Models Own Grace Green

Models Own Grace Green (£5)*

Another Models Own polish from my ever-growing collection!  Don't you just love this brand?  I really don’t need another green nail varnish.  I think I have every colour from the green-scale well and truly covered by now so I should maybe mix it up a little.  It is my favourite colour however and I’m always so drawn to it.  I just can’t help it!

Grace Green is a sage/olive shade of green and the perfect colour to wear at this time of the year when you want to start adding a touch of Spring to your outfits.  Like most Models Own polishes this was fine after just one coat but looked loads better with two.  I think this polish looks fab worn alone but would also be a great base for nail art.  My friend Katie is a dab hand with a dotting tool so I think I’ll ask her to give me a mani with this polish.  Make sure you check out her blog here.  If you’re as gaga for green as I am then I would definitely recommend this polish as I haven’t seen a colour like it anywhere else.   

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Tell me about it...stud

Disco Pants - American Apparel

Body - Oh My Love at Asos

Shoes - Carvela

Wig - eBay

Earrings - Borrowed from Katie

Nails - Essie Snap Happy

Well here’s one way of wearing disco pants!  Last night I went to my friend’s movie themed birthday party dressed as the one and only, Queen of the disco pants, Sandy from Grease.  I’ve loved this film ever since watching it practically every day as a child and jumped at the chance to have a go at recreating the ‘sexy, post-makeover Sandy’ look.

I already had the trousers so only had to buy the top and wig.  The top is actually a bodysuit from Oh My Love at Asos and it’s a fab quality but sadly I don’t think I will be wearing it again.  I felt very ‘on show’ shall we say, which is fine when trying to emulate Sandy’s promiscuous side but I’m usually a lot more conservative.  The wig was from eBay and a bit more Marilyn than Sandy if you ask me but it did the job and definitely cemented the fact that I should never go blonde!

A great night was had by all and I’m painfully paying for it today.  I haven’t drank all month/year so I feel well and truly shattered after a night on the tiles.  Just had my regular Sunday night curry to sort me out so I feel almost normal again.  I wasn’t going to post this outfit as it’s not fashionable and is frankly just a little bit silly but then I thought why not?  This is the place to post what I wear - fancy dress and all other things weird and wonderful - and it might give someone some inspiration if they’re looking for a similar sort of costume.  I hope you like it and hope you all had a fun-filled weekend!  I’m off to go laze with an equally hungover Danny Zuko.  The hand-jiving has worn me out.

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La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo (£13)

Those of you who follow me on Twitter will have seen mine and my friend’s endless ramblings about the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo serum.  For those of you who don’t follow me - then you should ;) (@GemmaCloughton).  But seriously, after struggling to express my love for this product in 140 characters, I thought it was time to give it a real review.

French based skincare company La Roche-Posay were recommended to me by the girls at Grazia.  I was breaking out after a terrible experience with a foundation (more here) and I was the spottiest I had ever been.  The La-Roche Posay range includes just the bare basics for your skin without any fancy colouring or fragrances added which can irritate your skin more.

The Effaclar Duo formula is designed to reduce the appearance of imperfections and unblock clogged pores.  I can’t stress how much this has changed my skin.  After applying to my whole face twice daily, I saw an immediate improvement in my breakout.  Over the next few days my face looked a lot clearer and then eventually got back to it’s normal state of calm.  If you are prone to a breakout or two I would definitely recommend this.  

I’m currently experiencing another breakout due to increasing the amount of water I drink.  Who’d have thought being healthier and drinking more water would make your skin worse?  I’ve done my research though and my skin is going through a purging stage because of the water flushing out all of the toxins so I’m going to stick with it and keep drowning myself with H2O.  I’m know my trusty Effaclar Duo will help me through.  Seriously, it’s a life saver.  And the Effaclar range is at Boots for 2 for £15 at the minute!  Go buy!

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Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion (£17)*

Can you believe how cold it is right now?  Freezing temperatures and wet weather play havoc with your skin and the constant changing from hot to cold doesn’t do much good for it either.  It’s days like today that you need a really good moisturiser to protect your skin and put back the goodness the weather takes out.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion is part of their popular 3-step skin care program.  I can’t vouch for the other two products in this range but I can safely say this moisturiser is amazing.  I tend to get a really dry nose and forehead which can be really hard to get rid of but one application of this little beauty and I was flaky no more.  Thin enough to wear under make up but thick enough to use at night, this really is a multi-use product.  I love the pump dispenser too as it gives you just the right amount of moisturiser.

The instructions advise you use this on dry areas only but I’ve used it all over my face and had no issues.  Clinique also recommend this works best for people with dry or combination skin so if you do have oily skin this product may not be for you.  It works great for me though and I can’t get enough of it right now.  Clinique isn’t one of my go-to skincare brands.  I’m not sure why but I think I’ve been missing out.  If payday ever comes (January is so long!) I'll be taking a trip to their counter.

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Real Techniques Stippling Brush

Real Techniques Stippling Brush (£11.99)

One beauty lesson I’ve learned over the years is that your make up is only as good as the tools you use to apply it.  Yes I know that brushes aren’t always essential; a smokey eye can look just as good smudged in with a finger and lipstick can be applied without a lip brush.  However there’s one brush that is a must-have and that’s a good base brush.

I introduce to you the Real Techniques Stippling Brush.  Designed with flat-headed bristles to buff away all imperfections, this is my foundation brush of choice.  I really can’t rave about it enough.  I move the brush in circulation motions across my face and it distributes my foundation smoothly and evenly.  I’m left with no pesky brush marks on my face and an overall polished complexion!  It can be used to blend in other liquid and cream products too such as cream blusher or highlighter.

Real Techniques brushes were designed by MUA and super-blogger Samantha Chapman from sister-ran blog Pixiwoo.  They’re perfectly priced and relatively cheap considering how much you can pay for some brushes.  For example, MAC’s stippling brush costs a whopping £32.50 so the Real Techniques brush really is a steal.  I’d definitely recommend trying it to see the results for yourself.  I was really impressed and can’t wait to try some of the other brushes in the Real Techniques range.  I’ll keep you posted!

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On my own

Shirt - ASOS

Jumper - H&M

Trousers - Topshop

Shoes - River Island

Coat - Primark

This is what I wore to the cinema yesterday when I went to see the masterpiece of a movie that is Les Miserables.  I hadn’t seen any interpretations of the classic previously but I knew the story roughly and thought it would be my cup of tea.  It has everything you could want from a movie: beautifully shot sequences, tear inducing sentiment and Anne Hathaway.  I sat sobbing into my popcorn along with the woman at the end of the aisle whilst my boyfriend sat between us and constantly checked his watch (admittedly, it’s on for an awfully long time).  I’d definitely recommend it though I’m not too sure he would!

This is the look that best describes my style.  I feel really comfortable in shirts paired with jumpers and when you’re watching a 3 hour long movie comfort is key.  These cigarette pants are from Topshop last Autumn and I love them and all of their floral-ness.  I don’t often wear heels during the day because I’m often running around like a loony but a chilled trip to the flicks was the perfect opportunity to get some extra height.

You may have noticed the absence of my boring white background too!  I was getting sick of my pictures looking dodge through a lack of natural light so I thought it was time I took to the streets.  So okay, it’s hardly the picturesque cobbles and funky backgrounds of a pro blogger but behind the back of the cinema is good enough for me for now.  It felt a little strange at first standing there on my own, getting my picture took in public but I think it was worth it and I like how the photos turned out.  I hope you all had a great Saturday.

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Jergen’s Deep Conditioning Oatmeal Body Cream

Jergens Deep Conditioning Oatmeal Body Cream (£4.99)*

There’s nothing better than getting out of a nice bath and lathering yourself in body cream.  I normally use Soap and Glory’s Righteous Butter but I ran out (probably due to overuse) and so gave this product a go instead.  Jergens Deep Conditioning Oatmeal Body Cream is dreamy.  It’s light and airy but leaves skin feeling thoroughly moisturised.  I apply it after every bath/shower without fail and my skin has never felt softer.  

I know a lot of people skip the full body moisturising step as they don’t like to feel sticky but it really is important to add moisture to all of your skin, not just your face.  It doesn’t feel sticky after applying (which puts a lot of people off) but sinks into skin quickly, nourishing and restoring as it goes.  I’ve had it on good word that this product smells delicious. “Almost a bit like a coconut yoghurt” my boyfriend said and his nose works and mine doesn’t so I’d take his word for it.  Smell or no smell, this product works a treat on my dry winter skin and even though Santa replenished my Soap and Glory stock I’m sticking with Jergens for now.

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MAC Saigon Summer Lipstick

MAC Saigon Summer Lipstick (£14)*

Saigon Summer is the perfect colour for bold lip lovers.  It's a super bright orange frost formula by MAC and I couldn't wait to try this lipstick.   The colour looks a lot brighter in the bullet than when it's applied to my lips and it takes a few slicks to achieve a fully opaque colour.  The MAC frost formulas can be known to be a little drying but I didn’t have any issues with Saigon Summer and found it quite moisturising.  It lasts a a good few hours too before it needs a top up.    

It’s a wearable, fun shade and great for perking up any outfit.  I wore this lipstick when wearing an all black outfit and I feel it really changed it up a little and made the outfit less boring.  I think it would be perfect for - as the name suggests - Summer!  I’m looking forward to wearing it with an all white outfit and a tan (please hurry warmer weather...we’re so over the cold!)  Overall, a great addition to any MAC lover’s lipstick collection and one to try if you’re not afraid of colour!

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St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse

 St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse (£20.43)*

If anyone asked me my favourite brand of fake tan I would always answer St Tropez.  When I was younger and had a lot more money to waste, I would buy the stuff religiously.  One day adulthood called and forced me to spend my money more wisely and so I swapped for St Moriz (a cheaper alternative tan).  Despite being a fantastic dupe, I’d convinced myself St Moriz wasn’t as good as the real deal but after switching back recently, I’ve realised I was wrong.

Deciding I needed something a little extra special for my work Christmas party, I opted for the Self Tan Bronzing Mousse and applied it two nights before.  I remembered St Tropez as giving an even, golden tan which only needed one coat and which would fade easily.  After my first application, I had changed colour but was not as dark as I thought I would be.  I applied a second coat (chore!) and I was happy with the results but if I’m being honest, I didn’t see a real difference to a St Moriz tan.  I wanted St Tropez to be a one-stop-tan-shop unlike the build-able coverage of it’s cheaper competitor but it just wasn’t.

Don’t get me wrong, I do really love this product but I just can’t bring myself to buy it when there’s such a good substitute on the market.  I got around 8 applications from my 120ml bottle of St Tropez which works out at around £2.50 a tan - you can buy a bottle of St Moriz for that price.  When you do the maths, Moriz makes more sense and is the one I will part with my (fewer) pennies for.

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Models Own Dancing Queen

Models Own Dancing Queen (£5)*

As soon as I saw the Models Own Glitterball Collection I knew I needed Dancing Queen in my life.  Green is my favourite colour so I was instantly attracted to this polish.  As with most glitter varnishes I found it best to dab this onto my nails rather than paint it on.  The chunks of glitter transfer onto the nail better that way and it's easier to build up the colour.  I layered this over OPI's Don't Mess With OPI and applied two coats and a top coat to get this look.  I think you could wear it alone but it would take around three to four coats to achieve anything near opaque.  I really like this polish and it was one of my faves for the festive season.  My only gripe is that it doesn't contain much green glitter - it's a lot more blue and golds.  Other than that, it's a must have for any fellow glitter lovers!

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No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser

No 7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser (£9.95)

The No 7 Hot Cloth Cleanser is the product I reach for when I need a little extra pampering.  It’s creamy, lotion-like formula feels heavenly on your face and leaves my skin feeling super soft.  I use this product to double cleanse my face, removing my make up with it first.  After my skin is squeaky clean, I apply another layer and then soak the muslin cloth that comes with the product in hot water.  I ring out the cloth and make sure it's not too hot and then rest it on my face as I relax in the bath.  The heat works with the product to penetrate pores and give a deep clean result.

My skins feels great after using this product and I can really see the difference when I steam my face using the cloth.  I love how I can sit back and let the cleanser do the hard work and the cloth gently exfoliates your skin as you rub it against your face.  £9.95 is a good price too as you only need a small amount each time.  Definitely one too add to your bath time routine and just what my skin needs at the minute.

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New Year at Butlin's - New Year's Day

Top - Topshop

Skirt - Topshop

Jacket - H&M

Boots - Jeffrey Campbell Lita Boots

Bag - New Look

New Year’s Day and my last night at Butlin’s (sob!).  If you’ve been reading any of my other Butlin’s posts you will know I had a dress drama on NYE and so had to wear my only other dress, which I’d originally planned for New Year’s Day night.  Far too complicated but which girl isn’t?

I wore my Spice Girl style top paired with a casual Topshop skirt which I usually wear during the day.  I felt really underdressed at first but after throwing on my fur jacket and adding some red lipstick I felt ready to go.  I don’t know what it is about red lippy but it always brightens up my face and makes me feel better.

I’m really sad that the festive period is now over.  Today was my first day back at work and it’s finally cemented the fact the Christmas has gone and life is back to normal.  Bye bye lazy days and over-eating.  My main New Year’s resolution is to make my blog the best it can be and I have a lot planned for it for the coming months.  Thanks to those out there who are reading!  I really appreciate it!

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New Year at Butlin's - NYE Take Two

Dress - Topshop

Shoes - Topshop

Bag - Xmas present (possibly New Look?)

Okay so this is my unplanned New Year’s Eve outfit after deciding against going glam at Butlin’s (see prev post for more info).  It’s not as dressy as I would have liked for NYE but it suited where I was and who was around etc and what else can you do when you don’t have your wardrobe with you?  

The dress is a friend’s and it’s Topshop from a few months ago so I doubt it will be still be in.  This outfit was really rushed and last minute so I didn’t really put much thought into my hair and just shoved a few grips in so I’m not crazy about it.  As with any monochrome numbers, I always find a slick of bright lipstick works a treat and so I wore Nicki Minaj for MAC Pink Friday.  Regardless of the outfit drama I had a really great NYE and surprisingly didn’t feel too zombie like the next day!

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