Ultimate foundation hunt

During my trip to the States, my skin has become a lot more acne prone. I decided it's probably a lot to do with the climate change as my skin's more used to the rain and frosty winds of England. Over the past couple months I've hunted down every beauty department I could find for the ultimate foundation. Below is my current foundation collection. Not that I apply them all on my skin at once, but I'll give you a run down of their pro's, cons and if they do what they say on the tin. Or should I say, plastic bottle?

YSL le Teint Touche Éclat foundation: £31.50

Shade: BD60 - Beige Doré

I bought this foundation whilst I was still living in England and when my skin rarely broke out. Back then, this foundation really complimented my complexion because its coverage is fairly light to medium. So, to be honest, it is most flattering on people with skin that doesn't need to be masked but instead used for highlighting features for that everyday natural glow. For that purpose, the foundation is gorgeous for people who need that extra touch of a healthy glow, being perfect for the day time rather than a night out's application. Also, because the touche éclat is such a light consistency, you forget that you're wearing any base whilst your out and about so it prides itself on basically acting as a moisturiser would. Brightening your skin effortlessly all day for a radiant glow. Although I loved this product whilst my skin was smooth, I don't feel like I can reap all the benefits whilst I'm tackling this acne problem. Such a shame, but I hope my skin issue dies down soon so I can return to this absolute gem!

L'Oréal true match foundation: £9.99

Shade: Cocoa C8

Before you ask, yes, I'm aware this shade is far too dark for me. I bought it here in California because my skin tone keeps changing from tanned to pale (depending on the weather) so I wanted a foundation I could easily mix with a lighter shade. With this in mind, the foundation is great for blending with other foundations because the creamy consistency is a delight to apply and is easily bendable when applied to the face. You can do so with your fingers, but I prefer using a duo fibre brush to blend it flawlessly into my skin without having to worry about my sloppy finger marks. Although it's already a medium to full coverage foundation, so is perfect for hiding imperfections or hyper-pigmented skin, it's also great for building layers so feel free to go back to areas that need a little TLC. For under a tenner, you can't really go wrong with this one! The only downfall I've found though, is that for people with oily skin like my own, this doesn't help preventing your problem areas from shining bright like a diamond. So bare this in mind when purchasing – you might want to grab a translucent powder to go with it.

 NARS sheer glow foundation: £31

Shade: Syracuse

This is just the holy grail of all liquid foundations!!! I think I've purchased at least 4 of NARS' sheer glow because it makes my skin look immaculate all day and if anything, even better as the day goes on. What is cool also is that it actually applies best with my fingers because the warmth of my hands applying the liquid almost makes it melt into my skin, radiating a gorgeous flawless finish. Because of its sheer finish, I usually need to apply a translucent powder but only a small amount because I like the dewy effect this product produces. It basically looks like I'm not wearing makeup but am just blessed with supermodel-esque skin. it's so beautiful you just have to try it to know what I mean! Being a high end product I'd advise to get it matched up by a consultant to avoid disappointment so they can determine the perfect shade for your complexion.

Clinique stay-matte oil-free foundation: £22.50

Shade: 21 - Cream Caramel

My next venture was for a seemingly "matte" foundation, and this definitely did the trick. Though, at first application, it does feel rather sticky to apply and my face looks really dry even though I would have moisturised before. And for my face to look dry, that's really saying something. Though, after at least 15-20 minutes of allowing the foundation to seep into my skin, it comes alive and I look a lot more moisturised without being too oily. Although it did what it said on the tin (bottle) I don't have many raving reviews to say about it. Also, the packaging would benefit from being a pump or one that will allow customers to drip the liquid out slowly because pressing into the bottle and squeezing it out is much like a Heinz ketchup bottle, you don't know how much is going to pop out and make an appearance. I don't know about this one really, maybe I'm applying it wrong. If you own this foundation, let me know your thoughts!

Tarte Amazonian clay full coverage foundation: £34

Shade: Tan Sand

As you can probably tell, my foundation collection mostly includes liquid formulas. This time around, I invested in a powder foundation as I usually apply powder over my base anyway, so I thought buying a powder foundation would cut this effort in half. Sadly, it didn't. The fact that it's not a thick consistency and still manages to create a medium coverage is amazing (even though it promises full which it doesn't quite achieve). However, an hour or maybe two would go by and around my t-zone area I'd look super oily. Not cute. Even more so I'd say than if I were to wear a liquid. Maybe it's due to my skin needing the extra moisture of a creamy consistency. This being the case, I wouldn't recommend this product to someone with acne prone, or even just oily skin like myself. Which is a shame because other than this, the foundation has lots of great benefits for your skin: prevents congested pores by allowing your skin to breath and uses pearl powder which is rich in anti-inflammatory to preventing any future breakouts unlike other foundations.

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35: £29

Shade: Medium to Dark

Bobbi brown has been a favourite of mine, specifically for their skincare for like, ever. This product is definitely one that I can use as testament. I originally bought this BB cream for my trip abroad as I didn't feel comfortable being completely bare faced on a festival trip. This was my life saver! Whilst protecting my skin from damaging sun rays -which is deeply important especially in terms of fending off future damage to the skin - it also made my skin look flawless. It's crazy that for a product which isn't a foundation, it can achieve almost full coverage whilst also being of benefit to your skin. Apparently, the cream includes water-attracting molecules that boost hydration and achieve that dewy finish. I've been using this BB cream a lot more recently too, making my skin look healthier during the day without seeming like I've put a lot of effort in to look glam. All in all, I'm so pleased with this buy!

I hope you found this helpful! Also, let me know if you have any foundations in mind that'll go down a treat for my acne prone skin. I'd really appreciate the advice. See you all soon xx

Call me the bag lady

Traipsing through Asos marketplace yesterday (with my imaginary money) I came across this astutely named bag company, Handpicked. The company pride themselves on selling street-style fashion accessories sourced from all over the world. Whilst obviously looking to-die-for, their styles are also practical so I can imagine being able to style them for college/ work or just a trip to the shops. The prices are what completely sold me though, because the material looks quite expensive so their prices ranging from £22 - £119 is pretty good if you ask me. To top it off, they're discounting the spring collection (so basically everything you see below) with 30% off. I know where I'll be heading with my next student loan.

Below I've listed some of my favourites from the site, I hope you enjoy! Oh and let me know what you think of the Givenchy dupe at the bottom. I think it's amazing! And the closest thing I can have to the real thing for now. Lol

Handpicked

Love this Givenchy dupe!

Book Review: "Their Dogs Came With Them"

In aid of celebrating International Women's Day, what better way than to introduce this heart wrenching novel by Helena María Viramontes; "Their Dogs Came With Them." Granted, I was required to read this text for my Literature module, but I'm so glad to have come across this text because it speaks on genocide in the Amerícas and colonial violence. More specifically, in East Los Angeles during the 1960s when Chicana lives were centred in turmoil and the feminist movements contributed to a chaotic questioning of their Civil rights.

           

The narrative changes every chapter, progressing from one female voice to the other, when finally the reader realises that there are four young female protagonists. Each struggle with different aspects of their human identities and grow to gain intelligence and moral understanding of their separate, though wholly similar, injustices. Turtle was my favourite character, as she (or I should say he) is a gender bending character that joins her older brother’s gang in an attempt to survive in the violence of East Los Angeles. Without giving too much away, Viramontes troubles the reader’s idea of gender and sexuality and in her own right, makes her writing her politics.

            Drawing upon International Women’s Day, this novel also succeeds in focusing on women as the breadwinners and provider of the family; opposing the conventional, ingrained notion of only men being adapt to fulfil this role. Not only do the women carry their own burdens throughout the novel, but they carry also the entirety of their families worries and it makes me reflect upon and admire the role of my own mother, as I assume many other readers do with their own. By the end of the novel, I literally had to fight back my tears as although it doesn’t end on a happy note, the significance of the turn of events are beautiful and made me re-evaluate the colonising effects of the past which greatly impact the lives of today. It’s so empowering to find women who still fight for our rights of equality, sexuality and human identity today.

Happy International Women’s Day ladies!!

Happy Holi!

For the past few years now, I've lusted over the images that surface the web around February and March; people splattered in vibrant colours and hazy mystical backgrounds. I came to realise the purpose was for a spiritual event called Holi Festival. Better known as the festival of colours or love. Originally, the festival is better celebrated in Nepal, India but over the years it has become widely celebrated across Europe and North America; thankfully LA!

A group of friends and I joined the event yesterday to see what all the fuss was over for ourselves and it was such a fun, beautiful event. Usually, if someone throws something in my face, I might take it that I need to leave. Briskly. But at the Holi Festival, it’s a way for people of all ethnicities, nationalities and creed to unite and experience life in a unique and mystical way. There was even yoga taking place in the centre of the field! It was way too hot for my liking though (around 30°) so I chose to watch in wonderment whilst my own colourful assortment of organic powders glistened in the light. I’d say for those who are wishing to venture to a Holi festival for themselves, best be prepared to part with your clothes because after some scrubbing, I’m still finding it hard to get the colours completely out of my top. Good thing I wore items I wouldn’t miss so much if I had to end of getting rid of them.

Aside from other festivals I’ve gone to for more music purposes, this one was great because you left feeling energised rather than stumbling around confusedly, dreading the journey back home. We must have looked a sight for sore eyes too because we don’t have a car yet so had to get public transport all the way home. The people around us tried really hard not to touch us when getting off the bus, bless them!

Kanye West surprises all at KOKO

Twitter went crazy last night after LiveNation posted, out of nowhere, a sales link to Kanye West’s last minute gig at KOKO. Needless to say, the limited number of tickets for the intimate arena sold out in seconds. 2000 evidently avid fan’s of Ye crowd waited for his arrival (being fashionably late of course) till 1AM. In the first 20 minutes, Kanye was united on stage with members from UK collective BoyBetterKnow; opening with Skepta’s “That’s Not Me.” Kanye, humbly, felt the grime anthem at the back of the stage, drinking in the atmosphere. As well as Skepta, Vic Mensa, Big Sean and Cyhi Prynce made an appearance, but the climatic surprise of Wu-Tang Clan’s Raekwon really rocked the crowd. Raekwon performed “C.R.E.A.M” as well as a cover of Drake’s “All Me.” Banger after banger was performed with electrifying energy by West; such as “Power”, “All Of The Lights”, “Jesus Walks” and a brand new track featuring Vic Mensa “U Mad.”

This last minute performance has gotten people talking. Is Kanye being overtly erratic in his surprise releases and gigs? Is it all simply a publicity stunt on his part to get the people talking (which if so, he’s undoubtedly succeeded in)? My take on the matter, is that everyone needs to refer back to his recent interview with The Breakfast Club Power 105.1. Ye himself already announced that release dates are old news, and his vision with the new album is to be “of service to the people.” And that my friend is exactly what he’s projecting with his recent musical outbursts. “All Day’ is a club banger, no one can deny. So his last minute gig was just another platform to allow Ye to showcase his musical abilities. Not for his own ego, but to cater to his fans. And boy, I’m not complaining, are you?

Check the video below for a taster of how live the night went. Kanye, we salute you!

Everlasting Basics

(dupe) Forever 21 | Zipped Jeans: (dupe) Zara | Patent Boots: (dupe) Topshop

Hunting through my wardrobe, I wanted to pick items that best showed how basics create a perfect, effortless outfit. I bought this striped, turtleneck crop top from Forever21 a couple of months back. It hangs nicely and long enough so that it doesn't ride up like some crops tend to do. Stripes are one of my favourite staple prints to own so it always comes in handy to invest in at least one. These are the faux leather trousers I wore in my last post which just shows how much I wear them! The zips (which unfortunately don't double up as pockets) give the outfit an edgy twist that styles seamlessly with the patent black boots. I purchased these comfy boots from H&M almost 4 months ago for £35.00 if I remember rightly and I can see them lasting me for a long time. H&M are amazing for stocking fashionable ankle boots that don't hurt the bank account.

Because I purchased all of the items above a couple months prior to this post, a lot of them aren't for sale any more. Instead, I've linked to some look-a-likes that are as good as the real thing! Let me know if you recreate the look yourself or like what I pulled together.