3 Ways to Apply Foundation

For a lot of us, foundation was one of the first staples that we adopted when we started applying makeup. Before we knew about primers, blushers, bronzers, highlighters, powders, under-eye concealers, blemish concealers, setting sprays and all of the other junk we would soon start slathering on our face (up yours, natural beauty), foundation was probably the first thing we felt comfortable with.

However,  up until about a year ago I’d rarely applied foundation with anything other than my fingers or a flat foundation brush (which made me look like a waxwork, FYI) and I wasn’t really sure what the point of all the other methods was. So this post is for anyone like me who, although vaguely knows that there’s something out there called a buffing brush and thinks that maybe being buffed is a good thing, isn’t quite sure of the differences of brush or which ones works best.

Foundation Brushes 1Of course there are more ways to apply foundation, but in the interest of this post being finished some time before my 80th birthday I thought I would just concentrate on 3 popular methods.

Method 1: Buffing Brush
As the saying goes, you must be a muff if you don’t buff. Okay, I don’t think anyone has ever said that before but really, using a buffing brush will change your life. They have densely packed bristles and quite a small surface area to allow you to really work foundation into the skin, and you blend it in using small circular movements. It results in a flawless finish and is also pretty quick to apply (pssst, spoiler: this my favourite method).

Method 2: Stippling Brush
Stippling brushes can be identified by their pointed bristles – the heads look a bit like Pauly D’s hair on Jersey Shore. They usually have 2 layers of bristles, and you should only be using the top layer to apply your foundation. Rather than just slapping your foundation on like paint (which will result in streaking and make you look like a tit of the highest calibre) you dab the brush into some foundation and then dot it all over your face. A lot of people swear by this method as it supposedly leaves an airbrushed finish, as foundation isn’t rubbed into all the nooks and crannies of your face but is instead kind of lightly placed onto the skin. Personally, I find stippling take a bit too long on my moon face and I suffer from a big case of a CBAs about halfway through. I use my stippling brush for highlighter or cream blushes instead, but it’s worth trying with foundation to see how you get on.

Method 3: Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
Not to be confused with the humble foundation sponge, the Miracle Complexion Sponge is hailed as the UK’s answer to America’s famous Beauty Blender. Oval shaped with a flat part at one end and a point at the other, this works best when slightly damp so that it doesn’t just absorb the product (leaving you poor and ugly). Most reviews and tutorials instruct you to ‘bounce’ the sponge across your face to distribute the foundation; it takes a bit of getting used to but after a couple of attempts I was really pleased with the final effect. I use this mainly now when I contour (you can read my Guide to Contouring if you fancy) as it’s really good for blending and also seems to remove too much excess product.

So there we have it – buffing, dotting and bouncing, all different ways to get the same thing on your face. The choice really is yours, but for me buffing is the winner.

What do you all think? What’s your favourite way to apply foundation?

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

Outfit of the Day: White Distressed Jeans

OOTD 26th April CollageBody: Abandon Ship Apparel / Jeans: Boohoo / Belt: Primark /Shoes: Primark / Chain: eBay (old)

Oh yes, you see right – I’ve finally jumped on the white jean bangwagon!

When I first saw white denim popping up again, I wanted to hide myself in the nearest wardrobe and not come out til at least A/W14. I haven’t braved white jeans since I was 16 and had a pair of white skinnies which, contrary to making me look cool and indie like I hoped at the time, made my hips look about 8 feet wide.

7 years later and my hips are the same, but this more relaxed fit is much more forgiving. I fell in love with this boyfriend fit distressed pair on the Boohoo website a couple of weeks ago, and finally flung them into my online basket on payday.

OOTD 26th April Collage 2I do completely love them, though there is a bit of an issue with sizing I’d say – I ordered the 8 and they’re far too baggy for me at the waist. It can be fixed with a belt as I have here, but the detailing is a really pretty rose gold (as you can see above without the belt) that I don’t really want to cover all the time so I’m debating exchanging them for the smaller size – though the thought that I could EVER be a size 6 in jeans in the real world is ludicrous, so I would definitely recommend sizing down if you buy these yourself. It’s also worth noting that I’ve rolled these up a lot, though I was expecting that being only 5’2.

This cat body is from Abandon Ship Apparel; I actually bought it way back in December at the Clothes Show but haven’t worn it too much as I always saw it as more of a summer item. Because er, that’s when the Satanic kittens are known to come out to play? They don’t seem to sell the body on their website anymore but you can pick up this equally fetching pair of kitten leggings if you so wish.

What do you all think of this outfit? Have you jumped on the white jeans trend yet?

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

Guest Post: The Problem With Pink

As some of you may know, Lauren is still living it up in South Africa and I’m bogged down with work in Costa Del Coventry (seems fair RIGHT?), We’ve therefore enlisted the help of one of our other favourite bloggers Rachel, who’s kindly wrote this guest post for us. CHEERS PAL!
Pink
Hello lovelies! I’m Rach from over at Me, Myself And…, and I’ve stopped by Stylingo to guest post for the lovely Claire and Lauren! I’m here today to offer support to those who are still feeling a tad nervous about the pink trend. Bring it in ladies…

So – PINK IS STILL IN. Who saw that coming? Certainly not me.

For someone who loves pastel colours, I always tend to shy away from the candy floss hue. Cobalt blue, neon yellow, lime green – I’ve got em all! But fuchsia pink? No thanksss.

Being the brave creature that I am, I’ve pushed my irrational fear of pink to the side and had a look at some of Asos‘ newest offerings. I have to say, I’m sort of coming round to the idea…

I had originally gone looking for some bits and pieces from the website just to show what was on offer, but I’m not going to lie – I saved ALL for later. How much later? Payday later! Don’t get me wrong, I’m still nervous about it all arriving and looking completely ridiculous on me. I can’t help it if I think even the slightest bit of pink being incorporated into my outfit is going to result in a striking resemblance to Frenchy from Grease.

So, if you’re anything like me – crazy – then here are a few tips to get you through the pink trend…

You’re not sure which shade of pink will suit you
Tip: Chances are, none of them – so just pick whichever will look nicest sitting at the end of your bed, tag still attached, for the next 6-8 weeks.

You think it looks too girly on you
Tip: Grunge it up with chunky boots. If that doesn’t work – grow a beard.

Hardly anything in your wardrobe will go with pink
Tip: Throw it out. Throw it all out. Then buy more pink stuff. Hell, why not just drop out of beauty school and rename yourself Frenchy while you’re at it.

You think it makes you look like a walking, talking marshmallow.
Tip: Walk around with a bag of Flumps permanently fixed to your hand – anyone who can’t differentiate between the two doesn’t deserve a place in your life.

Happy Shopping!

A huge thank you to Rachel for guest posting for us today!

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

Primark PS Love Lip Gloss Crayon | Review

PS Lip Crayon 1Regularly readers probably know by now that I adore Primark with a fierce love – similar to the love that lionesses have for their cubs, but a bit less bitey. I’ve already dabbled with their new-ish range of cosmetics, PS Love and recently reviewed their Volumising Ultra Black Mascara. I was actually really impressed by that product, and in fact since writing that review I’ve became even more of a fan and it’s my go-to everyday mascara at the moment.

So when I popped into Primark recently (on one of my usual ‘I only came in for some socks and have accidentally left with a shopping bag that weighs the same as a small child’ trips) I decided to pick up one or two more products. One of these was the pack of false nails which I reviewed here and the other was this here lip crayon.

PS Lip Crayon 2I opted for a nude shade because, frankly, everything is better in nude (lips, shoes, Kit Harrington…). First up I’m quite fond of the packaging – the plastic lid is a little on the cheap side, but I think the gold detailing is quite a nice touch. Plus the crayon winds up which is really handy, as sharpening is sooooo 2003 (I remember having some sort of glittery eye crayon from Barry M – no I don’t know why I thought that was a good look either – and it was literally the biggest nightmare to sharpen. Blue glitter err’where).

Then we get onto the actual application of the product. And my overall opinion can be summed up in the following noise: meeeeeeeh. 

PS Lip Crayon 3The colour payoff actually looks much better on my hand than it does on the lips. To be honest, it’s barely noticeable once on. Obviously it’s a lip gloss crayon so it’s a much more sheer formula than we’re used to with a lot of other lip crayons on the market right now. And in defence of the product, it does feel smooth and glossy to apply, and leaves a sheen. However, it’s certainly not as glossy as a proper gloss (has the word ‘gloss’ started to look like a made-up word to anyone else by now?) and if I’m honest the staying power is minimal.

Overall I think this is one of those hybrid products that doesn’t quite hit the mark in either things it’s trying to achieve. I’d be intrigued to see whether the other colours in the range offer a stronger colour payoff, but won’t particularly be rushing out to buy one with my own money. I know they’re only £1.50, but I can buy like, three Greggs sausage rolls for that (maybe even four if they’ve got an offer on).

It’s rare for me to say anything bad about Primark, but even lion cubs are probably little shits sometimes.

Have any of you tried the lip gloss crayons from Primark? What do you think?

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

Guest Post: Pick of the Pastels

Hi guys, I’m Estelle and I blog over at Let Me Go Xo. When I saw that Lauren and Claire (although it’s just Claire as Lauren as loving life in SA) were looking for guest bloggers I jumped at the chance. How does it feel being on Stylingo? All of my dreams have come true.

Pastels Let Me GoIt is no secret that I am a pastel lover so I decided to do my ‘Pick Of The Pastels’ where I show you guys some of my favourite pastel clothes out there right now. 

I’ve been loving skorts recently and a skort in coral? Yes please. But first lemme take a selfie, I have a pure hatred for that song but I have a pure love for this jumper. Jumpsuits are so in right now, they’re perfect for holiday and this mint colour is so pretty, I also love the slight shine to the jumpsuit. If you’re a regular reader of my blog then you’ll know I have a *slight* obsession for shift dresses and this mint dress is no exception to my obsession. Try saying that quickly. When I think pastels, I think Missguided, this box top is so pretty as is the bralet. Now for my new favourite shop: Oh My Love. Everything on their site is to die for, the powder blue maxi dress is absolutley precious and the peach dress is, infact, perfection. 

Thanks to Claire (and Lauren) for having me on their blog! What is your favourite item from this list?

Estelle x
letmegoxo.blogspot.co.uk

A huge thank you to Estelle for guest posting for us! If you would like to write something for us then please let us know by emailing us.

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

 || Don’t forget that you can follow us on InstagramBloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

A Cheat’s Guide to Nail Art: Primark False Nails

Primark Nails 1Happy Easter err’body! I’m going to keep this one short and sweet, frankly because I have a hangover and a Sunday dinner is waiting for me (I love this blog, but I love gravy more).

While I was in Primark last week I decided to pick up a pack of their false nails to give a whirl. I usually wear clear false nails from Boots and paint over them, never attempting any sort of nail art because I’m what’s known as a ‘cackhanded idiot’ and it would just go terribly wrong. So I liked the idea of trying these out and getting an instant bit of nail art on my hand-toes.

Primark Nails 2I’m actually really impressed with these, especially considering the teeny tiny price tag. I didn’t struggle finding nails that were the right size – which is good in itself seeing as I have spade hands – and they felt sturdy once on. You get about 20 nails in the pack too, so you can easily replace ones that fall of or give yourself a completely new set. The pack also comes with glue, which was surprisingly good. The nails lasted for about four days before one or two started pinging off, at which point I got impatient and started picking at them anyway.

My only beef with the nails is that there isn’t a great choice in terms of patterns in the range. There seemed to be a few aztec ones, a neon leopard print and something weird with rabbits on (let’s hope that was an Easter novelty) – so nothing I was particularly amazed by aside from these ones. Overall though these are brilliant for people like me who will never be able to do nail art without it looking like some horrible accident has happened.

Have any of you tried the Primark false nails?

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

Outfit of the Day: Primark Pink & Gingham

OOTD 14th April Collage 1Today’s outfit, aside from the necklace, all comes from good ole’ Primark. Can I get a whoop whoop? Actually I’d rather you didn’t. But still, impressive nah?!

OOTD 14th April Collage 2These leggings may remind you of a certain pair of Topshop treggings I sported in this recent OOTD post. I loved those treggings, you loved those treggings… unfortunately as you can see in that post they were pretty long on me and as such I struggled to wear them with certain things. I eventually, woefully, with tears streaming down my face (on the inside anyway) returned them to Toppers and had missed them bitterly since. Which was why I was DELIGHTED to spot this lookalike pair in Primark at the weekend – for a mere £5! I think they’re technically a kind of capri pant/pedal pusher (there’s a phrase I hoped to never say again) as they looked mighty short on the hanger, but on my 5’2 legs they sit at the perfect ankle basher length I’d roll them to anyway.

The jumper was only £6 and is the perfect transitional piece being nice and thin, while my be loved ugly shoes were only £14. Oh and the necklace  was £2 in the New Look sale, making this potentially the most bargains outfit ever at £27 for the whole damn thang. More money for tequila!

What do you all think of this outfit? 

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

 || Don’t forget that you can follow us on InstagramBloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

No, I Don’t Have Have Any Tits: The Flat-Chested Girl’s Struggle

flat chest 2Hello you fine chicas. Today I’m here to talk to you about boobs, or in fact my lack thereof. I know I’m not alone inthe Itty Bitty Titty Club and so I’m hoping that this post might resonate with a few of my fellow small basooma owners.

You see, I basically barely developed in the boobage department. I am unashamedly a 32B, though I think that’s just a bit of a fluke as sans underwear I definitely look like I’m rocking an A cup. And this fact is genuinely something that has very rarely bothered me throughout my years as a flat chested adult; what has bothered me though is everyone else’s seeming problem with my lack of problem with it.

It seems to me that in today’s society, where we’re all meant to be so pro-body confidence and all about embracing our bodies as they are (insert more Gok Wan babble here), having a go at small boobs is the last thing that it’s still okay to do. We all seem to have learned that it’s rude to pick on a woman for her weight, yet it seems perfectly fine to sneer at girls who aren’t packing much in the old mammaries.  So many times I have heard snide comments about other people along the lines of ‘oh yeah she’s pretty… but she hasn’t got any boobs’ and I’ve even had so-called friends actually make comments to me before a night out such as ‘wow, you actually look like you have tits tonight’… as if that’s not completely rude?

I think it all stems from an idea that girls with small boobs, or girls who are generally slim, are not ‘real women’. On one night out while I was at uni, I was with my friend in the toilets. My friend was a good 5’10 in height and at a size 10-12 looked perfectly in proportion and healthy, yet was still bemoaning the fact that she used to be a size 8 and wanted to go on a diet. Some random girl then pops up out of nowhere and – probably thinking she’s being nice – starts berating my friend, telling her that she shouldn’t strive to be a size 8 because she’s a ‘real woman’ and ‘real women aren’t a size 8’. I was standing there in my size 6-8 Motel Rocks bodycon dress, listening to this girl basically telling me I wasn’t a real woman and thinking ‘oh right love, what am I then – a fucking seahorse?’

We seem as a society to have become so pro-curves that we’ve actually done a 180 and now made skinny or flatchested girls feel like they’re lacking as women. The idea that we could possibly be happy with ourselves in the same way that curvy girls are seems absurd. The amount of people I’ve had ask me if I’d ever have a boob job is actually quite shocking when you realise how rude it is. Now, my older sister had a boob job a couple of years ago (so I’m obviously not knocking them) and so when it’s people who know that who ask me it doesn’t offend me as much, as it seems more logical. But when it’s people who are just looking at me and assuming surely I must want a boob job, it’s downright offensive. You wouldn’t just walk up to someone with a big nose and say ‘Cor, don’t you fancy getting that schnozz sorted?’ or approach a bigger girl and ask whether she’s consider having her fat sucked out of her.

On the topics of boob jobs, like I’ve said I really don’t disagree with them. If you’re genuinely unhappy with your body then by all means make whatever changes you want. My only concern is when girls are having them done because of the opinions of others, especially men. I’ve seen a lot of women on TV state that their reason for a boob job was feeling unwomanly or inadequate with their partner – and I think that’s desperately sad. I know it’s rarely the boyf’s fault and they’re probably super nice people who tell their girlfriend she’s perfect as she is. But in those cases where a boyfriend is responsible for the girl feeling bad about herself, then I think it’s awful. Here is a fact: if he has a problem with your boobs, then HE is a boob and deserves to be sacked off immediately.

Sure, there are plenty of men out there who like bigger boobs. I know for sure that there are lads I’ve met who probably would have liked me more if I had bigger boobs. But is that a reason for me to go in search of bigger boobs? Er, no. I think the real key to body confidence, in regards to relationships and attraction anyway, is to accept that you’re never going to be everyone’s cup of tea. Some men simply won’t like you because you have small boobs/are bigger than a size 12/have a flat arse/are blonde/are brunette/have an extra thumb. And it’s really no criticism on them, as women are just as picky. I for one will refuse to date a boy who wears a gilet. Different strokes etc.

I could waffle on about this topic all day; I suppose  I have a lot to get off my chest – and I certainly have the room to do so (badumchhh). But my ultimate point (I know, it’s surprising that I have one after all that waffle) is that we should all just ACCEPT ONE ANOTHER and accept that WE ARE ALL REAL WOMEN. You got a vajayjay, you’re in the club regardless. So let’s stop trying to put girls down on any little thing we can think of and just get on with our own lives and shaking our own jelly.

What do you all think? Has anyone else in the Itty Bitty Titty Club encountered this kind of thing? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Please nominate Stylingo.co.uk for the Best Blogging Duo award in this year’s Company Style Blogger Awards!

 || Don’t forget that you can follow us on InstagramBloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

Brand Showcase: Bug Jewellery by Ellie Ingram

Right you hot mommas, today I am bringing you something a little different to our usual clothes collages/makeup reviews/awkward outfit of the days (at least on my part anyway, Claire looks entirely normal).

I have recently got to know a wonderful girl called Ellie, who lives in Birmingham and also happens to make some of the best jewellery I have ever seen in my whole, entire, tiny life. And that’s not just me being biased. I genuinely haven’t see anything that is this well made or this lovely in a very long time. For that reason and that reason alone, I just had to share with you some of my favourite pieces from her shop, which is called Bug, so that you can see this wonderment for yourself. She is a wizard, is she not?!

All of her jewellery is handmade and designed by Gandalf Ellie herself. I am quite frankly baffled that you can buy a necklace that is in the shape of a working toaster. Complete with moving toast. This is a great world that we live in, and I am happy to be part of one where toaster necklaces exist.

The La La Land Collection

Bug collage

This is my favourite collection, with loads of cute jewellery to do with tea, picnics and kitchen stuff. Literally THE BEST THING EVER. I love the deconstructed tea bracelet the most I think. Check it out here.

The La Discotheque Collection

bug collage 2

This is a unisex collection inspired by electronica…amazing. Bring me that radio necklace, baby jesus. View the collection here.

The Chained Collection

bug collage 3

This is literally the perfect jewellery for summer, who doesn’t love a head chain? That’s right, no one. No one in the history of the world. Bring me toe rings, head chains and cuffs. Now. View the collection here.

If you’re a keen Wolf and Badger fan, you might have already seen some of Ellie’s stuff, which is stocked on the site.

I urge you to visit Bug and take a look at these beauties yourself. You can also follow Bug on Twitter and like Ellie’s Facebook page to keep updated with the stunning things she is creating. HUZZAH. Go now, and godspeed to you all.

 || Don’t forget that you can follow us on InstagramBloglovin’ and Twitter! ||

Outfit of the Day: Lion Print Smock Dress

Fashion Blogger Smock DressLion Print Smock Dress: ASOS / Shoes: eBay / Necklace: Primark

I love lions. I love dresses. So what’s not to love about this lion print dress?!

I’d been after a smock dress for a while now, though I wasn’t really sure whether they’d suit me seeing as they have a tendancy to be a bit swampy and I’m approximately the size of a Borrower. ASOS always have a good selection of them in though, and  once I saw this printed version I fell in love and decided to bite the bullet and try it out.

Fashion Blogger Smock DressI’ve teamed the dress with my new eBay sunglasses which I LOVE with the passion of a thousand men (a thousand passionate men, I hasten to add… a thousand passionate Latin men with stomachs full of tequila). They were only £3.99 and can be nabbed here if you too want to embrace a bit of steampunk eyewear.

So, back to the dress… I decided to size down to a size 6 and let me tell you, it is still bloody massive. I know it’s meant to be loose fitting, but I actually laughed out loud – a genuine, bonfide LOL – at how huge it was when I got it out of the packet. I suppose I should see this is a good thing though, as if we forget to pay our rent and get evicted then at least there’s definitely enough room for me, Lauren and the Bonus Jonas to all live inside my dress. I mean, really…

OOTD 13th April 5It’s a biiiiiiiiiiiiiit ridiculous maybe? I know some girls look amazing in these dresses, but I’m not sure my petite frame can really pull it off. I do adore the lion head print though so I may persevere. OH WHO THE HELL KNOWS.

What do you think of this outfit?

 || Don’t forget that you can follow us on InstagramBloglovin’ and Twitter! ||