The Prom Series: Finding the Perfect Dress

Its coming to that time of year when GCSE exams are about to begin (13th May) and soon it will be time for prom! As there is so much to talk about, this will certainly be an unusually long post!

My prom is in June and so I am already thinking about nail colour, hair and tan appointments and how I'm going to have my makeup. I already have my dress, although there are a few that I still want to try on and look at until I make the final decision.

Some people don't really know what they want or what they like and so I thought I would start a new series on how to get ready and organised for prom and offer advice and inspiration.

Todays Prom Series post is about choosing your dress...

I think I should also say 'Dare to be Different' you may not be the dress type of girl. There are so many other options you could go for. These could be trouser suits or skirts and tops. This series aims at people shopping for dresses, but can be applied to whatever prom outfit your looking for!

First off, you need to shop around! Don't walk into a shop try on one or two and feel that you have to buy that dress, because you don't! You don't want to buy your dress and see another one that you wished you had brought.

Secondly, try to have an idea in your mind about what your looking for. Think about what colours would compliment your skin tone and hair colour, consider your body shape and what would compliment that. You also need to think about the style - backless, strapless, fishtail, long, short, puffy, straight down etc.

Once you have a first idea on what your looking for, you have somewhere to begin. Although I suggest you go with an idea in your mind make sure your open to ideas and trying dresses on that you wouldn't think of. I lost count on the number of dresses I tried and some I would never have chosen unless the assistant hadn't told me to try them!

Also make sure that try the dresses on! This seems so obvious but unless you try them on you can see the fit. What might look good on the hanger might not suit you or it might look dull and boring and then amazing on! Give everything a go and the old cliche 'don't judge a book by its cover' comes to mind!

I also recommend that you consider and set yourself a budget. This could be an overall budget taking into account hair, makeup, bag, shoes etc or a single budget just for your dress. Mine was around the £200 mark because I can't see myself ever wearing my dress again and so therefore I didn't want to spend too much. This also means I have more to spend on the additional items that I have already mentioned.

Although I say to think of a budget, this is your prom and sometimes its nice to walk into a shop and try on dresses whatever the cost for the fun of it!

I live in a really good place for prom dress shopping. In my two local towns, there are a good few bridal shops and prom dress shops but also in the bigger towns there are great department stores.

I really recommend House of Fraser. My nearest store is Guildford and I went there with my mum for a day of prom dress shopping (believe me a day is no where near enough time so don't leave it until the last minute). 

To try on my dresses I walked around the concessions and looked at anything that took my fancy. Coast is a really good place to start, although quite a few people look there so make sure you know what other people are getting! 

I tried on at least twenty dresses from BCBG by Max Mara. These were amazing dresses and great quality as you would expect from a designer. The only down side is that they are quite costly and won't fit into all budgets.

I tried on these amazing shoes that I couldn't resist showing you all!

BCBG by Max Mara Runway Hex Colour Blocked Sandal

The final piece of advice that I have got is to consider what underwear you will need to wear with your dress and make sure you don't leave this until the last minute! It may seem really strange to have to consider this as usually we only worry about wearing matching underwear but there is more to consider than you think. 

Thats the end of The Prom Series part one, make sure you keep up to date with part two by following me on Twitter @JessieRObsessed and also check out my Prom board on Pinterest.

The Prom Series

Proms are fast approaching and I know that a few have already been and so I thought that it would be a good time to start writing about my prom experience and how I plan to get ready and organise myself...

This is more and introduction to this new series and every so often I will be posting little tips and tricks on how to achieve certain looks or how to plan for your night! These will include things like when to book your hair appointments or how to apply the perfect fake eyelashes and so on.

I hope that this will help you to get ready and provide you with inspiration and ideas to help you with your choices that you will be faced with when deciding factors to do with your prom!

Make sure that you follow me on Pinterest (Jessie McVicar) where you can look at my boards. There I have created a board called 'Prom' where you can find dress, hair, nails, shoes and so much more to gather inspiration for prom!

Make sure you keep up to date with my blog but following my Twitter @JessieRObsessed to hear about new posts!

Real Techniques Update

So a couple of months ago I purchased the Real Techniques Core Collection. I had given into temptation and all the hype surrounding them, although I wasn't really in need of more brushes!

As I said in my original post, this collection retails in Boots at £21.99 which I think is an amazing deal considering the quality and hype they have created. They easily measure up to and win over any other brushes I own - MAC, Eco Tools, Stigma etc.

Im going to talk about the brushes in the order that I spoke about them in my original post which I will provide the link for below (go and look at that to see what Sam Chapman the creator recommends each brush is used for). This way you will be able to easily compare my first impressions and how I feel about them now.

The first brush is the detailer brush. The brush head is really small and originally I used it for applying lipstick and gloss. However, over time I have come to not use this brush at all which is bad as it also means I mix lipstick colours on the odd occasion... I don't really have any more to say on this brush other than considering the rest of the collection its a disappointment.

The next brush is the pointed foundation brush. To begin with I used this for applying primer as I feel it is too small for actual foundation application. When I purchased the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer, I didn't want to use my fingers to blend it with (I'm not quite sure why!) so I began to use this brush for blending my concealer in, and its great for this purpose.

Next up is the buffing brush. Which I declared as my second favourite...well it is definitely joint first now! I use this for buffing concealer into foundation, blush into bronzer, erasing harsh highlight lines - the list goes on! Certainly a winner in my eyes!

The final brush in the contour brush (it is smaller and more delicate than the photo looks!) This is the brush that also comes joint first in my eyes. It does exactly what it says on the tin - a cliché but totally true! The contour that it produces is soft and dewy and looks really natural and effortless - something I look for as no one wants a harsh line marking their lower cheek/jaw area!

And thats it! An update on my Real Techniques Core Collection. I cannot recommend these brushes enough and if you haven't go these then go and get some!

I use these brushes everyday with the exception of the detailer brush and do not know what I would now do without them as they are an essential part of my makeup bag and tool collection. They go everywhere with me, holiday, school, handbag makeup bag - literally everywhere. Whenever I do someone else's makeup like my mums I have to use them as I prefer the finish they give to the usual brushes. 

They certainly rival MAC and my 187 brush hasn't had the same use that it used to - sad but true. However, this doesn't mean that I would never use anything other than the Real Techniques brushes again as I haven't got the whole set. I am certainly going to buy some more, starting with the stippling brush!

Let me know what brushes you use or if you have any Real Techniques brushes in the comments below!

Here is the link to my original post where you can read about my first impressions after using them for a couple of weeks and also read about the brushes in a bit more detail - what they're made from, more about Sam Chapman and also read what the packaging suggests you use each brush for!

http://jessieobsessed.blogspot.pt/2013/03/real-technique-brushes.html

Holiday OOTD & Haul

Last night we went to an amazing steak house (although I don't really eat meat, and so I had tiger prawn pasta). The atmosphere was really nice and the restaurant itself was really modern.

Outfit:

Flower print tee shirt from H&M (old)

Disco pants from Glamorous

Oxblood wedges from H&M

City Office bag from Zara

Nails:

Blueberry by Barry M

We also went to Algarve and Quinta de Lago shopping where they have a Sephora which I love and miss in the UK. Although they had relocated the store so it wasn't as big as it used to be.

I know I'm arriving late to the Ciate Nails party, however I have finally brought the Ciate Velvet Manicure nails set in 3am Girl. Keep a lookout for a Manicure Monday or general post about it!

Holiday OOTD's

Yesterday was really busy, although I don't really know where any of the time went...and so I didn't end up blogging :-(

On Monday we went to one of the hotels restaurants and so we decided to dress up a bit more.

White vest top from Marks and Spencer

Chiffon top with beaded flower detailing from Hollister

Disco pants from Glamorous 

City Office bag from Zara

Oxblood wedges from H&M

Yesterday I went for a massage to relax a bit, and it was amazing. I had a whole body massage and Sandra included an amazing Indian head massage too whilst the hot stones were working on my back and legs. Definitely going to try and book another one before I go home!

Last night was much more relaxed and casual and so I really dressed down - I even went out with damp hair which I never do! 

Black peplum top from Topshop

Khaki Leigh jeans from Topshop

Nike Blazers

City Office bag from Zara

Rose gold chain necklace from ASOS

Holiday OOTD

Last night we went for a really informal meal at a restaurant that we always go to when we are in Portugal. Its a really cute pizzeria and their garlic bread is amazing!

Because it was informal I just wore a casual outfit but added a touch more glamour by teaming it with a clutch bag.

Outfit:

Sandals from Marks and Spencer

Riding pants from American Apparel

Daisy tee shirt from Urban Outfitters

Denim jacket from Zara

Black clutch bag from H&M

Sunglasses from Topshop

Makeup:

Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer

Benefit They're Real mascara

Nars Laguna bronzer

Nails:

Temple Spa Nail Treatment in Monaco 

Today we are going to Quinta de Lago shopping and so I will blog about my outfit I wore there tomorrow!

First Day On Holiday!

I arrived in Portugal yesterday lunchtime and we were quickly met with gorgeous sunny weather...something which I had forgotten about! I was quick to put on some sunnies and some more summer clothes.

We headed to our hotel/resort. Im staying in the Algarve at the Sheraton Algarve Pine Cliffs Resort (I will link their website below) and its an amazing location and somewhere we go every year. Situated on top of cliffs and surrounded by pine trees (hence the name) the setting is beautiful.

Firstly we went to our room to unpack and then headed down to the golf club house for some lunch where I had a delicious chicken Cesar salad.

Later on we went down to the pool for some sunbathing and swimming which was lovely. Having left the UK in freezing cold, minus temperatures and snow showers, I am very happy to be in some summer sun!

After hours lying by the pool, I headed back up to the appartment to get ready to go out for dinner. This is where the OOTD comes in. Although it is really sunny and a lovely temperature during the day, its still a bit chilly at night and so I did wear trousers rather than a skirt or dress!

Anyway, here is my first evening in Portugal OOTD....

Outfit:

Black disco pants from Glamorous 

Ox blood wedges from H&M

Skull chiffon blouse from Zara

Black with gold hardwear clutch bad from H&M

Makeup:

Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer

Benefit They're Real mascara

Rimmel red lipstick

I hope you like this kind of post/holiday diary and I will continue to take some OOTD snaps...maybe of some of my more casual holiday wear?

Anyway, now back to sunbathing....

Fake Tan Holiday Routine

As I keep mentioning because I can't wait, I am going on holiday at the weekend!

I am going to the Algarve in Portugal and its somewhere we go once or twice every year and I have been going since I was born so it feels like home.

The weather out there at the moment is the hight of summer, but its near 24 degrees everyday, so a lot warmer than it is in the UK at the moment which will be lovely to get out of jumpers and into some more summery clothes!

Because its not going to be sizzling hot and therefore I won't be spending too much time lying around the pool (I will however be spending LOTS of time in the spa) I decided not to get a spray tan and just fake tan myself.

As I am a red head, my skin is pale but not white, I have to be careful not to choose a tan that is too dark or orange. That said I have been prone to a few fake tan disasters before!

However, I believe in carrying out a vigorous body cleanse before applying fake tan and sticking to the motto less is more.

First, you can expect to find me in a nice hot bath filled with Lush goodies such as The Godmother bubble bar and a White Company candle. Then I will do all the necessary preening using an indulgent shower gel. My current favourite is The Little Bubble Co.'s Vanilla Biscuit shower gel which smells heavenly.

I like to use a body buff to get rid of any dead skin cells, paying particular attention to my elbows and knees as these can be problem areas where fake tan tends to clog and develop patchy.

After that I might use a body scrub from Soap and Glory just to make sure I'm fully buffed and scrubbed and because I love the smell!

Once I have finished in the bath, I will dry myself and apply a body moisturiser maybe by Soap and Glory or Clarins if I am using a tan oil, mist or mousse. Before applying your fake tan you will need to make sure that your moisturiser has sunk in.

If I'm using a fake tan that is a gradual tan, I won't apply a moisturiser because that is basically what the tan is, just with a tan added to it. The gradual tans that I like to use are the St Tropez gradual tan which is what I am currently using, or a Garnier Summer Body gradual tan.

I like using a tan mitt because I find it gives an even coverage and makes me less nervous of getting orange palms - not a good look on anyone.

I will start my tan routine a few days before I go on holiday so that I can see if there are any patches of tan or places I have missed - this gives me time to scrub at it or apply a bit more to areas that need it and don't give me any nasty surprises on holiday! Also you can develop your tan to get a colour you want.

That is basically my routine, although I obviously don't buff before every application, just before the first!

Here are my top tips to applying your tan:

1. Get someone to help with your back so that you don't get any patches

2. Make sure you scrub off any 'old' tan before applying a new lot - work on a    clean body! 

3. Make sure you don't get straight into bed as soon as you have applied your tan - air dry a bit first and sleep in short pyjamas too!

4. Wash your hands after with soap even if you have used a mitt - don't risk orange palms!

5. Wash your body the morning after to get rid of any tell tale smell

6. Try to apply one coat at a time, if you apply coat after coat you will turn orange and the tan will start to 'peel' rather than dry

7. Wear baggy clothes or pyjamas so that it doesn't ruin your tan while your drying and only get dressed once your touch dry

8. Applying a tan optimiser after to really bring out the bronzed glow

9. Remember to moisturise whilst on holiday to keep your skin looking healthy and glowing - it will also make a natural tan last longer

10. Don't forget to wear a sun lotion, oil, mist etc. when in the sun - sun burnt skin is not comfortable or a good look!

Where Have I Been?

Recently I haven't been blogging anywhere near as much as I was and I have really missed it. There is something really exciting about writing a new post and then watching the stats seeing who's been reading it!

I promise that I will try to blog much more soon, but I can't say when or where. Its not a case of me blogging say every Wednesday night because sometimes I don't have the time...Why? because I am really busy with my GCSE's (I leave school to go on study leave in 4 weeks!) and so I obviously have to focus on that!

As soon as my exams are over (18th June) I will be blogging SO much more because I will have lots more time. I will also have lots of exciting things to blog about as I am going to California in the summer and also Spain with my best friend which will be great!

Looking more to right now, I am soon going on holiday (at the weekend) and so I will hopefully be doing OOTD's on holiday and let you know what I am up to!

Make sure you follow my blogs Twitter account @JessieRObsessed to keep up to date with all my new posts and maybe some more personal photos of beauty hauls, sort outs and packing etc.

I know that there really is no excuse for not blogging, but due to the amount of stress and pressure that these past few and next few months will bring I hope you will all understand and I promise to make it up to you all!

Manicure Monday

Firstly, HAPPY EASTER! I hope that you have all had a lovely long weekend and you have eaten too much chocolate! I have been so busy I haven't eaten much yet but I aim to sit and watch a film with some tonight!

Secondly, I would like to apologise for the fact that I haven't blogged for weeks and weeks, I feel SO bad! Blogging is something that I like to sit down and do when I have something in particular to write about and take time and put effort into what I am blogging about. For this reason and with me being so busy, I haven't felt I have had time to sit and write something with good quality! Although today's post maybe short as it is only a manicure post, I hope you will all love it!

Thirdly, I am going on holiday to Portugal at the weekend and I will be taking lots of photos of all the beauty products I am taking and will be using, the clothes I will be taking and therefore OOTD's and general holiday snaps! Hopefully I will be able to blog on holiday and update you all as I go along, but if not then I will do a massive blogging session when I get back.

Now on to todays post....

Because I am going away in a few days time, I will be doing a full body detox, tan, nail session etc. In recent weeks I have been changing my polish every two to three days and so over the Easter weekend period I have been wearing my Nails Inc. magnetic effect polish.

I love the effect that this gives. Its in the colour Trafalgar Square and is a lovely grey colour and darker grey/black when it turns magnetic. The effect is amazing and I get lots of comments asking how I achieved this look when I wear it. The only problem I find with it is even if you apply a base and top coat it doesn't last very long and chips and peels quite easily after a few days wear.

For this reason, I won't be reapplying it to wear on holiday, but I also want to wear a bright summer shade. Keep tuned on my Twitter @JessieRObsessed to see some pictures of possible options and to find out more about what I am packing!

So that is my Manicure Monday post, I hope you enjoyed it! I really have got the blogging bug back as I have been reading so many recently, I think I might have to blog more than once today!