HAPPY NEW YEAR (AND HAUL)

PEARHEAD FUN FRIENDS WOOD BANK - ALLIE ALLIGATOR 

I know. Why does a 20 year old buy stuff that are meant to be for babies. It's so cute though! I actually bought this from work using my Boots points so I don't feel as bad. It's made from wood and quite a decent size (creepy photo of me holding it for reference). It's currently residing on top of my cabinet storage thing. I love her! Though I want to rename it Theodore.... so I love him! 

JORDANS MUESLI

Came home to find 6 boxes of these.... thanks parents! My cereal of choice is muesli with some soya milk and throw in some extra raisins and nuts if I feel like it. I particularly like Jordans muesli's because they have no added salt, artificial flavourings, colourings or preservatives. You can find them in most supermarkets and they border the a bit pricey but OK bracket. For me anyway, Student budget here . 

KOREAN HAUL (IF IT LOOKS A BIT GRUBBY IT'S BECAUSE ONE THE MASKS EXPLODED)

YAY. The package from my sister arrived. I basically asked for skin masks because Korean skin masks are the bomb. I prefer the skin sheet mask ones because I just leave them on over night (probably shouldn't) and wake up to plumped up skin. P.S the nail polish is really good... watery but dries really fast and shiny. WIN.

ESCENTRIC MOLECULES - MOLECULE 01

I read the reviews. I got it. Currently into fragrances and this sounded pretty amazing. 'Unique' individual scent on everyone and with reviews of people literally chasing you down to know what you're wearing. This sounded interesting. I'm still testing this out..... I want results!

MARC JACOBS OH! LOLA

My best friend got me this set for my birthday/Christmas. We don't really do presents for each anymore just because it felt kind of pointless having a set budget and basically asking for something you wanted. But I guess being the big 21 is a bigger deal than other birthdays (we'll be at uni again so won't see each other.... I'm still 20)? Anyway it was a nice surprise because I've worn Marc Jacob's Lola before so I'm interested in this reincarnation. Marc Jacobs fan too of course. She knows me well.

SOURCE

TOM FORD BLACK ORCHID

I bought the 100ml. Yep I did it. 

Speaking of fragrances here's some of my fragrances stuffed into a Paperchase mug packaging. My flatmate chipped one of my mugs by them..... *NOOOOOO*. 

REMINGTON PEAR CURLING WAND C195

TOTAL impulse buy. I don't think I *actually* need this but fast forward me watching a YouTube video using this and 5* reviews all over the 'net.... I got it. I've not tried this yet, but I have high hopes I can master it without burning myself. I hope. 

 SHU UEMURA NATURAL PORTABLE BRUSH 14

I got this brush for £9.50. STEAL STEAL STEAL. I usually stock up on all things Shu Uemura when they have sales knocking about because they do REALLY good sales on their stuff. This brush I'm thinking of using for highlighting. 

 OFFICE NIGHTHAWK STUD 

I like boots that are leather with stud detailing. These boots fit the bill. 

I-D COVERS 1980– 2010

Part of my growing collection of coffee table books. This book is great if you are into fashion, publishing and make-up of course. Each cover is so inspiring and of course plenty of Kate covers for me to swoon over.

BIOTHERM SKIN PERFECTION GIFT SET

I'm actually a fan of Biotherm skin care but guess what made me buy this gift set... the box. The box is illustrated by Ingela P Arrhenius. I love her work of whimsical retro? I suck at describing stuff but I wanted the box to keep stuff in (I collect gift boxes too)... and I'm not complaining about the skin care inside.

 I wanted to throw this beauty in. This was Christmas day and I was really really ILL. I was literally just blowing my nose every 20 seconds whilst watching crap on the tv. I'm barefaced here. Oh the art of make-up.... thank-you. 

Hey guys, another new year! Well almost. I usually do a soppy post every year so this won't be an exception. Thank-you so much for  supporting my blog and I'm so grateful for all my followers! I've not blogged as much as I wanted to this year but I'll try and juggle my time better because I do miss playing with make-up and showing you guys.
 Have a happy new year :D
x x x

DEMON OOMPA-LOOMPA

SOURCE

Yep, this is seriously my reference source. As always I ended up drifting directions but maybe you can see elements I took and also changed.

I'm in my work clothes... orange is such a weird colour to pull off. But this is someone who ALWAYS wears black. 

Extra photo. Such a cute ear cup! I know it's meant to be for children but surely you wouldn't give a child a ceramic cup to begin with right?!

Hey guys, It's been a long LONG time. I broke up from uni almost two weeks ago and I've just been working full time at work before my contract as a temp ends. I don't know how people with full time jobs do it, I'm so knackered by the end of it. Plus I'm currently down with some cold/illness... either passed on by a friend or from Newcastle's wet weather. Probably both. 

Anyway make-up talk! My friend described me looking like a  "demon oompa-loompa." I get the demon part I guess. It's also got an 80s vibe to it I think.  Exploring colour placement and just messing around. I've not played with make-up in such a long time.

Before I forget, it's Christmas today. So happy holidays fellow followers! Think I'm most happy with the fact I won't be hearing anymore Christmas songs at work (two months of it FML)  anymore and explaining what 3 for 2 means. Whilst mentioning work I only have two shifts left till I'm done-zo. I'm really going to miss working at Boots. I worked with the nicest people ever and everyone was so Geordie haha! 

Speak to you guys soon, I've already got a planned post ready so you'll see me soon. Really this time.

LINER CHALLENGE

If I look tired it's because I did these after uni!

Hey guys, finally a make-up post. Would of posted this sooner but we had no internet for 4 days..... bearable, but annoying. Anyway this will be a part of a continuing series because I think it's quite cool to see how many ways you can use black eyeliner to 'change' the eyes. For most of them it's just gel eyeliner and some concealer to clean the edges or highlight areas. I do these on top of my existing day make-up so if you see brown eye-shadow that's why.

Hope you like some of the styles I came up with!

HAULIN ' 14 AND RAMBLE

DR MARTENS 1460 BOOT IN STRAWBERRY THEIF

 My most expensive purchase EVER. But I've always wanted some Dr Martens and you guys know my love for prints. And who better for prints than Liberty London! I'm still breaking them and they are perfect for Newcastle's hormonal weather. ALWAYS carry an umbrella with you. 

IKEA - EIVOR CURTAINS

My parents actually got me these during my last week at home LOL. They know me so well. I love the illustration and this is with me being picky over styles I like.

Hey guys, this haul is actually from September. Damn for having planned posts and totally forgetting about them. 

Anyway I feel like a ramble so here we go:

• *Think* I'm officially (self diagnosed) caffeine/coffee intolerant. Which sucks because I occasionally need the 'buzz' and I enjoy drinking the stuff, but my body is like NO!
• I HATE CHRISTMAS. There I said it. I am the Asian version of The Grinch. I don't get the whole hyped up corporate idea of it all and work playing Christmas songs on repeat drives me insane. HYPOCRITE ALERT: I'm very aware I have my temp' job because of it. So I like you just a tiny bit more. P.S the L.F family is generally very blase about Christmas.... hence it rubbing it off on me. Nice to see family, but everything else I don't care about.
• I've switched to the image-making stream within graphic design! This was messing with my head for a good while (Allan became my rock - thank-you). I think publishing is fascinating... but I wasn't enjoying it as much I felt I should be? And I didn't want to be one of those people who was just learning something for the sake of it being beneficial in the long run. No guaranteed job either way so I might as well enjoy myself. Image-making is still as challenging so L.F is still stressed, but happy.
• Something a bit more personal.... but I kind of wish I would like people my own age. I know I don't have to but I feel kind of weird always being attracted to people older than me. Anyone in real life reading this NO I DON'T FANCY ANY OF OUR TUTORS. Certain lecturers maybe... *whistles*.
• Speaking of attraction, my close family seem to think I'm a closet lesbian. Just because I've never brought anyone home (I don't think I ever would) and I have an ouvert interest in women doesn't make me gay. I can see why you worry mum.... but it's ok. 
• I'm a convert to soya milk. The unsweetened and organic kind. Yum.
• I've not had any alcohol in nearly 2 months. It's kind of been a conscience decision but my 'motto' for the bin-juice is : if I'm going to drink, I'm going to get totally wasted. So I like to save it up.... and as a flat (minus one) we are off to a house party this weekend, which is great because you can talk shit with people you won't ever see..... ish. Well they won't remember you. I weirdly seem to remember EVERYTHING when I'm drunk. 
• And I'm going to end it with something a bit more positive and cliche, but for most things in life: just follow your heart and don't do things for others.... it's your life. 

HAULIN ' 13

 CALOURETTE OS RING

Yep, another Calourette piece. It's apparently a mouses femur bone. 

ROB RYAN
Something I should do more often. Oh and it's the perfect 'mug' size.... my Paperchase one's are too small. Damn you cute illustrations that allure me each time. 

 Pretty cool bag. Personally not a fan of the illustration though.

 L'OCCITAINE EAU DES BAUX EAU DE TOILETTE

Yes, it's technically for men. It's a dupe for Tom Ford's tabacco vanille, which smells divine and is also really really expensive (yes, I've contemplated buying it before). I'm rubbish at describing scents but if you wear Tom Ford's black orchid it's along the same vein. P.S for a EDT this lasts *really* well, so it's a really good deal for 100ml. I'll be wearing this a lot. So anyone in real life... I'm wearing this. 

LANCOME LA VIE EST BELLE

Think I'm bi-polar with scents.. this is a complete opposite of the above. Really sweet/girly'feminine and maybe cloying for some but the longevity of this fragrance is awesome. It lasts all day. I wear this when I know it's going to be a long day and when I feel Tom Ford's black orchid is too 'much'. P.S the bottle comes with a ribbon btw, but I accidentally yanked it off.

I was introduced to them back in high school but never got into them. Fast track a couple of years it's what I'm currently listening to. 

I've had this album on repeat far too much to admit. It's a bit 'different' to the usual stuff I listen to but I'm a total convert. ZEF SIDE 4 LYF. 

The lyrics. 

Hey guys, yep it's the usual uni' work and with my new job (bye weekends), I find fitting in time for make-up hard. I'll show my face/make-up soon.

Thanks guys x

L.F RAMBLES - LINES AND LIFE

So I finally had time to play with make-up. I started off with thin lines but I got more bolder and more graphic (ba-doosh). Playing with shapes, so ones more angular and ones more rounded.

Gel eyeliner, concealer and a flat shader brush to soften the lines. It's not perfect but fun to play around and experiment with proportions. Do you guys like the left or right eye? 

I got this note with some chocolates on my first day. Yay. Yes I ate the chocolate btw. Naughty food... give me bad stares.

Hey guys, since my last update life has been pretty crazy and uni' work kind of took over. To people who say design subjects is 'easy'. It's not. It's solving problems with no 'real' answer. You can't just find a textbook solution. Unless you go down the whole plagiarism route. Err not cool. Anyway I was going round in circles when stuff finally clicked and I had a week to pretty much do a final version of my publication. Stayed up for stupid hours, plenty of coffee (think I can drink the stuff again) and I decided to sleep in on the day of presentation (I managed to finish all loose ends still *phew*). So this weekend has been bliss for me. No library. I'm homeee. 

And more exciting news is I've scored my first retail job finally. I'm a Christmas temp but I work for Boots! I work in the flagship store (for Newcastle) too so it's huge and busy. I had my first shift yesterday and I love it. I'm part of the Christmas department so lots of restocking and time seems to just fly past.

My manager (who interviewed me) is super awesome and I'm pretty sure I managed to get it because I mentioned about my  freelance make-up side. During the interview I had to 'sell' a lipstick to a customer and I think I impressed her with it. THANK-YOU MY POINTLESS KNOWLEDGE FOR ALL THINGS MAKE-UP.

The next post will probably be Halloween related make-up. Our house is off to a flat party and we have to dress up as Rocky Horror Show characters. Ugh. I don't actually like the film (sorry) and Magenta who has the coolest make-up has been stolen by a flat mate.

Anyway extra positive vibes and smiles.... because I have to for work ;) I think my natural 'thinking' face is moody looking because EVERYONE including strangers always tell me to smile. I'm fine honest. 

HALLOWEEN - ALEX DELARGE INSPIRED

SOURCE
Good film and..... the lashes. Such an iconic character. 

A.J being erm A.J, No serious model face.

KEY PRODUCTS:

SPIKY LONG PAIR OF FALSE EYELASHES
BLACK EYELINER

Hey guys, something a bit fun! You might remember A.J from last year in his epic Halloween get up. 

A.J was wearing really formal clothes for a night out anyway, so we decided to go all Alex DeLarge. I've intensified the eyes a bit more with black eyeliner.

This could be a really good Halloween costume idea for anyone who doesn't want to look gory or zombie-esque. Super simple :)

L.F RAMBLES - LIFESTYLE CHANGE

Something I used to do when I first started make-up (just do one eye). Flatmate said I looked like a panda.

Hey guys, so not my usual sort of post, but I feel kind of comfortable talking about it since I've been pretty dedicated for a couple of months and for life now!
I've always been overweight/chubby/fat from a young age (I've never been at a healthy weight for my height and age) and to be honest I wasn't kind of fazed by it.... I got used to it and kind of in denial with it. And that's NOT normal or healthy.
I've strangely not been *that* insecure with my body image (didn't hate or love... just meh about it) and that's with me being friends with people who can literally eat tons of shit and not put on any weight. My best friend (born couple of days after me) is a natural size 4/6... FML. BUT this summer I caved in to my parents persistent nags to do something about it. I usually just shrugged off any weight comments from them, but I did put on weight during uni (my downfall is I tend to binge eat when stressed..... uni IS stress) and I was at my heaviest. Changing my eating habits wasn't going to be enough. I HAD TO MOVE. There I said it.... EXERCISE. I'm just lazy. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, I was just lazy.

Anyway I bit the bullet and joined the gym for the first time ever during the summer. I'd say the first month didn't really count because I was stupidly unfit so I didn't do as much as I'd like because of aches and pains. Second month the aches literally vanished. Or I just got used to it. I also fine tuned the classes (approx 45 min) I liked and built up a weekly routine. Generally the minimum was 1 class and 1 hour at the gym 7 days a week. Sometimes I'd have a day off which was usually when I did  2 classes/tired. I know it sounds a bit extreme but once you start going to the gym I felt guilty if I didn't go. PLUS I only had to work 3 days a week (in the evenings) and rest of the time I was free. Obviously if I was in pain I'd rest but if I felt fine I'd go.
The good thing about me is I am a dedicated person, so I didn't feel or want to slack off. It's go home or go hard mentality with me. My favourite classes were Kettlercise and Les Mills Bodycombat. I tried not to miss these classes because - they were fun and make you work your ass off.
Funny story is me doing a spin class during my first week at the gym. Somehow in my head it didn't look so bad......wrong. SPIN IS FOR BADASSES. My legs were literally like jelly the day after and that's with me not doing all the resistance changes they were doing.

This might be highly anti climatic but I've NOT lost a *huge* amount of weight in terms of on the scales. No ones actually noticed much but the main thing is I CAN TELL. I can fit back into the jeans I was wearing 7 years ago *and* they are getting baggier. That was a hallelujah moment. I've lost more in terms of inches and that's fine but I've still got a long way to ago. Ironically, I'm more conscious of my body now then before. 
I know most people have goals but mine is literally as long as I'm happy in front the mirror. Most 'Asians' are usually a size 4/6/8, but I don't know if I'll ever be like that. I've got a bit of a bust for starters, which is unusual haha.

Anyway I thought I'd share some tips if anyone is in the same boat. Take these with a pinch of salt. If your  weight is 'normal', ignore these. I'm a bit of an extremist when I get into things.

• IT'S NOT A DIET, IT'S A LIFESTYLE CHANGE. 
• DON'T BUY 'TEMPTATION' FOOD AT ALL. IF YOU BUY IT YOU'LL EAT IT SOONER OR LATER.
• KEEP THINGS SIMPLE. CUT OUT ANY 'EXTRAS' LIKE CHEESE, CHIPS, BUTTER, OIL, MAYO, KETCHUP ETC. IT'LL ALL ADD UP IN THE LONG RUN
• AVOID UNNECESSARY LIQUID CALORIES SUCH AS JUICES/CORDIALS/FIZZY DRINKS. TRY GREEN TEA OR WATER.
• JUST SAY NO. EVEN IF YOUR FLATMATES ARE ALL HAVING PIZZA,  I RATHER JUST SAY NO (THANKS) THEN TO TEMPT MYSELF AND HAVE A BIT. 
• LET OTHERS AROUND YOU KNOW YOU ARE IN A HEALTH KICK. I FIND THIS KEEPS ME ON TRACK IF I WANT TO EAT BAD* STUFF. 
• READ THE RDA/CALORIE LABELS. THIS HELPS ME TO DECIDE WHAT TO BUY/EAT.
• BE COMMITTED. THERE IS NO POINT EATING HEALTHILY BUT STILL HAVING THE ODD JUNK FOOD REGULARLY.
• EXERCISE AND EATING HEALTHY WORK IN SYNERGY. YOU GOT TO DO BOTH.
• YOU ARE DOING THIS FOR HEALTH REASONS NOT JUST FOR AESTHETIC REASONS.
• DON'T HAVE REGULAR 'FUCK IT' DAYS/WEEKS. THINK OF THE HARD WORK YOU'VE PUT IN. THE FIRST COUPLE OF WEEKS IS HARD. 
• TRY NOT TO HAVE FAST FOOD/GO OUT FOR MEALS TOO OFTEN. HOME COOKING = KNOW AND IN CONTROL OF WHAT YOU PUT IN. 
• SWEAT= WORKING HARD. PUSH YOURSELF.
• HEALTHY EATING DOESN'T HAVE TO BE EXPENSIVE. GO TO LOCAL MARKETS FOR FRESH FRUIT/VEG.
• HEALTHY COOKING = BOIL/STEAM/GRILL.
• YOU HAVE TO WANT TO DO IT. 
• YOU CAN HAVE CHEAT FOOD/DAYS BUT IN MODERATION.
• START TODAY. NOT TOMORROW, NEXT WEEK OR NEXT MONTH. 
• TRY TO CUT OUT CARBS IN THE EVENING. YES I LOVE IT AND MISS IT TOO. 
• GO TO A GYM WITH CLASSES, I FOUND THESE TO BE REALLY FUN AND MOTIVATING. I WENT TO THE VILLAGE IN LEEDS AND THE STAFF (HI ANITA AND IZA)/FACILITIES WERE MINT. 
• STARTING OFF CAN BE DIFFICULT BUT DON'T GIVE UP ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU SEE ALL THE GYM BUNNIES AT THE GYM.
• GET A GYM BUDDY! YOU CAN GOSSIP AND WORK OUT.
• HAVE FUN! OR GROW TO LOVE THESE CHANGES. IT SHOULD BECOME SECOND NATURE.

Hope you guys found this post interesting. If I lose any major significant weight I might do another one of these but for now I'm just going to stick with what I'm doing. Feel free to leave any suggestions/recommendations you find helpful. If you ever see me eating bad stuff give me a good evil stare!
  
*My current 'bad' food is sushi. I used to love eating M&S cheese puffs (like wotsits) too... OH THE GOOD DAYS.

L.F DOES A/W - RED DRAGON

SOURCE

My main inspiration. I was actually drawn to the rust and orange undertones but then the red/pinks started taking over!

SOURCE

The placement of everything was based on this. I wanted it all to interconnect.

Ahh the lighting in my room sucks. Think I'll have to do make-up during the day from now on.

KEY PRODUCTS:

MAC PIGMENT - ELECTRIC CORAL

NYX JUMBO EYE PENCIL - RUST

BENEFIT - EYE BRIGHT

NYX LIPLINER - RED HOT

SUGARPILL EYESHADOW - LOVE+

BENEFIT CREASELESS CREAM SHADOW/LINER - BUSY SIGNAL

MUFE FLASH COLOUR - CORAL

Hey guys, so I'm back. OFFICIALLY! I've just been settling in my new house and uni routine so I've put off any fun make-up stuff till everything was sorted. I'm kind of in a weird situation with uni but I'm getting on with it.

Back to makeup! I actually wanted to have a main emphasis on orange and burnt reds. You can still see it but not as much as I wanted. Once I start adding pinks and reds I always go crazy. I've lightened the brows and I have velvet lips going on too.

I think make-up time/day off day is every Saturday, so expect a make-up look every weekend and I'll squeeze in anything extra when I can.

Miss you all! 

L.F RAMBLES - BLINK!

The song that got me into them. Oh and Tom Delonge was the first of many realistic fan girl crushes ;)

Yes, I kept the confetti from the show.

Short story: I went to see* Blink-182. The band that epitomised my early teens *fan girl moment*.
Even though Blink 182 was my favourite band at the time, I eventually branched out and I didn't really listen to much of their music for at least a good 4 years. I didn't even check out their latest album until a couple of weeks before the gig. So when I was there kind of surprised myself that I still knew all the lyrics to their songs. 

I managed to somehow get to the front-ish (about 3/4 rows behind the barrier). And it was a really good time jumping about like a loon. Oh The All American Rejects also supported. NOSTALGIA - geez 10 fricken years has passed. Damn. 

Anyway they were really good and the atmosphere of it all was ace. CRAZY hot (Mark said it was the hottest gig they've had so far) and with the bonus of being pressed against really sweaty men. MY FAV'.

So a bit like after The Kills gig, I'm listening to a lot of Blink now and getting into them again. Memories!
While in rant mode:

• Gigs should be in height order - I know you can't control your height but us 5 footers can't see jack. I was tip toeing!
• PUT YO PHONE DOWN AND ENJOY THE LIVE MUSIC.

*I was meant to post this AGES ago. I saw them in June!

THE 'HELLO MARGARET!' PROJECT

The film in all its glory! I'm even in the credits section at the end. I did all the make-up apart from opening 'tear' scene. 

The 'day' looks I had to do for the characters Lucy, Daisy and Ruby. I was given quite open briefs for each character but even though this was a fashion film Jenny still wanted the characters to look 'real' - so I had to create looks that were wearable (wouldn't look out of place in the streets) but still with an edge.

I've included this photo as a before and after with how I adapted the brows after reviewing the photos from the first day. The brows were over plucked but I didn't 'deal' with them effectively so..... 

This is the second day and hopefully you can see the brows look more fuller and overall more flattering to the face. With the Daisy character she had to have an 'edgy' look. I decided she could have a 60s mod vibe to her with the statement eyes and nude lips.

Ruby was the rock chick out of the gang. I played around with black eyeliner and cream textures to create a greasy creased look. She has a more 'distressed' vibe going on and I played around with creating the outer wings of the eyes by dabbing brush marks using the cream to create a feathered effect. For the lips I went for a stained red, focusing the colour on the inner parts of the lips and faded the edges using a cotton bud tip.

Ruby's look had to look 'well put together' so this make-up was more muted and I did a classic smokey brown eye with gold cream dabbed onto the inner corners just to liven things up.

Onto the experimental looks for the characters! This was probably my favourite look from the whole project. Ruby is still rocking the rock chick vibe but it's much cleaner as I decided to go with precise winged eyeliner, painted lower lashes, pink neon lips and holographic stars and glitter to the face. It's quite simple but it has such a statement factor. She was also a dream to work with because her skin and facial features were a make-up artists DREAM.

Daisy's gone to the dark side. I had Brody Dalle vibes going through my head whilst doing her make-up. Playing around with navy tones and a winged shape. For the lips I decided to go all out on the stained inner lip effect. P.S Ruby's look was just an amped up version of her existing day make-up with added glitter!

Hey guys so I'm finally sharing with you the super cool project I was involved with! Jenny (founder of Hello Margaret!) basically asked me if I wanted to do the make-up for a commercial for her fashion company. And of course I said yes!

It was a 4 day shoot with a really tight deadline because it had to be done in time for the  launch of her website, but the video is brilliant (not biased at all). I'm really proud to be part of it and I got to work with such a fantastic group of creatives. 

Hope you guys like the video and here's a link to the backstage photos so you can see more of the makeup.