TIRED eyes

We've all woken up in the morning after a night out, looked at ourselves in the mirror and thought "Oh f*ck". I always have the tell tale bags under my eyes and a late night + too many cocktails & wine = tired looking puffy eyes.

Tired eyes doesn't have to be a result of a boozed - filled weekend either, getting to bed late and then up early (which I'm particularly guilty of) doesn't help, as well as not drinking enough water. So enough of the problems, what if you only have 5 minutes to fix your face... dry shampoo will fix your hair!

Let me start with the naked truth; the eye are with no make - up - I scrubbed as much eye make up off as I could.

(1) Apply concealer under the eye area and under the brow / lightly above the eyelid. For this photo I used Touche Eclat by Yves Saint Laurent (Around £20.00) - cheaper alternative is Rimmel 'Wake Me Up' Concealer (Around £5.50)

This is just to give yourself a base and try and give the area some light and sort out any uneven colour. This Rimmel concealer is perfect for giving you some radiance.  

(2) Apply foundation as you would normally, blend in with fingers and be delicate, patting it lightly under your eyes.

(3) Next, apply a shimmer or "High Beam" by Benefit under the brow to give the area some 'lift'. Follow this with some mascara, and highlight your brows with an application of an eyebrow pencil [Note - This doesn't mean DRAW on your eyebrows, simply just brush on some eyebrow colour over your normal brow, don't try and draw what's not there!)

Healthy Looking Eye Area!


:-)

Moisture.. Moisture.. GLOSS

Last night, I decided to not just sit and watch 'The Hills' (Season 6 - Heidi Montag and that surgery) but start a bit of a pamper session as well. Ready for the weekend, I wanted to give my tired and bruised (where do they come from?!) legs some TLC. I'm not very good at consistently applying moisturiser or having a constant beauty regime - I usually just apply as and when I feel necessary, this is usually in a panic before a night out.

So, to start I used; Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Butter (£10.50)

I bought this from Boots when it was on 3 for 2 (as it almost always is) and at the time, the smell was what attracted me to do it. However, applying it at home I find the smell a little overpowering, it's lime/citrus scented - imagine a really limey summer drink in a cream format (perfect if you love limes). It's not a ridiculously heavy moisturizer but it' is quite thick, meaning it doesn't absorb as quickly as you'd like - it feels more like it's sinking in rather than absorbing. I think it's nice to compliment an outfit with a nice moisturizing shine before a night out, but as a product serving its purpose; I don't think it is overly skin-dryness-fixing (is that a word?!) I'd give it a 5/10 (Points for not attacking my sensitive skin and it will probably last a long time).


Next onto one of my hated body parts - the FEET. For this, I tried Heel Genius Foot Cream - again by Soap and Glory (£5.50). This relatively cheap cream claims to renovate "rough feet in a single overnight session" Did it do that? No. Did it soften up how my feet felt? Yes. It recommends you apply the cream and then put a sock on, but I didn't because (a) the sock monster has taken all my socks, and (b) that would feel weird. So, I applied the cream.. and it did make my feet feel nice and soft.
Is it better than a pedicure like it suggests, no. I think this product needs to be used in combination with a foot file and a foot bath. I will continue to use it though, as it does make your feet feel quite light, if your feet aren't in as bad shape as mine are and just need a bit of care - then go ahead!

.

Not in the theme of moisturizing, but still important - lipgloss. I love everything lipcare and Vinyl Gloss by Rimmel is one of my favourites, previously I've used 'Snog' (cringe) but I've branched out to 'be famous' which I LOVE. This roughly costs around £4.99 and really gives your lips a shine. I like to use 'Cha Cha Tint' (Benefit) as a base and then apply this on top, but either way it's lovely and non -
 sticky.

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss in "Be Famous"



:)

S - K - I - N

I go through my products quickly, mostly because I'm "product happy" (translation: instead of using little and often I slap a load of it on and expect it to work wonders overnight, this has often been the case with cellulite creams). There are some products that I will buy time and time again because they feel amazing on my skin.

The first is my 'I'm hungover and my skin feels like a corpse' moisturizer - No 7 Essential Moisture Day Cream. My grandmother and mum have used this for years and both of them have great skin (perfect because there's always a tub of this lying around the bathroom). This is quite a heavy moisturizer so personally, I wouldn't use it everyday but it's perfect for when my skin feels dried up. You can also buy a 'night cream' which doesn't feel any different to this one really...

Around £9.00 but the packaging has been updated since this. 

Second, is the lighter version for when you just need a little life in your face. This little beauty is part of the Soap and Glory family - every woman's Christmas stocking special (I hope I'm not the only one that expects a Christmas stocking aged 22). Feel Good Factor - Facial Moisture Lotion (with SPF 25). I like to put this on after I come out of the shower before a night out, or sometimes in the morning before work. It absorbs quickly but don't be tempted to apply foundation straight afterwards - it turns into a pool of honey beige.

Available online and @ Boots. 

Thirdly is my favourite product lately and one I've mentioned in a previous blog - the Garnier  Body Tonic Sugar Scrub. This is ideal for when you've still got that little bit of fake tan on and you want to scrub it off, or for fake tan preparation too! Like I said, I'm product happy but a little of this goes a long way. There's little red beads inside that really get to work when you rub this onto your skin.

Currently on offer at Sainsbury's but also available in other supermarkets/Boots etc. 

Once I started using this, I thought "it's a shame there's no moisturizer to match". On my next visit to the supermarket I see it, just staring at me, I bought it with no hesitation. Garnier Body - Body Tonic 'Firming Hydration Lotion'. This "tonic" or moisturizer to you and me, promises smoother looking skins from 7 days... Do I believe it's going to make me feel toned, just because it has a little seaweed extract? No. However, this IS fast absorbing and made my feel skin really soft. I'll update you in a week to tell you if I've seen a difference... I'm not holding my breath!

Available @ Supermarkets/Boots etc.

Last, is my Moisture Prep Toning Lotion by Benefit. When I bought this I thought it would last me a week, but even a dab of this is enough (Months later and it's still half full!) Sometimes, I put this on in the morning before I apply my make up or other times I put it on at night to work its wonders. Your meant to put this on before applying moisturiser and it says it reduces 'fine lines' which I don't really agree with.. but it does feel fabulous. 

Benefit Toning Lotion £16.50

Retail Therapy

My name's Sera, and I'm a shopaholic. Like any addiction, is must be fed. I don't want this blog to be just about beauty, I want to share the things I love and if you like them, tell you where you can get them too (Unlike some pretentious blogs it won't be some one - off shop in a hidden corner of London but almost always our beloved High Street).

Step into my flat and you'll see my obsession with cushions, throws, anything Paris themed and heart shaped decorations. As well as all that I love clothes shopping - nothing makes me happier than coming home from a shopping trip with hands full of bags. The only one that hates my clothes obsession is my bank balance, TOPSHOP/MissSelfridge/River Island comes up on my statement more than I'd like to admit. 

I know I'm not the only one that has had that 5.00pm meltdown before going out, sat on the bedroom floor surrounded by clothes with "nothing to wear" even though the wardrobe is full of clothes. There's something about wearing a dress again that makes it feel less special; as stupid and ridiculous as that sounds, the second time round it doesn't have that sparkle. 

Here are a few of my recent purchases and why I LOVE them.

(1) TOPSHOP Textured Stripe Crop Top 

Cropped, great fit and perfect with a midi skirt. 

Available at: http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/jersey-tops-483/textured-stripe-crop-top-2090053?bi=1&ps=200

                       (2) TOPSHOP "Deep V Textured Bodycon Dress by OH MY LOVE"

Great with a tan, ignore the shoulder pads -  they're not as big as they look. 

Available at: http://www.topshop.com/en/tsuk/product/clothing-427/clothing-brands-1910272/oh-my-love-970/deep-v-textured-bodycon-dress-by-oh-my-love-2187775?bi=1&ps=20

                                       (3) NEW LOOK Pyramid Clutch Bag

Love the pyramid detail. 

Available at: http://www.newlook.com/shop/womens/bags-and-purses/black-pyramid-grab-clutch-_283411701


(4) Nike Shoes 

Designed for those of us who are burdened with flat feet

Available @ Sports Direct £55.00

Last But Not Least

Cropped cut out white top. 

Parisian White Top available @ New Look

Midi from Topshop in one of my favorite colours; Coral.


<3

L O V E S

I write this on a Monday, almost everyone's least favorite day of the week; realization that the weekend and play time is over. I've decided to focus on the positives, my favorite beauty buys at reasonable prices. I really hate blogs on here that discuss products that the average person can't afford and even more annoying - products that are discontinued (why blog about something no one can get anymore?!).

Despite the millions of cosmetic adverts, free testers and a wide choice of brands, finding the right make - up is no easy task. At school, my mission was to find an industrially heavy foundation that would cover my volcano acne, not only was it not my colour most of the time, it was also poorly applied and clogged my pores to hell. I also painted my eyelids in shades of greens... blues... pinks (why did no one tell me I looked like a lab rat?).

Now, my focus is on getting a light coverage that evens out my skin and stops my face from reaching that oily stage it enjoys hitting around lunchtime. Being 22 and having to welcome the idea of a pension you'd think you'd be allowed to ditch things like acne or spots, but it's still very much alive for most of us. Mine range from the under the skin ones that don't burst despite how hard you squeeze/how light headed you get squashing and the ones that appear out of nowhere before a big occasion.

My point is, when you find make - up that suits you, especially foundation it feels fabulous. From Dior to Rimmel, I've tried so many over the years. My favourite at the moment is 'L'OREAL infallible make - up' in Natural Rose - it provides coverage and lasts almost all day - hence the 16 hr tagline.

Next, my beauty essential - MASCARA. I couldn't live without it (I could, but what a dull life that would be!). I've split this into two, what I consider a luxury and everyday. Firstly; luxury. Benefit THEY'RE REAL. This little beauty costs between £18.00 - £20.00 and really does deliver results, note how the tip of the brush has a different to edge to most brushes - to get those really little lashes. The only problem with this mascara is that it does dry up quite quickly, so if you buy it don't get it and think "I'll only use it for special occasions" because frankly, it won't last.

Next, cheaper alternatives: 1) False Lash Flutter and 2) Volume Million Lashes Excess - both L'OREAL. The first has a thicker brush, ideal for 'wiggling' the brush for extra volume. The second a little thinner ideal for separating your lashes. Expect to pay between £10.00 and £12.00 for these.

False Lash Flutter Wand

Volume Million Lashes Wand

Nothing is more frustrating than a blackhead breakout, so when I used a product that promised to get rid of them short term,  I was apprehensive to say the least but this stuff actually works. Neutrogena Blackhead Eliminating Daily Scrub - if I notice I have a lot of blackheads I scrub my face with this and wash off. Even after a few days I see a big difference. For some, they have noticed some of their spots come to the surface a bit more after using it, but I haven't had this problem.

Last, but certainly not least is BIG BEAUTIFUL EYES from BENEFIT. This includes a concealer, light & dark eyeshadow and a little brown pallet to use on your eyebrows. I've had my first one for about two years and it's still going even after using it almost everyday.

I like to add colour to my eyebrows using the dark pallet. 

What are your favourite beauty buys? Please SHARE

Sleep In Rollers; Night out Essential.

Sleep In Rollers

When preparing for a night out, I always make sure I have my trusty black heels, a new outfit, false eyelashes and more recently; my sleep in rollers in my hair nice and early.

My hair is pretty boring; highlighted blonde and relatively easy to style. It has taken me ages to grow it since a hairdresser in Cardiff thought "a little off the ends" meant a bob. 

I love to have volume in my hair and these Sleep in Rollers provide just that (Note - trying to sleep in these is near enough impossible, any girl who can; I salute you). For a night out I wash my hair early in the morning with a Charles Worthington "Front Row" shampoo & conditioner I picked up from Home Bargains.

Charles Worthington Shampoo & Conditioner

After the shower, my hair will always be tangled; enter the Tangle Teezer - this is definitely one of the best inventions ever. Years of either breaking the teeth of the comb or getting it stuck in my hair were solved overnight by this little beauty. 

The Tangle Teezer, costs between £10.00 - £12.00

Next, is the newest addition to my hair regime and one I'm guilty of not using as often as I should - Moroccan Oil. I add one or two pumps to the ends of my hair and it makes my hair softer and more manageable - you'll definitely notice a difference if you use it. 

100ml, typically around £30.00

Next, I give myself a middle parting and blowdry my hair completely dry (if your hair is naturally straight and not frizzy you can put the rollers in when your hair is about 70% dry - but this isn't for me!)

You don't have to put your hair in a middle parting but for me it's easier. (Excuse the dressing gown, it's a Sunday!)

After blow drying I straighten little flyaways - don't over straighten, in fact don't do it at all if you feel there's no need. 

Next, is time to put your rollers in! I need around 20 rollers for my hair. Now, you have two choices, you can choose between having flicked out curls (roll anti - clockwise) or big bouncy hair (roll clockwise). I've only ever chosen the big bouncy hair option, so I can't comment on the other effect.

I find it easier to separate my hair into sections, starting with the bottom, so put half your hair up in a clip.

Section your hair.

Then start rolling! Don't use sections that are too big, and for bouncy curls, go clockwise.

Try not to use sections any bigger than this.

Work your way through your hair

It's a little tricky to do this alone, but I just grab a piece and roll, without worrying too much about missing tiny strands of hair. Mine is always quite messy as you can't see the back of your head!

Messy, but I don't think it matters!

The very FRONT of your hair should go anti - clockwise, not the same direction as the rest of your hair. 

See how the hair goes over it differently, grab a section of the front and get the roller behind it. 

To finish, put some hairspray in, some people use clips to hold the rollers in place but I don't. Be stingy with the hairspray, a little bit goes a long way - just enough to give the rollers some hold. 

I use this TRESemme hairspray as it's non - sticky and has good hold. Now, for the results, I put these rollers in at 4.00pm, here is my hair at 10.00pm (not as long as I usually have them in)

A few hours later 

Tired skin, but bouncy hair!

If you leave them in a little longer (about 8 hours-ish) the hair will only get bigger, so keep them in a long as possible!

Previous night out after having rollers in for approx. 8 hours.


HAVE FUN - Just don't think you can sleep in them!

Eyes Wide Open

I LOVE Benefit Cosmetics, and it's the only place I trust to wax my eyebrows. I hate ridiculously thin/shaved eyebrows, in the same way that I hate caterpillar brows. I find myself staring at people's eyebrows first, as it really shapes the rest of their face/makes eyes look wider and make up 100% times better.

Years of being pluck happy with my eyebrows has left my brows misshapen and one constantly arching slightly higher than the other. This is the price I must pay, girls; if your over plucking stop now or forever regret it! I'd love to have thicker, arched brows, but we must work with what we have! 

A brow arch costs around £11.50, I haven't ventured into getting them tinted (but if and when I do, you'll be the first to know!). It's painful obviously, but very quick and temporary pain (pain is beauty and all that..).

Let me show you the difference a good eyebrow waxing can make to your face and eye area.

                                                               See before....

                                                                Then after...

                                                           
                                                                Zoomed in...

Girls, get yourself to a Benefit counter NOW! 

Bare Faced

                                                       Half No Make Up - Half With. 

 I'd never consider myself a natural beauty, which is why I wear make up almost everywhere and without it, I feel naked. Make - up, rightly or wrongly makes me feel more confident and I love buying lots of it.

Lots of people say "girls look better without make - up" or "girls who wear make - up are fake". I'm 100% jealous of women who look fresh faced and gorgeous without make - up (these woman usually have goddess like hair and zero cellulite - just to rub salt in the wound). Make - up just enhances our features and unless you Crayola your face - can work wonders.

Recently, a new addition joined my make - up family; Benefit's Cha Cha Tint (One of those that looks like a nail varnish but isn't). Coral in colour, you add it to your cheeks and blend. I put it in for work at 06.30am and at 4.00pm it's still there; unmoved. (Warning - this does mean it will tint onto your fingers a little bit, so use a brush if you can.) Also, like everything Benefit it lasts forever!

Here's the link:. http://www.debenhams.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/prod_10701_10001_123901000299?CMP=SSH&tmcampid=28&tmad=c&sku=6871038&$$ja=cgid:4587934927|tsid:45357|cid:94806247|lid:42019033567|nw:{network}|crid:33914966647|rnd:{random}|dvc:{device}|adp:{adposition}|bku:1&gclid=CJaNv8ySgrkCFfLHtAodRkQABw