My Paris trip review. Where to stay? What to eat?

Haven't blogged in a while due to having such a busy month so I am now making up for it. Il do a separate fashion blog about Pairs soon.

I finally got to go to Paris and it was AMAZING everything I expected. I went for my 20th Birthday from the 1st -5th November. 

I would go back right now if I could it is such a stylish place all the buildings are beautiful and there is so much to do! However, everything is very spread out so there is allot of walking so if you want a city where everything is all in one place Paris is not for you!  

Wine & Dine? 

Food and drinks day to day even if its just buying a coffee or going out for a meal is all very expansive so I would advise saving up and going with a fair bit of cash so you can experience it all to its best. Of all the restaurants I've ever been to (and thats allot!) Au Bougnat just next to the Notre Dame is the best one EVER their food was incredible, and their service was amazing it was a really warm, cosy and romantic atmosphere definitely worth the money for a lovely evening. I had the steak of course! and it was just the best thing I have ever eaten. 

Au Bougnat, 26 Rue Chanoinesse, Paris 

Where to stay? 

We stayed in an a apartment opposite the Notre Dame which was beautiful however when we go again we plan to stay closer to the Champs Elysees and Eiffel tower as the Notre Dame is a good 30mins walk away from the Eiffel tower. So I would 100% recommend staying near to the Champs Elysees its a good place to start from and plus you'll be on one of the most famous shopping strips in the world! 

What to do? 

The Louvre was my favourite place, to walk around it all its 9 MILES! but worth it you would need the whole day to see it all, luckily at the bottom there is a Starbucks and an Apple store! so really you don't need to leave at all! On a sunday the Louvre is free to go in too but any other time you have to pay, students do get a discount. 

  

Eiffel tower, this was even bigger than I expected and yes, despite being petrified we did go all the way to the top, super scary but super worth it, you have to que for a while but can spend as long as you like on each floor, the top is really really windy so it was a quick few pictures for me then I came back down! and if you're under 24 its only about 14 euros each. 

The Champs Elysees is beautiful, world renowned shopping strip full of everything from Louis Vuitton Flagship to a Mercedes dealership a few doors down it is AMAZING every designer name you could think of and also high street brands, Zara, H&M, Sephora, MAC cosmetics etc. so anyone can shop regardless of budget! Definitely a place to have a wonder even if you don't plan on shopping. 

I could write forever about the things to do and see there but it is simply something every girl had to experience, I will do a fashion and beauty blog about what I bought in Paris and a few more things Ive picked up this month. 

Happy Traveling 

xoxox 

WINTER WISHLIST '13

 My Winter'13 wish list

Short & sweet, I have seen this blog trending allot so I thought id share mine.

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My first 2 items are these boyfriend jeans (ZARA 29.99 GBP) and these AMAZING tailored ankle strap trousers also ZARA (29.99 GBP) as cut out ankle boots are very much an essential this season I've been trying to fine a casual look for them and a more smart one and i think these 2 would be perfect! 

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Shoes! YAY! as many people know I love my shoes & this winter my more formal shoe I've chosen is the Christian Louboutin Pigalle in nude (Starting from 395.00 GBP) I know every celeb on the face of the earth at the moment has these and I can 10000% see why making a casual outfit so classy! I would team these beauties with the Zara boyfriend jeans (above) a loose fit white tee and a statement necklace, however they will go with anything and everything definitely a classic investment purchase! 

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My final 2 on my wish list are both accessories by Alexander McQueen of whom I am a huge fan! The silver skull embellished bangle is 160.00 GPB both bracelets are available in Selfridges stores, NET-A-PORTER and direct from the Alexander McQueen website. The second wrap leather bracelet (135.00 GBP) is my favourite of the 2. I really hope I can get my hands on both of these this year!! 

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Happy Shopping! xoxo

NARS: Fashion. Glam. Guy Bourdin

FINALLY It's here! World renowned fashion photographer and icon Guy Bourdin has collaborated with NARS to create this amazing holiday collection for 2013. 

NARS never fails to impress with collaborations, so after last years Andy Warhol we have all been anxious to see this year! 

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Luckily for me being a makeup artist for the wonderful NARS cosmetics means I've already seen the collection so I just thought id blog with you guys to tell you my favourites! 

I myself am based in a Selfridges store so there are some palettes that are exclusive to us some to Space NK etc.. however the full collection will be available to browse online! 

But I urge all you NARS fans to get yourselves to a counter so you can see up close how amazing all the colours are! 

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The lipsticks and eyeshadows are a new Cinematic formula which give a multi dimensional finish, a  really different yet wearable texture! My favourite lipstick colour is called future red, a deep cinematic finish lip colour perfect for the 'Berry lips' trend this season. 

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There are so many beautiful pouches and pallets available all perfect christmas presents or even a treat for yourself! for all you hardcore NARS lovers out there, You will be exited to know that all the blush and eye shadow colours are new! Exhibit A is the only colour being brought into this collection from our usual blushers. This is my favourite collection so far would 100% recommend 

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Happy Shopping! xox 

'Disclaimer: All views above are mine and mine only' 

NARS Favourites: Top 4

As most people know I am a makeup artist and have been for the last 4 years. Currently I work for NARS cosmetics in Selfridges, Ive worked for the brand for about 8 months now and always get asked why I love the brand so much. So i've decide to share my favourites in a blog post! All these views are my own, hope you enjoy. 

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Sheer Glow Foundation - RRP 30.50

This is the best foundation i've EVER used! Extremely lightweight formula gives a medium coverage for a flawless radiant look. I myself have normal/oily combination skin, I use this foundation with a primer and loose light reflective setting powder and it will last me all day. It is medium coverage so it never looks too heavy and its virtually weightless on your face. I also use this foundation when doing bridal freelance work as it photographs so beautifully, and lasts all day.

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Multiple - Maldives RRP 30.00 

This creamy multiple stick can be used on eyes lips and cheeks, one of the many products that NARS are famous for. This colour maldives is a slightly pink/bronze tone with a gold shimmer through it the perfect highlighter for any skin tone, looks beautiful on its own for a soft look or layered with Luster or Orgasm blush (both NARS powder blushes RRP 21.50) its very easy to use and blends beautifully over foundation or bare skin definitely a must have of mine, or if you're not used to wearing blush its a brilliant place to start. 

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Satin Lip Pencil - Palais Royal RRP 17.50 

The satin lip pencils are a wonderful little invention, they give the coverage of a lipstick with a satin shine and the precision of a lip liner, therefor making the satin lip pencil a handbag essential!, my favourite bold colour is Palais Royal, a deep rich purple, very on trend and very striking on the lip. I also love Isola Bella which is a pinky nude shade perfect for everyday or with dark smokey eye. 

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Powder Blush - Taj Mahal RRP 21.50

My fourth favourite product is the powder blushes, as many of you may know NARS is famous for its Orgasm blusher, beautiful pinky peach with a gold highlight however, this colour called Taj Mahal is a deep burnt orange with a gold highlight. A product that in the packaging may look a little scary (as its orange) however a small amount applied to the cheekbones gives the most beautiful 'holiday fresh' look, darker skin tones can wear this colour slightly heavier and really bring out the golden glow in your skin! This product is definitely on of NARS's hidden gems. 

I could go on and on with my NARS favourites but if you have any questions about any products comment below or come to a counter 

xoxo

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PFW: My Favourites

Pairs fashion week. my absolute favourite! I thought there would be no better way to start my blog than with some of my favourite parts from recent shows. No one will be able to forget these past few days of  PFW with shows from Chanel, Valentino, McQueen and of course Marc Jacobs final show for Louis Vuitton - Its been very exiting. 

 Being a makeup artist you can imagine Chanel's SS14 show was super exiting for me. The anime style neon eye created by Peter Phillips, Chanel's former global director for makeup artistry was so striking, a very unusual and bold approach.

I loved the whole Chanel SS14 show, it was almost past/future with a 60's and 70's vibe and a strong futuristic, robotic edge. Cropped flicked out wigs & such bold colours on the pieces throughout made this such a powerful show. As always Cara Delevingne looked stunning sporting a platinum blonde wig along with the bold anime-esque eye. I love what Karl Lagerfeld has done and think it was an amazing show. Hopefully we will be seeing a bright eye palette in Chanel's SS14 collection. 

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Secondly, there was the Louis Vuitton show last night, a moving show being Marc Jacobs LAST show for Vuitton. The setting was stunning, a very dark and mysterious vibe. With a giant gothic black carousel and water fountain it was incredible, definitely one to watch! 

Minimal makeup was worn, so the giant black spiked headpieces were main focus. There was allot of tights, cut outs, lace, leather almost like a gothic rock chick vibe a very inspiring show. 

Marc Jacobs is now focusing on his own label, so it leaves the question who will join Vuitton? Nicolas Ghesquiere is said to be top contender to take Marc Jacobs place. Ghesquiere left Balenciaga last year after successfully revamping the brand. So hopefully if he does replace Jacobs he will bring a creative edge to Vuitton. 

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Finally McQueen, another breathtaking show, allot brighter than what we usually see form McQueen, lots of leather, feathers and geometric patterns made a very strong look. 

My favourites have to be the shoes, there were super high super strappy bold statement shoes! 

Leather harness' and military-esque headwear gives the beautiful layered victorian dress pictured below, a masculine and very 'McQueen' edge. Overall I thought this show was really good I loved the feminine pieces teamed with masculine accessories look and again minimal makeup. 

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I hope you enjoyed my first blog post!  

xoxo