The Beauty Edit

I decided that it was about time to blog about my staple beauty products. I always seem to be chopping and changing my beauty products as I tend to get bored and always enjoy trying new products out. These are a few items from my collection of makeup and beauty products which I swear by. 

1.  Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream. One product which I swear by and force any of my friends and family to invest in, is Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream. With it retailing at around £25 it is fairly expensive, however it is something which I would advise absolutely everyone to purchase as it is completely worth the price! I use it at least three times a week and it is specifically good for dry lips, after about 5 minutes of applying it, you can really feel the difference! As someone who spends a lot of time curling and straightening their hair, I have become somewhat used to burning myself by accident, but not yet immune to the feeling. Eight Hour Cream is amazing for any small burns, it heals automatically without any blistering whatsoever! It is also perfect for any skin blemishes or dry skin areas.

2. KIKO Volume Mascara. This mascara from KIKO is a recent purchase of mine, I am always changing my mascara's as I feel they all give my eyelashes a completely different look and I am yet to find the perfect one. Before this mascara, I used a different KIKO one which I absolutely loved, but like I said I do get bored and I wanted to try something new, so I recently bought a different version of my previous one which focuses more on the volume of your lashes. It is also at a bargain of £3.50, so worth it!!

3. Maxfactor Face Finity. I use three different foundations, depending on my mood, my outfit, the occasion and so on. My current foundation at the moment which I absolutely love and recommend is Bobbi Brown liquid. However, for the past year I have been using Maxfactor Face Finity as a concealer. After purchasing it, I realised the colour was a tiny bit too pale for my skin tone, and as it is a primer, concealer, foundation all in one, I decided to experiment and use it primarily under my eyes and on any skin blemishes. It really works wonders and covers up any dark circles under your eyes.

4. Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream. I have been using this moisturising cream for over a year now, I have always used Nivea as I have sensitive skin and personally for me, I feel as though it works really well for me. I apply it twice a day, morning and night and before I apply any foundation.

5. MAC Bronzer. I have been using this MAC bronzer for the past few years, it is something which I only really use if I'm wearing heavy make up, or if I'm going out at night. I really recommend this product as is a really good texture, not too thick and not too thin and it stays on for hours without leaving any blotchy marks.

6. Benefit Benetint. I have been using Benetint for a few years, it's one of the best blushers I've used. It's quite expensive however I really recommend it as it gives you really natural blushed look.

7. Chanel Pressed Powder. I recently got this powder for Christmas. I previously used a Maxfactor pressed powder which worked really well, however the Chanel one gives you a really natural look, and is perfect for putting over foundation, although I also use it without foundation as it gives me a really natural sun kissed look.

8. Rimmel Eye Pen. I only ever really use eyeliner for when I'm going out at night as I feel it gives me a quite a dark heavy look. However, the Rimmel eye pen is really good as it easy to apply and not too messy.

9. Palmer's Cocoa Butter. I have used cocoa butter ever since I was little. It is a really good moisturiser and smells unbelievable. It is really good for dry skin, or even just to apply after the shower.

10. NARS lip pencil. I bought this NARS lip pencil about 2 years ago and I still haven't bought a new one! It is one of the best lipsticks/pencils I've ever used. It is really easy to apply, doesn't leave any lines and stays on for hours and hours. I really recommend any of the NARS lipsticks or lip pencils as they have always been a favourite of mine.



All imagery sourced from own photos.

Coachella

I must have been 13 years old when I discovered my love for California, not like I had ever been at that age, but years of watching Saved by the Bell and obsessing over their laid back style of moccasins and crochet tops, gave me a reason to believe that I would someday end up living there.

It was around that age that I also discovered Coachella, which is an annual music and arts festival situated in Indio, California in the Colorado Desert. It is a festival which has arguably fuelled opinions which believe that it focuses on the people who attend, i.e celebrities, rather than the actual music. As an avid music and festival lover, I can somewhat agree with this opinion. In recent years, with the advent of social media sites such as Instagram and Twitter, celebrities are more inclined to almost boast about their whereabouts, arguably making fans and followers of theirs, simply envious of their lifestyles. It is fairly obvious to see that the celebrities which I follow on Instagram, appear to be taking numerous amounts of infamous 'selfies,' rather than actually enjoying the music.

         

Naturally, being obsessed with fashion as I am with music, I have kept a close eye on the fashion at this year's Coachella. As much as I love the boho/hippie style which is emulated throughout the two weekends, it is viable to detect transparency through the obvious printed kimonos, headscarves, cut off shorts and trilby hats. Whilst I can sit here and give a somewhat negative opinion, I can also admit that my negativity comes with slight jealousy. If I was going to Coachella 2015, I can assure you all, that 6 months before I would have strategically planned my outfits, whether I was sporting a camel coloured trilby, or styling a 90's style choker with flowers in my hair, I would be going all out believe me.

The festival is spread over two weekends, and is a three day, two night festival. The Daily Mail Online and various other websites and social networking sites, have kept me up to date with the latest Coachella news by the hour. Whilst I'm sitting at home envious of these people whilst I type away re-drafting my 16,000 word dissertation and business plan, I can only dream of a time where I am able to experience the festival for myself.

All photos sourced from: http://www.laweekly.com/westcoastsound/2014/04/21/the-best-coachella-photos-of-2014