Fashion/Beauty Q&A

Hello lovelies :) 

I've always wanted to do some sort of fashion and beauty Q&A and since trolling through many MANY links... I didn't find anything particularly interesting. I then had a little lightbulb moment and thought, why not just make one up? I want to try and create a detailed Q&A that will hopefully help others if they had any queries. 

So lets get cracking...!

S K I N C A R E

What's your skin type? 

I'd say I was normal/dry. I find this question so difficult to answer in makeup stores because my face could go through a whole whirlwind of problems. 

Favourite drugstore skincare product? 

I'd have to say Simple products work a dream and are so cheap! Easygoing on the face and have no harsh chemicals in them. I'm also a fan of Olay when I'm wanting to change my skincare routine. 

Favourite high-end skincare product?

Skincare can be prettttttty expensive in brands such as Chanel and Dior. I wish I could justify paying between £70-100 for a tub of moisturiser. But I can't. Not for a student anyway. So I'd have to go with Elizabeth Arden. I always get a gift set for Christmas as I love it that much. The 8-hour cream is just on point. Plus it smells all sweet and lemony.

How often do you cleanse, tone and moisturise?

I moisturise religiously but I'm a little bit naughty and currently am forgetting 2/3 steps! Oops. I really want to try and get back into the habit of doing all 3 steps before I go to bed. 

Favourite exfoliator?

It's probably going to be a battle between Sanctuary or Laura Mercier. Whilst Mercier's body scrub is absolutely adorable and smells like heaven, Sanctuary's body scrub is probably the most amazing thing I've ever encountered. It leaves your skin feels amazingly/scarily smooth. I have no idea how they do it. 

Favourite body cream?

Definitely Laura Mercier. I think most of my friends/family would agree I live in Mercier's store. The body creams smell incredible. My favourite would probably have to be Ambre  Vanille or Creme Brûlée. The smell lasts for such a long time and they do amazing christmas sets that offer four small tubs. 

Do you wear primer?

I'm not really one to buy things like this but I have tried a primer from Rimmel that made my skin feel like satin and helped with my makeup! Primers to me are like marmite, you love them or hate them. I tried the primer from MAC a while ago and thought it was a waste of money. If I did wear primer I'd probably stick to drugstore. 

Do you wear lib balm? 

I do occasionally but not all the time. My two favourites would probably be Elizabeth Arden or Crabtree & Evelyn as they leave my lips feeling super soft. However, I can't leave out Lush's mint julep lip scrub! It completely eliminates any dry lip patches and works a dream! 

How do you make sure you keep your skin healthy?

I drink water a lot. I always make sure I'm carrying a bottle of water around so that I keep hydrated throughout the day. I try not to stress out. It's hard to do but I'm a big believer that stress causes breakouts!  I also make sure that I'm aware of the products I'm putting on my face and whether they have led to any breakouts. 

H A I R C A R E 

How often do you wash your hair? 

I wash my hair every other day. I would never have the time or energy to do it every single day. 

What is your hair type? 

I would describe my hair as being thick and naturally wavy. 

What is your hair length?

My hair length has just reached that awkward stage where you don't know whether to cut it again or grow it out. I've banned myself from cutting my hair for a long time now so hopefully it will grow!

What is your natural hair colour?

Light/medium brown. When it's grown out maybe some dark blonde ends. 

Do you dye your hair?

I have done a lot in the past. It's always been the same brown tones, other than when I ombre'd my hair. Earlier in the year I completely re-dyed my hair a complete brown colour and have banned myself from dying it for a longggggg long long time. 

How do you style your hair? 

I normally style my hair 9 times out of 10 by curling it. I like how it shapes my face and I like my hair to feel voluminous. I sometimes straighten my hair on rare occasions. Normally if I'm feeling a bit lazy!

What is your favourite shampoo?

My favourite smelling shampoo would have to be Aussie. Its very inexpensive and I love how it feels in my hair. If I have some cash to spare I sometimes venture out and buy a more expensive shampoo from L'oreal. 

What is your favourite conditioner? 

I used to put conditioner on my hair a lot. It completely thinned my hair out and made it feel greasy. I now use a deep conditioner from Tresemme that I used once a week that helps with dead ends and it works amazingly!

Favourite hot tools?

When it comes to drying my hair I don't have a particular preference. If it does the job thats fine with me. However I do prefer hairdryers that have a changeable heat setting and can alternate between hot/cold. When it comes to styling my hair, GHD wins every single time. I normally use the straightening tool to straighten and curl my hair. 

Favourite styling products?

I always use heat protectant spray on my hair. It's just to put myself at ease really. I use hot tools a lot on my hair so hopefully it helps a little bit! I also sometimes use hair serums that prevent frizz but I always seem to get that 'pea-sized' amount to look like a small golf ball and then end up with realllllly sticky hair. 

B E A U T Y

Favourite foundation?

My favourite drugstore foundation varies a lot. I tend to stick to Rimmel or Bourgois  as they safely offer good coverage and blend into my skin well. They also have good colour matches! If I have a bit of money then I would go for foundations such as Chanel Vitalumiere which is so luxurious and smells incredible. I've also been wanting to try Illamasqua's foundations as they look perfect for wearing on a night out!

Favourite concealer?

I've heard a lot of hype about Collection 2000's concealers but I never seem to find my colour. I am currently using Benefit's Erase Paste which is magical. However, it does become quite dry on my skin and has a dark yellowish tone to it that does not always sit well with my own skin tone. I haven't yet found my perfect concealer so I will keep you updated!

Favourite blusher?

I have always stuck to one blusher and that is Chanel's powder blush '82 Reflex'. It's a very rosy/gold colour so it gives you a bit of highlight too! It was pricey but it has last me a very long time so it was definitely worth it!

Favourite bronzer?

I am currently using Mac's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural bronzer which is a darker face powder that I use on my cheek bones. I do however love Bourjois's chocolate bronzer! I have also seen bronzers from Bobby Brown which look stunning and I am lusting after!

Favourite mascara?

Anything my Rimmel. Literally anything. The adverts do make me chuckle a bit as they seem to force the idea across that every single mascara they make is unique in its own way. Realistically they all do the same job which is to make your eyelashes look thicker and longer. I have currently moved onto Bourjois' Dark Khol Mascara which is amazing. I would have to say my all time favourite is Benefit's 'They're Real'. Its just gorgeous! 

Favourite Lipstick? 

Definitely anything by Mac. I'm obsessed with their Russian Red Lipstick and a few of their nudes. The consistency is amazing and I always think they small like Milky Way which is just an added bonus really!

F A S H I O N 

Favourite high street store?
I would definitely say either Topshop or Urban Outfitters. It can be a little pricey but I always find myself eyeing clothes up online in these stores!

Favourite designer store?
I don't own anything 'designer-esque', other than some Alexander Mcqueen jeans that were passed down to me. If I was rich and had money to spend on lovely clothes I would love to shop in places like The Kooples and Aldo. They offer clothes that I would consider similar to how I'd want my style to be. If I was going to go 'all out' and splash the cash it would definitely be Chanel. 

Favourite designer?
Definitely Russian designer Ulyana Sergeenko. She has so much creativity. I love how she takes her generations' roots and incorporates it into her style. She offers adorable dresses that cut above the ankle and little head scarves. The stuff however is very haute couture so its not exactly 'wearable' but pretty to look at!

Best worn piece?
Probably my fur gilet I bought from Topshop. It's literally my baby. I am forever wearing it because it's so warm and it literally goes with everything. Plus its black which means it definitely goes with all my outfits!

How would you describe your style?
I would consider my style to be quite classic with a hint of a rock/grunge feel to it. I think its best to try and think about your style and what really fits with what you wear. It gets you out the habit of buying any random piece that you'll end up never wearing and wasting your money on!