Please be kind, I don't usually like taking such close up shots of my face but I wanted to start doing my make up and beauty bits on zee blog, as it is one thing that takes up a lot of my day. So this is kind of my 'everyday' make up look. I tend to go for a bit of eye make up and then usually go for a lipstick, depending on my mood that day it will either be a really bright and colourful lipstick or just a nude or light lipstick. For years I was quite wary of bright lipsticks, especially red, because of my hair colour - I don't really know why, I just think sometimes brunettes and blondes get away with so much more. But one day, I just went for it and now love rocking a red lip, so if you're a fellow red head and feel a bit nervous about a red lip, please don't let it hold you back. Embrace the rah-rah-red ladies.

So I'm probably the last person (blogger) in the world to get their IMATs post up but alas working life is taking it's toll! I'm sure by now most of you, if not all, know about the International Makeup Artist Tradeshow (or IMATs); basically it's like the Clothes Show - a load of brands come and set up a stall and professionals, press, bloggers and general make up lovers come to buy products at a reduced rate whilst seeing some pretty impressive make up demonstrations. I went on the Saturday and loved seeing all the weird and wonderful creations crafted using make up. I met up for an ~Internet date with Lucy on the steps of Ally Pally and in we went to join the frenzy. We got there about 11 and it was slightly mental, I have never seen so many made up ladies, and there were tons of bloggers (and many more disco pants). We ended up staying for about 4 hours, which frankly I can't believe, and I probably spent far too much money but sometimes a bargain is hard to resist!

I had a mental list of places that I definitely wanted to hit - MUFE, Inglot and Illamasqua included but I also enjoyed looking around some new brands that I hadn't tried before. I've also got to say that I am a mega geek and loved seeing all the pretty make up and accessories all lined up nicely.

I also loved all the prosthetics exhibitions, it's amazing what they can do with make up and a bit of imagination (well it takes more than that but you know...) There were loads of Harry Potter bits (squeal) and I also saw a glimpse of Warwick Davis in all his Professor Flitwick glory (double squeal). Although Lucy and I didn't really know what was going on, there was a massive crowd, we had no idea!

I didn't really take many photos as I was far too busy enjoying myself and locating Lucy's phone and camera... But the main part of it is the haul I guess! I took full advantage of the discounts on offer, got persuaded by a few unplanned purchases and got properly coloured matched for foundation. All in all, I'm very pleased with what I got!