Summer Staple: Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream

I won't lie to you: I'm not a morning person. I never have been and, the way things are going, I don't think I ever will be. But that's okay because I've got my fall-out-of-bed-wash-my-face-put-on-my-makeup-chuck-on-some-clothes routine, absolutely down. And the point is, that Smashbox's Camera Ready CC Cream has played a rather large part in fine tuning my morning routine. 

Forgoing my usual foundation (summer weather – and heat – means that's only recruited for nights out), I squeeze out half a pea-sized amount and smooth it over my face. Because of it's multiple properties (priming, hydrating, oil-controlling, SPF-ing...) it is relatively thick compared to normal foundation, but after warming it between your fingertips it's really easy to apply. After using my fingers for the initial application, I buff over with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush to make sure it's evenly blended. Easy.

Even though I've labelled it a 'summer staple', this will definitely be staying put in my make-up bag for the winter months too.

Smashbox Camera Ready CC Cream, £29, Boots

Do you like CC creams? Let me know your favourite below!

Chem x

p.s. Again, sorry for the picture quality. I don't have my 'good' camera at the moment, so my iPhone is having to suffice.

Byebye Stylist: My Top 5 Beauty Picks

So I'm back. Again. How many times have I written that? TOO many is the answer. But no more. From now on, I'll be blogging regularly. I promise.

It's been a whirlwind six months being the Stylist beauty intern. Six months of product-oggling, dream-living and well, some hard work too. And it's been amazing. If I went through all of the brilliant experiences I'd had, we'd be here a long time but I can squeeze in a few highlights... covering LFW shows and contributing to the Stylist online blog, compiling regular pages as well as getting to do my first ever feature (it's the parting's one in this week's magazine, go read it), seeing BEYONCE, a trip to the heavenly Babbington House...I could go on. I couldn't have asked for a more fun, valuable and fulfilling experience. THANK YOU ALL.

Anyway, before I get all sentimental on you, let's talk about what people are really interested in. THE BEAUTY PRODUCTS. Honestly, it's Christmas everyday there but it never gets old. I've got lots more posts planned now that I've solemnly sworn to blog regularly (and you are all my witnesses) but here's my top five finds during my time at Stylist to get started!

1. Armani Prive Figuier Eden, £100 for 100ml, Giorgio Armani

This, quite simply, is probably the best thing you'll ever smell. What about freshly baked cakes, christmas trees and petrol fumes? You ask (not the petrol? just me then). I hear you, but this is definitely one of the best, trust me. With the name being a bit of a give away, this fragrance is based around fig and is even better once it's given time to dry down to it's grassy, fresh scent. Describing perfumes is definitely not my strong point but TRY THIS, I urge you. The signature scent of the Stylist Beauty Editor, Sam, I am definitely guilty of stealing a few sprays when she is out of the office (forgive me). A pricey perfume for sure, but so worth it especially considering it's amazing longevity.  

2. Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick, £8.99, Bourjois

I love a bold lip, but I hate the maintenance that comes with it. 'Do I have lipstick on my teeth?' 'Have I smudged it all?' 'Do I need to re-apply it?' You know the drill as do, to their annoyance, your friends. But no more. Enter these little beauties. They are applied like a lip gloss so they're super easy and then dry to a matte finish. And boy are they long lasting; they seriously stick around all day and will not budge. I've been raving about these to my friends because they're an absolute make-up essential. Buy them. Now. 

3. Filmstar Bronze & Glow, £49, Charlotte Tilbury

Oh, Charlotte, Queen of the Contour. Her AW14 at Joseph was one of my favourites for it's glowy, superluxe look and I actually even met her (she was so lovely). But I digress. Everything about this sculpt and highlight palette is gorgeous; from the rose gold casing to the creamy, pigmented products. The bronzer has a slight shimmer to it but it still makes for a perfect contour which can be worn light or built up for a more striking look, whilst the highlighter is a a dreamy pearlescent tone. No chunky glitter here. Again, a pricey piece but it's brilliant quality, the duo is very travel friendly and it will last a long time. Give it a go if you can afford to splash out. 

4. Superliner Perfect Slim in Green, £6.99, L'Oreal Paris

I'm not one to wear colour on my eyes. I stick to my neutral smoky eyes, and I'm fine with that. The thing is, I've changed and it's all down to this eyeliner. Before, I would have shunned an emerald green shade eyeliner such as this but it's actually beautiful. I have blue eyes and the green compliments them really well. The shade is green enough to be noticeable, but not so much as to draw startled looks. A real winner for me; I've been wearing this in place of classic black for a more summery take on a winged eye.

(p.s. This is due to launch this month - I can't find this online yet but keep an eye out for it)

5. Touche Éclat Wild Edition, £25, YSL

So, I'm extremely late to this (concealed themed) party but it's always better late than never, isn't it? Regardless, I finally got the chance to try out the renowned Touche Eclat, and I wasn't disappointed. Not least of all because this version comes in an animal print tube, winner. As someone who suffers from dark under-eye circles, this is the ideal cover-up. Creamy and easy to blend, there's no cakeyness and it leaves the area brighter and your eyes wider. Don't ever leave me.

So those are my 'top 5' - don't get me wrong, there are so many other products I could have included, but don't worry, I'm just getting started.

What do you think of my choices? Have you tried any of them?

Chem x

(Please excuse the questionable quality of some of the pictures; these are all taken on my iPhone so tried to make them as good as possible!)

Heat Work Experience: Take 2

As I mentioned in my (now long ago) 'Take 1' post, there was a 2nd part to come... I'm sure you're all sick of me apologising for my lack of posts so I'll spare you that but posting more frequently is something that I really need to work on. I'll make it a personal challenge...

Anyway, after my amazing week at Heat, I begrudgingly left, went back to the real work and waited for the depression of not actually working there to set in. Needless to say, being back home in my sleepy village was somewhat of a comedown after the hustle and bustle of the capital. Monday I was preparing to return to my (now extremely dull in comparison) receptionist work whilst I waited to hear back about my other work experience applications. However, to my immense surprise Hannah (the Junior Style Writer at Heat) got in touch asking if I could come back in to do a second week straight away as another applicant had dropped out.

I'm sure you can imagine my reaction, but if you can't, think Christmas, Birthday and end of exams combined and you might just get it. I hadn't even unpacked my bag from the previous week so havoc ensued in the form of mass clothes washing and hasty organising and finally I was, once again, on my way to London. By 11pm I was tucked up in my London-based room (I don't think she'd realised how soon I'd be back when she said "you're welcome back anytime!") ready and excited for my 2nd week at Heat.

The 2nd week was very much like the first (which you can read about here) except, well, better simply because I felt a lot more relaxed as I already (very loosely) knew the ropes.

Despite my rushed departure to London, I pulled a few new outfits together (obviously I couldn't be seen in the same outfits so soon after) and here are the results... (NB: I was there Tuesday - Friday hence the 4 day rather than 5 run down)

Day 1: Shift Dress

Dress: Urban Outfitters (old - I wore it in this post. Similar [kinda] here) // Poloneck: H&M (old) // Boots: Schuh (I have worn these to death & now they're half price - grab 'em!)

Day 2: Monochrome & Check

Coat: Charity Shop // Shirt: H&M (old) // Black Jeans: Topshop Leigh // Boots: Schuh

Day 3: Desert Boots

Jumper: H&M (old) // Jeans: Topshop Joni (you can see them in this post) // Desert Boots: Zara (old - similar) // Bag: Topshop (old)


Day 4: Denim Dress

Coat: New Look (old) // Topshop (similar) // Boots: Schuh // Bag: Topshop (old)

I know the picture quality is extremely poor and my surroundings are hardly idyllic but I hope you can get an idea of the outfits. Like before, I kept it smart/casual but comfortable.

I hope you've found these posts helpful - I know that when I found out I had work experience, I was trawling through blogs trying to get some inspiration. Although a lot of these clothes are no longer available, I hope these posts might inspire you in some way or another; I know I love to see what other people are wearing.

What do you think of my 2nd week choices? Have you done any magazine work experience?

Chem x