Some cool and pretty things that happened this week

It was back to work this week. If you read my post about some of the stuff going down in education at the minute (link here) you’ll know I was feeling a bit apprehensive about going back.  I feel very much in limbo at the moment about whether things will change or if I’ll be off elsewhere. Plan B is on the go and in the meantime, I’m trying to take my mind off things and surround myself with life’s little pleasures. I fully admit some are shallow but if my February Birchbox takes my mind off things, fetch me another!

1. Wedding planning

I had my first fitting for my dress over the weekend. It was a perfect fit and I just have to go back in June to see if the lining needs altering slightly.  On Sunday, I went to a wedding fayre at the Mere Court Hotel (link here). It’s good for a number of reasons- there are plenty of canapés and free flowing prosecco. The last time we went, my mum got completely wankered and it did make me think that if she managed to get that hammered at a wedding fayre, imagine what a bash the actual wedding will be. The hotel is pretty too and it is the perfect size for a wedding fayre, making it less daunting and more cosy than the whacking great big ones they hold at exhibition centres.

In all of my bride-to-be-wisdom, I would say that I am definitely a fan of the smaller wedding fayres held in hotels. They are easier to stroll around without getting overwhelmed and you get absolute bargains from local suppliers.  I picked up my wedding flowers from one of the vendors and spent about £100 for bridal and bridesmaid bouquets and lapels, a fraction of the cost I was expecting to pay.  Get to the smaller wedding fayres, enjoy the stress-free browsing and spend you money with the humble locals rather than the big brand chains.

PS. This wedding fayre was totally Instagrammable too and I’ve nabbed loads of ideas for my own table decorations.

2. I went to a book launch, darling.

On Saturday, me and my other half went to a book launch in Waterstone’s Manchester. The author, Oscar De Muriel was launching his new book and my partner was keen to go after he enjoyed the first book so much.  It was cosy (held in the cafe), free (with free booze and nibbles too) and interesting to listen to the guy do a reading and chat about his new book.  Waterstones do a lot of these events apparently, have a mooch at their events link (here) and even some of the bigger events only charge a really small fee.

The book itself is the sequel (link here) to the first one which I haven't read yet but since Oscar described the series as 'The X-Files in Victorian times', I'll definitely be putting it on my reading list (just as soon as I get around to finishing Gone Girl)!

3. I reminisced about my travels.

Spent some time daydreaming about California and other solo adventures I’d been on.  There’s a future post to follow on why all you gals need to travel alone at least once.

Venice Beach

My travel love: San Francisco

4. I bought a new foundation brush.

No, this isn’t ground-breaking or life-changing. But I really like my new Real Techniques Expert Face brush from Boots. It’s like a mix between a flat foundation brush and a rounder powder brush meaning that as well as painting on your foundation in strokes, you can also buff it into your skin using a circular motion. The finished result? I look even, airbrushed and natural, all at the same time. Nothing short of a miracle for my make-up application.

5. My February Birchbox arrived! 
I have no shame in saying that it made my heart flutter and I keep lifting the lid of the box for a little peek of my goodies. £15 this month got me a new blusher brush, face scrub, body lotion, a full size champagne coloured eye-shadow, a super-duper hair bobble and a blow dry product. Lush.

Birchbox

I've heard a lot about Birchbox and my heart gives a little flutter every time they post something new and pretty on Instagram, but until the other week, I was yet to give them a try.

Hello pretty!!!

Birch box is a beauty service where a subscription (starting at £10 a month plus £2.95 P&P) gets you 5 little beauty treats delivered to your door every month. You can set up a monthly or annual subscription' your card is billed when your next box is sent and you can cancel at any time, though I have a funny feeling that getting a box of goodies every month will be come addictive. Who doesn't love getting parcels in the post? And these are guaranteed pretty ones with beauty goodies in them! It's my shallow idea of heaven right now! SIGN ME UP!!! After you register, you also fill out a detailed profile about your hair, skin tone, beauty concerns (erm, yeah, ageing was the one I ticked), skin type, your style (classic for me)....pretty much everything so that your box can be catered to your own tastes. This beauty profile can be updated at any time too-useful for when you're bronzed in the summer or pale, chapped and flakey in the winter!

I discovered Birchbox whilst on a Manchester roam and in Selfridges. I was just about to head to the Bobbi Brown counter when I came across a Birchbox pop up shop. it was slightly different to the online set-up where you get random surprises in your box, but this little old counter meant you could pick 6 products to try. I was in heaven again! It took a while mainly because I was spoiled for choice but I came away with plenty of goodies  and a voucher for £5 off my next box, meaning it was inevitable that I was going to get an online subscription.

The products I chose were lush too:

1. The jelly pong pong Caribbean sun duo bronzer- cannot wait to get this on my cheeks in the summer. Hello bronzed, golden cheek bones!

2.  Mirenesse Glossy Kiss in Cheeky Kiss- a gorgeous lip balm with a really strong tint to it. Has the colour intensity of lily but feels like a balm. I've been wearing it since I got it.

3.  Nude ProGenius Omega Treatment Oil- I'm definitely buying this one again. I use it a couple of times a week under my usual Olay night-time face cream and my skin is looking fabulous.

4.  Rituals Honey Touch Body Cream- yeah....pretty much all used up. Smells divine and leaves you feeling like a supermodel beaut.

5.  Macadamia Professional Moisture Shampoo in weightless- not tried this yet. For a sample, it's a de net sized bottle, much bigger than a travel mini, and I'm probs going to save it to pack for my honey moon so I can look like I've stepped out of a salon rather an the pool. Bring on the swishy hair!!!

6.  This Works sleep plus pillow spray - a lavender pillow spray that helps you sleep through the night. Nearly all gone, smells divine though I'm not quite sure it's the pillow spray or the glasses of red wine that are helping the to sleep so well at the moment.

So is Birchbox worth it? Well I've set up a rolling monthly subscription to see what other lovelies I can bag (plus I might as well do it now just in case I have to take a pay cut- you'll know what I'm on about if you read my last post, which also happens to be here). If you're a product junkie like me, I would definitely give it a whirl. You get to try a range of things you normally wouldn't and if you do like them, you can get the full size products from the Birchbox shop.

Parked up at the career crossroads

Plenty of flat whites and coffee shops have helped settle my thoughts this week!

I love my job. Yes, I whinge about it now and then but I enjoy it- the variety, the challenge, the holidays, the decent wage and, until last week, the job security.

We’ve just gone through restructuring and very naively, I thought that my job and department were safe. Not quite. Even in the industry of education, it would seem career-wise that we all need a Plan B. The restructuring proposal will see us lose a member of staff from my department. As for me, my role is being assimilated, meaning that I will continue to lead my own department, but also take on another whole-institution responsibility. It will be much more of a management role than what I’m currently in and pushes me even higher up the pecking order. It potentially takes me away from doing the aspects of the job which I love but until I see the exact job description (you MUST read this), I’m still in the dark and just mulling over possibilities here. 

Times are uncertain but one thing I do know is this: I cannot and do not want to take on even more responsibility.  After a long, hard think and knowing how busy things do get at work, I do not believe that I can manage to lead my own department and then take on another responsibility. I’m flattered that people think I am capable of this and that they trust me with masses of responsibility, but where is the work life balance?  Over the last year, I know for a fact that I have been living to work and not the other way around.  I work my eight hours a day Monday to Friday, followed by another few hours each evening and then a good few hours over weekends. What would this workload be like if I was doing double the amount of work?

My heart tells me that maybe it’s time to give up some of the success and take a step back, slow down, take a slight pay cut and enjoy things again.  I’m getting married soon and come September when I would be in my new super role, is this really the best way to start married life by taking on bigger things at work that ultimately will be too much and make me depressed? It doesn’t sound like such a good option to me.

In all of this, my head has been a whirl but I have learned and realised one or two things. We will all end up at the career crossroads at some point in our lives and ultimately we have to:

1.        Be prepared for them.

2.       Believe that what will be, will be. Let life and energy flow naturally and you will end with the best and correct outcome.

3.       Always have an updated CV and letter of application good to go- you’ll never know when you’ll need them and it is a BIG job noting down everything you have done over a 12 year career.

4.       Being a member of a trade union is worth it- they will fly into action for you whenever restructuring happens.

5.       Keep up to date in changes and advances in your industry- even if you just read about these in a blog or something, keep your finger on the industry pulse.

6.       Know your money- how much do you earn? How much do you owe and save? Can you afford a pay cut? How much pension do you pay?  What are our outgoings? What is financially do-able and realistic?

7.       Wait until you have the facts. Restructuring might make you immediately jump onto a job-hunting website and many people choose to jump before they are (possibly) pushed. If this is for you, fine. If you want to play things a little slower, wait and see what unfolds in your trade union discussions. Remember that the 30 days after the restructuring proposal is a consultation process where details need to be reviewed, asked about and, if necessary, challenged. Things aren’t set in stone just yet....

8.       ...But at the same time, there’s no harm looking at what’s out there, putting out the feelers and creating a Plan B.

9.       Meet with your employer to find out what your new role will entail, but take a union rep with you. Read your job description and compare it against your old one.

10.   Unite with your co-workers. Don’t slag off one another based on whose job is safe and who needs to reapply. You are in this together and as a group, you will have more power than as an individual. Support one another.

For me right now, I’ve done what I can.  I’ve brushed up my CV and a letter of application meaning I am good to go if things don’t change and I do decide to apply for a new job. At first in all of this, I was scared. I’ve worked at the same place since I was a graduate and know it well. I’ve started off at the bottom and worked my way up, earning the high position that I have there based on experience rather than a thirst to get to the top quickly. I am proud of my achievements there but if it’s time to go, then I have to and I am ready.

On the bright side, I have also considered what my Plan B might entail.  Yes I will work within the same job, potentially at a lower wage, though with a greater amount of free time. Maybe I’ll have more time to blog and earn extra pennies from it. Maybe I’ll have time to pen that book and self publish it on Amazon Kindle. Maybe I’ll have time to brush up on my photography skills and make some extra pocket money from that.  The house will be clean too!!

These sexy notebooks (£2 each from Sainsbury's) are perfect for making notes as you're planning and plotting Plan B.

Yes, the threat of changing jobs and redundancy is a daunting one but as the saying goes, ‘every cloud has a silver lining’. Times are uncertain and this occasionally hits me in waves of fear and apprehension but at the same time, I can’t help but feel that this could be the start of a brand new adventure. I’ll keep you posted (unless I end up on the dole).

Some of my current favourite things (that also look fabulous on Instagram)

The coffee at Infamous, Manchester is definitely Instagram worthy!

Instagram is a brilliant social media account to have. It comes without the dramas of Facebook and it's gives you instant gratification- you get to look at pretty pictures or make you own in minutes.  As a photography lover, it's pretty easy to be smitten with Instagram and spend some time each day scrolling through what others have seen through their own camera lens.  There are definitely some things that are more Instagramable than others, but these are some of my favourites- not only because they create a pretty picture, but because they are fabulous too! You can find me as @thegirlwiththelilytattoo on there if you want to give me a follow and say hi!

1.  Cocktails
I got the Sex and the City complete box-set for Christmas and have been totally embracing my inner Carrie Bradshaw. This, along with a local new cocktail bar, means I have been sampling (and photographing) quite a few of them. The mojito was from the bar in Manchester House; the others from The Lock right here in our little humble town of Leigh.

Cosmopolitan- Instagram style!

A Manchester house Mojito

The Lock's Pornstar Martini and Flaming Zombie

2. Coffee.
You can' beat that first coffee of the day.  I've rediscoverd my love for my Dolce Gusto machine and also the simple pleasure of sitting somewhere for a coffee. There is nothing nicer than having a half hour alone to watch the world go by. Last week, my haunt was the Oxford Road branch of Java. I started going there as a student back in 1998. The coffee is still as good and the prices are still so cheap. The £2 americano was better than any offerings from Costa and Starbucks.

Java, Manchester

3.  The 1950s and Lindy Bop
I love the 1950s and am pleased to report that I am waaaayyyyyyyyy more an Audrey Hepburn than a Kardashian.  I love the Hollywood stars of the time and most of all the fashion.  I recently bought all of my bridesmaid dresses from Lindy Bop (check out the dresses here). Not only are they something Marilyn of Audrey would wear, they are only £35 a piece!  The quality is fabulous and I'll definitely be ordering some more for myself.

Once I've stocked up on some new 1950s style clothing, I'll be rocking it in a new place I discovered in Manchester yesterday: Infamous Diner (link here) in the Northern Quarter is THE most authentic American style diner I've been in. It was just a quick stop for coffee (see item 3) but I'll be heading back there again very soon!

4. Impressively stocked bars
Yeah, I just think they look pretty cool, I'm not too bothered about drinking all of it though (so long as there's some prosecco in there).

The Alchemist, Spinningfields Manchester

Infamous Diner- Northern Quarter Manchester

5. Lighter evenings
It's definitely getting brighter on the journey home.  And with sunrises like this, I can't wait for the brighter mornings too,

Manchester, you beaut!

A non-Christmas do in Manchester

A lot of my weekend dates in January are actually belated Christmas celebrations with those friends who I can't meet up with at Christmas. We never say it's our 'Christmas do' because, let's be honest, how depressing are they in January? 

This weekend, my bestie and I decided on a sophisticated 'non-Christmas do' to make up for our lack of going out with each other over actual Christmas. We love our post-Christmas get together just because it gives us something to look forward to in January. The venue was Thaikhun in Spinningfields, Manchester, for an evening of Thai food and then some cocktail night caps.

Hello Kate Moss Rimmel no 30 dark plum lippy!

Spoiled for choice!

I will never ever refuse Thai food. I spent two summers trekking around Thailand and south-east Asia and ate myself into a Thai infused food oblivion. I can cook some Thai dishes as well- pad thai and mango sticky rice are my specialities. My first experience in Thailand was a bitter sweet one but my second visit put everything right that hadn't quite been the way it should have the first time I went (more to follow in a future post). Either way, Thai food always reminds me of the time I became a solo traveller and I just love the stuff- it's an awesome fusion of memories and amazing flavours.

Thaikhun was incredible. The outside area would be perfect for eating out in the summer and the inside is decorated in Thai street style to replicate the night time food markets they have over there. It's a very pretty setting, though probably more Koh Phi Phi beach style than Bangkok. The food is reasonably priced and you can keep nipping to the bar for drinks, meaning you miss out on that awkward bill- split at the end of the night between the designated drivers and the raving alcoholics. Splitting the bill (excluding drinks) between four people for a starter, main and dessert will probably cost you around £20 or so.

I had my Thai favourites- pad thai, followed by a the moon pancake which was stuffed with coconut infused rice with mango sorbet on the side. The mixed platter starter is also a good sharing option for some heavenly Thai nibbles.

The sharing platter

Pad thai with shrimp

You can't eat Thai without a pancake for dessert.

Manchester House mojito!

To round off the night, we had a cocktail in Manchester House where the entrance looks like an office building but there's an amazing bar on the top floor. I had the BEST mojito in there before a final drink at The Alchemist. I've heard a lot about this bar but have never been (same with Nando's) . The mojito wasn't quite  as good as the one in Manchester House but the setting was pretty cool and reminded me of Snape‘s potions classroom in Harry Potter meets Ikea. They concoct an array of
weird and wonderful drinks (menu here) and my first visit here was a bit like my first time in Subway- order something you know so you're not holding up the queue of experts waiting to order their fabulous concoction! Another visit is definitely on the cards!

You'll be a while deciding on a tipple at THE Alchemist

Maybe January isn't so bad after all: get some nice things on the calendar, see your besties and before you know it, February will be here.

Why I CHOOSE not to have a baby yet

I'm 35 and a half years old, meaning that my biological clock is ticking. And now, since we set a date for the wedding, a lot of people are assuming that a baby will be next. I find comments like these slightly inappropriate. Think about it: a pregnant colleague poking me and saying as she went off on maternity leave, "It'll be you next". Maybe I should start saying that to elderly people at funerals - it is just as offensive and inappropriate. Even the other day when I was shattered at work, a colleague suggested I get pregnant and have time off. I pointed out that being tired for one day is very different to the level of tiredness I'd be facing if I did have a baby.

Sorry ladies, but I just don't want a baby yet and by the time I do change my mind, my clock-ticking ovaries might say no.

According to an article in the Daily Mail last week, I'm part of the new and upcoming childless generation. That's right folks, I'm part of Generation Childless. Isn't that label itself just so patronising and insulting towards couples who actively choose not to have a child? Whenever you add the suffix 'less', it means to be lacking in something. Being 'childless' is not the same severity as being say 'homeless'. Childless is such a negative label as to me. If I wanted a baby, I could have one but for now, my partner and I CHOOSE to be childless or, in a want for a  more flattering term, we choose to lead a life of riley. The Daily Mail article (read it here)  explained how a rising number of childless  couples, both through conscious decision or circumstance, are increasingly common. And what is to blame for this rising generation? Positive circumstances that show how us women have finally broken the traditions: female holding strong jobs following higher education; females having greater sexual freedom meaning it can take while before we settle down and growing equality are all to blame for the new 'Generation Childless'. Shouldn't we be celebrating and embracing these opportunities that have put our baby-making on hold?

The article also quoted Jonathan V. Last, who argued that groups of women like me create 'the selfishness of the childless'. He had the nerve to argue that we were a danger to our economic future too, with our 'selfish hedonism' as a childless couple reducing the future numbers of customers and tax payers and consumers. Us selfish, childless couples are also going to be putting strain on the NHS and Social Services in years to come as we won't have our own children to care for us. Truth is, I would never want to be a burden like that to my own child and would not bring in a child into the world for the sole purpose of looking after me when I'm too old to do so myself.

For me, at this very moment in my life, having a child would be the MOST selfish thing I could choose to do. I love my job and want to be at the top for another few years first to ensure I have the money to support a child. There is no way I could work as I work now with  child, I choose to work hard now so that I can repay them with my time later. Also, my love of make up, clothes and the gym (all so trivial in the grand scale of motherhood) are all more important to me right now. I love my body and am not ready yet to let it be wrecked by a child. Yes, this might sound heartless, but aren't I being less selfish by choosing not to have a baby whilst I'm in this state of mind? My partner and I live a life of riley- holidays, time together, no financial worries, sex and companionship. That's all I want right now and I should be given a pat on the back for my achievements rather than slated for choosing not to have a baby.

When I was single, I did plan to have a baby on my own through a sperm donor if necessary. It's bizarre really to think that was my mindset a few years ago and how now, a few years later, I can't comprehend having a child. And in all honesty, I think that says a lot about my relationship. I adore my partner and selfishly want him and us alone together for a good few more years before the pitter-patter of tiny feet comes along. The fact that I don't want baby to disturb what I have with him is a greater credit to this wonderful man than having a child with him just yet. He is my priority right now, not a child. Also, he's a father already to two wonderful kiddies. Do I feel threatened by that? Not at all. People say I will feel differently  when I have a child of my own but in the meantime, being a step mum gives me a taste of how dedicated you must be as a parent.  You do have to sacrifice the time for you alone and time for you as a couple and be completely selfless in your role as a parent. Sorry, but I'm not ready for that yet.

Maybe it's also the fact that I met my partner later and only found my mojo when I hit 30. At 30, I did start a journey of self discovery and living out my bucket list so perhaps I don't feel ready for a child yet because I'm still enjoying the experience of finally being who I am- more to follow on that in a future post.

Is there a risk that I'll forever be a childless woman? Possibly. And who knows how I might feel about that. I could end up kicking myself in a few years time if I do leave it too late and never get to have that identity of being a mum. As far as I'm concerned, once I feel ready for a child, if I am meant to have one, then I will. Until that time though, I'll be enjoying my uninterrupted sleep, cocktails, time to myself and date nights. Far from Generation Childless, I'm in fact Generation Choice.

Wedding make-up: starring Bobbi Brown, Benefit and me!

After contemplating the idea of getting a make-up artist to do my face on the big day, I’ve decided to screw that idea and just do my bloody make-up myself.

When it comes to make-up and products, I’m quite an addict.  I like trying new things and LOVE LOVE LOVE going shopping for make-up more than clothes.  The Bobbi Brown counter is my mecca and on my lunch, people think that I’m checking my emails when in fact, I’m either having a nosey at a make-up website or a sneaky glance at a youtube tutorial.  I love make-up and I do favour the lux brands. My basics like foundation, powder, bronzer and blusher are all from Bobbi Brown, then my other products tend to be a mix of other high end and high street brands.  Looking at the price of a make-up artist, I would be paying for someone to put good quality make-up on me. Since I own the good quality make-up anyway (I’d probably need a second mortgage if I had to replace the contents of my make-up bag) I might as well put it on myself!  Also, using my own products with my own hand means that when I walk down the aisle to my hubby to be, he realise it’s me and not some overly bronzed and contoured Kardashian. I have had my make-up done before professionally for a wedding and whilst it looked awesome on the photos, in daylight I looked like I’d been left with a full bottle of Mac’s thickest foundation and a shovel.

So, little old me is doing my wedding make-up.  The wedding isn’t until July, but I have already chosen my products, colours and have been having a fortnightly practise with them.  When I’ve had all of the wedding slap on, my hubby to be has told me that I look good (as he always does anyway because he’s a babe and all) and hasn’t recoiled in horror thinking that there’s a 6foot 2 umpalumpa wandering around our house.

When I was choosing my products, I decided to stick with my Bobbi Brown staples of Long Lasting Even Finish foundation in ‘sand’ and the Bobbi Brown pale yellow powder. Yes, you read that correctly. Yellow powder.  You have to try this powder to believe it because rather than making you look like you have a chronic case of jaundice, all of the Bobbi Brown powders and foundations have yellow based undertones, which means that you won’t look chalky and washed out- essential for any bride being photographed on the big day.  I also use the Bobbi Brown bronzer in No1 Golden Light. This product is just divine. It doesn’t make you look ‘brown’ or orange for that matter.  When you put it on across your nose, cheeks, forehead and chin, it completely lifts your foundation and just gives you real colour that looks completely natural. It’s a much better option as well instead of buying a darker foundation to give you more of a colour (big no, no, for the love of god, please get a foundation that matches your skin rather than in the colour we all wish we were i.e. tanned and golden).

Oh Bobbi Brown, how i love you and your yellow stuff!

A rough idea of the finished look.

What also impressed me with the Bobbi Brown counters are their free bridal make-up lessons. Book in at the counter and they will show you how to apply the make-up for the big day. They’ve told me to go back as often as I like meaning I have professional make-up artists willing to show me how it’s done. I was also offered a free bridal eye make-up lesson on the Clinique counter which led to me finding my perfect earthy gold/champagne colours for my eye make-up.  I’ll also be using a plum shadow liner with this, some Benefit ‘They’re Real’ tinted primer followed by a few coats of old faithful- Max Factor 2000 Calorie mascara. I’m not a falsie kind of girl, so it’ll be natural lashes only which is why the Benefit primer is so important- it really makes a difference and gives you a nice little flutter! Cute.

Bambi lashes without the glue and falsies!

Clinique duo eye shadow in Starlight Starbright.

I’m still a bit undecided on my blusher, but I’ll either be using my Benefit Dallas blush (below) or my Bobbi Brown everyday blush in Desert Rose.  Then I’ll finfish off my cheeks with a bit of shimmer. Me and shimmer always have the potential to go very wrong.  I’ve found that a lot of highlighters actually take away the colour of my blusher and make me look a little washed out, which is why I love the Body Shop Shimmer Waves block in Blush Rose.  It gives a dewy glow and ISN’T glittery at all.

Then on the lips, I’ve opted for the Bobbi Brown lip colour in Sandwash Pink. It tones in perfectly with the other colours, looks natural and was the same colour that Kate Middleton wore on her wedding day. If it’s good enough for royalty, then it’s good enough for this queen! Plus, it won't go everywhere when we have our first smooch. Nothing is worse than a bride who looks like she's been on the Ribena.

I have really simple tools of the trade too. My brushes were quite an expensive set from The Body Shop but are the best investment ever.  I’m also a fan of the fluffy H&M eye shadow brush which is THE perfect brush for blending your eye shadow.  The brush at the top is the Bare Minerals Full Flawless face brush which I got in a set one time when I dabbled with mineral foundation. This brush is the brush of dreams. I use it for everything, from buffing my make-up as you would with a kabuki brush, to applying bronzer and blusher. It always gives perfect results. Be warned, it does shed when you wash it but this by far is my most essential brush.

Thinking of doing your own bridal make-up then?  If that’s the case I’d say get out and about shopping around. Take advantage of any free lessons but don’t feel obliged to buy products if you’re not sure. If you dislike any look, tell the girls on the counter and they will happily try something else. This is your big day and if you’re investing good money into your products, they have to be perfect.  Also, since I’m a cheeky fucker, I always ask for a small sample of product to take away with me. That way, I can try the product myself at home and see how good it looks in natural light, how long it lasts and how easy it is to apply. I always have a stash of little sample jars at home and I will always squirt a bit of product into these to try before I buy.  Make-up is expensive business, so taking a sample and holding off buying the product until you’re sure is a good tip. Remember though- enjoy the experience and pick the products that make you look and feel your best on your big day.