Pastels

From all of the spring and summer trends I've seen so far, it seems that pastels are the most wearable and adaptable to suit any style. The most simplest outfit (i.e. jeans, t-shirt and wedges) can be transformed into a really nice, well put together ensemble. 

These are some of my favourite combos:

First row: River Island, River Island and Miss Guided
Second row: J.Crew, Topshop and River Island
Third row: H&M, River Island and Mulberry

Cute, right?! Looking at most online stores and recent fashion shows it seems that popular colours this spring and summer will be coral, pink and off-white/beige. It's obvious as too why: they're so wearable and, aside from the Mulberry bag, pretty inexpensive! I have found that River Island have a lot of pastel related trends on their website - check it out here as well as Miss Guided, here!

Thanks for reading :)

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. I've just ordered some stuff from House of Fraser, so a haul-type post will be up later this week. I normally post around 17 posts per month which, unfortunately, will decrease in June because of exams. I only have two exams this month (well, in May) so after that I'll be revising like crazy. Hope you guys understand! <3

Neutral eye makeup

Just a quick post today.

Eyes:
MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Semi Precious Crystal Pink
MAC eyeshadows in Cork, Carbon and Blanc Type
Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Mascara - review
Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black
Avon SuperShock Gel Eyeliner in Black

Brows:
No7 brow pencil in Espresso
MAC brow set in Clear

That's it. See you mid-week :)

Suzanna xoxo

The new L'Oréal EverPure and EverSleek hair expertise range

I was in Boots the other day and was looking for a new heat protectant as my trust Tresemme one has completely ran out. Browsing the isles I came across the new LO'réal Paris' Hair Expertise line with shampoos, conditioners, serums and hair protectants.

I decided to give the EverSleek Smoothing Mist Heat Protectant a go. On the bottle it says that it's for "frizzy, overworked hair". I don't particually have frizzy hair (and if I do, I would use my Moroccan oil) but I do have overworked hair.

First of all, I love the smell it gives. It's very nice, but if you don't like the smell it vanishes completely within a few seconds. Secondly, and most importantly, it works well as a hair protectant. So, how do you know when it does work? Sometimes - and especially after blowdrying your hair - when you straighten your hair (I don't want to say it, but) smoke comes off the appliance. If this hasn't happened then you either have found your perfect heat protectant or you don't straighten your hair as much. Note that I straighten my hair every day. Bad, I know. Anyway! After using the EverSleek heat protectant, I have found that it doesn't do it anymore which is awesome.

Another great thing about this product is that it claims to double as a smoothing mist to control frizz. I can't say whether this works or not as I use many other products on my hair, but it seems legit.

I also picked up the EverPure Colour Care Protective Mist for my mum, who dyes her hair every four weeks. So far, she says she hasn't noticed a difference but it's much harder to tell a difference on coloured hair I presume.

Overall, I think it works really well. My normal hair care routine has changed since my old post, I might do an updated one. But, let me just say that the heat protectant, my Paul Mitchell super skinny serum and Moroccan oil are the dream team - I recommend them all.

If you want to try it, it's £6.99 here!

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. Have a great weekend!

When words fail, music speaks...

The quote above is by William Shakespeare.

Source: itsthemusicpeople

Friedrich Nietzsche once said "life without music would be a mistake" and Lady Gaga currently says that she is "married to her music". We've been blessed with so many talented artists over the decades that I feel that the current generation of artists are horrendous. Who wants to listen to Justin Bieber when you can listen to Bob Marley? Or sing along to One Direction when you can listen to The Beatles for hours without getting bored? I hate being cliche as I always see people on YouTube write this, but I am only fifteen years old and I prefer 60s/70s/80s and early 90s music to what's played on the radio today. Older music is much more meaningful, whereby they talk about serious issues and things that are much more relatable and important. Nowadays, you've got artists such as Drake and Nicki Minaj who are basically insulting the origin of music. Don't get me wrong, they are good if you like that type of (rubbish) music but I personally hate it.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you my favourite bands. I have no favourite singers.

I have literally grown up listening to The Beatles . As well as my parents being huge fans, my dad was also good friends with Ringo Starr (third from left) and used to go round his house to babysit his son. This was thirty years ago, mind you! It's great that they are a proper English band and managed to literally conquer the world of music. I have all of their songs on iTunes (yes, all 212) and they are all equally as good.

Favourite song/s: Let It Be and Penny Lane

Thirty Seconds To Mars are another favourite band of mine. For all of you who haven't heard of them, they write and produce rock/alternative songs. I never normally go for current bands, but considering they've been going since the late 90s I think it's ok. Lead by Jared Leto (centre) they are seriously amazing. If you haven't heard them or listened to them, I totally recommend it. I think, however, you have to be in a certain mood as it's rather "shouty" at some points.

Favourite song/s: Closer To The Edge

I'm pretty sure you haven't heard of these guys. Scottish band Deacon Blue are probably my favourite band of all time. I think they're "on a break" at the moment as Ricky (far right) and wife Lorraine are focusing on their solo careers. Despite this, their music is incredible. The first time I listened to them was when I was four and I've seen them five times live so I absolutely love them.

Favourite song/s: Fergus Sings The Blues, Loves Great Fears, Dignity and When Will You (Make My Phone Ring)?

Irish band U2 are another favourite. Near enough all of their songs are amazing as they have hidden meanings and messages. I love the song Sunday Bloody Sunday as it's about an Irish massacre that happening in 1972. It's a sad song, but they also make up-beat cheerful songs which are my favourites. I was so jealous of everyone at Glastonbury when they headlined the main stage - they were phenomenal - I watched it over and over again!

Favourite song/s: Where The Streets Have No Name, Vertigo and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For.

Those are my favourites, but I obviously have other bands and singers that I enjoy listening to. These include; Foo Fighters, The Fray, Blink-182, Young Guns, Nickelback and The Maine.

I have to thank my dad for getting me into these bands. Without him, I'd still be listening to mainstream music like everyone else! When in conversation, some people ask me what my favourite bands are and it shocks me that the majority have never heard of them. In return, I ask what their's are and they reply with the usual - Lady Gaga, JB, The Wanted etc. I do have one friend, who surprisingly has the same name as me, that loves my kind of music. We always share each others iPods which is nice.

My top played songs on iTunes this week are:

- This Woman's Work by Kate Bush (182)

- First Date by Blink-182 (98)

- This Is War by Thirty Seconds To Mars (73)

- Like We Did by The Maine (56)

Anyway, that concludes my post about music! I love doing blogposts that aren't fashion or beauty related once in a blue moon. It is much more entertaining for me!

Please check the Upcoming Posts tab at the top and don't forget to leave me suggestions. I'm always adding stuff to that list.

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. Barcelona lost!!! I actually couldn't believe it.

Spring Topshop haul

I'm sure you are all aware that Topshop are having a major "spring" sale right now. There is up to 50% of pretty much all of the winter items and some of the upcoming summer items. So, taking full advantage I logged online and browsed for a good half an hour. I am always hesitant to buying online as I have had many negative experiences whereby they've hacked my card, lost my order somehow or simply take months (literally!) to arrive. To prevent number #1 happening again, I always make sure that the shop accepts PayPal - it is the most safest way to buy online, pretty much guaranteed.*

Any-who, in my final basket were four lovely items with price reductions that I simply could not refuse. My aim was to get full-sleeved items as spring in England is cold, but of course I had to get some items for summer. Oops.

Le pictures:

Chaos sweater. I think this will look nice with light blue shorts and large gold jewellery. I love sweaters like this, they are so nice and comfortable. Plus, it's by my absolute favourite in-store designer Illustrated People that make effortless, almost American themed, items. They remind me of a cheaper alternative to the incredibly expensive Wildfox Couture. The majority of their stuff costs almost half the price of a baggy beach jumper! Here's a link to their online store via the Topshop website.

This one is really simple and the reason why I got it is because of the little lion emblem. I love little details like that; strange reason to get it, I know. This cost me £12 which, I think, is pretty awesome considering it was £28. If it wasn't on sale, I don't think I would have got it. Get it here!

I saw this in the store and I absolutely loved the "netted" look it had about it. The only thing that put me off was the fact it looked - and felt - uncomfortable. Despite this, I picked it up anyway due to the huge reduction and I absolutely love it. I tried it on yesterday with some pale blue denim shorts and some black boots and it looks great. I must admit that I didn't go outside wearing it as it was raining/thundering/nearly snowing! I know I definitely will when summer comes around. 

I couldn't find it online, sorry! :'(

This is probably the worst image I have ever took. You can't even see what it looks like. Omg! I'll try and describe it. It is a dark grey (don't get put of by my idiotic camera lighting) lightly baggy cami with the words Established embossed on the front. It's safe to say that I am probably the most boring person when it comes to fashion. I always go for the effortless, lazy look. Jeans, a baggy t-shirt and boots are my favourite combo for winter and for summer, replace jeans with shorts. Simple as. This is mainly why I always buy clothes like above. I have so many tops like it, it's unhealthy. Once, I tried to get into layering and it went completely wrong. I have learnt never to copy anyone else's style completely - adapting it to suit yourself is fine but copying someone - especially without full confidence in what your wearing - doesn't work and it looks so wrong. I have learnt that. I now know not to mix leopard print, floral and colour blocking in one outfit. Yes, it sounds weird but at the time it was cool, ok?! Ha-ha! 

Going off in a tangent here...

I find Topshop to be ridiculously expensive (for what it is) so when the sales come around, I get happy. If you haven't already check out the online sale here or go into your local store. I advise going online first as they have more stock available online than in store!

Happy shopping.

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. Anyone looking forward to the Barcelona vs Chelsea match tonight? Yes, I'm a girl, but I love watching football. Even though I support Arsenal, I think Barcelona are my favourite international team. I'm definitely going to watch! Thank god for Sky Sports.

*Not paid to say that.

All-time favourite pencil eyeliners

Out of gel, pencil and liquid, my favourite type of eyeliner is pencil. I find it so much easier to apply than the others and they are much more universal; you can use them to line your top and bottom lash line, waterline and tight line. I was going to do a post with all my favourite liners (gel, liquid and pencil) but I found that I had double the amount of pencils which says something! *I am still going to review the new LO'real gel liner by the way :)

So, without further ado, here are some of my all time favourites:

1. Avon SuperSHOCK Gel Eyeliner in Black
2. No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil in 10 Brown
3. Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 061 Jet Black
4. Avon In A Blink Liner in Espresso
5. MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown
6. MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating (full review here)
7. MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder

Swatches!

First column: MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating
Second column: No7 Amazing Eyes Pencil in 10 Brown, MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Stubborn Brown and Avon In A Blink Liner in Espresso
Third column: MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder, Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil in 061 Jet Black and Avon SuperSHOCK Gel Eyeliner in Black

Best black liner: Avon SuperSHOCK Gel Eyeliner in Black
Best brown liner: MAC Powerpoint Eye Pencil in Subborn Brown
Best neutral liner: MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating

If I had to choose an overall favourite, it would have to be the SuperSHOCK by Avon. It is incredibly pigmented and is exactly like a gel but in a pencil form which I love! It is super inexpensive (around £6) and lasts a long time.

What's your favourite liner?

Suzanna xoxo

Sephora in the UK?

I'm sure everyone interested in makeup wants a Sephora to open in the UK.

If you didn't already know, Sephora did have a shop at the north of England yet failed to make good sales resulting in closing down. Harrods were believed to stock Sephora's own items, but it seems like they don't anymore as I have just checked.

Aside from the obvious - going to Paris or America - there is another way to buy from Sephora. By going on the Sephora France website here, you are able to order in Euros and then ship to the UK. The only downside to this is the fact it's written in French (you might need Google Translate to help you out!) and the shipping prices can be expensive, depending on where from the UK you live.

Let's hope they decided to open a new chain here. The only comparison to Sephora in the UK is Space NK but it's definitely not as good as Sephora. By the way, I have just e-mailed Sephora international to ask whether they have any future plans to open stores in the UK. I'll keep you updated...that's if I get a reply!

*UPDATE* I just got a reply from Sephora which says:

Dear Suzanna, Thank you for contacting us regarding our new stores in England. We are excited to hear about your interest in our stores. We appreciate your interest in our company and are pleased to hear that you would like a store near you. While we currently do not have any plans for retail locations in England, we are now shipping to England and several other European countries via Sephora France at www.sephora.fr. To view the latest store openings and locations nearest you, please refer to the Store Openings section on the Store Locator at Sephora.com. Regards, Noelle Sephora Client Services

From this, it doesn't look like England will be getting a Sephora anytime soon. Yet, like I said you can order online via Sephora France! Let's just hope they change their minds soon.

Suzanna xoxo

MAC Blot Powder Pressed

MAC Blot Powder in Medium, £20

MAC describes it as a "unique pressed powder designed primarily to provide shine control without adding any noticeable colour or texture."

This is one of my favourite all time powders mainly because it does keep the oils at bay and reduces shine as well as leaving a cake-free finish. It's hardly noticeable. I'm not entirely sure why they have a colour scheme, but for reference I purchased shade medium. At £19 it is pricey, but it definitely lasts a long time. I've had mine for coming up to a year, and I've nearly hit pan. I think it is worth it, however I believe that there are great blot powders at the drugstore. My favourite is the Maybelline "Dream Matte" powder - it's super inexpensive and lasts ages. Get it here.

Suzanna x

Maybelline The Falsies Volum' Express Flared Mascara

Such a long name for a mascara, don't you think?!

This is Maybelline's second take on the original Falsies mascara released many years ago that was a huge public success. I liked it and went through at least three tubes of the stuff. After hearing that they've released a new, updated, version I was excited.

By the title and the use of the word "flared", I assumed that it would space the lashes out much more to make it more defined. And it certainly did that...

One coat applied:

Two coats applied:





As you can see, the more layers to apply, the more flared - separated - the lashes become. It all depends on what kind of look you are going for.


The applicator is curved slightly to give the lashes that extra curl. As a mini-experiment, I didn't curl my lashes before applying the mascara, just to see what it looks like and personally, I wouldn't know the difference. As well as giving volume and length, it also curls the lashed whilst doing so. This is one of the main reasons why I like this mascara so much. Yet some people might not like the fact that the lashes stick together. I definitely think it's worth a try. For an even more dramatic and intense look, I recommend curling your lashes like normal and then applying two coats of the mascara.




However, the downside to this product is the price. For a high-street (drugstore) product, it's rather pricey. When I bought it last month, it cost me nearly £11 which, I think, is crazy! I believe the price has gone down which is a good thing.

Have a great week!

Suzanna xoxo

OPI Love Me Tender

It's one of my favourite polishes in general.

It's such a gorgeous light pink with a hint of gold shimmer. The perfect summer polish.

Get it here:
- United States/Canada
- UK and Northern Ireland
- International








I might do a "current favourites" post next including fashion, hair, beauty and maybe random ones like books, films and music. I think it'll be fun :-D

Let me know what you think.

Suzanna xoxo

Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

The Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum claims it "smoothes and conditions" and says "it helps smooth hair fast with reduced dry time. Helps control frizz and add shine." Sounds perfect. I picked it up from my hairdressers and it cost £15 for 150ml (or 5.1 fl.oz).

It can be considered as pricey for a serum but, if it works, then it doesn't really matter.

As soon as I got home, I was eager to try it. But I love the "day after hair" after going to the hairdressers. It's so nice and soft! So I waited two days later. I washed my hair normally using my beloved TRESemme shampoo and conditioner, which I need to change. My lovely hairdresser said my hair was dry from using it, so I think I'm going to splurge and purchase the Kerastase Nutritive line. Anyway, I washed it and let it air-dry for about 20 minutes. Even though my hair is thin, I have a lot of it so it takes ages to dry. After 20 minutes, I applied the serum onto damp hair (as instructed). The bottle says, for best results, rub one pump into hands, apply onto hair and starting at the ends working towards the scalp. I then finished drying my hair with a hairdryer.

Results? After my hair had completely dried, it was soft and, in addition, there seemed to be less fly-aways that I normally expect after drying my hair, which is positive. After I dry my hair - it's normally 11pm by this point - I would go to bed. So, I did. When I woke up this morning I straightened my hair which was fine but I noticed that my hair wasn't staying straight. After I finished straightening all of my hair I brushed through it to get rid of any tangles but, instead it literally brushed out the 'straight-ness' (ha-ha, I didn't know what else to call it)! My hair was also much more thick that it normally is after drying my hair. My initial thought was the serum, as everything else in my hair routine was the same as it has always been. To solve my problem, I just applied a small amount of Moroccan Oil to the ends of my hair. Moroccan Oil is great, but it makes my hair super greasy and results in having to wash my hair the next day which is a pain.

I am definitely going to try the product again. But, at the moment, I'm "on the fence" about whether I like it or not. Have you tried it, what do you think? :)

Suzanna
XOXO

Style Obsession: the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer

London weather = crazy.

In the space of six hours we've had ice in a rain storm (which broke our Sky network!), then it all melted and we had beautiful hot and sunny weather which then drastically turned into raining again.

Seriously.

Anyway! Due to the weather getting warmer (minus the crazy ice storms), I'm bringing out my sunglasses much more. It's become an essential for me. I am prone to getting headaches so even if it's not hot, but really bright, I still have to wear them. I have many pairs, but my favourite's have to be my Ray-Bans.

These are the Ray-Ban Wayfarer in black.

Model number: RB2140

I love these sunglasses. They go with everything because they're black. I bought these last summer at Heathrow airport before going to Egypt and, at the time, they are £120. I got mine from the Ray-Ban counter but there are many other places you can get them for a cheaper price e.g. The Sunglass Hut always have good offers going on.

I'm contemplating about getting the white ones or a different colour. The blue ones look really nice.


Anyway, I hope you have a lovely day.

Suzanna xoxo

A few inspirational words ♥☮

These are some of my favourite quotes.

Suzanna
XOXO

Shoe obsession and my wish-list

Before I start, I want to say I hope you all had a lovely Easter weekend. Our kitchen is literally filled to the brim with easter eggs and, with my dad on a diet and my mum never eating sugar, I have to eat them all! I'm writing that as if it's a bad thing, oh hell no, I'm a happy bunny :)

Anyway so I was flicking through the April edition of Teen Vogue and came across a Louis Vuitton advertisement with the model wearing the most gorgeous wedges ever. Firstly, I was sad that they were by an expensive brand and secondly, I prayed that they were available in the UK - Teen Vogue is an American magazine so, as expected, all adverts published are American.

So, I went to the LV website - UK version! - and here they are...





They are called the Tuileries Sandal in Silk.

Description of them on the website:
"This stylish update of summer's classic espadrilles comes in pretty heart-print silk coordinating with Louis Vuitton ready-to-wear, and on a comfortable braided raffia wedge."

On the website it says they come in a dark blue with white and black as well. OMG.

I'm not sure which one's I prefer! However, at £570 they are definitely one to splurge on and I am sure that there are many cheaper alternatives in the high street, yet the Louis Vuitton name plastered on the sole makes it extra special. If I'm completely honest, I thought they would be more. Still, I won't be spending that much on a pair of sandals yet. After all, they can only be worn in spring and summer.

I'm also completely head-over-heels (excuse the pun) in love with Christian Louboutin shoes. I can't decide what design I like the most but If I had to choose one, I'd definitely go with the classic black style. The red sole is to die for!

-

I'm just about to watch Sherlock (the TV series) - I love this show so much! Even though I've seen them all, it's nice to re-watch ones you don't remember!

Suzanna
XOXO

Umberto Giannini "Salon Straight Blow Dry Cream"

One of the many items I purchased last week was the Salon Straight Blow Dry Cream by Umberto Giannini. It's a brand that I have purchased from before but, at the time, I had negative results (their shampoo and conditioner were not made for me!) Yet, I didn't want to base my overall impression of the brand based on one or two bad products, so I decided to try out their salon straight collection.

After going to the hairdressers, she told me that my hair was very dry. Immediately, I purchased the Kerastase shampoo and conditioner which is the ones she used on me that day. It makes my hair really silky and smooth and it tames frizz. When they arrive, I'll be sure to do a review on them as well as my Paul Mitchell serum I have ordered. Anyway, when I was at Westfield last week I picked up a sample size of the Umberto Giannini blow dry cream in hope that it would be a substitute while I wait for my Kerastase goodies.

Well, I like it and I don't like it. If that makes sense.

It does what it says - makes my hair look like it's been professionally blow dried at the salon; soft and shiny. However, it makes my hair SO curly! When I first applied it to damp hair (like instructed) I left it for 20 minutes and then blow dried. After drying it, my hair went so curly it's unbelievable. And my hair is naturally poker straight - granted I have the occasionally curl in my hair, but the product made it look like I had an afro. I seriously couldn't believe it. I'm writing this post a day after applying the product and it's still really curly. In that perspective, I do not like it! I am not a fan of curly hair and if I was, I'd want to be in control of that! It's a shame, really. I wanted this product to be good but  I guess Umberto Giannini products just don't work for me.

This is what my hair looked liked a day after using the product:

It's shiny, which is good thing. But it's so curly. It doesn't look that curly in this picture, just wavy, but trust me, it is. It's safe to say I won't be repurchasing, unfortunately.

Like I said reviews on the Kerastase shampoo and conditioner as well as the Paul Mitchell serum are coming soon. Be sure to check out the Upcoming Posts tab on the right!

Suzanna xoxo

Ps. It's my dad's birthday, and he loved his present! Thank goodness :)

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters Review and Swatches

Loads of American beauty gurus on YouTube started raving the Revlon Lip Butters back in October of 2011. They all said they were amazing and a perfect mix of a lipstick and lipgloss - not too sticky and incredibly moisturising.

I was dying to try them.

They were released in early February in the UK and yes, I am late on the bandwagon here! I picked up three of the fourteen shades available just to test them out to see if I was a fan.

I picked up Crème Brûlée, Peach Parfait and Strawberry Shortcake.

Swatches!

Strawberry Shortcake:





























Creme Brûlée:

Peach Parfait:

Overall, I really love these products. To me, they are in-between a lipstick and a lip balm. Most of the colours are sheer but are build able and some of the shades are extremely pigmented just like a lipstick. Out of the three I own, my favourite is Strawberry Shortcake - it looks pigmented in the container and the swatch but when you apply it, it becomes very sheer and really pretty. I also love Peach Parfait; I think this will be my summer go-to shade. The shimmer is gorgeous! Creme Brûlée is a gorgeous colour however I think it's a bit too light for my skin tone. I think it would suit pale skin tones much more as it has a light orange undertone. I can barley see it on myself!

The only negative (*gasp*) about them is the price. For a drugstore product, £7.99 is pretty expensive and in theory, you don't get that much product.

Despite this, I am definitely going to purchase more of the shades. If any of you (in the UK) are struggling to find them, I got mine from Boots. They have just re-stocked on their website. Click here!

Thanks for reading!

Suzanna
XOXO

Ps. Happy Easter! I just had my easter egg hunt, ha-ha! You're never too old :)