FRIEND LIKE ME

Beauty


I have to say I'm not much of a nail person. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love getting them done and having them look all pretty and groomed, but if I'm being completely honest... I kinda suck at painting nails and I totally don't always have the patience to wait for them to dry. I end up just smudging them and they look a total mess.

 While I was wasting time on a lunch break not long ago I came across this gorgeous colour! I don't have many blues in my some what small nail polish collection but I just had to pick this one up. Oh and guess what... it was only $4.95! I'm all for affordable makeup and saving money. This gorgeous number is from the Australis range and is in the shade, 'Friend Like Me.'

 As soon as I put one coat of this baby on my nails, I knew I would never want to take it off.  I don't know what they put in this magical bottle of colour goodness, but its super hardwearing and lasted I would say a good week. For the money and keeping in mind that I didn't use a base or top coat, this baby did well. I'm truly impressed!

-A.




SUNDAY BEACH WALKS

Life

Just a few Sundays ago I made a little trip to the sea side. Yes I do realise it's currently winter here in Australia, - and bloody freezing mind you. I just couldn't resist taking my new camera out for a play. For those of you who don't know, I'm entering my first year of a double degree for both Photography and Fashion Design at university. So I thought it would be a good idea to practice a little and play around.

Even though the sky was dark and gloomy, the clouds looked so interesting and created some amazing textures. The ocean had glimpses of some beautiful vibrant blue hues peering through. Even though I would rather of stayed in bed during a cold and gloomy sunday afternoon, I'm super happy with how the images turned out and rather enjoyed taking the photos. So here are some of the shots that I got and hope you enjoy them. Happy Sunday!

-A.










Photographer: April Williams.




THE DEEP BLUE SEA

Style

Todays post is showcasing a beach photo shoot I did with my good friend Melissa. She needed some images for a uni project and I was more than happy to help out. I've been wanting to share these incredible images with you guys for ages. This by far has been my favourite shoot and I'm absolutely in love with the photos. It was such a lovely day and the beach was the perfect place to shoot. The sky was so clear and the prettiest shade of blue. Looking back on these images makes me wish it was summer already. I honestly can't get over how well the pictures turned out and how much fun I had. 
I hope you enjoy this post and love the images as much as I do. 
-A. 







Photographer: Melissa Waldron
Model: April Williams

OH SO SOFT AND GENTLE.

Beauty

Why it has taken me this long to jump on the highlighting hype I don't know, but I have finally joined the club and I'm loving it! I received this gorgeous MAC mineralised skin finish in 'Soft and Gentle' only recently and there has not been a day where it hasn't graced my cheeks. It's so incredibly beautiful!! Soft and Gentle is a shimmering gift from the gods, it's amazing.

MAC mineralise skin finish in 'Soft and Gentle' & Real Techniques setting brush.  
The product itself is very light and easy to build to your desired look. It's not overwhelmingly shimmery but contains gold and slightly silver toned glitter particles. This is a brilliant product if your wanting a subtle glow. Soft and Gentle in particular has some lovely warm tones which adds a radiant glow to your cheeks. I like to place this on the top of my cheek bones using the Real Techniques setting brush. Even though it's for setting under your eyes, I love it to apply my highlighter. It's just the perfect size and is really good for blending the product.

If you're on the look out for a new highlighter or are unsure what one to get as there are loads to choose from, I definitely recommend this one. If Soft and Gentle isn't your cup of tea, MAC has a great range in their mineralised skin finished powders, so there is bound to be one for you.

-A.

FASHION BLOGS WORTH THE READ.

Life

There's nothing better than ending the day cuddled up in bed spending some quality time with your laptop searching to your hearts content. I personally love to have a flick through some of my favourite fashion blogs, often leading to new discoveries of other bloggers, Instagram accounts, youtube channels.... even a few sneaky online purchases. There are so many inspirational and motivating fellow bloggers out there that share their style and passion to the world. Here are some incredibly beautiful and talented ladies that I admire and that continue to inspire me. I hope your comfy and have a warm tea or beverage close at hand as this might be a long chatty post.

1. BEAUTYCRUSH- Sammi was the first person who introduced me to the world of youtube and blogging, it just seemed fitting to start with her first. I have watched beautycrush for a long time and have always enjoyed reading her blog. I love her style, I love her hair, I love her personality, her tattoos and her dogs especially! Sammi is so incredibly beautiful and is definitely one to check out. She loves all thing beauty and fashion related. She is also a big foodie and always recommends good place to check out. All up you will find a little bit of everything on her blog and she will never fail to leave you inspired or just incredibly jealous!

2. PATRICIA BRIGHT- I first discovered Patricia on youtube where she shares her love for makeup and sharing her style. She also shares her words of wisdom along with the adventures she has endured within her life. Patricia is a beautiful and young twenty something year old that lives in London. She is absolutely stunning! I adore her down to earth, humble personality and I love how she specks the honest truth. I'm in love with her style and fashion sense! The picture quality and creativity is nothing but perfection, I'm obsessed with her photographs, super gorgeous. Check her out for sure!

3. SHINE BY THREE- This girl is amazing! I heard about Margaret on the television show 'fashion bloggers'- ummm super awesome show btw.  She is an incredible professional photographer who works with magazines and is able to shoot editorials with some amazing designers and models. Not to mention that she also models herself. This girl is one blogger who inspired me and pushed me to pursue my passion for photography. The images are so amazing I honestly can't get over how beautiful they are.

4. IN THE FROW- My current blog crush at the moment! I can't get over how stunning this lovely lady is. I want her purple hair so bad!!!! I'm obsessed with her style and how she pulls together her outfits. Victoria is also another one of my favourite british youtubers. Her blog has a combination of style and beauty posts including 'get the look', reviews, how to and many more. I'm so happy I discovered her channel as I'm sure you would be. Like many well know and successful bloggers these days, Victoria attends collaborating meeting with brands and is able to attend exclusive events- I'm extremely jealous, i mean who wouldn't be. 

5. KAYTURE- This girl graces all my social media feeds and I can't help but keep up to date with all the incredible stuff she is doing. Attending meetings with high end brands, modelling in photo shoots or updating her blog, there is just so much to see and know about Kayture- aka Kristina. I love her style and continuously jealous of her incredible fun filled life. She consistently travels the world collaborating with other bloggers and brands. Again like all the other blogs I follow, the image quality of her photographs are amazing! She is so beautiful and wouldn't mind having her lovely long locks...

I know I didn't do these girls justice, but do go and check out their blogs they are honestly worth the read and would be so inspiring. There are so many more blogs I could have listed but we would be here for days. Let me know who some of your favourite fellow bloggers are, I would love to know.


-A.

POP OF COLOUR: FIFTY SHADES OF GREEN.

Style

Like myself, many find wearing colour to be quite daunting and may find it difficult to style. Colour is just colour, all you need is confidence. This may seem obvious and I may sound a little silly pointing this out but it's the truth. It doesn't matter what you wear, it's how you wear it and how you feel that counts. For me, I have my moment of dare devil fashionista, but at times I do struggle to be creative and daring. 

The key to wearing colour is confidence and subtlety. Gradually work colour into you wardrobe whether thats through accessorising, incorporating it into elements of your makeup or in my case, one key piece. I find it much easier to work with one block of colour. This could be a shirt, coat, shoes, dress or bright green pants... I like to pair colour with contrasting tones black and white, which compliment your chosen pop of colour. This also works with a patterned piece. Slowly incorporate it into your look by choosing one key piece to work with. This way the look isn't too over powering but has that little bit extra. People will look at you and envy your confidents and ability to be bold.





Top- K-mart, Pants TEMT, Shoes- K-mart and Clutch- Colette. Lippy by NARS 'Bahama'.
Photography By: Melissa

If your still shying away from the idea of adding a bright hue within your wardrobe, then invest in a clutch or a pair of shoes.That way it isn't too much going on but still a little something to change up your look. I'm thinking of doing a post showcasing multiple ways to rock colour through the world of accessories, let me know what you think. I hope this post as always inspires you to try and be daring and try out ways to wear all things colour. 

-A. 



MONOCHROME MADNESS.

Style





Blazer- TEMT, Dress- Supre, Shoes- Topshop & Bag- Colette. Lippy from MAC 'Russian Red'.
Photography By: Melissa

If your like me and thinking about what to wear is a stressful task that often results in messy room syndrome, then why not keep it simple. Whenever I'm in a rush or under pressure to get ready I tend to stick to the good old black and white basics- I mean why not make life easy. Besides, these contrasting tones can create such an effortless chic look, no matter what you wear. Black and white are my go to colours and always make an appearance in my daily wardrobe. 

This outfit is simple and easy to rock during the day along with transitioning for a night out. What I love about this look is how simplistic and effortless it looks. Its super comfy and instantly looks put together. It makes me look like Iv'e put loads more effort into the look than I actually have- umm yass! So if your ever unsure or frantically panicking, always remember monochrome is your friend. I dare you to try a daily dose of monochrome madness... 

-A.

THE PERFECT PAIR.

Beauty




Photography By: April Williams (Me)

It's no secret that I have a little obsession with anything NARS... Well for those of you who know me well, that's an understatement. My very first purchase of any high end brand product, was the incredibly hyped NARS 'Laguna' bronzer- best decision I ever made. It was literally love at first swatch. Since then I have repurchased this bad boy of a bronzer, I mean how could I not?  I just can't seem to get enough of it. 

Another hyped and well loved product of NARS is from their blush ranged. This little number is called 'Orgasm'- a very unique name I know. Both products are said to be 'the perfect pair' and I was curious to see what all the fuss is about, and good thing I did. This gorgeous duo has made it's way into my everyday makeup look and I don't see it leaving any time soon. 

1. Laguna-  Where would I be without this little goodie? I literally wear this product everyday- or when I decide to wear makeup. It is a complete beauty must have for me, i'm obsessed with it! Laguna has such a silky soft texture and applying it to the face is a dream. It's incredibly easy to build, so great  for contouring of the cheek bones, along with and all over sun kissed glow. The finish of the product is more on the matte side but has traces of gold shimmer running through it, leaving a subtle warm glowing effect on the skin... I'm in love!


2. Orgasm-  The Orgasm blush is a great colour that flatters all skin types. Along with Laguna, Orgasm has accents of gold shimmer particles running through the products, creating a beautiful healthy, radiant glow to the cheeks. This gorgeous peachy, coral, pink flesh tone compliments the warmth of Laguna while acting as a highlighter, reflecting light and brightening the face. I'm in love with the ability to build the product and its lightness upon the skin. It's super easy to create a intense perky look while also being able to achieve a more subtle touch of colour. Both products are incredibly easy to work into the skin, leaving you in complete control in creating your desired look. 

I highly recommend this dynamic duo and if your not falling head over heels for these colours as I am, NARS have a great range and variety of tones for everyone. Let me know what your favourite blush, bronzer duo is at the moment. 

-A.

FOUR WAYS TO WEAR: THE FLANNEL SHIRT

Style


The flannel shirt is an iconic trend setter piece that I have loved wearing recently. I find it super fun and easy to style up, simply a must have piece. The flannel shirt is super easy to dress up along with staying true to it's cool and casual feel. It's incredibly easy to recreate these styled looks alone but also to personalise them for your own unique style. We all need a little flannel in our wardrobes and theres a way to wear it for everyone.

GRUNGE GIRL :TIED AT THE WAIST
I call this look the 'Grunge Girl' as it is inspired by the cool, rock chick trend. This look in particular is one of my favourite and most worn looks. It's super easy to put together and looks effortless. I love this styled outfit. Super laid back casual and most important, incredibly comfy!



CROP TOP-Kmart, FLANNEL SHIRT -Chicabooti, JEANS- Cottonon & SHOES- Topshop

FLAWLESS FARMER : BUTTON UP
This look would have to be the most traditional way to wear any button up shirt. To add that little cowgirl/farmer flair- if the print and colour alone didn't do it for you, then tie the bottom of the shirt at the waist. This just add that little something extra but still very laid back casual. 



CASUAL COOL GIRL: THE THROW ON
For those of you who are more laid back or not fussed about personalising the look, just throw on the shirt and your good to go. Not much effort needed and still can look super cute. This look is for the lazy, casual, chilled days where all the effort is in the smile- or in this case super posy pictures. 




FLANNEL CHIC: ON THE SHOULDERS
If you want to look super chic and feel like a fashionista then try out this next look. I call it flannel chic!- so original... Whether your wearing your favourite trench, throw over a comfy cardigan or a flannel shirt, you will always look effortlessly chic and confident. I love this look! 


CROP TOP-Kmart, FLANNEL SHIRT-Chicabooti, JEANS- Cottonon & SHOES- Kmart. 
Hope you all enjoyed this little 'ways to wear' post and that this some what inspires you to try out some of the looks. 



-A.

Photographer: Melissa Waldron. 

MOST LOVED PRODUCTS FOR 2014: MAKEUP EDITION.

Beauty
Wow guys it's 2015! Sorry for being MIA. I hope you all had a wonderful, happy New Years and enjoyed the remainder of 2014. It seems that last year flew by so quickly, I honestly don't know where the time has gone. So much has happened the past year, super crazy!

Anyhoo, as it is the start of a new year i believe it's the perfect time to reflect on the incredible year of 2014. This is me showcasing some of my favourite beauty products from 2014. I hope you guys enjoy and get some what inspired. Here is my favourite, most loved makeup products, enjoy!



FACE- The face to me, is one of the most important parts to a beautiful flawless look. I've been loving the Rimmel liquid foundations for a long while now and had to include one of them in my favourites. The 25 hour (yes i said 25 hour) lasting finish foundation in the colour 100 ivory, is amazing! It creates a lovely flawless and dewy finish on the skin and not only is it long lasting but it also has incredible coverage! For concealer i've recently been experimenting with the Maybelline 'Fit Me' line and I'm telling you now, I have myself a new found love. It has super pigmentation and excellent coverage with a beautiful creamy consistency. What I also love about this product is that a little goes a long way. 

I've talked about the amazing product before. The Rimmel 'Stay Matte' press powder is a winner in my eyes. I've been using this product for a long time and it never disappoints. It is wonderful for setting and fixing your foundation into place while creating a lovely matte finish on the skin. Love!

Over this past year I have loved and worn the hell out of my NARS 'Laguna Bronzer'. The packaging is stunning and the warm, bronzed, sun kiss finish is to die for! This product just adds that little special something to your makeup look. I know I will be getting my hands on another one of these babies.

EYES- This year I would say I've been the most indecisive about mascaras. I've struggled to love and stick with one and seem to be jumping from one brand to another. I finally found myself repurchasing an oldie but goodie. I've been loving the Maybelline 'Falsies' and 'Mega Plush' mascaras. I find they give me a really full and voluminous look. These mascaras make me feel super feminine while creating a lovely, fluttery effect. They are also great for building up the intensity and thickness of your lashes for a more fuller and false lash look. 

When it comes to the eyes, I'm one of those people who doesn't adventure much into the eyeshadow department. For me, 2014 was a year I was the most adventurous. I was gifted one of the most amazing loose powder eyeshadows from bairminerals. It's a light, shimmery bronze hue, just simply gorgeous! It has incredible pigmentation and holds really well on the lid. 

LIPS- It's all bout them lips, bout them lips.... I found that 2014 was the year of the lips for me, honestly could not get enough! A good lipstick pulls your overall look together, making it look like to put ten times the amount of effort into your makeup. (Really I'm just super lazy and have the tendency to fall back on the bright, bold lip trend.) Two of my favourite and most worn colours from the past year has to be 'Rebel' and 'Russian Red' form MAC. They are two beautiful and highly pigmented lipsticks that I have been wearing non stop. I'm a huge fan of a dark, bold, rich lip and these two colours never disappoint! 

More recently I'v been obsessed with the all nude and natural Kylie Jenner lip trend-to be honest who isn't  I had my eye out for the NARS velvet matte lip pencil in 'Bahama' for a good while and finally jumped on the hype and invested in one of the most gorgeous deep neutral shades. I love it so much and wear it any chance I get... aha jokes, all the time! 


TOOLS- You can never go wrong with 'The Real Techniques' brushes. They are just simply beautiful!  They have such a variety of tools and are super high quality. You definitely get your moneys worth. How can anyone turn away from their incredible blending ability along with their super and I mean super soft brush. They are to die for!

-A.x