Saturday 22 February 2014

Youtube Channel!


Exciting news everyone, I have started a Youtube channel with my best friend Charlotte under the name of our joint blog Exploringwardrobes. We filmed a haul video with items we bought on our trip to Manchester and also a few vlog clips.  We plan to post oufit and makeup videos so please like and subscribe!


Nars Fez Eyeshadow








On a recent shopping trip in Manchester I found myself at the Nars counter as I had been on the hunt for the perfect brown eyeshadow to add to my collection. Brown shades are often overlooked yet this shade really caught my eye. Fez is a warm brown shade with golden undertones that catches the light beautifully. I found it to be the middle ground between MAC bronze and Mulch which I had also been debating. Unfortunately the Nars counter in Selfridges did not have this shade in stock but the sales assistant kindly pointed me in the direction of Space NK (I thought Space NK was only in London!) where the sales ladies were lovely I would highly recommend a visit to those who live in Manchester.

I had never previously tried the Nars eyeshadows as I feel their blushes are the brand's most coveted products however I have been really impressed with the formula. The shadow is buttery in texture, blending like a dream and provides even coverage. The lasting power is also very good and Fez remains on the lid a lot longer than the Naked 2 palette shades especially when combined with a primer or the Maybelline colour tattoo in 'On and on bronze.'

I plan to post a 'face of the day' featuring this eyeshadow very soon, let me know what your favourite eyeshadow single is!

Grace xx


Monday 17 February 2014

Tresemme Keratin Smooth: The worst shampoo I have ever tried...?

Judging by the title you can tell this is not going to be a positive review of this product, however as there are countless blog entries raving about must-have beauty items I thought I would share my views on a few things that I definitely would not recommend, starting with this shampoo.

What the product claims to do:
The new TRESemme Keratin Smooth range restores Keratin and replenishes hair to make it smoother and easier to style. The lower sulphate conditioner is suitable for use even after a salon keratin treatment*. Stay salon smooth with up to 48 hours of frizz control.

Tresemme Keratin Shampoo gently cleanses and restores Keratin.
Formulated without sodium chloride to prolong the results of a salon keratin treatment.
Right. Let me start off by describing my hair type for you, I have colour treated, long, thick, very wavy hair that gets frizzy easily. I took a break from dying my hair in order to restore it to a good condition and purchased this shampoo thinking that it would help, after all, it does promise up to 48 hrs of frizz control.
However after using this shampoo my hair felt very dry, even after using my regular conditioner and a Tresemme leave in conditioner. I allowed my hair to dry naturally overnight and woke up to find my hair even more of a tangled mess than usual! My curls were not defined like they usually are when I leave my hair to air dry and the texture of my hair was extremely dry. After using this product my hair felt worse than it had done after I tried to go platinum blonde on a whim.
This result was not only experienced by myself but my mum and sister also used this shampoo and complained that their hair was dried out, damaged and impossible to brush.
This product may work for those who have naturally straight, non-frizzy hair despite the claims on the packaging, however I suggest anyone with even a slight natural wave to steer clear of this shampoo unless you want to resemble Hermione Granger circa Chamber of secrets at best.
Has anyone else tried this product? xx

Sunday 9 February 2014

Liebster Award 2


I have been nominated for the Liebster award by the gorgeous Mehreen. As most of you will know the Liebster award is designed to promote upcoming blogs. Here are my answers to Mehreen's questions:

1. What's your favourite skin care product?
I often find skincare products to do the opposite of what they claim to do, however I love the Good things skincare range particularly the creamy cleanser and the mattifying moisturiser.

2. If you could be any celebrity for the day, who would it be?
Ooh this is a hard one, I'd have to go for Kim Kardashian I know a lot of people dislike her but seriously, married to Kanye West and having Mario Dedivanovic as your makeup artist?!

3. What's the best present you've received?
The best present I've received would have to be NARS albatross hilighter, a Christmas gift from my best friend Charlotte. This product is a game changer when it comes to creating flawless, glowing skin and I couldn't be without it!

4. What's your favourite designer?
My favourite designer would have to be Alexander Wang as his designs are minimal and wearable yet have a futuristic edge.

5. If you could choose one make up company to work with, who would it be?

Its a tough decision between MAC and NARS but the deciding factor would be the huge range of products available at MAC and the exciting new collections being launched.

6. Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
In 5 years time I hope to be graduating university, hopefully I will have moved out and I plan to build my blog! I then hope to go into a fashion or beauty related career.

7. What's your favourite online shopping website?
I love Sheinside but the shipping takes ages!

8. What book have you read recently, and enjoyed?
I have recently read 'The beautiful and the damned' by Scott Fitzgerald after studying 'The Great Gatsby' in English Literature. I love Fitzgerald's descriptive style and the unconventional romance storyline.

9. How did you think of your blog name?
I have a keen interest in fashion and wanted my blog to reflect that, I also have a huge stack of Vogue magazines in my room that are undeniably inconvinent yet I can't bring myself to get rid of them. I find myself being drawn to the sea and I find the beach a very tranquil and relaxing setting.

10. Tea or coffee?
Neither! I love the smell of coffee but I am not a fan of the taste, I tried to join the green tea bandwagon but it just tastes odd.

11. What's your favourite beauty product at the moment?
My favourite beauty product would have to be MAC Kid eye-shadow, this shade looks very non-descript in the pan but it makes the perfect transition colour for any smokey eye whether it be black or bronze.

My questions:
1) Favourite restaurant dish?
2) Favourite makeup artist?
3) The one thing you cant stop buying...?
4) Dream travel destination?
5) A culture you are interested in...?
6) Favourite fashion show SS14
7) Major plans for the year...?
8) Most visited high street store?
9) Favourite song?
10) Celebrity style icon?
11) Favourite blog?

Bloggers chosen:

  1. Sophie
  2. Amber
  3. Isley
  4. Sarah
  5. Nelly
  6. Christina
  7. ApartmentNo87
  8. Vivian
  9. Jules
  10. Saskia
  11. Liv





Saturday 1 February 2014

In your dreams #1

In your dreams #1

I recently saw a picture of Ciara wearing a gorgeous Lanvin suit and I have been listing after pinstripes ever since. Navy makes a nice addition to a monochrome wardrobe and still coordinates with most outfits. I love the combination of the UNIF boots and Topshop backpack.
This Givency Bambi sweater is another lust item as I really like the abstract design. What items are in your dream wardrobe?
Grace xx

Do I really need more black boots?



The honest answer to that question is no, however I could pass on the chance to get these amazing chunky ankle boots in the Topshop sale at only £15! They were reduced from £75 so it just goes to show that the January sales get better with time. 
The boots have a chunky Gothic feel to them and feature cut-out detail on the sides. They remind me of Acne boots (a girl can dream) and I will definitely be wearing these throughout Spring as while I do love my Topshop Aphrodite boots, they are a pain to get on whereas these boots come with a convenient zip.
Grab those last bargains people!

View the full outfit post here: http://exploringwardrobes.blogspot.co.uk/2014/02/versace-illuminati.html
Grace xx