BENEFIT #STAYFLAWLESS... GOODIES

So, as promised, I said I would let you see what I received in the amaaaazing goody bag at the Benefit blogger event...

How incredible?! Here's the run down...

Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer, full size. Released June 13th.

Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation, full size. This was especially lovely because they matched us all with the perfect shade, mine being Ivory "Believe in me". 

A foundation brush and...

The prize I won was this incredible set; The Bronze of Champions. This contained a travel size, all-you-need kit made up of;

• Hoola bronzing powder and lipgloss
• 
  
• Whatt's Up! highlighter
• 
  
• Bikini-Tini creasless cream shadow
• 
  
• Thanks a Latte longwear powder shadow
• 
  
• They're Real! mascara
• 
  

WOWZERS. This is in their handy book-like boxes, perfect for taking away with you, so you can be bronzed and beautiful where ever you're going! Perfect.

I will be trying out all of these amazing products very soon, so expect to see my thoughts popping up on here in the near future.

See anything you like? Please do let me know in the comments if you have tried any of these, Hoola is a personal fav, what about you?

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BENEFIT #STAYFLAWLESS BLOGGER EVENT

Benefit has to be one of my favorite cosmetics brands, I just love the cheeky names, the fantastic range of products and the absolutely beautiful packaging. I went to their Fake Up Concealer launch a little while back, which was fantastic - read about that event here if you like - so when I was contacted by lovely Benebabe Lucinda I jumped at the chance to go again! 

The event was hosted by the lovely staff from the Benefit HQ, and was held in The Living Room Restaurant and Bar - a wonderful setting. There were decorations everywhere, products dotted around and lots and lots of champagne, everyone had a grin from ear to ear. I certainly wasn't complaining!

Lisa Potter-Dixon (Head makeup artist, trend artist and brow expert) chatted to us about the history of Benefit and gave us all a demo on how to apply the new product - Stay Flawless Primer. Honestly? It looks fantastic. The idea behind it was that most women have the problem that their makeup doesn't stay on for long enough, I can vouch for that. My face literally seems to eat my makeup after about 2 hours. The product is meant to act as a 'makeup magnet', effectively locking in your foundation for up to a whopping 15 hours!

I have to admit I'm dubious, being a major sufferer of the makeup meltdown, so I will be reviewing it in due course and I will let you know how that goes!

Overall the event was a huge success, and I hope I get to attend many more in the future! One of the highlights of the evening, was the fact that we all got to walk away with the most amazing goody bag... Ever. 

Plus, they hosted a little quiz to see if we were listening, and I won a prize! I was over the moon to say the least!

Want to see what was in it? Well you'll have to come back tomorrow! Otherwise this would be a very photo heavy post, so I thought I'd split it up and add a little suspense! 

You can get yourself a Stay Flawless from June 13th, and trust me, if what I've seen so far is anything to go by, you'll definitely want to.

Are you a benefit fan? What's your favorite product?

Also, a little shout out to the lovely bloggers I met/saw whilst I was there; Karis, Chelsea, Mali, Jade, Hannah and Laura - I hope you enjoyed it just as much as I did!

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URBAN OUTFITTERS - AN EBAY TRIUMPH

Urban Outfitters wedges, found on eBay.

The other day I took part in my first ever eBay bidding war. I genuinely don't know why I have never done this before, it was so much fun and so exhilarating! (As sad as that sounds), I was on the edge of my seat waiting for the last 30 seconds to get my final bid in, so seeing that I had indeed won made me squeal a little in excitement. 

But just look at these bad boys! Aren't they beautiful? I happened to stumble across them whilst browsing, and the end of the auction was only an hour away and there were no bids on them at all... I just had too! They are real leather, super high, ridiculously comfy (although slightly tricky to walk in at first), and they're so beautiful. AND they've never been worn! It was fate I swear. In the last 2 minutes the bidding went mental, but in the end I walked away victorious paying a measly £19.95 including postage! Winning. Plus they arrived within about 2 days. Thank you random eBay-er, thank you. 

I'm sure these will be popping up in many an outfit post, so what do you think? I did good right?! 

Happy Friday everyone x

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MINI PRIMARK HAUL

Oops. I shopped. Again. I honestly just went in to exchange something and then this happened. Ah well, it didn't set me back too much so I can excuse myself for this momentary lapse. They do have some lovely pieces in at the moment. I find with Primark, you have to look through the mountains of things to find the little gems, although most people also seem to abide by this mantra, so you do end up all walking around like clones. But who cares? If it's pretty, it's pretty!

This chiffon camisole is in the most gorgeous blood orange colour, which I think will be perfect for summer, paired with some white denim cut offs and these cute little pumps. Lazer cut leather (okay so these aren't actually leather) is a big trend this spring, and I've had my eye on these for a while - plus I threw away all of my flat shoes in a very emotional cull - so they were completely justified. And at £8 you can't really go wrong can you?! 

I saw these glasses on my friend the other day, and I've been looking for a pair of Lennon-esque sunnies that are the right size for my face. So when she said they were Primark I thought I'd check them out. And low and behold, I love them! Result.

I've also started to fall in love with silver again, I go through phases with jewellery and tend to buy something, and wear it to the death - almost to the point where I completely forget what I even had before. So I picked up two pairs of earrings. I have the rose gold version of these cross earrings that I got in Topshop a few months ago, so seeing the rusty silver version for a fraction of the price was an instant win.

The Hamsa hands are just beautiful and don't feel as light, and dare I say cheap, as some of the Primark jewellery can do, and the black strap top is just a wardrobe essential for wearing under tops that aren't quite long enough to cover your bum when you wear leggings. 

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YES PLEASE! MOTEL ROCKS

Left to right... Parma drop waist dress, Mollyanna dip hem dress, Kimmy mini tube skirt, Harley frill hem top, Agyness dress, Jeffrey Campbell 4 Evs platforms, Vintage Monster Bash sunglasses, Topi dress and Petro box crop.

Working for Motel means I get to swoon over the gorgeous collections that are railed up in the office, but it also means I want to buy pretty much everything, even before it's launched. That makes things a tad harder (or slightly impossible). Considering it's Tuesday, I thought why not share with you the things I'm currently loving in this week's YES PLEASE! 

I may have gotten a bot carried away with this one... Lots of pretty dresses and statement Motel shapes and prints. You like? Me like.

Unfortunately for me, I haven't hit the gym hard enough (yet) to squeeze back into the signature body cons, but Motel have stepped up to my odd bod and have some gorgeous, more relaxed shapes. Wahey! I love love love this dropped hem polka dot dress, I think it would look so gorgeous in summer with some strappy sandals, and also dolled up at night with some mega heels. The Mollyanna is no exception to my loose fit/shift dress obsession, and the New World print has gone on sale! Double win.

Monochrome is still here, and I've been thinking recently it's been going on a bit too long, when things hit Primark they tend to overdo it a little (A LOT)... but these little gems have made me re-think. So cute, but can easily be edged up with chunky creepers or round sunnies, perfect for the festival season. (I just need a ticket...)

The daisy print they've just brought out is just to die for. I LOVE it. This tomato coloured dress is just beaut. 

Don't you agree? A YES PLEASE! post wouldn't be complete without an insane pair of heels and some awesome accessories, so who better than JC to dress my feet and some vintage inspired sunnies. Perfect.

Erm... Motel, I'd like to place an order please....

Check out the Urban Outfitters and Topshop editions of YES PLEASE!

What have you been lusting over this week?

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ELLE UK - THE INTERNS TAKE OVER

If you're a magazine fanatic like me, you may have seen that the amazing Intern Take Over is back! To say I'm excited would be the biggest understatement of the year. I've entered the Fashion Director competition, meaning that if I were to win, I'd be the one overseeing the photo shoots for the editorial fashion story, coming up with the narrative and concept. Dream. Job. Working for a magazine, or even running my own magazine is something I've always aspired to do, so winning a competition like this would be the ultimate stepping stone to making that dream a reality. So today I just thought I'd share with you my entry, what do you think? The idea was to look at the AW13 catwalks, choose a trend and create a moodboard for a fashion story to run in the October feature of Elle magazine. After lots of researching into the catwalks, and some inspiration from Gareth Pugh and Nicole Farhi, I decided to focus in on something I picked up on that isn't necessarily a staple trend - clashing textures. I noticed that a lot of the designers had mixed a range of textiles, leading to highly exciting looks. Think about mixing together a strong leather jacket, and a chunky knit scarf, or silk palazzo pants, a lace top and a cable knit cardi. Of course for the edit, I would take these textures to the extreme. Ah I can see it now. So exciting! The deadline is the 2nd of June, so I still have a while to sit on the edge of my chair in anticipation. I'm not getting my hopes up, there are a lot of entries so I'm trying to stay calm and level headed, I just want it so bad it's all I can think about!

Check out my entry page here, and if you like it, maybe give it a Facebook like or a cheeky tweet? :)

Have a great weekend guys! x

INSIGHTS - PRINT DESIGNER ERIN MURPHY

Ever wanted to know how to get into print design? Or were thinking about it but weren't sure which way to turn first? Well I met up with print designer Erin Murphy, who's just finished her uni degree to get the low down... Plus a few little fashion and beauty q's, of course!

What made you decide to go into print design?

I’m all for what’s on the fabric rather than the shape or drape of the material. Excites me a lot more than pattern cutting!

You seem to be inspired by colour, is that something you found along the way, or something you’ve always been attracted to?

I am definitely inspired by colour, I cannot work without it. I get a lot of inspiration and ideas from children's drawings and using crayons as their clumsy and colourful.

How long does it take you to get from idea to final print?

It depends - I can whip a print together quite quickly if I have a starting point (photograph, object, drawing etc) but I can sit there for hours changing formats until I am happy with the outcome.

Who’s your fashion icon? 

I really don't have one! I take inspiration from various people. My mum was always my fashion icon when I was little.

What wardrobe staple could you not be without this season?

My denim dungarees.

What’s your go to makeup look?

Concealer and lippy.

What’s your plan for the future? Where do you want to take your designs?

I would love to sell some of my designs at new designers at the end of June but would love to start my own clothing line.

Any advice for anyone who wants to go into print design?

Learn repeat formats of how to create a proper repeat pattern and your life will be a lot easier! Experiment with fabrics and processes.

Want to chat to Erin and see more of her work? Find her here...

erinmurphy_9@hotmail.com
Tumblr 
Twitter 
Website

How great is that?! Please make sure you don't take any images, just ask her first! Until next time lovelies. x

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COLLECTION 2000 EXTREME 24HR FELT TIP LINER

I have never been a liquid eye liner girl, I've always opted for the easier kohl liners that leave room for error. But recently I've seen so many bloggers and friends pull off the gorgeous cat flick that I fell onto the bandwagon and thought I'd give it a go!

I wanted to start with something easy, as I've attempted to use the ones with a little pot and brush, but ended up looking like I'd been punched rather than our lovely feline friends. Not good.

After speaking to my lovely friend Beth, I decided to go for the Collection 2000 Extreme felt tip liner in black. I chose to go with this purely because the nib is like a felt tip pen, and I know how to hold a pen so I thought it would be the best way to go. I was surprised at how well I managed to do it first time if I'm honest, it wasn't quite ready for public viewing but I gave myself a gold star none the less. Pretty proud. I now think I'm a pro, I'm far from it but this liner has made the transition from pencil to ink a lot easier.

It is a true black shade, and holds really well. I hate it when you put on a liquid liner and have to hold your lid as still as possible for what feels like forever to avoid getting mess all over your eye, but this one dries very quickly, brilliant if you're in a hurry.

The nib isn't too thin either, it's a good width to get a good solid line in one go, but not so thick that you don't have any room to play.

In all I'm very pleased I decided to take the plunge, and if you're a newby to the liquid liner, then I'd highly recommend this one!

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FOLLOW RICO&TINE - INFO

Image sourced through we♥it and edited by me

So GFC is slowly working its way off the radar, and people seem to be using it less and less. So I've decided to remove my GFC button from my blog, but fear not! There are other ways to stay tuned with the happenings of this site.

Bloglovin' - I love this website, it makes finding and organising the blogs you love so much easier. Find me here.

Facebook - For random updates, products and other things - Like the page here.

Twitter - Tweet me @RICOANDTINE

Pinterest - Have a peek at my pins (no pun intended) here.

Tumblr - I also run an inspirational blog over on tumblr, check that out here.

Or just drop me an email, info on the contact page.

See? Nothing to worry about :) x

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YES PLEASE! TOPSHOP

Flower mesh jacket and skirt
Rhinestone triangle Earth child necklace
Lipstick in Innocent
Silk cami in blue and yellow
Whitney mega wedges
Daisy cami

Yes please! is a feature I started back in March, okay so I only did that one but I thought I'd try and incorporate it into a regular post. So here it is, the Topshop edition.

Topshop will always have a place in my heart. Even though I think their prices are a bit steep (possibly because I'm not a full timer yet), I'll always go in and have a mooch around. Normally ending in slight depression over the amount of amazingness I can't take away with me in one go.

I still love the matchy matchy trend, and think it's one that is here to stay. It's such a modern, easy take on the suit that can be made ultra girly, boho or even punk if styled right. Just by choosing the right fabric for the occasion, matching top and bottom will make for an easy throw together that looks meticulously planned. What's not to love? This Flower mesh number is in the most gorgeous blood orange colour, perfect for transitioning from Spring to Summer (if that ever happens in the U.K) and the length of the skirt makes it fun and flirty whilst still being smart. Win. I would personal style it with a loose fitting whit t-shirt tucked in roughly - maybe one like this - and then add statement earrings rather than a necklace. I think a chunky necklace would detract from the gorgeous shape of the jacket, I'm thinking these earrings?

The amount of love I have for this necklace is ridiculous. I mean, look at it?! So pretty. It's the kind of neck piece that will just add excitement to any simple outfit, turning a white tee and jeans into a look fit for any occasion - with the right shoes of course. I reckon it would look smashing over an LBD too, what do you reckon?

I find it quite upsetting that I still don't own a single item of Topshop makeup. I know, it should be illegal. This one is so gorgeous. I tend to go for darker, more burgundy shades normally, but this one is a perfect Spring/Summer pink. I think it's aptly named Innocent, I could imagine putting this on and instantly turning into the cutest little thing - like butter wouldn't melt! According to the website it's a velvet finish, which is good for me because I tend to find some lipsticks quite drying, but this one claims to be very moisturising. Does anyone have it that could advise me on whether or not it's good? Will I have luscious lips or a flakey pink mess? 

These camis are perfect for throwing on over jeans or leggings, and the silk finish means you'll look like you put some effort in when decided what to wear. Plus the daisy one is just too cute, I'd probably pair it will my black Disco Pants and those MEGA wedges, with a high ponytail and scrunchie for a little 90s vibe. 

Speaking of mega wedges, these Whitneys are just incredible. I want them. Please?

Have a great week, and lets all hope the sun comes back! Love x

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BLACK ON BLACK

Shift top - Topshop (via a charity shop) similar here
Strap top (worn underneath) - Primark
Disco pants - Primark
Cardigan - New Look
Necklace - Primark
Scarf - Souvenir shop in Windsor
Shoes - New Look similar here

This flag scarf is one of those little gems you happen to stumble across from time to time. I was out being a typical tourist in Windsor, and popped into one of the souvenir stores. I fell in love with it. It can be worn in so many ways, (you can practically wear it as a dress thanks to the sheer size of it!) but I like to drape it simply around my shoulders and let it hang with the wind. I much prefer the colours in this to standard GB things, I like that it's slightly mottled, and is muted compared to the in your face brights of the primary colours in normal Union Jacks. What do you think?

I decided to pair it with all black, making the scarf the centre point of the look, and added this gong necklace I picked up in Primark a year or so ago.

It's the start of a new week, again, I honestly don't know where time has gone?! Plenty on the to do list this week, busy busy! 

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SILVER SPIKE

Necklace, earrings and band ring - Primark
Turqouise stone ring - gift

Aztec is still pretty hot right now, especially in jewellery terms I think. So when I spotted these Aztec inspired silver and black earrings, I knew they'd fit in well with my many other pieces. The amount of jewellery I have is ridiculous. Probably more then any other thing I own, including clothes, and that's saying something!

The cut out shape is really cool, but they don't hang all that well. The black part is on a hinge, so instead of hanging down straight all pretty, they tend to point off towards the back of my neck, which is a tad annoying, but for the minuscule price of £2 I can't complain!

You may have seen this necklace have it's debut not so long ago here, this is what it looks like the right way around! I'm not too sure on the greens painted onto the front of the spikes, but I think if I'm wearing something with flecks of green in, or a pale green knit, maybe like this, it would work really well. For now though I think I'll keep wearing it back to front...

This silver band ring was an absolute steal, at only a pound from the men's section I had to. Yet it's a little big. Damn it! Ah well, I can wear it on those hot days when your fingers seem to be fatter. Do you know what I mean?! Haha. You do.

Ah the turquoise ring. I love love love this so much. I have been on the hunt for a silver and turquoise ring that's just right for a while, and this one is just that. It was actually a present from the boy on our one year not too long ago, didn't he do well! Major points there. Although the only issue is that it's just a little too small. Oh.

That's okay though, I think I'll be able to swap it for a slightly bigger one so all is not lost!

I seem to be gravitating towards silver again, but I always tend to go for the rustier, worn looking metals, rather than the blindingly bright ones. 

Are you wearing much silver recently? Do you like my buys?

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COSMO

The blog awards are around, so if you like my blog, please do pop over and nominate me :) there are so many amazing blogs out there, so I'm not expecting miracles haha but if you like what I post then I would really appreciate a vote!

Thank you lovelies. 

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UPDATE

Final ever hand in done // new MAC Studio Sculpt in NW20 // painting my nails with ModelsOwn Tropical Sun and a cute vintage peppermint storage tin // vinyl sale in Rise Records.

Vintage in Rise Records // behind the scenes of my last photo shoot // last attempt to actually be blonde // beautiful light refraction while enjoying some wine in the sun.

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COBALT

Clothing and jewellery - Primark
Ring - Primark Mens
Nails - Models Own Tropical Sun

So it seems I'm on a Primark spree recently, oops. I finally got myself a pair of disco pants! Okay, so I know I'm a bit late jumping on the bandwagon, and now everyone has them which is annoying, but at a fraction of the American Apparel price I couldn't not. They're so comfy! I feel like my legs are elastic when I walk, and they suck everything in which is always a bonus.

This t-shirt is actually about 4 sizes larger than my actual size, but it was the last one and I just fell in love with the gorgeous cobalt blue. The rolled sleeve hem gives it a relaxed structure, and the oversize nature means it's an easy throw on. Even though disco pants are opaque enough to wear a top that doesn't cover your bum, I'm not quite there yet. I still like to wear something longer, or wear a strap top underneath to retain my dignity, so this top was great to chuck on before work. 

This necklace was an absolute steal! I picked it up for a pound, and even though it's painted green, I've worn it back to front to show only silver - two in one!