Balance Me Skincare.

I used to be really lazy with skincare, I slept in make up (GASP!), used face wipes (GASP) and used insanely abrasive face scrubs as I thought they would make my skin really clean and therefore I wouldn't get spots (GASP, also this does not work it only makes things worse). But treating your skin like this is a young woman's game (along with dyeing your own hair and getting a Megabus in the height of summer) so post 25 I decided to step it up a notch and have started investing more time and sometimes a bit more money into what I slap on my chops. 

Bjork

Another visual from the ''Volta'' era

Anyone who knows me knows I have a pretty overwhelming fan crush on the wonderful, groundbreaking and beautiful Bjork. I could and have (more times than I'd like admit) talk for hours about how incredible and important her music is but right now I'm going to focus on her services to make up.  For each album Bjork takes on a new musical persona and matches this with a different visual identity which reflects the tone and mood of the album; whether thats bindis and hair buns or a face full of face paint, this woman knows the make up can be used in a joyful, creative way. It's been a struggle but I've picked 4 of my favourite Bjork make up looks. 

Inspired by... WALALA

Excuse my stubby nails!

Beauty inspiration can come from anywhere and nails are an especially good place to flex your creativity; colourful nails can be a cheeky little wink to an otherwise ''natural'' look (not a look I favour) . I'm certainly no nail artist and I don't usually go in for elaborate nail designs as looking after a baby and working with my hands means I almost immediately ruin them. But being as fixated on colour combinations as I am I often mix a few colours, (why have one colour when you can have more?) This nail look is massively inspired by Camille Walala whose work is just plain wonderful. The French born designer is based in London and describes her Memphis inspired signature style as ''Tribal POP'' and it can be seen on huge murals, cushions, furniture and now on clothes! 

Eyeko Rock Out and Lash Out

Mascara always leaves me disappointed, it seems to promise so much and deliver so little, I wouldn't be without it but I've never truly given my heart to one ;  it's always been a case of ''Come on then you'll do'' . Even though I was raised by a mascara addict (my mum often has 5 different ones on the go and will try every new one she can get her hands on, she has absolutely no mascara loyalty. She will always ask what I've got on followed by ''will you get me one if I give the money?'') its never stirred the same excitement as a bright lipstick or my beloved Rimmel liquid eyeliner. BUT Willing to have my mind changed I gave Eyeko Rock Out and Lash Out a go and reader.... I'M IN LOVE.

It all started with the ''Boy George Fashion and Make-up Book'' . The book was bought for me by my mum who has the ability of finding the most eccentric thing in a charity shop ( other finds have included all the Jem and the Holograms merchandise you could ever want and a black silk bomber jacket with an embroidered clown on the back which I LOVED - I'm often surprised that I didn't get bullied more at school) . 

Probably not a safe bet giving a 9 year old girl in the mid nineties a book about how to achieve the drag queen style looks of a 1980s pop star right? WRONG - I loved that book ( i still love it but my sister somehow got hold of it and refuses to give it back). What really excited me about that book was the emphasis on transformation and creativity. Growing up during the mid nineties (a time dominated by Calvin Klein style minimalism , poker straight hair and brown lipstick) this book in all its streaky pink blusher, fake dreadlocks and glittered glory offered something that was glamourous, silly, fun and creative all at the same time. I was hooked.