An Italian Haul!

Ciao bella! That's about as far as my Italian speaking skills go even after my recent visit to the charming city of Florence with my university. There are no words to express the sheer beauty of Florence, definitely an underrated destination in my opinion, dare I say it even rivals Paris! Although I don't think I can face another bowl of pasta or pizza for a while, I would definitely jump at the chance of seeing the gorgeous Duomo again, the most surreal building I have ever seen. The architecture in Florence cannot be faulted, it is flawless and I had to refrain myself from taking endless photos of buildings and structures. 

Anyway, onto the nitty gritty, when one is in Italy, what beauty addict could pass up a trip to Kiko?! I think my friends were shocked at the way my face lit up just from laying eyes on the heaven that is Kiko. A make up shop I have been wanting to visit ever since coming across products on several beauty blogs. So naturally, I had to pick up some goodies, it would be rude not to! It's a shame I cant use the excuse 'when in Rome...'. 

Radiant Touch Creamy Stick Highlighter in 001

Hmmm, this seems suspiciously similar to the Nars 'the multiple' but for a quarter of the price. How could I resist a creamy highlighter, there's nothing quite like a beautiful shimmer on the cheekbones, on the cupids bow and under the brow bone. The creamy consistency also makes for a dewy finish, a look I am rather fond of. I went for the light, pearly shade most similar to my skin tone. 

Buy it here for £8.50: http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/face/illuminating-powders/Radiant-Touch-Creamy-Stick-Highlighter/p-KM00106003

Soft Focus Concealer in 01

I have recently run low on my holy grail product which is the lumi magique L'oreal brightening concealer, a similar product to the ever famous YSL touche eclait. When I saw Kiko did a similar concealer, I jumped at the oppurtunity. It does what it says on the tin and I would most certainly repurchase if I was near a Kiko.

Buy it here for £7.50: http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/face/concealers/Soft-Focus-Concealer/p-KM00102004 

Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow in 06

Now here's one for the lazy girls, or if you simply cannot master the 'art' of blending all sorts of colours into the crease, lid blah blah.. then this is the one for you! I was pleasantly surprised at just how easy to blend this product is, not to forget the amazing pigmentation. Once again, this product is suspiciously similar to the ByTerry Ombre Black Star, another high end product that is more than twice the price. A beautiful everyday shade of bronze.

Buy it here for £4.90 (YES £4.90!!!) http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/eyes/eyeshadows/Long-Lasting-Stick-Eyeshadow/p-KM00306002 

Golden Game Sculpting Bronzer in 01 Radiant Honey

Now here's the product I am most excited about, just look at it's beauty! The embossing on the powder is not something usually done on a relatively cheap product, it's details like this which set Kiko aside from other make up brands. Part of their new 'Daring Game' collection, if you aren't yet willing to spend a rather large amount of money on the Charlotte Tilbury 'Film Star Bronze and Glow' then this is your alternative. Although not quite as luxurious looking, it does the job of an amazing highlighter and bronzer duo. The bronzer is split into two shades, very reminiscent of the Soap and Glory 'Solar Powder', whilst the highlighter provides the perfect glow without being too glittery. The disco ball look isn't good on anyone!

Buy it here for £15.90 http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/limited-editions/daring-game/Golden-Game-Sculpting-Bronzer/p-KC02601051 

Pencil Lip Gloss in 08

This product caught my eye straight away and not just because of the ridiculously cheap price tag but the idea of a lip gloss in pencil form drew me in. For one, my lips are very tiny therefore the pencil nib makes my life a whole lot easier when it comes to not looking like a clown. The colour is a gorgeous, flattering nude. Nude's always place a certain amount of uncertainty within me as I immediately think back to the days of foundation lips and being pale, nude lips can make me look rather washed out but this isn't guilty of that in the slightest. It's a perfect everyday shade and I hate to say the classic cliché but it is most certainly a 'your lips but better' shade.

Buy it here for £3.90 http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/lips/lip-glosses/Pencil-Lip-Gloss/p-KM00203005 

Ultra Glossy Stylo in 805 and 811

Okay whatever you are doing, stop right now. Everyone needs to go online and order one of these saviours! Okay so maybe I'm exaggerating a bit, after all it is just a lip product but definitely something I will be re purchasing time and time again. I have always been a huge fan of the Revlon Lip Butters and these are pretty much identical to those. A sheer wash of colour that is very comfortable on the lips and my new handbag essential. It has also replaced my Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Cherry Me' and I never thought that would happen! I think I could ramble on about these all day, definitely my favourite new lip product discovery.
Buy it here for £4.90 http://www.kikocosmetics.co.uk/make-up/lips/lipsticks/Ultra-Glossy-Stylo-SPF-15/p-KM00201010

All in all Florence was amazing and I would recommend anyone to visit there if the opportunity arises. I'll leave you with a picture to tempt you if these Kiko products haven't already!

Have you been to Florence? If so, did you raid Kiko like I did?

Lot's of Love,

Bliss xoxo

Mini Spring Fashion Haul 2014

Finally! A fashion related post, I can't promise fancy photography or exceptional lighting (due to my uni room rarely receiving sunlight) but I can promise some great bargains that I recently picked up when going on a little shopping venture. I particularly love the Primark concession within Selfridge's as they pick all of the 'good things' from Primark for you, as let's face it, it does take a fair amount of rummaging in the actual store to find the lovely pieces. Although sometimes it is enjoyable to forage around in Primark, the Selfridge's concession is great for lazy days where you are happy to let them do the work for you!

This mint jacquard skort caught my eye almost immediately. It is completely reminiscent of a pale blue origami skirt I already own from Topshop, emphasising that it is not always necessary to spend vast amounts of money to get exactly what you want. I definitely think this item could pass for something in a more expensive high street store! It will look lovely paired with a boxy top in the day and could even be dressed up for an evening look. Very versatile!

This had to be my favourite find! A classic breton striped dress that can be worn with white converse for a laid back look in the summer or layered up in the winter. I can see myself getting a lot of wear out of this lovely dress. The quality is also particularly amazing!

My current project at uni involves us pretending to be buyers for George at ASDA so on a trip to ASDA in order to collate some research, I may have also picked up this kimono! I am yet to own a kimono and this one is perfect and will go with almost any outfit. It has a pretty burnt velvet detail with fringing, perfect for adding some interest to an outfit.

This little beauty was an absolute bargain! A perfect everyday skirt which I picked up in one of my favourite high street stores H&M. It is also available in dress form which is seriously tempting considering I have an amazing styling idea for it in my head but we'll have to see!

And last but not least! I saw this backpack featured on a few of my favourite fashion blogs, although their's was slightly different as it had a white panel. (my photo also reveals a sneaky insight into my favourite spring lip picks...post to come!) I was overcome with excitement when I found this little gem waiting for me in Primark, and for only £8, how could I say no? Perfect for those summer days when you don't want the hassle of lugging a handbag everywhere!

Have you picked anything up from Primark recently?

Lot's of Love,

Bliss xoxo

Everyday Make-Up Routine

Today's blog post will be focusing on what I put on my face on an everyday basis. These are days where I will be doing things such as popping into uni, going into town or hanging out with friends. I never want anything too heavy or obvious but just enough products to make me look more awake (even if i'm not!) and the most important thing in my opinion, products to brighten up my eyes. So let's get right into it!

     

 I always prep my skin with the 'Olay Beauty Fluid' to create a smooth base and then pop a bit of the 'Benefit Pore Fessional' on my t-zone (I may even have to purchase the full size). I've been enjoying using the 'L'Oreal True Match Foundation' in shade N1 which has been compared to 'Giorgio Armani's Luminous Silk' foundation so you can't really go wrong. It has just the right balance between dewy and matte, whilst looking natural and flawless. I tend to switch up my foundation a lot depending on the weather and event. A couple other favourites include 'Nars Sheer Glow' and 'Revlon Nearly Naked'. In terms of concealer, I don't think I will ever change my 'Lumi Magique L'Oreal' highlighting pen, it works like a dream under the eyes and is nothing too cakey.

 I've been absolutely loving 'Mac Soft and Gentle' as a highlighter, something I now can't go without and 'GOSH Flower Power' as a sweep of natural blusher. Underneath this I still use my trusty 'Body Shop Honey Bronzer in 01' to add a touch more colour into my complexion. By the way everyone, this one is perfect for the English Rose's amongst us! I then add a cat flick eye liner (which I am yet to master), I have way more eye liners than necessary as I'm yet to find the perfect one. At the moment I have been loving Primark's new 'Felt Eye Liner Pen', its very black and easy to use, and on top of that its only £1.50!  For mascara, 'Make Up Forever Smoky Lash' is perfect for that wide eyed, voluminous look. For brows I'm not very fussed so I just comb a sweep of 'Maybelline's Brow Drama in Medium Brown' to add a but of texture and colour. When it comes to lips I change it up everyday but recently I have been loving a new purchase that I picked up on Boots 3 for 2, a deal that sucks me in every time! It's the 'Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick in Nudist'. I don't normally go for nudes but this one doesn't wash me out and is a perfect 'your lips but better' shade with a beautiful shine. 

                                         What are your favourite everyday products?
                               I'll have a fashion post next, I am just thinking about how to
                                                   photograph outfits in a decent way!
                                                                   Lot's of love,
                                                                      Bliss xoxo

Skincare Routine

So my skincare routine is nothing special and doesn't include massively fancy products but the most important thing is that it works for me! I switch it up every now and again but there are a few gems which I may even give the classic blogger description of 'holy grail' to. So I'll start by saying I'm pretty sure that my skin is normal/combination, I get the odd dry patch but nothing that a bit of moisturiser doesn't solve! As far as spots go I'm pretty lucky although I do get the odd one every now and again. (Hope I haven't jinxed myself there!) 

Face Wash:

In the mornings I use my 'Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash'. I like this in the morning opposed to the scrub as it is the most refreshing and delicious smelling wash I have ever used. I don't think I'll ever tire of the pink grapefruit scent. In the evening I reach for the scrub version, but do not fear, it is a daily scrub, I am aware not to break the 'only exfoliate twice a week' rule. This is equally as good and since I have been using it my skin has become visibly clearer (as the name suggests). It really does work for me and I picked this one up in poundland, what a bargain!

Toner:

Now here's a product which I wouldn't hesitate in calling holy grail! The 'Clinique Clarifying Lotion 3'. My mum originally got me addicted to this beauty life saver. I have gone up to number 3 as the Clinque sales assistants told me it is suppose to slightly sting your skin which proves it is doing it's job. I won't ever look for another toner as this works perfectly and I'll continue to repurchase as the price tag of £17 is worth it as it lasts such a long time.

Moisturiser:

Moisturiser is something that I like to switch up and try others in order to see what works best for me. At the moment I am using the 'Olay Beauty Fluid' which I have heard is a cult product and many beauty bloggers seem to rave about. I understand the hype as its a beautiful, light moisturiser with that classic smell. It almost reminds me of talcum powder, very nostalgic. Another favourite moisturiser of mine is also from the Neutrogena pink grapefruit range called the 'Oil Free Pink Grapefruit Moisturiser', it is lovely but for £5 the tube is rather small and lasts a very short time. In terms of face masks I do want to try many others, for example the 'Soap and Glory' pore mask but I have been using the 'Aromatherapy Hydrating Rose Face Mask'. I use this every so often on days when I want a pamper night, and I really do find it makes a difference. It's a clear mask that soothes my skin and appears to banish any dry patches. Perfect!

Eye Cream:

Dark under eye circles.. The bane of my life! My mum picked me up this 'Garnier Ultra Lift Eye Cream'a while back and succumbing to the typical blog obsessed mind set, because I hadn't heard of it, this made me unsure whether it would be good but I have been pleasantly surprised! It seems to have noticeably cleared up the darkness under my eyes and I can even tell from photos. I also have the 'Benefit It's Potent Eye Cream'. I am yet to properly test this yet as I am still using my Garnier one but I shall have a review on it soon. 

Make Up Remover:

As every girl will know, removing eye make up is something you can never quite be bothered to do so when it comes around to it I want it to be quick and easy. The 'Boots Eye Make Up Remover' is absolutely amazing, I have used this for years and I bet many oversee it in shops for something more expensive and hyped up, but trust me give this a whirl and you will always have a bottle of it in your bathroom. My boyfriend recently got me 'Bioderma', something which I have wanted for ages and let me tell you, the hype really is worth it! It makes removing your make up feel like you are putting water on your face. It's so gentle and I can't wait to pick up another bottle when I go to Paris, as at the moment I am using it sparingly. I then have the 'L'Oreal Skin Perfection Purifying Micellar Solution' a dupe of Bioderma. Many drugstore brands are coming out with their own brands of Bioderma. I really want to try the Olay one next. The L'Oreal one is good but nothing on Bioderma, it is slightly oily and the pour out pump looses a lot of product.

Spot Treatment:

As I mentioned earlier, I rarely have problems with spots but when I do I want them gone as soon as possible. I have used the 'Clearasil Overnight Serum' for years, if ever I notice a spot appearing I put this on and although it doesn't do anything drastic, I do see a slight reduction of redness overnight, better than nothing! I recently picked up the 'Superdrug Deep Action Anti Blemish Gel' on a friends recommendation. This stuff is a beauty bargain! It contains salicyclic acid which helps target spots and this really does do the trick so I recommend this if you get the occasional pesky blemish.

So that's my skincare routine! 

Sorry for the text heavy post, I get carried away talking about beauty.

Oops!

What are your skincare essentials?

Lots of Love,

Bliss xoxo

Introduction / FOTD

Hi Everyone! I decided to start a blog mostly because I have always wanted to find another outlet for unleashing my passion for make up, beauty and fashion but also to support my studies. I am currently studying fashion management and we are encouraged to write blogs by our lecturers, even if it is just a blog about things which inspire us most. 

Anyway! I decided to make my first post simple with a quick FOTD. I had to pop out to go to the doctors but me being me, I didn't want to go bare faced, yet still didn't want to pile on the slap. So here's the quick, natural and simple make up that I threw on today!

These are all of the products I used on my face on this particular day. All the essentials with a few gems to brighten up my tired face. The real techniques brushes are affordable and my favourite brushes to use. I have recently been loving the powder brush for bronzer as it creates a natural effect. Recently, I cannot apply my base make up without a sponge, even if I use my beloved buffing brush I always have to go back in with the sponge. It blends everything in so seamlessly leaving your skin looking natural and flawless.

BB cream may be a product which many relate to the summer but for my natural look today, I really didn't feel like putting on foundation. In my opinion even the lightest foundations leave a 'mask like' feeling therefore today I went for the 'Perfect Cover BB cream' in no.13 by Missha which is a south Korean brand. It is by far the best bb cream I have tried and provides just enough coverage whilst leaving your skin looking natural and healthy.

To add dimension to my face I used my all time favourite blusher, 'Santa Rose' by Rimmel, a gorgeous rosy colour which is the perfect everyday natural blush. I then dusted my real techniques powder brush onto my recently purchased 'Body Shop Honey Bronze'r to warm up my complexion. I have always been more of a blusher girl, always frightened of the dreaded oompa lumpa look but now I own this, I can barely go a day without it. Its a perfect shade for pale complexions like myself.

To finish off my face make up I added my favourite highlighter, 'MUA Undress Your Skin' highlighter which is a lovely touch to winter make up as I think it's so beautiful to have a soft, warm glow to the skin when the weather is so dreary. I then added my statement winged eyeliner that I am slowly mastering and then curled my lashes before adding a few coats of mascara. To finish off the look I went for something moisturising with my favourite baby lips in Cherry Me! This gives a subtle hint of red whilst keeping those lips moisturised. Essential in this cold English weather!

What's your go-to make up kit when you're in a hurry?

Lots of Love,

Bliss xoxo