Monday 15 August 2011

Make up review: Stila One Step Correct


I recently went to FL, America on holiday and obviously had to do some intense shopping. One of the things I was really excited about was taking a trip to Sephora since we don't have it in the UK. Sure, we have plenty of make up brands and stores here but I'd heard so much about Sephora having these amazing products, I had to pay a visit. I decided to get a face primer so that I don't always have to put foundation and blusher on
my face together as my skin gets pretty oily and starts to break out during the summer. I have to say I was pretty impressed with the Stila One Step Correcter (Primer) because it sets your face perfectly and unless you have really blochy skin, it evens takes over the job of foundation of even-ing out the colour and texture of your whole face. It's great for anyone with even slightly oily skin and for summer in general as the primer is light on your face and probably even prevents sweating.

 There are 3 different brightening toners within the primer that come together as you can see (from the picture). The green colour cream neutralizes redness and conceals any blemishes, the light purple cream fights any sallow undertones to give a vibrant look to the face and the peach cream brightens and illuminates the face and helps reduce sun spots. All in all, it works perfectly!
Worth it?
You only need to use 2 tiny squeezes a day and I think this will last you about 3-4 months if you are like me and use it 4-5 times a week....If you do your make up more often then that it'll probably last you only a couple of months. I've been using it for about 2 weeks and the bottle barely looks used. I have to say, it is a little expensive...I payed about $39 for it in total (inc. tax). But if you think about the amount of uses you get out of it....(From my example 20 times a month*3 or 4 months = 60-80 uses)...seems pretty worth it!

Hope this helps for anyone looking to buy a primer!

Friday 5 August 2011

Blake Lively: A Fashion Inspiration


The words ‘she looks good in everything’ are used by us all too often in praise or envy of someone’s , most probably a celebrity’s, ability to be able to pull off absolutely any outfit in any given situation, no matter how bizarre, weird or slutty it may be. Of-course, in today’s fashion world where Lady GaGa-like inspired apparel are in the norm, it’s hard to say people don’t look good in everything; in a society where almost everything is being accepted. So when you see someone like Blake Lively not having to resort to 10 inch studded heels and frightening make up, you know you really can use those words.
The ability to keep up with high fashion, what with all the eccentricities of runway looks has become increasing difficult these days for celebrities. In that respect, I find Blake to be a fashion inspiration; both on and off screen. The gossip girl has always stood out to me as both an icon and excellent actress. Whether it is the outstanding work of the writers or her understated acting in a high society upper east side role as Serena van der Woodsen, she always brings an aura of glamour and charisma to the show as she is constantly able to diminish her scandalous reputation with any outfit; no matter how short the skirt is or how much cleavage she’s showing. It certainly takes a special someone to be able to achieve that. No wonder she is now a Chanel ambassador.
I think 95% of her outfits look stunning and incredible. While it can be argued that the gossip girl start has a show stylist for on screen appearances, off screen Blake declares that she doesn’t need or want a stylist as she has a passion styling her own outfits. Here’s some my favourite Blake outfits where she has carried her outfit beautifully.   
 A gossip girl outfit….one word….WOW
There is a fine line between tacky and glamourous when it comes to lace. Blake wears it so well; I LOVE this dress; especially the bead detail and the scallop neck. She really sets the 40’s glamour vibe with this Zuhair Murad dress.

This tribal designed strapless number was worn for Fashion’s Night Out last year. It’s hard to work tribal on red carpet but Blake shows how the key is to not mix too many colours and stick to stricking combination.

 At the met- the printed bodycon style with the Grecian draped chiffon brings out the Hollywood and Parisian glamour fused together in this beautiful dress. Blake, once again, instead of making it look weird, she looks sophisticated.



A day ensemble on gossip girl. I love her ability to tame down an otherwise very workwear looking playsuit. The peep toe ankle cut boots never seem like a good idea in theory but with the contrast of the patterned jacket and the chained bag- they look amazing!