Step-by-Step Halloween Make-Up: Zombie

Find out how to re-create this deathly Zombie look with your everyday beauty bag. Follow the step-by-step photo gallery on Grazia!

Step-by-Step Halloween Make-Up: Enchanted Forest Deer

Find out how to easily create this look with my step-by-step photo gallery on Yahoo!

Destination: New York City

New York. The first thing that pops into my mind is Carrie Bradshaw in her Madison Avenue apartment, Manolo Blahniks cast aside, longing for Mr. Big to walk through the door. The Empire State Building, where James’ giant peach is perched; a giant cake-pop in the sky. And Central Park, just a stone’s throw away from the cafe where Phoebe is performing a musical triumph about an unhygienic cat.

So I know nothing about the real New York; I’ve never even been there for a festive shopping spree. But, in a few days, I’m packing my whole life up into just two cases and boarding a big shiny jet plane. The destination? Fabulous, darling!

But what if this huge metropolis of fabulousness swallows me whole? I mean, I've done my best to prepare - shout out to my colleagues who presented me with the most glamorous wide-brimmed charcoal hat I've ever laid eyes on - but what if I never manage to order a cosmopolitan with the sultry sass of Samantha?

Years of living the British life, with Ps and Qs, tea and cake, airs and graces, have left me frightfully unequipped for the ‘go-out-and-grab-it’ ethos of NYC. I fear that I’ll be politely waiting in line for a mustard taxi for the foreseeable future. The bolder and the braver will step off the sidewalk in their tailored macs, arms flailing, unafraid of neither man nor high-speed motor vehicle.

But I am determined to grab this experience like the first time I clutched a pair of Christian Louboutins - there's no way I'm letting go. I'll be sipping a skinny macchiato in downtown Manhattan come April, armed with a leather bound notebook and a faux fur collar for a touch of everyday glamour. I'm ready for you New York City, show me what you've got.

Motivational talk aside, I best start working out how to squeeze 23 years worth of prized possessions into one luggage allowance. I have at least ten different shades of blush, ranging all the way from light peach to bright fuchsia to soft pink. It may be a long night. Someone pass me a coffe-sorry-skinny macchiato…

Follow all my weird and wonderful NYC experiences on my other blog 'Hello New Yorker'.

NYE Make-Up Tutorial

Follow my step-by-step tutorial for how to create a gorgeous, sexy make-up look that's perfect for New Year's Eve for Yahoo! Lifestyle

Christmas Day Make-Up Tutorial

What make-up look will you be working this Christmas Day? I like to go for something that's extra special without being too full on, beautiful and glowy with a natural finish.

Follow my step-by-step tutorial of how to achieve this beautiful Christmas Day look with Yahoo! Lifestyle here!

Video tutorial: Golden Bronze Eye Make-up with Urban Decay Naked Palette

Watch my brand new video tutorial, which shows you how to create a sexy, shimmering golden eye make-up look that's perfect for the Christmas party season.

Let me know what you think to this video! I'm still quite new to this, so any feedback would be really appreciated. And if there's a look that you'd love to see then please let me know by commenting below xx

Revlon Nearly Naked: Foundation Review

Revlon have brought out a brand new foundation range, 'Nearly Naked', £8.99 for the liquid foundation with SPF20, and despite its absolutely hideous (okay, slightly clunky, pardon my incessant need to exaggerate) packaging, the beautiful finish of this High Street foundation is actually very impressive. 

But first, let me get this moanathon out of the way. Mr Revlon big boss man, why would you put such a great foundation in such a un-user friendly bottle? I do not want to have to pour my foundation onto my palm. No, I do not. Undoubtedly my pristine black blouse will look mauled by the sand monster in approximately five seconds. Nor do I want to cart around a heavy glass bottle with a cheap-looking white lid. Phew.

But me and this foundation have found a way to work through our early relationship troubles (I've armed my dresser with a pack of baby wipes) and as you can see in the picture above, the result is light, even and flawless. You really have to buff the foundation into the skin (circular motions with a foundation brush, as if working in a moisturiser) and my skin was fresh and soft after application, with a slightly dewy finish. It softens uneven skin tones, minimising ruddy cheeks or shadows, but does not look too opaque or plastic. A great foundation for the daytime, definitely one of the best I've tried out this year. Now if only I could have a word with the packaging designers...

Top Tip: For an extra flawless finish, sweep a layer of mineral powder foundation over the liquid foundation once it has settled on the face. It makes all the difference! I used Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder, £7.99 (also a fantastic product but with slightly ghastly packaging...not taking any prisoners on the aesthetics here am I?!)

You might also like:

• My foundation favourites: from Day to Night
• Get a super flawless complexion with a translucent powder
• Spring 2013 Beauty Must Haves

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Mother's Day: The Gift Guide

Long gone are the days of a slap-dash sweep of Thorntons when it comes to Mother's Day shopping. It's time to spoil those extra special ladies in your life. If you're lacking inspiration for the perfect Mother's Day gift, here's my tried and tested selection of gorgeous goods...

Clarins Palette Eclat Face & Blush Powder, £30... For the feminine Ma

Why? Because it is so elegant, any mum would be rather thrilled to pull this out of their make-up bag. It looks every inch an item of luxury, a splendid little golden compact with a crimson velvet pouch. The palette is ideal for those who like a flawless look with a very natural finish. Understated and oh so classy.

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel, £34... For the on-the-go Mum

Why? Because it soaks in instantly, leaving skin hydrated but not greasy. Mums who are always on the go will love this beauty staple, I'm not sure if I could live without it. Skin is perfectly primed and it lasts for AGES. A clever little gift for sure. 

Poudre Signee de Chanel Illuminating Powder, £46... For the happy-glow-lucky Mom

Why? This compact illuminator is so luxury that it's practically off the scale... so beautiful and ornate that it almost seems a sin to wear it! It makes a fabulous gift for those with a penchant for radiance, as it brings eye-catching luminosity without being gaudy. The velvet pouch holder is positively swoon-inducing. Ooohh, ahhhh...    

Nails Inc Spring Summer Collection, £25... For the yummy Mummy

Why? Fashionista yummy mummies will know that Nails Inc (so fabulously British, darling!) are the top when it comes to on-trend talons. This super cute Spring/Summer 2013 collection is the perfect gift for those with an eye for style.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer, £26... For the new Mamma

Why? I am a huge fan of the Laura Mercier range, and her secret camouflage concealer does not disappoint. The separate peachy and creamy beige tones mean that you can combat and signs of fatigue with the help of a concealer brush. For mums that are weary, worn-out, and prone to saying: "oh-my-god-will-you-pleeease-stop-crying-now", this one is a total winner. 

Les Exclusifs de Chanel 1932, £110... For the iconic Mother

Why? Because it's more iconic than Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration (nothing tops Audrey) but this latest fragrance launch by Chanel is definitely up there. One whiff and you know you're in classic Chanel territory. The fact that Jacques Polge, Creator of Chanel perfumes, has created 1932, is no doubt to thank. Jasmine-based, this fragrance is initially sweet and crisp with a musk warmth. Sophistication in a classy little bottle.
Available exclusively in the Covent Garden Pop-Up Store, Chanel Boutiques, House of Fraser Glasgow, Fenwicks Newcastle, Selfridges Manchester Exchange and Selfridges W1 from 1 March 2013.

Related Posts

• Read the full review of Poudre Signee de Chanel, with swatch pics!
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Review
• Clarins Rouge Eclat in True Aubergine: Get the look

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InStyle Your Way Challenge: The Braided Up-Do

My first InStyle Your Way challenge was to re-create this braided up-do look with a Pout Out Proud twist...

The Easy Way to Get the Braid Trend: Everyday braid with loose bun

I decided to showcase an easy-to-create up do, a classic and stylish style. Here's my friend Rachel, modelling the look...

This braided style was so easy to create, it literally takes minutes. Create a chunky french plait across your hair line, pinning in place at the ear. Scoop the body of your hair into a high pony, and backcomb slightly. Pin into a loose bun for a stylish but easy up-do. 

Braid like a Professional: Dishevelled fishtail braid

For those with a real knack for braids, try the hairdresser's interpretation of the hottest trend right now. My friend Heidi at Impulse Hair Salon helped me to create the desired effect, but if you're a hair fiend then give this ethereal trend a try.

Create a fishtail braid across the forehead, pinning in place under the hair on the opposite side. Then do a normal plait on top for extra depth and texture, again pinning in place. The look is meant to be dishevelled, so use a pin comb to unpick the fishtail slightly. Create a few loose curls in the body of the hair, working with the natural movement, and pin up the back to create a loose bob. 

Gorgeous! And here's how to get the InStyle halo braid (pictured at the top of this blog)

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Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sugar Frost

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Sugar Frost, new for Spring 2013, £18.50, available fro House of Fraser 

Laura Mercier's range of Caviar Sticks has got even better this spring, as they have released eight more gorgeous shades for seriously glam eyelids. I tried out the Sugar Frost, a subtle shimmering beige.  So pretty!

I love the classic LM packaging, simple and sophisticated as ever. The stick is great if you're on the go, you can pop it in your handbag without worrying about a shadow brush rolling around. The creamy shadow sits really nicely on the eyelids, and I found it really easy to blend. Gorgeous for a daytime glow, and buildable for those wilder evenings.

Model wears: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Sugar Frost, Barry M Lash Modelling Extra Black Mascara, Laura Mercier Creme Eyeliner in Cobalt

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Pout Out Proud in More! Magazine

If you turn to the 'Beauty Addict' page of this weeks' More! Magazine, then you'll see my top beauty essentials. Hope you like them!

Find out all the latest beauty news by subscribing to the Pout Out Proud blog, and following @PoutOutProud on Twitter!

Beauty in Pictures #46 Instagram

As you may or may not have gathered, I'm a bit addicted to beauty products. I'm also a huge fan of the filter delights of Instagram, "ohhh, ahhh, filters!" So here's my weekly beauty-instagram-mash-up.

Featured (From top left): 1. Barry M's Magnetic Nail Paint. 2. Messy high bun hair style. 3.Boots' Save The Nail. 4. Barry M's Nail Paint Glitter in Aqua and Magenta. 5. Range of Body Shop Make-Up Brushes. 6. My cosy Saturday night in with home comforts. 7. New CID Cosmetics i-Colour cream. 8. My favourite Aztec chunky knit from Urban Outfitters. 9. Shoe heaven courtesy of Louboutin, ahhhh.

As Featured in Grazia!

I was SO pleased to be asked by Grazia to share my beauty blogging tips this week, and you can read them all here!

Big thanks to all the Grazia team - and remember, you can catch my weekly product pick for Grazia every Friday.

If you have any questions about blogging which you'd like to ask, make sure you get in touch :) x