I have no idea why but ever since I first got interested in make up this has been a look I've wanted to create. So I thought I'd take advantage of my first winter while blogging and make all the ideas I've had over the past years come together in one evil ice queen make up look.

The first thing I think of when I used to picture this look is a very pale matte base, so that's exactly what I did, I'm already very pale in winter so I used my palest foundation and went over it with a powder to remove any shine and matte down everything. 

That's the boring bit out of the way now we can get more creative. Using a damp slanted brush and a dark grey eyeshadow I started creating icicle like flicks coming from the top of my eyeshadow and upwards and outwards. I then went in with a really thin small brush and a dark blue shimmer just to add some more detail and definition to the bottom of the icicles.

Then using a really dark grey I contoured my cheeks and temple...A LOT. I went over the contouring hundreds of times and really pushed it into my skin so there was no missing it. I went for a grey over a brown as I thought it went with the look much more and really helped the look become more of a gaunt cold look. I also got a light purple colour and added bags under my eyes and contoured my nose because I thought that my ice queen would look almost dead and cold.

To keep the look within the blue and grey themed I added lots and lots of slightly silver shimmer all over my lid, the used a dark blue along the upper and lash line. The last thing eyeshadow wise was to use a matte white colour in the inner corners of my eye and under the brow bone, just to bring a bit of light into the look. Make sure it's a very pure white colour that you use though, you don't want to be adding any colours with warmth in them. I didn't want the lashes to be too visible and detract from the look, but I didn't want them to be totally bare so I just put on some cheap mascara that doesn't volumise and left it there, i aonly applied one thin layer.

Last but not least came the lips, again I wanted this look to be almost dead, so I used a really pale nude colour lipstick and covered my lips in it totally, then using a darker "my lips but better" colour and a detailing brush in the natural cracks in my lips to make them look sore and chapped. I also added a few more along the bottom of my lips just to make them look worse than they are.

That's everything for this look, I have to say I really enjoyed putting it all together and having more of an experiment with very out there looks so I'm thinking of doing more in the future. If that's something you'd like to see then please let me know in the comments below.

xxx

NOTD: Simple & Festive:

This really is going to be a quick and simple post, but I still wanted to do it because I'm really in the Christmas spirit lately and these are such a cute little look that's fast and festive.

All I did was use a really rich, glossy pillar box red on all my nails, except for my ring finger, which I created an accent nail out of with a shimmery opalescent green colour. I went over the top with a top coat to really make it shine because if you can't have bright shiny red and green nails at Christmas then when can you?!  

I hope you all give this a try or if you're more skilled than I am then I'm sure you got much more arty than I did and added some little holly leaves to the red nails or something along those lines. I'm definitely going to be sporting this look on my nails all throughout the Christmas season or at least on Christmas day. I'm thinking about switching it up a little and making the green the main colour and the red the accent nail but I don't know whether I'd like it as much or not. I suppose I could alternate the two and have one hand with the main colour red and the other with the main colour green.

I hope you all enjoyed this post guys, I'm sorry it was a little on the shorter side but I've been writing up a fair few really long ones lately so I thought I'd make a shorter one and make more of a mix.

xxx

Makeup Your Lookalike: Kourtney Kardashian Inspired Makeup:

I've been told an awful lot over the  past years that I look a lot like Kourtney Kardashian, so I thought I'd take advantage of that fact and do an inspired post. Just to clarify though, this is just something inspired by her makeup looks I'm not trying to look exactly like her I just had a look through Google images and put my own spin on a few looks I liked.

The fist thing I did was foundation and concealer but I didn't really alter this from my usual routine so I'll start off here with eyebrows. In most of the pictures I saw Kourtney's eyebrows were brushed up at the front and left really natural throughout. So I just brushed mine through pulling the front parts up and quickly and naturally ran through them with a dark pencil.

Next came the rest of the face work. I contoured my face through the cheekbones, on the temple and down the sides of my nose. Kourtney contours a lot, as do all of the Kardashian's but it doesn't seem like she does as much as Kim so I  didn't go too overboard. In a lot of the pictures she wore an orange or peach toned blush all over the tops of her cheekbones, so I did the same using a lot more blush than normal which doesn't seem to have shown up too well in the picture. Last but by no means least for the face came the highlighting, and lots of it. If you're creating this type of look at home then your'e going to want to take a gold toned highlight all over the tops of your cheeks, down the nose a little in the centre of your forehead and a small amount on the cupid's bow of the lip. 

Eyes were next a lot of Kourtney's looks don't go past the crease and are usually really warm toned. So I used a warm shimmery bronzer and just ran it all over the lid being careful not to go too high with it as I usually would be tempted to do. Your'e also going to want to take this quite far under the eye too. Then to give my lashes a much thicker look I added and smudged out some black eye shadow and some black eye liner, which I also put through the tight line and water line. The lots ( and I really mean lots) of mascara, I was tempted to add some false lashes too but I wanted this to be a wearable look.

Lastly comes the lips, quite simply I grabbed an orange toned lip stick and left it at that. My favourite make up look of Kourtney's has to be her orange toned lip, so when I decided on doing this look I just had to use it!

That's all for this look, I really hoped you enjoyed this post, do you have any celebrity lookalikes? Also If you'd like me to create any more looks (be they Kardashian inspired or not) then please leave your requests in the comments.

xxx

Empties #2

Superdrug Provitamin Shampoo & Conditioner:

I have to admit I can be a real snob when it comes to shampoo and conditioner and I'm very much in the mindset that the more expensive and high end the brand the better, but this shampoo and conditioner is absolutely amazing. You've probably noticed that the packaging of this is very similar to that of the Pantene Pro V shampoo and conditioner, and that's not when the similarity ends. The consistency and results of the products are amazingly similar. I have the Thermal Protect versions here and they're amazing they leave my hair feeling smooth and looking shiny. I honestly don't have anything bad to say about this product, it's only ever done my hair a world of good and I would whole heartedly recommend it to all of you especially considering it's just over a pound in most stores and is often on offer in stores!

The Body Shop Born Lippy Balm:

This was a gift from my birthday (in May) and I was pleased to get it but I have to admit my expectations weren't too high for it, but I was so wrong. This is the strawberry flavoured one and it smelled so so nice, like strawberry sweets. It was a really thick and creamy texture so I instantly knew that it was doing my lips good. I used this at the very beginning of putting my make up on and by the time I got to the end of my routine to put my lipstick on it had sank in nicely smoothing out any dry skin and keeping my lips nice and smooth. Sadly I couldn't use all of this before it completely broke out of it's packaging and as much as I tried to fix it because I really loved it, I had to say goodbye because it was just beyond fixing.

The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter:

Another Body Shop product, which I'm sure will be no surprise to most of you considering how much I love the smell of coconut products as well as the Body Shop. It's easily one of my all time favourite shops. This was a very thick and moisturising body butter that, I've loved for many a year (this is probably my fourth tub of this product), as expected with Body Shop products it does wonders for you and is a product that really works and leaves your skin, looking, feeling and smelling fantastic. I really can't say much more about it in all honesty I just really love it and hope to try out lots more of the Body Shop body butters in the future.

Original Source Mint and Tea Tree shower gel:

I have to start with the packaging here, don't ask me why because I know there's nothing particularly special about it but I've always been really drawn into Original Source's packaging I think it looks so good. But on to the actual product itself, it was such a minty smell perfect for having a nice refreshing shower in the morning to get you up and ready for the day. When you scrubbed it into your skin you really felt and smelled clean as well as leaving you with a cool and slightly tingling feeling which really adds to the fresh and clean feeling. I'd maybe say that this is more of a summer shower gel though because it's more of a smell that I personally associate with summer than any other season but it's totally up to you of course. 

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle:

You've got to love Aussie, their products are always brilliant quality, and smell so good! I chose the conditioner for long hair because I was using this before I got my hair cut and I'm growing it out again. It's essentially an extra nourishing conditioner as longer hair is much more likely to get split ends than shorter hair. It really did nourish my hair and do it a lot of good, I always felt really pampered and looked after when I used this. I was always left with soft feeling and shiny hair so if you have hair that needs that little bit more of a treat then I would definitely suggest picking this or something similar up next time your'e shopping.

Clarins Wonder Perfect Mascara:

Last product now, and this ones a make up one. As I'm sure you can tell this is just the sample size but I used up every last scrap of it because it was just so damn good! I know it's got a bigger price tag than some lower end mascara's but I really do think it's worth it. I'd love the full size version. It thickens and lengthens your lashes so well but without it looking like you've got a crazy amount of make up on to the point where you look fake. In my opinion this mascara makes me look like I'm wearing false lashes, and long thick lashes is a look I love.

Well, that's the end of my empties I hope you enjoyed this post. Have you finished up any products lately? Do you have any recommendations to fill in the gaps the loss of these bits have left? Let me know in the comments.

xxx

A Guide To Puberty:

Hi Guys, I hope you're all doing well. Today's post is going to be different to my usual posts about nails or make up, but it's one I've been wanting to do for a long time because I think it's something that could be really helpful for a lot of people. I know I wish I had something like this to come to when I was going through puberty.

I'm going to mainly focus this around keeping clean and hygienic throughout puberty as we all know your body goes through a crazy amount of hormone changes which can lead to feeling a bit gross and maybe looking (and smelling) a bit iffy too. But, just before that I want to mention the emotional side a little too.

Take it from someone who's been through puberty already the hormones raging around in your body can make you feel very confused, I remember almost feeling as if my head was in a whirr constantly. It can be very confusing and disorienting because puberty comes hand in hand with you becoming interested in the opposite sex (or the same sex whatever floats your boat), finding out who you are and when your school work starts to get much more serious too. You can feel like you're totally alone and no one else knows what you're going through, but believe me you are not alone. If you do feel like you're alone then just remind yourself that puberty is something everyone else in the world, will either have been through, is going through, or will go through at some point in there lives. Hopefully you'll be going through puberty roughly the same time as your friends, but I know it can be hard to be either the first or the last to start noticing changes in your body or your feelings. This is going to sound near impossible at the time but try not to worry too much you will get through it, and if you're the first then remember others will probably be looking at you thinking "wow! she's so mature" and if you're one of the last then you'll have plenty of friends to go to with questions about periods, emotions, spots you name it.

Another place you can go to for advice during this time is your parents, or whoever takes care of you. To some of you this may sound abhorrent but they are there to look after you and if you come to them with a problem or a concern then it's their job to listen to you and help you in whatever way they can. Whether that be your mum taking you out for your first proper underwear shop, or in the male case, your dad explaining the way you're beginning to feel emotionally.

Whilst on the subject of parents, there will be times when you're going to feel like they just don't understand, or you'll feel like you hate them or they hate you because of this or that. Yes, you will argue with them that's inevitable during these times, but please try hard not to argue with them too much because looking back - unless you're in an extremely difficult situation - you'll realise how ridiculous some of the things you argued about were and realise they really were wishing you the best. So, basically, as hard as it may seem please try and be nice to your parents, believe me if you make an effort to be polite and kind it will make everyone's life a million times easier.

Now, onto the hygiene and body side of things. You will notice that suddenly you'll start sweating. A lot. Something you're going to have to start using on a daily basis is antiperspirant. Be wary when shopping that you do buy an antiperspirant not just a deodorant because a deodorant will only mask the smell and not stop you sweating. Sweat patches are not a good look believe me. But I would recommend picking up a two in one with antiperspirant and deodorant too because something that comes with your hormone changes will be B.O. (a.k.a Body Odour) so you're going to want to mask the smells too. Also, please bear in mind that you can't just use the same deodorant over and over again until the day you die, because your body will get used to the chemicals in the product and it will stop working you'll need to change it up every few months or so.

Foot odour is another thing that can occur in some people and I don't think I've ever seen or heard it mentioned when it comes to puberty. It can occur throughout the school day because you're on your feet all day in those boring black school shoes. But it's super easy to deal with, at the end of the day just run your feet under the tap and give them a wash with a little bit of shower gel and it will get rid of the smell keeping you clean and fresh.

Carrying on from washing, puberty and the beginning of your teenage years is when your hair can start to become greasy. To stop this you need to get the balance right between washing it too often and not washing it enough. I would recommend having a bath of shower every other day and washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner every shower. Remember that you should never put your conditioner at the roots of your hair though because that will only make it more greasy, only ever apply conditioner to the  lengths of your hair. For in between days I would also recommend picking up some dry shampoo to keep it from looking greasy.

This part is specifically for you girls, and it's about boobs. We all get them some later than others, some bigger than others, but nonetheless we still all get them. As soon as you start to notice that you're getting boobs you need to take a trip to M&S (or whatever bra shop takes your fancy) and get yourself measured. This can seem like a terrifying experience standing in a room while a woman you've never met before measures you, essentially stares at your boobs until she's figured out what size you are. But please try not to be frightened of it because it really is an absolute necessity. To wear the wrong bra size you might as well wear no bra at all, you need a bra that fits you properly so it can support you in the right places and stop you looking like you've got a load of strange lumpy bits under your top. Being measured is no were near as scary as you build it up to be in your head. Every experience I've had has actually been a really nice once you let go of the initial awkwardness then you'll find yourself chatting away to the woman measuring you about everything and anything. These women are trained professionals, they're paid to be kind, polite and helpful, and they always have been. Usually kindly asking your budget and style likes then leaving you in the changing room while they go and pick out some things you might like in your size. After a bra shopping trip you'll always feel more confident in yourself and much more grown up.

Having breasts can make things a little awkward in the changing rooms, but only if you let it become awkward. Again, this is something that will sound almost impossible to the majority of you as your entire body s going to be changing in so many ways and you wont feel as thin as this person or have a bum like her or hair like your friends, but try your hardest to come across as comfortable as you can in your own skin. Please remember that you are beautiful in your own individual way, everyone in the world is different and I can promise you that on more than one occasion someone has looked at you and thought "aww I wish I suited that hairstyle" or "I love her top" or whatever, the point I'm trying to make is that no matter how you feel about yourself you should be comfortable in your own skin, and if you feel that you're a little too big here or too thin there you have the power to change that. But please do so only if you choose to and in a healthy way, I don't want any of you to feel like you have to think, act and look a certain way just to fit into what society seems to see as the perfect girl.

Whilst on the subject on changing rooms, I highly recommend bringing a little can of spray in your bag and maybe a little face wipe or tissue just to freshen up a bit if your make-ups started melting down your face or you started sweating again through the lesson. They can be an absolute lifesaver believe me.

Periods. We all have and hate them I'm afraid, but having had them for years and years now I feel like I could give you some advice on the subject that I'll try and make as helpful as possible. Firstly, with most girls, in the coming months before you get your first period you'll notice some "discharge", which is essentially clear goo. Now no one warned me about this when I was younger so when it started appearing I freaked out and thought there was something wrong with me, but there isn't don't worry it's totally normal, think of it as nature's little warning. I said most people because everyone's period is different no two are the same. Some women are crippled with pain every month and some don't feel a thing. Some women have a heavy flow (a lot of blood) and some have a light one (very little blood). Now your type of flow will determine the type of pads you're going to need to buy. There's plenty of different types from plenty of different brands so please don't be afraid to have a Google or read the packaging in shops that will help point you in the right direction. Another thing is to keep a pad in your bag AT ALL TIMES you never know when it could creep up on you. Plus there's always that friend who'll whisper to their friends "has anyone got a pad?" and you'll be loved forever if you've got one. As for the pains, pop a couple of paracetamol (although try not to rely on them too much so the effects don't wear off) or cuddle a hot water bottle and believe me it will make a world of difference. Never underestimate the power of the hot water bottle when you're on your period.

Ok I think that's everything covered, other than acne which I was lucky enough not to have to deal with but I'm sure there are plenty of posts and websites that could help you if acne effects you just a Google or two away. I really hope that this helped at least some of you, as I'm pretty sure you can tell this was just me typing out a train of thought on thing's I remember going through and that my little sister is going through now. If this has helped you in any way then I'd love to hear how and why in the comments section it would mean the world to me to know. If you'd like any more of this style posts, leaning away from beauty a little and more on the advice side of things then please let me know. I was thinking of doing a body confidence, or just confidence in general, post if anyone would be interested?

xxx

P.S. Remember you're not alone in whatever you're going through.