Girl Tattoo Sketches

 

Last night I was doing some research into getting another tattoo. My first and only tattoo I got a few years ago now is on my wrist. It's a small sausage dog which was drawn by Picasso. It means the world to mean! It took me years to decide what to get. A part of me was worried about it hurting but mostly I was worried I would get bored with a tattoo after awhile. I wanted something that meant a lot to me and although I don't own a sausage dog, one day I will. I even have the name picked out and everything. I kinda go gaga over little miniature dachshunds.

 

The only other way I'll get a permanent piece of artwork is if it's original. I use to spend hours drawing ideas. I came up with the two sketches above. Although the lady isn't original, I believe she was from a swimsuit book, the collaboration between my own drawings with the girl are. It's a cheeky way of making something new. I never actually got either of these done and stumbled across them last night. I'm going to stick them in a frame because even though they didn't make it to my skin they are still beautiful drawings and I should be proud I created them.

 

Expect to see more of my drawings cropping up as I've found loads I want to share with you

(っ◔‿◔)っ♡

 

oX Wendy Xo

Karla Cosmetics Instagram Giveaway

 

I’m super excited to announce my first ever Instagram Giveaway! I hit a personal milestone yesterday, 300 followers, so I wanted to give something back. Most of the people who tend to follow my social sites are beauty bloggers and makeup artists so it seemed right I do a makeup giveaway. For an added touch I thought it would be nice to throw in one of Karla Cosmetics A4 face charts which I just adore. They are my first choice to create my work on before a photoshoot or event. Check out my review of them here

To be in with a chance of winning head over to www.instagram.com/wendyenglandmua or just use your app.

Winner will receive the following

1 KarlaCosmetics A4 Face Chart pad for all your new creations

2 ELFCosmeticsUK Fan brush and Compact mirror

3 MUAcosmetics Undressed eyeshadow palette & Scarlet lip trio

4 CrownbrushUK Deluxe Crease brush

5 MeMeMe Cherub's Blush cheek & lip tint

6 Natio Pure Mineral Foundation in Soft Tan

7 L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Blush

Here's how you could win

You must be following @Wendyenglandmua

Repost the image using the Hashtag  #winwithwendy

One entry per person (no duplicate accounts) & you're profile must be public for me to see your entry

Giveaway ends on February 14th, 2014

Thank you for your continued support & Good Luck ≧^◡^≦

 

oX Wendy Xo

Duo eyelash glue reviewed

 

It's a staple of many a girls makeup bag. Without it we wouldn't be able to apply our fabulous false eyelashes to flutter at all the boys. There are many eyelash adhesives on the market but the one that I've found to last the longest in Duo. I had no idea this was supplied by MAC until I tried to hunt some down. It's surprising that MAC still sells it on their counters actually. Makeup counter assistants aren't allowed to apply eyelashes due to health and safety. Counter assistants aren't insured like a freelance makeup artist. If a customer were to have a reaction to the glue they could sue. Many counters don't even stock eyelashes now never mind the glue, we have to buy them online.

 

Well MAC seem to be the exception and stock this glue and their own branded lashes. My first thought was how much it cost, £15! When you think about it though you're getting a lot for your money. I found it quite runny initially and unable to apply it directly from the tube straight to the lashes. To overcome that I now use a dish. The consistency does thicken up when left to air for a minute. It sticks fairly well once it's aired but I still find it doesn't hold the lashes in the corner of the eyes. Tell me I'm not the only one that's found this a problem? It holds the lashes on without lifting after a few tweaking but I want to find another brand to use for photoshoots. I need something much quicker and effective when working to time constraints.

 

Love 'n' Hugs

oX Wendy Xo

 

 

Sexting - Cheating or fun?

 

 

 

Lets have some fun... with thanks to Louisa over at RaraRouge blog this post is a follow on from her post 'Sexting. Why it is bad for your health.' She focuses on sexting as a teenager and why it can lead to bulling and even suicide. Please pop over and read her post. I'm going to chat to you about sexting as an adult and how it's perceived. I know this is a little different from my average posts but it's something that has affected myself and many women I know.

 

FACT: Sexting is defined as an act of sending sexually explicit materials through mobile phones. The messages may be text, photo, or video.

 

Whether you're single or attached you will no doubt come across sexting. I've lost count of the number of celebrities who have been caught 'doing it' via text. Remember when Tess Daly was ‘shattered’ after her husband Vernon Kay confessed to exchanging lewd text messages with five girls.

The Strictly Come Dancing host told her friends: ‘The trust is gone.’ However she forgave him for the sake of their children.

 

I myself have had to deal my boyfriends doing this on a several occasions. One ex couldn't understand how he was cheating as he hadn't done anything physical. Yet he clearly knew what he was doing had to be wrong otherwise he wouldn't have been hiding his phone, throwing it under the bed when I walked into the room or freaking out when I picked it up. It didn't stop there though as I suddenly wasn't allowed out with him and his mates anymore. I found out after we broke up through his 'mate' he had actually been meeting up with girls. One boyfriend joined dating sites using his own name, location and photographs. Relationship status though said SINGLE.

 

What the experts say about Sexting...

"If you believe in monogamy and expect your partner to be monogamous, it crosses a sexual and emotional boundary that is very uncomfortable for the other person," says Nina Atwood, author of “Temptations of the Single Girl: The Ten Dating Traps You Must Avoid.” “Since it involves a recipient, it’s a way of being sexually intimate with another person, and that’s cheating.”

Psychologist Karen Sherman, who also agrees sexting counts as cheating because it crosses boundaries and challenges trust, says it’s actually a more serious issue than infidelity.

 

I am no prude by any means. I have no problem with porn within reason. Those people have been paid to pose in magazines, perform on film for the sole purpose of getting the viewer excited. But when a person seeks out another to send explicit texts and photos back and forth a line has been crossed. It's worse than going to a bar and flirting because it's a way of being intimate with another person and those photos can actually be saved!

 

FACT: Sending or receiving a sexually suggestive text or images under the age of 18 is considered child pornography and can result in criminal charges.

 

So what does this mean if you're..

 

Single? Be cautious. Sexting can be fun and cheeky when done correctly. Don't send anything you wouldn't want you're mum to see. Once you hit send you lose all rights to that image and the recipient can then (if they are an asshole) post it on the Internet for everyone to see.

 

In a Relationship? Think to yourself 'Would I be happy if the tables were turned?'. Sending images and lewd messages may seem harmless, but it can cause serious damage to long-term relationships. Sexting each other can be a great turn on especially if you have been together awhile and trust each other. However sexting people outside of the relationship is cheating. And if your partner enjoys the rush of getting turned on via the web or phone, experts say putting up with the violation of trust shouldn’t be an option. Instead, the betrayal could be an opportunity for you to empower yourself and evaluate whether the relationship is worth salvaging.
 

Have you ever had to deal with sexting? Have you been caught out and sent a naughty text to the wrong person? I'd love to hear your stories.
 

 

oX Wendy Xo

Kat Von D Foundation review

 

 

 I couldn't believe my luck when I won this foundation in a competition. I've always loved Kat Von D as an artist and a woman. I watched her before she had her own show LA Ink and admired her black and white tattoo work. If ever I were to get a portrait tattoo she would have to do it! Her makeup line came out in 2008 and it was her lipsticks that drew me in with their deep, rich colours but back then I wasn't a big lipstick fan so admired from a far. But now I really really want to get my hands on them. 

 

The foundation had passed me by until now. It appears to be a hit or miss product for most users. It claims to be medium to full coverage, highly pigmented and long-wearing. It's very matte so best to stay away from this foundation if you have dry skin. Unfortunately this shade 'Light 49' was too dark for my skintone (Light 46 would have been perfect as it has pink undertones). I was planning to keep it for contouring but it's too thick to blend well enough. The product claims to cover tattoos which would explain it's thick consistency. I wouldn't recommend wearing a product this thick for a long period of time and to wash it off thoroughly by double cleansing to avoid blocked pores.

 

Overall I'd give this a 3 out of 5. Best for those with oily skin for it's staying power. If you have dry or combination skin stay clear as it will stick to dry patches and make you look cakey. I love the packaging and pump dispenser but won't purchase for my own use. Kat Von D's line is exclusive to Sephora stores which as far as I know we don't have in the UK. I can't work out if there's anywhere else online they can be bought besides eBay. If anyone could help I'd appreciate it.

 

oX Wendy Xo

 

 

So you want to be a Makeup Artist

You love makeup, fashion and being a girl. You can often be found taking selfies of your latest look and pouting on your blog having done a lipstick swatch. You even have a vlog reviewing all your favourite brands, from MAC to Illamasqua. You were born with a brush in your hand and their wasn't an inch of your mums makeup bag your hadn't explored as a tweenie. Sounds like you right? Great!

You'll be surprised then to find out that most of the above doesn't apply to me. Yet I'm a Makeup Artist... how can that be? Growing up I didn't know what I wanted to do as a career. I actually thought I had to join the army like my parents and grandparents did. I was relived to find out I had a choice - I could be anything I wanted to be!! I'd love to say I went straight into the beauty industry but my journey has been a long one and still going. What I'm saying is it's ok if you don't know what you want to do aged 16...21..even 40! Some people just have to experience life to find out where they fit before they can settle into a career.

 

Steps to becoming a Makeup Artist

1. Love working with makeup
2. Practice on yourself and learn different techniques
3. Enrol on a Makeup course
4. Build a portfolio of your best work
5. Gain experience by assisting other MUAs & by working in the field. This could be on a beauty counter or through an agency.

I became interested in beauty from network marketing. Popping brochures through doors and delivering makeup to customers. During this time I set up a little blog and started reviewing the little makeup I had. I started to learn how to apply makeup from YouTube. I followed Pixiwoo, Klaire de Lys, Tanya Burr but it was when I started to follow the work of Karla Powell I became inspired. I started to see makeup as more than an everyday cover up. Instead I was seeing it as a creative outlet - art. I had no idea where to start though and my face didn't lend itself to selfies (I have thin lips and bad skin). It was time to go back to school.

 

That’s why I began doing makeup in the first place: I was hoping that through helping people see the beauty in themselves, I could try and find it in me. - Kevyn Aucoin

I don't know how I came across Jackie Hamiltons School of Beauty but it was the best course I found in the Norwich area. They have a fab reputation and look after their students even after they leave. I have been back there several times since I qualified to do photoshoots for my portfolio. Since I had no experience I chose the Level 2 Makeup course which is broken up over several weeks and fitted perfectly around my job. The tutor Kerry was very knowledgeable having worked as a makeup artist for Estee Lauder for several years. The class was kept small so we all had individual attention and the other students were of all ages and different backgrounds so I didn't feel out of place being a mature student.

 

Some of the things I learnt while on the course...

 • Airbrushing

• Corrective, day, evening, special occasion and bridal make-up application

• Understand, explain and demonstrate clients skin type, condition and texture

• Cat flicks

• Smoky eyes

• Understand, explain and demonstrate correct use of cosmetics

• Cleanse, tone and moisturise

• Skin analysis

• Cosmetic science; ingredients in colour cosmetics, creams, oils etc

• Understand, explain and recognise skin tones

• Understand, explain and recognise face, eye, lip and nose shapes

• Consulting and communicating with the client effectively

• Skin disorders and diseases

• Contraindications

• Marketing 

 

You'll never stop learning in this industry. You can even go on and do Level 3 where you'll learn more in-depth techniques and gain portfolio images. I would have loved to stay on but money was tight. Instead I went out to gain experience doing photoshoot makeup and working on beauty counters.

 

“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” 

- Coco Chanel

 

There are many people who practise makeup but don't have a qualification, many girls on beauty counters have never taken a course. It comes down to self-teaching and talent at the end of the day. The reason to gain atleast the Level 2 qualification is to learn about hygiene and skin disorders, what not to do and ofcourse to get connected. We all know that good old saying, "It's not WHAT you know but WHO you know". You will learn much more from going out there and experiencing the industry. This school has been my starting point and I'm so thankful for the lessons I learnt.

So if you think being a Makeup Artist is for you do your research and check out courses within your budget but most of all that the course covers what you want to learn. Practise on your family and friends, it's so different applying makeup to another person. Here's a little secret ... I hate wearing makeup o_O but at the same time I love makeup! I just love applying it to other people and that's why I'm a Makeup Artist.

This post was for Elly who emailed me about becoming a Makeup Artist and ofcourse anyone who isn't yet sure what their path in life is. I hope this helps you ALL!!

 

An artist is not paid for his labor but for his vision. - James Whistler

Hugs 'n' Kisses

oX Wendy Xo

 

 

Urban Decay Naked Foundation review

 

This is the start of my foundation reviews. I have amassed a treasure trove of different brands and yet I haven't reviewed any!! Am I a beauty blogger? Since when did I stop blogging about products the moment they hit my dressing table. Well it's time I stopped being so lazy and get my review clogs on. I have 10 foundations which I have picked out to review individually.

 

 

Before reading please take into account my skin type -- Finding a foundation to suit my skin tone and texture is like trying to find a needle in the haystack. I have oily/combination skin, an oily T-zone with very dry and yet sensitive cheeks sums it up. I suffer badly from spots and blackheads and have acne scarring because of it.

 

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup - A foundation which until recently has passed me by. At £27 it's verging on the high end scale and competing with Illamasqua, Lancome and MAC. It comes beautifully packaged with an easy to use pump. It dispenses just enough without wastage (very important at this price).  There are several shades to choose from and the labels ending in zero indicating a warm-toned shade, and shades ending with a five are for cooler complexions.

 

My foundation is 0.5 which turned out to be slightly too light for me but I'd rather it be too light than too dark. It's supposed to be a “weightless” and “invisible” foundation with a “luminous, demi-matte finish” and “buildable coverage.” I found it to be fully matte with a light to medium coverage. It was too dry on my cheeks which looked cakey but went on smoothly around my jaw and t-zone. As you can see from the photos it didn't cover my spots fully, not that I expected it to, so a dab of concealer would still be needed on top.

 

Overall I wouldn't buy it for my skin type. If you have normal or oily skin I would highly recommend it. It wears well and doesn't feel like your even wearing foundation. It doesn't have any SPF so make sure your moisturiser does before putting it on and heading out during the day.

 

If you use this brand please leave a comment so my readers can get a wide range of opinions. Which foundation would you like to review from my 10 next?

 

Wendy xo

 

 

Unique CV ideas

 

 

Lazy Sunday is happening right now. I was suppose to be doing a photoshoot today with my friend and a model but the model had to drop out at the last minute. So after admitting defeat and accepting that I wasn't going to get hold of a different model who would suit the criteria I decided to shift my priorities. You see makeup for me currently is more of a hobby. I collaborate with other newbies to build up our portfolios for future career moves. I have been in the beauty industry for nearly 3 years now and I've been a qualified makeup artist for 6 months. Work for me has been mostly temporary jobs to fill the time and pay the rent. As you'll remember from previous posts I wasn't born with a brush in my hand. The last 12 months haven't been fulfilling career wise. I'm at the stage where I feel like I could climb walls or start collecting cat ornaments unless I find a full-time job soon.

 

After several applications, some taking hours to complete, and several posted and emailed CVs I am still no closer to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. I have decided to go back to basics. The first step in the process of getting a job... the CV. I was staring at it and thinking if I had to read this would I care? It looked bland, structured and wouldn't be out of place in a filling cabinet. Perfect if I want to be forgotten easily. Where's my personality? Where's my USP? My skills and experience alone isn't going to tell the reader who I am.

 

What is a Unique Selling Point (USP)?

It's that something that makes you different to everyone else. When starting a business it's the first thing you have to discover otherwise what's the point in starting. You may have several unique selling points like being a people person, caring, creative, plays a trombone. I ask you to go away and write down everything that makes you unique. It's a great confidence booster.

 

That brings me back to mine. My USP isn't within my work experience or my education. For me it's all the things I have taught myself, life lessons which have served me. How do I show that in a CV?? Well for starters the boring layout had to go, it's ridiculously dull. I opened up PicMonkey and started from scratch. I had a look around online for some ideas and also what I had to include -

 

Must Include for potential employers - Name, Address, Experience and Education, Contact details

 

Did you know that most employers skim read CVs? What they are looking for are the above info and key words. These key words are normally within the job description itself so do your research. If they can't find those within the first 10 seconds then you and your hopes are thrown onto the discard pile. Don't use a photo. Our eyes are drawn to photos hence why Pinterest and Instagram are so popular. If you add your face to your CV however then the reader will miss important facts on your CV. Remember they are short on time and skimming. You can use colour but keep it simple, too many colours may look unprofessional unless your a graphic designer.

So here it is my finished CV. I managed to condense it onto one side of A4 after omitting all the junk and adding bullet points instead. Doesnt it look better! If you had to choose between reading the CV on the left and the CV on the right if you only hand 2 minutes to spare which would you choose? I hope this inspires you to review your CVs and good luck with your job hunting.
 

 

 

Hugs 'n' Kisses

oX Wendy Xo

 

How to: Glossybox Jewellery Box

 

So I've had these Glossyboxes floating around for a year now, unsure what to do with them but reluctant to throw them away. Those who follow me know how much I adore Pinterest - I have a boards on pretty much everything. It was from there that I stumbled upon posts of Glossyboxes which had been turned into storage containers. The one that stood out to me was from Gerry Leanne of Floral and Freckled blog. Instead of the conventional storage with an upturned lid she had flipped the lid over to create a functioning open and close lid.

 

I emptied my boxes which had been used as spare change containers and stationary holders. I had 3 limited edition boxes and 2 original salmon colours which still had lids. For this jewellery box the lids are crucial. In true Blue Peter style I've created a step by step tutorial on how I made mine and I hope it inspires you to make your own version. Please link back if you do and let me know so I can check them out. I'd love to write a post sharing all your wonderful DIY Glossyboxes.

 (っ◔‿◔)っ♡

 

 

What you will need:

3 Glossyboxes with lids (I used one limited edition and 2 original for a vintage look)

Spare Card

Scissors

Super Glue (I ran out so used a hot glue gun)

Ribbon from 2 boxes or buy some from Hobbycraft

Craft Knife (please let an adult use this for you if you're too young)

 

 

 

Step 1 - Turn your boxes sideways and slip 2 lids on either end. Or you could do what I did and spend 5 minutes trying to work out why they don't fit on the longest side. Yes I really did that o_O/

Now make sure the logo on both sides are facing the same way - I forgot but I'm not fussy.

 

 

Step 2 - This is where you'll need an adult if you're too young as we are about to pull out the craft knife. Using a cutting mat (or an old mag) Slice down each edge of the front of the lid in turn. This will leave an opening to allow the boxes to slide in and out.

 

 

Step 3 - You're going to need a bottom and a back to your jewellery box otherwise it will just fall apart as soon as you pull a draw out. We'll be using the spare card for this part. I used card from a Christmas present box, you can buy some or even use other Glossyboxes if you don't mind. Using the lid draw around it onto 2 bits of card, cut them out and fix them with your glue to the bottom and back of your now empty lids (bit difficult to do if you leave the drawers in).

 

 

Step 4 - Pop those draws back in now as this will help keep the shape while we move onto the next part. Pop the lid back on and turn it so the back is facing you. Cut up 4 pieces from your ribbon and glue them to the lid and back as pictured which will give you that hinged effect. Next you'll need to create the inner hinges which will keep your lip from falling backwards when opened.

 

Step 5 - Cut 2 pieces of the ribbon roughly double the length of the lid. You will find they fit neatly if you cut them diagonally. Remove the top tray so you have room to glue. Do this one side at a time. I found using hot glue easier as it dries really quickly. Glue the first piece of ribbon to the lid and with the lid open at 90 degrees glue the other end to the underside of the exposed edge. Repeat on the other side.

 

 

Step 6 - Lastly you are going to add the pretty trimmings. Mostly I've seen ribbons and bows used for the handles on the draws. I was going to use the brown ribbon I had laying around from Hobbycraft but after a hunt through my buttons I found these. It gives the now finished jewellery box some much needed bling.

 

Doesn't it look fab! Cheap and cheerful, I didn't spend anymoney making it (accept the cost of buying the boxes in the first place that is). There are so many uses for this up-cycled box - you could store your makeup in there, jewellery or how about something different like sexy undies or bedside treats. Why not cut up the cardboard packaging the Glossyboxes come in to make in-draw dividers to keep everything neat and tidy? Have fun with them and don't forget to link back dolls.

 

Hugs 'n' Kisses

oX Wendy Xo

 

 

Makeup Academy Collection

I've been using MUA for a few years now and have accumulated many a product. Naturally I have a clear out now and then and keep an eye on best before dates. Foundations, eyeshadows and lipsticks are generally good for 12 months, liquid eyeliners, mascaras and lip glosses need replacing every 6 months. I had a clear out this January to make way for new, exciting spring/summer makeup - ok so I'm a bit ahead but I'm so over winter now.

Photographed above is what I had left after my clear out of my MUA products. My sister bought me a new palette and lip colours for Christmas which I'm yet to use. 

So what do I own now?

Undress Your Skin shimmer highlighter

Lipstick Trio Scarlet

Fashionista customizable palette

Pro-Base Fixing Mist Spray

Out There Plumping lipgloss in Candy Pink

3 in 1 Extreme Contour Liner in Black

Liquid Eyeliner shade 1

Professional Eyes Primer

Undressed Eyeshadow Palette x2

Heaven and Earth Eyeshadow Palette

Poptastic Eyeshadow Palette

The highlighted products link to a review, please check them out and leave a comment. If you would like a review of any of the above products which aren't highlighted leave a comment below. Thank you for reading.

Wendy xo

Inglot Pacific Blue Collection 290 Lipstick

 

I thought I would share with you my first ever Inglot purchase. Inglot is a brand I only came across because of studying makeup. It's not your typical go-to brand. The nearest store to me is Westfields in London (a 3hr drive!). I ordered mine online and was quite disappointed when they didn't show up until 2 weeks later! I have no idea why it took so long, I'm not even sure where I bought them from now. It has slightly put me off buying the odd item for photoshoots. If I want anything I'll have to buy way in advance just in case.

 

Photographed above is number 290 from Inglots Pacific Blue Collection. There are 6 shades of sumptuous blues in the collection. I bought another shade too which I'll review later. The lipsticks all have vitamin E and apricot kernel oil moisturise and protect the lips whilst the non-sticky, long lasting formula provides easy and even application. I found this glided on my lips both directly from the tube and applied with a lip brush. The striking colour does need some help to last though. I found the pink of my lips started to show through after awhile and made for an odd look. Blue isn't an everyday colour for lips but it sure is fun and looks fab on a cool complexion.

 

If you would like to browse Inglot collection without driving miles you can use their site www.inglotuk.com Happy Shopping!!

 

oX Wendy Xo

 

Look what I Won

What a way to start the new year! Today Mr Postman delivered a very special package (uh he's not attractive so don't let your mind wander). I entered a fabulous competition run by Freya Bolton-Hildermorris and came second. As you can see I won a whole lot of products, more than I was expecting actually. She added in a few cheeky extras which was incredibly kind of her.

So what exactly did I win?

Royal & Langnickel brush set and roll

Vaseline Lip Therapy gift set

Metallic purple makeup bag

Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream in light

Estée Lauder Double Wear Light 1.0

L'Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream Anti-Fatigue

L'Oreal Nude Magique CC Cream Anti-Redness

L'Oreal Nude Magique BB Blush Rosy

MAC Prep + Prime BB in light

Kat Von D Lock-it Tattoo Foundation in light

Urban Decay NAKED Skin Foundation 0.5

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in Honey

Benefit Mini Posie Tint

Too Faced BB in Snow Glow

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation Shade SB 02

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation Shade SB 04

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation Shade SB 5.5

Can you believe it? I still can't! I'm over the moon. I am yet to try any Illamasqua or Kat Von D (I love her lippies) so I'm really going to enjoy doing individual posts on ALL these products throughout January. It's really going to keep me busy. What products do you love but haven't had the luxury of trying yet? 

Wendy xo

Looking back at 2013

 

 

Another year has swept past us at lightening speed. It has been a turbulent year full of highs and lows. I know many who have had great success in 2013 and I have been continually inspired by their whole-hearted pursuit of their goals. There have been several changes in my own life and one major advancement which is starting to become a major part of my life.

 

Pivotal moments of 2013

 

Left my position as Advanced Sales Leader for Avon - I had spent several years trying to find my footing in the Direct Selling industry but hit a brick wall when Avon Cosmetics moved into China and began testing on animals. I had tried all the tricks in the book to convince myself it didn't affect me or my job as it was only in China where these products would be sold but my heart won out. I could no longer tell my customers Avon was against animal cruelty when I knew this not to be true.

 

Enrolling onto the Level 2 Makeup course at Jackie Hamilton School of Beauty in March - Since starting my beauty blog and working with Avon I was opened to the beauty industry and unlocked a passion for makeup I did not have before. I took to the course like a duck to water, a duck with a gimpy leg actually but with a unfailing determination to better myself.

 

Moved home - In April Stu and I moved out of our home of 4 years and into his old grandparents house just outside Norwich. The rent would go towards his nans care after his granddads departure in January 2013. It was a hard move for us both as we didn't feel comfortable at first in this house that wasnt of our choosing. We have the constant worry of having to move again but not knowing when or how we will be able to afford to.

 

Collaborations - I learnt that collaborating with other creatives who are in the same boat was not only inspirational but kept me sane. I realised that I was not the only one who was struggling to start again.

 

Money or lack thereof - I will always remember 2013 as an unlucky year for work. I had many temporary and part-time jobs as it seemed impossible to get hold of a full-time job. This did allow me to sample different industries and see where I belonged. I joined several agencies and worked for companies such as Lancome, Coty Fragrances, Bare Minerals & Givenchy. Those were the highs and I met many amazing women on those counters. The low points were when I had to wash up day in day out and clean toilets (even vomit) in other jobs.

 

Relationship strains - Needless to say all the changes throughout the year put a strain on my own relationship. Some days wondering if it was all worth it. I am lucky to have the support of a loving boyfriend who knows what it's like to lose your path and have to start again. I would not have been able to get through the year without him.

 

When your 29 and trying to get your foot in a new door without any experience in the industry it proves incredibly difficult. I will continue to pursue my new path with gusto and hope that in this year that I turn 30 I will find a career, save some money and go abroad (I wish for this every year). The last time I went abroad I was 17.

 

2014 Goals to aim towards

Find a stable, engaging career which I can give my all to.

Continue to collaborate and create new projects which will inspire

Complete my makeup kit with brands who are against animal cruelty

Pay off some of my debt which has spiralled out of my control in 2013

 

I wish you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR and I hope this year is better than the last.

 

Wendy Xo