Blogger Spotlight: Belle Splash

If you could only wear one nail polish shade for the rest of your life, what colour/brand would it be?

This is so hard because I am a total nail polish junkie! In terms of a brand it would definitely be Barry M, their polishes have amazing formulation and they are so affordable! Although a colour I would wear forever would be Ballet Slippers by Essie, it's such a gorgeous very pale pink shade that looks so elegant and classy. I just wish it had the formulation of Barry M polishes though as it takes about 4 coats to be opaque! 

What is the best beauty tip you've ever heard?

I saw on one of Glamlifeguru's videos that you should leave dry shampoo in your hair for a few minutes before brushing it out (rather than brushing it out straight away) to get it's full effects and it honestly works! I swear by dry shampoo as my hair is really thick and is a total mission to wash and this technique really helps to soak up all the oil in your hair and gives your hair such a fresh look. 

You would cry if they stopped making...

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder! I am yet to find a better powder out there and I literally cannot live without it. I depend on it to finish off any make up look I do as I have combination skin so I really like to get rid of any shininess on my T-zone. I also absolutely adore the Rimmel Match Perfection foundation and would be very sad if they stopped making that as it's the only foundation I have ever found to match my skin perfectly (just like the name!). 

What beauty products will you be reaching for this Autumn/Winter?

I will definitely be reaching for my favourite autumn/winter nail polish and that is Piccadilly Circus by Nails Inc. It's a really pretty light purple shade that is absolutely perfect for autumn and winter and the formulation is easy to apply and long lasting. I also absolutely love an Estee Lauder lipstick in Hot Kiss, it's a plum and kind of mocha type colour that looks amazing on the lips and couldn't be any more suited for the autumn and winter. I also love my Estee Lauder Smoky Plums Deluxe Eye and Cheek Palette for autumn because it has some absolutely beautiful plum eye shadow shades! 

Highstreet or highend beauty products?

I would say a bit of both! I love high street makeup and the vast majority of my beauty products are high street however some products just can't compete with some of the higher end products. There are products I adore and swear by from both ends of the spectrum so I don't think I will ever be able to chose between the two. I think when I am older and earning money I will probably reach more for the high end but right now on a student budget highstreet products suit me fine! 

Three blogs you would recommend checking out?
So hard to chose just 3! But I would say Sparrow Mint (http://sparrow-mint.blogspot.co.uk/) as her blog is really unique, fun and interesting to read and she is such a lovely person. I would also say Aifric from Nocturnelle (http://nocturnelle12.blogspot.co.uk/) as even though she doesn't post that often her posts are different to what you see from most beauty bloggers as there is more of her personality put into it and that really shows. The last person I would recommend is Emily from Beauty and the Budget (http://beautyandthebudgetsblog.blogspot.co.uk/p/blog-page.html) as I love how she mainly only posts about budget beauty products and I always find products that I want to try from her posts! Her blog is definitely one of those blogs where I read every single post without fail! 

Thank you to Natasha for taking part in this months blogger spotlight. Make sure to check out her lovely beauty and fashion blog here.You can also keep up to date with Natasha on twitter  and instagram. Please get in touch if you would like to take part next month, doesn't matter how long you've been blogging for or how many followers you have- i want to hear from you!

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Blogger Spotlight: Ramblings of a Beauty Bird

Ramblings of a Beauty Bird is a beauty blog filled to the brim with make up and skincare with a nod towards fashion. This month I interviewed 26 year old Sasha on double cleansing and how she's coping in this heatwave we are having!

What made you start blogging?
I started blogging so I could indulge in my love of all things beautilicious! I wanted to have my own little corner of the internet so I could share my honest opinions on beauty products with others - if I've helped just one person make a decision about a product I've reviewed on my blog, that's a pretty great achievement for me! I also just love writing in general - English was always my favourite subject at school.

Highstreet or highend make up?
A bit of both! I tend to splurge a bit more on primer, foundation and powder - basically anything that I apply all over my face! This is because I'm quite fussy about ingredients that could block my pores, so I tend to go for mineral options, which seem to be more expensive. I always go for high street nail varnish as I can't bring myself to spend more than �10.00 on a single nail varnish, but with everything else I'm a bit of a mixture. 

What beauty products are you loving this summer?
Because of the crazily hot weather recently I've gone back to basics. I've been loving Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer to refresh and hydrate my face through the day and Maybelline Baby Lips to keep my lips hydrated, plus it contains SPF 20. I've been keeping shine at bay with Kleenex Shine Absorbing Sheets, which I highly recommend. I'm also loving summery nails - Models Own Fruit Pastel Collection and Essie Bottle Service from the new 2013 Neon Collection are gorgeous!

Best beauty tip you've heard?
For skincare, I'd definitely say double cleansing - the first cleanse removes dirt and makeup, so the second cleanse really gets into your pores. For makeup, one of my favourites is to apply a brightening eye cream or primer (I use Benefit That Gal) before applying concealer.

Top three blogs we should be reading?

Ooh that's really hard! But three blogs I love and read regularly are Makeup Pixi3 (http://makeup-pixi3.com/), We Were Raised by Werewolves (http://wewereraisedbywolves.blogspot.co.uk/) and A Scottish Lass (http://ascottishlass.net/).

Thank you to the lovely Sasha for taking part in this months Blogger Spotlight! Make sure you have a little look at her blog, I love reading her posts! x

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Blogger Spotlight: Tiny Twisst

I've been stalking following Laura's blog for nearly a year now and it's quickly become one of my favourites. If you've not come across Tiny Twisst before - cue serious hair envy. Keep reading to find out Laura's go to make up products and her most memorable fashion faux pas....

What's the story behind your blog name?
Tiny is because of a few minor things, mainly because the word tiny always reminds me of the first day I started School - it's a long story, so we won't go into that. When I first started my blog I loved the band Metric and their song The Twist - so that explains the 'twist' part, I added an extra 'S' because I'm a Graphic Designer and we like our text to look nice - I thought two S's together would look better. Hey-presto!
What's your daily makeup routine?
My daily makeup routine is really simple, I'm usually in a rush so it's quick and easy. A light layer of foundation and powder, a brush of mascara and a rose blusher. I do like to wear a stronger brow with a simple look though - it feels more finished off that way. Sometimes if I have more time I'll either add some winged eyeliner or some brown matte shadow in my crease.
Do you have a favourite clothing brand?
 I love all clothing brands and shops - I think that definitely comes with being an extreme shopaholic. I guess my all time favourite shop is H&M because I know I can always find something to buy. I also like Topshop (for the MOM jeans!) Miss Selfridge (for their pretty summer girly pieces) and online brands such as Missguided, Lavish Alice and Mina UK - you can really find some unique pieces for great prices online, which I love.
Most memorable fashion faux-pas
SO MANY. I remember at school I had these little twist-clips with diamonds on the top - they would twist into your hair and make it look like you had random floating diamonds in your hair, I thought I was cool. I also used to have a denim-phobia and would always wear baggy tracksuit bottoms (sometimes the velvet ones) - it was acceptable in the 90's though, honest.
Do you have a favourite beauty brand?
My favourite higher-end would have to be MAC, I like a random splurge now and then. My favourite drugstore brand is a little more tricky because I love to experiment with new brands, especially when they're more affordable. I'd say Sleek for their blushes and Maybelline for their 24hour lip-colours (they are amazing!)
Three blogs we should be reading?
 My list of blogs is endless, it takes me hours to read through them all. I'd say my current most loved are; Be Frassy (befrassy.com), She Wears Fashion (shewearsfashion.com) and Love Blair (loveblair.com)

BIG thank you to Laura for answering my questions, check out her brilliant blog Tiny Twisst here.
If you are interested in being interviewed for next months Blogger spotlight feature, please email me -kiasimpson@hotmail.com :)

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blogger spotlight is back!

It's been a whole 16 months since my last blogger interview. I was looking through my old posts and came across this feature I used to do and thought it was time i brought it back. I've missed interviewing fellow bloggers and it's a nice way to discover new blogs and to get to know your favourite bloggers better. So, blogger spotlight is back and I need you. Leave a comment below if you are interested in being interviewed - it doesn't matter whether your a lifestyle/fashion/beauty/food blogger or how many followers you have. Or let me know who you'd love to see me interview! 

Twitter | Bloglovin'|Pinterest | Shop

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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: The Camera's Lying

 

Amy is one cool kid. If you like photography, fashion and make up - you're in for a right treat. See what Amy has to say on her favourite places to shop and her top blogging tips. Enjoy!

Favourite Make up brand?

My favourite make up brand is Bobbi Brown I love their mascaras especially! They can be quite pricey but less so than other high end brands such as MAC or NARS. I love the look of their packaging, it feels very glam in my makeup drawer or on my dresser.

High street or High end products,why?

As a student I like to find a healthy balance between the two. I think some products its essential to buy a good quality brand, such as foundations as cheaper alternatives often clog pores and cause me to break out! However, I love MUA's eyeshadows and at �1 a pop they don't break the bank. I also enjoy Barry M and Gosh products which are slightly more than MUA but definitely still value for money.

What shops do you love buying clothes from? 

I love vintage clothing, most of my clothes are found in charity shops or off eBay! If I had the money, I spend more in Urban Outfitters as I really enjoy their designs and they are less mainstream as say, New Look or Topshop. Its never good coming into college and seeing another girl wearing the same tee as you.

What's on your current wishlist?

On my wishlist is a new laptop as I've had my current one for nearly 6 years! It still uses Windows XP and its getting very slow. I also have to manually fan the back with my hand as it overheats a lot. Bless it, its served me well. I'm also hoping for 'The Virgin Suicides' as everyone always raves about it. Got to love a new book to get your teeth into.

Do you have any blogging tips?

Stay true to yourself. If you want to talk about fashion one day and sport the next, do so. Its your blog, your creative outlet. If anyone else has a problem with your content, stuff em'!

Top Three Favourite Blogs? Three?! Eek thats hard. I have a reading list as long as my arm. I love finding new blogs of all different genres. I would say however, the blogs which never disappoint me (other than Kia's blog obviously!) are http://devonisonfirestill.blogspot.com/ http://www.littlebirdfashion.com/ and http://schoee.blogspot.com/. All lovely ladies so go follow them :).

Thanks for answering the questions Amy! Now go check out her blog, you know you want to. 

http://www.the-cameras-lying.blogspot.com/

@ThisDystopia

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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: The Secret Avenue

I like a guest post as much as the next person, that's why I decided to create my own series of blogger interviews when I started my blog. 'Blogger Spotlight' is a monthly feature which allows my readers to get the goss on their favourite bloggers/vloggers. This month I interview the lovely Sophie from The Secret Avenue. If you only do one thing today, make sure you follow this cool kid. 

Favourite fashion brand?

My favourite fashion brand is probably Top Shop and Urban Outfitters. When ever I walk into one of their shops I would literally buy everything I saw if I had the money! I love the style of clothing they sell, its really quite unique and totally my style.

What made you decide to start a blog?

I found Lilly Melrose's blog in Look magazine and ever since I have been obsessed! Every morning I would look through her outfit posts to get inspiration of what to wear that day. At first I thought she just had a general website but I went back to her very first posts and read that it was actually a blog, I was so inspired by her to make a blog because it looked so much fun.

Do you have any blogging tips?

I don't really have any blogging tips, you just have to be very inspired to share what you love with the world. I would defiantly say be yourself, its hard to show your personality in writing but just write as if you were telling your best friend about a new beauty product you just found people will love it if they feel like you're talking directly to them. Keep your blog layout simple but professional I hate coming across blogs with great posts but flashing glitter backgrounds and multi coloured words, it really puts me off following them. Also try not to post about 5 posts a day, I used to think it got you more followers but it doesn't you just eventually run out of ideas and the posts end up not being good quality. My one blogging pet peve though its when people ask you to follow them back, please refrain from doing that, it gets annoying and puts people off checking out your blog, defiantly leave a link to your blog but don't spam peoples blog advertising your own blog. Ooo don't for get to keep your home town a secret, I have heard people were getting stalked because they shared to much information some man even found some girls school and was following her!

What make up products can you not live without?

I defiantly can't live with out my mascara or my urban decay brow box, people would cry if they saw me in public with out these on.

Favourite nail varnish brand? 

OPI is my all time favourite but Models Own nail polish is slowly starting to become my next obsession. 

Visit Sophie's blog here! Thank you very much Sophie for taking part in this & I really hope your blog continues to grow. If you are interested in taking part your self or maybe there is a blogger you would like me to interview leave a comment below or email me! 

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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: ghostparties.

Beauty and Fashion blogger Kate, has been wowing us with her beautiful photogrpahy, product reviews and lovely outfit posts since starting up her blog last year. You can't help but love her blog! Read on to get all the goss on ghostparites...  

Why did you initially decide to start a blog?

I'm not quite sure what started it, as I don't remember how I found the blogging community. I just decided it would be an exciting thing to do, and I was lucky enough to have a blog which took off quite quickly so I worked hard at it. My love of cosmetics and fashion made me want to blog, but I had no idea of the opportunities it would lead to, or the friends I would make from it! 

Do you have a favourite skincare brand?

I love Liz Earle, it's a brand which has a lot of hype around it, especially in the blogging community. I don't particularly like my skin but this seems to really help it. I also like Avene and Kiehls 

Favourite places to shop?

For cosmetics, I like Space NK and Harvey Nicols as they have everything and for clothes it's usually just Topshop, Urban Outfitters and H&M

illustration inspired by Kate's recent
 'daily make up' post

What beauty product can you not live without?

I do love my Liz Earle moisturiser for normal/combination skin and the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. I also like Boots Botanics eye makeup remover.

Could you recommend three of your favourite blogs?

I love www.sailorjennie.com, http://vivatramp.blogspot.com and milkteef.com  

Definitely go have a nosey at Kate's blog, you wont be disappointed! http://gh0stparties.com/ 


Fancy taking part in next months blogger spotlight? Comment or tweet me 

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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: memo

This month's blogger spotlight is slightly different to the usual beauty blogger. A few weeks ago i came across Helens' blog and instantly fell in love with her illustrations, she specialises in screen printing onto recycled card. Helen kindly sent me some of her artwork, the illustration are so cute and would make perfect gifts; father's day on the 19th!

you can browse her online etsy shop

http://www.etsy.com/shop/memohelen?ref=top_trail

view her blog too :)

http://memolikesyou.blogspot.com

& check out her website

http://www.hellomemo.com/

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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: Racheyem

Fashion & Beauty Blogger, youtuber, t-shirt designer - is there anything Rach can't do? I caught up with the 21 year old student from Scotland to discuss her love for Primark, becoming a writer and the inspiration behind her own range of t-shirts...

What inspired you to start designing and selling t-shirts? 

After seeing a lot of slogan tees around in the shops i wanted to make one for myself that had a slogan or picture that i really wanted rather than some of the slightly naff ones that you can find. Then i just decided to sell them to my readers through my blog and youtube. I had no idea they were going to be so popular!

The lovely Heather from effiesmakeupbox & Becka from Just like Jasper are fans of Rachelle's t-shirts.

Do you have a favourite shop?

As everyone probably knows i'm absolutely obsessed with Primark but it would probably be a toss up between there and H&M for favourite shop. Even though they've totally stepped up their game Primark can be so hit and miss but then i find h&m is producing really brilliant exciting things at the moment.

What would be your ideal career?

The dream would be to write fiction but i see that as sitting alongside having a dream to be an actor or singer and maybe even harder. I'd also LOVE to be a free lance writer or an immersive journalist like Cherry Healey and Dawn Porter. I love how you get to see a bit of their personality as they explore a subject and think it would be an AMAZING job. However, back in the real world where i'm about to graduate i'm concentrating on getting into PR based work. It's a scary world!

Do you have any beauty products you regret buying?

Yes totally! I recently bought a NARS cream blush online and i absolutely hate it, the colour pay off is terrible and it just leaves glitter all over my face. It's a real shame because NARS is a line that really excites me. I was also absolutely gutted at how disappointing revlon photo ready foundation was. I thought i'd done a lot of in depth research but when i got it home i hated it. I really think you should be able to get samples of drug store brand foundations like you can with high end. Even though you're not spending quite as much �10-�15 isn't exactly an amount you just want to throw away if you don't like it! Make up can be a tricky thing!

What's the best thing about blogging?

I don't know if i could choose a 'best thing.' I love the whole community and how you can find advice and tips on absolutely anything and there's always someone who'll have an answer to your question however bizarre it is and then you get to chat to everyone and get feed back from other people about things. On the other hand though i personally really enjoy just putting my blog together and typing away about all manner of nonsense. It's somewhat therapeutic! 

Could you recommend your top three favourite bloggers?

That's a seriously difficult one but off the top of my head and in no particular order...

Milkteef: http://www.milkteef.com  Emma's blog appeals to me because it's really simplistic and straight forward. You know exactly what you're going to get- wish lists and outfits with a really simple but professional layout. She also has very similar taste to me so it's great to spy on her purchases- i usually lust after what she's been buying!


I heart vintage: http://www.iheartvintagex.com I love Kavita's vintage on trend style and she's insanely gorgeous and sweet too!

Aha Shake Heartbreaker: http://www.ahashakeheartbreaker.com Vicky's blog is another vintage inspired blog. Her outfits are always absolutely perfect right down to her stacked necklaces. The blog is also original in that it has a more 'serious' post every sunday tackling a specific subject topic. I love that Vicky show cases her writing abilities among pictures of what she's wearing! Vicky is also a frequent updater which is always god when you're as blog obessed as me!

own a Racheyem t-shirt

http://racheyemtees.bigcartel.com/

Big thank you to Rach for taking part! 

If you are interested in being interviewed just leave a comment below & i will get back to you :)

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BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: Beauty's Bad Habit

Every month I will be interviewing a fellow blogger so you can get to know a little bit more about them :) February's blog of the month is Beauty's Bad Habit, full of make up tips, looks and reviews! I asked the lovely Lily, the brains behind Beauty's Bad habit some questions and here is what she had to say;

How did you get into make up? 

I was in a stage production of 'Fame' and all of the actors playing students got to wear crazy, bright 80s style make-up. Unfortunately I was a teacher, so I wasn't allowed to, but I helped the rest of the cast out with their make-up :) A while later I bought my first pots of Barry M dazzle dust and the rest was history!

What beauty product can you not live without and why?

Dark brown eyeshadow to fill in my eyebrows. I feel incomplete without them.

What is your daily skincare routine?

Hot water and soap! I've yet to find any skin care products which really make a big different, apart from the Cellnique range, which is too expensive for me to top up on regularly.

What are your top three make up brands?

Um. Now this is difficult! I like certain brands for certain things, but I don't have any general favourites. I have never been disappointed by anything I have bought by Revlon or Max Factor, though.

What one product should we consider investing on?

Invest in the hunt for your perfect foundation and concealer. It can be a long and expensive quest, but well worth it in the end.

Could you recommend three of your favourite bloggers?

www.lipglossiping.com

www.legothique.com

www.jangsara.blogspot.com

Thank you Lily for taking part :)

her blog is - http://beautysbadhabitblog.blogspot.com/

If you are interested in being interviewed next month or know anyone who is worthy just leave a comment below :) thanks for reading!

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