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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If It Wasn’t For My Blog I’d Go Crazy

“There are some days when I feel good, I’m really inspired and ideas just happen and then there are other days, when I’m not so good and blogging is a struggle”

I think we all get like this sometimes, stress piles up and we feel a little wobbly but it’s during those times that writing helps to keep me sane.

I’m in a slump at the moment but I always feel crappy around my birthday. It’s weird, it makes me feel like time is moving really quickly but I’m just a little bit too slow to catch up. I’m sure once the shock of being another year older is gone I’ll get back into the swing of being creative though.

It may sound dramatic but I honestly don’t know what I would have done with my life if I hadn’t have started a fashion blog. I’m just so grateful for wherever that idea came from. On my worst days it only takes reading a few comments or coming up with new ideas to make me feel better and on my good days I could not be more proud of how far this page has come.

I’ve always been one of those people who welcomes a distraction and to be honest I would probably still be panic attacking the shit out of life if it wasn’t for StyleRarebit. As much as I’m not where I dreamed I would be at 26 I’ve certainly come a long way since publishing my first post. For a start I now know the difference between your and you’re (took a while) and I’m definitely a little more self assured and a lot more grown up than I was back then. It’s funny how something as small as starting a blog can do that. The opportunities, positivity and friendships that have come my way since the beginning are unbelievable and just thinking about those makes me the happiest gal alive.

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Snowy Rarebit

 I finally made it outside today! I literally can’t tell you how bloody happy I was to get out of my house. This storm is driving me a little bit crazy and I’ve realised that snow days as an adult definitely aren’t as fun as snow days when you’re a kid. Mainly because I had to work from home and couldn’t spend all day in the park throwing snowballs at my friends…

I was sent home on Wednesday because the pipes had frozen and worked from home on Thurs and Fri as it was too much effort to get to a coffee shop. I think that’s the longest I’ve ever spent inside! I’m the polar opposite of a home bird and it was definitely a struggle.  So glad I made it to the park today though! It’s amazing how beautiful everything looks in white and I have a million times more energy just from getting some fresh air. My mum, little brother and I also dug out our neighbours drive for them, which got us out the house and helped me to burn off all the tea and biscuits I’ve been eating.

As beautiful as the snow is, I’ve got my pics now so I’ll be glad when it melts and I can get back to normal… might miss my snow beau though.

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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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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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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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How to style a Beret

“Championing small, creative businesses has always been really important to me”

In fact I’ve got a whole series of blog posts interviewing designers from my favourite fashion start-ups including Swag and Tassel and Xandra Jane. I think anyone who is creative and following their passion knows how important support is in keeping their art alive. As much as we would love to endlessly create, the reality is that we also need to pay our bills and put some food on the table. Before I get too deep though today’s post features a gorgeous beret from a new fashion start up right here in Wales. Andrea’s Closet only launched 3 months ago but they already have a RTW and bridal collection which they successfully showcased at Cardiff Fashion Week last month. Their gorgeous fascinators are the perfect wedding accessory but my favourite pieces are the knitted head bands and winter friendly berets. I think often hats are something you only think about when you have a special occasion or when it’s super cold but they’re such a good thing to invest in. This beret is timeless, it’s interesting but also really wearable and it’s something I’ll bring out year after year.

Here are some quick styling ideas to get you inspired to pick up a Beret…

1. Wear it back on your head and tilted to one side for a super casual look.

2. Wear it perfectly straight and back on your head if you want to channel classic Parisian chic.

3. Pair it with some sunglasses like the one in this post to instantly bring a beret up to date.

4. Pick one up in a contrasting or bright colour to add some interest to a boring outfit.

5. If you’re super edgy pop it straight on your head and puff out the shape for a very extra, runway inspired look.

6. Make sure you get one in the right size! If it’s too big you might still be able to work with it but too small and your head will be bulging out the sides. Not cool!

Once the new Andrea’s Closet website is live I will pop it here but until then please check out their social media pages to see their newest collection.

twitter // facebook // instagram

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Trying on party dresses at Coast Cardiff

Nia is wearing the Kadie sequin maxi dress £129

Me and a little group of Cardiff fashion bloggers took over the Coast store this week to try on some seriously beautiful dresses. This is the perfect time of year to be invited to an event at Coast because nobody does occasion wear quite like they do. They’ve also seriously upped their game this season with a collaboration with The Royal Ballet and some killer trend focused pieces that are totally gorgeous. So, if you’re looking for a special Christmas dress I snapped a few of my favourite ones and have linked them all below!

 The coast store in Cardiff’s gorgeous accessories table including the AMANDA Heart Bag which is such a perfect Christmas gift.

I absolutely fell in love with this one! It really pulled in my waist! Illy Ruffle Maxi Dress £169

My Cardiff blogger gals Claire, Nia (thecardiffcwtch.com) and Amy

 Venus marble jacquard dress £159

Tamia cuff bracelet £25

Bell sleeve dress £139

 Harni embellished bangle  £19

Fia knot bag  £45

 Lileta Cubic Zirconia Bracelet  £25

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