When I Grow Up.

I am about to hit twenty, the end of my teenage years [gasp!]. And yes, I know that is by no means old, in fact I am rather excited to embrace a more 'grown-up' style of dressing. Longer lengths become somehow acceptable and not 'frumpy'... I hear a midi calling my name! Beyond this and looking even further forward, is what I want to look like when I 'grow up'. Mature celebrities such as Michelle Pfieffer, Sarah Jessica Parker and Christie Brinkley (all above the age of 45) effortlessly navigate the red carpets, often outshining their younger counterparts. Whether you put it down to years of experience in expert dressing, or beautifully maintained complexions and hairstyles, you have to hand it to these women: they look hot. So when I grow up (properly) I want to look like that. Best go put on some moisturiser and factor 50. x.

Homemade Egg White Face Mask

Since looking after a friend's chickens whilst they are on holiday, I have had quite a surplus of eggs in the fridge and there's only so many omlets a girl can eat! So I decided to look up homemade face masks online and came across a very simple recipe, and one that is aimed at reducing acne (bonus!).

Simply take one egg white (being careful not to include any of the yolk), whisk it up to a froth and apply to your face with your fingers or an old (but clean) make-up brush.

As it dries the mask will 'tighten' on your face. I waited for about five minutes (a good chance to read a magazine or my favourite book at the moment, The Great Gatsby) then wash off with warm water. To treat acne it is recommended that you use this mask frequently so I kept the left over egg white in the fridge to use tomorrow.

For dry skin: add a teaspoon of honey.
For a soothing effect: add two teaspoons of natural/Greek yogurt.
For oily skin: add a dash of lemon juice.

I really enjoy making face masks at home and especially this one as it was so simple! Let me know if you try this recipe or any other face masks you make yourself.

Also please don't forget to vote for me in the Daisy Street Competition by liking the photo on facebook here. I could really do with your help! x.

Bit of It All.

Bit of a mixed bag today. Here are the results of my detox diet, some more wedding photos as requested, and my pick of new IT-things this week.

First up, my detox diet has been going well. I have lost the extra few pounds I had acquired whilst in Ireland and feel much healthier generally. The first day of fasting was tough and I have to admit I did cheat a little in the evening by having a smoothie and some soup (still healthy and low calorie). By the second day I wasn't experiencing the same hunger but I did have bad headaches, so it is important to keep your intake of water up. Today is the third day and I get to add in protein to my diet (!) I have chosen low calorie options, such as my favourite chicken-style Quorn pieces (eggs are also an excellent source of low calorie protein). I intend to keep up this fruit, veg and protein diet up for a little longer, and have also taken up Pilates which I am loving! I'm not the best for sticking with exercise programmes but I really like how easy going and yet effective Pilates seems to be. Its great for those who want that Miley Cyrus-esque flat stomach, she herself being an avid fan.

Secondly, I have provided more photos of my wedding look, so I hope these provide all of you with a wedding or formal event to attend with some inspiration! The details include; nude heels, a black fascinator from House of Fraser, a pink and white patterned clutch from New Look (Rochelle Wiseman from the Saturdays was seen out with this clutch recently), a pink rose ring and pink nails. I wore my hair in a side bun at the nape of the neck using one of the 'hair doughnuts', some clips and a lot of hairspray!

And my new IT-things? Victoria's Secret's first UK store in  Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford. I went in yesterday, and it is quite simply amazing. These people certainly know how to market a brand + their products are of amazing quality. I for one, am certainly glad to have this great brand finally in the UK.

One last thing, on my radar this week are Wedge Hi-Tops. These have been growing in popularity over the summer and now I seem to be spotting them everywhere. They are great for adding that hidden bit of height whilst being casual enough for everyday wear. And after Millie Mackintosh was spotted wearing a pair at last nights launch of boyfriend Professor Green's clothing line for Puma, I'm sold. Check out this cute embellished pair from New Look for £64.99! x.

Upcoming Posts: How to: Customise, House of Fraser Blogger Style Challenge & Kate Beckinsale + Jessica Alba's 'Total Recall' Red Carpet Round Up.

Megan Fox Make-Up Tricks

Megan Fox is well known for her sultry make up looks, and despite the 26 year old actress now expecting her first child with husband Brian Austin Green, you can be sure that she won't be ditching her trademark look anytime soon. This post shares her eye and lip make up tricks and works particularly well on girls with dark hair and blue eyes like Megan.

Entrancing Eyes
1) Firstly, define your eyebrows well! Megan has smoothly arched eyebrows just like her own icon, Sophia Loren. If you are not confident about shaping your own eyebrows, have them professionally waxed, threaded or plucked for the first time, then follow the line your beautician creates after that. It is important to fill in your eyebrows to add extra definition. You can use eyeliner or eyebrow pencil for this but I prefer to use eyeshadow as it creates a more subtle effect. Finish with a sweep of clear mascara to keep your perfectly groomed brows in place.
2) To really make blue eyes 'pop' use shades of gold eyshadow to cover the eyelid, using lighter shades on the inner corner of the eye. Then add black eyeshadow in the outer crease and along the upper lash line to define your eyes. When blending remember you are looking for a slick look not a smokey eye!
3) Next create Megan's sexy cat-eye shape with eyeliner. Preferably use gel or liquid liner as they are the most accurate and smudge-free versions (this may take a few practices if you are not used to using eyeliner). Start on the inner corner of the eye and try to sweep out in one continuous motion so as to avoid jagged lines. To create the cat-eye shape you want to flick out the eyeliner at the ends, this will extend the length of your eye visually. If you want a really dramatic look you can also line your lower lash, but beware of going too heavy or coming right into your inner corner, as this can make your eyes look smaller.
4) Before applying mascara, use a lash curler to bend your upper eyelashes upwards to create a fuller, more voluminous look. Then apply mascara on your upper and lower lashes, being careful not to smudge.

Luscious Lips
1) With such dramatic eye make-up it is important not to overdo your lips. Firstly use a lip liner in a tone slightly darker than your natural lip colour. Use this to shape your lips and erase the appearance of unevenness.
2)Then use a lipstick in matching (or ever-so-slightly lighter) colour. My favourite are the long lasting paint-on versions such as Maybelline's 'Super Stay 24 Hour Colour'. Finally sweep with a layer of gloss and you're ready to go!

TIP: To maintain the effect of your beautiful make-up, spray a thin layer of hairspray all over your face to set the look. It'll last all day and night.

I hope this helps anyone to trying to achieve a party or night out look! Please feel free to comment with any further questions. x.

Faking It.

The lack of sunshine of late, plus the tendency of my skin to freckle has once again led me back to fake tan. Being naturally pale but as someone who loves that healthy glowing look, I have worked my way through pretty much every brand of fake tan, and from gradual moisturisers to 'permanent' spray on tans. My latest experiment has been with St Tropez's Everyday Body Moisturiser Gradual Tan, winner at Company magazine's Beauty Awards 2012. I have to say the smell wasn't one of my favourites but it wasn't in any way unpleasant. The colour was subtle but importantly had brown rather than orange undertones, although for a noticeable tan you would have to use quite a lot of product. Great as a moisturiser, it leaves skin soft and supple. Overall not a bad product, but this would have to be used as part of an everyday summer beauty routine rather than a quick ditch attempt at looking tanned. Purchase for £14.30 at http://www.st-tropez.com/gradual-tan-body x.