NY Resolutions

Yes that's right its another new year, the time when there's yet another opportunity to reinvent, amend, and look to the future. I was a bit wary about doing a resolution post because to be fair, I never stick to them past the first month. I find sometimes setting yourself a mound of tasks to achieve in a year is too daunting so this year I simply only have a few things I would like to accomplish in 2013; which will be fabulous. 

2012 nostalgia

Here are a select few of my highs this year, which I have to admit, was a pretty alright year despite some obvious lows which we all have. In order to progress into the new year with a clear mind, it is vital to appreciate all the wonderful things that 2012 brought you- and yes if you look back, you will find there was more than you thought. 

• going to Paris for my friends 18th the day after my exams finished
• getting excellent AS results- something I will be forever proud of
• Having an epic time at LEEDS festival
• seeing Marina & the Diamonds live- my favey person ever
• starting to blog of course!

2013 Resolutions

To be more pro-active: in other words less lazy. There is always something that needs doing whether it's homework, revision, reading, blogging etc.. Not to waste any time because this is a particularly crucial year. I've realised that things don't just magically happen for you, you don't just get handed things on a plate. If you really want something to happen you have to go out there and get it- and work hard at it. And if you fail at something you just have to keep going or else it will be unattainable. 

To get into university: self-explanatory. Not just to get into any university, but the one or ones that I really want to go to. And to make the most of it whilst i'm there. 

To continue being more positive: This was one of my main resolutions last year, and I think I have achieved it to some extent. I don't get bogged down in negative thinking as much any more which is quite an achievement as it is extremely easy for me to always see the worst in each situation. I've learnt there are always things to be grateful for, and there is always someone, somewhere in a worse position than you. Things can always be worse than they initially seem. I owe a lot to The Secret by Rhonda Byrne which I took a long time to fully grasp its main principles, and I still have a tiny bit of skepticism on certain aspects but basically, its taught me happiness is a choice, and anyone can choose to lead a happy life which is all anyone really wants. 

To make my blog the best it can be: This means a lot more views, a lot more followers, and a lot more success. Whether or not I have one follower or one million, I will continue to blog the best posts I can do. I love beauty and writing and it is something that I would one day like to combine into a full-time career. In the meantime, I love finding beauty blogs and continue to be inspired daily. 

To be more sociable: This shouldn't be a problem as I turn 18 real soon, so there will be no excuse not to go out! I want to be able to maintain the balance of managing work and going out and having fun, because you can't subordinate all your needs into one; you have to find the best of both worlds. This also fits into 'saying yes more', and being open to new opportunities and meeting new people. 

*Here's to 2013!*

What are your resolutions for 2013?

xxx

Black and Gold NYE

So seen as last night was New Year's Eve (Happy New Year!) I thought I would go for a sparkly black and gold theme. I built my make up look and nails around my dress (topshop black and gold velvet glittery) and think it really epitomized the new year theme.

• To get my make up look I began using a primer from Nivea (Express hydration primer). I don't normally use a primer as I find that a good moisturiser does the same job, but I had this one as a sample from Glamour magazine so I thought I would give it a try. It went on so smoothly and had instant absorption as it was very thin, so I could apply my foundation super quick afterwards. 
• For my foundation I used one from No7 which is very high coverage, unfortunately the one I used has recently been discontinued so I won't list it here because there wouldn't be much point, however a new one which is also really great is the Beautifully Matte Foundation from No7. A true match colour service is now available at No7 counters so you can really get that perfect colour match. 
• For concealer I use my Rimmel hide the blemish concealer to go under my eyes to conceal any dark circles, and also on any blemishes. 
• I then lock my foundation into place with my Rimmel Stay Matte powder which is my favourite powder ever, really does the trick to keep you looking shine free throughout the night. Apply liberally particularly in the center of the face where shine is most common.
• Next I used by baked bronzer from Famous by Sue Moxley in shade Hawaii to contour my cheeks to give the appearance of naturally defined cheekbones. I also use this on my temples to give an all round glow to the skin. 
• For blusher I used Rimmel in shade Pink Rose on the apples of my cheeks to blend into the bronzer creating a more natural look. 
• For highlighter I used my Benefit High Beam just above the apple of my cheeks where my blusher finishes to create a luminescent finish and youthful appearance to the skin. 
• To fill in my brows I used my MUA eye shadow using an angled brush to lightly fill in any gaps and strengthen the shape of my brows. 
• Before applying my eye shadow I used my primer from Front Cover Cosmetics which is really an important step especially if you have quite oily eye lids and you find your shadow often creases or doesn't last.  
• When doing a strong eye look like this one, using two colours that don't naturally blend into each other, it is key to apply the darkest colour first. I used my black shade first from a Natural Collection compact, starting slightly more than half way onto the lid. I took this up through the crease and winged it out slightly. I then used a clean brush to tidy up the line and blend thoroughly. 
• Then I used my gold colours which is the same as the other gold look I did the other night, using both colours from Front Cover Cosmetics. Blend as best as possible into the black slightly, but not too much as you will end up with quite a murky colour. I put quite a lot of gold on the tear-duct to open the eye, as opposed to what I usually use which is white. I liberally applied the holographic glitter in the corner of the eye- after all it is NY!
• Then I used my Maybelline gel eye liner to thinly define my lash line, winging it out quite a bit to create that feline appearance. 
• Before applying my false lashes, I used my MAC Opulash Optimum Black mascara on top and bottom lashes, and then used my Cheryl Cole Eylure lashes. The key to applying false lashes is to leave the glue a good minute before applying so they stick better, and also to use tweezers and hold the lash in the center with the tweezers and then gently place in the middle of the lash line. Then simply tuck in the sides with the tweezers and leave to dry. I then apply a final coat of mascara to merge both natural and false lashes together. 
• Use your favourite Kohl eye pencil to line the waterline of your lashes to define if you want that added impact. 

What's on my nails?

 For my nails I took the black and gold theme to the extreme by using, both from Barry M, using shades 'Black' and then using lots and lots of 'Yellow Topaz Glitter' as a top coat. Not only does this create a super sparkly festive look, but as a top coat this will make the nail polish last a lot longer. I really like this look and I got a lot of compliments particularly about the nails, so I hope that you guys have fun experimenting with it too. 

Shake the Glitter

Seen as it's Christmas and New Year is fast approaching, I thought this would be a great make-up look for the festive season. I wore this sparkly gold glitter make up for a party last night, and it was so fun to experiment with. For me, Christmas is the one time of year when its acceptable to wear both a striking eye and a bold lip. This look goes perfect with that classic chic red lip, or even a dark purple which is what I teamed it with. Try out this glamorous make-up look for this season and your bound to sparkle.

To get this eye make up look I used:

• base shadow primer from frontcover cosmetics
• gold eye shadow by frontcover
• holographic glitter by frontcover
• No7 eye shadow in 'Starry Lights'
• Maybelline gel liner
• MAC Opulash Optimum black mascara
• Cheryl Cole lashes by Eylure 

What's on my nails? 

I teamed this glitter look with a classic red from Nails Inc in the colour 'St James' which is my ultimate favourite winter colour- a bold red that's not too dark and serious, slightly pink in tone. I also used Barry M in 'Yellow Topaz Glitter' as a glittery topcoat to add an ultra sparkly festive look.