IMATS London 2013

If there is one day of the year that I look forward to more than most, it is the day I go to IMATS. I've been for the previous two years and have loved each and every time. It's so lovely to see so many creative and passionate people in one place. I am definitely the most makeup/skincare/beauty obsessed out of my friends, without a doubt, and when I go to IMATS I feel like I finally fit in somewhere. I can turn round to the person next to me and rattle off how I'm totally in love with *this* lipstick shade and they can respond, knowing what I'm talking about! 

Philosophy The Present primer  |  Dr Jart Waterfuse BB Cream  |  By Terry Touche Veloutee  |  Rimmel Stay Matte powder  |  MAC Fleur Power  |  NARS Laguna  |  Urban Decay Primer Potion  |  MAC Vanilla (lid)  |  MAC Naked Lunch (inner corner)  |  MAC Trax (crease)  |  MAC Sketch (outer corner)  |  Topshop Coal liner  |  Clinique High Impact Extreme  |  MAC Omega (brows)  |  Revlon Balm Stain in Honey  |  Skindinavia Original Setting Spray

This year, not only did I meet some of the most influential makeup artists in the industry, I also met some of the biggest names in the blogging/YouTube community. I can honestly say that they were all just as lovely as they come across in their blogs/videos. I briefly spoke to Fleur and Ingrid, they had a long line of people waiting to talk to them so it was a fleeting conversation but they were so nice and bloody gorgeous! I also got to have a quick chat with Becky who was lovely, she was wearing such a pretty dress. I love it when you meet someone genuinely cheerful and talkative - they're so easy to be around.

Sneaky snap of Captain Jack Sparrow... 

I was lucky enough to be a few rows back in the 'Power of Social Media' talk which was hosted by Ruth, Louise, Vivianna and Caroline. It was hilarious, they had great chemistry as a group and divulged on some of the tricks of the trade and some rather amusing stories and opinions. It was so nice to get the opportunity to talk to the people behind the blogs, very motivational too. I didn't get the chance to chat to Caroline afterwards but Ruth, Louise and Vivianna were all really friendly (and so beautiful) and stood for photos with countless people which was very kind of them!

If you're a makeup lover or just love the blogging/YouTube community then I'd definitely recommend going to IMATS. I didn't get the chance to do much shopping this year (NARS was absolutely crazy, SO busy) but the brands usually have some kind of discount which is always nice!

Did any of you guys go to IMATS? Send me your links to any posts you've done! 

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Spring Favourites 2013

01. Moroccan Oil 100ml     02.Tangle Teezer     03. Bioderma Crealine H20 500ml      04. MAC 'Woodwinked' eyeshadow      05. Marc Jacobs 'Dot'      06. Yankee Candle in 'Fluffy Towels'      07. Essie polishes in 'Peach Daiquiri', 'Mint Candy Apple' & 'Sand Tropez'        08. Avon Super Shock gel liner in 'Blackberry'

Summer is officially here and I'm sat typing this in a hoodie and fluffy socks, typical. Despite the miserable weather, I've been really into the standard spring trends over the past few months, light floral scents & lighter and brighter colours! Here are some of my go-to items and products this Spring...

01. Moroccan Oil is an absolute essential for me, I literally don't know what I'd do without it. As a ex-bleachaholic my hair has sustained some serious damage over the years. I've stopped dying my hair now but I'm still living with the consequences - really, REALLY dry and damaged split ends. Moroccan Oil actually makes it possible for me the brush my hair without crying.

02. Along with help from Moroccan Oil, my Tangle Teezer, somehow, manages to easily glide through and untangle my matted & dry hair - amazing. I have 3 in total, it's safe to say that I am obsessed!

03. This is a blogger favourite but to be honest Bioderma really does deserve the hype. I have really sensitive eyes, especially around this time of year (hay fever, ergh!) and Bioderma makes removing my makeup a dream. No stinging, bloodshot eyes... Yes!

04. I love Woodwinked, it's such a beautiful warm, antiqued gold colour when packed on but if you blend it, it transforms into a slightly-less-shimmery-orangey-brown shade! Two eyeshadows in one really, I have a feeling this will be a Summer staple too - It looks divine with a pop of blue eyeliner!

05. This scent is so fresh and floral, with notes of different flowers, fruits and vanilla. It's still quite a sweet fragrance, which I really look for when perfume shopping. A spritz or two of this would be lovely for during the day or a night out as well.

06. I don't really associate candles with Spring/Summer but as the weather is so terrible at the moment, I have wanted to just snuggle up with a good read and a candle flickering in the background. I tried to stay with fresh scents to stay in a Summery mood and Fluffy Towels is just perfect - it's a lovely bath time candle.

07. There's not very much to say about these except 'how gorgeous are these colours?!' The formula is lovely, not streaky or sheer. The only issue I have with them is that I find they chip fairly easily but then again, my nails aren't in the best condition...

08. I purchased this quite recently but I think I'm in love. I've had the Super Shock liner in black before and really loved that too. The gel consistency makes then so soft and the pigmentation is truly incredible, even in the waterline!

What have been your favourite products this Spring?

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Baking for Fathers Day.

Fathers Day is upon us once again and this year, I was truly stumped with what to get my Dad. I settled on making him some tasty (hopefully) goodies which is always a winner in my household - food is the way to our hearts, especially my Dad's. We are all foodies, we just love to sit around the dinner table at the end of the day and chat over some yummy food.

I decided to make two of my Dad's favourite treats, Brownies and Cheesey scones. It's always a bit of a challenge, baking for my family - 3 of us our gluten free so it's usually either a complete disaster or a 'okay, I'll change *this* next time' type of situation. Gluten free baking is all about trial and error. Though, after 8 years of adapting recipes and learning some sneaky tricks, I seem to have a pretty good handle on the whole shebang.

The recipe which I ended up changing entirely... Oops.

The weather in the UK is so miserable right now! I thought it was meant to be Summer!?

The curse of gluten free baking - most things turn to crumbs! 

I am so lucky to have such a wonderful Dad, after we almost lost him a few years ago, I really cherish those little chats we have about music or those giggles about my Mum's quirky habits. Having him here and well means so much to me and I love spoiling him, on Fathers Day especially.  I hope you're all having a lovely Fathers Day or just a really relaxing Sunday! If anyone is interested in my gluten free brownie recipe then I will most certainly do a post on it.

What are your plans for today?

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