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

Product rave - Lancome Hypnose mascara

In my opinion this mascara is 5*. My new favourite addition to my ever growing make-up bag.

I have been hunting around for a decent mascara for some time. I always think that eye make-up deserves a little bit more money spent on it, so I usually went for Dior or MAC. I was given a Lancome gift set and I have only just got around to test a few of the items – this one being my favourite.

The benefits:

• No clumps YIPPEE!

• Long lasting – when it comes to the end of the day I don’t have any smudges.

• Wide-eye effect. I have huge eyes as it is, but this mascara gives me a more dramatic and voluptuous look.

• Smooth application.

• Easy to remove, I’m not aware that Hypnose is waterproof. But still, it comes off easily. 

 

My lashes don’t exactly look like the ones off the ad (because mine are real, meow!) but they do look pretty damn good if I do say so myself :)

A five minute catch up and my employment tips

I’ve done temporary work since finishing uni, but I’ve now got extremely bored. So I decided to apply for a master’s degree at The University of Sheffield and to my amazement I got accepted on the course ‘Magazine Journalism’. And yes, I would LOVE to ideally work for a magazine and this course offers everything I’ve ever dreamed of but I’m finding it difficult to justify spending £A LOT OF DOLLAR on a year’s course. Is it worth it? Why is it so difficult to find a job nowadays? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Anyhow, this post isn’t about me moaning about monotonous life decisions. It’s about little tips that I’ve picked up along the way to help you find employment.

1.       Look the part – first impressions do count. Especially in fashion journalism! (Devil Wears Prada dilemma).

2.       Do background research. This includes figures, founders, duties, job description etc.

3.       Polish your online profile. This includes Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn. Most employers do now check your social networking sites to see your bad habits (images with you and a blow up doll with a traffic cone on your head whilst wearing a tutu are a no go).

4.       Proof read. This includes your CV and cover letter, correct any grammar or spelling mistakes and proof read time after time after time!

5.  Stand out. Hundreds of job seekers are applying for that one position so you need to make sure you get remembered. To get your foot in the door, make your application more personal. For example, I applied for a job at a fashion magazine and the font in the magazine looks like this – I wrote my entire CV and cover letter in this font.

6.       Show some energy. Be full of beans when visiting a potential employer. Don’t be polite and lethargic like me, god that gets you nowhere! Prove to the employer that you’re willing to try your best and put 100% effort in your work. It’s a learning curve – I’m getting there ;) 

Summer workwear for women 2012

Working 9 to 5 and want to look stylish in the office? Who wouldn’t! Here is some essential fashion items needed to refresh your work style.  I mean serious, fashionable business. 

Work wear doesn’t have to be as boring as it sounds, collecting your key items can be fun. Be experimental.

Since I have finished uni, I thought it was about time I took the plunge and invested in some outfits for the world of work and as usual, I took it too far and went a little crazy. Here are some items that I have put together for my work wardrobe:

Topshop

Mango

Topshop

Topshop

Coast

Topshop

Next

Warehouse

Quote of the day

 
  
The most exciting, challenging and significant relationship of all is the one you have with yourself. And if you find someone to love the you that you love, well, that's just fabulous."
– Carrie Bradshaw

The Beauty Box

Over the past year the trend of the beauty box has grown enormously, beauty product lovers across the country have joined in the growing development of new and exciting products that get sent directly to your door every month, how exciting!

After not a lot of persuading (me being a HUGE beauty addict myself) I signed up to Glossy Box. I subscribed online, the price is reasonable at only £10 + £2.95 p+p per month. Each month I will receive a box full of new sample, travel and full size beauty products to ‘try before you buy’. During your registration, you have to answer a series of questions regarding your skin and hair type and the kind of products that you usually buy, this is because Glossy Box will try and send you out products that are suitable for you, bonus!

 First impressions: When my box arrived I was extremely impressed, it comes very well presented with ribbon and tissue wrapping paper – the perfect little gift to surprise you each month. With the presentation being at such a high standard, it would be suitable to give as a gift to friends or relatives.

Advantages: The products that get sent out for you to try are tailored to suit you, and you can give a review back to Glossy Box on the products to receive Glossydots (points that you can accumulate to get a free box – think of it as a Boots advantage card). There are many popular brands such as Dermalogica, Paul Mitchell etc, whilst introducing you to new up and coming brands. The box also comes with a guide about the products, the price, offers and where to purchase if you wish to do so.

Disadvantages: You may receive the odd product that doesn’t appeal to you, save them and give them to your friends as a gift.

July Glossy Box

I received: 

Collin Resultime – Regenerating Collagen Gel

Paul Mitchell – Texturising Sea Salt Spray

Monu – Extra rich night cream

Jelly Pong Pong Cosmetics – Lip Frosting

Kryolan – Satin Powder (SP333)

Elizabeth Arden – Visable Difference Skin Balancing samples.