Project 1: Style the 90's

Here are some images from my recent project at University. Throughout my studies I will be posting some creative images for you to enjoy...

(Special thanks to my model Sarah for making these images turn out great!)

My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes 

Sarah's links

Facebook 

OOTW : Barcelona

Whilst on my travels in the beautiful city Barcelona I captured some of the outfits I wore through the week when we decided to hit the town... I hope you enjoy!

Top: shop in Barcelona
Culottes: Topshop
Shoes: New Look

Playsuit: New Look
(paired with white espadrilles)

(on the left)
Jumpsuit: George@asda
(on the right)
Top: primark
Culottes: Topshop
Shoes: New Look

Sorry that this post was a little sparse but I have plenty more to come from my travels, so keep those eyes peeled!

My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes 

April Favorites

Here are some of the things I've been loving the past month.



Fishnet socks 

I have been wanting to try fishnet tights since they became a 'trend', but I've never felt I could pull them off. Since I got these fishnet socks I have been obsessed and I've been able to try out a bit of fishnet before going the whole hog with tights. They look great when I put them with my converse and jeans or culottes. These were only £3 from Primark for a pack of two(pairs) so if you're like me and want to try them out this is an affordable way to do it.

Too faced Peach glow pallet 

This pallet is AMAZING !! This is the perfect every day highlighter, blusher, bronzer I've been looking for. I've found the combination of the three make for a great every day peachy glow, especially perfect since spring is here !

Lime crime velve-tin

This tin contains three mini liquid lipsticks in the most beautiful nude shades! Lime crime is a brand that I love because it's cruelty free and the promises it makes actually pays off. The pigmentation of these lipsticks are insane and colours are divine!

Too faced Born this way foundation 

I first purchased this foundation in New York after the recommendations were so high. Since then I have repurchased this foundation again and again because it's so good. The formula contains coconut water, alpine rose and hyaluronic acid which smooths, perfects and replenishes the skins moisture levels. I have oily to combination skin and with other foundations I have found they either make me break out or they make me oily within minutes of putting it on. However with this foundation I have found it does none of that and gives me a natural look but with great coverage !

Hotel chocolate salted caramel and coco vodka
The name speaks in and of itself. This stuff is absolutely delicious and I can't believe I've never know about this until now ! It's not something you could drink with a mixer like normal vodka but it's defiantly perfect if you want to indulge yourself as an after dinner treat on a Friday night.

Additional note: please be sensible when consuming alcohol! For more info go to drinkaware.com

Let me know if you'd like to see more of this, and any other suggestions on what I can post next!






My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes 

Easy Chocolate Cake Recipe

DISCLAIMER: I found this image on pintrest because I ate the cake before I had chance to photograph it, but trust me, it was delicious as this looks!

There's nothing better than having a good slice of gooey chocolate cake am I right? Well what if I said you can have the indulgence of gooey chocolate loveliness in no time at all! I know it may seem simpler to pop down the shop and buy one ready made, HOWEVER once you try this recipe you will never go back to shop bought again!

I've always been keen on baking, and I'm always looking out for quick and easy but delicious recipes to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you're bound to have lurking at the back of the cupboards, you too can achieve a simple and decadent cake fit for a queen !



You will need : 

Plain flour 150g
Baking powder 3tsp (I didn't have any self raising flour but if you add 2tsp of baking powder for every 150g of plain flour then it does the same)
Cocoa 30g
Caster sugar 175g
Honey (approx. 2 tbsp)
Butter 175g softened
Eggs 3
Vanilla extract 1 tsp
Milk chocolate 50g melted (I was meant to use dark chocolate but I didn't have any so I used melted Lindt instead)

Method: 

1. Pour all the measured ingredients into a large bowl and mix until smooth (if it's too stiff then add a little water to loosen it up)

2. Transfer into a baking tin and cook for 45 minutes. Alternatively, separate into two tins and cook for 30 mins. Leave on a wire rack until cool.

3. If you wish to ice your cake (and who wouldn't !) you will need:
200g Softened butter
200g Icing sugar
200g Melted dark chocolate

(I had some vanilla icing in the fridge already so I used that, you can always use shop bought if you are short on time)

4. Now layer the cake with the icing with however many layers you wish, then decorate until you hearts content and enjoy!



Let me know if you'd like to see more of this, and any other suggestions on what I can post next!



My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes 

Everything I Promised In 2016...

As any frequent guests of this blog may have noticed, I have been rather slack on posts. The reason for this is that I've had a super busy year and every time I sat down to write something, I was either preoccupied by all the college work I had piled up, or I was having writers block and just wasn't in the creative mindset to produce something I love and wouldn't mind sharing with you all. 

So as a sorry for all the vacant spaces on this blog and a new outlook for 2017 I am going to try and produce as many blog posts as I can this year, hopefully filled with great content! 

Also, as suggested by the title of this blog post, I am going to share with you a few bits from last year I didn't get round to posting ... enjoy my lovelies ! 


New York

Here are some of the pictures of my travels to New York over summer.

Beyoncé live 

The best moment by far last year was getting to see Beyoncé live in concert. It was honestly such and incredible evening and one I will never forget!

Photo creds to my friend Katie for this one.

 I hope you all had an amazing year and I wish the best for 2017. Also, Keep an eye out on my Instagram account for updates on when I'm posting more exciting content soon !





My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes 

Katie's links 

Instagram:  @katiegarnerxox 
Twitter:    @allthelovekat 

My Skincare Essentials

When it comes to skincare, I'm not the best at knowing what I should and shouldn't do. To be honest its taken a long time for me to get an actual routine and stick to it; but now I have everything under control (kind of), I find my skin looks clearer and in generally better condition. These products work for me, but as everyone has different skin types, they wont suit everyone. However, I absolutely love how well these products work for me! 

Cleansing 

This stuff is AMAZING! previously I had been using makeup wipes to cleanse and remove my makeup, but they're not the best thing for your face. After my friend recommended Micellar water, it has changed my life! It says its supposed to "remove makeup, soothe and hydrate the face, eye area, and lips, in 1 step without rinsing."  which I thought was a lot to live up to. However, it does the job perfectly. I use this with a cotton pad and wipe all over my face and eyes; it gets rid f my makeup so easily and doesn't dry out my face.

I came across this product when I received it as a free sample in a magazine. When I tried it out, I was a little skeptical, as face masks normally cause me to go red and blotchy. However after I tried this, I knew I'd be buying more of this in the future. I found the product to be gentle on my face but strong enough to do the job! Its "designed to cleanse, exfoliate and brighten skin."  which it does, and all the ingredients are all natural (98% apparently) making it even better.

Clinique is a little pricey, but by god does it work. I would never normally buy Clinique; being scared off by the price. However, after receiving these products as a Christmas present, I know why people love it.
On the left is the"clarifying lotion" which "de-flakes to reveal clearer skin." I only use this product twice a week at the most, but it is the game changer when you put on makeup. It seriously smooths out your skin making putting on moisturiser and makeup so much easier!
The product in the middle is the new "Clinique Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush." When used in combination with the face soap it helps exfoliate and clean deep within the pores. I use this once or twice a week and I find it has helped to clear up my skin so much.
The product on the end is the"liquid facial soap" which is perfect for my skin. I have dry-combination skin and often find products that help my dry areas make the oily areas worse. This product is "for the needs of skin dry in the cheeks, comfortable to oily in the t zone."  Which matches my skin type perfectly.  

Spots/Acne 

Witch Hazel naturally cleanses, tones and soothes. With this product it does all of this, whilst reducing the appearance of spots and helps prevent future breakouts. When I found out about the properties of Witch Hazel I was excited to try it out. This product helps as a quick and foolproof way to control those pesky spots. 

This is an old favorite of mine. I have been purchasing this product and others from the Therapeutics range for a few years now and they are AMAZING! This product in particular is a wonder serum for spots. All you do is apply a tiny amount onto the spot and like magic its gone within a day! The redness and swelling of the spot reduces in a few hours, I find, but the actual spot will clear up within a day, or if you apply this before bed it will clear overnight! I swear by this product and urge anyone who suffers from bad spots/acne to get this!



Moisturiser 

The "dramatically different moisturising lotion+" by Clinique is a really effective moisturiser for very dry to dry combination skin. Since I started using this I have found my makeup is going on a lot better. The texture is rather thick but it doesn't feel heavy when soaking into the skin, but if you don't like thick moisturisers then I would definitely stay away from this product.



Overall, these products work for me and its taken a while for me to be happy with my skincare products. If you have anything you think is worth recommending feel free to leave a comment, or likewise if you decide to try any of these products out yourself.





My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes 

Going to see The 1975...Again!

When you admire a band, it’s always a beautiful thing to see them gain success. I've been following The 1975 for a few years now, and ever since I was first introduced to them, by the power of social media, I have been hooked! Now they're growing in popularity, even gaining a number one album!

(click here for more info on the band)

Last year I made a blog post about seeing them for the first time and they have amazed me AGAIN. Since releasing their new album 'i like it when you sleep, for you are beautiful yet so unaware' I was eager to hear their material in person.

They never fail to amaze me! The combination of creative lyrics and enchanting music, makes for an unforgettable experience. I cant even choose a favorite off their album, they're all that good! However, a definite favorite of the night must go to ' Loving Someone' , the sound coming off the stage accompanied by the spectacular light show made the night all the more fabulous!

My links 

Instagram:  @_jessshughes 
Twitter:    @_jessshughes