PANTONE MARSALA | TOPSHOP WICKED LIPSTICK

Over winter I have really been really drawn to shades of rich deep reds. So you can imagine my excitement when Pantone announced that the colour of 2015 was Marsala! 
Marsala is described as a robust and earthy wine red. One of my favourite colours to wear around this time of year, and great for make-up looks. (Is anyone else been seriously lusting over the Lime Crime Venus Palette?)

As we all probably know by now one of my favourite things to review is lipstick, so going with the Marsala theme I am going to show off Topshop’s Lipstick in shade Wicked. Wicked is a beautiful deep berry tone that is more than wearable till March i.e. the start of spring up in Scotland when all the lighter, more natural make up looks become more trendy.

Left to Right: Swatch 1 - one swipe, Swatch 2 - multiple swipes

It described as a creamy finish lipstick that also moisturises lips however, it is also very pigmented. I found that it has a stain-like quality on my lips which is great for all day wear as the product shifts there is colour left underneath. I do have to reapply for the colour to stay intense. It is quite a dark colour on the bullet but applies a lot lighter on the skin but maintains that vampy burgundy look I was going for. When applying it does bleed a little so it requires a lip liner to keep it in place, as well as a couple of swipes across the lips for an even application. I wouldn't say that this is a problem for me as I find this to be a recurring theme amongst darker lipsticks.

I really like this product and is great for those with a pale complexion like me, and want to go for a darker lip without looking like a ghost! One of the best things about this lipstick is that it has a great colour pay-off and isn't drying on my lips. Not too shabby for £8.00 at all.

MY BEST TIPS FOR ECZEMA #AVOID

Hello everyone, to continue on my best tips for dealing with eczema series, I am going to discuss more changes to try out in your routine as well as things that can increase the risk of dry skin and eczema breakouts.

Avoid skin irritants like the plague, honestly it is not worth the skin reaction afterwards. I also have sensitive skin so when I see perfume-based products I tend to avoid them. 

For make-up wipes I use Simple or Johnson's baby wipes. For cleansers and toners I check to see whether it is artificial fragrance-free or if there is natural ingredients (they can also be labelled dermatology tested), for this reason I highly recommend Lush and The Body Shop products. I also love trying out new moisturisers aimed for sensitive dry skin, and I can then use the learning to love thy self excuse to treat myself. It can be an enjoyable thing learning to treat yourself for the sake of your skin problems.

Other important things to try include: using non-biological washing powder for your clothes such as fairy, as the enzymes found in the biological detergent are a skin irritant and is it something that not everyone thinks of when trying to relieve eczema problems. If are are unlucky like me, and do not own a dishwater always wear gloves when using dish washing liquid as it is very common for there to be alcohol based chemicals and perfumes in the mixture that will more than likely irritate your skin. I think I am similar to many others as due to health & safety reasons when volunteering with the Cats Protection I have to use an alcohol based sanitising gel, I advise others that have to use a similar product day-to-day to try and keep a decent hand lotion to put in your handbag. This way you can use it on the go. 

Stress is just another factor that plays a big role in the condition of my skin. I always try to avoid itching as a nervous habitat as eczema is more likely to break out during these times. There are many ways to help the skin during these times that are also great for mental well-being too. Some suggestions are exercises like Tai Chi or Yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. 

This brings me to my next point - sweating during vigorous exercise can have negative consequences on the skin. It is important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated during exercise, it is also advisable to take breaks in order to cool down to reduce sweat as a skin irritant.

Common allergies to dust, pollen and pet fur can also increase itching so it can be in your interest to buy hypo-allergenic bedding, avoid feather pillows and generally keep your environment clean. It is in your interest to become a domestic goddess and you can look good for it. 

The important message here is to learn what your triggers are as we are all different, and know what to look out for in products that will come in contact with your skin!

  

90s GRUNGE LOOK | URBAN DECAY PULP FICTION PALETTE

Hello everyone, today I will be sharing a 90s grunge makeup look using Urban Decay's Pulp Fiction palette which I got for Christmas. Yes, I know the palette is so last year and hard to come by. I'm guessing the best chance to get a hold of the palette will be looking on eBay but I really like matte eyeshadows and this little palette has exactly that - perfect for grunge look as I don't want any shimmer. It is all about the matte.

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MY BEST TIPS FOR ECZEMA #DIET

Hello everyone, I thought I would discuss something a little bit different that I am sure many readers are familiar with - the dreaded (and very common) skin problem of atopic eczema!

Which if you do have problems with it you will know that it can range from mild to severe. I have had many experiences with this highly annoying skin problem, I understand how it can get you down and I have felt like a scaley reptile, this is why I feel it is important to share ways to look after yourself. In my experience I have found that are a number of factors that can affect it, rather than a single cause but there are many things that can trigger it's worsening condition. The series of posts will discuss things that I have personally found useful so feel free to pick and choose what advice to take on board! Obviously if the skin condition runs in your own family it is hard to completely avoid it, but there are ways to help it become more manageable which I will suggest over the course of a few posts, as well as link some lovely products that have worked for me!

This is a picture of some particularly nasty eczema that I had on my hands about two years ago. I am pleased to say that it cleared up, and that my hands are looking a lot better now. Hence why I would like to share some tips with you all!

The first thing I will discuss in this series is diet which can play an important role in triggering the condition. I know, it sucks that you can't just eat whatever you want without consequences. 

For example, the amount of dairy I eat seems to play a huge role in how dried out my skin feels. Try to limit eating an excess amount of dairy foods; no overeating cheese, yoghurts & drinking too much milk.

Instead try natural bio-yoghurt to refresh good gut bacteria, and reducing cheese in your meals to once a day, as well as eating a smaller quantity overall. If you are still struggling it might be a good suggestion to try soya milk, or almond milk for cereal in the morning, or drinking cups of coffee/tea black. To keep the skin healthy try to increase intake of Vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, peppers) & E (green vegetables, fish, nuts), also consider introducing oily fish such as salmon or mackerel to your diet a couple of times a week. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids like water. I personally choose to take multivitamin tablets too.

There are many tasty recipes that can be found on the internet on places like BBC Good Food, All Recipes and (most fun to read) food blogs that can involve more of these foods which help to keep your skin replenished and boost moisture. The skin is the largest organ in your body, so really it is no surprise that what you put into it will show outwardly. 

If you have tried changing up your diet, and haven't found any results I highly recommend visiting your GP and discuss steroid creams as diet can lessen the symptoms and help to prevent breakouts but it won't cure existing eczema. 

DIESEL LOVERDOSE TATTOO

For Christmas I received a well-anticipated addition to my perfume collection Diesel Loverdose Tattoo. It was released in 2013, and after many tests at the perfume counter and complimenting my best friend on her awesome smell, I finally got given it in my Christmas stocking (Thank you Dad!). In spite of only wearing this perfume a couple of weeks I believe this fragrance is going to added to my favourites in my collection. 

Here is why:

It is a oriental floral fragrance with sweet notes. This describes my ideal fragrance as I am more drawn to exotic scents and anything with vanilla.

The longevity is moderate to long-lasting.

The sillage is moderate. It is not overpowering, rather the floral and fruity notes are balanced out by the vanilla and rice steam to create a floral yet sweet scent.

Description: Sexy, wild and obsessive. Loverdose Tattoo reveals a bewitching and addictive essence.

In other words if you are looking for a bold, sensual fragrance then this might tick all your boxes. It certainly ticked all of mine. 

For those interested in trying the scent out, below is some more information on the perfume mixture. Perfume is one of those things that is always down to personal preferences, and you will know yourself if you recognise notes that you are more often than not drawn to! 

Top Notes -  bergamot, mandarin orange brought out by cassis and blackcurrant accord; 

Middle Notes - rose accord, orange blossom and jasmine sambac; 

Base Notes -  tonka beans, vanilla beans and rice steam accord.

For me it comparable to Dior Hypnotic Posion Eau de Parfum, (but with more fruity tops notes and without the liquorice) however Diesel's Loverdose Tattoo is less intense. So it is a good option when going for a less heavy scent. My favourite thing about it is the way that the scent changes from when sprayed and when settled on my skin, the creamy bottom notes are brought out and it just smells divine.

Then there is the kiss-ass black heart shaped bottle that it comes in... I do get drawn into packaging especially perfume. The bottles sit displayed on my vanity table so the unique shape is a win-win for me. If you are looking for a fun, daring new scent, this is the most recent perfume to be added to my favourites!

WISHLIST #1 INDEPENDENT

Hayley Scanlan Black & White Off-Shoulder Top | Chouchou Hollyhood Judit | Hayley Scanlan Mermaid Crop Top | Obscure Couture Dallas Acid Wash Skinnies | The Rogue & The Wolf Priestess Midi Ring | Abandon Ship Apparel Mandala Raglan | Rhodesian of Edinburgh Cassi Bag

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PRIMARK EXERCISE GEAR & RANDOM BITS 'N BOBS

On a recent visit to Primark I noticed a vast range of exercise clothing for a very reasonable prices. I personally (liked many others) have vowed to myself give exercise a proper go in 2015, and there is a great selection of exercise gear in stock at my local store.

First up I got a crop top/sports bra for £5. If you also have sizeable boobs you will find that you will near a supporting bra for exercise - especially running. This top is perfect for me as it will do the job and is a bit different with the abstract pattern. There is nothing worse than boring workout gear. For those interested there were also exercise tops with a mp3 holder fitted into it, perfect for jogging. However, as I have an ipod classic the hole to pop it in probably would not have been large enough to fit it in and was a miss for me. 

I managed to pick up some exercise bottoms too. I currently own a few pairs of stretchy lycra fabric bottoms but not any cotton pairs. There were all different kinds for sale at Primark but I went with a cotton jogging trousers with a sports luxe trim this time for £6, they are really comfy to work out in and also to lounge about in too. It was exactly what I was looking for, but is not the most fashion forward exercise gear I have ever owned!

 I also picked up some random bits 'n bobs including:
black and white baroque paisley print skirt £6,
frilly socks £1.50 each,
aqua wrap towelling dress £7,
hair clips £1,
300 no snag elastic bands £1 &
handbag tights £1.50.
For me the highlight was the seaform green towelling dress as I just thought it was such an awesome idea. When getting ready for a night out you can shower first, and pop the dress on whilst you are busy with hair and make up. There is even a cute love heart shaped pocked at the front which would be excellent for a hairbrush or make up items to sit in whilst you get ready. There is no need to worry about the towel moving as the velcro will secure it in place at the front with the straps holding it up. An added bonus is that I just love a pastel aqua/mint colour on anything. 

Have you guy checked out the exercise collection at primark? What are your thoughts on the quality of the products?

Please note that this might be my last written Primark haul on the blog - in the future I am most likely to show it as video instead.