FASHION: JustFab Shoes

I went shoe shopping today and just had to share my experience with you guys! My boyfriend discovered (and showed me) JustFab which is an online shop that sells predominantly bags and shoes, but also a few clothes and accessories. As they have a 2 for 1 sale at the moment, and a couple of my heels have broken, I just had to get a couple of heels! They are all so pretty and I had my eye on the two I bought for a couple of weeks because I wasn't sure if I should waste money on more shoes, but I thought about it for so long and couldn't find any cheaper alternatives so I thought, why not? Life's too short to not have lovely shoes! At £35 for two it works out quite inexpensive, especially as high street brands such as Primark and Topshop have risen their prices.

First Shoe: Rynter

As I'm in need of a pair of black boot heels as two of mine have broken because I literally live  in them I bought these. I love the cut outs because it makes them  little edgy, the extra skin showing makes them a little sexier and they perfect for the summer as they will be breathable or with tights for the winter. They are called Rynter- I love that each shoe has a name because it makes them more personal and so much more exotic than just calling them black booties.

They Say: "The perfect harmony of edgy and sexy, this laser-cut stunner hits all the high notes. Caged platform stiletto with cut out detail and back zip."

The Facts:

• Approx. Heel Height: 15 cm / 6"
• Approx. Platform Height: 3.1 cm / 1.25"
• Synthetic Upper
• Man Made Sole
• Imported

Second Shoe: Cosette

As I'm going on holiday soon, I really wanted a pair of summery heels and I thought these were perfect! They come in a variety of colours but I chose torquise because I wanted a bright coloured shoe as I don't have any and as they will go with so many colours in my wardrobe like blue, pink, white, grey etc... Also as they are very strappy, they will make any outfit I wear so much more interesting, as well as add texture to a plain outfit. The straps as well as the pastel shade also make these shoes so romantic which is perfect for this season.

They Say: "Our hearts are crossed – we can’t get enough of Cosette’s caged seduction! Feminine faux suede crisscross straps make their way up your foot and stop at the ankle, highlighting your best assets. Zip back."

The Facts:

• Approx. Heel Height: 12.5 cm / 5"
• Approx. Platform Height: 2.5 cm / 1"
• Synthetic Upper
• Man Made Sole
• Imported

Do tell me if you have bought any shoes from this website and how it went as I love to read your comments!

Love O
x

Inspiration Quote Of The Day

Heya!
I've had a really down day today and I really needed something to lighten my spirits when, I stumbled across this photo. It's such a simple concept but it is really true. I feel like at the moment I want to just do things that make me happy because life is too short to not be and I've been doing things to please others and less-so, for myself. So this cute, short but sweet quote really inspired me to take more control of my happiness.
I also love the photo in the background of the beach because it makes me think of the lovely weather by the beach, making sandcastles and playing in the ocean which makes me super content. So, I thought I'd share this in a post with you guys and hopefully it will make you smile like it did for me!
Love O
x

BEAUTY: Applying Foundation with Fingers Vs Brush

Foundation is a fantastic tool in enhancing beauty, when used correctly. When not applied correctly it can appear streaky, uneven, cakey or just plain awful.  When it comes to liquid foundation, you can apply it with your fingers, a makeup brush, or a sponge. But the big question is, which is best? 

I don't and never have used a sponge, so I won't talk about it as I don't feel like I can have a valid opinion on something I've never used. I will, however, talk about the benefits and disadvantages to using your fingers or a brush when applying liquid foundation and which I use. If you are relatively new to make-up, in the predicament of not knowing which to use or even just simply reading this for no real reason, I hope this will give you some guidance and helpful information. 

The Facts:

Fingers

It is easy to spread and blend because your fingers warm up the foundation.

Always cleanse your hands before applying make-up so that bacteria is not exposed to the skin as this will cause break-outs.

Even after sanitizing your hands, your fingers will still naturally have oils and bacteria.  If you have problems with oily skin or a shiny t-zone, touching your fingers is a definite no, as this will only add more oil to your skin and make it even shinier! 

As your fingers have pores it will naturally soak up some of the make-up before and during application so the coverage is more sheer. Depending on your preferences this could be good or bad.  

Fingers might pull and drag on more mature skin a bit more than a brush would.

You can feel what you are doing and where you are applying your make-up for yourself and really get a feel of the product you are using.

Brush

Brushes that aren't cleaned regularly can accumulate bacteria inside the bristles which can cause breakouts, block pores and is just really bad for your skin! Imagine all that dead skin and dirty foundation that has been gathering up on the brush... This is especially bad for sensitive or acne-prone skin. 


A dirty brush also means you may be changing the colour that you are choosing to apply to your skin as there is residues of an other colour you previously used on it. This can result in an un-even and patchy appearance.

If you don't blend the foundation out will it can create a streaky appearance.

It is great for those of you that don't like to get your hands dirty.

It is good to blend out areas where too much foundation has been applied.

There are many different brushes available to you on the market for a variety of prices. Obviously these aren't all for applying foundation but many are. You can use different types and sizes of brushes for a more precise application. This makes applying your foundation so much more personalized to cater to your preferences and needs.

The better the brush the better the coverage and overall look of your make-up. For a really good brush, such as MAC which is a popular choice, it can work out quite pricey; You've already bought the foundation and now you have to fork out more money for a brush to apply it with.

My Choice

Did you guess which I prefer? I love to apply foundation with my hands. I used to use a brush but I keep finding myself going back to using my hands. It's not that I don't like using a brush, it's just over the years of using the two I have found that my skin looks so much more natural and less cakey if you use my fingers. I also find that when I do use my fingers, as oppose to a brush, I tend to use a lot less product as I can feel how much I am using. However, when I was squirting the foundation onto a brush I'd estimate how much I thought I'd use and have the 'yeah that should be enough' mentality but end up realizing that I'd gotten a bit too excited and exaggerated so all that extra product would just end up wasted, lying on the brush and just soaking up bacteria. I'm also quite lazy and really can't be bothered to clean brushes every week which is a must if you use them, or carry make-up brushes out with me to top up my make-up.

But, there is nothing wrong with your choice or preference because ultimately, it comes down to personal preference which will come through experimentation between the make-up tools and years of practice and applying make-up. Both using your fingers and a make-up brush comes with its pro's and con's, so which ever method you chose you can now make a more informed decision for yourself.

Love O

x

BEAUTY: How To Exfoliate Your Lips For Free

As the title so cleverly suggests, I'm going to tell you how you can exfoliate your lips for free or as I say, have lips that are fucking sexy as! 

First Step:                                                                                   

• I like to do this first thing in the morning. When you wake up and go to brush your teeth, take that tooth brush and brush your lips! 
• As stupid as it sounds, it works so well as you are literally just brushing away the dead skin from your lips.

•  Unless you love dry lips skin on your teeth, it's a good idea to wash the toothbrush after doing this and then proceed in brushing your teeth and going about the rest of your day with your now sexy smooth lips.

Alternative Step:                                                                                       

• Another way you can achieve this is with sugar! The small granules when rubbed in a circular motion, can act as an exfoliant.
• I used the chunkier brown sugar but I'm sure white sugar works fine too. 
• Put a lip-balm on your lips to make them stickier so that the sugar won't just fall off your lips. I used Burt's Bees lipbalm. Alternatively, if you don't have a lip-balm (who are you?!?!) and unlike me you like honey then you could even use that.
• With a dab of sugar, using your finger- like shown in the lovely photography I took earlier today- rub the granules onto your lips quite firmly and in a circular motion similarly to with the tooth brush. 
• Finally, for you sweet toothed people lick your sugary fingers for extra deliciousness and a free meal too! 

Tidbit: 

Put lip-balm on to protect your lips as you have stripped them down and also to lock in that smoothness you've created.

Love O

x

COOKING: Joe's Southern Kitchen Review

On a date with my lovely boyfriend Arun, we strolled through Covent Garden and passed a lively American diner restaurant. Not being one to turn down a burger, I instantly took up the chance to pig out! The atmosphere was lively and busy, full of people chattering while enjoying their food. With a decor of southern American style I couldn't be more in love. The service couldn't have been better, as soon as we entered we were taken to our seats and each given a menu.

First things first, I ordered a London Flower cocktail which at £7 is about average price for a drink in London. It was very cleansing and refreshing which was great, as it was a lovely warm day outside, but had a strange minty after-taste which Arun didn't like at all. The bar, may I add, is HUGE! It would be a really nice place to go for a few drinks on a night out with friends to have a cheeky cocktail or two before going clubbing.

I ordered a special- a delicious burger with avocado, bacon and relish with a side of fries with chicken salt. Arun on the other hand, ate southern fried chicken with fries. Our food came within minutes of ordering which was very impressive. On the table, there is provided the most yummy BBQ sauce ever!! I drowned all my food in this, it was just too tasty not too. I regret nothing.

All in all, the food was lovely. Yes, it is quite pricey if you over order, especially because they include service charge in your bill (which I don't personally like), however if you order water and only a main without starters it's not too bad. It is also so filling that I couldn't have eaten a starter too anyway! Also, thumbs up if you have a taste card because it's 2 for 1 on some days.

If you do go and loved your food as much as I did, comment down below and tell me what you thought!

Love O
x