e.l.f.

So I recently treated myself to some e.l.f. products, I had never heard of them before unitl my friends recommended them, so I had a look at it is crazily cheap! So I stocked up on everything, from tinted moisturiser to eyelid primer. After also discovering the wonderful Lisa Eldridge, I thought it was time for me to invest in some make-up and actually tink about what I am buying and how everything will work together. I have now stated using primer and highlighters as well as liquid blusher (which I am completly in love with) Here are the products I bought:

1) Concealer Brush     2) Eyelash & Brow Wand     3)Bronzing Brush     4)Blending Eye Brush

5) Smudge Eye Sponge     6) Mechanical Eyelash Curler     7) Foundation Brush

8) The Beauty Encyclopedia     9) Eyelid Primer     10)Radiance Enhancer     

11) Shimmering Facial Whip     12) Makeup Mist & Set     13) Mineral Infused Face Primer

14) Cream Eyeliner     15) Tinted Moisturiser SPF15

1 - Concealer Brush: Achieve precise cover up with the on-the-spot corrective brush, specifically designed to mask imperfections. Ideal for use with e.l.f All Over Cover Stick.

2 - Eyelash & Brow Wand: Defines lashes after mascara application or brow contouring to create perfectly coiffed, elegant brows and lashes.

3 - Bronzing Brush: This unique three-in-one brush allows for precision application of blush, bronzer, and all other multipurpose dusts and loose powders.

4 - Blending Eye Brush: Expertly blends multiple eye shades while softening dramatic edges and fine lines. Brush can also multitask – use it to set powder or liquid concealer.

5 - Smudge Eye Sponge: This short curved brush is the perfect shape to expertly smooth in color along the lash line for a smoky look. The dense brushes apply exact color application for extreme intensity to blend colors or smudge lines. Perfect for contouring and enhancing definition around the eye.

6 - Mechanical Eyelash Curler: This innovative eyelash curler has a special curved design which angles to suit all eye shapes. Its silicone rubber pad applies the appropriate amount of pressure to curl lashes naturally and allows for damage-free heating. Get long-lasting curled lashes both easily and safely. Add a swipe of e.l.f. Water and Earth Mascara and curled lashes remain in perfect shape all day.

7 - Foundation Brush: Achieve an ultra smooth, poreless finish when applying foundation or tinted moisturizer. For best results use upward brush strokes.

8 - The Beauty Encyclopedia: 4 shimmer creams, 4 concealers, 1 bronzer, 1 blush, 1 face brush

9 - Eyelid Primer: Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The ultra sheer nude color works to increase eye color longevity. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear.

10 - Radiance Enhancer: This multi-use highlighter instantly transforms and enhances features with its glowing veil of warmth and luminosity. When used or layered for optimum effect, it reduces the appearance of dullness, dark circles and minimized discoloration. The lightweight, velvety formula provides a fresh and silky finish for a healthy and natural looking lit-from-within glow.

11 - Shimmering Facial Whip: Multipurpose, on-the-go whipped colorant is vitamin B, C and E packed to instantly brighten and soothe skin with no greasy after-feel.

12 - Studio Makeup Mist and Set: Keep your makeup in place all day with a radiance boosting invisible hold.

13 - Mineral Infused Face Primer: Transform your face into a flawless and smooth canvas with the mineral Infused Face Primer. Developed to combat excess oil, flaky dryness, enlarged pores and fine lines to result in a natural and youthful looking radiance. This clear multipurpose skin primer will prepare your skin so makeup goes on evenly for a lasting finish.

14 - Cream Eyeliner: Creates smooth lines that are defined and precise. Smudge-proof, budge-proof and water-resistant coverage for all day wear to combat against, sweat, tears and rain!

15 - Tinted Moisturiser SPF15: SPF 15 formula helps combat premature aging and protects against sun damage while leaving skin radiant and lightly hydrated. 

CHANEL

CHANEL's SS12 Ready to Wear collection transformed The Grand Palais to a magical underwater world with corals, shells, sea horses, stingrays. I know it is late to be blogging about Fashion Week, but I am new to the blooging scene, so thought would just do a little bit on Chanel.

Florence Welch sang"What the Water Gave Me." Style.com states that 'It was a bravura performance all around.' Appearing beautifully and gracefully from a sea shell with the garments still walking around the catwalk. 

Also on 'Chanel News' they have put some beautiful videos, this one showing the detailing from the ss12 collection. Stunning. 

So just a few images from back stage, which although are of back stage shows just how beautiful Chanel is.

Lorna Loves - Trend Forcasting Unit at UCA

I have recently handed in my first unit of work from the second year, which was called fashion forcasting and trend prediction. We were asked to do a thorough PESTEL analysis (political, enviromental, social, technological, economical and legal) and come up with three trends for either SS12/13 or AW12/13.

My first trend that I predicted was one inspired by Doris Day of whom released her new album at the age of 87 after leaving the lime light in 1973. Doris, whose first hit was 1945's "Sentimental Journey," caused her transition from big band singer to movie star, during the 1950s and '60s. This was the inspiration behind the 'Styles of a Summers Night' trend (twist on a movie title from the 50s)

Second trend revived the hippy movement, and at the time of this project Amanda Knox had just been released from prison after her murder investigation. This made me think about what she would be thinking during that point and what the first thing she would do when she made it back home. The only word I could think of was freedom.

James Bond's new feature film 'Bond 23 - SKYFALL' is due to be reeased in 2012 and I just couldn't help myself but to give men a chance to live their fantasy of feeling like Bond.  'Shaken not Stirred' trend represents this with a twist on the every day office suit.

Lorna Loves - Boux Avenue

So, on Thursday of last week I got invited to Boux Avenue's 8th store opening through a friend. Boux Avenue, a lingere brand set up by Dragon's Den Theo Paphitis, which sells a range of underwear that's comforting and structured to sexy minimal lingerie - as well as the traditional pyjama sets that came packaged in matching bags. A christmas promotional sleepwear range was also in store, reindears and christmas stars all played their part.

Theo himself was there to cut the banner, although we were in store an hour before public opening, which included a drink with Theo and goody bags featuring hand cream, lip balm a pair of knickers as well as a £20 gift voucher. After opening to the public, ladies on the doors gave out 50 golden envolopes containing gift vouchers ranging from £5-£500, I was lucky enough to get a £10 one, so in total I had £30 to spend instore. Choosing a beautiful balconnete plunge bra, with matching french knickers (free due to the deal of buy the bra and get the matching knickers free).

The changing rooms were amazing, with three different lights that you could change; daylight, dusk and night; along with a call button so instead of having the awkward moment of walking out of the changing room in your undies infront of god knows who, you could use the intercom to ring the assistant. The fitting service was also increadable, with the staff being so kind and understanding that having a bra fitting isn't the most enjoyable experience.