Keeping Glam: Contour and Highlighting

Hey girl hey,

So today is just a quick one about my absolute favourite look ever which I wear pretty much every day and can change depending on what I'm wearing it to. Basically it's all about the contour and highlight. My love for cheekbones hit me hard last year and I've been blagging I have them ever since thanks to some wonderful little products.
I love both high end and high street products for creating this look and here are my favourites...

Firstly, for anyone who's on a budget or just wants something simple, Sleeks Face Contour kit. It's ridiculously cheap at £6.49 and comes in 3 different shades, making it pretty accessible for most people. The kit comes in a compact form with both a powder contour colour and powder highlight, complete with a good sized mirror which is always handy for topping up whilst out. The contour colour is gorgeous and I've actually used it all over the face when I've forgotten my bronzer as it isn't too heavy but is very easy to build. The highlight is peach toned but is very glittery and pigmented so it is better for a heavier look and not so much for natural every day make-up. I absolutely love this product and have repurchased twice and would highly recommend it to anyone who's interesting in having a play round with contour.

Secondly, my most used duo for contour and highlight is Benefit's Hoola bronzer and Highbeam liquid. Hoola's around £28 and Highbeam is £18 but are both some of the most long lasting products I've ever used. I first received Hoola in 2010 and it has been my daily bronzer ever since, becoming my contour colour also in 2012 and I am now only just coming on to my fourth box now. I also received Highbeam for Christmas in 2011 and am still only about half way through the bottle. 

I've now moved into the magical world of cream contour and I can honestly say, it's one of my most favourite make-up products I've ever used. The "contour" I'm using however is actually a cream eyeshadow by Illamasqua in the shade 'Inhale'. It's a grey toned brown and it gives the most realistic looking shadow. 

When it comes to brushes, I first used the Mac 168 for contour and the side of the brush for highlight when using powder. I then moved onto the Real Techniques Blush Brush for contour as it gave a more natural effect because of the domed shape and it was also easier to blend with. I've now moved onto the Mac 109 for contour and the Real Techniques Contour brush from the Core Collction, for highlighting (I tried it for contour and in my opinion it didn't work as well) 

So that's it guys, I absolutely love everything about contouring and highlighting. It's so handy and personally anything that makes me feel a little bit more like a Victoria's Secret model is always welcome. Who doesn't want to look they have a more bronzed/sculpted/glowing face? 

Lot's of love

XOXO

Oh hey there 2013

Hello lovely's! 

                       Happy New Year! I hope you all had an absolutely gorgeous New Year's eve and drank lots and kissed lots and danced lots as everyone should on New Year's Eve. I had a lovely night with all my favourite people and truly welcomed 2013 in with a bang (there were fireworks, yay!). So that out of the way, I thought I'd make some resolutions for the coming 362 days (it's the 3rd today, I do know there's actually 365 days in a year, honest). I shan't say the silly things (lose 5 stone, smile all day every day, buy a unicorn etc) just the thing's I actually plan on doing to make this year truly wonderful. 

Firstly I plan on trying to do everything I want to do. That may sound silly but believe it or not, I tend to over think things way too much. So this year, I'm just going to try as much as possible to do what I want to whenever I can. Basically I'm just not going to over think anything and do what I want and if it doesn't work out then so be it. 

Secondly I'm not going to sweat the small stuff. This is basically a continuation of my first resolution but considering I'm a massive stress head, I think I just need to put it out there. I am so bad for stressing myself out over the simplest of things and towards the end of 2012 I was getting so much better at just chilling out, so I want to carry that on this year and be as calm as possible, yay!

Thirdly I want to take more photos. I am so bad at getting all dressed up and planning a big night out and then not taking any photos to actually document the occasion, so this year I'm going to become completely snap happy and become the resident annoying girl with camera within my group of friends, how fun. 

And finally I'm going to finally get my tattoo. I've been wanting one for ages but I keep putting it off and being a major wimp but this year I'm getting it for definite and hopefully it will be before my birthday (11th of February, buy me presents...), how very exciting. 

So that's my initial plans for this year and hopefully I can stick to them. 
Have you got any New Year's resolutions? Did you manage to stick to the ones you made for 2012? Let me know!

Speak soon lovelies! 

Izzi 

XOXO

My Christmas Wishlist

Well hello there, 

So as I'm sure you're all aware, Christmas is nearly upon us, if you weren't aware of this, I'm terribly sorry to have ruined the surprise for you. And what with the most wonderous of days being less than a week away!!!!!! (

As I'm now so ridiculously old, I do tend to ask for more practical things for Christmas that I wouldn't tend to buy for myself, however if someone bought me a Barbie Dream House and a Tickle-Me Elmo I would be in no way disappointed...here's my more realistic gift preferences for this year: 

Firstly, we have make-up. Arguably my most favourite thing to buy/own/use, I go all out at Christmas. This is the first year in a while that I'm not asking for brushes, as I think I'm pretty much set. My actual make-up collection is also pretty substantial so this year, I have asked for some more exciting purchases, for example...

 Rebel&Hang Up Lipstick

And the list goes on. Hoola bronzer and Chanel powder are something I get every year and they are firm staples in my every day routine, I love them, lots! The Edie Sedgwick Collection by Nars is possibly one of the most beautiful sets I've ever layed eyes on, I'd get it for the film case with Edie's face on alone. Considering Factory Girl is one of my favourite films, this is definitely a must for me. 

Two beautiful things I definitely want are: 

A gold Daisy Knight's ring

And these shoes from Topshop

Finally I would also very much appreciate a selection of the always lovely books from Urban Outfitters and a nice sum of iTunes vouchers to purchase all my new loves. 

What are you all asking Father Christmas for? Let me know! 

If you want to know more about anything featured in this post, every image is linked to it's rightful home (none are affiliate links, obviously) 

Lots and lots of love and Christmas cheer! 

Izzi X 

Rocking On: My Winter Playlist

Hey kittens!

                     So for the last few weeks I've had the same playlist on a loop at all times and I'm absolutely loving it. I started getting into Spotify in the summer and ever since then I've developed a little ritual, in order to broaden my musical horizons. 

1. Find the song: Basically every time I hear any music that remotely interests my ears, I find it on Spotify, add to a playlist and give it a listen. 
2. Check out the artist: If I like the song, I look into more of the artists stuff, usually the top 5 songs on their Spotify page and add those to my playlist. 
3. Decide: If I'm still liking the artist, I'll download their music to my iTunes and add it to my favourite iTunes playlist
4. iPod: If it makes it to my iPod, it's a keeper

These few steps have helped me discover some truly wonderful artists, that I'm sure are going to keep me company over the next few months. A good playlist is essential at all times, but considering we spend so much time inside during the winter months, it's even more important to musically educate yourself whenever it's possible. 

Here's my top 15 picks: 

• No Room for Doubt - Lianne De Havas
• Piledriver Waltz - Arctic Monkeys
• Goodbye Kiss - Kasabian/ Lana Del Rey: Give both versions a listen, you wont be disappointed.
• Young Love - Mystery Jets Ft. Laura Marling
• Diamonds- Rihanna
• Someday - The Strokes
• If I Were a Boy/ You Oughta Know - Beyonce
• A Real Hero - College
• Pilot Jones - Frank Ocean
• Octopus - Bloc Party
• The Last Time - Taylor Swift Ft. Gary Lightbody
• Not Nineteen Forever - The Courteeners
• Feel To Follow - The Maccabees
• 99 Problems - Jay Z 
• Lonely Boy - The Black Keys

 So there's my top 15 songs off my winter playlist. It's a bit of a peculiar mixture I must say but there's pretty much a song for all moods on there. Some of it's from a good few years back but whatevs, I'm sticking with it. 

What song's are going to be getting you through winter? Do we share any musical loves? 

Thanks for reading lovelies! 

Stay Classy X 

Keeping Glam: How to Survive Winter

Hola Chicas! 
                       Long time no see, what've you been up to, how are the kids? Good? Brilliant andddd back to me. So we've reached that awful time of year where the trees are naked and we're anything but. Knits and tights have replaced my many beloved pairs of shorts and the Barbour's been dragged out of the wardrobe. 
I don't know about you but winter does me no favours, I hate wearing pants, I hate wearing coats and as a girl who basically has an afro, I react the way to rain the same way the Wicked Witch of the West does....

But as we lucky little Brits are stuck in this predicament for the next few months, here are my tips for staying fabulous. 

1) Don't be a fanny:  Okay so maybe I could've phrased this better but seriously why is it that people are completely and utterly intolerant to any form of cold weather? Winter happens round about the same time every year, yet people still bitch/moan/cry about it when it pops its head up at the end of September. Yes it's cold, but it's not the Arctic. There is no need whatsoever to sacrifice looking lovely to stay warm. Warmth is overrated, just ask the eskimos. If it's cold put on a jacket and find a scarf, but please do not use winter as an excuse to cocoon yourself in a mixture of jeans and bubble coats for 5 months, it is not acceptable. (Bubble coats are never acceptable...) 

2) Fake it till you make it: If you don't catch my drift on this, clearly you've never been to Liverpool. Winter means cold, it also generally means no sun, unless of course you live near a ski resort where it's about 20 miles thick with snow yet you still manage to burn, HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN?! For the many of you that don't live on a ski resort, you may think the lack of sun means sporting dull, pasty skin is acceptable, it isn't! I urge you all to invest some time and money into Orange Wednesdays, no not the 2 for 1 movie deal, but the routine of tanning on a Wednesday day night and carrying it on for the next few days (depending on your desired level of tannedness). This not only insures that you are nice and tanned for the weekend but it also means you won't go through the following week looking like you're doing a shit impression of Caspar. The only time it is ever acceptable to be sporting your natural skin tone *shudder* is on a Tuesday night/Wednesday morning depending on when you're planning on doing your tan as obviously, full preparation (exfoliate, shave, moisturise) must happen before all ventures into the world of St Moriz.

3) Be extravagant: Winter is after all the season, that holds some of the best holidays of the year. Halloween and Bonfire Night have been and gone and it's only been winter for like, a month! In 3 weeks we'll be rolling out the Advent Calendars and preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. Excited? You better be. If there was ever an excuse needed to be completely over the top at all times (FYI, their isn't. It's a state of mind and a basic human right) IT IS NOW. November is pretty much the bleurgh month, everyone's just waiting for Christmas really aren't they? So combat the shitty weather and your even shittier mood by simply being utterly fabulous. Sequins, leather, purple/red lipstick, beautiful coats and even better shoes, should be on your mind at all times, if not on your body. Overcompensate for the weight of your jacket by whipping your legs out. If you're covering up, make sure you throw on a ridiculous amount of jewellery to compensate for your sheer lack of effort regarding your wardrobe choice (I'm talking to you Mrs "jeans go with everything" aspffft). Stay interesting, otherwise come New Years Eve you'll be the one asleep by 12 on the couch whilst people are draping party popper streamers around your seemingly lifeless body...that's totally never happened to me, I swear...) 

4) Hydrate: In the winter there are 2 main sources of hydration which you should all be doing on a regular basis. The first is moisturising. Not just your general nightly moisturise before bed, I'm talking about buying shares in the Body Shop body butters because you plan on using that much. If you do one thing this winter, please moisturise, please. I don't think I can cope with seeing girls looking like actual mutants in the early weeks of April, as they start to re-introduce their scaly limbs into daylight. As if anyone wants to see your flaky knees. Just don't do it, okay? 

The second source of hydration is alcohol. Yes, alcohol. Winter is shit. At first, it's all cute and everyone loves wearing their jumpers, watching fireworks, walking through crunchy leaves blah blah blah. BUT after a week while, the novelty wears off and it's just cold and miserable and depressing. So cheer yourself up with alcohol. If you've followed my first few steps then go out, grab your friends/boyf/monkey lover and have a ball in town. If you haven't however, go to Tesco, buy some Glen's and have a night in, followed by a quiet word with yourself promising that you'll step it up from now on. Winter is the best time for going out! You can spend all day getting ready because there's no urge to not waste a nice day, the lack of going out in the day time means you'll have more money to spend in the night time AKA more money to spend on alcohol and because everyone is so miserable at the very sight of the sky, they will all jump at the chance of going out and restoring fun back into their boring little lives. 

So that's pretty much how I plan to survive Winter. How about you? Bought anything amazing that's going to be a saviour over the next few months? Let me know in the comments below!

Speak soon!

Stay Classy!X

P.S. Wellies are not an acceptable item of footwear unless you're at a festival/in a storm/fishing/being a farmer. Just because you own a pair of Hunter's, does not make it okay for you to wear them on a daily basis. Please stop it. Now. 

LFW: Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 13

Hey there hotties, 

                               So as the last dregs of summer 2012's obi belts, tangerine and festival fashion exit our lives and we start to embrace the oncoming flood of cobalt, statement trousers and country style everything that is going to be Autumn/Winter 2012, the fashion Gods swarm our favourite cities to reveal to us mere mortals, the S/S 13 collections. This week was the turn of London Fashion Week and more importantly, the Burberry Prorsum show *flutter*. I don't know about you, but for me, Burberry is the very essence of British fashion and more importantly, their clothes represent everything I want to be, beautiful,classy and timeless. So without further adieu, here is my take on their Spring/Summer 13 collection...

Within seconds of the first model gracing the runway, I was in love. As usual, Burberry presented some insanely beautiful coats and they really did excel themselves this year. A white almost caped coat, fastened at the neck, with an extremely Madonna-esque pink basque peaking out from beneath, set an extremely high standard as a starting point for Mr Bailey but alas this fashion extraordinaire really did just get better and better as the show went on. 

As Cara and Lily strutted down the runway in their own white coat of wonder, the beautiful Jourdan then followed wearing a metallic pink and orange trench that pretty much put me in a state of euphoria that did not leave me for a good while after the completion of the show. 

A sea of beauty ensued and I shan't analyse it all but here are what I think are the key trends from the collection: 

Colour wise, jewel tones are being carried right through from Autumn/Winter with amethyst, emerald, burgundy and royal blue all playing a huge role in the show. Also nudes are going to be big, with various shades of beige,brown and pink being shown. 

Metallic's are back, hurrah! Whether it's an almost tinfoil like shirt or a shiny structured bodycon, make sure they're part of your wardrobe. Lace, satin and silk were also heavily featured.

Tailoring is either structured and bodycon or loose, shift and oversized but with the waist always being cinched to the point of unbreathable and the shoulders and sleeve balloning but going in at the wrist to keep a feminine shape. 

Platforms are out and pointed wedges and courts are in. Say goodbye to comfort ladies, as if you're foot isn't completely diagonal to the floor, something's not right. 

Make-up wise, I'm more than happy to announce the return of the red lip. For the last few seasons, we've flitted between coral,vampy purple,lilac,bright pink and nude but finally my beloved red has returned to its rightful place of the runway. Make those lips big,red and bold with huge brows to match love,love,love.

To close the show, a flurry of models trotted their way round the runway in a rainbow of trench coat wonder, it was awesome!

Christopher Bailey I salute you once again, you amazingly minded man. 

Thanks for reading guys, what was your views on the collection? What LFW shows caught your eye? Let me know in the comments below! 

Stay Classy!X

Disclaimer: All images are the property of Vogue.com and their respective photographers, no offence intended. All copyright belongs to the owners of the pictures, not me.

Rocking On: Vamp It Up

Hey beauty's, 
                        Just a Quick post today about one of my favourite things of the moment. I'm absolutely loving Bow by Nails Inc's nail polish in "Girls Just Wanna Have Plum". It's the perfect plummy purple and adds an instant hit of cool to any outfit. 

It's look great both when you're working the St Moriz or you're having a pale day which is perfect for me. It has a really cool glossy finish and when put over squared off nails (another thing I'm loving at the moment)  looks super chic. 

Speak soon chicas! 

Stay Classy X