Thursday 29 January 2015

Fashion and Beauty Essentials and How To Pack Them - Guest Post #1


If you are anything like me, you have an itch to travel and do so as often as possible. The upsides are many: getting to know all these amazing cultures, taste different foods and drinks and meet some awesome people along the way. The downsides exist as well – there’s jet leg, being exhausted and sticky immediately after you arrive at your destination and, of course, that terrible question: what to pack? Depending on the time of year you will do the traveling, your destination and how long you’re going to stay at your destination, you will pack what you think you will need the most (and some extras too, probably). I am here to share my experience with you and give you a few tips and tricks I’ve picked up on my travels so far.
(source)
Beauty on the go!
Before you start packing, make a list of things you will need on your trip. It’s important to take with you things you need to use every day and you don’t want to buy once you reach your destination. Pack your morning and evening products first: toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, makeup remover wipes, face wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, etc. After you pack all that, you can add a bag for all your makeup and different brushes you are using. My advice is not to pack too much makeup- you might think you will need a lot, but you most probably won’t use more than you use every day. Aside from my foundation, setting powder, mascara and a blusher, I also like taking an eye liner, a bronzer, a few bright lipsticks and a neutral eye shadow pallet, the Urban Decay Naked 3 being my favourite!
(source)

What clothes should I pack?
For many of my first trips I’ve overpacked and regretted it many times. I would take 15 different dresses, three pairs of shoes, four pairs of jeans and a dozen tops with me on a 6 day trip. Crazy, right? So, after a while I decided to pack only things which go well with each other and which can give different looks when combined. Four tops and four bottoms can give you 16 different looks if you pair them up well. I most often follow the 5,4,3,2,1 rule: 5 tops, 4 bottoms (at least one skirt), 3 accessories, 2 pairs of shoes (flats are a must-have in my suitcase). Again, depending on where I’m going I’ll probably pack some extras. Sometimes it will be a bikini and colourful kaftans for the beach and sometimes it will be a fancy blazer to help me look more professional.


Creaseless beauty


Folding can cause your clothes to wrinkle; rather carefully roll them up. This way they will take up less space in your suitcase and will not be wrinkled (too much) when you reach your destination. I also suggest you put the tops and dresses on top of your suitcase because that way the heavier things such as jeans and makeup bags won’t squash them. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also check out packing cubes – I’ve heard they are awesome, but I haven’t tried them yet. If you do, let me know what you think!

As you can see, it’s not so difficult to pack lightly and still have all your essentials with you. Thing to remember for your next trip: if you didn’t use an item on your last trip, you shouldn’t take it with you on your next one. Good luck and bon voyage!

_______________________________________________

A big thanks to Remi Mayer for writing this great post. 
She kindly contacted me asking if she could write a guest post for my blog so she could gain some experience in writing. She was even fabulous enough to source images and link products that she loves which was a great help for me. 

You can check out her Twitter here, and please make sure that you give her some well deserved feedback. 

If anybody else is interested in writing for my blog, you can contact me by email. 

Thank you!

Love Charlotte x


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Thursday 22 January 2015

The Best Smoothie Ever!



So it is no secret that I love smoothies. If you look over my entire Instagram feed I'm sure theres dozens of photos of smoothies.  I like to try and start my day with a smoothie as they are so filling (a good substitute for breakfast when you're in a rush) and full of vitamins!

Smoothies are really easy to make and you can make them as thick or thin as you like. The thicker the smoothie, the more filling it will be. 

Now I've made my fair share of smoothies, some a lot better than others. I've found that practice makes perfect - have a play around with all different kinds of combinations  and find out what you like and what you don't.


Recently I have been making this little gem after finding this combination worked! So for all you readers that are eating more healthily for 2015, you might want to give this a try!

Blend together:

  • 1 handful of strawberries
  • 1 handful of raspberries
  • 1 handful of cherries
  • 1 handful of blueberries
  • Approx. 20mls of cold water (optional - to make it thinner)
The strawberries contain ellagitannin which has been shown to have anti-cancer properties. The antioxidant phytonutrients in raspberries can help improve learning capacity and motor skills. Cherries may help a wide range of conditions affecting the joints, including arthritis, gout and rheumatism. Blueberries are a good source of zinc and many other antioxidants and nutrients. 

So clearly it's one to try!


Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Wednesday 21 January 2015

The Alternative

Now like many normal people, I have always had a thing for high end makeup. For 4 years I have lusted after the Urban Decay Naked Palette yet still not had the strength to splash out on it. But for all those like me, I have discovered an alternative. At, you guessed it, a fraction of the price!


Many of you know how much I love Soap and Glory as a brand and I hope you all can see why! 
They offer products of incredible quality at ridiculously good prices and this one continues to show that. 

So over the festive season, I did a lot of shopping. And I mean a lot. As Boots often do a 3 for 2 on gifts, that meant that each time I bought something, I had to get myself something too (blogger's logic). So after buying a few bits for my friends and family, I got myself this little gem. 

Last year I bought myself a Soap and Glory Lid Stuff quad and was so impressed by the quality of the eyeshadow. So this year, when I saw this I knew that I would use it! It has some gorgeous shades in it and I can't help but compare it to the Urban Decay Naked 1 palette. 



The shadows themselves have such a good colour payoff and blend so easily. They do however have a slight tendency to create fall out, but I recommend that you apply them before your foundation and then you can easily wipe away the excess without ruining the rest of your makeup!



Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Sunday 18 January 2015

Hairway To Heaven


For a while now I have been considering cutting my hair short and every time I have decided to do so, I have chickened out. 
My hair grows extrememly fast and it was only two years ago since I last cut it short, but I finally took the plunge this week and booked myself into the hairdresses and asked her to cut 6 whole inches off. 

I must say it feels incredibly different after having long hair for quite a while, but I love it so much and think I might keep it like this for a while. (On the plus side, I it takes me 50 minutes less to dry it after washing it!)

What do you think of my new hair do? 
Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x
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Saturday 17 January 2015

Light It Up

If you read my best of 2014 post, you'll know that last year was really a year of experimentation for me. I started wearing types of products that I'd steered clear for pretty much my entire makeup wearing life. One of these was highlighters.

If you’re a fan of subtlety when it comes to wearing highlighters (like me) and you’re into creamy, blendable products then there’s no reason why you wouldn’t love the NARS Illuminator in Copacabana. Out of my selection, this one comes up trumps looking the most natural. It gives that natural finish whilst still saying ‘hello I’m here’. It isn't one of the cheapest options out there so if you're on more a limited budget you may want to take a look at the No7 Skin Illuminator Radiance Boosting Beauty Fluid which is a good dupe at an even better price.  Being cream textures, the shine-level depends on how much you use and how much you blend it out, but for me these are more of a day time highlight as they look a lot more natural.

On more of an evening/night out basis these are what I reach for the most. As an all-over powder/highlighter hybrid the Soap and Glory Glow All Out Luminising Face Powder is fab. There’s a slight iridescence to it, that when lightly applied to the whole face it doesn’t make me look like I just rolled in glitter. It adds a glow and if I want to concentrate it on the cheek I go in a little heavier. 

My most recent purchase is the Charlotte Tilbury Film Star Bronze and Glow. Now I have long lusted after this classic and I must say the packaging was one of the reasons why. Who could resist the stunning art deco inspired casing? It’s a tad lighter in tone than the others so is perhaps one for paler gals to look into. 



Got any recommendations of your own? 
Would love to know what you use!


Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Monday 12 January 2015

New Year, New Blog Design

So I have been contemplating buying a blog template for quite some time and after visiting my blog last week to find that everything had gone outright crazy (HTML codes were everywhere), I finally took the plunge and bought one. 

I was starting to feel unhappy with my old template as I had designed it myself trying my best to style it how I wanted it, and as we all know that never happens. 
I am a big lover of the minimalist look, on everything. So when I found designers Pipdig I was extremely in love! They have various templates at fairly reasonable prices. Mine cost £29 (which I believe is their average price), but I think it is well worth the money. It even comes with a free installation service as standard which many other designers charge for it. Surprisingly I managed to install it and do everything myself too!


For those long time readers, what do you think of the change? For those new readers what are your opinions on the design? Feedback is always appreciated!

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x
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Friday 9 January 2015

Beauty Blunders #3


Soooooo. My first impression of this perfume is that it would be really fruity, floral and girly. 1 - Because it looks it and 2 -  Because it pretty much says this in the product's description. 
I couldn't have been more wrong. 

If I could sum up the smell in one word it would be 'manly'. It is as far as you can get from being a feminine scent. 
This was such a disappointment to me, even though the packaging is absolutely beautiful! (It reminds me of the new Burberry perfume packaging.)

Now I'm not saying it smells like toilet water or anything so some of you may actually really like it. It simply isn't the type of scent I wear. At all. 

Tried this? What are your thoughts?
Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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Thursday 1 January 2015

My Top Purchases Of The Year


Happy New Year everyone! 

So over the course of 2014, I have really taken the time to sort through my makeup collection and throw away any unused or out of date products. I've always loved makeup and by having a well overdue clear out and investing in some proper storage I have fallen in love with my makeup even more. 

2014 has really been the year of experimentation for me. Until this year I strayed from using products like blush, bronzer and eyeshadow because they scared me. Ask me what a primer was and I'd stare at you in bewilderment. Ask me where my makeup brushes were and I'd ask you why I needed any. Seriously. No joke.

I now own tons of makeup brushes, wear the things that scare me and have discovered so many new brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Bobbie Brown, Urban Decay and Daniel Sandler.

So without further a due! Here are some of the best purchases I've made this year. 
Bobbi Brown Warm Eye Palette (Limited Edition) - £37.50
Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in Berry Pop - £16.50
Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder - £23.50 
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - £5.49
Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara - £17.50
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Amazing Grace - £23
Maybelline Matte Maker Powder - £3.99
Benefit Porefessional Primer - £24.50
No7 Skin Illuminator - £11
Real Techniques Brushes - from £5.99 to £29.99


Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

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So Long, Farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Goodbye!


2014 has really been the year of change for me. So much has happened! From turning 18 and leaving college to passing my driving test and starting university. I will look back on this last year with the fondest of memories.
I even started my blog this year which was one of the things I told myself I wanted to do last new years eve. 

(From left - right, top - bottom)

As I have previously mentioned in a blog post, some friends and I went to the German Christmas Market a few weeks agi. It was the first time I had ever been even though every year I say I want to go. Although the market itself was pretty rubbish (come on Leeds City Council!) I really enjoyed the day I'd spent with my friends.

Turning 18 was a pretty big deal this year. I recieved some lovely presents and was thoroughly spoilt! I was able to spend time with the ones I love - be it friends or family. 

Leaving college was one of the biggest changes I've ever experienced. I got to sign the famous leavers wall which documents over 5 years of students. Pictured with me is my bestest friend Jamie with whom I have shared every minute with and together we signed the wall that we've walked past and looked at for years. 

Last year (2013) I attend over a dozen concerts, but during 2014 I went to 1. One. Uno. Un. The Kooks. I have been listening to The Kooks since I was 7 years old and to see them live is always a pleasure. Lets hope the next time is as good as the last few!

With leaving college and signing the wall comes the traditional end of year leavers ball! One of the few times in life where we have an excuse to get dressed up. Although this was back in June, it only seems like it was 2 minutes ago! 

This photo was from the time me and two of my best friends decided to do a photoshoot at the beach. We were catching a 5am train and one of the friends (who was also driving us to the train station) slept in and we ended up sprinting to catch the train. We got on and the doors shut behind us. Being up so early meant that we were wanting fish and chips by 10am! 


During college I was lucky enough to be have been placed in a form with one of the loveliest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. We have been friends for 7 years and I am so glad we were in the same form together. I literally I had nobody else. 


Another photo from the leavers ball with two of my gorgeous girlies! The girl on the left I have been best friends with since I was 3 years old and we still keep in regular contact. Feel so blessed to have been gifted with such wonderful friends!


Back in April I managed to pass my driving test first time! I remember having butterflies and wanting to run out of the car. After I finished my test, I went back to college. When I got into my lesson my class were all in silence and then when my friend Eilish saw me smiling she screamed so loudly it made everybody jump! Nobody else in the room knew I was taking my test so they seemed quite petrified by the screaming!


I couldn't have got through the last two years if it wasn't for the people in this picture. They have put up with me and I know for a fact they are the bestest friends anyone could ask for. They stayed when everyone else left and accepted me as my crazy old self. We talk all the time even though we all live all over the country and meet up as regularly as possible. I couldn't have  done anything over the last year if it wasn't for them. 


Here they are again! (well minus Sarah) the best group of people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. 


The girl in this image, and the next is my bestest friend in the entire world and words cannot describe how much I love her. She stays with me through thick and thin and never holds anything back. I am so happy that we both chose to go to the same university as without her (and you Fern) I would have almost certainly have dropped out by now. I wish you all the luck in 2015 and cannot wait to make some more amazing memories with you.


I organised and shot many photoshoots over 2014 and would like to give a massive thank you to the two ladies pictured with me here. They, amongst others (looking at you Hollie)were kind enough to let me stick a camera in their face, take them to strange and often dangerous places and then get them to wear some of the most ridiculous outfits. Without them I would never have been able to passed my photography course and get into university so to them I am eternally grateful.


I was kindly asked to go see Dirty Dancing live on tour by these lovely girls at university. I thoroughly enjoyed the evening and hope that they will continue to get to know me over the next few years I have at university. 


I went to visit my aunty and cousin in Gloucestershire during the summer and I had a lovely weekend getaway seeing what Gloucester has to offer. 


2014 has truly been the year to remember and I would love to thank everybody I hold dearly for making it what it was. 


All the best for 2015!


Happy New Year!


Love Charlotte x


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