#nomakeupselfie

You would have to live on the moon right now to not be aware of this trend! Basically girls are removing their war paint and taking a 'selfie' which is then posted to any social media site. Originally this started as one of those annoying chain type messages you get on Facebook...you know the ones! They claim to be raising awareness for various forms of cancer. Correct me if I am wrong but the whole world is painfully aware that cancer exists. Everyone has been affected by it whether it's personally, a friend or a family member. So to me posting random statuses about where you leave your bag or taking a make up free 'selfie' is not going to have any great impact on the cause. 

I guess that's why I was pretty negative about this when it all started. To me, posting a picture of your face is not going to make a difference at all. Although I suppose in a way it did make a difference because it made people question what the point to these 'selfies' actually was! 

Luckily people have realised that the best way to actually make a difference is to donate what ever you can afford. Cancer Research have already reported £2million in donations from the last 2 days alone. That's why I succumbed to peer pressure and took my own #nomakeupselfie. If it encourages just one person to donate then it's done some good. 

To donate £3 to Cancer Research text BEAT to 70099. It's for a great cause and lets be honest we don't look that horrific without make up! 

Have you taken your #nomakeupselfie yet?

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Bits and Bobs from Boots...

Basically someone made me go into Boots and forced me to buy this stuff...well that's my story and I'm sticking to it. Here's what I though of what I bought:

Real Techniques Silicone Liner Brush

I have always loved cat eye flicks. However I'm an absolute perfectionist when it comes to make up and I can never quite get it right...ones always seems to be higher or thicker than the other. So unless I have hours to get ready (which is never) I don't even attempt it. Until I tried this brush...it's like flicks for dummies. I have to admit that I'm not the biggest fan of it for doing liner on my lid because I don't feel like I have enough control over the brush. But for flicks it works so well...I used gel liner  (I should probably have used liquid) and while pulling my eyelid to the side slightly (you know what I mean) I ran it along the lash line and flicked it out at the end...I then went back over it, joining the point of the flick to the lid line about a quarter of the way back in to thicken the line and make it more precise. They are available from Look Fantastic for £5.09. It's also available from Boots but Look Fantastic are currently offering it at a cheaper price!

Eyelure for Boots 'Lash Pretty' in LP5

I love false eyelashes, and since the disappearance of Mister Mascara (where did he go?) I've been looking for a new favourite. I think I might have found it, these are so pretty. They give lots of volume but don't look too over the top because they aren't too long. They are a really nice curved shape that makes application easy, they sit nicely on your lash line with minimal need to poke them about to fit. They are exclusively available at Boots and cost £6.50.

TIP: Glue your eyelashes on normally, once you are happy with them dot a few blobs of glue along the band and pat in gently with your finger. This will reinforce the original glue and make your eyelashes less likely to fall off. Wait for the glue to dry and then apply eyeliner (carefully), this will let you cover up any messy bits and also means if you mess up in the first place you won't have eyeliner everywhere.

Models Own Hyper Gel in Pink Veneer

First things first...look how pretty the colour is!! This is an easy way to nail the pastel trend if you are usually a lover of dark clothes (like me). The consistency of the nail polish is slightly thicker than Models Owns normal range but it applies just as easily and dries quickly. It took me three thin coats to build up to an even all over cover and after around 20 minutes I felt like they were dry enough to go about my life again. Pretty good so far right?...but this nail polish claims to be a gel like polish. Give it it's dues it does have a really pretty high shine finish but I found that after around 2 days I had chips and what looks like cracks all over the ends of my nails. Not what I expect from gel. I probably will buy this in other colours but I wouldn't expect much more from it than a normal nail polish. Available from Boots for £5.

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Soothing Gel Cream Wash

The Skin Perfection range is my new favourite. I've been using the serum, day moisturiser and eye cream, I love it all so far so I thought I might as well try the face wash! I'm not a big believer that face washes have any impact apart from removing dirt but since I started using this I have noticed that my skin has been clearer than normal. It's soap free and is designed for dry and sensitive skin so it doesn't have a fragrance. It has a really nice gel like texture and lathers up well so you only need a blob about the size of a 5p. Overall I think I will be sticking with this for a while...it's available from Boots for £2.99.

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Not the best photos but you get the idea...

I suffer from pretty bad dark circles under my eyes so finding a concealer that hides them well is like finding the holy grail. This one definitely lives up to all of the blogging hype that surrounds it. It's quite thick which gives fuller coverage and means you don't need as much because it also blends really well. I use my Real Techniques Pointed Foundation brush to blend it once I've applied it around my eyes and down the sides of my nose. Considering it only costs £3.99 it definitely beats a lot of more expensive alternatives. Get it from Boots!

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in 220 Showy

Serious pout...

Generally when you think of matte lipstick, you assume it will be drying right? Not this one! Not only is this super pigmented it's also really moisturising and has a nice minty smell. It doesn't give the most matte effect but it does the job without drying. Which is really good news for my already dry lips. The colour is so bright and cheerful it livens up any outfit. It's a perfect way to wear a lip colour through the day. I'm going to have to physically restrain myself from buying every shade. Available from Boots for £7.99.

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My Month in Pictures...

I know this isn't technically fashion or beauty related but...I want to do a round up of my photos. So I can look back every now and then and remember the things that might not have been such a big deal at the time. 

• The boots and sandals arrived today and I'm already in love! I'll probably do a separate post about them once I've worn them. 
• The range board (computer screen with drawings on it) is the collection of menswear we designed for uni, we are so proud of it. I genuinely think someone should give us a job based solely on that. Haha!
• The window display is from work. I want to be a Visual Merchandiser when I finish uni...so I love doing all of the displays and creative stuff at work. Fingers crossed for me that a job comes up in the next few months! 
• The photo in the middle is a very rare photo of my Mum, my sister and I at Christmas time...I only managed to get a copy of it last week! It's not the best quality but we can blame my Dads lack of photography skills for that!
• The baby scan is of me...as a baby, I'm not preggers. My "hilarious" attempt at a #throwbackthursday. It's strange how rubbish 80's ultrasounds were, I mean that's actually me and I don't even know where I am?!
• The other two of my face and my lovely friend Rebecca are from nights out. Everyone loves a selfie don't even try to deny it!
• Now for the most important part...the food:

I've eaten out A LOT recently at some amazing new places. My favourite one has to be Bread Meats Bread...basically if I was on death row, this would be my last supper. To let you understand I'm not a big meat eater, the majority of my Mums side of the family are veggie so I've not really grown up with it. Factoring in the fact that I'm not too keen on red meat in general and a place with the name "Bread Meats Bread" should not be somewhere I would be falling over myself to get to. But I am, among other amazing things they serve this amazing Canadian junk food called Poutine which is chips (fries) covered in gravy and cheese curds, it's like a heart attack on a plate but it is magical. 

Another mention has to go to Tribeca, they do the most amazing breakfast. My friends and I went this morning and the sheer amount of food we got was ridiculous! I had a stack of pancakes with berries and maple syrup (this may not be a big deal to Americans but for British people pancakes aren't widely served). But the award for biggest portion had to go to the girls omelettes...which were made from 5 eggs (plus the two doorstep pieces of toast). Can you overdose on egg?

So if you live in/near or are visiting Glasgow, then I definitely recommend that you give both of them a visit...you will not regret it! 

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Triangl Bikinis...

My friend and I spontaneously booked a holiday to Kos a few weeks ago. Partly to celebrate the end of my degree but mainly because we haven't been on holiday in forever! Since I haven't been on a proper holiday since 2011 and I practically live in the Arctic my holiday wardrobe is somewhat lacking. So I've been keeping an eye out for all the holiday stuff slowly creeping in, I have to say that so far it's all a bit too basic. I do like my basics but on holiday I've been known to be a bit more outgoing with my wardrobe choices.

 

Miami Mint Winnie Bikini 

The one item I knew I had to get was a Triangl bikini. Triangl are an Australian company who specialise in swimwear and more recently amazing underwear (devastated that they don't do my size). I've been lusting over these beauties for weeks. But with a 89USD (£53.20) price tag I couldn't justify buying one just to prance around the house in! So as soon as I had an excuse I headed over to the website and spent a whole night trying to make up my mind which one I would make mine. I genuinely would have them all if I could...but I eventually settled on the Winnie Style in 'Miami Mint' and 'Ruby Capricorn'. I had to buy two...it was payday OK?!

I wasn't sure about my sizing so I used the online chat function and I have to say the girl I spoke to was so helpful and lovely. She told me exactly which size I was and when I asked about the underwear she told me straight that they didn't cater for my size just yet...which is nice, she could have let me buy an ill fitting one. 

They are made from 100% Neoprene, which is the stuff that wet suits are made from. The material is pretty thick compared to normal bikinis (so no one will know if you're cold) and the quality of the bikini is amazing! It even comes in its own little neoprene bag, which will be handy for going to the beach.

Ruby Capricorn Winnie Bikini

I am a 30DD and I bought a medium top, it fits perfectly. The top is boned so it gives a nice shape and a little bit of support, and it fastens at the back with a really secure clasp. The zip doesn't unzip completely which is a bit of a relief...boys can be cruel. The bottoms are the part that I was most concerned about because Triangl state that neoprene has stretch resistance meaning that they are a firmer fit than normal bottoms. I bought the Large which is around a size 12 - 14. I'm usually a size 12 and in my opinion if they were any smaller they would be cutting in so if you are a 14 I would recommend the XL. I also noticed that the 'Ruby Capricorn' bikini bottoms were slightly tighter than the 'Miami Mint' ones...but I think that might have something to do with the coating on them. All in all the sizing is good and I'm relieved I don't have to return anything. I'm so excited to be lying by the pool wearing one of them! 

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The TMI Tag.

I know this is meant to be a YouTube thing but I thought I would do it on my blog, it will help you get to know me a little better. Plus it reminded me of the emails that I use to get when I was younger...ah the good old MSN days. Here goes...

1. What are you wearing? Grey ripped skinny jeans from Zara, the grey and pink jumper I featured in my last post from New Look and silver leather Converse. Something comfy for uni.
2. Ever been in love? Twice.
3. Ever had a terrible breakup? Yep. At the time I thought the world had ended...turns out it hadn't.
4. How tall are you?  5ft 11 (and three quarters to be exact).
5. How much do you weigh? I'm not sure...I've lost a bit recently though. Around 10 stone?
6. Any tattoos? Nope, I haven't ruled it out though.
7. Any piercings? Just my ears done twice.
8. Do you believe in OTP (One True Pairing)? No, I think that's a really depressing thought. What if you never had the chance to meet them. I think no relationship is perfect, you need to work to make it work.
9. Favourite show? It's a toss up between 'The Walking Dead' and 'Criminal Minds'.
10. Favourite bands?  All time...All American Rejects and Fleetwood Mac. But right now I love Haim, Bastille and The 1975.
11. Something you miss? Being young and carefree...no bills or responsibilities, you just don't appreciate it at the time!
12. Favourite song? I could never choose just one.
13. How old are you? 25.
14. Zodiac sign? Virgo...the traits are scarily accurate.
15. Qualities you look for in a partner? Sense of humour, ambitious...the overall thing is confidence. Confidence is more attractive than any physical trait. 
16: Favourite Quote? My friend sends me a motivational quote every week...so my favourite quote this week is "The best is yet to come."
17: Favourite actor? Eddie Redmayne...because he is beautiful plus he can genuinely act.
18: Favourite color? Red.
19: Loud music or soft? Completely depends on my mood...but generally loud to cheer me up, wake me up or because the song is awesome.
20: Where do you go when you're sad? To my parents house.
21: How long does it take you to shower? I've had to perfect the art of the 5 minute shower because that is all the hot water my boiler produces. So around 5 - 10 minutes.
22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? It completely depends on whether I'm washing my hair or not and where I'm going. But on average around 45 minutes.
23: Ever been in a physical fight? Once, at high school...
24: Turn on? Blonde hair, tall guys, good tattoos, rugby players, danish men, bartenders, funny, well dressed...
25: Turn off? Arrogance...nothing worse than a guy who knows he is hot.
26: The reason I joined Youtube? I haven't...I have a horrible accent I won't inflict that upon you.
27: Fears? I don't think I would call it a fear because it doesn't impede me in any way...but I would prefer not to watch horror films, look at clowns or be in the vicinity of an orange. 
28: Last thing that made you cry? Feeling overwhelmed with pressure to have the perfect life. Uni is almost over and everyone wants to know what I'm going to do...the simple answer is I don't know.
29: Last time you said you loved someone? To my mum...d'aww.
30: Meaning behind your Youtube/Blogging Name? 'The Height of...' is a reference to the fact I'm really tall and also a play on 'The Height of Fashion'.
31: Last book you read? I re-read the Hunger Games trilogy over Christmas.
32: The book you're currently reading? "The Wolf of Wall Street" because I always like to read the book before I see the film.
33: Last show you watched? How I Met Your Mother...for the millionth time.
34: Last person you talked to? My flatmate, Christina.
35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? Gayle, my best friend.
36: Favourite food? Bread Meats Bread (it's a restaurant in Glasgow) "Pulled Bird" and Poutine...best meal EVER!
37: Place you want to visit? Australia, Thailand, America...the list is endless.
38: Last place you were? Tesco and before that uni.
39: Do you have a crush? Nope, I don't meet any guys to have crushes on.
40: Last time you kissed someone? Around two weeks ago.
41: Last time you were insulted? Couldn't have been too bad because I can't remember.
42: Favourite flavour of sweet? Apple or strawberry.
43: What instruments do you play? I have had keyboard and drum lessons...so I can play both, just not very well because I gave them both up.
44: Favourite piece of jewellery? Having an HND in Jewellery Design you would think this would be an easy question to answer...but no. Umm...probably all the sentimental stuff like my great grans wedding ring, my grans rings, my mums charm bracelet and my dads ID tag.
45: Last sport you played? I genuinely can't remember.
46: Last song you sang? Linger - The Cranberries.
47: Favourite chat up line? "Feel that...that's boyfriend material." or "How do you like your eggs...scrambled or fertilised?".

48: Have you ever used it? Nope...eye contact works just fine :)
49: Last time you hung out with anyone? I can't actually remember...that's terrible, I can't wait to finish uni and get my social life back!
50: Who should answer these questions next? Anyone and everyone :)

x

Late Fashion Haul.

This was meant to be part of my February haul but oh...look at that, it's March! Never mind...it means that the items I'm about to show you are now in the sale. Yaaaay! Not that I'm bitter that I bought them a week before they were reduced! 

I've been feeling the cold recently and living in Scotland we are always in need of a good jumper (even in summer), so on my lunch break I popped into New Look and picked up a few cute and cosy ones. I'm also still in love with the 90's trend (mainly because I was there the first time)...I had one of these tattoo chokers when I was little and it made me all nostalgic for ski pants and Sweater Shop jumpers. Ok, I promise I won't go that far but I do love this choker.

I'm in love with this jumper! I really like the neon pink flecks running through the wool while the grey and black bring it back from being too girly. The fit is great, true to size and not too tight. The sleeves are a great length for taller girls as well. I've mainly been wearing it with grey ripped skinny jeans for uni to be comfy and warm. Although to smarten it up bit I've styled it up with a grey denim shirt underneath and a silver statement necklace under the collar. I'd wear it with black skinny jeans and a pair of chunky black boots. I bought this from New Look for £24.99 but you can get it for £12 in their sale.

 People that know me know (and point out...all the time) that I generally wear a combination of black, grey and nude. I do dabble in other colours but they are my staples...so I decided that for spring and summer I am going to try and lighten up. This cream raglan jumper is so soft and cosy I kept stroking my arm while I was wearing it. So while the weathers still a bit cold I've been wearing this with denim skinny jeans and a cream and pink bobble hat. The fit of this is great as well, sleeves are nice and long. I bought mine from New Look for £19.99 it's now on sale at £10. It comes in loads of other colours as well.

This is one of those things, along with slap bracelets, multi coloured rubber band bracelets and stick on nose studs that made my childhood. This one is a better quality replica though, however I do prefer mine not to have a catch on the back as I don't feel it is tight enough with it. I do have a pretty narrow neck so maybe it's just me but I think this could do with being a tiny bit smaller. Regardless for the price I paid (£2.89) I can't complain too much. I bought mine on eBay here. If you search tattoo choker you will find millions of them for sale.

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