Monday 24 December 2012

HerUni: Beauty Trends For Party Season

Is it true to say that you, like me, don’t really think about the makeup as much as the dress and the hair for the night out you plan on having? Or, are you a true beauty fanatic who is already up to date with all the trends? Either way, the following beauty trends will give you what you are looking for in the makeup department during the winter period, and more importantly, the party season, especially Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
 
 
All
 
 
Fresh Faced
There is one look on trend right now for all those out there who like to keep a fresh face over the Christmas season. It may not be a look you would choose for a night out, but for working and earning, or a wintery walk through the park. It is a very simple look to create. The trick with this is aiming for a dewy glow by exfoliating, hydrating and moisturising your skin. All that is before putting on your foundation. One foundation to go for would be BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Sensitive Skin by Garnier. To complete the look, wear brown or brown/black mascara instead of jet black. Avoid the extra volume mascara too; leave that for the crazy nights out. A good brand on budget would be Collection 2000 Lash Lengthening Mascara (W/P) Brown/Black. With this look, it is also about eating healthier, sleeping more and stressing less which will all show on your face. Balmain, Chloe and Calvin Klein Collection among many others showcased this look at the Autumn/Winter fashion shows.
 
 
Be Ethereal
Take some inspiration from other-worldly creatures, maybe not from the film Avatar. Nobody wants to be painted in blue from top to toe during winter season as we’re already blue from the cold at this time of year. Pearly shades, clear, pale skin tones and pink lip colours are the beautiful colours that create the ethereal look. Costello Tagliapietra, Giles and Giambattista Valli have all taken on the ethereal look for their models this season. Silver and blue tones alongside bronzed eyes and silver liner are all part of this other-worldly look. Adding a peony lip will make the look more classic. To go all out, and very over-the-top, mix orange, black and purple to recreate Prada’s fantastical take on the ethereal look. A dewy base is best; use BB Cream Miracle Skin Perfector Sensitive Skin just like in Fresh Faced. For the eyes, glitter eyeliners are great such as 2true Eyeliner Dazzler No.2/3/4 in Silver, Green and Purple. Top it off by rimming the water line with a light blue such as Barry M Kohl Pen Kingfisher Blue. For the lips, a simple pale pink will do, and what better than Nivea Lip Care Soft Rose 4.8g for that extra protection against the cold night.
 
 
 
 
Eyes
 
 
Normally, for a big Christmas or NYE party, the eyes are the focal point on your face. Whether you go all out, or you create a more subtle look, there are plenty of trends to choose from.
 
 
Golden Eye
Want to be star of the show? Gold is a festive colour, and it can brighten up your eye immediately. Hitting the catwalk with the golden eye is Emilio Pucci. For the best outcome, use a variety of gold’s to illuminate some parts and accentuate others of your eye. Don’t forget to draw a golden line underneath your eye to add that extra pop. Use a mixture of Accessorize Merged Eyeshadow Golden Caramel and Golden Brown for the ultra smoky golden eye look. Make sure you add extra black Rimmel Scandel Eye Mascara to complete the look. Or, for the simple golden eye look, wear L’Oréal Colour Appeal Mono Eye Shadow Pure Gold, or for a golden line, Sleek MakeUP Eye Liner Liquid Dip It Gold. All these variations can be found in Superdrug stores nationwide or online. This look is definitely one for the New Year’s celebrations.
 
 
Sultry Smoke
The smoky eye is always in season despite the sun or snow. During the party season, the smokiness has a darker effect with silvers, greys, blacks, and even dark blues just like Diane Von Furstenburg and Valentino. For the classic smoky eye, think of the model in Armani Code by Giorgio Armani. Her eyes look beautiful surrounded in black. You can achieve that look too without the assistance of a makeup artist. You can either achieve this with a simple black liner surrounding the eye with pencil, Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil Black, or with liquid: Rimmel Exaggerate Liquid Eye Liner Black. A different way to achieve the simple black smoky eye look would be to use to likes of single shadow GOSH Eye Shadow Mono 006 Black. On the other hand, if you want to achieve the ultimate smoky eye, buy a combination palette of shadow like the Rimmel Union Jack Eye Palette Black Cab. Start with the lightest colour as the base of the look, working it all over the base of your eye up to the brow. Then, with the middle colour, brush that on the entire eye lid, and line it underneath too. Finally, with the darkest shade, blend it from the outer half of the lid, the same underneath the eye. Girls, you are ready to find someone for the mistletoe with this sultry look.
 
 
The New Smoke
Instead of the classic smoke, why not go for smoke with a little bit of an edge: a change in colour. Donna Karen New York opts for deep red smoky eyes on her models for Autumn/Winter whereas Jason Wu goes for a metallic green smoke. You can achieve the smoky look with any blend of colours: greens, reds, purples, blues, which are all right on trend right now. Use colour palettes such as Rimmel Glam’Eyes Trio Eyeshadows – Sumptuous Tourmaline for a purple smoke or for a dark green look, use Rimmel Glam’Eyes Quad Eyeshadows – Green Sapphire. For a bright blue look, use Make Up Academy Professional Trio Eyeshadow Blue Babe or Max Factor Max Effect Trio Eye Shadow 7 Over The Ocean. Rim the waterline with Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil Black and complete the look with Rimmel Scandel Eye Mascara. This look is one to use for a night out on the town.
 
 
Grunge Look
The trick to this look is to make it look like you’ve slept in your makeup. Usually, any of us girls would be like “No way! That only happens after a big night out.” This look has hit the catwalks like a 90s flashback, and it could very well be the daring option to go to over the smoky eye. All the big names in fashion, Marc Jacobs, Louis Vuitton, and Rag & Bone, have ordered a grunge look for their models, especially Jean Paul Gaultier. Use Rimmel Special Eyes Eyeliner Pencil Black to create a cat eye look. A good thing to do would be to dip the pencil in water beforehand. Not only would the pencil go onto the skin easier, but it would make it smudgier. Another tip for a lived in look would be to put bronze eyeshadow underneath the lower lashes, using your fingers. A good one would be Max Factor Earth Spirits Eyeshadow 108 Inca Bronze. If there is a rock gig to go to, this would be the look to go for. Or, even if you wanted a change in style, a grunge look would be the one to use. I wouldn’t use it for the day time in case anybody actually thought you hadn’t taken your makeup off the night before.
 
 
 
 
Cheeks
 
 
Blushed Cheeks
Pink cheeks will make sure that you don’t have that washed out look. Think typical English Rose, and buy products such as NYC Colour Wheel Face Mosaic Cheek Glow or 2true Blusher True Colour 1 Pink Blush to create a fresh wintery face as if your Granddad has just pinched your cheeks like he used to do (or still does) when you’re a little girl. This ultra feminine look has come from shows such as Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors.
 
 
 
 
Lips
 
 
If you don’t want to make your eyes the focal point of your makeup, the other option is the lips which you can spruce up with two options: the classic red lip, or the daring stained lip.
 
 
Red Lips
Ruby red lips have always been on the catwalk, and they will never be taken off it either. This is a look that you should master today to make sure that you are set for a life of red lips for years to come. This season’s shades include deep velvet berries and intense pops of scarlet. Gucci and Rochas have chosen the deeper shade of red with colours of berries to add glamour. Coral red is a playful look compiled by Rick Owens and it will suit every skin tone. A top tip is to blot the lipstick to make sure that this look lasts from dawn til dusk, meaning from your long day of studying for January exams, until those drinks after dark with your nearest and dearest. Accessorize Lip Stick Really Red is the one you want for the pop of lip colour to brighten any occasion, whereas if you prefer a deeper shade of red this season, buy Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick Diva Red or Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick Hollywood Red.
 
 
Stained Lips
Mixing the darker shades of red into this Autumn/Winter trend of stained lips, you can go for an edgier look of dark stained lips. Colours range from red-wine and deep berry. On the catwalk, Gucci, Etro, Bottega Veneta and Nicole Farhi have all put stained lips in their shows this season. Start with a lip liner to create a precise look and blot away excess oil and gloss for the matte look. Minimise the eccentricity around the eyes with this look for a classy look. Dark lipped examples are L’Oreal Colour Riche Made for Me Lip Blush Silk, Maybelline Superstay 24 Dual Ended Lipstick Rasberry and Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick 685 Mulberry. Be warned, this look is only for the brave, and prepare make sure you take your lipstick out with you because you’re going to have to top up throughout the long night of partying ahead.
 
 
 
 
Head to Boots or Superdrug for all the makeup mentioned at low prices.
Whichever makeup trend you choose to follow this Christmas and New Year, don’t forget to take it all off after a night out so that you don’t clog up your pores and make a mess of your clean pillow. Your skin will thank your dirty cleansing wipe in the morning.
 
 

Saturday 22 December 2012

Latest Writing

I haven't been writing as much as I would have wanted to recently. That can be one of my many new years resolutions for 2013. I always write more during the holidays as I have nothing much to do - apart from see my friends, family, buy presents, wrap things, go out etc.
 
I have just finished putting together my latest HerUni article which I started a month ago! I have no excuse, it could have been finished a lot sooner.
 
 
Another one of my articles for Pillow has been published. A couple of months ago, I wrote three pieces including one about a new competition for ORGNL.TV. I then wrote an article about the winners of said competition. I love writing for Pillow because it's different to writing for HerUni or for myself. I have a deadline and a stipulated criteria of what the editor wants.
 
 
A bit of a random post, and I've just realised I posted earlier today also, so double dosage from me instead of nothing for weeks today.
 
Enjoy!
 
 

Party Dresses

Season of the party dresses is already in full swing, and this year there are a load of different styles to choose from. Granted, some of the styles from Topshop are not my thing (I know. Shock horror!), I went shopping there and saw some nice things. That will come in another post.
 
All from Topshop.
 
I have found all these online that I really love in one way or another. I wouldn't wear some of them but only because they would definitely not suit my body shape. You'd have to really brave the cold against your stomach in that mint green number! And, the red and gold dresses are definitely for those girls who are the stars of the show!
 
In life news, I have been ill all week, but I am on the mend just in time for Christmas! I was supposed to go out tonight with my friends but obviously now that can't happen. Hopefully, I'll be able to go to Spoons tomorrow with some friends for a good ole' catch up! Then, again on Monday for a catch up with more friends, and then it's Christmas Day!
 
I did my Christmas wrapping yesterday which was really fun. I love wrapping presents!
 
I've started thinking about my birthday and summer plans too. I know that it is a very long way off, but I'm really excited!
 


Tuesday 18 December 2012

Tis The Season To Party

 
I am now at home, on my comfy couch, with the tree up and the fire on. It feels so good! I got home early hours Friday morning, and then promptly got really ill over the weekend, so I haven't been able to do a thing. It's the worst time of year to get ill but is also inevitable unfortunately. And, I have loads of work to do, including an essay that's due tomorrow which I haven't started yet! :(
 
Nevertheless - hopefully, if I am better - this weekend is the start of party season for me aka a night out on the town, and drinks in the pub the next two days with friends. Yes, I am actually out on Christmas Eve this year (only for the afternoon though! - true stay at home girl). I am so excited! I can't wait to see all my friends, and have proper hangover food!
 




 
 
Getting dressed up, putting makeup and doing your hair is all part of the fun, especially when there are loads of beautiful clothes and shoes out there to buy! I'm going over to town tomorrow with my Mum for last minute Christmas shopping, and maybe a little something for me too! Like a new outfit...
 


Wednesday 12 December 2012

Going Home.

I have not blogged in a long time. I have no excuse really because I'm not mega busy or anything. I've become a fan of Pinterest recently to put a load of different inspiration up, mainly to do with 'Ink' which I am loving at the moment.
 
Technically, as seen as it's after midnight, I go home tomorrow night! I am beyond excited and cannot wait!! I just want to have a full English and a hot Ribena on the couch, in front of the telly, in the evening. That will be happening on Friday among seeing the family!
 
I want to do so much whilst at home for the short three weeks I'm there, so I've made a list, but with proper SG style, here's an inspiration board.
 
 
L-R: Catching up with friends like the crazy people that we are; Making 21st birthday plans (way in advance!); Putting the Christmas tree up (parents have waited for me to come home :)); Eating a massive Xmas dinner; Spending quality time with my family (miss them); Reading loads; Writing what I want to write, not what a university wants me to; Eating a full English; Eating out at an Indian restaurant; Going out with the girls; Getting my hair restyled (I'm liking this - long layers); NYE; Seeing Breaking Dawn (it is at the top of my list!); Going to a panto with family; Being addicted as ever to tattoos.
 
This is what my diary of the next three weeks will look like, plus other things as plans are made and people come home for Christmas. It looks like I'm about to put on many pounds from all the food I plan to eat! It's a good job I've already thought about exercise for next year (including Zumba!).
 
I cannot wait to be in the comfiest bed in the world, and have the best sleep ever after getting home early hours of Friday morning!
 
I'll be blogging more over the Christmas period, and I've planned a couple of Xmas HerUni posts too so look out for them.
 
 


Monday 3 December 2012

Welcome to the Festive Season

I can't believe that it's December already! This year has gone so quick, and these three months in Spain have too. December is the month of giving, Christmas, time with friends and family, eating and drinking loads, hoping to not get fat etc. Also, it is party season! But, that is a whole different SG post.
 

I, personally, have been waiting for December to come around since September, so now that it is here, I can safely say that I am very happy.
 
Also, because of my flight change to a later time, I was able to change my flights for free. So, I am now flying home on the 13th December (next Thursday/10 days!) which of course, I am so excited about.
 
This time of year, I always start writing my story/books again which I have started already. I finished the first draft of book one over a year ago. I've started both two and three now, just writing here and there. I have big plans for this series and hope to continue writing over the month.
 
At the moment, I am also going through a tattoo phase, where I want loads more and I spend hours on Pinterest looking at different tats. I'm trying to force myself to wait until next September though, after I've been in Spain because the climate here has made my latest really dry.
 
Happy December!
Welcome to the Festive Season!