What's In My Evening Bag?

Tonight I am off out with the girls so I thought it would be the perfect time to show you what’s in my evening bag! My bag of choice is this quilted bag from River Island, I really like it as it’s nice and roomy and stylish and let’s face it it’s probably the closest thing to a Chanel that I am ever going to get. Buy hey a girl can dream!

So the essentials I take are my phone and a purse. When I am using a smaller bag I take a smaller purse and this one is a clasp purse from Cath Kidston. It looks small but it can fit everything in it that I need.

On a night on it is almost a certainty that I will need to do some sort of magic volumising trick as my hair does not like to do as it is told! I use the Enrapture Rollers before I go out and they work well but I take a small can of hairspray and a comb/brush in case I need to do some emergency back combing or juzzing. One hair spray that I really like is this one my Tresemme, the Salon Finish Extra Hold spray.

I like to take a couple of bits of makeup with me as well just to help my makeup looking fresh. I am a fan of a bright lipstick on a night out and will be found rocking a bright pink on most occasions.  Here I have 2 products; the Elizabeth Arden Exceptional Lipstick in ‘Pink Vibrations’ and the Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in ‘Lollipop’.

Being pale as I am, even though I tan before a night out, I do take a blush with me.  This avoids any ghostly photos being taken! This one is the Shimmer Shades ‘Blushalicious’ blush from Collection. I really like this as it is bright and really gives your cheeks a nice pop of colour.

So that’s about it, if I think it is going to be a bit of a late night I will squeeze some flat shoes on my bag but they are for emergencies only!

What’s in your evening bag?

Interview Tips

I used to work for a company where part of my job involved recruitment and interviewing possible new employees. So I thought I would put together a little bit of what I learnt in case it could help some of you guys out there who may be having interviews at the moment whether that be for jobs, universities or anything else for that matter! I am by no means an expert I am just simply sharing some of my observations from being involved in this process.

·         Probably the most important point – Do your research!

I cannot stress this enough. If you go into an interview without researching the role or the company first there is only so far you can blag your way through.  Now I am not saying you need to know when the company was founded, the family tree of the founder, the founder’s favourite chocolate bar, just  stick to the basic and important facts. If the company has competitors who are they? What your role might entail, what the company may have done within the last 12 months, why you think they would be a good company to work for.

 

·         First impressions count!

 

I read somewhere that an interviewer is likely to have made up their mind up as to whether they like you or not within the first 3 seconds of meeting you based on your appearance and general manner. As shallow as this may seem imagine if you were to interview somebody who came in dressed in dirty, un-ironed clothes as opposed to someone dressed smartly. It would take the person in dirty clothes a lot longer to bring the interviewer back round even if they had every qualification under the sun. Obviously this is an extreme situation.  My point is, dress to impress.

 

·         Make-up

 

Some makeup points to note, try to make sure everything is perfect, no lipstick on your teeth, no dodgy foundation lines and definitely no chipped nails! Keep the nail colour neutral, my favourite neutral pink is Essie ‘Neowhimsical’. In line with keeping things neutral think about your choice of perfume. I interviewed somebody in a small room who was wearing very heavy perfume and I found it very difficult to concentrate and quite frankly it gave me a massive headache, this is not the effect you want to have!

 

·         Make notes & prepare yourself

 

Have a look on the internet for questions that are commonly asked during interviews. Write them down along with how you would answer them and some examples. By doing this you are less likely to have awkward silences during your interview and you won’t be searching around in your brain getting nervous trying to hunt down examples! Sure there is a chance you may not be asked the questions you have researched but you can adapt your answers to suit.

 

·         It is better to be early than late!

Allow plenty of time to get to your interview. What’s the worst that can happen? You get there early? This will just give you more time to sit in the car and look over those notes you made earlier. Or if you want to go in to the place of your interview it will show that you are keen and punctual and if you are lucky you may even be offered a tea or coffee!

 

I hope these tips have been helpful. Let me know your interview tips!

I'm All About The Base

Today’s post is all about bases! We are all on the hunt for that perfect foundation, the perfect concealer to make us look utterly flawless and cat walk worthy. Well I cannot promise you that much but here are some of my favourite products that I use to help me feel more confident with my skin.

Dr Jart Water Fuse BB Cream

For days when I simply cannot be bothered to wear a full face of makeup but do not feel confident enough to go completely bare, BB cream is my best friend. The best one I have found so far is the Water Fuse BB Cream by Dr Jart. It helps to even my skin tone and to disguise any redness that I may have. It is really easy to use and is really light which makes it perfect for summer. The added SPF 25 means it is also great for helping to protect your skin from the rays.

L’Oreal True Match Foundation

My ultimate favourite drug store foundation. I love this stuff! The colour match is perfect, I am shade Rose Ivory which is great for my pale skin but does help to give me a little bit of colour. This foundation blends really well and does a great job with covering any blemishes. I have purchased this foundation time and time again. If you have not tried it before I cannot recommend it highly enough, it is so affordable you have got nothing to lose!

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation

I have only got a sample of one at the moment but I am definitely going to be purchasing a full sized bottle when this runs out. The reason being is that it is the perfect shade for when I have used fake tan! I use the Cocoa Brown 1 hour tan and tend to leave this on for the maximum time of 3 hours. The really like the formula of this foundation, it is a bit heavier and provides a bit more coverage than the L’Oreal True Match. I tend to wear this more on a night out when I am wearing heavier makeup so this works great.

Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer

I think every woman, man and child must have this concealer so I will not rabbit on about it too much. I love the formula, the colour and the quality. Absolutely the best drug store concealer I have ever used, hands down!

Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer

If I had to pick one drug store concealer I would go for the Collection Lasting Perfect Concealer but luckily for me I do not have to choose! The Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer is a lovely product to use, you just rub the sponge under your eyes and pat the product in. it does a great job at hiding tired eyes which is perfect for mornings when you have to be up early for work.

 

What are your favourite base products?

High End Beauty Wish List #2

Hi guys so todays post is more things that I am lusting after on the higher end of the beauty scale, let me know your thoughts and if you have tried any of these products!

 

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Benefit ‘They’re Real’ Mascara

Mac ‘Ruby Woo’ Lipstick

Nars Blush ‘Desire’

YSL Rouge Volupte 13 ‘Peach Passion’

Dior Tie Dye Blush ‘Pink Sunrise’

Clinique Chubby Stick Highlight

Nars Creamy Concealer

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede Cologne

 

What's on your wish list?

 

 



Robins & Son's Gourmet Chocolate Shop*

I love chocolate! When I am feeling down, need a pick me up or just want to treat myself chocolate always seems to do the trick.

Robins & Sons are a family run chocolatiers who specialise in hand made chocolate treats. They only use premium cocoa and ingredients that are free from artificial flavours and colours to give you a truly authentic chocolate experience.

There is something for every one, whether you’re a milk chocolate lover, dark chocolate fanatic, mad on mint or feeling fruity, Robins & Sons stock a wide range of chocolates that not only look like an artistic creation but taste delicious. It seems a shame to eat some of them as they look amazing!

Personally I am a fan of milk chocolate so the chocolate hearts that I received were Orange Crackle , Mint Crackle and Sicilian Crunch. The crackle range was where it all started for Robins & Sons, chocolate sprinkled with candy cane pieces, what’s not to love?!

What I really love about these chocolates is how natural they taste. The Orange Crackle is honestly the best orange flavoured chocolate that I have ever tasted. I think this is due to the fact that Robins & Sons use natural oils such as valencian orange oil extract. You have to taste it to believe it!

The chocolates make perfect gifts if you want to treat somebody as they are packaged beautifully but if you just want to treat yourself go ahead, I won’t judge you! The chocolate heart flavours can also be purchased in bigger bars so there is even more yumminess to enjoy!

Have your tried anything from Robins & Sons? 

*PR Sample

Affordable Prom & Ball Dresses 2015

It is that time of year when all the schools, colleges and universities are going to be having their balls and proms. It is easy to spend a small fortune on the perfect dress but here are some that I have found which you do not need to splurge on but you will still look a million dollars!

Ice Blossom Lace Bodice Maxi Dress- £45.00

F&F Signature Embellished Lace Top Dress - £50.00

F&F Floral Print Dress - £25.00

Jane Norman Pleated Bust Maxi Dress - £33.00

Jane Norman Embellished Trim Maxi Dress - £42.00

Jane Norman Lace Maxi Dress - £65.00

Apricot Teal Rose Print Skater Dress - £34.00

Apricot Pink Daisy Structured Dress - £32.00

Apricot Navy Sweet Heart Neck Midi Dress- £32.00

Which dress is your favourite?

Mini Boots Haul

Recently Boots ran a promotion where if you spent over £50 you got triple Boots points. There were a couple of bits and pieces that I wanted to buy anyway so this seemed a good a time as any!

The first thing I picked up was a face scrub. This one is the Clean & Clear Morning Energy Facial Scrub. I have not used this yet but it smells really lovely and refreshing. Perfect for when I am feeling not so awake in the mornings!

Next is a Venus razor. So usually I am super organised especially when I pack for a night away. For some reason I have been really scatty lately and seem to be forgetting things, I think it is a sign that I need a holiday! Anyway, back to the point. I left my razor at a hotel we stayed at over the bank holiday so I needed to pick up a replacement. I have used Venus razors for years and the style with the moisture bars really help my legs as I suffer with eczema and dryness.

Now on to an absolute bargain. You may have read my recent post on the Origins Ginzing eye cream and moisturiser as I received some minis in a gift set over Christmas. I had to buy the full sizes as I love them so much! So I had 2 choices with the moisturiser, I could buy 50ml for £23 or get the special edition 75ml for £25, I had to get the 75ml! It seemed crazy not to spend an extra £2 to get 25ml more product!

With the Origins products I also got a sample of their new Original Skin Renewal Serum. I really like using serums so will definitely be giving this a go.

What beauty products have you picked up recently?