Beauty Blogger: Get to Know Me!

I have decided to do a tag post instead of a beauty post today to change it up a bit :-) And seeing as I've just started out here's a Get to Know Me Tag on Beauty bits and bobs! Enjoy.

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

Naturally very straight!

2. What is your natural hair color?

A dark blonde but with a few lighter blonde natural highlights :-)

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I don't dye my hair on a regular basis, but when I do I do it with a home-kit from Boots but I have had highlights done professionally before.

4. How often do you wash your hair?

I wash it every other day approx.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

At school I wear it with the side bits of my hair tied back near enough everyday, if not i'll have it in a simple ponytail. Out of school I will have it down and straight.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I do my own mani and pedi, but on special occasions I will get them professionally done.

7. How often to you change your nail polish?

I'm not aloud nail polish at school so I only wear nail polish at the weekends so tend to change the colour every week.

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

I wear polish on my toes all year round because I think feet are ugly without it (haha).

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

On a school day with very minimal make-up I take around 10-15 mins and then on a weekend or after school approx 20-30 mins (depending on where I'm going; I'm naturally a very slow person when getting ready, oops!).

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Face!

11. Do you “collect” makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

I collect, but sometimes I buy when I need it too.

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

I have only worn them a couple times but only to try them, I also have applied them on other people as well. I feel in the future I would like to wear them though.

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

Nope, on a normal day (school) I only wear concealer and a transparent powder, with my eyebrows and mascara done.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

Yes, I wear make-up most of the time, but when by myself or with close family I sometimes don't at all.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup. 

Nope :-(

16. How many high end products do you have?

I have quite a few but not all of my products are!

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

Not as often as I should lets just say that haha, naughty me...

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

I try and always plan my outfits the night before as I usually take aaaaages to get ready in the morning, so planning my outfit the night before reduces time dramatically!

19. How often do you change your handbag?

It depends on my outfit! But I usually keep to one, but depending on size or colour I will sometimes change it up.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

On a school day I wake up at 7:00am and i usually go to sleep around 11:30pm, I really wish I had the will-power to put my phone down at night and go to bed earlier!

21. How often & when do you workout?

I go to the gym sometimes but not regularly, I do a dance class every week and do lots of walking during the day! On a Saturday when I work at a horse stables I am on my feet constantly so walk lots then as well.

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

Right-handed.

23. How tall are you?

5’9”

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

I learn Spanish for my GCSE at school.

25. How many pets do you have?

I have two cats!

26. How often are you on Blogger?

Everyday at the moment :)

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs?

Yep! Every single one and I reply to them all aswell!

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

I do, keeping lists helps me feel more organised in my head...

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

I think I was just trying lots of different names and most of them were already taken but this one wasn't and I really liked it!

30. What kind of camera do you use?

Canon 1100D.

31. How often do you clean your house?

My mum is in charge of that, but I help clean the kitchen everyday, the bathroom and I have to keep my bedroom clean and tidy everyday as well.

32. What is your favorite color?

Coral.

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?

I don't read magazines a great deal, but if I do buy one it would be Grazia or Vogue.

34. Do you swear?

Only in appropriate situations haha...

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Revision and sleep! I live a very interesting life as you can see.

Hope you enjoyed this tag, leave a comment to any beauty, fashion or makeup posts you want next or any more questions about me you have! Have a lovely day, bye!

Hair products/regime

Hey! So today I'm going to be showing you the hair products I use and how I use them. It isn't the most exciting regime, but I like to keep things simple with my hair as its slightly damaged and can get greasy really easily! I have medium to long length hair, dark blonde and naturally very straight. So here it goes...

 Step 1

The shampoo and conditioner I use is the L'oreal Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo & Conditioner. These products are designed to help fragile damaged hair that has a tendency to fall; it reinforces and nourishes the hair from the root. I change up my shampoo and conditioner products alot - mostly swapping and changing from L'oreal Elvive and Tresemme as they seem to work best for my hair. These products are great for deep cleaning the hair from the root (where most grease is produced - ew) and I find it helps my hair stay cleaner for longer, which I love because washing my hair is something I really don't enjoy! My hair can also drop and look flat quite easily because my hair is so straight, so this helps gives slightly more volume at the root for a fuller look.
Boots - £3.99 each

Step 2

I towel dry my hair and brush it through (using the Tresemme paddle brush). After I put around 4-5 sprays of this L'oreal Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Treatment; this is the treatment version of the shampoo and conditioner I use. This does the same thing as the shampoo and conditioner but using the treatment as well helps the product to activate and work better. Plus, my next product is for the ends of my hair, so I like to balance t out and use something on the roots of my hair as well. Then brush through hair so the product is even.

Boots - £3.99

Step 3

Then using the Tresemme Split Remedy serum I put 4-5 pumps of the product in my hands and comb it through the ends of my hair with my fingers. This product claims to reduce 80% of split-ends after only 3 uses. I must admit when I used this product with the Tresemme Split Remedy shampoo and conditioner it did work better but I still really like this product. My hair suffers with split-ends quite badly so this product is great; it also makes the ends of my hair smoother and more manageable. Even when my hair is dry I often put a couple of pumps of this serum on the ends of my hair as it makes my hair look more tamed and silky instantly. Also this product smells amazing and lingers on your hair even when its dry! I then brush through my hair again so all the product is evenly spread through the ends.
Boots - £5.69

Step 4

I then use this Advance Techniques 360 Nourishment Moroccan Argon Oil which is from Avon. I was apprehensive on using an oil on my hair has I was worried it could make my hair greasy, but I absolutely love using one now! I put around 2-3 pumps in my hand and smooth it all over my hair combing it through with my fingers. It smooths into the hair and after starting to use this product I have realised what a difference it makes! My hair is 10x smoother, silkier and shinier. If you have unmanageable or untamed hair I would highly recommend using a Moroccan Argon Oil - I know many shampoos and conditioners have this in the formulation as well, so perhaps have a look out for them if you don't want to buy a separate product. I then for the last time brush out my hair to ensure all the products in my hair are evenly spread.

Avon - £5.50

Step 5

My last step with damp hair is the Lee Staford Flat Iron Protection Mist. This spray is especially for people who straighten their hair after blow drying it, but I tend not to straighten my hair anyway because its damaged already and I have naturally dead straight hair. But it does help for heat protection when blow drying your hair which I do every time i wash my hair and it smells amazing! I wouldn't say this was the best product for a heat protectant but I'd rather use something than nothing and the smell is really nice!

Boots - £7.49

I then blow dry my hair using a Babyliss hair dryer (not sure on the name - sorry)

Optional Step 6

If I then go on to curl or style my hair further after drying it, I like to use this Percy & Reed Finishing Polish as it helps hold my hair and keep a nice volume and shape. Its create for give your hair an extra 'oomph' if you need it.

Percy & Reed - £10

So I hope you enjoyed my ramble and if you have any questions or suggestions for products you think I should try out/review let me know in the comments. Thanks for reading :-)

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation: Review

Around a month ago, I purchased possibly the most raved about foundation among the beauty world; NARS Sheer Glow. I will give as best a review on this product as I can, and give you a detailed description of the product, with my opinions and a star rating for each sub-heading for this product (1 being the worst, 5 being best). So here it goes :-)

Packaging

★★

NARS are known for their matte black packaging and big font logo on their products and I find packaging a massive part of a product. The downsides to this packaging is the screw and pour lid; the lid screws open and there is no pump with this product which means you pouring the liquid onto the back of your hand, being very careful for any spillage - not ideal. However, a pump is available from store for an extended charge of £3.00. Also the bottle is rather heavy and bulky, so not very practical for travelling at all. The matte black lid although one of NARS signature looks, attracts dirty make-up hands like a magnet! However, I don't find this a massive put off personally. On the plus side the look of the bottle in general is a nice sophisticated suave appearance that does instantly attract people to the product - including myself. The bottle is an amazing accompaniment to any make-up collection on your vanity but not completely practical. 

Shades

★★★★

There are 20 different shades for this foundation, from Siberia to Khartoum (they have rather interesting shade names). I am in shade 2, Mont Blanc which I find to be a very good match, I was first matched in John Lewis as shade 1 but personally disagreed with this; therefore went to Selfridges and matched again in the shade I agree with (I thoroughly recommend going to Selfridges for high-end makeup, they are very trusting and friendly). When buying this foundation I went with two friends of mine, one with a medium skin tone and one with a dark skin tone; they were both matched as well and found a colour to match them flawlessly, this shows the shades are available to many different skin tones. However; if you have a particularly pink undertone to your skin you may see a problem. The shade collection has mainly a yellow undertone to them, I have a neutral undertone to my skin so find it easy to wear both pink and yellow undertones but those with a very pink undertone may have a difficulty, but there is no harm in going and getting matched anyway. 

Application

★★★★★

Personally, I like to apply this product with the Real Techniques Buffing Brush found in the Core Collection. This brush buffs the product in flawlessly and is great for building the product or buffing into a more sheer coverage. To apply the foundation I dot the product with my fingers around my face, on my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin. I then buff it in with the brush and build if needed. The product is easy to work with and sinks into the skin beautifully. I like to then follow up with the products featured in my last post - Megan's Must Haves. 

Me wearing the foundation on its own with little make-up added over it.

The overall look

★★★★

I was apprehensive when purchasing this product as I do have an oily skin type and have heard the product can slip. However I haven't found this is the case. The name can be deceiving though, the product isn't particularly sheer and doesn't have the massive glowing effect. When applied the product is almost like a foundation and concealer all in one; the coverage is amazing and but not cakey or too much. With one layer you can have a good coverage but not too heavy at all - it enough to let your natural skin shine through, though with more product layered you can create a high coverage easily. I personally find this is perfect for me. The product does give a satin finish and leaves a slight shine on the face but isn't unattractive, using a powder can correct this if this is a problem for you. I find it does give a slight glow on the skin, and as the foundation settles into the skin throughout the day it settles in beautifully and gets better throughout the first 4 or so hours. The staying power of the product is very good and lasts around 6 hours before needing to powder again from any excess oils coming through. Although personally I find the product to sit quite heavy on the face, its not the lightest of consistencies but isn't unbearably heavy. Overall, I feel the product makes your skin look and feel amazing with a great staying power, however others may find the shine to not be for them and the heaviness of it on the skin a turn off. But I personally love the look of this product and would thoroughly recommend anyone to go and try it out.

So...

Weighing up the pros and cons, there's no doubt that I recommend this product to anyone looking for a foundation that has a good coverage, beautiful effect on the skin and a decent staying power. If you fit the cons I have described above and find these are turn off's for what you want - you may disagree with me as everyone looks for different things. The big problem this product carries is the price, at the price of £30.50 its a product you will have to think about before purchasing, especially if you're only a teenager like myself. But I personally find it worth it and if you are interested in this product further ask me any questions in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Megan's Make-up Must Haves!

These are my make-up must have's and essentials that I love and couldn't live without! For days with not a full-face of makeup I love to simply use these products so I don't have a completely naked face. Also, these products are great for hot summer days as its minimal and easy to wear... So enjoy!

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Transparent

This powder can be purchased by Boots or Superdrug and amazing for anyone with oily skin but don't want to use a cakey powder! This is a transparent powder so there is no colour pay off and keeps excess oils on the face to a low throughout the day. I love this powder for a natural finish on the skin, especially for those summer days, your makeup won't slip or slide anywhere! This powder is a must-have in my make-up bag and I can't see it leaving anytime soon! The brush I love to use with this product is the Real Techniques - Blush Brush as its not too dense, not too small or big and extremely soft. The powder is a purse happy price of £3.99; I can't seem to fault it.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer - NW20

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Fair 1

(the writing of the Collection concealer has rubbed off)

Both these concealers are amazing for those needing high-coverage concealers such as myself. The MAC Studio Finish Concealer is what I use as a corrector for under my eyes, getting an NW means it has a pink undertone so is great for correcting the dark purple colours under your eyes. However, I find it to be too pink to use on any spots - therefore I use the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for this. I couldn't possibly count the amount of tubes I have purchased of this product! I couldn't praise this product enough, the coverage is amazing and the price of only £4.19 from Boots or Superdrug is one of the many good points of this product. I use the lightest shade for my skin tone as when I use it under my eyes its gives an anti-fatigue brightening effect, however the colour range for darker skin tones of this product is dissapointing, there are only 4 shades. Both these products are definite must haves for me as having any imperfections covered is an instant confidence booster and often I only use these products rather than using foundation for a more natural your skin but better look! The MAC Concealer is a bit more on the pricier side of £14.50 but I would fully recommend the product for those willing to splurge.

L'oreal Caresse Lipstick - 301 Dating Coral

I am currently obsessed with coral lipsticks and products! This L'oreal Caresse Lipstick is a sheer moisturizing lip product which is a very pretty pinky coral colour. The product is available from Boots and Superdrug and at a price of only £7.99. The colour is a very easy wear and great for throwing in your handbag and being able to wear it at any time as it is sheer and a colour that isn't to risky or bright. Any sort of sheer lipstick is a must have for me as it can perk up the look of your face at any time, for people such as myself who are sometimes slightly weary of bold bright colours this is a great alternative.

Avon Glimmerstick Brow Definer - Blonde

I will admit I am partial to a strong brow; this eyebrow pencil is great for blondes/dark blondes like myself - however also come in other colours for anyone with darker hair. The thin twist up pencil can define your brows without making them look too unnatural if you use without a heavy hand and small strokes to create the illusion of hairs this can make your eyebrows look amazing! The slide up packaging means no sharpening is involved which is very useful. Having a brow pencil is a must have for me as it frames a face perfectly and fills in any sparse hairs. This product was ordered from Avon and a good price of only £7!

Benefit - They're Real Mascara

A mascara is a definite must have for me as it opens up the eyes and entire face! I often can wear no face make-up and only mascara and still feel confident. The Benefit - They're Real is my absolute favourite! It not only lengthens the lashes, it gives amazing volume and curls the lashes as well. With the unique brush that has a spiked top it really gives you the ability to cover every lash hair, creating lashes that quite simply look fake! But... They're Real! Although this product is very pricey for a mascara, at a cost of £19.50, I can honestly still say, it's well worth the splurge!