Playing...

So far, so good with the 'enjoy my makeup more' pledge. I had a good old session of piling products on my face the other night, and considering that most of the things were the new products I had been hoarding, I thought I would share my thoughts so far.

After years of eyeing the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick, I took the plunge and it's finally mine. I remember first seeing it in John Lewis over 10-years ago when I started university and wanting it ever since. I always resisted because of the price and I would purchase everything that looked vaguely similar in an attempt to save the money. I chose the bronze shade and having now used it I wonder if it is too "dirty" looking, or maybe I just piled too much on. I will experiment some more and post a full review later.

I also played with two shades of the Bourjois Roue Edition Velvet. I actually own a third shade, which was my first purchase, and I have had the review in the drafts folder for months, but I loathe the colour on me so much that I didn't even want to put it on to take a picture. The two colours I have now, Nudist and Don't Pink of It, are much nicer, and while I am still not convinced I like the formula, I know I will attempt wearing these more.

Now, me and eyebrow pencils have a bit of a turbulent history, I won't dig out my end-of-year photos to show you why exactly, but let's just say I was a bit heavy handed. So I then stuck to powder, and more recently tried a gel. I don't really remember what prompted me to purchase Kiko's Precision Eyebrow Pencil; a comparison to the Anastasia Brow Pencil, perhaps? I tried it out with my lightest hand, but it didn't really add much in the way of definition. I'll keep playing though, I expect there is a fine line between a light and natural and a heavy-handed drawn in look. In the meantime, tips for using an eyebrow pencil correctly would be much appreciated.

I haven't been liking my current supply of base products recently, the colour just seems off for all of them. My Urban Decay foundation and Bourjois CC cream are a touch too light, and my Bella Pierre Mineral Foundation seems orangey. Living in this heat and humidity I want something that lasts all day and is light, but still offers coverage and something that has enough of a shade selection that I should be able to find a perfect match. Suggestions are welcome.

New look

Nothing quite gets you excited about blogging like a new blog design. I tried and failed in the past to improve the look and functioning of my blog. I wanted something that reflected my personality somewhat, and that, ultimately, is attractive and easy for you to read.

There are a few tweaks I need to make -- sorting out the categories and adding a "related posts" feed -- but overall I love it.

I purchased my template from Pipdig, it was one of those that's "the one" moments when I saw it. The next step is to improve my photography and to really make the most of it, but that will come with time. As well as a new design and lots of new content, I have also decided to take a slightly different tone with my posts making them  more personable. Let me know how you like it.

Anyhow, I will keep this short and sweet. Thank you all for your continued support, do let me know how you find using the design.

New beauty rules

I never expected that a location could change how I feel about makeup. Since moving to the Middle East I rarely put on a full face anymore, hardly spritz perfume as I go out the door and rarely treat myself to a pamper session.

So I am creating some new beauty rules for myself to change that.

1. Don't save anything for best. 

I had this habit before I left London, I would save certain products for special occasions, I don't know why. I currently have an untouched MAC blusher and highlighter, a Burberry lip pencil, and a tub of Radical Skincare exfoliating pads just waiting to be enjoyed. Partly I have been scared to use the things I know I can't repurchase here, but I figure it is better to enjoy them and deal with that issue when the time comes. 

2. Highlight. 

I love highlighters, I really should wear them every day just because it makes me happy.

3. Treat at least once-a-week. 

I can't help but think of that episode of Sex and the City and "secret single behaviour" and relate now. I used to spend many evenings watching my favourite YouTubers while giving myself a makeover followed by a facial. I would lie all my makeup out and just apply everything to my face, experimenting with colours and techniques, then remove it all and pamper my skin. I haven't done this at all since being married, and I should at least treat my skin to a face mask once a week.

4. Start wearing perfume every day. 

I've noticed my husband spritzes a perfume on himself before he leaves the house, I'm going to follow his lead and relocate a bottle near the front door so I don't forget.

5. Rotate my products. 

I have been using the same four products for months now, I have plenty of alternatives and in the interest of sticking to my first rule I really should make a point of rotating my stash more than I do. I seem to have a lot of makeup bags so I am planning to fill them with enough products for a full face, and then just rotate the bags regularly as well as the products in them. 

So that's the new beauty habits I plan on adopting, what would be yours?