The "Suits" Look: Rachel Zane

If you follow me on Twitter then it will come as no surprise to you that I have fallen head over heels for the TV series "Suits" (erhm, and vampire diaries....) . If you haven't heard about it then I will not even attempt to describe it as I will fail massively at making it sound interesting, but have a read here and check out this video for an idea of what it is about. I watched both seasons, all 28 episodes in about 72 hours which is for one crazy even for me, but also comes to show how addicting it is. So consider yourself warned, that if you manage to sit through the not "oh-so-amazing" first episode and proceed to watch the next ones, then you will most likely not be able to stop. 

But enough about the series and over to one of the gorgeous cast-members Meghan Markle, better known as the role of Rachel Zane. After watching both seasons, I realised that I wanted to do a make-up look inspired by her glowy, sultry look and well, here it is: my take on the Rachel Zane look. It isn't too different from my usual everyday look, but the liner is black, not brown like I usually go for and the skin is a tiny bit more glowing.

The products I used are shown in the photos below and as for how I did it, here goes: Use a base/foundation that has a dewy finish. Something like Rimmel's Wake Me Up (medium coverage) or L'Oréal's Nude Magique BB Cream (light coverage) works perfectly! I suggest mixing it with your primer, if you use one, to make it appear as natural as possible. Then, on a synthetic angled brush or a kabuki brush, apply the Bronze Universal to the cheeks, tip of the nose, hairline/forehead and anywhere the sun would naturally hit the face. This creates the illusion of a tan similar to Rachel's. For blush, go for a golden toned, warm coral such as the colour P Pie (far left in the blush palette) by Sleek. Apply this with an angled brush slightly below the tops of your cheekbones but not quite as low as a contour. Go over the high-points of your face with the Crescent Moon highlighter to add glow and dimension.

For the eyes, just smudge some of the Cream Shadow Stick along the base of the lashes and then blend it with a small pencil brush. For some extra definition, tight-line with a black liner and lightly line the lower lashline as well. Add some lipstick, I used a pinky- peach combo, and mascara and voila! You are done!

Top Left: Chanel Bronze Universal, Sleek Blush Palette in Pumpkin 363
Bottom Left: TopShop highlighter in Crescent Moon, Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation, L'Oréal's Nude Magique BB Cream, The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser

Top to bottom: Max Factor Smokey Eye Effect, Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer in Noir, Maybeline (MNY) Lipgloss in a peachy pink colour - the name has rubbed off.., ELF Lipstick in Party Pink.

I hope you liked this post! If you have any looks you would like me to do a tutorial on, let me know in the comments and I will get to it! And don't forget to enter my giveaway for a chance to win a brush cleanser plus some other secret goodies. You can enter HERE!!

Lots of Love,

Em

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Brush Cleaning Miracle + Giveaway

"Hello, My name is Emilie and I am a make-up brush junkie" 

Ever since I first got into makeup I have been a brush collector, but despite my love for them, I despise cleaning them. It doesn't matter what brand of brushes it is, I find that the process is just plain boring and time consuming especially for someone like me who like to get them completely free from makeup residue. The only brand I find is fairly quick and easy to clean are the RealTechnique brushes, but when it comes to lets say my Sigma Brushes the story is quite different... So for today's post I want to take you down the road of brush cleaning, and what I find is the best way to make a boring process as quick and effortless as possible.

After trying and testing probably 10 different cleansers during the years, including MAC's and Bare Mineral's, I have finally found the one and only - very cheap - cleanser  for me. It makes the process a lot less time consuming and even gets my F82 Round Kabuki  clean, which is a new accomplishment. The miracle worker is none other than the Kicks Make-up Brush Cleanser. I am very sorry to say that it is only available in Kicks stores which is exclusive to Norway, Sweden and Finland, but I am sure that Boots or other drugstores around the world will have something equivalent! My point is just to say that you don't necessarily have to spend the big buck to get the best stuff for cleaning your brushes! Use what you find works, whether that may be a mild soap or a cleanser of some sort.  

The way I like to go about this all is to spray the cleanser onto the bristles of the brush, then use a little towel/cloth that has a bit of texture to it to wipe the bristles back and forth or in circular motions until no more colour transfers to the fabric. Yes, it sounds boring but trust me it is quick. I find that the texture or the towel works better at cleaning the bristles further up, if that makes any sense, than a normal tissue would and it also helps "speed up" the process a bit, which is a massive plus! Now just repeat this for all of the dirty brushes and in no time you'll be left with a little (or big) pile of clean, ready-to-use brushes!

As a little thank you to all of you who keep reading my blog and showing it some love, I want to do a little giveaway! I will be giving away 3 of the Kicks Brush Cleanser to 3 (duh) of you guys! I might pop in a few other mini goodies as well - who knows!

To enter all you have to do is to follow my blog via Google Friend Connect and to follow me on Twitter! The winners will be selected at random but you can increase your chance by completing the additional steps  as you will see below in the rafflecopter box!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I will be doing another giveaway soon that is a little bigger for my 100th post, but that will be once I actually write that 100th post, haha. But yeah, keep your eyes peeled for that one!

Good Luck!

Lots of Love,

Em

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Change is Coming With a Dash of Colour

What's new you ask? Oh, I just graduated and am now done with my IB diploma. Ahh this is what joy feels like!

Anyway, now that I don't have school to worry about anymore, I will have a lot more time to focus on some proper blogging and I sure am planning some good quality content in the near future. I won't make a schedule because I never stick to them anyways, but I will give my blog some needed love and care. So you just stay tuned. I will also be doing some changes to my design and layout as I don't think the one I have now is anything special. I need to add a bit of "umph" and life into this little corner - don't you agree?

Alright so I have covered the two things on my mental list. Now I guess I should bring something a bit more interesting in this post as well. This weekend was the hottest one we have had so far this year I finally had the chance to put on my summer clothes without freezing my behind off, so I figured that it was a nice time to take some OOTD pictures! I have been longing to wear this bright orange skirt for a long time, and finally I could! Now, without further or-do, here you have it, my summer day outfit! Apologies in advance for my very pale limbs...

Steve Wonder Tank Top // A Flea Market in Thailand 
(..at least I think it's Steve Wonder...It was a T-shirt but I cut off the sleeves :))

Skirt // Monki

Bikini // H&M

Sandals // H&M

Bracelets // BikBok & a Flea Market

Rings // BikBok & H&M

Sunglasses // Urban Outfitters

The lipstick I'm wearing is MAC's Costa Chic ("review" here)

I loved wearing summer clothes again, unfortunately the heat went away as soon as it arrived and the cold air is once again back in town. Oh well, I enjoyed it while it was here :) Has summer come to where you live yet?

Lots of Love,

Em

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On the Brighter Side of Lippies

Summer is here, well almost at least, which means the make-up is lighter and the lipsticks are brighter, but I find that it can be hard to choose a fresh colour for the warmer months as there are so many out there! Therefore, in order to help you choose yours, I am bringing you my 3 current favourite bright lipsticks.

First one to enter the spotlight is one of the well renowned Revlon Lip Butters, this one is in the bright pink colour called Sweet Tart. I absolutely adore the consistency of this lipstick! It is smooth like butter (duh...), moisturising like a lip balm and slightly glossy - just enough to make your lips look luscious and fresh! Although it is not completely opaque, it is pigmented enough to keep you from having to apply ten layers for it to be true to its colour.

Next up is from the peachy - coral spectre of the colour ring. Let me introduce you to my go-to summer lip, Costa Chic a frosted coral by none other than MAC. Compared to the Revlon lip butter, this little tube contains more than  enough pigmentation. A quick slide over the top and bottom lip and you are left with gorgeous, non glossy, but slightly frosty, coral lips. Although it is not a dry lip product, I do suggest applying a lip balm in advance just to avoid any flakes or dryness. 

Last up on stage is the most "out there" shade of the three as is is an amplified MAC lipstick called Watch Me Simmer. I mentioned this in my april favourites post but did not go into any debts about it. Well then, it is a very vibrant coral colour with a little bit of pink in it. Just imagine a watermelon/strawberry popsicle and you've got it. This little bad boy doesn't have any frost, sparkle, gloss or shimmer in it so it leaves a fairly matte but creamy finish. I do find that without a lip balm under it or a gloss over (which never happens in my "I am not a fan of lip gloss" state of mind) it tends to feel quite dry so do a bit of scrubbing and moisturising before you put it on. Once it is applied it won't go anywhere for a while though, so a top-up isn't needed until a good 3-4 hours or so, unless you eat a big-ass meal..then I'd keep it ready just in case.

Alright, that was my three little babies whom I have now let you meet. I hope this was of some sort of help or at least interest to you. If you have any favourite lip products for the summer months then let me know in the comments as I am always interested in finding new products to love! 

And just a quick note, I will be doing a giveaway during the next couple of weeks as I am about to write my 100th post and want to celebrate! Keep an eye out for that, and if you want to make sure you won't miss it, you can follow me on twitter  and I will announce it there as well :)

Lots of Love,

Em

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Liebster Award Nominees!

The lovely Loubna over at becausebeautryisrawandwild nominated me for the Liebster Award which apparently is an award passed on from blogger to blogger. I think the idea is great and really appreciated the nomination! Loubna gave me a few questions to answer so I will go ahead and do that, and then I will announce the blogs I nominate at the end of the post along with the questions I have for them :)

Here comes her questions:

What is your favorite color?

I think I would have to say blue! Although I love pretty much all colours.

Where is the most incredible place you have been to?

It is a tie between the Amazon Jungle and Zanzibar in Tanzania. Two very different places but oh so beautyful!

Do you have any pet?

No I don't but I have had hamsters and rabbits in the past and I would love  to get a dog! Haha :)

What made you choose blogging?

The opportunity to express myself and write about my passions without necessarily boring my friends to death, haha. Also the incredible community that blogging creates! The amazing people I have come to know are some that I would never have gotten to know without my blog. 

What is your favorite perfume?

There is no doubt on this one, Chanel Chance! I love the Eau de Toilett and Eau Tendre, but recently had a sniff at the Eau Fresh and fell head over heels for it... Just smell them, they are incredible!

Where do you like to see yourself in ten years?

I would like to see myself living in a big city, hopefully working within the promotion/communication part of the fashion industry, and as a freelance make-up artist. Maybe I will be writing this blog even then!  I beg that I will love what I do and that it challenges me, teaches me and inspires me. As for love and family and all that, I just hope I am happy with whomever surrounds me.

What is your favorite TV show ?

Oh..this is a toughie! I am a TV show junkie, I watch waaaay too many and get far to addicted. But I think that right now my favourite is Suits - I can't wait for season 3 to start in June! I might do a post on my top TV shows someday soon, just to share the love your know? 

What is your favorite Makeup brand?

I don't really have a favourite, I like so many, but from the high street I love Rimmel and Revlon a lot at the moment, and my MAC eyeshadows and lipsticks are almost always included in my make-up routines!

What is your morning skincare routine?

I use the foaming cleanser from a scandinavian brand called ACO Spotless, then I spray some of La Roche-Posay's Thermal Spring Water  all over my face and neck. For moisturiser I am currently using La Roche Posay's Effaclar Duo  and the ACO Spotless Oil Free Matifying Daily Moisturiser which are both brilliant for someone with an oily T-Zone prone to breakouts!

What is your favorite foundation ?

Right now it is Revlon Nearly Naked! 

What is your favorite song ?

Laura Palmer by Bastille! The music video is a bit odd, but the song is incredible!

Now, over to the 11 blogs I nominate!
The criteria is that the blogs nominated has to have less than 200 followers as this is an award that helps smaller blogs grow :) We all nominate 11 blogs, and give them 11 questions to answer and so is goes on!

http://beautyandtheb1.blogspot.com

http://lyonsnotes.blogspot.com

http://lifeinafewnutshells.blogspot.co.uk/

http://pieceofmona.blogspot.no/

http://fashion-squash.blogspot.no/

http://www.letitbecosy.com/

http://www.plogstyle.com/

http://allaboutalt.blogspot.no/

http://www.spoonfulofdiamonds.com/

http://lifebyemmy.blogspot.no/

http://www.glamupeveryday.com/

And the 11 questions I have for you are:

Why did you start blogging?

What is your favourite spring/summer nail colour?

What is your favourite piece of clothing?

If you had to choose only one makeup product to use for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Where do you see yourself in a year?

What is your "life motto"?

Who do you get your fashion or beauty inspiration from?

When did your beauty/fashion interest start?
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and what kind of "housing" would you want?
What is your dream job?
Can you describe yourself/your life in 3 words?

Once you get around to answering them, I would love it if you'd let me know, either here or on Twitter. 

Lots of Love,

Em

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Take Me To Arabia, Please

I have always thought that arabian inspired makeup is absolutely stunning, but it is a bit over the top for every-day wear in my opinion. Therefore I took upon me the task of creating a slight arabian-ish eye look that would be wearable for at least a party if not everyday. Continue reading below the pictures for a step-by-step tutorial.

How To:

1. Start off by applying your base and fill in your eyebrows (use whatever floats your boat for this step, really) I used Boots Tea Tree Pore Minimiser, Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation and Maybeline FitMe Concealer. And for my brows I used the NYX Eyebrow Pencil in Taupe.

2. Apply a shimmery, warm, nude cream shadow all over your lid. Rimmel Scandaleyes in Bulletproof Beige  is perfect for this. Over this cream, apply a similar shade in eyeshadow form, All That Glitters  from  MAC is what I used, which is a shimmery, golden pink colour.

3. Through the crease I applied Urban Decay's Buck (from the Naked palette) which is a warm, light brown. Focus most of the colour in the outer part of your crease and make it softer as you blend it towards the inner half. Also trace this colour along the lower lash line.

4. Eyeliner time! I used the L'oréal Gel Intenza Eyeliner in Violet Black with a small eyeliner brush by Sigma (#E10). This eyeliner is a deep violet shade with a hint of shimmer in it, and I created a thin line all across the upper lash-line as well as creating a long, thin flick on the outer corner. I also took it down to a little point in the tear-duct to create that feline, arabian look.

This is where I applied some false lashes, but feel free to skip that and just go for mascara on its own, I just felt like going all out.

5. For contouring I used Sleek Contour Kit in medium (along my temples, sides of my nose and under the cheekbones) and for blush I used a vibrant, shimmery orange-red colour  called P Pie which is also by Sleek. 

6. To finish it off I applied Rebel lipstick by MAC. This is one of my all-time favourite lip colours and I adore the combination of the golden eyes and the berry lips.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Please let me know if you try it and tell me how it went. Also let me know if there are any specific make-up looks you would like me to do! I am open do making it in video form if that is more preferable. Just pop it in a comment below and I will make sure to add your suggestions to my list :)

Lots of love,

Em

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The Golden Circle of Hair Care

For the past 6-8 months I have been working on finding hair products that will help me keep my hair as healthy as possible, so that I can wait as long as possible before I have to cut it. Yes, I am trying to grow them locks long and luscious.

After a lot of rummaging through the shop shelves I have finally found myself a little trio that are lifesavers when you don't have time to wash your hair and have a deep conditioning session. Batiste's Tropical Dry Shampoo removes any hint of grease and leaves your hair smelling of coconuts. Aussie Dual Personality provides a barrier that frizz will not be able to cross and Hask's Argan Oil nurtures the dry ends to a silky, glossy, smooth finish.

The combination that these three products provides allows me to go at least one extra day without having to wash my hair. I know to some that might sound gross, but washing your hair too often (I am talking "every day" kind of often) will strip your hair from all its own nourishing which it needs to stay healthy and strong. So my best tip for good looking hair, besides these products, is to try and leave the shampooing to a couple times a week (maximum every other day, every third day is better :). But one thing, washing your hair and showering - not the same thing - dry shampoo won't really allow you to skip cleaning your body... just saying.

Alright so those are my hair care treasures, I recommend checking them out! Batiste and Aussie are to be found in pretty much every drugstore (boots, superdrug..) and Hask is easily accessible at Primark or on Amazon.

If you have any hair care products you swear to, let me know in the comments, as I am always interested in finding some new "add-ons"!

Lots of Love,

Em

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You.

I am writing this post i honour of my good friend Daniela who passed away exactly one year ago today. She only got to turn 18, but she was the most honest, kind, caring and loving, beautiful person I have ever known. She accepted everyone and spread her love everywhere she went. I think everyone could learn something from a person like her, and that is why I wanted to write this. Please share your thoughts in the comments if you wish, but be respectful. Thank you.

In today's world we are constantly surrounded by impressions of each other. We are a part of a community where so many of us either feel better than everyone else or worse than them. Some think they can get away with being cocky and selfish, putting themselves first in every occasion. Then you have the people who do not think well about themselves at all. 

The media and developing technology has created a platform where it is easy for anyone to edit, perfect and publish their picture-perfect self for the world to see. It has created a platform where we can, without necessarily being caught, tear each other down and present the "right" ways of living and being. It does not always happen intentionally but every day there are newspaper articles, blogposts, YouTube videos and conferences featuring some sort of indication of what is accepted, what is right and what is not good enough when it comes to how we live our lives, how we look and how we act. 

We are so very good at finding the negative aspects of our lives, and terrible at seeing all the positive ones. Therefore I want to use this blogpost to hopefully spread some positivity because despite the negativities within the media, it is also a very good place to spread motivation and support. 

Last week I watched a TV program about the pressure that we are faced with every day when it comes to beauty. I realised that it is true, there is a constant pressure hanging over us, trying to direct us in the directions of diets, injections, picture perfect appearances, success, power... However, that pressure has always been there, and will probably stay there for years to come. The important part is how much we are willing to let it affect and direct us. I know that self-esteem, personal problems and illnesses can play a great part in how we see ourselves, and none of those are very easy to overcome, but I think the best way to see yourself in a better light is to step back, have a good "think" and find a few things you do like about yourself. Then have a look at the people around you and find a few good things about them. It can be anything, something big, small, physical, mental. If you are good at writing, listening, cutting hair or just have a good work ethic - it doesn't matter what it is, but it has to be something you think is a good quality and something you see as important in a person. 

By doing this you will find it easier to not only accept yourself, but also accept those around you. It will help you see them as equals. So whether or not you are used to thinking of yourself as less or more important than others, then realising that the people around you are your equals and not more or less important than you, will help you gain the right amount of confidence. If you are amongst the people who already feel you are on the same line, then finding good qualities in others as well as in yourself is never a bad thing. 

To be able to cooperate we have to support each other and give the courage and the motivation that each an everyone of us need. Some might need it to start their life and follow their dreams, others might need it to get back to their life, then there are those who needs an extra hand just to get through the day. Regardless of the reason, we need to stop ignoring each other and tearing each other down, and start helping and loving those who surround us. It doesn't matter how we look, who we are attracted to, where we are from or how much money we have. Deep down we are all the same and we all need a helping hand sometimes.

The next time you feel less important than someone and think you cannot do something or see someone else who are in the need of some help. Give yourself the courage and know that you are good enough and give that person the same motivation. You are good enough but please remember that those around you are good enough as well. 

My friend Daniela was  was a girl who always saw the best in those around her. When I first met her when I came to Colombia she cared enough to see that I needed a friend and that was what she gave me; a friendship and the support I needed to get through some of the toughest months of my life. I will never forget how she helped me, and I will try my best to spread that same kind of love and care for as long as I live. Rest in peace my beautiful friend.

I know this was a long and very different post, and thank you if you read it all. I know it might have been a bit "one sided" and all, I just wanted to get across a point that caring for those that surround us is one of the most important things we can do in life. 

Together we can make a rainbow of support.
Picture from weheartit.

Lots of Love,

Em

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Floral Bomber

To me spring means sun, flowers, green grass and birds singing from the trees, at least that is the cliche part of spring. However I find that fashion tends to incorporate many of those things into spring and summer trends. The SS trends are my favourites as I love wearing colours and I enjoy wearing less thick layers (although that can be fun too).  This year, I have decided to put some more effort into my everyday style, and I cannot wait for school to be over (I have my last exam in 15 days so I'm almost there!!) so that I can work on my blog, YT channel, and style 100%. Ahh, they joy of graduating, huh?

Anyways, one example of spring themes incorporated into trends is this amazing bomber jacket in floral print by H&M that I got the other day. I have seen tons of variations of these jackets all over the shops, both high street and high end. This jacket paired with a neon tank top from Zara and some Levi's shorts (from Urban Outfitters) and I was left with the ultimate, casual spring outfit. Of course I forgot to add accessories before I took the pictures, but with a greenbow on my head, some miscellaneous bracelets and a couple of stackable rings I was set to take the streets in some worn Converse sneakers and a pair of black Ray-Ban wayfarer's. Hipster? Nah, just me :)

Wearing Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Rendezvous

Do you have a favourite fashion season?

Lots of love,

Em

PS: Keep your eyes peeled for this weekend, I have a good 'un coming up, although it is slightly serious, and a bit different I think you'll like it :) x

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