How Much Does My Face Cost?

I first saw this post on Annaboho and thought that I'd give it a go too. I'm featuring products that I use day to day/the ones that I use the most often. This doesn't mean I use of the the products pictured all at once, I often mix and match for different looks. So here goes:

Urban Decay Naked 3 palette - £38

 Estée Lauder Pure Color Illuminating Powder Gelée in Topaz Chameleon - £28
Chanel Vitalumiere foundation - £36

Nars Sheer Glow foundation - £31

Two Faced Sweetheart Perfect Flush Blush - £24

 Estée Lauder Double Wear Compact (I use a darker shade as a bronzer) - £31

Tom Ford Lip Color in Indian Rose (review/swatches coming very soon) - £37

Yves Saint Laurent Baby Doll mascara - £25

Soap & Glory Supercat Liner - £6

Chanel Les Beiges powder - £39

Yves Saint Laurent Waterproof Eye Pencil - £20

Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil - £2.99

Sephora Collection 8-piece Professional brush set - roughly £49 ($75)

Total = £366.99

Some of you might think that's an absurd amount of money and some of you might spend just as much or more, but we all know we all buy products we don't need. It's just one of the problems of being a bit of a make up junkie. The products here range from £3 to almost £50, but I think it's safe to say that I'm mostly a high end kinda gal.

Loser.

Jumper: Markus Lupfer/Shirt: The Kooples, similar here/Skirt: River Island

First outfit post of the reboot, woooo... Anyway, I had to feature this wonderful Markus Lupfer jumper which I got online from Coggles (it's sadly sold out now). I feel like I use the word "loser" a lot, so add that to the fact it features pink sequins and it's practically made for me. If you haven't heard of Markus Lupfer then definitely check out his designs. They're all fun, cute and youthful with a lot of slogans without being too OTT. I'm really loving the SS15 collection and hopefully I'll get my hands on a few pieces soon - particularly lusting after this look.

Let me know what you think of Markus Lupfer below and if you have any pieces

x

The Maine - English Girls

I haven't done a music post since I rebooted my blog, so I feel like it's about time.
The Maine are a band I loved when I was growing up and I must admit, I've had a lapse in listening to them now I'm a bit older. They're a band that have had some darker days of recent years, but it's safe to say that they are back. Their new single English Girls is ridiculously catchy, it's infectious. The single comes from their fifth album American Candy, which is out March 31st and is available to pre-order on iTunes and basically all other outlets now. This song is a fun, pop-punk/rock gem that I've had on repeat since I first heard it. Watch the official lyric video here and let me know what you think!



Photo: The Maine Facebook page

A Californian Summer, Part 3: Manhattan Beach

Shorts: American Apparel/Top: Topshop (really old)/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

Just writing a quick post today on Manhattan Beach in Los Angeles for part 3 of documenting my summer of 2014. This beach is everything you could ask for or dream of when thinking of California. Sandy beach, boardwalk and pier and also south-facing so you can watch the sunset. It's also quite good to get away from the other really popular beaches in LA like Santa Monica, Venice etc as I had a nice a peaceful evening just reading and watching the sun go down. I don't really have anything else to say besides that, it was perfect.

YSL: Babydoll Mascara & Rouge Volupte Shine Fuchsia in Excess Review & Swatches

If someone were to ask me: "if you could only shop at one brand for make up, what brand would it be?" I would not hesitate to answer with Yves Saint Laurent (yes, they trump Chanel for me). I would also give the same answer if they were to ask the same question but for clothes instead, however that's a whole different story.

I'm not going to lie, one of the reasons why I love YSL so much is that the packaging for all the products is stunning. And another reason why I usually order directly from their online boutique is that they always throw in a couple free samples, they offer free standard delivery and the products are gift wrapped in tissue paper.

So starting with the mascara, I adore this product. I'd describe my lashes as problematic to say the least. They're very thin, short and straight. This means that the majority of mascaras just make my lashes flop back down, even after using a curler. This effect is usually inevitable, however YSL's Babydoll definitely puts up a great fight. My lashes still have lift and length and don't completely go back to their naturally straight state, which can be seen below:

Lashes with 2 coats of mascara

Now, moving on to the lipstick. Fuchsia in Excess is a wonderfully bright, medium-toned pink which I'm in love with. The finish is high-shine and glossy so therefore it's not completely opaque upon first swipe, however it is buildable. In terms of wear time, for a glossy lipstick, the lasting power is pretty good. I usually get about 4 - 5 hours and once the gloss fades, it leaves a nice stain behind.

Lips with 2 coats of lipstick

Bare lips & bare lashes (left), 2 coats of mascara & 2 coats of lipstick (right)

And so, my love affair with Yves Saint Laurent continues...

A Californian Summer, Part 2: Beverly Hills

It's no secret that Beverly Hills is one of the wealthiest areas in Los Angeles and I can tell you now, it most definitely lives up to its reputation.

Naturally, Rodeo Drive is lined one after another with upscale shops like Chanel, Cartier and Yves Saint Laurent (how could one ask for more). Although I didn't have much chance to have the full Rodeo shopping experience, I did have a little exploration through Ralph Lauren and also into Chanel looking for my favourite foundation.

I can't say there is all that much to talk about when it comes to Beverly Hills, it's exactly what you expect it to be - whether you love it or hate. The obvious reason to love it is, if you're a chronic shopper and lover of fashion like me, then there isn't another shopping destination like it. However, the obvious reason to hate it is, well, if you don't like shopping and the superficial nature of the whole area (but who wouldn't be aware of that when entering Beverly Hills). The sheer amount of wealth in the area is undeniable, especially since I saw an actual Bugatti Veyron. Legit.

 I know. It's beautiful. 

Beverly Hills is a completely different world to most of the population, but definitely a desirable one at that. The shops = amazing and aesthetically, it's one of the prettiest areas in Los Angeles. It's not for everyone, but a girl can dream.

Dress: H&M/Bag: Steve Madden/Shoes: Vagabond, similar here/Sunglasses: Ray-Ban

And one quick note before I go, my California playlist is just below in case you missed it last week and again, thanks for reading.

First Post: The Reboot. A California Summer, Part 1: Venice, Los Angeles.

Okay, so technically I started this blog over a year and a half ago. It's fair to say I didn't commit to it. So, I'm taking this new year as an opportunity to reboot my blog and start writing/posting regularly.
Since we're on the more boring side of January 1st and the excitement of Christmas and New Year has faded away, I will spend this post wishing it was warm again and looking back on summer 2014.
Consider this my first post, take 2.


Last summer I spent 3 weeks in America, the majority of the time was spent in various places in California (plus 5 days in Washington D.C. at the beginning). Due to the amount of places I visited and the masses of photos I collected along the way, I've decided to create a 5-part series documenting my time there.
So, here goes Part 1: Venice.

Venice is a neighbourhood in West Los Angeles known for its quirks and arty shops and cafes. It's an absolute gem for slightly upscale vintage shopping and independent boutiques, plus the beach front is filled with buskers, street artists and performers. If you have that stereotypical image of '80s LA with people in tiny runner shorts rollerskating along the boardwalk, then Venice is where you'll find it (yes, people still actually do that).

                                                                                                                                                              
Venice Beach is the perfect picture of a Californian palm tree-lined beach and a great escape from the pollution of central Los Angeles. If you're looking to get away from the busy streets and tourists, however, then Venice Beach is definitely not the place to do so. If you're looking for a fun day out with a million and one things to see and do, then it's 100% worth a go.


Away from the beach, Venice is a really pretty neighbourhood with surfer shacks, colourful pastel houses and plenty of street art. It would be my number 1 choice if I were ever to move to Los Angeles.


Naturally, anywhere you go in California any time of the year is going to be boiling, never mind during summer. Clearly, I have a problem letting go of wearing all black outfits which probably wasn't the best decision. I've got daisies on so that's fairly summery?

I've also put together a little playlist of songs that were played a lot on the radio during my time in Cali or songs that remind me of being back there; aptly called "California".



There are 5 songs to go with each of the 5 posts.
You can take a little listen and follow me on Spotify at the end of the post.

Top: Pacsun/Shorts: Forever 21, similar here/Shoes: Vagabond, similar here/Bag: Steve Madden/Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

So that concludes my first post on Exes and Owes 2.0, look out for Part 2 next week.