NG

Lifestyle . Fashion . Beauty . Culture

Sunday, 2 April 2017

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…


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. 


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, 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. 


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. 


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


Photo credit: Camdiluv ♥ via Flickr
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Sunday, 2 February 2014

Baby, it's (still) cold outside

I don't care what they say; it is most definitely NOT Spring in the UK. Ever since 26th December stores have been inundated with florals, pastels and macs. As much as I love a piece of the Spring pie, leaving the house without a woolly coat is simply not an option in this (so far) bitterly cold year. The sales have been, well and truly, picked over now but luckily I've managed to find a few pieces, reduced and new season that are appropriate for winter and the transition into Spring...


An umbrella is mandatory in the UK unless you want to end up looking like a drowned rat (or cat, given the brolly?), so I love the concept of making such a boring, functional piece fun and quirky. Sure, it's a little more then what I would usually pay for an umbrella (hello Primark!) but it's just too adorable not to.
I try to avoid midi skirts at all costs given my short legs, but I must admit I am so tempted by this Dorothy Perkins beauty. I'm sure you're aware that tartan is 'a thing' this season, so if you have a particular interest in following trends this skirt is perfect, both aesthetically and for keeping you warm.
My love affair with loafers, brogues and any footwear that looks androgynous continues. The soft, feminine colour and tassel detail contrasts with the basic shape of the shoe. Buy now, wear now.
Yes they are pricey but think of them as an investment;
  1. They have just under £100 off.
  2. They will be great quality so will last as long as probably three pairs of cheap boots.
  3. They go with EVERYTHING.
I'm sold. If only it were student loan day today and rent wasn't due...
I love the cut of these jeans and the casual-yet-sophisticated silhouette they create. Of course jeans are a winner in winter but the loose fit and light colour of these jeans make them an excellent pre-spring purchase.
The effortless way that this jacket falls is enough to convince me that this is a key, budget piece. Complementing the cut, the black and white checked pattern radiates a nonchalance rebellious attitude-perfect for crisp, winter days and cool, spring evenings.
As soon as I saw this I headed for the changing room and proceeded to the tills, debit card in hand. The fabric is lightweight so I wouldn't advise wearing it alone on a cold day but the sleeves can be adjusted, so you have the option to roll the sleeves up for a warmer day, making it an ideal transitional piece.
A scarf, come autumn, winter, spring and even summer (thank you Great British weather!), is a key piece in my wardrobe. Over the years my obsession has grown from borrowing one of my mum's scarves every so often to not being able to leave Primark or New Look without one. This scarf looks super cosy and the pattern is bold enough to brighten any simple outfit up.
I don't think I've ever seen such a toasty looking jumper as this. When you live in student housing you soon realise that the humble jumper is your best friend. I can just imagine wearing black skinny jeans and Chelsea boots with this on a cold day, and a black miniskirt come Spring.


Keep Warm!


NG <3

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