17.12.14

HOW TO GET CARA DELEVIGNE BROWS


Whenever I talk about or think of brows I cannot get Cara Delevigne out of my head. But fear not, because there won't be as much lusting and loving over her brows when you can get your brows looking pretty darn kick ass too. Benefit's not-so-new release of their Benefit Gimme Brow will leave your brows looking fuller, thicker and tamed whilst adding that little extra fibres to make you seem as though those brows have more to 'em than they really do. 

16.12.14

ANOTHER ZARA PURCHASE?


If anyone knows me, you will know that I'm the worlds biggest fan of Zara. Not only are their clothes so my thing, but they're such good quality and the service is great and ordering online is pretty darn awesome too. Their minimal website design is great, their packaging is kick ass (yes we can finally wave goodbye to those dreaded plastic packaging bags and say hello to a neatly folded pile of goodness - *hip hip horray*. 

15.12.14

COLLECTION CONCEALERS


Any fellow loyal Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer lovers? Yep, I can well and truly say I'm happily on the band wagon. But with many Bloggers and Youtubers mentioning this whole Illuminating Touch Brightening Concealer shenanigans, I thought I'd give it a go and see whether it's all that too. 

11.12.14

LET'S CLARIFY THIS CLARISONIC THING...


Any fellow problematic skin ladies out there? Yep, add me to that list. Let's just say, God's generosity may have ran out when deciding which type of skin I will have. Not only does it have the tendency to switch from Dry to Oily about 10 to the dozen, but it is also acne prone and pretty darn red. So when I heard the million and one people ranting and raving about the Clarisonic I was game for trying it out, and let's just say I wasn't disappointed. 

9.12.14

THE WET LOOK EDIT


Hey, you know that 'Wet Look Makeup Look' that all those Beauty Editors, Style Icons and Makeup Artists are banging on about in the press, on their blog and on every form of social media you can think of? Yeah, I've found a way to achieve that, on a budget. Yep - you can thank me later. But this is totally effortless, will have you leaving the house in 10 minutes, rocking a completely awesome style and having plenty of money still in the bank. You game? 

2.12.14

LEARNING WHEN TO JUST TAKE A BREAK


With everything around us always being so hectic, it's important to just take a little zen moment here and there to assess, have a look at what you're doing and just chill. If you're anything like a workaholic, stressaholic and chatty/upbeat/intense as I am, then you'll seriously need to get your chill on now and then. Load up moving offices, a shed loads of friends family and boys with plenty of gossip alongside deadlines, the pressure of christmas and a huge lack of sleep I think I'm well and truly wishing I was back in the little holiday pad in Cornwall having some proper down time, just me myself and I. *do do do do doo* - how can we not sing along? 

27.11.14

THE ULTIMATE DRUGSTORE LIP STAIN


Recently, I've been venturing out to the darker lips - particularly purple toned lips. Nothing I've ever really given a whirl before but I'm well and truly on the purple lips wagon. It can add so much density, confidence and all round kick ass look to any makeup look, outfit and will kit you up for a kick ass night out, photoshoot or even dinner if you get a kick ass formula. 

26.11.14

FINDING YOUR OWN STYLE


Fashion, Makeup and Music are just a few of many ways that we can express ourselves as individuals. Finding your own sense of style, 'look' and whole persona in the clothes / makeup department is always stressful. It's so easy to just follow the trends of what everyone else is wearing and what is 'fashionable then'. It really is something that comes 'naturally' but there are a few tips that I've found along the whole journey of growing up which has really committed to me finding my own sense of style... 

25.11.14

THE VIVIANNA DOES MAKEUP EDIT


Any fellow Anna fans in the house? I know I'm raising my hand right now. Anna, Anna, Anna... the babe-est of the babes. I literally can't get enough of her content from her blog, let alone her youtube channel. My that girl can edit *raises hand for a cheeky high five moment*. When it comes to her recommendations she pretty much kicks ass all round. There have obviously been quite a few VDM influenced shopping extravaganzas but, who is complaining? Not me (*cough* my bank account *cough*). 

19.11.14

PORE PRIMERS


So when it comes to Pore Primers, Preppers and Minimisers it seems as though good ole Benefit were first to the game with the Benefit Porefessional. With many other brands getting excited at the prospect of gaining some what a proportion of Benefit's success by launching their own Pore Minimiser / Refiner / "goodbye waver" - who would turn it down... right? Dr Brandt's Pores No More formula suggests so. 

18.11.14

THE ULTIMATE KIT EVERY BEAUTY BLOGGER NEEDS


This ones to all your fellow beauty bloggers out there that go through the struggles of doing endless 'birds eye, perfectly arranged shots' then end up having a mascara roll around the place. Or you kick ass bloggers that do endless lipstick swatches for your latest 'bright lip edit'. Or those ever so snazzy swatches that linger on the back of your hand when you've popped to the shop to get your iced coffee. We've all been there, we've all got the dodgy looks and we've all got the cringe worthy moments tattooed in our head. Over the months I've been running this little corner of the internet, I've also been watching lots of tips and tricks videos from the best and all in all I've picked up a few tricks that you ladies will all find pretty darn useful... *crosses fingers*

14.11.14

THE REVLON FOUNDATION EDIT


Now I dunno about you but I'm a complete sucker for a good foundation and it would be a rare occurrence for me to go a day without rocking some. When it comes to foundations, I go through it like no tomorrow. Fear not, I don't cake it on like batter but I like to use my fair share and get a decent coverage - therefore a drugstore foundation is key otherwise I'll be bursting the bank. Revlon absolutely kick out all competition when it comes to their foundations, so let's see which one may suit you more? 

13.11.14

THE AMELIA LIANA EDIT


Well, I dunno about you but I'm a complete sucker for a good Youtube Catch Up binge, and well Blogging... That's another story. When it comes to getting some quick tips, tricks and having a giggle at the same time Amelia has it covered. She's the babe-est of the babes, and will have you craving chicken, chocolate and half the aisles of every beauty store in the city. I've been #feelingspendy and splurging on some good ole loves from Amelia, so let's see whether I agree... 

11.11.14

THE LOYALTY CARDS THAT YOU NEED


Loyalty cards, something we always get asked if we want for that so called 'one off' discount every time we go shopping. Although I'm still waiting on Zara to have some kind of loyalty card, or Topshop for that matter - I'm pretty darn happy with some of the cards I have got. 

10.11.14

THE ULTIMATE BAD ASS SPOT TREATMENT


With spots, everyone has them or has had them. Whether you're a 13 year old girl or a 40 year old guy, it makes no difference. It's not so much the way they look - but more so the way they seem, make you feel and knock your confidence. I find that I just feel so much worse about myself, my makeup doesn't go on as well and all in all it just sucks... lets be honest. But, in a serious urge to fight off those bad boys I went to good ole trusty Origins and picked up Origins Super Spot Remover Blemish Treatment Gel.

9.11.14

BLOGGING | WHY DO YOU DO IT?


Recently the whole 'Blogger and Youtube-r' thing has just gone absolutely crazy. Whether that be the subscription levels going through the roof, or youtubers creating their own products and doing it as a full time job or the amount of hate that people are dishing out whether that be trolls, your everyday bob from down the road or leading journalists. It seems as though the reason for 'blogging' and 'youtubing' has lost it's 'edge', I guess you could say. The enjoyment levels just aren't the same. So here's a question, if you're a blogger - why do you do it? 

7.11.14

MY RECENT DISCOVERIES


Being the true beauty blogger / addict / obsessive / weirdo that I am, I've been trialling and testing a lot of products over the last few months and there have been some products that have really stood out to me. Some maybe more on the lazy side of things, some more on the pamper side of things and some maybe a little pick me up. But all within their own rights damn right awesome.

6.11.14

MY CURRENT STYLE STAPLES


It's not often that you see the word 'style' pop up on my little corner of the internet. That's most probably down to the fact that I'm no fashion expert, nor no 'style' expert either. When it comes to my individual 'brand' or fashion sense, it's all very office chic, very sophisticated and very 'Brook'. It's one of those fashion senses that you couldn't easily slip on a pair of jeans, a t shirt and your good ole trusty pair of converse. More that of a black skinny jean, pair of loafers, trusty smart top, statement necklace and a kick ass statement jacket. Nothing more, nothing less. Just me. 

5.11.14

TAMING THAT TEXTURE


After popping off to the hairdressers this weekend, I've lost an inch or so off the ends. Which if you are anything like me, any inch which comes off your hair feels as though it's multiplied by 10. But a new trim only calls for new products and a new routine... right? So, here's what products have made the cut *pats self on back for such an awful (read: kick ass) pun* and are taming my lengths into all kinds of texture-y goodness. Oh yeah. 

3.11.14

THE 'I WOKE UP LIKE DIS' BASE


If you're a prepared and admittedly a late riser, then I can only imagine you'll be having the whole fake eyelash extensions, HD brows and fake tan thang going on - which hats off to you. It's a goodie. But when it comes to getting up late, I'm all about bases. There's nothing worse than walking out the front door in a rush and not quite knowing whether you're rocking the 'I Woke Up Like Dis' base, or you're quite literally looking like a typical Bridget Jones that's been dragged through a bush backwards. Therefore, having a kit of bases that take hardly any time will just secure that you're hopefully looking like the first option rather than the later one. 

31.10.14

THE MALE EDIT WITH CHRIS TYNAN


If you're a regular to this little corner of the internet, you will have figured that it's heavily feminine with not many manly vibes going on. Therefore I’ve drafted in the fabulous Chris Tynan AKA a charming, intelligent and well spoken business student from Norwich University to talk about his stash that has him smelling, looking and feeling kick ass. Let's get started... 

30.10.14

THE NEW PINK POLISH


When it comes to pink polish, we've all been there. Whether it be that hot pink that all of us love and feel 'oh so american' when we're truthfully really not Hilary Duff or that nude pink that looks really cute but really tacky at the same time - you know what I mean? You can call me an utter granny but I'm really all for the 'Urban' and 'Retro' type tones at the moment and what has been hitting that satisfaction recently is Rimmel London's Salon PRO with Lycra Nail Polish in 402 Urban Purple. AKA a kick ass twist on your bog standard pink / purple colour. Love.

29.10.14

THINGS I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT


Things I can't live without? Did I hear First World Problems? Yep. I know technically, food, water, oxygen and shelter are really the main things but when it comes to a Beauty Blogger's world there are just those things that our everyday routine wouldn't be the same without. Some more obvious, some more not to much. But if you're a regular to my little corners of the internet then these won't come as a surprise to you. 

28.10.14

WHAT TO DO: CORNWALL EDITION


Cornwall, such a beautiful place. Full stop. There's so much to do, so much to experience and so much to see. A couple of weeks ago I headed down there for the first time in a good few years, not only to have a little holiday but to also visit some loved ones. If I could, I'd happily go back and experience it all again. A holiday home over there? Urrr... yes please. So for those of you who haven't been to Cornwall, never heard of it or are a regular and fancy experiencing something new, here's a couple of my favourite places that you shouldn't miss off your Bucket List! Notepads at the ready... 

27.10.14

CHARLOTTE TILBURY VS MAYBELLINE


The famous Charlotte Tilbury is kick ass when it comes to makeup. From the packaging, to the formulas to the range... it's hard to fault it. But whilst roaming around the aisles of my local Boots store, I came across the Maybelline Colour Sensational Lip Liner in 132 Sweet which looked like a similar colour to Charlotte Tilbury's Lip Liner in Pillow Talk. But hey, is it worth splashing the dollar or not?

24.10.14

RETURN OF THE MAC


MAC, yep MAC. The famous, cult brand of all things kick ass makeup. There's not a bad review I've ever heard from MAC products. You can't really beat it, let's be honest. The fact that professional makeup artists use it is most definitely saying something... hey? It gives a professional look, feel and effect to the face even if you're no pro like me. 

23.10.14

LATEST SKINCARE ADDITIONS


Procrastination at it's best has got to be online shopping, you with me ladies? Admittedly I'm a complete sucker for a good shopping sesh and I'm a regular to the beauty corners of the internet. Whether that be browsing Feel Unique, Boots or good ole trusty Superdrug we can't help but buy ourselves a few things right? Yep true Beauty Blogger problems right here, uh oh spaghettio. 

22.10.14

A TRIP TO CORNWALL



So last week Mother, Father and I all took a cheeky last minute trip to Cornwall. It's not often that we get to go and take a break away from everything. Running our own business, having three dogs and a ton of other commitments it's hard to take a break (and have a kit kat... har har har... outcome the Brook jokes). It's safe to say, I'd happily go and live there again. I thought I'd write a little post about my thoughts, feelings and memories of the trip to share with you guys and also to just have as a memory bank for future when I'm having an off day. Roll the pictures... 

17.10.14

WHY YOU NEED A STATEMENT NECKLACE STASH



You must have put an outfit together and thought, I dunno what to do to make it seem more 'put together or complete', or I want a 'statement piece' to my outfit. Yeah you've probably been there and in all honesty, up until the last few months back I didn't have a clue how to tick that box. When it comes to adding a bit of colour, or putting an outfit together for me it's all about a bulky statement necklace now, and honestly once you get on the band wagon with this one you won't regret it. 

13.10.14

THE KIT FOR NEWBIES IN THE LIP DEPARTMENT


A makeup look can seem great, but without the perfect lip to pull the whole look together it can all look a little bit miss match-ed. Now, I'll openly admit to not being able to rock a dark, bold or matte lip. I like more sheer, slightly colourful and often nude lips to kind of bring it all together. Nothing major, just quite subtle... easy to maintain during the day and all that shebang. 

10.10.14

MY PLAYLIST


Now I dunno about you, but I'm a complete sucker for a good tune here and there (#grannylingo). A good song, album or cover can quite 360 my mood in about 5 minutes or less. Crazy. So having that ideal playlist down is always a must have. I've always been a sucker for a good ole bit of Justin Timberlake, Ne-Yo and Kendrick Lemar but recently I've really been digging a bit of a variation of music. Since caving into Spotify Premium and ditching the good ole trusty iTunes option, I've really been experimenting and getting the most out of my music. So here are my recent picks... 

9.10.14

FEMININE FLORAL FRAGRANCE


So I'm guessing by the fact you're reading this that you're a complete perfume junkie like myself... right? In my books there's no harm in wanting to smell nice and being in the market for a new fragrance twenty four seven. Therefore on my recent trip to Debenhams on a hunt for the Urban Decay stand (they didn't have it, boo) I of course had to get my sniff on, and this was quite literally love at first sniff. 

8.10.14

(FOR)EVER SLEEK


Now I don't know about you, but for me there's nothing quite as good as having freshly washed, conditioned and all round easily manageable hair. At the crack of dawn, I'm not really in the mood to sit there for a good five minutes trying to scramble through all those knots, dead ends and freaking awkward straggly bits of hair. So in order for me to start off with a good smooth, nourished and shiny base, I've been on the hunt for a good ole kick ass shampoo and conditioner. 

2.10.14

SIENNA X FAKE TAN... A TANNING REVOLUTION?


So if you're a bit of a fake tan noob like myself, you would have braved the milk bottle look for too long. Running a business, being a manager for my parents company and having endless commitments compared to the average 17 year old, it goes without saying that a holiday isn't really on the cards much for me. So little ole me pretty much needs to rely on faking that tan so I don't look like a complete noob with my friends, and family (yep my mum fake tans near enough everyday and is an absolute don at it, and my dad well - he's a big sun bed lover...) 

30.9.14

SO, THE EYELASH PRIMER THING...


If you're a regular to these spaces, you'll know that some serious Eyelash Primer talk has been roaming about. Estee from Essie Button especially loves a good eyelash primer. I've gotta admit, I've never really been interested because quite frankly... who can be bothered? Does it really make much of a difference? Does the white not show through on top like undried fake eyelash glue? As you can tell, I really debated and I finally caved and brought this little Urban Decay combo which lemme tell ya... it kicks ass

24.9.14

SAY HELLO TO WET LOOK LIDS WITH L'OREAL


It seems as though all the makeup brands are really pushing the wet look eyelids, whether it be Mac with their latest release of new formulated eyeshadows or good ole Charlotte Tilbury with her kick ass eye colour collection. When I heard that there were ones available in the drugstore, I knew I had to get involved. That yet again got much more interesting once I saw a good few beauty bloggers using them in their tutorials. Sold.

23.9.14

FACEMASKS 101


If you're feeling as tired and stressed as I am, your skin is probably feeling, looking and all round sucking as much as mine too. There's nothing quite like snuggling up in bed with your favourite drink of choice, a few candles and an episode of your latest boxset (mine is The Blacklist, it's the bomb dot com lemme just say...) Add a face mask to the equation and it just gets a whole lot better, oh yeah. Recently since my skin has been so problematic, spotty and just all round sensitive, which is a bonus for you guys cos hey presto... guess what? I've been trailing and testing a few new face masks. Here are some well loved ones, and ones which aren't as well known but still kick ass. 

21.9.14

THE KIT FOR SHORT, FINE HAIRED GIRLS


We all know the struggle of having flat hair on a night out, or getting out the bath and spending 23407235723 hours trying to brush through those badass knots. Yep, the dreaded post-bath hair brush. Well I've finally found the perfect combination to have you short hair, fine hair and all things knotty hair'ed girls all kitted up with everything you'll need to get through those knots. Fear not, I've got you covered. 

20.9.14

A KICK ASS GEL NAIL VARNISH


So, ladies. Planning on getting those nails filed, primed and polished, Maybelline are kicking ass with their new-ish range of Superstay Gel Nail Colour 7 Days Range. The colour I've opted for is Divine Wine which is a gorgeous rich red, not too 'hey sexy can I' but a more sophisticated 'ooh hello' type red. Ya feel me? 

19.9.14

ROCKIN' RAYBANS


So you're probably thinking "Ur Brook babe, why are you blogging about sunglasses as it's hitting autumn in England?" Well, let's just say I have the coolest mate ever who goes by the name of Saud Alsherie (follow him on twitter here and tell him that I sent you I dare ya) who is an absolute babe and gave me a late birthday present of these kick ass Raybans. Oh yeah. And lemme just say, they're awesome. 

18.9.14

REPURCHASE: MY EVERYDAY, STAPLE EYESHADOW


Us lazy ladies can't be dealing with building up that smokey eye at 6am on a Monday morning, or any day of the week let's be honest. A saturday night, yeah sure, I'm sold. But any other day, I just cba. When I watched Tanya Burr's Birthday Makeup Tutorial about a year and a half ago (BABE alert) I knew it had to be mine. I even wore it to prom last June, yeah... you heard me. It's THAT good. And hey presto, guess where it's from? Good ole, trusty MAC. 

16.9.14

ZOELLA MADE ME DO IT



We all know who Zoella is, and well quite frankly ain't she a babe? I'm a huge lover of all her recommendations and I just love how happy and bubbly she always is, let alone how gorgeous her makeup and everything is. She's basically the older sis I never had and quite frankly probably never will. So being a firm lover of her videos alongside most of you folks reading this, I thought I'd share my thoughts on the products that I've brought with heavy influence from Miss Sugg. 

12.9.14

LET'S HAVE A CATCH UP....


Things have been getting pretty hectic lately and it's kinda been a little overwhelming for me. With work tasks coming out my ears and my phone always ringing and constant updates I thought I'd put a little post together to have a little self detox and keep you all updated on the low down... 

11.9.14

MASTERING A FLAWLESS BASE


There's nothing better than feeling, looking and basically being P Diddy. And I dunno about you ladies out there, but having kick ass, flawless face, base and contour is just essential. Now like I've said 1149179837523 times before, I have acne prone skin so a Medium / Heavy coverage is essential for me but I'm always on the look out for a 'I woke up like dis' kinda feel. So notepads and wish lists at the ready... 

9.9.14

WANNA GET YOUR DIY ON?


Feelin' uber creative and fancy getting your DIY on? Well I recently stumbled across an awesome website called I SPY DIY which lemme tell ya, is a basically how-to little corner of the internet which is basically a more in-depth and more kick ass version of Pintrest. What more could us ladies want? This ain't somewhere you can have a flick through and drift off to sleep, it's definitely got the same sorta ode to it as Sophia Amoruso's #GIRLBOSS because it makes you feel so inspired, so much so Miss Bridget Jones over here didn't even doubt herself. Uh huh. 

8.9.14

A POWDER DILEMMA


So, ladies we have all experienced the mid-day oily face frustration... right? Being 'gifted' with acne prone, combination skin it's pretty hard for me to find a makeup fix that is perfect for me. I always have to go for the high coverage foundations, pack it in and cover it up otherwise my spots will combine my face into a big fat cherry. Noone wants that do they? So recently I've been on a hunt for a good kick ass powder that will lock all that foundation, concealer and primer goodness in to create one big matte face to last me all day. In my time (hashtag nanna phrase) I've tried my fair share of powders from all corners of the drugstore but these two seem to be my top ones, but what is my overall favourite ever powder?

4.9.14

THE LITTLE THINGS: A DAY AT THE BEACH


Something a little different is hitting this space today, with a down to earth heart to heart with you guys and myself really. Often in life, we tend to forget the little things that matter. It's not all about work, parties and drinking endless amounts of alcohol and eating our body weight in pizza. Often it's doing what we enjoy, and spending time with people we love. On Tuesday, 2nd September 2014 me and my parents decided to take the day off as it was their 14th Wedding Anniversary. 

3.9.14

THE BEST FAKE TAN I'VE EVER USED


So now we're on our last legs of summer in England, there's nothing better than topping up that tan. Over the summer, I've not been able to get away (boo) but I've really been testing out those fake tans and let me just say... Sienna has got it covered. I'm a complete Fake Tan noob, from getting 'whiteys' on my fingers, orange knees and elbows and the odd oompa loompa phase here and there. But ever since I've been using Sienna that hasn't happened.

1.9.14

AUGUST FAVOURITES


Guess what time of the month it is? Oh no, not that time of the month (ladies...), but monthly favorites time! Can I hear a hip hip horray? I've got a right ole mixture going on here. As you may see, not too much makeup going on, but more application and sortin' out that hair, face and taste buds...

THE FORUM: ARE CHUBBY STICKS JUST A PHASE?


Now I'm not sure about you but I'm not a gal that can rock a bold lip. So when Chubby Sticks first got launched and everyone was ranting and raving about them, I was all over them. Since they come in all different colours, matte, sheer, glossy, satin etc. You name it, there's probably a Chubby Stick out there for it. But are they just a phase? Or are they a 'the new(ish) thing to the lip world'?