A Change of Heart

Dear Past,

Thanks for all the lessons,

I find myself sat here thinking of all the experiences I've been through in my life which have helped me to become a stronger person. I've realised that no relationship is perfect and each one can have it's ups and downs. I think the one thing I've found it knowing when a relationship is worth fighting for and which ones are doomed from the beginning.

In order to maintain a healthy relationship you need to do fun and exciting things together that you both enjoy, spending quality time together and enjoying every moment like its your last. I am only 19 years old but I like to think I am very mature for my age and like most teenagers we have all had our hearts broken once which leads me to think, a key rule to success is showing each other how much you care and love each other on a day to day basis. Making sure you communicate is something I've figured will also keep you both on the same page, knowing how each other are feeling weather that's good or bad!

From a family members experience in relationships it shows me that the best relationships go through the bad times and come back stronger than ever, that's a kind of love that is meant to be. Relationships are a two way thing its always good to be able to comprise with one another, I'm not saying change who you are but sometimes you change a little in a relationship to make sure it works.

I've understood that some relationships are never meant to be and that sometimes you have to let that relationship slowly drift away in order to grow and learn from your mistakes. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and you have to take these steps in life to lead you to the next chapter of your life.

I am in a relationship I'm still learning from I'd like to think I've found the right one, but if there's one thing I would say about life is you never know what's around the corner. I've realised I should always go with my gut instinct as I am normally right.

This is a short post about a few things, but it is a turn in my blog I'd like to branch out too because I'd love to give advice and tips about any sort of relationships and life lessons.

Dear Future,

I'm ready.

A complimenting contour palette

Seventeen Contour Palette | Real Techniques Bold Metallics 

Yes I am back and blogging, whilst I've been away this a new favourite I couldn't wait to show you all! 

Seventeen have brought out a two colour contour palette, which I was really excited to try out! This palette is great for getting a light natural look, which I found I love to use on a day to day basis. I decided to purchase a new contour brush to see which type of brush works best for this palette. I am a huge lover of real techniques brushes, you really get the best for what they are worth. I found the palette itself applied lovely, however it takes a few strokes to bring out the colour of the bronzer. The tone of bronzer looks darker than how it actually appears on your skin. A tip I would give whilst using this product would be to apply a primer before hand to get that lasting look. The highlighter is amazing for concealing your foundation, it really brings out the areas best to lighten. I love to apply this on the my forehead, nose, under my eyes and chin this highlighter is lasting throughout the day. Seventeen palette is a great little palette to keep in your bag everyday its a small product but creates a magic look.

The real techniques contour brush I used is 301 flat contour which I found defines your cheek bones and gives you a glowing look. I found when using this brush it didn't have the soft feel its slightly tougher, but this is the reason you get a concentrated contour. I also used my mac contour angled 168 brush to use seventeen bronzer which I felt gives you a lighter contour and a more natural look. This brush is great to shade out any lines and to blend your contouring. I definitely recommend both brushes both create that perfect finish.

Have you tried out this contour palette?

Maybelline New York | FAVOURITE LIPPY'S

NUDE NUDE NUDE! Is all we hear about when it comes to lipsticks it's a trend that has set off! Being a girl with naturally tinted pink lips it's been a look I've struggled to adapt until now! Maybelline New York's Lipstick Collection is endless from your fuchsia pinks, saucy reds and shimmering nudes. I found two remarkable nude and I decided to show you the summer pink lipstick as its a favourite I use on a day to day basis. 

Finding the right lip liners for nude colours has proven a challenge for me, searching high and low I found two perfect options to mix with these glamorised lipsticks. Now they are slightly tinted pink but I feel having slightly darker liner shows off the shape of your lips and compliments the neighbourly nude.

I recommend: 

Maybelline New York | Summer Pink 148 with Maybelline New York Intense Pink 140

Maybelline New York | Tantalizing Taupe 725 with Maybelline New York Sweet Pink 132

Maybelline New York | Sultry Sand with Loreal Paris Always Toasted 708

This photo is showing the Maybelline New York Tantalising Taupe. 

These lipsticks have a soft and moisturising texture which lasts throughout the day. Summer Pink and Tantalizing taupe both have a shimmer finish where as sultry sand has a sheen matte finish. I love the shiny glossy case and how easy the lipstick twirls up. They are affordable and give you a glowing look. 

Do you like the Maybelline Lipstick collection?
   

Revolution Flawless Ultra 32 Eye-shadow Palette | PART TWO

COLOUR SERIES | BURDANDY NIGHTS

Ff

Following my previous review of Makeup Revolution New Ultra 32 Palette, I have been eager to test a look which suits me best. I don't always like to flaunt bold colours on my eyes, as I have long eyelashes and big eyes, so usually bold colours will emphasis this more. However since having this new palette, I have had a change of heart which isn't like me as I am not one for change. Burdandy Nights is the shade I used for this look, it's gorgeous glowing colour sets off your eyes straight away. The colour burdandy itself is very breath taking and allows you to create depth for a smokey eye.  

Recommended Products for Eye Makeup:

Contour Eye: Use Almost There with a large brush 

Cover Eye Lid: Use Red Night starting from inner corner

Outer Corner: Tip- Revlon Double Ended Smokey Eye Brush works wonders to apply Burdandy Nights to create the smoked look. 

Define Crease: Use Cafe Noir. 

Highlight below brow and corner of eye: Use Shimmer Heart

Eyelashes: Gosh Crazy Volume

Lipstick of the Week - Maybelline New York Lip Liner Intense Pink 140 used to compliment the Maybelline 148 Summer Pink Lipstick. This lipstick is great for mosituring your lips and keeping that bold pink colour throughout the day. 

I have completely fallen in love with this Makeup Revolution Flawless Palette from the minute I set eyes on it! I can't recommend this product enough, it's tremendous textures and pigments leave you with stunning looks! It has rich indulgence colours ready to sweep you off your feet like a knight in shining armour. No doubt this is my February Favourite so far!

Have you had tried this out yet?

Revolution Flawless Ultra 32 Eye-shadow Palette | PART ONE

Makeup Revolution Hits the High Streets 

Well, Makeup Revolutions has come out roaring with their brand new products, and boy have they come out with a bang. 

Revolution has got everyone talking, currently being a user of their products I dived at the opportunity for a new eye-shadow palette. I couldn't help myself, after seeing some amazing reviews of make revolution new eye-shadow palettes, I had to try it out for myself. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety of different shades of colours and how long this product lasts throughout the day of course with a touch of primer to help along the way. 

This feisty flawless ultra palette comes with 32 different shades which has a simple and appealing packaging! The palette comes in a flattering gold shimmer case which opens up to the shiny black hard case. One my favourite new touches revolution used is different names for each individual colour, as for people like beauty bloggers this comes in very handy! 

I decided to doing some testers for you to see the range of shimmering, glowing and matte finishes. I found the lighter tones with matte finishes didn't have a strong glow, however primer being applied first works wonders. The dazzling glowing glitter and shimmer colours give a divine finish, especially the lighter tones for highlighting. The pigments and sheering textures are great for how affordable this palette is! This palette is great as your almost 99% guaranteed to find a colour which really suits you. 

This palette is the perfect combination of neutral matte and shimmer shades. Revolution have gone beyond to create a ultra high finish. This product is a great size to pop into your handbag, I find it handy for going back and forth to my partners. This product was also a bargain at only £8! If your anything like myself and feel you cant afford to pay out on those expensive brands, this is a brand which can still leave you with that high end look. As the price is so great I'm likely to go back to my beauty store again next week to get the 32 matte palette. I have had a lot of fun experimenting new looks with this ultra 32 palette. This post I really wanted to focus on how ambitious Makeup Revolution have been to pull off an astonishing beauty. A up coming post with a new look will follow, using this product. 

What do you think of Makeup Revolution's Flawless Ultra 32 Eye-shadow Palette? 

Just Jodie xo

Valentines Day | Make up

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY SPECIAL 

               

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, it's a day to not only show your partners how much you love them, but also to look sassy and sexy. Us women love to get dolled up for our partners, days like valentines are there to give them a little reminder of how hot we can all look! I was very much inspired to do this post after seeing the movie trailer for fifty shades of grey. I have read the first book and did enjoy it, I'm very much looking forward to watching the film too! For Valentine's Day you want a look which that will mesmerise and capture your partners eyes. I created a look which gives a saucy sizzling glowing mood. Yes before you ask my boyfriend is in the background playing PS4 in most of my pictures, so I decided to get creative. I have decided to put together a video which show my step my step progress to getting the finished Valentine look. My boyfriend and I plan to have a lovely meal on Valentine's Day mostly likely at a restaurant, as I can't cook to save my life! Personally I love any excuse to get my face and really be able to make an effort. If you have someone special why not try a look they will never forget... 

These are the products I used to create this glowing valentines day look, which will capture your partners eyes. 

                 

Face Products:

- Revolution Primer applied gently with tips of my fingers. 

- Pro long wear Mac Foundation NW20 applied with Mac Foundation Brush 187.

- Urban Decay Flushed Contour palette Bronzer applied with Mac contour brush 160.

- Rimmel Hide the Blemish Concealer Sand 002 to highlight under my eyes, bridge of nose and forehead.

- Rimmel eye bro pencil Medium Brown.

- Rimmel powder 005 to complete highlighting. 

Eye Makeup:

- Bourjois Paris Smokey Quad shadow palette Upside Brown. 

- Light gold for the whole of my eyelid.

- Medium brown to blend upwards and into crease. 

- Dark brown to give more depth into the crease and along my eyelash line. 

- White gold to highlight under my eyebrow and lighten the whole of my eyelid.

Lips products: 

- Gosh nougat crisp lip liner applied to the whole of my lips. 

- Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Lips Cherry over the top to give a glowing shine. 

NAIL ART FASHION | February

AUTUMN NAILS 

It's that time of month again when I get to book myself for my nails to be pampered, my favourite time. During autumn it's always nice to go for punching oranges, fuchsia pinks and deep reds. The most recent nail fashion I've seen is to use gold lines so I decided to mix these two ideas together. I was inspired by these images I came across on Instagram. Instagram is by biggest inspiration to design my nails before I go to my beautician Maggie. 

My favourite nail bar in the world has to be Laque Nail Bar in Hollywood they do some beautiful but striking designs. I have promised myself if I can, to try and visit there one day, I know I'm dreaming right? only celebrities can afford that. 

Laque Nail bar: http://instagram.com/laquenailbar

I decided to go for gel nails as I find these last at least 3 weeks and have the best finish. Short and pointed was the style I wanted as it emphasises the love heart on my third and fourth nail. To combine my two ideas I had the soft peach colour as it sets off your tan. The darker shade to create the love heart and the gold line to outline. As you can tell I am a little crazy and obsessed with my nails, everyone always tells me. I couldn't really tell you how it all started, taking a guess its down my last job. At my old job I wasn't able to wear nail varnish so I guess this last year now being in a new job has allowed me to go a little mad.

Nail products used:

Barry M- Peach Melba

Barry M- Pink Flamingo for the heart

Link to buy these products: http://www.barrym.com/products/nails/paint/all-nail-paints.html

NEUTRAL SERIES | MOROCCAN GLOW

Pay day Treats

It has been a while since I last did a post, been a busy girl at work. I have finally had a day off to show you the treats I have purchased recently as it's pay day for me! I decided to take a trip to my local boots store as I am planning a night out soon. At the moment the smoky neutral eye is a favourite of mine, and I can never have enough neutral colours. I am decided every week I am going to post with different neutral eye looks along with a lip colour. Personally I love how flattering neutral colours are and how well they suit me with the hair colour I currently have.  

Steps to your Moroccan glow look

Face products:
Revolution Primer
Mac Foundation Pro Longwear NW20 applied with Mac Foundation brush 187
Naked Urban Decay Flushed to contour my cheek bone, jaw line + outer forehead
Rimmel Hide the Blemish concealer to highlight under my eyes, forehead and nose blended with No.7 beauty blender

Eyes and Eyebrows Products: For this section I will do a step by step how to apply the eye make-up.

1. I used BarryM primer and applied to the whole of my lid.
2. Using my No.7 eye colour brush I applied No.7 Starry Lights to the whole of my lip as a base colour. 
3. To create the look use No.7 Moroccan sands and use a blending brush and gently apply from the corner of your eye over to the inner corner. 
4. To add depth to the look apply any dark shade of brown and apply into the crease and outer corner.
5. If you want to add more glam to the look, I added colour tattoo maybelline gel-cream eye-shadow to the line of my eye.
6. Mac black eye-liner to create cat eye.
7.Eyebrows- Rimmel Brow Pro Medium Brown

Lip Products:
A new favourite of mine Maybelline New York sweet pink 132 lip liner with Rimmel 725 
tantalizing taupe its a beautiful nude colour, the first one I have managed to match to my own lip colour - its long lasting too! 

Video Glance of Moroccan Glow

coming soon..

HAIR STRAIGHTENING TIPS

GHD White Eclipse Styler Review

For christmas I had these new GHD's bought for me by my generous boyfriend. Since I can remember there was actually a way to make your hair straight I have always used GHD's. My mum is a hairdresser I think that's why I have always opted for GHD's. Growing up at the age of 13-14 I discovered the beauty of straighteners and how magical they are. At this age I always thought it was amazing how silky your hair looks once you've used them, if you had straighteners of your own which were GHD's it was a privilege back then. GHD's white eclipse are a different style to what I am use to normally, I have to say they are perfect! They are great for medium/long hair which will takes away curls/frizz with one stroke. The metal plates also have 3 sensors throughout which maintains the heat right through. Personally I have thick hair and with these new high gloss white straighteners its only takes 10 minutes to get my hair straight throughout, its makes getting ready for work so much quicker. The plates of these GHD's are larger, which I found amazing as it straightens larger sections. This style of GHD's are great for creating big curls, if you can use straighteners to curl, which creates a lovely finish.

Going through high school all I did with my hair was straighten it, just to tie it up in a ponytail, what was i thinking? I found by the age of 16 my hair was ruined and I had lots of split ends. Best tips I have to keeping your hair in good condition if you straighten your hair a lot like me. Firstly always use a heat protection spray before using straighteners. There a number of different heat sprays you get to fit your type of hair, for myself I use GHD straight and smooth for thick hair. After washing my hair I always use Garnier ultimate blends oil for all hair types and apply on the ends of my hair.

I highly recommend these straighteners and products to use whilst straightening to create that sleek and smooth finish. GHD's are great as my previous pair lasted 3 years and I can't fault the finish it leaves.

University or Work Life?

How I made my lifestyle choice...

It was 2 years ago I left sixth form and finished my A levels, I had an A in art, B in ICT and C in geography. As you can tell by my subject choices I had no idea where I wanted to be in life after sixth form, which a lot of people find themselves in that situation wondering what path to take? It was coming towards applying for university and I decided I wanted to become a nurse and study child nursing. I feel this idea had come from seeing my twin sisters being born in a neonatal unit and how the lifestyle of a child nurse would be. Long story short I had a few interviews but didn't get a placement. This got me thinking was university really the place I wanted to be for the next 3 years? I applied to study ICT at Cardiff university I had a place to start in September 2013 in the end.

Whilst I had my 6 weeks summer holiday I was working part time in McDonalds which pains me to say! I had got to the point where I really couldn't stand to work there much longer! So I started applying for full time jobs. My step mum worked in Admiral car insurance in customer services, which she had talked about to me, I found it really interesting. Admiral sounded like heaven compared to where I worked from the incentives to work parties, so I applied for a job in Admiral in the renewals department. 

Weeks before I was due to start university, I had an interview for Admiral I was over the moon. This was the most nerve racking moment of my life, it was my first proper interview. Finding something to wear was stressful, I opted for a black suit and white blouse with black trousers, I was feeling rather confident in my suit! I found the interview went well but I found myself anxiously waiting for a reply from them. One day I was sat outside McDonalds on my break on a nice summers day, and I had a phone call from Admiral to congratulate me on getting the job!! I couldn't have been happier, I was really chuffed with myself. 

The photo I uploaded on Instagram the day of my interview.

It soon dawned on me that I was due to start university and I had to make my first real life choice. I weighed up the pros and cons for both. 

University was great in the fact you come out of it with a highly qualified degree, you meet loads of new friends, most say university can be the best time of your life. The cons is the amount of debt you can get into and after you finish there is no real guarantee of a job. A lot of companies don't like to employ people who are over qualified. 

Thinking about working full time at Admiral was definitely something I liked the idea of. I am very money driven, I personally love the idea of having my own money, instead of debt from uni. Admiral offered me so many benefits including shares in the company, incentive pay and massive Admiral summer parties. Admiral would also give me the opportunity to meet new people too. The cons is that yes the reality of life hits you, I'd have to stand on my own two feet. I think university still gives you comfort and the feeling of not having to worry about anything. I found getting a full time job quite daunting and scary l was very unsure what to do. 

Fast approaching was September and I finally decided to ditch university, hand my resignation to McDonald's and start working for Admiral which I was very sure about after weighing everything up. At this time I has also met my boyfriend which was going well and the thought of being bogged down my university and not being able to see him, wasn't something I liked the idea of. Relationships are definitely something you always think about if your in one, when thinking about going to university, especially if your thinking of moving far away from home. 

By this post you may think I'm biased about work life but this was the best choice ive ever made. I have now been working in Admiral for 1 year and 4 months, I love where I work, I love all the new people ive met and I actually enjoy waking up for work. I sound crazy I know.. But even now I still love my job, now more than ever. The reason I chose work was one I couldn't face any more exams ever again and I wanted to start living my life. I have bought my first car and planning to move out with my boyfriend. These things wouldn't be possible without being in employment.

That's my little story about how my life has changed in the last 2 years, my dad always said "one day you will wake up to the real world" and now that actually makes sense to me. 

What do you think uni or work after school/college? 

NEUTRAL SERIES | SMOKEY BRONZE

Inspired by Vogue created by Just Jodie

I've been make-up shopping again, oh what a surprise, I just can't stop myself from walking into my new favourite shop Beauty Studio by Superdrug exclusive to Cardiff St.Davids 2. The girls are so helpful and friendly in there couldn't fault the service! I went in there to find some nice eye-shadow palette's which look good for less! I purchased Revolution Redemption Palette Iconic 3 which I have really pleased with how it looks and it only costs £4! 

This look is really natural as its the new look to have, as quoted by vogue "I think that effortlessness is the key word for next season. Less is more. It definitely isn't about trying to hard". 

Taken vogues new inspiration this is the look I created Natural Hair and Make-up.

This look is all about looks for less and natural. I used my Revolution redemption palette Iconic 3 and used colour no.2 and colour no.12. I started by applying colour no.2 to whole of my eye lid and into my crease. To make the colour pigment look better, I applied a bit of water to my new techniques shading brush, this just defines the colour on to your skin. Taking a dry new techniques shading brush I took no.12 and started to blend from the corner of my eye into the crease to create a smoky look. I tend to apply this lightly and slowly add more, remember more is less! To finish the look I used colour no.1 the white highlighter and applied underneath my brow. To define my eye brows I used Rimmel London eyebrow pencil 002 Hazel. This look is so quick and easy to do, I used this look to go to work its nothing over the top its a look which is natural. 

I even decided to get the natural hair look that day too, if I'm honest I love my natural hair, its a style I have been doing a lot lately. I love getting natural waves, my hair is naturally straight/waved, to get beautiful waves I used certain products. Whilst washing my hair I like to use L'oreal Elvive Colour Protect Shampoo and conditioner, I have recently dyed my hair ombre colour which meant I had to use bleach. To protect my hair from hair dye and redeem colour, I also use L'oreal Elvive Colour Protecting Masque, which I apply on wet hair, leave it in for 3 mins and rinse out generously, leaving a smooth feel to your hair. Without fail my favourite product which defines my perfect natural waves is Garnier Ultimate Blends Oil which I use a few drops of and apply all over, mostly on the tips of my hair. This oil is great as it helps to nourish and protect my hair as well as giving me a natural hair look. They say its not good practice to go to bed with wet hair but I do and then by the morning my hair is wavey and dry, that's just a personal opinion, I know some cant do this. 

Gel Nails V Shellac

This is how my crazy nail obsession started...

Getting my nails done has been a growing obsession from this time last year. I have an office job working for Admiral car insurance, this means I'm constantly at my desk tapping away at my computer, having my nails done in a way it gives me confidence.  When I first started having my nails done I liked having shellac with the natural length of my nails, it gives a lovely finish to my natural nail, but shellac chipped very easily. The picture below are my nails I had to go on holiday last July, just to add I don't do my own nails. I go to a place in Cardiff and a lovely polish lady does them for me named Maggie, she does my nails to perfection. I'm the definitely the girl for the latest trends and inspiration when getting your nails pampered. I get my nails done about every 3 weeks sometimes sooner just because I love trying out new designs.

Gel nails are by far the best!

Around August last year I decided to change to having gel nails, the difference is unreal these nails will last up to 4 weeks maybe even longer. Where as shellac you'd be lucky to last 2 weeks. The benefits of gel is that you can use normal nail varnish over the top so if you get bored of one colour you can switch and change the shape of your nail if you wanted. Shellac unfortunately you cant change the colour of and if you use a nail file it chips the shellac. Gel nails are also much easier to take off, my beautician just files the nails down and then does a new set on top. One of the beauty's of gel is if you are really good like Maggie you can create tips to lengthen your nails, which I quite often had done before my real length. Finding the right place to get your nails done can be challenging, lucky for me the first place I went too I couldn't fault. 

Currently the nails I have at the moment I have decided to go for a bright new pink colour to start of the new year. Having gel nails for a while now has allowed my natural nails to grow so they are my real length, with a rounded shape to make them look more natural. Recently I have loved having the pointed nails because its easier to manage on a day to day basis. 

Tip- Do not get ripped off! I pay £18 for a set of gel nails without any design. If I want a design like the second picture, it varies from £20-£22. I hear so many people pay at least £30 pound which is crazy money. 

If your looking for ideas or inspiration my previous nails here are below. These designs can be used at any time of the year, or if you want a new look for spring 2015 take a look. Personally I like to have designs its adds a little unique touch, each image below are all nails I designed myself and then Maggie my beautician does the job.

If you are stuck in your ways getting acrylic/shellac nails, stop right there and try out gel nails for the 2015.

My favourite 2014 nail varnish was Barry M Blue Moon- loved this in the summer and sometimes I would use Barry M Masquerade over the top.

If you have any questions about gel nails or how these looked are created please comment I'd be happy to let you know. 

Just Jodie x

What MAC brushes are right for you?

MAC purchases

Recently I've purchased new MAC brushes which are amazing! The first one I have is MAC 187, which I use to apply my MAC NW20 foundation. This brush just does the work for you, I apply using small circular moments which leaves a smooth radiant glow. 

I purchased a MAC large angled brush 168, this brush works best to contour your face when applying your face make-up. I use this brush in a downwards brush along my cheek line, edges of forehead and jaw line. These three areas are the best to contour. Then to blend my contouring I always feel it's best to go back to my MAC 187 and blend any rough edges. 

This is my favourite purchase from the MAC brushes collection. This MAC 209 brush is perfect for applying your eye-liner. You can freely draw the line across your eyelid and I even use it for my bottom eye-line too! Personally I use the MAC black track eye-liner which combines perfectly with this MAC 209. 

                               

I will be posting a tutorial on how to contour your face, which will show you exactly how to use these brushes to get the best perfection.

Links for these MAC brushes

MAC 187- 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/146/26843/Products/Brushes/Face/187SH-Duo-Fibre-Face-Brush/index.tmpl

MAC 168-

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/146/324/Products/Brushes/Face/168-Large-Angled-Contour-Brush/index.tmpl

MAC 209-

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/145/812/Products/Brushes/Eye/209-Eye-Liner-Brush/index.tmpl