WHAT I WORE TODAY : Shoot madness!

 Today I took part in a shoot as a model. I don't normally model - well not anymore!- since I am not the usual shape for a model. I have some ass and some waist! So the theme was....well...I'm not sure because I had an hour and a bit to do something so I went a bit mad......

 I started with a base of white Face And Body from MAC. I popped a layer of white face powder from Stargazer over the top. I love my white face powder. I used to use it everyday when I was a goth and I always make sure I have some in my kit. It takes a while to build up a solid coat like this though.

Once the white base was complete I had some time to think about the design. I had watched something with scorpions in it last night and I loved the design of the tails so I wanted to work that into the liner - check out the curved bit over the eye. I then decided to add massive strong eyebrows. This was all done using MAC's Blacktrack fluidline gel liner and an angled brush. I traced the designs then filled it in.

 However the black on the white looked a little bit mime-ish so then I decided to add some color. I put some Barry M Dust on my brush and buffed it around the edges of my face. I brought it down for contour under my cheekbones.

I tried on a feather neckpiece which we had used in the last photos but it didn't sit right as my neck was still white! So that was when I decided that the dust had to go down further....

 I also experimented with the hair as well. I liked it down but it wasn't doing anything for the collar. So I pulled my hair up completely for the final shots.

 I then decided that not only did the dust need to come down my shoulders but it also needed to have some darker patches. I added Grape pigment from MAC to the cheekbones and then started to blend.

 When doing my collarbones - I was inspired by a make-up artist I follow on Facebook. Under Blue Lights. She does amazing things with body paint and I wanted to get an effect that I had seen on one of her shots. However, I didn't use body paint - just eyeshadow so the effect is quite soft. I put the grape pigment around the bones then put the white powder back on the high points to give the impression that light bounced off them. I also added some bones on my neck too.

The finished effect! I am so proud of this make-up. I will say that I had a sneaky look back over my previous make-ups from back in the day in Dublin. The progression in my work is amazing. I can now pull together a much more blended and workable image. The liner is perfectly dark and sharp. I am so proud of it.


Now to post the pictures as soon as I get them! X

THE DREADFUL DIARIES : All change......getting rid of toxic substances and lives.....

So....hello!

I know life on the blog has been slow but its getting there. I've been taking some time off lately to look after myself. I had a hard week last week which involved overworking, undereating, undereating and generally loosing my faith in mankind. I'm not kidding. On Wednesday I literally snapped and couldn't find anything in my personality to forgive or forget.
I've always trusted people immediately but jesus....this week has been hard.
I've decided to cut useless people out of my life for now. There are those people who are good to know and those who really don't have anything to offer you. I had quite a few loose ends to destroy so I set out to do just that. I took a weekend off for myself. I've had three days of nothing. I've cleaned my house, paid my bills, overhauled my look, changed a few things and generally, just decided that I don't care anymore. The minute I decided not to care - life felt so much better.
So maybe that is the answer to things. Stop. Drop and fucking roll with it.
I know a few of my friends are currently going through this phase  as well. I can honestly say that scaling back on things that don't make you happy will make you the happiest you have ever been. I don't have any interest in toxic situations anymore.

Also getting high on exercise helps.

I've been working out like a demon - or at least I was until I hurt my foot!!! Hahahahaha! I managed to fuck up my foot by going on long hikes, runs and gym. I need to start sorting out my twisted knee from the accident a year ago. It's still not healed and if I dont do it now then its going to be like that forever. So yeah.....work out. It's fun. I'm also deciding on my diet too. I've come off sushi as my iron levels dropped so low! I couldn't get out of bed and now I am trying to get used to cooked food. My body hates it. I mean really hates it. Now I am trying to make the decision to go back to being vegetarian and I have to start being dairy free properly as well. I've already started that as I've managed to remove all dairy from my diet apart from cheese. The cheese is the hard bit. I am also a coeliac as well so this means that my diet is going to become all about the humble salad! I need to sort out whatever is making me so ill and I think its a combination of cooked food, oil and dairy.....oh and possibly meat as well. So all might have to go......Who knows?


And now I am off to Spain in under six weeks! YESH!

So I finally got some swimsuits.....finally....

I finally found a bikini.

Okay so I didn't manage to find something black or covered in spikes like I wanted but....this one will do. It's pink but it has loads and loads of Mexican sugar skulls all over it. I am willing to compromise a color if its got skulls on it.
I don't intend on wearing it when I get back to Nottingham!!! However I do wear bikinis as bras - so I might....who knows.....

Primark - £10

SAMPLE SALE : Bitching and Junkfood

If your down London direction on Saturday then you could do with popping into this sample sale.....WISH I could be there. Sigh.

My new Pink Floyd T-shirt/ dress.....

I went shopping to get my holiday gear yesterday. I couldn't resist this T-shirt dress! I collect band t-shirts and this one spoke to me. I wanted it. I had to have it. I love pink floyd and I didn't have a PF T-shirt either.

I was surprised to find this in H&M of all places......nice huh? £19

THE BEAUTY SPOT : Getting Old Gracefully......

You know what, aging happens. I am getting older and starting to notice my skin changing with time. It's depressing. I've noticed lines, dry patches and also, pigmentation.

Pigmentation.

It depends on your genes and skin as to how bad pigmentation can be. I find that I have the start of it on the top of my nose. This is manifested in small darker spots on the top which look like a collection of freckles. I didn't have this five years ago! I know I am only new to this aging game but I feel as its a battle I've been fighting for years now with the use of moisturisers and expensive creams. I am planning to invest in Clinique's Dark Spot Corrector.

There are many claims about this product that it really does work and visibly reduces the appearance of pigmentation. Now, I haven't used this product yet and I only have very light pigmentation due to it being early days in the development of and also, my being very very pale. Reviews of the product by various bloggers do state that it doesn't seem very good for reducing acne scarring however, they do report a change in pore size.

Has anyone used this product yet?

DRY SKIN

Over the years my skin has gone from oily /spot prone to dry /spot prone. Which is fantastic. No matter how many products I throw at it I never seemed to be able to sort the issue. It took a consultation at Kiehls for me to realise that I don't really have dry skin - I have dehydrated skin. Which is less easy to fix. I think a lot of the issues we seem to think are caused by dry skin are actually dehydration. So there is only one product that I trust for this. Clinique Moisture Surge. This comes in many different forms but I have invested in the lighter gel formula for day and another youth surge creamier formula for evening. I dislike heavy creams on my skin during the day.
As we get older, we loose that sparkly skin we had as eighteen year olds. I find that my skin appears a little lifeless these days. This is just something that happens. It happens to men too but I find because their skin is thicker - 3 x thicker - it takes longer. Which is why they don't get the 'older skin' until their mid to late 30s.
I do find that the Clinique lotions work for me. I've just invested in the eye creams as well. Eye creams are something that I have never really bothered with until now.

LINES

There is nothing you can do about this. I am convinced that there is nothing you can do to reduce lines. They are a side effect of a life lived well. I am aware that there is nothing more irritating then a really well produced forehead crinkle. But sadly, there is nothing that will visibly reduce, etc, etc. However, there are products that temporarily fill and conceal. I love showing customers the MAC Prep and Prime Line Filler on my hand. I pop a small bit on the lines of my fingers to show them how the product fills in the gap. You then paint away on top of it and appear to have no lines. This product does need time to settle though.
It should also be noted that it solves small lines.

ROLLING BACK THE YEARS. A GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR MAKE-UP RIGHT.

I get asked so many questions about aging and what make-up people should be using. So here are a few pointers.....

1 - Go Dewy.

I often think matte foundation looks flat. In fact when people are dissatisfied with matte foundation is often because it makes the skin appear dull. Matte can look great when teamed with an oily skin but if your skin is a little dry as a result of getting older or just dry in general - it looks awful. I know I can't wear it. I've tried! So switch. A dewy foundation, tinted moisturiser or water based foundation looks fantastic and more natural. Dewy foundation has more light reflecting particles so it picks up the light better and helps the skin to look healthier and more alive. This is also great if your young and enjoy a good night out and don't want to look hungover!
The best dewy foundations to invest in are Clinique's tinted moisturisers, MAC Face and Body or any of the BB or CC creams on the market. Go light.

2 - Cream blusher vs Powder blush.

I get asked this a lot. People think that cream blusher looks a little less aging for some reason. The simple answer as far as I'm concerned is - there is no difference. I think blusher needs to be subtle and well blended - this is where cream has the advantage over powder. I do think that cream blush looks better on drier skin though. But if your using blusher correctly then who cares if its powder or cream?!

3 - Metallic Eyeshadows

I don't know why people assume they cannot use metallics or glitters. Glitters I understand because no one wants to look too disco but metallics that are subtle can be okay. It depends on the look you prefer really. I would go in lightly and blend well.

4 - Color

A lot of people get really nervous about color as they get older. We get stuck in make-up ruts all the time. I know there are products I do love and can't live without - however there are products that I am a little wary of trying for fear of the color. This is a very small amount because I love mental make-up! I think we could all benefit from doing a little bit of a color swap from time to time. A lipstick is a great way of changing it up without spending a fortune. Foundation should always be retested every now and again because formulas change and so does our skin. However if color fills you with dread then consider the texture. Often a lipstick which your dying to try but haven't got the balls for - comes in different textures which may not be as bright. If you want a red then why not try a red gloss which will give you the color but not as bright as you want to avoid. If you still can't face it then why not change your nail varnish?
(my advice is go for Models Own from Boots - great varnish and its only £5)

Here is a list of some of the best products I have come across to get a youthful finish or pick up the skin.

1 - MAC Fortified Skin Enhancer in Illuminate - This is a primer with an SPF 35. The light pink tones really pick up the skin and add a glow.
2 - CLINIQUE Moisture Surge - This product in all its forms is amazing. It really does what it says. A real boost to the skin.
3 - MAC prep and prime highlighters - Great for contouring and great for picking up dark circles under the eyes. I use the Radiant Rose shade
4 - MAC Skin Brightening Serum - A light serum for giving a glow to the skin prior to foundation. Love it.
5 - Kiehls Midnight Recovery Serum - A heavier night time serum which sinks into the skin while you sleep. Fantastic stuff. Pricey though.
6 - 

LOOKBOOKS : Rihanna's second collection for River Island due May 25th. Sneak Peek

 With the amount of fashion related Rihanna shit going on - I feel as if this blog is dedicated to her. Which simply is not true - I don't even really like her that much. However she keeps bringing out different lines and such.....The latest in the long line of merch is the second line of River Island gear. It's due to hit stores on the 25th of May and I have to admit.....its not great.

 The first collection brought hundreds of screaming fans to the London flagship with speculation about the success of the line. It was noted that the average RI shopper might not be able to part with £75 for a dress. To be honest, most of it wasn't my thing but it wasn't a bad collection by all means. However there are some really bum notes in this one....

 The collection is clearly aimed at the holiday going high season shopper with mesh-y bits, swimsuits and summery florals. There are some decent bits like the boots below but there are also some really awful things in there like a black floral denim jacket that looks like something I owned in the 90s aged 12. I think I may have refused to wear it even back then.

 Also amazingly naff is this leather cap with jeweled florals on it. Shudder.

So time will tell how successful this collection is but given that the Ririwoo lipstick for MAC sold out in three hours - its a safe bet to say its going to be success.

Shit from the kit.....

 Ignore the eyebrows! I ran out of my usual pencil and am having to use something waaaay too dark! Well, they don't look too bad when my eyes are done as well.

STARGAZER - GOLDEN FLAME DYE
I finally got around to opening the red dye I bought back in December - and I wish I hadn't bothered. My tips have been dyed for about two weeks now and they look awful. The dye has not only washed out but faded to an awful pink-ish orange color. I cant describe how terrible it looks. Considering it was neon red two weeks ago. This is really not what I was hoping for.
I had switched to Directions because they last longer but given that I bought this before the switch - I was stuck with it. Lads - don't waste your money or your time. Just go with a darker red and let it fade out over longer period of time and also, go Directions if you can.

 Heroine Eyeshadow from MAC.

I got a chance to play with the new fashion sets on Saturday. Basically, Heroine came out as a lipstick in the Reel Sexy collection last July. A much too undervalued brilliantly colorful collection. This year, it has returned as part of the fashion sets. It has now been teamed with a lip pencil, nail varnish, eyeshadow and lip gloss. I'm not really bothered about any of the other things but I want that  lipstick!  I don't wear MAC nail varnish and I don't wear gloss at all.
I did want to try the shadow though. I have to say, it is extremely matte. I found it really hard to use because, like a fool, I didn't put any primer on and it was difficult to get the shadow to stick. I found myself using half the pot to get it to stay! The color went worked into a smokey blue eye was really stunning though. I layered brown shadows over the top of it later on when I went out and I really loved it. I wont be purchasing it as I have far too much Electric Eel from MAC which is a really neon matte blue.

Pistachio Cream Nail Varnish from MAC

I tried the two varnishes from the Baking Beauties collection today. I was really bored of my usual varnishes and wanted to try something new. I have forgotten the name of the lavender color but the blue is Pistachio Cream. I'm not a huge fan of painting my nails on the go. I always pick a time and paint them once a week quickly. I'm awful for letting them chip as well.
I've been a big color nut lately and while I still love my Models Own and Nails Inc and Barry M - this color is growing on me. I've been feeling pastels lately and I made the mistake of buying the Barry M blue which is identical - I say mistake as its textured and feels awful!!!!
So I may yet invest in this one!

(Do you see how bad the tips of the hair are?)

The ragged Priest leather jackets.....yet again

I came across the brand Ragged Priest during a trip to London last year. I loved the buttery soft spiked leather jackets. However, I didn't have a spare £200 on me and my card was already maxed out on make-up at this point!
I do love the cut out effect of this one though. I'm not sure I could spend £200 on it given that I prefer the spiked versions but its something differnet is it not?

Also, its not quite warm enough for it yet...... You can find it here

Vivienne Westwood watches

I've been looking for a decent watch for ages.

I don't know why given that like most people, my time keeping is done with my phone. I think I like the traditional element of wearing a watch.

Choosing the right one is crucial. It has to say something about you while not being too flashy or too difficult to read. I want one which is elegant, boy-ish and stylish. So therefore, I decided on this one from Vivienne Westwood.

It's not too expensive either. It's only £225. If you think of how long you own a good watch for then its not actually that much.  We spend more on things we wear for one season really.

You can find this here

FOXES!

I love a good piece of jewelry.

I love foxes.

I love this fox pin from Lea Stein.

It's £95 though....


which is the only part I don't like....


You can find it here

AW SOB!

Rihanna to sue Topshop for 5 million!

So Rihanna is bringing the pain on Philip Green.

She has decided to sue the company over those T-shirts with her face on it. Topman has been selling them for the past year in the UK and Ireland. Topman are sneaky though, they have all the loop holes covered. The T-shirt is described as an 'icon' T-shirt without mentioning her name and also, the description reads 'Girl in a headscarf.' Even though its one famous random person.....

They have also paid the photographer who took the image which further protects them under British law. As the photo is the property of the person who physically took the image - not of the person in the image. Apparently Rihanna has contacted Topshop a couple of times to ask them to stop stocking the t-shirt but hasnt had any luck so far.

She's asking for £5 million in damages.


........damages for what!??!?!.......

DAY TWO : MAC 5 DAY MAKE-UP CHALLENGE : Cutting down on product use

 So it's been a few days since I did the first MAC 5 day make-up challenge. The reason for this has been that I've not been working and I've had look days at work in the meantime. So today is my second go!

And it's not great!

Basically my challenge today was to cut my product load in half. I didn't want to use the usual array of products to get a simple look. I also wanted to cut down on color too.

 The lipstick and blusher went on perfectly. I used Nicki Minaj lipstick from the VIva Glam range. I ran the lipstick onto a brush and buffed it on lightly. I then just applied it to my lips as normal.

Then I got carried away. I applied the lipstick to my eyes with a 217. This came out beautifully - especially since I have green eyes. However, the texture is totally wrong. This should have been apparent to me if I had stopped to think about it but alas, I just went for it! The color is nice but its already creasing and needs to be fixed when I get to work.

I used the brown powder in my brows as well. So far - two products!

Here is a list :

SKIN - Skin base primer + NC15 Mineralise liquid foundation
EYES - Nicki Minaj lipstick, Dipdown liner, Black Black chromographic pencil and Extreme Dimension mascara,
LIPS - Nicki Minaj
BlUSHER - Nicki Minaj

A grand total of.....8!

WATCH THIS : Rihanna second collection for River Island

Rihanna talks about her second collection for River Island which drops the 25th of May

I swear by Full Coverage from MAC

 I have learned a trick. If I am going out I have discovered the most amazing foundation. Okay, so its full coverage but my god - the photos. I looked back over the photos taken last night and in all of them, my skin looks great.

I look wrecked but my skin looks great.

The reason for this?

MAC Full Coverage foundation. Sadly its a PRO store only purchase so I have to go to London to get my fix of it but the pot is so big that it really does last.

I am not sure how much it retails for as I get discount but its seriously worth the investment. I use NC15. It is the same as but in a much larger format as the Studio Finish concealer that is doing the rounds in most MAC stores. However, you wont get long out of the concealer if your using it all over the face! It's £14.50 a pop as well which makes it not worth it!

I would be careful how you apply this bad boy as well. I use a 187 brush to apply it as it makes it a little lighter for you and not so cake-y. I think a sponge or a flat brush or fingers would just be too heavy with this. Also as its a cream consistency - be wary of hygiene.

WHAT I WORE TODAY : Going down Rock City

 Thank god I don't drink in the sort of places that have door dress codes! I decided to dress like my usual self tonight. I'm so tired of toning it down. I am mental. I always have been. I have dressed like this for years.
I am wearing : A Bob Dylan vest from Camden market as a dress, Hotpants from Topshop (because i'm not a total whore), leopard print tights, sneaker wedges from River Island with a hat from RI. Love it. I was going to wear cat ears but frankly, I've been wearing them all day and they hurt.

 Yes.

Looks like my evening walks are working as well

 I dyed my hair red last night. I have been meaning to do it for ages. I then slept with my hair in plaits which has resulted in this amazing wavy hair! So doing that again! So I've been teasing it all day to get it uber wavy.

I've also gone becak to my usual smoky eyes.

 The nose is doing better already. I'm amazed at how many people haven't realised what I have had done. Amazingly, I worked with people for six hours before someone finally went - OMG! A lot of people have said that it is just something they thought I always had and it suits me. Which is good. I don't have any idea what to get next. A part of me wants a front neck piercing and a smiley.

I don't know why but I think this could be on the cards......

Kim Kardashian and the Met Gala dress pisstakes keep coming!

Everytime I find one of these - its going to get posted. Sorry Kanye but your wife/baby mama/idiot girlfriend/ waste of space, annoys me incredibly.

LOOKBOOKS : Topshop Pre Fall 2013

 Having just complained about the lack of black clothing available during the summer months - I came across the images of the new Pre Fall Topshop collection. Naturally I slowed down for this given that I have a serious Topshop abuse problem.

I must say, its not my taste personally. It's far too minimal and 90s for me. I like a bit of a stud or six on my clothes. However, I must admit that the black dress below with the mesh piece had my full attention - as did the coat - until I saw the prices of said items. I'm sorry, but Topshop, know your place.

You are high street. I am not paying £300 for that dress which was the price quoted. I checked it twice in disbelief. This is not even Unique or Boutique! It's regular Toppers! Sorry but no. I could get something twice as amazing for £300. In fact I could buy that Cambridge Satchel Company bag I've wanted for the past three years - finally. I could get two even!

 There was a nasty looking 90s neon pink string vest there too but I chose to ignore it. If you ignore it on a blog round up then it didnt exist......

Why do people insist on photographing white shoes on white backgrounds!??!?!?! It never works. At all.

The summer is not kind to those of us who wear black. A lot. All the time.

Does anyone else have this problem?

Summer is not my best time. I don't do well in heat and I don't do well in bright colors. Around March, the high street goes nuts for knocking out colorful pieces of brightly printed tat. This doesn't go well for me.

First issue : I love my big crazy clompy boots. I am not a girl for sandals. This is very uncomfortable given that this is all I can get this time of year. I will wear ballet slippers but not often.

Second Issue : I get annoyed by the lack of black on the shelves. I don't wear print and I dont wear color. I don't want to wear neon and florals annoy me. 90% of my wardrobe is black as my uniform is black. I love black and it's been that way for years. I struggle to buy anything during the summer months. In fact, I recently got to flicking through last month's copy of Vogue recently that confirmed that I am not alone in this. There was an article which was as if it had been written by me. The writer moaned about the lack of decent black clothing in the shops and then how trusty a color it is. My thoughts entirely.

Third Issue : I get annoyed by my make-up melting off my face all the time. Make-up has to get lighter during the summer months. I'm okay with this until I realise my face is on my chin.

The big issue :

Summer holidays.

I am going to Spain in July. I need clothing. I need to not be wearing black. I know what this part of Spain is like at this time because I have spent a few summers here before. If I wear black - I will die. Quite simply. However, I don't want to buy or wear anything that isn't black.

Also, I really hate the clothing I have found so far.

If you have been reading this blog then you will know I have struggled to find a bikini that doesn't make me want to retch. I am not a big fan of sparkles, ruffles or sequins on anything I have to swim in. I want something to make me look ok while swimming - not like a tart. 

I am officially giving up. I placed  a call to my mother this morning asking her to rescue some old clothes I have from France three years ago and pack them for me. I also asked her to bring over spare sandals. I have officially withdrawn from the race.

I need to lighten up and stop being a miserable goth.

LOOKBOOKS : River Island High Summer 2013

 I'm never really sure if I consider May as summer or spring. I think as far as I am concerned, its the last bit of Spring before summer really kicks in.  So I find it crazy weird that the high street are now stocking high summer pieces. This is the last pieces of their summer collections before they start to stock pre fall. I know right!??!?!

Anyway as high summer comes flooding in - we have the first of the images from River Island. The collection is pretty much festival friendly with flowered headbands, body jewelry, sandals, dunagrees and some holiday friendly maxi amazingness.

 I love this feathered headpiece. I want this in my life. Like immediately.

 There are some gorgeous pieces of jewelry. However, my recent experiences with RI and the jewelry make me not want to pay crazy prices for them but save my money and go sale when it happens.

I kinda love this maxi dress as well. I'm going to post soon about summer maxi dresses and this confuses me. It has print. I hate print. So WHY do I like this?!??!? ARGH!