The Sunday Post: Summer Shimmer

Matte has been my mate through the years but with the sun shining I thought I'd mix things up and add some shimmer to my everyday look. Dewy, radiant skin is what we all crave during the Summer months and these are few products I've been coveting lately...

Special mention goes out to the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector, applied under my foundation or mixed up together this stuff gives my skin such a lovely healthy sheen. Old time buddies include MAC All That Glitters a subtle golden bronze that finishes off my look with a simple sweep over the lids, and of course MAC Soft & Gentle which is perhaps my all time favourite highlight.

I've also been playing around with Benefit's Fine One One*, an all in one brightening color for cheeks and lips which illuminates the skin. I love multi-purpose products and so this is great product to keep in your bag for on the go touch ups.  I'm a huge fan of the Origins GinZing Range which refreshes my dull skin giving it a new lease of life, so I was really excited to test out the GinZing makeup range. Look out for reviews on their Brightening Cream Eye Shadows, the look gorgeous in the pan but do they live up to the heights of the GinZing Moisturiser and eyecream, the jury is still out on that one...

I love a coral lip in Summer, heck I would wear a coral lip all year round if I could so Revlon's Juicy Papaya Lip Butter is on regular rotation in my makeup bag. I also have a soft spot for my Estèe Lauder Pure Color High Gloss* which started off my conversion to lip glosses with it's lightweight feel and non sticky formula. I love to whack this on when I'm sporting a more natural look or a heavier eye.

I couldn't put up this post without mentioning the Urban Decay Naked 2, my absolute favourite palette for adding a touch of shimmer. My personal favourites have to be Half Baked, Chopper, Suspect and YDK.

What are your go to shimmer shades?

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Summer Face: Clarins Bronzing Duo

If you're fair skinned like me you may struggle to find a bronzer that doesn't leave your skin looking muddy, shimmer tastic or something resembling an oompa loompa. I've had an on off relationship with NARS Laguna Bronzer which is passable with a really light dusting but I think I've found my go to bronzer in the shape of Clarins Bronzing Duo* in the shade light.

Not only does this duo produce a healthy sheen to my skin by subtly warming up your skin tone but the mineral powder formula combined with plant extract and purity of minerals makes application a dream. I can build this up easily and don't have to worry about going over board with this and it really pulls off a natural sun kissed glow. It also contains SPF15, winning all round for us paler ladies.

You can mix the lighter and darker shade together to create an all over glow, and sweep the darker shade across your temples, jawline, nose and sculpt your cheekbones for a more defined look. What I love about this compact is that I have no fear when applying of going over the top as it blends into my skin seamlessly and feels so light which is great for this heat.

A great summer compact for a quick summer face without the hassle. Definitely been carrying this around for on the go touch ups..

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I got this feeling on the summer day when you were gone

The not-so English sunny weather we've been graced with recently provides the perfect excuse to get snap happy. The boyfriend and I prefer a stroll to are local fields and footpaths, normally armed with a picnic and SPF as we're such pale children.

The other week I was browsing the rails of Zara, as I do many a time on the hunt for a new gem to add to my already busty wardrobe, when I spotted this navy blue playsuit. I knew I had to have it, and even better it was in the sale at £17.99! 

I love the silky fabric, the print, and the fact that I do feel as if I'm wearing PJ's to work - what could be better? I received lot's of lovely compliments whilst wearing this and I know my friends are also on the hunt to pick one up, so hurry!

What do you think is it too granddad's pj's or playsuit perfection?

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they think they're from the sixties, but they were born in 1991

I know I keep harping on about how beautiful the weather has been, but it makes taking outfit snaps all the more fun. This post may be a bit photo hefty but Jon and I got a bit carried away taking pictures in the fields by my house. One downfall was the high pollen count, grrr hayfever is such a burden. My eyes kept watering and I was sneezing every five minutes, which made for some very dodgy looking outtake photo's let me tell you...

I start my internship at Gleam today which I couldn't be any more excited about. I've been counting down the days since my interview with them back in February. I'm looking forward to actually being productive again, and most of all being part of Team Gleam for as long as they will have me. Exciting times lie ahead. My dad is already chuckling at the thought of me commuting every day but it's not that far a trip and my kindle has been stock piled with good books to keep me occupied on the way home.

What do you think of my monochrome polka dot pinafore? I do love a pinafore, and this number from New Look is no exception.  It was a steal at £17 and I did feel very girly twirling around in it in the meadow. It would also be great to wear to work, so an all round winner!

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fruity refreshers

Whenever I pop over to my nan's house I am always greeted with an ice cold fruit refresher. Whether it's water infused with blueberries and raspberries, or, for a more citrus based punch, laden with lemons,  oranges, and limes, they always go down a treat.

I do like the taste of water on it's own, as long as it's cool, and have been trying to up my game on my water intake in a bid to improve my skin. I opted for a combination of punchy citrus flavours with the fresh taste of strawberries and raspberries. I leave my water jug in the fridge over night the fruits to let them infuse the water to add delicate notes of each flavour to the water. I find freezing the sliced fruit beforehand also heightens their flavour

I tend to drink mine alone with the fruits to nibble on once I've gulped down the water, however, my boyfriend prefers to instead add only a touch of water, pile on the fruit and mash together to really bring out their flavours and create something more similar to a smoothie. Both are delicious and a great way to doll up a somewhat boring glass of h2o and refresh the taste buds.

Do you have any summer drinks that quench your thirst?

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where trouble melts like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops

We've been sporting a good ol' bout of summer sun this past week, which I have been taking full advantage of having spent my final week off lazing about in the garden, sunning my pasty pins, and ravaging through The Hunger Games trilogy. Long may the sun reign.

Purple Paisley Print Harem Trousers - New Look

Crop Top - Topshop

Above the knuckle ring - Bohemian Co*

Sandals - Topshop

Today was a little overcast so my shorts were swapped for these paisley beauties from New Look. New Look have really upped their game recently, and I have picked up more than a few pairs of these sorts of trousers of late, without breaking the bank I must add.  Harem trousers are great for summer, and this purple paisley print certainly doesn't fail to be noticed and add a pop of colour.

Anywhoo, I have an appointment with the garden chair awaits met with a good dose of strawberry ice cream, and finishing off Mockinjay, the final instalment in the Hunger Games saga! If you have any book recommendations please leave them in the comments, the way I'm devouring books at the moment I need a few. I might even pop up a book worm post or two, what d'ya think?

I'll leave you with my favourite ginger...

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I'm no teenage icon

collared blouse - urban outfitters (old)

 mid wash denim shorts - miss selfridge

lace trim ankle socks (black) - topshop

millicent stud back boots (black) - topshop

For those of you that follow me on instagram (ohlittlered) you might have spotted me uploading quite a few sumptuous snaps of our last minute September BBQ at Jon's house this afternoon. The weather literally has been perfect for it and we've really loved just being able to make the most of our weekend together by slapping on a few chicken and lamb skewers onto the BBQ and filling up the cooler with Kopparberg Mixed Fruits Cider, lovely jubbly.

In all honesty it was even to hot today for these cut off denim shorts and this urban outfitters top but I couldn't bring myself to bare my milky white skin in a bikini top so I opted for popping in and out of the shade! Teamed up with my new topshop studded suede boots, which I have taken a strong fancy too and refuse to stop strutting up an down the patio like a loon, I find this is a great outfit to make a quick and easy transition to night out down the pub or cinema. Just add a leather jacket, opt for a darker red lip and some tights and voila! you're ready to go.

Hopefully the sunshine continues but I have heard rumours of heavy rain fall drawing in nearer the end of the weekend, boo! My boyfriend also told me to add that he thinks I look very confused in the second photo, as if I'm just staring and smiling but am not sure why. That's the most philosophical (probably, wrong word choice!) he's been in a while, he's such an oddball. I'm in fact just pulling off cliché fashion blogger poses, the standard leg cross, intense stare, look to the ground and smile at the grass like a loon, you know what I'm on about... 

What have you been up to this weekend?

||Prior to the 10th Sept 2012, all comments were made using Disqus, however, I've now set up a new layout which doesn't support this feature so VERY sadly all my past comments have been deleted. My posts do feel a little like billy no mates now, luckily I have all past comments stored on the Disqus site. What do you think of my new layout?|

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photo diary: London 2012 pt.1

Jon and I were were up bright and early this morning to head into central London for the final full day of the Olympics. The atmosphere where I live has just been phenomenal but I knew it couldn't beat the almost electric feel of packed crowds, sipping away at ice cold beers under the much wished for summer sun in the heart of London town. It was a fantastic day.

We headed along to the embankment first and foremost and I became one of those annoying people who becomes a tourist in their own city, snapping away at all the top sights rivalling with the Japanese who are renowned for their group photo shots along London Bridge.  We walked all the way around collecting free Great Britain flags to wave around proudly as well as bumping into many excitable foreign children who are visiting to watch the games. It really was a sight and London has never in my opinion looked and felt so homely amongst the buzz of Olympic fever and pride.

I'm actually feeling quite down in the dumps that it's drawing to an end as I've loved every minute of it and loved jumping up and down screaming with excitement when our olympians such as Jess Ennis and Mo Farrah grabbed us gold!!

If you would like to see more photo's from our day out let me know as I was hoping to do a part two as this post was originally very lengthy with photographic memories of our day!

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its not easy being green

grey vest top - h&m

 high waisted pastel green pin stripe shorts - topshop

green plimsoles - h&m (old)

necklace - topshop sale (old)

nails - 'mermaid' topshop

Hello sunshine! Topping off my week by being able to lounge in my sunchair, after dusting it down from its year long hibernation in the shed, and catch up on some reading whilst the rays beat down upon my milk bottle skin adding a new cluster of freckles. Lovely jubbly. I even braved bare legs in these pin stripe hot pants in public which is a big thing for me as I've always had issues with having my legs on show but some how today I plucked up the courage and let the sun beat down on them quite happily indeed.

Earlier this week I was notified that I'd been picked , well this little ol' blog had been picked, by the editor of Pocket Change as their 'Editors Pick' which left me absolutely stunned as I always get whenever my corner of the internet gets any mention whatsoever. Later in the week I was then also e-mailed by Clare from Dotcomgiftshop who informed me I'd been added to their list of top shopper blogs alongside the stunning Gem Fatale! They were awfully nice about me and made me sound so much cooler than I actually am in their little intro to 'Little Red' which you can find here. I'm really chuffed and overwhelmed by all this new found praise and support so here's a MASSIVE thank you to you all once again - cheeseball soppy mode ensues - your support really does mean the world to me so sending you all virtual hugs right now.

Tomorrow Jon and I are off to Hyde Park to enjoy one of the final days of Olympic fever and soak up the patriotic pride that's left London positively glowing these past two weeks. We've prepared a not so little picnic, brimming over with savoury snacks and chocolately goodness! I cannot wait and if the weatherman is correct the sun will add to what I'm sure is going to be a perfect day out. Keep and eye out for a little photo diary post of tomorrows events.

Hope you're all are enjoying the weather, have you got any plans for the final few days of the Olympics?

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girl put your records on

dress - dorothy perkins (old)

sandals - river island

nails - elf nail polish in white

I'd thought I'd share you with you a few snaps of how I'm spending my days in the sunshine within this outfit post. My boyfriends garden is one of my favourite places to relax as his stepdad has made it look so beautiful out there, I especially love their hand built koi fish pond which I could spend hours admiring and giving all the fish names.

I found this old dorothy perkins dress in the back of my wardrobe this morning and thought 'perfecto!' as its floaty fabric suits this weather to a tee. I especially love the cath kidston-esque floral print embossed on it matched with my trusty sandals that I wear pretty much all summer long once the weathers good.

How are you spending your day in the summer sun?

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