Minimal make up day and a nice surprise!

Hello lovely followers (Feeeeeel the appreciation - I lost a follower today! Hope I'm not saying anything to offend!?)!

I think there must be something in the air. At least 2 other bloggers that i follow have done the barely there, as-little-as-i-can-get-away-with make up today and i am about to join them. I too woke up this morning and stuck to the barest of minimum and that for me, is a rare occasion. Like Hele said, I envy those of you who look amazing without make up!

Here's my FOTD. These were taken after been blown to blustery while walking around town. My hair looks a hot mess...oh how i wish i could afford a hair cut!


FACE

As always, Lily Lolo Mineral Foundation in Porcelain + Cover up in Blondie

Bobbi Brown Blusher in Clementine

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Gold - i think this is discontinued!?

EYES

Bobbi Brown Gelwear Eyeliner

Loreal Collagen Mascara

LIPS

Rose & Co Cherry Kiss Lip Balm

AND after reading my blog yesterday i can only assume that the BF felt sorry for me as he took me to the MAC counter in Harvey Nicks and got me the MSF in Perfect Topping. Aaah, lovely! Cant wait to try it out tomorrow!

NEW* Things for Monday

I have to admit that i am extremely jealous of you all posting amazing hauls...I'm still without a job and have now spent ALL of my savings...and not even on fun stuff like make up or clothes. Seriously, just the boring basics like rent and bills. Anyway, like i said, I haven't been able to join in the hauling fun so Ive been blogging about different stuff but I'd still love to be able to show you something new!

Ive accepted that that's not gonna happen (at least for a wee while) BUT this is where i get a little bit excited... Yesterday i went home to see my parents and while i was there my mum took me upstairs to what used to be my room. She'd just had the carpet refitted (about time too! I burnt a GHD shaped hole in it about 3 years ago!) and so she'd been decluttering and had found a bag and a pair of shoes that id forgotten i even had! HARK, its like old new stuff!

So here's what i (re)got!

URBAN OUTFITTERS MULTI COLOUR STUD BAG - I bought this about 3 years ago in the sale. I'm sure it was about £40 down to £10. Loved it at the time because it goes with anything and is just a really relaxed, soft, slouchy bag with an edge. Sooo happy to have this back!

And most excitingly: LOVE HEELS SILVER PEEPTOE SNAKESKIN WEDGES - Ooooh! I bought these from schuh about 5 years ago (for £54.99 i think) to go to my boyfriend at the time's sisters wedding. And then forgot about them! They have literally only been worn once and i absolutely LOVE them! Perfect shape and stunning design...I'm already planning outfits around them!

They may not be new or even very exciting but for me, they are enough to keep me from going shopping cold turkey. And i didn't spend a penny! WIN!

MUA Series Part 2 Kabuki

2) KABUKI - The Avant Garde Master

Kabuki is a living legend amoung make up artists. Innovative and creative to the max, he is known for unusual colour combos and textural innovation using and attaching non make up mediums to the face. As a gallery shown artist, he clearly thinks of make up artistry as an extension of his work... and as this Gold lame'd image shows, of himself.

Note: that gold lamed image IS Kabuki!!

As a true 90's NY Klub Kid, Kabuki began turning himself into avant garde creations of beauty before peeking the interest of photographers such as Peter Lindbergh and Steven Klein to work his magic for their editorials. With work published in the likes of Vogues the world over, Harpers Bazaar, W and Paper, seen on Sex and the City and Ugly Betty, and having worked for MAC on celebrities such as Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Gwynth Paltrow and Gwen Stefani, these days he is celebrated as one of Make up's true visionaries.

Check out more of Kabuki's work on www.kabukimagic.com

MUA Series Part 1 ALEX BOX

Pandadoesmakeup has been asking her followers who their favourite make up artists are, so here are a few of mine. I reckon the best way for me to tackle this is in a wee photo based mini series.

1) ALEX BOX - MUA of the Moment.

I'm sure this comes as no surprise. This woman seems to be everywhere at the moment, has been mentioned on every make up blog at least in the UK and her make up has adorned many the face of Britain's make up collectors. Alex Box is co founder of Illamasqua, a make up range based on 1920's Berlin that is only 6 months into trading and already rivals MAC for quality, range and intense pigmentation.

"A ground-breaking make-up artist with a strong alternative voice. For her degree show at the Chelsea College of Art, Alex Box exhibited installation art exploring the relationship between the body and the environment. Later, her make-up went on to explore this relationship between art, science, nature and the magical.Alex has since become one of the most influential make-up artists of our time. She creates looks for designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, Stella McCartney, McQ, Peter Jensen and Gareth Pugh. She was also the lead artist at last year’s Fashion Rocks event.Alex’s work has featured in Vogue in Italy, France, Japan, China and Britain. Her work is also regularly seen in titles including Numero, W, Another Magazine, Dazed & Confused, 10 an i-D."

FOTD - way overdue!!

First of all i want to give a big shout out to Laura at MyBloggyBlog. Not only does she have an awesome blog but she is lovely too! She left a bunch of comments on a few of my post in such an awesomely friendly,funny and articulate way that i feel like i know her! Laura, dont take this gush as weird - Just really touched that you took the time to comment! So go check her out! Now!

Moving on, its about time I posted another Photo Of The Day. So here it is:

This is a reasonably typical look for me. Despite the red lippie, its quite a low maintenence look..and for a day spent reading in the now-warmer-than-its-been-in-a-while sun, this was perfect. Heres what i used:

FACE:

Lily Lolo mineral foundation in Porcelain

Lily Lolo cover up in Blondie

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brink ig gold to highlight the cheekbones

Prestige Skin Loveing Minerals Blusher in 01 Pink

EYES:

MAC Amber Lights e/s all over the lid

Bourjois White Diaphane under the brow.

LIPS:

Boots No 7 Lipstick in Hot Chili + Lipcote<-- Genius.

So thats it. Lovely day had.

I smell like an orchard!

Hey everyone! Can I just say, i am sooo excited to have anyone to say hello to in the first place! So a massive thank you to everyone who's taken the time to read my blog and become a follower! I REALLY, REALLY appreciate it and get a massive kick every time i get another person. Instant upper!

Talking about instant uppers (what a flawless link!proud of myself!), today i have been thinking about how smell is the most emotive sense. Now if it came down to it, if i HAD to lose one sense it would be smell...but that would be such a shame!! Especially since this post is about my perfumes of the Summer.

1) THE NEW ONE: Bath and Body Works Signature Collection Vanilla Noir Eau De Toilette.

Lovely BF bought this for me recently knowing that i love vanilla (which by the way, is the scent proven that men like best on women. No jokes about the scent of dinner on table gents!).

"Master perfumers have transformed Madagascar vanilla into pure glamour with this tantalizing fine fragrance blend of dark vanilla bean, black plum, bergamot orange and warm, seductive musk.

Fragrance Top Notes: Living Black Plum, Exotic Dark Berries, Bergamot
Fragrance Mid Notes: Silky Gardenia, Purple Carnation, Vanilla Orchid, Tuberose Mist
Fragrance Base Notes: Living Vanilla Bean, Vanilla Extract, Whipped Toffee, Cinnamon Stick, Cashmeran, Sandalwood, Sensual Musks"

I have just one thing to say about this: mmmmmmmmm! I adore the smell of this perfume - so summery! It has a gentle smell, not at all over powering but makes me feel delicious! Cant recommend this enough!

It retails in America for $26.50 and the website http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/ are having a fragrance sale - buy 2 get 1 free. But if, like me, you live in the UK, I managed to get this from ebay for £22 for 75 ml including postage and packaging from the states. Not too bad and i LOVE it!

2) THE OLD FAVOURITE: Paco Rabanne Ultraviolet

Ive worn this since i was 16 when one of the older girls at my work had us all round to hers to get ready for a Christmas night out. She sprayed it and it was love( with the perfume, not the girl!)! The only other thing to have lasted that long in my life are my parents!

Ultraviolet Introduced by the design house Paco Rabanne in 2000,a vision of the new millennium translated into this spiritual essence of modern feminity.

A classic oriental, redesigned with a top note of spicy orange pimento, a middle note of Japanese florals combined with a base of ambery vanilla. A sensual, scintillating fragrance."

Interesting that this also contains vanilla! This always brings a smile to my face whenever i bring it out. I'm not sure if its all the memories that come flooding back each time i put it on (see, emotive!) or its the delicately fresh, light scent that never feels to make me feel girly, but this will always be my summertime favourite. Perfect for a night of cocktails! £36.46 for 80ml from http://www.fragrance.net/.

3) THE ONE I WANT: Yves Saint Laurent Opium

For evening, there can be no better than Yves Saint Laurent Opium: Around since 1977, this is the classic warm and sexy scent that's light enough for summer but rich enough to last on a balmy evening in the south of France (doesn't that sound awesome! I'm loosing myself in a fantasy now!).

"YSL Opium is a true legend among fragrances. It has a luxurious and sensual scent with an oriental undertone, enriched with mandarin, vanilla, jasmine and carnation."

And there is certainly no forgetting this iconic image of Sophie Dahl. Wow.

This is definitely on my wish list for summer. £47.47 for a 50ml bottle...so I'm going to have to find the money somewhere...!

What are your favourites??

I am in love.

I am in love. With a dress. Sad but true. It was love at first site (haha, geddit!?bah boom cha!)

Jovonna Poppy colour block dress - £62

The brand is Jovonna and can be seen at http://www.jovonnalondon.com/.

Here's what the website has to say:

"Jovonna Designs is proving to be one of London’s fastest growing fashion labels.

Aimed at the young females; those who are ready for anything and always on the go,

If you’re looking for something unique whether it’s a party dress or work clothes that are fun, quirky and on trend look no further as the collection at Jovonna ticks all the right boxes.

The designer JoJo, is inspired by her mother, grandmother’s style and sprite. Her designs are fun to wear and capture the minds of those that like to dress up & look smart.

With an eclectic collection of dresses, tops, as well as leather handbags you are sure to find an outfit for all occasion & seasons.

Having created a storm at various trade shows such as the East London Design Show, Pure, Top Drawers and the clothes show, be ready to be one of Jovonna Girls."

And I have to say, these designs are STUNNING and the prices are gooooooood at around £60 - £100 for a dress or coat and from £50 for a top. Looking at the designs, this is incredibly reasonable. You just have to look at the Daisy Discs Dress to know how much work has gone into each piece. Here's my pic of the Spring/Summer 09 Collection.

Daisy Discs Dress - £93 Stephanie beaded shift dress - £93
Gloria Lace Tunic - £62

There is one thing that i HATE about this designer: They only manufacture each design in sizes 8, 10 or 12 (UK sizing). In 2009, where active consumers of fashion are all manner of shapes and sizes and celebrated as such, i think this is ludicrous. Is this enough to stop me buying one of Jovonna's dresses?....To be honest, in the absence of job i don't need to worry about making the choice just yet.

But check them out... If theres one thing that i cant dispute it is that these dresses are gorgeous!