August was a busy month filled with many 5am wake-ups for my internship: so you can bet I had a good makeup routine down. For a regular job I probably wouldn't bother with makeup so much (sticking with bare minimal - powder, brows and mascara) but I was in the operating theatre surrounded by many surgeons, doctors, and health professionals that I wanted to look nice. Is that so wrong?
So here are my top picks that got me through eight hour days.

1. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in 'Vanilla' - After convincing my mum to purchase this for herself I have snuck into her room many times this month to use it for myself. This concealer is easy to apply, provides a decent coverage, and doesn't dry out my under-eyes like other concealers do. I don't know if I would give it HG status yet (my Collection 'lasting perfection' IS the bomb diggity) buuut I am liking it a lot. 
2. MAC '217' Blending Brush - I feel like every beauty blogger and their dog owns this brush. I have now hopped on that bandwagon and agree that: why yes, it is great. I mainly use this in my crease and it does a damn good job. If you don't have the budget to splurge on this brush (it is $37 like THAT IS EXPENSIVE FOR ONE TINY BRUSH) I would reccomend trying Elfs blending brush which is like $3 and does an excellent job as well. 
3. Nivea Post Shave Balm - Another hyped up product but as it was only $8 on sale in my local grocery store I thought I would give it a try. This product is known for being an excellent primer despite being obviously marketed for mens shaving care. I have used this every day this month and I do notice a difference in the longevity of my make-up. One thing I love about it is the smell - it smells like a mens aftershave. But don't worry the smell fades once it's on your face. If you are someone who wants to get into the primer world I would say this is a good start  as it's super cheap, quite glowy, and gives longevity to your makeup. 
4. NYX Wonder Pencil - 5am wake ups = red eyes. To cancel that out I pop some of this on and it was makes me instantly look more awake. I actually prefer this over the Rimmel Nude liner, I find this one gives a less harsh line and lasts longer. 
5. Urban Decay eyeshadows in 'Sin' and 'Naked' - I've worn these eye shadows to internship most days and they last soo well. Usually I use my maybelline colour tattoo pot to prime my eyelid and then pop these on top - this combination is a winner. Sin (on the left) is a beautiful shimmery champagne-pale pink shade which provides excellent pigment. Naked (on the right) is a neutral crease colour perfect for every day wear. Together they are the dream team. 

'How to be Parisian', a book written by four Parisian woman, lets you in on the secrets of how to become like them. And that's what I want. Ever since I visited Paris in 2013 I have wanted to know more and more of what it is to be Parisian. As they fluttered past me in the streets looking ever so cool yet incredibly chic, I just wanted to know: what is their secret?! This book came into my hands almost a year ago and ever since then I have used it as a reference time and time again. After reading it for like the 500th time I thought "I NEED TO SHARE THIS TO WORLD. WAIT, I HAVE A BLOG!". So here I am giving you the best advice I got from this brilliant book!
On style...
It's all about the simple chic. No shirts with big logos on them, no ugg boots, no blingy jeans, no fake designer bags, no sweatpants. Caroline De Maigret (one of the authors) states in an interview that it's very Parisian to have a basic outfit with one, and one only, statement piece. The book also states "if a Parisian could just wear a Burberry trench and nothing under she would be in heaven".
It's important to invest in a signature item (one you wear all the time or when you need to feel powerful), a plain white shirt, a small silk scarf, good quality jeans, a long trench, and oversized sunglasses. Voila, now you look the part.
On Make-Up/Beauty..
Similar to their views on style, make-up/beauty should look effortless always (even if you put a lot of effort in - they shouldn't know that). Hair should be kept natural coloured, air-dryed, and never too sleek. When it comes to make-up the skin should look natural, so freckles can peak through in the summertime (so say goodbye to full coverage foundations and contouring). Frenchwomen apparently avoid foundation but rather stick with lighter things such as a good moisturizer, concealer, or even a BB cream. Once your skin is looking fresh add quite a lot of coats of mascara to the top and bottom lashes. For a night out add a bright red lipstick.
One thing I like most about Parisians is that they seem to embrace their flaws ~ in the book it states that cherishing imperfections are "signs of a certain strength of character and allow her to feel beautiful without being perfect". Now I don't know about you but that's extremely uplifting seeing as the 21st century is getting even better at masking flaws with the likes of extreme contouring, overlined lips, knife sharp eyebrows etc. I  much prefer the Parisian route.

How To Act At A Party...
When invited to a party be the last to arrive and leave a party when it is pumping. It's okay to leave on your own. Never get too drunk. Avoid questions about asking what someone does for a living or how much money they make. Look aloof and distant, as if you have somewhere better to be.

How To Be Sexy...
Less is more. Showing too much cleavage or wearing skintight dresses should be avoided as they leave little to the imagination. Instead give small doses inadvertently - such as a wide necked t-shirt that slides down the shoulder, a bra peaking through in-between the buttons on a blouse, a skirt that rides up slightly when sitting down etc. Basically it is much sexier to not be obvious but rather show little hints that will spark interest. The book says" showing too much cleavage is like serving dessert before anyone has even touched their appetizer". PREACH IT.

My Favourite Quote From The Book...
"Always be fuckable: when standing in line at the bakery on a Sunday morning, buying champagne in the middle of the night or even picking the kids up from school. You never know."

Don't think I have written one of these in awhile so I thought it'd be a nice idea to write a life update seeing as a lot of exciting things are happening at the moment.

Three weeks ago I went on my annual Melbourne trip with my mum. We got to stay at The Langham (a.k.a a gorgeous 5-star hotel) as we had free nights to use up seeing as hotels.com gives you a free night for every 9 you book. As we have traveled quite a bit we had four nights we could spend at this beautiful place. The photo above is from the pool which overlooks South Bank river and all the city lights. One of my favourite things about the hotel was the spa! It had a sauna, steam room, spa and pool. It felt so luxurious. I really had to rally myself to actually leave the hotel as it was too lovely.

After getting back I took a week off work as the following week I would have internship starting. For those of you who don't know - i'm currently studying nursing and in your final semester you have to do internship which is two months full time working at a hospital (well..not really "working" as you don't get paid but hey ho). I'm now in my second week of placement and am loving it. Usually I dread internship but this time I am enjoying it as I am in the operating theatre. And yes, it does kinda feel like Grey's Anatomy ;) Except less drama of course. It's nice being here because I have realized it's where I want to be...so hopefully next year I can get a job in the operating theatres. Fingers crossed.