Foundation Routine

As said by Calvin Klein, 'the best thing is to look natural, but it takes make up to look natural!' And I have to say, I totally agree.

Of course, it is still perfectly acceptable to spend the occasional Sunday lounging in your favourite pjs, sporting a high bun and a bare face whilst catching up on desperate housewives.

But when venturing out of the house, it's nice to look natural and effortlessly pretty! 

So I've put together my foundation routine to form the basis of any look, whether it be natural or a little more dramatic. 

Finding a foundation that suits you and your needs can be a really tricky task.

I have always had major trouble finding skin care products that don't aggregate my sensitive skin but my current routine leaves me with perfect coverage and no reactions!

After moisturising, the first thing that you should do before applying any make up is to use a primer! 

This will help towards a long lasting flawless finish and should provide a softer surface for the foundation to be applied. I use MAC's Prep and Prime. (£20.50) Apply an even coat to the whole face to see a noticeably smoother finish.

The second step is to apply your foundation! To begin, I always warm the foundation by placing it on to the back of my hand. This thins it slightly to make sure that it doesn't 'cake' on your face.

To ensure optimum results, I always use a foundation brush! I use the MAC 190 brush to promise even distribution.

Start in the centre of the face and begin blending in an outward direction.

Be sure to blend everywhere including the areas that are more difficult to get to such as the corners of your nose and your hairline. I use the angled edge of the brush to sweep across these awkward regions. 

I use Estée Lauder's Double Wear Light foundation. (£28.50) I really couldn't recommend this product more highly! It is a comfortable light weight make up that stays on for 15 hours. However, being an active girl, the biggest benefit I have discovered is its resistance to smudging!

Even after a tough workout, I can personally assure you that you will look just as gorgeous leaving the gym as you did when entering!

Next I use Yves Saint Laurent's radiant touch. (£25.00) I apply this luminizing pen underneath my lower lash line to avoid tired looking eyes and underneath my brow to highlight the eye area.

Add a concealer to any blemishes on the face with a MAC 195 concealer brush.

To complete this beautiful look, apply Estée Lauder's double wear loose powder to the face. This will create further coverage and a stunning semi-matte finish. (£28.50)

If you are looking to apply a girly blush then please visit my 'Wedding Make Up' blog from September for more details! 

I really hope that this look works for you! Lots of love, Kenzie xxx

The Low Heel

Much to the relief of just about every woman out there, gone are the days of sky high stilettos, as this seasons hottest trend is all about the low heel.

This super chic new look has caused much controversy amongst the fashion world, being continuously labelled 'granny shoes,' these kitten heels have a lot to prove.

Numerous people don't seem to like the 'awkward' compromise between flats and heels but personally, I LOVE them!

Now don't get me wrong, coming in at just over 5ft 4 I could really use the extra height, but these little heels provide a versatile look for any occasion. And for once in fashion history, they are, dare I say it, practical.

I'm sure we all have that beloved pair of shoes that reach dizzying heights but I think its time that we gave our poor little feet a well deserved rest this Autumn.

It also seems that the sexy footwear has taken the celeb world by storm, with some of our favourite A listers stepping out in these stylish new shoes. Kimmy K looked so amazing sporting this look whilst pregnant during the Summer. (You can always count on her to be ahead of the trends!)

Here's a gorgeous pair I found from Zara. Click HERE to view! (£29.99) These two-toned ankle strap shoes are bang on trend with their bold colours and low heel!

Whether you love them or hate them, they've certainly got the fashion industry talking about them! So why not be daring and try a pair? Lots of love, Kenzie xxx

Hemp Foot Protector

Dry feet can be extremely uncomfortable for sufferers and can worsen even more during Winter months.

This is most common in people who do not moisturise their feet religiously!

Oil glands are present all over the body with exception to the skin on the palm of our hands and our feet.

Sebaceous glands secrete an oil that is responsible for protecting skin and hair. However, due to the absence of these glands in our feet, they depend solely on sweat glands to keep them moisturised.

This is why a regular moisturising routine can greatly reduce the likelihood of dry skin forming.

I sincerely advise that you purchase the Body Shop's 'Hemp Foot Protector.' (£10.00) It works absolute wonders for my feet! Click HERE to view this product.

This best seller is dermatologically tested and promises to restore the skin's moisture barrier, leaving your skin feeling soft and smooth. I apply this cream everyday after bathing.

Prior to administering this cream, use a foot file to remove hard skin from the problematic areas. Although, I suggest that you wait for any traumas or open cuts to heal before beginning this treatment.

The Body Shop sells an amazing 'file a foot' with a double sided file for gentle and firm exfoliation. (£5.00) Click HERE to view this product.

My top tip! If you haven't yet got yourself some Hemp foot lotion, then here is a home remedy to help eliminate dry skin on those little tootsies of yours.

Fill a foot bath, (a clean washing up bowl will also do perfectly,) with warm water and add lemon juice. As lemon juice is mildly acidic it will encourage the dead skin cells on the bottom of your feet to dissolve.

This process can be repeated 2-3 times a week to decrease the extent of the skins condition.

I can't wait to hear how you get on! Lots of love, Kenzie xxx

ReBOOT Your Shoe Collection

If like me, you are forever telling yourself that there is always room for one more pair, then you are undoubtedly a shoeaholic.

According to the urban dictionary this can be defined as 'One who covets shoes and who owns more than they can wear in....ever.' Sound familiar?

This certainly doesn't bode well for me! Having just embarked on my journey as a university student, I am beginning to appreciate how arduous  managing money can truly be. Although I believe that it is okay to have the odd investment piece in your wardrobe, I also think that its important to realise that 'more expensive' doesn't necessarily mean 'better quality.'

Following on from my Autumn style guide, I have been searching for the perfect pair of warm boots to see us through these arctic months without doing too much damage to our bank accounts.

After all, in the words of Marilyn Monroe, 'Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world!'

Well ladies, the search is over! So its time to ditch the flip flops and reBOOT our shoe collection. Quite literally.

Brought to you by Chockers Shoes, these concealed platform ankle boots would look strikingly beautiful teamed with a simplistic ensemble of a cute shirt and skinny jeans.

The leather look gives them an extremely up-market feel which is highly deceiving when considering the inexpensive price tag. (£35.00)

I have ordered from Chockers Shoes on several occasions and I am yet to be disappointed. Their high quality designs are impossible to fault and will leave you feeling like a glam queen in no time!

Click HERE to view these amazing Winter boots!

Lots of love, Kenzie xxx

Bodylicious Body Butter

I'm sure I speak on behalf of every woman when I say that I find moisturising a hugely monotonous task.

Despite this, it is a vital requirement to help keep your skin in great condition!

Not only does an everyday moisturising routine help to restore the natural oils in your skin but it also leaves you feeling fresh and revitalised.

The best time to moisturise is immediately after you bathe which for most people is daily.

However, this may be increased during these upcoming Winter months when your skin is at risk of becoming dryer.

I highly suggest that you use the Body Shop body butters to hydrate your skin!

These gorgeous body care items come in various fruity and exotic scents and leaves your skin feeling soft and irresistibly smooth.

They are also great for very dry skin and provide long lasting hydration of up to 24 hours.

I have experimented with the majority of the body butters from this beautiful range, however I particularly recommend the coconut, mango and shea scented creams as I have found these aroma's are exceptionally fragrant and leaves my skin looking radiant and well nourished.

Coconut Body Butter

Mango Body Butter

Shea Body Butter

Could these products be any more amazing? They certainly can! Click HERE for 50% off on these fantabulous body butters when you enter the code BUTTER at the check out.

This sumptuous butter appeals to all generations and would make a perfect gift for any occasion or even if you're just treating yourself! Lots of love, Kenzie xxx

St Tropez Lovin'

As Winter looms upon us and our sun kissed skin begins to fade, our desire for an everlasting tan is stronger than ever.

My secret...St Tropez. And I'm not talking about the place. 

I have experienced first hand the consequences of many self tanning company's and its safe to say that the 'wotsit' look is not my favourite.

However, you'll be more bronzed goddess than terribly tangoed if you use St Tropez self tan and once you've used their gorgeous products, there is no going back. 

Here is my 'St Tropez goody box!'

St Tropez comes in a range of different forms, from an instant tan classic gel to a gradual tan everyday mousse.

The self tan classic gel is personally my favourite because it gives an all over natural looking tan and is so easy to apply. The gel is also designed to eliminate the distinctive fake tan smell by up to 70% so nobody has to know you are even wearing it!

This product also gives an instant and noticeable glow which is perfect for a last minute tan.

Another essential in my 'St Tropez goody box' is the self tan classic bronzing spray. I always use this when I'm looking for a quick boost of colour. The spray provides extremely good coverage and a gorgeous even tan.

I would also highly recommend the gradual tan everyday face moisturiser. By using this in conjunction with the body self tan it will prevent any colour contrasts between your face and body. I have also found that this moisturiser has often reduced the blemishes on my face much like when you are exposed to natural sun light!

As well as this, I would suggest getting yourself an applicator mitt. Tanning your whole body can take some time and without the use of a glove you risk temporarily staining your hands. On top of this, they also help to give a smoother finish to the completed outcome.

Should you fake tan regularly, I think it is worth investing in the tan optimiser body polish and the tan optimiser body moisturiser.

The polish prepares your body for self tanning by gently exfoliating the skin, in particular, on dryer areas such as your knees and elbows which helps to prolong your stunning new tan.

The moisturiser keeps your skin hydrated and feeling smooth to ensure perfect coverage when the self tan is applied.

I hope that you love these amazing products just as much as I do! Lots of love, Kenzie xxx

Autumn Style Guide

It's that time of week again, we've all got the Monday blues and we're already looking for that Friday feeling.

In an attempt to give you a glimmer of hope for the forthcoming week, I have put together an outfit perfect for a casual day time look throughout the Autumn.

And it gets better! I have selected all of my chosen items from the River Island sale. So not only will you be looking undeniably gorgeous this season but you'll also be managing your money wisely.

To begin creating this beautiful style, I have picked this white slub batwing top. This forms the basis for the rest of the outfit and acts as a blank canvas to build upon. It is slightly over sized to contrast nicely with the tight fitting jeans and looks great either tucked in or hanging out. (Was £14.00, Sale Price £7.00)

These denim tube pants are super cute and look even better when teamed with an oversized top. The star print sides of the jeans and the high waisted feature gives a fun and flattering finish. (Was £40.00, Sale Price £20.00)

I chose this bright pink lightweight scarf because it adds a feminine pop of colour, as well as bringing a sophisticated feel to the ensemble. (Was £13.00, Sale Price £5.00)

This bag is AMAZING. The stud detail gives the outfit some character and a cool stylish edge and the tan colour of the shoulder bag goes perfectly with the simple jeans and top combo. Not only will it look fab with this look but the neutral colour will ensure that it goes with loads of other pieces so that you're not having to splash out on another bag any time soon. (Was £45.00, Sale Price £25.00)

Finally to accessorise, I have picked out these mega glamorous gold tone earrings. The gold works stunningly with the tanned bag and would look particularly striking with an up do to really show them off! (Was £12.00, Sale Price £4.00)

This bracelet works with both the earrings and the lightweight scarf, having elements of pink and gold charms. This statement piece concludes the finalised look and is such a pretty item. (Was £10.00, Sale Price £4.00)

Tanned ankle boots can be added to top off this effortless day time look.

All of these items can be found HERE I hope that this has made your Monday a little easier. Lots of love, Kenzie xxx