Pretty Payday Purchases...

Perfect nude camisoles from H&M

Leather belt from New Look

I'm having a nude week... Top from New Look

I couldn't resist the stars! Top from Dorothy Perkins

and my most favouritist of all...

Boudoir Prive

I've been putting off writing this post for a few days in the hope that I'd discover what it was I feel about this month's Boudoir Prive. The truth is, I think I just feel a bit 'meh'. Maybe I'm still a bit jaded from Glossy Box. Who knows...?

As I haven't been signed up & paying for Boudoir Prive for the last few months (this is a PR sample), I can't really comment on whether or not I think it's worth subscribing. I don't think I will be. The products I received were fine; just not quite unusual enough for me, given the lengths Boudoir Prive have gone to express their luxeness. I'm just a little uninspired. It's a nice enough box and I think for those who don't spend the majority of the time researching, testing, sampling new products, then these kind of boxes are ideal.

The star of the box; I've never tried Zoya before so will definitely be checking them out!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Until recently, anti-ageing hadn't really been on my radar. As I'm approaching 30, I have been aware that I should probably start to consider a more amped up skincare routine, but as someone still battling mild acne, it's hard to get my head around the thought that my skin might not always be teenagerish!

But I received this from Estee Lauder a few weeks ago, with the words 'it's the perfect 1st anti-ageing product' lingering in my ear and I have been really really impressed.

I'm not going to go into all the science-y DNA-y blurb (you can read ALL about that here). But what I will tell you is that it is plumping, smoothing & clearing. My skin literally glows after applying this, my pink acne scars look less 'pink' and I usually go back for a 2nd 'coat' just before bed. I don't care this is £50. I will be repurchasing & repurchasing.

What I've been up to...

I've bought a new camera and have been very distracted trying to take the perfect picture. I need lots more practice!

I mentioned a few days ago about Union Square's Fashion Weekend but I was so excited to receive copies of the promo booklet that will be handed out - I'm in print! My first official publication!

sneak peek of my face charts which the other MUAs will be using on the models.

The fashion weekend is 1st & 2nd October from 12 - 4ish. If you're in Aberdeen, come on down & say hello! I will be on stage at 1.30pm both days & would be nice to see a few friendly faces!

OOTD

This is the outfit I wore to Edinburgh on Tuesday. As I had to go to work in the morning, I needed something that would be smart enough in the office, casual enough for the blogger event and still be comfy for a 6hr round trip. Not too much to ask! In the end, I opted for black skinny jeans, with a bit of stretch, patent heels, cream flouncy blouse & gold accessories. Was quite pleased with the overall look!

Top: Primark (£12)

Jeans: New Look Tall (£20-ish)

Shoes: New Look (£20)

Necklace: Dorothy Perkins (£12)

Watch: MK by Michael Kors (£various)

My Week in Hipstamatic...

Accepting the summer is well & truly over

I'm on a journey of heel discovery. These are my current favourite pair

A thorough clear-out of my day-to-day makeup

On the train on my way to Edinburgh

Waiting on a sandwich in Costa

My drive home from Edinburgh saw me do 50 miles before stopping for gas... I was trading my car in the next day & didn't want to fill up!

On Wednesday I traded in my wee Polo. Au revoir fair little car :(

Thursday I treated myself to a Pizza Express. But I had a salad

Prepping for this weekend's round of bridal bookings

Union Square Fashion Weekend

October 1st & 2nd sees the return of Union Square's Fashion Weekend. I'm excited to tell you that I will be working there all weekend making up the models & doing some Q&A sessions so if you have a burning question about beauty & makeup, head down & check it out!

Zen Lifestyle

Yesterday I skipped on down to Edinburgh to attend the Zen Lifestyle blogger's evening, at their 3rd & newest salon on Hanover Street. As soon as I arrived, I was greeted by the Director, Fiona & a glass of champers (which always goes down well!).

Fiona took me on a guided tour around the salon which has been open a little over a month. Zen has 3 salons all in Edinburgh, but there has been about 7 years between openings, with Fiona stressing that it was important to the company to take their time, ensuring quality over speedy expansion.

After a quick introduction, the lovely, lovely staff quickly set to primping & preening us, with all the girls being treated to Shellac manicures, Blink & Go Lashes, HD Brows and a skin analysis courtesy of Murad, whose products are used extensively throughout the salon.

Julie applying Anna's lashes. Julie also did my lashes & she was so professional & friendly. She has worked for Zen for 5 1/2 years and her passion for her job shone through. All of the girls were super friendly & happy to listen to our banter!

The treatment rooms are absolutely stunning and are the perfect setting for the huge range of SPA treatments and Clinic treatments available. If I thought I could get away with these colours in my bedroom I would, but think Mac would have something to say!

My 'Blink & Go' lashes. They took about 20 minutes to apply & should last approximately 10 days. A quicker & cheaper alternative to full semi-permanent lashes & easier to maintain, they are a favourite of Edinburgh's busy city girls, who often pop in during their lunch.

Those of you who read my blog regularly know I am a massive gel manicure fan, but had never tried Shellac, until now. I am delighted with the effect - it feels lighter than the bioscultpure. The colour I chose was Fedora and I'm so pleased with how much it looks like my all-time favourite shade Rouge Noir!

Throughout, the salon quietly oozes decadence & grown-up glamour. The Zen team have paid attention to every tiny detail and any girl will feel relaxed & pampered after even a short visit. I can't recommend Zen highly enough; I thoroughly enjoyed my time there & will 100% be paying a visit the next time I'm home!

A x