What's in my Bag?

Seeing as you liked my 'What's in my makeup bag?' post, I thought I'd do the same for my handbag, which, although less detailed, will be far more random! I'm currently loving my Paul Costelloe oxblood coloured leather bag - it's the perfect size for everything I *ahem* 'need' to carry around on a day to day basis and matches most outfits! Let's see what happened when I tipped it upside-down, though...

As some of you may know, I live in London. What you don't know is how paranoid I get before travelling a new route on the tube, and so I tend to repeatedly check I know where I'm going with the help of one of TFL's handy pocket tube maps! You can pick these up in tube stations, and I'd recommend having one on you if you're visiting London and you aren't entirely familiar with the tube network.

I have a tendency to shove cereal and fruit bars in my bag in the morning and then forget about them, so it's no surprise to me to find a Stoats Raspberry and Honey (very good!) oat bar and a good old fashioned Raspberry School Bar lurking in the depths of my bag. I also have these adorable personalised love hearts from my cousin's recent engagement party, and they were so cute that I just had to take a few packets home with me! Great and fun idea for parties or even announcements!

My lips aren't great at dealing with windy weather, and living in the UK, that occurs for most of the year! So I carry around a tin of Vaseline to keep them in good condition when I'm on the move.

I get incredibly bored when travelling, and so I'm always sure to have my Kindle and my iPod with me to keep me entertained! What I'm not so great at, however, is making sure they're always fully charged, which kind of destroys the point of me bringing them half the time... oops!

I wear glasses occasionally, although my eyesight isn't poor enough to need them that often. I love my Lipsy frames with pink sleeves, as this cheeky pop of colour hides beneath my hair and is only just visible through the strands if you look closely enough. I've gotten many compliments about these, and I'm very pleased with them!

Finally, found within my deep red (also Paul Costelloe) leather purse are a number of loyalty cards I have been talked into getting, although only about 50% ever actually get used, and an absolute tonne of train tickets from when I used to be travelling back and forth to school! Time for a good clear out I think!

Also in my bag although not pictured were:

-A box of Nerds for when I get peckish (although the majority of these had fallen out to turn my bag into a maraca - great)

-A spare memory card in case mine fills up at an inopportune moment

-Lots of hairbands that I've thrown in when I've taken my hair down

-A packet of tissues (just in case!)

-A small tub of Purell hand sanitiser

-A box of Rennies (again, just in case!) and

-A spare tampon. In case of emergencies!

Hope you enjoyed this post!

    

Naomi Natters: Top Short Books for the busy Reader

So this is a new feature for me, and my 'Naomi Natters' posts are gonna be a little more lifestyle-based than my usual fashion and beauty. Hopefully these give you a bit more of a window into my life and me as a person (if that's what you want!) If this is something you lovely lot aren't liking much, though, let me know and I'll try and adjust things accordingly! So grab a cup of tea or coffee and here we go with Naomi Natters #1!

Anyone who knows me knows full well that I'm an avid reader, and always try to find time to read and get lost in a good book, but something I'm asked more and more frequently is how I do this, and if I can recommend any good books for people who don't quite have all the time in the world and fancy a lightweight read on the way into work, or that can be easily managed in half hour chunks before falling asleep, so I thought I'd compile a list of ten short books for the busy reader:

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald

I absolutely had to start with my favourite, and there's no questioning Fitzgerald in my mind. He paints a beautifully rich picture of the 1920s party scenes alongside representing an array of strongly defined characters who grip your interest. How so much can be packed into so few pages astounds me. A real page-turner, I enjoyed this so much that I completed it on a train journey!

 Persuasion - Jane Austen

The shortest of Austen's major novels, this is a great read if you've never read her work before, particularly if it scares you a little! The storyline is simple, yet enchanting, and the satirical nature of Austen's work is, arguably, clearest in Persuasion, adding humour to the romance as you get lost in a simpler, beautiful period of balls and marriages.

 Frankenstein - Mary Shelley

Shelley's gothic novel is fascinating, as the split narrative bridges the world between supernatural and reality, causing conflict in the reader as you battle with your own emotions to reason who to side with! The concept seems so modern that it's scarcely believable that this wasn't written during the vampire and werewolf surge in about 2011, and it makes for an easy read if you aren't into heavy, old novels.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J. K. Rowling

Honestly, if you haven't yet had a chance to read the Harry Potter series, I recommend you do it as soon as possible. Regardless of age, these books are a really great read, and you'll pick up on lots of things left out of the films! I apologise now if you turn into a raging Potterhead like myself, but that really is no bad thing!

 On Chesil Beach - Ian McEwan

A stunning work of 'what if?', this compact novella features detailed flashbacks as a newlywed couple awkwardly attempt to live their first night of marriage. Illustrating the divide in class and a time of silenced opinion, this is a favourite of mine which always leaves me in tears!

 The Importance of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde

Okay,  so perhaps I'm cheating a little here as this is actually a play, but it's so wonderfully witty that I really couldn't leave it off the list! Wilde's talent for highlighting the ridiculous through each and every exaggerated character creates a true masterpiece of theatre - there's also a damn good film adaptation, but read the play first - it's worth it!

 Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad

I first read this book when taking AS level English Literature at school, and I'll admit I wasn't a fan at the time. Since then, however, I have come to appreciate the raw beauty of this novella with its strong narrative voice guiding you along the journey, serving as a window into a world sadly little talked about in the modern day. Definitely worth the read.

Guilty: Beauty Crimes

So, nobody's perfect, but there are a fair few 'make-up and beauty crimes' of which I am a repeat offender. I know I need to do something about that, and so I suppose you could look to this as a sort of 'New (Academic) Year's Resolution list'...  promise I'll try and keep them this time around!

1) Not using Heat Protection spray

Okay, so I know that this one isn't just me, and I'm aware I'm a massive hypocrite, but as essential as it is to protect your hair before curling/straightening/whatever-you're-doing it completely slips my mind when I'm in a rush or a bottle isn't directly in front of me. I need to work on that one.

2) Forgetting to prime

I am constantly halfway through applying my foundation when I notice my primer winking at me from my make-up bag. I even put it in front of me sometimes in preparation, but still manage to forget. My plan to remedy this is to get a new primer that I'm very excited about using in the hope that this encourages me to use it effectively (got my eye on Benefit Pore-Fessional)

3) Not washing my brushes frequently enough

This is probably the worst. It's dirty and unhygienic and is awful for your skin but by the time I remember to wash them it's late and they'll still be wet in the morning...Perhaps the solution here is to buy another emergency brush set cheaply so that I can wash my favourite Real Techniques whenever? I don't know. It's something I need to start doing properly.

4) Smudging nail varnish

If this happened because I'm just impatient, that would be one thing. But it infuriates me how easily this seems to happen when I just type a song into a search bar or pick up my drink! Although I suppose this one is a crime, because I really ought to leave it long enough for the varnish to dry...

5) Occasionally 'accidentally' skipping my night-time skincare routine...

I have a pretty simple night-time routine, it's true, and I'm usually pretty good with it, but sometimes, when I'm incredibly tired and often when I haven't been wearing makeup, I seem to, *ahem* forget this nice little routine.  Particularly bad given that I have such awful skin which flares up in red mounds from time to time. I will endeavour to be better.

What's in my make-up bag? (Hint: A Lot!)

I've been wanting to write this post for quite some time now, but have changed my mind so often about which items to show you, as there are far too many to show them all! But I've *finally* narrowed it down as much as possible, leaving a list of the products I use the very most, which explains why most of them are beginning to run out!

My favourite foundation at the moment, Maybelline's 'Super Stay 24hr' liquid in 'Light Beige'.

I always have 2 of these on the go, because I find it so hard to tell when they're running low and it avoids an awkward last minute dash to a drugstore!

http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Superstay-24hour-Foundation_1042352/

Also from Maybelline is the 'Matte Maker' pressed powder in the shade 'Classic Ivory'. I love this product because I feel it comes away easily onto a brush, yet avoids the nightmare of spilling a loose powder everywhere (we've all been there, it's a nightmare).

http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Matte-Maker-Mattifying-Powder_1427504/

I use a combination of two concealers, once being Benefit's 'Boi-ing' in shade 01, and the other yet another Maybelline product - the super stay 24hr in Shade 2, 'Light/Beige Clair'. 

Benefit Boi-ing: https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/boi-ing

Maybelline Super Stay: http://www.maybelline.com/products/face-makeup/concealer/superstay-24hr-concealer.aspx

My favourite blush of all time is the Benefit 'Sugarbomb', which I use to give my cheeks an orange-y glow and on the outsides of my nose to add definition and to sculpt. Works well for both an everyday look and an evening out.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/sugarbomb

I'm a big, big fan of the Real Techniques brushes, and these are just two I use often, with the smaller detailer brush being used more recently to fill my eyebrows, and the contour brush, true to form, for contouring.

https://realtechniques.com/

Along with at least half of the girls I've met, I am a big fan of the NARS Laguna bronzer, which I must say has lasted a long time, considering that I use it near daily. If I'm going for a lighter, everyday look, I tend to use this as a substitute for contouring powder, as the colour catches the sun beautifully in a very natural way.

http://narscosmetics.co.uk/UK/casino-bronzing-powder/0607845051022.html

I use Benefit's 'BrowZings' Light Brow shaping kit to fill my brows, and tend to use the powder on the right most often (can you tell?!), leaving a more natural eyebrow look that isn't too harsh. Despite the brushes that come with this handy kit, I like the control that comes with the Real Techniques detailer brush and its longer handle.

https://www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk/product/view/brow-zings

I picked up this 'd.j.v. beautenizer Volume Lash' from a site called 'Cult Beauty', and was reluctant at first as it was reasonably pricey, but am overjoyed with the results! As well as Volume, this mascara gives length I didn't even know I was capable of having! I would definitely recommend this product.

http://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/d-j-v-beautenizer-volume-lash.html

Max Factor 'Masterpiece' High Precision Liquid Eyeliner in 'Velvet Black'

http://maxfactor-international.com/make-up-products/eyes/eyeliner/max-factor-masterpiece-high-precision-liquid-eyeliner

My two most commonly used lipsticks this Summer:

'L'Oreal Color Riche' in 116 Charme Dore 

http://www.boots.com/en/LOreal-Color-Riche-Made-For-Me_1189533/

'Max Factor LipFinity in 35  Just Deluxe, a stunning orange-toned red perfect for everyday wear:

http://maxfactor-international.com/make-up-products/lips/lipstick/max-factor-lipfinity-long-lasting-lipstick

My Go-To Nail Varnishes

I have always been a firm believer that every girl should have an extensive collection of nail varnishes yet, despite this (and despite my own perhaps a little too large array), I have found myself repeatedly breaking out the same three colours throughout the end of the summer period, and thought I'd share with you my 'Go-To' colours and tell you a little more about why I like them so much!

 'Go Wild er ness',  £2.99, 60 Second Super Shine by Rita Ora for Rimmel

I picked this up in Boots quickly when I needed a pastel shade purple for a party I was going to, and so didn't expect much from this product in all honesty, and was beyond ecstatic when it layered on to look sleek and smooth, with the impression of gel nails! On top of this, I usually change my nail varnish as it starts to chip, Rita Ora's beautiful budget product wasn't going anywhere, however, and for once I could change my varnish on my own terms (such a luxury, right?). One thing I will say, however, is that the 60 second drying statement hasn't proved true for me, but who really cares when it's this beautiful?!

'Sweet Pea', approx. £10, Ciate London

I am already a BIG Ciate London fan, and would estimate that around 80% of my nail varnishes are from this stunning company, and so was absolutely over the moon when I saw this gorgeous mint green, cutely named 'Sweet Pea', which is actually my favourite colour! I've never been a big fan of matte effect varnishes, but the chalky finish on this means it dries super quickly, and isn't so heavy an effect that it sets your teeth on edge like other matte products (or is that just me?). I'd suggest using a few coats, though, or I've found the chalky consistency to chip fairly early in the shower or bath. Although this shade can't be found on the Ciate Website any more, the whole 'Doll's House' collection is still available on such sites as www.lookfantastic.com  and if you order now you can actually get 10% off your order by using the code LFNEW when you check out!

'Billy No Mates', £12, Butter London

Those who have read my previous posts (if you have, that's amazing, thank you for coming back so often! It really does mean a lot to me!) will have seen this dazzling dove grey before, during my Summer-Autumn transitions post, and will remember my deep love for it! Well, what can I say? That hasn't changed! Although this shade does have a rather expensive price tag and is definitely not a budget buy, it is an investment, and I've been getting goodness knows how many compliments over the last couple of weeks! This is another that holds firm, and would probably stay immaculate even if you were to undertake a good few hours gardening without gloves! I'm so pleased with this purchase, and will definitely be checking out more from Butter London!

Glossfinity topcoat, £5.99, Boots

An absolute essential for every nail varnish collection is a strong, solid topcoat that protects your nails' colour as well as strengthening them. For this reason, I decided to include the Max Factor Glossfinity in this post, as I've had it for quite a while now and am still overwhelmed with the preservation it lends my poor, constantly painted nails! There are more expensive topcoats out there, of course, but I absolutely believe this simple drugstore product to be the best I've found as of yet, and at just £5.99, it won't break the bank either!

ADDITIONAL TIP: Every month, I like to make a point of truly caring for my nails, using a nail and cuticle oil (such as this handy drugstore purchase) and filing them down to shape. To create that true, spa-effect feel, shove on some relaxing music whilst waiting for your nails to dry, and you might just maintain the fun of applying nail varnish!

ASOS AW15 Lookbook has dropped and I LOVE IT

So the ASOS AW15 lookbook dropped recently and, I have to say, despite my usual dissatisfaction with the 70s shade of mustard that's revived itself recently, it's done nothing but grow on me whilst watching this feature! I'm particularly excited about that party wear, too, in particular that low V, long sleeved green dress! Watch it here and now, and get listing!

http://www.asos.com/women/fashion-news/2015_08_24-mon/aw15-new-season-lookbook/?CTARef=discover|Popular%20News%20Article

Screenshot taken from ASOS AW15 Lookbook

A Rainy Walk In London

Crop top, £5, Topshop Sale

Ripped Jeans,  £35, River Island

Shoes, £30 down from approx. £160, Ralph Lauren at TK Maxx

Earrings, £5 for 3 pairs, Accessorize