September Life Update

Well this is officially my first post since turning 23 (hooray)! And it also pretty much marks the second anniversary to my blogging adventure too. Since my Life Update & Announcement post back in August, a lot has happened so I do apologise if this post does appear a little babbly. So firstly let's talk about my birthday celebrations. My lovely boyfriend took me to London for the weekend after buying me VIP One Direction tickets as a Christmas present... needless to say it was absolutely incredible. We also did the whole London thing where we went to Buckingham Palace, Parliament, London Bridge, The London Eye, Madame Tussaulds and of course hitting the shops down Oxford Street and Regent Street hard (good job it was a pay day weekend). But what I loved the most was going out for dinner with my beautiful twinnie which was the first time in 4 years- and if you are too a twin you will know how incomplete it feels to be apart from them on your birthday (I love sharing a birthday). So with lots of new goodies, vlogging videos and of course footage from the One Direction concert, there's a lot coming your way on this Eltoria blog so be sure to follow.

London selfies! Follow me on Instagram @eltoriasecrets

In terms of Blogging and YouTube you may have noticed that I have been focusing more on my YouTube channel recently, so I do apologise for flacking on my '3 posts a week' rule. It's not that I am bored of blogging or anything but it has been kind of nice getting my teeth stuck into something else creative. I love creating videos and I also enjoy editing them so I really do hope that it is coming across nicely in my videos (click here to check them out if you haven't already). It was also quite flattering to read an article written by We The Unicorns which lists me as the '5 YouTubers You Need To Subcribe To If You Love Zoella'- just so amazing. I'd also like to thank all of you who have subscribed to my YouTube channel- I have hit well over 2,000 subscribers now and I am very grateful for my small achievement. Now for a little secret to keep you all intrigued... I have also been taking a few exciting trips up to London and making some thrilling calls to Canada, but hopefully I will have more to report on that another time (just really hope luck stays on my side). Pray for me people. I'm also thinking about re-designing this blog completely so please let me know what you all want to see (to keep the header or not? Hmm).

As I haven't updated you all on my Instagram story in about a year, here what's been going on in the world of eltoriasecrets:

♥ smoothies ♥ Autumn Outfits ♥ Look Books ♥ Hair Extensions ♥ MAC Lipsticks ♥ V-Festival ♥ Daniel Wellington ♥ Fashion Hauls ♥ Lifestyle

I have also been working with some amazing brands and I promise that I have more exciting give aways, reviews and discounts coming your way. Talking of discounts, don't forget that you can get 15% off Daniel Wellington watches by using the discount code DWEltoria which expires on the 30th September 2015 so hurry hurry! I can honestly say that the Daniel Wellington watch is absolutely amazing and it has been the best wrist companion to date. I am also loving their new Dapper Collection so be sure to check that out if you want a watch that turns heads for its classiness, and a style that leaves people questioning where you got your watch from (it happens a lot wearing this beauty). If you would like to read more about the watch you can do so by checking out my earlier outfit of the day post by clicking here. 

What's been going on in your life?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Autumn Makeup| YouTube

Click here to check out my new Autumn Makeup Look Video

Today is a very exciting day because it is officially Autumn (I know I'm such a freak but I just love this time of year). So with the burgundies, browns and beige’s invading my fashion blog posts recently, it is now time to blog these colours all over my face (get it?). With any idyllic autumn outfit the perfect makeup look is essential so I have been experimenting with some of my new eye shadow palettes to create my ultimate 2015 autumnal look. Now I am no makeup artist (so please do not critique my technique) but once upon a time I used to be a girl who did not use makeup whatsoever so I reckon that I have come a long way since those days (I was a little country girl making slides out of straw bells). Sometimes I think that it is quite nice to watch YouTubers like Zoella, Velvet Ghost and Dizzy Brunette do their makeup because it goes to show that you don’t necessarily have to be a makeup artist to do makeup well. So if you too are a little shy experimenting with colours and products, just go for it… we all start from somewhere! 

Click Here to check out my Smashbox Eyeshadow Post

Products used: Clarins Everlasting Foundation in Beige, Rimmel London Hide The Blemish Concealer in Beige, Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory, MAC Bronzer in Golden, NARS Orgasm Blusher, MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle, Smashbox Cherry Smoke Eyeshadow Palette using the colour Rustic, Urban Decay Naked 2 Eyeshadow Palette using the colour Half Baked, Rimmel London Scandal Eyes Jumbo Eyeliner, Artdeco Liquid Eye liner, MAC Eye Pencil in the colour Bear, Kiss Cosmetics Volumetric Mascara, Max Factor Creme Puff powder in Medium Beige, MAC Hang Me Up Lipstick. The makeup brushes that I have used in this video are mainly from the Real Techniques range. 

To make things a little easier I thought that it would be a good idea to create my autumn makeup look in a YouTube video for you all (click here to see that). Here you will see me apply my face and eye makeup with all of the products listed above. I am going to try and do more makeup and hair videos so please do let me know your suggestions if you have any- I know that I am planning on doing a hair tutorial with my new hair extensions so do keep an eye out fort that. Well ladies and gentleman I better dash because I am just about to prepare myself for a whole weekend in London... ONE DIRECTION CONCERT HAS FINALLY COME! But don't worry I shall be vlogging the whole thing so do keep your eyes peeled by subscribing to my YouTube channel by clicking here. Ooh I also read this really sweet article about my channel the other day (click here)- sorry I had to share because I was so chuffed ha.

What products will you be wearing this autumn?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Lily May Hair: Cold Fusion Hair Extensions

I finally got hair extensions! For the last two years I have been eyeing up these gorgeous Lily May hair extensions and I can indefinitely say that they are worth every penny. For the last three years I have been trying to grow my hair out due to a regrettable decision for a shorter style (I know what a rooky error), but my hair just takes so long to grow out. I wouldn't say that my natural hair was short but it was definitely in need of a little bit of extra length to keep my natural hair away from the heat. What I love about these extensions is that my hair feels and looks a lot thicker and they look really natural- not one person has asked whether I have extensions in (they assume that it is my own). Because I wanted to make my hair thicker and only add a little length, I went for the 100 grams of hair at 16 inches. Before having my extensions put in, I went for a free consultation where Lily was able to match my hair in seconds (she's such a genius) and I only had to wait a week for an application appointment... bonus!

The type hair extensions that I have had put in my hair are called ‘fusion bonds’ and they come in two different methods: hot fusion or cold fusion. Lily used the cold fusion method which tends to create more of a natural looking finish and it is known to be a lot gentler on the hair and scalp. Instead of hot glue and heat (like the hot fusion method), a keratin-based polymer binder is used to attach on the hair extensions which allows for that natural appearance and finish. The hair is expected to last around six months but the bonds may have to be adjusted and tightened accordingly due to the natural hair growing as normal. I was advised by Lily to come back in 2-3 months to get them checked and trimmed up, but apart from that, I can go on with life as usual (yes even washing my hair isn't a lot different).

Since having them in, a lot of people have asked me what they are like and I have to say that they feel no different from my natural hair. For the first week my scalp did get a little itchy and they did feel slightly heavy on my head, but the slight itch soon disappeared after a week of having them in (I guess my head was just adjusting the extra thickness and weight). As mentioned above, washing my hair is no different. Yes it does feel a little heavier and it may take slightly longer for it to dry, but after all, you do have extra hair in! The best hairbrushes to use on them is a Tangle Teezer and The Wet Brush for when it is wet (click here), and it is also important to give your extensions a good deep conditioning treatment as often as you can. I have found that I can do more plaits and styles in my hair but I do sometimes find the bonds a little annoying to work around… I’m sure that this is just something that I have to get used to working with.

With anything there are of course going to be a few pros and cons, so let’s get the bad news out of the way first.

1. They are expensive- mine cost £275.00! They also require a trained professional to put them in- you cannot do this on your own.

2. Some stylist do use glue guns which can cause some damage to your natural hair so make sure you ask before they apply.

3. Fusion extensions may get damaged if you use heat too often (and consequently they will not survive the full 6 months). 

4. Upon removal it may seem that you are losing a lot of your natural hair. This is in fact the natural hair that you loose on a daily basis through ‘shedding’ (but this isn't something to worry about).

5. They may itch slightly in the first week (or two) in having them in- if it is for longer it may be worth contacting your stylist.

But there are of course many positives:

1. They naturally make your hair look longer and thicker and you can also style them however you want.

2. They can be used to boost the colour of your natural hair- for instance the ombre that I had added into my hair in fact lightened the colour that I had in my natural hair.

3. They can last up to 6 months if looked after properly- so it is important to use deep conditioning treatments and conditioners to the ends of your hair. Applying these conditioning treatments to the roots of your hair may cause the bonds to loosen so try avoiding this.

4. They allow for your natural hair to grow out normally- who knows I may not need them after I have had them out!

5. They are a good tool if you want to revive your natural hair to life- they protect the natural hair from heat caused from styling. 

My before and after picture- find Lily on Instagram (click here) and Twitter (click here)

Are you thinking about getting hair extensions any time soon?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Two Perfect Autumn Dresses

Ok I think that I am now officially obsessed with all things Autumn! So with most of my spaghetti tops and summer dresses now locked away in my 'out of seasonal' wardrobe (yes it really does exist), a few new frocks have been rocking my seasonal rail. I think that these two (almost) turtle neck dresses from Primark are just perfect for any occasion. I have mainly been wearing these to work but they also look amazing dressed up casually. I am probably not the only fashionista who thinks that there is nothing better than having a multi-purpose dress that suits all types of styles, but I am also loving the fact that the colour of each dress pretty much goes with everything. Not only are these  dresses fit to enough to strut down the high street, but they will also save you a few quid. I picked up these dresses for around £8.00 each, so get dressing up your blank canvases ladies.

Dress: Primark, Hat: Primark, Boots: Primark, Necklace: Primark Watch: Daniel Wellington

Dress: Primark, Necklace: ROMWE, Boots: ASOS, Bracelet: Boohoo, Watch: Daniel Wellington Bag: Osprey

What are you loving this Autumn?
Much Love
Eltoria x

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Outfit Of The Day| ft Daniel Wellington Classic St Mawes Watch

Ah it’s officially September which means that it is pretty much autumn! Technically it isn't autumn until the 23^rd of September but the weather here in the UK is certainly telling me different. Autumn is most definitely my favourite time of year because not only is it my birthday on the 26^th, but I absolutely love autumn colours and of course those slight crispy yet sunny mornings (any excuse to buy a new coat). As the temperature hasn't exactly hit the minuses yet and to get my wardrobe into the autumn spirit, I have been swapping out my bright summer clothes for a more autumn touch. I would have to say that beige and burgundies have to be my favourite colour combination of all time. I tend to embrace a golden eye and I pretty much wear ‘Hang Up’ lipstick by MAC 80% of the time because it is just the perfect burgundy colour to wear (so expect me to wear a lot of beige, burgundy and browns this year). So to support my conviction above, you can really tell from this outfit that I am indeed a autumn lover!

Recently I had a little bonus at work so I decided to treat myself to this brand new Saffiano London Tote bag (in tan) by Kurt Geiger... and isn't it just breathtaking. What I love about this handbag is its handle and strap- you can either pop it onto your arm or use the longer strap to create more of casual look. And what do you know... it's a tan/beige colour! The top half of my outfit is from New Look and I must say that this Burgundy Wrap Front Eyelet Trim Cami Top is something that I wouldn't usually go for but I absolutely love it. I have also been obsessed with New Look's duster jackets this autumn and I think this Camel Sleeveless Duster Coat looks amazing with absolutely everything. I also picked up this Suedette Popper Mini Skirt from Miss Selfridge and I think I'm slowly coming a little obsessed with suede- I mean, it was even love at first sight with these ASOS Riley Suede Western Fringe Ankle Boots.

Sassy, Classy but screams British sophistication... Mr Daniel Wellington will you marry me? I have been loving Daniel Wellington watches for ages now and I am very happy that I am finally introducing this Classic St Mawes watch into my little collection. Whilst there are so many watches out there on the market right now, you can never beat a classic leather strap because they pretty much look good with anything (and I really do mean anything). What I also love about the Daniel Wellington watch is that the straps and interchangeable, so you could technically have a different looking watch for every day of the week (quite the fashionable companion I'd say). So coupled with this gorgeous bangle from Boohoo and my new best friend Kurt Geiger, this watch adds the classy edge to this whole outfit. You can pick one up by clicking here and get 15% OFF with the code DWEltoria and you can also choose whether you want a rose gold or silver watch face!

What colours do you like to embrace in autumn?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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Beauty Favourites With Capital FM

Firstly I am so sorry for being rubbish at posting on here last week- I ended up coming down with a bit of a horrific cold so my evenings were pretty much spent on the sofa sleeping (I'm still feeling horrendous but its ok, I have the boyfriend waiting on me). Capital FM sent me this gorgeous box of beauty favourites and I seriously couldn't wait to try them out. This Summer I attended quite a few Summery events: Sunsets Corona Festival, V-Festival, BBQs, weddings and not to mention my holiday to South Africa and the numerous amount of trips out. What I loved about this box is that it served me royally throughout July and August- every product had small packaging which made it so easy to pop into my bag and of course it was idyllic for travelling too. I love getting these sort of boxes because I am able to try out products that I wouldn't necessarily pick up on a normal shopping trip (I like to call it 'broadening out my beauty catalogue').

Whilst I found use for every single product in this box a few permanently made it into my 'beauty catalogue'. Now you all know that from my Batiste posts (click here) I do love a good shampoo and this one from COLAB definitely made the Eltoria cut. This dry shampoo has revolutionary ingredients because it offers a sheer and invisible finish (yes all that whiteness is kept to a minimal) and it is considered to be the catwalk's favourite. I also really liked using the CARMEX Moisture Plus Lip Balm in Berry because it tastes ever so berrylicious! If you are also someone like me who suffers from sore and chapped lips when the wintry weather approaches, the help from the shea butter, aloe butter and vitamin E will be key in keeping your lips 100% nourished (this product will most definitely be staying in my bag at all times). As you all know that I am a facemask lover, trying out this dr organic Organic Dead Sea Minerals Bio-Plasma Mud Mask was just a treat. This face mask is really detoxifying because it able to remove dirt and grime from the pores after just one use. I have been using this face mask after festivals and events and it has truly been a great skin 'pick me up'.

To finish things off, can we all please take a moment and appreciate the colours in this MUA eyeshadow palette. For years I have always thought that MUA eyeshadow palettes are really good value money, and this palette really does offer a punchy edge. Whilst MUA eyeshadow palettes aren't as pigmented as many high end brands like MAC, they are however perfect for adding a splash of colour to any look. As you can see from this Poptastic palette, you are absolutely spoilt for choice! So get down and colourful girl!

What beauty products would you recommend?

Much Love

Eltoria x

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