My Top 5 Red Lipsticks

From left to Right: MAC "Russian Red," Revlon "Cherry Blossom," Rimmel Kate Moss 101 "kiss of life,"Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lipstick in "Brick," Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick in "Scarlet"

1) MAC "Russian Red"

I think pretty much everyone owns this lipstick. It's a gorgeous deep red shade, and the matte finish is lovely and long-lasting but not at all drying. I tend to apply a little layer first, pat it in with my finger to create a stain, and then add another layer for a nice deep bold red lip.

2) Revlon "Cherry Snow"

This is a lovely moisturising lipstick. It's not completely matte, but isn't at all glossy on the lips. It's a lovely raspberry red shade and I really like wearing this in Summer when I want a red lip but something more fresh.

3) Rimmel Kate Moss 101 "Kiss of Life"

Again this is a lovely true red lipstick. The matte finish isn't drying at all, and the lasting power is great. A great drugstore alternative to MAC's Russian Red.

4) ELizabeth Arden Ceramide Lipstick in "brick"

This is such a lovely lipstick. I'd moisturising, but lasts throughout the day/evening. The brown undertones of this red lipstick make it unique and go well with a brown smokey eye for an evening look.

5) Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Colour Moisturising Lipstick in "Scarlet"

This gorgeous hollywood red suits pretty much any skin tone. It's lovely, rich red tones definitely give your makeup that hollywood glam vibe. I would have to say that this is probably my favourite out of the lot, I just love the colour and the formula is lovely too.

What are your favourite red lipsticks?

Music I'm currently loving

Besides having a love for makeup, skincare and anything beauty-related, I also love music and enjoy listening to different artists from different styles and genres. I often go and see bands live and so I thought I'd share my favourite current artists with you to mix things up and deflect from the usual beauty babble. 

1. Little comets - Now I was fortunate enough to see little comets last month and after trying to see them twice before, both attempts ending in complete disaster, I can officially say they were worth the wait.They are by far my favourite band. Like. Ever. And as big as a bold statement that is to make, it's true. Their songs are beautifully written, each song explores a different social issue and they are so talented. My favourite songs from their album 'In Search of Elusive Little Comets' are Adultery, One Night in October, Joanna and Dancing Song. Favourites from 'Life is Elsewhere' are A Little Opus and Bayonne. THEY ARE SO GOOD. I also love Violence Out Tonight, Semaphores on the Lawn and Woman Woman. They've recently brought out their new album, 'Hope Is Just A State Of Mind,' and worthy mentions go to Fundamental Things, The Gift of Sound, The Daily Grind and Don't Fool Yourself. I highly recommend checking these guys out.
2. James Bay - everything by him. His album is incredible; every song is unique and could easily be majorly successful as singles. So happy I got tickets to see him in October. Favourites include If You Ever Want To Be In Love, Running, Best Fake Smile and When We Were On Fire.
3. Angus and Julia Stone - love this brother-sister duo. Favourite songs of theirs has to be Big Jet Plane, A Heartbreak and Grizzly Bear.
4. Laura Mvula - Recently re-listened to her and fell in love with her voice and music style all over again. Worthy song mentions go to Sing To The Moon, Like The Morning Dew, Can't Live With The World, Is There Anybody Out There? and Green Garden.
5. Hozier - I first heard Take Me To Church ages ago, way before it hit the charts and became popular and I really liked it. After listening to this album, my favourites have to be From Eden, Like Real People Do and Cherry Wine.

What artists are you currently loving? Hope you're all having a lovely week.

(PS: I'm struggling to think of posts to do so if you have any ideas on what posts you'd like to see feel free to leave them in the comments!)

Non-beauty February favourites

In my previous post I threw in some self-praise for doing a mid-week post and then I didn't blog for ageeees, fail. Nevertheless, I am back with a favourites post inspired by all the things I've been loving throughout the month of February that aren't beauty related. 

The App

This month I've been trying to get a lot more organised (which clearly hasn't been reflected in my blog) and so I downloaded Wunderlist. Wunderlist allows you to organise your tasks, in addition to creating to-do lists. You can separate your lists under various categories such as work and personal, as well as allowing you to create your own categories. It's been super handy to note down any ideas I have for blog post etc. 

The TV Show

Silk is back people *does a cringey dance move* - I don't think anybody understands my love for this show. For those of you who don't watch silk, it basically revolves around a set of barristers in London; in particular Martha Costello who is played by Maxine Peake. Each week Martha takes on a different case. As well as providing a story of the case Martha undertakes, Silk also follows the life of Martha herself, showing her to be a very independent and sassy woman. Let's get this clear - I want (need) to be Martha Costello.

The Film

This month I watched Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. The film is based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the hijacking of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama - the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. The film does drag a little, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Needless to say that Tom Hanks' performance was utterly moving, and well worthy of an oscar (I'm still bitter he isn't nominated.) Having said that, Barkhad Abdi who plays Muse, the leader of the hijacking crew is nominated for an Oscar in supporting-role and he is completely deserving of it. His performance was outstanding. The fact that the film is up for best picture says it all...I highly recommend giving it a watch.

The Album

This month I discovered Alex Winston after hearing Velvet Elvis on an advert. After some searching, I found her on spotify and gave her King Con album a listen. It is now my new favourite album. Her voice is so unique and her songs are really up-beat..perfect to have a little dance to. Some of my favourite songs from the album include Fire Ant, Velvet Elvis, Locomotive and Host. Her single 101 Vultures is also my new favourite song - it's always on repeat. 

What have you been loving throughout February? Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

PS: would you be interested in fashion posts? I'm thinking of doing a haul post and maybe a few fashion-inspired posts soon? I also want to start a baking series on my blog...thoughts?

January Favourites

First of all, where the heck did January go? Time really does fly by. Anyway, enough of sounding like an old woman, here are a few things I've been loving throughout January..

Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm, Umberto Giannini eyeliner
 and Rimmel Stay Matte powder.

Forever 21 necklace, Urban Outfitters watch.

1) Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in the shade Elusive

I only bought this last week but I'm already in love with it. The smooth consistency and matte formulation, along with the super pretty pink shade, makes this my go-to every-day lipstick.

2) Umberto Giannini Eyeliner

I got a pack of these eyeliners at Christmas back in 2012, and I've been using them every day since. The fine nib allows me to create either a super fine line to make my upper lashes appear fuller, or pursue with a full-on winged out look. The colour is a deep, intense black, and they last pretty much all day. Big thumbs up from moi.

3) Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent 

I love this powder. It's super good for touch-ups throughout the day. It comes in a range of shades but I opted for translucent. This just means that it sets all my makeup in place without adding extra coverage, meaning this will let you stay well clear of cakey makeup (no one wants that look, am I right?).

4) Cheetah Necklace from Forever 21

This was one of my Christmas presents off my best friend, Kim. Before Christmas we were roaming around Forever 21, and I happened to spot this. However, for some reason or another I didn't end up getting it. Kim had obviously made a mental note of my love for this necklace, as there it was a couple of weeks later wrapped up in Christmas paper. (Thanks Kim, bonus friendship points for remembering).

5) Black watch from Urban Outfitters

This was another Christmas present that I received off my brother (the amount of times I've mentioned Christmas clearly has no reflection on the fact I miss December..). I had wanted a black thin-strapped watch for ageeees and so I was super happy to receive this on Christmas morning.

What have been your favourites this month?