Hello everyone,
So it is the end of 2014. Congratulations we made it; another year older and maybe another year wiser. This year has been a very up and down year for me and I thought I would answer 10 questions about the year just gone and 10 questions on the year ahead...
1. If you had to describe your 2014 in 3 words what would they be?
A Rollercoaster Ride - I have had many ups and downs this year, all of which I will never forget for the rest of my life and I think that even during all the crap, they have shaped me to be a better person all in all.
2. Which new skills have you learnt?
2014 was the year that Beth learnt to crochet! I have made a variety of weird little things from flowers to phone cases and even a baby blanket for my teacher who is leaving to have a baby.
3. Which purchase turned out to be your best decision ever?
Oooh this is a tough one. I bought a variety of things this year, some which I needed and others that I probably could have lived without. Two things stand out for me though: 1. My set of drawers where all my makeup and stuff is stashed otherwise I dread to think the amount of mess it would cause in my room. 2. My Macbook Pro. I just love this, I am so thankful to have it and after the incident with a cup of tea just before Christmas, I have learnt to be very careful with it.
4. What was the most important lesson you learnt in 2014?
To let your head and heart make decisions. You shouldn't choose one or the other. Yes the decisions may be opposites, but eventually one will listen to the other and a compromise will occur.
5. Which of your personal qualities turned out to be the most helpful this year?
Hmm this is a tricky one. I think there have been flaws in all my personal qualities. I think my people skills have been my best though. I will talk to anyone and I want to make people feel welcome and comfortable in any situation.
6. Did any parts of yourself or your life do a complete 180 this year?
Oh goodness yes. Some of you will know what I am referring to mainly but friendships, other relationships, school etc.
7. What was the best gift you received this year?
I received some really lovely things this year. Gifts for Birthday included little items like tshirts I wanted and other makeup items and stuff. For Christmas I got some lovely makeup items and stuff. But my favourite present was probably a pair of earrings which I love so much and wish I would wear them more than I do but they are the most perfect gift I think I have ever received.
8. If you had to go back and tell yourself one thing what would it be?
Don't leave the girls. I went through a period of distancing myself from three of my bestest friends unconsciously and it was one of the worst things I could have done. But if it wasn't for them I wouldn't have got through it. They really are fab so Hannah, Izzy and Lauren, I love you all to pieces and thank you for welcoming me back without hesitation.
9. What do you need to remember for 2015?
To be me! I'm not changing myself or my views for anyone. I am me and I will continue to be me. I have changed as a person before and it wasn't brilliant for me. I will also remember to soften my heart and not harden it and push people away again like I did multiple times each year. Oh and to revise earlier for exams!
10. Did you achieve your New Year Resolutions?
I have had the same one every year and for the first time I can say that yes I did.
1. What is your main goal for this year?
I know it sounds really boring but I just need to focus on me and school so I can pass my A Levels and decide what I want to go on and do whether that be going to uni or doing a gap year. I can't be having any distractions this year.
2. Who do you want to spend more time with in 2015?
I know this sounds weird but I would love to spend more time with my brother. I look at people in my family and who I am friends with and some sibling relationships are really strong and some are not. I want mine and my brother's to be strong forever so this is the year which we begin to strengthen it I hope.
3. What new skill do you want to learn?
I would really love how to cook more delicious and challenging meals. Prepping for uni is something I need to work on and I don't think smiley faces and chicken nuggets are something I want to live off 7 days a week at uni.
4. What habits do you want to change this year?
I bite my nails. The look of them doesn't bother me that much but at the same time I would like them to grow and look nicer with nail varnish on and without. I think stress and anxiety is the main factor for me biting them but I am hoping to overcome this.
5. How do you want to remember 2015 when you look back on it in 10 years time?
I want 2015 to be the year where Beth really discovered herself. I tend to put everyone else's problems and happiness before my own and sometimes I think that I should be a little more selfish and focus on me. I need to make sure that this is the year where Beth smiles and doesn't stress about the little things.
6. Which personal quality do you want to develop?
I want to develop more self-confidence. I get afraid of doing some things because of what people might think but this is the year where I put myself and my plans first. If someone has a problem with what I do, then thats their problem, not mine!
7. How are you going to become more organised this year?
I need to make sure that stuff for exams is more organised so I revise earlier, only revise what is necessary, minimise distractions etc. I want my room to be more organised and tidy too because I feel that it will reflect on my (hopefully) newly organised life for 2015.
8. What risks are you going to take this year?
I just want to have this year where the risks I take will impact me. I really want to have a gap year but this risk could affect my relationship with my family so I have to really think about whether it is best. The term 'risktaker' sounds really cringey and cliche but I want to take risks; I don't know what they are yet but bring them on!
9. What is one think that you need to take more control over in 2015?
This is easy - my emotions. I am like a tap. Weddings, babies and little things like that make me weep but then people being rude to me or my friends or others make me cry too. I have had a year where I don't think I have ever cried so much and so I am hoping that this doesn't continue in 2015. I think it's time to turn off the waterworks and only turn them on when necessary.
10. What are your New Year Resolutions?
Possibly the same as last years but I don't know if I want to have the same one again this year. Probably just to be more organised and to do well at school. And to be me!
So thats my reflections and hopes. I am happy with this final post of 2014 but I am really excited about what is coming up this year on my blog. I had mixed emotions about writing this and did have a few tears but it's just been nice to write down everything I want you to know about my year.
Have a great night tonight everyone! Stay safe and don't get too hungover.
So until 2015 lovelies xx
Wednesday 31 December 2014
Monday 29 December 2014
No7 Advent Calendar - Week 4
Hello everyone,
The time has come to draw to a close the reviews of this years No7 advent calendar. So for the last time, lets have a look at what lovely treats were available for the last 4 days of advent...
22nd December: No7 Gel-Look Shine Nail Colour in Deep Wine
My first reaction was of course "Yes another burgundy nail varnish!" I mean what else would you expect from me? Getting another to add to my collection filled me with joy and I put it on straight away. It had a really nice formula which unlike other gel nail varnishes I have tried, lasted longer than 24 hours - no chipping or peeling for 5 days. Only 2 or 3 coats were needed to build up the long-lasting, opaque colour. It looks really good with glitter over the top and with metallic colours too. I am looking forward to using this for the rest of the wintery months until pastel shades come back in again. Also, the smaller size means that it is great for travelling or to keep in a handbag to touch up any chipped edges. 10/10 from me!
23rd December: No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Brown
The formula for this is the same as the black shade from last weeks review. I do however prefer the look of the brown pencil formula. I havent yet tried it without eyeshadow underneath so I'm not sure if it leaves an eyeliner mark on the eyelid like the black pencil did. I like using the brown eyeliner for a basic everyday look and for a heavy makeup look to. A great multi purpose eyeliner to have in your makeup bag, and a small-ish size means that it doesnt take up too much room. The only thing I dont quite like about it is its inability to smudge well. As a person who doesnt tend to suit black eyeliner, to get another brown one is of great use to me.
24th December: No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Night Cream
I was happy to get this after having received the day cream. I tried using the day cream in the evening before but I don't think that it worked as a night cream. I put it on before I go to bed and wake up with hydrated skin. In the Winter months, sometimes I wake up to dry skin and when applying makeup on dry skin, it goes patchy and looks awful. Using this night cream before bed and then the day cream before makeup application makes a good team for a flawless base of foundation. I don't know how good it will be for my skin in the Summer but for now it is great. The only downside is the cost of the full size face cream so when I have finished it, it is unlikely that I will be repurchasing.
25th December: No7 Stay Perfect Duo Nail Colour in Hot to Trot and Cheeky Chops
I was very excited to have an advent calendar which gave a gift on Christmas Day. When I opened it I at first thought, great a full size duo nail product. Two great shades that might complement each other and would be great to take away. Last night I decided to paint my nails in the pink shade and my ring finger in the gold shade. After painting the gold first, I loved the formula. I managed to get away with only one coat and it looks great. The pink however I was very unhappy with. It didn't go well with the gold like I wanted it to. Also, to get the colour right, thin layers were needed often. I just didn't really like the pink. Mum also didn't really like it when she tried it. The gold however goes really well with Barry M Vintage Violet. The application of this duo nail varnish is hard because you don't have much control over the brush due to the other nail varnish on the other end. I was underwhelmed that this was the last gift in the advent calendar.
So all in all this was a great advent calendar. I really loved it and I hope that it is equally as good if not better if No7 bring another one out next year. I really loved getting a new beauty or skincare product each day. Just have to wait til next year to get another! I urge you all to try No 7 products as they are really good. I know some are expensive but they are worth it, trust me!
Hope you all had good advent calendars and a great Christmas.
So until next time lovelies xx
The time has come to draw to a close the reviews of this years No7 advent calendar. So for the last time, lets have a look at what lovely treats were available for the last 4 days of advent...
22nd December: No7 Gel-Look Shine Nail Colour in Deep Wine
My first reaction was of course "Yes another burgundy nail varnish!" I mean what else would you expect from me? Getting another to add to my collection filled me with joy and I put it on straight away. It had a really nice formula which unlike other gel nail varnishes I have tried, lasted longer than 24 hours - no chipping or peeling for 5 days. Only 2 or 3 coats were needed to build up the long-lasting, opaque colour. It looks really good with glitter over the top and with metallic colours too. I am looking forward to using this for the rest of the wintery months until pastel shades come back in again. Also, the smaller size means that it is great for travelling or to keep in a handbag to touch up any chipped edges. 10/10 from me!
23rd December: No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Brown
The formula for this is the same as the black shade from last weeks review. I do however prefer the look of the brown pencil formula. I havent yet tried it without eyeshadow underneath so I'm not sure if it leaves an eyeliner mark on the eyelid like the black pencil did. I like using the brown eyeliner for a basic everyday look and for a heavy makeup look to. A great multi purpose eyeliner to have in your makeup bag, and a small-ish size means that it doesnt take up too much room. The only thing I dont quite like about it is its inability to smudge well. As a person who doesnt tend to suit black eyeliner, to get another brown one is of great use to me.
24th December: No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Night Cream
I was happy to get this after having received the day cream. I tried using the day cream in the evening before but I don't think that it worked as a night cream. I put it on before I go to bed and wake up with hydrated skin. In the Winter months, sometimes I wake up to dry skin and when applying makeup on dry skin, it goes patchy and looks awful. Using this night cream before bed and then the day cream before makeup application makes a good team for a flawless base of foundation. I don't know how good it will be for my skin in the Summer but for now it is great. The only downside is the cost of the full size face cream so when I have finished it, it is unlikely that I will be repurchasing.
25th December: No7 Stay Perfect Duo Nail Colour in Hot to Trot and Cheeky Chops
I was very excited to have an advent calendar which gave a gift on Christmas Day. When I opened it I at first thought, great a full size duo nail product. Two great shades that might complement each other and would be great to take away. Last night I decided to paint my nails in the pink shade and my ring finger in the gold shade. After painting the gold first, I loved the formula. I managed to get away with only one coat and it looks great. The pink however I was very unhappy with. It didn't go well with the gold like I wanted it to. Also, to get the colour right, thin layers were needed often. I just didn't really like the pink. Mum also didn't really like it when she tried it. The gold however goes really well with Barry M Vintage Violet. The application of this duo nail varnish is hard because you don't have much control over the brush due to the other nail varnish on the other end. I was underwhelmed that this was the last gift in the advent calendar.
So all in all this was a great advent calendar. I really loved it and I hope that it is equally as good if not better if No7 bring another one out next year. I really loved getting a new beauty or skincare product each day. Just have to wait til next year to get another! I urge you all to try No 7 products as they are really good. I know some are expensive but they are worth it, trust me!
Hope you all had good advent calendars and a great Christmas.
So until next time lovelies xx
Thursday 25 December 2014
The Christmas Tag - Part 4
Hello everyone,
So this is it, the final instalment of the Christmas Tag (sad face). I have left the most christmassy related ones til now and am very excited to answer them. So for the last time, lets answer some questions...
Do you still believe in Father Christmas?
What do you mean do I still believe in Father Christmas? He's real! I love the hype that younger children have with their fascination about a jolly bearded guy in a red suit around Christmas. I think it is a special thing to believe when you are a child, but I do think that a lot of money is spent on it and I find it extortionate. Gone are the days for us when we left out a beer, mince pies, carrots and milk. I would still do it if I could but my dad does not approve because he thinks it a bit of a waste. And as my brother is no longer young enough to do it, I can't justify doing it myself. It's still always great to pretend for little kiddies who still believe - their innocence is so cute.
Do you prefer Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
I do like both. The festive season makes me very happy. Last year's Christmas wasn't very good for me but I can already tell that this year is shaping up to be ten times better. On Christmas Eve in previous years we always used to go out for a family meal but this year we couldn't. It has made Christmas Eve less fun, but it meant I could spend half the day with my best friend. Christmas is a family time for us and I am very excited to see my cousins again this year like we did last year when they come down for the weekend. I do love opening presents on Christmas Day like everyone else - I'm just hoping that my presents for everyone else will be good too.
What time do you wake up to open your stocking on Christmas Day?
I do love my brother but I think that Christmas Day is the one day of the year where I dislike him because of the time he comes in to wake me up. I don't think that a 14 year old boy should be waking everyone up at 5am on Christmas morning. The answer would be 5am and Jake tends to set his alarm to make it known to everyone but today we didnt wake up until 6:30 which was bliss compared to every other year. I need my beauty sleep, especially on Christmas where the excitement is high that I won't sleep well anyway.
Do you dress up on Christmas Day or stay in your pyjamas?
I would love to stay in my pjs all day or a onesie, but dad is strict that we have to change out of our pjs before we can open the presents from under the tree.We stay in our pjs for stocking presents when we open them as a family then before breakfast we change. I like to dress up nicely on Christmas Day so I buy a Christmas dress each year. After Christmas dinner and other amounts of food, I like to get back into comfy clothes to nurse my food baby.
What is your typical Christmas Day like?
There is too much to write here so I'll be brief: 5-7ish is when we open stockings in my parents room. We then get dressed and ready for the day. I help mum lay and dress the table and do breakfast. From 10 our family usually arrive and we start to open the under the tree presents from 11:30. We have our starter around 1pm then open some more presents. We then eat our Christmas dinner at around 2:30 and watch the Queen's Speech at the table after saying grace. We then open the rest of our presents and have chill time where we play games and ponder over what we have been given. Then we have dessert whenever suits people best. We then watch whatever is most requested by everyone and record everything else to watch over the next few days. Family tend to go at 7-9 and then we as us 4 just chill for the rest of the evening and sleep to get strength for whatever is planned for Boxing Day.
So that was the Christmas Tag. I would like to know some of your responses if you want to let me know or if you have a blog I would recommend taking part in the tag next year. So I hope you have a lovely rest of your Christmas!
So until next time lovelies xx
So this is it, the final instalment of the Christmas Tag (sad face). I have left the most christmassy related ones til now and am very excited to answer them. So for the last time, lets answer some questions...
Do you still believe in Father Christmas?
What do you mean do I still believe in Father Christmas? He's real! I love the hype that younger children have with their fascination about a jolly bearded guy in a red suit around Christmas. I think it is a special thing to believe when you are a child, but I do think that a lot of money is spent on it and I find it extortionate. Gone are the days for us when we left out a beer, mince pies, carrots and milk. I would still do it if I could but my dad does not approve because he thinks it a bit of a waste. And as my brother is no longer young enough to do it, I can't justify doing it myself. It's still always great to pretend for little kiddies who still believe - their innocence is so cute.
Do you prefer Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
I do like both. The festive season makes me very happy. Last year's Christmas wasn't very good for me but I can already tell that this year is shaping up to be ten times better. On Christmas Eve in previous years we always used to go out for a family meal but this year we couldn't. It has made Christmas Eve less fun, but it meant I could spend half the day with my best friend. Christmas is a family time for us and I am very excited to see my cousins again this year like we did last year when they come down for the weekend. I do love opening presents on Christmas Day like everyone else - I'm just hoping that my presents for everyone else will be good too.
What time do you wake up to open your stocking on Christmas Day?
I do love my brother but I think that Christmas Day is the one day of the year where I dislike him because of the time he comes in to wake me up. I don't think that a 14 year old boy should be waking everyone up at 5am on Christmas morning. The answer would be 5am and Jake tends to set his alarm to make it known to everyone but today we didnt wake up until 6:30 which was bliss compared to every other year. I need my beauty sleep, especially on Christmas where the excitement is high that I won't sleep well anyway.
Do you dress up on Christmas Day or stay in your pyjamas?
I would love to stay in my pjs all day or a onesie, but dad is strict that we have to change out of our pjs before we can open the presents from under the tree.We stay in our pjs for stocking presents when we open them as a family then before breakfast we change. I like to dress up nicely on Christmas Day so I buy a Christmas dress each year. After Christmas dinner and other amounts of food, I like to get back into comfy clothes to nurse my food baby.
What is your typical Christmas Day like?
There is too much to write here so I'll be brief: 5-7ish is when we open stockings in my parents room. We then get dressed and ready for the day. I help mum lay and dress the table and do breakfast. From 10 our family usually arrive and we start to open the under the tree presents from 11:30. We have our starter around 1pm then open some more presents. We then eat our Christmas dinner at around 2:30 and watch the Queen's Speech at the table after saying grace. We then open the rest of our presents and have chill time where we play games and ponder over what we have been given. Then we have dessert whenever suits people best. We then watch whatever is most requested by everyone and record everything else to watch over the next few days. Family tend to go at 7-9 and then we as us 4 just chill for the rest of the evening and sleep to get strength for whatever is planned for Boxing Day.
So that was the Christmas Tag. I would like to know some of your responses if you want to let me know or if you have a blog I would recommend taking part in the tag next year. So I hope you have a lovely rest of your Christmas!
So until next time lovelies xx
Sunday 21 December 2014
Winter Red Lip Favourite
Hello everyone,
So I have been loving a bold matte lip for the Winter months (of course!) so when this little beauty came from Avon this time I of course fell in love. However this one isn't very matte - more of a satin finish. It is such a lovely darker red which looks good for a variety of different occasions. The lipstick I am loving this month is the Ultra Colour Lipstick in Scarlett Siren...
I use it with a Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in 024 Red Diva and they go together hand in hand so nicely. It isn't like Red 2000 which is a bright red. This one has darker undertones so has a burgundy like look. It stays on for a long time and I think it's increased by matching it up with the lip liner.
The Ultra Colour technology shows that the colour on the lipstick is exactly the same as what goes onto the lips. It has a high pigmentation and leaves a bold and opaque look which is perfect for this time of year. I definitely can't wait to wear it on Christmas Day! I've had a lot of compliments wearing it and think that it looks great with my skin tone and makes my teeth look whiter which is a bonus!
There aren't really any other words to describe how fab this lipstick is! I really love it and would recommend this lipstick to anyone who loves a bold lip and wants something festive to wear on Christmas Day. Let's just hope it doesn't go all round my face when eating Christmas dinner eh?
So until next time lovelies xx
Thursday 18 December 2014
The Christmas Tag - Part 3
Hello everyone,
Ready for part 3...
What is your favourite Christmas film?
This one is pretty easy for me. I love Nativity! I've got the first one on DVD and will watch it all year round to make me feel ready for Christmas. I love the songs so much that I have a playlist of them all on YouTube to watch when I want to feel jolly or am in the mood for some kiddy Christmas songs. The sequel is also really good and I want to get that on DVD too so I can have a little Nativity marathon. I think this film is suitable for all ages all year round. I watched it on my birthday in February and that was a great time.
Do you have a Christmas tradition, if so what is it?
We have a few little traditions in our family. We normally go out for a meal at Frankie and Bennies but for the first time in absolutely ages we aren't doing it this year. Normally I go with my immediate family and then some others on my mum's side but because my gran can't make it this year, we aren't going to do it :( We also have weird traditions on Christmas Day. My dad buys me and my brother a tub of Ben and Jerry's each, wraps it up and puts it in the freezer which is always fun. Finally my dad has always bought me and my brother a present each and hidden it under the stairs to find. He still does it even now and we always go off sneaking to try and find it. It's no longer a surprise but who cares - its Christmas!
What was your weirdest/wackiest Christmas present?
One year I got given a pair of singing poodles which sang 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. I didn't really know what to make of them to be honest. If you played one on its own it'd sing a solo but if you played them together they'd sing a duet. It was great for Christmas Day but I think my parents probably got a bit sick of it after a while haha.
Do you peek at the Christmas presents under the Christmas tree?
I like to peek at some but I also love the complete element of surprise you get on Christmas Day. My dad plays Father Christmas each year and hands them out once reading the labels out which is always a funny event. As me and my brother are older now, we tend to give a smaller Christmas list and tend to get everything on it so there isn't much of a surprise element now so guessing them is more fun. But it wouldn't be Christmas in our house if you didn't try and guess whether you were being given a tub of Heroes or Celebrations.
What is your favourite thing to eat for your Christmas dinner?
Parsnips! Easy peasy question for me. I love parsnips. We only tend to have them in the Autumn/Winter months which is a shame because they are just the best veg ever. They are one vegetable that I would eat continuously until I'm full to bursting. Mum does the best parsnips by roasting them in lots of honey. They are just so sweet and are lovely with the Christmas dinner. I am a lover of Brussels sprouts and pigs in blankets too but they just aren't as good as a honey roast parsnip.
Next Thursday is Christmas Day - eeeep how exciting! I will put up the final part of the Christmas Tag sometime next week.
So until next time lovelies xx
Ready for part 3...
What is your favourite Christmas film?
This one is pretty easy for me. I love Nativity! I've got the first one on DVD and will watch it all year round to make me feel ready for Christmas. I love the songs so much that I have a playlist of them all on YouTube to watch when I want to feel jolly or am in the mood for some kiddy Christmas songs. The sequel is also really good and I want to get that on DVD too so I can have a little Nativity marathon. I think this film is suitable for all ages all year round. I watched it on my birthday in February and that was a great time.
Do you have a Christmas tradition, if so what is it?
We have a few little traditions in our family. We normally go out for a meal at Frankie and Bennies but for the first time in absolutely ages we aren't doing it this year. Normally I go with my immediate family and then some others on my mum's side but because my gran can't make it this year, we aren't going to do it :( We also have weird traditions on Christmas Day. My dad buys me and my brother a tub of Ben and Jerry's each, wraps it up and puts it in the freezer which is always fun. Finally my dad has always bought me and my brother a present each and hidden it under the stairs to find. He still does it even now and we always go off sneaking to try and find it. It's no longer a surprise but who cares - its Christmas!
What was your weirdest/wackiest Christmas present?
One year I got given a pair of singing poodles which sang 'Don't Go Breaking My Heart'. I didn't really know what to make of them to be honest. If you played one on its own it'd sing a solo but if you played them together they'd sing a duet. It was great for Christmas Day but I think my parents probably got a bit sick of it after a while haha.
Do you peek at the Christmas presents under the Christmas tree?
I like to peek at some but I also love the complete element of surprise you get on Christmas Day. My dad plays Father Christmas each year and hands them out once reading the labels out which is always a funny event. As me and my brother are older now, we tend to give a smaller Christmas list and tend to get everything on it so there isn't much of a surprise element now so guessing them is more fun. But it wouldn't be Christmas in our house if you didn't try and guess whether you were being given a tub of Heroes or Celebrations.
What is your favourite thing to eat for your Christmas dinner?
Parsnips! Easy peasy question for me. I love parsnips. We only tend to have them in the Autumn/Winter months which is a shame because they are just the best veg ever. They are one vegetable that I would eat continuously until I'm full to bursting. Mum does the best parsnips by roasting them in lots of honey. They are just so sweet and are lovely with the Christmas dinner. I am a lover of Brussels sprouts and pigs in blankets too but they just aren't as good as a honey roast parsnip.
Next Thursday is Christmas Day - eeeep how exciting! I will put up the final part of the Christmas Tag sometime next week.
So until next time lovelies xx
Monday 15 December 2014
No7 Advent Calendar - Week 2
Hello everyone,
This past weeks advent calendar has had some real lovely products which I would never have thought of trying but really love. Time for some more reviews...
8th December: No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator
Now exfoliators are something I tend to use a lot for my skincare routine. I tend to use them in the shower as part of my nighttime routine. This one is really good. I sometimes find that exfoliators can be too vigorous for my skin and cause a lot of irritation resulting in my face getting very hot and red which for the record really isn't a good look. The exfoliating beads in this product are brilliant. There are a mixture of big and small ones and they just seem to do wonders on my face. I am only going to use this once or twice a week because I don't want it to run out straight away and I don't want it to irritate my skin too much. It leaves my skin feeling new and renourished. I just really think that it's great and there is a possibility that I might buy the full size product and keep this as a travel product for when I go away.
9th December: No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Day Cream
I haven't used a good day cream in a very long time so I am very happy that I got this in the advent calendar. I think that this is so much better than a moisturiser. I use it at the end of my morning skincare routine and before I put on my makeup. It really hydrates my skin and makes it feel nourished. I wasn't sure if it would be good for me or whether or not I would have to pass it off onto mum but I don't think I can bear to part with it. Its a good travel size like a lot of the products from this advent calendar. I think that there is a lot of product in the tube and will hopefully last me a long time especially as all I use is a pea sized amount once or twice a day.
10th December: No7 Blissful Body Wash
Now I'm not really one for spending lots on a body wash; I just tend to use whatever we have in the cupboard. I think that this smelt like the Dove soaps and body washes which I do quite like as a smell as it doesn't have a specific fragrance and is therefore quite mature smelling and in some ways quite sophisticated I guess. It has a luxurious feel to it but I wouldn't say that I would buy it to pamper myself as the full size product is £7.50 and I think thats quite a lot for a body wash.
11th December: No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Makeup Remover
As I said in my review of Benefit's They're Real eye makeup remover, I am not particularly a fan of most eye makeup removers. If they're too liquidy I tend to think that they will irritate my eyes but I think that this could be the one exception to the rule! If I go for eye makeup removers I would normally go for a creamy formula but I think that this may persuade me to trying others. It gets rid of eye makeup really easily and efficiently. I fear that it will be used up quickly though so may have to purchase the full sized product soon. I think it works well on lips too especially as I am a fan of long lasting products which tend to need to be scrubbed off. Because it is hypo-allergenic, it is great for sensitive skin like mine.
12th December: No7 Stay Precise Felt Tip Liner in Black
Now if you know me you will know that I really don't get on with eyeliner. I don't suit it and I can't ever get it to look right on my face. This product however has resulted in me converting to liking liquid eyeliner. This is the perfect felt tip eyeliner. Its sturdy and the product it gives off is very pigmented so you don't have to constantly reapply it. The felt tip nib is the perfect size for my eyes even though my technique still isn't great for applying it but I'm hoping that I'll improve over time. I want to get the perfect winged but subtle eyeliner one day!
13th December: No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Delicate Pink
I think that this is the only product out of the whole advent calendar which I already have. I am a lover of anything lip related as you all know by now. I love how hydrating and nourishing this product is. It is so easy to apply as are most lip crayons as you don't really need to prime or lip line. If you are in a rush I would definitely recommend that you use this product. The only downside to this product is the lack of pigmentation. I don't think its as good as a lot of other cheaper lip products. Because I own this already, I'm giving it to my Philosophy buddy Beth so we can talk about it all lesson.
14th December: No7 Completely Quenched Moisturising Body Lotion
The last product of this week's part of the advent calendar is a body lotion. Once I find a body lotion or moisturiser I like, I tend to stick with it. As I like one by Garnier, I don't really think I will be using this so it is one mum will be getting. I used it and it smelt similar to the body wash and was of high quality. I can imagine though that if I used it in large quantities that it may leave a residue. When I used it though it did leave my skin feeling soft and luxurious so I think it would be a nice present for someone with more mature skin so they can use it with the body wash for a bit of a pamper.
So thats is for week 2 of the No7 advent calendar. I hope you're all enjoying the mini reviews I have done of each product. It's insane that I am half way through it. I love waking up each morning and excited to see what I will be getting to use that day. Bring on week 3!
So until next time lovelies xx
This past weeks advent calendar has had some real lovely products which I would never have thought of trying but really love. Time for some more reviews...
8th December: No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator
Now exfoliators are something I tend to use a lot for my skincare routine. I tend to use them in the shower as part of my nighttime routine. This one is really good. I sometimes find that exfoliators can be too vigorous for my skin and cause a lot of irritation resulting in my face getting very hot and red which for the record really isn't a good look. The exfoliating beads in this product are brilliant. There are a mixture of big and small ones and they just seem to do wonders on my face. I am only going to use this once or twice a week because I don't want it to run out straight away and I don't want it to irritate my skin too much. It leaves my skin feeling new and renourished. I just really think that it's great and there is a possibility that I might buy the full size product and keep this as a travel product for when I go away.
9th December: No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Day Cream
I haven't used a good day cream in a very long time so I am very happy that I got this in the advent calendar. I think that this is so much better than a moisturiser. I use it at the end of my morning skincare routine and before I put on my makeup. It really hydrates my skin and makes it feel nourished. I wasn't sure if it would be good for me or whether or not I would have to pass it off onto mum but I don't think I can bear to part with it. Its a good travel size like a lot of the products from this advent calendar. I think that there is a lot of product in the tube and will hopefully last me a long time especially as all I use is a pea sized amount once or twice a day.
10th December: No7 Blissful Body Wash
Now I'm not really one for spending lots on a body wash; I just tend to use whatever we have in the cupboard. I think that this smelt like the Dove soaps and body washes which I do quite like as a smell as it doesn't have a specific fragrance and is therefore quite mature smelling and in some ways quite sophisticated I guess. It has a luxurious feel to it but I wouldn't say that I would buy it to pamper myself as the full size product is £7.50 and I think thats quite a lot for a body wash.
11th December: No7 Beautiful Skin Eye Makeup Remover
As I said in my review of Benefit's They're Real eye makeup remover, I am not particularly a fan of most eye makeup removers. If they're too liquidy I tend to think that they will irritate my eyes but I think that this could be the one exception to the rule! If I go for eye makeup removers I would normally go for a creamy formula but I think that this may persuade me to trying others. It gets rid of eye makeup really easily and efficiently. I fear that it will be used up quickly though so may have to purchase the full sized product soon. I think it works well on lips too especially as I am a fan of long lasting products which tend to need to be scrubbed off. Because it is hypo-allergenic, it is great for sensitive skin like mine.
12th December: No7 Stay Precise Felt Tip Liner in Black
Now if you know me you will know that I really don't get on with eyeliner. I don't suit it and I can't ever get it to look right on my face. This product however has resulted in me converting to liking liquid eyeliner. This is the perfect felt tip eyeliner. Its sturdy and the product it gives off is very pigmented so you don't have to constantly reapply it. The felt tip nib is the perfect size for my eyes even though my technique still isn't great for applying it but I'm hoping that I'll improve over time. I want to get the perfect winged but subtle eyeliner one day!
13th December: No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in Delicate Pink
I think that this is the only product out of the whole advent calendar which I already have. I am a lover of anything lip related as you all know by now. I love how hydrating and nourishing this product is. It is so easy to apply as are most lip crayons as you don't really need to prime or lip line. If you are in a rush I would definitely recommend that you use this product. The only downside to this product is the lack of pigmentation. I don't think its as good as a lot of other cheaper lip products. Because I own this already, I'm giving it to my Philosophy buddy Beth so we can talk about it all lesson.
14th December: No7 Completely Quenched Moisturising Body Lotion
The last product of this week's part of the advent calendar is a body lotion. Once I find a body lotion or moisturiser I like, I tend to stick with it. As I like one by Garnier, I don't really think I will be using this so it is one mum will be getting. I used it and it smelt similar to the body wash and was of high quality. I can imagine though that if I used it in large quantities that it may leave a residue. When I used it though it did leave my skin feeling soft and luxurious so I think it would be a nice present for someone with more mature skin so they can use it with the body wash for a bit of a pamper.
So thats is for week 2 of the No7 advent calendar. I hope you're all enjoying the mini reviews I have done of each product. It's insane that I am half way through it. I love waking up each morning and excited to see what I will be getting to use that day. Bring on week 3!
So until next time lovelies xx
Sunday 14 December 2014
Benefit's They're Real Remover - Review
Hello everyone,
I was planning on doing an MWMR for this product but I don't think I could wait to review it mid-week. I am not really one for eye makeup removers because they nearly all tend to irritate my eyes or don't actually get the makeup off properly. I have been going into Boots and Debenhams a lot recently and this item is one that has constantly caught my attention. It costs £14.50 at full price but when I went into Boots it was only £11 so I thought, when else would it be better to try the product when there is money off?
I thought that £14.50 was quite a lot for an eye makeup remover especially if it was then going to irritate my eyes but I took the chance, and I have to say it is brilliant! It isn't liquidy and likely to run all over my hands when applying it to cotton pads and so liquidy so it won't rub onto my eyes properly. It has a thick and gel like formula which really gets to work in removing the eye makeup. It advises that you should wash it off after use but I tend to just use a micellar water on my face afterwards and that tends to do the trick. It doesn't leave my eyelids any more oily than usual and in fact I think it makes them nicer to apply makeup to and I'm not having to use a eyeshadow primer at the moment which is even better.
Just applying a pea size amount to a cotton wool pad to sort out my face after a shower tends to do the trick. I try not to use too much of it because I don't want to have to buy a new one immediately especially at the price it costs. I think it does a really good job and it is the perfect size to be able to take away with you in a wash bag. The screw on lid is durable and so it is hard for spillages to occur from it. The squeezy tube is also great because it is easy to hold and gets a lot of product out just like a hand cream or any other product in a similar sort of packaging.
I would just really recommend this product. I think it works well on both waterproof and non-waterproof makeup. It gets it all off without having to scrub your face so much that it goes bright red! I am very happy with it and would definitely repurchase when it runs out (although I'm hoping thats not anytime soon!)
Let me know what you use to get your eye makeup off and whether or not you have tried this great product.
So until next time lovelies xx
I was planning on doing an MWMR for this product but I don't think I could wait to review it mid-week. I am not really one for eye makeup removers because they nearly all tend to irritate my eyes or don't actually get the makeup off properly. I have been going into Boots and Debenhams a lot recently and this item is one that has constantly caught my attention. It costs £14.50 at full price but when I went into Boots it was only £11 so I thought, when else would it be better to try the product when there is money off?
I thought that £14.50 was quite a lot for an eye makeup remover especially if it was then going to irritate my eyes but I took the chance, and I have to say it is brilliant! It isn't liquidy and likely to run all over my hands when applying it to cotton pads and so liquidy so it won't rub onto my eyes properly. It has a thick and gel like formula which really gets to work in removing the eye makeup. It advises that you should wash it off after use but I tend to just use a micellar water on my face afterwards and that tends to do the trick. It doesn't leave my eyelids any more oily than usual and in fact I think it makes them nicer to apply makeup to and I'm not having to use a eyeshadow primer at the moment which is even better.
Just applying a pea size amount to a cotton wool pad to sort out my face after a shower tends to do the trick. I try not to use too much of it because I don't want to have to buy a new one immediately especially at the price it costs. I think it does a really good job and it is the perfect size to be able to take away with you in a wash bag. The screw on lid is durable and so it is hard for spillages to occur from it. The squeezy tube is also great because it is easy to hold and gets a lot of product out just like a hand cream or any other product in a similar sort of packaging.
I would just really recommend this product. I think it works well on both waterproof and non-waterproof makeup. It gets it all off without having to scrub your face so much that it goes bright red! I am very happy with it and would definitely repurchase when it runs out (although I'm hoping thats not anytime soon!)
Let me know what you use to get your eye makeup off and whether or not you have tried this great product.
So until next time lovelies xx
Thursday 11 December 2014
The Christmas Tag - Part 2
Hello everyone,
Here is part 2 of the Christmas Tag. A few more christmassy related questions as we are now in the second week of December. Lets let part 2 commence...
What is your favourite Christmas song?
I am a complete sucker for Christmas songs. I will start to play them in the middle of November and will have them on my iPod, my phone, the TV, the computer, the CD player - any means of technology which will allow me to play Christmas music. I have a few favourite songs which I tend to listen to repeatedly over the festive period. The more classic carol-y type ones are O Holy Night, The First Noel, O Come O come Emmanuel and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. However, you can't beat some of the more cheesy modern ones. I love Fairytale of New York, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) and of course All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Do you have a colour scheme for the Christmas tree and what is your favourite decoration to put on the Christmas tree?
I am in charge every year for decorating the Christmas tree. If anyone tells me what to do there will be trouble!! Only more recently have I tried to do a colour scheme for the tree but because we have a lot of lovely Christmas decorations it never seems to be that brilliant. I tend to go for white and red decorations mostly because that's what we have the most of. We always have an angel on top of the tree and I always enjoy putting her on. I do need a high stool to do this though because of me being little. I do have to say though that my favourite decorations I put on the tree are some creamy coloured angels each playing a different instrument and with fluff on them. I just think they all look so cute together and I think they make the tree look cute.
Who is your favourite person to buy Christmas presents for?
I always love buying Christmas presents for everyone. I probably buy too many, just like my mum, but if you can't give someone a present at Christmas, when can you? I really love buying for my family although they tend to have everything now and so they are quite hard to buy for. My brother has very expensive taste (trust him!) so I have to find something decent on a budget for him. Phoebe and I always do each other cute presents and I enjoy finding things for her, but as we try to outdo each other each year, after a while it gets hard to find the perfect present. Teachers are fun to buy for and so are all my other friends from both school and church. I think that the highlight of my year though is buying secret santa presents for the variety of secret santas I get involved in.
Do you prefer to give presents or receive them?
As I said above, I do love giving presents; to see the expressions they get on their face can be hilarious or can be overwhelming. But last year I got the most gorgeous bracelet and I love it so much that I save it for special occasions and always wear it with pride when getting it. I could go as far as saying it's one of the best presents I ever got. But as I said, I love giving presents. I love wrapping them and going to people's houses to deliver them each year.
Do you give to charity at Christmas?
Yes! I don't think that giving to charity is something that should be bragged about. There are so many worthwhile causes and charities about which need funding, especially at this time of year. There are a few charities which I support each year though. 1) Storehouse - this is a similar organisation to Foodbank where food and toiletries are given out to people who have been highlighted by social services as needing support. I think that at this time of year when it gets colder and harder to find some work, we should support those who need food, comfort and love this Winter. 2) St Nicholas Hospice - at our annual Carols and Candles service at church, they always have a bowl where donations can be made to St Nicholas Hospice. They look after people with cancer and support their loved ones. At Christmas time, it can be both the hardest time of the year for families and also the best. It is really good to try and fund opportunities for those who need it at this time of year.
So thats part 2 done. I really enjoy answering the questions and I look forward to answering next weeks ones. Same time next week guys!
So until next time lovelies xx
Here is part 2 of the Christmas Tag. A few more christmassy related questions as we are now in the second week of December. Lets let part 2 commence...
What is your favourite Christmas song?
I am a complete sucker for Christmas songs. I will start to play them in the middle of November and will have them on my iPod, my phone, the TV, the computer, the CD player - any means of technology which will allow me to play Christmas music. I have a few favourite songs which I tend to listen to repeatedly over the festive period. The more classic carol-y type ones are O Holy Night, The First Noel, O Come O come Emmanuel and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen. However, you can't beat some of the more cheesy modern ones. I love Fairytale of New York, Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) and of course All I Want For Christmas Is You.
Do you have a colour scheme for the Christmas tree and what is your favourite decoration to put on the Christmas tree?
I am in charge every year for decorating the Christmas tree. If anyone tells me what to do there will be trouble!! Only more recently have I tried to do a colour scheme for the tree but because we have a lot of lovely Christmas decorations it never seems to be that brilliant. I tend to go for white and red decorations mostly because that's what we have the most of. We always have an angel on top of the tree and I always enjoy putting her on. I do need a high stool to do this though because of me being little. I do have to say though that my favourite decorations I put on the tree are some creamy coloured angels each playing a different instrument and with fluff on them. I just think they all look so cute together and I think they make the tree look cute.
Who is your favourite person to buy Christmas presents for?
I always love buying Christmas presents for everyone. I probably buy too many, just like my mum, but if you can't give someone a present at Christmas, when can you? I really love buying for my family although they tend to have everything now and so they are quite hard to buy for. My brother has very expensive taste (trust him!) so I have to find something decent on a budget for him. Phoebe and I always do each other cute presents and I enjoy finding things for her, but as we try to outdo each other each year, after a while it gets hard to find the perfect present. Teachers are fun to buy for and so are all my other friends from both school and church. I think that the highlight of my year though is buying secret santa presents for the variety of secret santas I get involved in.
Do you prefer to give presents or receive them?
As I said above, I do love giving presents; to see the expressions they get on their face can be hilarious or can be overwhelming. But last year I got the most gorgeous bracelet and I love it so much that I save it for special occasions and always wear it with pride when getting it. I could go as far as saying it's one of the best presents I ever got. But as I said, I love giving presents. I love wrapping them and going to people's houses to deliver them each year.
Do you give to charity at Christmas?
Yes! I don't think that giving to charity is something that should be bragged about. There are so many worthwhile causes and charities about which need funding, especially at this time of year. There are a few charities which I support each year though. 1) Storehouse - this is a similar organisation to Foodbank where food and toiletries are given out to people who have been highlighted by social services as needing support. I think that at this time of year when it gets colder and harder to find some work, we should support those who need food, comfort and love this Winter. 2) St Nicholas Hospice - at our annual Carols and Candles service at church, they always have a bowl where donations can be made to St Nicholas Hospice. They look after people with cancer and support their loved ones. At Christmas time, it can be both the hardest time of the year for families and also the best. It is really good to try and fund opportunities for those who need it at this time of year.
So thats part 2 done. I really enjoy answering the questions and I look forward to answering next weeks ones. Same time next week guys!
So until next time lovelies xx
Monday 8 December 2014
No7 Advent Calendar - Week 1
Hello everyone,
I love advent calendars. Each year we have a refillable snowman one and I love it. But for the past few years I have longed and longed for a beauty advent calendar. They are kind of expensive and I have never persuaded my mum to let me have one. But this year, I saw No7 had an advent calendar which didn't seem to be too expensive. I went shopping with my nan one Saturday and showed it to her when the woman behind the No7 counter told me that it was the last one and my nan decided to proclaim to the shop that we would be buying the last No7 advent calendar in the Bury St Edmunds branch of Boots.
So on the 1st December, I no longer had to gaze at its beautifulness; I could actually open it! So I thought that I would review each product that I've had from it in week 1...
1st December: No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach
When I used this on Monday night under concealer I was not a fan. I thought it looked way to shimmery and made my face need a lot more coverage and base from foundation. On Wednesday however, I wore it on top of foundation and underneath powder as I was going out for a meal. I have to say that this worked a lot better on my face. I think that it is so good and because of it, I have worn it every day since. It is the best highlighter I have ever used. A lot of highlighters tend to be highly pigmented, powdery and hard to blend but this is just perfect. I use the Real Techniques contour brush to blend it and they are a match made in heaven. I would recommend this to be used on top or underneath powder but not on its own as it does make your face look very shimmery.
2nd December: High Shine Lip Crayon in Daydreamer
Now you know I'm a lippy girl and when I saw this I have to admit, I did squeal a little bit. Most of my lip products are bold matte shades which I tend to go for on a day to day basis, but sometimes all a girl wants is a nude and subtle lip. I don't own many nude lip crayons and so to add this to my collection was a nice treat. I was worried however that it wouldn't look brilliant or wouldn't add any sort of definition to the lips but boy was I proved wrong. I really love this product and because it is a miniature, it means that it is perfect to fit in a handbag or schoolbag. I am just really happy with this product. I only have one other No7 lip crayon and so to add this to my collection is great.
3rd December: No7 Eye Colour Brush
Any chance that I can add brushes to my collection I will grasp with both hands. However, this brush did disappoint me a bit. I feel like it is similar to the free brush you get with the Naked palette. It seems soft but it is very hard to use to work product onto the eye. You can only apply eyeshadow using it flat and I am a lover of blending and this can't be used to blend properly I don't think so I feel this lets it down. However, it is a good size to pack in a travel makeup bag - not so small you lose it but not so big that you can't fit it in somewhere.
4th December: No7 Youthful Eye Serum
Now I was unsure of this product to begin with. When looking at the contents of the calendar, I was worried about some of the skincare items. I feel like No7 skincare is focussed more for mature skin and I briefed my mum that she may be getting the skincare items but sorry mum, I am very happy with this eye serum. I try to use it in the mornings when I get up and before I go to bed in the evening. I still have young skin so wasn't sure if this would actually make a difference for me but already after about 6 applications I can tell that it has made me look more awake and my eyes look widened and brighter. It works wonders without lots of highlight and light eyeliner colours - a very simple and easy thing to add into my daytime and nighttime routines.
5th December: No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Highland Mist
I would have to say though that this is my least favourite product which I got this week. I really am a sucker for nail polishes too but when I saw the colour I didn't really think that it was me. I showed it to mum and she loved it. But I couldn't review it if I didn't try it so I painted my nails on Friday night with it and by Saturday afternoon it was chipping and peeling off. I don't have to do too much hard work with my hands as I no longer clean but if I was cleaning and had this nail polish on, I wouldn't bet on it lasting more than 12 hours. I think that it looks best in the more Autumn/Winter months but I don't think that it suits my skin tone so it is one that mum cannot wait to use.
6th December: No7 Lash Impact Mascara in Black
After seeing this recently being released I always wanted to try it and what better way to try it than in a miniature size. However I am a little fussy when it comes to mascaras. I only tend to use plastic wands which look more like combs than the furry fibre-y ones. I think that I might be getting converted though. I really like the brush and think it gives a beautiful natural look. I normally go for a bold and full lash look but sometimes it looks best to have natural looking lashes and wish the makeup looks I do for school, I think it will look perfect for school. This will be great to have in my handbag or schoolbag for a daytime look or for a top up in the evening.
7th December: No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Good Earth Trio (middle shade)
Finally is the single eyeshadow which comes from the Good Earth trio. I really like this eyeshadow. It is a beautiful grey-brown shade with the perfect amount of shimmer. Sometimes shimmery eyeshadows end up going all over my face and I think that you need such a gentle hand to apply them but this is brilliant. I think that it looks good on its own or blended with a lighter and darker shade. I used them with some Revlon eyeshadows and it looked brilliant. It is so easy to blend out and is just really good for daytime and nighttime looks. I am very happy with this eyeshadow and I don't think that it looks like a miniature. It is perfect travel size but also a brilliant eyeshadow to grab everyday for your everyday makeup use.
So they were my reviews of my No7 advent calendar treats from week 1. I am looking forward to what else I may get from the advent calendar and check back next week for the second week of treats and their reviews.
Let me know if you are loving any No7 products for this time of year. Also if you have advent calendars, chocolate or non-chocolate, I'd love to know what you have.
So until next time lovelies xx
I love advent calendars. Each year we have a refillable snowman one and I love it. But for the past few years I have longed and longed for a beauty advent calendar. They are kind of expensive and I have never persuaded my mum to let me have one. But this year, I saw No7 had an advent calendar which didn't seem to be too expensive. I went shopping with my nan one Saturday and showed it to her when the woman behind the No7 counter told me that it was the last one and my nan decided to proclaim to the shop that we would be buying the last No7 advent calendar in the Bury St Edmunds branch of Boots.
So on the 1st December, I no longer had to gaze at its beautifulness; I could actually open it! So I thought that I would review each product that I've had from it in week 1...
1st December: No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach
When I used this on Monday night under concealer I was not a fan. I thought it looked way to shimmery and made my face need a lot more coverage and base from foundation. On Wednesday however, I wore it on top of foundation and underneath powder as I was going out for a meal. I have to say that this worked a lot better on my face. I think that it is so good and because of it, I have worn it every day since. It is the best highlighter I have ever used. A lot of highlighters tend to be highly pigmented, powdery and hard to blend but this is just perfect. I use the Real Techniques contour brush to blend it and they are a match made in heaven. I would recommend this to be used on top or underneath powder but not on its own as it does make your face look very shimmery.
2nd December: High Shine Lip Crayon in Daydreamer
Now you know I'm a lippy girl and when I saw this I have to admit, I did squeal a little bit. Most of my lip products are bold matte shades which I tend to go for on a day to day basis, but sometimes all a girl wants is a nude and subtle lip. I don't own many nude lip crayons and so to add this to my collection was a nice treat. I was worried however that it wouldn't look brilliant or wouldn't add any sort of definition to the lips but boy was I proved wrong. I really love this product and because it is a miniature, it means that it is perfect to fit in a handbag or schoolbag. I am just really happy with this product. I only have one other No7 lip crayon and so to add this to my collection is great.
3rd December: No7 Eye Colour Brush
Any chance that I can add brushes to my collection I will grasp with both hands. However, this brush did disappoint me a bit. I feel like it is similar to the free brush you get with the Naked palette. It seems soft but it is very hard to use to work product onto the eye. You can only apply eyeshadow using it flat and I am a lover of blending and this can't be used to blend properly I don't think so I feel this lets it down. However, it is a good size to pack in a travel makeup bag - not so small you lose it but not so big that you can't fit it in somewhere.
4th December: No7 Youthful Eye Serum
Now I was unsure of this product to begin with. When looking at the contents of the calendar, I was worried about some of the skincare items. I feel like No7 skincare is focussed more for mature skin and I briefed my mum that she may be getting the skincare items but sorry mum, I am very happy with this eye serum. I try to use it in the mornings when I get up and before I go to bed in the evening. I still have young skin so wasn't sure if this would actually make a difference for me but already after about 6 applications I can tell that it has made me look more awake and my eyes look widened and brighter. It works wonders without lots of highlight and light eyeliner colours - a very simple and easy thing to add into my daytime and nighttime routines.
5th December: No7 Stay Perfect Nail Colour in Highland Mist
I would have to say though that this is my least favourite product which I got this week. I really am a sucker for nail polishes too but when I saw the colour I didn't really think that it was me. I showed it to mum and she loved it. But I couldn't review it if I didn't try it so I painted my nails on Friday night with it and by Saturday afternoon it was chipping and peeling off. I don't have to do too much hard work with my hands as I no longer clean but if I was cleaning and had this nail polish on, I wouldn't bet on it lasting more than 12 hours. I think that it looks best in the more Autumn/Winter months but I don't think that it suits my skin tone so it is one that mum cannot wait to use.
6th December: No7 Lash Impact Mascara in Black
After seeing this recently being released I always wanted to try it and what better way to try it than in a miniature size. However I am a little fussy when it comes to mascaras. I only tend to use plastic wands which look more like combs than the furry fibre-y ones. I think that I might be getting converted though. I really like the brush and think it gives a beautiful natural look. I normally go for a bold and full lash look but sometimes it looks best to have natural looking lashes and wish the makeup looks I do for school, I think it will look perfect for school. This will be great to have in my handbag or schoolbag for a daytime look or for a top up in the evening.
7th December: No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Good Earth Trio (middle shade)
So they were my reviews of my No7 advent calendar treats from week 1. I am looking forward to what else I may get from the advent calendar and check back next week for the second week of treats and their reviews.
Let me know if you are loving any No7 products for this time of year. Also if you have advent calendars, chocolate or non-chocolate, I'd love to know what you have.
So until next time lovelies xx
Sunday 7 December 2014
Most Recent MAC Purchase
Hello everyone,
When in a Cambridge a few weeks ago for a Philosophy conference, I decided to pop into MAC. There is one rule I always have to adhere to - whenever I am somewhere with a MAC I have to go and treat myself to something. In a way I am quite happy that we don't have a MAC in Bury otherwise I would be very very poor all of the time.
As its getting colder and makeup looks are changing, I did some research for some things which I would use both in winter but also in the summer if needed. And of course when I go to MAC what do I head straight for? Well take a guess then have a look...
Originally the plan was to buy a lip liner and lipstick to go together and form a good combination but when I found these products that plan went out of the window. After seeing many bloggers rave about this lip liner I just had to treat myself to it. I am excited to use it as either a lip liner with another lipstick or as a lip base on its own. The lip liner is a gorgeous wine and autumny shade and the lipstick is a vibrant shade suitable for all year round.
I just really love MAC lip products and with my growing collection I think that is obvious to most people. Every time I look on the MAC website I go straight for the lipsticks and I have a very long list of lip products on my phone which I love. I really am a lip product addict aren't I?
Impassioned is a lovely pinky coral colour which is very vibrant. I am all up for a vibrant lip so it is definitely well up my street! It isn't like the usual pinky coral, it is deep and sensuous. I have worn it a few times on different occasions - once when talking constantly for a few hours, once at school and once for dinner one day and I have to say that on all occasions it was very long lasting and nourishing. It has such a creamy formula like all the MAC lipsticks and I feel that they are always very nourishing. The pigmentation is amazing as well and you don't have to layer it up to make it opaque, it is a very quick and easy lipstick to use for a bold lip. I really think it looks good on my fair complexion but I think it would suit a variety of skin tones, especially olive skin. I also think it looks good with my blue eyes which is why I always tend to go for pinky coral shades. Finally it has a slight satin finish so it looks matte but isn't at all drying.
Beet lip liner however is something completely different! I have recently got into wearing lip liners and wanting to try a variety as a lip liner or as a lip base. I hadn't got a wine coloured one so when I heard about this I was on a mission to get it. I think lip liners are brilliant to use as they prevent the lipstick from bleeding out onto the skin. Before I use it as a base I have to apply a lip balm because it does need some moisture to blend well. It looks really good on the lips but I do find it quite drying. Because of this I then tend to apply lip balm over the top to moisturise and to prevent it from smudging and therefore making it very long lasting. Unfortunately MAC lip liners as I have found out don't sharpen very well so I use it sparingly so it doesn't need too much sharpening. I think this looks really good with burgundy or wine coloured lipsticks like the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107. I think that Beet is a brilliant name for this lip liner as it really is a beetroot like colour. I just love it so much and think it goes well with any makeup look!
So those were my recent MAC purchases. Let me know if you are as much of a MAC addict as me and let me know your favourite MAC products - especially if they're lipsticks!!
So until next time lovelies xx
When in a Cambridge a few weeks ago for a Philosophy conference, I decided to pop into MAC. There is one rule I always have to adhere to - whenever I am somewhere with a MAC I have to go and treat myself to something. In a way I am quite happy that we don't have a MAC in Bury otherwise I would be very very poor all of the time.
As its getting colder and makeup looks are changing, I did some research for some things which I would use both in winter but also in the summer if needed. And of course when I go to MAC what do I head straight for? Well take a guess then have a look...
Originally the plan was to buy a lip liner and lipstick to go together and form a good combination but when I found these products that plan went out of the window. After seeing many bloggers rave about this lip liner I just had to treat myself to it. I am excited to use it as either a lip liner with another lipstick or as a lip base on its own. The lip liner is a gorgeous wine and autumny shade and the lipstick is a vibrant shade suitable for all year round.
I just really love MAC lip products and with my growing collection I think that is obvious to most people. Every time I look on the MAC website I go straight for the lipsticks and I have a very long list of lip products on my phone which I love. I really am a lip product addict aren't I?
Impassioned is a lovely pinky coral colour which is very vibrant. I am all up for a vibrant lip so it is definitely well up my street! It isn't like the usual pinky coral, it is deep and sensuous. I have worn it a few times on different occasions - once when talking constantly for a few hours, once at school and once for dinner one day and I have to say that on all occasions it was very long lasting and nourishing. It has such a creamy formula like all the MAC lipsticks and I feel that they are always very nourishing. The pigmentation is amazing as well and you don't have to layer it up to make it opaque, it is a very quick and easy lipstick to use for a bold lip. I really think it looks good on my fair complexion but I think it would suit a variety of skin tones, especially olive skin. I also think it looks good with my blue eyes which is why I always tend to go for pinky coral shades. Finally it has a slight satin finish so it looks matte but isn't at all drying.
Beet lip liner however is something completely different! I have recently got into wearing lip liners and wanting to try a variety as a lip liner or as a lip base. I hadn't got a wine coloured one so when I heard about this I was on a mission to get it. I think lip liners are brilliant to use as they prevent the lipstick from bleeding out onto the skin. Before I use it as a base I have to apply a lip balm because it does need some moisture to blend well. It looks really good on the lips but I do find it quite drying. Because of this I then tend to apply lip balm over the top to moisturise and to prevent it from smudging and therefore making it very long lasting. Unfortunately MAC lip liners as I have found out don't sharpen very well so I use it sparingly so it doesn't need too much sharpening. I think this looks really good with burgundy or wine coloured lipsticks like the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107. I think that Beet is a brilliant name for this lip liner as it really is a beetroot like colour. I just love it so much and think it goes well with any makeup look!
So those were my recent MAC purchases. Let me know if you are as much of a MAC addict as me and let me know your favourite MAC products - especially if they're lipsticks!!
So until next time lovelies xx
Tuesday 2 December 2014
The Christmas Tag - Part 1
Hello everyone,
So after doing the Autumn Tag on Sunday, I have decided to do another tag and what better one to do than the Christmas Tag. Because there are lots of Christmassy questions, I have decided to answer 5 questions for you all each week. So lets begin with part 1...
When do you finally feel that Christmas is coming?
I feel that Christmas is coming when many things happen: when our town puts the Christmas trees up, when the Christmas Fayre comes into town, when Christmas jumpers come back into fashion, when the John Lewis advert comes on TV, when Christmas songs come on the radio, when my parents buy mince pies - the list is endless! I am just so excited for Christmas and all that comes with it.
When do you start to wear Christmas jumpers?
I have already begun to wear my Christmas jumpers. I tend to start wearing them at the end of November to get my use out of them. I will continue to wear them til February because as I said, I want to get my moneys worth out of them and jumpers are so lovely to wear, Christmas ones are even better!!
What is top of your Christmas list this year?
I have a beauty related list this year of course. There are quite a few items from MAC including a lipstick palette which I really hope I get. There are also some items from Lush including Snow Fairy which I am hoping for from Father Christmas. But I have to say that top of my Christmas list would have to be an external hard drive. I have filled my Macbook's hard drive up after only 3 months of having it so I need some more space.
Do you prefer Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies?
I love both of these! I will eat many mince pies from the middle of November all the way up to the end of January. But I do think that I prefer Christmas pudding. On Christmas day and around the festive season, I eat endless amounts of Christmas pudding. I would probably say that I eat a third of a large Christmas pudding on Christmas Day. I really love Christmas pudding!!
When do you start your Christmas shopping?
Normally I start my Christmas shopping in early November but I have been late this year. I have only just started my Christmas shopping properly. Mum's birthday is on the 4th December so usually I have her presents sorted for both her birthday and Christmas but I have to confess, I only got her birthday present this weekend and I haven't yet sorted her Christmas present oops. I do love Christmas shopping though. I enjoy getting presents for people and then giving them to see their response.
So thats part 1 of the Christmas Tag. Answer the questions on your blogs or down in the comments. Expect part 2 the same time next week.
So until next time lovelies xx
So after doing the Autumn Tag on Sunday, I have decided to do another tag and what better one to do than the Christmas Tag. Because there are lots of Christmassy questions, I have decided to answer 5 questions for you all each week. So lets begin with part 1...
When do you finally feel that Christmas is coming?
I feel that Christmas is coming when many things happen: when our town puts the Christmas trees up, when the Christmas Fayre comes into town, when Christmas jumpers come back into fashion, when the John Lewis advert comes on TV, when Christmas songs come on the radio, when my parents buy mince pies - the list is endless! I am just so excited for Christmas and all that comes with it.
When do you start to wear Christmas jumpers?
I have already begun to wear my Christmas jumpers. I tend to start wearing them at the end of November to get my use out of them. I will continue to wear them til February because as I said, I want to get my moneys worth out of them and jumpers are so lovely to wear, Christmas ones are even better!!
What is top of your Christmas list this year?
I have a beauty related list this year of course. There are quite a few items from MAC including a lipstick palette which I really hope I get. There are also some items from Lush including Snow Fairy which I am hoping for from Father Christmas. But I have to say that top of my Christmas list would have to be an external hard drive. I have filled my Macbook's hard drive up after only 3 months of having it so I need some more space.
Do you prefer Christmas Pudding or Mince Pies?
I love both of these! I will eat many mince pies from the middle of November all the way up to the end of January. But I do think that I prefer Christmas pudding. On Christmas day and around the festive season, I eat endless amounts of Christmas pudding. I would probably say that I eat a third of a large Christmas pudding on Christmas Day. I really love Christmas pudding!!
When do you start your Christmas shopping?
Normally I start my Christmas shopping in early November but I have been late this year. I have only just started my Christmas shopping properly. Mum's birthday is on the 4th December so usually I have her presents sorted for both her birthday and Christmas but I have to confess, I only got her birthday present this weekend and I haven't yet sorted her Christmas present oops. I do love Christmas shopping though. I enjoy getting presents for people and then giving them to see their response.
So thats part 1 of the Christmas Tag. Answer the questions on your blogs or down in the comments. Expect part 2 the same time next week.
So until next time lovelies xx
Monday 1 December 2014
Easy Peasy Craft 1
Hello everyone,
So I thought about explaining an easy way to make your room or any room look nice. It is a cheap and safe candle alternative. This is just a simple craft that can be done by anyone of all ages to make a place look nice. When I was helping to lead the craft, we were making them with 18 month - 4 year olds. But I really enjoyed making this craft for our living room for the Winter months.
So how do you turn this...
Into this?...
You will need:
So I thought about explaining an easy way to make your room or any room look nice. It is a cheap and safe candle alternative. This is just a simple craft that can be done by anyone of all ages to make a place look nice. When I was helping to lead the craft, we were making them with 18 month - 4 year olds. But I really enjoyed making this craft for our living room for the Winter months.
So how do you turn this...
Into this?...
You will need:
A glass jar (any size), a glue stick, some translucent coloured materials (cut into squares), a battery operated candle
This is very very easy:
- Make sure the label from the jar has been taken off and there is no sticky stuff on the outside of the jar
- Put a thick layer of glue all around the jar right to the edges
- Stick the cut up translucent coloured materials all over the jar. Choose whichever colours you think go the best for wherever you want to situate it (I chose dark autumnal colours to suit the season)
- Leave it to dry for a few minutes before starting a second layer - but here you will need to place the glue on the material then stick it on the existing materials
- Do as many layers as you like until you are happy with it then place the battery operated candle in it and turn the lights off to set the mood and make the room seem lovely
Ta-dah! You should have something like this...
This is just such an easy thing to do with family and friends. I think they look really good for this time of year and they are something that can be left on without the worry that it will catch alight. People of all ages will like this craft and it is a good thing to occupy little ones as well as older ones in the holidays or weekends or just to pass the time on a cold winter's evening.
If you choose to make this, please send me a picture on twitter. Also comment down below any craft ideas you have for me to do, I have limited capability but I'm up for trying anything.
So until next time lovelies xx
Sunday 30 November 2014
Something A Bit Different - The Autumn Tag
Hello Everyone,
So I have been recently looking at other people's blogs looking for ideas and inspiration for blog posts. I found one called 'The Autumn Tag' and of course what better time to complete this as Autumn is drawing to a close and Winter is about to cast itself upon us (I know, its December tomorrow!!). There are a right mixture of questions ranging from beauty to lifestyle. I thought I would do this tag so you can all get to know me a bit better. So lets begin...
Favourite thing about Autumn?
Autumn is probably my least favourite season of the four but there are some very special things about Autumn. I really love going on walks in the day and in the evening whether this be on my own or with friends/family. It makes me feel like I'm in a movie and in my own little world. Both so significant but so small at the same time. Leaves falling off the trees in a variety of different shades is what makes the walks the best for me. Walking through wet or dry leaves in boots makes me feel like a child again.
Favourite drink?
Well I will drink a very weak cup of tea any day all year round and my tea obsession increases a lot in Autumn. I also tend to drink more glasses of milk because I think they help refresh and cleanse the body. It is hard to keep hydrated in the winter and I think milk really helps with that. I always look out for the christmas drinks at Starbucks and Costa each year to find my favourite. This years favourite for me is the Costa Sticky Toffee Latte. I also really like the Peppermint Chocolate Cooler from Starbucks. This was in their christmas range last year but you can get it all year round which makes me very excited. Alcohol wise, my favourite drinks have to be Bucks Fizz on christmas day and of course warm mulled wine. Mum and I are obsessed with it and I love to drink it during the Winter months to feel warm and festive. I wish it was acceptable to drink it all year round.
Favourite scent/candle?
This is a pretty easy one for me I think. I don't like spicy scents like cinnamon and because most christmas candles tend to have this scent I found it hard to find the perfect candle for me. But a few years ago I found the Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie candle range and I have to have it burning at christmas. It reminds me of past christmases when I light it and it makes me look forward to christmases to come. Each year we buy mum the massive candle jar for her birthday to burn in the kitchen and I love it so much I want to steal it. It is so sweet but not sickly and I just love it so much!
Best lipstick?
No I didn't add this question in for me! But goodness this is a hard one to answer. If I think about what my go to lipstick is in the Winter months it has got to be the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107. It is the perfect Autumn/Winter shade which stays for ages and has a perfect matte finish but moisturises the lips. Also at £5.49 it is a steal not to buy it!
Go to moisturiser?
I have such a variety of moisturisers which I use in the Autumn/Winter months. I will ale sure that my face is moisturised and hydrated before I put any makeup on it. If my face is dry then it throws my makeup look off. I tend to use either Avon’s Rich Moisture face cream which constantly nourishes my skin and is a great moisturiser to use which isn’t that expensive either. If I don’t use this however, I will go to one of two higher end moisturisers. I really like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ as it is really hydrating. I need two pumps maximum to make my skin feel fully hydrated. It is the perfect moisturiser to use for both daytime and nightime skincare. My other high end pick is Benefit’s Triple Performing Facial Emulsion. I love the bottle for this and think that the quality of the moisturiser is my favourite by far. I do however need a substantial amount for it to fully hydrate my skin but I would definitely recommend it.
Go to colour for the eyes?
Well for me this is an easy one. I am a sucker for everything burgundy as most of you probably know so burgundy is always an autumnal option for the eyes whether it’s for a daytime or evening look. However, you have to work with it well otherwise you can look like you have just come out of a punch-up. I tend to use burgundy shades with either bronze and champagne like colours to highlight the eyes and make them look more awake or I will use burgundy with brown and beige shades for a more sultry look which can be for either daytime or evening looks.
Favourite music to listen to?
Well in our house we start to get ready for christmas at the beginning of November so we tend to have christmas music on from then. But when I go out walking with my headphones in or am in the mood for some music, I will put on something with meaning and with a slower melody as I guess this is the time where I do a lot of my thinking and contemplating life and all the good and bad that occurs within it. If I am going to a party or whatever then my music taste changes and I go for Top 40, Indie, Party Trash kind of music. So basically I will probably love whatever comes on next on my iPod shuffle.
Autumn treat?
Well my idea of a nice treat is of course a shopping trip. I love to try new things and especially buy them. I will tend to buy something I already have plenty of, for example dark and matte lipsticks! I love going shopping with my gran when I haven’t spent time with her for a while and she tends to buy me a few new items of clothing for school. This pretty much always includes a jumper and in the Autumn/Winter months, who can turn down a jumper? I tend to feel the cold and the idea of a new jumper to add to my collection excites me immensely.
Favourite place to be?
My favourite place to be in the cold, dark, wintery, autumnal months of course has to be my bed. There are little places where I like to visit in the autumnal months but I just don’t think that anywhere can beat my bed. I love getting in from school, having a shower, getting into my pyjamas, getting into bed and having a cup of tea. The only downside to this is that once I’m in bed, I don’t want to leave.
So these are my answers to ‘The Autumn Tag’. If you have a blog please answer these questions. It can bring a time of reflection over the lovely Autumn we’ve had as we enter Winter.
After many exciting things coming up in December and recently trying new products and rediscovering old ones, I have so many blog posts planned. Because of this, I have decided to upload a lot more recently in December. I can’t promise that there will be a new post everyday but I will try and do what I can to post regularly. So keep your eyes peeled for these. It's beginning to look a lot like christmas so who's excited?!
So until next time lovelies xx
So I have been recently looking at other people's blogs looking for ideas and inspiration for blog posts. I found one called 'The Autumn Tag' and of course what better time to complete this as Autumn is drawing to a close and Winter is about to cast itself upon us (I know, its December tomorrow!!). There are a right mixture of questions ranging from beauty to lifestyle. I thought I would do this tag so you can all get to know me a bit better. So lets begin...
Favourite thing about Autumn?
Autumn is probably my least favourite season of the four but there are some very special things about Autumn. I really love going on walks in the day and in the evening whether this be on my own or with friends/family. It makes me feel like I'm in a movie and in my own little world. Both so significant but so small at the same time. Leaves falling off the trees in a variety of different shades is what makes the walks the best for me. Walking through wet or dry leaves in boots makes me feel like a child again.
Favourite drink?
Well I will drink a very weak cup of tea any day all year round and my tea obsession increases a lot in Autumn. I also tend to drink more glasses of milk because I think they help refresh and cleanse the body. It is hard to keep hydrated in the winter and I think milk really helps with that. I always look out for the christmas drinks at Starbucks and Costa each year to find my favourite. This years favourite for me is the Costa Sticky Toffee Latte. I also really like the Peppermint Chocolate Cooler from Starbucks. This was in their christmas range last year but you can get it all year round which makes me very excited. Alcohol wise, my favourite drinks have to be Bucks Fizz on christmas day and of course warm mulled wine. Mum and I are obsessed with it and I love to drink it during the Winter months to feel warm and festive. I wish it was acceptable to drink it all year round.
Favourite scent/candle?
This is a pretty easy one for me I think. I don't like spicy scents like cinnamon and because most christmas candles tend to have this scent I found it hard to find the perfect candle for me. But a few years ago I found the Yankee Candle Christmas Cookie candle range and I have to have it burning at christmas. It reminds me of past christmases when I light it and it makes me look forward to christmases to come. Each year we buy mum the massive candle jar for her birthday to burn in the kitchen and I love it so much I want to steal it. It is so sweet but not sickly and I just love it so much!
Best lipstick?
No I didn't add this question in for me! But goodness this is a hard one to answer. If I think about what my go to lipstick is in the Winter months it has got to be the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick in 107. It is the perfect Autumn/Winter shade which stays for ages and has a perfect matte finish but moisturises the lips. Also at £5.49 it is a steal not to buy it!
Go to moisturiser?
I have such a variety of moisturisers which I use in the Autumn/Winter months. I will ale sure that my face is moisturised and hydrated before I put any makeup on it. If my face is dry then it throws my makeup look off. I tend to use either Avon’s Rich Moisture face cream which constantly nourishes my skin and is a great moisturiser to use which isn’t that expensive either. If I don’t use this however, I will go to one of two higher end moisturisers. I really like the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ as it is really hydrating. I need two pumps maximum to make my skin feel fully hydrated. It is the perfect moisturiser to use for both daytime and nightime skincare. My other high end pick is Benefit’s Triple Performing Facial Emulsion. I love the bottle for this and think that the quality of the moisturiser is my favourite by far. I do however need a substantial amount for it to fully hydrate my skin but I would definitely recommend it.
Go to colour for the eyes?
Well for me this is an easy one. I am a sucker for everything burgundy as most of you probably know so burgundy is always an autumnal option for the eyes whether it’s for a daytime or evening look. However, you have to work with it well otherwise you can look like you have just come out of a punch-up. I tend to use burgundy shades with either bronze and champagne like colours to highlight the eyes and make them look more awake or I will use burgundy with brown and beige shades for a more sultry look which can be for either daytime or evening looks.
Favourite music to listen to?
Well in our house we start to get ready for christmas at the beginning of November so we tend to have christmas music on from then. But when I go out walking with my headphones in or am in the mood for some music, I will put on something with meaning and with a slower melody as I guess this is the time where I do a lot of my thinking and contemplating life and all the good and bad that occurs within it. If I am going to a party or whatever then my music taste changes and I go for Top 40, Indie, Party Trash kind of music. So basically I will probably love whatever comes on next on my iPod shuffle.
Autumn treat?
Well my idea of a nice treat is of course a shopping trip. I love to try new things and especially buy them. I will tend to buy something I already have plenty of, for example dark and matte lipsticks! I love going shopping with my gran when I haven’t spent time with her for a while and she tends to buy me a few new items of clothing for school. This pretty much always includes a jumper and in the Autumn/Winter months, who can turn down a jumper? I tend to feel the cold and the idea of a new jumper to add to my collection excites me immensely.
Favourite place to be?
My favourite place to be in the cold, dark, wintery, autumnal months of course has to be my bed. There are little places where I like to visit in the autumnal months but I just don’t think that anywhere can beat my bed. I love getting in from school, having a shower, getting into my pyjamas, getting into bed and having a cup of tea. The only downside to this is that once I’m in bed, I don’t want to leave.
So these are my answers to ‘The Autumn Tag’. If you have a blog please answer these questions. It can bring a time of reflection over the lovely Autumn we’ve had as we enter Winter.
After many exciting things coming up in December and recently trying new products and rediscovering old ones, I have so many blog posts planned. Because of this, I have decided to upload a lot more recently in December. I can’t promise that there will be a new post everyday but I will try and do what I can to post regularly. So keep your eyes peeled for these. It's beginning to look a lot like christmas so who's excited?!
So until next time lovelies xx
Monday 24 November 2014
My Top 3 - Burgundy Nail Varnishes
Hello everyone,
Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I was up in Nottingham all weekend and wasn't able to write and post in time. It's the end of November, and I feel its time to get a bit more festive and embrace the best autumnal colour - burgundy!
So in these Autumn/Winter months, I change my beauty and skincare routines and the products I use within them. This includes nail varnishes. In the spring and summer months I am a sucker for pretty pastel colours and some bright gel like nails. At this time of year however I get very excited not just because I start to feel festive but for another reason - burgundy nail varnishes are in!
If you know me, you will know I am a sucker for all things burgundy whether this be jumpers, scarves, lipsticks (of course) and nail varnishes. Because of this, I own about 10 different burgundy nail varnishes and being honest with you, if I applied a different one on each nail it would probably be very hard to tell which nail varnish was which. But I do have three favourite burgundy nail varnishes which I go back to using all the time...
Firstly, I am going to begin with my favourite and first Barry M nail varnish. I got this last year some time and for Christmas requested every berry/red/purple toned nail varnish after falling in love with it so much (and so quickly!) This is the Barry M Nail Polish Paint in 273 Raspberry...
It is just such a great product which I return to every time I need to paint my nails a lovely burgundy colour. First of all, it is so cheap! £2.99 for a nail varnish which lasts for ages and is just such great quality is nothing. I mean I am a sucker for more expensive nail varnishes like Essie or Nails Inc or Sally Hansen or OPI but Barry M have such an array of colours, there is something for everyone. They are often on 3 for 2 or buy one get one half price too so when I go into town, I always look in Boots and Superdrug to see if I can be tempted to buying a new one (and yes I tend to do this). Even though they are long lasting, they are easy to remove if you're in a rush.
It is a really nice shade of burgundy that looks good when in jogging bottoms, jeans, or on a night out. It is also a shade which looks good on both fingernails and toenails. I don't think its pigmentation does it justice though. It is quite watery and you need about four or five coats to make it look good enough to go out but when it is complete, it looks so professional and high quality. It also is really fast drying and I think that this is because of the watery formula. It is a lovely red colour but with pink undertones which makes it look like a perfect autumnal burgundy. The brush is a good size to apply the polish and not too flimsy.
The next nail varnish which I use a lot is the Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Cherry Jubilee...
These nail varnishes are all round brilliant. They have amazing pigmentation and formula and this is consistent throughout all Avon nail varnishes. It only really requires two coats for it to go opaque and become wearable for a night out. It is so easy to apply and doesn't leave streaks or stripes on the nail. It is very durable and therefore hard to chip but depending on the level of work you complete, it may vary. I think that this is because of the acrylic gel it includes in the ingredients to enhance strength. It claims to have 12 days of lasting colour and I have to agree 100% that the colour is brilliant.
The Avon Nailwear Pro+ nail varnishes work wonders on the strength of my nails. My nails are weak and brittle and peel all the time but this formula of nail varnish does wonders to improve my nails. It is a good size bottle and has lasted me a long time as the nail varnish is thick enough that you don't have to keep reapplying more coats to build up the colour or prevent chips. Once again, this is a good shade to wear on both fingernails and toenails. The only downside of this product is that it does take a bit of time to dry otherwise it will smudge a lot or leave that fabric imprint in the nail. I also own Avon's nail varnish in Tweed which is a bit darker and I love that too but I feel that Cherry Jubilee is easier to work with and can be worn with pretty much everything regardless of occasion. At £6 I will continue to buy it forever!
Finally, the newest burgundy nail varnish I own. This is Revlon's Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Bordeaux...
This is one of my top 3 burgundy nail varnishes but it nearly didn't make the cut. I feel that there are many problems with this nail varnish but because of a few really good advantages, I put it in my top 3. Lets talk about the cons first. First of all I would have to say that this is the thinest and wateriest nail varnish I own. The formula is so hard to work with. As soon as you apply it to your nails, it runs straight down and leaves a pool of colour near the cuticle. It also needs a lot of coats to finally become opaque. Another reason I bought it was because of some apparent scent it was supposed to have but I don't really see it as any different to other nail varnishes. I don't think spending £6.49 on it for the scent was truly a brilliant idea as I am disappointed. But when I wear it I do get many compliments which make me realise there was a good purchase made. I only tend to wear it on my fingernails as I don't think it is the best shade to wear on toenails.
This nail varnish is so quick drying though and this is the best thing about it because when having to apply endless coats, it needs to dry fast otherwise you would be painting your nails all night and wouldn't therefore be able to go out. The brush for this I would have to say is my favourite part of the product. The handle is so easy to hold and even with its obscure shape, it is easy to control and enables the nails to be painted evenly and efficiently. The brush is also good but not one of the best I have seen. It also doesn't need a topcoat which saves on time. The colour of this nail varnish is very similar to a lot of others out there both cheaper and expensive but it would be up to you whether or not to try this product as it may work out better for you than it does for me.
So that was my top 3 burgundy nail varnishes that I love and tend to go back to. If you don't own at least one of these in your nail varnish collection, then you are missing out big time! Let me know any of your favourite burgundy nail varnishes as I am always looking to purchase more, especially at this time of year.
So until next time lovelies xx
Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I was up in Nottingham all weekend and wasn't able to write and post in time. It's the end of November, and I feel its time to get a bit more festive and embrace the best autumnal colour - burgundy!
So in these Autumn/Winter months, I change my beauty and skincare routines and the products I use within them. This includes nail varnishes. In the spring and summer months I am a sucker for pretty pastel colours and some bright gel like nails. At this time of year however I get very excited not just because I start to feel festive but for another reason - burgundy nail varnishes are in!
If you know me, you will know I am a sucker for all things burgundy whether this be jumpers, scarves, lipsticks (of course) and nail varnishes. Because of this, I own about 10 different burgundy nail varnishes and being honest with you, if I applied a different one on each nail it would probably be very hard to tell which nail varnish was which. But I do have three favourite burgundy nail varnishes which I go back to using all the time...
Barry M Raspberry, Avon Nailwear Pro+ Cherry Jubilee, Revlon Parfumerie Bordeaux
Firstly, I am going to begin with my favourite and first Barry M nail varnish. I got this last year some time and for Christmas requested every berry/red/purple toned nail varnish after falling in love with it so much (and so quickly!) This is the Barry M Nail Polish Paint in 273 Raspberry...
It is just such a great product which I return to every time I need to paint my nails a lovely burgundy colour. First of all, it is so cheap! £2.99 for a nail varnish which lasts for ages and is just such great quality is nothing. I mean I am a sucker for more expensive nail varnishes like Essie or Nails Inc or Sally Hansen or OPI but Barry M have such an array of colours, there is something for everyone. They are often on 3 for 2 or buy one get one half price too so when I go into town, I always look in Boots and Superdrug to see if I can be tempted to buying a new one (and yes I tend to do this). Even though they are long lasting, they are easy to remove if you're in a rush.
It is a really nice shade of burgundy that looks good when in jogging bottoms, jeans, or on a night out. It is also a shade which looks good on both fingernails and toenails. I don't think its pigmentation does it justice though. It is quite watery and you need about four or five coats to make it look good enough to go out but when it is complete, it looks so professional and high quality. It also is really fast drying and I think that this is because of the watery formula. It is a lovely red colour but with pink undertones which makes it look like a perfect autumnal burgundy. The brush is a good size to apply the polish and not too flimsy.
The next nail varnish which I use a lot is the Avon Nailwear Pro+ in Cherry Jubilee...
These nail varnishes are all round brilliant. They have amazing pigmentation and formula and this is consistent throughout all Avon nail varnishes. It only really requires two coats for it to go opaque and become wearable for a night out. It is so easy to apply and doesn't leave streaks or stripes on the nail. It is very durable and therefore hard to chip but depending on the level of work you complete, it may vary. I think that this is because of the acrylic gel it includes in the ingredients to enhance strength. It claims to have 12 days of lasting colour and I have to agree 100% that the colour is brilliant.
The Avon Nailwear Pro+ nail varnishes work wonders on the strength of my nails. My nails are weak and brittle and peel all the time but this formula of nail varnish does wonders to improve my nails. It is a good size bottle and has lasted me a long time as the nail varnish is thick enough that you don't have to keep reapplying more coats to build up the colour or prevent chips. Once again, this is a good shade to wear on both fingernails and toenails. The only downside of this product is that it does take a bit of time to dry otherwise it will smudge a lot or leave that fabric imprint in the nail. I also own Avon's nail varnish in Tweed which is a bit darker and I love that too but I feel that Cherry Jubilee is easier to work with and can be worn with pretty much everything regardless of occasion. At £6 I will continue to buy it forever!
Finally, the newest burgundy nail varnish I own. This is Revlon's Parfumerie Scented Nail Enamel in Bordeaux...
This is one of my top 3 burgundy nail varnishes but it nearly didn't make the cut. I feel that there are many problems with this nail varnish but because of a few really good advantages, I put it in my top 3. Lets talk about the cons first. First of all I would have to say that this is the thinest and wateriest nail varnish I own. The formula is so hard to work with. As soon as you apply it to your nails, it runs straight down and leaves a pool of colour near the cuticle. It also needs a lot of coats to finally become opaque. Another reason I bought it was because of some apparent scent it was supposed to have but I don't really see it as any different to other nail varnishes. I don't think spending £6.49 on it for the scent was truly a brilliant idea as I am disappointed. But when I wear it I do get many compliments which make me realise there was a good purchase made. I only tend to wear it on my fingernails as I don't think it is the best shade to wear on toenails.
This nail varnish is so quick drying though and this is the best thing about it because when having to apply endless coats, it needs to dry fast otherwise you would be painting your nails all night and wouldn't therefore be able to go out. The brush for this I would have to say is my favourite part of the product. The handle is so easy to hold and even with its obscure shape, it is easy to control and enables the nails to be painted evenly and efficiently. The brush is also good but not one of the best I have seen. It also doesn't need a topcoat which saves on time. The colour of this nail varnish is very similar to a lot of others out there both cheaper and expensive but it would be up to you whether or not to try this product as it may work out better for you than it does for me.
So that was my top 3 burgundy nail varnishes that I love and tend to go back to. If you don't own at least one of these in your nail varnish collection, then you are missing out big time! Let me know any of your favourite burgundy nail varnishes as I am always looking to purchase more, especially at this time of year.
So until next time lovelies xx
Wednesday 19 November 2014
Mid-week Mini Review 2
Hello everyone,
Sorry I haven't done a MWMR in a while, school life is manic and everything that comes with it is too making everything stressful. But I thought I would do a skincare review. This week however isn't a facial skincare review, but a body skincare review. As its getting to the wintery cold and dryer months, it means my skin really suffers. So when I get out of the shower or bath, I want to get straight into my pyjamas but before I can do that I always like to moisturise. Now I get very stressed about the moisturiser I use. It can't be too thick but it also needs to maintain the moisture and by this I mean soak into the skin and not leave a residue but moisturise (enough rambling there).
So when I found the Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Hydrating Lotion, I immediately fell in love...
I have had many variations of this moisturising body lotion but I think that this aloe vera one is my favourite. It has a really fresh scent perfect for early morning or late evening. This is just the best body lotion I think I have ever found. And whats best about it is the price. It is around £3 from Boots and Superdrug for 250ml which I think is a bargain. It is often on offer too which is always a good thing. And sometimes its cheaper to buy the larger 400ml size which I have used up many times.
My favourite thing about this is that it literally ticks all the criteria I need for a body lotion. It is the right consistency and you don't have to scoop it out of a tub or force it out of a tube. It also really moisturises your hands when applying it. Any excess left from applying it to your legs or wherever can be used on your hands as a hand cream substitute. I wouldn't apply this on my face but on everywhere else, it works wonders.
When applying it it can easily be applied without having to rub it in a lot and spending ages wafting around your room before your can put your pyjama bottoms on or whatever. I especially love to use it on a night out after shaving my legs as it makes them feel extra silky smooth and I feel very chic and sophisticated and just like a lady, especially when wearing heels!
But I just really think that this is a great product. Don't think that it can only be used in the winter months though. I use it all year round and sometimes change the smell of it depending on the season. It isn't one of those moisturisers which you then have to sweat off and goes all sticky in the summer. I love the absorption of this product and think that it would suit all skin types. It is especially good if you have run out of time and need a quick and easy body lotion. It absorbs really quickly but is by far the most moisturising and nourishing product out there I think. And at £3 its a steal not to buy it!
So until next time lovelies xx
Sorry I haven't done a MWMR in a while, school life is manic and everything that comes with it is too making everything stressful. But I thought I would do a skincare review. This week however isn't a facial skincare review, but a body skincare review. As its getting to the wintery cold and dryer months, it means my skin really suffers. So when I get out of the shower or bath, I want to get straight into my pyjamas but before I can do that I always like to moisturise. Now I get very stressed about the moisturiser I use. It can't be too thick but it also needs to maintain the moisture and by this I mean soak into the skin and not leave a residue but moisturise (enough rambling there).
So when I found the Garnier Body Intensive 7 Days Hydrating Lotion, I immediately fell in love...
I have had many variations of this moisturising body lotion but I think that this aloe vera one is my favourite. It has a really fresh scent perfect for early morning or late evening. This is just the best body lotion I think I have ever found. And whats best about it is the price. It is around £3 from Boots and Superdrug for 250ml which I think is a bargain. It is often on offer too which is always a good thing. And sometimes its cheaper to buy the larger 400ml size which I have used up many times.
My favourite thing about this is that it literally ticks all the criteria I need for a body lotion. It is the right consistency and you don't have to scoop it out of a tub or force it out of a tube. It also really moisturises your hands when applying it. Any excess left from applying it to your legs or wherever can be used on your hands as a hand cream substitute. I wouldn't apply this on my face but on everywhere else, it works wonders.
When applying it it can easily be applied without having to rub it in a lot and spending ages wafting around your room before your can put your pyjama bottoms on or whatever. I especially love to use it on a night out after shaving my legs as it makes them feel extra silky smooth and I feel very chic and sophisticated and just like a lady, especially when wearing heels!
But I just really think that this is a great product. Don't think that it can only be used in the winter months though. I use it all year round and sometimes change the smell of it depending on the season. It isn't one of those moisturisers which you then have to sweat off and goes all sticky in the summer. I love the absorption of this product and think that it would suit all skin types. It is especially good if you have run out of time and need a quick and easy body lotion. It absorbs really quickly but is by far the most moisturising and nourishing product out there I think. And at £3 its a steal not to buy it!
So until next time lovelies xx
Sunday 16 November 2014
Autumnal Perfume Favourites - Avon
Hello everyone,
Sorry for the lack of blog posts this week again. I think that for now it may only be one a week but if you're lucky, you may be treated to a few more.
As we are nearing winter and the seasonal festivities, I thought that I would begin to do some of my favourite products which I love in the Autumn/Winter months. So this week it is perfume and where better to get affordable perfumes from than Avon. So I have chosen my top 5 Avon perfumes for this time of year...
This perfume is one that I have wanted for ages but when I bought it, I was very apprehensive of the scent. It is definitely an acquired scent and I would say that it is more for the older woman than for someone my age so it may be one to purchase for your mum or nan for Christmas. But when I wear it, I do get compliments so it can't be too bad can it? It has a smell of chai which I strongly associate with this time of year which is why I like it I guess. It also has a hint of musk. The 50ml bottle is beautiful but I think that the travel size bottles are very good because they are small and light enough to carry in your handbag, but not too small that you have to keep repurchasing one all the time.
Sorry for the lack of blog posts this week again. I think that for now it may only be one a week but if you're lucky, you may be treated to a few more.
As we are nearing winter and the seasonal festivities, I thought that I would begin to do some of my favourite products which I love in the Autumn/Winter months. So this week it is perfume and where better to get affordable perfumes from than Avon. So I have chosen my top 5 Avon perfumes for this time of year...
Left to right: Rare Diamonds, Far Away Bella, Little Black Dress, Far Away, Christian Lacroix Ambre
All of these perfumes are of good quality and range from £7.50-£20 when at full price. So to start us off, the newest find in my collection, Christian Lacroix Ambre...
This is one of Avon's newest perfume launches. This is a scent that both my mum and I really like wearing. Because of this people may think that I go round smelling like older women but actually I think this scent really suits all ages. It has a citrus but caramel-y tone which really reminds me of events like bonfire night and everything which goes with them like toffee apples and mulled wine at Christmas. When wearing it, I feel sophisticated and very woman like. I just also love the bottle. I think its the perfect autumnal bottle. The only downside to it is that the bottle is very heavy, so if you want to keep in in your handbag prepare to have a very heavy handbag! This is one of Avon's most expensive perfumes which they have at £20 so it is pricey for them, but I definitely think its worth it for a really nice sophisticated and autumnal perfume.
Next up are two perfumes which can be bought in a 50ml size or the travel size of 30ml which I have. These are Far Away and Little Black Dress...
Little Black Dress however I would have to say is my all time favourite Avon perfume, especially for this time of year. It is more of an evening out scent which yes you would probably wear with a little black dress. This has been out for years but it is so popular from Avon customers and I go back to it time and time again when I want a classic scent to wear to school, on a night out or even just to Tesco. It has an oriental fragrance which is very sophisticated and like Far Away has a musk scent too. It has many floral undertones too like jasmine, gardenia and honeysuckle which make it easy to wear all year round. I have bought this as a gift for many friends, teachers and family members and everyone seems to love it.
Both of these travel sizes cost £7.50 full price but are always on offer. The 50ml size of Far Away costs £13 full price and so does Little Black Dress.
The next of my favourite perfumes is Far Away Bella...
This is a very fruity scent which I enjoy wearing more in the day than in the evening. It has the fruity scent of citrus fruits with floral undertones of magnolia. I would say that this fragrance is more suited to younger people like teenagers and young adults rather than adults in general because the scent isn't as sophisticated as many other Avon perfumes. I think this bottle is very unique and very easy to hold. It is also lightweight and a good staple to have in your handbag. This perfume costs £13 for 50ml but if you want to try it, you can buy a purse spray suitable for a clutch bag or a smaller size of 15ml for £6.
The final perfume I love and have repurchased very recently is Rare Diamonds...
This perfume is another one of mine and my mum's favourites. It has a very rich scent of blossom and orchid. I like to wear this on a special daytime occasion or when going out in the evening. I think it is quite sensual and romantic and think that it makes every outfit complete. Many people say this is a floral fragrance but I think it has more of a fresh but amber like scent. I absolutely love this bottle but I think it can be a bit tacky with the diamond. It is also heavy so I wouldn't personally carry it around in my handbag. This perfume at 50ml also costs £13 which I think it a really good price for a special occasion perfume.
So those were my favourite perfumes for this time of year. I think it Avon perfumes last well throughout the day and night and there is definitely a different fragrance for everyone and there will be something for everyone. Every girl loves a perfume and if you're looking to buy one for a special someone, I would definitely look at the Avon ones, especially if you can't afford more high-end perfumes.
Let me know if you've tried any Avon perfumes and what your other favourite perfumes are.
So until next time lovelies xx
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