A Few Things Beauty Blogs Have Taught Me...

The importance of eyebrows 
There has been times where I admit, I've over-plucked (or in some cases, not enough plucking. i.e Freida Kahlo-esque brows) but they've always been very fair and thin naturally. Even though I keep it super low maintenance with just my tweezers and brow powder; I would never have know how to fill them in properly without blogs showing me the way. 

There's no need for a full face 
Sometimes a bit of concealer and mascara is all you need.

Three step facial 
I've only recently discovered this trick but, you know the one - exfoliating mask, deep cleansing and then hydrating - the three way wonder for keeping our complexion in tip top shape. I've realised that this is a revelation for my acne prone skin and I plan to indulge in a three step facial every fortnight or so.

Don't pick 
I had no idea that picking, scratching, squeezing and other cringe-worthy adjectives made your spots worse. It irritates the inflammation, can cause the infection to stay under the skin (hello acne marks) and causes the bacteria to spread leading to worse infections. Thank you beauty blogs.

So many brands 
Before beauty blogs, I had no idea that Origins, Caudalie, REN and Pai existed, or were any good. Now, they're some of my favourite brands of all time.

Primer and powder is an oily girl's best friend 
For years I struggled with my makeup sliding off my face come lunchtime. I've tried setting spray, blotting powder and just about everything, but after discovering beauty blogs and hearing all about primers and setting powder I've thankfully solved that problem. Check out my tips for touching up on the go for more deets. 

Try something different 
(Note to 13-year-old self: that is not a cue to wear green metallic eyeshadow again). After seeing Ingrid raving about it, I bought myself some shimmery dark purple/ black gel eyeliner.  Although I don't wear it anymore; I used to love it, but looking back now I realise it was a mistake. The lesson is, I was adventurous. It was fun while it lasted and pushed me on to try more fun things with makeup. 

Chemical exfoliation is the way forward 
For so long the most I ever knew about exfoliation was a bottle of St Ives Apricot Face Scrub (which I sometimes still use, mixed in with a creamy cleanser), whereas now beauty blogs have taught me about AHAs, BHAs and the magic of chemical exfoliation; my skin has never been happier.

What's the best thing you've learnt from beauty blogs? Please share!

My Sixth Form Wardrobe.

The dress code at my sixth form is smart casual - and I guess I'm a little excited to say the least to be able to wear my own clothes to school for once, since I start in September. Sixth form is pretty major over here in the UK, but for those of you who don't know what it is, it's basically like college except of much higher magnitude and difficulty. It allows you to complete your a-levels and pop over to uni when you leave. 

However, this post doesn't just apply to sixth form newbies; these outfit ideas could inspire your work wardrobe, back to school, or for any occasion.

Enjoy!

Blazer, top, trousers, bag, shoes

Shirt (similar), skirt, bag

Jumper (similar)

Shirt, bag, shoes

Dress

Blazer (similar)

Blazer (similar here)

Thanks for reading!

What's On My Face #6:

It's poured all day here in London. There hasn't been a glimpse of the sun for quite some time now; we might as well be in winter gear. To brighten dreary, drab days; I've been wearing a rather bright lip, to perk things up a bit. It just puts a huge grin on your face and makes everything feel better. Until the long lost sun returns, a bright lipstick is my best friend.

For a radiant, glowing complexion, I opted for a mix of Clarins Instant Light Perfector and Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation. The two blend seamlessly, leaving your skin radiant and luminous. For extra coverage under the eyes, areas of redness and on blemishes, I used my Maybelline Fit Me Concealer. To set all this in place, and to slightly mattify my t-zone, I dusted on a small amount of Soap and Glory One Heck of A Blot.

As I was going for quite a made up look on the eyes and lips; I kept it subtle for the rest of the base. Just a tiny hint of colour from the Body Shop Honey Bronzer and a mini of the Nars Blush in Deep Throat. This blush complemented the lip colour to follow perfectly, without overpowering.

To balance the eyes and lips, I chose a slightly bolder brow look than usual. I filled in any sparse areas with the Mac Eyeshadow in Omega and brushed it through with my all-time fave, Bobbi Brown Brow Gel. This combo gives a natural, full look. For eyes, I slick of the L'Oréal Super Liner was all I needed. Complete with a (somewhat wonky) cateye. Then for mascara, I decided on the Maybelline Falsies Mascara.

The pink pout is all down to the Korres Lip Butter in Quince. Yep, that's it. Oh the formula makes my heart melt just thinking about it! It's super moisturising, very pigmented, and although the gloss may leave after eating or drinking, the colour leaves a long-lasting stain; and finally it smells good enough to eat! You can dab the smallest amount on and receive a balmy finish with a tint of colour, or like me, add a generous amount and achieve a full-on pink pout. Personally, I think the colour does wonders for the complexion; it seems to lift and radiate the skin, while bringing out the colours in your eyes (not to mention make your lips look incredible!).

What's your favourite lip product? 

Autumn Inspiration...

All pictures are from my Pinterest board: A/W

Autumn/ Fall is by far my favourite season. I'm not overly one for stifling heat, skimpy shorts and greasy sunblock; there's something about that crisp morning dew, the crunchy, golden leaves and wrapping up in wooly knits. I for one also, think the fashion is far better in autumn. My love for jackets and coats, ankle boots and oversized knits unleashes itself. I know it's still summer but there's only a few weeks left; plus, London is practically half way though autumn according to Mother Nature. 

Coming up soon: How to Take Your Wardrobe From Summer to Fall

What do you love about autumn?

What's On My Face #5:

 

A very simple, quick makeup look here today. For foundation all I used was my trusty Mac Studio Fix Powder Foundation. I've been using this a lot lately as I can sweep just a light layer all over but build up coverage on areas I need it. The colour match is perfect (NC20) and it doesn't turn orange or cakey throughout the day either. A constantly repurchased product. No concealer needed either. However, for under the eyes I just used my Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair.

After that, I used Body Shop Honey Bronzer and the Benefit Coralista blusher - a combination I always reach for. They are both beautiful products that blend seamlessly into the skin, giving a natural flush of colour.

Then for the fun part: the eyeliner. I seldom wear eyeliner - I just find it so tricky to do (especially with my shaky hands). Even when I have wet cotton buds and makeup remover at the ready; it never quite works out. But sometimes, it's pure luck that it (sort of) works out. Luckily, the Eyeko Skinny Liner does half the job for you. It's super easy to use and gets the job done quickly and efficiently. On the lids, I used a tiny sweep of the Mac Eyeshadow in Woodwinked and blended thoroughly. Then for lashes, of course, it's my Clinique High Impact Mascara.

The Mac Eyeshadow in Omega and my Bobbi Brown Brow Gel is a winning combo that I've been using a lot lately. They both give a really natural look.

For lippy, I applied the Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick 03. My perfect nude. Read all about my favourite lipsticks here.

My Favourite Lipsticks.

There's something about a lipstick; it just instantly makes you feel pretty. I have a few faves that I reach for on more than a regular basis. They vary from peachy nudes, to orange to fuchsia to coral - sorry, no Lorde-esque purple lipstick here. Well, without further ado, let's begin...

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Let's Get Naked
Ahhh the perfect peachy nude. Need I say more? Its moisturising, rich and glossy finish is perfect for my ever-chapped lips; and the staying power of this is pretty good considering it's are a moisturising formulation, although it definitely needs reapplying after eating etc. 

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti
One of my ultimate faves. This one is perfect for those summer days when you want a little pick-me-up. The super glossy, hydrating and balmy finish instantly plumps your lips; teamed with the tan-boosting and glow-giving zingy orange - this one is sure a winner!

Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 03
My perfect nude - not too brown, not too pink, not too dark, not too light. Just right. My only slight criticism with this lipstick is it tends to be a little drying - it sinks into the cracks and lines. Nonetheless, slap on some lip balm and BAM this lipstick is brilliant. The lasting-power is incredible and the pigmentation makes this an all-round winner. 

Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie
Now you're probably bored of hearing me say this but I truly think this lipstick is my all-time favourite. It is just the perfect colour for me (an almost 'my-lips-but-better' as my lips are very pink naturally). It makes my skin look radiant, my eyes look brighter, my blusher look perkier, lips more plumped - how can a lipstick have so much impact, not just for the lips, for all over the face?

Benefit Coralista Lipgloss
Okay so this one's a lipgloss - am I forgiven? This had to be included - it really is a fave of mine and since I don't tend to wear lipglosses, it seemed only logical for it to be mentioned here. The colour is once again, very radiance-boosting and plumping. Its super hydrating finish is perfect - no greasy, sticky or tacky feeling here. Teamed beautifully with the matching blush - and you're ready to go!

What are your favourite lip products?

Wanderlust.

Post-holiday blues - aren't they the worst? The sudden feeling of being back home, doing the same old thing, makes you want to whisk yourself off somewhere magical again. There's many places I'd like to see in the world; and I've already ticked off a few on the bucketlist. I've been to Florida, Switzerland, Paris, Belgium and Italy and I hope to tick a few more off in the future. So, join me in this time of wanderlust; here are my top ten places (for hiking/ adventure) I want to visit someday...

1. Kjeragbolten, Norway
2. Haiku Stairs, Oahu, Hawaii
3. Preikstolen, Norway

4. Northern lights, Alaska
5. Trolltunga, Norway
6. Machu Picchu, Peru

7. Santorini, Greece
8. Sandbar Path, Fiji
9. Drive through tree, Sequoia National Park, California
10. Banff, Canada

Where do you want to explore?

What's On My Face #4:

Wow, it's been 4 weeks since my very first WOMF; that sure has gone quick. This is actually the makeup I wore on Saturday in Windsor, where we shopped and lunched. A slightly fancier look than usual but as always, natural is my thang.

I was craving a light, dewy finish for the skin so opted for the Dr Jart BB Cream (which has only seen the light of day since January, as it is usually my go-to winter base for it's glowy finish). Then for concealer under the eyes and on blemishes - I used Nars Creamy Concealer in Vanilla. To inject colour and contour back into my face, I applied the Bourjois Blusher in Rose D'or and Benefit Hoola Bronzer.

And, woah? Is that eyeshadow? Yes, finally. I'm not usually fussed over eyeshadow for everyday wear, but I must've been feeling rather fancy that day! My ultimate fave is Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze. This applies like a dream and is easily buildable for night-time drama. On top, I used a light wash of MAC Eyeshadow in Woodwinked, and blended the two together.

For brows, still keeping it au naturale. All I used was Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Brown for a little colour and definition. I'd definetly say I prefer my Bobbi Brown Brow Gel, although the Maybelline is a great, cheaper alternative. After brows comes the lashes, and I decided to use Maybelline's The Falsies Mascara which gives a fluttery, winged out look that's very pretty.

As for the lips; I used the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in 03. This is my perfect nude. Not too brown, not too pink, not too light, not too dark - just right.

A New URL.

Don't ask me why 'foxtrotbravo' - my mum had previously had a blog in that address and when I took over, I kept it. I hated it. It was totally non-relevant and random, apart from the 'Fox' part I guess.

Four years ago, when All Things Foxy was set up, I had no idea how to change a URL (I just about managed writing a Tweet). But recently, I've had the urge to change it. So here I am telling you all the new web address for this blog: www.allthingsfoxyy.blogspot.com.

Please change your bookmarks and what not to this address as the previous will not direct you here. Stay tuned for What's On My Face coming up later today!

Italy Day Four.

For day four - once again we took a little boat trip to Ascona, which sits just around the corner from Locarno where we're staying. We woke up with a slight grey cloud hovering over the sky, but that soon cleared when we sat down for lunch.

We stopped off at the Eden Roc to stuff and satisfy our tummies. I had a buffalo mozzarella, rocket and tomato panini with foccacia bread. It was probably the tastiest lunch I've ever had. We soaked up the atmosphere a little longer than we should have, and decided to walk off our full bellies.

We said our goodbye's to Ascona - hopefully it won't be long until we return.

What's On My Face #3:

I love a good orange lip for the summer. It makes you appear tanned, glowy, radiant and healthy - all of which I believe makeup helps us to achieve or improve. With a dewy glow and fluttery lashes; this look was perfect for a sunny day out.

I first began applying a light layer of the Origins CC Cream (mine is a tester size), topped up with my Nars Creamy Concealer for under the eyes and on any blemishes. To finish the base, I dusted on the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder.

Continuing with skin, I swirled on the Body Shop Honey Bronzer along the forehead, temples, cheekbones and jawline. This gave both a bronzed yet contoured effect, which I believe can only be achieved with this incredible bronzer as it has no shimmer and is the perfect shade for my fair skin. For blusher, I used the Benefit Coralista - which teams perfectly with an orange-toned lip. 

Moving on to eyes, I just filled in my brows with MAC's Omega eyeshadow and for lashes, I curled them with Shu Uemura Eyelash Curlers before using the Clinique High Impact Waterproof  Mascara. I don't particularly fuss over eyeshadow in the summer, I just find it a bit too much.

Now for the fun part, a natural orange lip. I used my trusty Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti which looks super bright and neon, but when applied on the lips, it gives a natural finish. It provides a beautiful shine and glow to the lips, making them look healthy and plump. Need I say more?

Tips for Touching Up On the Go...

You put your makeup on at 8:00am. You won't be taking it off until 9.00pm. A pretty average scenario. That allows a good amount of time for your makeup to oxidize, turn orange, melt off, smudge and turn cakey. But, when you need your makeup to last all day, there are a few tricks to help prevent these makeup mishaps. Having oily skin, means that touching up with powder throughout the day is essential for me. However, I sometimes want just more than a sweep of powder; a bit lippy, maybe concealer work and a refreshing spray too. Here are my top tips for keeping your makeup fresh and fancy...

1. Keep an essentials bag - Wherever I go I always bring my small Cath Kidston Toiletry bag (which comes with a nifty little mirror too). It can be put in the washing machine which is perfect for if there happens to be any makeup spillages or perfume leaks. Inside, I keep all my touch-up essentials. It's tiny but can be bulked out if I need to bring a lot with me; and fits in all my handbags perfectly, taking up the smallest amount of room. 
2. Start with a spritz - To begin touching up your makeup, start by spraying a little bit of the Caudalie Beauty Elixir. I can't even describe how much I love this product. It's a toner and a refreshing spray, packed full with antioxidants (and a beautiful, calming smell). Its amazing benefits include: brightening dull skin, smoothing away fine lines, hydrates, tightens pores and boosts radiance. But for makeup; it sets it all in place, smooths away creases, stops foundation turning orange and cakey, and replenishes your makeup as if you just applied it. A truly beautiful product that is my top must-have. 
3. Grab a concealer - I rarely do this, but if I'm somewhere where I need to look my best and have a massive, obvious blemish - then this is definitely needed. Dab a bit of Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer on the under-eyes or on blemishes. 
4. Blot it out - To re-set the makeup and to mattify, I always apply the Soap and Glory One Heck of a Blot Translucent Powder. This keeps me matte pretty much all day, without it adding heaviness or looking cakey. 
5. Time for Lippy - Always begin any lip product with a good swipe of lip balm; I for one love the Burt's Bees Lip Balm, before applying my all-time fave, Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie.
6. Perfect the Kit - Before buying the amazing Real Techniques Mini Trio, I always took my full size brushes with me. It made the bag bulky and heavy. So, after purchasing these cute RT brushes, my bag is roomy, light and I even find my makeup applies beautifully with them. You get a mini Multitask brush (which can pretty much be used for anything, hence 'multitask'), a mini Foundation brush (I use this for concealer) and a mini Eyeshadow brush (I use this for concealer on blemishes and to blend in creased eyeshadow too). A winning trio!

What are your tips for touching up on-the-go?