The Official Colour of 2015: Get The Look

Ta da! The colour of 2015 is Marsala, and Pantone promises it to be "robust, earthy, sophisticated, hearty, stylish and fulfilling". Sounds like a colour you need in your life... here's some products that will meet those Marsala-y needs!

Spice It Up Lipstick, Mac

This is such a lovely lipstick, and oozes marsala. It's a "lustre" lipstick, so if you're not into a bold red lip, this could be right up your street as it is a dewy formula. It's also pretty subdued and wearable, just like Pantone's colour of the year. Definitely something everyone can wear!

New York Eyeshadow, Nars

I do love myself some Nars eyeshadows, and New York is going to be right on trend for 2015! A beautiful bruised red colour that will be perfect to warm up a smoky eye

Downtown Brown Nailpolish, Essie

This is like no other brown... mostly because it's not brown but a lovely rich mahogany that is practically the same as marsala. Since it's super festive, it'll look perfect with a LBD and heels for a Christmas party.

Back to Basics: Skincare products you'll find in your home

Tea Tree

Tea tree oil is one of my favourites for clearing acne, being dubbed as "natures antiseptic". Studies have shown it is as effective as 5% benzoyl peroxide in controlling those nasty spots! It's also super cheap: available at supermarkets and drug stores from as little as £2.99 as an oil (Tesco, Superdrug, Boots), or if you're perhaps looking for something a little more portable and on the go there's the Tisserand Tea Tree+ Anti Blemish Stick at £4.50. The great news is, tea tree not only helps acne, but has multiple uses: curing athletes foot, head lice, viruses, and coughs, giving it holy grail status in my eyes.

Baking Soda

Another at home remedy... baking soda really is the perfect exfoliant. The only thing also needed to help you get rid of that nasty dry skin is some water, and it becomes the perfect paste. I also find it leaves your skin feeling soft and nourished, unlike many others. Another fab property of baking soda is it's slightly bleaching. Now, I don't mean for people of colour trying to lighten their skin, I mean for people who have had poor skin and want to try and minimise the scaring... it really does work!

I also find that mixing orange juice and baking soda together to create a smooth paste (there's no real ratio, just trial and error) to place on your face as a mask is a great way to reduce sore cysts and hyperpigmentation.

Baking soda is also pretty cheap, starting at £1.49 in supermarkets, it'll be the most affordable scrub you've ever had!

Steam

If by any chance you don't have the others stocked in your cupboards, you will have this! All you need is a basin, a towel  and boiled water. Placing your face over some hot water with a towel over the back, can do wonders to your pores: after they're open, go in with some tissue covering your nails, and get rid of your black heads with your nails. I don't know if people really realise what a transformation in your skin, once you have gotten rid of blocked pores, as there's generally a focus on whiteheads and cysts. It really can be amazing.

If you want an extra kick, add a drop of some tea tree oil for its antiseptic properties! Remember, get some ice or toner afterwards on those pores, otherwise they will become blocked again sooner.

How To Grow Your Hair Fast

It's a gift every girl (and maybe some guys) wants: to be able to grow their hair long, and at a quick pace. I used to struggle to keep my hair in decent condition, in order to prevent it needing cut, especially since I often changed the style and colour.

But I believe I have found the holy grail of hair growth, in terms of thickness and length! "What is it ?" I hear you ask... It's shampoo and conditioner duo: Fast, by Nisim!

It's amino acid-y goodness is what promises this accelerated growth... it's all a bit scientific, but, definitely works.

When I use the products, my hair grows approximately 1.5inches per month, in comparison to 0.5inches without. I have used them on and off for the last year, because of the need for more conditioning products, but always have returned once my hair has been through rehab.

Some Pros and Cons to Consider

Pros

• It smells pleasant: think fairy liquid and soapy
• It has no silicones, parabens, or DEA... yay!
• Your hair REALLY grows
• The condition of your hair improves

Cons

• Because there are no silicones your hair can sometimes feel dryer. Personally, I'd just recommend using a hair mask post conditioning to prevent this.
• They're expensive at RRP £29.99, but do last a long time.
• Can strip hair dye slightly

Have you tried out Fast shampoo and conditioner yet? Give it a go and find out the amazing effects for yourself!

MAC September Favourites

I recently went on a mini MAC haul, and have discovered some holy grail products in the process.

This summer I have loved the natural and glowing look, as long as it's soft dewy, and not "it's Sunday and I still have Friday night's make-up on". I found that MAC's face and body has been the perfect foundation to achieve this look, but I've been desperate to find products to enhance it. Finally, I think the search is over!

Keep reading to learn more about these products!

1. Pro Conceal and Correct Palette in Light 

                                     

                                 

The first of my five new loves is the Pro Conceal and Correct Palette in Light. It works perfectly with my Face and Body, which is a light to medium coverage, as the formula has a beautiful satin finish, but still fully hides blemishes.The selection of colours is also a huge plus; above you can see the range in the palette, then swatches on my arm without flash and finally with flash.

I have been mostly using the pale yellow for especially red spots before, either the NC15 on areas that light hits or NC20 for others. Also, the W10 works beautifully for around the eyes where I have a blue tint.

For an idea of before and after application have a look below, the difference is unbelievable:

2. Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel

Here is a gem of a find: Lustre Drops in Rebel Pink! As you can see the bottle is small at 18ml, but the dot, shown on my hand above, is all you need to highlight your cheekbone, cupids bow, forehead and chin. This also comes in two other colours: sun rush and bronze hero, which are more golden in colour and suited to medium to dark skin tones.

Below you can see the healthy highlight on my cheeks, created from this holy grail of a product.

3. Fix+

When I tried this for the first time, I swear the heavens opened and cherubs sang; it is perhaps my favourite of the September favourites. This is called Fix+, and is just as versatile as the Lustre Drops, but the functionality is broader.

It can be sprayed over your face before placing on your foundation/concealer, as a primer of sorts. This will ensure that your make up will be extra bright and dewy. You can also use it as a "mixing medium", something that will make your pigments, eye-shadows and so forth incredibly colourful and long lasting. Finally, Fix+ is, in my opinion, best as a setting spray, as it contains glycerin, which is slightly sticky and will ensure that your make-up will last longer. I promise this will become your best friend!

4. Kind Sexy lipstick and Boldly Bare lip pencil

90's lips appear to be taking over right now: it's all about dark nudes and lip liner. These two work perfectly together and create a subtle, satin look, despite the "matte" formula.

Here's the final look! All products used are listed below:

• MAC Pro Conceal and Correct Palette in Light: £35
• MAC Face and Body Foundation in C1, 120ml: £28.50
• MAC Select Moisturecover in NW15: £15.50
• MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder: £22.50
• MAC Lustre Drops in Pink Rebel: £18
• MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep: £23
• Bourjois Liner Feutre in Ultra Black: £6.99
• Clinique High Impact Extreme Mascara in Extreme Black: £18
• MAC lipstick in Kinda Sexy: £15.50
• MAC lip pencil in Boldly Bare: £12.50