Christmas Listing *hint hint*

Hey lovelies! I thought for todays post, I would do a little Christmas/wish list for things I'm wanting at the moment. I don't really write Christmas lists anymore, as i love surprises, but there's a few things I am wanting, and will probably buy most of them after the holiday season anyway ^_^

Laptop
I'm actually going to be getting one of these from my parents this year (this exact model)! I already have a desktop, but this will be more handy for when I have to go home and want to do uni work on the go!

Urban Decay Book of Shadows 4
Even though the colours aren’t that original, I really want this! I love collection Urban Decay pallets and WILL have this eventually.

DKNY Be Delicious
One of my favourite scents. I don't actually have this, but every time i pass a fragrance counter I cant help but cover myself in it.

Twin Lens Reflex
I wish I could afford a Rollie! A less expensive equivalent would do hehe! I love medium format, so having one of these “cheaper” models would enable me to shoot on the go, wherever I'm going.

Arwen Evenstar Pendent
I would LOVE this necklace! I’m a massive Lord of the Rings fan, and would kill for any merch to be honest! This most of all though, its so beautiful. A Song of Ice and Fire, Ledged of Zelda and more geekery along them lines would be a welcome sight under the Christmas tree!

Bento Box
Isn’t it cute? I've been eyeing these up in Paperchase for months but have yet still to buy one. They would be perfect for me to throw in some pasta or noodles when I go to uni or travel.

Starwars the Old Republic
I am dying to get this game! Its an Online RPG which is out on the 20th. Being a 3 year Warcraft geek, its time to have a gander at something different! Hello Jane the sith!

Super Mario 64 DS
This was one of my favourite games on the Nintendo 64, but alas I rarely play it anymore due to my games console being back North. Of course the DS version just cant beat the original, but I’ll have a great few weeks playing it.

What have you asked for this Christmas?

xox

NOTD: Festive Green Nail Look

I do love a good “nail art” look, but having the attention span of a 5 year old doesn't work in my favour when it comes to painting my nails. I usually rock one bold colour, this look being a prime example.

I did something a little different in this case though, having picked up some “Perfect 10 Nail Art Stickers” from savers earlier this week, I thought I’d glam up an otherwise standard nail. These are perfect for someone who had an unsteady hand, or a small attention span, but wants something a little different.
Of course green is quite a "Christmassy colour in itself, so paired with a slightly accented ring finger, it gives a great finish for a simple everyday festive look.

OPI Basecoat, Collection 2000 Hot Looks in Bongo Beat, Perfect 10 Nail Sticker, Revlon Topcoat.

xox

November Favourites

Its finally December! Which calls for a monthly favourites post. I cant believe how fast November went. I went home for 9 days for my sisters 18th, and I’ve seriously been wanting to hope on a train back since I set out on my journey back to uni. Only one more week and I'll be there again! Yey! So without further ado, here's what I've been loving this month. All of this I happened to actually buy in the time I was up North too! I’m going to be doing a haul post in the next few days, twas a great week for shopping.

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Light

I was in dire need of a new powder, wanting to try a new one but also needing a new one since my ELF Complexion Perfection ran out. Having heard a lot about the MAC MSF Natural’s, I picked one up. This is pretty perfect for me! Brightens up my complexion without being heavy. I’m not going to write too much about this, as I will do a proper review in a dedicated Face Makeup post coming up in the next few weeks.

Vaseline – Crème Brûlée

Vaseline is my total Lip Balm HG. I always have a tub of it on my at all times, no exceptions! I saw my current tin was running low, so aimed to pick up a new one when I went shopping. This limited edition “flavour” was all over the blogosphere a month or so ago, but I was under the impression it was only available in Selfridges. Lo and behold, there it was in Superdrug! Yoink! Crème Brûlée is one of my favourite desert dishes, so this and Vaseline together make for a perfect combination. It smells lovely, works amazing and fits in a handbag. Need I say more?

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 02

A foundation which is my colour! I am over the moon that I’ve finally found a foundation which matches me exactly! Every single one i have EVER tried has been too dark, even if only by a little. The GOSH one i was using before this was an alright match, but still a little too dark for my ghostly skin. Again i’m not going to say too much, as I have a separate post coming up which I will talk about this in depth, but I will say that I Love Love Love this!

Collection 2000 Glam Crystals Dazzling Gel Liner

Pretty pretty pretty! I saw these when I was on the hunt for some bright glittery eyeliners, to add a bit of a pop to a neutral eye. These really tick all the right boxes. They’re bright, long wearing and just so damn pretty. Usually 2 coats make the colour opaque and they seriously do stand out. I am 100% going to be grabbing more shades in this range. For only £2.99 a pop, they’re totally worth it. When I get a few more I shall be doing a review/swatch post of them all, so stay tuned!

That's it for this month! Of course there's lots that I have been loving [Hello A Song of Ice & Fire Series] but these are just the things, beauty wise, that stand out.
What have you been loving this month?
Also check out my Christmas Series HERE, for lots of christmas themed makeup looks and product reccomendations!

xox

Christmas Favourites: Glitter

Hey cupcakes! Todays post is about one of my absolute must haves for the season, Glitter! From glittery nail polish to glittery eye shadow, to me it really brings out the magic of Christmas. I always remember, as a child my favourite part of decorating the tree was the tinsel, and glitter reminds me of just that.

I’ve really been into glitter nail polish over the past month, and my Christmas nail looks will totally reflect that. I’ve been scouring the shops, picking up every shade I can find from a variety of different brands! I can’t stop myself, it’s just so pretty.
Two of my favourite brands at the moment are Stargazer and BarryM, both doing gorgeous affordable long wearing polishes. GOSH also do a few nail glitters which are great for a night out! See my past review of them HERE.

I’ve also bought a few actual glitters! I’ve yet to try these as I need a sticky base, but will probably pick up the Too-Faced one soon. Expect to see lots of mega sparkly eye looks in this series! [Make sure to take care if glitter is eye-safe before use around the eyes]
What's your favourite part about Christmas, Cosmetics wise or other?

xox

NOTD: Grey & Silver Glitter

Need more glitter! Another glittery nail combo, tis really a current obsession =p
I might have ago at some nail art around Christmas! I’ve always had an interest in it, but just haven't tried it. Do any of you have any suggestions for stamping kits or nail art pens? Let me know ^_^

Yikes! I never noticed the state of my cuticles. Hello moisturiser!
I cut my nail with a razor the other week while shaving. Terribly painful, and has left a gammy dent thing on my nail =[ Boo me.

OPI Basecoat
Zoya Tao
OPI Silver Glitter (One from a Beauty Box)
Revlon Topcoat

xox

FOTD: Everyday Neutrals

Everybody has an everyday look they throw on in the morning while applying their war paint, whether strapped for time or otherwise. We can’t always have bright, creative eye makeup yanno! Mine changes every now and again, but this is my current one! I usually include a glittery/metallic eyeliner, but today I went without!

FACE
MUA Face Primer, Illamasqua Skinbase Foundation 02, MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC15, MAC MSF Light, NARS Laguna, Benefit Thrrrob, ELF Gotta Glow.

EYES
UDPP Sin, Urban Decay Naked Palette [Virgin, Sidecar, Buck, Creep], Studio Makeup Line Styler Pen, NYC Showtime Mascara, HD Brow Kit Foxy.

LIPS
ELF Minty Lipgloss Boston.

Isn’t my turtle necklace adorable? What's your everyday makeup look?

xox

My Photographic Practice!

Hey guys! Something a little different here! I thought I would just enlighten you all on what I'm doing within my little artistic bubble! As I've mentioned before, I'm currently on my second year of a BA(Hons) Photography degree. I don't really put much of my work up online, but that's about to change! I'm hoping that by regularly uploading what I'm making, i can motivate myself more. I’m not sure if this will take the form of a blog, or just adding images to flickr, as I have two very different styles! On one hand I love commercial photography. I aspire to be a fashion photographer in the future, its what I'm gearing my whole life towards. On the other hand, I love photography as an art form.

[Photography by me, Makeup by Charlotte Odell, March 2011]

The commercial side of my practice is something I think you guys would be interested in. This post is really just to make you aware that I am going to start getting my work out there, my fashion and beauty images more so in relation to this blog, as they will include lots of makeup and clothing inspiration and looks! If any of you are interested in the artistic side, let me know and I can point you in the direction of whatever I decide to do!

[Photography by me, Shot in Black&White Medium Format, Scanned]

For now, I leave you with my flickr! Its not got much on it at the moment, but expect to see regular uploads (I hope anyway!) >>><<<

xox

P-p-p-party Face and Outfit!

Hey hey! I said I would post some pictures of what I wore to my sisters 18th birthday party, and that I shall! BUT! I completely forgot to take any specific pictures! Eeeep! I will put a few taken on the night here though, and note down what products I wore. The makeup and outfit really cant be seen too well tbh, but you’ll get the gist!

[Me and the boyfriend – The only shot where the eye shadow is noticeable! This is a reoccurring moment where I grab his cheeks and go “aboocheeboo”!]

Face:
MUA Face Primer
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation in 02
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Natural Light
NARS Laguna
Benefit Thrrrob
ELF Gotta Glow
ELF Makeup Mist and Set

Eyes:
ELF Mineral Eye shadow Primer
Urban Decay Eye shadows (Deep End, Vanilla, Buck, Virgin, Creep)
Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner in Zero
NYC Showtime Mascara
HD Brow kit in Foxy

Lips:
ELF Matte Lip Colour in Tearose

I’m loving having a bright colour over the lid, with Creep & Buck blended into the crease lately! I bought a teal glitter liner to wear with this look but totally forgot about it, meep! Ah well :’)

[My four best friends all dolled up!]

My outfit was pretty simple! A just-above knee length black dress I got from a small shop in Manchester for £15. I love this cut, pretty modest but a tight upper body and flows from the waist. I coupled this with a necklace from Dorothy Perkins, black tights, leather jacket and Dr Martens (can’t look too girly now can i!)

[Not really a fan of me on the image on the left, but my boy looks stunning in it, so had to show him off! On the right is the birthday girl, Daddy and myself rocking a leather jacket]

I dont have a clear image of my nails but I guess i can share what was on them anyway!

OPI Base Coat
Collection 2000 Hot Looks Bongo Beat
MAC Glitter & Ice Nail Lacquer in Unconditionally Fabulous
Revlon Top Coat

Have you been to any parties lately, or had a special occasion to dress up for?

xox

NOTW: BarryM Indigo & Stargazer

Hello m’dears! I’m finally back at my pc after being home for 10 days ^_^ I have lots of things to share with you in the coming weeks! I did lots of shopping when I went home, falling in love with some new products!
For now a quick NOTW post, showing when I currently have on my nails. I really do have a glitter obsession, so expect to see lots of glitter clad nails and eye looks in the lead up to Christmas!

OPI Base Coat
BarryM Indigo
Stargazer 144
Revlon Top Coat

I’m actually incredibly exited for Christmas! Its not far away at all! Red sparkly nails are a must for me this year! Even my mum was persuaded into buying the MAC Winter Collection glittery nail polish (i forget its name). Well excited to go home and use it haha! What are your Christmas must haves? Do you have a glitter “thing” going on like I do?

xox

October Favourites

This is a few days later than planned, but I’ve been a little busy in the past week, getting two deadlines all done! Uni is going really well this year, I have tonnes of ideas and inspiration, and really hope that my hard work is going to pay off!
In other news I'm going home on the 12th for 9 days! It’s my sisters 18th so I shall be definitely posting about my outfit and makeup, plus my sisters makeup as I'm highly likely doing to be doing hers ^_^
Anyway, here's what I've been loving this month!

LUSH Lemony Flutter Cuticle Butter

As I've said in the past, my nails are in horrid condition! They bend, sometimes flake and never grow long. I’ve only really used one polish this month (see later items), and when I'm not wearing it this will be coated on my nails and nail beds. Only the tiniest bit is needed so this is guaranteed to last for a long time. Since using this, I've noticed a big difference. This morning I had to clip down my nails! I never do that! There's also been no more flaking or broken skin at the nail bed as well. For £5.95, every girl should have this.

L’Occitane Hand Cream

Another hand product! My hands have ben in a sorry state this October. Dry is an understatement! I’ve been in the market for a new hand cream, and saw this freebie in Marie Claire. I am trying to save money, but for under £4 why not! I am so so glad I got this! I got the normal one, as i didn't want my hands smelling like chocolate haha! This has been a lifesaver. While walking to uni, my hands always bothered me being dry in the cold, now i just pop abit of this on, and voila! Perfect! I will be picking up some more L’Occitane products when I go home, as we have a flag store there, and i’m loving this brand so far!

Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment

I’m a massive fan of hair oils, and this is no different. I got this with my September Boudoir Prive box, and have been trying it out over the past month or so. This small bottle has lasted me over a month and half, and there's still only half gone! A little goes a long way for sure! There's a small difference in texture between this and the VO5 oil I was previously using. This feels, smoother, like it absorbs into my hair more. I’m going to be trying alot of hair oils in the next few months, and probably writing a comparison review as I seriously don't know what i could do without them now!

Directions Semi- permanent Hair dye

I get bored of my hair so easily! Its currently platinum blonde but I cannot resist running some colour through it every few weeks! I used to dye my hair bright colours alot, but the upkeep was a pain in the ass most of the time. Sure blonde is sometimes annoying to keep up, but I love being blonde more than any colour I've been. My complexion really suits it. I cant help but get bored though. I’ve resisted the temptations to dye the whole of my hair a bright colour, instead opting for hair dyes. I mostly use directions, as they are in a range of colours, easily available and don't stain the hair like Special Effects hair dye. I currently have blue underneith (which can be seen here) but am thinking of going for yellow soon! I may even get some Special effects so it lasts longer, as yellow wont be that dramatic against blonde. What do you guys think?

17 Magnetic Nail Polish

Lastly, I’ve be loving the new magnetic nail polishes by 17! Such an amazing idea, and creates gorgeous patterns. This is alot cheaper than the Nails inc one, and gives exactly the same results in my opinion. Its a pain getting used to it at first, getting the consistency right and resting the magnet on the nail without touching the polish, but the end result is pretty! Even my friend, who hates most things makeup & girly, is obsessing over this polish. I cant wait until more colours are available!

Not many makeup items this month, as I've not been wearing much! Playing around with Sugarpill has sparked by creativity though, and I'm planning on rocking a bright eye most of this month!
Have you tried any of this products I've been loving, and what do you think of them?

xox

FOTD: Sugarpill SweetHeart - Dollipop & Midori

Hai hai hai! A quick FOTD incoming!
I went to my friend Katie’s house the other day to try out some of her newest goodies, including some sugarpill eye shadows & Illamasqua skinbase foundation! I must say, i NEED these products in my life! I shall be nipping to Manchester to get the foundation when I go back north, as it is EXACTLY my shade! I’ve never ever found a foundation which is such a great match for me!

Face:
MUA Face Primer
Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation 002
MAC Studio Finish Concealer NC15
ELF Complexion Perfection
NARS Laguna
Accessorize Blush (I cant recall which one)
ELF Gotta Glow

Eyes:
UDPP
Sugarpill SweetHeart Palette (Dollipop & Midori)
MAC Floof
Rimmel Khol Eyeliner
Smashbox Mascara
HD Brow Palette in Foxy

Lips:
MAC Russian Red
Jemma Kid Red Lipgloss

I will 100% be getting the 2 sugarpill palettes, Illamasqua foundation and a bold red lippy before christmas!
I'm not sure I suit the red lippy in photos, but in person it looks fab! I think its just the angle of the photo or the way its on my top lip! Ah well!
Also what do you guys think of the blue in my hair =] I'm getting abit bored of blonde so thought it was time i funked it up with colours again!

Dead Sea Spa Magik: Review

Hello there! Long winded review incoming! So about 2 months ago I was sent some products from Spa Magik/Spa Find to try. I wasn’t aware of this brand previously, so I was trying these products from a completely new customers point of view.

“Spa Find offers non-comedogenic, skin-friendly formulas, blending natural de-ionised water with pure Dead Sea minerals (Harmonised Water™) and organic plant extracts – products contain allergen-free fragrance and no parabens, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) or animal ingredients.” Taken from the Spa Find website.

The best bit is, they’re 100% animal friendly! A massive plus for me. Anyhows, I was sent:

Spa Find EE Eye and Neck Rejuvenator 30ml (£20.20)
x2 Spa Magik Dead Sea Bath Salts 250g (£2.20 each)
x2 Spa Magik Salt Brushing 500g (£13.40 each)
x2 Spa Magik Serum and Shampoo Sachets 2 x 25ML (Sachets £3.30 x2. Full size shampoo: £8.26 & full size serum: £16.60)
Plus a Tote Bag & Badge

Sorry for those phone camera images! I didn't have my camera handy when i unboxed these products.

Dead Sea Bath Salts

Ever since receiving these they have been a staple product in my bath routine. Just a handful of these gives my bath that little extra something, making my water feel more relaxing, if that even makes sense! In over a month on only half way through my first bag. I don't know if i can say they do all it says on the packet, as i’ve not noticed a change in my skin, but I can honestly say my muscles feel alot more relaxed after a soak. For only £2.20 for this whole bag, i totally recommend them to anyone who just loves to kick back and relax when bath time rolls around!

Magik Salt Brushing

Now these babies have had quite a bit of good press of late. Being one of the samples in a GlossyBox a few months ago, has had people raving about these left right and centre. It was my first time trying anything like this, it seemed kinda weird scrubbing it on dry! I’ve found a actually enjoy the process though, it feels like my skin is being refreshed, scrubbed clean. One of these tubs is now sitting by my bath at all times. I find i particularly like to use this on my arms and legs.
I'm going to be giving this other tub to my mum when I get back home from university, so if you guys are interested on her opinion of this let me know!

Spa Magik Serum and Shampoo

I am a complete sucker for hair products! I love trying new shampoos and conditioners, and just feeling the difference from what the texture used to be before I started using specific products. Now only having 2 sachets of each, I don't think i’ve experienced the full wack of these, but I can tell you what I have got from them! The texture of the actual product is lovely, working into a fabulous lather and rinsing well, leaving my hair feelings mega smooth, even before its dry. I cant say I really noticed much difference when my hair was blow-dried, from my current shampoo/conditioner combo, but having my hair remain the same is a great result! They’re competing amazingly with other hair care lines, helping to improve condition of damaged hair.

EE Eye and Neck Rejuvenator

I don't think I can really say much about this product, as its really aimed at anti-ageing, and me being 20, not yet needing that. I have used this around my eyes though, and its really cooling, what I expect from an eye cream. In all honesty I've not really noticed much else though. Again I will be giving this to my mum to try, so if your interested in her opinion let me know. I will however, include some images, and say how nice this actually smells! I rubbed abit into my hand and loved it!

Overall I’m pretty impressed by these so far, I wasn't expecting amazing things but I do think the Salt Brushing and Bath Salts will remain a staple in my bath routine, making me pleasantly surprised, with the bonus of great prices. These products will last a long time at no great hit to the purse! Remember to let me know if you would like my mums opinions on the products I give her to try!
In the mean while have a Tote Bag picture!

[Disclaimer: I was sent these products for consideration. In no way are my opinions affected and I will always be honest in my reviews]

You can purchase this range from Debenhams, John Lewis and also the Spa Magik website!
Have you ever tried any Spa Magik/Spa Find products? Is there any favourites you would recommend to me?

xox

NOTD & Review: Revlon Facets of Fuchsia

A much talked about polish the autumn! Revlon’s Facets of Fuchsia has been plastered all over the blogging world in the past few months. A gorgeous wintery dark purple splashed with glitter, its no wonder this went down a storm!

The formula is amazing, going opaque in 2 coats and applying rather smoothly. I cant say much for chipping as I guess it depends on each individuals lifestyle, but it lasts the usual amount on me, 2-3 days.

OPI Base Coat
Facets of Fuchsia
ELF Matte Top Coat

Overall, a lovely polish being a must have for winter!
Short but sweet <3

xox

FOTD: Cliché “Sunset”

Hey ^_^
Yet another makeup look! I want to experiment so much more with colours, so expect to see alot more bright looks! I’ve also got several reviews lined up for the next week or so.
This look is a spur of the moment one, which i whipped up after university while waiting for it to go dark (for my university project)! Cliché yellow and orange “sunset” look incoming. I should really invest in some NYX Jumbo Pencils to make these colours brighter, as they weren't as vibrant as i would have liked.

Face:
MUA Face Primer
GOSH X-Ceptional Wear Foundation in Porcelain
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15
ELF Complexion Perfection
Benefit Thrrob Blush

Eyes:
ELF Eyeshadow Primer
Urban Decay Naked Palette(Virgin [Highlight&base], Buck [Depth/Contour])
Sleek Curacao Palette (Screwdriver & Tequila Sunrise)
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil Eyeliner in Zero
NYC Showtime Mascara
HD Brow Kit in Foxy

Lips:
MUA Lipgloss in shade 2

Yes i’m a baddy and had my flashgun too bright!

xox

FOTD: Ain’t nothin’ but a Goth thing!

Hello cupcakes! I have a FOTD for you! Today I’m having abit of a Goth day, Wednesday 13 and Marilyn Manson? Yes please! It was only fitting to get the black eye shadow out! One thing i should probably do is invest in a white foundation, for mixing purposes. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Face
MUA Face Primer
GOSH X-Ceptional Wear Foundation in Porcelain
MAC Studio Finish Concealer in NC15
ELF Complexion Perfection
NARS Laguna Bronzer
ELF Studio Blush in Candid Coral
ELF Studio Blush in Gotta Glo

Eyes
UDPP
MAC Paintpot in Blackground
Urban Decay Eyeshadows (Blackout & Vanilla)
MUA Eyeshadow Shade 2
ELF Studio Cream Eyeliner in Black
Rimmel Liquid Eyeliner
Rimmel Mascara
HD Brow Palette in Foxy
ELF White Pencil Eyeliner

Lips
Stargazer Lipliner in Red
ELF Pencil Eyeliner in Black
MUA Lipstick in shade 8

I miss doing makeup like this! I’ve mostly been going for the natural look lately! Hopefully my upcoming series will motivate me to do more of the “dark looks” on a more recent basis!

xox

Kawaii Time – Strawberries, Mushrooms & Disney

Hey darlings! A bit of a different post today as I ordered some stationary yesterday and had to blog, as I was exceptionally happy with the service.
Lately I have become a sucker for cute things! Paperchase has a lot of love from me <3 Now, I live quite a distance from home, my friends back home and my boyfriend. I decided it would be cute to write letters to them, so I started my search for stationary! I stumbled across Cute Stationery, an at home business who source writing materials from all over the world, and decided to make an order. Their prices are cheap, so why not eh? I placed an order yesterday, getting a dispatch email an hour or so later. What a surprise, when I came home from university this morning to my package waiting for me! It had taken less than 24 hours to get to me!

So, what did I get?

Strawberry Letterset, 12 sheets plus envelopes and stickers - £2.99
Plush Mushroom Pen - £1
2x Bear Birthday Cards – 80p Each
Hello Kitty Stickers - £1.10
Cute Animal Stickers - £1
Disney Bambi Letterset with folder, 10 sheets plus envelopes - £3

I also received a free sheet of stickers for ordering over £10 worth.

The package came nicely wrapped in a cute bag, I was actually overcome with the adorableness of the whole package! The pen and Hello Kitty stickers were purely an impulse buy, I hate hello kitty but my sister loves it!
Overall I am very impressed by the service and would totally order from them again!

xox