Beauty | Colour Correct and Lip Plump with Studio 10

Over the past year or so a clever MUA trick called 'colour correction' has become part of gals and guys daily make-up routines. The trick consists of combatting unwanted colour and blemishes with the opposite colour of the blemish on the 'colour wheel'. For dark under eye bags, orange is used to make them vanish. For unwanted redness, applying a cool shade of blue quickly takes away the rouge.

While practicing I used to use a £10 contour and colour palette from eBay but finally decided it was time to try out the good stuff. This gorgeous correction palette, called 'Age Defy Skin Perfector' is from Studio 10. It's small yet strong (like me, wa-heee) and holds a primer, concealer in two shades and blue and orange cream colour concealers.

The pigment in the Age Defy palette is fantastic, giving enough coverage with little to avoid looking like a layer sponge. They are as silky as they look, super easy to blend together and stayed on pretty much the whole day. I was sent the medium/dark shades by accident and as you can tell I'm not the most bronze of bodies! So instead of using the concealer (which covered all of my sins) as concealer, I'm using it as a colour corrector. It just means I have more product!

The formula is so light that you can apply foundation over the top of it without it becoming thick. I've never used primer in a palette before, only serums and come to think of it I don't think I've ever come across one in a palette! The only problem I have with it being in the palette is that it's harder to apply. A sponge would absorb it and I'm not sure how much coverage I'm getting by using a brush or my fingers! Shoot me some tips! This baby held up all day with the help of my home made setting spray.

A look I created using the Age Defy Skin Perfector palette

Another beauty craze that has taken over the make-up world is our obsession with full lips. Oh yeah. I'm talking Angelina Jolie-got-punched-in-the-mouth looking lips, sorry Ange. Thankfully I have naturally full lips already and the Kylie Jenner lip challenge will never sweep me up, but I've always been curious about what a lip plumping gloss would do! Within a few seconds of applying this subtle rosy pink gloss my lips tingled (slightly), smoothed out and I was left feeling like a beautiful glazed donut.

I'm not the biggest gloss wearer as my hair just relentlessly sticks to my lips -duh- gloss is sticky, but it's a good compromise for feeling plump and moisturised all day. After trying this over Kylie's Koko K, I found this gloss sticks to lipstick for a lot longer than simply clean lips, so re-application is key if you want to wear it all day. My lips were fuller for around an hour or so but the length of time before re-applying will be different for you than it is for me!

For the price of £32 I thought that the Age-Defy palette* would be bigger, but that downfall is made up for in the pigmentation and coverage it gives with such little product. Never mind! A bonus to this palette is the size makes it perfect for touching up on the go (it has a mirror!) and there isn't wastage for the colours you may use less.

The lip plumping gloss* retails at £20, which sounds steep for one gloss but the formula is omega 3 enriched and actually does do what it claims. Being the most hydrating colour or tint I've worn on my lips in a long time, I'd say the price is worth it, I just wish there were more colour options as the formula is near flawless!

What are your go-to products lately? If you enjoyed this post you might also like my Mermaids vs Unicorns palette review! Let me know what you thought of this. Will you be checking out Studio 10?

Find Studio 10 on Twitter

Find me on IG: @sarahjdocker | Bloglovin' | Twitter

*Studio 10 kindly provided the samples for this post. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and go uninfluenced by anything but the product itself. See my disclaimer!

🎥 Weekend VLOG | Visiting Home

As I type this I'm curled up in my boyfriend's bed, though he isn't here (he's on a course), while realising how terrifying this house is to be alone in! I arrived back from this awesome trip home yesterday and vlogged some of it for all y'all who like watching vlogs. It's sure as hell my guilty pleasure. I've also attempted to do up my YouTube channel since I've started to get a steady flow of videos. To clarify; this vlogging journey is mainly so when I go travelling in the next year or two I feel comfortable with filming and know the ins and outs of editing (or just about!). I hope you enjoy the video as much as I enjoyed the weekend!

I'll be back to decent and actually helpful blog posting really soon, there are so many unfinished drafts in my posts just waiting for a rainy day! In the mean time you can check out my recent favourite posts, an interview with Jade Higgins and some festival survival tips.

Find me on IG: @sarahjdocker | Bloglovin' | Twitter

If the video player below does not work, click here.

An Inkling | Interview with Jade Higgins @theadventuresofjade

I've been so excited to publish this post since I started chatting to the wonderful Jade, who describes herself as a dreamer, photographer, botanical enthusiast, lover, wanderer and creator. It's clear to see that she is unapologetically herself, shining light and positivity on other through the platforms she is given.  When I first came across Jade's Instagram and blog, I was uplifted by her sense of wonder and ability to keep herself grounded; the amount of compassion and understanding she has while educating people on taboo topics is that of someone much older. Drawn to her travel photos, veganism, activism and following that, YouTube videos, I had to learn more about her as an inspiration to share with you all. 

Seeing your Instagram and blog, you're quite the traveller! Is there anywhere in particular that has a special place in your heart/is the most memorable trip?

Hmm, that is a tough one! I suppose each place has a special hold on me and reminds me of different times of my life. I think of Bali and it reminds me of clarity, warmth and just the feeling of being light. I also adore Turkey, I spent two weeks travelling the country in 2014 and it was the most beautiful country I have visited. But honestly, probably number one would be England. It was my first overseas trip when I turned 18 and I met one of my best friends, Hannah there and just made connections with the people around me and the country. It's so wonderful and every time I think of England, I think of home. 

Jade and Hannah in Bali

Do you find it hard to eat vegan when traveling in different countries or have any tips for us?

Not at all, I found it super easy actually! Most places have fruit and vegetable shops or markets, so you can always stock up on produce! I love staying in Airbnb places, because I have access to a fridge and kitchen to store and make food! Most countries are really clicking onto the vegan/health "trend" that has come into light lately, so it's awesome to see lots of cafes popping up! The Happy Cow app is super handy while travelling too, it helps find vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the area! I always like to research my destination and the food places around it before I leave though :)

What made you go vegan? 

Well, I was vegetarian for a year prior to going vegan after watching "Earthlings". This is a powerful doco that really opened my eyes and helped me make the connection to the fact that the meat on my plate was in fact a life. Once I returned from Europe/UK in 2014, Michael had surprised me and went vegetarian while I was gone. So I guess we both started looking into going vegan, then we watched Gary Yourovsky's "Best Speech Ever" on YouTube and were blown away. There was literally no argument or excuse you could make, veganism is the answer.

I would recommend watching Cowspiracy, Forks Over Knives, Earthlings, Blackfish, Lucent, The Cove *etc. Veganism isn't just about not eating animals, it's about realising that we are all equal and that animals should not be killed, tortured, exploited etc for human greed!

(*a few of these are on netflix, check them out)

If there was one thing you could instantly change or improve about the world, what would it be?

Cliché, but I just want peace, so badly. It really hurts that there is so much anger, hatred and sadness in the world that is so overlooked. Imagine kindness instead of anger, love instead of hatred and happiness instead of sadness! It's hard to say what the leading cause it, you know there is racism, religion, greed...I just wanted to abolish all of these things and go back to our core values - love, compassion and peace! So yeah, in short I would just magically sprinkle peace upon every country on this earth! 

What/who inspires you?

It's hard to say what inspires me, I guess it's not a person per se, but more so what is around me. I am inspired by nature, by random acts of kindness, by love, by what is in front of me.

What would be your perfect day?

Hmm, tough one! Probably waking up early (but not being tired, just being completely wide awake), hugging Michael for a bit, then heading downstairs and the sun would be up and it'd be warm, so I could eat nice cream! Then I would go to the beach and dive, then eat a MAAASSSSIVE lunch (lots of avocado, nutritional yeast, tofu etc), then hang with all my friends and family at my parents farm and have a big vegan BBQ while the sun sets! Then all relax and sleep peacefully! 

You recently got engaged (congratulations!  )  How did you meet Mike?

I did! It's so exciting, we get married on November 11 (11:11)! This is probably the least romantic story ever, haha, but we met when I was sixteen and he was nineteen at a nightclub that he used to DJ at. We caught eye contact and he eventually approached me and we exchanged numbers. He used to pick me up early from school and we would play computer games together. I guess for me, I think if "Koi No Yokan" which pretty much means upon meeting someone, you know it's going to be inevitable that you fall in love. It's been six years since I developed my teenage crush on him, around three years since we got together properly and now I can say I am marrying the love of my life. Love rocks so hard.

In one of your recent posts, you talked about disordered eating. What do you think is the first or most important step to recovery and self love?

I think the most important step is to remember that your image doesn't define you. Health is so much more important than vanity, I learnt this the hard way. It's hard to overcome disordered eating, but once you get past the initial hard times, it's so much better. I think veganism definitely helped, as it reminded me that food is there to HELP, not to hurt. I suppose everyone is on their own journey, but eating vegan 100% helped build a stable and loving relationship with food. 

You're also drug and alcohol free, I know many people are trying to do the same. Has this change, changed your attitude towards life? 

I am, it's great! Michael and I went sober roughly the same time. I don't class myself as being completely straight edge like Michael does, but I have no real desire to take drugs or drink alcohol, it's just not in my nature anymore. I was once in the stage of going out Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and taking drugs and drinking whenever the opportunity presented itself.  This left me depressed, tired and just unhealthy. I used to sleep all day and wake up the late afternoon and just lay in bed - what a waste! Going sober in 2015 really helped me with mental clarity and helped push me in the direction I was meant to be going in. I don't club anymore (unless I am supporting Michael at a once off gig!) and I think that is so much better for me. To me, those environments are toxic to my happiness. I have a life filled with purpose and happiness now! 

For my readers who are interested in beauty, what vegan make-up brands/products have you been loving lately?

I LOVE Inika's brow pencil in blonde bombshell and their highlight cream! My other favourite highlighters are by Eco Minerals and Hourglass. BareMinerals' complexion rescue cream & Pacifica's waterproof mascara and BB cream are also amazing! I love finding cruelty free labels and speaking with the company directly. I don't wear make up unless my skin is looking a little pale or run down, but when I do I love these products :) I have been collecting these items so I can do my own make up for the wedding and I think they all give a great natural glow!

What does beauty mean to you? 

Health and a happy smile!

You can find Jade over on Instagram and YouTube.

To see my previous post in the 'Inkling' series, head here.

Let us know what you thought of this post! Who would you like to hear from next? Is there anyone that particularly inspires you?

Find me on IG: @sarahjdocker | Bloglovin' | Twitter

Reasons to be excited!

Hello! This is a bit different to my usual posts but after the recent happenings in Orlando (it was just this time last year we were celebrating equality), I've been remembering how grateful I am for my time here on this vibrant blue planet and have been actively trying not to waste days as they go by. At the start of the year I went through a period of realisation and extreme change compared to what I'd been used to for so long but as an adult, I know that when you get stuck in a rut you must pull yourself out. So, in light of this, here are a few things I'm excited about and grateful for lately!

An upcoming collaboration with Ellis Cooper

I was chatting to this gorgeous lady a couple of days ago and we're collaborating on an art set in the coming weeks. As I write this I'm flying ideas and sketches around in my book. Honestly I can't wait to see the final thing, it's been a while since I created something I'm proud of, the last piece I created that was super fun was this paper and make-up portrait of Kylie Jenner.

Seeing Coldplay with my lil' sis

Last week I saw Coldplay with my sister Laura. We've both listened to Coldplay since we were really little, as little as I can recall! It was the most magical gig I've ever been to. We both came home with confetti in our bras, sore feet and a 'head full of dreams', literally in our head. I'm so grateful for that experience.

Moving in to my new house

Recently I signed the contract to my new house. I love the one I'm in now albeit its flaws (it's a student house), but I can't wait to get settled with new friends and start again.

Next week's addition to 'An Inkling'

Another bad ass gal I'm 'collaborating' with is Jade Higgins. She's a wonderful woman from Australia with a big heart and an open mind. I can't wait for you all to learn what she has to say on some interesting topics! In my last Inkling post I chatted to Céline, receiving wonderful feedback which hopefully inspired a few of you as it did me!

Starting university again

I'm not going to lie, in the last couple months of University I wasn't as focused as I could have been. I met all of my deadlines but knowing how capable I am of much more is really depressing. One can only learn from their mistakes! Next academic year will be more organised, creative, prioritised and focussed.

The future

As cliché and as cheesy as it sounds, I'm excited about the future. That fact that I even have a future (touch wood), is bewildering. Every choice we make will amount to where we end up in the future, so lets make some good choices and learn from the bad. Growth takes time but I'm already seeing some changes.

What are you excited about? Are there any things that you feel particularly grateful for lately?

Find me on IG: @sarahjdocker | Bloglovin' | Twitter

Festival Survival Guide 🎪

Hooraaaaah, festival season is upon us! But will you make it through, or are you ready for that post festival shower already? Fear not! I've put together a 9 tip guide based on my experiences at festivals to get you ready for the greatest events of the summer.

If you're worried about your hair hygiene, train it

I know for a lot of us with long hair, going 5 days without washing it can make it really unmanagable and gross. For one, nobody really cares or notices if your hair is smelly or greasy at a festival- however, about 10 days before the festival I 'train' my hair. I only wash it a couple of times in the run up to the festival and leave it for at least 4-5 days before the trip. On the morning of the festival I give it a good scrub and style! My hair is quite long but 'training' it before hand means that I can just use dry shampoo, bandanas or braid it at festivals and it doesn't get overly grubby despite rain and sweat!

Prepare for any weather! You won't regret it

Speaking of sweat- the festival you go to might have beaming sun or belting rain all week, so prepare for both regardless of what the weather forecast is! It's always good to have a pair of waterproof pants handy (not stylish, I know. But festivals aren't fashion shows) or some SPF 30 in your bag. If you're in England you're likely to get a mix of all weathers, so be ready!

Packing tip!

Something that has saved me multiple times now is storing my clothes in a waterproof bag i.e a bin bag inside of my backpack. This means that even if your tent floods or your backpack gets wet (another tip- DON'T bring a suitcase! You can't roll your bag on grass, stones and mud!) that your clothes will be dry and warm for you all week. Also, don't bring any clothes or shoes that you don't want to lose or get ruined. I lost two of my favourite tees to Download Festival, boooo. Spare socks are a must too.

Bring snacks that won't make you sick

Learning from past mistakes, a pack of custard creams is tasty but by the end of the pack leaves you wanting to throw up and never see another biscuit again. Try to buy snacks that are tinned or dry in packets and won't leave you never wanting to look at them again such as tinned fruit, meat paste (if you're not a vegetarian), pasta meals in foil tins, pot noodles etc. You're allowed to eat terrible for a week as long as it gives you energy and keeps you sustained! Festival prices are expensive.

Bring more money than you need

It's always good to have a bit of cash on you for spends, especially if your festival doesn't have card machines. Store this safely in a place not many people will suspect so that if somebody goes in your tent while you're watching the Chili's, they won't find it. Always have a 'reserve' of money either in your bank or in cash incase you run out and need it for that hungover post-festival trip home.

No make-up, no problem

Don't worry too much about wearing a face full of make-up every day. You can use this as an opportunity to dress however you want without people judging you if you wish. You can use anything to cover up your tired bags whether thats glitter, UV paint or mud from the campsite. Anything goes. You'll probably have it rained on or sweat it off by the end of the day anyway!

My camp two years ago! Yes, those are cans taped to our hands. 

Stay hydrated, I'm serious...

Stay hydrated! Theres nothing worse than getting sick or sunstroke at a festival. Sleep if you need to, eat and drink if you need to. A handy tip is to carry a large empty plastic bottle into the campsite and fill it up there. There will be water points everywhere, just look on the map! This means you have clean, cold water near your tent at all times. Bring a bottle for the queue too, especially if you're getting drunk.

Don't bring your new phone (or your passport as a form of ID, who wants a soiled passport)

It's awfully tempting to bring your brand new iPhone so you can Snapchat and Instagram your way through the week but chances are you're going to be looking at maps, people and bands more than you are your phone and imagine how gutted you'd be if you looked after it only for it to be misplaced or stolen. Use an old phone with your needed contacts on and a camera if you want! Arrange a meeting place incase it runs out of battery. (I brought a spare battery to my last festival and it worked a treat. Saves money on the charging tents too)

Incase of emergency

Incase of grazes, cuts and bruises get one of your group to bring a little first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic wipes etc in it incase of minor emergency. If you're on medication such as inhalers bring a spare to keep inside this too, incase you lose yours. There are always medical tents at festivals but chances are they'll be pretty busy with bigger things to deal with than supplying you with inhalers because you lost yours (asthma is a pain) or tending to your grazed knee. Of course go to these tents if you have a situation you need medical help with.

For tips on your first year of university, see this post!

I hope these tips helped! If you can think of any more, share them in the comments below! What's the best festival you've ever been to? Are you going to any this summer?

Find me on IG: @sarahjdocker | Bloglovin' | Twitter

*All photos in this post except those claimed as my own belong to Download Festival and their photographers on the Gallery section of their website

VLOG | Longboarding, Picnic and Travel Plans!

Hello guys! I uploaded a new vlog last week and haven't shared it until now- this is a little more interesting than the last vlog I did. Alex and I took ourselves and my longboard on an adventure to a part of town we'd not visited before. On our student budget, we made a last minute picnic and Alex started to learn how to longboard! Also an appearance from what we thought might be a cat stuck up a tree, my travel plans and some amaaaaazing home baked cookies (vegan ones).

Again this video is unlisted on YouTube so you can only see it on my blog. I'm still not ready to launch myself onto the platform of YouTube, maybe once I get a little more comfortable with a camera or get a proper camera. I hope you like it! Let me know what you think and what you've been up to in the comments.

If the video player below doesn't work, click here.

You can get the world map from here: http://www.theworks.co.uk/p/atlases-m...

This is the cookie recipe we used! https://www.milliescookies.com/

Find me on IG: @sarahjdocker | Bloglovin' | Twitter