Beauty Haul

Over the last couple of weeks I've been doing a bit of shopping and managed to finally get round to purchasing things that I've wanted for a long time.

The first thing I picked up was the Urban Decay Naked Palette. I have wanted this palette for such a long time and was so happy when it arrived. The colours are gorgeous and I will get use out of every single one. The formulation is amazing as is the longevity of the shadows! My favourite so far is 'sin' and I can envisage myself picking up the single of it because I love it so much. I also like 'sidecar', 'smog', 'hustle' and 'toasted', but as I get more use out of the palette I'm sure I'll love them all equally. The shades are so versatile and it's so easy to create a wide array of looks from them. I can definitely see why this is a huge favourite amongst bloggers!

The next thing I picked up was Mac Mineralise Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle. After hearing Chloe and everyone rave about this, I decided to pick it up and try for myself as I wanted a new highlighter. It is so pigmented, but not overly glittery - it leaves a lovely sheen. It can be applied sparingly for a nice healthy glow or built up to give a real intense highlight, which makes it perfect for day and night.

Have you picked up anything you've been wanting for a long time lately?

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Prom: The Event

Like I mentioned in my previous post, Friday 19th June was my school's prom. It was an amazing night, but of course, one which couldn't have started without malfunctions. My best friend and boyfriend both managed to get marks on their attires, so the evening began with a slight panic. Once resolved, me and my bestfriend made our way to Eastwood in a very swish Jaguar. We were one of the last to arrive and everyone was waiting looking very smart and lovely. The food was lovely, the photo booth was great fun and the dancing was hilarious! Also, it was good to socialise with the teachers that have really helped me over the last five years. It was a really nice way to finish my time at secondary school and it's a night I will never forget. The people who went made the night so magical. It was the perfect way to relax and no longer have to do any exams and revise! I could talk about the night for a very long time, but sometimes writing it down doesn't always justify how truly special the event was.

I hope you enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Prom: The Makeup

Last Friday (19th June) was my school's prom, it was an amazing night and I thought I might as well document it. Whilst I'm still collating together the photos from the night for a post next Sunday, I thought I'd share the makeup I wore. I went for a bit more than I usually wear simply because I wanted it to last through the night and look good through the night. I used all the products I love so that I was sure my makeup would last and not fall off my face.

I started with my Nars Sheer Glow which I followed with my Benefit Erase Paste and Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. To bronze my face I used Nars Laguna and Benefit Hoola for a slightly more defined and chiseled face. For blush I used my trusty Nars Laguna and despite its very shimmery composition, I still used a highlighter - Mac Soft and Gentle.

For eyes, I used my Urban Decay Naked Palette. I got this a few weeks ago and its beautiful! I went a bit heavier with my eye makeup and created a subtle smoky eye with gold/bronze undertones. I used my trusty Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner and my Benefit They're Real and I added the Eyelure Volume 083 Lashes. To finish off the look, I used my Nars Audacious Lipstick in the shade Natalie.

I was really impressed with how the makeup turned out and will be sure to recreate it in the future. Is there a makeup look you really like?

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Fashion Wishlist

There are a couple of items of clothing that I am desperate to get my hands on at the minute. I always drift in and out of love with the things I want to buy, but these two pieces are most definitely my next purchases.

ASOS Jumpsuit in Grid Print with Cutout Detail
I've been wanting a pair of culottes for a while, but couldn't seem to find any that suit me or that were half decent in colour and style, so when I saw this jumpsuit I was completely sold. I love that it is a jumpsuit so I wouldn't have the dilemma of not knowing what to pair with it if it was just culottes and the whole piece just screams summer. There is a very fine yellow checked pattern running all the way through which just makes the piece in my opinion. It is something I can see myself wearing so much once I get my hands on it!

Forever 21 Crochet Yoke Embroided Dress
This dress is so pretty! The detailing at the neckline adds so much to such a simple piece. I can't stand to be in jeans in the summer, so dresses are definitely a must. I love the little flare once you get past the waistline and I think a piece like this is definitely a classic. It slightly reminds me of a more traditional/vintage style dress which makes me want it even more.

What fashion items are you lusting after?

I hope you enjoyed reading,

Holly x

Out In The Open

My mum and I like to go on walks in the countryside and luckily, there is a lovely village nearby which opens up onto what seems like all the fields and grass ever (plus the M1 but oh well). There are horse schools galore and massive farm houses in every direction and it looks so appealing to live there. Instead of doing my usual walk, I ran the route we normally go and got even further. My mum walked slowly behind just in case I got lost on my own. It is such a nice place to run or walk and I stumbled across some of the most breath taking scenery. There was no noise, other than the birds and it's so peaceful to escape into a rural area! Plus we met some friends on the way back!

Do you enjoy being in the open?

Hope you've enjoyed reading, 

Holly x

Having a break.

As much as I love makeup, I don't think anything can beat wearing none sometimes. Having a week off has given me ample opportunity to do exactly that and I've loved it. My skin goes through phases and sometimes just needs time to breath and have a break from all the stuff piled on it all the time. It's nice to have the fresh air on my face and not have to worry about eyeshadow going everywhere if I need to rub my eyes. Also, it makes cleansing a lot more easier too!

Having a break from wearing makeup allows me to appreciate exactly what I use it for - as an enhancer - because I have no problems going out without makeup. Just ask the guys at my local shop!

Do you have periods of time without wearing makeup?

I hope you've enjoyed reading, 

Holly

Hourglass Blush

I have a huge weak spot for blusher and anything with the ability to make me look more perked-up and awake. I always have my eye on one blusher at least and it is by far the most common thing in my collection.

Last year, Hourglass released their Ambient Lighting Blushers and they are simply stunning. To top it off, they then brought out a palette - the Ambient Lighting Blush Palette - with 3 of them in which coincided nicely with my birthday. It was one of my favourite purchases of the year and I absolutely love it.

The colours within the palette are beautiful, ranging from a deep plum/mauve to a vibrant coral. The highlighting properties within the blush emphasises the colour and adds an extra depth to the look. The blushers are immensely pigmented and have an amazing colour off as well as being very longwearing. They are finely-milled powders, but don't look powdery on the skin - they blend seemlessly. The highlight in each isn't shimmery or over the top, it just gives the right amount off sheen and a lovely glow.

I have absolutely fallen in love with these products and I am desperate to get my hands on some of the other shades in the range.

What do you think of the blush-highlighter hybrid type product?

I hope you've enjoyed reading, 

Holly x