Statements and Studs

Along with makeup, I have a great love for dress up jewelry! After collecting jewelry for the past couple of years; I've finally given up buying any more. These are my favorite pieces from my stash.

The Statements 

The black and gold statement piece with a hint of gold is the piece that I adore. Knowing me, I wear a lot of clothes that are black so this goes with most of my outfits adding a hint of gold. It looks stunning with simple black outfits. 

The thin gold chain can be used for layering but looks great on its own. This is one of those pieces you would wear to make a elegant outfit look well put together.

Layered necklaces are something you should atleast have 1 of. I love wearing this again with a simple back jumpsuit to give it a sophisticated yet stylish feel. 

The Studs

In my teen years, drop earrings were my life. As I got older, I started leaning more towards studs that you can dress up or down with. This gold and neon green stud gives a nice pop of color and does look great when you wear your hair up. I've got them in a couple of colors myself. On the other hand, these petite gold studs look great to dress down an outfit especially if you wear something that's.... in your face!

 Patterned Stretch Bracelet similar here

Gold Watch similar here

Parker Rose Gold-Tone Blush Acetate Watch here

The Wristwear

Layering bracelets and bangles has always been somewhat appealing to me. But, sometimes you just don't have the time to put them all on. Hence why I love pieces that are thick and easy to put on. Stretch bracelets are everywhere at the moment and I like mine mostly in gold and silver colors. I find these colors go with almost anything. The textured detailing on this bracelet is just stunning. 

One of the things I must wear with an outfit is watches. It completes the outfit and makes you look classy. I've got one for almost every look; sophisticated, stylish, sporty and so on.

Knuckle Rings similar here 

Cut Out Ring similar here

The Rings

I don't wear rings often but if I do then it's only these ones I come back to. I love them all the same because of their cuts. I adore dainty pieces like these to stack them against one another to boast its detailing.

What are your favorite pieces and your favorite trends?

xx

The New Addition | Giorgio Armani

My perfume collection is ever growing that it's getting so overwhelming! But of course, that's not stopping me from adding to it. I know everyone has been raving about Si for a couple of years and I've been a bit late to jump on the bandwagon. Because I have so many perfumes, I forced myself from buying any more. When I received this one.... I must say I was over the moon!

I've been waiting for the right moment to wear this. Have you tried this before? What are your thoughts?

xx

Go-To Scent

I must say, perfumes are one of the things that I collect along with makeup and jewelry. Out of every scent in my collection I keep going back to Dolce & Gabbana The One. Prices vary between $100 to $200NZD dependent on the size.

The smell has a mix of vanilla, fruity and floral scents. It is very long lasting but isn't very overpowering. It's one of those scents that make you feel very luxurious and confident. This may well be an amazing scent for during the day especially during work if you want to smell clean and fresh. I've often used this perfume and can still smell it a week later on jumpers and jackets. 

xx

A little advice

At the start of the year, I set up some goals for myself which you can find here. One of my goals were to "regularly update my blog and create better content". In saying this, I wanted to better myself in photography. I've been following blogs who inspire me with their content and their photography. Here are some photos I experimented with earlier and I'd definitely like to get your input as to how to make these more "blog worthy".

xx

In my collection | Revlon Lipsticks

After cleaning out my makeup storage recently; I discovered I have a rather large lipstick collection and still growing. Even though it might not be as big as some beauty bloggers or makeup artists; it  is just enough for me. Revlon is a great brand if you know what you're after in a product. Here are some of their lipsticks I have and my thoughts on them.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick

After picking up these bad boys at a makeup sale - my love for lipsticks began. The super lustrous line comes in 4 finishes which is sheer, creme, matte and pearl totaling to a whopping 82 shades! I fortunately only own 2 creme shades and 1 matte shade. There are a range of different shades in this line which you can find here. Even though it states they are matte shades - it doesn't dry out completely nor does it have a glossy texture. The texture is in between glossy and matte which is what I prefer on those days I'm having bad lip days. This has got to be my favorite formula out of all the Revlon lipsticks range. Application is quite easy as it glides on like cream and does have a reasonable staying power. Of course, like most lipsticks which aren't completely matte - they do transfer and wear off within a couple of hours. Another thing that ticked the box for me is the fact that it doesn't leave horrible lines and stains around your lips. This is my top recommendation if you're after a creamy matte lipstick with reasonable staying power.

 From left to right:

374 Bali Brown

663 Va Va Violet

Fifth Ave Red

Revlon Matte Balm

These matte balms come in 10 different shades ranging from pinks to purples to suite different skin tones. Although these are classed as matte - they go on smoothly and are very moisturizing. I only own 4 shades out of the 10 but I love each one the same. I've got a medium brown skin tone and all the colors I have compliment my shade. It's got a pleasant minty smell which I absolutely adore! The only down side to this line is that it isn't very long wearing so you would have to carry them around in your purse. The packaging with these are quite different - almost like a pen. Take the cap off and twist the silver section to release the product. Although the packaging is unique, it can be hard sometimes to apply the product as the bullet loses it's shape. Be sure to carry a mirror with you! Overall, this was a very pleasant find.

From left to right:

020 Lovesick

240 Striking Spectaculaire

250 Standout Remarquable

215 Shameless Desinolte

If you are starting out with makeup or just building up your makeup collection; I'd recommend in investing in some lipsticks from Revlon. They are good quality and you'll get your moneys worth out of it. What are your views and thoughts?

xx

Five Things That Make Me Happy

Can you believe how fast the time is flying by?! I thought this would be a great opportunity to reflect on some things that have been keeping me going for the past couple of months.

My Baby
If you have been following my blog, you would know that I had a baby girl earlier this year. She has honestly been one of the biggest blessings in my life. Looking back - I would not have seen myself in this position. She is now 2 months and 1 week old. I love watching her grow and blossom into a beautiful young lady. Her adorable smile keeps me happy each and every day.

My Husband
The second biggest blessing in my life who I'm glad I met. I appreciate how hard he tries to keep me happy. He's seen me at my worst and stood by me every second. He certainly is my biggest supporter and always pointing me in the right direction. I can be myself around him, act as goofy as I want and can always count on him to play along.

Makeup
Although I may not have the time to use makeup as I used to - it's still something I enjoy playing around with. I feel like I appreciate it even more now because I'm not able to do it often. I still have a lot to learn about makeup but it is one of the things that defines who I am.

Reading
Also something I don't get to do often since I had baby! Reading romance novels was my hobby. The only reading I get to do now; is read blogs (not that I'm complaining)! Books take you to another world and is great for your imagination.

Writing
Since I was in primary school I enjoyed writing. I used to write stories, make books and take part in school competitions. Winning them was definitely my encouragement. After discovering blogging - I took a chance and started doing so myself. This is for sure my hobby and I've got so much more to learn and create.

What are some things that have been keeping you happy this year?

xx

Dos & Don'ts of Makeup

I am not a makeup artist in any way nor am I trying to be. However, I would like to share with you a thing or two I have learnt from using makeup the past few years.

Moisturizer

Do

The very first step to makeup applicaton is a good moisturizer. It's very important that you have the right one for your skin type. As I have oily skin, I use a mattifyng gel cream. Nivea has alot of cream poducts that may be suitable for a range of skin types.

Don't

Ensure you don't apply this with dirty hands. Use clean hands. You shouldn't apply your makeup straight on top of a moisturizer.

Primer

Do

Apply a primer because it is acts as the base for all the rest of your makeup. I like to wait a couple of minutes until the primer has dried before applying anything else.

Don't

Foundation should not be applied right after using the primer. This will seem like your makeup is melting off.

Foundation

Do

Match foundation to your overall body tone. Try to invest in a good foundation from a drugstore as they will help you choose the right shade. Apply foundation with a wet sponge to give you a flawless finish

Don't

Make sure you don't test foundation on you neck only. The foundation won't match your skin tone. Avoid buying foundation over the net as it might be a knock off or the wrong shade. If you'd like to order online, head into a shop and choose your color first.  Avoid using a brush as much as possible.

Concealer

Do

Always apply concealer after foundation. It must be 1-2 shades lighter then your skin tone. Blend with a sponge or you finger and finish off with a setting powder.

Don't

Never make the mistake of applying under eye concealer before your foundation.

Setting Powder

Do

Like foundation, make sure your setting powder is the right shade. Blend well with a brush.

Don't

Make sure you don't apply too much setting powder as you may look cakey.

Brows

Do

You must use a natural looking brow product. I like to use a dark brown brow powder. My natural eyebrows are black so this color lightens it and looks natural. Make sure you also brush with a spoolie before and after to give you shape. 

Don't

Don't create harsh lines or go outside your natural brows. Your aim is to fill in and naturally shape your brows; not draw a fake one! Lastly, never use a black bow product.

Eyelashes

Do

Brush out your lashes and use a curler do give it some shape. For upper lashes tilt your head back and apply mascara is a zig zag motion from roots to tip. Do the same for lower lashes except you tilt your head forward. You can apply as many layers as you like.

Don't

Don't use old and clumpy mascara.

Blush

Do

Use a blush that'll compliment your skin. A peachy color for dark skin or a pinky color for lighter skin. Apply this on the apples of your cheeks blending upwards.

Don't

Blush should never be blended below the apples of your cheeks.

Lipsticks

Do 

Use a lip liner before any lip color to give your lips some shape. This also helps to stop bleeding. For best results, apply a lip balm beforehand.

Don't

Avoid wearing matte lipsticks when your lips are peeling.

What are you biggest dos and don'ts you swear by?

xx