Monday 31 December 2012

random snaps from 2012.

I have to say 2012 was an awesome year for me, and 2013 will only be better!
Here are a few random pictures that I took when I was out and about this year that never made it into any previous posts.

Enjoy :)

 watch the throne tour - may 2012
 ms. dynamite
 choccywoccydoodah brighton
 
 emeli sande


And on that note, I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year!

Thank you for all of your love and support on my blog and I look forward to creating more posts for you in this next year.


LOADS of love, yours truly, jayj x.

Friday 28 December 2012

december glossybox.

Glossybox most definitely ended this year's boxes with impeccable style. This December box has to be my favourite Glossybox to date, with products that suited my beauty profile to the T. I felt as though all the products in this month's box were able to be used by so many different people and that it was thought out very well. I also felt that most if not every brand in the box was a known brand, and therefore we trust the products just that much more.

First off, the packaging. The black outer box that it got delivered in as well as the sleek grey box complimented the products in the box very well. As much as I love the classic pink Glossybox, I do prefer this grey box. It was wrapped in black tissue paper covered in stars and definitely had a festive vibe.

The box came filled with six full-sized items, which is a rarity so that was a nice surpise.
 milk_shake conditioning whipped cream 100ml / sleek au naturel eyeshadow palette / rituals body cream - cherry blossom & rice milk 70ml / seche nail polish - chocolat / glossybox blush - glossy rosewood / anatomicals lip gloss

Like everything, you always have a favourite, so for this review I thought I would focus on my preferred products within the box.
rituals body cream - If you know me, you know that any type of lotion or moisturiser is my favourite thing. I just love the different textures and scents that they come in, and this rituals one is a nice addition to my collection. 
anatomicals lip gloss - This lip gloss is one that is not too thick or sticky. It is good to use over a lip balm if you did not want any added colour and it smells amazing!

seche nail polish - I love the colour that came in my box! It is a pleasing neutral colour that would complement any skin tone. I own the very well-known Seche Vite top coat and we all know how prestigious that product is so I believe seche will have done well with their colour polishes.
sleek natural palette - Although I have not yet used this palette, I am very excited to do so! This is my very first sleek palette and I've heard nothing but good things about their eyeshadows so I have high hopes for this product in particular.


Did you guys get this box? What are your thoughts? (and if you have a blog and you did a post, link your review :) )

Hope you all had a very lovely Christmas and got tonnes of love and gifts from your favourite people!
I do have a post planned for before the New Year, so this is not the last you will see of me in 2012. (seeing as we all survived the end of the world, yay!!)


best wishes and lots of festive loves, jayj x.

Thursday 20 December 2012

quick nail post #5.

It's Chrissssssssssstmas!!
Well...not yet, but you know...tis the season :)

I've been going hardcore with my seasonal nails, diving into all of my glitter polishes and making bizarre mixes.
I get so excited when it comes to my nails...it's weird.

Ramble over. Enjoy :)

 
LA colors - tropical storm / barry M - silver multi glitter / rimmel london - disco ball / seche vite top coat
elf - purple dream (mattified)
 


feeling all sparkly, jayj x.

Friday 14 December 2012

my favourite brushes.


There are items in everyone’s makeup collection that they simply could not do without, and specifically in my case, these are my essential makeup brushes.
I don't wear all that much makeup but using the right tools can help a lot when it comes to the results of the products I use. Using the right brush to apply my foundation or BB cream can create a smooth and flawless look. Carefully adding my eyeliner with a dense flat brush adds definition and depth to my eyes. Applying my powder with the perfect powder brush completes my look effortlessly.


Each step when applying your makeup any time of the day is an important one, and in this post I want to highlight just how important my brushes are and which ones are my favourite for completing my look.


elf Complexion Brush - This for me is simply the perfect brush for powder. It is so soft and fluffy and feels good on the skin.
It is very thick but not hard, so distributing powder on your face is easy to do. The brush can also be held and moulded into other shapes which make it good for applying blush or contouring. Everyone loves a good multi-functional brush!

elf Powder Brush - As someone who has been reading blogs for a long time now, this brush was always featured somewhere on so many people's different blogs, so when I made my first ever elf order, this brush had to be on the list! Although it is called a powder brush, it can be used for various things, and I use it to apply my foundation.
It is a flat-top brush and it is quite dense so I am able to buff my foundation in nicely and it doesn't leave any lines or streaks on the skin.
I use this more specifically for my heavier foundations (MAC Studio Fix, Sleek New Skin Revive) as the brush is dense enough to really smooth the product over the skin evenly.




Superdrug Blending Brush - At the time, this was the most random purchase and I didn't even know what I would necessarily use it for as I am not a big eye shadow wearer. After a long time of not using it at all, I started using it to apply gel eyeliners and cream eye shadows as eyeliners.
It is quite a flat and compressed brush; therefore it is easy to get a lot of product on to it. I also find it very easy to control and I am able to get both thicker and thinner, straight lines above the eye.

MAC 130SE - This came in a set of four which is also my first ever set of MAC brushes. I love that it is a relatively small brush as it makes it perfect for travelling. It is easy to carry and the handle isn't too long.
It is a duo-fibre brush so it is great for stippling as well as buffing the product in. I personally use this for my lighter foundations (Sleek BB Cream, MAC Face & Body) as I feel as though I use less of the product alongside this brush.



Wordy much? haha!

What are your favourite makeup brushes? Any other tools in your makeup bag that you simply couldn't do without?

all made up, jayj x.

Monday 26 November 2012

tresor paris watches.

Tresor Paris is probably most known for their famous beaded bracelets that hit the scenes by storm not too long ago and became a phenomenon amongst celebrities and others alike. The brand is one from Hasbani, jewellery manufacturers best known for its diamonds, and it was created as an aid to separate diamonds and luxury jewellery, developing affordable luxury. These bracelets come in a wide variety of different colours, allowing you to choose your favourite colour or have a mix of them all. Using crystals to give them a true shine, Tresor Paris quickly became a brand so recognisable and appreciated by many.


Not too long ago, I was invited to attend a press day by Tresor Paris to preview their ISL watch collection, a first by the brand. I was filled with excitement to go, mostly because I love the look of their jewellery and I wanted to know how they would translate that excellence into timepieces.

 

It was no surprise that the first thing I saw was an array of hues. Coming in 13 different colours, these watches are definitely one that catches the eye, and not just with the colours, but the diamond in each watch face. Every watch is unique on its own, but Tresor Paris allows you to make your piece your own to suit your every style and every mood. Available in two different sizes, with interchangeable straps and bezels, every combination is exclusive.

 
ISL watches - £99 each


Depending on what you can afford or what you desire, you can opt for plain and simple bezels, ones covered in crystal, or for ultimate opulence, diamonds. They range from £30 to £3000, so it really is your choice.

These are the kind of watches that can be worn by many different types of people. Young people can adapt to it because of the colour range that is available, and older people can indulge on a stylish watch that can be made their own. Watches are an accessory, so there is no reason to limit what looks you can create with just one item.    

 
(Images courtesy of Stature PR)

They are available to buy at Ernest Jones, Fraser Hart, Beaverbrooks, and of course...Tresor Paris.
Are you a fan of these awesome watches? What colour would you buy?
ME - purple.


always on time, jayj x.

Monday 19 November 2012

cadbury world.

 

After a very long time of wanting to go, my friend and I finally booked tickets to go Birmingham and visit Cadbury World. 
It was such an awesome experience! As well as free chocolate here and there, there were a couple of tours that told the story of how Cadbury first started, as well as an exhibition of how their chocolate is made. We also got to see the packaging plant (which smelt divine!) and had the opportunity to raid the gift shop and buy as much chocolate as our hearts desired.

WARNING: picture heavy post :)


It proved to be a really fun day out!

chocoholic, jayj x.

Wednesday 14 November 2012

harrods AW12 - disney princesses.

So when one of my closest friends told me about the current themes in the windows of Harrods, I knew I had to go and experience it for myself.
The Christmas windows are designer representations of all of our favourite Disney princesses. I love the concept as it is something that we all know so well and is automatically recognisable. They took the classic tales and made modern interpretations of them through fashion.


cinderella by versace
 
snow white by oscar de la renta
 
tiana by ralph and russo
 
mulan by missoni
 
pocahontas by roberto cavalli
 
ariel by marchesa
 
jasmin by escada
 
belle by valentino
 
rapunzel by jenny packham
 aurora (sleeping beauty) by elie saab

If you get the chance, I would recommend you go to Harrods on Brompton Road and see it for yourself. There is much detail in each window display and there is only so much a camera can capture. To read more about it and see more pictures and the original sketches, Vogue have a great post on their website.


Who is your favourite Disney princess? Which one is your favourite modern interpretation?

I grew up in the 90s, jayj x. 

Sunday 11 November 2012

new glasses.

So I recently received a pair of glasses from an online company called Firmoo, and after wearing them for a short while I have to say I love them!
large frames* - firmoo
For a long time now, I have wanted a pair of big, 'nerd' style glasses, but with my prescription in it so I would still be able to see! After seeing this website, I saw that as well as very reasonable prices, they had such a wide range of different glasses to choose from.

One feature that I loved about the website is the way in which you can search for different frames. As well as gender categories, you can search for particular styles of glasses, sizes, colours and materials. This just makes the process a lot easier, especially if you already know what types of glasses you tend to wear or are looking for. Also, as someone who has only ever bought glasses at a physical store, having a lot of information about the physical appearance of the frames is very helpful.
After ordering them, delivery only took 6 days! Considering they had to put my prescription into the lenses and everything, the speed is a major plus for me.
Although I wear my glasses all the time, I am not too keen on spending too much money on them as I can be quite clumsy with them sometimes, so I needed something simple, sturdy and reliable...perfect.

Firmoo is a company that offers its services for free as they have a first-time buyers program. This allows customers to own their first pair of glasses from Firmoo for free, only paying for the shipping.
I will most definitely be going back on this website as it seems they update their stock quite regularly. Next time...sunglasses maybe?


What's your favourite style of glasses? Where do you get yours from?

a fellow four-eyes, jayj x.

Wednesday 7 November 2012

the new iPad.

the new iPad 16GB wifi - £399

So it has probably been...two months since I have bought my iPad now, but I thought I'd share my little Apple journey with you. It's something that I had been thinking of buying for a little while, but I didn't think it was realistic and I couldn't find a genuine reason for me to have one. One reason is because I already have a laptop, and an iPhone. So since the iPad is practically between the two, I thought there may be no point.

Since starting this blog, I have become more of an ideas person. Someone who is constantly thinking and turning those thoughts into possible blog posts or features that I could write. At this point, I guess you could say I got a bit more serious with what it is I want to do with my life, and to show people that you want something, you've got to act like you've already got it...right?

I use my iPad as a professional tool to aid my career. There is so much I can do on it, from writing my blog posts on it (three guesses what I'm writing this on!), to checking all of my emails, applying to jobs and internships and completing any work or tasks.

It is my favourite electronic device and I am so glad I finally jumped on the wagon. I take it absolutely everywhere with me and any chance that I can get to use it, best believe I'm doing so!


Have any of you got an iPad? What do you do on yours?

the gadget fiend, jayj x.

ps. apologies for the lack of posts...I am slowly but surely returning to my regular schedule.

Sunday 28 October 2012

iCandy networking event.

To represent the fashion editor of Flavour magazine, I was invited along to a networking event being held at iCandy studios earlier this week in South London.

At this event I got to liaise with a whole load of media professionals. This included photographers, models, makeup artists, hair stylists...all different types of creatives. I was dropped in the midst of all these professionals, and being someone who would someday like to become one of them and work with them, I wanted to gain some knowledge.

I got an insight on what it is like to work with different publications, what models are like on sets, what a creative director really does, and just generally how the minds of these people worked. It is a very competitive industry to be in, and who you know as well as what you can bring to the table is very important. I spoke to a lot of people and shared with them what I have learnt from being on the edge of the industry looking for a way to get in.
Being a writer and an aspiring journalist, I found myself as one of a kind at this event, no-one there like myself. I shared what I knew, described my vision, and gave people advice on blogging. This was weird to me as I am the one normally looking for advice on how to or whether to do something. Blogging is something that I would like to use an aid to support what I wish to do with my life, and it was a nice and positive experience to share this with others.

As this was my first time attending any event of its kind, I found this to be an excellent experience and I look forward to attending many, many more.
To make this post a tad more interesting, I did take a few (crappy) pictures from the day for you to take a glimpse at:

 

Please do click the links above to check out the magazine and also to view information about the studio. 

Ever been to an event like this? What did you learn?


Hope you enjoyed your extra hours sleep, and have an epic Sunday.

I write a lot, jayj x.