Edinburgh Festival - Trying something New

As things calm down in Scotland’s largest city following the Common Wealth Games, things start to heat up in our Capital. Throughout August, Edinburgh is brought to life with the world’s largest arts festival. The Royal Mile is filled with Fringe performers, tourists, random celebrities and often some very different (I originally wrote odd but I thought I’d better be polite) people encouraging you to go to their shows. Living very close to Edinburgh, I’ve always tried to take full advantage of the Festival. Edinburgh is a beautiful city at the best of times, but when the Festival is on it’s spectacular. 

Normally I’m a comedy girl. There’s certainly no lack of choice - you have everything from the bigger names like John Bishop and Mark Watson to some some amazing up and comers. My friends and I normally head to the box office to see what we can get tickets for and spend our evening laughing away. Recently, I realised that I’ve actually only been experiencing one part of the Festival. Edinburgh International Festival starts on the 8th of August and will showcase some extremely talented and innovative dancers, musicians and actors from around the world. Then the following day, the Edinburgh Book Festival starts (more on this later). I was recently invited to the press event to find out more and was amazed at just how wrong my previous perceptions of the International Festival were. I always assumed it was a bit stuffy but in reality it’s about bringing the arts to a larger audience.

This year the Edinburgh International Festival is exploring the impact of history, particularly during times of war and unrest, and the influence this has on society and culture. There are numerous talks from academics to give a better incite into this if history is your thing. However, for those who’s heads this might go over (myself included), there is an abundance of music, dancing and theatre to choose from. And if you’re overwhelmed by the amount of choice they have a handy little feature on their website. Suggest My Fest lets you choose the type of thing you like e.g. risky or familiar, classic or contemporary, epic or intimate or whether it’s a thinker and gives suggestions as to the type of thing you might like. A very handy little tool if you’re like me and don’t have much of a clue where to start.

I'm really looking forward to going to a few shows and seeing something a bit different.

Are you going to be in Edinburgh during the Festival? 

Lipstick Addict Tag

I’m Nikki and I’m a lipstick addict (Hi Nikki). Some girls like blushes, some like nail polishes, I like lipstick. I seen the Lipstick Addict Tag on The Black Pearl Blog and knew it’d love taking part. 

Favourite lipbalm/treatment?

Without a doubt Nuxe Reve De Miel. This lip balm hydrates and soothes like no other. I use this every night and wake up to super soft lips.

 Favourite red?

If I’m going for a true red lip colour, Estee Lauder Pure Colour Lip Envy in Envious is perfect. The bright poppy red colour stays on for a good 4-6 hours without needing a touch up and despite the decent staying power it doesn’t feel drying on the lips. 

Best luxury lipsticks

I’m a Lauder girl all the way. The Pure Colour Lipsticks have such an amazing formula, the packaging is beautiful and they have a decent colour range. Crystal Pink is one my most used. 

Best mac lipstick

I love Mac Plumful, the rosy plum colour perfect for day and night. 

Most disappointing lip product

I’m going to have to go for Mac Shy Girl. I was looking for a coral toned neutral lipstick and I’d heard a lot about Shy Girl. Unfortunately, it’s just not for me. The coral beige colour just makes me look like a corpse and I find the formula just looks cakey on my lips. Has anyone else found this?

Do you wear lipliner?

Since I bought Pillow Talk Lip Cheat from Charlotte Tilbury, I’ve found myself using lipliner a lot more. Before I would only really use lipliner if I was wearing a bolder lip colour but now I find that it gives the subtle definition my lips need.

Favourite lipgloss?

I’m not a massive lipgloss fan but I do love Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfecter. It looks more like a balm on the lips and doesn’t leave a horrible sticky feeling. And it smells wonderful.

Best matte lipstick

I don’t have a lot of matte lipsticks at all. One that I’ve been wearing quite a lot lately is Mac Lady Danger. I’m a bit too scared to go for a full on orange lipstick but I love how this has the coral/orange tones. 

Best liquid lipstick

YSL Glossy Stains are a lipgloss/lipstick hybrid so that counts, right? YSL have such a great colour range and the staying power is amazing. 

Favourite dramatic lipstick

The only dramatic lipstick that I’ve found myself wearing is Mac Rebel although the deep plum colour is definitely more suited to Autumn/Winter than summer. 

Special mention

Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Boy was the colour I wore when I graduated last year, I wore it to Grad Ball and also on my first date with my boyfriend (vom, I know). I wouldn’t say I was a particularly sentimental person, but I do think there’s something a little special about this little lipstick.

If you fancy joining in, let me know! I’d love to see what lip products you love.

Staycation Makeup Essentials - From Dippy Writes

And here is the final instalment of my holiday makeup essentials from Dippy Writes - 

There are so many things to do in the UK. I’m from just outside Glasgow and it always amazes me just how much there is to do in my own home town. Whether it’s walks to the park, visiting museums and local restaurants or just spending an evening in the garden with some friends, there will be plenty to do this summer. I thought for this selection I’d show you some of my favourite products for a light, natural look which wouldn’t look out of place on the local beach or at a friend’s BBQ. 

For a base, I love Estee Lauder Daywear BB Cream. It has slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturiser but this one also has all of the moisturising properties that comes along with the original Daywear moisturiser. And it smells delish! I’ve already mentioned my love for Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks in my beach holiday post, but again, for colour pay off, finish and staying power, these can do no wrong. For a light, natural look I’ve went for Pale Pink, which is a lovely pastel pink colour. To finish everything off, a light dusting of Bobbi Brown Brightening Nudes Finishing Powder will keep everything in place while giving your skin that added glow. And just look at the pretty packaging!

As for eyes, I’ve raided my Mac palette for a natural brown look. Naked Lunch is pretty over the lid with Era blended in the crease. Cork is great for giving your brows a bit of definition as well as being used as a liner along the last line and under the lower lash line. To finish off, Lancome Hypnose Mascara is my favourite for every day wear. It separates, lengthens and volumises leaving a wide eyed look.

As for lips, Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector in Rose Shimmer is perfect for glossy but not too glossy finish. It smells AMAZING and leave your lips feeling so soft. If you wanted a touch more colour, just dab Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge on the lips then finish with the Lip Perfector. And there we go, a pretty natural look in record time!

If you missed my other posts, I've went through my beach holiday, city break and party holiday essentials.