How To Make Your Lips Look Bigger With Makeup

In the time it’s taken me to get this blog post up Kylie Jenner has dissolved her lip filler and killed a big trend faster than she started it. You would think that writing a post about making your lips look bigger with makeup would be kind of pointless now but I follow these tips everyday so I thought it would still be useful. This post isn’t so much about creating that insanely full Instagram lip anyway but more about enhancing what you have to balance out your features. Here are the four easy steps…

Step 1: Exfoliate

Exfoliating your lips increases the blood flow which actually helps to plump them up and make them bigger. It’ll also help to get rid of any dead skin, softens up your lips and gives you the perfect base to apply colour. I use the LUSH Honey Lip Scrub in circular motions for about 2 minutes and I find it works really well to buff my skin without being too harsh. Alternatively, you can DIY one using coconut oil and brown sugar which is just as good.

Step 1 : If you don’t have a lip scrub

For anyone who doesn’t have a lip scrub my friend Mim told me this hack of using your tooth brush as an exfoliator instead. It works in exactly the same way but I found it made my lips a lot plumper than the scrub because it’s more of a deeper exfoliation. Just make sure there’s no toothpaste on it as that will dry out your lips!

Step 2: Overline

The easiest way to make your lips look bigger with makeup is to use a lip liner. As mine are really thin at the edges I love using a pencil to completely redraw the outline and make my lip shape much rounder.

My go-to is the Code Beautiful Soft Smooth Lip Liner as it stimulates collagen as well as being really long lasting. It’s also self sharpening so every time you take the lid off the point is perfect making it really easy to draw a crisp line.

I like to draw the outline first around the edges of my lips and then slowly bring the colour further down. I also leave the very centre liner free as I think it helps to make them look fuller. As mine are super thin it’s pretty impossible to contour them Instagram style so this is the next best thing.

Step 3: Apply a plumping gloss

The last step is to apply the Code Beautiful Lip Intense Lip Plumper to make them look as full as possible. One of the main ingredients in the gloss is Hilurlip which redefines the lips and plumps them up for a way fuller look. It also uses hyaluronic acid, a natural moisturiser found in your skin to keep them super hydrated which will help with the plumping effect too.

It’s very pepperminty and does tingle when you first put it on but it’s really gentle and not uncomfortable at all. I actually quite like that you can feel it working and it definitely keeps my lips hydrated for longer unlike other plumping glosses that I’ve tried.

The gloss is also in a your lips but better shade that’s perfect for everyone and I think doing this in more muted tones help to keep your lips looking natural. I tend to stick to nudes and pinks so this is perfect for me but you could definitely layer it over a red or plum lipstick if you wanted something different.

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Pick #fragrancenotflowers This Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is on the 11th of March this year and is fast approaching, so it’s definitely time to get thinking about the perfect gift! My Mum’s favourite flowers are white roses but I’ve bought them for her so many times it just doesn’t feel as special anymore. I think as you get older, presents are a good way to spoil people with the luxuries they probably wouldn’t buy for themselves, and I feel like perfume is one of those.

Flowers are beautiful, definitely! But a gorgeous bottle of perfume will last a lot longer and it’s something my Mum can enjoy for months to come, rather than just a few days. I also thought it would be cool to get her something completely different that isn’t her signature or day to day scent that feels a bit more special.

My Mum’s favourite perfume is Chloe which is a powdery, floral scent that has hints of peony and lychee and springtime freesia.  To change things up though I went for Decadence by Marc Jacobs as it’s a rich perfume, perfect for dinner or drinks with girlfriends but completely different from her usual scent. It’s woody, with top notes of golden saffron and iris, a heart of rose and jasmine as well as amber, vetiver and papyrus making it very rich too. This is more of a special occasion, dressy scent that I think is good to have when you want to feel more glamourous. It also comes in a handbag shaped bottle that would look totally gorgeous on her bathroom shelf!

Fragrance Direct have so many amazing perfume’s though and their Mother’s Day gift edit makes it really easy to pick the right one. I’ve also written a blog post on picking the perfect scent here if you need some more advice! Whatever you do this Mother’s Day I hope you have a lovely time! Let me know what you’re getting your mum this year in the comments box, I would love to hear your perfume recommendations…

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Posing outside Berlin Cathedral

City breaks are my absolute fave and it feels so good to get away and explore somewhere new. I always feel more inspired coming back and seem to have way more ideas too, which is the best excuse for a holiday!

Last week me and Rory went to Berlin for a few days to check out the sites. On our first we had a few hours to kill before check-in, so we went for a little wonder to find some lunch. We were staying in Alexanderplatz, which is pretty much in the centre and so we were actually really close to the Berlin Cathedral without realising. It wasn’t on our list of places to visit but it turned out to be one of my favourites, have to love serendipity! You can see from these pics just how beautiful it is and climbing to the top gave us the best views of the city. I feel like I would go back again just to visit this…

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A Fashion Bloggers Guide to Buying Second Hand Designer on Ebay

Finding a bargain piece on eBay makes me feel like I’ve won the fashion lottery, every time it happens. It’s almost as good as picking up a Furla bag in a charity shop for £3.50 because none of the grannies who work there know what it is. These purchases don’t happen everyday but when they do, it feels bloody amazing. As I’ve had my fair share of lucky finds and an eBay account for nearly 10years (I started early), I thought it would be cool to write up a fashion bloggers guide to buying second hand designer on eBay, to help my readers out too.

Do your research: It’s good to know what you’re looking for and to have some background knowledge on the particular item or designer first. Often fakes are really easy to spot but you don’t what to get ripped off paying more than retail either, so your best bet is to get clued up way before you hit eBay.

Focus on one brand/item at a time: Just looking at shoes or bags as a whole will take you months to sift through so you need to get specific about what you want. For example, if you love the Phillip Lim bags searching ‘Phillip Lim bag’ would be good but it’s better to know the exact item e.g. ‘Phillip Lim Pashli bag’ as this will bring you the best results.

Look for real pictures: This may sound like a weird thing to say but if the listing has stock images from a website and it’s not a retailer, then chances are it’s not the item you’re ACTUALLY buying. Especially if the description says it’s second hand, you know it’s not going to be in mint condition. Ask the seller for snaps of the exact item and if they don’t want to send them to you, then it’s likely it’s dodgy.

Save it: Ebay has a function where you can save your favourite searches and sellers for later, so that you can keep checking for new listings. Say you’re searching for a ‘Furla Metropolis Bag’ save your search including location (if you don’t want to pay for shipping for example you can set it to UK only), the maximum price, colour etc. and then check on it once a week for anything new or any discounts. You can also follow your favourite sellers which is good if you find someone who loves the same designer as you and likes to clear out their wardrobe often!

Be prepared to wait: I once watched a Kenzo bag for months. At the beginning the price was £300 and I kept on watching until she reduced it to £60. Often if people really want to get rid of something you can offer them a bit less too and by waiting you’ll figure out if it’s something you still really want.

Don’t be shy about contacting the seller: Designer items are always going to be a little bit more expensive and therefore more risky to buy. If you need some extra info or reassurance the option is there for you to contact the seller and you should use this function as much as you need to. Whether thats for more pictures, to see a proof of purchase or just for piece of mind, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Avoiding Fakes: Obviously this will depend on what you’re buying but there are a few tell tale signs that something isn’t quite what it seems. One of the most popular scams is listing fakes with just a picture of the bag (so you recognise it) but the seller won’t put the brand name in the title to avoid getting caught my eBay. This is because if a fake bag were to be listed under the name of a real one, e.g. “Gucci Dionysus” and eBay saw that it was a fake not only would they take it town but the seller would lose their account. As long as you search your specific item, you’ll likely avoid this but it’s good to be aware. This doesn’t mean that all items listed are real though, so you still need to be really careful. If you’ve done your research and still aren’t sure then you might want to try out using a authenticator service online. You can send them the link to the item and they’ll give you their professional opinion on whether or not it’s legit. This isn’t free but if you’re making a bigger purchase, it’s 100% worth it. Designers like Chanel or Hermes are sold for crazy prices on the second hand market but are also copied on a mass scale so it may be hard for you to tell the difference.

Chanel bags cost more than £5: If the price is too good to be true then it’s probably fake, as much as a bargain purchase can happen it’s very rare and if something looks shady, it probably is. Don’t be lured in and always do your research. I recently picked up a Karl Lagerfeld bag for £40 which is a bargain but not crazy unbelievable, if I found a Chanel for this price though I would know it was dodgy.

Open a case: If you purchase something and it arrives not as described, in bad condition or you think it’s fake then you can open a case with eBay and they’ll help you to resolve the problem. This is obviously worse case scenario but it’s worth knowing that you’re covered just in case.

If it’s the real deal but you don’t like it, you’re not getting a refund: Something else worth mentioning is that eBay doesn’t work like ASOS. There’s no free returns and you can’t just send it back if you don’t like it. Provided everything is legit and it’s as described the seller probably won’t take a return, so just make sure you really want it or would be prepared to sell it on before you buy.

I hope you liked these tips and that you found them useful! Let me know if you have any tricks of your own or if you try these out and pick something up. I’ve also written a post on other places to buy second hand designer online here if you’re interested.

How I’m Falling in Love with Blogging again

 

It’s not that I’ve ever really fallen out of love with blogging, but in the past few months the community seems to be more concerned with followers than actual content. This shift is really annoying me and taking away from the fact that for the majority of us, blogging is just a really fun hobby.

I’ve had several people ask me recently if they think it’s still worth blogging, as so many people are doing it. It’s not that there is anything wrong with asking me that or talking about followers but I just feel like when I started I wasn’t aware, nor did I care about stats.

I created StyleRarebit.com because I thought it would help me to get a job in the fashion industry after my degree but it’s actually given me so much more. I’ve grown in confidence, made friends, learnt a million more skills than I ever did in school and have worked with some of my favourite brands. Those kind of experiences are priceless to me and whether 3 people read my blog or 3,000, it doesn’t take anything away from that.

To get me out of my little funk I’ve been making a lot more fashion content, which is where my main passion really lies. Putting together outfits, ideas and discovering new brands is something that I really enjoy and I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to have this page to experiment with. It’s my own personal style file and whenever I don’t know what to wear or am hating what’s in my wardrobe, I can look back here for ideas that will get me inspired again.

Blogging is whatever I want it to be, for as many people who want to read it and for as long as I want. There’s no rules here and if I’m still enjoying it, I’m going to continue writing and sharing the things that I love.

     ^{photography: sarah barnes} 

 ^{faux fur jacket: new look // blouse: somerset by alice temperley // culottes: toyshop // boots: jd williams} 

 

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Winter Outfit Inspiration – Casual Sock Boots

Just before Christmas I had an email from JD Williams asking if I wanted to collaborate on a post and I was SO excited. Initially I was thinking of writing about party shoes (glittery heels included) and putting together some outfit inspo for you guys but then I stumbled onto the ankle boots section and completely forgot all about that. I’m a little bit obsessed when it comes to boots, in fact I already have way too many but there’s just something about a classic boot that’s so versatile, so they always seem like a good investment. These boots are from the Violeta range by Mango and are a casual nod to the sock boot trend that is very much hanging around. Just way more comfy than the stiletto kind! I love how chic they are too and really pull together this everyday outfit with very minimal effort.

“I think this outfit is very reflective of that too. This is everyday me, not too dressy. It’s just comfort paired with great accessories.”

Just before the new year I felt like I was loosing my creative juice a little bit and I’ve also been struggling to find time (as always) to create new content for this blog. Sometimes getting caught up in comparing yourself to other people can really kill your vibe too but I’m finally learning to zone that out and remember why I started Style Rarebit in the first place. Because I love blogging!

I think this outfit is very reflective of that. This is everyday me, not too dressy. Just comfort paired with great accessories which is pretty much my go to philosophy when it comes to getting dressed. I think we would all agree that the number one goal is to look totally polished without having to make much effort at all. This look is essentially jeans and a jumper but tying a satin ribbon around my waist and dressing it up with a blazer is the perfect way to cheat looking like you’ve made loads of effort. I think that’s why the boots work so well too, being structured they are the perfect day boot if you want to look put together. They also look super expensive and the unusual heel (that metallic is everything!) means they add extra interest if you’re wearing plain clothes. They’re also on sale right now so even more of an incentive to pick them up… I love them with my mom jeans too as they’re tight on the ankle they sit really well underneath and give the illusion that my legs are slimmer.

If you take nothing else from this post just get to investing in some good boots this season that will totally dress up a zero effort look. Maybe even two pairs?

Shop boots here

Photographs by Sarah Barnes

 

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Glam Glow Super-Mud Mask Review

I’ve been obsessed with face masks ever since someone bought me a Liz Earle one about 10 Christmases ago and in 2017 my fascination seemed to reach total fever pitch. Like everyone, I’m a sucker for instant results and when it comes to skincare, there’s nothing better than a pick me up you know will work. That’s where the Glam Glow Super-Mud Mask comes in because on bad skin days when I’m breaking out, this literally saves me.

The Super-Mud contains four of Glam Glow’s revolutionary formulas in one mask. Firstly the Acnecidic-6 a blend of 6 acids, including salicylic which is designed to clear and repair your skin, then the Pore Matrix which contains activated charcoal to absorb bacteria and toxins. Then there’s the Bio Life Cell Science which soothes and regulates oil production and lastly their Teaoxi technology which uses Eucalyptus oil to freshen you up. It promises to be effective against a whole list of issues too including pores, imperfections and spots as well as razor bumps and ingrown hairs which is great for guys who shave regularly.

When you first put it on it feels quite light in comparison to conventional mud masks and it’s really gentle on the skin. Sometimes masks that specifically target acne or congestion can be really harsh or sting but I didn’t get that at all with this. The magic happens when it starts to dry though as you’ll start to see black dots on the very oily areas of your face. This is basically the charcoal working to unclog your pores and remove the build up of sebum and bacteria which causes spots. Afterwards, my skin feels so fresh and it’s perfect for controlling oil and breakouts as well as redness. After washing it off my face doesn’t feel really dry either, just clean and soothed and the oily areas are way more under control.

I managed to pick this up on sale at the M&S beauty hall however the full retail price is £42. It’s a little bit expensive but I’ve had at least 10 applications out of this pot already and the results are really impressive. I think if you’re looking to invest in something special and you have particularly oily skin it would be totally worth it.

Shop the Glam Glow Super-Mud Mask here

_{ps. thank you to my little brother Flynn who helped me take these pictures 🙂}

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My New Year’s Resolutions 2018

I know that for a lot of people New Year’s resolutions are a pretty cringe and pointless thing to do. I so disagree though. In fact I think you should make resolutions on the regular. Having goals and thinking about what you what and where you want to go are so important and there’s no shame in making positive changes. So in order to practice what I preach, here are my New Year’s resolutions for 2018!

To be more impulsive – I’ve stressed out over everything this year but the thing about stressing is that it’s totally pointless. I’m behind everyone my age in probably every way. I don’t have a house, car, baby or career path and I’m not ‘settled down’ (that phrase makes me want to be sick) or particularly going anywhere. I know that sounds a bit negative but I actually think it’s pretty liberating. This is the year I want to let go of worrying about what other people think and just concentrate on being happy, enjoying things and listening to my gut feeling. There’s been so many times where I’ve missed out on things I’ve wanted to do and I think now is the time to stop holding myself back.

To travel more – Growing up I used to travel all the time and that’s something in the last few years that I’ve really started miss. Yes I went to Poland, Amsterdam and 5 cities in the UK last year but I think I’m yearning for a little more adventure now. Not having any money has definitely had a lot to do with it but maybe it’s time I start setting some holiday money aside. It’s the best thing for clearing your mind and giving you some fresh inspiration.

To watch more movies – While at university I really got into films, especially ones from the 50s and 60s and in particular everything by Alfred Hitchcock. I used to spend ages trolling through films and discovering new ones and this is something I want to pick up again in 2018. There is so much creative inspiration to be found in a good movie!

To blog more – I’m still struggling to juggle my blog and my 9-5 job and this is something that’s been a problem since day one. I really want to get more of a routine down and start treating it like a job with some time set aside each week. My blog is really important to me and has really helped to distract me when I feel like I’m getting bogged down with anxiety. This little project has brought me so many good things and I can’t wait to see what 2018 holds for Style Rarebit.

I would love to know your resolutions too, pop them in the comments below for me to read! I hope you all have an amazing year and that you aren’t feeling too worse for wear after last night too…

 

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Christmas Party Outfit Tips #thisisnewlook

“Tis the season and I plan on taking full advantage of every party I’m invited to so that I get to wear this outfit again…”

Christmas party dressing should NEVER feel like a chore, if anything it’s something to totally revel in. I feel like fashion at the moment dictates a way more relaxed and casual feel and more and more girls are opting for flat shoes and baggy trousers than ever before. This time of year totally overrides all trends though and there isn’t a store on the high street not offering some glitz.

Dressing up can feel a little bit overwhelming, especially if your don’t do it often but I think the most important thing is just to have fun with it. When finding the right dress it mainly comes down to the fit though, so you’re going to have to do some trying on! A good tip is to figure out your body shape (pear, apple etc), what you want to accentuate (boobies, bums) and what you want to skim over (for me it’s tummy and legs!). Knowing the shape of dress you’re looking for will be really helpful in narrowing your search and will make the trying on stage way less stressful.

The New Look Christmas range is full of gorgeous dresses in literally every shape, fabric and style imaginable, so you’re bound to find something! I love this star print dress because the shape is so flattering! It sucks in my waist, makes my boobs look way bigger and skims over what I want to hide. I love the star print too as it’s really fun and playful which is so perfect for this season.

I paired my dress with this insane faux fur jacket which is the key piece of the season. There are so many bold fur jackets out there but I love how subdued this colour is and I’ll be able to wear it with so many other outfits. It’s good to pick one that works with your skin tone too, especially if you’re going for something bright! I like that this one is cropped as well and hits my waist just where the dress starts to kick out.

“I love to go all out with accessories, they can really elevate a party look, even if you’re wearing a t-shirt and jeans…”

The right bag is everything, you only have to scroll through Instagram to know that. I love this black embellished bag as it’s so festive and glitzy but still wearable and will go with any party look. Something worth mentioning is that as great as a clutch bag is they’re so small and there’s nothing worse than not being able to close them. This bag is big enough for my phone, keys and some touch up makeup as well as a cross body strap that is dance floor friendly.

I love New Look all the time but I think everyone knows how incredible their shoes are. I would go as far to say they’re the best affordable brand and I can always find something. These platform shoes are pretty out there and they totally make me feel like I’m in ABBA (YASSS) but they’re also super comfy. Comfort is the most important thing in a party shoe and yes it’s hard to find comfy heels but they do exist! If you struggle to walk in stilettos opt for a chunky heel like these or a lower block heel instead. You want to look dressy but you also want to be able to dance all night and walk to the bar, right?

I hope you loved my Christmas party tips and you have the best festive season! Merry Christmas xx

Photography Sarah Barnes

_{This post was sponsored by New Look/Query Click}

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3 Easy Christmas Party Outfits

Today I’m pairing up with Jack Wills to bring you some super cute Christmas party looks that are really wearable and extra glitzy. I love putting together outfits for the festive season and although I thought Jack Wills was just for pyjamas their range this year is really impressive. There are so many gorgeous cocktail dresses, evening bags and warm coats that would work for any holiday occasion.

If you’re looking for presents they have some really lovely accessories and pyjamas which are great too. If you’re struggling it’s worth checking out their online gift cards as well which ping into your bestie’s inbox so they can pick their own perfect gift. For now though let’s get on to the outfits…

_{Jacket £69.95, Sequin Top £41, Velvet Mini £59.95, Bag £24.46, Earrings £9.95}   

I think this one is perfect for a work Christmas party. The cute skirt and sequin top look really festive but it’s comfy and classy at the same time. I love this bag too, you could fit so much in this and a cross body is ideal if you feel like a dance. These are definitely pieces you would wear again and again with various different outfits, especially the mini and velvet jacket! Pair this with some black tights and heels and you’re good to go.

_{Pink Coat £148, Dress £62, Bag £27.96, Necklace £12.95}   

I LOVE this coat! It’s so perfect and the most gorgeous colour. This look is great for a family party or even for Christmas day. The dress is really flattering and will nip in your waist, giving you the classic hour glass silhouette and I love the spotty sleeves. Very 50s! Pair this with the gorgeous velvet bag and long necklace to complete the look and add some texture too.

_{Earrings £9.95, Jumpsuit £90, Belt £27.95, Bag £29.95}   

This last look is the most dressy and perfect for getting catch up drinks with your friends. I always pair a jumpsuit with a belt because I think it really draws in the waist and accentuates your shape. This clutch bag is perfect for a night out too as it has the little wrist strap so you don’t have to worry about holding onto your bag all night.

I hope you like these looks! Let me know in the comments what you’re wearing to your Christmas party too?!!

_{*This post is sponsored by Jack Wills / Spot Digital} 

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