wanderlust

The beautiful weather we've been having in London is definitely helping to cure this (probably temporarily), but in the last few weeks, I have been suffering from what is commonly known as Wanderlust.

It may have been triggered by, or at least encouraged by, this wonderful gift that we were given from my sister.

A wall map that covers all possible destinations in the world in gold. Gold that you scratch off as you travel around the globe! What a genius idea.

I've seen similar things like these in the past, but the ones I've come across require you to stick a pin into each visited place, which always reminded me of those maps you see in war movies where they're planning the attacks.

This one is so much more fun, gorgeous to look at, and really makes you want to get off your bum and see the world. E and I have been fortunate enough to travel to lots of different countries individually, but we decided to only count the places we've been to together.

Naturally, we started by scratching off our honeymoon paradise - the Maldives.

Another thing that has been feeding my craving to explore is this book. I actually got it as a gift for someone, but it just sat there calling my name… so I gave in. Don't worry, I'll get another copy! 

How could I not though, when it promises to give you an off-the-beaten-path guide to city breaks in 125 different European cities?

It's really a beautiful book, the illustrations are lovely to look at, and I can't wait to read all about those places we'll scratch out in future months and years. 

Do you have a favourite European city that you've visited?

Bridesmaid Gifts

Since we are jetting off today, and all the nuptials-related prep have kept me from this little blog, I thought that I would slip in a quick post about the gifts I have prepared for my bridesmaids.

I have four beautiful bridesmaids, and I wanted to give them something that would suit all of their tastes, and perhaps something that they could wear on the day. After perusing many jewellery stores online, it became obvious that Etsy was the winner. I love the concept of Etsy; for so many things, it beats your bog standard high street store with uniqueness and handmade quality.

In my search for delicate, personalised jewellery, I came across this etsy store and I had hit jackpot. My four 14k gold filled, hammered discs with embossed initials arrived just a few days after placing my order.

They were exactly what I was looking for, the quality is beautiful and they are just so delicate and versatile. 

I also wanted the packaging of these to be a little bit more special than the usual paper box, so I chose four different colours of macaron trinket boxes from not on the high street, a shop I also love.

These boxes are cute/weird depending on how you look at it (E's reaction was, "they're making me hungry."), but since we will be in France after all, I thought it was quite apt, and a nice little souvenir from the time we will all spend together in Provence.

Fingers crossed the girls like them!

Wedding Makeup

Although I have a lot of interest in skincare, make up and general beauty chatter, I am not one to wear particularly dramatic or adventurous looks on my face. I have a basic routine I stick to, and while I like to switch up the products I use, the look I achieve is fairly... average.

Which is one of the reasons why I have opted to do my own make up for the wedding day. Not that I want to look "average", per se, and I have no doubt that a professional would do a great job for me. But as much as I would like to look my best on the day, I am so looking forward to the time I will have with my bridesmaids while we all make up our faces and help each other with our hair (yes, I am also doing that myself). I think that so many things will feel foreign and exciting and scary on the day, I will appreciate taking time over my usual routine of doing up my face and getting ready.

Having said that, over the past few months I have been on the lookout for and experimenting with some popular products. The following are ones that I plan to include on the day:

Clockwise:

Stila "In the Light" Palette

I love this palette. I don't own the Naked palette so I can't compare, but the quality, pigmentation and colour of these eye shadows are perfect for someone who sticks to neutrals. Especially worn over...

Maybelline EyeStudio Colour Tattoo (in Permanent Taupe)

This is a steal for the price. For me, it acts as an eyeshadow primer as well as a wash of base colour. It lasts forever and is a great colour for asian eyes.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light Foundation 

I was recommended this by the lady at the counter, as it gives nearly just as much coverage as the Double Wear, but it is much less heavy and suitable for a summertime wedding. I have fairly decent skin, but it gives me a much more even complexion and lasts all day.

RMK Control Color (in Silver)

This is gorgeous used as a highlighter. It is probably a less intense version of something like High Beam from Benefit, it gives a lovely shine to the cheek bones without being too sparkly or heavy. The "Silver" colour is more of a very pale pink.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Do I even need to say anything about this product? It does what it says on the tin.

Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer

This is a cult product, and it's easy to see why. I splurged on the mini bottle, which costs a whopping 20 pounds, but as I don't intend to use this every day, it will last me a while. It makes the make up on your skin look fresh in the heat, and creates a great canvas for your foundation. I'm a fan.

MAC Powder Blush (in Harmony)

This is the best contour shade that I have found (the colour is a bit off in that picture!). I used Benefit Hoola for a while, but it was too orange for my liking, and this reddish-brown shade suits my skin colour much more. It may be an unlikely candidate for a contouring product, but give it a shot.

I am still undecided about the eyeliner and mascara...I am tempted to try the Smashbox Waterproof Liquid Liner Pen, and the overwhelmingly popular They're Real (although it worries me that it's not waterproof.) 

Any suggestions?