Outfit of the day: A white winters day in January

Hello and happy Sunday! 

It's unusual for it to snow here, so on this rare occasion I thought I'd share with you my casual winter/snow outfit today. It's also unusual for me to go on a walk, so your in for a treat today! I chose warm and neutral colours, camel and burgundy are my favourite colours because I think they suit my dark hair. And I finally had the chance to wear my Hunters in the snow, they're so comfy and don't make me look like a farmer! Style and fashion is about experimenting and telling a story so here my look for a "White winters day in January".

 Hat - Topshop 

Jumper - Miss Selfridge 

Coat - Ted Baker

Jeans - Topshop

Gloves - T K Maxx

Wellies - Hunter (essentials in snow and SO worth the money)

Handbag - Mulberry Alexa

Love

Jess

xxx

Dior Make-Up Brushes

Hello lovelies!

I've never been one to spend a lot of money on make-up brushes until I watch a YouTube make-up tutorial. Pixiwoo  make-up tutorials persuaded me to take the plunge and invest in some expensive but essential brushes. And luckily I managed to get this Dior brush set in the Debenhams Christmas sale. 

Make-up tools are just as important as the make-up itself, it needs to be applied properly, so I thought I'd buy this mini Dior set with the most essential brushes I need for everyday use. I don't actually wear a great deal of make-up, so it seemed silly me buying a set with loads of brushes in that I'll never use. 

As soon as my brushes were delivered I ripped them open and first impressions were good. I love the black patent case, it's only small so it snuggles perfectly in my make-up bag along with everything else. The Dior set has four compact size brushes -a blush, powder foundation, eye shadow and lipstick brush.

Dior Blush Brush

This is so soft on my skin! My skin is SO sensitive and gets irritated easily, I've found these brushes super soft on my skin and it distributes my blusher evenly and gives me a natural finish.

Dior Powder Foundation Brush

I used to apply liquid foundation with my fingertips and although this brush is for powder foundation I have been using it with my MAC liquid foundation. Again it is very soft and evenly distributes my foundation lightly and gives you a natural soft finish to your face.

Dior Eye Shadow Brush 

The bristles are very flexible allowing you to experiment with your eye shadow, the brush is pretty thick so I do have to use another eye shadow brush to define my eyes.

Dior Lipstick Brush 

 This brush is precision cut, it's perfect to give you a defined lip shape and colour. 

I am totally impressed with these brushes, I love the metal cover which makes them feel like good quality. They're just what you need for everyday make-up application. I'm a strong believer in 'you get what you pay for' and after originally using No 7 brushes, I have completely converted to investing in make-up tools that are more expensive and more practical! They give you a flawless cover, they are super soft and the bristles don't fall out - 5* recommendation from me!

Jess 

xxx

Beauty in miniatures

I know some people don’t like posts about Christmas gifts, but here I’m showing you a few of my favourite mini beauty products that I got.

You, Latest in Beauty advent calendar 

I had a beauty advent calendar from Latest in Beauty, which had a range of carefully selected beauty products. 

1.    StTropez Instant Glow Body Lotion 50ml – Move over Rimmel, this stuff works a dream! The light formula gives you a natural bronze glow with a subtle shimmer finish. I always wear this on my legs on a night out. A little tip...put a small amount on your cheekbones; I find it similar to Benefits High Beam.

2.    Dermalogica Favourites Pack – this pack included Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant, Skin Smoothing Cream and MultiVitamin Power Firm. I have super sensitive skin and found that the scrub was a bit too harsh on my skin and I had a burning sensation after I used it. So it was removed from my routine (that’s why it’s not in the image). But other than that I can’t grumble. Dermalogica products are expensive, so I do recommend getting yourself a ‘trial kit’ to try before you buy. The Favourites Pack did make me skin feel baby bum smooth and I could feel a dramatic change compared to when I use other cleansers and moisturisers. The Skin Smoothing Cream is something I would like to invest in, I can recommend it to people with dry/sensitive skin!

3.    L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream 10ml – this smells yum and the size fits comfortably in my bag, it has honey, almond and coconut extracts. The texture is thick and creamy and quickly rubs into your skin leaving them moisturised and nourished. I am a bit obsessed with this, and it’s not the first time I’ve tried it. You don’t need a great amount because the texture is so rich and creamy, if you like soft scented moisturises you’ll appreciate this. 

1.    NickyClarke Instant Calmer 30ml – does what it says on the bottle. Simply apply to damp hair and cya fly aways! It has left my hair feeling sleek and manageable. My hair sometimes goes frizzy after drying it but this Instant Calmer smoothes out any frizz - you miracle.  

2.    BalmBalm Organic Lip Balm 7ml – at first I was a bit wary because the texture is a bit gritty but once it’s rubbed into your lips it helps keeps the dryness at bay. I use this before I go to bed and wake up with kissable soft lips. It’s a great daily lip treatment.

3.    RichardWard Volumiser Root Booster 50ml – I have long thick hair, so the weight pulls my hair down, I have to use rollers to get some volume in my hair. I’ve tried volumising powder, mousse, shampoo, conditioner and sprays. But I actually found that this spray made a difference and I now use it every time I do my hair. I simply spray it onto damp hair all over concentrating on the roots and blow dry my hair downwards. It does leave you with a very faint powerdy/sticky residue but it really does leave my hair looking bigger!

Jess

xxx

What if...all your dreams came true?

Hello, and Happy New Year! 2013 had arrived and guess who's back? Me with a brand new blog title and layout. I was never fully satisfied with the original name, "The CATWALK Blog" as it was a uni project. And I feel I need to expand my wings into the grown up world of fashion and beauty blogging. Therefore I would like to introduce you to Confessions of a Fashion Journalist. This blog will hold similar content, including posts about my beauty finds and fashion ideas to help you expand your wardrobe.

Me graduating with a 2.1 BA Hons Degree

My niece, Scarlett Rose 

Me and momma bear in Lanzrote 

Harry Potter Tour

Me turning 22

Coca-Cola Olympic Torch Concert

Me and Daniel on Christmas Day 

Manchester Christmas Market & an Olympic gold letterbox 

New arrival expecting in 2013 

Friends turning 21 

Next stop...New York City. Call me Carrie Bradshaw!

2012 had a lot to offer, I turned 22, my best friend announced that she is expecting a baby, I became an Auntie, I graduated from Sheffield Hallam University (proud moment), my friends turned 21, I visited Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in London, me and my mum went to Lanzarote for her birthday, the Olympics took place and me and Daniel booked to go to New York. All this with my amazing boyfriend by my side who has supported me every step of the way (he requested a mention), it's safe to say I've never been happier, so I'm excited to see what this new year has to offer.

In this New Year

Someone will be born

Someone will get a job

Someone will fall in love

Someone will move away

Someone will come home

Someone will have a cake with candles

Someone's dreams will come true

So there's my little introduction to Confessions of a Fashion Journalist. Don't worry, I shall not disappear again, new year, new start and all that! I am not a fashion or beauty expert and I have had no training in those subjects, my loyalty lies with writing and photography. Beauty and fashion are particular interests of mine. This is a method for me to reach out to fellow fashion lovers and to share my views, opinions and finds with you!

XXX