Month: September 2011

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation Review

One of my fave beauty items and a necessity in my makeup bag is the MAC Studio Fix Fluid foundation. I’ve used this foundation for around 6 years and it’s always the one I go back to!

What I love about this foundation is that the matte texture provides a medium coverage for during the day but it can be built up for evening wear.

It does have quite a thick consistency which means it can be used sparingly and the bottle lasts ages!

Although it provides a clear long-lasting coat, it doesn’t feel too heavy or suffocating, allowing my skin to breathe.

The main reason I use this foundation is to cover a few acne scars on my cheek. While they are not too obvious, they are there, and the MAC Studio Fix is the only foundation I’ve found to really cover them up without caking on a concealer.

It’s also SP15 which is a huge benefit when wearing during the day, however, I have read many MUA’s talking about how foundation with sun protection can make your face flash much lighter in photos. I normally use bronzer in the evening so it really isn’t too much of an issue for me but it could be worth testing out yourself to see how it works for you.

I would also advise using a good powder (after) or primer (before) and apply with a foundation brush.

Mac Studio Fix Fluid £19.50

I heart the Kimono

I lived in my kimono tops this Summer, particularly my floral turquoise/pink/purple kimono blouse. I love that you can throw them on over a vest top & dress up a simple outfit, they are comfy & can be tied to wear as a crop top with palazzo pants! Now it’s winter, I have been searching for a warmer, winter-esque Kimono top and my faves from the high street are the Topshop black kimono with lovely laser cut detail (£58) and the ASOS scalloped, embellished nude kimono (£75). However, as much as the ASOS Kimono is beautiful I do think £75 for a polyester top is slightly too much!

The Book Thief

The Book Thief, written by Markus Zusak, follows the story of a young girl named Liesel growing up just outside of Munich during the Holocaust. We see the war, struggle and strength of those around her, which at times is very powerful.

I chose not to read the prologue as it focused so much on death and the one part of the book that I really didn’t like is that it is, in fact, narrated by death.

The story took a while for me to get into but after the first few chapters I was itching to read on and find out what Liesel did next, the growing friendship she had with Max – the Jewish man in her basement – and the analysis of the horrific Nazi regime from a young German girl’s point of view. I finished this book within a week and would highly recommend it.

Today’s Wish List – Melissa Odabash Kaftan

The rain is pouring & the thunder is stamping away in the sky so I have decided to pretend it’s Summer. I love Melissa Odabash designs, particularly the kaftans but my favourite is this Aurora purple silk, full-length kaftan. I love how the shape of the kaftan covers your body while the opening keeps it quite alluring. If I could justify (one day) spending £344 on a kaftan then I would wear this while sipping a cocktail and watching the sunset at Cafe del mar in Ibiza. This is perfect for your Ibiza wardrobe! Very glam!

PS. You can currently buy this for £167 at Figleaves. Snap it up while you can ladies.

You are what you eat – Food intolerance test

Today I used my Groupon voucher for a Bio-Electronic Regulatory Food Intolerance test. I held a handpiece while the therapist used a probe to connect different food types to an acupuncture point on my finger. I must add that before this process took place the therapist gave me an electric shock, which was more uncomfortable than any actual physical pain- followed by varying different food substances tested to see how my body reacted to each one. The Daily Mail have an article ‘Put your food intolerance to the test’ explaining the procedure in more detail.

The results? Well according to the lovely therapist I have the most food intolerances she has ever seen. This doesn’t suprise me at all, particularly as I suffer from terrible IBS and have done for the last few years. Blood tests, food diaries and medicine didn’t help so hopefully this will. I left with a chart on what foods tested very intolerant and that I should avoid (for example certain fish, cows milk, olive oil, lactose, various fruit etc) and others that I shouldn’t eat/drink too much off – including white wine!!

If you struggle with IBS or similar symptoms, I definitely reccomend this. Although do remember your body needs a balanced diet so don’t cut everything out!

The Cancer Journey – Positive steps to help heal yourself

I first read about Cambs-based Polly Noble in the Cambridge Evening News in 2008/09 when Polly kindly spoke at an event I organised, Swap and the City.

During this time I was living with my Grandad who unfortunately suffered at the hands of Cancer, so I have watched the dreaded C word eat away at a person. I always felt so helpless that I couldn’t do anything to help make his journey a little easier but this book, The Cancer Journey, explains how you can do just that.

The book provides useful information on how you can help heal yourself through a number of positive steps – from what you should and shouldn’t eat and the importance of diet to how to really make the most out of your doctors.

Polly is not only inspirational but makes me really appreciate life. Take a look at Polly’s website (fab raw food recipes) and buy a copy of The Cancer Journey to find out how you can really take control of your life, health and happiness. If you have ever been affected by Cancer, this is the book for you.

You can pre-order your copy of The Cancer Journey for only £10 before Sept 19th by clicking here.

Behind the glasses – Lagerfield Confidential

Have you ever wondered what lies behind the glasses of Karl Lagerfield? If you haven’t already watched it I can recommend the documentary Lagerfield Confidential. Although this was released in 2007, Mr Lagerfield’s work is timeless and this really is an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the ultimate fashion icon. Some parts touch on the uttermost personal fragments of Lagerfield’s life that really expose who this elusive person is behind the dark glasses, including the obsessive nature of his own ‘image’ and imperfections. It’s as if you’re invited into a secret world of fashion fantasy and I absolutely loved it!

If you liked The September Issue, you’ll love this!

Love, Life & Style

Fashion, Beauty, Wedding, Travel