Summer Lookbook

We're back!
Exams are finally over and we decided to come back in true blogger fashion. The end of exams also means we get 2 and a half months of summer holiday so we're not complaining!

 We decided to each pick 4 outfits and create our very own Lookbook. (We did soon realise this consisted largely of Primark) 

We will also try to link what we can below each picture.

 We picked things that we find easy to wear and are comfortable in and that really represent our individual 'style'. 

DISCLAMIER: We know that we look a bit awkward in some of the pictures but this is our first time doing this and although there may not be that many people reading we still love doing this!
Enjoy...

My first outfit was from a mixture of shops. I think this top is my favourite as it can be worn casual or you can put the top with jeans and wear it out to dinner.

The top is from new look and its so light and floaty with a beautiful pattern. However, I do think that it is a bit pricey at £14.99 for the material you get. The shorts are just simple navy blue high waisted from H&M and were brilliant at £12.99. I have also styled it with simple accessories. 

crop top

High waisted denim shorts

 I decided to keep it simple for my first outfit and went for a slightly distressed blue skater skirt with a simple white crop top. I often find that in the UK you need an outfit that can still mean you're prepared for a cold turn. I'm sad to say I often find myself packing tights and a jumper for the British summer beach trip.
I love a skater skirt because I think it can be flattering for all shapes. Its easy to style with a simple crop top or cropped jumper or with a baggy tucked in cami or t-shirt.
Similar skirt
Crop top
Sunglasses

This outfit is similar to my previous one but with different colours. The top is again from new look at the same price (I just live these floaty short tops). My white high waisted denim shorts are about 3 years old from Kylie but similar ones can be purchased in most shops.  My jacket is also old and used to be my mums but the label says New Look and New Look do still sell denim jackets.

I absolutely love this outfit as put with white jeans it can be worn out for a meal but kept with shorts it still looks quite formal yet still casual. 

I haven't been able to find the top on the New look website but I did purchase it recently.

Similar denim jacket

 

This is probably my favourite outfit I own. This pinafore style playsuit is just so versatile and easy to wear. In summer you can pair with some caged sandals like I have here2 and a crop top or with tights and a long sleeve top. Of course there's a spring version somewhere in-between. It is a floaty light fabric and is super comfortable. You can also pair it with a cute collar shirt or a brighter colour if you're feeling brave. I also like how easy it is to dress it up or down. With a shirt and heels this is killer for a night out but I also just chuck it over a bikini and wander down to the beach which is perfect too!

Sandals
Top
I got the playsuit in the sale earlier this year so couldn't find it but it was from Asos and I would HIGHLY recommend you check it out.


This outfit is all from H&M (except the wellies!).
The crop top was about £4/5 which it great for the quality. In our H&M they were only in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. This is quite annoying as I needed an extra small but none were available meaning my top isnt figure hugging. But for the price I can't really complain! My shorts were brilliantly priced at £5.99 which, for the quality, is great. They are, however, extremely short! They are so cute with their side zip and pockets.
Patterned shorts 



I know this playsuit looks too big for me but it is very much a throw on and chill outfit, it's perfect for going down the beach for an hour or going for a walk like we did today. I really think the wellies make the outfit haha. Another essential for anyone venturing into the unpredictable British weather.
We had a walk down some streams in the woods near where we live and couldn't pass up on the photo opportunity.
The playsuit was from Primark and unfortunately they don't have an online website which pains me. (Please Primark make an online shop-for us?) I think it was around £12.00 if you pop into your local store and have a look. I would suggest going a size smaller than what you usually are as they aren't true to size. I have to say what really drew me to this playsuit was the back of it. It is quite low and then has a small zip and then a cute cut-out which I think is super cute.


This is a simple but pretty, comfy and floaty playsuit from primark. I find its perfect to just throw on over your bikini if your going to beach or even throwing on a denim jacket and wearing it out shopping! As its strapless I like to style it with a simple neckless just so my upper chest doesn't look too bare. I actually think it goes well with the wellies and looks rather sweet. The playsuit was around £5 and is great value for money. 

I was unsure about this outfit but its comfy so oh well. I find 'tube' skirts are really easy to style all year round. They are always cheap and you can pair them with basically anything. To me they are an essential. I also have a plain black one and a blue and black diamond patterned one. I would highly recommended getting some as basics as they are really cheap and each season brings new styles. I'm keeping my eye on a midi length version that's much brighter that I noticed on Boohoo.
The top is,again, from Primark and I think it was around £4.00 but they are always changing stock so I'm certain they'll have alternatives. I would definitely suggest looking at Missguided and Forever21.
The skirt is from H&M but I don't think they still stock the colour but there are loads in Primark for £3/4.

Isabelle's Summer Wish List
flowery shorts
High waisted pale denim shorts
high waisted jeans
Jelly sandals 

Izzy's Summer Whish List
Crochet jumper
Mint Jeans
Joni Jeans
Naked Basics
Chelsea Boots

Also we would love it if you checked out wantfeed! It is a fantastic new website where you can find, share and buy things you love and we cannot get enough of it! Let us know what you think.

Songs or the week: Newton Faulkner- Dream Catch Me and Write It On Your Skin

Thank you for reading, don't forget to follow and share!
For any enquiries you can contact us at izzelle101@gmail.com

Let us know what your summer essentials are in the comments...

Toodle-oo

Isabelle and Izzy

❣

 

Quick Note From Us

Hello! 

To anyone reading this; due to massive amounts of revision (and a new found Game of Thrones addiction) we are unable to post throughout the week. We plan to post on the weekends when we can but we have around 19/20 exams in the next few months. They start on the 7th and it's a stressful time haha. 

We love this blog and appreciate any views it gets. I hope you don't mind and continue to enjoy and share our posts! 

 Lots of love as always 

Toodle-oo

Isabelle and Izzy

❣

The Tangle Teezer

Hello,

It's only a short one this week as it is half term and I am heading out to Centre Parcs for most of it. Although I wont be able to see or speak to Isabelle for 5 days which is a record  for us! By the time this is up I'll be there, yay! But...I COULDN'T not write about this! 

I'm sure you have seen these weird looking [ergonomically designed apparently] hairbrushes in a few beauty guru vlogs in the last few months. 

They are amazing.



They are called 'Tangle Teezers' and have been designed with plastic bristles that are painless to use, they also limit the damage done to hair whilst wet and stop them from being pulled straight out. 

(WARNING: Obviously as it is plastic do not use it whilst blow drying as you do run the risk of damging the brush or, if you have long hair and take longer than usual, even melting parts of it!)  

They can be used for wet and dry hair, this is a god send as I have always been told to NEVER brush wet hair but this is perfect. 

If you are unlucky and have fine hair like me then your hair will get knotty near enough straight after brushing it. I have found this problem has been totally eliminated and my hair feels so soft all day! 

The design is made to be handheld without limiting the bristles on the brush, the shape, although odd looking, means there is no problem of dropping it and damaging it. 

They have been developed to have 'memory flex' technolodgy so that you can have results that are specific to you. 

They also come in a variety of colours from Tangerine, blue with pink teeth and green.

I got mine from Boots and I think it was about £10.95 although this is a bit pricier it is definatley worth it, I would suggest it for all hair types and lengths. Enjoy! 

If you have any tips and treats for your hair let us know! 

Toodle-oo
Izzy

❣

Natural Collection

I have purchased many products from the Natural Collection so I thought I'd share my experiences. All of the products are £1.99 and can only be bought from the drug store Boots.

First of, are there concelers, both of mine in the shade fair. I use the liquid one for the summer as it is a darker shade and quicker to put on when I'm rushing down the beach, and the stick one for the rest of the year. I find that both do the job and even mange to cover my under eye darkness as well as any blemeshis or redness. For the price that they are, I will continue to buy them as they satisfy my face just fine and don't proceed to make my spots worse.

Next up is the pressed powder, which i have in the shade warm. As you can tell from the picture below, it has been well used. I put it on after my conceler or tinted moisturiser to set my make-up and matte my face. However, it doesn't stay on for a very long time. I don't know if I will buy it again in the future but I think once its gone I will go for something more expensive.

This leads on to my tinted moisturiser, in the shade natural. I havent used it since the summer as the shade is too dark for me and makes me look extremely orange, so I'm going to have to go with what I can remember. Consistency is what you'd expect, its lighter then a BB cream and very runny. However it does its job and does cover up a lot and some days, I didn't even need to put on my conceler. It did make my face shiny though so I had to use a power after. I might buy this again once it runs out depending on whether I would rather go for a foundation.

I don't have much to say on the lipstick (shade sweet pea) as I never wear it purely because the colour makes my lips look silver. I do find that it stays on for a long time and is very moisturising. I will buy their lipsticks again but in a different shade.

The pigment of the eyeshadow duo did surprise me (shades mocha/latte). The dark brown stays on all day as does the white. They aren't shimmery which is just what I wanted as my No7 duo (in similar colours) is too shimmery for school. I will buy their eye shadows again.

Next is the blusher in the shade peach Melba. Both me and Izzy have them in the same colours and both agree we will buy them again. I don't wear mine much as I do have naturally flushed cheeks. There isn't much in the pot but for the price I didn't really expect much more. The colour is perfect for spring/summer seasons as it adds a natural glow.

None of these products have given me spots which is great as that is the only thing which puts me off wanting to wear make-up. I will continue to buy from Boots Natural Collection as I think most of the products are up to the same standards as other high street brands.

Isabelle

Toodle-oo

❣

Beginners Luck

HAPPY FEBRUARY!
 I just want to start off by saying that what matters is the type of person you are, no amount of makeup can change you're personality and you don't need to do it to impress others. True friends will love you for who you are. I think until your are at least 13 makeup is pointless really, but it's whatever makes you comfortable.

I think over the last 2 years I have felt very lost when it comes to makeup. I felt that I had no idea where to start or what I needed. After watching and reading many blogs, vlogs and tutorials I have finally got to grips with it. I hope this helps anyone else that felt as stuck as I did.

Starters:

>Primer

>Foundation/Base 

>Concealer 

>Blusher/Bronzer 

>Powder 

> Mascara 

>Lipstick

>Eye shadow

>Brushes and blending sponge(make sure to wash every week or every 3 uses)

 

 

So...if you have clear skin, accept for a few spots and blemishes, you DO NOT need a full blown foundation, My suggestion would be to purchase a Tinted Moisturiser or BB Cream, this gives a light moisturising coverage without clogging up your skin. I would suggest Garnier or No7. Also a bit of concealer goes a long way.  I have found that the Rimmel London Wake Me Up foundation is the best, it gives brilliant coverage and is not too expensive. I also add the True Matte Perfection Mouse Foundation in my oily t-zone as it helps to keep it under control. 

In my experience powder blush is better than cream blush as I have combination to oily skin. However if you struggle with dry skin, cream blusher is perfect! 

Corals and darker pinks are best in summer and lighter pinks in winter to give a natural glow. 

I find that a small bit of bronzer goes a long way as you do not want streaks on your cheeks and to just define your cheekbones you want it to be natural. I have only tried the MUA mosaic bronzer as it was only a few pounds however I am definitely keen to try the Sleek blusher and contour kit. 

I find that pressed powder, when over foundation, sticks in areas and I will only wear it as a light cover in summer. 

However I like to set my makeup with lose translucent powder over the top and the rest of the time just to stop shine and to make sure it stays a little more. This is just to help the primer set. If you have oily skin I would definitely recommend it as I have found it a godsend, also if you are prone to shine you may as well give it a go. 

When it comes to lipstick you do not need a lot of them-not that that has stopped me. 

If you have dry lips then obviously a moisturising balm lipstick is the way to go and maybe just stick to actual lip balms for a while. If not a matte look is always classy for a day out. I find they tend to last longer too. Corals and bright pinks and reds (much like blusher) are great for summer and darker reds and plums work well during the winter.

 

A neutral eye shadow palette is not essential but is always nice to have for an extra smoky eye. Personally, I'm not very adventurous with eye shadows and just stick with simple (and cheap) combinations. Isabelle got me a super cute eye shadow palette for my birthday from H&M and I'm very impressed! 

I do believe, however, that mascara is as essential as it gets. Without it I literally look like I'm from The Walking Dead. It opens up your eyes and makes them pop. If you want a natural look then I suggest a brown but if not then you can stick to black (or super black is you think it makes a difference). Mascara can be expensive. This is true across the board. I have tried most high-street brands and although they good they are not true to all their promises. I have found however that the MUA mascaras are much better and are only £2 or £3 which is insane value for money! 

When it comes to brushes I do not know much. I was given a Fraulin*38 set for Christmas a few years ago and they do the job. For a starter they are perfect. I do use the Primark powder brush for blusher, it has a really nice feel and is really easy to apply. There are obvious recommendations for brushes like MAC and Tom Ford but they are much more expensive. The best blending sponge is by far the Real Techniques Miracle  Complexion Sponge. It honestly does live up to the hype. 
For the basics I think all you need is a powder brush, blush brush, contour brush for bronzer, blending eye shadow brush and a blending sponge to stop steaks and patchy foundation. All depending on what you use and how often you use it, this will determine how much you are willing to pay but, as with everything, the pricier ones are of better quality.

I hope this has helped you to find cheaper alternatives for the basics. If you have any other substitutes please let us know in the comments. We all love a good bargain! 

Toodle-oo

Izzy

❣

REMEMBER: You are beautiful just as you are, makeup is supposed to enhance your features NOT cover them up :)

  

January Favourites

It's nearing the end of the month so we thought we would do a post, at the end of each month, together reviewing the things we have loved! It can be anything from beauty to music. 

First it is BEAUTY!

I have purchased the Wake Me Up Rimmel Foundation in True Ivory 103.

I was a bit worried as it looks orange in the bottle but it is a perfect match. I have medium skin with rosy patches and it covers really well. If you are prone too oily skin then make sure to cleanse and moisturise your face to first or it will gather around those areas and leave shiny and orange patches.  It has SPF 15 and is very light weight so for days out in spring and summer it will be perfect. 

It is very long lasting and for £6.99 from Boots it is a massive bargain!

I also decided to try the Bourjois Paris Colour Boost chubby crayon. It claims to be waterproof and that it will last up to 10 hours. I'm not sure that is 100% true but it definitely lasts a lot longer than my other lipsticks. The colour is so vibrant but without being too in-your-face. I got 2 quite summery colours but they are still good for winter as they are very moisturising. This is perfect as I suffer with very bad dry lips. I got 04 Peach On The Beach, this is a light baby pink. I couldn't resist trying the coral Orange Punch it isn't too bright but is definitely going to be perfect for summer! They are on special offer at Boots so go get them whilst you can as they are a bit more expensive at around £7.50.

When it comes to hair care Isabelle and I are very fussy. We struggle to get our hair properly volume-ed.  Most products leave my hair feeling all knotty and powered. I decided to purchase the Lóréal Paris Studio Line Txt Volumizing Super Spray. It was only like £3.00 in Superdrug and oh my what a bargain. It does everything it claims too. It leaves my hair properly volumised without having to back-comb it which is not good for it at all. The can is so big i've had it for over a month now, using it nearly every day, and I am no where near finished. If you worry about flat hair then you definitely need this product in your life!

*Passes laptop to Isabelle*

My top favourite  is the Blistex Daily Lip Conditioner, which i personally think is amazing. When i use it i can actually feel it healing my lips and it smells amazing. It gives your lips a really great cool, tingling feeling when you put it on. It also works great anywhere on my face if i have dry patches, making them feel a lot smoother just overnight. Priced at £2.99 from Boots it is quite pricey for the size of the tub, but definitely worth it.

Next up is my Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine nail paint in the shade Blueberry. I first thought that i would try them out as i had seen them recommended on YouTube, saying that they lasted a lot longer than normal nail paint. I then took it to the test but didn't find it that amazing. I guess that it did last a few days longer but you definitely need to put a base coat on underneath. I mainly like it so much because it is the perfect colour for this winter-y season. And from Superdrug it is a great price of  £3.99. 

BODY BUTTERS!

The Soap and Glory Righteous Butter is my [Isabelle] all time favourite moisturiser. It's non-greasy, moisturising and smells so good! Unlike some other Soap and Glory products, I find it is really non-greasy which is really good as it means i don't have to worry about my skin being greasy. It also lasts a really long time. Just one splodge can last the whole leg. The smell is so amazing, even Izzy agrees! For the 50ml tub it is £2.50, and it lasts for a long time, so it's not a bad price.

In my stocking this year I [Izzy] got the yummiest body butter! It is the Pink Macaroon Body Butter from H&M. I don't know how much it was as Santa doesn't leave prices on things, obviously. It can leave your skin a little greasy if you use too much. The packaging is so cute and there is a lot in there, especially since you don't need much! It smells incredible. Neither me or Isabelle can work out what it smells like; it is a kind of fresh fruity smell without being too overpowering or strong. 

Hope you enjoyed! Let us know what your favourites are?

Toodle-oo
Isabelle and Izzy

❣