your hostess: 'Jessica Emily Starbuck.xxx

Welcome to my humble blog.

i love leopard print, lace and anything that resembles Cath Kidston.

i hate the ends of sausages. i hate opening gates. i hate it when you wake up and there's nothing for breakfast.

Happy reading!

lots of love.. Jessie.' xoxo

New Lippy!

May 2, 2013

I have resisted the urge to 'nip' to Boots literally for an entire month and today, I caved. I feel like a self-confessed addict. I literally had an entire basket full of things that I didn't really need- so I've just picked out these little gems to show you! 


First up, everyone and their mum's have raved on and on about the Real Techniques brushes- and for a while I did think that they were a little overrated and they hype would die down, but alas, it has not. So a couple of months ago I went and purchased a couple to see what they were all about. I got the stippling brush first of all, and after using it twice, I pushed it aside and decided it wasn't for me. Then, I figured I should try another-  which is when I got the foundation brush, which, I mean, isn't fantastic, but it's one of the best that I've found. I then watched a few tutorials where I found that I was using the stippling brush all wrong (typical) and after trying it again, I figured that it was actually okay and quite enjoy using it now. So this morning, I was doing my makeup and realised that I could do with a new powder brush, and here we are now- £12.99 down and a lovely brush up. Typically, it's a lovely brush and the hairs (??) are so soft on your skin and not irritating or scratchy, which I find most brushes are.. I would definitely recommend these to anyone who needs a new brush. 

Then, I saw these lipsticks and got slightly excited. Truth be told, I never bothered with lipsticks up until last year, when I would buy one every month or so and just look at it, maybe wearing for an hour before the mirror and then wiping it off before I go out.. Now, I can't seem to go out without wearing it. It definitely perks up your face-- you can look so drab and then put a slick of brighly coloured lippy on and BAM, instant glamour! 
***must add. It's been almost a month since buying these lipsticks now and I would not recommend the stain one as it's sticky and dries your lips!*** full review coming soon. 

xox
 

BUY NOW page..

April 17, 2013
Just thought I'd add that I've made a page on here to start selling certain things.. I've added a few of my nail designs, and they're only £1.99, which isn't bad at all! I'm really excited to start selling these, so I'd be so appreciative if a few of you could buy a set just so I can get to grips with postage and acceptance of payments etc! 
Any questions or requests of nails, feel free to email me! JessicaStarbuck__x@hotmail.co.uk

Thank you all in advance!! xxxx

 
 

Latest buys.

April 17, 2013
Hello! 
As explained a few weeks ago, I've been really stuck for cash this month, so this post will be kinda short and sweet! 

This shirt, Primark £12, caught my eye for the last few times I've popped in, and the other day I finally decided to grab it before it goes. I think you could either dress up jeans with this and heels, or dress down a dress and use this as a jacket/throw over. I love the detail on the shoulders too, it gives it a unique feel. 


My sister ripped my Topshop legging somehow, so I finally got round to getting some more. I love how thick they are cos you can get away with wearing them with shorter tops without looking like a complete slut. 


I got these from Primark when I was in Chester-- the left one is completely cute and perfect for summer and I really can't wait to wear it. The right one was only £7, and you all know that I'm a sucker for lace! 


Seeing as it's the beginning of spring, I've been really getting into buying summery things- but this weather means that I probably will have to wait til a holiday to wear them! Anyway, this is from Select, and it's just so pretty!! 


This top is also from Select, and it matches everything! Obviously it's lace, so I had to have it, but I think it looks good just thrown on with anything! 

 

You may know that I am also a sucker for oversized brown bags- they look so classy with anything and fit so much in! You can pick this one up from Primark, also available in black. 

So there we have it- told you that it wouldn't be a lot! 
xoxo
 

Lancome Teint Visionnaire foundation and Topshop Lippy. xo

April 16, 2013
Hello everybody! 

It's been a while since I've done a product review, and this week I figured I would post at least one- so here we go! 

I have heard so much about Lancome's new 'Teint Visionnaire' foundation (TV for short), and I've been dying to try it since it's launch, but with it retailing at almost £40, I couldn't bring myself to pay out that much to find that it was infact quite rubbish. Then, my friend told me about an online forum where they were offering free 7-day trials of the foundation and I figured what the heck, and went ahead and applied for it. They sent me a text later on that day telling me to go down to my local Lancome counter, (which for me is right the way in town) and it was only yesterday that I've finally managed to go and get it. 



This is what I'm talking about. Have you seen it in all the magazines? It claims to be the best foundation around just now, and holds ingredients that, over a period of time, fill out wrinkles and reduce pores. I am always skeptical about anything that claims such things, but I think this is due to my lack of fine lines and huge pores, so I'd love to hear some miracle stories about how it has worked for you. 

Anyway, I went to the counter yesterday, and an older lady with a face only a mother can love gave me a (very toothy) smile, but it was the kind where you can see in their eyes that they are cursing you in their head. Anyway, after eyeing every inch of my body, she came to a conclusion that I was some peasant who had clearly never worn Lancome before, and she belittled me to within an inch of my dignity.. I had just finished an 8 hour shift, I had been up since 5am and hadn't had a chance to change or touch up my makeup before I had rushed off into town, but of course, she would never consider anything like that to have happened. Anyway, after an awkward 'hello', I told her that I had a text telling me to come and pick up a 7-day trial of the new foundation. She asked me questions that she thought I would not know the answers to, asking me about my skin and my tones etc, and in the end she matched me to shade 02. She then poured a some into a very small bottle, told me that it was the best foundation ever, and then stalked off. Okay, so I've never been a fan of makeup assistants, I find that they will belittle you no matter where you are or what you look like, but she was something else! Stuff her and her wotsit-coloured mask of slap! Off I went, hoping that I wouldn't look like her when I was done.

This is the teeny bottle that they gave me.
 
Anyway, I was going to try it this morning, but seeing as I was up at 5am again, getting ready in limited lighting, and knowing that my foundation had to last all day, I didn't think it was wise to try something new. The mirrors at work are situated in the dimmest light imaginable, and you really can't tell whether you look stunning or if you've got ready in the dark. I remember the last time I tried a new foundation before an early shift and I looked in my rear-view mirror after finishing and I had patches of orange all over my face. Cringe! So I thought that I would leave it until I finished work this afternoon.. 

I got home and cleansed my face of my previous makeup: (LOOK AWAY NOW IF YOU DON'T WANT TO THROW UP!)
 

As you can see, my skin is very uneven- I don't have that many spots as such, just redness and that's the main reason I wear foundation/concealer. Before I put it onto my face, I thought I should do a swatch, so here it is:


In the left is the consistency of the foundation on my hand.. It's quite runny,but I get the feeling you can apply layers to work up the cover. On the right I just thought I should show the wand that came with the small bottle.. 

The lady briefly explained that the real foundation comes with a built-in concealer which can be found in the lid, and apparently you are meant to put that on prior to the foundation, but seeing as I didn't get that, and I only wanted to research the foundation, I figured I would just put it straight onto my face. I used the Real Techniques Stippling brush, which I find gives you a more natural look. My first thoughts were good, but not spectacular, and no way is it a miracle product, but then I had to imagine I was to have the concealer on already. If this was 6 months ago I would have hated it- not usually being a fan of thin, medium coverage foundations, but due to my recent cut down, I think it's okay. Here, see..



LEFT:BEFORE RIGHT:AFTER


As you can see, my skin is noticeably clearer, showing barely any signs of redness or discolouration. I do wish that it was a little more heavy coverage, but I think with another layer it will be perfect, although I didn't want to waste my little bottle cos I think I will get much more used to it as the week goes on and find better ways to apply it. Anyway, then I wondered if I could merge it into my regular makeup routine, so I applied the rest of my makeup and I think it looks A-OK! 



Not bad, huh? 


This is what brings me to my next thing-- Topshop's Riorio lipstick. It's what I've been wearing for the last few days and I just thought I'd share it with you! I love all Topshop's lipsticks- they are so pigmented and last forever on your lips. 

 


Have any of you tried these? xoxo
 

Summer Festivals!

April 7, 2013
Festivals.. Sun, tents, denim shorts, wellies and long socks. Anoraks, feathers and fringing. Flower headbands, neon body paints and drunken antics. How can anyone not get excited at the possibilities of a festival?! 

This year, I'm going to a few festivals, and I am so excited about it and I guess it sparked a thought that I could do a quick post on the essentials you'll need for a festival- So here we go! 

Luggage wise, I was thinking a fair-sized bag, cute but necessary, a toiletry bag to hold washing things etc, a makeup bag with only the essential makeup and a little bag for money/phone etc.
 


1. Union Jack holdall: Tesco £19.96 - I got this when I was still working at Tesco and I use it whenever I go away and always get so many compliments. It's unique and makes going away in style a literal saying. It's size is deceiving and was probably made by the same people as Mary Poppin's ever-growing bag was made from because you put more and more in and it never gets full.
 
2.Cath Kidston wash bag: Cath Kidston £18.00- How cute is this little bag? I think it's the perfect size to throw in your makeup wipes, deodrant, dry shampoo etc! 
 
3.Makeup bag- Ted Baker £39.00: I got this bag for my birthday after having wanted one for so long and I'm so glad that I did. There is a bigger one and a smaller one, this being the bigger one. It is amazingly stylish and fits more than you would think in it.
 
4. Shoulder bag- Select £12- I chose this bag because not only would it match practically everything, but you can sling it over your body so that it's safe enough to dance about and not have a care in the world. It will fit your phone, camera, purse and lippy in and what else would you really need?! 

Makeup/wash essentials:


1. Everyone needs some sort of patterned shorts for a festival. They match everything, are comfy and look good even if they get a little bit dirty! Good one! 

2. A coat is obviously essential to take with you. Everyone knows that a festival isn't complete without a spot of wind and rain. These coats match everything and look great oversized-- perfect to fit those hoodies underneath!

3. Fringing is a summer must have. So fashionable! 

4. A straw hat is great whatever the weather. Keep your head out of the sun with this cute little thing! 

5. Patterned wellies will make you stand out from the crowd and liven up those muddy hours.

6.a cute statement necklace will take you from day to night and keep you going all night! 

Makeup wise:


1. You want a BB cream that you can pop on without a mirror through out the day. They keep your skin moisturised, but give you enough coverage to feel confident. I love this Garnier one with no oil as it stops you from getting a shiny face.

2. I thought I would pop this foundation onto the list as it's perfect for perking up drab, tired skin with it's shimmery tones and smooth consistency, it makes you look fresh and dewy! (Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation)

3. A cream based blusher is good for on the go application and it keeps your face looking fresh, especially when used with the Rimmel Wake Me Up foundation.

4. What is a festival without some neon body paint!? haha. 

5. Rimmel's Apocalips's in Big Bang is great for putting on to liven up your complexion. It's a gorgeous sheer bright red that spreads like a gloss but looks like a lipstick. Easy to put on too! 

6 + 7. Mascaras. You'll need a waterproof one too to avoid that panda eye look that we all hate. 

8. Benefit's Brow Zings is a necessity for any time, any where. Shaped, filled in eyebrows make you look tidy and naturally pretty, so don't go forgetting about this! 

And for the other essentials... 


1. Dry shampoo-- I can't think of anything worse than having greasy hair for days and no way of reviving it. Here is your savour!   2. Makeup wipes- even though you're out you still need to take care of that face! Get that makeup off galsss.   3. Moisturiser- you need this cos whether it's hot or cold, the fresh air is gonna dry out your face and hands.  4. Deodrant- Noone wants stinky pits in their face when you're throwing your hands in the air.. and Sunglasses to hide your hangover.  5. Some fake tan cos if any of you are as white as me, the sight of your bare legs will blind people.  6. Surf spray-- for the days where your hair is unstylable!  7. Chewable toothbrush- who needs water anyway!  8. Lip balm- because chapped lips are not cool if you're out to pull!  9. Tangle teezer- if you don't have one of these already, get one! It's crazy how easy this combs out any luggs with no pain!  10. a cute flower head band. boho is so back on trend! 

Let me know what festivals you're all going in! 
loves xox
 

weekends are all about partying, ok?

April 7, 2013

 Hey everybody! 

So I just thought I would tell you about this weekend, seeing as I am sat here, hungover to the max with every intention of eating my own body weight in pizza and ice cream whilst watching every Disney film that I can possibly fit in. As you may or may not know, this weekend hosted the annual Grand National horse race, and being the innocent little soul that I am, I've never gambled, nor do I probably ever have the intention to do so. It's not that I have anything against people who gamble, I personally just do not understand any of it. Anyway, every year my friends have a family party in celebration of the Grand National- something to do with their grandparents being heavily addicted to gambling, and the promise of them only being allowed to gamble on this occasion each year. It's always a laugh, and we get a little merry, have some food and hang out. I love spending time with their family-- they were my second family for the last two years, but working so much means that I rarely get to see them anymore. Seeing as I have no bloody idea on what/who to put my bet on, or how much you're meant to put on etc, I just chose one called 'Teaforthree' simply because it made me fancy some tea and scones, mmm! I didn't win anything, with is typical for me seeing as I literally never win anything, but I had so much fun and it was well worth me going! 
Then, my mum has gone away to London for the weekend with her friend, and my dad works away, so me and my sister are home alone for the weekend, so she decided to throw a party. I got home and didn't recognise anyone.. There's sick in the garden, the floors are a state and there's so much drink just laying around. I guess we are lucky that everyone was decent and well behaved to an extent, and it could have been a lot worse! I don't want to say that I don't like my sister's friends, but they can be so unruly and rude sometimes, so it was nice to meet some of her friends who aren't actually like that! 

How were all your weekends? 

lots of love xo
 

Instagram xo

April 5, 2013




 

 1+2.Trying out a bow-bun. Not too shabby, right? 3.Made Alice in Wonderland-themed treats for a tea party. 4.The invitation for the tea party. 5.Heaven. How can anyone turn down a Mcdonalds breakfast? 6.Fringe went well- cheeky selfie. 7.Dying my huuur. 8.Out for St. Paddy's day. 9.Dying the day after.. 10. watching Gossip Girl, drinking hot chocolate. Perfect hangover cure. 11.Lukey made me a yummy salad. 12.Got tickets to go and watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show. 13.Snow. In March. How bloody English. 14.Changed my name badge to Cinderella because not only do I have to clean everything, but I am a princess. 15.Me and my mumma. 16.Hungover selfie- trying out a new app. 17.Cuddles with a sleepy Lukey. 18.Me& May going for a snowy walk. 19.PRETTY sure that bowl isn't microwave safe. 20.Baked cakes for my nanna. 21.wantwantwant these coats! 22.Trying something new with my hair! 23.Freezing cold outside, so I wrapped up warm. 24.Mum bought me some Soap and Glory. 25.Packing for a surprise trip, yay. 26.Fixed my beetle, woop. 27.Painted my nails ever so nicely. 28.Food porn- Strawberry and chocolate on brioche. 29.Off our for a meal with daddy, maisie and lukey. 30. Me and maymoo. 31.Luke enjoying a coffee in Chester. 32.First time I've been out without extensions for years! 33.again.. 34.Summary of best weekend away in Chester. 35.Made Luke some cupcakes for our 2 year anniversary! 36.What I left Luke to wake up to on my birthday! xxx

@Jessieestarbuck

 

Need some pennies!

April 5, 2013

 Hello! 
This year, I've really been struggling on the money front. I've never been good with money and how I handle it, I am forever owing my mum/boyfriend money. This year, I decided that I was going to sort it out and finally be free to have my own money, but this is proving somewhat hard. I get paid, I give my car insurance money, pay my phone bill, pay my mum as much as possible and then I am skint for a month. Wah, I feel like I am working for nothing and it's killing me. 

 This is why, in the last week, I have decided that I need to find a way to make some extra cash to get me back on track and finally have some money.. I need your help! I want to know whether you lot would buy nails that I've hand-crafted, only for 99p or so and I need to know what you girlies would like to see. I will leave my email at the bottom, PLEASE contact me and tell me whether you think this is a good idea and what patterns/colours you'd like to see. I'm also considering sending samples to a few of you guys so you can give me any improvement tips etc.

Also, have any of you sold items on eBay before? I have tonnes of clothes that I am looking to sell and eBay seems like the most logical place to sell them but I have no idea where you begin.. People keep telling me different things etc, so I need someone to help me out there too- so again, pop me some info in an email and I will love you forever! :)

One more thing- if you can think of any other ideas or tips to make money, please help me out!! 

Thank you in advance guys! xoxo 


jessicastarbuck__x@hotmail.co.uk
 

wish list.xo

March 25, 2013


1. Mint green coat- I love the colour of this coat, and have been looking for it since I saw it on the app 'Polyvore' and completely fell in love with it! I want a replica of it, so I need a hand girlies! 

2. Pink coat- New Look £29.99. Such a pretty colour- so girly and glam! 

3. Burgandy trousers- Select £8. wantwantwant!

4. Flowery heels- Boohoo.com £35.00. How girly are these?! 

5. Blazer with chiffon sleeves- Select, £20. I LOVE THIS. It's so chic and would look ultra cute this spring! 

xoxo
 

sponsors!

March 22, 2013
Hello everybody! 

I've got two really talented close friends who are both at the same stage right now and could do with a little help getting their work a bit more wide spread.. 

The first is a young lady, Leonie; the proud owner of www.puretobepink.blogspot.com. A lover of all things vintage, she pursues a career of pattern cutting and regularly makes her own clothes and fancy dress, her latest creation being a 1947 Christian Dior "New Look" jacket. The pieces that I have seen her produce are made to absolute perfection, and her eye of all things fashionable makes her one to watch for the future! Her talent in textiles are spectacular, and I for one am a massive supporter! 

The second is Stacey and she owns www.staceyrebeccalapper.blogspot.com. Stacey is also so, so talented within the textiles industry, already having her degree in fashion and textiles, and has a BA in decorative arts. She tends to specialise in recycled materials, working closely with denim and is very inspired by patterns found on currencies. She is fantastic with her ideas of what she's going to create next and has such a great passion for finding new ideas that haven't been seen, her latest is converting old cloths into travel pillows. Her creativity completely blows my mind and I'm jealous that I have no imagination in comparison! 

I know that in a few years, I'll look back on this post and hope that it was me who helped get that ball rolling, but ladies, please remember me when you're hanging with fashionistas, creating your clothes for the stars and don't forget about little old me! If all of you don't immediately go and look at their pages, I'll be extremely unhappy!! 

lots of love xox