Beauty | Rock Out with your Roots Out!

That's how the saying goes... right?

So it turns out, i'm actually allergic to the hair colour i've been using to colour my hair. Even though it's what i've been using while I was working in a salon, and it's the same brand I use on my clients, the last few times I used it, my head felt like a firey ball of death... Who'd have thought?

Action needed to be taken, As at this point my hair was pretty light, and my roots stuck out like a sore thumb. So I did what you absoloutely should not do, by any means, because it's a stupid idea... I coloured my hair one last time. 

I used my shae chart, because believe it or not I am actually a professional, and I chose a colour that was one shade lighter than my natural colour. I painted this all over my roots, and about 1/3 of the way down my hair. I then left his for 25 minutes. The normal amount of time you leave this colour on is 40minutes, so for the remaining 15, I used my comb to brush the colour that had already been on my roots down the rest of my hair shaft, to create a subtle ombre effect.

It actually looked pretty good!

So then we had the issue of my roots growing out. I needed to find some styles where it didn't look really obvious that i'd missed my appointment at the salon...

Here's a few i'm going to share with you guys. (The picture quality isn't great, but you get the general idea).

1) The mini beehive.

I'm a massive fan of the beehive, and this mini version is my go-to look ever since I had my hair cut short (such regrets!)

2) Half up half down top-knot type thing.

I have no idea what the proper term is, but you get the drift right? Take the top section of your hair, tie it in a messy bun, leave the rest down. It sounds simple but it actually takes me ages to get the bun just right! I just don't get how a messy bun can be called simple when it takes about 5000 goes every morning to make it look right...

 3) Curls curls curls!!

The simple curl itself can help the root colour blend into the rest of the hair, you can also tie some bits back to keep it away from your face. When it involves curls you just can't go wrong!

The key to roots, is blending, and keeping the hair back from your face. Natural colours are so on trend right now, that's why there's been a sudden increase in the amount of people having balyage and root stretches, these are just more high-end (and expensive) ways of allowing the roots to grow without people noticing!

Embrace it! O'natural is making a comeback!

Beauty | Make-Up, Specs, and all that comes with it!

Here I am sat in be at precisely 10pm, with a full face of make up, writing this post for you, because that's what it's like having 2 jobs. I'm a support worker by day, (and sometimes by night), and a blogger/make-up artist/hairdresser by night, and on my days off.... and sometimes when there's a lul at work and I can quickly write down a draft for a blog or snapshot a picture from Pinterest of a look I want to re-create...

That aside! As a member of the visually impaired party, I thought I'd share with you my top tips on how I wear my make up, to complement my glasses. 

Do you ever find yourself looking in the mirror in that moment between finishing your make up and putting your glasses on, thinking 'do you know what? I actually look alright today. I've got that doe-eyed look down, and my eyeliner flicks are on point!' ...Yeah me neither.... Kidding! So you're sat, really pleased with your face, then the glasses go back on, and your eyes look tiny, dark circles like you haven't slept in weeks, you question whether or not you've actually remembered to put mascara on, and that smokey eye look you went for makes it look like you've been bashed in the face with the wrong end of your Naked 3 pallette. (This is obviously a joke, there is no bad end of the Naked 3 pallette, every last bit of it is glorious!).

Well my friends, call me your Fairy God Mother (or just Em is fine...), because I am about to tell you about how you can fix all of these problems.

Step 1) Make sure you have a strong base.

Any dark circles, fine lines, or wrinkles you have around your eyes are about to be maximised by your face furnature. Make sure you're using a primer specifically designed for eyes, and those dark circles need to be neutralised with a yellow/orange based concealer. The darker the circles, the oranger the shade.

NB: Do not, absolutely never, BY NO MEANS use a red lipstick to conceal your dark circles. It doesn't blend. It suffocated your skin as it's designed for lips, not the thinner, sensitive skin around your eyes. Your foundation will not cover it all day/night. The make-up you put on over the top will definitely come of, and you will look like an idiot. An idiot!

Step 2) Use a bold eye line.

Keep it close to the waterline of the eye, but gradually getting thicker towards the outer corner of the eye. And if you're feeling daring, flick that liner! 

Step 3) Big Bold Brows.

A well defined brow is absolutely essential when it comes to wearing glasses. The bolder the brow, the more attention that will be drawn away from your frames, that way, it'll be your brows that frame your face, and not your glasses.

Step 4) Stick to neutral colours for your eye shadow.

Remember when your granny used to have massive specs, and all you could think about was how disasterous her blue eyeshadow looked? Yeah. That. Don't be that person! Stick to the neutrals. If you want to go smokey, use browns/pinks instead of blacks and greys. These colours will make your eyes look even smaller, and a bit like you've let your 7 year old sister play with your face. 

Step 5) Lashes - Go big or go home!

Even though glasses magnify things for you, one think they are great at, is making it look like the 3 coats of mascara you've just put on, may as well have been water. Out of all of these steps, this one is the most important for me. You must invest in a volumising mascara! Having longer/bigger lashes opens up your eyes. Add that to the magnifying you're already getting from your gigs and you actually will have that doe eyed look down to a T!

You could even push the boat out and go for some falsies if it's a special occasion. Word of warning though, if you go too long with the false lashes, you will end up pushing your frames further down your nise with them!

So that's it, my top 5 tips on how to wear eye make up when you wear glasses. Embrace the frames!

These are just the few I follow, but if you have any more, feel free to add a comment, or tweet me on @em_scissorhands !

Beauty | KarlaBrushes - Review

It's blog day! Today i'm going to talk to you about something i've been loving using for nights out, or just generally when I've been wearing my lipstick, and it's my Karla Brushes!

These were featured in my June favourites blog, ( http://emscissorhands.blogspot.co.uk/2015/06/2015-june-favourites.html )

 and I just think they're great!

Lip lining is one of my pet peeves when it comes to make up, you have to do it or your lipstick will run, but I can never find the right shade, or it'll go wonky, and don't even get me talking about trying to overline with a lip pencil, because if it's not as sharp as a needle, it doesn't go right!

Rant over... so with these magic brushes, you can completely eliminate the need for a lip liner! Woop woop!

Each of these brushes have a purpose, which is outlined in the little card that comes with the brush. 

The ones I use mainly are the KL2 and KL3, as when I fill in my lips I use my actual lipstick, but when I use them on clients, (don't worry I have a different set for them!) I always use the filling brush, and I just can't put into words how good they are! They don't absorb any of the product, so what goes onto your brush gets transferred onto your lips, which also makes them so easy to clean because there's barely anything to clean off!

And because you create a lip line with the actual lipstick colour, the colour is always a 100% match! It's the small things!

Have you used Karla Brushes? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Lifestyle | Allow me to introduce myself... 20 facts about me!

So after many hectic day's of blog planning/working, I suddenly realised, I've never actually introduced myself to you all, how rude!

So i'm going to take this opportunity, to provide you with a few facts about me, which will give you a little insight to where all my blog ideas come from, and all the goings on in my awesome brain.

1) My name is Emily. My mum named me after her favourite childhood program, 'Bagpuss'. Her other favourite was the Clangers, so if I wasn't called Emily, chances are my name would have been Soup Dragon or something...

2) I am completely, utterly, madly obsessed with Harry Potter. I think the books and the films are the best things ever. And because of this obsession, I'm a little bit in love with Rupert Grint. Go team Ginger!

3) My favourite colour is green. A lot of people think that it's pink, because a lot of my things are pink (like my car), but my theory is, if I have everything in my favourite colour, i'll get sick of it and it wont be my favourite colour anymore.

4) Yes, I have a pink car! She's a Fiat 500, her name is Barbara, and she's fab! 

5) I have two cats. One is black, the other is white with tabby patches and they're both girls. Up until a few months ago, we had 3. His name was Leo, he was a grey tabby, and he was the first thing, other than family, that I really loved, but he had cancer in his belly, so we had to put him to sleep. This was one of the worst days of my life so far.

6) I have 2 tattoos. I have a daisy on my shoulder, and a cat sillohuette on my inner forearm.

7) I love wearing lipstick. It can change my mood from bad to good within a few minutes. It makes me feel so sexy and feminine, that if I could wear lipstick all day everyday, I would. My favourite brand to use is MAC, and I usually apply them with my KarlaBrushes, designed by Karla Powell.

8) Althought I'm a blogger/hair and make-up artist, I'm also a support worker for disabled adults.

9) The name 'Emily Scissorhands' came from when I was working in a hair salon before I decided to be a support worker. This is where I became a fully qualified hair and make up artist (Level 2 hairdressing and Level 3 Make-up Artist), although, the people I worked for weren't so nice, so that's why I left, so I could keep the hair and make up more part-time, where I'd be free to enjoy the job and not dread going to work everyday.

10) I have a massive disliking for chipped nail varnish. It makes me cringe on the inside.

11) I hate having dry hands. As in, dry skin, I don't walk around with dripping wet hands... I will always have a tube of handcream/moisturiser in my bag to make sure this doesn't happen.

12) My favourite Winnie the Pooh character is Piglet. I have a Piglet Tsum Tsum chilling on my bedside table.

13) My ultimate life goal is to be an international Hair and Make-Up Artist, to live in a cottage, to have a family, and to be happy.

14) Another more short term goal that I have is to earn more money than I can spend on clothes, and make up.

15) I love to read, although there are times when I wont read a book for ages, but then I'll go on a reading binge and read about 5 books in 2 weeks.

16) I love cups. I'm a massive fan of a novelty cup. It makes drinking hot beverages much more enjoyable.

17) I love having nice nails, it makes me feel 100% better about life.

18) I'm writing a book! I can say what about, or when it'll be released, but make sure you keep your eyes peeled for the announcement!

19) I have a chronic illness called Fibromyalgia, or 'chronic pain'. The only way I can describe it properly is by saying, imagine being constantly sat of a sofa made out of a cactus.

20) I was bullied a lot in high school, which is around the same time that the symptoms of Fibromyalgia started, and I feel like that has taught me not to give a crap about other people and their opinions of me. There's more to life than the opinion of a small minded person. My success will act as the proverbial middle finger to their moronic attitudes.

I hope this gives you a bit of an insight to my life. As the blogs keep coming i'm sure we'll learn more and more about each other! 

2015 | June Favourites!

Another month over! I can't believe we're this far into the year already, it was Christmas like, yesterday!

So this post is a first for me, I've never done a favourites before, and narrowing it down to just a few was really hard!

So we'll start with beauty;

First up, it's MAC Fix+ Prep and Prime spray.

I've already written a review for this, which you can find in my archives, but this stuff is just so good! I work 13 hour shifts, and especially now that it's getting warmer and therefore my face is getting shinier, this helps my make up to last all day! And at just 15.50, you can't go wrong, all it takes is just one spritz at arms length from the face, and you're good to go for the entire day!

Next up, is a beauty must have. For the past year or so, I've gone full throttle into embracing the lipstick. For years and years i've been a lipgloss/carmex kind of girl, but now the teens are behind me, I decided to up the anti, and become a lipstick Queen. But do you know what I don't like? Lip liners. I never seem to be able to find one that exactly matches the lipstick I wanted to wear, and some of the price tags attached to some of the high end ones... well, you know...

So instead I opted for using make-up brushes to create a lip line, but using the actual lipstick i'd chosed. Where better to get your lip brushes than the Queen of lip art, Miss Karla Powell?

Now I will admit, I didn't buy these, I won them when she did a collaboration with Nina Ricci, but all the while waiting for her to announce the winner, there was a box of these waiting in my basket to be purchased! These brushes are perfect for lipstick! i wont go into too much detail now, because I am preparing a blog review, but trust me, they're so worth it!

Next is more of a beauty smell than a make-up item, and it's Zoella Body Mist.

I bought this back in May, used it a few times, then kind of left it in my bag. But this month, I pulled it out again because I felt like my normal perfume was a bit too strong for the summer months (although they probably wont last long), and I'm so glad I did!  It smells delicious! It's such a light, and fresh scent! I feel like the smell is the perfect on to describe Zoe's personality (I know that sounds weir but I know what I mean!). Massively looking forwar to her new collection hitting the shops!

Now, i've said this once and I'll say it again, my absolute skin essential, that has well and truly saved my skin this month is Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. 

I was quite poorly at the beginning of the month, and my face massively crapped out on me! The above picture is after using the cleanser for two days, morning and night.... two days! I wont go on and on about it because there's already a review of Liz Earle skin care on my blog, but honestly, Liz, you saved my face!

Let's move onto the things that completely aren't beauty related at all, let's call them 'Life favourites'.

The Secret By Rhonda Byrne

I saw this book on one of Cherry Wallis' favourites videos. This book well and truly changed my outlook on life. (Word to the wise, don't rea it all at once, your brain will explode).

From the moment I started reading it I genuinely felt more positive about my own life, and I had a better outlook on what I wanted for the future. Instead of panicking about what I wanted in the future, I decided what I wanted, and how I was going to get it. And so far it's gone pretty well!

It's not one of those preachy-you must love Jesus kind of books at all, which did worry me at first because i'm not a massively religious person, but it just gives you the chance to look at things from a different perspective, and apply those thoughts to your own life, and i'm definitely considering buying the second version which gives you a positive thought to start each day with.

And last but not least, let's talk about Salted Caramel Green Tea.

I've wanted to try green tea for ages, but the smell/taste of normal green tea never really appealed to me. But those of you that know me, know that i'm a sucker for caramel flavoured anything! So I jumped at the chance to try this, and let me tell you, it's fab. Definitely a green tea I can get along with. It's done wonders for my body, it gives me more energy for my work outs, and since drinking it before going to the gym, i'm pretty sure my abs are becoming less reluctant to show themselves!

So that's all for this month! I shall see you all in July for the next installment of my favourites segment!

Beauty | MAC Fix+ Review!

15.50

A lightweight, mineral rich finishing mist that refreshes the skin and finishes makeup. Helps create an even surface for a smooth makeup application. Same Fix + formula with upgraded packaging.

(Taken from maccosmetics.co.uk)

I know recently MAC have had some bad press due to some bad customer service people have received at their counters, but you can't deny it, their products are pretty awesome!

For the past few weeks i've been trying out Fix+, which can be used not only to prep your skin but also to set your make-up!

I decided to put it to the ultimate test. A 12 hour day, sat in a hospital waiting room with dodgy air conditioning, while doing coursework, and stressing about being starving...

 This is how I started the day. 6am, Barely there make-up with eyeline, mascara, and of course some eyebrow pencil. 

 I needed this make-up to last me all day, because who wants to reapply make-up at a hospital?

On the face;

~ MAC studio fix liquid and power foundation

~ MUA Bronzed Perfection in Shade 1

~ Soap and Glory Brow Archery in Brownie Points

~ Maybelline gel liner in Dark Brown

~ L`Oreal Miss Manga Mascara in Black

This is my go-to look for everyday, nothing too over the top, that I can do in about 15minutes before work.

Now I was dubious, because i've tried setting sprays before, and they don't last very long, but this one, I was pretty impressed with.

I do a light spray before applying my make up and it helped it go on a lot smoother, I think I use half the amount of liquid foundation than I usually would, and I felt like my powders blended a lot easier when contouring.

Then once I'd finished, another light spray, and you're good to go!

Those of you that have been in a hospital waiting room for long periods of time know that you vary from being too warm, to too cold. You find yourself leaning in positions that aren't even comfortable, fighting to keep your eyes open. You're rubbing your eyes to try and stay awake, leaning on your face, massaging your temples, if there's any place your make-up just wont last, it's here.  And this is how I came out...

Now the picture is really bad quality, and the dark circles are begining to creep through, but after 12 hours, the spots are still covered, eyebrows still intact, and only the tiniest smudge of eyeliner has creeped across my face. Not bad right?

Definitely got the Scissorhands stamp of approval!

Lifestyle | 10 Things I've Learnt While Being Single

I've been single for over a year now. Don't get me wrong, i'm not a relationship grinch who thinks all men are just waiting to screw you over, and I do enjoy the thought of spending your time with someone who is truely and madly in love with you, but this past year, i've focussed on me. An i've got to admit, it's gone really well. I really think i'm the one for me.

So as part of my 'Independent Ladies' series, i've decided to share with you everything i've learnt during my time of singledom. (Not sure if that's a word but let's go with it.

1) You do things for yourself, not for another person. 

I used to have the mindset that I needed to look good for said 'significant other', and I don't. I get my nails done because I love having nice nails. I shave my legs so I can look good walking down the street in a split leg maxi skirt. I wear bright lipstick and curl my hair, because daymn, I look good in bright lipstick an curly hair!

2) You become less bothered if you catch a guy checking you out. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't mean the creepy guys who cat call you in the street, which is verging on sexual harrassment. But if i'm out with my friends, or just doing a bit of shopping, if I notice someone looking at me, knowing that I look good, I don't mind it. I no longer feel guilty and think 'oh my boyfriend wouldn't like that'. I work hard to look good. It's nice to have other people appreciate that sometimes.

3) You go to the gym to feel good about yourself, not because you don't want your other half judging your wobbly bits.

I joined the gym back in September, mid-singledom. As I was single I didn't feel like I was going to impress another person. I went for me. I wanted a smokin' hot body for my girls holiday the next summer, I wasn't doing it for the sake of a boyfriend. Everyone has parts of their body they're not happy with, but you should never change them for the sake of another person. I've always had the mindset that if someone didn't like me for who I am, to put it simply, they can do one!

4) Single dates are a thing!

The thought of going to a cafe or a coffee shop and sitting there eating or drinking alone would terrify me. But then what do you do when you mega-crave a cheese an ham toastie with a side of Caramellatte from Costa? Do you order it to go and sit and have it in your car? No! That's not fun! You take a book or a magazine, and you own that table by the window, because that is your table by the window and by god you're going to enjoy that cheese and ham toastie!

First step coffee shop, next step, Nandos!

5) You can do what you want, when you want.

Within reason of course. I don't mean you can go off terrorising people and robbing a bank just because you fancy it. If you want to go on a girls weekend you can do so without thinking your other half might feel left out. Another more personal example, If you want to write a blog about life and beauty, and basically any other things that come into your head, you can, without your boyfriend saying it's a stupid idea and no one would read it. (Tell that to my over 1000 readers, we so showed him guys!).

6) Seize the moment.

Last minute barbeque at Alice's house? Yep, i'm going. Mid-week trip to Ibiza? Sure, let me grab my suitcase. Tattoo of a cat on your arm? Tattoo away! Do you get the idea?

7) Normal people, don't respond to texts all day everyday.

You see, most people have lives. I was use to every message being answered, within the hour at least. But whilst being single, I've come to realise that not everyone does that, because they have jobs, and friends, and other things which mean they're not attached to their phones all day. 

8) Family is there forever.

As cheesy as it sounds, your family (and real friends that are basically family), are the only ones that will actually be there for you. These are the people you need around you.

9) Netflix and Duvets were made for you... and cats.

Sometimes when you've had a bad day, work's been stressful, you just feel like utter crap for no reason, your duvet will always be there to welcome you home with open arms. So grab the cat, stick on the tv, and binge watch your favourite programme until you decide you want to shower. No one's going to judge you.

10) DO NOT SETTLE!

Irrelevant of how long you've been single for, days, months, years, it is absolutely the most important and vital thing, that you do not settle. The right person is out there, and you will fin each other. Don't settle for someone who isn't giving you what you want, just because you want to be with someone. You're better than that.

I've been on my fair share of first dates, and this is the most important thing. If it doesn't feel right, don't force it. The situation wont change. When you find the right person, you just know. I am the most shy and awkward person in the world when I first meet anyone, employers, friends, potential boyfriends, and when I meet someone who i'm suppose to be with, all of that will vanish. Conversation will flow, I won't overthink every tiny detail, and I wont be afraid of smiling in front of them because of my wonky teeth. It'll just feel right.