Halloween Series: Chocolate Orange Halloween Cupcakes!

So, I thought I would do a spot of baking... another love of mine. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't as relaxing as I had originally intended... I had some issues! But you won't be seeing them so its all gooood! Haha

YOU WILL NEED

Ingredients for 12 cupcakes:
Dry-
210g caster sugar
105g soft brown sugar
255g plain flour
50g cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt

Wet-
70g unsalted butter
2.5 medium eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tbsp orange zest
240ml whole milk

Ingredients for icing:
350g icing sugar
150g unsalted butter
2 tbsp milk

( I would advise leaving the butter and eggs out over night )

Method

STEP ONE

Preheat oven to:
Fan- 170C (375F)
Conventional- 190C
Gas Mark- 5

STEP TWO

Beat the butter and sugars together in a bowl or food mixer until combined and light in colour.

STEP THREE

Add the eggs one at a time on a medium speed. Crack the third egg into a bowl a whisk it slightly and just add half. 

STEP FOUR

Add the deliciously zingy orange zest into the mixture... 

...and the vanilla extract!

STEP FIVE

Grab a separate bowl and a sieve. Pop the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt into the sieve...

...and sift them! 

STEP SIX 

Add this to the mixture gradually, alongside the milk...

...switching between the two.

STEP SEVEN

Your mixture should look a lil' summin' summin' like this...and should smell heavenly! (I know you're not supposed to have raw egg... but how can you not have a little taste eh?!)

 STEP EIGHT

Pick up your baking tin which should be lined with some Halloween themed cupcake cases... and evenly distribute the mixture in to the cases until they are 2/3 full. 

STEP NINE

Pop them in the oven for 18-20 minutes, keep an eye on them... you will know they are ready when a skewer or cocktail stick (once stuck into the cake) comes out clean. Once they are cooked, remove them from the baking tin thingy and put them on a wire rack to cool. 

STEP TEN

It's icing tiiiime! Sift the icing sugar into a bowl...

...add the softened butter and milk, then mix together.

STEP ELEVEN 

This is the 'creative' bit... I chose to pipe my icing but you could simply spread it on with a knife! 

Awh, how sweet! (literally.. whaheeeey) 

STEP TWELVE

Decorate! I just bought some sprinkles from Waitrose! Just go maaaad! 

FINISHED! 

Now... take a big ol' bite!

YUUUUUUUUM!!

I hope you enjoy!

Speak soon

Isabel x

Halloween Series: 'Scary Cheshire Cat' Make-up

Here is look number two of my Halloween Series, modelled by my gorgeous friend Remy! This is just my interpretation, so feel free to add more colour, may be even some yellow contact lenses if you really want to get into the Halloween spirit! 

Keep reading to see how I did it!

STEP ONE

After, cleansing and moisturising Remy's skin I applied a think layer of Rimmel: 'Match Perfection' foundation (100 Ivory), Collection concealer (Fair-1) under the eyes and on any blemishes and set that with Rimmel: 'Clear Complexion' Powder.

STEP TWO

Then I moved onto the eyes. I dusted a light shade of pink from my MUA 'Glitter Ball' palette all over the eyelids. I did this just so the other eyeshadows would blend better. 

STEP THREE

Using yet another MUA palette (Poptastic), I applied 'Shocking Pink' and 'Cherry Sour' all over the lid, building up the colour gradually, blending each layer. 

STEP FOUR

I then added 'Electric Purple' from the same palette, but only on the outer corner and crease. I found that this was too light but the shimmer looked pretty, so applied Shade 2 (a dusty purple) from my Revlon: Colorstay palette (583- Exotic) over the same area, blending these two shades together. This adds more definition to the eye. I brought these two shades onto the bottom lash line as well, making sure the colour connected to the 'wing' I had created on the eye lid. 

STEP FIVE 

Once I had finished blending, I applied 'Blackout' from my Urban Decay: Naked 2 palette. I found something with a straight edge (a piece of kitchen towel was the closest) and placed it at the angle I wanted the main 'wing' to be. The easiest way to do this is to line the outer corner of the eye with the end of your eyebrow. I then just dabbed the black eyeshadow on to the lid, crease and 'wing' and blended slightly to soften the line.

STEP SIX 

I grabbed my trusty Collection: 24 Hour Felt-tip Liner and did a normal 'winged eyeliner' on the upper lash line, but also brought it onto the lower lash line and connected the lines at each end. I extended the line slightly past the tear duct as well to create a more feline appearance. 

STEP SEVEN

I then echoed the shape (as best I could) onto the other eye. This does take some time... just remember, your eyes are sisters- not twins! 

STEP EIGHT

Using the eye shadows from earlier, I added the darker purple to the outer most parts of Remy's face... so the top of the forehead, under the chin, and under the cheek bones as a slight contour. I blended this like crazy and then added the lighter pink shades and then a shimmery white. You basically want a gradual fade from dark to light, making sure each colour is blended into the other. 

I also used the dark purple shade and 'Blackout' down the sides of Remy's nose to make it look more 'cat like'. 

STEP NINE

Using the eyeliner from before, I just added a little black nose and 'Electric Purple' to tie in the purple theme.

STEP TEN

This is optional, but I applied some false eyelashes, the Eylure 'Exaggerate' (No. 145). These are effective as they wing out, therefore echoing and emphasising the eyeshadow and eyeliner.

STEP ELEVEN

Once again, I took my eyeliner pen and roughly sketched out the shape of the big, creepy smile. I then grabbed my black face paint by Snazaroo and filled in the mouth, goes back in with the eye liner to neaten the edges and make it as symmetrical as I could.

STEP TWELVE

Teeth time! I used a sharpened, white eyeliner pencil to mark out where I wanted the teeth to be and then filled them in with some white Snazaroo face paint!

And that is the finished look!

Speak soon!

Isabel x

  

Rimmel: 'Provocalips' Review

I love a good ol' bold lip pretty much all year round but I am always dubious about the longevity of the lip product. I worry constantly, thinking it has rubbed off, gone all dry and flakey, or smudged across my face! So, when I saw the advert on telly for the new 'Provocalips' lip range by Rimmel I was rather intrigued to say the least. Me being me... I went, quite swiftly, to my local Superdrug and bought one to try out...of course it was a deep, berry tone! (550- 'Play With Fire' to be more precise). 

The Review

Packaging 

I don't really know what to say... it looks slightly childish but quite clearly separates the two ends and successfully shows the colour of the product. 

The product is split into two halves, the vibrant colour on one end and a balm on the other. Each having a spongey applicator. Both of which are easy to access.

Application 

Due to the sponge applicator, the product glides onto the lips very easily and with great precision. Quite a lot does come out on to the applicator so I would advice wiping excess off as a little does go a long way and it could get rather messy, especially with such a vibrant colour (I'm speaking from experience...oops!) Like I said before, there are two steps to this product. You firstly apply the colour but then have to wait a minute or so for it to set and dry, preferably with your lips parted. Once it has dried you then add the balm! Easy!

Longevity

Right then... this is the important section! THIS DOES NOT BUDGE! When I was testing this I didn't reapply at all throughout the day and I drank and ate as usual. The product claims to last 16 hours... I mean I wasn't awake for that long but through the duration I was awake, I wasn't disappointed. When I drank a cup of tea there wasn't any transfer onto the mug and when I ate, it didn't smudge. All of my family were just as shocked as I was... I really didn't believe it would last as long as it did! However, I would say that it does dry throughout the day, so keep it with you if you're out and about so you can use the balm. 

It is quite 'interesting' to get off at the end of the day though... I was sat on my bed for at least 5 minutes with a cotton wool pad drenched in my Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, scrubbing it away, whilst my Dad laughed at me. Even so, it was worth the faff and I am VERY impressed!

Price

This retails at £6.99! I definitely don't mind paying that for this product... I will be popping back to the shops to gather the majority of the collection, along side a few for some family members that I have raved about it too! 

Here are some pictures of me wearing it... I would say though, it is a darker red than it appears in this photo!

I hope this is helpful!

Speak soon

Isabel x

'One Lovely Blog Award' - Nomination!?!

Flippin' 'eck, I've been nominated for the 'One Lovely Blog Award' by The Happy Blog ! Thank you so much, it really means a lot! 

One Lovely Blog Award Rules:

You must display the award logo at the top of the post.

You must thank the person who nominated you and leave a link to their blog in your post.

You must add this set of rules to your post so that your nominees will know what to do.

You must add 7 facts about yourself into the post.

You must nominate 15 other blogs and leave links to each of them in your post.

You must let the people who you have nominated know that they've been nominated.

You must follow back the person who nominated you on GFC and Bloglovin

SEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME

1. Most of my money is spent on shoes or make-up (I'm not stereotypical at all?!)

2. I love vanilla, as a fragrance and flavour. (That has made me want a vanilla yogurt...)

3. My favourite colour is green...deep, forest green.

4. My immune system hates me

5. I love to cook!

6. Autumn is my favourite season

7. Uh...I love cheesy mashed potato and beans?!

NOMINATIONS

Here are some beautiful ladies with blummin' marvellous blogs!

1. http://www.girlwithmakeup.com/

2. http://mash-elle.blogspot.com

3. http://lydiarosexo.blogspot.co.uk

4. http://beautybybrittni.wordpress.com

5. http://gemstonexx.blogspot.co.uk

6. http://drainedbeauty.blogspot.co.uk

7. http://thebeautifulbluebird.blogspot.co.uk

8. http://dustypearle.com

9. http://alittleloveheart.blogspot.co.uk

10. http://www.meetmeinmayfair.co.uk

11. http://tinaknights.blogspot.com

12. http://www.iamafashioneer.com

13. http://www.thebritishgirl.co.uk

14. http://daisayy.blogspot.co.uk

15. http://LissyBeauty.wordpress.com

Lots of love! 

Isabel x

Halloween Series: 'Cracked Doll' Make-up

As you are all probably aware... it is nearing Halloween! I thought I would do a collection of posts to help you out with make-up, food and drink ideas for any parties you are going to or hosting! So, here is number one...

DISCLAIMER: I'm not a make-up artist so don't expect too much ahaha! 

This is my brother's beautiful girlfriend, Zara. She very kindly agreed to model this look...  

So if you want to find out how I achieved this...keep reading!

STEP ONE

Prepare the skin so you have a fresh, clean base. I did this by using my Garnier- Micellar Cleansing Water to remove any excess oil and left over make-up from the day before. I then moisturised Zara's skin with a light, day cream by Simple and used a lip scrub from Lush to exfoliate her lips. 

STEP TWO

Once the moisturiser had soaked into her skin I just applied a basic base onto the left side of her face. I used Rimmel-Match Perfection Foundation (100 Ivory), Collection- Lasting Perfection Concealer (1 Fair) as a highlight under the eye and on any blemishes. I then set this with Rimmel- Clear Complexion Powder, added a slight contour with a bronzer from Accessorize and a light flush of NYC- Cheek Glow Powder Blush (650 NoLiTa Pink) and finally put a little bit of Benefit- High Beam Highlighter onto her cheek and brow bone. 

STEP THREE

I then did a 'smokey eye' using my Urban Decay- Naked 2 Palette. I applied 'Booty call' (a light, shimmery pink) all over the eyelid,  'Tease' (a light purpley-brown) into the crease and outer corner of the eye and then finally layered 'Busted' (dark brown) and 'Blackout' (black) into the outer corner with lots of blending. I also brought these two shades underneath the eye to continue the 'smokiness'. To add even more depth, I used a black kohl eyeliner pencil in the water and tight line. I then curled Zara's eye lashes and added a couple of layers of mascara to the top and bottom. I also filled in her eyebrow with Revlon- Colorstay (500) in the shaded labelled '3' on the back. 

Okay, so that is the 'pretty' side of look done...now for the 'doll' side! (Eeeek!)

STEP FOUR

Using a white eyeliner pencil (I used one by Barry M), map out where you want the 'break' to be. 

STEP FIVE 

Fill in the remaining area with white face paint (I used one by Snazaroo).

STEP SIX 

Once you've applied one layer of face paint, let it dry and then add another. Keep layering until you are happy but I left some patches that weren't as well covered to show wear and age. After this I cracked open my MUA- Winter Forest eyeshadow palette and dipped a fluffy eyeshadow brush into 'Slate' and applied this around the outside of the face. Using a lighter shade (Dove Grey). I lightly contoured under the apple of the cheek to create a shadow (giving the illusion of a plumper cheek). I continued this technique into the creases either side of Zara's mouth and under her bottom lip to make them look fuller. 

STEP SEVEN

I then attended to Zara's other eye! I put a light wash of 'Dove Grey' eyeshadow all over her eyelid with 'Slate' in the outer corner and crease, blending them until they appeared soft. After that, I drew a thin line as close to Zara's lash line as I could with my Collection- Extreme 24 Hour Felt-tip Liner, this is to hide the fake eyelash seam. I then applied some rather huge eyelashes (Eylure- Exaggerate No. 145) on to her top lashes and some more lengthy ones onto the bottom lash line (Eylure- Lengthening No.35). This was quite fiddly considering neither of us have really used fake eyelashes before! 

STEP EIGHT

Once we'd finished faffing with the lashes, I applied quite a lot of blusher onto Zara's cheek, trying to emphasise the apple. I also created the typical 'love heart' shape lip associated with dolls by using a lip brush and a red lipstick (Bourjois- Rouge Collection No.13). 

STEP NINE

I then filled in her other eyebrow with a dark brown shade from the Revlon palette I had used earlier on (I also mixed in some of 'Dove Grey' as well to make it bolder). I then grabbed my felt tip eyeliner again and went around section mapped out beforehand. 

STEP TEN

Start adding the cracks! Remember there would be some holes alongside tiny and deep cracks. But really just go for it, don't be scared!

STEP ELEVEN 

With a small eyeshadow brush I got a little bit of 'Dove Grey' and went over some areas to add shadow and wear. 

Then just do your hair however you want, I went for pigtails!

FINISHED! 

Here are some more photos...

Speak soon

Isabel x

Homemade Lemon Body Scrub

Lets talk about skin...

I have oily skin! Although it means I'm is less prone to signs of ageing, like wrinkles, it also means that my pores are susceptible to clogging and dead skin on its surface. And of course, being a make-up lover, I don't help myself by shoving a load of make-up on my face most days. I know it is common for people my age to be rather 'spotty' due to hormones etc but to be honest it is really bugging me and my skin is just DREADFUL. 

SOS (Save Our Skin)
This is what I want to do... try and save my skin without any nasty chemicals (and breaking the bank)! So, I've done a little research and it has become quite clear that honey is the bees knees (whaeeey) along side lemon and olive oil. 

'When life gives you lemons'... make skin care?!

Lemon juice has multiple benefits towards the skin, for example:

- It is a natural exfoliant, the citric acid removes the top layer of dead skin cells.
- It helps heal ache due to its natural antibacterial components, the L-ascorbic acid in lemons is used in lots of acne products on the market. 
- It can also be used to brighten your skin. 

WARNING
- If your skin stings...dilute the lemon juice with a few drops of water until your skin can cope.
- If your skin is already dry, it could make it worse, so moisturise before hand (use honey or olive oil for normal skin and for oily, lemon and cucumber)
- Don't over apply... every other day is the best way forward. This will reduce the likelihood of side effects where for example, broken skin becomes infected (gross)!

With all this in mind, I need to exfoliate, heal ache and moisturise! Hence why I have made this scrub... now let me show you how! 

YOU WILL NEED:
 Ingredients
- 1-2 lemons
- 12 tbs sugar (I used quite find granules because I have sensitive skin)
- 2 tbs olive oil 
 (these measurements vary depending on the constancy you prefer)
Equipment
- Measuring spoons
- Lemon juicer
- A mixing bowl
- Bowls to split the measured ingredients in to
- A jar to put the product in

STEP ONE

Get all of the juice out of those lemons!

STEP TWO

Measure out the sugar and olive oil (you can use honey instead of the oil)

STEP THREE

Pour the sugar...

...lemon juice...

...and olive oil into the mixing bowl.

STEP FOUR

Stir all of the ingredients together. It should mimic a syrup-like constancy, if not, add a bit more sugar if it is too runny or add a drop of olive oil to loosen the paste.

STEP FIVE

Whilst it is still in the mixing bowl, try the product on the back of your hand before exchanging it into the jar.

STEP SIX

Pour the scrub into a jar of your choice, preferably one that can be closed tightly as the scrub is rather runny!

STEP SEVEN (Optional)

Attach a pretty label!

This should last quite a long time considering its all natural, but really, if it does 'go off' then you haven't really wasted much money! 

The mixture will separate once it has been left to sit, so just stir it a bit before you use it. 

EASY PEASY...LEMON SQUEEZY! 

(Sorry, I couldn't resist)

I will let you know how I get on with ma scrub! Thanks for reading!

Speak soon

Isabel x

Autumn Lipstick Picks- HIGH STREET

I absolutely love autumn AND makeup... so it only seems right to write a little summin' summin'! 

A dark, berry lip colour is perfect for this time of year. It not only echoes the autumnal leaves and the beginning of Christmas, but is also quite... sexy! Whenever I put one of these lipsticks on I instantly feel more va-va-voom and the blue undertone in all of these products brings out the whiteness in your teeth (which is always good)! Another reason why I love all of these products is because, I believe, they compliment my hair and eye colour and bring out the warmth in my skin tone.

I'm going to use the image from above as a reference for the rest of my post- starting from the left to the right. 

1. Sleek- Cherry (No.790)

This is a very deep red tone, in some lights it is quite pinky, but still quite earthy and rich. The main reason I bought this product was because I misplaced my MAC 'Russian Red' lipstick. Although I loved that lipstick dearly, it was VERY drying (due to its matte formula). I couldn't afford to spend too much on a replacement, so when I was in my local Boots I decided to look at the Sleek collection as I've been impressed with the price and quality with other products in the past. 

My lips get quite dry at this time of year (like a lot of people)... so I would advise applying a lip balm before this lipstick. Don't get me wrong... this is moisturising but it does dry quite quickly and when having a sip of drink, for example, it transfers easily. It does tend to bleed as well, so wear a lip liner and apply with a brush.

2. L'Oreal: Color Riche- Cassis Passion (No.376)

First of all... the packaging is sooooo pretty. The formula is very moisturising with a slight sheen It also has incredible staying power. It is a rich pink shade, so is a good transition colour from summer to autumn because it still has some vibrancy and punch like those summery neon shades yet is also sumptuous and sexy. 

3. Rimmel: Starry-Eyed (128)

This lipstick is the more purple toned one out of the bunch. Similar to Cassis Passion, it is sweetly scented and reminds me of a mixture between candy floss and Christmas?! From personal experience I would suggest applying two layers of this lipstick, not only will it increase its longevity but it will also make the colour 'POP' a lot more!

4.  Rimmel: Apocalypse- Eclipse (No.304)

I know this isn't a 'classic' lipstick but the formula dries to a lipstick finish although initially appearing as quite glossy. The applicator makes it so easy to put on, amazing precision, creating a perfectly sculpted lip. I believe this is one of the newer shades in the line along side the new matte ones. It does to tend to transfer but personally... I think its worth it. 

Speak soon

Isabel x