Urban Decay - De Slick Setting Spray

Whilst I was in New York, I went into a Sephora, which is nearly as regular as Starbucks! Whilst queing to buy a few presents for people back home, I saw a Setting Spray, by Urban Decay. It claims to keep a matte look for up to 16 hours. So I decided to buy it, it was only a small bottle of 15ml, but for $12 I thought that was pretty good. I've never used a setting lotion before so I have nothing to compare it to, however I thought it held a full face of make up really well. You apply it before and after using make up, and it doesn't itch or irritate my sensitive skin at all, which I was also pleased about.

It seemed to keep my make up on all day, as when I went to take my make up off before going to bed, it took longer than usual, as the make up was still on my face! (for once) I think it will be worth testing this on a night out to see how it fairs in a hot and sticky club, then I'll know if it works perfectly!

You can buy it in the UK in Debenhams but only in an XL bottle for £23, if you are looking for a good setting lotion I really would recommend trying this out, especially if you have oily skin. 

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New York Update Saturday + Sunday

On our second day full day, I went to meet with a designer for Buffalo Jeans with a few other people from my course, it was nice to talk to someone who has made it big in New York, from just going over there for a week 14 years ago, where she got a job with Donna Karen and has grown from there. 

We then made our way to the 9/11 memorial site, where we spent a long time in the museum, which was so sad and thought provoking. It was just incredible, the stories from people and the videos explaining how they managed to clear up the sight afterwards. 

When it was starting to get dark we had a guided tour around the memorial site, our tour guide was a survivor from this terrible event, his office was on the 83rd floor of the first tower. He told us his amazing story of how he and two other people from his office survived. It was so moving and upsetting, it sounds cheesy but I really was blessed to meet him. 

We then got to see the memorials at night, which is so beautiful, the waterfall looked as if it was strands of silver flowing into the darkness, here's some photo's.

We also saw the new towers that are being built, including the beautiful freedom tower.

After this humbling and emotional experience we met up with the other girls we were with to go on the Staten Island Ferry, to see the Statue of Liberty. It was difficult to see her, because some of the flood lights, which light her up were damaged when the hurricane hit New York last month. But it was still a nice little trip, and to see the New York skyline at night was amazing. 

Afterwards a few of us decided to go to the Hard Rock Cafe for our final Dinner in New York, you can't go to New York without going to Hard Rock! It was the best night, there was a guy using cutlery as drum sticks on the bar which got more and more impressive as the songs went on. Our waitress was a babe and the food was delicious, I had chicken and beef fajita's.

Sunday: 

Our last half a day, it was the first day that was bad weather, the sun had disappeared and the rain clouds were out, I'm glad I packed my umbrella! New York was obviously upset we were leaving so soon.

The girls and I went ice skating in Central Park where I watched them by the side - last time I went ice stating I twisted my wrist badly and I didn't want that to happen again, and be in pain throughout my flight home. Maybe when I go next time I'll finally buck up the courage. 

We did so much in the time we had, I was shattered by the time I got home and it all caught up with me.
I felt bad as when I returned home my boyfriend came round, however within a few hours I was sound asleep, I was physically not able to keep my eyes open! He went home after I woke up, and then I went straight back to sleep not waking up until 5pm the next day and I had work at 6pm! 

But it was worth all the tiredness because I was able to make some great friends and spend a good few days in New York City, my new favourite city.
Has anyone else been to New York? What was your favourite bit?

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New York Update Friday

Friday was our first full day in New York, so we had to make the most of it, we left the hostel at 8.30 am, and headed off to a diner we had seen on our way back yesterday...

We had breakfast in Ellen's Stardust Diner - best place ever, the staff sing to you (Broadway style) and they serve the nicest pancakes, complete with bacon and maple syrup! All the singers/servers were all aspiring Broadway stars, and this was their 'half way house'. 

One of the ladies was talking over the microphone explaining that the next time any of us visit the Diner there will probably be a whole new set of faces and voices, as the ones there now would hopefully be staring in a Broadway show!

After being full up on bacon, pancakes and coffee, we walked around 5th Avenue, where we found The Rockerfella Center, where we had a look at the gorgeous ice rink and huge Christmas Tree! I couldn't believe how huge this Christmas tree was, like everything in New York it was larger than life. 

Afterwards we went into Sak's Fifth Avenue department store, which was incredible. Ten floors (I think) of gorgeous-ness! There was a sale on the shoe floor, from Louboutin's to Jimmy Choo, none of which were anywhere near the amount of money I took. Even with 30% off they were still $1000's!

It was incredible just to see so many shoes by designers along with the other sections of the shop including the 'Bridal Suite' complete with a wedding dress show, however it was inside glass doors and we could only but look through to see the gorgeous dresses.

(One of the window displays for Sak's)

We then went shopping on fifth avenue for a while, we then stumbled across the New York Public Library  It was the most beautiful library I have ever seen, marble everywhere and a huge Christmas Tree inside. I can see why Carrie Bradshaw got married there!

When it started to get dark, we decided to take a trip up the Empire State Building, after asking a local to point us in the right direction; he simply pointed up to the building on the opposite side of the street. We all felt really silly as the local laughed as he walked away! 

We went up the the main observation deck on the 86th floor. It was a short journey in the elevators, then all of a sudden we were there, walking outside, it was freezing cold, however it didn't matter because the view was breath taking. It was like something out of a movie, somewhat unreal! It didn't feel like we were as high up as we were, it just felt like a dream. 

You could see the city beneath but it was completely silent, which is a complete contrast to when you are walking through New York city. You could see everything up there, from the people on the ice rink at the Rockefeller Center, to the Statue of Liberty shining in the distance. 

After this we were all starving, so we went to a lovely restaurant where we had a gorgeous dinner, I had pasta with breaded chicken, a tomato sauce and cheese. Which was delicious! We all sat there chatting away and being merry it was a really nice evening. 

We then went back onto the streets, to find Victoria's secret; which was amazing, 3 floors of the softest bra's you've ever felt, (like marshmallow I'm serious!) and the most gorgeous nightwear. I didn't buy anything but there was a lot of stuff I wanted to get, but that can be for next time. After spending a good hour in there we went to Macy's - The Worlds Biggest Department Store....however it wasn't the best. It was shabby and very disappointing. Nothing could compare to Sak's that we saw earlier in the day. The sign was pretty though...

This was the end of our second evening in New York City, but we still had so much to do! Click here for the first night of my adventures in New York City.

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