WINTER LIP LOVIN'

As much as I love, love, love my nude lipsticks, I feel like autumn and winter is the perfect time to wear something bolder. Whether it be bright red or a deep berry, I just think the colder seasons is the perfect time to push the boat out a bit and wear something a little stronger. I wanted to share a collection of lip products that I think are perfect for the following seasons. With Christmas and New Year slowly creeping on us, I have chosen a few products great for those occasions that are going to last all day and then some other products that I think are just beautiful in colour.

My favourite nude lip product for winter is always the TOO FACED MELTED CHOCOLATE LIQUID LIPSTICK in CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE. Since having it in my collection, it has always been a staple lip product for me in the colder months. It is so easy to apply and reapply throughout the day, and because of the formula, it keeps my lips so hydrated. Since it isn't a matte liquid lipstick, it doesn't dry my lips out and because the finish it a little more on the glossy side, it just looks super fresh. I love just wearing this on an everyday basis, just to add a bit of colour and tint to the lips. 

Winter is definitely my time to whip out some of the more colourful lip products in my collection, just because I feel like a bold lip in winter just looks great. I have a range of more colourful lip products in this post because if you're anything like me, a bright red lip takes a lot of guts to wear sometimes. One of my favourite winter lip shades is the BITE BEAUTY MATTE LIP CRAYON in GLACE. I love this because it is a nude lip, but just a little deeper and therefore a bolder choice. These crayons are so convenient though, they double up as a lipstick and a lipliner making them so easy to apply. This one is also in mini form, so it's perfect for your handbag. The matte formula of this just suits the shade so well, and it is the sort of product you can wear with any eye look. 

Dark lip shades are definitely my way of stepping out of my comfort zone and the BITE BEAUTY AMUSE BOUCHE LIPSTICK in CHAI is definitely up there with one of my most favourite shades for winter. It is the perfect combination of a deep red and a dark brown nude, making it such a great lipstick for the colder months. I love this with just minimal makeup, it just makes it pop that bit more. The formula of these lipsticks is so creamy but the pigment is there in one swipe. I will say though, they are not the most long-wearing so it is the sort of product you would reapply throughout the day, but nevertheless it is a beautiful lip product and a perfect shade for winter. 

I would associate lipgloss a lot more with spring and summer, however, you always need at least one, just in case you ever need that bit of shine to add to a makeup look. The COLLECTION LIQUID LIP COLOUR in IN THE BUFF, it such a great gloss for winter. It is a sheer mauve/ nude shade that just adds that shine to anything underneath, whether it be a lipstick or maybe just a bit of liner. The colour payoff isn't a lot but it just adds a slight tint to the lips if you were to wear it alone, which is actually my favourite way to wear it. The formula is also really lovely because although it's a gloss, it isn't crazy sticky and the shine it gives off isn't super intense either, it is the sort of product you can build and manipulate to how you'd like which I think is so great from a gloss. 

Onto one of my most precious and special makeup products in my collection, the CHARLOTTE TILBURY MATTE LIPSTICK in AMAZING GRACE. I first picked this up purely for the name, but the shade is unlike anything else I own. I'd describe it as a medium pink shade, which is so unlike me in colour but in reality, I love the way it looks when I wear it. The Charlotte Tilbury lipstick formula is perhaps my favourite out there just because it is so luxurious, creamy and lasts ages. You also pay for what you get in terms of the quality, but also the packaging, it is just such a special product to own and have in a makeup collection. I love wearing this colour with a gold eye shadow, I just think the two shades look so well together. I'm definitely hoping to get my wear out of this lipstick some more over the next few months as I definitely think it deserves more loving, but I won't lie when I say I'm scared of ruining how beautiful it is. 

left to right: CHAI, GLACE, AMAZING GRACE, CHOCOLATE MILKSHAKE, IN THE BUFF, TAHITI HIBISCUS

I couldn't do this post without one bold red lip choice. Although I wear it perhaps one day in the entire year, everyone needs a red lip in their collection and THE BODY SHOP MATTE LIQUID LIP in TAHITI HIBISCUS is mine. When it comes to a bright red lip, I'd go with a matte formula all the way just to help it last as long as possible throughout the day. This red is a very true pillarbox red with a blue undertone, so it's great for making your teeth look white and also for the festive season. Like I said, I don't wear this often merely because of the shade, but the formula is beautiful and I'm sure I will whip it out at one point this winter season. 

I'd love to know what your favourite shade is for winter, are you a nude lip all the way or do you love something a little bolder?

Grace xx

CHANGE IS GONNA COME

It has been a little longer than I expected since I last posted on here and it is my own fault, but today, I wanted to share some new and exciting news that may excuse why I wasn't able to post last week. To put it simply, I got a new job. It was a role, completely out of my league, but somehow they offered it to me at the end of October and I officially started last Monday. Between that and my regular commitments at sixth form, I have been living off of little sleep, lots of coffee and several to-do lists, however, I'm hoping now that I've had a week to settle, I will be starting to form a routine. Obviously, I am only 17, still in sixth form and so this job is only part-time, however, it is super exciting because it is for a very official and sophisticated company that I now feel so lucky to be working for. It is 15 hours a week, which means that on top of full education is going to take some getting use to, however, I know how lucky I am to have this job and I was not willing to let it slip through my fingers. 

With this new job, I want to start posting a little more about employment on my blog as I feel like I am starting to learn a lot so please let me know if you would be interested in that. Obviously, I am not some crazy employment expert, but for someone who only a few months ago knew nothing about the big wide world of work, I feel like I am finally starting to get to grip with it. 

I guess that's all I really have to say for this post. Right now, I am still very new to this job, training for its requirements, however, I feel like it is somewhere I'm going to work for a while and so I am super excited to fully get started once my training is done in a few weeks. I am going to try my very hardest this week to get some posts up for you, especially as I have loads of cool ideas in the works right now. It might take some time though for me to build a routine around this new job, but I hope you're all patient with me. 

Thank you for your constant support always!

Lots of love!

Grace xx

YAS MARINA CIRCUIT, MERCEDES-AMG GTS DRIVE - PHOTO DIARIES, 29/10/19

As you may or may not know, at the end of October, my family and I went on a family holiday to Abu Dhabi for a bit of a break. The entire holiday was incredible and I knew that I definitely wanted to do a post about some of the things we got up to. One day while we were there, my dad and brother got the chance to drive a Mercedes around the Grand Prix track, so it was definitely a day for the camera. The place was filled with loads many cool cars and so I managed to get quite a few pictures. This isn't something that I'd ever thought I'd get the chance to see and so I really wanted to document this in a little blog post. Hopefully you enjoy the pictures!

Lots of love,

Grace xx

Links to previous PHOTO DIARIES Posts:
http://gracexkate.blogspot.com/2019/10/the-walker-art-gallery-photo-diaries.html

http://gracexkate.blogspot.com/2019/10/liverpool-photo-diaries-171019.html

UPDATED MAKEUP ROUTINE ft. some amazing products

It's been a little while since I have sat down and written a makeup blog post. As much as I still love all things beauty and makeup, I have become pretty content with my collection and considering I don't wear makeup all that often anymore, there is little need for me to trial and test things. Saying that I still love to share the products I am currently loving and using, so since we are in the colder months, I wanted to post about what my go-to makeup look consists of.

Starting with primer, my current favourite is the HARD CANDY HYDRATING PRIMER. Although I don't wear primer every single time I do my makeup and only wear it when I need my makeup to last, I do really love this primer. I got it last time I was in the states and it was one of my best purchases from that trip. This primer is everything I could ever want. It is so hydrating and literally makes your skin look wet, so if you're oily, this won't be for you, but once it sets, it has a tacky residue, perfect for when you come to apply foundation and concealer. I love the way this makes my skin feel and the way it makes my makeup last, so if you can get your hands on it, I highly suggest you grab it. 

My choice of foundation is pretty predictable and because I am getting better at embracing my blemishes and freckles, I tend to keep it super light now. It's no surprise that my current favourite foundation is the REVOLUTION PRO FOUNDATION DROPS because it is so lightweight, medium coverage and just makes your skin look so healthy, especially with the primer underneath. 

There are two concealers I'm using at the minute, one to add extra coverage and one to highlight my undereye. The first one is a new discovery, the ELF CAMO CONCEALER, which is in a colour that matches my foundation as well as possible. This concealer is so incredible and I already want to repurchase it in a few more shades because it is beautiful. Super full coverage but blends so easily and lasts so well on the skin. This was my go-to concealer on holiday and it worked like a dream. It has definitely become a new favourite in my collection and I definitely would recommend. 

As for my concealer to highlight, it is a staple, the LA GIRL PRO CONCEAL CONCEALER. Everyone knows I love this, it's good coverage, easy to apply, great colour and looks great on the skin. This will always be a staple concealer for me as it never lets me down. 

Again, for powder it is super basic so as you can tell, this is a pretty basic look for me but it is one I have been wearing a lot. After rediscovering the NATURAL COLLECTION MATTE PRESSED POWDER earlier this year, it has become a permanent part of my makeup routine. I love it to set my under-eyes as it doesn't feel super heavy like loose powders but it sets and mattifies just like a loose powder would. The way I apply this is packed onto a small brush and press that to set me concealer and then on a fluffy face brush, I use a little bit just to set the rest of my face. 

Another Natural Collection product, a blush that I am obsessed with. Obviously, it is the NATURAL COLLECTION BLUSH IN APRICOT DREAM. Not a super autumnal shade I must say, but I love the colour nonetheless. It is peachy yet natural-looking and I love it the most because of how it looks great with every eye makeup look. Definitely be light-handed with this though, a little bit goes a long way. 

There is not one bronzer that I am head over heels in love with right now, so I am switching between a few, however, I have been going for a much more contoured look lately and so my favourite products for that are the ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS POWDER IN HAVANA and TAUPE. These powers are a beautiful formula but I mainly love them so much because of the colours. I love mixing these two and using them to contour as combined, they create such a natural colour. 

Similarly to bronzer, I am not highlighter obsessed right now so I have been venturing out a bit and have regained my love for using the KIKA WET AND DRY EYE SHADOW IN 208 as a highlighter. It is such a pretty golden shade, great for on the cheekbones and the eyes. I love this formula because it can be built up so easily and it really does just create a natural metallic finish, not glittery or super intense, just nice. 

My eyebrow routine remains the same, and it is just the COLLECTION CLEAR BROW GEL applied first and then the MUA MATTE ESSENTIALS EYE SHADOW PALETTE to add shape and fullness. I love this routine for my eyebrows, it is the best combination I have found all year. It creates a soft natural brow that is dictated by how much powder you apply, for something bolder and stronger in colour, apply more power. It is super easy to use and I just think it suits my makeup style the best right now. 

As for eyeshadow, with it being autumn and winter, I am just way more drawn toward pink and berry tones so my palette of choice is the DOSE OF COLOUR BLUSHING BERRIES EYE SHADOW PALETTE. This is such a cute palette and I love it because all of the shades are matte and although it doesn't initially seem like you could create a tone of looks, the reality is that you definitely could. The berry tones for winter are just so beautiful to work with, you can do something really smokey or something light and fresh, they are such fun shades to use, especially as they add a little bit of colour. The formula of these are flawless and with them being mattes, you can do so much with them. I have even been known to wear some of the shades as blush, which make such a cool look if you also use that palette on the eyes. 

Eyeliner is also a new favourite of mine, I just think that it opens up my eyes more and draws more attention to them, which I like after all the effort I put into my eye shadow. The best pencil liner I have ever come across is the LOTTIE LONDON AM TO PM EYELINER. Although I am still yet to own this in a brown, which is high up on my wishlist, the formula is completely unbeatable in my eyes. It applies on the eye so seamlessly, with ease, and it lasts all day without fail on me. I love just using the on the outer corner of the upper lashline and I just think that it adds so much definition and completes an eye look. 

Mascara is nothing new, you all probably hate how much I love this mascara by now but it is just so good and everyone needs to try this. All I need to say is that it is the COLLECTION VOLUMAX MASCARA IN WATERPROOF and it is incredible. 

I am not always a lip liner user, but recently, I have been reaching for the MARC JACOBS LIP LINER IN CREAM AND SUGAR which is a perfect base for any nude lip. Although super luxury and very expensive, this lip liner is super nice, not something I'd buy full price but it does the job and is a beautiful colour. 

Lipstick always changes for me on the daily, but to go with the pink tones that I would normally wear on the eye, I find that the TOO FACED MELTED MATTE LIQUID LIPSTICK IN CHILD STAR is the perfect nude to suit it. It is a pinky nude, suitable for everyone and is so versatile for autumn and winter. 

Also in the colder months, gloss is a huge thing for me. Not that there is a sensible reason for this but I just love gloss a lot more when it is colder outside. Gloss for me though has got to be perfect. It needs to look hydrating while also being comfortable to wear. A solid favourite for me is the ARTDECO HYDRO LIP BOOSTER which is all of those things and the colours they come in are to die for. The one in the pictures is the shade 38 which matches the liquid lip so perfectly. 

I'd love to know what you think of this makeup look and whether you are itching to try any of the products I have mentioned. 

Grace xx

1960S PLAYLIST

I feel like not a lot of people might know this about me, but in terms of my favourite decade of music, it is without a doubt the 1960s. It is kind of a guilty pleasure thing but having grown up with that kind of music, super old school, I still find myself playing it constantly and loving it just as much as when I first heard it. I have an endless amount of songs I love from this time but I wanted to share the current 25 songs from the 60s that I a currently loving. If you love this time for music also then please let me know, or let me know if you love any of these songs, I am super curious.

California Dreamin' // The Mamas & The Papas

Son of a Preacher Man // Dusty Springfield

At Last // Etta James

It's Not Unusual // Tom Jones

Young Girl // Gary Puckett & The Union Gap

Unchained Melody // The Righteous Brothers

Come See About Me // The Supremes

Baby Love // The Supremes

You Can't Hurry Love // The Supremes

Build Me up Buttercup // The Foundations

Get Ready // The Temptations

My Girl // The Temptations

Oh, Pretty Woman // Roy Orbison

Be My Baby // The Ronettes

Baby I Need Your Loving // Four Tops

I Can't Help Myself // Four Tops

Rescue Me // Fontella Bass

Sugar, Sugar // The Archies

Do You Love Me // The Contours

Daydream Believer // The Monkees

Brown Eyed Girl // Van Morrison

Respect // Aretha Franklin

Signed, Sealed, Delivered // Stevie Wonder

Everlasting Love // Love Affair

Burning Love // Elvis Presley

I hope I've inspired some of you to listen to some old-school music, I can definitely say that I much prefer it to the modern stuff, however, there probably will be a playlist filled with some more modern music soon anyway. Let me know what songs from this list are your favourites or if you have any other 1960s songs that you recommend I check out ASAP!

Lots of love,

Grace xx