AUTUMN BLUSHERS

I'm drifting away from bright summer blushers and adding warmer, richer autumnal tones into my make up routine. I'm really missing a subtle plum blusher from my collection, I would love any suggestions for pretty plum shades please!

MAC Warm Soul - When you need to add a warm glow to dull skin on a gloomy day, this blusher really delivers. It is a pretty, beige pink blusher with golden shimmer running through it. It really brightens and adds a glow to your skin.

Bourjois Healthy Mix - This orange toned blusher can be built up to a slightly burnt orange colour that really warms the complexion and looks pretty autumnal. It works really well with MAC woodwinked on the eyes and Topshop infrared lipstick dabbed lightly on the lips. You can see it swatched and worn here.

Nars Orgasm - Although this golden peachy pink blusher is also well suited for the summer months, It shows up as a pigmented, deep warm pink on my skin tone. I love wearing this to give me a flush of colour to my cheeks and have been wearing it together with the sleek storm palette in this autumn make up look.

Sleek Suede - The perfect blush to wear with a strong autumnal berry lip. This matte blush is a neutral peach brown that is similar to MAC gingerly. It works well with strong lips or eyes as it sculpts the face and brings warmth and colour whilst staying neutral.

Benefit Benetint - For a natural, wind bitten flush of colour to your cheeks Benefit Benetint is great for autumn and winter. It gives a subtle but buildable rosy glow to your cheeks. You have to work quite quickly with this to blend it in with your fingers in an upwards circular motion, I follow just under my cheekbones to get the right place for me.

What are your favourite autumn blushers?

AUTUMN WISHLIST

I love reading wishlist posts and so I thought that it was about time that I finally made one! There's so many great things in stores at the moment and I've got quite a lot of things on my wish list for autumn and for my birthday in November! These are a few of my favourites:

Nars blusher in Douceur:  I've had my eye on this blusher for a while now. It looks like such a pretty, natural blusher that will work well with an autumn berry lip.

Essie Sole Mate: This looks like the perfect autumnal plum colour and I've got a feeling that it will be a great colour for the run up to halloween!

Topshop Bobble hat: I'm a little bit obsessed with Topshop hats, I bought these two last year and I have my eye on this green knit hat (and the burgundy one too!).

River Island Cami: I've seen different colours of this strappy cami circling the blogosphere for a while now and i've fallen in love with this dark red version. It's such an autumnal colour and I can imagine wearing it with my black topshop leigh jeans and my detailed zara flats.

Pomme Frites Candle: I've got my eye on the Amber Moss or the Pumpkin spice candle, they both sound lovely and I'm so in love with the packaging!.

Happy Plugs: In rose gold, need I say more?!

The Night Circus: I've recently joined goodreads and this book keeps popping up in my recommendations, it has amazing reviews and sounds magical, ethereal and captivating. Perfect to read on cold autumn nights. 

Estee Lauder Eyeshadow Trio in Beach Metals: This looks like the perfect subtle autumnal palette and perfect to recreate my autumn make up look with a smaller, more compact palette. 

What's currently on your wishlist?

My Birthday Wish List

In less than 2 weeks, I will be a quarter of a century old. I really can't believe how fast time flies. There's just no way I'm turning 25! And yet, I am.

My dad and sister have been asking me what I would like as a gift so instead of just forwarding them my Amazon wish list, I thought I'd put together for them a nice convenient little blog post. And yes, I do plan to treat myself with one some of these items. Sooooo here we go!

My Birthday Wish List

1. Wacom Intuous Pro Pen and Touch Tablet - I've been drawing most of my life and have dabbled in coloring my traditional art in Photoshop with a mouse, but I know that nowhere compares to what one can do with a pen and tablet. Drawing is one of my hobbies that brings me such joy and sense of accomplishment - I'm happy with what I can do with paper and pencil. but I would love to take my art to the next level and start doing more digital work. I've contemplated getting a tablet in the past, but was a little intimidated. I've now done my research and feel ready to take this step.
2. Attack On Titan: Colossal Edition - I discovered this amazing show over the summer and it has quickly become my favorite anime ever, yes ever. I thought about buying some of the manga volumes, but then heard about this "Colossal" edition which contains the first five volumes and 15 color pages. Sounds like a good deal to me!
3. iTunes Gift Cards - I've recently been introduced to the world of otome games and have taken quite a liking become absolutely OBSESSED with them. I'm pretty sure in this last month I've charged more to iTunes for these games than I have for food. So, yes, if you have absolutely no idea what to get me as a gift- you cannot go wrong with these in any amount.
4. Custom Plushie - I've always always wanted a custom plushie. Daddy, Melissa, if you are reading this and contemplating to do this, please let me know and I will forward you several images of my favorite otome characters. This will take a little extra effort but it WILL make my life. 
5. A Song of Ice and Fire 5-Book Set - Even though I love the complex world of Westeros and enjoy the books more than the show, I actually have never owned any of the books! I've always borrowed them from others! Me getting this box set will happen eventually. If not now, then later, but until then it's on the wish list.
6. Subscription to Q Box - This is basically a subscription box for CUTE things, and goodness, do they deliver on the cute. Their past boxes are filled with such adorable, quality items - no wonder they're sold out until November! I've researched a lot of different subscription boxes and this definitely looks to be my favorite!
7. Mini Freezer - I live in a bachelor apartment which means I don't have a full-sized kitchen. I have a sink and a mini-fridge. If you know me, I love the Trader Joe's frozen section as well as keeping frozen fruits for my Nutri-Bullet smoothies. I have not been able to do this for a while since I do not have a freezer. A mini freezer would totally rectify this situation! 
8. Haircut - My sister recently lopped off a good 10" or so of hair and looks absolutely adorable. Every time I see her I can't help but point out how cute she looks. Not saying I'm brave enough to do the same, but my hair definitely could use a good, quality cut. My split ends and layers are out of control.
9. Combat Boots - I have been on the lookout for a cute pair of everyday combat boots for, well, forever. I LOVE the way they look and definitely would love a pair for fall.
10. Gym Membership - I remember when I had two gym memberships (thank you, Groupon) in college on top of the free on campus gym. I also remember back when I had a good metabolism *cries* Now, I do have my elliptical out on the balcony which I love, but boy do I miss actually going to a gym with AC. Also, I'm excited to show off my new VS Sport gear and wear cute athletic tanks like this Free! one from lookhuman.com.

Also anything from the aforementioned lookhuman.com or thinkgeek.com. Things like THIS Star Trek Spock Oven Mitt or THIS cute Sailor Moon baseball tee (all baseball tees currently on sale for $20!) are right up my alley.

Anyone else have a birthday in October? What's on your wish list?

AUTUMN MAKE UP

I've been wearing this look along with last year's copper eyes & red lips look a lot throughout September so far. I've also dyed my hair a bit darker this year and I'm so tempted to add a hint of plum through the ends!

For this autumnal make up look I used two colours from the Sleek storm palette that actually remind me of the infamous and now discontinued Estee Lauder Raisins. I applied MAC bare study as an eyeshadow base before sweeping the light pink colour from the storm palette all over my lids. I then blended the deep cranberry colour into the outer corner of my eye and up into the crease. I also ran it under my lower lash line for definition. For my brows I used Rimmel professional eyebrow pencil in dark brown and lined my eyes with a small flick using collection fast stroke liner.

For my base, I used Bourjois healthy mix foundation as it gives a nice dewy finish and is buildable to a medium coverage. I applied the bobbi brown corrector in bisque under my eyes to counteract any dark circles and swept Nars Orgasm blusher onto my cheeks to give me a flush of colour. I dabbed a bit of Topshop glow highlighter in polish to the tops of my cheeks and under my brow bone and finished with a touch of MAC Brave lipstick on my lips.

What make up have you been wearing this autumn?

Influenster VS Sport VoxBox Review

If you are familiar with my blog, you will be familiar with Influenster and their awesome "VoxBoxes." For those of you who are new, Influenster is this awesome site where you can complete surveys and tasks and submit your various social networks to determine how influential you are - the more influence you have, the more likely you'll qualify to receive VoxBoxes which consist of free sample size or full sized products for you to test and review. I've received some AMAZING things from them so if you aren't already, SIGN UP!

When I saw this box in front of my apartment door, I literally squealed. I was so shocked and happy. Shocked because I remember taking the survey for it and being told I didn't qualify (?) which I was super bummed about. Lo, and behold there it was though! 

The outer packaging wasn't pink as you might guess but instead a nice sleek black and white. Inside, however, contained the signature pink striped box we are so used to seeing. Among the meticulously packaged tissue paper were a bunch of 25% off coupons for any one VS Sport item (I've already given some to friends) and a booklet showing their new line of sports bras. I've got to say, these sport bras look amazing. My former main sports bra is one I bought years ago, but it wasn't anything special. It wasn't the most comfortable bra, and it pretty much just "strapped em down" while not giving much support.

What I received in this box wasn't just an awesome new sports bra, but they also included some workout pants for a complete outfit. I have been in dire need of new workout clothes since I've gained some weight over the last year so I couldn't have been more thrilled.

I received the Incredible Victoria's Secret Sport Bra and incredible it was! I've never really invested in a nice quality sports bra so this was definitely leaps and bounds better than any other sports bra I've ever owned or tried. Here are some of it's features:

Concealed wire for cushioned support

Padded straps and bonded, seamless technology that eliminates irritation

Super-soft elastic band for comfort and movement

Cushioned, adjustable back closure

Oh, where do I start? There's so much I loved about this bra. 

Okay, first off, it's SUPER comfortable! The material is very light and breathable, it almost feels like you're wearing nothing! I would totally wear this to just lounge around my apartment. It also lets air in and helps decrease sweating and keep you dry with it's wicking liner which is awesome during an intense workout. 

Second, the support is fantastic! I didn't feel like my chest was being strapped down at all! Instead, it just keeps everything in place while you exercise. I think this would be perfect for a high-intensity cardio workouts and things like running or boxing.

Third, the fit was amazing! I have a hard time finding bras that fit me perfectly but this seemed like it was custom made for me! I've also heard they're great for both smaller and larger chested women as well! 

That all being said, retailing at $54, this bra is an investment. Do I think it's worth it? YES. The quality is incredible and it will definitely last you a long time. If you are someone who works out a lot or even just looking for a good, comfortable, supportive bra, I HIGHLY recommend it.

I also received the Knockout by Victoria's Secret Sport Crop pants. They are a solid pair of workout pants that would be great for yoga or studio classes, but nothing too out of the ordinary. The description says it's made of a "nylon performance fabric with four-way stretch that creates a second-skin fit." The fit was good and I liked how the reinforced band sucked in my tummy making it look nice and flat haha. The day I took these photos was extremely hot outside (over 100 degrees) and the Body Wick fabric helped me stay cool and dry in the heat. This retails for $60 in stores.

Finally, here are some extra photos of me in these two pieces "in action" at the park. I wanted to make sure before I wrote this review that I got a good workout in them! I've been a bit out of the gym scene since I've moved to LA, but my awesome new workout gear definitely motivates me to exercise more!

Have you ever tried anything from VS Sport?

**This is a sponsored blog post. Influenster provided me with complimentary Victoria's Secret products to test and review as part of a contest. Opinions are 100% honest and mine :)

FAIL SAFE BEAUTY PRODUCTS: EYES AND LIPS

I love finding products that always deliver great results and make me feel good when I use them. I can always count on these products to work for me, whether it's to brighten up a gloomy day, soften my lips or brighten up my eyes!

MAC Eye Kohl in Powersurge: This golden, shimmery antique bronze eyeliner is perfect smudged under the lower lash line. It glides on so easily and really brings out your eyes. This really is a lovely eye pencil for everyday wear especially throughout autumn.

Nars Eyeshadow Duo in Alhambra: This rose, golden duo gives a beautiful sheen of colour to your eyes. It really brightens the eye area bringing light and a pretty glow. For a full review and swatches click here.

Lush Mint Julips lip scrub: The smell of mint chocolate and the promise of smooth lips makes me so excited to use this as the months get colder. This lovely little sugar scrub works so well at buffing away any dry patches on your lips leaving them soft and smooth. 

Revlon Just Bitten Balm Stain in Lovesick: To brighten up a gloomy day, I always reach for Revlon Lovesick. This balm stain is a bright pink with a hint of purple that lasts ages on the lips, keeps them feeling moisturised and is so easy for quick application on the go.

What are your fail safe beauty products?

THE PERFECT SUNDAY

I think Sunday is my favourite day of the week. Whether you cook a roast, buy a little treat or laze around all day on Pinterest, there always seems to be something good in a Sunday. Here's my top things for a perfect Sunday:

1. A Great Breakfast/Brunch - Sunday's are made for laying in and so when I wake up I 'm normally on the hunt for a good breakfast. Alex makes an amazing potato rosti with garlic salt and cracked black pepper. Pop a poached egg on the top and it's the perfect tasty and filling Sunday breakfast. *note - other perfect Sunday breakfasts include Pancakes, waffles and french toast especially when covered in cinnamon and maple syrup. Mmm.*

2. Staying in your Pajama's all day - I like to have an early bubble bath and then put on some freshly washed Pj's. I bought the ones in the photo above from Primark recently, my go to place for Pajamas. I then like to make myself a hot chocolate and read blogs, browse pinterest or get stuck in to a good book.

3. Pampering - My favourite face masks currently are from Origins. I like to put on a cleansing/purifying face mask like Origins Out Of Trouble face mask or Origins Clear Improvement mask before my bath and then I use Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask afterwards which you can leave on all night. 

4. Freshly Painted Nails - I love to take my time to really pamper my nails and paint them a pretty colour for the week. I follow my Nail care routine and then paint my nails. I've been loving Essie Aruba blue, it looks almost like blue foils on your nails. I think Essie have a similar purple version too, i'll have to investigate!

What are your favourite things to do on a Sunday?

AUTUMN MOISTURISERS: AM & PM

I believe that switching up your skincare is pretty important throughout the seasons. I like to add a bit more hydration and moisture into my routine for chilly autumn nights and a boost of radiance for those crisp autumn mornings.

AM: Darker mornings mean that I'm often left looking (and feeling) a lot more tired. If you suffer from tired, lacklustre skin like me in the mornings then Origins Ginzing energy boosting moisturiser is the perfect cure to give you a boost of radiance whilst also leaving your skin feeling soft and hydrated. It's a really lightweight gel texture and so is perfect as a morning moisturiser and you don't need to use much at all. It contains natural and organic ingredients, is paraben free and smells amazing - like a burst of fresh citrus. I've been using this every morning and the smell and radiance boost really helps me to feel and look awake!

PM: Alex bought me Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream last year on a whim, he meant to buy me the creamy avocado eye cream but as he couldn't find it online he clicked on this one instead as it had such great reviews. I thought it was so nice of him to pick something so I tried it out straight away and instantly fell in love.
This is the only moisturiser I used last winter, morning and night. We visited the Christmas markets in Vienna last December where I thought that the plane, contrast between bitter cold snowy days and warm, dry heating would wreck havoc with my skin but Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream kept my skin so moisturised and in the best condition it has ever been. If you're looking for a rich moisturiser that sinks in quickly, is soothing and hydrating without feeling greasy then this is it. I notice a real difference when I don't use this and it seems to really clear up my skin too. A little goes a long way and it lasts the whole day on me. The only downside to this is that it contains parabens, I've got my eye on the Kiehls Midnight recovery concentrate next as that is paraben free!

Have you tried either of these?

LIPSTICKS CURRENTLY ON ROTATION #2

I've been swapping my summer brights for darker, richer and berry shades ready for autumn. These are the products that are currently on rotation in my make up bag:

Revlon Wild Orchid: I've mentioned this product quite a lot and it also featured in my last monthly favourites. It's such a pretty fuchsia pink with a subtle purple/blue sheen and I've been reaching for it almost on a daily basis.

Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie: This is a perfect everyday natural autumn colour as it gives a hint of berry to your lips. This lip butter gives a slightly glossy finish and has a very fine fuchsia shimmer running through it. I love to keep this in my bag for quick and easy application on the go and for subtle berry lips.

Chanel La Diva: The perfect lipstick to brighten up a rainy day and the colour I've been reaching for to lift a cosy day outfit as it looks so great with a cosy grey jumper, leggings and a high pony!

MAC Brave: This is another great everyday, my lips but better colour. It's a lovely mauve pink MAC satin lipstick that lasts well on my lips. It can be a bit drying so I always need to put on lip balm before applying this lipstick.

Maxfactor colour elixir lipgloss in captivating ruby: I really love this lipgloss, it doesn't feel sticky at all on my lips, is long lasting and can be worn either with one coat as a hint of cherry on the lips or built up to a strong blue toned ruby red.

- Make up bag from Alphabet bags

What lipsticks are currently on rotation in your make up bag?

THINGS THAT MADE ME HAPPY THIS WEEK #4

Monday: September the 1st - back to Hogwarts! Also crocheting these cute little pumpkin appliqués for a halloween garland, it takes me a while to make them so I'm starting early!

Tuesday: Make up saviours. My lips have already started to feel a little bit dry and so I've been really enjoying using my Lush Mint Julips lip scrub. theBalm Mary Lou Manizer dotted in the inner corner of my eyes has been helping me to look more awake, along with curled lashes thanks to my Shu Uemura eyelash curlers. Also as I mentioned in my last monthly favourites, looking down to glittering toes gives me an instant pick me up - Essie Stroke of Brilliance has been making me smile this week!

Wednesday: Cotton Candy Grapes. These sweet grapes taste so much like cotton candy/caramel it's unreal. They really are amazing, I ate a few of these whilst watching GBBO and it stopped me from scoffing half a pack of biscuits (which is my normal GBBO routine!).

Thursday: Watching one of my favourite films: I pulled on my favourite Pj's, filled a bowl with popcorn and laughed and cried whilst watching the Holiday.

Friday: Me and Alex are planning on wandering into town, passing horse chestnut trees (incase any conkers are ready) and browsing the bedding at Primark. I've seen some lovely Nordic brushed cotton ones on instagram that look just perfect for keeping snug on cold wintry nights.

What made you happy this week?

MAKE UP ADDITIONS FOR AUTUMN

As the days are slowly getting colder, i've been switching up my make up and adding little autumn touches to my routine. I've been starting to add warm browns and matte mauves to my eyes, a pink flush of colour to my cheeks and a hint of cherry to my lips. I've also been enjoying applying my foundation with a foundation brush to give me a bit more coverage.

Nars and God created the woman palette: This palette is stunning and perfect for autumn. The colours are all so beautiful and as with most Nars eyeshadows that I've tried, really pigmented and buttery in texture. I've been running Galapagos (a warm brown with gold flecks) under my eyes and Kalahari (a warm taupe with shimmer) all over my lids.

Benefit Posie tint: Although this is great as a summer blusher, benefit posie tint gives such a natural, barely there flush of slightly cool toned pink to your cheeks that I think it works well as a transitional blusher for autumn too.

Topshop Highlighter Glow in Polish: This is one of my favourite highlighters, as with all topshop highlighters i've tried there's something ethereal about the colour of them.  It blends really well to give a beautiful luminescent glow and you only need to use such a little amount - a little really does go such a long way with this topshop highlighter

Maybelline baby lips in Cherry Me: This gives the perfect hint of cherry/berry red, hinting at an autumn lip without being too bold. I like to wear it quite sheer on my lips but it can be build up to a glossy but still subtle cherry red lip.

Have you been adding any autumn make up additions to your routine?