TOP 3 YOUTUBE MAKE-UP GURUS!!!!!

Hi :)

As promised here is my top 3 make-up gurus I watch on YouTube.

I can spend hours watching these 3 everyday and I hope you will enjoy reading about them.

Follow the links underneath each of these to go to their YouTube channels and blogs.

1. Kandee Johnson. Professional make-up artist and devoted mum of 4 turned to YouTube as entertainment, and has now turned into a sort of career!! Her two channels on YouTube as well as here two blogs keep me coming back daily for my Kandee fix!! She is simply the happiest person I have ever seen, and her infectious smile and love are real motivators for me. I love her look-a-like style videos and make-up tips are also really interesting to watch, alongside her personal channels everyday updates on her beautiful new baby. I would really recommend viewing just a couple of her videos just for your personal and mental health, as she is sooo happy all the time!

Make-up YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/kandeejohnson

Make-up Blog: http://www.kandeej.com/
Personal YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/thekandeejohnsonshow

Personal Blog: http: http://kandeelandkandeeland.blogspot.com/

2. PixiwooIt gets more difficult to choose after number 1. I regularly watch around 10 gurus and catch up on others from time to time and it’s really difficult to choose. But my second favourite has to be Pixiwoo. The British sisters Sam and Nic are really charismatic and will stop at nothing to provide brilliantly inspired make-up looks and tutorials. I love their dedication to the videos and love all there updates. They seem very knowledgeable and inspiring.

Make-up YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo

Make-up Blog: http://www.pixiwoo.com

3.Michelle PhanMichelle was the first guru I ever watched on YouTube and I have loyally watched every video she has created since. I do prefer the older style of bedroom videos with simple make-up looks over the new collaboration styles but all her updates are fun to watch. She stands out from the crowd with her expertly filmed and edited videos that are like little movies rather than self filmed tutorials. However she has slipped down to third on my list as I feel that she does not update as often as some other gurus and lacks the personal touch I love with vlogging that sometime accompanies other gurus.

Make-up YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/michellephan

Charity Channel: http://youtube.com/user/ricebunny

Thank you all for reading :)

Comment below and let me know who your favourite gurus are!

Love Rie

xxxx

Update

Hey all,

There is no real excuse for my absence from blogging for so long. I'm sure we all feel the pull of other micro-blogging sites like Twitter, and social networks like Facebook but they can really take up all my time online. I've also become addicted to YouTube since moving into halls and use it like a TV.

So as a little catch up I thought I would use this post to let you know how university is going, tell you what I am enjoying in the form of online entertainment at the moment (please do not read this as adult online entertainment :P), and some new books that are coming out soon that I am really excited about!!

So firstly, as you may already know I am in my second year at Solent University in Southampton, and I am currently studying Media Communications. Its been a pretty hectic term if I am honest, and I am feeling the pull of my double life right now. Being

here 4 days a week, home in Portsmouth 3 days a week can really knock it out of you, on top of my part time work commitments I have had to be on top of my game to keep up. I'd like to think I am doing pretty well, all assignments are running on time, and all work commitments are working okay and I am still sane!! But I can definitely feel the tension in my shoulders and the common cold has been sticking with me for a bit longer than I want it too.

I am really excited about my dissertation proposal, that I hand in as a 3,000 word assignment this year, rather than just the traditional 10,000 words in the final year (which I will have to do as well!!). It is something that my tutor has seen nothing on before, and something that really interests me, so I hope be keeping it fresh and update I hope it will all go well.

I have chosen to do it on how YouTube has changes women's identity through how-to videos!! As I mentioned above I have been really into YouTube since moving into halls, and can spend hours watching it everyday, which I can now call research. My entertainment of choice at the moment has to be make-up gurus, and it has me really interested in how cosmetics companies are using them to promote their products, and how this again affects the identity of the gurus and those watching them. I hope this sounds as interesting to you guys as it is to me!!

Watch out for a blog post coming up with my top 3 beauty gurus on YouTube for your personal pleasure - and honestly mine!!

Now to books. Something you may not know in less you are very close to me is my love of fantasy fiction! Call it what you wish by my little books of escapism are essential for my mental health and are a big love of mine. So you can imagine how excited I am to find out my two favourite fantasy authors are bring out new books for there series this year!!

Recently I have been re-reading the Women of the Other World series by Kelley Armstrong due to lack of new books, and have been really enjoying and discovering all over again her brilliant writing style. I honestly don't think any other writer is capable or creating such a large amount of well rounded loveable characters that fit into a seamless narrative so well. I often forget that I am reading a book, as the effortlessness of turning pages feels just like watching television (without all the annoying adverts!!). So when I heard of the release of Spell Bound I was jumping for joy. Due out in July this year, I will soon be pre-ordering with next day delivery so I can read it straight away. This book promises to be even more exciting that the rest following on from Waking the Witch and dramatic end with Savannah, as well as rumours its to include all previous characters together in one book!! I just can't wait!

Next it is the next book in the True Blood series by Charlaine Harris. Another American fantasy fiction series I love. I purchased the full set back in October last year with a gift card given as a birthday present from my best friend Sam. I found it in Waterstones for a reasonable price and though I would give it a go. I had seen the advert for the television series and I was curious, but I still haven't watched the series.... because I had to fly through these stories all in one go. They had me hooked from the first chapter of the first book. I loved the story so much, completely mindless entertainment, with nothing really challenging - pure escapism. I don't quite hold the same loyalty to this series as I do the Women of the Otherworld, but I was excited when I heard she was releasing a new book. I have read all the main books, as well as one of the short stories collections, and I aware of Sookieverse fiction around, but haven't found the inclination to splash out and purchase them, but this one is also on my pre order list. Dead Reckoning will be released in May this year and as long as it has as many steamy scene as the last I am sure I will love it.

Look out for my reviews of these books as soon as they are released!!

Thank you all for reading, and please comment lots and let me know what you think.

Is there any other books coming out that you think I would like??

Love, Rie xxxx

Blue Moon by Alyson Noël (2009)

This book was a birthday present from my mum who confessed she saw it in a supermarket and thought I might like it. We soon realised it was a book was actually the second in The Immortals series, but I am a huge fan of anything fantasy and was high on my reading list even if I couldn't read them in order.

It took me just over 2 weeks to read, which is no indication of its content which was great, but just a victim to my busy timetable of late. But anyway - about the book...

The synopsis provided on the cover reads:

"Things have changed for Ever since she fell in love with Damen. But just as her powers are increasing, Damen seems to be weakening. Panicked at the thought of loosing him, Ever finds a path to the inbetween world of Summerland, where she learns the secrets of Damen's tortured past - and accidentally discovers a way to twist time. Now she can save her family from the accident that killed them. It's all she's ever wanted - but so is Damen. And Ever must choose between them..."

Try not to be confused by the name Ever in the synopsis, as it takes a page or two to get used heteronym but I didn't think after then. Yet I was captured by the first page. Think magic from Harry Potter, and romance from Twilight.

Yes this book is a teen read but it does it well. And not as predictable as I first thought!! It does have that annoying American High School thing going on, and the usual popular and jock divide. But it is twisted and distorted in a narrative that I really enjoyed.

I am really keen to source an read the other books in the series, which is becoming and expensive habit. First it was the Stargazer series, the Women of the OtherWorld and now this, but I love the little bite size pieces of escapism.

Well recommended to fans of teen fantasy fiction, however may be a little tedious for 18+ audience (although I loved it!!)

4/5

Over and Out
Forever shall i rant :P
xx

Joesph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Andrew Lloyd Weber’s family musical has brought the spectacle to Portsmouth, with excellent results.

The retelling of the biblical story of Jacob’s dozen sons captured the hearts of every member of the audience. Well known songs such as “Any Dream Will Do” and “Go Go Go Jo” received supporting vocals from most of the audience, including the very impressive voice of the gentleman sitting behind me, who has battling the leading role in volume!

Although Chris Chalmers, the Any Dream Will Do BBC reality show finalist had a shaky start he warmed up and provided an emotional performance in the second half. The narrator however was outstanding throughout the performance, giving me Goosebumps from the very first song.

The comedic moments provided light relief, and worked well with the quirky personas promoted by the brothers.

Overall a amazing night I won’t forget, I would be happy to watch it all over again tomorrow!!

Apologies

I apologies for no reviews. University work has completely taken over my life at the moment and I have been struggling to find the time and energy to write. But hopefully I'm going to see Remember Me (the new romantic drama that premiered this week is Robert Patterson in) next week and will post a review as soon as possible.

Thank you for reading.

Much love, RieReviews xxxx

Avatar 3D (2009)

Director: James Cameron
Studio: Dune Entertainment, Giant Studios, Ingenious Film Partners, Lightstorm Entertainment.
Distributor: Twentieth Century Fox Corporation
Certificate: 12A
Run Time: 162 mins
Rating: 9/10

The must-see movie of 2009 still has a buzz 4 months after its release. The box office breaker, Avatar has well and truly secured its place in movie history.

Titanic’s director James Cameron has created a masterpiece in 3D that has helped millions of people around the world to escape from the mundane world. The planet of Pandora really does open up a magical box of colours in a never seen before 3D triumph.

The half-human half Na’vi creatures are stunningly beautiful in an alien kind of way, there iridescent blue skins providing a spectacle in themselves, not being lost within their beautifully and seemingly natural surroundings.

The narrative is also not lost to the special effects, with tales of love, preservation of sacred places and betrayal central in the plot line, and although they are not an innovate tale, I felt seduced by the fantasy of it all.

The hefty run time however did prove a little difficult, with attentions of the audience seemingly wandering around the half waypoint. Nonetheless, the battle scene of epic, fantastical value soon pulled viewers attentions back into the dream world.

The sense of community, love for each other and their environment displayed by the Na’vi tribe was truly moving and completely tangible with the 3D glasses allowing the audience to feel inside Cameron’s vision, and share the protagonist’s emotions at every stage.

Where as I was completely seduced by the world created, my partner felt disenchanted by the sight of me in truly ridiculous black framed sunglasses. Although a lot more sophisticated than the cardboard frames that have been provided at 3D screenings in the past, , they are not going to be the next big fashion accessory. On the other hand they did fit over my own frames easily and were comfortable so they are a lot more practical!

As a side note there has also been some cool merchandise launched in the way of interactive toys. It is a must-have purchase for any Avatar fan, the dragon figures being the most amazing. When an iTag is scanned via webcam on the Mattel website (which is provided with the toy) the character comes to life on screen in the background of you hand. I cannot explain the nerdy exhilaration you get from being admitted into Pandora’s universe. Two or more figures can even interact when scanned together. Happy Playing J

Overall, I give Avatar a 9/10. I am not ashamed to admit that I will be first in line to purchase it on DVD, and I am eagerly awaiting the rumoured sequel.

Rie xxxx

The Lovely Bones (2010)

Director: Peter Jackson

Studio(s): Film 4 Productions & WingNut Films.

Distribution: Paramount Pictures & DreamWorks Pictures.

Run Time: 135 mins.

Rating: 6/10

I was naturally excited about the release of The Lovely Bones. The book was a poetic yet emotional roller coaster and I was looking forward to how this was going to be portrayed on the big screen. However as with most books that are made into films, I left the cinema disappointed at the result.

During the transition from Alice Sebold's novel to the big screen, it appears that the narrative was lost to the gore of the kill, and the subsequent CGI representations of limbo. The swirling colours and blurring lines of reality became hard to follow as the movie progressed, not made any easier by the confused teenage narration of the protagonist.

However the emotional turmoil of Susie Salmon's 14-year-old mind was not sacrificed. I am known as a bit of a crier at a tense moment, and I did not let my companions down. The grief of the Salmon family was both gripping and hard to watch, and I found myself willing her family to get justice for her.

This did not do anything to take the edge of my disappointment of the portrayal of the after life, which I felt was destroyed by the computer generated effects. Susie's heaven became something more fitting to a sci-fi than a drama, and I feel this took the edge of its effect.

I did not find the novel frightening or tense in the way the movie pretended to be. The glory of the narrative was the connection between Suzie and her family after her life was stolen away from her, it was not the act and disposal of her body. I feel that the demand for blood, gore and tension destroyed the factors that made the novel outstanding.

I’m sorry to rate it just a 6/10!!

Rie xxxx