BEAUTY AND THE BLONDE

Summertime calls for an updated beauty regime and I'm very lucky to say that I have found a look that is perfect for the heat. If you live in the UK, you will know that we have experienced a major heatwave these past couple of weeks and if you're anything like me, makeup can become such a chore to put on in the morning. Don't get me wrong, for most of the summer I like to go barefaced with maybe the exception of my eyebrows and a tiny bit of mascara. But admittedly, sometimes it's nice to exploit your 'better self' by doing a quick and natural, 'glowy' summer look. 

Needless to say that the centrepiece of my summer looks has been the ever so popular 'Pillowtalk' lipstick by Carlotte Tilbury.  I have been basing my colour palette around pink-toned colours and with the addition of a bit of blush - one of my all time favourites being 'Sunbasque' powder blush by Mac for it's everdescent golden specks which just radiate summer glow. The reasons that I love this lipstick so much are endless, I mean, have you seen the packaging!? I'm all about that classy, expensive looking rose gold interior that (as sad as it sounds) makes me slightly weak at the knees. On top of its impeccably creamy application, the colour lasts for a good couple of hours with its matte finish. And what really puts the cherry on the cake (I think that's the expression) is the fact that it's not drying at all! In fact it remains creamy all day and quite honestly I'm slightly breath-taken. 

It can be hard to find a perfect foundation for summer - something that suits your skin type and completion, is the perfect coverage and lasts all day without going oxidising or seeping into your pores. I have been told that I am a bit of a foundation hoarder and I must admit, I have tried a fair few of foundations that I have grown to love. One of these foundations being Dior's Forever foundation. As we've probably established already, I'm a bit of a sucker for packaging and let me tell you, Dior is doing everything right with its sleek glass bottle and classic Dior black lid. If that wasn't enough to make this foundation a staple in my collection, I have discovered that it is perfect for the heat with its SPF 35 and shine control. Having oily skin is something that I've never really had to worry about, I'm more on the other side of the spectrum with skin that tends to be dry and flakey so I was a little apprehensive to see how this would react but its fair to say that no matter what, this foundation always looks flawless and is probably one of the most long-lasting products I've ever used (which is quite a statement). But what I love the most about this foundation is the natural finish that it gives your skin, despite the medium to full coverage. Believe it or not, it actually makes skin... look like.. well.. skin!

You can never go wrong with a little summer glow, highlighting in all the right places without looking sweaty and oily. I think it can be said that Mac's 'Soft and Gentle' Skinfinish has had a mis of reviews and I'm not going to lie to you, it wasn't exactly love at first try. However, I've given it a chance to work it's magic and I've eventually learned to fall in love with it. Using the Zoeva 105 Luxe Highight Brush (which once again, perfectly adds to the aesthetic of my makeup collection) I like to brush this over the high points of my cheeks and the tip of my nose for a rose gold tinted glow. This highlight works so effortlessly and looks perfect when paired with the pink tones of the Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick (as mentioned above) that is is one of my absolute must-haves for this summer.

Finally, where would we be without good old Mario Badescu's Rosewater. There was a lot of hype regarding this facial spray last year and whether it actually did anything? So of course, I had to jump on the bandwagon and see what all the excitement was about. Naturally, I was completely blown away by this, leaving a dewy finish on my skin, perfect before and after makeup application. Personally, in this unbearable heat, caked under a full face of makeup, I love just giving myself a little refreshing spray to cool me down. What I admire so much about this collection is the variety of the range, being available in cucumber/green tea and lavender which I must try and I'm sure they will more than likely make their way into my summer edit next year.

Find my mom jeans here

* I apologise for the image quality, I can't seem to get it sorted!

It can be easily argued that mom jeans are one of the most iconic styles come recent years. Making their first appearance in the late 80s and becoming more fashionable throughout the 90s. Despite reappearing as part of what could potentially be phrased as 'indie fashion', I prefer to wear my Mom jeans with a more classic look. Not shading the indie's as I'm sure we've all had that phase where we wanted to be a little different (myself included) but pairing my jeans with a pair of burgundy doc martens, fishnet tights and a second hand Led Zeppelin top just isn't me, as much as I envy people who can pull this off.

1. Shirt - Next

Birkenstock style sandals - Primark (Bargain!)

2. Vest top - Next

Bag - New Look

3. Top - Zara Basic (I can't find a link!)*

Original vans

Backpack - Primark 

*Little tip - Being as short as I am it is quite hard to get well fitting basic t-shirts which is why I like to tie mine up like this with a little bobble! I do this all the time and it works a treat!

It's time for a change. Time for a fresh start. As I sit here at my computer re-designing my blog, planning new posts and scheduling uploads, I am reminiscing on how far I've come. It feels like only yesterday I was an 11 year old girl, laying on my one direction bed sheets watching Zoella on my old windows laptop.

Today, I am an adult, about to move out of my family home and face the world all on my own as an independent woman. Needless to say, I am a little scared. I mean who wouldn't be! Come September, I'm going to be living 3 hours away from my parents, my family, my friends, in a new city where I barely know my way around. 

Yet still, it is the perfect time for new beginnings, hence the re-birth of Beauty and the Blonde.

The new school year is almost like a second chance at a new year (if you catch my drift). Moving away to university will give me an opportunity to re-invent my self if you will. I prefer the term 'fine-tuning' rather than completely changing myself. I aim to be less lazy for a start, manage my time efficiently and instead of laying around watching box sets of Suits all day, crack on and write some blog posts!

If you are new to my blog, I welcome you to my little world! If you aren't new, welcome back! I feel as though as time has passed and all of my important exams are over, I have a lot more time on my hands and my number one goal is to put so much more effort into making this blog a space that I can say that I am truly proud of. I'm going to stop making so many Pinterest boards of fashion inspiration and create the inspiration myself, here on my blog.

Reading some of my old posts is truly cringeworthy, I mean how can a 14 year old give makeup advice eh? Well now, as fine-tuned as I can be for now, I am reinventing Beauty and the Blonde (starting with the new name of course if you have noticed!) I am going to pride quality over quantity and really ensure that I put my heart into everything that I upload.

I thank you all for carrying on this journey with me or even joining. I hope you all enjoy seeing what is new to come!

Katie

x

Recently, I took a trip to London to visit the Tate Modern as part of my A level photography project. After sneakily taking photos of people when they weren't looking and wading through over 1,000 images... I managed to come out with some that I feel represent London life. I could have uploaded them all but I don't think you will have appreciated the amount of scrolling you would have to do! Ever since I was a child, I've idolised London and I've always been so fascinated with the lifestyle and the city itself. This trip to London made me realise how much I would actually love to live there when I'm older, I just feel as though I fit in there. But anyway, this was just a quick little 'London appreciation post' to show off a few snaps that I've taken.

Katie

♥

1. Toner Tabs

 The first things that I picked up from Lush were the 'Dream Steam Toner Tab' (Right) and the 'Tea Tree Toner Tab' (Left). I haven't yet had a chance to test these little miracle workers out but I've heard great things! Supposedly, when popped into boiling water, they fizz up and open your pores allowing your skin to take in all of the nutritious ingredients included in the tabs. The Dream Steam Toner Tab includes rose which helps to calm the skin and reduce redness which is something that my face is very guilty of! This toner tab is great for if you have dry or sensitive skin. There is no surprise to learn that the Tea Tree Toner Tab includes tea tree oil as well as aloe vera, helping the skin to fight against spots and acne. Although I do not suffer from acne and I don't get many spots, this toner tab will act as a preventative but of course, everybody gets those little blemishes right? Needless to say, I am extremely excited to test out these products and hopefully they will work wonders for my skin. 

2. Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser

'Let The Good Times Roll Cleanser' is apparently a gentle treat for your skin that leaves it feeling soft, glowing and fresh. I have only used this cleanser once and I am not quite able to form a strong enough opinion of the product yet, however I do find that it is a little difficult to apply as when water is added to the gooey mixture, it turns into a paste which is then applied all over the face and washed off. Upon my first use, I didn't see much of a difference to the physical appearance of my face but it was very soft to touch. Hopefully after a few uses I may start to see a difference. One thing that is definitely a positive note is the smell which in my opinion is very similar to the popcorn lip scrub, although slightly overpowering, it smells great! Not sure I would want my face to smell of cinnamon and popcorn though...

3. Skin Drink Moisturiser

I have a love hate relationship with Lush's 'Skin Drink Moisturiser' as it has multiple pros and cons. Lush claims that it contains nourishing oils with a very pungent fragrance of rose and orange (definitely not the most pleasant smelling thing ever). It definitely works as it leaves my skin feeling nourished and very smooth yet it is very thick and in my opinion works much better at night than in the morning as it has time to really soak into the skin. One major con for me is the fact that it looks horrifically bad underneath makeup and leaves foundation looking patchy and very oxidised in places. Besides this, the moisturiser is very good at.. well.. moisturising! And I would recommend this for any skin type as it is a very basic moisuriser with the power to make your skin feel soft and great.

4. Pumice Powder

With a very fresh citrus smell, the 'Pumice Powder' claims to scrub away at tough skin on your feet and leaves them super smooth. This is another product that I have not yet tried out but it looks very promising. There isn't really much to say about the pumice powder but from touch and smell, it seems like it is going to work a treat and after use I am expecting to be walking around with the softest feet ever!

 5. Ayesha Fresh Face Mask

Ladies and Gentlemen, I have discovered the most amazing face mask known to man - the 'Ayesha Fresh Face Mask'. Having used Lush's face masks before, I had high hopes for this learning that it contains asparagus and kiwis to give your skin a temporary face lift. Although this mask is aimed at the older generation due to its wrinkle reducing power, it works amazingly for any age and skin type. I tried this for the first time last night and my skin has never looked better as it reduced under eye bags and generally smoothed out my skin leaving it soft and glowing. Even touching my skin now, it feels like a dream. Lets just say I think I have found my favourite facemask! I would reccomend this to absolutely everybody no matter what condition your skin is in as it is a god send so you, reading this now, go and buy this face mask! I assure you, you won't regret it! ..... Not sponsored by lush... haha.

Katie

♥

1. 90's 

Who would've guessed? 90's fashion is coming right back into the scene for autumn 2016 seen through collections by Nina Ricci and Saint Laurent who are displaying more of a glam perspective - chokers paired with dark print dresses. Also the more grunge styles modeled by Kendall Jenner in Elis Sabb's collection. Be expecting this to be sticking around for quite a while!

2. Leopard

Leopard print has made it's big break this year into collections all throughout Paris fashion week mainly being shown in stylish coats by Givenchy, Carven and my personal favourite, Isabel Marant who has paired an intriguing Leopard print jacket with a textured shirt and smart-casual tartan print trousers, all finished with multi buckled black flats which compliment the outfit perfectly.

3.  Victorian Glam

Elegant frills and ruffles are seen decorating necklines and skirts in certain staple pieces from collections such as Giambasttista Valli, Balmain, and Sonia Rykiel who have all paired beautiful dresses with perfectly complimentary boots, my favourite being the nude knee high boots modeled in Balmain's collection.

4. Casual Capes

Capes are a trend that I am dying to get my hands on and it they are my all time favourite pieces modeled in Paris Fashion Week. Shown by designers by Chanel and Chloe this is bound to be a trend of popular demand this year; paired with everyday casual clothes or even a smart look, capes are a perfect way to dress up the outfit.

Katie

 ♥