff and it's easy to just throw everything in and sling it over my shoulder. Mine is from Primark and I love the distressed effect the leather look gives. A few essentials in my bag that are generic to most women's bags are my phone, ipod, umbrella and a pack of Strepsils, because you never know when freshers flu might strike again!

As an English student I carry a lot of literature around with me, mostly coming from my reading list. Why do they have to make core textbooks so, so heavy? Aside from my course books I carry a notebook in case I get random inspiration and also a diary to know what I'm doing next. On the left is Impact, Nottingham Uni's student magazine which I always find a great read and handy to have in my bag for between lectures.

As a beauty blogger I like to stay looking fresh on campus but I also like a low maintenance daytime look so I only keep a few select products with me on campus. I have an oily complexion so I rely on Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder to keep shine at bay and if I have a lot of blemishes at the time I will keep a concealer with me. I adore the fruity scent of Boot's Natural Collection Wild Strawberry Body Spray for quick top ups between seminars. I have also found a new favourite in the Charles Worthington Shine Spray to give my hair a touch of oomph when it starts to look dull throughout the day. And last of all? It's all about the lips. I usually carry whatever lip gloss or lipstick I apply at the start of the day and this is the make up product that needs reapplying the most. I always find a Chapstick handy, especially in winter, just incase my lips get dry!

What is in your day-to-day bag?

Hope you've had a great weekend!


NG <3

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

Makeup How To; Back to School/University

At school I always struggled to get my makeup just right and strike the balance between 'au natural English rose' and 'drag queen'. Ok, the drag queen part was a tad of an over exaggeration but I did find it a challenge to get a quick, easy and decent look. Even at uni forming a regular makeup routine for everyday is handy. This summer I've been playing around with a few more 'natural' makeup styles (although, I cannot forgo long lashes!) and wanted to share with you one of the looks that I have been wearing the most. It only takes about ten to fifteen minutes so when it comes to uni next year I'm sorted. Although, this is an optimistic view, in all honesty the snooze button will most likely be hit repeatedly until the time when I can hastily dress and just make it to a 9am lecture. A girl can dream though...

 

Step One; Prep skin by moisturising, followed by a primer. If you're feeling and looking extra sleepy (late nights will do that to a girl) then apply a soothing, re-energising cream under your eyes. I love the one from Soap and Glory. Then apply your chosen foundation, I'm using my trusty Clinique Stay Matte in 'Alabaster'. I always apply with my fingers in the morning to wake up skin and mostly for speed.

Step Two; Dust a light eyeshadow over your eyelid. I'm using the cream shade from the Clinqiue Colour Surge Eye Shadow Quad.

 Step Three; Apply a light, messy line of brown kohl pencil above your lashline and use your fingers to blend the eyeliner in and make it looked a little 'lived-in'. I also used L'Oreal Super Liner Gelmatic in 'Black', applying it in the same way as the kohl liner and smudging it in. 

 

Step Four; Apply a good few layers of mascara to your top lashes and lightly press the mascara wand on your lower lashes for a few seconds to add length to them. I'm using Clinique High Impact Mascara in 'Black'.

 

Step Five; Apply Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer to blemishes and under the eyes before blending in. Finish by applying pressed powder to your face, paying particular attention to your t-zone. I'm using Rimmel's Stay Matte Pressed Powder.

Step Six; Yes this is a strange facial expression but sucking in your cheeks and applying a bronzer, like Benefit Coralista, to the the hollows of your cheeks, as shown, contours the face. I also apply a pink blush whilst smiling to bring out the apples of cheeks, followed by an illuminating powder, like 17's Shimmer Bricks.

Step Seven; Tame and shape your eyebrows briefly with a brow brush. Then finish the look with a subtle lip colour, such as Maybelline Colour Sensations in 'Pearly Pink'.

 

What  makeup do you rely on for your day-to-day makeup routine?

NG <3

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

Date Night

Last night I cooked a meal. Well, I use the term 'cook' very loosely but I did put said dish in the oven so I suppose I can say I cooked a meal on a technicality. The truth in the matter is that I am a terrible cook, I think I blame my dad. He is somewhat of a culinary whizz and so I've never really had to fend for myself. Luckily I just sit down and await whatever Provincial dish is on the line up that day. I was lucky enough last year to be in catered halls at uni therefore food was not a worry. But next year? I'm living in my own house so unless I want to survive solely of tinned soup and the occasional pasta when the mood takes me, I need to start cooking. But last night was important, so last night wasn't the night to start.

Photo from my instagram @natashagregson

My boyfriend's birthday is coming up this week and my parents were away so I decided to throw a romantic 4-course dinner for him and I wanted everything to be perfect, so me cooking wasn't on the agenda for the night. The menu is was as follows;

Pre-meal nibbles; Ciabatta bread with an olive oil dip and cherry tomatoes. It was due to be served with balsamic vinegar also but the clever little chef I am I didn't check that we had any in the cupboard until five minutes before he arrived *FAIL NUMBER ONE*.

Starter; Lobster Bisque served with seeded bread rolls. Thanks the heavens for Baxter's tinned soup, the fact that I laughed when telling him what ingredients I put into the bisque kind of  gave my faux attempt away *FAIL NUMBER TWO*.

Main; Catalan chicken with potato wedges, with help from Sainsbury's bistro ready prepared meals. I nearly got away with it until he heard me popping the film lid *FAIL NUMBER THREE*.

Dessert; Chocolate souffle. Ok, it was fairly simple; remove the packaging and place the pot on the table but surprisingly *NO FAIL HERE*.

Onto the outfit of the night. In the tradition of sticking with fail-safe options for the night I went for a classic LBD.

The dress is from Boohoo, I believe it was only £15, and it's named 'Natasha'. Yes, that was partly the reason for my purchase. The picture isn't amazing quality but I only had limited time to take a few pictures before my boyfriend arrived. In terms of jewellery I opted for classic, delicate styles in silver to complement the dress. The necklace is by Jon Richard, the bracelet's a gift and the earrings were from Primark.

The hair and make-up was also fairly simple. I quickly curled my hair and ran serum though the ends before spraying hairspray on. Make-up wise I wore a slick of liquid eyeliner, slightly thickening the line above the lashes before applying a few coats of mascara and a layer of red lipstick on lips, although it looks pink on the picture!

I hope you are having a great weekend! I'd love to hear what have you been up to so far?


NG <3

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram

August Favourites

It's September! Which means it's that time of the month again-the time for my monthly beauty/fashion/culture favourites. Luckily this month I've been on a bit of a beauty binge meaning that I've tried and tested a lot of products so I have have rich material for this post. And so I shall begin...

 

V05 Give Me Texture Tousled Style Spray 

I, for one, love a good salt spray. There's nothing quite like achieving that out-of-the-sea wave that Gisele and Sienna do so well. And one great thing is when you've actually styled it to look so in the comfort of your home it can look amazing, whereas, in my case, fresh out of the ocean the only pop culture figure I resemble is Hagrid. V05 are the UK's number one styling range and I've loved their products before so after I saw the adverts for this spray I knew I had to purchase it. It's great for a messy, matte texture that is all undone glamour.

L'Oreal Perfect Slim Super Liner

If you read this blog regularly you will know that I'm a devout worshipper at the alter of eyeliner pens. I find them the easiest eyeliner to apply and this is my biggie when looking for a new one especially as I have a weak eye so when applying eyeliner on one eye I can't see what I'm doing! This L'Oreal liner ticked all the boxes. I was apprehensive at first as I haven't tried L'Oreal products too much in the past and I am very picky when it comes to eyeliner. The pen is highly pigmented to achieve that inky black look and the thin tip means it is ridiculously easy to apply, even for me. I love love love this product. Will I repurchase? You bet!

Essie Nail Lacquer in 'Naughty Nautical'

Ahoy there! I've coveted this nail colour ever since I saw the S/S '13 Essie campaign featuring this polish dripping over a bell. This was my perfect colour for August, the height of summer. The colour itself reminds me of an aqua, tropical lagoon and the shimmer effect makes it all the better in summer as it allows the natural light to bring this polish to life. The brush makes application easy and fuss-free, which I love because I hate to spend forever reapplying. I used two coats and a clear top coat and it lasted for up to a week. In fact I love this nail polish so much it will frequent my nails throughout winter as well as summer!

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in 'Guavagold'

If you read my recent post 'Matte or Gloss?' you will know that I am a huge fan of lip gloss. This Clinique one was actually a free gift from their recent 'bonus time' gift giveaway and actually is double ended with a mascara at the other end. Talk about a multitasking product! I love the shimmery finish it gives to lips but most of all it's the shade that has me reapplying. It's a pale pink-peachy shade that suits anyone and looks subtle so it suits any make-up look.

BB Thickening Hairspray

There seems to be a recurring theme in this month's favourites; freebies! Who doesn't love a freebie, especially when it's a great product like this BB Hairspray. I got this free in Elle UK and before I was a BB virgin, I know, I know. This product is amazing, I spray it on damp hair before blow drying and it gives long lasting volume and healthier looking hair. The full sized product is £21 which is a little pricey for me for a hair product but it is that good that I'm so tempted to splurge when my tester runs out!

 

Johnson's Baby Light Oil Spray

Hands up if, like me, you are shamefully lazy when it comes to applying moisturiser to your body. To say I'm a beauty blogger I don't use body moisturiser quite as much as I should do. Call me lazy (I am) but when I get out of the bath I just love to get into my PJs and get some sleep! When I saw this advertised I knew this was my solution. The oil is absorbed so quickly and takes little time to rub in so it's the perfect product for lazy girls like me!

Opia at Primark Necklace

My love of blue continues. Aside from the hue of this necklace I adore the bohemian, effortless edge that it gives off. If only I was wearing this on Bondi beach, I'm not much of a surfer girl but I do like to copy the look! The fact that it was £2.50 makes it so much more appealing, it may not last me till Winter but it's so pretty for now. 

What have you been loving this August?

NG <3

Bloglovin . Twitter . Instagram