Whats in my make up bag? | Everyday Edition

For those of you who don't know me, I'm a nosy besom (and for those of you who don't know what a besom is, Google it). Truly, in fact you there reading this very post, I have probably stalked your Twitter at some point! Or your instagram, who knows maybe even your house! In fact, just consider me to be lurking on most corners of the social media world waiting for you to post, tweet, hashtag or update. But I know I'm not alone in this, in fact my generation appears to be the generation of social media stalkers, Tweet freaks and like lurkers, so knowing that both my nosiness and your nosiness know no bounds I thought I would today let you in to my world a little bit and share my every day make up essentials for my daily work face!

Eyeko Liner Pen; I discovered this when it came free with a magazine and I fell in love. I buy this from ASOS, it is so dark and glides on your eye so easily, I usually just put this on top of a regular pencil eyeliner to give me a little more definition (it's also super easy to cat flick - just sayin')

Benefit Roller Lash; As you guy know this is my first love... sort of you know after the 'They're Real' mascara by Benefit too (what can I say? I've had a lot of loves!) for my full review click here.

Brow Zing in the shade light by Benefit; this was actually a free sample from the Benefit Brow Bar, which as you probably know is where I have my brows done, this is a gel like brow product with a lovely little soft brush that you literally brush through your brows and you're good to go!

Smashbox Primer; so if you're into your make up as I am I won't need to tell you how amazing this primer feels. It is quite thick but feels like silk on the skin and protects your pores from your foundation, products and all manner of dirt and grime. Since using this I have not had a breakout caused by make up build up and I rarely need to buy a new one as it lasts so long.

MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation in NW15; having repurchased this twice now I can safely say this is my true shade, my one and only, my love. This offers a medium to high coverage, a little goes a very long way if applied properly and is makes up my daily face skin! You can read my full review here!

Soar lip liner by MAC; one of my newest MAC additions, with it having been sold out every which where I jumped at the chance when I saw it in my local. The colour is amazing it's a sort of your lips but better and well I don't really need to tell you how great it looks and feels!

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss; and to top off my entire lippy look I apply a slick of this soap and glory gloss which helps draw blood to your lips and give you that much coveted trout pout. It's such a subtle colour and goes really well with my Soar liner. 

Eyelure Lashes Enchanted Edition in Poise; when I could no longer find my Katy Perry lashes in stores I resorted to these and they're a fantastic sub, they're a bit more exaggerated and extravagant than my other more 'natural' lashes but I'm loving the dramatics at the moment!

Well guys I hope this has given you nosy nellies a bit of insight into my face, this is just my sort of everyday, work make up, if you liked this post be sure to drop me a comment below and share your favourite every day products, I may even do a night out edition shortly, but we shall see. As you know I also love hearing from you on Twitter and as usual if you want to keep up with my latests be sure to follow me on Bloglovin.

Until next time folks, I'm probably i-stalking you right now!

H.Elizabeth

Ooh La La | New Look Parisian Haul

This month I have been on a bit of a spending ban, well when I say spending ban I mean I tried my best, failed spectacularly and today I am justifying my splurgey tendencies with this blog post. One day we may delve a little deeper into my psyche and determine why I have such a terrible spending habit and shopaholic tendencies but today I think it would just be that bit more fun to share my recent work wear haul and purchases from New Look (which in actual fact only came to around £55!)

Looking at my wardrobe, as I'm sure we all do, I felt as if I've been in a bit of a clothing rut. Dressing mainly in a midi skirt and a floaty tee, or being really lazy and throwing on jeggings and a shirt, my working wardrobe has left much to be desired. So when the brand new New Look Parisian inspired collection came into stores earlier this month I just couldn't help myself and of course I was able to fully justify these purchases by telling myself they will come in handy for our holidays later on in the year too and of course I get to share my finds with you guys.

Monochrome Tunic Dress £14.99

This was actually something I spotted in New Looks window display, and usually I don't get along with shift / tunic style dresses or horizontal stripes for that matter (I have the fear of looking like a fashionable but chubby zebra) But this is such a lovely fit and the material is so flattering and falls just right, it doesn't exaggerate my hips as some of these dresses often do and I'm looking forward to wearing this little number to work in the colder months with some wooly tights and then taking this to Paris with me in the summer and baring all! (legs)

Striped Baggy Shirt £17.99

This isn't something I would usually go for but the softness of the material drew me in! Since buying this I have barely had it off my back and it is totally worth the price just for the comfiness and wearability of the material. I can wear this shirt with so many things, dress trousers, jeggings or even tucked into a high waisted skirt. Statement pieces you can wear with a multitude of things have got to be my favourites, which is why I almost cried when I ruined my faux leather skirt a few weeks ago!

High Neck Ribbed Crop Top £12.99

I was scared to make this purchase if I'm honest, high necked and cropped are two words which are generally not in my vocabulary, I have the uni-boob fear you see! But feeling like a daring devil I tried this on, and I was pleasantly surprised. Of course I won't be dawning this with my belly on show or with anything too risque, instead I think I'll pair this with a pair of high waisted jeans or a skirt if I'm going dressy.

Grid Check Leggings £7.00

These were on sale, and I remember eyeing them up when they were full price and thinking I just wouldn't wear them enough to jusfity their price. But now I have them I can barely get them off (and no, funny people, it's not because of my big bum!) I wear them to work, around the house, out shopping and like the shirt I love how versatile they are! Usually patterend items scare me a little bit and I only have one item that goes with them, but in this case I have been very creative with my wardrobe and lucky!

 

Given that this has been my one and only haul this month I think my loose spending ban has done me some good, but I am pleased that I was able to find such fashion gems which are all so versatile! Now all I need to do is look for some great fashion accessories to go along with them and my life will be complete (until the next haul)

 

Of course as always I'd love to hear your styling suggestions, have I perhaps missed a trick or maybe you want to point me in the direction of some similar looking items which could dessicate my bank balance even further, either way I'd love to hear your thoughts, comments and suggestions below. Of course as always you can find me loitering about on Twitter or if you'd like to keep up to date with my latests you can always find me on Bloglovin

 

Until next time folks, I'll be nursing my bank balance back to health.

 

H.Elizabeth xx

 

My Coffee Table | Latest Reads

Over the past few months I have had a little bit of an obsession with the phenomenon sweeping the nation, blogosphere and coffee tables everywhere and since then I have gained quite an impressive library of fashion, beauty and lifestyle books, discovered some great authors and spent more than I care to think of in Waterstones! So in light of my recent discoveries and additions I thought I would share with you my top picks in fashion, beauty and lifestyle reads from my own coffee table.

A London Year: 365 Days of City Life in Diaries, Journals and Letters

A London Year is a collection or journal entries, diary excerpts and short musings from various individuals which date back to Tudor times and takes you right through to the 21st century, I really enjoy just picking this book up at any page and reading a little except and it really shows how much London has changed and how far people have come especially when you read an excerpt about the war, air raids and even executions. This is a lovely thick hard back book which is a great addition to anyone who loves reading about history, people's lives or who just loves London past or present!

Elvgren: Complete Pin-Ups Book

Pin up is something I have loved and admired style wise for a good while now and I love the glamour that comes hand in hand with post war 1950s style, in fact one of my greatest discoveries of this past year has been pin up You Tube sensation the Cherry Dollface. This book is a tribute to one of the world's greatest pin up illustrators, Gil Elvgren who liked to photograph models and then paint them into a hyper reality of long legs, gravity defying hair and flawless make up. This is actually a book I have had for years, and I use this when I'm looking for make up or style inspiration with a vintage feel.

Paris Street Style: A Guide to Effortless Chic

One of my most recent purchases and I'll tell you for fashion and beauty enthusiasts it's a definite page turner. Since adding this nifty wee book to my collection I haven't been able to put it down, the ideas inside are inspired and even if you're not looking to read too much then the outfits captured inside are enough to satisfy your style cravings. With styling tips, interviews and inspirational quotes from French and fashion greats alike this  book can help you develop your own personal style with a Parisian flair for everyday glamour with that highly coveted je nais se quois.

So I hope you've enjoyed reading my coffee table picks, of course this is only part of our collection and we're always looking to expand so if you have any great reads we have missed out be sure to share them with me in the comments below or come share them with me on Twitter or if you'd like to keep up with the latest Granite City reviews, antics and adventures be sure to follow me on Bloglovin

My head will be in a book, until next time folks! 

H.Elizabeth x

Where is all of the 'Christmas Spirit?' | Christmas Shopping

It must be said, at this time of year I tend to have a love / hate relationship with shopping , well I say it's shopping but if I'm being totally honest it's Christmas shoppers. I apologise in advance for the unseasonably downer of a Christmas post but I'm afraid the world must be called out on their behaviour and so called 'Christmas cheer'  

I entered with high hopes, my mum had treated me to a slap up breakfast in town and the sight of the biggest and brightest decorations the shopping centres had to offer left me feeling incredibly full of festive cheer and I was incredibly ready and rearing to greet the days worth of shopping. And that's when it happened...

The not so subtle shoving, barging, pushing, lack of shopper etiquette as well as the complete and total abandonment of the much coveted Christmas spirit of the year and so the days events unfolded! If I could pinpoint one moment in the day I began to notice a difference I suppose I would say it all started with a tea set, beautiful, vintage and right up one of my friends/family members street the perfect gift....and did I mention it was also the very last one in store! Having picked it up, examined it for scratches, scathes and general scrappiness I decided, yes, this was the one, but all the while I felt a breath on my neck and a handbag nearly up my backside of another suitor for this tea set and upon discovering, much to her dismay, that I had claimed it as my own audibly sighed, mumbled profanities and shot a look in my direction which can only be described as 'bah humbug'....and that was only the beginning.

Throughout my Christmas journey I encountered similar acts of festive cheer and bah-humbugery of the highest order, such as the lady who decided to stop dead in the middle of the busiest street in town only to tut and titter when everyone maneuvered quickly around her or goodness forbid accidentally bump her handbag or perhaps the tale of the family who decided to use their push chair (child still inside) as a battering ram in order to fully dominate the tiny aisle space in BHS would be a more Christmassy tale. And lets not get started on Poundland (which may as well have a sign above the door which reads, 'Ye who enter here, abandon all hope) where I ditched all of my shopping in favour of sanity at having seen the queuing system, or lack thereof, a pet peeve of mine and the rest of the nation. Or perhaps the most interesting of all the elderly lady in Thorntons  who fully bashed, and made me fall onto the counter, in a bid to show her disdain for her lack of purchase, but not to worry she was quickly shut down by the cashier who came to my rescue as the bumper decided it was in fact my ass that was too big, as opposed to her manners being too few.

Much resembling THAT scene from much beloved comedy Christmas movie, 'Jingle All the Way' (the bit with the ball chasing) my hometown became a bloodbath of red tinsel, festive footwear and frivolous spending (that is the only way I can describe a woman piling handfuls upon handfuls of Christmas gift bags into her paws!)

So today ladies and gentleman I ask, why at the 'most wonderful time of the year', the time we ought to be the kindest, warmest and cheeriest we can be (it is indeed an unrealistic expectation I know) do we behave like animals, abandon all sense of moral right and wrong and simply stress one another out!? I myself have noticed that since the Black Friday madness those of us not living under a rock were forced to endure, shopping and the entire experience has refused to go back to normality and the sales aren't even on any more!

In fact in order to de-stress, cool off, let off some steam and generally calm down my mum and I found ourselves trailing a MILLION bags into the cinema with us to see Paddington, and I tell you it worked wonders, watching a fuzzy wee bear navigate London made Aberdeen and the shoppers look a little bit better.

Everything about the entire Christmas shopping experience this year has forced me to reevaluate the way in which I shop, the next time I shall not be going out armed with a fluffy parka and eyes full of hope, instead my weapon of choice will be steel capped boots and a hard visor! 

As I said I do apologise for the cynical Christmas post but I just wondered if everyone elses Christmas shopping experiences have been similar to mine this year? Or is it perhaps just me? (I really hope not) I would love to hear your Christmas shopping experiences from this year or perhaps you have a funny Black Friday story to share! Either way leave them in the comments below, come share them with me on Twitter or if you'd like to hear more of my Granite City rants be sure to follow me on Bloglovin.

Until next time folks, I'll be here catching up with a little zen!

H.Elizabeth x

The Girl with the Green (ish) Coat

Can you tell I've been watching 'Confessions of a Shopaholic?' 

As you'll know if you read my October / Autumnal wants post I have recently been on the hunt for a brand new striking, statement winter coat to break my blackish, grey habit and inject some colour into my life. And I'm ever so pleased to tell you I have done it, and at a discounted price too!

When I'm on the hunt for something I generally stick to my comfort zones, visiting shops like New Look and Dorothy Perkins or sometimes I'll dabble in River Island but only when I'm feeling 'out there' but this year I was tempted in and fell for the M & S ad, which has us all in the grips of their fashion forward talons. Can anyone genuinely say that they haven't nailed their AW14 campaign?!

Basically what prompted this was a very Frozen esque jacket I saw on the advert, you all know the one, the ice blue comfy coat with the white trim around the collar! But of course my practical brain set in and when I tried it on, as much as I loved it, it just wasn't practical for Winter. A nice ice blue ensemble is all very well and good but at almost £80 think of the splashes you'll get from cars on the way to work, or think of the clumsiness of yourself in your oversized winter boots and even think of the marks you'll get just from the falling snow! I couldn't risk it!

So instead I tried on and loved this little ensemble which I only saw by chance as it was the last in it's size and on the wrong rack! It's such a lovely fit and the colour is amazing, on the website it's called 'Emerald' which of course being the film buff I am, just whisked me off to OZ. I also love the black (faux) fur trimmed collar. Having no reservations I of course snapped it up ASAP, and I struck even more luck when I found it was 20% of all M&S coats that weekend! So I only had to pay £69.30, luck of the Irish perhaps?

Limited Edition Faux Fur Collared Neck Coat in Emerald (RRP. £79.00 From M&S)

Sorry that I have spent so much time on a post revolving around a new winter coat but honestly it's exciting when you spot a rare find (in this case a smart, on trend, cost effective winter coat that isn't black!) Have you guys found any AW fashion nuggets on you travels lately? I'd love to hear about them, be sure to drop me a comment below, come tweet at me on the Twittersphere or if you'd like to keep up to date with my latest posts be sure to follow me on Bloglovin

Until next time folks

H.Elizabeth x

#Nomakeupselfie | Doing Your Bit

Hello everyone, so a week has passed since the #nomakeupselfiefor cancer swept the social media sphere throughout the UK at least, and if you don't know what I'm yapping about, where have you been?

Not only were those of you who took to the internets snapping pics of your faces au naturale, the majority I could see were even donating generously raising over a staggering £8m in a little over a week AND COUNTING for Cancer Research! As a PR and Communication student I was incredibly impressed that a campaign like this has had such an effect and it just goes to show the power we hold as internet users and social media sharers!

So today I would like to share with you what I plan on doing in aid of various charities this year.

(The first time I have appeared au naturale on the line, feeling good for charity)

Race for Life 10K

Last year my friend and I took part in another event in aid of cancer, one I'm sure you're all familiar with, the Race for Life 10k. For all of you ladies out there who have yet to participate in the Race for Life 5 or 10K run, it is a fantastic atmosphere where there is a real community sense and it a lot of fun. Being healthy and helping charity is a great boost and we were eventually able to raise over £200.00 to help beat cancer!

Baker Hughes 10K

This one is a race that is a little different and one more specific to Aberdeen over a UK wide run. It is called the Baker Hugues Running Festival and is not held for a specific charity but rather participants are given the opportunity to choose a charity which is close to them personally. So I intend to run for either a heart disease charity or lung disease as these are causes closer to my family which I always feel go unnoticed by the media. I have never taken part in the Baker Hughes Running Festival before but I am really pleased to be able to run for a cause which I have chosen myself.

Unfortunately this is all I have planned for my Summer sponsor activities, the Baker Hughes 10K is in May and the Race for Life in June, so I've given myself a bit of a challenge here but I am determined to raise over £100.00 per run, if you are feeling so inclined and generous this evening here is my Just Giving page for the Race for Life 10K.

What do you guys do for charity, and are there any specifically close to your hearts? Drop me a comment below, come chat with me on Twitter or if you'd like to keep up with the latest Granite City posts follow this blog on Bloglovin.

Stay generous everyone
H. Elizabeth

What I Wore | Aztec Affair

So today I thought I would share yet another what I wore post with you, but I was very excited about this one in particular as it features my brand new sale ASOS dress which was a bargain at only £7.50!

What I wore on my body

 Dress - B/W Aztec Print Dress, Asos (love love love)

Belt - An oldie, unfortunately I cannot remember where it is from (Sorry guys!)

Tights - Supercosy Cotton Tights, ASDA

What I wore on my feet

Pumps - Bow Glitzy Pumps which you have seen before, New Look

What I wore on my face and head

Hair - Voluminous lightly curled and pulled to the side (apologies for the roots!)

Face- Benefit Porefessional Pore Minimiser
L'oreal 24hr Infallible Make up (Porcelain)
Collection 2000 Pressed Powder (Ivory)
Eyes - Max Factor Khol Eyeliner Pencil in Charcoal Black
MUA Browns Trio Eyeshadow
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Lips - Burts Bees Lip Balm

What I wore around my neck

Necklace - A beautiful gift I received for my 14th or 15th birthday, stunning heart shaped locket with an art deco pattern. Can't seem to take this off at the moment I'm really loving it.

 I hope you've enjoyed this edition of 'what I wore' I love hearing your comments, seeing your latest fashion endeavors or even just general blogger feedback!

As you all know today marks the end of February, so stay tuned for my latest best buy post coming in the next few days along with some latest beauty product reviews, from the likes of Philosophy, Garnier and Dove.

If you like that and more you can keep up to date with my posts on Bloglovin or keep up to date with just me on Twitter

What I Wore | Ladies Who Lunch

This week has been quite eventful for days out and a busy social calendar, so I am going to share my Thursday luncheon look with you, what one would wear to a casual afternoon of Brazilian food and fine company.

What I wore on my body

Vest- Black Plain, Forever 21
Blouse- Sheer White, Topshop
Bottoms- Dark Blue Jeggings, Sparkle & Fade, Urban Outfitters (Stretchy as a necessity!)

What I wore on my feet

Flats- Grey & Silver Bow Pumps, New Look (New Addition)

What I wore on my head and face

Hair- Minnie Mouse Bow Bun (See Previous How To Post) 
Ears- Faux pearl earrings (my go to pair)
Face- Benefit Porefessional Pore Minimiser
L'oreal Infallible Make up (Porcelain)
Collection 2000 Pressed Powder (Ivory)
Eyes- Urban Decay's 'Rehab' Cream Shadow
MUA Cream coloured shadow
Max Factor Khol Eyeliner Pencil in Charcoal Black
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Lips- Nivea Moisturising Lip Balm

As I discovered later on in the evening I was happy to be wearing VERY stretchy jeggings as I ate my weight in Brazilian food! Anybody else have a special pair of eating bottoms?!

 As always I appreciate any and all comments from you lovely people and if you want to chat with me a bit more reach me on Twitter and you can keep up to date with me on Bloglovin

H.Elizabeth

Back to School Wear

Every year as the Christmas holidays come to a close I get awfully excited about the beginning of a new term, new year, new start, new classes and the novelty of a new wardrobe (often unwelcome additions due to over-stuffing my face!) So I thought I'd do a little post on my  back to big school look!

At the beginning of every semester I usually try to make a bit more of an effort than usual, because you know I don't want everyone to know my everyday wear consists of a pair of comfy joggers and a baggy t-shirt courtesy of last years freshers fair!! So here it is my back to school look!

Clothes

Top - 'Emerald Green' Blouse from New Look

Vest - Plain white baggy vest from Forever 21

Bottoms - Dark Speckled Jeggings by Sparkle and Fade from Urban Outfitters

Necklace - Chunky Chain and Taupe Stone Necklace from Accessorize

Shoes - 'Emerald Green' Flats from New Look

Today's outfit is full of oldies but goodies (because I haven't outgrown them yet) my necklace is my favourite statement piece at the moment and I love the combination of the colouring of the jewellery with the deep green of the blouse.

Hair and Make Up 

As you can see from the picture I was actually very lazy today, opting for a high messy bun (no doughnut required) pulled back out of my face, of course for minimum distraction during my schooling...

Today I opted for quite a subtle look (for me at least)
Face - Benefit Porefessional Pore Minimiser
L'oreal Infallible Make up (Porcelain)
Collection 2000 Pressed Powder (Ivory)
Eyes - Various Nudes from Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette
Max Factor Khol Eyeliner Pencil in Charcoal Black
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Lips- Nivea Moisturising Lip Balm

Of course stay tuned for my mid semester breakdown, where I once again become consumed with coursework and my outdoor attire may as well be a black bag! Feel free to follow, drop me a comment or come find me on Twitter

H. Elizabeth