Birthday Highlights!

Hello All!

As I may have mentioned slightly in the last few posts, it was recently my birthday. I turned 20, leaving my teenage years behind me & becoming an adult, apparently!

Due to work, I didn't go out on my actual birthday, or on Halloween. However the weekend just gone, I certainly made up for that! Spending it with all my best friends & dressing up was so fun. If you follow me on Instagram ( @missjadebd ) you can see more of my celebrations, but here are a few of my fave pics!

 Pacha with Carly

Brixton with Courtney

I was also incredibly spoilt in the present department this year & all my family & friends were so generous. Either I'm incredibly predictable, they all know me inside out or they read my blog, as they all got me perfect presents :)

So thank you to everyone who made me birthday week (yes, week) as amazing as it was

Although I loved each & every one of my presents, I couldn't talk about them all (not to sounds too spoilt or big headed), so I picked out my high lights to share with you!

Disclaimer- I am in no way bragging or showing off. I have incredibly generous friends & family, & am so grateful for everything I received.

 Cherry Red Shoes - Dr. Martens from my Mum & Step Dad | Vogue On.. Coco Chanel from my best friend Carly

 Monochrome Boots - Lavish Alice from my brother | Skull Scarf - H&M from my best friend Courtney

 Black & White Skorts - Amazon a cheeky birthday present to myself! | Bowler Hat - Topshop from my Mum & Step Dad

 

Clockwise from top left: Black & Black with red glitter nail polish from my aunt & uncle | Chloe purfume from my other aunt & uncle | Barry M Nail Art Pens one from my Mum and Step Dad, & One from another aunt & uncle | 'I Saw Red' Bleech London dye from Courtney again!

My Aunt also took me to see 'Wicked' in the West End, which was honestly amazing!

I had such an amazing 20th, thank you to everyone involved!

Needless to say, I probably won't be doing any hauls or wish lists for the foreseeable future as I got everything I wanted (sorry of that sounded really spoilt brattish) 

How was everyone's Halloween?

 

 

J'adore...Barry M Autumn/Winter Launches!

Hello all

I'm in the midst of a very busy week, including 3 interviews (!) Having applied to lots over the summer & hearing nothing, I had pretty much accepted that I hadn't succeeded. Yet this past week I've scheduled in three! Fingers crossed!

This 'J'adore...' post is about the new launches Barry M have later this month. Barry M are one of my favourite drugstore brands, in terms of cost & quality. I have lots of their products already, however when I received an emailing outlining the new products they are offering for AW'13, I couldn't wait to share it with you!

First of all their new nail polishes. Most of my nail polishes are from Barry M. This isn't an exaggeration. I would say over half of all my polishes are Barry M, from regular to the effects, I have a range of them. What I love about them is their colour range, which is extensive, but also their range of textures & finishes. Their first new launch is a collection of matte finish polishes. I love matte nails, & they were seen all over the catwalk for AW. In 5 winter appropriate shades, I am so excited to try these out! I already have a matte top coat, however it can be hard to ensure the entire nail is covered,which can result in shiny patches. Having a matte finish nail polish solves this! My favourite shades are Espresso, Crush & Vanilla.

Shades(left to right): ‘Espresso’ (Black MNP1), ‘Vanilla’ (Pink Nude MNP4), ‘Mocha’ (Medium Brown MNP5), ‘Caramel’ (Light Brown MNP3),‘Crush’ (Burgundy Red MNP2)   

Price: £3.99 each

 

The next product I'm excited for are the eye & cheek palettes. I recently reviewed the B. Smokey Eye Palette, which you can read here. However, I believe you can never have enough palettes! They are great if you travel a lot & you can create such a range of looks without carting your entire makeup collection with you. There are three palettes being launches later this month, 'Glamour Puss', 'Smokin Hot' & 'Natural Glow', however I will be focusing on the latter two. 

Natural Glow Eye & Cheek Palette

£6.49

With a range of natural, & from what I can see, matte shadows this is a lovely little eye shadow collection, paired with a light pink blush. I'm excited to try this out!

 Smokin Hot Eye & Cheek Palette

£6.49

Although I recently reviewed another smokey eye palette, it's a look that I really like so trying out new ones is always of interest to me. These 6 shades are a mix of matte and shimmer. I especially like the look of the third shade. The peachy blush may be too strong for me but I will have a try.

 

Both palettes come with a large mirror & 2 double ended eyeshadow applicators. This, along with 6 shadows & 1 blush, is really good for only £6.49!

 

These are my favourite picks of the launch, which will also include a new mascara & foundation line. These will hit Superdrug stores from September 25th & Boots stores from October 2nd! 

 

Are there any AW13 beauty launches you're excited about?

 

  

 

Club to Catwalk: Music and Makeup with Steve Strange!

Hello all,

Sorry for the quietness over the past week, I've been planning and sorting out lots of things so look out for some more posts.

The V&A are currently holding the 'Club to Catwalk' Exhibition that looks at how the London club scene in the eighties impacted and influenced fashion. It celebrates the iconic styles such as 'New Romantic'  and 'High Camp' with focus on musicians like Adam Ant. On Monday I got the chance to speak with Steve Strange from the band Visage, who was one of the founding fathers of the New Romantic movement.

Having looked at his music videos and performances, and also on the Visage album art, I could tell he was a very creative man. We spoke about a range of fashion, makeup and music topics and he is an incredibly interesting man. When asked if the concept of what comes first the fashion or the music his answer was certain. "Music comes first 100%. The music industry is a very visual industry so the relationship between music and fashion is natural. The video's and cover art will affect the fashion, but music is the important part."

Steve Strange is still hugely in the music business and mentioned Goldfrapp and The Hurt as bands he is currently listening to. I asked him if, like in the eighties, the clubbing and music scene are still as as much of an influence on fashion and he rightly pointed out Lady Gaga "Lady Gaga is mad, but her looks are very striking. It draws the attention and is a form of art to accompany the music she creates."

If you look at the Visage album art, they are incredibly visual and artistic. Steve Strange has worn makeup all his career and often in very theatrical manners. "My makeup artist (who I believe is called Lara) and I collaborate and work together to create very theatrical, photoshoot makeup. Wearing or buying makeup has never bothered me."

He has had tattooed, or permanent makeup, such as eyeliner in recent years and would definitely recommend it. "If you're in this business and are creative then I would definitely recommend it. It's so easy. But do your research. I had mine done by the top cosmetic permanent makeup artists in London, whose done the likes of J-Lo. I had mine done 5 years ago and it's still perfect."

Finally I asked him if he didn't have the successful musician that he is today, where would he be? I discovered that he has another impressive talent. "I would have been an artist. At art school I had a brilliant portfolio and my teacher told me I had exceptional talent. I was offered a place on Malcolm Maclaren (ex-husband of Vivienne Westwood who he co-founded the shop S.E.X with) I had no money, but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity. So I got the train to London, not knowing for certain if I had the job, because how could I not?!"

My talk with Steve Strange was so interesting and I'd like to thank him for the opportunity.
 Make sure you check out the new Visage album 'Hearts and Knives' that's out now and pop down to the 'Club to Catwalk' Exhibition at the V&A to see amazing clubbing costumes and designers inspired by them!

June Favourites!

Hello all,

I cannot believe that it is July already! At the beginning of every month, I love reading other bloggers monthly favourites posts or YouTubevideos. For a while I had always wanted to do these, but I had been very frugal previously this year. However, Superdrug and my job means that I have discovered many products in June that I feel are worthy of being favourites.

  Clockwise l-r: Sleep-In Rollers (part of a goody bag curtsey of Fake Bake) | Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in Shade 111 'Kiss of Life | Raspberry & Macadamia Nut Shampoo and Conditioner - Superdrug | Maybelline Color Tattoo in Permanent Taupe

First off, these sleep in rollers are my new obsession. After washing and blowdrying my hair, I put these babies in, continue my evening and nights sleep, and wake up to volumised, glamorous curls. Having them in makes me feel really retro when I have them in, like a glamorous fifties house wife! Honestly, I find them easy to sleep in. A friend of mine said that they were incredibly uncomfortable, but everytime I have used them, I have been perfectly rested. I definitely recommend these!

In the month of June we had #RedLippyProject & National Kissing Day, so I was exposed to many lip products. This Rimmel Kate Moss matte lipstick was a definite winner, I love the matte finish and the rich red is perfect. It's super cheap but good quality too.

I've never stuck to only one brand of shampoo & conditioner. I always go for ones with 'colour protect' features, but I often change what brand I use. I've tried high end (and high priced) brands like Percy&Reed and Tigi 'S Factor', and also drugstore brands like Aussie, and honestly they all seem to do the same thing! So when I saw that these Raspberry & Macadamia Nut duo for only £1.50 (that's only 75p each!) I couldn't resist. They smell delicious and it seems to be working fine. It leaves my hair soften enough for extremely dyed hair! It's still on offer, so I think I may repurchase these!

Finally, I had wanted to try these Maybelline 'Color Tattoo' shadows for a while. The shade Permanent Taupe is a perfect base colour that lasts all day and is, as far as I know, the only matte shade in the collection. I have swatched some other colours are they are really shimmer/glittery which isn't really my thing. however 'Pink Gold' and 'Pomegranate' are gorgeous and I am very tempted! The colour I have is extremely pigmented and I've been using it as a base or as a wash of colour all month.

I'm really trying to blog more, especially beauty posts, so I hope you are enjoying them!

National Kissing Day: My Tips for Kissable Lips!

Hello all!

Mwah Mwah Darlings! Today is 'National Kissing Day', and to celebrate (apart from planting several big kisses on my half-sleep 'no-a-morning-person' boyfriend this morning) I though I would share with you my secret to soft lips.

I suffer with incredibly dry and cracked lips. Previously, any lipstick I would wear, would sink straight into these cracks and result in really uneven coverage. That was until 'Lush Lip Scrub' came into my life and became a perminent feature of my beauty routine. I have the flavour 'Bubblegum', which smells delicious and looks great amongst my beauty products too. I have always loved Lush's ethos and love of using natural, organic and often vegan ingredients in their products. The simple mixture of sugar and essential oils in the lip scrub means that it gently exfoliates and clears the dead skin on your lips, leaving them so soft and smooth. 

So now I have the softest lips possible. As a serial red lipstick wearer, kissing becomes a problem! Lip Stains are really great as they last and modern formula's are anti-drying. Some lip stains have quite a glossy finish, which I really don't like. I am definitely a matte girl, which doesn't really bode well for someone with dry lips, but I am stubborn and I know what I like! I love Benefit's Benetint for a soft pinky-red stain (just remember to screw the lip on well. When they call it a stain, they really mean it! Just ask my previous makeup bag....) If you don't want to spulrge on Benetint, MeMeMe Pussycat Cheek + Lip Stain is a great cheap alternative.

Other lip essential for me are Carmex Cherry Lip Balm and Blistex Raspberry Lemonade Blast. I love the tingling sensation they both give. It's like you can actually feel it working! The cherry scent of the former is lovely, and the latter is a beauty top given to me by the lovely makeup artist Florrie White, who suggested using original Blistex, but being the princess that I am, I sourced out the Raspberry Lemonade scent and it is lovely! Having a tube of either of these with you is definitely a must!

So there you are! My Tips for Kissable Lips!

You can also read my full beauty feature on National Kissing Day on Your Coffee Break here

#RedLippyProject- Red Lipsticks For All Budgets!

Hello all

From the 9th-15th June, it is Cervical Cancer Awareness Week.To gain this awareness the concept of #redlippyproject was announced- everyone was to rock their red lips using the hashtag to gain attention and remind people how important it is to get checked.

As a fond wearer of red lipstick, this idea and concept was perfect, combining charity effort with cosmetics. I rocked a red lip most days this week (which was surprisingly easy. I didn't realize I had so many!) so I thought I would bring you my 3 favourites, but in my usual way, supplying you with a Save, Spend & Splurge option!

SAVE Rimmel Kate Moss Matte in 'Kiss of Life' - £5.49

SPEND MAC Retro Matte in 'Ruby Woo'- £14

SPULRGE Chanel Rouge Allure in 'Passion' - £25

Kate Moss' lipstick collections for drugstore brand Rimmel are a firm favourite in my lipstick collection. Great pigmentation at such a good price, you just can't go wrong! Although there is a range of colour to choose from, in both the Lasting Finish and Matte collections, I think the reds of both collections champion. 'Kiss of Life' is a punchy, bright red with a matte finish, but not drying.

MAC lipsticks are a go-to for me, they are my most reached for amongst my collection. My favourite formula is definitely matte, however this retro matte is great too. If you are prone to dry lips, definitely use a rich lipbalm underneath as it tends to be quite drying. 'Ruby Woo' is a bright, blue toned red, great for my pink tinged skin. It's a cult classic and will definitely last all day.

Oh, Chanel! I have only recently began to use Chanel makeup, and I am no dissapointed with the quality or colour pay off.  The price is quite a lot for make up, but if you want to treat yourself or a loved one, definitely head to the Chanel counter! Although they do not have a matte collection, the Rouge Allure are extremely moisturising, great for my dry lips! The whole lipstick is luxurious, from the gold packaging to the luscious texture. 'Passion' is my favourite for a bright bold red. I was lucky enough to get my make up done by Florrie White at the Chanel Make up Boutique in Covent Garden this week and she used 'Passion' on me, and I honestly didn't need to reapply once.

I hope you all rocked your red lips this week for #RedLippyProject! I think it's a great idea and I really enjoyed having a reason to wear all my red lipsticks!

GlossyBox's 2nd Birthday Covent Garden Give-away!

GlossyBox is a really fantastic idea that I have been contemplating signing up to for quite a while now. I absolutely love cosmetics and beauty products, so discovering new products every month at such a good price is an amazing idea.
On Wednesday this week, GlossyBox celebrated turning 2 in a brilliant way- setting up a huge glossybox in Covent Garden, giving away Birthday Boxes, cupcakes and guest speakers including Made In Chelsea star and My Flash Trash jewelery designer Amber Artherton.

I really feel I have an incredible habit of being at the right place, at the right time! I work right on Covent Garden and happened to pop out to Starbucks right when the GlossyBox 'Big Birthday Box' opened. Wrestling my way through the crowd of women, and I say wrestling as it was quite violent!!- I managed to grab myself a box, a cupcake and the card of the PR women (this is to do with work so I won't say anymore)

Rushing back to work with glossybox and soy caramel latte in tow, I opened my box and found products I'd never heard of but were all my taste and colour preference. I especially appreciated the sleeping mask as I am very light sensitive, but find if I wear a sleeping mask I manage to get at least an hour more sleep.
Here is what I recieved in my Birthday GlossyBox:

This coincidental coffee run solidified my urge to sign up to Glossybox, so they definitely succeeded in the publicity to bring new customers- even if it only worked on me!

Although as of yet I have not done that much beauty on my blog, that is about to change. I always had a love affair with beauty and makeup. But until now I had kept it to myself, keeping it as my little hobby. Whereas I do love fashion, hence why I blog, beauty is just something that I always come back to, whether it be in my career or out shopping. So look out for a lot more beauty based features very soon!