The Liebster Award!

I am so excited to write this post! I have been nominated  by the lovely Ciara =) thank you very much Ciara! She has asked some great questions so I am really looking forward to answering them. 

" For those who don't know, the rules are as follows:

~Each person tagged must post 11 things about themselves.~They must also answer the 11 questions the tagger has set for them.~They must create 11 more questions to ask bloggers they have decided to tag.~They must then choose 3 special bloggers to tag & award with the Liebster award.~These lucky bloggers must be told in a comment on their blog  "

11 things about myself:

1. In July I graduated with a degree in Philosophy.
2. I am half Scottish, half Yorkshire.
3. I have 5 cats and 1 dog. 
4. When at home, I burst into song all the time.
5. I am going to work and travel in Australia for a year come February. 
6. I absolutely love chocolate biscuits. Far too much!
7. When I first went to University, I took a year's course in Italian Language and Culture, and loved it!
8. I have been to Reading festival, Leeds festival and Glastonbury, and loved every minute of all of them! 
9. I love animals. 
10. I am constantly watching YouTube vlogs, both beauty and lifestyle. They're so relaxing to watch!
11. One day I would love to go back to my Northern roots and move back up to Yorkshire.

My answers to Ciara's questions:

1. What made you want to start a blog? 
A huge influence in what made me want to start writing a blog was reading other people's blogs and watching other's YouTube videos. I am in love with all things beauty, if you ask any of my friends they will tell you I talk about beauty products all the time. I was also keen to keep writing, so it seemed perfect, to write about something I love. 

2. Who is your style crush?
This might seem strange, but I would actually have to say that, at the moment, I am crushing on Kristen Stewart's sense of style. I love the rocker kind of style, and alternative look. 

3. If you could travel to one country, which would it be and why?
Definitely America. I have been before, but it is such a huge country that I only managed to see a small part. I would love to explore every part!

4. Heels or flats? 
Anyone who knows me knows the answer to this...flats!! I am so terrible with heels, I am so jealous of girls who can power through the pain because I really do think they look so good! But I personally would just rather be comfortable, so I can bust some great moves on the dance floor!

5. All time favourite beauty product? 

Ahh this is so difficult! But if I had to pick one, it has to be Estee Lauder's Double Wear. I have been in love with it for 6 years now, and whenever I stray away from it, I always come running back!

6. Favourite season? 

Summer Summer Summer! I love waking up to bright sunshine, and the days are so much longer in the Summer. 

7. Favourite song at the moment? 

Right now, I can't stop listening to "Everybody Talks" By Neon Trees. It makes me want to get up and dance! I love songs that do that.

8. Name someone who inspires you. 

This is going to sound really strange, but ever since seeing her as Gabby in Desperate housewives, I have always really loved Eva Longoria. She played a really sassy woman, and I thought she was hilarious. That character, at least, inspired me to be more confident. 

9. Where is your favourite place to shop?

Although I am a HUGE Topshop fan (who isn't?!), my favourite place to shop is probably New Look. I think this is probably because it's a lot cheaper, so I can buy more (hooray!),  and you can find some real gems in there.

10. What's your favourite make-up brand? 

MAC!!! As you will soon see in my blog, MAC lipsticks are especially my favourite! I  think it's a great brand. It isn't too expensive for being high end, and really delivers in quality. 

11. Favourite TV show and why? 

Desperate Housewives! I wish it was still on, I can't believe it's come to an end. But I will still watch it over and over. I love the characters and the story lines are always changing.

I nominate these lovely bloggers:

Maria

Tiffany

Lee-Ann

My Questions:

1. What is your favourite day out?
2. Where would you like to live, if you could live anywhere?
3. Favourite book?
4. Favourite film and why?
5. Favourite meal?
6. What influenced you to start a blog?
7. Favourite makeup product?
8. What would you like for Christmas this year?
9. Who is your style icon?
10. Skirts or trousers?
11. Favourite Band/Singer?

Catriona

x x x

bareMinerals Get Started Kit Review and Tutorial

This last summer I had an "I don't want to feel like I'm wearing makeup" phase, so I went out and bought the bareMinerals Get Started Kit. I  had heard that it feels weightless and  actually has some healing ingredients (rosemary), which made me very interested to try it. I was colour matched, and told I am a Light shade, and it matches my skin perfectly.

Inside the Get Started Kit in "Light":

Original SPF 15 Foundation in Fairly Light: N10

Original SPF 15 Foundation in Light W15

Original Mineral Veil

Warmth all-over Face Colour

Full Flawless Face Brush

Flawless Application Face Brush

Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush

Prime Time Foundation Primer

Get Started DVD

Top: Full Flawless Face Brush.
Middle: Flawless Application Face Brush.
Bottom: Maximum Coverage concealer Brush.

Top Left to Right: Mineral Veil, Warmth.
Bottom Left to Right: Fairly Light Foundation, Light Foundation.
Right: Prime Time Primer

From Left to Right: Mineral Veil, Warmth.

From Left to Right: Fairly Light Foundation, Light Foundation.

Application:

1) Firstly, I smooth Prime Time onto my face.

2) Then I apply the foundation using the swirl-tap-buff rule. I tap some of the powder into the lid of the pot, swirl the Full Flawless face Brush in the product till it's all gone and tap off any excess. Then I buff it onto my face; the more you buff the better coverage you will get. Using the Full Flawless Face Brush also ensures a full coverage.

3) Then I use the Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush and go over any blemishes with the Foundation.

4) Taking a small amount of Warmth, I again use the swirl-tap-buff method and contour my cheekbones, under my chin and down my nose with the Flawless Application Face Brush. 

5) Lastly, I again swirl-tap-buff with Mineral Veil, and buff it all over my face, again using the Flawless Application Face Brush.

Wearing: Prime Time, Light Founation, Warmth and Mineral Veil. Then just some blush, liner and lipstick.

BareMinerals helps to heal the skin without using any unnecessary harsh chemicals. Also, the fact that it is a powder allows the feeling that you are not wearing any makeup, and it certainly looks very natural. It provides a very healthy looking glow, and is also super easy to take off at the end of the day.  In the picture above I am wearing the shade "Light", but as it is coming to Winter I'm sure I'll move onto using "Fairly Light" soon enough. 

Admittedly I don't use the foundation on an everyday basis, but that is simply because I prefer a medium to full coverage, whereas  I would personally say the bareMinerals Foundation provides a light to medium coverage. More than this, I just find that I don't have the time to do the swirl, tap, buffing everyday! 

I do however, use Prime Time and Mineral Veil most days. Prime Time keeps your makeup in place the whole day and Mineral Veil sets your makeup, leaving a lovely translucent glow.  I actually have many friends that use this whole kit everyday and love it, I think the only reason I don't use it all the time is the matter of coverage from the foundation. However, if you have relatively good skin, then this is a wonderful purchase!

If you are thinking about trying out bareMinerals for the first time, I would definitely recommend buying this Starter Kit first. It provides you with all the products you need to test out the range, including a DVD with information on how to use the products. This kit retails at £49.99 from www.debenhams.co.uk, which yes, is a little steep, but I think that it is worth it for the quality and quantity of product you are receiving. 

Has anyone else tried the bareMinerals range? Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Catriona

x x x

E.L.F. Studio Blush Collection

E.L.F. Studio Blush
http://eyeslipsface.co.uk/

From Left to Right: Candid Coral, Berry Merry, Pink Passion.

Swatches from Left to Right: Pink Passion, Berry Merry, Candid Coral.

Here we have my E.L.F. Studio Blush collection. A while back I decided that I really needed to start using different colour blushes as I was using the same one everyday, and as I use E.L.F. a lot, I knew that the quality of the product would be good, even though the price is cheap (these retail at £3.75 each).

When I first started using them I was surprised at how powdery they were, especially with Berry Merry. I learnt that I needed to be careful with how much I put on my brush, in fact I tend to only need to swipe it once and that's enough.  In the same way, these blushes are VERY pigmented, not so much Candid Coral (as is evident in the swatches), but Pink Passion and Berry Merry can very easily become too much, so a small amount goes a long way. 

I would describe Berry Merry as a dark Plum, with a hint of glitter. Pink Passion is a very bright Pink, which I tend to tone down by using only a small amount which allows a lovely blushing colour. Candid Coral is a VERY subtle Coral, which provides a lovely natural effect. 

My favourite shade is undoubtedly Berry Merry, but I think that that's down to the time of year. It's getting colder and I'm really getting into my plums and darker shades. But I do like Pink Passion when I'm wearing a pink lip. I can't say I've used Candid Coral that much as I don't find that it really shows up on my cheeks that well, I think it may be more of a Summer shade as, I'm not sure about anyone else, I always want to feel like I'm wearing no make up in the Summer. 

Has anyone else tried out E.L.F. blushes? Which is everyone's favourite shade?

Hope everyone is having a lovely day!

Catriona

x x x

Queen Helene "Mint Julep Masque" Review

Recently, I have been taking increasingly better care of my skin, and in doing so, I decided to add a weekly face mask to my routine. After trying out the 99p mask sachets, I enjoyed them so much it seemed time to invest in a bigger bottle, and reading such great reviews from so many online Beauty Gurus, Queen Helene's Mint Julep masque sounded a perfect first choice! .

Accordingly, this mask "helps dry up acne pimples, rinse away blackheads and shrink enlarged pores", and I was excited to put this to the test. Now after a few uses, I can admit I love it.

Application: To apply this mask, I squirt a generous amount onto my fingers and smooth it onto my face and neck. After this I look a bit like Shrek, my face is completely green! I keep the mask on for approximately 20 minutes, at which time the mask has hardened and turned from dark Green to pale Green. This change in colour indicates that the mask has dried, so I tend to keep it on till all the patches have turned from Green to White. Then, taking a flannel, I simply wash away the mask, which is very easy to remove. After, I tone and moisturise as normal!

From the first use, I immediately noticed the lovely mint smell. I also noticed that the mint caused a tingling sensation for the first couple of minutes, which soon subsides. Don't worry, it's nothing severe, it feels like it is really getting deep into your pores, drawing out any impurities. Very refreshing!

As for the consistency of the mask, it is very creamy and very thick, as you can see in the picture. I can spread it onto my face with ease, a little going a long way. Not forgetting a  huge bonus: it doesn't cover my bathroom in mess like some previous masks I tried have done.

Overall, I find that this mask deeply cleanses and visibly smoothes out my skin, without leaving my face dry in the slightest, but very soft to touch. It soaks up any oil I may have on my face, considerably reducing redness from spots and rinsing out large pores that I battle with around my nose. The day after using this mask my skin looks fresher with a nice glow, and my make up applies easier.

The only thing that I would say is, if you happen to have dry skin, this product may be a tad aggressive, so do not overuse. Perhaps only use every other week, whereas those with oily skin, as mine can be, should ideally use it once a week.  Otherwise, I strongly recommend this product if you are like me, and trying out face masks for the first time but cannot afford to go to salons! It is not only cheap, but really sticks to its word. Wonderful product and a new staple in my skin care routine! 

I'd love to hear any other face mask recommendations, and I hope everyone is well!

Catriona

x x x

YSL Rouge Volupte Lipstick Review

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #7 Lingerie Pink

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Lipstick in #9 Pink Caress

Left: Lingerie Pink. Right: Pink Caress.

Above: Lingerie Pink.

Above: Pink Caress.

On purchasing my first ever YSL lipstick in #9: Pink Caress, I was hooked. Not only is the packaging absolutely beautiful, but the formula of the lipstick is gorgeous. It glides onto your lips with a satin-like texture, which feels light, but VERY rich in colour. The colour pay off with these lipsticks is amazing, one swipe is enough for the day! It also leaves your lips with a gloss, meaning that there's no need to use anything on top. 

However, what I found the most impressive about the YSL Rouge Volupte Lipsticks, is how long wearing they are, staying on my lips for hours! When I was given the #7: Lingerie Pink shade as a present from my sister, I wore it to work the same day and it lasted all day without fading at all. 

With these two colours, I would describe the Lingerie Pink as a very pale/nude pink, which is great for a dark smokey eye or day wear. Whereas Pink Caress seems better for a neutral eye or evening wear. 
Both are gorgeous!

If you'd like to check out the other shades, or would just like some more information, take a look at the YSL website: http://www.yslbeauty.co.uk/make-up/lips/lip-stick/rouge-volupte.aspx

Which do you prefer?

Catriona
x x x

A trip to Scotland and Haul!

The last few days I have been staying in sunny Scotland with some relatives, and while out there we had a day trip to Glasgow town centre. It's strange because this was actually my first visit to Glasgow, even though I've been to Scotland many times in my life, and wow have I been missing out. As soon as I stepped out of the train station, amazing shops sprung up all around me. Needless to say, I was in heaven! The town is large, but not as busy as, for example, London, which makes it much easier to take your time and look around.

Above are some pictures of us having a break from shopping, sipping a Grande Hot Chocolate with cream from Starbucks, I felt so snug! Then later I had a delicious bowl of Leek, Potato and Stilton Soup with brown bread and a pot of tea. Such comfort food for the cold North!

Here is what I purchased on our lovely trip to Glasgow!

Doctor Martens 8 Tie Boot in Black

£100 

Ok, so definitely my most extravagant purchase of the trip. They are pricey, but I have been saving up for these boots for a long time now. I love the signature yellow stitching, and the way they look when they are worn in. From what I hear, that is when they get super comfy. It seems I am just going to have to wear them none stop from now on, not exactly a hardship for me!  

I plan on having these boots for years to come, they are timeless, can be worn with any outfit, and are completely classic.

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser for Normal/Combination Skin

£18.75

This is actually a repurchase. I bought this moisturiser a few months ago and am just about to run out so thought that I should prepare! The Liz Earle moisturiser really sticks to its word: it intensely moisturises, smoths and protects. Before I added this to my skin care routine, I was getting quite down about the quality of my skin. However, with continuous use, the moisturiser slowly repaired any scarring or redness, leaving me with incredibly nourished soft skin and a glowing complexion.  I highly recommend this product. Even more so because it is completely animal friendly.

H'suan Wen Hua Hair Treatment By Lush

£8.95

Since my hair has grown, I am finding it harder and harder to keep it in good condition. I love my hair feeling silky and soft, and had heard that deep conditioning your hair helps to strengthen and protect it. So when I stumbled upon this treatment which claims to "improve the condition, lustre and compatibility of hair", I did some research and found some glowing reviews, which was all I needed to decide to try it! The good thing about Lush is all their products are handmade fresh, using little preservatives, and again, a major plus in my book, they are animal friendly! I'll let you know how the treatment goes.

Topshop Earrings

£1.50

I have been looking for a pair of fake flesh tunnel earrings for a while now. While I actually think real flesh tunnels do look really good on other people, I would never be brave enough to have them myself, so I guess this is the only alternative! And for this price how could I say no?!

Ring from Topshop

£2.50

Again, another "so cheap how could I say no" buy! I have wanted one of these rings ever since my sister bought one recently. There is one ring which is larger for your index finger, and a smaller ring for the second finger in from your smallest. It can be seen in the picture above of me holding my hot chocolate!

Jack Wills Dormastown Classic Sweatpant in Navy

£49.50

I have had my current Jack Wills Sweatpants since the age of 13. They have been worn so much at both home and University that the bottoms became straggly and ripped. So I decided that a new pair of Jack Wills was in order. Yes, these are expensive, but the material is very soft and of such high quality. More so, the fact that I have owned my old ones 8 years is proof in itself that they are long lasting and therefore worth the money.  

Hope you enjoyed this haul! Has anyone else tried any of these out? Would love to hear your thoughts!

Catriona

x x x

Enrapture Encode Totem Styler Review

So recently I have read on a few blogs how amazing the Enrapture Encode Totem Styler is and decided to check it out for myself. I was then very excited to see the recent offer on the Boots website, costing only a measly £29.99 instead of the usual price of £74.99...bargain or what!! I had to have it! I have long, straight hair which can lie pretty flat, so am always on the look out for something to give it some volume and texture. Any extra oomph is greatly appreciated, especially for that price!

For anyone who has not heard of the Totem Styler, it is a curling iron which provides different kinds of curls according to which code you use. The styler has 3 different sections on the barrel which heat up independently of each other according to which heat setting is used.

Eg.  1 - Loose curls

            2 - Medium curls 

      3 - Tight curls

I decided to use the code 1-1-2, this way the hair will graduate from a loose wave into a fuller curl, achieving natural but defined curls.

Although the styler can be used as a wand, it has a fitted mini flipper which I used to hold the end of my hair while twisting the rest around the barrel, making sure it was spread evenly from the base of the styler to the top. Afterwards, I simply sprayed the ends of my hair with a small amount of hairspray and brushed my fingers through very gently to separate the curls.  

I'm so glad that I bought this styler! The curls are gorgeous and stayed in for two whole days without touching up on hair spray at all. Usually my hair is so straight they drop out as soon as they can, so that's good going for me! I also found it incredibly easy to handle due to the swivel wire at the bottom. It comes with a stand, a heat resistant pouch to keep it safe and a booklet explaining the styler and how to achieve some looks. If you'd like any further details travel on over to www.enrapturehair.com.

Now I'm excited to try all the other combinations available!

Catriona 

x x x

Everyday Makeup Routine

Hello!
So, I've decided that my first proper post is going to be on my everyday routine as it is something which I love reading about on people's blogs, so I thought it could be of some interest! 

When creating this look I was getting ready for a normal day, not doing anything spectacular, just running errands, so I wanted to look fresh and awake without putting too much effort in. 

My everyday make up:

Everyday Wear by catrionalmacleod featuring bare escentuals

Now without further adieu, here is a step by step guide to achieving this look:

Face

I'm going to put another post up at some point about skincare so I will leave out my morning and evening skincare routine till then. Let's just say that my face is clean and moisturised!

1) Primer - bareEscentual's Prime Time primer: 

My skin isn't always the most cooperative, and in the past I have had some primers break me out in spots. But when I use this primer it seems to actually stop me from getting spots. It is not oily and does not clog your pores but actually seems to create a barrier between your skin and the make up. I really do tell the difference now from when I don't use this primer. It also not only helps my make up to stay on all day, but smooths out my skin, providing a better base for my make up, meaning that it doesn't go cakey, and who wants a cakey face? Not me! 

Application: To apply I squirt a 5 pence sized amount onto my finger, dot it around my face and smooth out.

2) Foundation - Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation in Desert Beige: 

I would say that if I had to choose only one item of make up to use it would have to be foundation. I love how it makes my skin look and it's just that one item that I can wear with nothing else on my face quite happily. 

This particular foundation provides medium to full coverage, meaning  I don't tend to need to use any extra kind of concealer. Which is handy! I personally do not like to feel like I am wearing a lot of foundation but do like full coverage, which makes this perfect for my needs as while it does provide full coverage, it does not feel heavy on my face, and allows my skin to breathe.

Application: The brush I use to apply this foundation is the Real Techniques Stippling Brush. Using this kind of brush allows a light and natural coverage. I simply buff the foundation into my face with the brush, making sure to blend it down my neck. Don't want the dreaded foundation line!

3) Concealer - Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory

This concealer is unlike a normal concealer as it actually highlights. Therefore it does not do too well on spots! However, it does work well under the eyes and around the nose by lightening those areas. The formula is also lovely to work with, melting into the skin very smoothly. 

Application: To use, I twist the bottom of the highlighting concealer twice, and brush it under my eyes to cover any dark circles, and around the sides of the nose to cover redness. Then I use my fingers to blend it in. This product can also be used on the cheekbones as a highlighter. 

4) Setting Powder - bareMinerals Mineral Veil: 

To set my foundation in the day I always reach for my bareMineral's Mineral Veil. It gives a lovely glow to the face without adding any more unnecessary coverage. I hardly use any really as I find a small amount goes a long way. 

Application: I gently buff the powder across my face with a bareMinerals full flawless face brush and that's it! My foundation is then set for the day.

5) Blush - Benefit's Box of Powder in Coralista: 

This has been a favourite everyday blush of mine for a long time, and it is taking me so long to run out! I don't know how? I use it most days! When I put this on it instantly brightens up my face, giving me a lovely warm glow. I don't even need to use bronzer when I wear this as the coral warms up my face a treat! 

Appliction: To apply my blush I always go for my Sedona Lace brush in 376, it's so soft and holds on to product really well. It may actually be my favourite make up brush. I simply find the apples of my cheeks by smiling, and swirl it on.

Eyes

6) Eye Primer - Urban Decay Primer Potion: 

Before I use any eyeshadow, I always prime my eyes, and the best primer that I have found has to be Urban Decay's Primer potion. I received my miniature bottle when I was given my Naked Palette for my birthday, but since then I've gone out and bought the full size bottle so that I'm prepared for when the other runs out! When I apply my eyeshadow this primer ensures that it lasts all day without creasing and the colour is definitely more vibrant. 

Application: I simply use use the brush to dab the product onto my eyelids, then use my fingertips to gently blend it in.

7) Eyeshadow - Benefit's Big Beautiful Eyes Kit: 

I like to use this kit for a day time look as it is very wearable and I know that it always looks good, contouring your eyes nicely without looking like you have a lot of eye make up on. The kit also comes with a handy Boing concealer for under your eyes or blemishes on your face which is handy if I am on the go with this kit.

Application: Taking a flat brush, I pat the lightest shade all over my lid and use a pencil brush to apply the medium shade onto my crease. Then I blend it out with a fluffy brush. 

8) Eyeliner - Bourjois Kohl and Contour eye pencil in Brun & Caramel: 

On an everyday basis I use brown liner as it is much softer than black, which can look quite harsh for a daytime look. This kohl pencil is my favourite as it is soft and applies very smoothly, with no tugging of the eye.

Application: I line my lower lash line only half way in and then smudge it out with my finger, creating a softer effect. I then do the same with the top lash line, again I only line half way in and smudge out. This, I feel, opens up the eyes making them look bigger and more awake.

Tip: Going over the brown liner with the dark brown shade of the Benefit eye kit can deepen the look without making it look too harsh.

9) Mascara - Benefit's They're Real! Mascara: 

If you have not tried Benefit's They're Real mascara, go and try it now!! Yes it's expensive, however, it is amazing!! It provides both length and volume, parting your lashes and keeping you away from the clogged up look. Mine has lasted me a fair while now, probably about 5 months so far and I'm happy to say it has not dried out yet! I've actually had a few people ask me whether I'm wearing fake eyelashes when wearing this. Definite thumbs up. 

Application: I tend to apply only one application of mascara in the day. Although when going to work or out on the town I would then apply two applications. But on an everyday basis, starting from the root, I simply wiggle the brush through both my top and bottom lashes once, using the top of the brush to make sure all of my lashes are coated. 

10) Brows - Benefit's Brow Zings in Medium

In this kit you receive a pigmented wax and powder. These fill in your brows creating a very natural look in a way that I cannot achieve with a brow pencil, which tends to give too harsh a line, for myself anyway. 

Application: Using an angled brush, my method is to swirl my brush in both the wax and the powder, then softly brush it through my brows.

LIPS!

11) Lips - Revlon's Colourburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie 

Lip products are my obsession. I have so many it's getting borderline ridiculous. There are too many gorgeous colours and lovely textures! I must have them all! 

However, I know that on an everyday basis I want my lips to feel moisturised with a hint of colour to them, so I use Revlon's Colourburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie. It's very much a "your lips but better" kind of colour. It glides on so easily, is ultra moisturising and really does stay on a long time! If you have not yet tried Revlon's lip butters, I really recommend them, they are amazing!

Application: I apply the product from the tube like a lip balm as it does not bleed and blends into your lip without the need for a brush. Perfect!

I hope you enjoyed my everyday simple look and had as much fun reading about it as I had making it. I'd really love to hear about other products which would look nice for an everyday look, so let me know if there's anything that you think I should try!

Catriona

x x x