Everday Makeup

Hey guys, so I thought I would update you all with the make-up I've been using on day-to-day basis, these past few weeks. Some pieces I have had for a while, but there are also some new additions that I have really been loving for a quick, simple but still put together look.

 Swatches of some of the porducts:

I have decided that all of these products are must haves for my make-up and can't think of one product that I could go without.
The new additions to my collection are;

>MAC Pro Longwear Foundation (£25)- I have being trying this foundation out for about a week now, and must say I highly recommend it. This foundation stays on your face throughout the day which is what I look for out of everything when buying a new foundation since I have combination skin (the bane of my life). As an overview, it has a medium coverage and has a really nice formulation, I would definitely advise this to anyone you feels that when they have come home for school/work and find that the majority of the make-up has somehow disappeared from there face. It's just a brilliant foundation.

 >Kiko Milano Velvet Mat Lipstick (£6.90) - Only recently I discovered the brand Kiko Milano, whilst on a trip to oxford, and I now feel I obsessed with the brand as it sells what I would see as high end quality make-up but at such and affordable price. This is the perfect lipstick for those of you who swear by nudes and would say it a great dupe for MAC's velvet teddy. I didn't use to be a big fan of nudes as I felt they just didn't look right with my complextion, so I just stuck to deep red's and plain old lip balm but lately I have been managing to find some really great nudes that look fine. This is also a great colour for all you Kylie Jenner lip fanatics that are struggling to get hold of MAC's spice, soar etc as they are sold out alot of the time. It's also just a cheaper option if your on a bit of a budget.

 >Kiko Milano Long Lasting Stick Eyeshadow (£6.90) -  I was first of all looking to buy some of the Bobbi Brown eyeshadow sticks and had my sights set on them when shopping in Oxford. However, when I saw Kiko sold similar things I could not help but jump with joy. In my opinion, eyeshadow sticks are such an quick and easy way to just brighten your eyes and just add a bit of colour to your lids. If your in a hurry they are excellent for just quickly applying before you go out if your in a hurry, or even applying whilst your in the car (I recommend not doing this while driving). It's also a brilliant product to use as a primer or base for other eyeshadows to go on top...whatever works best for you.

  >Revlon Photoready Perfecting Primer (£11.99) -  This product is one of my most recent buys so I have not had much time to have a full opinion of it, however I will give you my first impressions of it. For me, primer is one of those products I simply forget to use. Despite this, since buying this primer I have noticed that my foundation goes on so much nicer and easily. This primer just creates a smooth base for all your other products to go onto and also helps to make it stay that little bit longer. I wouldn't say it completely perfects my skin but the pinky undertone to it just helps to even out my skin tone and give it a bit of a brighter more glowy look. So far I am pleased, and will hopefully be continuing to use it everyday.

Thanks for reading, hopefully these short reviews help some of you if you are looking to purchase any of the products and weren't sure whether to. I know I benefit from reading other peoples reviews on products.

Ellen xo

Update

Well, to say I have neglected my blog would have to be a massive understatement. Looking back at my last posts I can't believe how long it has been since I have posted on here. The only excuse I can think of for this is that I have had the busiest but most amazing year.

Let's start with the fact that I have finally finished high school with what I deem to be good grades, and am now a student at sixth form studying psychology, english literature, 3d art and fine art which I am currently loving. In spite of this, I have to warn those of you who are not yet at sixth form that it is not what you think it will be like, it is not relaxing or less stressful than GCSE. If anything it's worse. However, having my friends around me makes it slightly more bearable. To make things more stressful, I now have to look at which uni I'd like go to and basically sort out my life which I don't think I'm quite prepared to do. Whilst the idea of university is rather scary, I feel the actual prospect of it is quite exciting. I plan to study Fashion and Editorial Make-up artistry or completely opposite to that Forensic Psychology (we will see where life takes me I suppose.) As of yet I have no idea which uni I actually would like to go to but that should soon change after the mass of open days I have lined up.

I'm now 17, finally and have managed to save up enough money to buy myself a car. I've passed my theory but still have the dreaded practical test to do. I still don't have a job which is absolutely infuriating, but I was able to snatch a Christmas temp job at John Lewis which I absolutely loved but on the other hand was very stressful as I had to work 18 hours whilst also being in school 5 times a week for 6-7 hours a day, but I got through it and earned myself a very suitable amount for me to shop for clothes and make-up,

Apart for one of the best summers i've had with my friends and all the little things that aren't really worth writing about, that's all that has really been happening in the life of Ellen Langstaff-Roberts (I'm sorry for the ridiculous last name). I really hope to keep up the blogging but I can't make any promises that i'll be doing it like twice a week because I am getting near the end of my AS levels and have exams coming up very soon. However, after that it may be more frequent.

Hope I haven't bored you too much with the story of my life, but thanks for reading.

xo
Ellen

What's in my makeup bag?

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Hiya everyone, so first of all I'm sorry for not blogging in absolutely ages but it has been chaotic with exams, tests and of course my birthday and Christmas! So I thought its about time a do a blog post, to start 2013 off. This winter, I have been gravitating towards warm colours, and products that give my face a glowy healthy looking complection. I recommend each and every product, as they range from high end and low end prices so you don't have to spend all that you've saved up.
1) Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, £36 - I've wanted this palette for a long time now as i've seen it raved about over YouTube and other fashion/make-up blogs. It is the perfect neutral palette, with all the basic colours you need and more. Its includes matte and shimmery colours, from cream to gold to black. I originally asked for the Naked Palette but then decided the Naked 2 Palette would fit better with my taste. I say it is a must-have for you make-up bag as it is not to big, and the packaging it durable so it is ideal for travelling with.
2) Nars Laguna Bronzer, £25 - This bronzer is probably the best I've used, it's well pigmented, its not too orange for my skin tone, and it's easy to blend into the skin. I use this for adding some colour to my face as I am very pale, and contouring my face to give the illusion that I have a slim face. I have to say I love the packaging of every Nars product as it is sleek, and elegant. I just adore everything about this bronzer.
3) No7 Extreme Length Mascara, Black, £12.50 - From the first time I put this mascara on I have instantly fell in love with it. Because I have quite stubby eyelashes, I need a lengthening mascara more then one that gives you more volume. I haven't seen many people talk about this but I don't see why not as it give so much length to your eyelashes, and without curling them. I sometimes curl my eyelashes but I have found I don't really need to with this mascara. The only thing is that I would not recommend this to people who would like thick, volumized lashes.
4) HD Brow Kit in Bomshell, £19.99 - I got this eyebrow palette in a glossybox last year and when I got it I was so excited to try it out. As I have blonde hair, naturally my eyebrows aren't very dark so I have to get them tinted every one in a while. So when I got this I found it was a great tool to fill in my brows and make them look natural. This palette also doubles up as a eyeshadow palette, so again its a great product for travelling.
5) The Body Shop All-in-one BB cream, Light, £12 - BB creams have been very popular recently as they give you a natural, glowy, healthy looking face. I wasn't a fan at first, but i have grown to like the formula and consistency. Weirdly this product comes out white with little balls in, this is because when you blend it into the face it adapts to the colour of your skin. Its great for every season year round and will leave you with a fresh looking face.
6) Sigma Brushes, Tapered Kabuki-F86, Precision Flat-P80, Duo Fibre Powder/Blush-F15 (paris edition), Real Techniques Powder Brush - These brushes are hands down my favourite! I love using them, and the look they give my face. I use the Tapered Kabuki for my foundation as it give a flawless finish, I use the Precision Flat for concealer as it is small and flat so I can stipple in the concealer, I use duo fibre brush for cream and powder blush and I use the Powder brush for well powder and sometimes bronzer. Together these brushes make it easy to but on make-up and give a great finish.
7) Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion, 125ml with pump, £29.50 - I have very dry skin naturally and the cold weather in England does not help at all. I apply a small pump of it on my hand and gently rub it into my face every morning and evening and its creates a great base for foundation to glide onto and makes my skin feel soft and healthy before I go to bed. For me its is an essential in my make-up bag.
8) Cath Kidston Circle Ditsy Cotton Large Washbag, now on sale for £10 - I got this washbag/make-up bag from my friend for my birthday and have been using it ever since. It is a great size and has three pockets inside to keep things in. The fabric inside is waterproof and very durable, and the outside it a soft quilted fabric. I love the flowery print of the bag, and will be using it a lot in future.

Thanks for reading, and again I'm am sorry for the lack of posts, but I will try and keep up!
If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask, also suggestions for the next blog post would be much appreciated.
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                                                                       Ellen xo

Wish List

                                                      
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Hiya guys, so in around a week it's my birthday so I thought I'd do a kind of wish/birthday list post just to show you things I'm really hoping to get and get very get use out of them. So I've been really loving the GEEK jumpers and tops Topshop have been doing, I know quite a few people who have got the tops as they do them in blue, red, and green I think, the top is £18 and the jumper is £28 which isn't that bad considering it's Topshop, but I see that other shops like Miss Guided have similar tops.

 Another thing which I don't expect on getting for my birthday but if I save up I might get is the American Apparel Disco Pants, now I have ALWAYS wanted a pair of these but they are just so expensive at £74. My sister has a pair of the Disco Pants but sadly they do not fit me so I always get very jelous when she wears them.

 Also I have a bit of a obsession with watches, now my sister has decided to take back the watch I'd been wearing I have asked for a gold Casio watch, I have seen many reviews and one of my friends has got it, and it's just made me want it so much it's quite light weight and I like that fact it is shows digital time, you can get different colour Casio's but I prefer the completely gold one I feel it is more sophisticated and could bring a whole outfit together.

I am absolutely in love with Taylor Swift, I listen to all of her song and I feel she is an great inspiration to young girls and some teenage girls! So I have heard some of the songs on her new album and have decided I really want it. I prefer to get CD's instead of downloading because I listen to a lot of music in the car.

I have seen a lot of people wearing 'above the knuckle rings', and I got very interested in them. I have been trying to see where you can get them, and found that on regal rose you can get a cross and a skull ring for £8 each and on Ebay you can pretty much get anyone because...well its Ebay. But I like the simplicity of the plain 'above the knuckle rings'.

Last year for my birthday I asked for the Urban Decay Naked Palette. Because I watch a lot of YouTube videos, I have seen a lot of YouTubers rave about this palette! It is basically 12 neutral, everyday shades that are matt and shimmery and look good on any colour skin, weather your very pale like me or quite dark in skin tone. It also comes with the Urban Decay Primer Potion which is very famous in the beauty world.

So there is some of the things I have asked for, for my birthday and have on a general wish list! If there is anything on this that you want me to tell you about just ask, thanks for reading and I might do a 'what I got for my birthday' post.
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                                                                    Ellen, xo

Products I'm Loving

1) Bourjois Delice de Poudre Bronzing Powder - 2) HD Brows Kit in Bombshell - 3) Bourjois Volume Glamour Max Mascara in Black - 4) MAC Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 - 5) Benefit Poreffesional Primer - 6) Revlon Photoready Cream Blush in Pinched - 7) MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15 -
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During these few months I have been collecting each of these items and have fallen in love with all of them. 
1) Bourjois Bronzing Powder - gives such a natural tan and glow to the skin and is also great to contour with, a bonus of it is that is smells amazing and looks like four blocks of chocolate. 
2) HD Brow Kit - is my number one product for doing my eyebrows, I prefer to use powder when filling in my eyebrows so this is a great product, its comes with different eyebrow colours and doubles up as a eye shadow palette. 
3) Bourjois Mascara - is a must have for me as I have very short and stubby eyelashes, this mascara elongates and volumises my eyelashes and makes them look full and long.
4) MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - this foundation is full coverage and leaves a flawless, dewy finish to the skin. It is great to work with as it is easy to blend with the right brush. I have been using this foundation for a while is by far the best out of the others I have.
5) Benefit Porefessional Primer - this is a specialist balm that reduces the appearance of large pores, you put it on under your foundation. It is oil-free, lightweight, translucent and is silky smooth. It is also a great base for your foundation and blends the foundation in better.
6) Revlon Photoready Cream Blush - the colour of this blush isn't a colour I'd usually go for as I have very pale skin, but as soon as I saw this blush I absolutely loved the colour and when I swatched it, it was even better, I'd say this blush suits pretty much every skin tone and give a great peachy sheen to your cheeks.
7) MAC Studio Finish Concealer - this product is a holy grail item for me, I don't know what i'd do without it. Because I have quite bad dark circles, I need quite a high coverage concealer and this is the one. Just put it on your finger and apply to the areas its needed and spots, blemishes, dark circles have disappeared. Its an overall great product, and I will be re-purchasing it when I have run out.
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                                                                           xo, Ellen

Lion King

 - Crew Hem Sweater Black, Topshop, £18 - Collar Lace Top in Aubergine, Topshop, £16 - Cross Knecklace, Miss Selfridge - Shorts ( cut up jeans ), H&M - MACHO Black Patent Laceup boots, Topshop, £38 - 

 My favourite shoes at the moment, dupe for Dr Martens. They are good quality and look pretty much                 the same.

- Whole outfit from H&M - Leahter Jacket, Green Long Sleeve Jersey Top, Elasticated Grey Skirt, Cream/Beige Army Style Boots -

                                          - AMAZING Studded Belt, Kids Section in H&M -
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So today me, mum and my sister all went to see Lion King at Bristol Hippodrome, and I thought it would be a great oppotunity to take a quick picture of the outfits we were going to wear. My outfit is quite casual but the lace collared top and the watch gives the outfit a bit of femininity. I didn't want to go to casual and wear trousers to I wore a pair of wool tights with some shorts I had cut up, and added studs to give the outfit a bit of edge, then I finished of the outfit with a great leather rucksack that I got from my nan. My sister on the other hand went for a slighty more dressy outfit with the flowy grey skirt, but again to give the outfit a bit more edge and make it more casual she add a studded belt and a simple black faux leather jacket and a pair of worn boots. Both outfits are very comfortable and look effortless and they are both kept up warm while in the theatre and outside.
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                                                                          xo, Ellen

Topshop Haul

                                   
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- top left - PETITE 3D Floral Cami Top , £22 - top middle - PETITE Speckled Skater Skirt, £16 - top right - MACHO Black Patent Laceup Boots, £38 - bottom left - Collar Lace Top in Aubergine, £16 - bottom middle - Crew Hem Sweater Black, £18 - bottom right - H&M Cream Beanie, £7.99
Recently I have been loving Topshop clothes, although something's can be very over priced I feel overall Topshop has very good quality clothes, shoes and accessories. With the arrival of autumn and winter I have been stocking up on deep coloured clothes and shoes with the exception of the cream beanie. I have been saving up my money to buy some of these new items and am I love with absolutely everything. I hope I will get good use out of all of these bits of clothing. I especially love the shoes (a early birthday present from my father) they look great with some wool tights, a simple skater skirt and a graphic tee. They also keep my feet really warm which is essential during this (very) cold winter. And I particularly like to put the sweater over the lace top with the collar out, it give the outfit a very different style.
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                                                                         xo, Ellen