Leavers Prom 2014

Leavers Prom 2014 

This post is long overdue, my prom was last month and I have meant to do this post for a while but I have just been so so busy. The post will be a mixture of "What's On My Face" as well as all about my dress and the accessories I chose! 

Whats On My Face:
I did my own makeup for Prom using all my own products. My friend Hannah (who also did my hair) helped me aswell as we were running a little late and had like 15 minutes to do my makeup ! Stress !
Face:
No 7 Colour Calming Primer, No 7 concealer in 'Cool Vanilla', Dior Foundation in 'Nude', No 7 Pressed Powder in 'Translucent', No 7 Bronzer, Rimmel London Blusher in 'Pink Rose'
Eyes:
 Urban Decay Eye Primer, 'Cinnamon' Eye Shadow from my Estee Lauder palette, 'Barlust' and 'Kinky' from my Urban Decay smokey eye palette, No 7 Stay Precise Liquid Eyeliner, Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara in Black, Rimmel London Scandal Eyes mascara in Black and finally BROWdrama in Dark Blonde on my eyebrows
Lips:
Mac Lipstick in Creme Cup and Rimmel London Royal Gloss in 'Yummy' 

----------------------------------------

Hair: 

 Hannah is a hairdresser so she kindly came round to do my hair. After many different styles we practised we went with 4 french plaits back to half way across my head with little bits curled at the front. The back plaits crossed over and joined each other and we put little diamonds in there. The rest of my hair was loosely curled. 

----------------------------------------

Outfit:

My dress (above) was a peachy colour, full length and strapless. It was very different from my Year 11 prom dress (which was black). I thought it was a bright, stand out choice. 

----------------------------------------

Accessories: 

My shoes & bag were matching and both from Next. The clutch bag was given to me as a birthday present from a lady at work, and it miraculously went very well with my prom dress as the colour of my dress was hard to match! The shoes we then found in next when shopping with my mom, it was all very lucky! Both the bag and shoes were a metallic shimmery colour, and quite subtle yet set the dress of nicely (I thought). Up until I had my dress on prom day and was ready to go downstairs I had no accessories I assumed that because my hair would be down I wouldn't need a necklace, how wrong I was. Once the dress was on and my make up and hair was done, I panicked - I definitely needed some accessories to go with it! My friends were coming round in like 10 minutes time and I had no accessories to wear - stress (again). My mom saved the day by rummaging through her many draws and accessory boxes and found the matching necklace, bracelet and earrings that she has had 'for years' apparently but hardly wore them. I couldn't believe how well they matched my dress and how much they completed the whole outfit, we were all in shock!

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Thoughts on a Thursday #3 - Technology Takeover

You've left your house and you're 10 minutes away from wherever you need to be, you're already running late. You're rummaging round the bottom of your bag trying to feel for your phone. You can't feel it, you start to think back to when you left your house, you start rummaging through your bag quicker. Your heart starts beating faster, you're getting slightly annoyed with yourself and even more panicked. Where is your phone? You can't find it. You've definitely forgot it. You suddenly remember seeing it on the work surface at home in your kitchen, you walked straight past it. What now? What do you do? Can you cope the day without your phone? Can you make it to work/to school/to uni to wherever you're going without it? Or is it so important that you turn back, risk being late and grab it.

For most of us, the connection to our smartphone, iPods, tablets, laptops etc is borderline obsessive. They contain our whole lives, they give us access to our friends, family etc and potentially they are used for our jobs and hobbies. But surely this is normal now right? It's normal to walk down the road and for people to be attached to their electronic device, to have earphones in their ear, to be reading of a screen or talking into their phone.

Technology advances every single day and to some extent, it has become a necessity in our lives;  iPads and computers are used in schools, apps are used to monitor our health and fitness, you can order your shopping online and you can manage your bank account via your phone. Therefore it is easy to see why technology is well and truly taking over our lives, in today's society it is difficult to live without it.

So when is it a little too much? Many will agree that it is rude to text when with other people, it is antisocial to check Facebook or twitter for the billionth time when sitting having a conversation with another living, breathing human being. I know that I feel a bit put out when I'm with my friends and we're talking and having fun and suddenly I realise there not actually listening to me instead there scrolling through Instagram or texting somebody else, and then you feel a sense of unimportance, that your friend would rather interact with this tiny little device than you. It becomes even more overwhelming when your sitting in a room with 3 other people, or in a restaurant and you look up and realise every single one of you is engrossed in their phones. Probably reading a tweet that they've read before, or that they could read later. Then I realise we are wasting valuable time, time where we can learn about each other, share opinions, laugh and have fun. Instead we're all staring into a tiny little screen, looking at things that probably aren't as interesting as the people sitting in front of us.

I am as much interested in technology as the next person, and I am in no way trying to insinuate that we should go back to living without technology. I just think everybody needs to calm down a little bit, and make sure we appreciate whats in front of us before it is too late (a little morbid haha). Some suggestions from me, have a certain time in the day when you do not use you're phone at all, example dinner time, there is no need to have your phone next to you whilst sitting having your family meal of an evening. Secondly, turn your phone completely off when you go to bed, there is no need to be woken up-to texts or reminders. Read your reminders before you turn it off and use a real alarm clock in the morning, this way you are more likely to have a good nights sleep without any interruptions. This is also good for the phone as it allows it to recharge. Lastly, leave your devices alone, there is no need to take your phone with you to go on a run, embrace nature, leave it in another room. I promise you it won't run away!

I know that in todays world technology plays a big, big part, but we must be careful that we still are the ones in control, don't be controlled by a tiny little machine!

Thoughts on a Thursday #2 - #LikeAGirl

This is kind of a weird post as it was inspired by the YouTube advert by 'Always' which I know is a brand which sells girly products and the boys reading are gonna be like eww this is about periods and what not, however it's not. The advert is basically about sexism, about how the phrase 'Like a girl' (run like a girl, throw like a girl) is seen as humiliating, and that being a girl is seen as negative.

Which led me to think about sexism, sexist behaviour and what it truly is to be a woman in the 21st Century. Society has come a long, long way - women no longer have to stay at home washing and cleaning, it is no longer unusual for women to earn their own money. Men and women are of the same status, and although there are some people who still believe men are superior and women inferior, generally as a society we see men and women as equals.

The advert led me to think, what is it about throwing like a girl that is so negative? Running like a girl? Kicking, punching, screaming, acting, etc etc. Is this because us 'girls' are supposed to be weak, and a throw by a girl will be a weak throw, a race ran by a girl will be a slow race?

      

Young girls these days have many strong, powerful women they can look up-to and aspire to be like. With the ever-growing media emphasis on our lives, you do not have to look far to see women in the spotlight doing women proud. Young girls may watch sports channels on the TV and see women performing at the Olympics, showing that running, kicking, throwing like a girl is definitely not negative. They might tune into the apprentice and see women owning business', making lots of money for themselves in their own name, their own way. Or they may turn on the music channels and see Women dominating the charts.

There are many organisations just for women; Girl guiding for example, girl guiding is at the forefront of empowering women and giving young girls opportunities to develop and grow, and give them confidence within themselves. Being a girl, a lady, a woman is certainly not something to be humiliated by, being a woman opens many many doors. Sure, being a man has its benefits, but in my opinion, being a girl is fab, and if anything something to be extremely proud of and happy about. 

I could talk about this a whole lot more but these "Thoughts on a Thursday" posts are not meant to drown you in my opinions, just short and sweet snippets of what's in my mind! Check back next week for #3 ! :) 

See the advert that inspired this post here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjJQBjWYDTs 

Whats On My Face?

This edition of 'Whats on my face' (see my previous post here) focuses on Summer make-up! 

I have recently bought a few new products that I wanted to share with you all, and I have also found an old blusher that I use to use, and have rekindled my love for it!  

The products I've already spoken about on Blondiei are part of my everyday makeup. 

1. No 7 Stay Perfect Super light Foundation in 'Cool Vanilla'
2. No 7 Concealer also in 'Cool Vanilla'
3. No 7 Perfect Light Pressed Powder in 'Translucent' 
4. Rimmel London Exaggerate Eye Liner in Black
5. Maybelline New York 'Illegal Length' Mascara in Black
6. Rimmel London 'ScandalEyes' Mascara in Black
7. Mac Lipstick in 'Creme Cup' 

The above are obviously all my favourite everyday necessities, and i'd recommend them to anyone. If you're going to get the No 7 face makeup i'd suggest speaking to one of the makeup artists at the counter as they can do a match for you. 

Okay, now to the exciting bit. The new products i've been using..

No 7 Perfectly Bronzed Bronzer, this was recommended to me by the lady in No 7 I explained my skin colouring and about how i'd run out of my Ted Baker bronzer and she suggested this and I couldn't be more happy with it. It is smooth on the skin, the colour is perfect and it is really easy to use and apply! 

Natural Collection Blusher in 'Peach Melba'. I found this when sorting out my old make up bag, there was still a fair bit left in so I thought why not bring this into my current make-up bag!? And i'm glad I did, its a lovely light pink colour and gives a gorgeous colour to the apples of my cheek. 

Maybelline New York 'BROWdrama' in Dark Blonde, I was always very sceptical about colouring in my eyebrows as my eyebrows are very light. So I've always been nervous about doing it. I saw this product in boots and thought why not give it a go? And i'm really happy with it. I use just one coat on my eyebrows and its colours them and shapes them all in one go. Also I saw Rosie talk about these in her youtube video on 'Drugstore Starter Kit' and she raved about this which reassured me :)
(https://www.youtube.com/user/MsRosieBea)

                                                           
Maybelline New York Super Stay Lip Gloss in 'Delicious Pink', This is a really cool idea, firstly you put on the lip colouring which then stains your lips, you leave it to dry for a minute or so then apply the gloss which gives it a shine! It lasts all day and I love the colour! 

Thoughts on a Thursday #1 // 'Growing up'

Growing Up

Today I had my last exam and officially finished my A-Levels, therefore technically I've finished school completely. I know that we are still classed as students until the end of the academic year blah blah, but nonetheless I'm free. I could have potentially finished education forever, depending how well I turn out to do in my exams. This is the beginning of the rest of my life, without sounding dramatic, it really is true. I am no longer in the scheme of having to be educated, it is now my choice - I could go to Uni, I could travel, I could get a job. The world is my oyster. 

Half of me feels accomplished, happy, stress-free, the other half, anxious and apprehensive. This summer is going to be so very good, I have so many good things lined up and I am so excited. However depending on what happens on the 14th August(Results Day) could shape my whole life. I feel very excited for the future, obviously it is daunting. There are many decisions that will have to made, huge watts of responsibility on my shoulders but I am surrounded by very positive people and I have a huge support system in place. Therefore as scary as the future is, I embrace it with open arms. 

Growing up is a confusing idea for me, as at 18 years old, I am considered 'Grown up'. I'm mature, I have a job, I have a car, I can vote, I can get married and therefore I am an adult. I think I am quite mature, and I can understand why 18 is the age of adolescence. I know my own mind and I know what is right and wrong, I know what is fair and unfair. However I do still sometimes get it wrong, sometimes I do feel as though I could have done better, I've maybe gone about something the wrong way. As a child, I assumed adults and grown ups were all very clued up, always knew what to do and would always be kind and helpful. I would look at girls in the years above me at school, and couldn't wait to be like them, couldn't wait to know myself and have it all figured out. I've now realised that this is not the case at all, everybody is human. It doesn't matter what age we are, we all make mistakes, we all have different views and we all have different ideas.

Life is a scary thing, but it is an amazing thing. It is the most incredible journey, and to think we are still in the first stages of life, still teenagers, thats even better. We really do have our whole lives ahead of us and we still have the chance to be whatever we want to be. When I think about how much i've learnt in the past 2 years, it's so exciting to think what i'll learn in the next 2 years, and the 2 years after that. We are all still growing, at no age do we stop growing, at no age do we stop learning. Life is full of growing up and of realising who we are and who we're supposed to be and I cannot wait for the rest of my life!

Update, Apologies and New Blog Series!

Recently i've been very inactive on the blogging front, Blondiei has been at the bottom of my to do as I am currently sitting my A-Levels. I only have one more week of revising and I will be free and then I intend to blog lots and lots. So huge apologies for the lack of posts! I promise I will make up for it!

Here's a few photos of what i've been up-to since we last spoke!  

Safari Park with the girlies, it was a really hot and sunny day so we had took a picnic and headed to the safari park! We did the safari, had our picnic and then went on the rides, which was absolutely hilarious, oh and I almost got my hand bitten off by that nasty little buggar down there ! 

  

After 7 years at my secondary school I was very sad to leave. As much as i've slagged school off and moaned about work, exams etc etc. I really will miss it! Emosh! On the penultimate day me and my friends had a watertight which was funny and on the last day we had our leavers Eucharist which was so cute as all pictures from the younger years were put up (embarrassing but funny) I really will miss seeing my friends every day although I know i'll stay in contact with my close friends ! 

 

My friend Alex celebrated her 18th birthday the week we left school and she had a big party at a hotel and the theme was 'The Great Gatsby' which I just absolutely loved, I LOVE the book (if you haven't read it you should) and the film is pretty good too! Alex's party was so so good and everybody really enjoyed themselves. Everybody dressed up to the theme and it was such a good atmosphere in there! I wore a little blue dress with all embellishments and tassels on which my mom found in TKMaxx for £30 (I was well chuffed) as the dresses I was originally looking at were much more expensive! I paired it with a purple fur wrap around for effect but it didn't take me long to take it of as it was extremely hot in there, my friend Hannah did my hair (I've mentioned her before - she's a hairdresser) and I just wore plain nude heels! Wish I could relive that night as it was honestly so good, Well Done Alex (I know you're reading this and smiling to yourself) ! 

    

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NEW BLOG SERIES!

Next week (hopefully if all goes to plan) I will be starting a new blog series called 'Thoughts on a Thursday'. Every thursday a new post will go up with a different topic/different opinions. I have quite a few ideas but if there is anything you really want to know my opinion on then definitely comment and I will try and use it :) I'd love to go more in-depth on here into what I think about things, what I agree/disagree with (to an extent of course). I think it will be really interesting and fun for me, and fun for you all to read too! And I can't keep writing about my favourite lipstick every week, therefore thoughts on a thursday will hopefully be a bit more interesting for some readers who read lots of beauty blogs and are a bit bored of this stuff! But for those of you who like the beauty and lifestyle posts, fear not as I will still be featuring those too!


So make sure you check back next thursday and hopefully the first instalment of 'Thoughts on a Thursday' will be up!

The Fishtail Braid

I used to think this look was so pretty and so different, yet really complicated and difficult. How wrong I was. Pretty? Yes. Difficult? Definitely not. Admittedly, the first few attempts could go a little wrong, but once you've mastered it 'The Fishtail Braid' is as easy as putting your hair up into a pony tail, its quick and easy and perfect for school or work.

1) I always brush my hair through before beginning to plait as I find it easier to use smooth, knot-free hair, however it will also work with unbrushed hair and day old hair as the plait also looks nice with a messier look to it. This choice is completely up to you and it may be worth trying both options out to see for yourself what you prefer

2) Put all your hair to one side of your head, I use my left side (that is just personal preference because of the way my parting and hair falls)

3) Split the hair into two even sections

4) Take a part from the back of the one section and bring it into the middle of the two, giving it to the other section. Repeat this using the other side. So take a section of hair from the other side and bring it into the middle and give it to the opposite section

5) Keep doing this until you run out of hair to use

6) Try and use a clear hairband if you have one or a thin one as it will look nicer and secure the band around the bottom of the braid to keep it together.

7) I like my fishtail braids to look more messy than neat. To achieve this I pull on the sides of the braid once it is in the hairband to make it messier and bigger.

It literally is as easy as that!

Good Luck :)