Afternoon Tea for Two...

Today I met up with one of my oldest friends, and as our birthdays are only 2 weeks apart, we always celebrate together by doing something during the Easter holidays.  Normally this involves just meeting up for a coffee in our local (and favourite place in the entire world,) Caffe Nero! Seriously go try their hot chocolate and chicken pesto panini if you haven't already! 

However, this year she is 21, so I decided to do something a little extra special...

I'd booked us in for afternoon tea at the Kensington Hotel in London this afternoon, having researched the perfect place (on a student budget remember!) and this fitted perfectly.  www.Afternoontea.com I couldn't have done it with out you! This is a great website if you're looking for somewhere less busy than one of the more famous places.  They also have some great deals at certain venues at the moment, so go check it out!

We went for their standard Afternoon Tea, which was a selection of typically British sandwiches, a scone each with delicious clotted cream and a mini pot of jam, and a selection of mini cakes, which included a slice each of freshly baked carrot cake and Victoria sponge.  All of the food was absolutely delicious, everything was fresh and tasty and we were so full it took us about 3 hours to eat everything!  

I forgot to take any pictures of my outfit before I left this morning as I was in a rush, so sorry about the lighting but I was so happy with my outfit I wanted to share it with you, especially as I was wearing my new skirt from H&M which I am in love with.  

Denim jacket - Fat Face 

White vest top and skirt (new for summer) - H&M

Nail vanish - Rimmel 60 seconds rose libertine 405

Midi rings - Accessorise 

I also took some close ups of my earrings, which are from People Tree, and my makeup, with a list of products below

Lancôme Teint Miracle Foundation - 005

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - Ivory

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer - Ivory

Nars Laguna Bronzer

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder 

Mac eyeshadow - All That Glitters 

Lancôme Art Liner 

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick

I hope everyone had a lovely Easter 

Love Sarah : )

xxx

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review...

So its been a while since my last blog post, which was almost 2 months ago!  Four essay deadlines and a trip to Malawi later, and I'm back home in London for the Easter Holidays (yay!)  However, revision for my end of year exams starts tomorrow (not so yay).  I had this post in mind weeks ago, but never got around to writing it.  But now I have some time and can use my revision breaks to get back to it!  So here I wanted to share my views on the Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer.  This is my favourite high end concealer that i've tried, and is probably my favourite concealer full stop.  I've been using it since I was 16, when I was lucky enough to have my makeup done at one of the counters in John Lewis.  

As the name suggests, it has a creamy consistency, which makes it ideal for covering stubborn blemishes.  Available in 15 shades, this yellow-based concealer is also suitable to covering discolouration of the skin, dark marks, redness and under the eyes (however it does tend to crease easily so make sure you're quick with the powder!)  I personally use it to cover any redness around my nose, and any blemishes which appear on frequent occasions.   

On my skin (combination), this concealer lasts for most of the day when powdered, however, it does sometimes need reapplying onto those annoying spots! A good powder is essential if used under the eyes, and to make sure it stays in place as long as possible.  It is very similar in finish to the MAC Studio Finish Concealer, however, I find these have a much better colour range and consistency to work with.  These blend very easily, and look like skin if applied lightly (a look I love as it gets nearer summer).  As this concealer has build-able coverage, it can look cakey if not properly blended or applied too heavily, so I find it best to start with a little and build up.  I find it best to apply with either synthetic brush (such as the Real Techniques brushes by Sam and Nic Chapman, or Pixiwoo!), or with your fingers. 

I use this concealer on a daily basis, either on its own or with foundation.  On days when I don't have time or don't want to wear a full face of makeup, I find it perfect for quickly evening out my skin tone.  While I was in Malawi, I didn't wear any foundation at all, mainly to give my skin a break and I didn't have time before busy days, but also because you don't always want a full face of makeup, especially in 30 degree heat with very high humidity! This concealer meant that I could hide any spots and dark circles from the long flight without worrying about reapplying halfway through the day!

I use the colour Ivory for those wondering

So for those of you looking for a new concealer and have a little more money to spend (or maybe have a birthday coming up!), why don't you have a look at the Bobbi Brown counter when you're next out shopping.  It is on the pricier side retailing at £18.50, but if like me you use it sparingly, the little pot can last you a while.  I hope this review was useful, let me know in the comments if there are any other Bobbi Brown products I should try, or you'd like me to review!

Love,

Sarah

xxx