Turning 24

Friday just gone, was my 24th birthday. Never would I have thought that another national lockdown would have been announced and put into place the day before my birthday, but hey it's 2020. We never know what is around the corner, do we? Nethertheless, having a chilled and relaxing day at home was just what I needed. Every year I always like to get something planned in to celebrate, and although this year was the complete opposite, I thoroughly enjoyed it for that reason. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to seeing the whole family and my close friends, but if there is anything that this lockdown birthday has made me, is grateful. 

Grateful for who I do have in my life and grateful that I was lucky enough to spend my birthday with those very same people. Here's to 24 years. May this be the year that a dog is potentially on the cards, and that things go back to normal, whatever our new normal may be.

Have you had a lockdown birthday? How did you celebrate?

Amber X

Bonfire Inspired

Bonfire night is tomorrow (!!!) and it's one of the things I look forward too each and every year. Something about standing around, out in the cold, wearing every jumper, scarf and pair of socks that you own that brings me such joy. I took inspiration from all of the warm and smouldering colours that I associate with bonfire night. 

Starting off, I used the Morphe 305M (no surprise) palette and blended a bright orange colour into the crease and up towards my eyebrow. Next I took a deeper orange shade and blended this shade directly into the crease. To add further depth, I took a red eyeshadow and blended this shade into the middle of the crease only using a windscreen wiper motion. Secondly, I took the shade 'Hot Chocolate', a true dark brown shade, from the Anastasia Self Made Palette. Using a 231/luxe petit crease brush from Zoeva, I blended this colour into the outer third of my eye, and my inner corner up into the crease of my eye. I then took 'Spirit Rock', a black from the same palette and placed it over 'Hot Chocolate'. 

For the cut crease look in the middle of my eye, I used the Bourjous Radiance Reveal concealer with a detailer brush from Real Techniques. I always set my concealer with powder or a light eyeshadow to allow the eyeshadow placed on top to not stick or 'cling' to the concealer. The copper shade, 'LA' on the lid is from the Kylie Jenner Burgundy Palette. My lashes are in the style #213 from Red Cherry, and I always get my lashes from here. Red Cherry lashes are so affordable and can be used multiple times before having to get rid of them. Highlight of choice was the Becca Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop to tie in with the warm orange shades used in the eyeshadow look. 

What's your favourite part on Bonfire Night?

Amber X

(Disclaimer: I am definitely no makeup artist, I just enjoy putting makeup on my face!)

Autumn Appreciation

 There are many reasons why I want to experience and cherish all of life's little things when this time of the year rolls round. Not only are the changes in colours and tones of our scenery beautiful, it also can't help but make you feel cosy. With all of this excitement upon us, here are some reasons to appreciate the Autumnal months. 

Beauty 

Autumn is the season of the bold berry lip and gold, copper and cranberry eyeshadow shades. Palettes that contain nothing but these shades are right up my street, and I'm excited for all of the A/W releases. My dark lipsticks cannot wait to come out of hibernation and stop collecting dust. I am looking forward to not having to think my day through and ponder over which foundation will work best in the humid climates. Gone are the hot, sticky days!

Fashion

Dressing in the colder months of the year is so much easier for me. It requires no deliberating over whether a jacket is needed when leaving the house, and jeans can be worn on a daily basis.  Oversized or not, jumpers will always be an autumn staple. Soft, cuddly, woollen, scratchy, cropped, or thin, jumpers are made for the colder seasons. Scarfs are also another way of keeping warm and snug when in times of need. Being able to be comfortable and cosy without sweltering and feeling as if you're going to pass out, is a small victory in my eyes. 

Food 

Hearty, warm and wholesome meals are another reason why I really love autumn. Soups, stews, and cottage pie are some of my favourites. Nothing beats eating foods that make you feel warm within when it is sharp and cold outside. Also, cold weather means there are endless excuses for hot chocolates with all of the cream and marshmallows imaginable. 

Early Nights and Fairy Lights 

Early nights are great at the best of times, but now as darkness creeps up on the day earlier and earlier each time, I see it as even more reason to get into bed earlier. I am at my happiest when fluffy blankets and warm fairy lights are involved. 

Traditions

Bonfire night and Halloween are always days that I look forward too. Carving out pumpkins, buying all of the best sweets to give to 'trick or treater's', getting dressed up and having our faces painted is always something I will always remember from my childhood. There is such a contagious excitement that surrounds Halloween. Watching fireworks on bonfire night, especially when it is cold, and seeing the different coloured lights reflecting on people's happy faces is something I love. 

What do you love about Autumn?

Amber X