Fashionista Makeup | Review and Giveaway

Hey everyone, so excited to be holding my first giveaway for all my lovely supporting subscribers on Youtube. It will be featuring this fabulous brand I discovered at Superdrug, called Fashionista. I've only seen their nail polishes promoted by the Saturdays in other branches but in the Oxford branch they had the full hog of their collection; from eyeshadows to blushes to lippies. I thought I'd give the eyeshadows a try as they were on a fantastic deal -  fill up a palette and get a free mascara (prices will be below). I bought the six palette as you can see below. I opted for a neutral palette with some fun baked eyeshadows for evening times. I've swatched the colours for you on my skin tone but remember, they will show up differently on different skin tones. 

1. Double Take (Baked Eyeshadow) Golden Dragon Shade 2

Green sparkly with golden flecks

2. Double Take (Baked Eyeshadow) Radiant Shade 7

Brown sparkly with golden flecks

3. Double Take (Baked Eyeshadow) Bella Shade 5

White sparkly with golden flecks

4. Chocolate Dream Shade 23

Dark Brown Metallic

5. Nude Shade 20

Matte nude beige 

6. Black Out Shade 5

Matte Black

Well What Do I Think?

Well I personally think they are amazing, the colour payoff is amazing, and so are the other colours. They have such a vast range of colours and shades and finishes so you can never have enough fun with them. They blend so easily as well so creating the perfect smokey eye is so easy to do. I've already worn these colours with different outfits, ranging from casual to formal. They also stay on very well with the help of my elf eyeshadow primer.

Below is the free mascara I chose (there were 3 to choose from). I chose this one as I'm very picky with the mascaras I use. This is due to the fact I have very small eyelashes that curl upwards instantly so I look for something with a comb and a formula that will lengthen and separate them. I've used this mascara within the past week and I just can't get enough of it. The brush has longer bristles on one side and shorter ones on the opposite side. This is to help you get those pesky little hairs that you usually miss, achieving a much fuller look.

THE GIVEAWAY

As I have enjoyed this product so much, I thought it'd be a great idea to get one for my subbies too. I picked a four palette with four colours I have in my palette. They are the neutral ones with various finishes so you can create any look you'd like. In addition, I'm throwing in the mascara as well!!!

If you want to know how to enter this giveaway, the rules are below:

1. Must be a subscriber of mine on Youtube

2. Write 'Enter Me' and tell me your favourite video of mine, or what video you'd like to see

3. Must be over 18 / Get parental consent

OPEN INTERNATIONALLY WOOO!!!

CONTEST ENDS ON 19TH SEPTEMBER 2012 AT 10PM ENGLAND TIME

GOOD LUCK!

Prices

Each eyeshadow: £4.00

Palette: £5.00

Fill up a four palette for £10.00

Fill up a six palette for £15.00

Mascara: £5.00

I managed to save £41!!!!!!!! BARGAIN!

IMAGES ARE ALL MINE, YOU ARE FREE TO USE WITH CREDITATION BACK TO ME. SHARING IS CARING :P

Jeans for Jeansday

Seeing as a lot of you enjoyed my 'How I Style | Collar Necklaces', i decided to do another 'How I Style'. But this time I'm focusing on jeans. These are a staple of everyone's wardrobe, both men and women.

This autumn/winter trend is focused on well tailored trousers and jeans that suit your silhouette and give you a put together look. This summer, I have bought quite a few pairs of jeans to add to my wardrobe and give my style a bit of 'oopmh'. So, to show you how I'll style them all, I've divided them into categories and every week or so, I'll post another video and post of how I style that particular jean. Before then, let me leave you with what the fashionistas are saying about jeans and how they style them.
Images do not belong to me and therefore all creditation goes to them. Where I can I will leave links of where you can find these images. These are all from Lookbook.com - you should sign up and keep up to date with how people are styling, its fun! Thanks :)

CATEGORIES

DENIM

BLACK

WHITE

COLOURED

PRINTED

METALLIC

OOTN | Leopard Print (collab)

So, I got invited to collab with 6 other ladies on YouTube to style dresses of various colours. I chose brown (leopard print).

What's your favourite coloured dress you'd like to wear and why?

FIND THE OTHER LADIES AND SHOW THEM YOUR SUPPORT!! OPEN BELOW!

MULTICOLOURED: http://www.youtube.com/user/Styles4Statuesque

BLACK: http://www.youtube.com/user/JamJamiei

WHITE: http://www.youtube.com/user/kiwi0686

RED: http://www.youtube.com/user/MsBlackbarbie93

BLUE: http://www.youtube.com/user/mazviebabie

NAVY: http://www.youtube.com/user/WhatDawnDidInHeels

Dress: New Look

Belt: Primark

Earrings, Rings, Necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Shoes: Love Label

Bag: Dorothy Perkins

Jacket: H&M

Tutorial for this makeup will be up shortly :)

New Fashion Thrift Store!!!

Thrifting has now become the 'it' thing these days of the fashion world and it surprising what you might find hidden deep within the clusters of people's old clothes. Noone likes thrifting more than I do and I know fashion forward students like myself enjoy finding great pieces for such cheap prices.

Well I have some great news for you!!!

A lovely great friend of mine, Caroline has started a thrifting store on her Facebook page. She sells fabulous pieces that will become fashion staples in every girls wardrobe for fantastic prices. So what are you waiting for, head over there now and see what you can grab!

She is also a budding Youtube Guru specialising in Hair, Makeup, Fashion and other Beauty things. I will leave all details below :)

YOUTUBE CHANNEL

www.youtube.com/BlackBarbie93

remember to comment, rate and subscribe!

FASHION THRIFT STORE

(subject to availability, first come first serve basis, £3 UK shipping)

www.facebook.com/africanbarbiestyles

Arm Candy 'Alternatives' | ASOS

Following on from my recent arm-candy finds at Nelly.com, I found that some of the prices of the pieces were 'insane' and totally out of my student budget. However, I've been casually 'screen-shopping' on the ASOS website and found many alternatives to the pricey few I found earlier.

SIMPLICITY

1. Fine Bangle with Lion Head Clasp ASOS £6.00

2. Belf Set of Two Leather Bracelets PIECES £12.00

3. Pack of Two Thin Smooth Double Cuffs ASOS £12.00

4. Vintage 80's Multitone Bangles SUSAN CAPLAN for ASOS £8.00

5. Bask Leather Bracelet PIECES £18.00

6. Claw Cuff Bracelet ASOS £8.00

CHUNKY CHAIN

1. Pack of Two Chain Bracelets ASOS £6.00
2. Chunky Link Chain Bracelet ASOS £8.00
3. Chunky Bracelet with Moustache Charm ASOS £8.00
4. Fluoro Chain Bracelet RIVER ISLAND £10.00
5. Knot Bracelet FRENCH CONNECTION £18.00
6. Diamante Chain Bracelet MANGO £4.50

ROPE

1. Cupchain and Chord Friendship Bracelet RIVER ISLAND £10.00

2. Errika Bracelet PEICES £9.00

3. Star and Bead Chain Bracelet ORELIA £12.00

4. Esi Nini Bracelet MADE £10.00

5. Star Friendship Bracelet CATH KIDSTON £12.00

6. Five Heart Shamballa Bracelet RIVER ISLAND £12.00

Looking through these I can already see how I would style them and which I'd layer and put together. It's obvious some do not remotely similar to the nelly.com ones but being different and unique is what makes the world go round. I hope this has helped some of you thinking of accessorising your wrists whilst still being on trend and not breaking the bank! I may do a 'How I Style Arm Candy' soon if you'd like to see it. What do you think about these alternatives?

University Jibber Jabber | Resposibility - FOOD

Well, hasn't it been a long time coming??? I felt really motivated and encouraged to get some more videos out about university for all those budding young ones who've managed to get their places at Uni this year, WELL DONE!

For those who don't know, University Jibber Jabber is a series that I started some months ago, to give an insight into the world of a student as I lived it. I guess it is to show how it really is and not how 'they' tell you is should be.

My first episode was on the beginnings of university and I touched on various topics from UCAS to Fresher's week. Watch Below!

Luckily for me, it was featured here:
http://theuniversityblog.co.uk/2012/02/10/if-youre-a-fresher-calm-it/
So very grateful to this guy that blogged me up.. but that's the point! Get the word out to help others :)

My next episode is about responsibility and I've split it up into different categories so my videos won't be as long as the first one -.-

FOOD

HYGIENE

BELONGINGS

GOING OUT

WORK / LECTURES

So sit back, relax and get some info :) If you have any more ideas and topics you'd like me to touch on, then let me know and I'll try get a video out there (plus a shout out :P)

Summer Favourites

From top left to bottom right

VO5 Nourish Me Truly, Shampoo and Conditioner

Simple Kind to Skin Refreshing Facial Wash

Simple Clear Skin Oil Balancing Exfoliator

John Freida Root Awakening Leave-in Spray

Elf Make-up Mist and Set

Sleek Transluscent Powder (deep)

YSL Touche Elat (no. 7)

Collection 2000 Lock and Hold Lipglosses (Rock Steady and Peachy coloured??)
Collection 2000 Cream Puff Moisturising Lip Cream in Angel Delight

Collection 2000 Lasting Colour (No. 1 Queen of Hearts - red | No. 4 Coffee Break - Nude)

Tbar Leopard Sandals, Dorothy Perkins

Leather Sandals, H&M

For my opinions on these products, watch the video below :)

Nelly.com | Arm Candy

How I manage to find myself on random sites, I have no idea. However, I recently came across the site nelly.com which I believe is a worldwide fashion site that also sells top designer brands as well as high street. Their prices on most things are somewhat affordable for the compulsive shopper, or a luxury to the student that I am. Despite this, I am seriously loving the choice of trends and have everything for everyone and I am going to show you some of my favourite pieces; first is arm candy!

I used to be a fan of lots of bangles or lots of bracelets a couple of years back, but now when I look at those pictures I just feel uncomfortable because it all looks a bit much. After endless scrolling on Lookbook.com and other blogs I have the answer to 'to arm-candy or not to arm candy?'

SIMPLICITY

1. Cilvia SG Powder DYRBERG/KERN £58.95

2. The Ivania Carpio Bracelet NELLY ACCESSORIES £6.95

3. Sally Fine Bangle MI LAJKL £6.95

4. Lola Stiff Bracelet PILGRIM £30.95

5. Ellen Leather Bracelet PILGRIM £30.95

6. Cross Bracelet SOPHIE BY SOPHIE £92.95

CHUNKY CHAIN

1. Megan Bracelet NELLY ACCESSORIES £9.95

2. Stine Bracelet NELLY ACCESSORIES £14.95

3. Benja Leather Bracelet BLOND ACCESSORIES £30.95

4. Diana Bracelet PILGRIM £39.95

5. Croco Bracelet SYSTER P £32.95

6. Pedro Bracelet £49.95

ROPE

1. Bequie Bracelet BEQUIE £13.95

2. Weber Fine Aqua ROYAL BLUSH £134.95

3. Weber Fine ROYAL BLUSH £155.95

4. Star Bangle Light ROYAL BLUSH £230.95

5. Twin Loop Cherry Size ROYAL BLUSH £121.95

6. Ben Leather BUDDHA TO BUDDHA £159.95

Personally, I think some of these bracelets (especially the rope ones) are way overpriced and I've seen some dupes and alternatives in high street stores for a fraction of the price. But I guess it's nice to dream. Some of these I understand are made from real leather, real animal skin, real silver and gold and all that jazz hence the price. But to be honest, when you are wearing it, who is going to realise whether it's real or fake? Good ol' High Street eh?

All images are courtesy of Nelly.com and they do not belong to me :) Also some of these come in different colours too!

Nuno Da Costa

Gorgeous isn't it?

So I've been looking for inspiration for some artwork to fill my new student house at Uni. After browsing some blogs, I came across this name, Nuno Da Costa and I liked some of the images the blogger was showing so I decided to look it up. Lo and Behold! This guy's artwork is absolutely amazing, no wonder he has commissioned for top designers around the world as he is the 'it' guy.

I'm using him for inspiration and I'm just drawn to the way his lines are so fluid and full of expression. I may do something along the lines of this, but for now just enjoy some images below. And being the lovely person I am, I have a link for you that you can actually get your own A3 size Nuno Da Costa poster of the image above (rectangular rather than oval) for FREE!!! click here

So ... Where Have I Been?

I guess when I decide to start on being committed to this blogging or YouTube and all that jazz, I do the complete opposite. So basically, I have been working to try save money, shopping for a new wardrobe and home bits and hopefully upgrading my photography stuff so when I get back to Oxford I can start freelancing. Also, family have been round for the past 6 ish weeks and to be honest when that happens, you have no time for anything else.

But they've left today!!!

Therefore I have time to myself again and so you will be seeing more of me. It sounds rather ridiculous how I only just blogged a post of my re-introduction but seriously this time it hasn't been my fault.

What to look forward to?

Well well well, do I have some exciting stuff ahead. As I said before, I have revamped my wardrobe into a more sophisticated, more monochromatic, classic theme with pieces from very affordable shops and key items which I think everyone should have in their wardrobe. So there will be an update on that.

I have finished my Clarins sample course and there is actually a new video up on that.. I will put a blog post for those who'd rather read instead of watch. I just explain which items worked and which didn't.

My style 360 hair has all been used and trashed and there will be a video posted once edited. I'm all natural/texlaxed and in all fairness I'm loving it. I find it much easier to handle now I texlaxed it so maybe weaves won't be showing for a while. I may do a video talking about my hair but to be honest, my hair is a whole experiment really so I don't really have anything worthwhile to say plus it is in such a bad condition so.... =/

I'm also planning on doing far more make up tutorials as I can see my makeup corner is collecting dust and I'm losing the will to try stuff as I'm either at work or home and I do the same old ish every day -.-

As well as beauty and fashion, I'm moving to a house this year!!! So more vlogging and tagging along with me in my second year of Uni, seeing what I get up to. Plus doing some more University Jibber Jabber Series.

So... look forward to boring you all with my face and my 'knowledge' and my company and we can start the (academic-y) year together :)

Mwah! xo

How I Style | Collar Necklaces

THE 6TH OUTFIT?? WATCH THE VIDEO :P

Collar necklaces have been really in at the moment and I thought I'd show how I personally style them and from this, feel free to take inspiration to style your own wardrobe. I feel they can be timeless pieces depending on what you put them with.

1st Outfit

Necklace: Miss Selfridge

Top: Primark

Jeans: Zara

Sandals: Mum got from USA

2nd Outfit

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins

Top: Zara

Shorts: Mum got from Germany somewhere =/

Tights: Primark

Converse: Levis

3rd Outfit

Necklace: From a friend

Top: Vintage Store (Rosalinds)

Leggings: Year 7 Dance Leotard Bottoms -.-

Belt: New Look

Socks: Primark

Creepers: Mr Shoes

4th Outfit

Necklace: Evans

Shirt: Dorothy Perkins

Skirt: H&M

Belt Primark

Tights: Primark

Shoes: Primark

5th Outfit

Necklace: Evans

Playsuit: Primark

Belt: Primark

Tights: Primark

Boots:... guess... Primarni! -.-

6th Outfit

Necklace: Primark

Dress: Ebay

Tights: Primark

Boots: Ebay

7th Outfit

Necklace: Miss Selfridge

Top: Primark

Leggings: Primark

Loafers: Ebay

In all outfits:

Earrings: Miss Selfridges

Nails: Blue concotion I made up. (dupe: Revlon)

Maxine xo