Sunday Routine

Sunday is also known as the day of rest.  I love Sundays.  For as long as I remember I have always loved Sundays.   My family had a lot of fun trips on Sundays for lunch when I was younger and this is something I wish we took the time to do more.

These days I like to use Sundays as a day of rest and pampering, getting ready for the working week ahead.  Here are the products which are in my Sunday routine at the moment:

Nails Inc - George Street: Firstly, what a great name!  A lovely muted nudey pinky shade which I just can't get enough of.  Opaque formula which only requires two coats and you are good to go!  Generally I find Nails Inc polish's to be of good quality, if you are lucky you often find them in TK MAXX for a much discounted price.  

Sally Hansen Cuticle Oil: My nails are in need of some TLC right now, I always neglect hand cream as I hate the sticky feeling afterwards so cuticle oil is a great way to give my nails some nourishment without being overly heavy.  This one is okay but I think I prefer the CND solar oil better!

LUSH Snow Fairy shower gel:  Come on guys, an absolute classic.  I always get one of these at when they come back into store and I LOVE the smell.  It just reminds me of Christmas and I will be stocking up before they disappear!  I love the LUSH shower gels in general because they generally leave a scent which lingers and are quite moisturising.  The only downside is the price, they can be quite pricey and so for that reason when I get one it really does feel like a treat.

Champneys Distant Shores Body Butter: The texture of this body butter is amazing.  Its like a whipped cream kind of texture and that equals minimum stickyness after application.  You can see a theme here that I hate anything which leaves a heavy residue on the skin.  I can apply this, wait a few minutes and get into bed.  That means extra sleeping time, I don't have time to wait 30 minutes before I can get into bed.  Almost forgot to mention it smells like blackcurrent Chewits.  Mmmhmm, you need it.

Aesop Parsley Seed cleansing masque:  Great mask for detoxing and cleansing out pores. I always feel my pores look smaller after using this and it makes my skin feel squeaky clean.  A good alternative for this mask is the Unna Brennan clay mask which is about half the price and does pretty much the same thing!

Thanks for reading and I hope you are enjoying your Sunday!  Let's kickstart this week!

x x

Berry Christmas

Alright, okay, yeah...unoriginal post title. Soznotsoz. Moving on swiftly to the actual main content and reason for this post, BERRY COLOURS!  I don't know about you, but this autumn I've really been loving the berry lip trend.  I know, I know, it comes back every year, but you know what...there's a reason why!  Something about the warm orangey, yellow and red leaves that just makes me wanna wear a dark red lip all day eeeerrrday!

That brings us to discuss which shade should we buy? Which brand, shade, formula works best? This is where I (hopefully) will be able to help a sista out!

So which ones have been my fav so far?  Lets get into it!

 L-R: Mac Media, Revlon Just Bitten kissable balm stain, Rimmel Kate Moss 107, YSL rouge Couture

MAC Media - Always a classic! This one can be layered up to be so much more intense than pictured.  Definitely the darkest of them all.  This one isn't for the faint hearted but it's probably one of my favourites!  The finish of this one is a satin finish, which means it isn't matte nor glossy, it is somewhere in the middle.  MAC lipsticks are reasonably priced in my opinion because there is such a great range of shades and formulas that you will DEFINITELY find one to suit you if you go in.  If unsure ask one of the make up artists to help you.

Revlon kissable balm stain - definitely the most subtle of them all.  If your scared of dark berry lips this is a great option.  Gives the lips a sheer berry tint, almost like you have just eaten an ice lolly.  I love these balm stains and I have pretty much every single colour (oops), they are non drying and you can build them up to give a strong colour or have them relatively sheer.  I would have to admit for berry shades this is probably my least favourite, because really what is the point in a subtle berry shade?!

Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick in 107.  Oh this one has been doing the rounds on YouTube and blogs since it first launched, an oldie but a goodie.  This one is a true matte dark red.  I would say it is a more affordable MAC media dupe! Not an exact match but very close once on the lips, 107 is a little less purple and more berry.  Beware though, it is very matte *cough* drying *cough*

This YSL lipstick is sadly discontinued.  I got it in the sales last year for around £7!  Definitely a bargain! Great colour pay off but because the formula is quite glossy it can have a tendancy to move around so please bear that in mind when you are choosing a dark lip colour!  Red lipstick stains on the teeth ain't a good look haha.

All the guys reading this blogpost is probably thinking "they all look the same" that is something my boyfriend would say.  Well no they aren't!!!! They all have different finishes, deepness, texture and colour if you look close enough.  Since this post I have bought another 2 lipsticks which are very similar haha =P

Please ignore my messy room in the background, I was packing for moving out.  Okay,..kind of an excuse, my room is just always messy haha. On the note of moving out I have just moved out of my hometown to the other side of the UK.  Plus side, I am SOOOO close to London.  Downside, I have no-one to go to London with... lol. Please visit me friends and family!  Now I have more time I can do more blogging.  Very productive of me. *pats self on back*

Any girls out there have any good lipstick recommendations please let me know, I think we can agree I am very easily swayed by a lipstick ;] What do you think about berry lips?  Are you brave enough to wear them outside your house?

x x x

Lancome Hypnose Star Review

Right, it's a rave guys! Now I am normally not one for buying high end mascaras (well, Benefit 'They're Real' is the only exception) I just do not see a point in paying £20+ for a mascara when drugstore brands delivered similar results.  Now, Lancome Hypnose Star is a total exception.  I would repurchase this mascara without a doubt when I run out. Normally with drugstore mascaras I need to layer two different ones on top of each other, I will use a lengthening one first (such as L'Oreal volume million lashes) then add another mascara on top which volumises and thickens (such as Revlon Grow Luscious).  With the Hynose Star I didnt need to layer another mascara before or after, all it takes is two coats (or three, when you want the spidery legs effect) and I am good to go! This is definitely the as close to perfect mascara I have ever tried.

Now, in terms of price this mascara retails for around £21.  I bought mine in a medium-large sized Boots store (obviously Boots as I get discount).  I think this mascara is totally worth its price, I mean as I mentioned before I had to use two mascaras anyway to get the desired effect and those two mascaras added together comes to around £20+ anyway.  So really I am paying the same amount for my mascara right?

For those wondering how this one compares to the other mascaras in the Hypnose range then all I can say is I have only tried the Doll Eyes and the original Hypnose.  The Star is MILES better.  No joke.

Here is the evidence to support my claims:

 As you can see my own lashes are pretty short and sparse (damn you Asian genes!) and are not very noticeable at all =[

 

This is after applying two coats of mascara, (I have also lined my upper water line aswel, sorry guys, should have not done that to get a clearer view) you can see my lashes are now..VISIBLE and look pretty good to me. =]

 

One side of the brush is flat and the other is shaped like the Doll Eyes brush, tapering in like a cone shape.  This allows you to rotate the brush depending on what you want to do, for me I use the flat side (bottom picture) first to define, lengthen and seperate lashes, then use the tapered shape to add volume and thicken.

 

All in all, a great mascara! Hope you guys have found this review helpful.  In the UK this mascara is only availible in the colour Black but I am sure in the future they will bring out more colours as the demand for it gets higher.

Any questions feel free to ask =]

Thanks for reading!

<3

P.S have you noticed the picture quality is ALOT better? I used a better camera for this and think it really makes a difference.

ON ITS LAST LEGS

Quite literally.  Just a quick post showing which products I have been loving and abusing so much that they have "hit pan" (basically used so much you can see the bottom of the packaging) or almost used up.  It actually takes me a while to actually FINISH a product up so hitting pan is already a big thing for me! Im constantly buying new makeup and old favourites always gets neglected! SO BAD!

Anyways on with the products now...

From left: L'oreal Superliner in black, Two Faced Shadow Insurance, Benefit Eyebright, Revlon 

 precision eyelash glue.

L'Oreal Superliner

This eyeliner seriously never runs out! I have literally had this for over two years (I know thats kinda gross, all the germs blah blah blah) and finally its getting a little on the dry side so I think its onto its last days.  If you are looking for a easy to use black liquid liner I would definitely recommend this one! This is a definite repurchase for me!  L'Oreal also do a liquid liner which is more in a pen shape which is great for beginners in the liquid lining department.

Two Faced Shadow Insurance

This is again another staple in my makeup bag, I use this pretty much daily, sometimes even twice a day if I am going out at night and doing my makeup again.  This is again a great investment, you may think the initial £17 or so is expensive for an eye shadow primer but seriously this makes the cheapest and crappiest quality eyeshadow work like an expensive one.  I rely on this to keep my eyemakeup looking and fresh all day so it doesnt crease or fade etc!  This one tube has lasted me around a year so far so really its great value for money as you only need a tiny amount for both eyes! For more oily lids the Urban Decay Primer Potion is supposed to be better.  Ive used both but personally I tend to reach for this one more!

Benefit Eye Bright

I wish the lighting was good enough for me to swatch this for you guys! Its the most perfect nude/pale pink colour for either putting on your waterline to make your eyes look wider and more awake or for brightening the inner corners of the eye (this is generally what I use it for).  This colour looks alot more natural than using a white eyeliner in the water line as this is more of a flesh colour, I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an alternative to a white eyeliner.  Its also great for highlighting on the brow bone to add definition to the eyes! Definite multi-tasker!

Revlon Precision Lash Glue

Right, you guys must be so sick of hearing me say the word "staple" but seriously all these products really are haha! Again after using this lash glue I wont be returning to using the crappy lash glue which comes with eyelashes, this is miles better! I have cried, walked in rain, slept overnight with this glue on for my fake lashes and its survived it all! No joke.  I will probably be trying out the new black coloured glue version next though as it may save the whole ... lining the lash line after applying lashes fiasco!

Urban Decay Naked Palette, Revlon Matte eyeshadow in Sable(009), Bodyshop Bronzer in Light Matte and Mac Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light Plus.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

This has the be the best eyeshadow palette I have ever come across/bought/used.  This was the palette which got me in the habit of using eyeshadow on a daily basis (some may think thats a good thing, some may think its bad) and I can't thank Urban Decay enough for this magnificent product!  As you may see from the picture above I have heavily abused the first half of the palette and barely touched the second half, this is because I feel the second half of colours are more suited towards night time looks and the first half of colours I use on a daily basis.  The colours I use the most is NAKED, SIN and BUCK.  The three combined is the perfect everyday light smokey eye!  I have got my eye on the Naked II palette and probably will purchase that in the future, Im just scared its not as great as this one?  

Has anyone else tried both? Whats your thoughts?

Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Sable

This product seriously has lasted me 3 years and I have only just hit pan.  This is what I use daily to line my lower lash line, its alot more natural than eyeliner and black eyeshadow and the perfect colour to add definition yet not be too much.  If you guys have a longer shaped face I would really recommend you guys try using a matte brown eyeshadow to line the lower lashes which will give the illusion of bigger eyes therefore make the face seem not as long.  Revlon also has many different colours in the matte formulations if you guys want a good recommendation for drugstore eyeshadows!

The Bodyshop Bronzer in Light Matte

If your pale skinned and looking for a good bronzer which won't make you look orange then look no further! This is great for pale skinned girls or guys out there! This is the first bronzer I have ever hit pan on so it must be special.  I love how it can also be built up for a more defined contour if you fancy (not really for me, I am seriously bad at contouring sadly) .  They also have a darker bronzer if your darker skinned aswel! 

MAC mineralize skin finish natural in Light Plus

Firstly just to let you guys know the colour Light Plus means it is between Light and Light/Medium :)  .  I really enjoy this powder to set my foundation without making it look cakey! I have definitely neglected all my other loose powders since using this baby and I will definitely be repurchasing when I run out.  I have to say it probably is'nt a great product for people with really oily skin as it doesn't really control oil that much.  It can also be used on its own as it does provide light coverage for  those lucky girls and guys with great skin already (MEGA JEL). 

So you will probably be glad to know thats the end of my blog post now, sorry for the picture quality I will try and get hold of a better camera soon to take some better snaps and swatches for you guys! Next post will probably be a review on some new items ive been trying out lately so keep eyes out for that!

Until next time, take care!

<3 

P.S Sorry I've been kinda MIA for a while but im back and ready to rumble!

BRB. REVISION IN PROGRESS.

Oh such an original post title. I know. Please forgive me, the brain has been frazzled and fried trying to remember notes, quotes and names that I hadn't learned when I was supposed to *cough* during term time*cough*.  

I know I have been neglecting my blog recently as it is (sorry for that too) and all will change when these blasted exams are done and dusted.  

To keep you going I've just got a few very studious pictures to share :P.  Im sure you will enjoy!

Before I start studying

During studying

Still going strong

s

The aftermath.

P.S MY NEW HAIR!!!!

P.S  Seriously, I procrastinate so much it is unreal.  I do things that I never normally do, like, try record youtube videos, do my nails (immaculately that is, everyday life nails are a very slap dash job), make endless amounts of drinks to 'keep me hydrated', update my blog (like now) and watch youtube videos of how to be a thrifty Mrs!  Now the latter is just an unusual doing of its own, Im neither thrifty nor a Mrs haha but within the last week I've discovered how useful vinegar is in the household, along with other tricks to take out stains or clean bathrooms.  The future husband better appreciate this!

AOTD #1

Accessories of the day!

Now theres something different for you guys! =P So today is actually a very normal day and I was actually at work for most of it, however I did have the inspiration to dress a little less bleh and more yay so heres a few bits and pieces I came up with.  The outfit itself was very boring i.e A navy blue batwing shirt with vest top underneath and a pair of grey jeggins and black ankle boots.  Nothing special.  Heres where the magic happens...

My hair was screaming BORING! So I added a headband (which i normally actually wear as a necklace) to vamp it up a bit.  The ring was from Primark, a lovely armour ring that wasnt ridiculously overprices *cough* Topshop *cough*.  Lastly was just some collar tips so I could get away without wearing a necklace (not practical for working).

So all in all I was actually quite happy with my outfit today and would probably wear this out to somewhere a bit more special soon , ya know give it some loving and less chop suey smelling! Haha those of you that are chinese and work in a takeaway will know exactly what I mean.

Want to hear from me more often? Contact me via :
Twitter username :  @fenise_dong
Instagram username: @fenisedong


x x x

OOTD ft double denim

Just got inspiration to do a quick outfit of the day as todays weather was so AWESOME!
This outfit is nothing special but it is the first time I have sported double denim and also a bright pink lip to bring the whole outfit to life a little bit more.  I think the pink lips just adds a pop of colour to an otherwise quite bland colour palette im wearing. Enjoy!

 

My Yesstyle Boots <3

 Nail of the day! Inspired by the movie 'Up'.  The blue sky and balloons in the air.

 

Tried to add a close up picture in to get a closer look of the bright lip I was sporting. 

Will be wearing this lip colour all through spring/summer now!

P.S Just wanted to say sorry for the rigid/stiff posing I am not a natural when it comes to full length photographs and as I do more of these OOTD posts I will hopefully get better! 

Hope everyones had a chance to enjoy the amazing sunshine today! The sun always puts me in a good mood and now I have to go back to doing essay work =[ tempted to take a cider into the back garden and 'work' there!