Showing posts with label england. Show all posts
Showing posts with label england. Show all posts

Friday, 9 August 2013

WITH STARS IN THEIR EYES.. RESULTS NIGHT MAKE UP!

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Every year on the same Thursday, students everywhere have a sleepless night and wake up in a tense state of anticipation. Results day! Whilst my own results day is luckily far far behind me it still prays on my mind that for others, it is just around the corner. The joys of approaching a quarter life crisis age is that, whilst, I consistently feel  I should of achieved more  by this tender age,  I have at least already crossed that transition from school to life beyond. My own results day was full of anxiety, tears and stress. However the  night involved: celebration, partying and mojitos! Luckily this year, this girl gets to leave the field for down South to enjoy results night without the stressful day part! I am so looking forward to celebrating my friends success and helping them glorify an end of an era!  I even treated myself to a whole new look.  Seeing as it was a particularly slow day in the field of tranquility, I decided to plan the make up, inspired by my brand spanking new outfit and take some snaps. I was never one for matching eyeshadow to outfits, but do like to stick in the same colour group; for this look I used silver and purple to compliment the ethereal blue of the play suit.  I tend to pre plan and practice big night out looks as its easier if you don’t have to think through what your doing  when 5 other girls will be fighting for mirror space!
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My face for ‘a night on the town’, is almost identical to ‘Face up to Summer!’ apart form a few switch outs. I use a slightly heavier foundation, either Revlon’s Photo Ready foundation or M.A.C’s Studio Fix Fluid. I must say I prefer the Revlon. I also use a stronger highlighter – Girl Meets Pearl by Benefit, Its glow is just so so pretty! I also set this highlighter with M.A.C’s MSF  Soft and Gentle, as the highlighting powder is always a good idea when a hot, overcrowded,  sweaty club is involved! With that in mind I prime my skin with a primer, here its Revlon’s Photo Ready Primer!
Now on to the main focus of this Post, EYES! On a night when everyone’s future is sparkling in their eyes, why not play up yours?  I also hate reapplying lipstick at 1, 2 and 3 am, in my experience eyes tend to stay put! Whilst a go to smokey eye is great I often like to mix it up a bit. WIth such an ethereal outfit why not go with something a little different. I opted in this case for a silver and purple based cat eye! My main colours were M.A.C, but you could use whatever you have.  Just for reference then, the shadows I used were , Brule, Jest, Trax, Nocturnelle and Smoke & Diamonds ( a limited edition shade but any grey silver would do).
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- I started of with shadow primer, an obvious must for those late nights. I used Urban Decay’s primer potion, a classic for a reason! I also placed it on the lower lash line so any shadow I placed there would stick.
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-Then I placed Brule all over right up to the brow bone, this just helps blend out those darker shadows. I left it out for a final application below the brow bone, to act as a highlight once the rest of the eye was complete.
- Jest was next, a perfect bright sparkly champagne pink (but not too pink!). It really keeps the base of the look bright and light, matching the spirit of the outfit.  I applied it all over the lid and in the crease, making sure to get it as close to the inner corner as I could.
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- On top of this I applied Smoke and Diamonds I placed it as close to the lash line as I could and then began blending it up wards. Several layers of this  silver grey later and a smokey base began to form.
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-Then came time for the purple! Like with most of my decisions in life, I struggled to stick to one! I used three different shades of Purple to get a real dimension to this smokey cat eye! A purple with gold reflex, an almost matt purple and a deep dark royal purple. SAMSUNG CSC
-Beginning by blending in the lightest purple into the crease and over the silver. Then the matt darker purple is placed using a M.A.C 217 in the outer corner of the eye. Its then blended a quarter of the way on to the lid. At this point the shape of the crease is still fairly rounded as I just use the usual back and forth motion.
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-The cat eye shape begins to develop when the matt purple is placed with a pencil brush in a < shape. Then the pencil brush is also used to intensify the colour in the outer corners.
-The shape is made stronger and the colour more vibrant with the final shade of purple. Using a flat liner brush a much harsher line is pressed in to the < cat shape. Below the first of these strong lines can be seen. This is then blended using the pencil brush, to soften the harshness of the line but keep the shape strong.
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-Liner is then applied following the same line and angle as the cat eye. I used gel to get a line that increased in thickness to achieve a feline shape.
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-To keep the eye bright I placed a light pink line under the flick of the black liner using a light pink liner pencil, this is just to tie the darkest part of the eye in to the lightness of the inner corner. It can be seen faintly below. I blended it slightly by using my little finger. I prefer pink to white pencil as its less stark.
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-With liner and shadow pressed along the lower lash line the eye is complete!
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-A quick fix up of the brows and this cat eye is ready for a prowl around town!
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- I have two lip options for this look and I am not quite sure which to go with. There is a soft hot pink (Heart to Heart by M.A.C) or a nude beige  (17′s supreme Shine lipstick in Bella). Feel free to comment and help me decide!!! 
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The Playsuit is Miss Selfridge and the shoes new look. I shall probably put my hair into a super high curly pony tail or a sock bun!  With make up on, 8 tracks blasting (Probably this mix) and an empty field outside I thought i might as well try on the outfit, have a prance around and take some pics! So the pictures turned out super awkward but it was fun haha!
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On that note, good luck to all those getting results at the moment! I hope you get what you want and have stars in your eyes!
Love Livs xxxx

Sunday, 4 August 2013

11 Questions Tag!!


So I happen to love those youtube tag videos, I always click on and watch them when I’ve found a new guru! I think its a great way to get a feel of someone quickly (well that sounds creepy!)  but who doesn’t love being slightly nosy and personal?  I stumbled across this wordpress tag on Butterfly Reviews and thought it would be a great way to say a bit more about myself! Apparently I find lists of questions far too tempting to answer! Feel free to tag me in any tags and do carry on this one!
1. What is your favourite make up brand?-
M.A.C. a pretty safe choice and one i’m sure many people would go for. Its the bread and butter of my make up bag. I adore the lipsticks and eyeshadows; pigmentation is amazing and packaging sleek. A M.A.C eyeshadow pot or lipstick is always the perfect pay day treat! I also tend to have really good experiences with the M.A.C counter artists. One time this lovely guy on his firstday talked to me about lipgloss and shadows for three quarters of an hour, that level of customer engagement really makes an impact.  I also really appreciate what the brand stands for, art.  The artistry shots and tutorials never fail to amaze. Finally the M.A.C aids fund does so much good, a brand with real integrity!
2. What is the best gift you received?
It sounds slightly odd but a Stabucks mug! i’m sure elaboration is needed on this one ! Well I love Starbucks, as a very unhealthy coffee addiction gets me through most days! I also love California. So 3 years ago for Christmas a good friend of mine actually tracked down a Starbucks California mug and had it delivered to England. It was the best gift I ever received  not because of its value but because it was a gift that really proved just how well they knew me. A completely thoughtful and unexpected gift.
3. What book would you recommend I read next? 
Well when i’m snuggled down with a good old penguin modern classic and a cup of tea i’m a very happy girl. My all time favourite book is ‘Lolita’,  I just think it it so beautifully written, enchantingly captivating. If you haven’t read it, do! However a book I polished off a month ago which may not be as well known  is the ‘Anthropology of an American Girl’ by Hilary Thayer Hamann. Its a coming of age novel, its deep but fairly easy to read and completely relatable. A book that stays with you, especially if you are the type of person who is a hyper vigilant observer of  yourself and those who surround you.
4. What is your favourite shampoo and conditioner?
I still stick with Herbal Essences. What can I say those adverts captivated me from a young age inspiring a devout brand loyalty.  Im not sure what that says for the type of lifestyle I aspire to obtain but beginning with a provocative shower in a rainforest seems like a good way to start your day. Im currently a fan of tousle me softly shampoo and long term relationship conditioner. Again i’m not sure what this says about me?!?
5. Describe your favourite outfit.
I’m not sure if I have a single  favourite outfit. I have favourite outfits for different scenarios: a favourite ‘I need something that will work even if I spill stuff on it restaurant look’;  a favourite ‘I need to look casual and cute like those girls in oversized sweaters and leggings of tumbler’ look;  and even a favourite ‘I need to look like i’m trying that little bit too hard look’. I suppose anything clean, polished and simple is a winner with me. A favourite combination that I pull out if I’m in a rush and have no time to think is a  white shirt, black velvet leggings and black ankle boots.
6. Do you have a lot of shoes? How many shoes do you own?
Whilst I lust over Louboutins, Blahniks,Choos and Sandersoons my bank balance will never stretch that far! I actually own very little in the way of shoes when I consider how long I lust over the above websites. I have 3 trainers, 2 pumps, 6 heals and 4 pairs of boots. Being a size 3 means I always hold out for the sales as there is nearly always my size! My feet endearingly referred to as ‘pigmes’ by my girls are named after the pygmy hippos.
7. What are your favourite stores for shopping (for anything)?
Well cloth wise its Forever 21, Zara, Mango and H and M. I also love these little independent vintage places hidden in York’s city walls. Walking in to a tiny boutique packed with outfits that look like they have come straight off  barbie throughout the ages! My favourite boutique contains 12 vintage Chanel bags that must have hundreds of stories to tell its all rather too thrilling! I like the experience and the glamour more then anything. Feeling like I’ve run in to the closet of a Lady past her prime only to discover a wealth of her hidden tales told through these crafted and unique clothes is just magical. Vintage stores are the new Disney land. I also love interior stores, whilst I don’t need to buy any furniture I think there just so fun to step in to and browse; Its like pintrest in 3d.
8. Do you have pets? If so tell me a little about them.
Yes I have one a dog called Lola. Also referred to as Lola Lo and Lo. She is a five year old West Highland terrier. As a puppy she was described as ‘almost an angel’ and thats 99% accurate; angelic looking but bouncing with mischief. She gallivants round fields chancing hares (unsuccessfully, they are far too clever for her and about the size!). I thought moving to the country might entitle me to a shetland pony, regrettably, this has as much chance of happing as Lola catching a hare! Here she is:
9. Do you prefer lipstick, lip gloss, lip stain, or lip balm?
Im a huge lipstick fan. I think it can transform an outfit, a smile and a mood.
10. What is your favourite food?
Almonds, I just can’t get enough of them. From almond milk to marzipan I am guaranteed to like anything almond. I always have a stash of whole almonds in my desk and would pick a macaroon over a slice of cake any day!
My 11 questions are
1.  What is your go to make up look?
2. If you could obliterate one make up product or make up trend from this planet what would it be and why?
3. Whats your worst beauty habit?
4. Who is your beauty icon?
5. Whats your signature sent?.
6. What was your first experience with make up?
7.What is your all time favourite piece of clothing that you own?
8.What is your favourite quote of all time ?
9. What do you do on a rainy day?
10. What is your most treasured possession?
11. What blogs do you admire?
Comment below if you do some form of this tag with a link to it as I would love to read them!!!
Love Livs xxx

The lists. The life. The loves… of a girl called Livs.



“The beginning is the most important part of the work.”
― Plato, The Republic

But how does one introduce themselves to their blog?!? How do you sum up everything you could possibly want to say in a introduction? How do you say ‘Hi, this is me and by the end of this post you will totally know my being and my soul?’

Well I suppose you just don’t, but keeping in accord with my usual life, I had to begin with a list.

*Who am I?- I’m Livs! 

-I’m a 19 year old university student, who has wanted to do a blog for forever and a day but never really felt she had the time or confidence to do one. However,  after being uprooted from an idyllic seaside town in the South and placed in, quite literarily, a field, up North the lack of phone signal and being the owner of a postcode where ASOS don’t deliver,  the impulse to connect with civilisation provided enough motivation to start a blog. Well that and a growing addiction to SATC, leading me to the delusional belief that I am Carrie Bradshaw  (whatever her soul is made of hers and mine are the same, or at least the same love of shoes and vintage)   … but, if writing this introduction has taught me (let alone you) anything it is that I am no Bradshaw. More basics…  Im currently at Cambridge Uni and have just finished my fresher year complete with the fresher 15, an over inflated opinion of my own maturity and some massive dreams. Oh and an every growing sense that I haven’t done enough yet, that I should of done more and that i’m never going to settle in life, but apparently thats all normal for a 19 year old. There is loads more that makes up me, well you would hope so, but that can wait.

*What do I love? – Make up, Make up, Make up … and lists.

-I love make up, a cliche with no real impact but its true. Whilst ASOS may not deliver, Birchbox still do and that little pink package of joy is the highlight of my month despite what tampax may advertise. Like so many teenage beauty junkies I have read hundreds of  books and magazines, watched 1000s of you tube videos and played with make up on anyone who will let me. Whilst i’m no professional, I would humbly like to suggest I know quite a decent amount and there is nothing I would like more then to discuss products, styles and looks with others. Why be on the outside of a community when you can be in it? Constantly inspired by my favourite Catcher in the rye quote “If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she’s late?”, I will always sit at my vanity that little bit longer. That being said I sit at the vanity putting alot of effort in to looking fairly mediocre but ‘meh’ Salinger’s sentiment stays the same.

-Then theres the lists, I would say I make about 10 lists a day. I just love them and have books of  lists for things like my morning make up routine (modified daily), lists for my goals (daily, weekly, monthly, life’ly’), shopping lists, wish lists and even lists of list I should make.  Whilst this may sound a tad neurotic its actually great because I can look back and document most of my teenage years through lists and some times the subtexts of these lists provide more incite than a diary extract. The changes in goals or even the way I do my hair can say something for the relationships I was forming at the time, the person I was aspiring to be. That and lists keep me calm.

*Why now? -There are one hundred and eighty days till I turn 20.

-In one hundred and eight days my teenage dream years shall be behind me; it was this very thought that prompted a ‘quarter life crisis.’ Starting a beauty and lifestyle blog has been on several lists for about two years and if your not going to do it during an underwhelming ’quarter life crisis’ then when are you?

*Blog what? Well I was thinking all I really can offer is me, me and my life.

-I want to share with you; the loves the lists, the lessons, and the life of me. I shall probably blog alot on make up because well make up is a massive part of my day. If i was reduce my current life to, you guessed it, a list it probably should be this: Makeup, reading, baking, shopping, philosophy, decorating, philosophising life and self evaluation.

Im not an expert on anything and I most defiantly haven’t got my life together or sorted to any reasonable level to offer wisdom, but if i just blog my musings and thoughts on, well whatever. Then maybe someone somewhere will empathise and get it and then ‘boom’, a girl surrounded by lists and make up brushes, sat in a filed alone doesn’t feel  lonely.

*wrap it up already.

-I really hope the beginning is not the most important part of the works, as this was not all that good. I shall only hope practice makes perfect and that I can get some form of voice from this point on. Like everything iv’e probably been that bit too keen and tried that bit too much. You have probably ended this introduction with a first impression that screams: “I have no idea who this girl thinks she is, or what she’s about, or even what this blog is about” But please stick with it as i’m pretty sure things will improve seeing as ‘things to improve on this blog’ list is now a page long! So I shall leave you with this ...




Love Livs xxx