OOTD: Harley Davidson tee and suede riding pants

So I'm aware that I have been very MIA from this blog for a while now - which I will mostly blame on A-level exams, however, laziness was also a key factor.

 I've started that stage of the summer where you decide to give yourself a life makeover and begin to deep clean your room, only to find that it is beyond saving and could do with being burnt down and rebuilt sims-style. This stage also involves a searching and meaningful evaluation of your personal style as you realise that you have been living in pyjamas or in my case - sleeping in and wearing the same pair of jeans for over a week.

I have decided to make a style mood board to inspire me again which I will be posting on this blog. In the meantime, here is an OOTD from last week. I have an obsession with collecting biker tee shirts and statement necklaces so this look is one I wear often. The vintage red Harley tee was bought off Depop and goes so well with MAC Viva glam 1 which happens to be my new favorite red!

The riding pants are a little difficult to see so apologies for the quality (impromptu iPhone photoshoot) but they're basically high-waisted brown suede leggings. The coin necklace is from Aliexpress and was around £3 but I have seen it on Shop Dixi and Depop for a lot more.

Hope you're having a good summer and here's to new beginnings!

MAC Alluring Aquatic: Aphrodite's shell and fathoms deep

As foretold in our previous post, the release of the MAC Alluring aqua collection meant that our bank balances once again became endangered.

After frantically running to Charlotte's house with visa in hand, I ordered Aphrodite's shell extra dimension bronzer and fathoms deep extra dimension eyeshadow.

My parcel arrived today, a day later than Charlotte's...? But ah well. Aphrodite's shell bronzer is a natural warm golden shade that will work best on light to medium skin tones. The powder is extremely finely milled and almost feels like a cream to the touch.

Fathoms deep appears to be a navy blue on the MAC website but in person it's more of a dark charcoal grey with a blue undertone. This eyeshadow is beautifully pigmented and provided an opaque swatch with one swipe. I really look forward to using this all over the lid for a dramatic smokey eye.

On a final note, yes it was most definitely the packaging which attracted me to this collection with the metallic blue and raised water droplets. I think this is one of my favourite packaging designs MAC has produced.

Grace xx

London calling

Cardigan - H&M

Cami - Topshop

Coated Leigh jeans - Topshop

Boots - Topshop

Phone case - Etsy

Hi guys, sorry I've been a little MIA recently, AS exams are fast approaching! Instead of spending the whole Easter break revising however, me and my best friend Charlotte decided to take a day out to visit the capital.

We quite literally shopped until we dropped and walked 11 miles in total, a result of refusing to pay for the tube to ensure we could afford a MAC blush... (Our parents question our priorities)

Covent garden, Oxford street and Piccadilly Circus are amongst the destinations we stumbled upon on on ramblings so overall I feel like we saw quite a lot considering we walked everywhere. At the end of the day we were unbelievably tired and my expression resembled that of my Kim Kardashian phone case so we welcomed the warmth and comfort of Pizza Express, as well as their chocolate fudge cake which was amazing.

Here is a quick changing room outfit photo taken in H&M. I really need to buy a cardigan but its something I always put off doing for some reason even though I would wear it very often. Why is that? Oh and a quick side note, MAC studio fix fluid lasted from 5:30 AM until 11:30PM with no touch ups whatsoever, if anyone is looking for a hardcore foundation then this is the one!

For a full account of our trip and to find out what is in the mysterious bag near my feet check out the post on our joint blog: http://exploringwardrobes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/exploring-london-by-foot.html

Grace xx

MAC Eyeshadow Collection And Swatches

 L-R: Pigments: Vanilla, Golden olive
Eyeshadows: Top: Texture, Heaux, Carbon, Middle: Kid, Cranberry, Woodwinked, Bottom: Honeylust

Heaux, Honeylust, Texture

Top - Bottom

Texture, Honeylust, Heaux, Cranberry, Woodwinked, Kid

With flash, Last three swatches are Carbon (I know -_-) Golden olive, Vanilla

On the whole I am a huge fan of MAC shadows for their amazing pigmentation and huge range of shades. I have been trying to build up my collection over the last couple of years, at the moment I own Heaux purple grey (Satin) Kid, Light warm beige (Veluxe) and Texture, a Warm orange brown (Velvet) These shades are my favourite blending and crease colours. I also use texture across the lid quite a bit as it really makes green eyes pop.

The shimmery shades I own are Honeylust, a warm gold glitter (Lustre finish) This shade is stunning when used wet alone or over Woodwinked (Veluxe pearl) which will forever be one of my favourites. Cranberry (Frost) makes a nice change from neutral shadows and is perfect for Autumn/Winter smokey eyes.

The pigments were 'borrowed' off my mum, I think they came out in one of the holiday collections? Unfortunately I am still mourning the loss of Tan pigment, which met its tragic end on the bathroom tiles *cries* Golden olive is a beautiful shade and the name is pretty self explanatory, I don't really find myself reaching for this shade though as green smokey eyes isn't a look I do often. Vanilla is similar to NARS Albatross in colour except Vanilla is much more glittery. This pigment makes a gorgeous highlight either on the inner corner or the tops of the cheekbones for a dramatic glow.

Finally can we just talk about what the hell is going on with Carbon, this is my least favourite from MAC, instead of being a pigmented black as the name suggests, this comes off as a dirty grey/green colour. I have seen black eyeshadows that put Carbon to shame from Urban Decay and even Sleek!

I hope you enjoyed this review, Let me know what your favourite MAC eyeshadows are.

xx

Nars Fez Eyeshadow

On a recent shopping trip in Manchester I found myself at the Nars counter as I had been on the hunt for the perfect brown eyeshadow to add to my collection. Brown shades are often overlooked yet this shade really caught my eye. Fez is a warm brown shade with golden undertones that catches the light beautifully. I found it to be the middle ground between MAC bronze and Mulch which I had also been debating. Unfortunately the Nars counter in Selfridges did not have this shade in stock but the sales assistant kindly pointed me in the direction of Space NK (I thought Space NK was only in London!) where the sales ladies were lovely I would highly recommend a visit to those who live in Manchester.

I had never previously tried the Nars eyeshadows as I feel their blushes are the brand's most coveted products however I have been really impressed with the formula. The shadow is buttery in texture, blending like a dream and provides even coverage. The lasting power is also very good and Fez remains on the lid a lot longer than the Naked 2 palette shades especially when combined with a primer or the Maybelline colour tattoo in 'On and on bronze.'

I plan to post a 'face of the day' featuring this eyeshadow very soon, let me know what your favourite eyeshadow single is!

Grace xx

Liebster Award 2

I have been nominated for the Liebster award by the gorgeous Mehreen. As most of you will know the Liebster award is designed to promote upcoming blogs. Here are my answers to Mehreen's questions:

1. What's your favourite skin care product?

I often find skincare products to do the opposite of what they claim to do, however I love the Good things skincare range particularly the creamy cleanser and the mattifying moisturiser.

2. If you could be any celebrity for the day, who would it be?

Ooh this is a hard one, I'd have to go for Kim Kardashian I know a lot of people dislike her but seriously, married to Kanye West and having Mario Dedivanovic as your makeup artist?!

3. What's the best present you've received?

The best present I've received would have to be NARS albatross hilighter, a Christmas gift from my best friend Charlotte. This product is a game changer when it comes to creating flawless, glowing skin and I couldn't be without it!

4. What's your favourite designer?

My favourite designer would have to be Alexander Wang as his designs are minimal and wearable yet have a futuristic edge.

5. If you could choose one make up company to work with, who would it be?
Its a tough decision between MAC and NARS but the deciding factor would be the huge range of products available at MAC and the exciting new collections being launched.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In 5 years time I hope to be graduating university, hopefully I will have moved out and I plan to build my blog! I then hope to go into a fashion or beauty related career.

7. What's your favourite online shopping website?
I love Sheinside but the shipping takes ages!

8. What book have you read recently, and enjoyed?
I have recently read 'The beautiful and the damned' by Scott Fitzgerald after studying 'The Great Gatsby' in English Literature. I love Fitzgerald's descriptive style and the unconventional romance storyline.

9. How did you think of your blog name?
I have a keen interest in fashion and wanted my blog to reflect that, I also have a huge stack of Vogue magazines in my room that are undeniably inconvinent yet I can't bring myself to get rid of them. I find myself being drawn to the sea and I find the beach a very tranquil and relaxing setting.

10. Tea or coffee?
Neither! I love the smell of coffee but I am not a fan of the taste, I tried to join the green tea bandwagon but it just tastes odd.

11. What's your favourite beauty product at the moment?
My favourite beauty product would have to be MAC Kid eye-shadow, this shade looks very non-descript in the pan but it makes the perfect transition colour for any smokey eye whether it be black or bronze.

My questions:
1) Favourite restaurant dish?
2) Favourite makeup artist?
3) The one thing you cant stop buying...?
4) Dream travel destination?
5) A culture you are interested in...?
6) Favourite fashion show SS14
7) Major plans for the year...?
8) Most visited high street store?
9) Favourite song?
10) Celebrity style icon?
11) Favourite blog?

Bloggers chosen:

1. Sophie
2. Amber
3. Isley
4. Sarah
5. Nelly
6. Christina
7. ApartmentNo87
8. Vivian
9. Jules
10. Saskia
11. Liv

FOTD: Woodwinked bronze

Face

Foundation - MAC Studio fix fluid NC20

Concealer - Bourjois healthy mix 52

Blush - Mac dainty mineralize

Bronzer - Bourjois chocolate bronzer

Lips 

 NARS chealsea girls lip lacquer

Eyes

Lid - MAC Woodwinked

Crease - MAC Kid

Crease - MUA Heaven and earth palette (golden brown shade)

Liner - Maybelline studio gel eyeliner

Lashes - Avon supershock

Brows 

Mac dirty blonde gelcreme

Maybelline Brow Drama in blonde

Woodwinked is one of my holy-grail MAC eye-shadows and a fail safe option for both daytime and night time looks. This warm golden shade is one of the veluxe pearl finishes and provides opaque coverage, high pigmentation and buttery soft application. I would definitely recommend Woodwinked to anyone who does not already have this shade in their collection as it is a truly beautiful eye-shadow.

I am not usually a fan of shimmer in the crease however in combination with the golden lid colour, a warm brown shimmer creates a soft bronze smokey eye whilst still providing definition.

I have also been loving NARS Chelsea girls lip lacquer ever since receiving it as a Christmas gift from Charlotte Radcliffe of Exploring Wardrobes. I have been using this product religiously as it creates the perfect nude pink colour and has amazing longevity.

 Hope you are all doing well, Grace xoxo

Face OTD: Feel my pulse and Naked 2

Face

MAC studio fix fluid NC20

Bourjois healthy mix concealer 52

MAC Golden bronzer

NARS Deep throat blush

NARS Albatross

Eyes

Inner corner - Verve

Lid - YDK

Crease - Busted, Tease

Lashline - Busted

Mascara - L'oreal Voluminous

Brows - MAC Dirty blonde gelcreme and Maybelline Brow Drama gel in Blonde

Lips

MAC Feel my pulse lipstick

After getting stuck in the smokey eye rut I decided to opt for a bright lip today and used Feel my pulse lipstick from MAC's Temperature rising collection. I am absolutely in love with this true violet colour and the formula is one of the more hydrating cremesheens as I find some, especially Creme cup to be very drying on the lips. 

For my eyes I used the Naked two palette which I finally got round to purchasing. Whilst there is much  blogger and Youtuber hype about this product, I am going to be controversial and argue that I have experienced better quality shadows from lower range drugstore brands. Whilst this is a nice palette with a very wearable colour selection, I wasn't blown away by the pigmentation of the shades and I had a lot of fall out from 'chopper' in particular. For the price tag I find this product to be a little over-rated.

Despite my initial dissapointment, I will say that the palette makes it very easy to create a range of everyday eye looks and once built up, the colours are very pretty with YDK, Busted and Verve being my most used shades.

MAC TEMPERATURE RISING LIPSTICKS

In a recent Cheshire Oaks CCO haul I picked up two lipsticks from the MAC Temperature rising collection. The bronze packaging has a velvet matte feel similar to the Nars packaging which I like as it feels luxurious.

Feel my pulse is a cremesheen finish and a gorgeous violet magenta shade. A lot of celebrities have been rocking a purple lip this season and I was particularly inspired by a picture of Khloe Kardashian. I already owned Rebel lipstick however Rebel definitely leans more red whereas feel my pulse is a true violet. Despite this being quite an intimidating shade in the bullet I am excited to experiment with this lipstick!

This is such a beautiful bold shade of violet and I can see this becoming my go to statement lip for Fall!

Altered beige is a beige nude with a Lustre finish and gives a beautiful sheer wash of colour to the lips. This is a really flattering nude that would suit a wide range of people and doesn't give the 'foundation lip' look.

As you can see from the swatch, Altered beige is a very sheer shade, however this complements a dramatic eye look without washing out the complexion.

ALL SAINTS OUTLET AND CCO MINI HAUL

With the promise of an All saints outlet and a CCO, we decided to make the journey to Cheshire Oaks and despite nearly an hour in the car and getting lost it was definitely worth the trek!

In all saints I found the silk biker vest I'd been wanting for as long as I can remember for £10 with only a minor defect and an additional 30% discount off the marked price! It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up and as I hunted through the rails I came across this gorgeous hand embellished top reduced to £10 from £195! I was shocked at what a good deal I got and couldn't believe I got £230 worth of clothes for just £17.

From CCO I got two MAC lipsticks from the temperature rising collection. I have an upcoming blog post on these lipsticks so stay tuned!

Party Makeup series: Navy and gold smokey eye

Products used:

Face

Foundation - Nars sheer glow Fiji

Bronzer - Bourjois delice de poudre ( Chocolate bronzer)

Blush - Nars Deep Throat

Hilighter - Benefit Moonbeam

Concealer - MAC Pro longwear NW20

Eyes

Base inner lid - Maybelline colour tattoo on and on bronze

Base outer lid - Maybelline colour tattoo endless black

Lid - Mac woodwinked

Crease - Black spark (Navy shade from a frontcover palette, dupe for MAC contrast)

Transition colour - Bronzer and MAC kid

Inner corner - Urban Decay virgin

Liner - Maybelline eye studio lasting drama gel liner

Mascara - AVON supershock max

Lashes - Eyelure individuals

Lips

Lipstick - Revlon lip butter strawberry shortcake 080