How to Live The London Look - Advertorial

If there's one thing I love, It's makeup and style with a bit of grit. My style has always veered on the edgier side, and often the brightest colour you'll find in my wardrobe is Khaki Green.

As a teenager I was obsessed with skateboarding, punk music, alternative fashion and generally rebelling against the system.

When Rimmel London invited me to take part in their very first RimmelRoadTrip, I was super excited to revisit my old teenage stomping ground in Cardiff and give Fleur De Force a tour of the city. As a teen, many Saturday's were spent skateboarding through the city centre with my friends, Listening to music, sitting by the fountains & attending music shows. It felt like the city was alive, and as teenager, image was everything.

Stranger Things Eleven Makeup & Costume Tutorial

Anyone else as obsessed with Stranger Things as me? YES? Well then this is the Tutorial for you! 

I wanted to take this costume to the next level, so custom made an Eggo handbag to go with it. I feel like Eleven would love it, and I do too! 

It's super easy to do, and I've actually been wearing the handbag as an everyday throw on my shoulder kinda bag and been getting the most insane compliments on it - people can't believe I made it! I suppose it's the glossy acrylic box that does that? 

The bag it's self is a super cheap acrylic handbag I purchased on eBay HERE for less than £10!! 

I then roped in my ever patient and talented BF to help make a template that fit the exact measurements of the bag. It's so simple to do, just download and print out the PDF we created HERE, cut it out carefully along the outside, fold and pop into the bag! Secure on the inside with a touch of scotch tape and you'll be ready to go before you can even say demogorgon! 

Happy Halloween! 

Em x

The Marc Jacobs Beauty Airblush Duo Launch

Sometimes an email lands in my inbox, and I squeal a little with excitement. This was definetly the case recently I was invited to L.A, California for the launch of the brand new Marc Jacobs Beauty Airblush Duo.

Set in the goreous Beverly Hills Hotel, the launch took place over brunch in the beautiful hotel gardens, and just oozed old Hollywood glamour.

Gilbert Soliz, head makeup artist for Marc Jacobs Beauty was on hand to give demonstrations using the Airduo Blush range (inspired by one of the first celebrity makeup Artists – Way Bandy) and it was incredible to hear about how Bandy and Jacobs were friends and club kids together back in their heyday.

Inspired by the creative vision and styles of Way Bandy, the range is all about beautifully draped cheeks, using a silky soft air whipped pressed powder. Available in 5 different shades and suitable for all skin tones, the blush contains a fusion of lighter and deeper shades with each palette being hand filled and inspired by vintage cigarette cases.

The Lines and Last Night Airblush Duo is my favourite of the bunch, with it's gorgeous golden peachy tones, it's incredibly flattering on fairer skin tones. Long lasting and buildable to truly sculpt your cheeks for that Way Bandy look, it has been a struggle to go a day without wearing this blush since it has come into my life.

Priced at £28.00 and available exclusively today at John Lewis and in-store on Oxford Street on 1st September in the UK.Also available in Sephora in the US, these blushes are worth checking out and welcoming into your makeup bag.

Em

Exploring Paris & French Skincare with La Roche-Posay | Advertorial

 

It wasn't until I developed adult acne, did I learn to appreciate good skincare. I'd always had relatively good skin, even throughout my teens and seemed to avoid that 'life ending' puberty led onslaught of acne. Of course I had the odd blemish here and there, but never anything too extreme.

Growing up with a single mother who didn't care much for makeup, skincare or beauty products, I learnt through trial and error, and women's magazines which skincare products to use. Needless to say, I picked up a few terrible beauty care tips... (Does anyone else shudder with horror at the thought of putting toothpaste on  breakouts and baby powder in their hair now?)

Think Pink! Spring Inspired Tutorial!

Hi guys, I wanted to apologise for being MIA over the past few weeks! Things have been pretty crazy and i've been working so hard with my Advertising course, job, youtube, instagram, and blog that I just needed to take some time off! I Promise i'll give you all a big life update very soon.

Top 5 Instagram Feeds - March Edition

Okay, I have a problem. I've totally gotten into Instagram over the past few months and I just can't stop scrolling. I got my very first iPhone last year, and for the first 6months or so, I kept forgetting Instagram existed... but over the past few months i've become obsessed. I wanted to share the love, and today I'm bringing you my Top 5 people to follow on Instagram this month!

A Mini Sleek Palette Haul.

It feels like it's been a lifetime since I last bought anything from Sleek. It's not because I don't like the brand or the products, it's just, well I guess I often forget all about their products to be honest. After finding my rose gold blush buried deep in my blusher drawer, I decided to have a look  in the drugstore at what else they had to offer.

Margot Robbie Oscars 2015 Inspired Makeup Tutorial

I fell in love with Margot Robbie just that little bit more when I saw her make up at The Oscars this year. I knew that if there was one 2015 Oscars makeup look i'd be recreating it was hers. I'd read online somewhere that apparently Margot wore the Hourglass Liquid Lipstick in Raven to the ceremony and although I'd tried 4 different Space NK stores, I couldn't get my hands on that gorgeous orangey red shade. Instead I opted for a drugstore alternative with the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet- Hot Pepper Lipstick. I never usually wear orange toned lipsticks, or red lipsticks at all really, which usually tends to make me feel that little bit more glam when I'm go for it.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty is a word which can conjure a clean and definitive image in our mind every time we hear it. Whether it's a Victoria's Secret model strutting down the catwalk, or a bunch of freshly cut long stemmed roses... beauty is a word which can mean many things, to many people.

My MAC Cinderella Collection Picks

On Friday morning, the MAC Cinderella collection was finally released in the UK, and unsurprisingly, it sold out within 20 minutes. I was really hoping it wouldn't release on Friday with it being the one day of the week that I wasn't in front of my computer as I was attending my part time advertising course at a local London University and was spending the whole day in the classroom.

February Favourites!

After a week long blogging hiatus, i'm finally back and today i'm bringing you the low down on my February Favourites.

Acne Coverage, Date Night Make Up Tutorial!

As many of you know, I'm suffering with 'adult acne' at the moment. It's one of those dreaded things that makes you feel so bad every time you look in the mirror, and It's safe to say that I've had my fair share of sleepless nights over it. 

Pale Test #11 - L'oreal Paris ~True Match La Touch Magique Concealer

I get asked on an almost daily basis which foundations and concealers are the best for pale skin tones, and this series is going to explore all different types of  products from varying brands and at all price levels which will hopefully help you to make a decision on which foundation and concealer is right for you! 

In universal skin tone terms.. I struggle to find a product that suits me. I'm on the hunt for a product that will be the perfect fit for My Pale Skin. 

Product: L'oreal Paris True Match Touch Magique Concealer - Ivory Beige

Price: £8.19

Packaging:  The Concealer has a built in brush applicator, with a twist bottom that brings the product up through the brush. It has a pretty secure lid that clicks shut.

Coverage: I'd say that the product gives a medium coverage which is build-able.

Colour:  There are six shades in the range with Ivory Beige being the lightest cool toned product. It applies fairly yellow on the skin as it's designed to be used as a 'brightening' concealer which can mask and brighten up dark circles.

Finish:  I found the finish to be dewy. It applies evenly, without looking 'cakey'.

Final Verdict:  I wasn't expecting a whole lot with this L'oreal concealer as i'm so used to being disappointed by drugstore offerings shade wise. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised by this offering. I mea like i'm really loving this concealer at the moment. I'm wearing it every day!  It applies extremely easily, blends seamlessly and masks dark circles. The ivory beige is a light yellow shade that is perfect for cooler toned skin tones. I'm super happy to say that the L'oreal Paris True Match Touch Magique Concealer has PASSED the pale test (on my skin) and has well and truly made it's way into my make up bag.

As Always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this concealer or what you'd like me to try next, let me know in the comments.
Em xxx

Real Techniques Bold Metals Contour Brush Review

I'm never usually one for buying products on their launch day, but late last year on New Years Eve I headed to my local boots in the hope of having a glimpse at the brand new Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection. However, one thing led to another and I walked out of the store with four of the brushes... as well as a whole heap of other products. 

Base Product Haul!

I've been wanting to switch up my base product routine for quite a while now and this week It would appear that I was on a bit of an accidental haul mission!

It all started on Monday, when I had an important client meeting at work. I rushed to the other side of London in a cab with my boss, only to get there super early - which was super frustrating, especially as I left my phone in the office. Whilst walking to the meeting, and realizing how early we were - I noticed a Space NK, so popped in to get a new Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer.That counts as work right?

Next up was Mac. On Tuesday whilst waiting for a colleague to arrive at Kings Cross Station, I popped into Mac. I honestly wish every train station had a Mac store... like can you imagine?? From Mac I bought the Mineralize Moisture Foundation in shade NC15 and also a Studio Finish Concealer in NC15. 

Finally, on Valentines Day, I headed over to Kensington High Street to do a weekly food shop in Wholefoods. On the way I passed the Guru Make Up Emporium which I'd heard so so much about online! I popped in and picked up the Ben Nye Neutral Face Set Powder. I really wanted the banana powder, but they only had it in pressed and I just wasn't feeling it, so I thought i'd start my Ben Nye collection off with a translucent powder. I also picked up the Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Concealer in Y0 because I'd been dying to try something from the brand for what seems like forever and thought a concealer would be a good place to start before I jump in to the lip tar world.

So those are the base products I've bought this week. Have you tried any of them before? Would love to hear your thoughts! And if you wanted to check out a sneaky peek of the swatches - head on over to my Instagram! 

Em xxx

An Evening Of Pampering At The #LFWRetreat

Earlier this week I headed to the Red Bull Studios in London for a little bit of Pre-Fashion Week pampering. After a mad dash and some awful traffic, I finally made it and indulged in a few treatments designed to relax and get me feeling in tip top condition for London Fashion Week.

First up I headed to the Pixi by Petra Make Up Stations where I had some a gorgeous make over by the lovely Amanda. Who is one of the most sweetest people I think I've met at an event. Amanda has this way that just makes you feel at ease and is such a great listener.

It was my first time using the Pixi products, and as I'd heard so much about them online, I was pleased to see that they lived up to the hype. My skin was left looking dewy and glowy all whilst still looking incredibly natural - which is hard to do when I'm suffering with Acne. 

I will say that the concealers did take a fair amount of layers to cover up some of the redness, and break out areas, but with a bit of patience, it worked.  If you have great skin, I would recommend checking out their base products as they're just so flawless and incredibly easy to wear.

After my make up session and more naterring with the Pixi girls, I headed  over to the Spa and Massage corner for a quick 'Stress Busting' massage. I'd never had a chair massage before, and y'know I can't say it was the most relaxing experience because I spent most of it thinking I was going to fall off the chair and I didn't really have a chance to 'let go'. I think the main reason, is that having never been to spa for treatments before... *gulp* I just didn't really know how to relax and get into it. 

I had so much fun at the Red Bull Studios and even picked up a few new products to try! 

I'd love to hear your top tips on how you relax and get ready for a big event! Let me know in the comments.

Em xxx

Acne Coverage, Valentines Day Make Up Tutorial!

If you're an avid reader of 'My Pale Skin' then you'll know that I'm suffering from a dreaded case of  'Adult Acne' - part sef inflicted by trying skin care products which clearly did not work for me, and also due to my skin rejecting most things I put on it at the moment. It goes without saying that it's having a sensitive ol' time - but I'm powering through it as best as I can.

This Valentines will be the 4th I get to spend with my partner, and this will be my go to look for that 'effortless' glam feel.

Here's the Video in Action...

And here's what I used:

Foundation: NYX HD Studio Photographic Foundation

Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - Fair / Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer- Chantilly

Contour: NYX Taupe Blusher

Highlight: The Balm - Mary Lou Manizer

Blusher: Make Up Revolution - Sugar & Spice Blush Palette

Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade - Medium Brown

Eyeshadow: Illamasqua -Justify, MUA Undress me too palette, Kiko Long lasting eyeshadow- #07

Eyeliner: Maybeline Big Eyes Eyeliner - Beige & Black

Eyelashes: Kiss I Envy Lashes - Beyond Natural

Mascara: Benefit -Roller Lash Mascara

Lipliner: Mac Hip n Happy

Lipstick:Mac Pink Plaid

Lipgloss: Sexy Mother Pucker - Bashful Gloss Stick

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this look & video!

 Let me know in the comments, and of course - don't forget to subscribe!

Em xxx