LET IT GO!

Hello my chicklets!

I have recently discovered, like the entire world, the wonders of Frozen! I have actually wondered around work singing 'Let It Go' and 'Do You Want To Build A Snowman'. I am a massive Disney fan, new and old but Frozen is different. Sure, you've got the 'love at first sight' thing but then you get the realistic points where people are actually shocked by the fact she wants to marry after a day. I can actually relate to Ana, Elsa and Kristof simply because Ana is so socially awkward, Elsa is scared of hurting everyone but still manages and put her family first and then Kristof works his hardest for little to no reward but is still happy as it's what he loves and he works with his best friend.

ANYWAY! So off subject as per usual.

I was playing around with my hair at the weekend and decided, being a blonde, I'll do an Elsa hair and make up tutorial. I suck as tutorials because I just naturally do it so explaining confuses me. I have the mind of a squirrel. Sorry :(

I hope you all enjoy it :)

 I started by using my Zoeva concealer brush to dab on Benefit Boi-ing industrial strength concealer to all my blemishes. This just helps me to get an idea of how much foundation I need to apply.

 I then used the same Zoeva brush to dab Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer under my eyes to hide my dark circles. It gives enough coverage without caking and creasing so it's definitely my favourite.

 To apply Rimmel Match Perfect Foundation, I used a Models Own Egg Shaped Make Up Applicator. I love this make up applicator! It stops you from putting too much on and looking cakey as it absorbs some of the foundation.

 I used my Zoeva powder brush to apply Rimmel Clean Complexion Transparent Powder which locks in your foundation and stop it from looking so shiny. I much prefer the matte look to the dewy look if I'm honest. I have oily skin so the matte look always keeps my makeup in place for way longer than trying for a dewy finish.

 NIGHTMARE ALERT! I dropped my powder and, of course, it shattered. Black carpet + white powder = horrible

 I applied the Rimmel Lasting Finish Mono Blush in 'Santa Rose' to the apples of my cheeks and swept up towards my temples with the Zoeva Sheer Cheek brush. This just gives it a nice touch of colour to the face so you don't end up looking like a ghost.

 I added a small amount of Benefit High Beam to the bridge of my nose and my cupids bow to make my lips look bigger.

I actually won this Zoeva Make-Up Brush Set at Christmas in an AX Paris competition. This set is actually worth £165! I actually nearly wee'd with excitement. (TMI Alert!)

I used this grey colour (circled below) from my Fräulein3°8 180 Colors Eyeshadow Palette. It was from eBay however, it's now stopped being sold. It is definitely up there with my best purchases ever. This is a lovely soft grey colour and I used it to tone down the pink/purple colour and make it look more 'icy'.

I'm not normally one for pinky colours but this lovely pinky/purple-y colour is perfect for recreating Elsa's eyeshadow. Since I have green eyes, it really compliments them and makes them pop! I'll definitely have to start using purple colours more in the future. The colour I used is circled below (middle column, 4th row)

I used my Zoeva liner brush and Rimmel Scandaleyes Waterproof Gel Liner to liner my upper lash line. This is the most precise lining I have ever done. It only took me one go too, promise!

For mascara, I always use 2 different ones: one for volume and one for length. When it comes to volume, I'm loving Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara as it does add a small amount of volume at a time so you can build on it and make them thicker and thicker but, obviously, it can cause clumping so be careful. For length, I've been using L'Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Mascara for a good while now. I actually have the waterproof one but I can't find it (sad face). I love the length it gives but I don't find it gives loads of volume like it should but if, like me, you already have a good volume mascara then it won't bother you as much.

Now for hair! I'm aware that I look like a bit of a psycho in this picture but there is a reason. To start the hair, I pulled my fringe and 2 more small sections of hair forward so it was pretty much like this.

 I then pulled my hair to my right or left side, which ever you prefer, and moved the sectioned hair to the opposite side out of the way.

 I plaited the majority of my hair to the side and pinned any hair that had been missed with bobby pins.

 I pulled the remaining hair back from the middle of my face and it at the back of my head with bobby pins. I then carefully moved small amounts of hair so that it was equally distributed. This may be easier for me to do as I have layers in my hair whereas if you have hair that is all the same length then you may not get the same textured look at the top as Elsa does. It's very hard to explain how I've done this if I'm honest. I did put pin it down, distributed it and then pulled small amounts up to give it some height and volume.This was the finished product, I added Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 101 to finish up. The lipstick is a pale-ish pink which isn't represented well on the internet so definitely try it in store. It is on my Instagram which you can follow me on as the link is floating around on my page.

If you try out the look, tweet me a picture on Twitter. My Twitter name is @sugarspicemkeup
I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial and I really hope that if you haven't seen Frozen, you have to!

Toodles!
X

Race for Life

Hidy hi guys and dolls!

I'll, once again, apologise for being M.I.A for aaaaaages. If you want to know more, see my last post :)

Anyhoos, I have decided to run/jog/pant my way to the end of the Race for Life. I'm not exactly the fittest person ever. By this I mean, my exercise routine is walking from my room to the fridge and back again. However, the Race for Life has a personal twist for me as my granddad died from throat cancer a little under 2 years ago. He had battled against it for 3 years and gone into remission several times before being told that the intensive radiotherapy for no longer working and the cancer was now terminal.

It is heartbreaking to watch someone you love so much fading, dying before your eyes. I would never wish it on my worst enemy because it's sickening. It's like your heart is being squeezed so tight because you just can't do anything to help.

I have decided to show y'all my work out gear and so far, what my training plan is.

So, my training plan is jogging/running 3 times a week. I live in a small village with an old railway time and woods so I'm lucky enough to have somewhere to run without tonnes of people seeing me all tomato faced and sweaty. I'm currently running as far as my legs will allow me to go and increasing my stamina.
I also do squats, lunges and weights 3 times a week. That is for toning up and improving my strength. I want a nice butt, is that too much to ask for?

Please excuse my fat on these pictures. I'm not thinking I'm a fitness model, I'm just generally showing you my favourite workout gear.

 My sports bra is Shock Absorber Max Sports top Level 4, I'm unsure what the level 4 bit means if I'm honest. Mine is actually broken because one of the hooks on the back got caught in my washer and pulled :( However, it has 4 hooks (double fastenings) for great support, preventing any unwanted bouncing. 4 hooks sounds excessive I know but it does work. Getting the correct size is a MUST! If your bra is too small then it is going to crush your lungs and if it's too big then your boobs will bounce all over the shop.

 Excuse my 'armpit vaginas' as JLaw would say. I forgot to re-adjust myself after putting it on. This is my USA Pro Racer vest, it has a neat built in support bra but I would always recommend wearing your actual sports bra too. It is nice, lightweight breathable fabric so you don't feel as horrible and sweaty during or post workout. The picture underneath is the built in bra, it does add an extra bit of support for those who need it.

 My cut offs (they're mid calf, sorry for the crappy picture. Shortarse alert!) are Nike tights capri. I really really love them! You do get very bad VPL but they're so comfy. It actually feels like you're wearing nothing at all and doesn't restrict your movement at all. I have done many a squat and lunge in these and they don't make you feel like they're suddenly going to rip right across your butt.

My shoes are (L-R) Avia Manitou Trail Running shoes and Nike Air Max Fusion Training shoes. Right, I'm not just being greedy by having 2 different pairs of shoes for exercise, my training shoes are more lightweight and flexible for exercise such as using the cross trainer/elliptical whatever you call it and in my case, doing strength exercises. Whereas my running shoes are more hardy and support your feet more as the soles are thick to absorb the shock of your foot coming into contact with the ground. If you have ever worn plimsolls with the thin soles, you know where you can feel every stone or blade of grass as you walk? Well, training/gym shoes have thin soles too so imagine running in them? Your ankles and knees would be crippled. Running shoes aren't the prettiest but they do reduce the amount of damage done to your joints in the future.

I would a) like to say that I wrote this whilst munching on a Toblerone. I regret nothing. B) I've had this in my head since I said 'feels like you're wearing nothing at all' hehehe!

If you fancy donating a bit of money towards my Race for Life run then please feel free to click on my Just Giving page and help fight cancer! 

Toodles!

X

I'm back!

Hello my honeybears!

I am truly sorry for my massive absence in the past couple of months so I thought I owed you all an explanation for my disappearance.

Well, if you follow me on Twitter, you may have seen me briefly say that I was suffering from migraines due to new tablets and, therefore, I couldn't stand to be near my computer.

I am currently receiving treatment for Endometriosis. It pretty much means, this is how it's been explained to me at least, there is part of the lining of my womb lying on top of some of my organs. It reeeally doesn't sound nice and it is horrible. This has pretty much been going on for 2 years, that means 2 years of cramps and bleeding. Oh yes, that's right, 2 years of Non. Stop. Bleeding. And you other girls thought that your 1 week a month was bad.
The pains I get are, apparently, like contractions except without the baby (sad face).

It all started when I began using the progesterone pill for contraception. As I had a high BMI (yea, I'm a fat girl *sigh*), I wasn't allowed on the combined pill so that was my alternative. I was on that for just over a year as I was told 'it will settle down, it's your body getting used to it' Total BS.

I was then moved onto another progesterone pill to try and sort it out. However, because I have depression, the mood swings got out of control and I began having suicidal thoughts again. Massive no no with me, I'm trying to move through it without any more antidepressants.
I've been on the implant for almost a year now. I'm still having the same problems.
My BMI has come down. I'm still trying to lose weight (I want to be a size 8. Every girl has their dreams) So yea, I got put onto the combined pill but I already get migraines, made about 50 times worse.

My next option seems to be surgery unfortunately.

I shall keep you all updated and I'll be back to writing blogs (hopefully) in the next few days.

Thanks for having so much patience my loves.

Toodles!

X

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

Hello my honeybears!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a joyful New Year.

My New Year didn't get off to the best of starts. It was actually rather terrifying.
I left at 1:30 am after a night out with some friends (and bumping into James from Geordie Shore numerous times). I was relatively sober and, as I didn't want to pay the £7 taxi fare for a 5 minute walk, I stopped to change from my high heels to my fold up flats. As I was changing my shoes, a guy in a people carrier type car pulled up just in front of me on the street and opened his car window. At 1:30 am on New Years Eve, I thought this was weird so I decided to ring my boyfriend because, well, I was scared. As I walked past the car, talking on my phone, nothing was said to me. A metre down the street, the car drove past me.
Now, is it me or is that not massively creepy? My boyfriend, his family and my family all found this really scary and kept asking me if I'd got the plate. I didn't, I was too focused on getting past the car and not being kidnapped.

So yea, not the best start to my year.

On the bright side, I found out I won the final door on the AX Paris Advent Calender competition so I won a Zoeva make up brush set worth £165! SO EXCITING!

Anyway, I decided to share my 10 New Years Resolution. I'm determined to stick to these resolutions this year.

1) The classic. Lose weight: I am actually completely obsessed with my weight, it's a major factor of my depression as I have very low self esteem. I am aiming to get down to a size 8/ 8 stone. I'm currently hovering around  a size 12.

Current body envy. The gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence.

 


2) Improve my diet: I suffer really badly from horrific breakouts and and I'm so bad at getting my five a day. I need to change because 'you are what you eat' after all. I always feel so sluggish when I eat crappy junk food. It's horrid. This will be happening after my birthday on 13th January because I want to enjoy my birthday cake.

3) Be kinder: I am a bitch. When I decide I dislike someone then everything they do winds me up. I'm so bad at just being blunt with people I dislike. I feel like I've had a lot of bad things happen to me recently so if I become a nicer person then maybe, my luck will change. Plus, no one wants to constantly be known as 'the bitch'.

4) Forgive: Again, I'm terrible at holding grudges against people for things they did years ago. There are certain people that I will never be able to forgive no matter what but other people I just don't forgive because I'm too stubborn.

5) Stop buying shoes: I'm addicted! I have so many shoes and I only wear a couple of them. I just like to look at them if I'm honest. They're so pretty but I'm too scared to wear some as they're expensive and I'm so clumsy. I have been known to get the ends of my trousers stuck on the corners of radiators at work. Apparently, it's funny to see happen.

6) Organise my room: Seriously, I can't even begin to tell you how bad my room looks. Bomb site is an understatement. I like things to be in a certain place but I don't have the time or energy. This year, I plan on using some of the energy I use playing the Sims and direct it to cleaning. How fun.

7) Save some money: I haven't been on holiday in almost 5 years. 5 YEARS! I would love a break this year but I'm also saving for a 'rainy day'/house. I'm nearly 20 and I'd love to go on holiday with my boyfriend before next year. However, with both of us being students, we can't afford anywhere really fancy. I'd love to go to Centre Parcs again. So beautiful. If you've never looked into it, it's a little pricey but it's so worth it. Give it a browse.

8) Clean my make up brushes ever week: I'm awful at this. I do it once a month at a push. It's probably why I have such bad breakouts. I'm going to invest in a Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove for a good, deep clean. I've seen nothing but good reviews about this, it's obviously well worth the money so why not? I wear make up everyday so my brushes deserve a good cleaning ever so often.

9) Visit my family more: I have a very large family and since my parents split up, it's very difficult to see everyone. I've decided that I need to put aside some time each month to get around and see various members of my family. My grandma is getting old and has dementia so I'd like to take the time I have to visit her.

10) Experiment with my look: I have the same looks for every occasion. Cat eyes for daytime, smoky black and grey for night time. I'm not adventurous at all with my look because of how fair I am. This year, I'm going to branch out and change my look bit by bit. I'm also doing to master how to apply my foundation like a pro. At the minute, mine seems to cake even if I use primer :( sad face times.

What are your New Years resolution? And how long do you think it'll take before you give up?

Toodles!
X

P.S. This lovely picture is what my cat decided to do with an empty box after Christmas. Sup demon cat.

Go to Nightout hair

Hello my honeybears!

Long time no see! I'm making progress with my medical problems. I've finally been referred to a specialist at the hospital (woo) just waiting to get my letter.

Anyway, the past couple of weeks, I've enjoyed a couple of nights out with my girls and guys so I thought I'd show you all my signature hairstyle and how I normally get it.

I generally follow the normal rules of curling hair: dirty hair holds curl better and always be careful with the temperature/time.

I use, one of 2 curlers, depending on how I want my curls. If I want them big, bouncy and, to start with, tight I use Babyliss Pro Curl but if I want more beachy, random curls, I use Babyliss Curling Wand. I warn you now, they both get reeeeally hot so I use my Curling Wand 'heatproof' glove on both of them.

So, I firstly start off with a general brush of the hair to detangle and all that jazz. Brushing your hair is self explanatory so I won't baby you all but I will show you a 'beautiful' picture of me with brushed bed hair and no makeup.

 I look grey hehehe. No anyway, I then put some Batiste Dry Shampoo in Tropical because it smells so lovely of coconuts and gives your hair just an extra boost of volume. I do always brush this out. I have once forgotten and my boyfriend had my life for it :( But yea, the dry shampoo just takes the extra grease off your hair and helps hold the curl some more.

 When it comes to actually curling, I section my hair off into 3 layers. My very bottom layer of hair is always curled the biggest to give some extra boost. The middle section, which is so hard to do, is also quite big. The middle section is really hard simply because you end up having to fight with your own hair to find what isn't curled and what is. At this point, I normally drop my curlers on my legs/arms/feet/ occasionally stomach. I have scars everywhere from being ridiculous and not concentrating.

 This is the finished products. I would look mega sexy going out like this but no, I either pull out the curls with the handle end of a back combing brush or I sleep on it. I always let my hair rest for at least half an hour just so my curls set and then I separate or I sleep on them. I think my hair looks better when they're slept on simply because they don't look as uniformed.

 This is the final outcome. I should have cracked a smile and probably readjusted my dress but hey ho, all is done now. To finish off, I always backcomb my roots a little (I'm small so huge hair could look outrageous) I also tip my head upside down and spray my roots with Wella's Silvikrin hairspray then give the ends a quick spray and run some Tresemmé Salon Smooth serum from half way down my head to the roots to tame some flyaways.

That's how I do my hair then guys. I'll show you all my Missguided purchases soon when I have the time to make myself look half decent.

Toodles!

X

Being a girl sucks

Hello my honeybears!

As I get older, I become more and more aware of how much being a girl sucks ass. Fair enough I'm only 19 but over my few short years, I have become very aware of how shitty life as a female really is so I've summarised my top 10 reasons why it really sucks. It no particular order:

1) Periods

Oh yes, the dreaded 'P' word. The word that makes males around the world squirm. The fear of wearing white, the cramps, the mood swings, the chocolate craving that never goes. Every girl longs for them as a youngster so they feel like a 'grown up' but when you get them, you regret every moment you spent wanting them.

2) Comparisons

We all look at other girls and think 'I wish I looked like her. She's gorgeous.' I think we're all/most of us are naturally programmed to feel completely crap around other girls and therefore we must compare ourselves to them. I do it constantly. I would give my right arm to look like Beyonce, Nicole Scherzinger or Kim Kardashian but alas, it's not meant to be. We all should just accept that, in some way, shape or form, we are beautiful.

3) Boobs

There's always something about them that gets you. Too big, too small, odd shape. odd sizes. We're never really happy with what we have. Mine are too big. At 5'2 and 32FF, my boobs do look rather ridiculous. I, personally, am not a fan of fakies because some do look totally unrealistic, like someone has shoved two balloons down your top. Bras are so expensive too! In the words of one of my friends 'I didn't choose the boob life, the boob life chose me'.

4) SHOES!

I have this constant feeling that I don't own enough shoes and therefore, need to buy all the shoes in the world! I am so out of pocket because of my shoe obsession but it's impossible to stop. There is no way you can just decide to stop when your collection is so far from being complete. Also, these are my newest shoes. How pretty please?

5) Hair

Everyone's been there. You want curly hair, you want straight hair, you want blonde hair, you want black hair. Before you know it, your hair is like straw; split end central and you're having to cut loads of your once beautiful locks off just to make it look half decent. Only to be followed by buying pricey hair masks to get it soft and shiny again. It's a horrible situation. I gave up with everyday use of heated stylers after I wrecked my hair. I'm a salt spray convert now.

6) Skin

I have spent hundreds of pounds, probably, trying to get perfect skin and you know what? It doesn't happen. There is no miracle skin perfecter. You can buy cheap or you can splash out but either way, nothing will magic away your spots, dullness, poor texture, etc. Lets face it, it will help but your diet and lifestyle pretty much determine how good your skin looks. I like to think of some skin care products as a plaster for your skin. They cover up the affected area but they don't really help.

7) Nail polish

I am cursed with nail polish. No matter how long I take to do them or wait for them to dry, they always smudge. No matter how carefully I do things or how many top coats I put on, they always chip. Even 'chip resistant' nail polishes chip within the first few hours of me wearing them so I'm forever changing my nail colour or just giving up and dealing with ugly, naked nails.

8) Tanning

Most of us can agree that you feel and look better when you're tanned but it's tricky to choose how to get that lovely, glowing tan. You either choose a) the sunbeds and risk increasing your chances of getting skin cancer but you come away with a lovely, even, glowing tan. b) Fake tan it so you risk looking orange, streaky and smelling a bit weird. As well as going through the whole exfoliating and moisturising routine the day before but hey, some are cheap and cheerful. My favourite is St. Moriz. Or c) You book a lovely holiday in a hot, sunny country which may cost you a small fortune but at least you'll enjoy yourself and catch some rays.

9) Foundation

I am yet to find a foundation that is completely perfect. They're either too dark, too orange or they don't stay on my oily skin. Yummy, I know. I whole heartedly believe that foundation is the hardest item of make up to get right. Seconded by lipstick. There's so many things that can do wrong with foundation and you will end up looking like a fool if it's not properly blended or if it's the incorrect shade. It's really expensive and hard work to find your perfect match. It takes so much research to find what type you need for your skin.

10) Body hair

Ok. This is probably one of the worst things about being a girl. I feel like I am forever shaving but everything else is pricey and, lets face it, not all of us have the time to get waxed regularly. There's so many things that can go wrong when you shave though, we all know that. Cutting, missing patches, dropping the razor (I also do this and it catches my fingernails and that feeling makes me ill), razor burn, blunt blades. There's probably more negatives than there are positives but it's cheap and easy. Now, for eyebrows. I get mine waxed every few weeks/months because I don't trust myself with them. They currently look like they're trying to take over my face because I haven't had time to get them done. They are so important to get right otherwise you'll constantly look surprised or angry or like Joey from Friends.

Do you agree?

What don't you like about being a girl or boy? What do you really hate?

:)

Toodles!

X

Holidays are comin'

Hello my honeybears!

Sorry for the massive absence. Ongoing health problems. I won't bore you with the details until I've been fully diagnosed.

Anyway! As you can tell from my title, this is about Christmas!

I LOVE CHRISTMAS! The trees, carols, lights, decorations, food. Everything just has that added sheen to it. Christmas markets are also fantastic, there is always something amazing lurching at a Christmas (or any) market.

I decided that I'd let you into my world. I don't ask for that much but what I do ask for is expensive. All of my dream items are on my Pinterest page.

I am a lover of good shoes, I am female after all. I have a place in my heart for Jeffrey Campbell's. They are thee most amazing collection of shoes ever. The shoe boots are a special favourite of mine because the colours are so scrummy, I'd make them the centre piece to any outfit.

I'm also a bit of a make up hoarder so expensive make up like MAC and Urban Decay are dream items for me especially Urban Decay's Naked palettes which can make your eyes pop! I see so many good things about MAC lipsticks, I want them all but I especially want a nude one as my eyes are always my stand out but being a student, the only way I would get them is if they were a gift. Hint, hint.

Being a geek, I love Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Game of Thrones so trawling through Black Milk and Etsy has probably been the worst thing to do. I adore Black Milk's Lord of the Rings leggings because they're so quirky and the greens/blues used as so lovely, they can easily be teamed with a white, grey, black etc top.
I have lusted over Black Milk's R2D2 body suit for months! My boyfriend refuses to buy it for me as it's 'too expensive' but seriously! How could it not be worth the price?! It's an R2D2 body suit for Christ sake! It's perfect for making an impression on people, like people aren't gonna smile when they see it.
As for the Game of Thrones merch, Etsy is perfect for finding just what you need. I love the Stark children's names top and the book extract pendant. I find stuff like that really expresses a person. I'm a natural reader so I'm obviously attracted to it.

As for the satchels, UGGs and guinea pigs; they're essentially duh!
I managed to put a hole through the bottom of my rubber soled UGG boots and, living in the North East, I need to keep my feet nice and dry when there's 2 feet of snow. UGGs are probably the best for keeping you toasty, dry and stylish.
I recently broke my satchel on my way to work (oops) so I need a new one. I like satchels as they're so cute and not boxy or too much. They're just perfect for making a statement but also being underrated.
And for guinea pigs. Have you heard them talk to eachother?! You can't escape the cuteness of guinea pigs. I am actually getting two for Christmas. You'd think I was 12, right? I'm nearly 20. I love them though, they are so sociable and they love the attention. They're so loving, I honestly can't even tell you how much I love them without making it into a big Disney song and dance.

Let me know your Christmas wishes.

And if you're in the North East. Erm, hello! Fenwicks Christmas window display will be up soon! AHHH!

Toodles!
X