The 'BAG' Topshop Faux Snake Zip Clutch

 This week was Richard and my wedding anniversary. We decided that it was time for a couple days in London Shopping, sight seeing and catching a show. When packing for our trip, I had realized that all of my bags where slightly over sized and I needed something that could pack essentials, but could also be light weight and stylish.

Stepping out of Selfridges

 I came across this little beauty from Topshop Faux Snake Zip Clutch. It is such a classic shape, not to big not to small. I love the black faux snake material teamed with the gold zips, gives it that luxe feel. The bag also has a nice strap aswell which gives you a few options on how to wear it. Inside it has the obligatory moblie phone pocket, zip pocket and a cute little pocket, which I popped my driver licence in. In the bag I could fit just what I needed for our day trips and also transformed into the 'clutch' for the night.

Outside Selfridge

 I love this bag and it is a firm favourite in my bag collection. So, thats my love for the 'Bag', have you seen this bag? Whats your go-to travel about town bag? I would love to know.

Looking very excited, about to see Phantom of the opera at Her Majesty theatre in London

Love Nay x


Disclaimer- I was not paid to advertise any products mention above, I just like to share.

Whats in my Hand Bag

 I purchased at the beginning of Spring, a Tassel bucket bag. I have found that I had not much use for my baby bag and I was also sick of it. There is only so much one can style out with a over sized nylon kid kit. So, it was time to treat myself to a more adult version. I picked this bag up from H and M, but of course they don't do it now, so I have linked similar one from Zara. Its called a bucket bag for a reason cause you can fit everything in it! I have picked out my essentials that I like to have in my bag.
Sunglasses- You cannot be without a pair of sunglasses in Spring/Summer. I picked this beauty up from T K Maxx last summer. D&G Orange/red framed with blue mirror lenses. They are super comfy. Great mirror to use also for any touch ups on the go.
Playing cards- A funny one granted, but having three children they come in handy if we are at a appointment or we are out to dinner and waiting for a meal to arrive. I have been teaching my nine year old and seven year old 'Go Fish', which is proving to be a big hit. Great distraction technique even for my toddler too, makes a great teething toy!.
Carmex lip balm should be in every ones bag. It is my favourite lip balm. It soothes and moisturises straight away and makes a great base to then apply your lipstick. Which is all a girl can ask for.
Real techniques Travel Kit stays in my bag for any make up emergency that may arise. It has a miniature foundation brush (orange one) which I use to apply concealer, its so precise for any unexpected friends they may appear on your face through out the day and blends out so nicely. There is also a mini shading brush (purple one). I use this for blending my lip pencil and lipstick. The final mini a powder brush (pink one) I do use for its purpose, powder and bronzing.
The Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick 110 is my 'pick me up' lipstick. It is a vibrant coral colour and when I apply it it instantly makes me feel better. To control any shine that may appear, I pop on a little MAC Mineralize skin finish and that sees through and calms down any oil slick.

For my hands I have to always carry in my bag Nivea Smooth Nourishing hand cream  as I suffer with really dry skin and this may be small, but it hits the spot.
Finally but probably the most essential, My Mobile phone, a Samsung S3. Nothing special but does the job for what I need it for.

So that is whats in my bag at the moment. What essentials do you have in your bag? Leave me a comment, I would love to know.


Love Nay

Disclaimer- I have not been paid by any of the products mentioned above, I just like to share.

What false eyelash style to wear for your eye shape feat- Eldora Handmade False Eyelashes

Its that time of year where more people tend to get married due to the better weather, young people are going to their first Prom, and all the other special occasions in between. We all want to look our best and nothing ramps up a look then adding a pair of false eyelashes to your make up. It wasn't until I trained as a Make up Artist, did I realize that there are different eyelash shapes that suit different shaped eyes. I just used to pick up the most fullest length lashes that I could get my hands on. I love the way they change the look of your eye and instantly make you feel glamorous. So, if you have something special coming up or you just want to know which shape would flatter and enhance your eye shape, I have done a easy guide which covers all eyes shapes where you can pick the right false lashes for you. I chose Eldora False Eyelashes as I have been wearing these for about 18 months and feel that I have given them a good trial. These lashes are made with real hair (sterilised) which makes them super soft. Some come with a light weight band, others with a invisible band. They are incredibly light to wear and don't give that 'heavy eye' feel even if they are a full on lash. If you haven't already, give them a go.

Round Eyes
These eyes are Circular in their appearance. Best lashes to choose are ones that fan upwards and are thin in nature, suppose to, if you wore a thicker, more voluminous lashes can make the eyes appear smaller, so less is more in this instance.
Recommend- H165 are pretty fluffy lashes, which fan upwards, but are not to thick. These are also on a invisible band. If you have never tried lashes with a invisible band, I would highly recommend you do, as once you have, you will never go back to banded lashes.


Close Set Eyes
This eye shape is narrower than one eye width apart and are considered close set. Lashes with thick volume on the outer edges will give the illusion that eyes are farther apart and even out proportions.
Recommend- H125 are thick, full and winged out at the ends. These lashes have a invisible band which is spot on for any natural look you want to achieve and will also make it super light weight to boot.

Hooded Eyes
Is when a fold of skin that covers the socket line. Lashes medium to longer length in the center of the lashes, will open up the eyes more.
Recommend- H153  are medium in length and are longer in the middle and add a real fullness to the center of the eye. Perfect!

Wideside eyes
These shape eyes farther apart than one eye width. Even proportions bring eyes closer. Dramatic lashes with volume and longer lengths in the middle add illusion.
Recommend- H119  tick all the boxes above, pretty, full volume lashes which are longer in the middle, which will help balance the eyes out.

Monolid eyes
Is where the lid is one continuous area with no visible fold in the socket line. Really versityle eyeshape any eyelash with alot of curl on the ends.
Recommend- H160 are both, they add such a pretty finish to the eye. They are also have a very thin band which is perfect for when you don't want to do a full liner.

Deepset eyes
This shape eye is deeply set into the socket with a small mobile lid. Lashes with longer lengths in the middle will help bring eyes forward.
Recommend- H151 these lashes are staggered which gives it a natural look to them while giving a fluttery feel. These are my personal favourite. These dreamy lashes just give me that wide awake,doe eyed look and are so light to wear, that I can easily wear these from day to night.

Almond shape eyes
On average most have this, equal proportions, visible lid when eyes are open. Most style of eyelashes suit. Why not add flair, try lashes that are longer on the ends.
Recommend- H104 or H122 are a real treat. These attention grabbing lashes could get you into trouble. Beware when you flutter these babies you will get noticed.

So, there you have it. Beautiful hand made false eyelashes for every eye shape. Have you tried Eldora Lashes yet? Which are your favourite? I would love to hear from you,


Love Nay x


Disclaimer- I have not been paid by any products that are mentioned above, I just like to share.

Budget Vs Highend, Battle of the Reds Feat-Maybelline Color Drama and Nars velvet matte pencil

Wearing Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencil in the shade Light me up

In the U.K recently, Boots (a drugstore) had some really great offers on their beauty products, so I thought I would take advantage and try out Maybelline color Drama lip pencil. I am always dubious of crayon lipsticks as they can be normally very drying and you cannot beat the feel of turning a lipstick up from the bullet, that being said, I am always open to new make up experiences. I decided to go with the colour light me up, its a vibrant blue toned red, perfect for pale skin tones. The formulation of this pencil is lovely. It has a buttery, creamy formulation which glides on the lip effortlessly. I really love how moisturising this is and it did last a good couple of hours before I needed to reapply. The pigmentation is also very good which just add's to it's staying power. I think it is well worth the money.

Maybelline Color Drama Lip Pencil in the shade Light me up

 I am always keen to see how the budget (drugstore) brands match up to the high end brands. I tried the Maybelline color drama lip pencil against the Nars Velvet Matt Lip Pencil a cult classic in the make up world, in the shade Cruella. I had read many reviews on this particular product and colour, and I was keen to give it a whirl. I always thought the high end had the upper hand with the extra ingredients, but on this occasion I could not be more wrong.

 The packaging on the Nars lip pencil is beautiful. The moment I removed it from its box I knew it had a place in my make up bag. The smooth black outer layer is simply a joy to behold. The Maybelline is not. Its your usual black plastic looking packaging nothing really to write home about, but this is where Nars only has the upper hand. The formulation of Nars velvet matt Lip pencil I found drying. You would think with the extra vitamin E and emollients added that it wouldn't be. Upon application it seems to drag across the lip, and it feathered so much around the the outer lip line that I had to blend the edges with a lip brush. I first wore it at a dinner party with friends and it did not last the first course!. I was very disappointed with this product, as I had done the necessary preparation to make my lipstick last. Saying that the colour is very beautiful and would suit many skin tones. For me though, this is not enough to make it a firm favourite in my handbag, but it is not a complete right off. I will still wear this, but will have to do plenty of prep before I apply it. As you can probably tell by my tone I am thoroughly disappointed, as you would think for what you pay for this product you may be getting something better, well for me, not on this occasion. So save your pennies on this one and go for a budget brand such as Maybelline Color Drama lip pencil, as this one will be staying in my handbag.

Wearing Nars Velvet Matt Lip Pencil in the shade Cruella

Nars Velvet Matt Lip Pencil in the shade Cruella

Light me up (left) Cruella (right)

So, there you go, my thoughts on Lip crayons. Have you tried any of these? Have you found another brand of lip crayon/ Pencil I should try?. Please let me know, I would love to hear from you.

Love Nay x


Disclaimer- I have not been paid by any products mentioned above, I just like to share.

All about the pleats

I recently went on a shoping trip with my friend to Manchester city center. Upon returning, it came to my attention that I had purchased at least two items that were pleated. I had not realized at the time, but I have a soft spot for pleats. I think they are very feminine and also how forgiving they are on a slightly less svelte figure.

My first pleated piece is a beautiful simple red dress from Zara, which does not look much from the front, but when you turn your back it reveals all its pleated glory. I teamed this with my Nude sandal heels from New look. I think this dress is perfect for a date night with your loved one.

My second piece is a Lemon pleated round neck top from Primark. I put this with Boyfriend Jeans and a neutral fendora hat which are also both from Primark. To complete the look with Nude sandal heels from New look, same as above.

My final look is a old piece from Miss Selfridge a pretty Gold pleated skirt which I bought in Liverpool last summer. I love this with a simple black scoop neck top, black boots both from New look. A three tiered gold necklace and black bowler hat both from Topshop, and the black leather jacket is vintage (this is the oldest thing in my wardrobe,! I bought this when I was 18 years old on a trip to New York).

So there you go, my three looks all with something pleated. Do you like pleats? Have you any pieces that you will be wearing this summer that are pleated? Please leave me a comment, I would love to hear from you.

Love Nay x

Disclaimer: I have not been paid by any products mentioned above, I just like to share.

Prom,Wedding guest or for any special occasion, Rose gold Spring Make up look

A few weeks ago My husband and I kicked off our favourite time of year in the salon 'wedding season'. Its so exciting when discussing with brides to be colours, hair, jewellery and make up looks. It got me thinking of putting together this make up look, as when Spring/Summer comes along I always reach for my favourite eyeshadow palette, Urban Decay Naked Palette 3. This palette has beautiful rose gold tones which are perfect for this time of year. Although I find the shadows do have alot of fallout, the shadows are very pigmented, so I can forgive it!.  Just make sure you apply your eye make up first, then your base, so any fall down can be cleaned up easily without ruining all your hard work. The look I went for is fresh, radiant face, with rose gold eyes and smudgy peach glossy lips. This look would suit any age group and all skin tones. You could wear this to your Prom, as a Wedding guest, or any special occasion, it really is a versatile look. All the photos were taken using natural light which always gives you a better version on what it will look like in real life.

The base

boots botanics radiance balm all bright

Foundation - Loreal Infallible 24hr in the shade vanilla

Concealer- Bobbi Brown perfecter in the shade peach (for dark circles) then Collection lasting perfection to brighten 

Powder-Anastasia Beverley Hills Banana powder (under the eyes) then MAC mineralize skin finish in light.

Blusher-Nars powder blusher in the shade orgasm

Highlighter- The Balm Mary lou manizer

Eyes

Urban Decay Naked palette 3 used limit in the upper crease, Nooner in the crease, Trick sprayed with MAC Fix+ packed over the mobile lid with a little Dust on top. Then Blackheart pressed into the lashline.

Mascara- Maybelline the falsies 

Eyelashes-are from Eldora H106 which I trimmed (the ones I used were H101, but I think these are discontinued, so have given link to H106 which are very similar)

Eyebrows- Maybelline Brow Drama and Anastasia Beverley Hills Dipbrow in medium brown.

Lips

MAC Lipliner- Whirl

MAC Lipglass- Pink Lemonade

So there you have it, my pretty Rose gold eye make up look. Have you got the Urban Decay Naked Palette 3 ? If so, what looks have you tried from the palette? I would love to hear from you.

Love Nay x

Disclaimer- I have not been paid by any products mentioned above, I just like to share.

Contour Game Strong- Part 2 My four favourite highlighters

So what if you love having cheek bones so chiselled, that they could cut glass, well contouring is for you, but what if you are like me and edging towards the wrong side of your thirties and contouring can on some days make you look abit gaunt, and in need of a good meal, then highlighting my girl, is the way you want to go. Highlighting the high points on your cheeks, cupids bow, and under the brow bone makes you look as fresh as a daisy.

Highlighting powders/creams

The Balm Mary Lou Manizer
I was first introduced to this powder highlighter by a good friend and I fell for it hook, line, and sinker. The packaging itself is so beautiful. The compact highlighter has a lovely mirror inside which is a great size to do any touch ups needed during the day. The highlight itself is pretty epic, it gives a pearlized glow to the skin which is not subtle at all, which if you are like me and like to look like a beam is coming off the top of the cheeks then this is the one for you.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in the shade Soft and Gentle
This was my first powder highlighter that I first bought on a mad spending moment while on a Bridal Make up course with MAC in Birmingham. The gleam on this baby is subtle and very pretty. It looks so natural on the skin, and just gives enough lift without looking to sparkly.

Benefit High Beam
This was my very first cream highlighter that I bought. This is my third one I have bought in twelve years, as I actually wore this on my wedding day!  So I have alot of love for this product. The formula blends really easily and a little goes a long way. If I am having a natural 'no powdered' kinda look then I will reach for this to add a natural radiant glow to my skin.

MAC Cream Colour Base in the shade Hush
I recently bought this after seeing Nikki from Pixiwoo YouTube channel using it in one of their Smokey eye tutorial, and loved the natural, golden glow it gives. You do need to really blend it into the skin as it does have a tendency to just sit on the skin. Saying that, the finished result is very natural and just gleams, once blended well.

So there you are, my four favourite powder and cream highlighters. Which one do you like the best? Do you use any of these or do you favour a different one? I would love to hear from you.

Love Nay x


Disclaimer- I have not been paid by any of the products mentioned above, I just like to share.