PS Beauty - Finding the perfect foundation

I love buying make up. I'm not sure if you've noticed. But I do. I am one of those people that goes by recommendations most of the time, I always want to try the cult products or the ones with loads of buzz around them. They aren't always perfect for me and I get lost in trying things that aren't really designed for my skin type etc.

So, I was contacted by PS Beauty about the launch of their new website which helps you to find, review and rate beauty products specifically matched to your needs. Hooray!

The 'find your perfect foundation' was so impressive. Rather than asking quite general questions about skin type and hair type etc (like a certain beauty box does ahem) they were really specific. It included things like whether your skin is pink or yellow toned and the heaviness of coverage you prefer. It also allows you to tick off a load of products you have tried, so that you won't be recommended something you have already used. There were so many things I haven't tried on there, I started making a mental list of all of the foundations I was going to buy next. My recommendations seemed spot on and I had already heard lots of good things about them.

Once you create an account you can rate and review all those products you have tried, and also see what other things people think. I always go by recommendations especially on the more high end expensive products, but it is always nice to discover new, perhaps cheaper, things that I haven't even thought to give a go (like Maybelline Fit Me which I now love).

There are a few other sections which are being put together too. An inspirations page, with pictures and ideas for new make up and hair, and check in products that you've used. Each product has a link to where you can buy it as well.

The recommendations will stay on your account page when you log in so you can go back to them.

The idea is 'beauty simplified' and it definitely is. Not everybody has time to trawl through reviews and blogs looking for what they are after, and most of us don't have the money to waste on products that aren't good. To try the site out for yourself go here and sign up (it's free).

30 day snap coming soon!

xxx

Florence so far...

It has been three weeks since I left home, and two weeks since I arrived in Florence.

The week in between was a language course up in North Wales.

Everyone was very welcoming and we had a full week's worth of all day Italian lessons with probably the sweetest Italian ever to have lived.

Italian is hard though, too many articles and tenses and genders. You don't realise what goes into a language when you speak your own.

But the course in North Wales was really good and a lot of fun.

Important airport cocktails

We got to Pisa Airport late on a Saturday night and were left to fend for ourselves and try to get to wherever we lived in Florence. One hour bus journey and bartering for taxis outside the central train station and we arrived at our flat building. 10 minutes of heaving stupidly heavy suitcases up about 40 flight of stairs and we were in our flat. It is lovely, the rooms are huge! The flat itself isn't that big but its home. 

We went straight out, into a tiny bar. When we walked in everyone turned around and stopped talking. We left with an invite to see the Rocky Horror Show from Rocky himself.

We also went for some seriously good gelato down the road.

Language school continued through the week and we have spent the afternoons in various phone shops trying to get Italian sim cards. Evenings however, are apperitivo time. A drink comes with a little buffet of pasta, salad, rice or whatever else they concoct and its good!

Ponte Vecchio

Bianche Notte festival 

Italians love a holiday, so we have had two days off in between the weeks of language school. This week we went to Siena, which is one of the prettiest places I have ever been.

Siena's duomo

So its nice this Florence, lots more to come hopefully.

xxx

Sedgwick

I already did a post called Edie (here) and it probably looks like I am a bit obsessed with her. I may be a little bit. With all of the reincarnated attention around the iconic muse of Andy Warhol, I decided to finally rewatch Factory Girl (a film based on Edie Sedgwick's rise and fall played by Sienna Miller). Marc Jacobs' and Louis Vuitton's (under the creative direction of Marc Jacobs) Spring/ Summer 2013 all channelled her famed platinum blonde, dark eyeliner, epitome of the sixties style. She was truly an embodiment of the art and fashion of that era, but when you look past the beautiful clothes and the innovation in the arts, she really was a tragic person.

here

She came from a wealthy family, and was one of eight brothers and sisters, despite her mentally unstable father being advised not to have any children. The family owned a lot of land but her parents were very restrictive and would not allow the children to go to a public school, so built a school on their ranch instead. 

At the age of 19 she suffered from severe anorexia and was institutionalised. At her worst she was just over 6 stone. With a strict hospital regime her condition improved, but shortly before her release she fell pregnant, whilst in a short relationship with a Harvard student, and had to undergo an abortion. 

here

She moved to Cambridge and began to study art, where she met one of her closest friends, Chuck Wein. She moved on to New York in 1964, which is when the first major tragedy in her life struck. Her brother Minty was an alcoholic from the age of 15, he proceeded to be admitted to a string of psychiatric hospitals as he started to deteriorate, until he committed suicide the day before his 26th birthday whilst in hospital. Edie claimed he had just come out to his father, who responded by promising never to speak to him again.

In the film this is something which resonates as a deep trauma for Edie. Her oldest brother, Bobby, also suffered serious mental health problems, being admitted to hospitals multiple times. He died in a tragic motorcycle accident, crashing into the side of a bus whilst not wearing a helmet about one year after Minty's death.

Bobby's death was around the same time she met Andy Warhol, although stricken with grief she was obviously a charming character. Perhaps her way of coping was to bury her sorrow and throw herself into the culture and party scene on New York. Warhol was supposedly completely enamoured by her and she started visiting the Factory (Warhol's shared 'studio') regularly with her friend Chuck. 

here

Warhol gave her short parts in two films, which generated such a response he decided to create her very own feature called Poor Little Rich Girl. Warhol then planned a few films to be written for Edie, and the reception was phenomenal. People were excited by her and were encouraging her to ditch Andy Warhol and become a star in her own right. 

However she quickly became estranged from him, which lead to her building a relationship with Bob Dylan. No one seems to know if they were a couple per Se, but those around her seemed to think she was infatuated with him. But she was let down, she cut off contact with him once she found out he had secretly married Sara Lownds. It is thought he refers to her in a number of his songs. 

During this time she started heavily abusing drugs and her downfall rapidly began, she had been let down and exploited by so many people in her life, but she was also unstable and unreliable. She started to lose her self respect and sleep around so she could score drugs, she lied to her doctors so they would supply her with anaesthetising drugs. 

From the film Factory Girl with Sienna Miller and Hayden Christensen . here

She had spent her inheritance, no major companies would be involved with her because of her drug abuse and the subsequent erratic behaviour that came with it. She went in and out of hospitals and became more and more disillusioned. In 1971, she married Michael Post, a student 8 years her junior. He was more of a carer though, Edie refused to live with a nurse and couldn't live alone. 

On November 15th 1971 she attended a fashion show, where she was reportedly insulted and abused. She was picked up by her husband, who took her home and doled out her prescribed medication. When he woke in the morning she was dead. She was 28. Her death was registered as an accident due to barbiturate overdose. 

So despite all of her beauty and her iconic status and legacy, when you actually look closer at her, Edie Sedgwick was an incredibly tragic, vulnerable and exploited person. A lot of people blamed Warhol and Bob Dylan for her death but even whilst happy with them she was deteriorating underneath.

Hope it wasn't too miserable, I just found her life really saddening. 

xxx

Happy Valentine's Day

I'm not really into Valentine's day, but I am partial to a bit of baking and getting perfume half price. And I do happen to love flowers and chocolate. I wasn't working today so I got a bit of time to mope around and take pictures of things that didn't need pictures taken of them. I did make a carrot cake though, the first thing I have made from Mary Berry's Baking Bible.

Also I got a new camera lens (can you tell?), so I want around like a mad thing testing it out. Hence the pictures of my carrot cake endeavours, close ups of my jewellery and my cats lovely old face.

What did you do for Valentine's Day?

xxx

January empties - the ridiculous amount of things I used last month

I didn't intend to do this but I started using up loads of things, I was halfway through this month and decided to keep them all together so I could see how much I got through and if I would buy any of it again. I always like people's empties posts and videos so I thought I would mention the massive pile of things I got through in January.

There it all is. Bloody loads of it, so I am going to do it in categories.

Hair stuff:
1. Umberto Giannini Spa Rituals Indulgent Shine Spray - Smells like geranium and lavender which is nice, but didn't really think it did anything. Won't be buying again.
2. GHD Thermal Protector (dry hair) - I liked this, it was quite a light fresh smelling spray that seemed to help a bit, didn't blow me away though.
3. Osmo Berber Oil - I really liked this, smells like sweets and made my hair a lot softer and more moisturised. It contains Argan oil and does actually seem to work
4. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo - The consistency of this freaked me out, it was like a blobby jelly. It would leave my hair clean for days though, seemed to add a bit of shine but not much else, probably wouldn't bother with it again, but it is a good size for travelling.
5. John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Shock - This is my second bottle of this stuff, its like a gel which you can put on wet or dry hair, I really like it, may try some other things before I get it again.
6. John Frieda Intense After- Colour Conditioner - I loved this! It made my hair so much softer, the last time I dyed my hair was a few months ago but I still find it quite dry and this worked so well on it. Will be buying it again soon.
7. Klorane Nourishing Treatment Shampoo - It contains Mango butter and smells so nice, but honestly it didn't do all that much, I didn't notice any massive change to the softness of my hair.

Skincare:
1. Olay Eye Make Up Remover - Meh. That's how I feel about it, its a cream cleanser which I have no enthusiasm for, it was a bit rubbish at taking mascara off, doesn't compare to Bioderma.
2. Skinetica Anti Blemish - This was okay, its a liquid formula that you apply straight to blemishes to reduce redness etc., it worked after a few days but it smells horrible, like chemicals.
3. Garnier Youthful radiance eye cream - really liked this, I genuinely felt it reduced my dark circles  and just generally moisturised my eye area well, really impressed with Garnier skincare overall.
4. Dermalogica Clean Start Wash Off Foaming Wash - this was incredible, it made my skin so bright and clear after using it for two weeks (along with the toner from the range), definitely going to buy the full size.
5. Botanics All Bright Hydrating day Cream - I did a review on this here, but I liked it, brightened my skin, created a nice base before make up, but it is slightly oily, probably not suitable for oily skin.

Bodycare:
1. Ayuuri Sandalwood body wash - surprisingly liked this, it smells very musky and I found it moisturising for a body wash, originally from Glossybox but I will defo try more from the brand.
2. Wilkinson Sword Intuition razor - I wouldn't buy it again but I am glad I tried it, probably quite good for travelling with, its a normal razor with a big blob of soap around it which means you don't have to use shaving cream. The soapy bit goes down really quickly but the razor itself is good.
3. Clarins Extra firming Body Cream - It was a bit thick for my liking, but I don't think it was enough to judge if it worked. Probably won't bother trying it again, but I do like Clarins.
4. Superdrug Baby Oil - not much to say on this, yeah its nice for shaving or after the shower.
5. Bio Oil - I have had this for years and its finally gone, I used it to reduce scarring and stretch marks and it worked really well, I don't think there are any products to match it.
6. Silkymit - this is a weird one, its like really fine sandpaper that you buff off hair with. It does work, and my legs felt so soft and smooth after using it, but it lasted about two days and then didn't feel that soft any more, but I did find it really good to use before putting fake tan on, probably just better of using a scrub though.
7. Garnier Ambre Solaire Medium Bronze Dry Body Mist - The colour of this was so natural and lovely, not orange at all, but it did go streaky if I only sprayed it on so I had to buff it in afterwards as well which seemed to work. Also the bottle lasted me about 3 applications, which is ridiculous. I will probably try a different formula from the brand instead of the mist.
8. Dove Silky Nourishment Body Lotion - when I bought this I didn't realise it had shimmer in it, but it actually wasn't too bad, I really liked it as a lotion, would probably buy a non shimmery one in future though.
9. Bliss Blood Orange and White Pepper Body Butter - this is my absolute favourite body lotion ever. Ever. It smells amazing and works so nicely, not too heavy and sinks in quickly. Amazing.

Make up:
1. Ruby and Millie liquid eyeliner - just okay, but not available any more anyway. Had it for years and doesn't compare to gel eyeliner.
2. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer - not going to go on about it, but it is one of the best concealers I have ever used on dark circles and it is cheap. Win win.
3. Garnier Anti Dark Circles Eye Roll on - I use this everyday and it lasted nearly 3 years! Really liked this, definitely made a difference to concealing and was a bit of a novelty rolling on your eyes.
4. Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (100 Ivory) - really nice, brightening, dewy finish foundation, one of the best high street ones I have ever used.
5. Nars Sheer Glow Foundation (Montblanc) - My favourite foundation, it was so nice, such a lovely dewy finish, long lasting and really good coverage. Fell in love with NARS because of this. Will definitely buy again.
6. Primark Natural Look Lashes - these were £1 so I can't complain really, they looked nice. The only thing I didn't like was the band bit was a bit stiff and was a bit annoying to apply.
7. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer - I have a bigger one of these and I like it, it feels really weird, it is silicone based and feels so silky it seems oily but it is completely matte. Make up lasts longer and all that but the full size is rather expensive.
8. Dior Nude BB Cream sample - I know samples are a bit sneaky, but I liked it, not as good as the Nude Foundation but it is supposed to be lighter I suppose, nice finish on it.
9. Chanel Perfection Lumiere foundation - This is amazing, it blended into my skin so well you couldn't tell I had make up on, it was a good medium coverage and it lasted really well, quite a matte finish but it meant there was no need to use powder.

So there it is, hope you enjoyed. 

xxx

Choosing a career : How to work out what you want to do

I finished uni this year, and became on of millions of graduates thrust into the big wide world. I didn't want to find my career straight away so I have had a bit of a gap year I suppose, doing jobs that, although I enjoy, I have no intention of doing for the rest of my life. Like I said in my Resolutions post, I am hoping to move to London towards the end of the year to get myself in the ladder.

I am one of the lucky people who has decided what it is I want to do. It has taken me years to get to this point, I have gone between the ideas of so many different jobs and industries and have always come back to the idea of journalism. Everything I have enjoyed doing over the past years has a basis in writing and researching. 

But, I know most people aren't in that position and it is so hard then, to work out where you are supposed to be. It is all too easy to compare yourself to your friends, or just other people, and base your success on whether you have done as much as them. It's the wrong way to go about it, I have found that out myself.

here

Obviously I am nowhere near where I want to be yet but I am happy with my plan of how to do it:

So (because I love a good list) this is how I formulated my plan to take over the world:

To find out what you might enjoy doing in the first place, get a big ass piece of paper and write down everything you enjoy. This can be as little or as big as you like, I'm a gimp and even put down the tiny things like how much I used to love researching artists when I was doing my textiles A-level. It doesn't need to be academic or even sensible really, but you have to truly like them.

Use what you've written down, if there is a common theme then look up industries or sectors that will incorporate a few of those things. I have found Prospects especially good for this. Write down a few different areas that you might be interested in, and read up on them, what they cover, what they involve etc. You can think outside the box with this one, think about the basic set up of companies and what types of roles they require.

Once you have some different sectors in mind (and it doesn't matter how different they are), look up the roles within those sectors. Read the general job description but be open-minded and honest with yourself, does the idea of them spark your interest or do you think they sound a little bit rubbish? Its worth looking up videos of people in their jobs, or bloggers who will speak honestly about the job and not just say everything about their life is great. It takes a long time so it is definitely something to do over time.

If you have found a few roles that interest you (even if it is 50) then try and order them into the ones you are most interested in to the ones that just sounded sort of good. Whatever may be at the top of your list, look up somewhere near you where they do that. The idea is to try and get yourself work experience in that role, or at least to do with that role so that you can have a better idea of how you cope with it. You are never too old for work experience, it is so valuable now when every person and their dog has some kind of degree.

here

I found this and this a really good guide to getting work experience. It is okay to hassle people, within reason. No restraining orders. Some people will just completely ignore any emails you send or won't return your calls, but then some people are rude. Be realistic, if you are only there for a week then no one is going to care about you, people are busy, so you have to make them notice you, by going out of your way to be involved. Ask questions, this is your opportunity to find out as much as you can about the job from people in the job, watch closely and try to get a relationship (not that kind) started, no doubt contacts and references will be helpful in the future. Always ask before using someone as a reference though. 

Try over time, to go through your top 5 job ideas and see how you feel about them. You won't like all of them, you may hate all of them, but at least you know they aren't for you. If so you just carry on with your list, or revisit the jobs in your sectors of interest and find some new ones. While you're at it, read everything you think you should know to be in that job, and more. 

here

It is okay to have an unrealistic goal, as long as you recognise it is unrealistic. Mine is writing for the Guardian. It is not impossible, but I'm not banking on it. Then have a few long term goals, that aren't too shoot-for-the-moon. Then have another set of short term goals, little things you want to achieve this week or this month. I always do this month by month, with my long term goals in mind so that I can build towards them gradually. 

Communicate. Along the way try to speak to as many people as you can about your ideas and about the jobs. Like I said, contacts are helpful so keep in touch with them, let them know you're progress and if they contributed to it then show the gratitude they deserve. You can look on forums like The Student Room or ones specific to the job and this allows you to talk to people either doing the job or in the same position as you. 

It is so hard to be in that position, and it is 10 times easier for me to sit here and write this than it is to actually do it. But whenever I got all freaked out about what on earth I was going to do with the rest of my life, I found that doing these things really helped. Hopefully it will give you a sense of direction. 

I hope that wasn't too long and tedious, and maybe helps someone. Plus I added some nice pictures that were completely related to the topic.

xxx