Beauty: Favourite Foundations

Foundation truly sets the starting point for your make up. It can take a add to a relaxed vibe or pull a vamp-y look together with a quick application. Personally going without foundation is not something I am willing to do - unless extremely ill, hungover or forced at gun point - it is the base for my make up, it provides an even canvas for me to do what I feel that day. Of course with this much passion for those little pots of magic, I would naturally have some favourites. So let's get cracking on my current favourite foundations, shall we?

Bourjois Healthy Mix Radiance Reveal

Price: £9.99

Finish: Dewy. Healthy Glow.

Radiance Reveal promises 16 hours of radiance that will battle fatigue and maintain a youthful complexion. Whether this is true or not is debatable however there is no doubting that this foundation gives the skin a glowy, well rested look while remaining natural. Of course it can be built up in order to gain a heavier coverage. From the three foundations, I would say this one if my favourite simply because I've not found it to be difficult to work with or had any issues. 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum

Price: £10.99

Finish: Dewy. Semi Matte. Buildable coverage.

Being a gel based serum formula this foundation works perfectly on dry skin which I why I think I love it so much. A little goes a long way and it can easily be built up if more coverage is desired. As with all the Healthy Mix range, this product gives a beautiful healthy glow that covers signs of fatigue seamlessly. My only bit of criticism about this foundation is that sometimes I do find it to gather a little on my nose and chin if it hasn't been worked into the skin properly. 

Revlon Nearly Naked 

Price: £8.99

Finish: Seamless, natural coverage. 

I will get my only complaint about the Revlon Nearly Naked out of the way, it has no pump! This foundation makes a mess, if you pour out too much it can be wasteful and at least once you will end up smearing it everywhere! Apart from the lack of pump, Nearly Naked it a beautiful foundation. Very light and sheer but still buildable for those days when a little extra coverage is required and doesn't require a lot of blending as it practically melts into your skin! 

Although I said Radiance Reveal is probably my favourite, I'm the sort of person that gets bored of a foundation so switches it up and the chances of me choosing one of the other two are extremely high. No matter how many times I try out a new foundation release, at one point or another I will no doubt venture back to my old trusty favourite of Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, Radiance Reveal or Revlon's Nearly Naked.

Have you tried any of these foundations? What do you think about them?

Happy Monday! 

Read more →

Life: Six for Sunday

1. It has been a funny week this one, busy but actually not that busy if that makes any sense. I was back to work after being off sick for a week.  The time off was necessary, I just wasn't well enough to be there and I am still in some pain due to it. Onwards and upwards.

2. Jobs have played a major role this week. I got offered a new role in work that be good experience on my CV, never a bad thing! Along with researching for interview prep and getting my head round more blog features.

3. Since I have been feeling better, I decided to undertake the 30 Day Squat Challenge again. I did this during my fitness phase of last Spring-Summer and really noticed a difference to my bottom and legs. As long as you stick to it, you will get through them.

4. In a low point of entertaining myself instead of doing my interview prep, I made myself a little Forever 21 order. Although, the ring packs I got are too small, the basic £3 tee I bought is perfect. Especially for £3, more coming my way very soon...

5. I am considering getting a fringe cut in. Purely to change up my hair a bit while it continues to grow out. I had a fringe years ago when my hair was long but who knows if this will actually happen!

6. Next week is yet another busy week for me. Interviews, work and I get my flatmate back on Monday night - Yay! I cannot wait to see her little face and catch up on all the pointless but very serious chatter we have.

Happy Sunday!

Read more →

Style Crush #29

A Style Crush post hasn't been seen on Erratic Glamour for almost a year (!!) For whatever reason this little post slipped from my conscious until I decided to have a mess about with my blog and somehow found myself sifting through post of blogging past.

Number 29 is dedicated to one, Alexa Chung.

When it comes to effortless style this lady has it down to a tee. Whether it is a casual jeans and tshirt to some denim cut offs and simple blouse or a vamped up red carpet look Alexa Chung always looks amazing. Nothing is overly fussy nor is it completely basic. A simple texture or accessory pulls the look together. The chosen outfits vary from casual, dressy casual and hands down red carpet chic. I would pick a favourite of the three but I can't/don't want to. They are all so effortless yet cool (detest that word) and stylish. Massive love for this lady - and her fabulous hairstyles.

Has anyone got her book? I am considering it seen as I appear to have developed a little girl crush!

Read more →

Life: Six for Sunday

                           

                                                Charlotte Square- Edinburgh 

1. 2014 was brought in quietly - very quietly actually as I was asleep long before midnight - but due to a rather nasty infection going out and seeing the New Year in with my friends just wasn't going to happen. Instead I spent New Years Day with my parents, dog and my book! It was actually really lovely. 

2. Edinburgh has adopted me. I came here 4, nearly 5 years ago for University, and fell in love. To the extent that I stayed. My little Instagram snap of the Christmas tree in Charlotte Square is a fitting tribute to the beautiful city.

3. Erratic Glamour had herself a little make over this morning. Something about the old layout, I just didn't like so I re-did. New Year and all! 

4. My flatmate and I have decided to jazz up our living room a bit. Purely for the fact it is a bit plain. A few personal touches here and there to make it a bit more homely will pull it all together and I think probably make us want to spent most of our time in there. Ikea we're coming for you. 

5. Being a Jane Austen fan of course when I caught wind of the newest take on Pride and Prejudice I would have to snapple it up. And I did. Longbourn by Jo Baker is the 'behind the scenes' story if you like. It details the daily occurrences of the Servants while Lizzie is upstairs swooning over Darcy. So far I have been totally sucked in. 

6. Sherlock has returned to our screens *fan girl screams* I am a massive Sherlock fan. Every form of the man. Stories, films, TV programmes... The BBC adaptation is one of my favourites. Benedict Cumberbatch is just so good. Don't contact me from 8.30pm till 10pm tonight... episode 2 shall be getting devoured. 

Happy Sunday! 

Read more →

Book Review: Lunch In Paris

Whilst pottering about on Amazon, as you do, I came across 'Lunch in Paris' by Elizabeth Bard. I was initially attracted to this novel due to it's setting being Paris - I love Paris -  then quickly realised that food featured heavily alongside the perfect backdrop. A couple of clicks & Lunch in Paris was on it's way to me.

Initial Thoughts

From the get-go this book is romantic. So very romantic. For a dreamer, this book is perfect to get lost in and is based on real events. *sigh*

The plot is developed based around the meals the pair share together as they get to know each other and their relationship develops. For select meals, the recipe features at the end of the chapter which is a nice idea which I also enjoyed in 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg.

        "He inverted the pan, shook it from side to side, and out of the ninety-nine-cent pot came a dessert fit  for Louis XIV, a perfectly moulded apricot Charlotte, each ladyfinger standing to attention, held together by a layer of cream and studded with slices of fruit."

So far, I am really enjoying Lunch in Paris. It isn't overly difficult to read without being seriously dumb-ed down. The characters haven't presented any opportunity to get on my nerves so far and I am just enjoying the food, romance and most of all Paris! The predictability is low with in this story possibly due to the events being real life meaning there are no cheesy cliches that sometimes feature in fiction of this nature.

Finished the book

On finishing this book, I instantly opened my laptop & searched Paris on Pinterest which resulted in a pinning marathon!  'Lunch in Paris' is beautifully written, mixing details about the authors life and events with observations of French life & culture seamlessly. To begin with, I always read the recipes at the end of the chapters but towards the end the chose not to instead choosing to skim them. I figured if I wanted a knew recipe I can come back to them.

         "One pragmatic 10 does not a social circle make, so I finally agreed to do what I'd been       dreading and began exploring the more formalized American expat community." 

Everything about this book was so perfect. If you enjoy a light yet not overly simple novel that includes food, romance & Paris then 'Lunch In Paris' is without a doubt for you. A perfect read for a chilly winter day or even for taking on holiday!


                                                               * * * * *
                                                         5 stars out of 5

Read more →

Life: 2014 Resolutions.

As far as I am aware, I've never actually set down resolutions for myself in writing or on the internet for that matter! 2014 is just the year to do so. This way I guess I am somewhat accountable for not achieving said resolutions. I also have the ability to look back when 2015 (scary thought) rolls round I can check off what I have and haven't done.

I wanted to make my resolutions as precise as they could be in order to stay focused on them so here goes!

2014 Resolutions 

1. Find a French tutor in Edinburgh and actually learn the language.

2. Gain some experience in digital marketing whether it be in a permanent role or an internship.

3. Develop my knowledge of blogging including photo editing, HTML coding and improving my writing techniques.

4. Improve and expand on erratic glamour. Including posting regularly.

5. Get back to working out at least 3-4 times a week. Making use of the RunKeeper app.

6. Save & go on holiday this year with te girls. 

7. Live in the moment more. Less over thinking and worry more living for now. #yolo

What are your 2014 resolutions? 

Read more →

Life: A - Z of 2013

2013 is drawing to a close & before long we will be welcoming in a whole new year of adventures, happenings & changes. As years go, this past year has been an eventful one for myself, many things have gone on which - looking back on - have mostly been good. With this thought in my head, I figured a post looking back over the year & what I've have achieved is fitting so here goes the A to Z of 2013! (minus a few letters...)

Adult - No longer a university student I guess I would now be classes as an adult. *sigh* I miss university life but it was never going to last forever & at the time it was pretty amazing.

 Books - University & Dissertation writing halted my love of reading & buying new books this year, I just didn't have the time. Once I got use to having some free time, my love for literature & the written word has been alighted once more.

Cooking - This year I discovered a love for find ingredients in the cupboard & make something tasty. I love this approach to cooking, you really do surprise yourself with what you can make with what is lying in your cupboard.

Dissertation - The dreaded Honors dissertation took over pretty much all to most of January to March but in the end I had produced a piece of work that I was incredibly proud of & that got me a mark I am happy with! Hard work pays off.

Eyeliner - During the summer I set down my eyeliner adopting a more natural look but of course that wouldn't last & normal eyeliner service was resumed by the Autumn!

Florist - While seeking full time work, I managed to pick up some extra hours at my current work as a Florist. Basically the only part of the job I enjoy is arranging the bouquets... It's a new skill, what can I say!

Graduation - June 2013 saw my Graduation ceremony. Being an individual that isn't overly enthused about situations putting me in the spot light, the over all day was nice & was a proud point in the year for me.

Healthy Outlook - The Spring & Summer was when this passion was at it's greatest height. I fell into a pattern of eating well & working out regularly. I felt amazing. The best I have felt possibly. 2014 is definitely going to see this resurrected, nothing feels as good as healthy feels

iPhone - August 2013. Emma meet iPhone. I am never going back. After Blackberry had a terrible meeting with the toilet a replacement was needed ASAP, centre stage iPhone!

Job Hunting - Proving difficult through out the latter half of the year, my dream job still hasn't presented itself. Sure, I was offered jobs but none of them were really what I wanted nor truly excited me. Hopefully 2014 will bring job in the job department.

K...

Lunch in Paris by Elizabeth Bard - Probably one of my favourite, if not my favourite book, that I have read in 2013. It involved everything I love; Paris, food, romance all merged together in a beautiful story that truly set the dreamer in me into a day dreaming frenzy!

Moving - University was finished. Students we were not therefore a student flat is no longer open to us. Myself & my roomie, Emma said farewell to our home of 2 years in the City Centre & took ourselves off to a gorgeous, more mature flat located in Morningside.

New Posion - Slightly cheating with this one ...but Gin was sampled this year & has become my drink of choice over vodders. Who would have thought I would give up that tipple for a new one!

Over weight or under weight - Growing up I was never happy with my weight but this year I've developed a healthy outlook to weight & have stopped obsessing about it as much. I want to be fit & healthy not a bag of  bones!

Pixie cut, no more - March 2013 was the month I decided I had had enough of my pixie cut for now & began the painfully slow & irritating process of growing it. Now 9 months on, it is getting there but it still has a little way to go before I get my messy, wavy bob I've barked on about for months...

Q...

Resolutions - Particularly in the past few weeks, I have been thinking of what my resolutions are for the New Year. I have a few ideas flying about in my head mostly based around job goals, wanting to learn French & wanting to travel more than I did in 2013. Also, to be a little more spontaneous with things, sometimes planning isn't necessary!

Story Writing - Growing up I was always scribbling down little stories & since finishing university this has become a nice little pass time of mine. I forgot how much I loved doing it!

Twenty Four - 2013 saw my 24th Birthday. Crazy times. Two months in I can't actually believe that I am 24!

University - As I've mentioned a few times before, 2013 saw the end of University life. I was sad about this but the time had to come. I am now just excited for what else is to come!

Valerie - Valerie is my mum. The woman is an amazing person who has always been there for me.

Watching - Again a bit of a cheat but February 2013 included a little trip to see Paloma Faith. She was so graceful, beautiful & truly amazing to see live. Next time she tours, I will be there.

X - This year I let go of a lot of horrible things that had gone on in the past. I completely cut people out of my life, no way to contact me & I am so much happier for it. I've moved on. Let the past, be the past.

Yolo - One thing I've realised in 2013 is that YOLO is relevant. I sense a theme for 2014...

Z'all the best for 2014! - Slight cop out but Z is a tricky letter. I hope everyone has an amazing New Year with lots of happy times!

Read more →