Summer Lovin’

So I’m running terribly behind with blog posts, but this one is all about a shoot I worked on with the wonderful Kenzie Photography and model Samantha McIntosh.

Kenzie had asked me a while back (after our Sew Strawberry shoot) about doing some styling for a summer style project he was working on, and of course I jumped at the chance! It’s not every day someone as talented as our Kenzie asks to collaborate! So on one warm but overcast day we toddled off to Torwood to snap some shots of the beautiful Samantha.

I’ve never done styling before. I wasn’t sure what to do but after Kenzie gave me the brief of what he was after, we sourced some reference images and discussed between the 3 of us what was required. Samantha supplied her own clothes and shoes, and I supplied accessories. Between Kenzie and myself, we decided what looks would look best in which setting.

I got a couple of little behind the scenes shots too, sneaky sneaky!

 

The brief was to keep it light and summery, with an almost romantic feel. We went for light, floaty and floral dresses with natural makeup. Samantha was fantastic to work with, and Kenzie, as always, smashed it! He is definitely one of the most talented photographers around right now, and if you get the chance to work with him, grab it!

And so without further ado, here are the fruits of our labor!

Photography – Kenzie Photography (@Kenziexphoto)

Model – Samantha McIntosh (@__justsamantha)

Styling – Yours truly, Emma at eLikes! (@misselikes)

 

Emma

xo

 

PS – elikes.co.uk is getting a makeover! Watch this space for exciting updates coming soon!

Those Summer Time Blues

Aloha from sunny Stirlingshire!

It has been a very busy month or so for me, and sadly that has meant not much time for my little blog. However, after attending the Scotstreetstyle Gathering in Glasgow on Saturday and a few recent exciting projects, I’m back on it again! I’ve rediscovered my creative mojo and it’s pretty darn exciting!

So before I go on with posts about Styling, Tough Mudder, The Gathering, a cheeky hair change and the build up for my first time at T in the Park, I’ll share my little outfit of the day!

  

Sunglasses – Honour Over Glory

Necklace – Primark

Dress – Dunnes

Bracelet – BlackTied  (currently doing 2 free midi rings with all orders over £10!)

Bag – Bessie at TK Maxx

Shoes – Next

Today was really rather hot in sunny Falkirk (that is actually true, I feel like it should be sarcasm!) and as I woke up on my day off I saw the cloudless blue sky through my blinds and decided it was time to get summery! My mother dearest had bought a dress from Dunnes a while back and decided she didn’t like it on her, so gave it to me to see if I liked it. I wasn’t so sure at first, but I have to say, I feel rather fabulous in it! It’s so light and bright! It also went well my attempted home tanning which, thank goodness, has faded from a ghastly shade of tangerine. Since I was going Silver with the accessories I dug out my spiked heels from Next. These were my first platform heels that I got when I was 18! They’ve lasted well! I wore my Honour Over Glory sunglasses and Black Tied “The Possibilities are Endless” bracelet to give me a bit of encouragement since I had a rather important meeting to attend for a super secret project I’m working on!

My outfit choice today, I felt not only made me look good, but it made me feel good.

And that’s what I believe fashion is all about!

Emma

xo

If you want to keep up to date with me, you can catch me on Twitter and Instagram @misselikes

Benefit Beautiful

I was getting ready for a night out last week, and it seemed that everything that could go wrong, did. My cat knocked over my face powder and smashed it. My MAC primer gave a pathetic little squirt and it was gone. I the bottom of my MAC compact was clearly visible and I was scrubbing at it with my brush like I kid with poster paints. They served me well, but I was gutted. So Saturday afternoon I skipped off into town to see what I could find.

I’ll miss you MAC compact </3

I went into Debenhams to check out some Clinique products, but there was no one there to ask what would be best. When I'm spending a reasonable amount on make up, I like to have someone that knows what they're talking about to answer my 101 questions! I've always been curious about Benefit Cosmetics, as I'd heard great things. So I thought it couldn't hurt to look! I was promptly joined by a lady with perfect makeup to help me.

So Benefit were off to a great start. I told her I was looking for a primer and a powder, as my MAC supplies had ran out and I needed something to replace them but fancied a change. She told me to hop up on the chair, and as I had no make up on anyway (it was a hectic morning!) I obliged. She cleansed my face, put on some dreamy moisturiser and then showed me their primer "The Porefessional". She put it on my hand, and I was impressed. After putting it on my face, my skin was so soft, and made my pores almost disappear! I decided I needed it in my life, and it became my first purchase.

She then matched me up for a foundation, using their “Hello Flawless” foundation. It felt lovely and gave just the right coverage. As I usually put powder on top, and that’s what I was looking to buy, she used “Hello Flawless” powder. This I was very impressed with! Fantastic coverage and it’s light so doesn’t look cakey. It comes with a sponge and a brush so that was even better! Definite second purchase!

She finished up by doing my brows using their brow box, a lip tint, a bit of blush and their “Yes They’re Real” mascara, which I am strongly considering switching from Dior for!

So this was my finished look:

I was really happy with it! Pink lips aren’t something I usually do but I’m definitely starting to go for them more!

I tried to recreate it myself the following day:

I used some of my new brushes from TK Maxx which recently opened in Falkirk.


Foundation brush £3.99 / Eyeshadow brush £2.99

I’ve noticed a much better finish using brushes rather than my fingers! With my new products and after the lovely Benefit lady giving me a few tips and tricks, I’m trying to stick to a more natural look most of the time. It’s working for me! I’ve ordered a few more bits and pieces from Benefit, so I’m excited to try them out!

Do you use Benefit Cosmetics? Which products do you swear by?

Emma
xo

Beautiful Brows!

So I know I’m not the only one that gets a little obsessive over eyebrows… Last night I figured it was about time I plucked in, and gave them a tidy. Then today when I was putting my face on to go out, I thought of a gift I’d received but hadn’t actually used yet. It’s a set from Beautiful Brows and I have to say I was baffled at first! The thought of using stencils seemed a bit tricky to me.

So the components I used in the set were:

Brown brow powder, wide and thin edged brush, 3 stencils for bold, natural and sleek, and a white powder for defining under the brow.

So I looked at my natural brow shape and decided that I would go for the natural stencil. I placed it over my brow which wasn’t actually as fiddly as I thought it would be! I took the powder and done a gentle sweep and layered up until I was happy with the boldness. I took off the stencil and I was pretty darn pleased! I done the other and was so pleased that I could finally get them even!!! I added the arch highlights and I was so happy with them. If you’ve ever considered stencils, I would encourage you to try them, I think they’re going to make my life a lot easier!

So here’s the before and after…

I’m really happy with how they turned out and think it will be my replacement for that pesky pencil!

Emma
(The girl who lost her sharpener)
xo

Shiny new and old faithfuls

So I don’t know about you, but I buy probably more than I need. I always seem to stick to a few old faithfuls in my wardrobe and it really does make me feel a bit silly at times. I’ve just embarked on a ridiculous clear out and I’ve actually been ruthless this time! I’m in the process of converting my spare bedroom into a sort of walk in wardrobe/dressing room type thing and I’m determined that I’m not going to fill it with junk (again!)

So after looking through almost everything I own, I narrowed down to a few of my absolute favourite things that I seem to be wearing to death (if you follow me on Instagram then you’ll know what I mean!)

So I thought I’d share some of these old faithfuls with the big bad internet!

Aside from the standard basic tshirts, vests etc, these are my current “wear til they fall apart” items

My trusty chunky knit jumper and denim shorts. Because sometimes a big chunky jumper is the great big wooly hug you need to convince you that going out into the cold is a good idea. The one pictured is from trusty Matalan.

My denim shorts are from a Scottish company called Honour Over Glory that I’ve been buying from for a few years and always found their clothing to be good quality.

Sheer shirts! I actually have a drawer dedicated to these things. Every colour/style I could have occasion to wear. I find shirts to be so versatile, wether they’re buttoned all the way up or just left open a bit, you can achieve so any different looks even with the same shirt. The one pictured is from New Look.

I’m a bit of a skinny jeans fiend. They’re the only cut of jeans I’ll wear, more personal preference I suppose but I’m always searching for the perfect pair! (Any suggestions are definitely welcome!) the ones pictured are from new look, but my current favourites are actually Florence and Fred at Tesco! Soft and comfy, ideal.

I’m pretty much always in heels. I find them more comfortable than flats, I think it might just be how my legs are made! So these boots are great for wearing out casually. I can wear them with dresses, shorts, jeans, whatever I fancy and I think they give a bit of edge. These are from New Look and aren’t real leather. They have a zip inside and are pretty darn comfy!

So apart from my wardrobe staples, I’m almost always wearing red lipstick. I’ve tried so many different brands and so far my favourite has to be No7 Stay Perfect in shade Love Red. After a recent trip to Boots I managed to accidentally spend £30 on a few treats for myself!

This included 3 lipsticks in pretty much the same colour. I know, I have a problem.

The furthest away is the No7, the middle is Collection 2000 Deluxe in 01 and the end is Kate Moss for Rimmel in 107. I think the No7 is the only one with real staying power, but the other 2 do look nice!

So I’ll be putting on my red lippy and getting back to my Spring clearout in the hope to make room for the new!

Now with Bloglovin!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Let’s start at the very beginning.

I’ve always wanted to have a fashion, beauty and lifestyle blog. I would read others and look at things and think what I’d write. It got to a point where I couldn’t figure out why I was doing all this thinking and not actually doing anything about it!

As a result I created eLikes, the blog that will have the things that were in my head, out on the big bad Internet for all of you lovely people to read and hopefully enjoy!

I’m Emma. 23 years old, I work full time but still definitely a fun enthusiast! I enjoy music, movies, space, food/drink and of course fashion and beauty! I try to live a healthy lifestyle, but i don’t let it get in the way of me having a good time!

So now that’s my little intro out the way, onwards and upwards, eh!

E
Xo