Stellar Berry.

Here is a run through what I am wearing on my face at the moment. This is a real go to look for me since we've hit the autumn months and there's some new products that I mentioned in my Maybelline Must-haves post, that I'm absolutely loving. 

Base

Urban Decay B6 Complexion Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray - This is amazing! Full review here

17 Blemish BB Balm - I got this in medium and I really like it. It's thicker than many other BB creams I have used, more of a light foundation. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer - I used this under my eyes and around my nose. I think it's a great concealer and more moisturizing than the Collection Lasting Perfection one. 

Maybelline Cover Stick in Medium Beige - Ok, shut the front door they seem to have changed this to something else (here). Looks like I will have to find another concealer for spots now, but this is what I use this for. I don't like using the Wake Me Up Concealer as it's not thick enough and as a highlighting one I don't really want to highlight whatever is living on my chin!

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - Right, I do love this. However, a few times recently it has looked a little cakey, which I think is when my skin is a little too oily. I've added the Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot powder to my Boots order to see how that is. Sorry, Rimmel. 

Eyes

Maybelline 24hr Color Tattoo in Pomegranate - I love this so much. The color tattoo's are amazing and this is just so pretty for A/W. I applied it all over the lid (you can see it on the lid more here, I wasn't having a photogenic day at all today ha) and then used an angled brush to pop some on my lower lash line. 

2True Effortless Eye Liner - I use this all the time and it's only £1.99 people! £1.99! 

Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Retro Glam Mascara - I've mentioned this before, most mascaras are alright to me and this is much the same. I like the big brush on it, if that helps! 

Dior Powder Eyebrow Pencil - Not technically my eyes, but near to them I use this eyebrow pencil which is really good. I massively recommend getting a pencil matched because I did have my brows too dark before.

Everythang else

Diorskin Nude Tan Bronzer in Honey 001 - This is a great bronzer and I've had it for ages, despite using it every day. If you want to invest in some higher end makeup, but the price tag upsets you, I would suggest getting a powder based product as they last so long.

Mac Plum Foolery Blush - Talked about this way too much. Buy it, buy it now. Full review here

Mac Cream Color Base in Shell - This is a great highlight for under the brow and above the cheekbones and it stays there all day. 

Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss in Stellar Berry - This is so pretty. It literally lasts so well too and isn't sticky, which is my pet hate with lip gloss. 

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Getting to know me...

It's funny how different you look with a bunch of different make up on! All hail the cringe montage of my face. I promise it's appropriate though, as this is a post with some facts about me, in case you were interested...

1. Are you named after anyone?

No, I think the Doctor in the hospital said 'Emma' is a nice name.

2. When was the last time you cried?

Not sure, I do get a little emotional when I see things on tv though like I get that little throat lump thing if anyone looks upset or their having a tough time.

3. Do you have kids?

Nope.

4. If you were another person, would you be a friend of yourself?

I think so yeah. I'm pretty confident that I'm a good person and I do get on with the majority of people even when their characteristics are very different to mine.

5. Do you use sarcasm a lot?

When it's effective! In a jokey way.

6. Will you ever Bungee Jump?

No, nada, nine. I'm not into any of that stuff, I think the euphoric feeling comes from realizing your still alive and as I know I am right now, i'm good ha.

7. What's your favorite cereal?

Tricky. Cereal is da bomb. It's probably easier to say that sugar puffs aren't really my favorite.

8. What's the first thing you notice about people?

I always look at girls hair, makeup and clothes, but in a hhmmm that looks nice or i wonder where she got that kind of vibe. I probably look at girls more than lads!

9. What is your eye colour?

Blue.

10. Scary movie or happy endings?

Happy endings. There's not always enough in real life, so movies need to make up for it (deep).

11. Favorite smells?

Cinnamon buns (a particular bakery in London), aftershave and fresh cotton.

12. Summer or winter?

I heart Christmas and all things Christmas related, but I love summer for many reasons. Either way though you can always drink Pimms (check out Winter Pimms here).

13. Computer or television?

I love a good TV series or film, but if i didn't have a computer I wouldn't be able to blog!

14. What's the furthest you've ever been from home?

America i guess! I've been to LA, Vegas and Arizona. Other than holidays, I did live in Bournemouth at University for years and I had to go to Edinburgh on my Uni placement.

15. Do you have any special talents?

None, I'm always searching for my talent, but so far nothing. 

16. Where were you born?

1990.

17. What are your hobbies?

Blogging, eating, drinking, going out with friends and family and running (occasionally).

18. Do you have any pets?

I have two mischievous cats called Finn and Perry (we did not name them) who we adopted and they are super cute, but a little mental.

19. Favorite movie?

Midnight in Paris.

20. Do you have any siblings?

One younger sister and an older brother.

If you fancy doing this post, I would love to read your answers! Make sure you comment with a link and I will be sure to check out the post. 

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Bedroom Inspiration

Hi guys! Apologies for being a little MIA on the blog this week - sadface. We launched a new project at work this week, so I've had no spare time - sadface. Boo to real life jobs ay? 

This blog post is a quick one, but I have some 'proper' ones planned that I will hopefully get sorted this weekend. In the meantime, here's some bedroom inspo I have been pinning on my Pinterest account. Both my Mum and Dad managed to get some epic jobs down in London - exciting - and they are kindly letting me, my brother and sister stay in the family pad! Of course, that means I am totally taking over their old bedroom, so I've begun thinking about how to decorate...

I really like these cosy-i-don't-want-to-get-out-of-bed styles and I need to be careful as my boyfriend is moving in, so I can't go heavy on the florals or girly frills. I also really want some giant desk lamps - too cool! 

Do you like any of these ideas and/or do you have any boards on pinterest that I can steal ideas from!?

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London Beauty Hub

As you know I write for the beauty site London Beauty Hub each week where I create Top 5 posts highlighting beauty trends and dabbling with fashion. If you've never hopped over to the website, there are some really interesting reviews, interviews and of course top fives ;) here's a few worth checking out! 

Top 5 Micellar Water Products

A day in the life of Tracie Giles, semi-permanent make-up specialist

My beauty secrets: Rebecca Goodyear, beauty blogger, editor and founder of Rebecca Goodyear PR 

Let me know what you think in the comments below!

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Review: Mac Plum Foolery Blush

Hola and greetings from Spain! I'm currently on holiday in this beautiful country with my boyfriend. We're staying in a small town/village called Calasparra where my G-rents live. I will be sure to do a blog post about my trip at some point, but for now let's talk make up...

I am currently l-o-v-ing Mac's Plum Foolery blush, which I picked up on my recent business trip to LA. I was in some department store (maceys or something) over by Newport beach when I spotted the Mac counter and well, it would be rude not to have a look!

After I had a conversation with an old lady about the Royal baby "Diana *holds heart* would be so proud of Williams choice in Kate you know" said old lady. "Don't you just love these shoes, they're so cute aren't they?" old lady again. I said bye bye to my new BFF and that's when i spotted Plum Foolery amongst the whole display.

This blush is so gorgeous. It's quite a deep/dark pink, which is different from my usual choices as the warmest I usually go is Natural Collection's Peach Melba.The depth in colour adds a really beautiful pop to the cheeks, whilst adding some definition. It does have a gold shimmer to it, but nothing too crazy and more like a bronzy highlighter has been swept over (in a good way). If you're looking for something different from your usual pinky/peachy tones ready for the A/W you just have to pick one up*

What are you currently loving? Drop me your links below!

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*Ps, I would have swatched, but I haven't figured out how to make my hands look non-creepy yet...

Girl Crush: Diane Kruger

 

Sometimes I think "Life can already be hard enough without someone being a total bitch on top". As always (unfortunatley) there's been lots of online bullying highlighted in the media recently and I for one think us girls need to stick together more! Next time you see a picture of a girl and think 'wow she's a babe', comment and say! To think about those that sit in doors or on their phones posting comments like 'lay off the cheesecake' to girls makes me very sad. What kind of world do we live in where we make people feel bad about cheesecake?!

Dessert aside. I'm kicking of my 'Girl Crush' series with this month's babe, Diane Kruger. I recently bought  copy of Marie Claire, which Diane featured in and I just think she looks so good. The girl models for Chanel and is BFF's with Karl Lagerfield for goodness sake. Let's basque in her prettiness...

 

"I used to think I was so accomplished. 'Oh, I speak three languages, I travel the world, I've seen so many things.' But when I turned 30 I realised I was an idiot." Marie Claire

Ah, amazing. Really is pretty easy to be nice to people. So, who's your girl crush of the moment?

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It's OK... #2

This is my second installment of 'It's OK...', which is a post I did a little while back that got lots of sweet comments and was also very fun to put together. So, I am spoiling you all by giving you another 'It's OK...' post right now. I know 'SHUT THE FRONT DOOR! This is amazeballs'.

It's OK...
To not be able to store all of your clothes in your room at once (a strategic combo of stored and in the wash/ironing pile rotation method), yet upon flinging your wardrobe doors open feel a sense of disappointment and an urge to visit ASOS because you just have NO clothes.
To genuinely believe that by drinking Vodka, lime & soda on a night out as a lower calorie option it will cancel out the large McDonalds meal you shove in your face at 4am later...balance?
To be out of touch with the Top 40 chart because you've had Taylor Swift's album on repeat for some time now. Thus, leading to many awkward conversations "I'm so gutted Rudimental tickets have sold out!" You: "I know I love her, I'm gutted too"...
To wear some make up to the gym. Who wants to be sweaty, pale and have eyebrows that just do not frame your face all at the same time? Pass me the mascara.
To worry about the upcoming bikini season, especially because people will realize you have the chest of Mowgli from Jungle Book (I speak for myself here).
To purchase designer sunglasses if you're from England, where with your Summer holiday included you may only see a months worth of sunshine. During that time though you will look beyond classy and cool, worth-every-penny.
To end up doubling everything in your basket when you've been buying a birthday present for your friend.
To have thought concealer lips were hot at some point "HEY! I look like I have no lips, I know you want me"
To take a 'selfie' (hate that word) every once in a while because you should be able to tell yourself that you look good today/show off a new hat/necklace/top etc.
To have long discussions with your friends/family/work colleagues etc about which celebrity you would choose to take to dinner and then bed - naughty - like you are discussing the state of the economy. It is that serious people, what if it happened? (I chose Ryan Gosling. Remember: you have to spend an entire dinner with them, so you want someone interesting. You have to tell me who you would choose in the comment section, I'm weirdly obsessed with asking everyone I meet this question).

So, that is it. Let me know if you enjoyed this post and tell me what you think is OK too! Big love guys.

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Trends I wont be wearing #2

Trends I wont be wearing #2 by emma-handley featuring h m jacket

This is a post I did a little while back - here - that was pretty popular, so I thought I would do a haphazard series (i'm not good at doing it on particular days I have discovered!). Let us begin!

I won't be wearing...

Hawaiian Print - I'm not saying i haven't tried with this one. I checked out H&M's Conscious Collection a little while back and although I didn't full on hate it, the print just reminds me of blokes on stag do's when they think it will be hilarious to wear matching shirts (good one Bazza). To me, there are just much nicer prints to choose from. 

Pastel Lips - I love a bit of pastel, in fact my nails are currently rocking Models Own's 'Utopia', which is gorgeous. However, I don't look at it and think I want to put that colour on my lips. Nope, no I don't - soz Nikki I will let you work that one. 

Colour Block Leather -  Colour blocking does work and it does look really effective, but i'm not loving it with leather for some reason. I don't really like the look of the same textures in one outfit and there is just something about all leather head to toe that makes me feel uncomfortable...next trend please!

I will be wearing...

Pop of Neon - I mentioned how much I adored this pop of neon trend (not a beanie though, see other post here) and Henry Holland has brought out these bralettes and briefs recently that i can't wait to get out this Summer. I must mention that I don't intend to flash the brief part, just the bralette. I think the particular colour and shape featured above is a little different from the other brights available. I'm picturing a sheer top or low armed tank and some denim. I think Henry is a great designer, I once tweeted him because my beloved HH leather shoes had finally broke and I thought he might have a spare pair - no luck!

White - I've already gone with this trend a little already since I've been flirting with the Monochrome trend that was big news. I bought a white blazer from H&M last month, which I think is this one and I cannot recommend it enough. It fits so good, looks amazing with everything and is great quality - all for £25.

Tribal Gathering -  Name thanks to a recent Vogue mag, I see this trend as a classier and more wearable print than the Hawaiian one mentioned earlier. There's loads of different takes on it, but I love the Moroccan  Aztec tribal vibes and this bikini from River Island is a beaut. I don't know if you guys saw my Birthday Wishlist post, but I featured this amazing jacket from Zara that my boyfriend got me in the end. I literally wear it all the time and get compliments every time, so you just have to get it too (twins). 

Let me know which trends you won't and will be following in the comments below. Of course, feel free to disagree with me too, just don't blame me when your Hawaiian print shirt gets you scooped up in a Stag Do on the way to Malaga. 

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Instagram snaps #3

Kate Moss in Vogue - Birthday beauty box gift - Destination stickers (birthday gift) - Homemade berry smoothie with chocolate flakes - Beyonce - Birthday drinks - New Fedora hat from Camden - Drinks at Bubbledogs in London - CAKE - New sunglasses from Sheriff & Cherry - Camden market 

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Top 5 Beauty Handbag Essentials: London Beauty Hub

 

Some of you will already know this if you read my blog normally, but I do a weekly post for a new beauty website called London Beauty Hub that launched in January this year. I basically do a 'Top 5' post every week where I pick a product or trend that I want to cover. I got the job because I wanted the writing experience and as I work flexi time (FYI: flexi is da bomb) I have a few afternoons spare when I've done my weekly hours. So, check it out if you want to, this is the link for this week's post 'Top 5 Beauty Handbag Essentials' 

 

Let me know what you think and if you have any suggestions for next week's topic! Also, I would love to know if you guys work for anyone else doing any writing or beauty related stuff :)

 

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It's OK...

Did Jesus really say this or is it a song? (shaky fact alert) image source here

Thought I'd mix it up a little and keep you on your toes with a new style post. Not actually that creative because these types of things are everywhere, but they always make me smile.

It's OK...
To be a 'beauty blogger', yet on many occasions only paint the toenails on the toes that can be seen through your high heels
To consider reading a few chapters of a book as having read the whole book "Oh yeah I read the first Harry Potter"
To wear underwear that doesn't match because nobody really has their life that much together
To believe that eating a salad at lunchtime makes eating an entire Easter egg when you get in from work completely acceptable
To use face wipes all the time because you know what life is too sort for the use of mini cotton wall pads all over your face
To have no idea what most the #trends on Twitter actually mean and then have to Google them
To get a new camera, leave it on the 'smart-does-everything-for-you' setting and then add 'photographer' to the wide range of skills you have on your CV (like Joey from Friends)
To still show your mum what recent purchases you made and keep convincing her that £80 for THAT much stuff is a bargain
To start waving goodbye so you don't have to hug someone, thus creating a 'wave wall'
To introduce a 'shaky fact' into a conversation and then when people question you, insist that you read it somewhere in a book because that means its obviously true...

There you go, some things that I think are OK. Add yours onto the comments and leave your blog links, so I can make sure I'm not on my own with these (awkward).

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Berlin: Part 1

Guten Tag! Apologies for my recent disappearance from the blogging world, but I jetted (makes flying Ryanair sound much more sophisticated) off to Berlin during the very early hours of Good Friday morning with my boyfriend for a bit of an Easter break and I thought I would give myself a break from computers for a while too (obvs, jumped onto Twitter and Bloglovin as soon as I was home, but the break was good).

I thought I would do a series of my travels in Berlin and share some snaps from the six days with you all in case you are thinking of going or just want a peek! I will spread these posts out, so I don't bore you with the Berlin hype too much, but here's a few bits and pieces from the first few days:

We arrived to snow falling and caught a bus to where we needed to go to reach our hotel...kinda. We didn't realize for some reason that the underground was right next to the airport and blissfully unaware of this we hopped on this random bus that took us on a pretty scenic route to the centre (we also only paid 1.40 Euro by accident because we think we were suppose to get off a lot sooner and not at the last stop - oops).

Eventually, we made it to the hotel which was the Adina Apartment Hotel near Hauptbahnhof station which we were both really happy with! The hotel is like a mini apartment/suite with a bedroom, bathroom and lounge/kitchen and diner and it's all really modern and the staff were very helpful etc. We decided to get an apartment so we could save some money on breakfast and so we didn't have to wake up for it too. It's still like a hotel though, so it's like having a flat with a cleaner who cleans everyday - something I could get used to!

The rest of the first day was a bit of a boring one I guess, we got our bearings, stocked up on food, ate a lot of our food and watched the film 'Savages' before getting some sleep ready for a big day of sightseeing or 'getting our Berlin on' as I kept saying for some reason....

Day 2

Feeling fresher, relaxed and in holiday mode we went to the city zoo (there are two, this one is in zoolischer garten) because wherever there are cool animals, Alex has to go and see them. The zoo had pretty much every animal you can think of, which was amazing to see, especially so up close.

"I don't think y'all ready for this jelly" 

However, we both felt like the animals were a bit cramped and not in the best enclosures, which wasn't so amazing. Everything was in German at the zoo pretty much, so it was hard to tell whether they were on any breeding programmes etc or if they were there forever. We weren't fans to be honest, but would love to know what you thought if you have been? This guy pretty much summed it up! (I have censored his modesty. Not that he cares as he was just letting it all hang low...)

After the zoo we went to The Hard Rock Cafe, which I just love. I've been to quite a few now and started collecting the cocktail glasses a little while ago, so added to my collection a little further after indulging on a HUGE burger and fries.

We then wandered around some shops where we went in this crazy 'it's always Christmas shop' which was pretty cool and then sauntered back to the hotel for a cuppa and some Toffifee which I had never had before - pretty amazing hazelnutty goodness.

In the eve we headed out for some more cocktails, which was a bit of an ordeal at the beginning because we went the wrong way for a while and ended up in the freezing snow alongside the Berlin Wall in the pitch black. It was like we were trying to re-enact a scene from the war as there was nobody else to be seen as we hurriedly walked by the wall wondering how we ended up in such a sketchy place with prison like buildings.

After that experience though we did make it to where we thought we were headed before which was full of life (thank gawd) and cheap strong cocktails. A few Long island ice teas later, we went to some underground indie rock bar (loads of the bars are underground) which was really chilled and full of cool people (and me and Alex). We stumbled back in the early hours, made a chip butty and hit the sack.

Those were my first two days in Berlin! I will continue with the rest over the coming weekend/week, so keep an eye out if you are interested.

Something I know a lot of you are interested in is my blog giveaway winner, so without further a due, drum roll.....golden envelope....dramatic pause (plus other cliché award moments), the winner is the beautiful Hannah over at Which Way To Wonderland? Congratulations! Thanks to everyone who entered, major chuffed with the response to the giveaway.

On a final note, it's my birthday next Thurs (11th) so please send all gifts to Emma...kidding (sort of). I will be doing some b day related posts and beauty stuff though, so keep an eye out for those too!

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