The New Thing: Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation

Finally a new foundation to add to my ever-so-small stash. I could write a full blown ode to the Rimmel Match Perfection but since I've been giving myself a faux-glow for the past few weeks, it was time to try something new in a shade to match my sun tinted skin. I'm a dewy finish girl and gravitate towards a more sheer coverage, so after some extensive research I kept coming back to Bourjois' offerings.
So it wasn't long before this one came with me to the Boots checkout, and I've been reaching for it ever since.

After a few trials I decided this is definitely one to apply with hands- it blends so beautifully and creates a perfect, glowing base for the warmer months. And fear not- it doesn't cling to dry patches- something I know all too well. If you're more on the oily side I think this one will still be fine for you too, but maybe just powder to set it in place.

The verdict- I'm so glad I did my research and picked this up. It might not be the best for a long day out and about but that's nothing a little powder can't help. £9.99 very well spent!

The Dream Team

Now that I actually have time to give my hair a little attention I've been rotating the products I use to give my hair a little of the 'it's straight but still got oomph' thing. The straighteners have been coming out, but so has the spray to give my hair a soft, lived in texture. 

VO5 Give Me Texture Dry Texturising Spray- Word is that this is a dupe for the Orbe Dry Texturising Spray. I go a little crazy with this because it's undetectable in the hair, popping a little at the roots for extra lift before spraying it through the lengths for some matte texture. 

Batiste Dry Shampoo in Original- This little bottle comes in handy for those second-day hair situations. Spray it sparingly through the roots and comb through just to leave the hair looking clean, with no grit in sight.

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Luscious Long Deep Treatment- Lordy, what a mouthful. I like to treat my lengths every now and again because even with a good spritz of heat protector, the GHD's do dry my hair out a little. If I'm brutally honest, this Aussie treatment doesn't give dramatically different results to any other deep conditioner I've tried. This choice is purely down to the fact that it works, it smells great and Aussie products don't irritate my fussy hair. 

Let me know what your favourite hair goodies are! Are you a fan of the matte, texturised locks a la Vivianna Does Makeup, or do you prefer something else?

NOTD: Exposed, Topshop

After a few weeks of bare nails, it was time to try out a new polish. Queue Exposed by Topshop. Ever since I saw Master Plan by Essie I've been wanting a pale, off white grey so I picked this one up on my last trip to Topshop because I have no will power in that shop when it comes to their nail polish stand. The shade is everything I wanted, although slightly paler than Master Plan- you probably know that I'm not all that into bright shades on my tips and this is so muted and pretty. Now here comes the kinda bad news. I know I'm usually safe with the Topshop formula but this polish was so streaky that I needed three coats. That's something that I usually reserve for a shade as pale as Ballet Slippers, but if you're willing to put the effort in the final result will be super smooth and shiny. I'm willing to overlook this little hiccup because I'll get lots of wear out of this little babe all throughout the year. 

I hope you all enjoyed yet another long weekend? I spent my weekend at work from a ridiculously early time on Saturday, before spending some time with friends, and revising in between. I can't wait until these exams are all done so I can just enjoy summer, although I'll undoubtedly be worrying about my results until August 14th comes around.

Halo Braids and Evening Face

After watching Hello October's March Favourites I felt super inspired. I couldn't wait for a possible tutorial that everyone in the comments was asking for, so instead I pressed pause on the video and and grabbed some makeup. You guys probably know that my everyday face is a flick of eyeliner and a barely there lipstick, so it's safe to say I switched it up just a little and cracked out Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze. Everything else was the usual- what can I say, I think I probably need to break out of this makeup rut I'm in. 

In order of application...

Rimmel Match Perfection in True Ivory

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Light

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On & On Bronze

Natural Collection Liquid Eyeliner

Maybelline The Falsies

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Transluscent

Sleek Luminous Presses Powder in 2

Rimmel Lasting Finish Blush in Santa Rose

Topshop Lipstick in Nevada

As for the hair... this was probably my third attempt at Halo Braids and I think this is as good as it's going to get. This video made it look super easy, which definitely had me fooled. I think that practice is key, here, because mine looking nothing look this. It's a great little tutorial though, especially for shoulder length hair gals like me. 

The New Thing: Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm, Elusive

I don't think I'm going to be saving any money anytime soon! The Boots '3 for 2' offer got me again... Remember my latest Wish List, that left me pining for a Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms? Well, I picked up the shade 'Elusive' a week or so ago and I'm impressed.

'Elusive' is a really wearable pink, and perfect for Spring in my eyes. Revlon seem to have perfected a matte offering that doesn't leave your lips feeling chalky- instead they're oh-so-smooth, no flaking in sight. I'm also in love with it's fresh, minty scent. Definitely a nice change from some of the funky scents my other lip products have. 

They're super easy to apply and touch up, and they sit comfy on my lips. I definitely want to go back and scout out the rest of the collection- there's a peachy orange I have my eyes on. 

April Inspiration

Another Month. Here are a few little things to inspire you this April. This month I'm liking ripped jeans, barely there makeup and pastel shades. 

Follow me on tumblr for more pretty images like these.

NOTD: Ballet Slippers, Essie

Rings- Topshop and River Island 

Ballet Slippers has just been added to ever-growing nail polish stash and I couldn't be happier. I'm sure you've heard all about this shade because there's constant hype around it, but it's the perfect combination of pastel, off-white goodness. It's pretty sheer, so you'll need three coats before you get a nice, opaque effect. But I kind of like that about it, because you can have a really subtle wash of pink, or build it up. 

Granted, you need a good dollop of top coat to protect this from chipping (I think I lasted 3 days tops), but you can't fault Essie on their colour selection. What's next on my list, I hear you ask? It's definitely Master Plan. After Suzie at Hello October blogged about this shade I have decided I need it. The perfect taupe-y, lilac grey? I'm sold. 

Wish List: 15/03/14

Wish List: 15/03/14 by rubysterland 

Here are a few bits and pieces that I would snatch up if money were no object. 

Revlon's Colour Burst Matte Balms- After seeing Suzie's review of these, I knew that I needed to give these a good swatch on my next trip to Boots. I went into Boots today and spent a good while swatching and yep, I still haven't bought one. So many colours, so little decision making skills. 

Celfie Sweater- These sweaters and tees have been all over the internet recently, from Ebay to Etsy. I think they look great with a pair of jeans, nice and simple. (That's my kind of outfit)

D Frame Sunglasses, Warehouse- These past few weeks the Sun has been out in the UK and something inside me is telling me that I need a new pair of sunnies. Of course I do. 

The Breakfast Club, DVD- Since watching this film last week, I can now appreciate all the little references in films like Easy A. ("You mess with the Bull, you get the Horns" baffled me every time.) I now have a lil' John Hughes in my life and I ain't going back.

Nike Mid Grey Suede Blazers- I genuinely have no idea of these sneakers are cool, or really not cool, but I'm bored of my good old Converse, and these look all snug and comfy.

Pug Wash Bag, Catseye London- A Pug, on a wash bag? Hell yes. I don't have a clue why, but Pugs always make me chuckle a little bit.

Jewel Green Beaded Back Maxi Dress, Topshop- Topshop is on point at the minute, and I have my eyes on this piece. I reckon it will be perfect for a summer holiday. Now we just need summer, right?

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #5

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #5 by rubysterland on Polyvore

Great Photos- Shy Girl Loud Voice- Is It Spring Yet? I've been on the hunt for new blogs recently, and Kacie's style caught my eye straight away. I'm definitely partial to her mentality of 'If I want to wear it, I'll wear it'. I can't wait for the time when it's actually warm enough to wear gorgeous, floaty outfits like this. 

Great Beauty- Bon Vivants- The TMI Tag. Here's another discovery- Jessica's YouTube channel, Bon Vivants. I've spent a good while scrolling through her videos and have decided that I love her channel. Watch her TMI Tag video to get to know her a little better. (I can't wait for a chance to pull out that chat-up line...)

Great Writing- Scarphelia- Blogging vs. Real Life. This week's final discovery, thanks to a retweet on twitter. I identified with blogger Scarphelia's most recent post so much. Of course, our blogs only show certain parts of our characters and lives, and that's not something we should feel bad or apologetic about. We all need to keep a little bit of ourselves from the Internet, and props to you for speaking your mind so eloquently, Scarlett. 

Leave me links in the comments of any of your new blog discoveries! I look forward to your recommendations x

WOMF #6 | Everyday Makeup

I've been switching up a few of the products I use in my (not so) everyday routine (I love a bit of makeup, but more often than not I don't wear it...) But, on the rare occasion that I decide to paint my face on, here's what it looks like. 

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation - Natural Collection Concealor - Rimmel Stay Matte Powder - Sleek Pressed Powder (used as bronzer) - Natural Collection Liquid Eyeliner - Maybelline The Falsies - Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 'Let's Get Naked'

This routine is pretty basic and simple, which is why I've been falling back on it for the last few weeks. My eyes have quite a round shape so I use a slick of liquid liner, and I like to keep my lips a subtle, peachy-pink colour, because knowing me if I wore a bright coral or red it would somehow find it's way all over my chin. 

All these products are pretty well tried and tested other than one- and if you follow me on Twitter you might know that it's Maybelline The Falsies. I managed to eek out my tube of Benefit's They're Real! for quite a few months but last week I felt like it was time to venture into pastures anew. I had heard the hype surrounding The Falsies (who hasn't?) so I decided to give it a go. I was a curvy-wand virgin but hey, how tricky can it be? After a few attempts at using it I think I'm getting there but it took me a good three days to figure out which way to hold the darn thing. Note to self: read the instructions! Sometimes they know what they're talking about... 

Let me know what you think of The Falsies and what you're current makeup looks like! 

NOTD: Luxedo

Last week I visited the shops for a bit of a search through the sales, and only bought one thing that was actually in the sales. This Essie polish isn't it, but that doesn't matter because it's so pretty that I couldn't resist. Luxedo is a polish that I've heard lots of people rave about, and it's just as pretty in person. It's reminiscent of Chanel's Vendetta, (remember how much I went on about that one?) minus the little bit of shimmer it has. 

With two coats it comes out much more black than I thought it would, but when it catches the light it's a gorgeous plum colour. The two coats lasted about 3 or 4 days before I saw a chip. Pretty good to say that I couldn't be bothered with a top coat. The formula is lovely, and the brush is that perfect size- just big enough to cover the nail in two oh-so-easy swipes. 

Have you ever tried an Essie polish? (If not, why not?) 

The Mid Chop

My hair has been in need of a good chop since goodness knows when. I took inspiration from the likes of Alexa Chung and blogger Alix, (who writes I Covett Thee) with her long bob. My hair now feels uber short, but I'm liking it. 

Forgotten how long my hair was a few days ago? Take a scroll through my last few posts- it was pretty long. I'm not planning on changing my routine that much, but we'll see how we go! It's going to be so much more manageable, and hopefully my beloved Aussie Texturizing Spray that I spoke about in July will make a re-appearance now that my hair won't be so heavy. 

Would you go for such a drastic change? 

NOTD: Beyond Cozy by Essie

Queue the festive nails. I spent the grand sum of £1.01 on Amazon a few weeks ago, which got me 5 different tools. I feel like it's still slightly early for the full on, bright red, christmassy glitter nails, so I went a tad subtle with lilac and silver. 

It took me a few attempts to get it right, but I'm pretty happy with me attempt at nail art. Essie's Beyond Cozy was used to create little blobs of silver, over two layers of Berry Ice Cream from Barry M. 

Stick around- the nails are set to get more and more festive in the run up to Christmas! 

WOMF #5

Enter the bronze, smokey eye and pale, nearly bare skin. This one is all about the eyes. I stuck with the Garnier BB Cream as a base and concealed under my eyes, and around blemishes. Now to the exciting bit- the eyes. Starting with a wash of On and On Bronze from Maybelline, (what else would it be?) and then building up the colour with Benefit's Solid Gold. Get Down Brown went through the crease and under the eye and a clean brush helped blend it all together. Add a good few coats of mascara- I'm still using Benefit They're Real! and then go back under the eyes with concealor to clean up any of the fall out, and done! 

You could always add a bit of contour- I dabbed on Topshop's Nevada, a really pale, peachy nude. I decided to keep my cheeks clean of blusher for a simple, christmas-do worthy look. 

How would you wear this look? 

Wish List: 12/11/13

Wish List: 12/11/13 by rubysterland 

To any family members feeling extremely generous... did someone mention Christmas? 

I've had lots of chances to scan the shelves over the past few weeks and it's fair to say that my wish list has been piling up.

A christmas jumper from Miss Selfridge, because I can't say no.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner- I saw Anna from using this last week in a fab post. I want.

A potentially dangerous trip to the John Lewis Beauty Hall left me pining for the Bobbi Brown Corrector. 

I also found some shelves stacked with Diptyque goodness, and found Philosykos. 

 Another Miss Selfridge offering that I will definitely get my hands on when it's back in stock.

A pair of fluffy, velvet-y slippers from Boden. 

October Favourites

Glam Glow Youth Mud Tinglexfoliate Treatment*- what a mouthful! I've had this a few months and have used it a good few times now, and I'm really impressed. There's been quite a bit of internet hype over this stuff and I can see why. It leaves your face tingly, man. (Can you tell I'm no skincare expert?) I like to treat my skin with this when it's feeling a bit sorry for itself because I know it will do the trick. It is pricey, but if you're willing to part with a bit of cash for your skincare, it's really worth it. 

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Temptress- I had a good search through my mum's nail polish a few weeks ago and found this gem (among many others). The colour is the perfect oxblood / wine shade for Autumn, and looks great on toes and fingers. The packaging has been re-designed since and I'm not sure if they still sell this shade, but there'll be plenty of alternatives out there.

Weleda Almond Soothing Cleansing Lotion & Almond Soothing Facial Oil*- Like I said above, I'm no skincare expert, I just know what works for me. These two make a great duo that I've been using since the start of summer. I know that they'll never strip my skin (it's taken me a while to find a cleanser that won't) and all my makeup comes off, the gentle way.

Southwestern Style Sweater, Forever21- This beauty made it's first appearance earlier this week, which you can see here. It's the cosiest little jumper, and looks great with a pair of jeans and boots. 

Loafers, Clarks- You can rely on Clarks for comfy shoes, and I love these quirky loafers. I had to go to three different store to get these in black, in my size and thank god they're worth it. 

The Carrie Diaries- I've just finished watching the first series and it's great. I guess yeah, it is a typical teen series, but fashion, drama and cute boys is something that I can't resist. 

Jennifer Lawrence- This, I'm sure, sounds like a really random one but c'mon, who doesn't like Jennifer Lawrence? She graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar this month and her interview was great. 

WOMF #4

Whenever I have quite heavy eyeliner (this is pretty heavy for me, I like to keep things basic), I keep my face clean and simple. 

My base consisted of the usual- Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation and a new discovery- the L'Oreal Lumi Magique Primer*. This works really nicely patted on top of foundation- it has a little shimmer, which creates a subtle highlight. 

Something drew me towards peachy tones today, I have no clue what it was! A sweep of peach across my lids, and a dusty brown in my crease was all I did, followed by a flick of liquid liner. I built up lots of volume using the Bourjois Volume Glamour Max*, somehow managing to get it all over my face too. Oops. 

Finally for a peachy lip, I put on Rimmel's good ol' Notting Hill Nude, and used my fingers to pat in Bourjois' Colour Boost Chubby Stick in Plum Russian* which warmed it up a bit. 

I seem to have unwittingly included lots of PR samples in this post- I'm never sponsored to write about any products or brands and if I were I would tell you, so if you see me mention things, I genuinely like and use it! 

* PR Sample

Queen Victoria Street

I'm back with a new nail offering- Nails Inc, Queen Victoria Street. 

It's the first time I've tried a Nails Inc polish and I really can't make my mind up about this shade. 99% of the time it looks like quite a dark green, and I can't decide if I like it or not. However, in some light it looks more blue than green, and on camera it looks surprisingly turquoise. 

Aside from colour, I really like the formula of this polish. I've been wearing it for about a week now, and I am wearing a top coat, but my nails haven't chipped. The only thing I'm not so sure about, however, is the lid. (This is me being really fussy now) but I feel like the top is quite hard to work with because it's so large. 

Have you ever tried a Nails Inc polish, and what do you think about a green nail polish? I'm still undecided on this one...

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #4

Great Photos, Beauty and Writing #4 by rubysterland 

Great Photos- Fashion Envious- Cross My Heart. I've been loving reading Mariana's blog at the minute, her outfits are always brilliant and her editing always looks great! Definitely check out her blog for inspiration.

Great Beauty- I Covett Thee- Chanel Rouge Noir. It turns out I'm not the only one who'll forgive Chanel's polishes for being prone to chipping. I'm in love with this colour and Alix's blog. Check out her YouTube channel too! 

Great Writing- Kerralina- The University Diaries. You'll have seen me write about Kerralina before. I love reading all her little anecdotes, and this one about starting university is no exception. 

Take Me to Paris

Say hello to the new edition to my wardrobe- a winter coat. It's from good old Marks and Spencer's, and it's so versatile. The combo of red lipstick and stripes left me pining for a trip to Paris- any fancy buying me a train ticket? One day I'll go back to the Eiffel Tower, eat Macaroons and visit all the galleries. *A girl can dream.*