Here are my latest beauty buys.

I don't usually buy expensive beauty products as many of them are not as good as you think and I can't justify spending anymore than £10 on a product. I really like make-up, but I do find that unless I am going out somewhere special I tend to stick to neutral tones and shades. I have a tried and tested make-up regime and I find it works well for me.

I absolutely love false eyelashes, I find they make such a difference and add a sense of glam to your look. I don't wear them everyday just when going out or for weddings and parties.

I would definitely recommend them for wedding day make-up, and there are so many styles of lash that you can buy ranging from subtle to very dramatic! My favourite lashes at the moment are Eylure No 118 Kimberley they are very easy to apply and make a difference to your natural lashes without being to much.

To go with the lashes I also love Loreal Paris Super Liner Perfect Slim in Intense Black. This creates a perfect eyeliner flick on the top of the eyelid and is so easy to apply just like a pen. It has a long tip which allows you to be more accurate rather than using a pencil eye liner. I also bought Loreal Paris Color Riche Eye Shadow in Nude 204. This is a gorgeous gold tone with a shimmer to it and again is easy to apply and last all day.

Another product I cant live without is my blusher. I chose Maybelline Baby Lips Balm and Blush in Innocent Peach which is for both cheeks and lips. It's a lovely soft peachy pick shade which is lovely for everyday use. If I was going out I would probably add a shimmer bronzer and a deeper pink colour but this is good for work or if you are going for a natural look.

I don't really use nail varnish much as I find it easily chips and I just don't seem to have time to redo it. I love having a French manicure every now and again but my nails aren't very strong so I have to make a conscious effort to grow them. The nail varnish that I do like is Bourjois 1 Second Gel  in Beige its really a gorgeous pinky tone rather than a beige and it has a fan shaped brush which helps to keep the application neat.

For my skin I use Revlon Colorstay Foundation for Combination/Oily Skin in Natural Beige 220. I am really happy with how this blends in and gives a even finish. It does stay put for most of the day and I don't need to top it up.  

For cleansing my skin I use Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. I was a bit sceptical about using this at first, but it is really refreshing to use and much nicer than using a cream cleanser to remove make-up. It does remove waterproof mascara but you do need a few applications.

Let me know what you think about these products in the comments section below. What beauty products do you use? What products do you recommend?  Has anyone got any tips for creating a vintage look using particular products?  Get in touch.

Vintage Rock Cakes

This week, I have felt the need to do some baking! I love baking cakes and biscuits and I recently had a go at baking using some more old fashioned recipes.

The rock cake recipe originates from wartime 1940's.  Women during the second world war would have limited ingredients to use as they would have been rationed, particularly ingredients such as eggs and sugar.

My husband often mentions his mum's rock cakes that he had as a child, so I thought I would have a go and see if they came up to scratch!

The rock cake recipe uses simple ingredients and is so easy to make. This was the finished result.

Ingredients

8 oz self-raising flour

4 oz butter

3 oz caster sugar

2 oz sultanas

1 splash of milk

1 egg

demerara sugar to sprinkle on top

Method

1. Preheat oven to 200 C, gas mark 6 and grease a large baking tray

2. Sieve flour into large mixing bowl.

3. Add butter and rub into flour using finger tips until it looks like breadcrumbs

4. Add sugar and mix

5. Add egg and mix

6. Add sultanas

7. Add a splash of milk until it forms a dough

8. Spoon 12 heaps of the dough onto the baking tray

9. Sprinkle with demerara sugar on top

10. Put into oven for 15 mins until golden brown

The recipe is easy to follow and pretty foolproof, I was pleasantly surprised with the outcome and my husband liked them to! They would be lovely for a quick afternoon treat if you had guests coming round, served with a lovely cuppa in a vintage teacup of course!  

I hope you enjoy having a go at the recipe.

Let me know what you think by commenting below and send me your photos of your lovely rock cakes.

Vintage Baby

Just love this range of Cath Kidston baby clothes, some lovely patterned fabrics in vintage designs for both boys and girls. 

10 Top Tips For The Vintage Buyer

10 Top Tips

1. Always buy something you like and that appeals to you. It's no good buying something that will just sit in the attic collecting dust. I find, that when I like what I buy, I will spend the time and energy either up-cycling it or selling it on. 

2. Take the time to look in your local newspaper and on the internet for antique fairs, car boot sales and events near you. I tend to look in the paper each week and most weeks there is opportunity to go to a antique fair. 

3. Don't be afraid to asking for a discount. I must admit that this is always something I find difficult, but when I have been brave enough I have always had a reduction in the price. It really is worth it! They can only say no! 

4. Always handle and inspect the item when you can, to look for damage. I have realised that this is really essential when buying certain objects such as teacups and china, as a couple of times I have bought cups with cracks and chips! The seller will not necessarily tell you about any damage. 

5. Try looking in local charity shops. This is my favourite place to find a bargain. Most charity shops have a bric-a-brac section and the prices are so much cheaper than any antique shop. It is worth going every few weeks to allow for the shop to restock the shelves with new items, and of course you are also giving to charity!

6. If you are buying for your home think carefully about where your vintage item will go and if it will fit in with your current decor. Our 1930's home has character features as well as modern and I have tried to add a vintage piece of furniture or object in each room.  If it is furniture that you are buying make sure it is well made and will last. 

7. Try shopping online. Of course, this is always a risk as you can't touch the item and it may not be exactly what you are looking for. The positives are that you can usually get a good price online and can compare many different sites. Just be aware of the posting charge! 

8. If you are buying a item to up-cycle and sell on, you really need to find a piece that is cheap to start with, as you will be spending money on paints, materials etc... Look at what is selling in vintage shops and fairs and think about the price you would like it to be. 

9. If you are looking for something specific for example some jewellery, make sure you do your research so that you know what you will be likely to have to pay. Look out for hallmarks and provenance. Ask the seller what they know about the item. 

10. Set yourself a budget! If you are anything like me set a budget so that you don't overspend. It is hard not to get carried away in some of the large vintage shops that I have been to, as I love everything in there! Think about what you actually need, write a list of the pieces you want to buy. However, you never know what you may find! 

I hope you find these 10 top tips useful in finding your very own vintage gem!