Gym Update – One Month In

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Following on from my last post, I Joined A Gym I have received several messages asking questions about what I am doing, what I am eating and how I’m feeling and whether or not I have seen any changes so I thought I would post a little update.

In case you haven’t read my last post, I’ll catch you up. Basically, I woke one day and decided I needed to do something regarding my lifestyle and exercising. I joined a gym and started with a fabulous Personal Trainer, Ryan Spence and have been going there for a month exactly now.

While I am wholly aware that a month is not a very long time at all, I have learned a lot about myself and my body in that short space of time. I learned that exercising is difficult but also extremely rewarding. I have never felt as good in my life and while some days it can be hard to fight a chips craving, that good feeling that I get makes it all so worthwhile.

So, what have I been doing? I have been doing 2 PT sessions each week and attending the gym as often as I can outside of that. In my PT sessions, Ryan has mapped out exactly what I should be doing and he takes notes on weights each week on what I have been lifting, etc. I love having someone there that knows exactly what they are talking about and I am so thankful for him as he puts so much energy and time into creating this workout plan for me as well as taking a great interest in my diet and giving me lots of helpful hints and tips along the way. I have found a love for certain machines that I find fundamentally bizarre. When I think back to a few weeks ago, the very thought of a rowing machine would actually make me GAG. Now, I can’t wait to get there and have a little cardio workout on it. There are a few things that I outright just don’t enjoy doing, stair master for example. Ryan had me on it and I really, really, really struggled on it and told him – without being too much a whine, that I didn’t like it. I was scared of his response at the time, like it was really bad of me that I didn’t want to do it, but he was like ‘okay, no sweat.’ There is not point in doing something if I am not enjoying it because I’ll not get that good feeling at the end of my session. I am still learning and have no idea what half the machines are called, so when anyone asks me what I’m doing I am like ‘the thing you climb up onto and kneel on and pull up with…’


What have I been eating?
The biggest and best change that I have made to my diet is actually eating breakfast. Like, what the hell why have I never done that before? Being someone that loves food so much – why on earth would I skip that meal? Working somewhere where my shift pattern changes every day it can be hard to eat at the right times of the day. For example, when I used to work 10.30-7 I wouldn’t eat before work and the first time I would eat that day would be about 12 or 12.30. Even then, it would be something straight from the vending machine and something quick like a sandwich or something from Cafe Nero, because I was lazy and it was close. Now before I start I have had breakfast, something relatively healthy and filling and my lunches are healthier choices too. Anything is better than a chocolate bar and a packet of crisps.
I am still struggling to hit my calories each day and eat as much as I should be but at the same time, the things that I am eating aren’t leaving me hungry. For breakfast, I have become obsessed with oats. Like, I must have had them every day now for the last few weeks! I love chopping a banana into it and a wee teaspoon of Nutella or peanut butter in there too to bulk up a little. Even a drop of honey, just to sweeten it up! For something bigger or more filling I will have some avocado on toast with some bacon medallions and a poached egg. My lunches are more about chicken with veg and brown rice and don’t vary too much. Or I have the rest of last night’s dinner. Dinner’s haven’t seen much change as Joel and I tend. to eat relatively healthy dinners anyway. It’s more my habits for my daytime eating and be prepared to bring things to work, having it ready to go the night before that has helped me the most.

Results
I had my measurements taken at the start, before I started any exercising and had my second measurements taken again last week. I can’t see any difference in myself, but looking at yourself every day, it can be hard to see the small changes. I have been taking photos of myself – before and after styles but they are not ready to be shown to the world just quite yet! In the meantime, I am happy to report that I have lost weight and my measurements are going down!

Weight
Starting weight 89kg – 14 stone
Updated weight 82.6kg – 13 stone

Measurements
Neck – 37cm – Now 36cm
Chest – 113cm – Now 104 *I did have an extra sports bra on so I think I was just squished!
Waist – 97cm – Now 94cm
Hips 116cm – Now 114.5cm
Thighs – 70cm – Now 67cm

Isn’t it amazing what not eating shite and exercising does for you, isn’t it?
I am still learning, there are probably things that I am still not doing right but the main thing is that I am progressing.

As always, I would love to hear from you – you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

If I Was A Rich Girl… na na na na na na

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If you didn’t read the title of this post to Gwen Stefani’s Rich Girl you have to exit now. Seriously.

This is a list of things that if I were a rich girl, I would certainly be popping out and buying. These are things that are on my Wishlist and at some point I will own. Some people like saving for holidays or saving for like, life and stuff but me? I enjoy designer things that are pretty and are expensive. Let me live. I will also direct everyone who ever needs to buy me a present to this post.

Gucci Jordaan Loafer, £540

At the rate I go through shoes this would probably not be a wise investment however, I don’t care. I have bought enough of the H&M dupes of these shoes that I probably would have been able to afford the real deal. I love a brogue, they can be styled so easily and worn with any and every outfit. I will have these, with fur and without. One day…

Gucci GG Marmont Matelassé Shoulder Bag, £1690

I legit just want this because it’s a cute, black, leather bag that is a good size. Do you know how hard it is to find a black bag that can fit all your makeup, phone and purse and still goes over your shoulder? Yeah, it’s probably easier than I think but I still want this bag. Plus, Gucci Gang Gucci Gang Gucci Gang.

Vivienne Westwood Star Orb Pendant Gold, £245

So, I am not one for jewellery. I am Joel’s worst nightmare when it comes to Christmas and Birthday presents because any piece of jewellery just isn’t going to excite me. I wear the same rings and rarely wear necklaces because they aren’t dainty enough. However, I just adore Vivienne Westwood’s jewellery, the pieces are both understated and eccentric and I love it! I love the earrings too, I have a pair of studs that I wore to death but this necklace is next on my list!

Valentino Garavani Patent Rockstud Caged Pump 100mm, £650

When I worked with Estee Lauder, I went with them to New York and of course, I went to Saks Fifth Avenue. I was walking around and all of a sudden, a glimmer caught my eye and I was drawn towards these shoes. These beautiful Valentinos, so gorgeous and shiny and I wanted them so bad! I couldn’t afford them and I genuinely think about them all the time. Nude are of course, my favourite but I would settle for any colour!

Chanel Long Necklace – Metal, Glass Pearls & Diamantés, £1260

Remember when I said I liked understated jewellery? Well, that was clearly a lie. There may not be anything understated about this Chanel piece but I am dying to live out my Andy Sachs Devil Were Prada fantasy with a Chanel necklace. The point is, if I had the money I would 100% buy this. I would buy two.

That’s all for now, but there are plenty of other things that I would love… I will no doubt constantly update this wishlist. What goodies are on your wishlist, I would love to know!

How To Make Tired Eyes Seem Brighter

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I don’t know about you guys, but my eyes are permanently exhausted – and I don’t even have children! I am sick of looking at my eyes and wishing that they weren’t so battered looking. I have compiled my favourite products and some tips to beating those tired eyes and getting rid of those bags!

Be smart with your eyeliner
Whether you are using black, brown or a colour it shouldn’t matter so much, the trick is all in where it goes. Applying too much eyeliner underneath the eyes can actually enhance how dark the eye area is as opposed to covering it up. Rather than applying darker liners in the waterline instead bring them further underneath the eye and smudge it into the lash line so it’s not so harsh.
My favourite thing to put in the waterline instead is the Charlotte Tilbury Rock n Kohl ‘Eye Cheat’, £19. It is a universal nude tone which literally cheats the eyes into looking wider, fuller and more awake. I have had pencils like these before but they have never been the right colour, all being either too white so you look like a crazed doll or too rose tone so that you look a little ill. Charlotte has created the perfect tone to neutralise the waterline creating a rested look.

Step up your eye cream game
If it’s darkness you are trying to prevent or fix then look no further than eye creams containing Vitamin C. A hydrating eye cream that is powered by Vitamin C will brighten the look of under eyes and in turn, reduce the appearance of dark circles. My personal favourite is the Drunk Elephant C Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream, £54. The obsession is real with this eye cream, I have noticed a change in my under eyes after only a few days and I’m in love. This rich and restorative eye cream features a blend of eight peptides, five forms of Vitamin C and cucumber extract for firmer, stronger looking eyes. My eyes just feel SO hydrated when I use this cream, I can feel the product working, definitely worth the price!

Conceal, conceal, conceal
A concealer is never too far away from me. I seem to have one in my handbag, in my makeup bag and generally in my hand at the make up counter where I work. I love concealer – when used right. When looking at our eyes and how dark and tired they might be, the majority of us will go straight for the quick fix which is the concealer. Knowing how to apply your concealer correctly will make all the difference. Less. Is. More. Instead of sweeping your concealer right the way across your under eye trying to cover everything, try applying it from the inner corner, down alongside the nose and whatever is left pat over across to the outer corner of the eye. This will cover the correct areas without leaving you feeling heavy and caked in product.

Finding the right concealer for you is a whole other ball game as there are so many out there with so many difference textures and finishes. The best way to know what you like is deciding on the kind of texture you like and take it from there. For me, I love something creamy in texture making it easy to blend without being too heavy. With this in mind I tend to avoid anything that comes from a pot or a stick as these products tend to be thicker. My go to concealer is the Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer, I have discussed this concealer on my blog before as it featured in my Top 5 Concealers post. This is the only concealer that I seem to constantly repurchase, I try other ones and I think ‘Yea, they were nice but let’s see what else there is.’ Whereas in the Maybelline concealer I trust.

Mask it up
We are all so busy that we can forget to take the time out to look after ourselves. One of my favourite ways to make sure that I am looking after my eye area, and general wellbeing is making sure that I treat myself to a mask. Even while sitting watching your favourite TV programme, pop on an eye mask and you can guarantee that you will feel better and look more awake. I use the Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Concentrated Recovery Eye Masks, 4 pack £38. Pop them on at night, after a long day and leave them on for around 10 minutes and your eyes will be refreshed and hydrated. I notice that my eyes look a little more radiant after using them, and if anything they just feel great!

I have also used the Garnier Eye Sheet Mask with Hyaluronic Acid and Orange Juice, £2.99 which are great for a daytime burst of revitalisation. These are ideal if you are heading somewhere during the day and you want to look your absolute best! I have a wedding to go to soon and you best believe I will have these on before I get my make up done. Plus, they smell nice.

What do you guys like to do for your tired eyes? Or are you blessed with perfect eyes? I would love to hear what you do!
You can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Amy xo

I Joined A Gym

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I did it, I finally joined a proper gym. For a few months I attended a gym probably once a month and pissed my money down the drain as I was unhappy and still ate the same old shite instead of eating better and healthier. Fast forward to 2019 and it wasn’t so much a New Year’s Resolution as I don’t totally believe in them, as it was so much that I just woke up one day and thought ‘let’s do this.’

Some people will tell you that they looked in the mirror one day and couldn’t stand the sight of themselves so they decided to join a gym and get fit. Some people will stare at fitness accounts on instagram and join to look like them. Some people genuinely love fitness and therefore being a member of the gym is a given. For me, I didn’t have a revolutionary moment or a love for fitness and I tended to stay away from those fitness accounts on insta. I just woke up and decided that if I wanted a happier, healthier lifestyle then I had to make some changes.

Anytime Fitness gym opened up less than a 10 minute walk from my house and so I thought that that was perfect as then I would have no excuse to get there. I went to check out the gym and upon entering I was greeted with the nicest, most welcoming smile I have probably ever experienced. I had been a little scared before I went because I thought ‘Oh God, they are going to judge me because I am bigger than them.’ Legit the opposite.

I was shown around and told how each machine worked and was reassured that if I needed any help at all then I could just ask. I found this to be alien as in Pure Gym no-one spoke to me. After a few days I was starting to get into a routine and kind of enjoying it when I thought about looking in to Personal Training. I have had a personal trainer before but didn’t take it seriously enough and he never got me excited or motivated to come back for the next session.

Things could not be more different this time around. Ryan Spence was introduced to me via the gym and while I am still extremely new to this lifestyle – 2 weeks to be exact – I have never in my life felt happier and more confident. Ryan booked me in for a consultation (£30) where we basically had a casual chat and taking into account what I do for a living and my normal habits and past experiences he curated a plan for me. He is so informative and every session I learn something new, which I love! I want to know why I am doing these exercises and why I am eating these things so that if I stop going to a Personal Trainer I’ll be able to handle it on my own.

With my previous trainer he didn’t sit with me and take an interest in my eating which at the time I didn’t worry about but now I don’t know how a PT wouldn’t check in on your diet. Ryan did so much more than just check in on my diet, he worked out my macro splits and even put them into My Fitness Pal for me.

I’m still in the early stages of this path but the point is I am now one of those people I hated. Those ones that were happy all the time and took photos of themselves in the gym. Cringe. I can’t help it, I am one of them and now proud to be. Anyone that gives me shit in my DMs are just jealous and haven’t had their ‘let’s do this’ moment yet.

In case you are interested in pricing for Ryan Spence and the gym – if you’re local then you can check it out below.

One Off Consultant Fee – £30
One Session – £30
10 Sessions (2 Minimum Per Week) – £250
15 Sessions (3 Minimum Per Week) – £300

And if you want to train with someone

One Session – £50
10 Sessions (2 Minimum Per Week) – £400
15 Sessions (3 Minimum Per Week) – £525

I plan on documenting updating you on my progress, if you are interested then you can follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

You can also follow Anytime Fitness on Instagram here

If you are into fitness or have recently started a healthier journey I would love to hear from you!

Top Topshop Picks

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Topshop is one of those shops that I have always loved and seem to never be able to afford but still end up spending half my wage every month. I actually ended up getting a job in Topshop years ago and when asked why I wanted to work there my answer was to pay off my Topshop credit card. Amazingly, I was hired. Spring/Summer is one of my favourite times of year in terms of fashion because you can still get away with wearing your gorgeous Winter finds and pair them with what’s coming out next. I love being in between seasons!

Anyway, Topshop have some beautiful pieces in at the minute and I thought I would share my favourite bits.

Coats

Relaxed Coat, £59

I have been dying for the coat for ages but my size isn’t online and not in stores. Topshop sort it OUT! Anyway, this just looks super comfy and I am lacking in ‘throw it on’ coats. You know those coats that go with everything that you throw on? Yeah, it’s one of them.

Belted Trench Coat, £69

I love trench coats and the colour of this coat is just stunning! I have a wooden orange coat from Topshop years ago and I wore it all the time, it just added something to each outfit and I was so wary of it when I bought because I thought I would never wear the colour. I was so shocked at how many outfits it went with! So I may just have to purchase this beauty!

Tops

Satin Shirt, £32

I love my Topshop shirts, they are the most amazing quality and last for so long. I still have Topshop shirts that I got years ago and they still look as good as new. I have my eye on this one as it will go with lots of little trousers I have picked up recently. Plus, I want a salmon shirt so I can be like Ross in Friends.

Suits/Co-Ords

Wide Pinstrip Suit, £111

If you know me at all you’ll know that I am an absolute sucker for a co ord. I don’t know what it is, but when I don a co order I immediately feel like the ultimate boss lady. I spotted this suit recently on Melissa Elliott and I just have to have it. At some point. If I bring home any more suits I think my boyfriend might make me move out.

Asymmetric Blue Suit, £79

Not only do I want this suit, I want the hair and the red lip to match. I am living for the pastel colours recently and they look so good, especially this time of the year.

Jumpsuits

Jacquard Jumpsuit, £55

Gimmie it. I want it. Gimmie it. I want it. I would have bought this by now only for I seem to have bought a lot of green items recently… but I want it.

Dresses

Geo Border Tie Neck Dress, £49

I absolutely love this dress! I am all for a clashing of prints this season, and this dress is the perfect Segway in to the trend. As soon as I seen this online I just had to order it. I love the front of it as for chesty, booby people like myself it sits really comfortably and not too tight. This will be coming with me next week for a trip to Liverpool!

Teal Animal Print Shirt Dress, £49

Another recent purchase, similar style dress to the previous one but I just love the subtle play on animal print. Animal print is here to stay but I am living for the understated hints rather than the loud prints at the minute. When I put it on, I lost my waist in the dress a little so I put a belt around it and it just nips you in in all the right places. I have paired this dress with these gorgeous Topshop Boots – see below. Also available in a shirt if you didn’t want a whole dress!

Boots

Babe Block Heel Ankle Boots, £29

Comfiest. Boots. Ever. Every other pair of Topshop boots I have had have been a nightmare to break in, these were just automatically super comfy. I love the colour of them, and they are on offer too! So that helps!

MARIO Western Boots, £89

So, I have yet to buy a pair of western boots. This trend has been around for awhile now and I don’t know why I have been sleeping on this but these boots caught my eye as soon as they came out. There’s just something about spending £89 on a pair of black boots when I own at least 15 pairs of black boots already. That being said, I am sure I will crack soon and end up buying them.

Have you bought any of the items in my Topshop Top Picks/Wishlist, or are they on your wishlist too? I would love to hear! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube!

Make Up Wishlist

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Does anyone else spend hours browsing through Instagram or Facebook and see gorgeous makeup pictures or stunning flat lays or products and think ‘ooh, I want that.’ Well, I do constantly. Even though I am a makeup artist with a fair bit of makeup in my drawers and kit, I still see things and I can’t help but add them to my wishlist.

My beauty wishlist is a list of products that I wouldn’t normally just go out and buy and I save them, for days where maybe I am feeling a little down, I’ve had a bad day and I want to cheer myself up. Or I have had a really good day and I want to treat myself. I mean, there’s really plenty of excuses we can come up with for buying makeup. Anyway, here’s what’s on my list and if anyone wants to treat me to them then please feel free!

Melt Cosmetics Dark Matter Eyeshadow Stack, £40

Melt Cosmetics, made known to me via Instagram had always seemed so unavailable to me until very recently. Good old Beauty Bay have started stocking them and I shrieked with happiness. Yet for some reason I still haven’t bit the bullet and bought them. Maybe one day… I also have my eye on the Rust stack, they look like such beautiful colours and to be honest, anything Jamie Genevieve touches basically goes straight to my wish list.

Flower Beauty Supernova Celestial Skin Elixir Primer, £14.99

Ever since I watched Santa Clarita Diet on Netflix I just had to know what Drew Barrymore was using on her skin because good Lord she looks unreal. She literally looks so amazing. I don’t know how I didn’t know this then but she has her own beauty brand called Flower Beauty. I remember thinking ‘oh I must research this brand more sometime’ and put it on a list somewhere and never did. Enter Jamie Genevieve’s YouTube video with Drew Barrymore where they used her products. I was hooked from the get go. The way Drew talked about her skin elixir and the love she had for it, sold it to me there and then. Her brand is now available in Superdrug so this one will be getting purchase very soon I feel. You can watch Jamie & Drew’s video here.

Benefit Roller Liner, £18.50

I’m a sucker for a hyped up launch and Benefit are no stranger to such a thing. I have been sucked into every mascara they’ve launched and haven’t been overly excited by them but this, this I am excited to try. This is normally something I wouldn’t think twice about buying then and there but I promised myself I wouldn’t buy any more liquid liners until some of the ones I have run out. I seriously have about 7 on the go at the minute. A quick dry, waterproof, 24 hour lasting liner that’s matte?! Yes please.  I’ll take two.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brushes

So, I have a love hate relationship with make up brushes. I have so many but as a Make UP Artist, you honestly just cannot have enough and it bugs me buying so many. So I hate that, but there’s nothing as satisfying as having a brush that perfectly executes a product. I recently attended a MMMMitchel Masterclass with BPerfect Cosmetics and he mentioned a few of his favourite brushes. Naturally they have gone straight onto the wishlist. The A25 Tapered Blending Brush, £24 is a beautiful looking brush that I can’t wait to finally buy! The A23 Illuminator Brush, £26 is a beautiful highlighter brush but can also be used underneath the eyes for setting powder.

BUXOM Cosmetics Full On Plumping Lip Polish, £15

Literally any and every shade is on the wish list. I love lip gloss and am so glad to see the back of matte lipsticks for awhile. I have heard so many amazing things about BUXOM’s lip products. These lip gloss are plumping as well so there’s an added bonus of your lips looking nice and full. I love the look of the shades ‘Princess‘ so it could be the first purchased…

Farsali Unicorn Essence, £50

You know all those Instagram videos where these beautiful girls with gorgeous skin do the weird thing where they drip serum down their face instead of just putting in on their fingers and applying? Yeah, they do it with this and I want it. Another elixir on the list I know but I still want to try it. This serum primer hybrid product completely took the beauty world by storm and I have FOMO.

Iconic London Prep – Set – Glow, £18.50

One look at these sprays and my eyes light up. Not only does this set makeup but you can use it to refresh the skin while it moisturises and leave you with an insane glow. I had sprayed this once when it first launched and I have never regretted not buying something as much as I do this spray because it’s been insanely popular since and haven’t managed to get my hands on it. The mist contains a mix of cucumber and chamomile as well as antioxidant-rich green tea and vitamin E – and even a burst of revitalising caffeine! What’s not to want?

I would love to know if you have tried any of these products or what beauty products are on your wish list? Let me know your thoughts.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Top 5 Lip Liners

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The elusive lip liner – made famous to the younger generation courtesy of the Kardashians. Lip liners were the go to product for years until all of a sudden, the Noughties came along and we forgot the effect a lip liner can have. I blame the Nineties and that horrendously dark lip liner paired with a nude lipstick trend, maybe we had enough of lip liner after that.

Working on a beauty counter I do get hit with the ‘do you really need one?’ and ‘does it really make a difference?’ questions. The answer is yes. Lip liner not only completely reforms the look of your lips cheating them into looking bigger and fuller, but also helps to keep your lipstick on without bleeding out of the lines. There are that many cosmetic products on the market now that it can be hard to know which ones are best, so I have put together a list of my die hard favourite lip liners to ensure that you are using the best.

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat, £16

Home of the Pillowtalk Lip Pencil & Lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury goes straight to the top of the list for the best lip liner. The Lip Cheat formula is so creamy that it just glides onto the area of the lip, whether you have more mature skin or younger skin this lip liner will be perfect for you. With more mature skin, lip liners can pull on the lips making it uncomfortable to apply, but this texture glides on for an effortless application. My go to liners from Charlotte Tilbury are of course, the ‘Pillowtalk’ itself for the most perfect everyday pink nude and for more of a brown tone ‘Hot Gossip’ is one of my new favourites. A must for your makeup bag.

Mac Lip Pencil, £14

Mac Cosmetics are no stranger when it comes to topping beauty lists for having some of the best products on the market. Their lip liners are no exception. These are one of my favourites because no matter which colour I pick up, the formula holds up and have a truly amazing colour payoff. Usually darker plums or reds can be different formulas to master but Mac have it nailed and they are again, a must for the makeup bag. I wouldn’t be without the classic ‘Spice’, a beautiful nude perfect for a wide variety of lipsticks or my ‘Cherry’ red pencil. Cherry is thee red, my go to for that Marilyn Monroe, postbox, siren red lip colour that usually only comes out of hibernation at Christmas time. There are so many colours to choose from that it may be wise to bring the lipstick with you that you are looking to match.

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Pencil, £3.99

Creamy. Rich. Pigmented. Affordable. I really don’t need to say much more about these lip liners other than that because they are truly amazing for £3.99. To be honest, I have said for awhile that I would pay double, triple even for those lip liners. They last so well and personally I find it really difficult to find nice, affordable lip liners that don’t feel like pencils you used to write with in Primary School. I see clients look at those liners in my kit and think ‘seriously…’ but they are great! ‘Eastend Snob’ is my favourite pink liner of all time. I think it’s so difficult to find a nice pink liner that isn’t too nude or peach. If you’re looking a nice pink liner then this one is perfect for you! It’s a twist up too so saves you having to sharpen!

Estee Lauder Double Wear Lip Pencil, £18.50

One of the first high end lip liners I had ever bought, these have remained one of my favourites in my makeup bag over the last lot of years. The liners glide on easily giving precise definition giving you control without flying too far over the edge. Yes, these pencils are a little on the pricier side but they do come with a lip brush on the other end allowing you even more of a precise application. These liners last all day, even outliving the lipsticks you wear them with, so there’s no worry of them coming off! My favourite shades in this range are ‘Mauve’ and ‘Rose’ perfect nude shades that perfectly compliment every skin tone. As a Make Up Artist I always have a few of these colours in my kit.

Boots No. 7 Precision Lips Pencil, £7

I have amassed a good few of these lip liners in my time, whether it’s because I always have a No.7 voucher or it’s because they are regularly on 3 for 2 I don’t know, but I love them. Moisturising and soft, these liners are easy applied and are also long lasting. They are again a twist up style of liner but what I love is these come with a built in sharpener! No.7 Lip Pencils are super pigmented, so definitely invest if you are looking a nice strong lip colour, because they are so moisturising they work really well all over the lips which keeps you lipstick on for even longer.

I would love to know what your favourite lip liners are, or whether you even use lip liners.

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Lip Fillers | Therapie Clinic Belfast

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Hello gorgeous readers,

If you have been following me and my ramblings for awhile now you’ll probably know that I got lip fillers a little under a year ago now and I absolutely love them. Whether you are for or against cosmetic work, fillers or whatever – I believe that if it makes you feel better then who cares what anyone else thinks. That’s my standpoint on it, thought I would just get that out of the way. If you don’t like them, then thank u, next. You can read about my first experience with fillers here.

This time I went to Therapie Clinic, a clinic that is widely known throughout the UK for it’s amazing service, great deals and great locations. My local Therapie Clinic is on Ann Street, Belfast. From the moment I walked in I felt welcomed and was greeted with friendly faces, I felt as if I was walking into a friends home. Upon arrival and after giving my name, I was asked if I was there to see the doctor and asked to fill out a form.

I was taken into a beautifully clean room and the doctor was so lovely and friendly again, I felt completely at ease. I got up on the bed and the doctor had a really good look ay my lips, asked me lots of questions about what way I like them, what style of lips I like and how big I would envision them being.

The same way as I explained the last time I got my lips done, I said that I didn’t want that ducky style of lip. I don’t like that really obvious ‘I’ve just had my lips done’ look, which sounds stupid considering I am about to get them. I like lips where you look at someone and you like ‘have they or haven’t they?’ Basically nothing TOWIE or Pete Burns. I had 1ml of filler the last time I got them done and I had it in my head that I would just get 1ml of filler in again, but after talking to the doctor she had a little feel and was able to tell me that there was still a good bit of filler left and that she would only recommend a 0.5ml. I was sceptical as I had wanted 1ml but damn am I glad she only put in 0.5ml. I can’t recommend enough to listen to the professionals when they are telling you what’s best because if I had have asked for the 1ml I would have crazy lips right now. They are the professionals for a reason, please do your research wherever you go and I am so happy with my results and couldn’t recommend Therapie enough.

As well as talking to me and keeping me relaxed, she gave me a little stress ball, which I thought was a really nice touch. I don’t find it an overly sore or painful procedure but if you are somewhat squeamish or uncomfortable then this will be great for you – better than someone’s hand for sure.

Before

After

Later That Night – Don’t panic, the swelling goes down after a day or two! I was so stressed the first time I got them done, I thought that this was going to be my life now with puffer fish lips! Even though you are warned that this will happen it is still a shock seeing them so big.

2 Days Later

So this makeup might be a dramatic way to show off the lips, but I don’t care. I had new makeup that I wanted to play with. Anyway, I love how they turned out and I am so pleased that my doctor at Therapie was so honest about what would be best for my lips and I trust her so much that I can’t wait to go back. I would recommend Therapie to anyone and everyone who is interested.

If fillers aren’t your thing then fear not, they do so much more than just that. They are so well known for their facials and laser hair removal services and actually have an offer on at the minute that I would love to share with you.

With every area of laser hair removal purchased you get a second area for only 1 penny. A PENNY! Plus, as if that’s not enough they offer a payment plan at 0%. You honestly would be mad not to try it.

All prices are available on their website here.

I’d love to hear if you are interested in anything I have mentioned, please let me know!

You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

Dermaplaning

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Dermaplaning – first of all, what is it?  Basically, it’s a physical exfoliation procedure where a scalpel is taken to remove the top layer of dead skin, including the peach fuzz leaving a glowing, healthy complexion. This treatment has seriously helped my post Christmas skin and it’s honestly never been clearer. I have had a bit of a breakout recently and I have these blackheads that are a constant annoyance on my chin and they have started to clear all thanks to the treatment. After the dead skin has been removed it allows your skincare products to work faster and a lot more effectively so that you get the best possible results from your products.

I had Dermaplaning done a week ago at LH Beauty, Hollywood Belfast and I want to share my results with you, including some answers to the questions you were all asking over on my Instagram.

Before

I don’t have the worst skin in the world but I certainly don’t have the best skin!  My skin would be on the dry, dehydrated and sensitive side and my makeup always looks dry throughout the day. I wanted to do something that allows makeup to sit a lot better and where I can feel like I can wear less makeup.

After

After the process my skin felt unbelievable, on the train home I couldn’t stop feeling my face and I think I was starting to creep people out.  I want to leave my thought process after the dermaplaning so that if you get it done you know what to expect.

Day One – Oh My God, my skin looks so dry it didn’t work for me

Day Two – Oh Shit, there’s a few marks on my skin that weren’t there before, I look glowy though

Day Three – Oh damn, I am glowy AF.  Feeling’ it, and make up goes on really easily now, this is great!

Day Four – My skin looks awesome, dermaplaning was worth it.

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FAQs

Does it hurt?

Not at all!  If anything, it might feel a little uncomfortable but I am a total weirdo and I enjoy things like that, so I loved the experience.  It feels like when you are buttering toast, or at least that’s what it sounds like!

Does your hair grow back weird?

No, I think this has to be the most asked question I have had!  It doesn’t grow back weird and I am not expecting to have a beard anytime soon.  If I do grow a beard, don’t worry I will let you all know immediately.  Your hair growing back thicker is a total myth!

How much hair came off?

A good bit of hair came off, I don’t have the hairiest face ever but if you have a good bit of hair you’ll really notice a difference! Hair is normal on your skin, don’t ever be ashamed of it, that being said my skin feels amazing!

Is it okay for different skin types?

Totally fine whether you are oily or dry like me. Only if you have severe acne there may be some doubt but just go in and have a chat with your beautician and they can inform you of what’s best.

How did it feel putting makeup on?

I didn’t expect there to feel like there was much difference but honestly, it felt nice using a brush to put makeup on.  I don’t now how to put it into words, but it just felt really smooth plus makeup looks so much better without all those little hairs!

Would you get it done again?

Oh, absolutely!  It was a satisfying feeling to get done and actually quite relaxing, so for that reason alone I would get it done.

Where did you go?

I went to the fabulous Louise in LH Beauty, you can find the salon on Instagram and Facebook.

How much does it cost?

Depends on where you go but make sure and do your research on prices as some places could charge a lot more for the same treatment.  I was kindly gifted this service, but the entire treatment I received would have cost £60, £40 for the actual dermaplaning and £10 for each optional add on before and after the treatment. Louise gave me a Hyaluronic Sheet Mask which restores hydration after the treatment which I would highly recommend as I could actually feel it working on my skin. Without that mask, I think my skin would have been a lot drier for a lot longer after.

I absolutely loved Dermaplaning and I can’t wait to get it done again. Is this something that you would be interested in getting done or have you had it done already? I would love to hear!

What It’s Like Being The Biggest Girl At The Party

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Before you jump straight to the comments section to compliment me about something, that is not why I am writing this post. I am not fishing for you to tell me that I’m pretty or that I look good for my size or anything like that. I am simply here to talk about why sometimes I can feel down on my size and why it’s hard knowing you’re the biggest girl at the party.

When I say party, I don’t literally mean a party. I don’t think I’ve been to a ‘party’ since I was 11. I’m talking about being in work, on a night out with friends or even just meeting someone for a coffee (I actually don’t drink coffee, but Hot Chocolate doesn’t have the same ring to it). I am so comfortable with the size I am, for those of you that don’t know me or have never seen me before I am a size 16, give or take a size.

Now, size 16. I know that that’s perhaps not very big and that there are women who are larger and there are women who are smaller. I’m just talking about this from my perspective.. I am confident and comfortable knowing that I am that size and have no immediate plans to change the size I am.

That being said, that’s my thought process right up until I am standing beside someone who is considerably skinnier than I am or is wearing a top I like but couldn’t wear because of my boobs or anything like that. It’s so easy for me to get myself down about how I look and I work so hard at building my confidence up so that it doesn’t get to me but every so often those thoughts creep in. It gets to the point where I will look around and I know I’m the biggest person there, which I’ll admit is a horrible mindset to have. I’ll sometimes decide not to go somewhere with a group of people because I know that I’ll be the biggest out of that group. I have toyed with the idea of not going on a night out this weekend because of the same thing. That same thought process of ‘oh my God, there are going to be photos of us together’ or ‘I don’t look as good in night out clothes as them.’ It’s not a nice way to feel – and yes, before any haters come and say ‘well of you don’t like feeling that way then go lose weight.’ I don’t want to lose weight. I am happy the way that I am. Usually I have the mindset of that ‘everyone is beautiful no matter what shape or size they are’ and do truly believe in that. Sometimes that mindset shifts when you’re standing in front of the mirror.

I want anyone reading this that has ever had a worry about their appearance, or thought they are bigger than they should be or are bigger or smaller than their friends that it is okay to have these thoughts. Just know, that it is true that everyone is beautiful no matter their size or shape, it’s okay to have the odd thought about your appearance but trust in yourself and wear your confidence with pride. Your confidence is the best thing that you could ever wear, no matter the size.

Do any of you ever feel this way or go through that mindset? I’d love to hear how you deal with it.