Tuesday 29 January 2013

Review: Kendrick Lamar at the Hammersmith Apollo


So I know this is a bit late, but after the AMAZING experience that was the Kendrick Lamar concert last Sunday, I had to ask my talented friend Lemara Lindsay-Prince to write a review, because I knew my words really wouldn't be able to do it justice. 


Kendrick Lamar, Hammersmith Apollo 20th January 2013





"Put your left hand up. Put your right hand up!"

Those were the simple instructions for the night from Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, the latest and greatest artist “straight outta Compton.” Lamar, undoubtedly has the weight of West Coast rap on his back as we all wait impatiently for Dr Dre’s sequel to The Chronic, since Snoop Dogg discovered Zion and not everyone has been put on to Dom Kennedy there hasn’t been an artist from the West as hard hitting, able to paint pictures with words and as revealing as Kendrick.

Those simple instructions to put our hands up which he repeated throughout the show was both the audience showing an appreciation for his performance and a signal to “All Hail King Kendrick” who has saved West Coast rap and the art of lyricism. Injecting a new genre and style of black hippy rap into the world.



He entered the stage to the anthemic sounds of “The Art of Peer Pressure” which set the tone for that night, reminding us that his album was a story, a snapshot into a specific day in his past which made him the rapper he is today. He confessed that “really I’m a sober soul but I’m with the homies right now” not an excuse but an explanation for his actions and what happens when they all get together. Standing in the crowd with my good friends Jade, Archie and Josh I definitely related to that feeling of enjoying a moment and events with your closest friends and what ever happens, happens.

It was hard to take in that just one man was commanding a stage in front of thousands that night. Kendrick isn’t the tallest rapper and at times his slight frame was hard to see through the headlights of iPhones held high to capture the moment. However, he has an amazing stage presence and ability to control his fans. At different moments he rapped at others he spoke directly to the front row faithfuls and all the while he reassured us that his music was for us. A short movie about his life, a set of scenarios that we all could relate to.



Whilst I can’t physically achieve what he screams in Backseat Freestyle, that song in particularly and my other favorite The Spiteful Chant capture a personal human emotion that can be shared with millions. To hear Backseat Freestyle live is something that has stayed with me since last week. As the infamous Hit Boy beat erupted through The Apollo, the crowd moved in succinct rhythm to the bass - literally carrying you from one side of the auditorium to the next. That night he played everyone’s anthems spread across two albums, Good Kid, Mad City from which he played: Poetic Justice, Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe, Money Trees and Swimming Pools. In my heart I wish he closed on Sing About Me Dying of Thirst instead it was Cartoons & Cereal. From Section.80: Hol’up had everyone singing along automatically, A.D.H.D, HiiPower, Tammy’s Song, Blow My High but unfortunately for me and Josh no Spiteful Chant. Kendrick really tested the knowledge of his fans by playing tracks of his early mixtape Overly Dedicated and I went mad to the sounds of P&P 1.5.

There wasn’t a closed mouth in the whole building the entire night and even if you didn’t know the lyrics word for word you shouted to the most memorable bits especially his tagline, “ya bish!” At times I thought if Kendrick was to stop rapping at any given moment, there was an army of fans ready and waiting that could confidently pick up at the exact lyric he left off.



Although the sign outside read Kendrick Lamar Concert SOLD OUT we were all in attendance of a party that night. There wasn’t a moment when people were standing still and not dancing, or the mosh pit quelled with bodies and swayed from side to side. Kendrick assured us that if we could survive some of his biggest songs: Backseat Freestyle, Money Trees and Cartoons & Cereal to be specific, then we could survive anything! Hell even a ride through Compton!

In comparison to other rap artists I’ve seen namely: Kanye West, Jay-Z and Lupe Fiasco. Kendrick Lamar’s show is stripped bare of any theatrics and really is just one man, a mic and his DJ. This set up works to his advantage as he takes Rap music back to its essence in it’s most raw and authentic way. Honoring an art form that even with its mainstream and commercial success. That has transitioned from street corners to stadiums, has given a voice to the voiceless and allowed the world to hear the experiences of black America and on this night in particularly the, “true motherfuckin story told by Kendrick Lamar on Rosencrans, ya bitch!”


Friday 25 January 2013

My Favourite Lipsticks: MAC 'Girl About Town'


Ok, I've officially run out of MAC lipsticks to talk about now, so the next one I do will be from a different brand (shock horror) lol. But I guess it's kind of fitting that this is the last one because it's the first MAC lipstick I ever owned (a leaving present from my lovely friends at River Island)...it's the one that got the ball rolling...it's...


MAC's 'Girl About Town'

(Once again, I haven't used any filter so you can see the true shade on my skin. My face looks a bit washed out as I was standing right by the window to get as much natural light as possible.)






So yeah, this was my first MAC lipstick and one of my old staples. I haven't worn it in a while as I kept pushing it aside to get use out of my new lipsticks but today I was reminded why I liked it so much. It's hot pink and has a 'Amplified' finish. It's highly pigmented and goes on really easily. I would say it's somewhere in between a matte and satin finish, as it's not too shiny/glossy yet not drying either. It's really lightweight and sometimes I even for forget I'm wearing lipstick at all. It stays on for ages, at times I've forgotten to take my makeup off at night and it's still on the next morning! I always keep the rest of my face quite simple when wearing this lipstick as I think eyeshadow might be a bit too much with it...but that's just me. 

This lipstick is £14, so if you're looking for a cheaper dupe, I 100% recommend Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Fuchsia. It's a very similar colour (although a little glossier) and it's only £7.99!

Hope you enjoyed reading and feel free to leave any comments below :) 



Wednesday 23 January 2013

Review: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer & Powder


Hi guys!

In my last post I promised I would do a review of the Maybelline Fit Me concealer and powder so here it is!


Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in shade '35', also known as 'Deep' - £5.99





I picked up the shade that was recommended to me by their colour system (which tells you which shades to pick depending on your undertones). I mainly use concealer under my eyes, and usually buy it quite light in order to brighten them up...so I have to admit that I thought this shade looked a little bit too dark but I got it anyway...trusting the experts and all that lol.

However, it was not too dark at all, it was pretty much a perfect shade for under my eyes. It definitely comes out lighter on the skin than it looks in the tube. I used it for the first time today, and so far I love it. I have quite a bad problem with bags under my eyes, so I love its thick consistency which hides them really well. It's also really easy to blend (I used the Topshop foundation brush). I also love that it doesn't dry too matte and leaves a nice dewy glow. I haven't used any high end concealers to compare it too, but for the price I'm really happy with it so far!



Maybelline Fit Me Powder in shade '315' - £5.99



So yeah, I was really scared of using if this powder at first, it looks so light and I wasn't particularly going for the geisha look this morning lol. But since I was only using it under my eyes I thought it wouldn't be too harmful if it was a tad on the light side and gave it a go. There's a mirror inside the compact along with a powder puff which I used to apply the powder to set the concealer. It definitely does the job and my powder hasn't moved all day! The only bits of advice I would give is that a little goes a long way with this product and also, the finish can be quite harsh so definitely used a bronzer or blusher to warm your face (particularly the cheeks) back up afterwards. 


Here's me with the concealer and powder on:
(first two are without filters)






And just so you can see how bad my bags are without concealer:




And this is why the product works miracles lol.

Hope you enjoyed reading! 

xXx




Saturday 19 January 2013

The Addiction Is Real

So since the clock chimed 12 and we all rang in 2013 I've done a little bit of shopping and I thought I'd make a post about the stuff I've got! (There are a few things I've left out, but I didn't think any of you would be interested in my multipack Primark tights, or basic black jersey skirt from H&M lol.

It's only when taking these pictures that I kinda, sorta realised I have a problem with buying things that I don't need and I might possibly need help. Is there a shopping version of Alcoholic Anonymous?

Anyway...here goes!


Jeffrey Campbell Damsel Spike Boots - £130 £29!

I got these from Soletrader.co.uk in the Boxing day sales and I really couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the price. After they arrived and I tried them on, I soon came to realise that I wouldn't wear them anywhere for about 2 reasons. Firstly, they make me feel about 6 ft tall (I'm already 5"6 without heels). And secondly, the spikes are REALLY sharp and I've hurt myself several times just picking them up with my hands! Nevertheless, I'm just happy that I own a pair of Jeffrey Campbells and even if I never wear them, I'll enjoy looking at them because they're really pretty lol.






Nike Air Max 1 Vintage Cream/Red - £95

I've wanted a pair of Air Max's for ages and I finally found the balls to buy a pair. These ones really seem to divide opinion, but I soon as I saw the pink soles I knew these babies had to be mine. I love that the colours don't really go together, they're weird...like me lol.







Pink Eyelash Oversized Cardigan from River Island - £38

I'm actually in love with this. I was trying to stay away from River Island, but as I walked past the shop I actually had to stop, grab my mums arm and drag her in. I love that it's very girly and soft yet oversized. I can dress it up or down, wear with skirts or jeans and I'm actually really excited to try the different looks out. I would love to wear it to work but I don't know if it's too much?





Faux Gold Chain Necklace from River Island - £12

I'm all about the tacky, the over the top and the 80s. I don't really need to explain anymore do I? lol




Pretty Polly Suspender Tights - £10

These are a repurchase and it's probably about the sixth time I've bought these. Although these have been out for years, I think I love them because it's nice to wear with dressed up outfits in the winter when having bare legs might just not be an option. And because I don't have a car, it never is lol.





Maybelline 'Fit Me' Concealer in shade 35 - £5.99

I've nearly run out of my NYX concealer, so since I needed a new one, I thought why not try the one used by BeautybyJJ. I was really tempted to buy a MAC one, but then I realised that I can't keep spending £20+ every time I need a new product. I was also intrigued by the advertising campaign by Maybelline which uses a numbers system in order to match you with the perfect foundation/powder/concealer according to your undertones (pink or yellow. I have yellow). I bought it to use under my eyes but have only tested it on my hand so far. The consistency seems really light, creamy and I've also noticed a slight glow which I love. I'll do a review of this soon :)





Maybelline 'Fit Me' Powder in shade 315 - £5.99

I bought this powder to set my makeup, and I''l also do a review of this soon.




Thanks for reading folks!









Sunday 6 January 2013

My Favourite Lipsticks: MAC Russian Red


Every time I buy a new lipstick I become totally obsessed with it, and this one is no exception. 


Drumroll please...

It's MAC's Russian Red!

(Once again I haven't used any filters so you can see the true colour. I've also stood in front of the window so you see what it looks like in the natural light)









Right so here's the dealio. I know I previously raved about Ruby Woo and how it was my favourite red lipstick ever...BUT...over time I really started to hate it. As great as the colour was, I just couldn't get over how drying it was on my lips (and I know a lot of other people have also felt this). No matter how much I moisturised my lips they would end up peeling after a few hours because of Ruby Woo.

On the other hand...while Russian Red is also a matte red lipstick, I would pick it over Ruby Woo any day of the week. It is definitely matte but it glides on really easily, and keeps my lips moist while still keeping the matte effect/texture. MAC describe it as an intense bluish-red. I use it with a light brown lip liner just to give it staying power. I could use a red lip liner, but I prefer not to change this shade in any way. Another bonus is that it's not messy at all. It stays within my lip line (I didn't have to use a lip brush) and there are no problems with bleeding. 

So yeah, to summarise, I can see me finishing this tube really quickly and I'll definitely be repurchasing :) 


Saturday 5 January 2013

Oxford OOTD


Hi guys!

New outfit of the day! I went up to Oxford University to drop my sister off after a long Christmas holiday and I decided to wear something casual, comfortable and pretty warm because I knew that I'd be hauling suitcases up and down staircases and walking around the town centre. So here goes...







I'm wearing:

Grey/fur/leather Coat: River Island £85
Nerd t-shirt: Topshop £18
Jeans: River Island (sale) £25
Red Vans: Offspring £40
Black suede and leather studded bag: River Island £120


Hope you like! And I've got another lipstick post coming either later tonight or tomorrow :)



Thursday 3 January 2013

My Favourite Lipsticks: MAC Honey Love

Hi guys!

I thought I'd do something a bit different today. I had noticed that although this blog is called Lipstick For Dessert, I haven't really done many lipstick/beauty related posts...so I've started a new series showing you guys my favourite lipsticks  

I'll try to update this everyday, but it'll more likely be a couple of times a week. So here we go!

P.S. I've haven't used any filters on the photographs, so this way you'll be able to see the true colour :)



Nude









This is my favourite nude look and although it's kind of weird for me not to have a bold colour on my lips, this is what I would usually do when I'm wearing heavy eye makeup (including lashes) or when I'm wearing a really bright colour.

On my lips is :

MAC lipstick in 'Honey Love'

This is the first nude lipstick I've ever bought from MAC, and after watching countless YouTube videos I decided on this one. It has a matte finish but it's definitely not as drying as 'Ruby Woo'. Although a lot of bloggers recommend 'Myth', I decided it was too light for my skin tone and got this one instead and I really love it! It's light enough to show on my lips, but still dark enough to not make me look like I have a terrible case of ashy lips lol. It has a slight pink undertone and it lasts all day as long as you use a lip liner underneath.


NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss in 'Tanned'

This really is my favourite lipgloss ever...regardless of colour! Honestly, it smells amazing, lasts forever and gives the right amount of shine whether you wear it alone or over a lipstick. It suits any skin tone and it is 100% worth the £7.00 price tag. Although, you may find vendors on eBay who're selling it much cheaper.


NYX Slim Lip Pencil in 'Toast'

This a brown lip liner which almost exactly matches my skin colour. I use this with nearly all my lipsticks in order to define my lip line and also to keep it on for much longer. It really helps to transition from my skin to my lips when I'm using light pink lipsticks. Otherwise the colour ends up standing out too much.


On the rest of my face is...

- Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation - shade 5WN1
- NYX Concealer Jar - 'Tan'
- MAC Eyebrow Pencil - 'Stud'
- BeautyUK Liquid Eyeliner - 'Black'
-Primark Eyelashes
- Sleek Blusher - 'Life's A Peach' and 'Honour'
- NYX Slim Lip Pencil - 'Toast'
- MAC Lipstick - 'Honey Love'
- NYX Mega Shine Lipgloss - 'Tanned'


Hope you enjoyed!




Tuesday 1 January 2013

New Years Eve OOTD


Hi guys!

So while I'm sitting here with a (tequila enduced) semi-hangover, I though it would be a good time to do an OOTD of the day post of what I wore last night. And although I did stay in my house, I still like to get dressed up because, why not?! :) 













I went for quite a dark/gothic look on my face. I used:

- Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation - '5WN1'
- NYX Concealer Jar - 'Tan'
- MAC Eyebrow Pencil - 'Stud'
- MUA Eyeshadow Primer
- Sleek Eyeshadow Palette - 'Au Naturale'
- 2True Liquid Eyeliner - 'Black'
- Primark Eyelashes
- Sleek Blusher - 'Life's A Peach' and 'Honour'
- NYX Lipliner - 'Y2K'
- MAC Lipstick - 'Rebel'

 I used the Real Technique foundation brush and eyeshadow brushes, but for everything else I used my Topshop brushes.

I curled my hair with the Remington Curling Wand and I was kind of going of a messy/wild look.

I'm wearing:

- Black Ribbed Vest Top from Topshop
- Red Split Maxi Skirt from River Island
- Nude Wedge heels from New Look (borrowed from the sister)


Hope you all had a great night and all the best for 2013! :) 




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