A QUICK & EASY MAKE UP LOOK

I absolutely love makeup but generally didn't know how to apply the stuff on my face as beauty and makeup has always been something that doesn't come naturally to me, so I tended to stick to very simple classic styles like The Red LIP where you can't go wrong. But recently I've thought I need to start saying yes to more things including trying different shades of lipstick. So I tried Mac Cyber which I've fallen in LOVE with (hence this post). So here is My Version of A QUICK & EASY MAKE UP LOOK. Now I am unfortunately not a makeup artist so this is just my method only but I've learned tons of tips and tricks from my bestest Natalie (natural makeup pro, I hate her!) who years ago showed me a youtube clip of the Professional Makeup Artist sister duo Pixiwoo. From then on I practically stalked their page and they've basically changed my make up life and taught me all about foundation which I spent years hating. (Ok that's probably another post) I hope you enjoy my first makeup post!

MY QUICK & EASY MAKE UP LOOK. 

The Makeup Stuff

1. Firstly I wash, cleanse and moisture my face. Then I apply Mac Select Cover Concealer on any blemishes and dark circles under my eyes using my 286 Mac Blending Brush.

2. Next I slap on my Mac Mineralize Moisture Foundation using my Mac Stipling Duo Fibre Face Brush.

3. Next I apply Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Powder using my Real Techniques Power Brush (softest brush ever!)

4. Next I move on to my eye balls specifically the lids and apply my Mac Pro Longwear Primer Pot to eliminate and smooth out skin.

5. Then I apply my matte finish Mac Eye-Shadow to my lids using an eye shadow brush.


6. Next I slightly fill in my eyebrows by combing my brows first then using my Mac Eyebrow pencil.


7. Then I  go back to my eyes as I like to add a feline flick using Mac Liquid Eyeliner aka Winged eyeliner (and hope to get both eyes the exact same. The pressure!)

8. Then to add a little flutter to my lashes I use Benefit Roller Lash Mascara to my top lashes and Mac Zoom Lash Mascara to the bottom lashes.

9. I then add a little rose to my cheeks using My Mac Blusher Powder and my 163 Mac Blusher Brush.

10. Next I move on to my lips and simply put on my Mac Cyber Satin Lipstick. Here you can add a liner to enhance your lips making them look fuller. I do wear liners with different lipsticks but with this shade I don't feel I need to as it's already quite a dramatic colour. So lip liner is totally optional.

11. Lastly to complete my look I add a touch of highlight to my cheek bones using Mac Strobe Cream. 

And that is it folks. Quick & Easy!

As you can see I haven't added contour which I occasionally do, bronze glow or done any of the other extra makeup artistry bits but you can of course include that yourself and tailor along the way. 

                     The Finish Closer Look!

With a Big SMILE!

FYI 

Concealer MAC - Concealer

Foundation MAC - Foundation/Mineralize-Moisture

Powder MAC Powder- Mineralize

Eye Primer Mac Pro-Longwear-Paint-Pot

Eye Shadow Mac Eye-Shadow

Brows Mac Eye-Brow

Eye Liner Mac Eyes- Liner

Mascara Benefit Cosmetics

Blush Mac Powder-Blush

Lipstick Mac Lippy

Real Technique Brushes Realtechniques.com

Let me know if you recreate this Autumnal look. Again many thanks for reading and stay Fabulous cheesy but true!

xx

Ps. I seriously didn't know how much I think it's time to try new make up brands! MacMacMacMacMacMacMacMac. (Hahahahahaha)

BRIGHTON. HONESTLY.

There is defiantly something deeply intriguing about this wee little seaside destination that keeps us returning again and again. It probably has something to do with the numerous day trips my mother would bring my sister, brother and myself on as a child. I vaguely remember moaning like a whiney little bitch as to why the beach wasn't sandy like the South End coastal beach I was used to, why the dreaded beach possessed horrible big pebbles that felt rock hard on my tiny feet. My mother single handily explained that Brighton beach was different.......And that it was. 

I think the wet 99p flake ice cream I stuffed into my annoyed face five minutes after soon vanished any reluctant thoughts. I remember us siblings running into the sea like wild screaming animals charged with happiness. 

I really hope I thanked her for our adventures back then.

Now when I visit all the longing memories come rushing back to me. Brighton has become a place where I instantly feel free.

Here a few pictures that me and a bestie took during a recent impromptu day trip to our beloved Brighton.

Dress/ZARA

Sunglasses/Blitz London

Platform Espadrilles/H&M

Visit Brighton. Again thanks for reading my dear.

Side thought: If you have a loving mummy go give her a big hug from me.

XXX

SHOP! SHOP! SHOP!

Today is all about my personal vintage top hotspots for you to SHOP! SHOP! SHOP! Again I love reading about new shopping discoveries and thinking hmmmm I definitely need to try there or yes I love that shop too! 

So below are my top 5 fashion haunts. I have even been all organised and categorized my post into Vintage, Highstreet and Online. Enjoy and let me know if this has helped you with future finds. (You may need a cuppa for this one as I ramble on a wee bit) xxx

VINTAGE

Mero Retro

A lovely friend of mine also slightly obsessed with vintage clothing took me to Mero Retro a couple of weeks ago. Oh my what a dear friend she is! Located in the heart of Dalston's eccentric district Mero Retro is now my new found playing palace. The shop is small but BIG in detail. From the patterned vintage court shoes to the pretty bow tie dresses everything feels so quaintly special. I could literally spend all day in this shop. The owner is lovely too and will happily save you clothes if needed. I really like supporting independent business so if you're around the area why not pop in. 
www.meroretro.com

Mint Vintage

So I met James (from Leeds) the owner of Mint Vintage quite a few years ago now when I was working in Soho, London. Mint Vintage was located off the pebbled lanes in seven dials Covent Garden. I usually popped in on my unofficial breaks (shhhhh) and lunch times to have a little catch up and a wardrobe party. Gah I have purchased so many pretty dresses from Mint. Mint like to keep all the garments well kept and steamed clean. Majority of the stock is flown in from Canada. Mint have now moved to bigger brighter better premises in the vibrancy of Stoke Newington High Street (Stokey). Mint is definitely one my favorite vintage London stores. The team are always so friendly. Why not take a lookie!

www.mintvintage.co.uk

HIGHSTREET

& Other Stories

So I've probably walked past the regent street store a trillion billion times and never thought twice about going in. I think one time I did look at the window display and initially thought oh that's a lovely dress but probably way too expensive for me. It wasn't until my sister took me here the other day I fully discovered the wonderment of this beautiful store. The first thing I noticed was the pricing (always) which I was actually surprised by as it was well within my shouldn't be shopping budget. I think because the garments look so greatly put together and posh (hahahaha) that I assumed they'd be exceedingly expensive. I was wrong! The store has a very modern airy subtle elegance to it. I found the team that work there exceptionally helpful and smiley (I want to work there). & Other Stories offer so much variation to shop from makeup,trainers, handbags, beanie hats, sunglasses, necklaces plus lot's more! Everything a lady needs basically. I've already been back a few times. Shhhhhhh. My True West End Hit! www.stories.com

American Apparel

Covent Garden

I love love love American Apparel. Perfect for your basic staple longevity pieces. T-shirts, sweaters, crop tops, high waisted denim, aline skirts, cardigans and much more. Everything is simplified with a no fuss collection. I find the stores very easy to shop in and often look in the men's section as many pieces are unisex. (I.e baggy boyfriend look jumpers) Some of the pieces are slightly higher in price but then I think about how often I'm going to wear it. Example you could spend £40+ on a trend led dress from Topshop that you will probably wear once that will be out of fashion in a year but at American Apparel you could spend £40+ on a versatile piece that you can wear again and again differently that will last for years as it's not following a particular trend or fashion (I hope that makes sense). My highstreet favourite! http://store.americanapparel.co.uk

ONLINE

House of Jam

Now to be honest I don't really like shopping online. I think I enjoy the shopping experience way too much to settle for any type of online click and pay purchase, plus the returning saga puts me right off but I unintentionally came across House of Jam when I typed in duster coats into the search engine on Instagram which led me to the House Of Jam Market Place on Asos. HOJ is an independent label selling handpicked vintage pieces and exclusive designs. I was drawn to the funky cool retro vibe available. The silk patterned top button shirts, the cut off reworked denim and the sweet vintage 60's dresses. The collection is smallish tailoring towards edgier street vintage clothing. The price tags are fairly reasonable and once delivered the products actually look exactly like the items shown on online. HOJ is defo a now online fav! www.houseofjam.net

BITS

Amercian Apparel Top.

HOJ DUSTER COAT.

HOJ GREY SILK SEXY BOMBER.

& OTHER STORIES COAT. 

& OTHER STORIES RING.

Thank you for reading lovely people!
xxx

FYI: Instagram
@meroretro
@mint_vintage
@andotherstories
@americanappareluk
@house_of_jam

Side note: Learn to love yourself as you are fabulous and don't you forget it!

THE A-LINE SUEDE MINI SKIRT

I am obsessed with the Aline seventies skirt at the moment. I recently purchased this gorgeous black suede skirt from Beyond Retro at a bargain price. Beyond retro is a high street clothing retailer selling unique one-off vintage pieces. The garments are hand picked either second hand or recycled originals stemming from 1920's - 90's. Basically if you love having a good old rummage (like moi) and hunting for great finds (treasure) this is the perfect place for you.

I've styled my Aline suede mini skirt with my basic Matalan salmon high neck jersey top, opaque tights tights please and my thick strap Dune sandals. Oh and my can't seem to leave the house without vintage satchel Beyond Retro. I've simply half tied my hair up for the chic 70's vibe.

The Block Heel Thick Strap Leather Sandal.

Versatile vintage inspired beauties!

BEYOND RETRO VIBES.

You can easily recreate this look with just one statement piece. The ALINE SKIRT. I've teamed my look with a comfy warm duster coat (London weather). 

PLACES TO BUY SIMILAR: Rokit, Mint Vintage. Copies (So remade for the highstreet inspired by the the seventies) Topshop, Zara and Urban Outfitters. 

I hope I've been of help so you can recreate this effortless on trend seventies look. Have fun xxx

Thanks for reading and thank you to my sister Shazza for the pics in the rain! Oh you can also follow more of my styling on instagram @floramariastyle

Side thought: Life is too bloody short. Wear what you like! How boring would it be if we all looked and dressed the same! 

Favourites. Can't live without......

Over the years I've discovered what looks I really love to wear and feel the ultimate comfiest in and what looks really don't suit me. What piece of clothing I instantly feel fabulous in and what pieces cling to my skin and make me feel like a giant horse. (You know that feeling)

So this post is all about my favorites that I could easily wear again and again. Comfort is really important to me. Below are my three important favorites. What are yours?

NO.1. THE VINTAGE DRESS.

I have so many vintage dresses that are timeless. Some I've had for years and literally feel like brand new, they never seem to go out of fashion. They make me feel ultra feminine, girly and accentuate my figure. I.e hide the wobbly bits. I love them deeply!

NO.2. DENIM.

I'm actually obsessed with denim. I think I have a problem! Wearing denim makes me feel so relaxed and cool. I like to buy old school vintage denim like Levis, Wrangler and Lee Cooper as the quality is better and don't tend to fade as easily but I also love urban outfitters, topshop and house of jam denim lines. 

NO.3. THE BLACK ANKLE BOOT.

I don't think I can actually live without my ankle boots. (I know dramatic but quite true) I have at least 10 pairs. I think I have a problem but they are all slightly different in detail - heel height, lace ups, platform, texture open toe etc. For me they make an outfit complete. I love wearing a really chunky pair of black ankle boots with a floaty super elegant dress to create a totally quirkier look.

 I would love to know what your statement pieces are? What do you buy over and over again and can't live without?

Thanks again for reading. I am hopefully getting a better camera soon to make my shots much better (and bare with me on the spelling) I ain't perfect! (thank the lord). Still really enjoying blogging and have lots of ideas for the future.

Side note: Stay Fabulous!!

xxxx