PARTY NAILS

There's a few small things that really make me happy in life and one of these is freshly painted nails, another is glitter. Combine the two and ta dah, we have the perfect party nails.

  Essie Thigh High, which is a beautiful pearly wine shade, and Jazzy Jubilant which would look fantastic this Christmas as it has flexes of emerald green, silver and multicoloured glitter chunks, layered onto of each other is an essential mix this season as would make any outfit look a bit more special.

Essie Nail Varnishes have a lovely square brush applicator leaving a neat finish and the glossy formula leaves your nails chip free for about 4 days. A wonderful Stocking filler at £7.99 from Boots

Immy xo

NARS DIGITAL WORLD

Tis' the season for make-up gift sets, and I've had my eye on the NARS Digital World lip pencil coffret ever since it came out, I simply couldn't resist the wait until Christmas and decided to treat myself. It comes displayed in a beautiful acrylic box which could be used for further storage, and placed inside are five of the cult NARS lip pencils. 2 Velvet matte and 3 original satin finishes.

The lip pencils themselves are soft and buttery. They glide onto the lips, are rich and opaque in their colour deposit even the matte pencils don't leave your lips like a prune. With this moisture in the original pencils though comes a longevity issue and though they don't end up smeared across your face in a matter of minutes they don't last hours like their matte stick sisters. Depending on what activity you're partaking in they're going to need an hourly-ish mirror check. *Added bonus they taste lovely on the lips*

Perfect for anyone on the go, as the pen like applicator gives a precise outline for the perfect pout finish.  They are so cute and dinky, fitting perfectly in your purse. However at 9.5cm you still get a vast amount of product considering a full sized pencil can set you back £18. 

Colour wise I'm in love, for a make-up addict it is the perfect gift and for anyone building up their collection it has every essential colour. (Yes, essential) 

Starting from left to right from the bottom picture, is Descanso a pinky beige which is the typical 'your lips but better' shade.

Torres del Paine is a beautiful peachy pink with orange undertones.

Iberico is a matte orangey red (very similar to MACs Lady Danger) and would look amazing in summer.

Yu is a hot pink with blue undertones.

Cruella is a dark berry matte shade which is a winter essential and again has blue undertones to make your teeth look super white. 

Exclusively to Space NK and retailing at £32 I personally think that the set is VERY worthwhile. Because you can never have too many NARS Lip Pencils in your life, right? 

Immy xo 

OOTD: FORMAL FRIDAY

The first friday in every month at college is formal friday, today I was repping Topshop.

Slim Curve Blazer 

Cigarette Trousers

(Similar) Sheer Hem Shirt 

(Similar) Slipper Shoes

Any ideas for next friday?

Immy xo

MARBELLA 2014

HOLA

So I've not 'blogged' in a few weeks now as I've been soaking up some vitamin D down in Marbella, Spain. You can get some funny looks when you say you've been to Marbella as people typically think of the 'The Only Way is Marbs' or twenty somethings getting drunk and nightclubbing. But no, we went to the old town where it was beautiful and very traditional. With cute little boutique shops and restaurants where the locals can hardly speak any English, it was perfect. I took some snaps to share how idilic it was. 

The Beaches were immaculate, with soft (but very hot) sand and turquoise blue sea, ideal to swim in, they even had gyms on the sidewalk which me and my step mum found very emusing.

On the saturday we decided to visit the party destination of Marbella, Puerto Banus. We took the choice of going via catamaran which I would highly recommend as you get to look out on all of Marbella and it was so peaceful out at sea.

When we arrived it was bling bling bling. No exaggeration, the boats that were in the harbour were huge and could be mistaken for a cruise liner. As my dad said you must have either inherited the money or be doing something really illegal to have a boat that size. 

Shopping was not a let down, Hermes, Dior, Tom Ford, Valentino you name it Puerto Banus had it. 

The window displays were also really interesting and gave me an insight of this seasons new trends.

How gorgeous, a girl can dream right?!

Outfits all Topshop.

The atmosphere at night was amazing, theres something nice about drinking Mojitos and eating Paella while a flamenco dancer is strutting her stuff at midnight, while it's 30 degrees. 

Cocktails during the day is something you can only do on holiday and right on the beach was a bar called Punto Faro which served the most delicious Strawberry Daiquiri. 

It was one of the most relaxing holidays that I've ever been on and I can't wait to return, I would highly suggest Marbella to anyone seeking a fun but peaceful holiday.

Immy xo

MAC SATIN TAUPE

MAC eyeshadows are a cult beauty product and so raved about. Used by professional make-up artists for celebrities on the red carpet they are such a must, especially as they don't break the bank. The buttery long lasting formula and the pigmentation make them so dreamy to use. 

Satin Taupe has got to be one of my all time favourite eyeshadows, it's a taupe colour with purple undertones and looks beautiful and shimmery on the eye-lid. Gorgeous on its on or worked into the crease of the eye with a fluffy brush this shade is perfect all year round. 

Another bonus is you can buy them as a single, £13 or you can buy the eyeshadow in pan form and create your own palette, for more information and where to buy them from visit the MAC website.

Immy xo

SUMMER SANDALS

Summer wouldn't be summer without pretty floral dresses and a pair of new sandals on your feet.

Heres some of my favourtites for this season. 

Tan Leather Gladiator Sandals, Topshop - £40

Alexander Wang Snake-Effect Sandals, The Outnet - £207

Colour Block Ankle Sandals, ASOS - £30

White Smooth leather Birkenstocks, ASOS - £49.95 

Teal Jelly Sandals, JuJu - £25

Cream High Gladiator Sandals, ASOS - £50

Metallic Cut Out Sandals, Topshop - £22 

Steve Madden Jewelled Sandals, House Of Fraser - £69

PROM

Last Wednesday was my school prom and was something that I had been looking forward to right from the start of high school, sad I know, but I was not disappointed. Dancing and sweating my make-up off to Grease and Apple Bottom Jeans with my closest friends will be something that I'll always remember. Rivington Barn hosted the perfect evening and was not the bog standard community hall with the odd balloon floating around, they really made the night special by adding fairy lights, smoke machines and balloons that came down from the ceiling when the last song hit the speakers.

The more exciting part of the night however was gazing at all the dresses and seeing how well the boys scrubbed up in suits. Here was my attire for the night…

My beautiful scarlet dress was from Mango at a very affordable £129.99, I loved the way the back crossed over and it was very simple, yet elegant. However I did want to jazz it up and add a bit of sparkle, so I went on the hunt for a statement necklace. After looking at some pricey options in Banana Republic and Monsoon I soon discovered this Bollywood beauty on Ebay with a matching ring and pair of earrings. Stunning and even more stunning for the small price of £7.99. I had my dress altered by Sheila Ann as it was far to long for my tiny self, I was majorly impressed with couture finnish.

My Hair was created by Rachel at my hair salon, Hair Studio 336, which I highly recommend to anyone in the Manchester area as they are the loveliest and funniest women I've ever come across.

I applied my own St Tropez tanning gel in stead of a smelly spray tan and did my own make-up. I went for a bronze smoky eye using the Sleek Au-Natural Palette and a matte bold red lip using Mac Ruby Woo.

Other Make-Up Used:

Benefit Porefessional Primer

Bourjois Healthy Mix foundation in shade 52

Bobbi Brown creamy concealer in Sand

Mac Studio Fix powder in NW25

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel 

Sleek Glo highlighter in Bronze Baby

Nivea lip balm

Fashionista Brow palette (discontinued)  

Max Factor False Lash Effect 

L'Oreal super slim eyeliner 

For Accessories I opted for a pair of black Dune sandals that were in the sale and an old Oasis silver beaded clutch that matched my jewellery. 

On my nails I was sporting Essie, Not Just A Pretty Face. 

To those asking was it all its cracked up to be? Yes, prom was amazing.

Immy xo

LIZ EARLE CLEANSE AND POLISH

When Liz Earle sent me a voucher to collect a bottle of their famous Cleanse and Polish, I jumped at the opportunity and headed down to John Lewis that night. Keen yes, but I had heard so many wonderful things about this cleanser that I had to get it and since my skin had suffered a bad breakout I thought it might help.

I don't often rave about something unless I absolutely love it, and let me say I love this!! The packaging is so perfect with the pump that allows you to access as much or as little product as you want without the hassle of having to squeeze it out of a tube and splatter it all in the sink. The second thing I adore about this product is the smell, you can really smell the chamomile which feels really natural and leaves your skin feeling fresh, which sometimes perfumed products can lack as they make your skin feel irritated and dry. Your meant to apply the cleanser on a dry face still with your make-up applied which is concept that I'm not used to but will never turn back from, it managed to remove all my make-up including my hard to budge eyeliner and mascara. Using the muslin cloth provided is a great way to remove the cleanser and all the grime as it acts as an exfoliator which helps your skin to feel revitalised and is much more controlled that splashing your face with water. Used both at night and in the morning I still have at least two-thirds of my 50ml bottle after one month of using, however if you wear a lot more make-up (e.g. drag queens) it may not last as long.

The outcome on my skin has been amazing, It hasn't stopped all spots coming through or given me and anti-ageing miracle but then I don't know any product which could do that. However it does control and sooth my break outs and reduces the redness in my complexion. Overall my skin looks much more healthier and made much more of a difference compared to all the other cleansers I've tried. Definitely worth a try.

Immy xo 

A GUIDE TO PROM SHOPPING

This year I have my school prom, I understand it's different in America but in the UK at the end of year 11 it's tradition for the leaving year to get together put on a fancy frock and have a good dance.

It can be quite challenging to find that perfect dress, I know this as I trailed around more shops than I can count on my hands. I advise that you don't overwhelm yourself as you can find yourself stuck for choice. Don't try on anything that it more than you're willing to spend as you could have the misfortune of falling in love with it, and finding yourself waving bye to it. However DO have fun, you only do this once so make a day out of it with your mum or friends and try on things you out of your comfort zone as you might be surprised.

Different schools have different styles that they look for, and people may have different budgets but here is the load down on a few of my favourite dress to give some inspiration to those struggling...

Cobalt Blue Maxi Dress, Hobbs - £199 

Perfect for those worried about their thies.

Embellished Knee Bandeau Skater Dress, Frock and Frill at ASOS - £130

If your confident about your pins, show them off!!

Cream Holterneck Maxi, Coast - £180 

Beautiful with a tan. 

Embellished Crepe Dress, Oasis - £70

Beautiful pop of colour for a more relaxed look.

Embellished Maxi Dress, Topshop - £180

Very girly and whimsical.

Tulle Knee Length Dress, Needle & Thread at ASOS - £175

I had to include this, different, but very Carrie Bradshaw.

Scarlett Bandeau Ruched Maxi Dress, ASOS - £55

Simple and elegant yet imagine with a big statement necklace or earrings.

Silver Sequin Maxi Dress, Forever Unique at ASOS - £250 

Showstopper.

Black Applique Feather Maxi Dress, Ted Baker at House of Fraser - £499

Stunning and Elegant, great if your tall and very slimming.

Here are some shops worth taking a look at:

French Connection

Topshop

House Of Fraser

Selfridges

Debenhams

ASOS

Ted Baker

Mango

Quiz

John Lewis

Miss Selfridge

Also try local bridal shops and boutiques.

Happy Shopping and I will be uploading my prom outfit later this month! 

Immy xo