Kat Von D 'Tattoo Liner' Liquid Eyeliner Review

Hey guys, I know I haven't written a post for a week or so, but as it's Christmas it's a time for giving, so I haven't had much time (or money) to buy things to review or spend on fun activities. Luckily I have a new review for you all, the Debenham's and Too Faced featured Kat Von D 'Tattoo Liner'. So here we go...

I was quite skeptical when I first went to try this out, I left it for a Saturday morning when I had plenty of time for it to go wrong (eyeliner can be such a tricky and messy thing!). I have been let down by eyeliner pens in the past as they often take a lot of force for any ink to come out. It's not the cheapest of eyeliners, at around £16, but I had heard good things and wanted to give a liquid pen another go, as when they work they are very handy and simple...

As you can see the precision of the pen is amazing, and you only have to place it on your eyelid lightly, I was so scared that I'd have to force it on like others from Benefit and Clinique. To be honest I really love this liner, despite its slightly tacky packaging. I don't want to go back to my old liner after trying this out, alas it is quite pricey so I may have to go back to my cheap alternative for a brief time. For anyone who has a bit of extra cash, or is seeking the perfect Christmas present for a girl that faces the daily struggles of cat or winged eyes, this product is a must! I can now put on my eye makeup in around 1 minute when getting ready for work in the morning - sheer bliss. 

I hope this has helped anyone looking to buy a new liner. 

Love,

K.

My First Shots With The Olympus PEN E-PL8

Hey guys, so as you may have seen on my Insta account I have acquired a pretty amazing new camera for my graduation present, the Olympus Pen E-PL8. I was so excited to start taking photos as it's super easy to connect to your phone via wifi, meaning instantly better photos for social media! I thought I'd show my first few snaps with you all because the quality of my photos is looking pretty fab. The best part, it's easy to use. Although I haven't learned how to use every feature quite yet, it's fairly easy to navigate around. I'm looking forward to taking quality snaps and sharing them with you. Enjoy! 

 My new winter coat...

Yoga at The Ministry Of Sound

Molly Bakes Chocolate Brownie Freakshakes


Lunchtime strolls through Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland 

Fat Buddha Yoga: Round 2 - The Ministry Of Sound

Last Tuesday I took part in my second Fat Buddha yoga session, and this time it was at The Ministry of Sound! Having only ever been to The Ministry for clubbing and partying reasons, it was a weird feeling to be back again to relax, unwind, and take part in this wellbeing fitness session. The class was completely full and before we started I was slightly worried about the amount of space per person, but the thought also crossed my mind that if there were so many yogis attending then it must be a pretty damn good class! ...

The class, held by Jessica Skye, was full of bumping basslines and relaxation, but unlike my last class held in The Old Truman Brewery, it was quite a tough workout! In my first session, I experienced mindfulness, relaxation, calm, soft and slow breathing along with some fairly easy movements- a great way to ease myself back into yoga. The Ministry Of Sound session was an intense class, it achieved a place of mindfulness and relaxation, but also provided positions of deep flexibility, core strength, and a full body workout- this was my sort of class!...

All-in-all this class was an absolute dream. I love attending sessions where I can push myself to a degree of my own choice, they provided several levels of intensity from beginners to pro, as well as entering a space of calm where I could then lose my thought for a good hour out of my week, leaving work and worrying locked in a box for that short amount of time. I will definitely be back again for my monthly portion of yoga, and can't wait for the new year when this session will be available every week!...

Thanks so much Jessica and Fat Buddha! 

Love,

K.

Mr Porter's Social Media & Marketing Writer Charlie Robertson Shares Her AW Must-Haves, Style Influencers, and What To Watch Out For In SS17

I'm lucky enough to have a complete star of a sister who is a Social Media & Marketing Writer for the amazing Mr Porter. She has always been a big style influence on me, so I thought it suit to share with you her style guru tips and tricks for AW and what she's looking forward to in SS17... 

It’s happened again. Winter crept on us. One minute we’re last-minute shopping for bikinis, telling ourselves that next year will be different and we won’t leave it till the day before we fly (year, right) and the next, we’re buying winter coats on our lunch breaks because, well – you get the picture.

I’m unorganised. Always have been and most probably always will be. So for me, what I wear on any given day depends largely on how motivated I’m feeling in the morning when I get up. Will I wear makeup today? Should I make an effort with my hair? Can I wear a dungaree to the office three days in a row or will they notice? These sort of questions. However, unlike a lot of people, I love winter wardrobes. In the summer I tend to live in the same pair of ripped BDG jeans and white &otherstories T-shirt (it’s okay to be basic, right?), but in winter, that’s when my cupboard full of jumpers can come out to play.

Below I’ve listed some of my must-haves (ehem, that means Christmas list in case my boyfriend happens to be reading this and needs any subtle hints...) for the season and my style influences (brace yourselves) and finally, what I’m looking forward to for next season. Enjoy!

THE BOOTS

It seems like everyone under sun owns a pair of black over-the-knee boots these days – so this season I’m opting for brown. A little more boho and a lot more unusual, I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair of these.

THE DREAM

Stuart Weitzman, Midland suede over-the-knee boots

THE REALITY

Missguided, nude faux suede flat over the knee boots

THE COAT

You can pretend you don’t need a new winter coat – and you may even believe yourself for a little while – but as soon as you start to see everyone in their oversized vogue-worthy floor-sweeping coats, you’re going to want one yourself. Here’s what I’m after.

THE DREAM

The Row, Lanja belted double-faced coat

THE REALITY

New Look, Grey Belted Longline Coat 

THE ROLLNECK JUMPER

The ultimate winter essential – I’m already on my way to buying my second one of the season. It’s like a scarf and jumper all rolled into one, how can you not want one?

THE DREAM

Thomas Maier, Cable-knit wool-blend and scuba-jersey turtleneck sweater

THE REALITY

H&M, Knitted Polo-neck Jumper 

THE SLIP DRESS

I know what you’re thinking. It’s winter, why am I wearing a slip dress. But throwing on a slip dress over a long sleeve polo-neck is a great option if you’re heading straight out after work (or just want to lend a more feminine feel to looks).

THE DREAM

Ganni, Satin maxi dress

THE REALITY 

Zara, Checked Slip Dress 

STYLE INFLUENCES

Here are a few of my favourite Instagram accounts that I follow for style inspiration.

@bethanymarieco

@weworewhat

@jordanrisa

@happilygrey

@liketoknow.it

SS17

What I’m looking forward to...

SPORTSWEAR

Being able to wear trainers year-round will just never get old. That and the fact you don’t have to think too hard about what you’re wearing in the morning means that this trend is always top of my list.

80s

Oversized and flamboyant, the 80s were all about being bold – which is why I can’t wait to embrace this trend. I plan on ransacking my parents’ wardrobe in search of shoulder-pads, retro jumpers and brighter than bright colours.

DECONSTRUCTED SHIRTING

This one’s always a yes from me. Palmer and Harding are always on point with this, but Zara always do great copies at high-street prices. Deconstructed shirts are a great way to jazz up your work wardrobe.

RUFFLES/TULLE

Okay, so maybe I wont be parading around in a pink tulle dress, Carrie Bradshaw style, but Chloe’s whimsical collections never fail to inspire me. It might not be my typical style, but I always love trying new things!

Hope you have enjoyed this guest feature. Follow Charlie on Instagram @suchacharlie 

Love, 

K.

Out On The Town: Boxpark Croydon

Last Friday I paid my first visit to the brand new Boxpark at Croydon. After previously having been to the Shoreditch site that is full of plenty of pop-up shops and restaurants I was very excited about the new 'bigger and better' Boxpark. One key difference between the sites, apart from the size, is that Boxpark Croydon is only food and drink, and will be playing host to over 200 events each year, the line-up looks like we're in for a treat! Impossible to miss, the new shopping extravaganza is on the right-hand side as you walk out of East Croydon train station- and if you do manage to miss it just look for the giant lit-up BOXPARK sign...

The list of food and drink pop-ups on the site is incredible (including one of my favourites Dum Dum Donutterie!). Unfortunately, my first visit was slightly rushed as we needed to grab dinner and head out for a friends Birthday, so we only got to visit just the one this time...

We chose the delicious Bang Bang Vietnamese for dinner, and what a great choice it was! I'm really into my asian food, spices are my thing, so this was the perfect choice for our meal. Some of the pop-up restaurants offer seats inside, to create more of a dinner-date feel, giving you the choice of sitting inside or in the Boxpark centre. We chose to eat in the restaurant which was decorated in a quirky, fun, and bright coloured manner with plenty of Film Noir memorabilia... 

Not only was the quality of the food exceptionally good, but it was also really good value for money! I chose the Pho Bo Gau: A Classic Vietnamese Soup with Beef Brisket and my friend went for the Pho Tom, which is the same but with king prawns. As you can see below each of us got plenty, and it was the perfect amount of spice for my taste buds, which is a big bonus as I usually have to add extra chilli sauce. 

We also found our new favourite beer, Lucky Buddha! I need to find out where else I can buy these as they were light and super refreshing, plus the bottles are pretty darn cool! 

I can't wait to go back to the Boxpark and try out all of the other food and drink stalls! I hope you have enjoyed this post, and it has possibly convinced you to take a trip! 

Love,

K.

Crackers Christmas Stocking Fillers

Every year I really enjoy writing up Christmas posts for you guys! Especially stocking fillers, they are always the funnest presents to pick and choose as there is so much crazy, wacky and cool stuff out there! I've round-up a list of my top stocking fillers, items I think every girl needs whether they are an essential, luxury, or just a bit of fun. I hope you guys enjoy! 

Invisibobble Hair Band in Crystal Clear from Boots

Now unfortunately I'm still way behind on this trend and haven't purchased one of these myself, but according to many bloggers and lots of my friends these are incredible. They are an alternative to your usual hair bands, but don't damage and break your hair. A simple beauty accessory for your perfect stocking.

Instant Photo Coasters from Urban Outfitters 

I think these are such a cool idea! Choose some of your favourite pictures and simply slide them into these photo coasters, a personal touch to your home decor. You can always rely on Urban Outfitters to have some cool Christmas gift ideas!

Cheeky, Heart Bauble Disco Fever
After attending a press day held at the Cheeky nail salon in Shoreditch I fell in love with the brand. I'm after some of their nail polishes for myself, and this heart shaped tree ornament is perfect for a cute Christmas day gift. 

Failed It! from Topshop
Who doesn't need this book?!

Facial Cleansing Pads from Topshop 

These cleansing pads are a perfect gift for any girl out there, a reusable item that will last you months! Plus these aren't too expensive so a great addition to your cheap and cheerful stocking.

Le Cord Mint iPhone Lightning Cable from Urban Outfitters
I'm always losing my phone charger, but if you've got one in a special colour you can always tell if a sibling or a friend has pinched it from you! 

ASOS Christmas Reindeer Cosy Sock Gift Box

Opening a pair of fluffy socks on Christmas day is perfection! Then you can snuggle in them for the whole of Christmas. 

P.F. Candle Co. Patchouli Sweetgrass 3.5oz Soy Candle from Urban Outfitters

Candles are always a safe gift, and if you're like me you can never have too many! 

Avocado Pod Face Mask from Topshop
Another perfect cheap and cheerful beauty product that allows a pamper session- bliss. 

Embroidery Boom Diamond Sew Iron on Patch Badge Bag Fabric Applique from eBay 

A few weeks back I received some iron-on patches from Vans, and it made me realise what a great present idea they are! It allows you to personalise your denim items with some really fun and wacky statements.

Benefit Girls Gone Wow! Set from ASOS 

Benefit always have the best gifts around Christmas. This includes all my favourite products, They're Real, Posie Tint, Gimme Brow and Pore Professional.

Pixi ASOS Exclusive Glow Set

I still haven't tried out the Pixi Glow Tonic but absolutely everyone in the blogging world is raving about it. So this is definitely a stocking filler I'll be asking for!

ASOS Bobble Beanie In Mustard

I'm in love with bobble hats, and this mustard one is perfect for AW16. I'm pretty bored of your typical greys, navys and blacks so this is a little something to liven up your winter wardrobe. 

Spa Bathtime Rubber Duck from John Lewis 

This is just so cute, and I'm in love with rubber ducks! 

Portico Zodiac Collection A6 Notebook from John Lewis 

Stationery is always a good shout when it comes to stocking fillers, and this zodiac sign collection from John Lewis make it that little bit more personal. 

Hope you enjoyed!

Love,

K.

Brand Of The Week

In this installment I have chosen to designate my brand of the week spot to a new discovery of mine...

Madame LA LA

Madame LA LA started as a self-tan company, but have recently released their Bronzing Ball, a 180* colour cosmetics twist-up cream bronzer! 

We were sent to this amazing Bronzing Ball at work, and I have to admit that at first, I was slightly skeptical. I wasn't sure that it was going to work for your cheeks, lips, eyes AND as a contour and highlighting strobe- I can barely find a product that does one of those things well enough!

After trying out this product, I can't deny that it's pretty amazing- no makeup brushes needed, simply apply and glide on the area you'd like to bronze (do this lightly as it's quite thick and comes off very quickly!), and if needs be smudge slightly with your fingers to blend it in. For me, this product would only be for nights out, as I prefer subtle matte powders for daily use. It's got a strong shimmer to it that looks amazing under dimmed lights and gives a great touch if you want to go for something a bit different on your lips. I'd say that it's perfect as a finishing layer over your chosen lipstick. Perfect for contouring, bronzing and strobing (but not as a highlighter for myself as my skin is too fair)- just like it says on the packet! 

Check out their website if you're looking for any super bronzing products, whether it's self-tan or strobing, you're in for a treat! 

Love,

K.