GAGA ABOUT BEAUTY: HOW TO WEAR MAC CRANBERRY

Mac Cranberry is pretty much a cult shade in the beauty blogging world, but not the easiest to wear. Although it is absolutely gorgeous swatched, its reddy tones can wash you out quite easily if you're pale or make your eyes look super tired. After trying out quite a few combinations here are my top tips on how to wear this autumnul shade and look as fabulous as it does!

Firstly, I never wear it alone. This is not a one-sweep shadow. I always use a taupe-y shade in the crease as a transition shade before I apply so that I aren't blending the red up to the high heavens. Here I used Mac Omega. I then apply Cranberry all over the lid and blend slightly with a 217 brush. I then take a smudgey brush to line the bottom lashes with it too. 

At this stage I still look like I've been rubbing my eyes for about an hour, so I line the upper lash line with a very, very, very thin line of liquid eyeliner and also use a brown/black kohl on the lower lashline and blend this into the Cranberry. You can see this on the top picture. I think bringing the colour slightly underneath the eye keeps it really modern and also keeps detracts from eye bags! I also add a little Mac Smut into the outer eye to create a wing and darken up the look, but if you're not used to a dark smokey eye just the Omega would be enough.

Add lots of black mascara to open the eyes. If you need to, a nude liner on the waterline would also stop you from looking tired. 

The complexion is equally important too. I make sure to use lots of bronzer to warm me up and prevent me from looking like a zombie, plus a little of Mac Stereo Rose to add colour without overloading and ending up with a bad case of rainbow face. 

I stay lipstick free on this look and just wear a little balm as the eyes are quite colourful. You could always go for a 'Your Lips But Better' nude too which would look fab, or go all out plum with a berry lip if you have the guts!

I used all Mac products here from my quad but obviously they aren't the cheapest, you could always use other alternatives. I'd love to know a cheap Cranberry dupe if anyone knows of one!

How do you wear colourful shades? What do you think of this look?

Charlotte x

GAGA ABOUT TRAVEL: 3 Spots you shouldn't miss in Paris

Paris is without doubt my favourite place on the planet (the Selfridges beauty hall comes a close second). Although I admit I'm not well travelled yet, Paris is a place I fell head over heels in love with from the word go and I can't imagine anywhere else beating it. In a couple of months I'll be heading there again, and so I thought I'd put together my three must-see things to do whether you're a new visitor or an old friend...

1. TAKE A BOAT TRIP

The first thing on most visitors lists is to climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower to take in the views, which is of course, another place which is high on any Paris itenary. But every time I visit, the first thing I like to do is take a river cruise along the Seine. You can take in most of the major sights within just an hour, all with a tourist guide's snippets of info, but even if you've heard the history of Paris a million times it's the perfect relaxing start. I especially recommend this if it's hot, like it was this day (above), being on the water is just fab! Alternatively save the pennies, pack a picnic, and stroll along the Seine from the Notre Dame to the Champ de Mars for a couple of hours. It's the perfect place for a romantic lunch.

  2. VISIT VERSAILLES

Again not on the top of most travellers list, mainly because it's out of the city centre, but boy is it worth the 40 miunute RER ride. The train is overground which makes the journey more pleasant, and the palace is well worth the queues too. But the real gem here is the expansive gardens. I'm not exagerating when I say you cannot see the end of them (just take a look at this picture I snapped if you don't believe me). Take a mini train to Marie Antionette's farm for a taste of a real life fairytale, or just simply explore. There's something so charming about the whole place, from the hidden cabins to the musical fountains. Spend a day here to feel like a princess.

3. CLIMB TO THE SACRE COUER

My favourtite place in the whole of Paris. Look at those views. Sure the Eiffel Tower is pretty spectacular, but sitting here at the top of the Monmatre you can truly soak in the Parisian culture. My top tip- don't take the lift to the top, and spend an hour exploring the little streets and making your own way up the hill. It's filled with little cafes and restaurants that are a million miles from the tourist shops at the bottom, plus the oppurtunity for romantic photos is around every corner. Watch the sunset over Paris here whilst spotting famous landmarks in the distance. Afterwards, wander back down the winding streets and marvel at the bright lights of the Moulin Rouge. 

What are your favourite Paris spots? Where should I visit on my next trip?

Charlotte x

GAGA ABOUT BEAUTY: LIPSTICKS BY KIKO

If you haven't heard me rave on about this yet (and if you have apologies in advance), but there is now a KIKO in Leeds. Wahoo! 

I absolutely love the brand and think it doesn't get nearly half the credit it deserves. My favourite must-have item by them is the Gel Effect Top Coat, I prefer it to Seche Vite and that is saying something. Although previously you could'nt get hold of this outside of London, I now have one on my very doorstep and have managed to squeeze in two trips to the store already in the last week, where I grabbed these two lipsticks. Oopsy!

First up was a berry shade from the new Ace Of Diamonds range, which I knew I had to get hold of once Anna recommended it. And it is every bit as fab as she claims. The colour is your classic autumn berry, with a satin finish. It's so creamy when applied it can be done in one swipe, but then dries down to something with real staying power. I have only had to reapply after around four hours, and then a stain was still left so the reapplication was not a must. At £8.90 it's also not bad for such good quality. I've heard a lot of people calling Kiko 'drugstore', but I find it to be as just good quality as high end. 

(exotic shine lipstick in 03, ace of diamonds lipstick in 27)

Next up I also purchased a discounted lipstick from their summer range, which I have an eyeliner from and loved. I heard a lot about the Exotic Shine Lipticks, so when I saw they were on sale I picked up a bright orange-coral-red which is a fail-safe colour for me. Although I don't usually go for non-matte finishes, this sits somewhere between balm and lipstick which really makes it work. If you were excited but then disapointed with Benefit's balm releases this is probably what you were hoping for. I think it was around £4 in the sale.

These two are absolute winners in my eyes and once again have left me wanting more from Kiko. I warn you now, the store has so many shades and formulas you might feel a little overwhelmed at first, but it's well worth swatching to your hearts content and reading a few reviews because once you buy, you will be hooked. 

I'd love some more recommendations so please comment below with anything I should pick up (or shouldn't for that matter)!

Charlotte x

GAGA ABOUT FASHION: THE BARGAIN FLOPPY HAT

I have a love/hate relationship with fashion (fashion, not clothes). I love some trends, but others I just don't get. And I much prefer to go with my own style than follow a trend just because it's in. I tend to like simple, classy and neutral clothes. You'll find my wardrobe packed with monochrome, khaki, camis, leather jackets, scarves and handbags. I'm all about the accessories. And for that reason a floppy fedora is a recent trend that is right up my street, but also something that's bang on trend this season. I've been wanting one for ages (in fact I used to own a tan one that I never wore, I must dig that back out), but never plucked up the guts. Plus the fact that they're sooo expensive, just for a hat, put me off for a while too. I've had my eye on this Miss Selfridge one for ages, but for that price, no way.

Then I came across this one in Primark last week, for a bargainous £8! I absolutely love the plaited detail, in fact I'd seen someone wearing it earlier that day and thought it looked really expensive. Although it would work in summer, I think it could look even more glam teamed with a leather jacket and a fur collar. And a Celine handbag, but that's extremely unlikely/ never gonna happen. I'm thinking I'd love to pick it up in burgundy too for an even more autumn-friendly version, so any more suggestions of how to wear it in the cold weather would be much appreciated!

If you've been lusting after a floppy fedora just like me, but don't want to commit to a more expensive high street offering I suggest hot-footing it to your nearest Primarni before these babies sell out!

What do you think of the hat? Do you have the guts to wear something like this, am I the only scaredy pants out there? Let me know what you think!

Charlotte xx

GAGA ABOUT BEAUTY : CHARLOTTE TILBURY DOES THE 90S TREND

First up, apologies for the line across the first photo. I don't know where it came from, but by the time these photos were uploaded this look was long bioderma-ed off my face and the other options, extreeeme close ups, were scary to say the least. I also don't know where I thought I was looking in both of these pictures, but clearly not at the camera. Anyway. I'm a huge fan of Charlotte Tilbury as an artist so I knew I would love her makeup range with it launched, and I've been building a steady collection of it over the past year. This has only expanded rather quickly with the launch of a counter here in Leeds Harvey Nichols. Here I pieced a few of my favourite bits together to share my take on the much hyped 90's trend...

On the eyes I used the 'Colour Chameleon' pencil in Dark Pearl, the option suggested for brown eyes. I'm lucky that I have hazel eyes, meaning I can wear the shadows for brown, green and hazel eyes depending on how I feel that day (although really anyone could wear any). I love this rose-toned shimmery taupe, and the formula of these is just spot on. Super creamy but doesn't budge after about ten seconds, plus as a pencil its easy to swipe, blend, and go, on the go. I also added some of Charlotte's 'Rock n Kohl' eye pencil in Barbarella Brown to the waterline.

For the lips, I first lined with 'Lip Cheat' in Iconic Nude. This is a darker than I expected when I purchased it, but I really love it. I cringe to type this, but it's got that Kylie Jenner thang going on (not again). On top I used what is possibly my all time favourite nude- Charlotte's K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Nude Kate, a winner in colour, formula and staying power. It's slightly lighter and more satin than the liner, but makes a perfect match, and has been my go-to all summer. Pouts at the ready!

I haven't indulged in any face products yet, but I have the 'Wonderglow' primer and 'Filmstar Bronze and Glow' on my lust list. Any recommendations would be much appreciated!

What do you think of this look? What products do you love from Charlotte Tilbury?

Charlotte x

GAGA ABOUT FOOD: AUNT BIBBY'S HULL

So earlier this week Tom and I visited one of our favourite places to eat here at home- Aunt Bibby's Smokehouse. The food they serve is right up our street and the atmosphere really cool too. Apologies for the photos, it was quite dark in there (all part of the vibe) and also crowded so I couldn't wapp out the flash without looking like some kinda wierdo. Not that the below photo needs flash for you to appreciate it's wow factor. 

Most importantly, let's talk food. I love it here. Anywhere that sells good pulled pork is a winner for me, but this stuff is really something else. I've had both the pulled pork and shredded chicken sandwiches here now, and both were juicy and so tasty, absolute perfection. Tom, as always, chose the biggest thing on the menu, the 'Lard Arse', which had two cheese burgers, a chicken breast, bacon, pulled pork, onion rings and salad (which he took out and gave to me). I tried a bite and can say it was absolutely amazing. Although in a lot of places I find the bigger plates to be lacking in flavour, this certainly wasn't. 

The real winner here though are the 'Aunt Bibby's' Fries. Oh my word. A mixture of normal and sweet potato fries (why don't they offer this everywhere) topped with pulled pork, bbq sauce and gooey melted cheese. Pure chip heaven. 

(my much smaller portion)

As well as the great quality food the prices here are surprisingly cheap. I think the mega 'Lard Arse' was around £13, including sides, and my pulled pork sandwich around £7. Altogether, with two drinks each, this only totted up to £30 for two. Bargain!

A mention also needs to be given to the special sauces you are given here, all different variations on traditional bbq. These are much runnier than normal sauces, but really yummy drizzled over your food. Treat them more like a nandos sauce than you would a dipping sauce. My favourites are the Louisiana Hot and Bourbon variations, but there's chocolate and blackberry twists for the more adventurous. 

Finally, what tops off the whole thing is that going for tea at Aunt Bibby's is a real experience too. You enter to an american style bar and go through traditional saloon doors to enter the restaurant. Everything is really what I call 'deep south' american, imagine yourself in the wild west or on Route 66. There are signs all over the walls, and the likes of Bon Jovi and Dolly Parton are playing throughout. If you're a Rock Of Ages fan, you at least need to come by for a drink.

All in all, I very much recommend Aunt Bibby's if you're in Hull. This won't be the last time I visit for sure!

Find Aunt Bibby's here.

Have you been here before? Could you suggest anywhere similar for me to try? What do you think of of my new foodie posts?

Charlotte x