Sustainable & Ethical Lifestyle Blogger
NARS Sheer Glow|Illamasqua Skin Base|Maybelline Fit Me|Maybelline The Eraser Eye|Soap&Glory Kick Ass Concealer.
Two years ago I shared with you my Top 5 base products and I thought it would be fun to see if I still had any of the same favourites – spoiler alert I don’t!
Topshop Afternoon Tea|Rimmel Santa Rose|17 Plum Puff|Revlon Pinched|17 Nude|Rimmel Live Pink|Topshop Head Over Heels.
As you can tell from my collection I like bright pinks and peach colours when it comes to my blusher as it suits my pale skin; but when I do tan I can still wear any of my collection – products that are versatile are a must in my collection. I prefer cream blushers in the summer and when I want a more subtle look whereas the powder blushes can pack more pigment onto the face and last better in the colder months. I tend to wear more matte blushers choosing to add shimmer in the form of highlighter.
I don’t have full reviews of all my blushers but read some mini reviews here and here.
What are your favourite blushers?
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
Rimmel Wake Me Up Wonder’full|Rimmel Wonder’full
Whilst strolling through the aisles of Boots I chanced upon a new offering from Rimmel – Wake Me Up Wonder’full Mascara.
I ended up loving the Rimmel Wonder’full Mascara after it had dried up a little – the formula started out a little too wet for my liking, and I am a huge fan of their Wake Me Up Foundation so I couldn’t help but pick up a mascara that had the potential for greatness (possibly a little dramatic for a beauty product)
The Rimmel Wonder’full added a fullness to my lashes without clumping them but The Wake Me Up adds fullness and length without any clumping. The brushes are different; the Wake Me Up is a fibre wand whereas the original is a plastic comb wand however both separate the lashes and help reduce the clumping, the shape of the Wake Me Up means it grabs all the lashes to help give that wide awake look.
Although the Wake Me Up has the same slightly wet formula it doesn’t smudge as easily as the Wonder’full however I am sure as the formula dries I will love it even more.
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
Muriel’s Kitchen might not be new to everyone but a new branch just opened in Richmond and I couldn’t wait to try out what it had on offer so along with expert foodie A we popped along to try it out.
Sweater – Topshop|Bralet – Stradivarius|Boots – New Look (similar)|Jeans – ASOS|Necklaces – New Look (similar).
Before I show you any drool worthy food photos here was my comfy casual outfit for a night of stuffing my face – over sized sweaters are a must! Also can we all be impressed that i’m only wearing one item of black!
I kick started the meal with a Vitamin Hug which is a juice full to burst with ginger, carrot, celery,apple and orange, it gets the tastebuds going and makes you feel healthier than ever.
Yes that is a starter for two, and yes that is a huge hunk of cheese. Meet The English Sharing Platter; a feast of cheese, pate, scotch egg paired with a seasonal quiche and caramelised onion relish. So good, so filling I would advise bringing a large appetite.
Luckily I had opted for the Seasonal Salad Plate; a selection of four salads from the menu which you can happily mix and match. Very fresh and full of vegan and gluten free option.
Because I obviously have a separate dessert stomach I ordered the famous Carrot Cake with Honeycomb Ice Cream and I can quite honestly say it is one of the best carrot cakes I have ever had and the biggest. Even if you don’t pop in for a full meal I would highly recommend going for carrot cake and a cup of tea.
Muriel’s Kitchen is gorgeous, the decor is quaint but stylish, the staff are friendly and great at recommending you a dish if you are stuck for ideas. All I would say is make sure you bring a healthy appetite but if you can’t finish it all you can take it away at the end of the night for the next day.
Peace Out and Pixie Dust.
For more information and a full menu click here.
Turban – Stradivarius|Top – Topshop|Treggings – Stradivarius|Shoes – New Look|Jewellery – New Look (similar)|Watch – Mondaine.
This outfit I feel is a little out of my normal comfort zone but I absolutely love it! Its so full of textures including velvet, suede and ribbed cotton.
This has a very boho feel to it with the turban and layered necklaces and I feel like I will be wearing a lot more of this style during the autumn months as I love layering in the colder months. The shoes are an absolute dream, I love the lace up ballet pumps that have been floating about in the summer months but these are the perfect compromise for when I don’t want my feet getting cold.
The treggings from Stradivarius are so comfortable and can be worn as a smart or casual option so perfect for work but also a party. I love the two tone of these with the suede on the front and a normal black jersey on the back.
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
Rimmel Wake Me Up Wonder’full Mascara|Inglot Quad|MAC Lip Liner in Whirl|MAC Gel Liner in Blacktrack|Illamasqua Cream Pigment in Hollow|Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation in Light Porcelain|MAC Paint Pot in Painterly|NO7 Skin Illuminator|Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer in 15 (not shown)|Eylure Urban Tropics Lashes in Rough Utopia (Not Shown)
Sometimes I hate the fact that the camera smooths and blanks out some of the make-up which is so vibrant in real life, but the show must go on and here I am showing you my face inspired by the beautiful Kylie Jenner – yes I am aware I look nothing like her!
Base
Now I am very pale compared to Miss Jenner so getting that warm glow is a little bit more difficult and the camera wiped out all the careful contouring I did; however for foundation I used the Rimmel Wake Me Foundation in Light Porclain which has light reflecting particles which on paler skin can look a little like you’ve smothered glitter on your face so don’t let people get too close; however it has a good coverage and blends easily. To concealer I used the Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer in 15 which helps hide dark circles and blemishes with a creamy texture which blends like a dream.
I can’t be bothered to spend hours on my contouring so I applied some of Illamasqua’s Cream Pigment in Hollow which is the perfect contour colour for paler girls. Kylie is not the biggest blusher fan so instead I attempted to get that warm glow she seems to effortlessly have by using the NO7 Skin Illuminator.
Eyes
Recently there has been a lot of shimmery gold on her eyes so I immediately went with my Inglot Quad using 11 all over the lid and 401 in the crease with a little bit of 330 to highlight underneath my brows. It’s a super simple shadow look which is right up my street for the coming autumn months. For liner I used the MAC Gel Liner in Blacktrack just to create a thin band for the false lashes to sit on and with a tiny flick to give the whole look a slightly more feline feel.
Two coats of Rimmel Wake Me Up Wonder’full Mascara on both my top and bottom lashes before popping the Eylure Urban Tropics Lashes in Rough Utopia which are a choppy lash which adds a slight grunge look to the whole thing.
Finishing Touches
Lips was an easy choice; MAC Lip Liner in Whirl all over the lips without over drawing them because I look like a clown every time I try. I love this lip colour because I think it’s perfect for every season and occasion.
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
I am very partial to a meal out; preferably with an old friend or family so that we can spend a long time in the restaurant lazily making our way through the courses whilst reminiscing and putting the world to rights. Being a Londoner I have a vast array of choices but have somehow managed to narrow it down to my top five places to eat in (and around) London.
Ping Pong
Kicking it all off with a well known chain Ping Pong; my favourite DimSum place for good service and amazing food. I embarrassingly frequent the Southbank Branch mainly with A by my side shoving pillowy pork buns into my mouth as fast as possible – attractive I know right. They have a great range of both vegetarian and gluten dishes and the main aim is sharing the food with your friends which makes it a great place for a catch up.
I highly recommend: Pork Buns and Duck Spring Rolls.
Website – www.pingpongdimsum.com
St Margarets Tavern
A little outside of London is a gorgeous local pub which I visit a little to often, it’s menu changes according to the season so for a regular it never gets boring but your old favourites always stay – Yes that towering burger is regularly in front of me! Each dish is packed full of flavour and there is something for everyone. It is so much more than just pub grub!
I highly recommend – Bravette and Brisket Burger and Sticky Toffee Pudding.
Website – www.stmargaretstw1.co.uk Instagram – www.instagram.com/stmargaretstw1
Grace Bar
Grace Bar is technically a night club, bar and restaurant all rolled into one but the dining area is quite separate from the rest of it that you don’t really realise. The menu which changes regularly and cocktails are equally amazing, their range of mojitos is right up my street. It’s not a mind blowing place but you know that you are going to have good food and some yummy drinks and that’s all I really look for in a place.
I highly recommend – The whole cocktail menu.
Website – www.grace-bar.co.uk
Brocca
Another one that is a little outside of Central London but trust me its worth visiting; my family and I have been visiting Brocca for years with birthdays, graduation lunches and farther and mothers day dinners taking place there. Brocca is good italian cooking paired with an amazing atmosphere and fantastic service.
I highly recommend – Everything; seriously i’ve never had a bad dish!
Website – www.brocca.co.uk
Seawise
I’ve raved on about this seafood restaurant on this blog a lot so I’ll keep this short and simple. This is the best seafood restaurant in London. Fresh fish that hasn’t travelled a long distance, that’s cooked to perfection in simple dishes that change with the season and are served with a sizeable portion of chips or salad or if you’re lucky both. Amazing staff and decoration, I highly recommend booking for the evening it gets busy quickly!
I highly recommend – The Lobster and the Bang Bang Prawns
Website – www.seawisecamden.com
What are your favourite places in London to eat?
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
Q. I need some serious make-up advice. Can you recommend a good natural foundation and cleanser? I have acne on my forehead and I don’t wear foundation too often but I don’t wear foundation too often but I don’t want to go barefaced all the time!
A. Foundation wise Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation can be applied really lightly for a subtle glowy coverage or applied slightly heavier for a more full coverage look. If you are happy to spend a bit more money then the NARS Tinted Moisturiser is amazing. Cleanser; my two favourites are the Nivea 2 in 1 Cleanse and Tone and Soap&Glory Peaches and Clean.
If you’ve got a question you want answered then leave it in the comments!
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
I loved fashion and dressing up from a young age; I could usually be found wearing all my favourite clothes at the same time with my mums hat and a huge pair of glasses prancing about my room like a proper supermodel but actually finding my style has taken a long time and I am sure its still evolving.
I have fashion regrets like most people; black shorts with turquoise tights at age fifteen was probably not my proudest moments but my fashion statements and designs filter through to create my current ‘look’ – I will always have a little bit of preppy Blair Wardolf in my outfit.
Fashion is all about experimenting and finding a ‘style’ that you are comfortable in. My standard uniform has become jeans of some description with most often a black crop top. It’s simple, I know it looks good and it’s comfortable; then when it comes to special events then I can really play with different ideas. I’m always inspired by film/TV characters, especially when it comes to party outfits.
Fashion can help you become someone else if thats what you want, it’s all about breaking the rules and doing what makes you happy; never let anyone tell you what to wear and what to not wear.
Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO
What Kate Did Next 