Dedication

So, just as I finished my banana chocolate muffin and cappuccino this afternoon, this happened.




Hmmm, way to take the fun out of an afternoon pastry break!

Do your new years resolutions look this impressive?

Metal Gear Solid

Whilst wading through the Spring/Summer make up collections, editing photographs and scheduling shoots I repeatedly had my attention drawn to this little beauty. 

(image via)

Courtesy of Yves Saint Laurent, I predict this hair band, Croissant, armadillo looking affair is going to kick off a huge trend in hair jewellery this season.  It has Editors the world over going crazy for its complicated simplicity.  I love when an accessory sparks a frenzy especially when it's something you wear in your hair.

P.S: Don't you love her little hidden tattoo!

Is spring in the air?

No, of course it's not, it is still only the tenth of January but that doesn't stop the spring/summer make up collections from hitting the beauty counters, Yessss!

I inevitably love the hotly anticipated MAC collection by Daphne Guinness the Grande Dame of all things couture and fabulous.

And talking of MAC I can't get enough of the bright and springy lipstick wardrobe that has been created as part of the Iris Apfel Collection.  Perfectly capturing her zesty tastes in fashion, accessories and bold make-up choices.  I would (and will) wear them all!

The Spring/Summer 2012 look from Christian Dior was inspired by his rose garden and has taken a garden party theme.  How stunning is this? 

With embossed roses and punchy tones it embraces the seasons clean, bright colour palette.

And for the most eye catching manicure there are these:

(all images via links)

Amazing, and as a continuation on the whole garden party idea, they are rose scented.  Glorious. 

Do you have any bright ideas for a make-up re-vamp this spring? 

London Life

In a mostly un-make-upy post I just wanted to talk about my absolute obsession with instagram.  Agreed, I am a little late in jumping on this super bandwagon but I am in love. So this weekend whilst rambling around the city running various errands and going to the theatre I put the app to work.

{Stunning displays from The Real Flower Company in Selfidges} - {An escalator at Southwark station on the way to the Tate Modern}

{Lip Macaron in Sorbet, Delicious} - {My buddy relaxing on Sunday afternoon}

{A small selection of the tools of my trade (an older image I easily filtered in instagram)} - {Incredible mini cupcakes from LOLA'S}

I will be writing a post about all the brushes I keep in my kit and what purpose each of them has, simplifying them down to a select few that every make-up bag should own!

Do you use instagram? Its addictive isn't it!?  

I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.

A little light reading

As a make-up artist I find that I draw inspiration from anywhere and everywhere.  If I had an endless supply of cash, fabulous books would be my drug.  Here are some I own and one in particular I dream of owning. 

 Vivienne Westwood - Opus / Alexander McQueen - Savage Beauty

Chanel - Collections and Creations / Vogue Living - Houses Gardens People

Basquiat / Carine Roifeld - Irreverent

They are works of art in their own right and look gorgeous stacked on a coffee table, packed full of potential for new ideas.

Do you have any books that you instantly turn to when in need of inspiration? 

I hope you all have a creative weekend.

Setting the tone...Rasberry Mint

1) Stunning interiors inspiration via

2) Laduree boxes are such feast for the eyes (not to mention taste buds) and we can now get them in London! Whoop!

3) How breathtaking is the make-up and styling in this shoot? found here via - oops I can't remember...can you? 

4) This chic dressing table is simply perfect you can buy it here, quote MADEYOULEGEND at checkout for £15.00 off.

5) Alexander McQueen enamel ring.

6) I loved this MAC sugarsweet collection shoot from a few years back and just rediscovered it in my inspiration file.

7) A retired colour from Essie still available here.

8) This Kate Spade "supercalifragilipstick" collaboration with Poppy King is so sweet.

9) What a charming print of the Paris metro found on Etsy.

Talking Points

I hope you guys all enjoyed wonderful new years eve celebrations and rang in 2012 in style.  A new year always gets me in the mood to de-clutter my life and that includes my make-up bag.  Normally I steer clear of prepackaged sets but this one is so adorable.

(image via)

It contains everything you need to create a simple cats eye, and to top off its compact cuteness it talks you through the process! Just push the button and you have your very own mini make-up artist to help you perfect the look.