Friday 31 January 2014

The old me... WARNING: content WILL make you cringe!

A few years back, I went through what some people would call an "emo" or "scene-kid" phase. My hair was half white blonde and half black. I actually had a nickname of "badger" (or sometimes "cheddar" if I didn't put a toner on my roots - these videos prove that I was lazy with toners). I wore the same cat-eye style of makeup everyday (if I wore makeup at all, like in these videos) and I had the greatest capsule wardrobe... Sadly, all it consisted of was band t-shirts, skinny jeans and shorts with over-the-knee socks. My whole life revolved around music. I spent every single penny I earned on gigs and band merch.

Anyway, the other day, I was on YouTube and it crossed my mind that I once uploaded two videos! Covering my face with a pillow, I decided to watch them again. All I can say is: "C R I N G E!"

So I thought I would share with you the two videos that I put up. I hope you can laugh at me as much as I did - though I still don't know whether to laugh or cry at myself!!!




My music taste (still the same) was pretty vulgar to say I hadn't said a single swear word or anything even slightly rude, like "hell", until I started university. This isn't an exaggeration. I NEVER swore. Ever. People thought I was a freak for saying: "Oh, poo!"


I can safely say that I am far more precise when I sew and paint my nails nowadays! 


And please, let's appreciate the fact that my first #selfies went into the second video - I had always been too scared until then to take them!

Thursday 30 January 2014

I hate and love my sensitive skin

If you have sensitive skin, you'll already know how difficult it can be to maintain a fresh and glowing look.

My skin isn't quite as bad as it once was and I definitely know that other people have it a lot worse. But, if you have sensitive skin, you'll probably know which products you can use and which you can't and you will stick to those.

Having sensitive skin is the bane of my life! I recently spent a fair amount of money on Estée Lauder lotions and potions and have had to give away two of the four products! I usually don't try products because I'm too scared to part with the little money that I have on products that may cause a break-out.

For years, I have stuck to The Body Shop's moisturiser and toner from their aloe vera range, but not the cleanser because that makes my skin flare. I use the cleaner from Simple and an exfoliator from the vitamin E range in Superdrug. I have spent a ridiculous amount of money on foundation. For the first 19 years of my life, I tried every brand of foundation over the counter. I would either get instant irritation or be lured into a false sense of security, believing that I had finally found THE foundation for me, only to wake up covered in flaky red rashes all over my cheeks, chin and forehead.

About a month after my 19th birthday (bearing in mind that I am not even 20 yet), I finally tried MAC's Prep & Prime BB cream and their Studio Fix Powder Plus foundation. I can wear it for a few days until my skin starts to dry out - but I never get a red rash! It's a bonus that the BB cream is slightly tinted since I can't wear false tan either!

But having sensitive skin isn't all that bad. It took me 19 years to realise that growing up and going through your teenage years never be able to wear makeup and not being able to use any shower gels that you got for presents isn't all that bad! I'm actually almost HAPPY that I have sensitive skin now. I feel like I'm part of a rare group of girls who will happily go for weeks without wearing any makeup at all. I will go to lectures, shopping and even work without wearing even mascara. People always say I have a "fresh" look. I love that I can spend more time making my outfit look amazing instead of focusing on my face. I love going all out for events like nights out and birthdays and I get some lovely compliments when I do because people aren't used to seeing me that way.

I love my skin being sensitive for the confidence and originality it has given me. But I hate it because it costs a lot to find the right products.
The most important part is to listen to your skin. Don't over-treat any out-breaks but don't be afraid to try new products, if that is what you want (just be prepared to look a little blotchy if things go wrong).

And for those who wear makeup everyday, why not try going bare-faced for a few days?! It's not as scary as it sounds!

Monday 13 January 2014

Golden Globe Awards - Best Dressed (according to me)

The Golden Globe Awards took place last night (Sunday 12 January 2014), and I have to say, there were some amazing outfits on the red carpet.

So before I get down to my favourite gowns, I just want to say that Amber Heard had a very Angelina Jolie at the 2012 Oscars moment last night... Though, I think Amber Heard somehow doesn't look as ridiculous at Jolie did! Despite the leg, I loved Heard's navy blue Atelier Versace gown and Jimmy Choo heels. She looked classy and edgy and it really worked.

Amber Heard @ Golden Globes 2014
Angelina Jolie @ Oscars 2012



























I was blown away by how incredible Amy Adams looked! She wore a beautiful red Valentino Couture gown. Low cut dresses can either look really trashy or wonderfully elegant and Adams definitely looked elegant. I loved the two tones of red on the dress and the simple long necklace she teamed it with. Her hair was detailed but simple and her makeup was so natural. She just looked incredible. What a fantastic outfit for her to wear to collect the award for best actress for her role in American Hustle (which I'm yet to watch but I WILL see as soon as I have the time).


Here's an odd one - I'm totally undecided on what Jennifer Lawrence wore! Her gown was from the autumn/winter 2013 collection by Dior Couture and she carried a Roger Vivier clutch. I usually love everything Lawrence wears but last night felt very Little Mermaid... All being said, she did pull it off well regardless of what I thought - though, I suppose she could make a bin bag look couture!

























Sorry for the bad images. It was hard to find that shot of Ariel!

Anyway, what do you think? Who looked incredible and who didn't look so great?

Sunday 12 January 2014

Nina Dobrev VAMPS it up at the People's Choice Awards

This year's People's Choice Awards took place on Wednesday 8 January 2014 and I have to say there were some absolutely dazzling outfits!

But my personal favourite was the half-embellished, figure-hugging, turtle-neck dress that Nina Dobrev (best known for her role as Elena Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries) stepped out in. Wow. All I can really say is "wow". She looked incredible! The dress came from the Fall 2013 collection of British designer, Jenny Packham, who is kinda known for embellishments on her designs. What I loved about this specific dress is the contrast between the largely crystal-decorated right side of her body and the completely plain left side. Nina really rocked this dress. She didn't overdo it. She let the dress speak for itself - teaming it with some very simple silver, ankle-strap platform heels, a small Rauwolf trophy clutch and just one sparkly ring on her forefinger. She also kept her make-up quite natural but still managed her signature smokey eye. She slicked her hair back in a messy fashion with what I would say is sort of a faux-hawk style. Whatever you want to call it, it was super chic and Nina looked stunning!


It's only the second week of January... I don't know about you, but I can't wait to see what the TVD star wears for the other 50 weeks of the year! 



Wednesday 8 January 2014

Miley Cyrus' for Marc Jacobs Spring 2014

I understand why mums are concerned for their daughters when she stands on stage and smokes a joint, but Miley Cyrus can do no wrong in my eyes. Somehow, she seems to get away with everything she does. And being a girl with thin lips, I envy Miley's perfect mouth and how she can pull of red lipstick so well.

ANYWAY, enough of the fan-girling. Miley Cyrus is now the face of the Spring 2014 campaigns for Marc Jacobs and DAMN does she look good (personally, I'm loving the shoes)!


Back in July 2013, she posed naked for the Marc Jacobs' "Protect The Skin You're In" t-shirts and managed to maintain a classy look. She also posted on Instagram today another picture of her campaign, but this time in sunglasses, and boy, do I want a pair! 


I also want to know who that red-headed model is - such a stunning colour! I may have to do a little researching on that one!

Anyway, what do you guys think? Reckon Miley was a good choice for the campaign or are you not a fan?