First Video Makeup Tutorial

I've finally published my first video makeup tutorial for YouTube. For this makeup look I created a 'spotlight smokey eye' along with my regular face routine. I hope you enjoy the video and please subscribe to my channel and feel free to leave comments and suggestions for my future videos! 

Blush, Nude & Denim

 

bomber jacket - House of CB

cami - River Island 

skirts - Sportsgirl 

heels - Public Desire 

bag - YSL

The weather in Darlington is cold, rainy and very depressing and as much as I would like to be posting summer fashion inspiration, today just isn't the day for that because frankly that would make me more fed up because I haven't seen much sun since I got back from Ibiza last month. So instead of a collage that consists of a bright and colourful swimming costume and over-sized shades I put together this little number, something more weather appropriate. I think this outfit would be perfect for a date or day trip, the chic satin bomber jacket makes it weather appropriate and if the sun did decide to come out it can be removed to reveal the cool cami, I think camis are a necessity in every girls summer wardrobe because they are so easy to wear and are perfect to wear under jackets, blazers etc. For the lower half I chose a denim midi skirt, which is on my wish list after seeing celebs like Kylie Jenner and Beyonce sporting them with a casual day time look, a denim skirt is a cute and fashionable alternative for jeans and shorts. For footwear I chose nude heels, these particular shoes combine lace and a pointed toe which are two features in a shoe that I usually go for, lace up heels have been really popular over the last few seasons and I can't get enough of them. To complete the look I accessorized with a YSL over the shoulder chain bag which finishes the outfit beautifully and makes it look more expensive. 

Thank you for reading!

Happy 46th Bday J.Lo!

It may be hard to believe but Jennifer Lopez celebrated her 46th birthday over the weekend and she was seen looking just as fabulous as she did all them years ago when she first came in to the spotlight. If you read my blog regularly you will know that J.Lo is my number one fashion icon, therefore I couldn't have thought of a better time to look back on some of her best and most memorable fashion moments.  

 

Lets begin with what she wore to celebrate her 46th birthday in the Hamptons this weekend. J.Lo certainly wanted to make a statement with this one, I think she wanted us to know that it doesn't matter how old she is, she has still got it and she's looking better than ever. Her little black dress, by Bao Tranchi featured cut outs and sheer panels which showed off and accentuated all of her best assets ...lets face it all of her assets are the best. Jennifer finished off the look with minimal accessories, a simple black clutch and elegant sandals and she was also sporting a new 'do as she swapped her long locks for shorter tousled waves. I must not forget to mention her makeup, which I loved, she opted for a natural look with subtle smokey eyes and a nude lipstick.

J.Lo showed off her girly girl side back in '13 as she rocked metallic on metallic and sported a blush Kate Spade skirt, Gianvito Rossi heels and a Jimmy Choo clutch.

She has been spotted in multiple sparkling and dazzling dresses but this gold sequin Marchesa she wore to the Golden Globes in 2009 is one of my favourites. Her red carpet gowns are all so timeless, she could wear this to a special event today and it wouldn't look outdated. 

 Last year at Paris Fashion week Jennifer wore an unusual dress by Versace which featured a thigh high split which revealed a unique sequin trouser. 

For this years Golden Globes after party Jennifer wore an Amanda Wakeley two piece design which was made up of a high neck snake skin bodice with cut outs and an open back and a floor length skirt with a plunging slit. The look was complete with a matching white fur stole and snake skin Christian Louboutins, she opted for minimal accessories with a small box clutch, stud earrings and a diamond ankle bracelet - I want one! I especially loved her smokey eye makeup and up-do on this occasion, J.Lo knows how to finish every look to perfection.

 One of J.Los most rememberable looks is from the 2011 Grammy awards where she wore a super blingy Emilio Pucci mini dress which showed off her toned legs and she was sparkling from top to toe as she teamed the dress with swarovski encrusted Christian Louboutins. 

Speaking of rememberable, I can't forget to mention Jennifer's most iconic dress which is none other than that Versace gown she wore to the 2000 Grammy awards which became one of Versaces most famous creations and was voted the fifth most iconic dress of all time. The exotic green dress featured a tropical print on a slink chiffon fabric, it had a plunging neckline and a citrine studded brooch. 

 Last year at a concert J.Lo showed recognition to the famous dress as she wore a reminiscent playsuit custom designed by Versus Versace.

So I got half way through writing this post and remembered I have already written a Jennifer Lopez fashion appreciation post in the past, I clearly have an obsession ...anyway if you enjoyed this post you can read my previous J.Lo post here.

Kendall and Kylie at the ESPYS

Last week the ESPYS (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Award) took place at the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles and even if it is a week late, I couldn't pass the opportunity to write about my favourite fashions at the event,  and there is some serious fashion to talk about because of course the full Kardashian/Jenner clan were there to support Caitlyn Jenner (formerly Bruce Jenner) as he received a courage award. However it was only Kendall and Kylie who made an appearance on the red carpet but Kim and the rest of the family were later in the audience for the awards. 

This has to be one of my favourite Kylie looks to date and there is no question on who Kylie looked to for her inspiration as she channelled her older sister Kim in this glittering gold gown. From the figure hugging dress, to her smouldering eyes and short tousled waves its clear that Kim is Kylies style muse and this look reminds me very much of Kim in Jean Paul Gaultier at the Grammys back in February. Shady Zeineldine was the designer of Kylies floor length gold number. 

Kendall showed off her supermodel physique in a chic Alexandre Vauthier gown. The gown featured a plunging brassiere style neckline but her decolletage and arms were layered with a fine chiffon, the gown incorporated sheer and black cut out panels through out. Kendall opted for her staple sleek straight hair and for her make up; long lashes, sultry smokey eyes and a nude lipstick, the signature Kardashian look. 

Thank you for reading!

A Summer OOTD & FOTD

what I wore

top - Ebay 

shorts - H&M 

belt - River Island 

shoes - River Island 

To my surprise the weather hasn't been all that bad since I returned to England (besides the expected showers and some thunder and lightening on an evening) so luckily I can still wear shorts and they haven't been packed away in my suitcase ready for my next holiday. Last weekend I went to a friends BBQ and dressed up as if I was still in Ibiza, you have to make the most of good weather in England because its hard to come by. I wore all white with a tan belt and gold wedges and accessories. For my makeup I wanted to create a smouldering gold smokey eye, a neutral lip and a very bronzed complexion with a shimmering highlight on my cheek bones for a healthy glow. To achieve my bouncy and wavy hair, after drying I simply smoothed over the top of my hair with GHD straighteners then curled the ends.

Thank you for reading!

Ibiza 2015

Firstly I must apologise for the lack of posts in the last few weeks but my excuse is that I've been living it up in Ibiza, unfortunately now I am back and I'll be posting regularly again to help take my mind off my Ibiza blues. This year was my first time on the island, and certainly not my last as I am already planning on going back in September for the closing parties, fingers crossed. Ibiza exceeded my expectations and its no wonder everyone raves about it and loves it so much... I'm now one of those people! Some of my holidays highlights were Ocean Beach, Zoo Project and the Pukka Up boat party. I loved getting glammed up for Ocean Beach, I had my costume planned for months, the atmosphere at the pool party was unreal and the cocktails were to die for. For Zoo Project everyone was wearing animal print body paint and glitter which was fun (till the morning after when I had to remove it - the struggle was real). This day started with a boat party which apparently lasted 3 hours, however I felt like I was on it for half an hour, I must have been very drunk but I'm not complaining, after that we went to the main event and had some BBQ food and danced around the pool before returning to the hotel to freshen up for a night on the west end, I love that place! 

I had the time of my life with one of my best friends and my only complaint is that it ended way too soon. I would do it all again along with all the other events the island has to offer, I just can't wait to go back! 

Ocean Beach attire 

 Arriving at Ocean beach 

Sunbathing and sipping on Strawberry Daiquiris

Moving on to Mango Daiquiris 

Ready for Zoo Project 'Noahs Ark' boat party 

When the vodka cranberries had kicked in

Its not a holiday to spain with out Sangria and a shisha 

Sunset at Cafe Mambos

Watching the sun go down

Enjoying the view on our last night

Ibiza, I'll be seeing you again soon!

Recent Makeup Look: Barbie Makeup Ft. MAC Candy Yum-Yum Lipstick

This week I decided to create a makeup look very different to what I usually wear. Instead of going for bronze, gold and neutral tones I worked with pink eyeshadows and finished the look with some glitter and my most neon lipstick.

eyes.

• To begin I primed my eyes with MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot.
• As a base colour I applied MAC 'Girly' eyeshadow to my lids, this is a dusky pink colour. 
• In my sockets I applied MAC 'Sushi Flower' eyeshadow to add some depth, I blended this colour out to meet with the transition colour. 
• For my transition colour I used MAC 'Soft Brown' eyeshadow.
• To highlight my brow bone I used MAC 'Shroom' eyeshadow. 
• For an inner corner highlight I used MAC 'Gleam' eyeshadow, this is a very shimmery pearly pink colour, perfect for use in this area. 
• I then applied my winged eyeliner and as always I used MAC Liquidlast eyeliner.
• Directly above the black liner I applied Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in 'Junkshow'. I love the double liner technique I will be recreating this more often.
• Before applying lashes I coated my lashes with Barry M Lash Vegas Waterproof Mascara.
• I applied some natural lashes which I bought for really cheap off Ebay. 

lips.

• Firstly I lined my lips with MAC Pro Longwear Lip Pencil in 'In Anticipation' 
• The neon pink lipstick I used was MAC 'Candy Yum-Yum' - a very daring colour. 

you can read my most recent face/complexion routine here.

Thank you for reading!

Cheeki Boutique

It's back!

Cheeki Boutique is now based in Darlington town centre as well as online at www.cheekiboutique.co.uk

'We consider ourselves a shopping haven for all serious fashionistas; sexy fun and flirty, thats what a Cheeki shopper is all about!

We aim to bring fab clothes at amazing prices with lots of fashion inspiration, style tips and things to make you smile.

Have no limits to fashion, love it, live it, want it have it all!' 

Cheeki is owned by my very lovely and fashionable friend Laura, a girl who knows about all the latest trends and always stands out with her unique and stylish fashion choices. 

I was more than happy when Laura asked me to model her new stock, I loved having a preview of some of the gorgeous items Cheeki has to offer, here are some of my favourite pieces...

'OK Rhi-Rhi Rita' T Shirt Dress

£14.99

This street style T Shirt turned Dress has been seen on celeb fashionistas Rihanna and Rita Ora. 

Styled with...

'Lego Love' Clutch

£29.99

'The Little Khaki Number' Backless Dress

£19.99

Another celebrity inspired dress which has been spotted on stylish TOWIE girl Georgia Kousoulou. This dress is perfect for a night out in the town and comes in khaki, a must have colour in your wardrobe for this season. 

Styled with...

 'Weaved up' Gold Statement Fashion Chain 

£14.99

If your looking for a statement necklace to finish off your outfit look no further than Cheeki...

'Tribal Drop Necklace'

£14.99

Styled with...

'Hippy Chick' Beige Waterfall Waistcoat 

£16.99

'Cut Out Black Crop Top'

£9.99

'Turquoise Multi Row Choker Necklace'

£9.99

 

'Peppermint Green Large Disc Necklace'

£9.99

'Show Me The Money' Roman Coin Gold Necklace 

£14.99

 Stand out sunglasses fit for the fashionable island of Ibiza and the very glamorous Marbella...

'Diamante Cat Eye Shades'

£14.99

'Retro Flick Sunglasses'

£14.99

OOTD Ft. Cheeki Boutique 

'Ibiza Rocks' Gold Statement chain

£14.99

Styled with...

T Shirt - H&M

Shorts - H&M

Shoes - Public Desire

Styled with...

Vest - H&M

Shorts - H&M

Bag - YSL

Make sure to follow @Cheekiboutique on Instagram to keep up to date with new stock and check out how us customers style our Cheeki purchases...

Thank you for reading!

Makeup Artist Inspo Ft. Desi Perkins

There are thousands upon thousands of makeup artists across the web, but like everyone I have my favourites which I admire and look to for inspiration. You may have read my previous post on MUA Amrezy but this time its all about J.Lo look alike Desi Perkins. I only recently discovered Desi's makeup tutorial but ever since I have been following her and the stunning and unique makeup creations she comes up with, which I must recreate on myself.  Below I have put together some images of my favourite looks she has created. 

This look is pretty simple but very effective. The pop of colour in the inner corner makes a massive statement. Desi also uses an interesting mixture of colours in this look but the teal and deep purple really compliment each other. This look is all about the eyes as you can see she opted for a nude lip and a lightly bronzed and matte complexion. I like how Desi models this look, showing off her manicure which matches her makeup. 

Desi proves its good to experiment with different products and colours as she creates a feline flick using an electric blue eye liner which looks stunning against her brown eyes. I like how she warmed the eyes up using neutral browns, again an interesting choice of colours but it works. This makeup look is also based around the eyes as she rocks a nude lipstick, a flawless complexion and a soft glow on her cheekbones. 

This eye makeup is similar to one I recreate frequently on my clients, a dramatic smokey eye with a touch of glitter and once again Desi models her signature nude lip and glowing complexion. 

Thank you for reading!

Recent Makeup Look: Simple Smokey Eye

Firstly I apologise for my lack of posts in the last couple of weeks, I have been busy with work and prepping for my upcoming holiday to Ibiza in 3 weeks. I'm really pleased as I have had so many makeup appointments lately and lots more coming up in the prom season, unfortunately I have once again forgot to take pictures of the looks I have created, I must start remembering to do this. To compensate for that, I recently created an easy to achieve, neutral smokey eye on myself which I have since been wearing frequently. 

eyes.

• As always I started by priming my eyes with MAC 'Painterly' Paint Pot, this gives eyeshadow stay power and prevents creasing.
• For my transition colour, I created a shadow in my crease using MAC 'Wedge' eyeshadow, the shadow technique creates definition. I applied this lightly with a fluffy brush, recently I have been applying my transition colour first, to ensure this area stays matte if I am using a shimmery base colour. 
• As my base colour I used the very popular MAC 'All That Glitters'. This is a product I had to repurchase because I used it frequently, its very versatile and I use it often on my clients, especially for bridal makeup. 
• To create the 'smoke' I darkened up the outer corners using the 'Warm Brown' powder from my 'HD Brows Pro Eye and Brow Palette' with a pencil brush I then blended this out for smooth finish using a fluffy brush. I also applied this to my lower lash line for a smouldering effect. 
• I used MAC 'Shroom' eyeshadow to lift and highlight my brow bone and in my inner corner to make my eyes appear brighter.
• For my statement feline flick I of course used my holy grail eye liner, MAC 'Liquidlast' Eyeliner. 
• In my waterline I used Urban Decay '24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil' in the colour 'Pervision' which is black. 
• To finish I applied Barry M 'Lash Vegas' Waterproof Mascara. If I was to wear this makeup out I would complete this look with some wispy Kylie Jenner style false lashes.

lips. 

• To line my lips I used MAC 'In Anticipation' Pro Longwear Lip Pencil, because I have ran out of my favourite lip liner (Mac 'Pink Treat' Creamstick Pencil) I always over draw my lips slightly to create a fuller look. 
• The lipstick I used was MAC 'Merh', no surprise there, this is my absolute favourite lipstick.

you can read my most updated complexion routine here. 

Thank you for reading.