My First Flight

My first flight was when I was the grand old age of 19, so in comparison to some who start flying when they're still a babe I was pretty old. I wanted to go abroad before then, and I did go to Spain with the school when I was 13 but that was unfortunately on a coach. I can't tell you how rubbish it is sitting on a coach for over 24 hours!

So when me, a old friend, her boyfriend and my ex boyfriend decided to go to Greece together I realised this would be my first ever flight. I was quite excited and a little nervous although not too much. Our flight was ridiculously early and I think we got to the airport at like 3am. Mcdonalds was open and they all had some food but I was feeling pretty ill at this point (due to the early morning maybe?) so I didn't eat anything. After a while we boarded our flight and waited to take off.

I had packed lots of sweets because I had heard lots of stories about people's ears popping and how much it could hurt. My friend kept asking me how I felt and was I nervous, which of course only makes things worse. I didn't have the window seat but I could still see it and made sure I was looking out when it took off. The best bit about take off was the acceleration and I still love it now, there's nothing better then that feeling of intense speed. It did feel really strange taking off for the first time and gave a slightly odd sensation in my head but overall I didn't feel too bad!

Since my first flight I have been on a few holidays abroad although not as many as I'd like. I am yet to experience my first long haul flight! I get bored on a 4 hour flight so I can imagine that will be quite tedious. I would love to go to New York, Florida and Las Vegas amongst others so I will definitely experience a long haul sometime soon.

When was your first flight and how did you find it?

What's in my makeup bag?

When it comes to makeup I do tend to wear the same sort of products every day. If i'm planning on going out for a date or dinner then I'll add a few little extras like false lashes and more exaggerated eyeliner. I typically like to go for a cute but statement look and here's what I use to achieve it.

Mascara
I love using mascara to accentuate my eyes as they look quite small without it. I tend to alternate two different mascaras at one time, at the moment I'm using L'Oreal False Lash Sculpt and Maybelline The Falsies Push Up Drama mascara.

Primer
Primer is great for giving a base to your foundation to help it last longer. I have a few primers and I've been using the new No7 Airbrush Away primer a lot recently. Check out my review here.

Foundation
At the moment I'm using Bourjois City Radiance as it gives a lovely fresh radiant glow. Foundation is great for covering up any blemishes and giving me a even skin tone. Check out my review of Bourjois latest foundation here.

Eyeliner
Whilst mascara makes my eyes more open, without eyeliner they still look quite bare. I use eyeliner most days for a bit of glamour. Makeup Gallery in Space Grey is my goto eyeliner at the moment. I tend to go for a simple cat eye on a daily basis.

Powder
Powder helps to fix my look and prevent my foundation running. I'm using Kiko Milano Radiance powder at the moment but I'm not sure if it's really working for me. I like to switch it up with Prot-ocol Colour Correct powder as it really helps to fix my makeup.

Concealer
I have pretty awful dark circles unfortunately so need to cover them up with concealer. I use Sheer Cover concealer a lot, although recently I have purchased Bourjois Radiance concealer.

Blusher
Blusher really adds life and colour to my cheeks and I absolutely couldn't live without it! I have lots of blushers and often chop and change. I like using ELF quad blusher as there's a number of shades from baby pink to red.

Highlighter
I'm using Charlotte Tilbury Bar of Gold and Makeup Revolution Hidden Lights a lot for highlighting. Both are very different, Bar of Gold is quite natural but very light, whilst Hidden Lights gives more of a intense glow. Check out my comparison of them in this video - luxury vs budget highlighter.

Eyeshadow
I couldn't show you my whole eyeshadow collection as I have so many. I'm loving Makeup Revolution palettes at the moment and adore Girls on Film as it has so many versatile shades.

Lipstick
My go to shades are Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red and Love Bite at the moment. Red Carpet Red is quite matte (see review here) and Love Bite is more creamy (see the review here). As you all know red is my go to shade but I do like to try others like pinks and corals.

So this is my makeup bag at the moment. I'm always buying new products and trying new things as I get bored quickly, but I do have my favourites that I tend to keep buying. What's in your makeup bag?

How to clean your makeup brushes

The quality of your makeup brushes are paramount to get that pro-makeup look you desire. Whilst there are many amazing branded makeup brushes available, if you don't take care of them even the best brand will start to lose their effectiveness.

Why should you clean your makeup brushes I hear you ask? Your skin contains a lot of dirt and oil that gets transferred to the bristles of your brushes on use. Over time this bacteria multiplies and if you don't clean your brushes you're continuously spreading it back onto your face. This can lead to clogged pores, irritated skin and breakouts, especially if you don't have a regular cleansing routine.

You'll probably find thousands of tutorials on Google advising how to clean your brushes but these can often contain a lot of steps and can seem complicated. Cleaning your makeup brushes is not the most exciting job in the world so the best way is to keep it simple so you can carry on using your brushes for years to come.

All you'll need to clean your brushes is some baby shampoo.

How to do it
1. Run your brush bristles under lukewarm water with the bristles pointing downwards. Try to avoid getting water where the bristles meet the head of the brush as this can loosen the glue.
2. Put a small amount of baby shampoo in your palm
3. Swirl the bristle in the baby shampoo until you create a rich lather
4. Once you feel all the dirt and bacteria has been removed, wash the bristles under the lukewarm water again
5. Squeeze any excess water out of the bristles and see if the water runs clear. If the water is still dirty repeat the process.
6. Use a cloth or paper towel to dry the bristles and reshape them as you wish.
7. Don't forget other tools like your eyelash curlers need washing too. Put a little baby shampoo between your fingers and massage it onto the tongs.
8. Finally let your brushes dry over night and by the next day they should be good to go!

I hope you find this tutorial useful and that your makeup brushes will get a whole new lease of life.

10 tips on how to achieve healthy nails

Brittle, flaky nails look awful and can make your confidence drop. With a little care and attention you can restore nails to their former glory and you'll no longer have to resort to using false nails. Here's 10 top tips on how to achieve healthy nails.

Trim your nails regularly
If you want to grow your nails long you have to give them a trim now and again. Whilst you may not want to cut off your nails if you've grown them slightly, it's beneficial to get rid of any chipped nails and to keep them all the same length. Trim your nails straight across so your nails don't grow back bent.

Moisturise your hands
Using a hand cream is fantastic for massaging both your skin and your cuticles. Hand cream is often full of healing properties which will help to keep your skin soft and make nails stronger over time.

Keep them hydrated
Like everything, cuticles love a bit of hydration. Use a small amount of olive oil on the cuticles and surrounding areas to moisturise your nails. This will keep your nail area and the skin around it soft and healthy.

Natural treatments
Instead of just rubbing olive oil onto your cuticles you can use it for a intensive treatment. Simply dip your nails in olive oil for 2-3 minutes and relax. Over time this will strengthen your nails and will make them look a lot healthier. Don't be tempted to keep them in any longer though as that can do more harm than good!

Keep your nails clean
This one is probably harder than it sounds as it's easy to get bits of dirt and bacteria under your nails. By keeping your nails as clean as you can you're preventing your nails getting infected which will stop them becoming brittle or breaking easily. If you're cleaning make sure you're wearing gloves to avoid chemicals damaging your nails.

Avoid certain nail varnish removers
Did you know a lot of nail varnish removers contain acetone which can dry out your nail, leaving them weak with no hydration? Opt for healthier nail removers that contain acetate as this is kinder to your nails.

Supplements may help
Biotin is often used for horses to strengthen their hooves. In the same way it can really help to strengthen your nails. Don't worry it's perfectly safe, horses hooves contain keratin which are found in human nails. Opt to take it 4-5 times a day for really strong nails.

Give them a massage
Massaging any part of the body brings blood to the area which can result in more circulation in the area. The extra blood supply will over time help the nail to grow as it's getting more nutrients then it would normally.

Don't share your nail file!
If you share a nail file with anyone you're sharing germs and bacteria that are caught in the file. Nail files are so cheap there's no need to share. Buy your own and aim to get a new one every two months.

Never cut or push back your cuticles!
If you cut or push back your cuticles you're opening yourself up for possible infection. This infection can possibly lead to your nails getting weak or brittle so it's a big no no.

I hope you found this article useful and it helps to restore the healthiness of your nails!

Maybelline Dream Velvet Matte Foundation Review

What the brand says
Maybelline Dream Velvet aims to give you fresh flawless skin with the first ever gel whipped foundation. Skin is left looking smooth with a velvet like finish for 12 hours. With its hydrating properties the foundation claims to be long lasting without drying out.

It's currently available in 6 shades.

The Lowdown
I've tried a few matte foundations and have found them to give great coverage, although sometimes they seem to be a little thick. Maybelline state there's 2x more water in this foundation in comparison to their Dream Satin Liquid for a more comfortable wear. I generally don't have a problem with how a foundation feels on my skin but the extra water content may have a effect on the overall finish. Like a lot of foundations it claims to have 12 hour wear which is quite bold as often the product doesn't live up to the claim.

The consistency of the foundation was very creamy with more of a fluid feel to it than most matte foundations. I couldn't really say it really reminded me of a gel though. The product which is in shade ivory was a decent colour match and gave pretty good coverage. After applying the foundation I applied powder and MUA makeup fixer as I do with any other foundation. After I had finished my makeup I felt the look was very fresh and glowing.

By evening the foundation had pretty much disappeared completely. I didn't look fresh anymore and felt my face looked really tired. This is one foundation that really doesn't live up to the 12 hour wear promise.

I give it 3/5

Find it for £7.99 at Boots 

Advantages

• Hydrating
• Is easy to blend
• After applying skin looks fresh with a nice glow
• Good coverage

Disadvantages

• Doesn't last 12 hours
• By evening pretty much all the foundation has faded away and my look is definitely no longer fresh

Miss Sporty Clubbing Color Pinkkle: Nail of the day

Miss Sporty Clubbing colour nail polish in Pinkkle 60 is a gorgeous iridescent pink shade with elements of silver running through it. It's such a pretty shade when I bought it I couldn't wait to try it on. The brush is quite thick so it's easier to apply the nail varnish. The varnish is so thick I only really needed one layer for full coverage. It's really quick to dry and only took about a minute to be able to touch it without smudging. When dry my nails have a metallic purple chrome finish that looks fabulous!

What makes this even better is that it's only £1.99 at Superdrug!

Win Makeup Revolution Salvation Girls on Film palette

Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette Girls on Film is a beautiful palette with 18 fabulous matte and pigmented shades.

The quality of the shades is on par with higher end brands like Urban Decay and give so much shimmer and pigmentation when applied. With a mirror and brush included you can get glamorous on the go! If you want to see the quality of the eyeshadows you can check out my review of their Big Love palette here

If you haven't yet tried Makeup Revolution I'm giving you the chance to win this palette in my latest competition. To enter simply fill in the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
If you don't want to wait you can buy it for £6 at Makeup Revolution 

Good luck!

*Terms and Conditions*
The competition will run from 21 April 2016 to 21 May 2016 and will begin and end at 12am. All mandatory entries need to be completed to take part of you will not be entered. UK entries only!

MUA Elysium Elements Review

What the brand says
MUA Elysium Elements is a 10 shade palette with a range of rich jewelled tones. The shades have been designed so they can be worn alone or layered to create a different look. The dual end black/brown eye pencil is perfect for adding further definition for a stronger or more of a statement look. It's currently available in two palettes with different shades.

The Lowdown
There's nothing I like more in a eyeshadow palette then shades with a rich pigmentation. I used to buy matte eyeshadows but over time I've found shimmery shades look so much prettier (and sparkly). The 10 shade palette has 2 matte shades and 8 pigmented tones. The palette has a lot of pinks/purples in which I don't wear a huge amount of, however with Spring in full swing pastel like shades are in fashion. Whilst the majority of the shades are all quite similar MUA has thrown in a black, khaki/gold and a silver which looks slightly out of place. I wouldn't say this matters much however as the silver can easily be worn with the black or khaki/gold for a different look.

It doesn't have a mirror or a eyeshadow brush which is a little unusual for a large palette and means you have to take your own accessories if you want to apply whilst on the move.

Asides from the matte shade, pretty much every colour in the palette has a lot of pigment.Those with the strongest pigmentation are probably the khaki (2), silver (7) and the dark brown (9). I would use most of the shades apart from the black as it's a little bit strong for the kind of looks I go for.

For the look I went for I used the pink/purple tones. The shades blended really well and there was a small amount of fall out but not a lot. The pigmentation transfers well on application and by evening the eyeshadow was still as vivid as it was when freshly applied. The eyeliner as shown in the swatch was actually a lot stronger then I thought, and I didn't even need to press hard to get that effect. It was a little tough when I tried to apply above my top lashes but that may be due to it being a pencil. Most of the pencil was still there in the evening.

To create the look here's what to do:
1. Apply number 4 in the inner corner of the eye
2. Apply number 3 on the outer edge of the eye
3. Blend the two shades together
4. Finally use number 3 on the outer corner of the eye for a smokey effect

MUA Elysium Elements is a really versatile palette with the potential to create lots of different looks. The shades are easy to blend and pretty much all of them have great pigmentation. What's better is that it's only £6!

I give it 4/5

Get it for £6 at MUA Store or in Superdrug stores

Advantages

• Has 10 shades in one for a range of different looks
• Only £6 so a real budget bargain!
• Shades are really pigmented
• You get a free eyeliner for extra definition

Disadvantages

• Tiny amount of fall out
• No mirror
• No brush

Buying a bra: The golden rules

Because your boobs need to be treated right

Guest post by Aran Sweaters Direct

You've probably heard the figures. It's thought that around 80% of women are wearing the wrong size bra. Why is that important? Well not only can clothes look ill-fitting or uneven, you could develop back problems from a lack of adequate support. It could also lead to a slouch or poor posture. On top of that, a bra that's too tight can cause chafing and, if the skin is broken, even scarring.

What are some of the signs that you might be wearing the wrong size bra?

1. The dreaded double boob. That's right, when your cupeth run over and instead part of your boob escapes to form a second boob over the top of your bra. Usually this is noticeable in form-fitting clothing.

2. The band of the bra should sit straight across your back and not ride up. If you find it creeping up your back it means it doesn't fit like it should.

3. Bra straps slip down your shoulders and make a break towards your elbows. Or, they're so tight that you can be left with red marks under them at the end of the day. Either way it's not the perfect fit.

4. There should be no gaps between your boobs and the cup of the bra. If there are you're probably wearing the wrong size. In the same way underwire in a bra should sit flat again the skin and not jut out at an angle.

The golden rules

Ask the experts

You can measure yourself at home to see what size you are but it can be tricky. Take advantage of the offer most lingerie stores have to measure you for free. Some salespeople can do this by eye alone (and then a bit of trial and error with getting you to try bras on) or the more traditional way is with a measuring tape which they will place just under your breasts and then across the cups.

Try every bra on

It might seem like a massive pain but you won't know how a bra fits until you've put it on. Don't worry, shop assistants have seen it all and most are super-friendly and there to help you find your perfect over shoulder boulder holder. If you're feeling nervous about trying on bras then make sure to go to a specialist shop or the lingerie changing rooms in a department store.

Give it a test drive

Don't be afraid to try a bit of movement in a bra you're thinking of buying. Try jumping, lifting your arms, walking in it across the changing room or sitting down for a bit. Sometimes problems (such as things like jabbing underwire) only become apparent with movement so it's really important to try it out.

Find a type that works for you

Balcony, demi, full, padded, push up... There's a huge variety of cups out there, each one designed to contain or show off your assets depending on your needs. You might love the support of a full cup, or a bit of extra support and oomph that a padded bra provides. Try on a few styles to see what works best for you. But don't be afraid to mix it up either, especially as your boobs get bigger or smaller.

Put it on correctly

There is a correct way to put on a bra, believe it or not. You're supposed to lower your breasts into the cups then close the back and adjust so that each boob is snugly contained and not trapped by the wire below or spilling out over the top. Then, adjust the straps so they are firm but comfortable.

Ch-ch-changes

Yes, you may well have been a 32B when you were 16 but skip forward a few years and you may have lost or gained weight, meaning that you're no longer the size you always buy. Pregnancy can also cause a change in size or even gravity, which can cause that dreaded sagging that might affect your cup size. Regularly check that you're still the same size by getting measured at least every year, but definitely if you've put on or lost weight.

Working out?

Your standard lacy number just won't cut it if you intend to work out. Make sure you invest in a good quality sports bra that will help contain the twins and stop them from moving around too much as you jog, walk or play sports. Again, expert advice is really important here and most good sports stores will have staff on hand to tell you which kind of bra will work best for your particular sport.

Aftercare

Be good to your bra and it will be good back to your boobs. Hand wash where possible and don't tumble dry as this can damage the elastic in the bra.

Glamour Spring Edit 2016 Review

With the dawn of Spring comes the new Glamour Spring Beauty Box 2016. The new box which has items worth a whopping £79.65 has had items picked exclusively by Alessandra Steinherr. Us beauty enthusiasts don't pay full price however as the box is only £17.99 to buy.

I haven't bought a beauty box for a while, mainly because they end up being a bit of waste of money as I never use half the items. The Glamour Spring Beauty box however had a few little gems including the MUA palette and the Illamasqua Precision eye liner. Even better there was a exclusive offer to get a free Kiko Milano Velvet Touch Creamy stick blush if I bought it when I did.

So what was inside?

Moroccanoil Treatment
For those with unruly hair this is one hero oil you won't want to be without. I'm always on the lookout for a oil that will give my hair extra shine and repair my split ends but I haven't quite found something that gives me that glossy mane. Lets hope this works!

Rosie for Autograph Nuit Parfum
The first perfume from supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has notes of rose and Jasmine. I had heard a lot about this perfume so I was expecting to love it. Unfortunately the rose notes are really strong and this is quite off putting.



Bareminerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum foundation
Designed to give an all day glow the Bareminerals Bareskin Pure Brightening serum hash the added skincare benefits of Lilac plant stem cells and Vitamin C. It's available in 20 shades however the sample I got came in Bare Natural 07. I briefly tried the sample which did appear too dark for my skin when swatched but once blended in it didn't look too bad. There was definitely a element of brightening too. If the shades not suitable for you you can get a free sample at any Bareminerals counter.


Illamasqua Precision Ink Eyeliner
Get that perfect cat eye flick with the Illamasqua Precision ink eyeliner. This is one of the first eyeliners I have got in a while as I've been busy using Makeup Gallery eyeliner which is perfect for £1. This has a bendy felt tip so I'm not sure if it will be a little tricky to use.


Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser
Get the skin you've always dreamed of with the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating cleanser. It has a 3-in-1 formula so it will keep your skin clean whilst hydrating and smoothing the skin. I'm only using one cleanser at the moment so it will be good to incorporate another product into my skincare regime.

Malin&Goetz Vitamin E Face moisturiser
The Malin&Goetz vitamin E face moisturiser has a intense dose of daily vitamins which makes it great for those with sensitive skin. The moisturiser is oil free which is great for my slightly oily skin and it can be used to prepare skin prior to applying makeup. It doesn't really have a scent and feels slightly sticky when moisturised in.

 MUA Luxe 10 Shade Palette

The creme de la creme of the Glamour Spring Edit 2016 was the MUA Luxe palette. It came in 2 variations and I'm pretty sure I got the variation I wanted (although I can't quite remember). As you can see from the swatch there's only one matte shade and the rest are pretty pigmented. The matte shade is hardly visible at all and quite boring.
My favourite shade has to be the gold which  is 5 shades in from the left.

So what do you think of the box? Do you think it's worth £17.99? As always I love to hear your comments!

Get yours now for £17.99 here and don't forget to enter KIKOGLAM to get your free blusher!

Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction Foundation Review

What the brand says
Camouflage the signs of skin imperfections with Vichy Dermablend 3D Correction foundation.

The new 3D foundation uses a 100% oil free formula to cover skin concerns whilst still allowing skin room to breathe. Unlike a lot of foundations Vichy 3D Correction has been dermatologically formulated with active ingredients like salicylic acid and eperulin helping to treat imperfections and inflamed skin. It's currently available in 5 shades.

The product is emulsifier free so the formula feels lightweight without lacking the coverage a lot of light foundation give. Without the suffocating effect a traditional foundation can give, Vichy 3D Foundation gives problem skin time to heal.

Overall those who tested the foundation found:

• 85% found their skin looked natural and fresh
• 92% felt their skin texture was improved
• 90% felt their acne was improved over time.

3D Correction is just one of the Dermablend Range. Also available is:

• Dermablend Fluid RRP £18
• Dermablend Corrective Stick RRP £15.00
• Dermablend Compact RRP £19.50
• Dermablend Total Body RRP £29.50
• Dermablend Setting Powder RRP £15.00

The Lowdown
What initially interested me in this foundation was its promise to give a peach like velvety veil whilst still maintaining maximum coverage. I'm always after a foundation that will give me that dewy glowy effect and this sounded like it ticked all the boxes. The foundation is suitable for all skin types so even those with the most sensitive skin should find this doesn't cause any flares ups.

When I swatched the foundation it looked really thick and quite heavy so I was a bit worried as to how it would look on. I shouldn't have worried as the foundation felt so light and blended like a dream! There was no cakiness and despite it having a camouflage effect my face didn't look like it was covered in makeup. As you can see I have quick dark circles and the foundation was great at covering them up and the blemish on my nose. It is a matte foundation but almost has a luminescent effect.

A lovely foundation that works well at covering blemishes without leaving your makeup feeling heavy.

I give it 4/5

You can get it for £16.12 at Boots

Advantages

• Contains salicyllic acid and eperulin to help treat skin imperfections and inflamed skin
• Feels weightless
• Doesn't cake
• Great at covering blemishes

Disadvantages

• Small amount of shades so it won't suit every skin tone

Win £500 at Aldo!

Aldo are giving you the chance to revamp your winter wardrobe with the opportunity to win a £500 gift card to spend on their latest range. Whether you want some dainty sandals for your summer holiday or a few staples to keep you going for the next few years now's your chance to win. All entrants will also get £25 off their next purchase.

All you need to do is head over here and enter your details. The competition runs from 24 March 2016 to 1 June 2016 so there's still plenty of time to enter. Don't forget to share with your friends so they can enter too and you never know they might share their good fortune with you!

You can read the full terms and conditions here

*this is an affiliate link

How to start a beauty blog

Writing a beauty blog is highly rewarding - it can bring you lots of opportunities, challenges and the chance to join a whole new community. The beauty blog sector is extremely popular so when starting it's important to keep a few tips in mind so you can get yourself in the best possible position when you launch your site.

Choose your platform
There are two main blogging platforms that you can use to set your blog up. Blogger is one of the simplest and offers a very simple tutorial to get you started. It is fully customisable and allows you to change the html without charging you a penny. Wordpress also offers a free option for new starters but it is very restricted and you can't change the html. This may sound a little complex at the moment but changing the html really does come in handy later on especially if you want to add advertisements to your blog. There is a paid version of Wordpress that is fully customisable but it's a little more complex. Wordpress allows for more creativity and fancier designs whilst Blogpress is more simple but easier to use. Once you have established your blog you may want to buy your own domain (i.e www.glitzandglamourmakeup.co.uk is my domain, http://kathcakeblogging.blogspot.com is my blogspot name). Having a domain will allow you to get a Domain Authority (DA) which will allow you to get paid content once you have become more established.

Design is key
We all love things that look pretty don't we? A pretty, streamlined website is more attractive than a blog with a unattractive design which isn't easy to use. You don't have to spend a lot of money, a lot of bloggers create layouts for very reasonable prices. I would aim for a design that shows your logo as the main focus, with a picture of you and a little about your site near the top of the fold. Make sure your social media links are visible near your About Me and place your most popular posts above the fold. I have had many blog designs over the years and I've finally found something that I feel really suits my brand.

Blogging essentials
Once you've established the kind of posts you'd like to write and that blogging is for you a few essentials will help you in your journey. A computer is perfect for writing all your posts and editing all your pictures. If you only have a smartphone or tablet you'll find it a little more tricky putting everything together. A lot of smartphones have excellent cameras so a fancy camera isn't essential in the beginning. Once you have established yourself you'll find a digital camera designed specifically for photos/videos may help you produce superior content. I often used my Iphone 6+ for taking my pictures and I still do as the exterior camera is very good. The front camera however is of a much lower quality so when filming videos it was quite grainy and didn't look very crisp. I recently invested in a Canon Powershot G7X which I adore (mainly because you can lift the LCD screen up so you can see yourself film!). A tripod will come in really useful especially if you're going to be shooting outfits/long shots. Finally I would highly recommend you film/take pictures where you have good light. Natural daylight is perfect for getting pictures which show the product in its true form. Pictures taken at night are often too bright or show products incorrectly.

Would you read it?
You probably see this absolutely everywhere, but content really is king! If you are writing rubbish then people will quite quickly turn off, leave and never come back. The best way to create content is be original, take inspiration from what you see around you but don't copy it and just let yourself go. Don't try to force it or sound like other bloggers as you'll quickly lose your way. Make the post personal to you and your experiences as that is completely unique. People love discovering new products so if you write reviews try and find the latest product that may have just been released that no one else has reviewed yet. When people search for it your post will be the only content available so of course you have instant viewers. Try and be consistent with your posts, if you only want to post 2 times a week that's fine but do write those 2 posts. If your blog is empty for months on end you'll lose your audience and Google will stop crawling your site as well (bad news for traffic).

Use social media to grow your audience
Sites like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+ are full of millions of users and are a potential new reader of your blog. If no one knows your post is there, no one will read it - especially if your site is new as it wouldn't yet be indexed on Google. Create a profile on each social media site you want to join and start to follow people. Twitter is probably the easiest site to get started on and I think is the easiest to join conversations. On twitter you can use hashtags like #bbloggers to find people to follow. Share your posts and if you've mentioned brands then tag them in your posts. Hashtags are key so make sure you use tags like #bbloggers, #fbloggers or #lifestylebloggers for example. On any social media site it's important to ensure you are constantly interacting and share other people's content too so you don't look like you're self promoting all the time. Everytime you tweet/share content your name is getting mentioned and over time people may be inclined to see what you're sharing and visit your blog.

Keep a to do list
You may find it beneficial to create a list where you can detail all your inspiration and ideas for future posts. I like to compile a list every week of my posts for that week. I then work off that list to create my content.

You may find these posts useful in your blogging journey:
How to promote your blog using Google+
76 Ways to promote your blog and increase blog traffic

Do let me know how you find this post and whether it's helped you at all in creating your beauty blog! If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

Everyday Makeup Look Using High Street Brands

Creating the perfect everyday makeup look doesn't mean spending a lot of money on high end beauty products. The quality of high street makeup brands has improved dramatically over the last few years and is now on par if not better then a lot of high end products. In my everyday look I'm using just high street products and I'm sure you'll agree they look pretty good.

For my base I'm using Bourjois City Radiance foundation (RRP £9.99 at Boots . This is a recent discovery of mine and I love the radiant glowy effect it gives. I'm using Bourjois Radiance Reveal concealer (RRP £7.99 at Boots) to cover the dark circles ot imperfections that my foundation couldn't quite cover. After creating my base I seal the deal with Kiko Milano Radiant Fusion in 02 (RRP £14.90 at Kiko Cosmetics) to keep my makeup fresh for as long as possible. L'Oreal Le Blush in Sandalwood Pink (RRP £6.99 at Superdrug) adds the perfect rosy glow to warm up my skin and stop me looking so pale. Finally I used MUA Undress Your Skin highlighter in Pink Shimmer (RRP £3.00 at MUA Store) to add a bit of sparkle to my face.

Max Factor Voluptuous False Lash Effect mascara (RRP £9.99 at Boots) is the perfect product for giving my eyes some definition. It's great for fanning out lashes and giving extra volume. Poundland Makeup Gallery eyeliner in Space Grey (RRP £1.00 at Poundland  is great for lining the eyes and is a real bargain buy too! I simply adore Makeup Revolution eyeshadow palettes and they are such great value for the amount of shades you get in each palette. Makeup Revolution Girls on Film (RRP £6.00 at Superdrug or Makeup Revolution) has a fantastic range of 12 pigmented and 6 matte shades. For the look I used Frenzy All Down Your Spine on the inner corner and Polaroid Heaven on the outer edge of the lid.

With the rest of my face done I'm using Maybelline Color Drama in Fab Orange (RRP £4.99 at Boots) to complete the look. I adore this colour and definitely think it's more of a red then a orange.

So the total cost of my look is £64.94 for 9 products. With most high end products you'll probably get 2, maybe 3 products at a push for the same price. What do you think of my look? Do you think high street products have a better quality then they used to? As always I love to hear what you think!

Easy everyday hairstyles

When it comes to styling my hair I want something that is relatively quick but still looks put together and relatively glamorous. Who doesn't want to look put together at 8am in the morning!?

I have a number of key go to looks I use that are quick to pull together in the morning but still look really presentable.

Keeping it simple
I use my straighteners to straighten my hair leaving it looking sleek. This is really quick and probably takes about 5 minutes to complete.

Curly ends
This look doesn't take as long to create as a full head of curls but still looks uber glam. I use my straighteners to curl only the lower ends of my hair.

Parisian chic
A small french plait in the front of my hair looks gorgeous and only takes about ten minutes to complete. To create the look I take three pieces of hair, pull the left piece over the middle and then move the right piece of hair into the middle and repeating the process. You can see a video on exactly how I create the look here. Finally I use a kirby grip to pin the plait onto the rest of my hair.

Twisted rolls
I take a piece of hair on each side of my head, twist is to the hair is spiralled and then use a kirby grip to secure it to my hair.

I hope you like these looks and find them easy to recreate them yourself. Do let me know if there is any look you'd like to see me try!

6 ways to disguise a bad hair day

There's nothing worse then waking up in the morning and realising you look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards. You fear if you step out the door people will go running thinking a zombie has risen from the dead. To avoid the repercussions a zombie defence army could have here's 6 top tips you can use to disguise a bad hair day.

Use dry shampoo!
Dry shampoo is like heaven in a bottle, especially if you don't have access to a bathroom for the next few days (if you're at a festival for example.) It can help tame any flyaways and make your hair look more groomed.

Re-wet or rewash your hair
You may have just washed it so this may sound like a pain but if your hair is really in disarray giving it another wash may help.

Detangle your hair
One of the best ways to sort a bad hair day is to detangle any knots or kinks that are causing the problem. Apply a little Detangle spray then slowly pull a brush through your hair. Don't be too heavy or forcefully rip through the knots as this could make it worse.

Straighten it
A lot of bad hair days can be down to fly away, kinky hair that makes you look like you've got a birds nest on your head. One of the most simple ways to sort this is to straighten it. A lot of straighteners nowadays come with ceramic plates and ionic technology which helps to tame your hair and leave it looking sleek and shiny.

Curl it
If your hair is a mass full of curls that you really don't have the strength to work out then why not work with it. Use a curling tong to take the hair and create normal looking curls.

Pull it into a plait
Plaits are great for taking all the hair on the head and securing it away in a neat braid. You can use a Frizz Ease serum to reduce any remaining fly aways.

I hope you find these tips useful when you're having a nightmare with your hair. Have you tried any of these before?

My top five lipsticks

Like most girls I purchase a lot of makeup. What I purchase a lot of though, more than foundation or mascara is lipstick. I love it and have so many a lot get left stashed in drawers. However I do have my favourites and I'm going to share them with you today.


Charlotte Tilbury Love Bite
This gorgeous bright red is heavily pigmented yet doesn't feel drying. It may be pricey but it's great if you want to impress. Watch the video review to see it in action here.
£23 at Charlotte Tilbury 





                                              


Fashion Fair Chocolate Raspberry Lipstick
This little beauty was gifted to me at the Wow beauty event. I love the iridescent dark pink/purple shade and it looks amazing on.
£14.00 at Boots 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in Fuchsia Stiletto
This is one sensation satisfying lipstick. Not only does it smell like a fruity tropical explosion but it looks beautiful too. It may be
a little on the pricey side but it does leave lips feeling moisturised with a slight hint of colour. The only downside is that it doesn't last very long. Watch the video review to see it in action here.
£26.00 at Boots 

Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red
Another classic red from Charlotte Tilbury. The shade is a lot darker than Love Bite and has a real Hollywood feel. It is more matte so can feel a little drying sometimes which can be fixed with a little Vaseline. Read more on my review here.
£23 at Charlotte Tilbury 

Max Factor Scarlet Ghost
Another day, another red. You know I love a good red dearly! This is a rich red that feels moisturising on the lips. It has a pleasant vanilla scent and looks fabulous on. A cheaper alternative to Charlotte Tilbury Red Carpet Red.
£6.59 at Amazon