Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer

I've been wearing Rimmel Apocalips Lip Lacquer for a few days now, and I thought I'd share it with you.  It's not a lipstick, it's not a gloss - I think a lacquer is somewhere between the two!  It comes in a variety of shades; I have gone for shade 303 Apocaliptic, the shade Kate Moss wears in the advert (if it's good enough for Kate...!).

I like a bright pink lip - I was tempted to try the nude shade, but I always feel that because of my pale skin, nude colours make me look washed out.  So I've stuck to my trusty colour, and it is a gorgeous shade, definitely one to brighten up a monochrome or neutral outfit, and very light and wearable in texture.  I found it works best with a slick of black mascara and some bronzer, et voila!

Daily glamour

This morning as I was choosing my outfit, I decided to wear one of my favourite necklaces, which I normally keep for nights out as it is a bit of bling!  But this morning I thought, why not wear it now?

As I work from home my day-to-day outfits are quite casual and based on comfort - but this sometimes means I miss out on wearing some really fun pieces.  Is there really a point in keeping things for best?

Today, wearing my glam necklace has put a smile on my face.  So from now on, if I want to wear a favourite item, I will.  If I feel a bright lipstick will cheer me up, I will put it on.  And if a spray of Gucci perfume is what I need, I will spritz away!

Go on, add some daily glamour to your life...

Spring trend - prints

As the sun tries to make more regular appearances, I think prints add to the spring feeling and they are a great way to wear colour - they look fab with black separates like an overcoat or accessories like shoes or a handbag.

Personally I like to go for quite a natural makeup look with a strong print - curled eyelashes, black mascara, tinted moisturiser and then perhaps a brighter lip colour.

In the same vein I think it is best to let the print do the talking when it comes to jewellery.  A necklace would only get lost in the print so it is best to let it take centre stage at another opportunity!

Florals are also everywhere at the moment, so this dress of mine fits both trends.  I've had the dress for years but I feel it is a classic style and can be dressed up or down.   It also feels really feminine and is a reliable piece I can go back to time and again.

Beyond The Torch

Last year I joined the new Teenage Cancer Trust committee in Cardiff, called ‘Teen Spirit’. This is a charity I have supported for a couple of years now, as it is a cause close to my heart. We have lots of events planned, but two members of the committee have created something very special which I wanted to share here.

 Lara Cowpe is a cancer survivor and has been an avid fundraiser for the Teenage Cancer Trust over recent years, having raised a staggering £30,000 for the charity. She was selected to be an Olympic torch bearer in Barry during the recent torch relay, and Elizabeth McGuire had the amazing idea of taking hundreds of photos of Lara in the run up to and during the relay. The photos give an amazing insight into the iconic torch relay, possibly the only time this will happen in our lifetime.

However, most importantly of all, Elizabeth has created a photobook entitled ‘Beyond the Torch’ which is now on sale, with all proceeds going directly to the Teenage Cancer Trust. This is the only book of its kind that has been created, making it truly unique. For more information, please see the preview book 

Please buy a copy for the full experience; remember every penny goes to the Teenage Cancer Trust to help them in their vital work to improve the lives of teenagers with cancer.

Pink and gold nails

So I had another go at nail art - this time using a pink OPI polish, with a coat of clear sparkle Nailene polish. Then with a steady hand I applied a stripe of gold with Nailene gold polish. Finally I used a clear topcoat to lock in the pattern and colour. This was easier than I thought it would be, though I don't think I'd be much good at any pattern that's more advanced than a stripe!

Looking for vintage inspiration?

Then I've found a great website for you!  Culture Vulture Direct is full of ideas for your home and lifestyle including furniture, accessories, art and utensils.  

If you want to be reminded of your wonderful holiday to Morocco, or dream of visiting India, then you can find pieces inspired by the culture of the country of your choice. 

Or if you're more like me, and looking for seaside based items or pretty floral cushions and mosaic coasters, you will also find plenty of ideas here.

I will definitely be taking a look at this website for home inspiration and for creative ideas!

Curly hair

I have quite a complicated relationship with my hair. When I was a teenager I absolutely loathed it for being so curly and thick. In my early twenties I had learnt to grudgingly accept it - and by now I try to work with it, not against it. I love to straighten it, not necessarily poker straight but just wavy enough to take the curl out of it. I think it works better long than short from looking back at various photos from over the years, even though it feels so heavy and thick. But I also style it more than I used to, with products and also with top knots, plaits and pony tails, and I love dying it red/brown. Or I'm happy to let the curls run wild and pop on a hat, and I realise lots of women wish they had thick hair like mine. Any tips/styles from other curly haired ladies gratefully received!