Highstreet Mascara | Review

This morning as I was putting my make-up on I had a brainwave for a post as I have been particularly enjoying my mascara recently.

I have always been a highstreet girl and thought this product proves that highstreet products can really match high end.

The mascara I have used is the Maybelline New York The Mega Plush Volum' Express mascara.

This mascara features a flexi brush which claims to caress every lash with every stroke. Now I do have to admit I do have kind of long-ish eyelashes anyway but I really think this mascara enhances them really well. The mascara doesn't clump although if you do multiple coats it can get a little thick. I'm pretty sure this mascara was on offer which was why I bought it so I'm sure at the time it was around £6.99.

Unfortunately, I am coming to the end of this mascara but a great excuse to find a new one!

Hope you liked this post :)

Peace x

Food of the day//Breakfast time

I've been doing the whole healthy thing for about 2 weeks now and am still looking for different meal ideas that will keep me full through work up until my next meal. So, since the new year began I've been more sensible with my food choices but have decided to kick it up a notch. I have particularly noticed that I am most hungry in between breakfast/lunch time so I have been experimenting with good food with extra fueling power!

Something I have been really enjoying lately is the wonderful rye bread. It is wholemeal and gluten free and free of all those nasty preservatives. I started eating rye bread in place of normal bread as I thought this would be a better option that would keep me fuller. 

To make this yummy sandwich, I make one large fried egg using two eggs by joining the two together by spreading the yoke. One it is cooked and has started to brown around the edges etc. I popped some green beans on one half of the egg and then flipped the other side over to create a kind of sandwich (this is the part that I often change up depending on what mood I'm in) spinach is a good idea to pop in the middle or meat if your a meat lover, bits of bacon maybe? 

I then finish it off my placing the other piece of rye bread on top to create a sandwich and then cut in half. 

I also pop lots of salt and pepper in the sandwich, because I can't get enough my seasoning!

And the good news is, I ate this at half 9 and wasn't hungry till about 4 in the afternoon!

Peace x

OOTD//Keeping it MONO

On a typical Sunday I would never do much other than have way too much of a lie in and walk the dog at the most. I always choose something nice and snugly to wear on a Sunday as I want to be at maximum comfort levels!

So, it won't come as a suprise, but yes another jumper. Hey, it's cold, what is going to keep you more toasty than that.

My jumper is from Sainsbury's TU clothing range from when I worked there. It was really inexpensive, I doubt more than £15, if my memory serves me correctly. It is a nice thick knit with black and white vertical stripes that goes with pretty much everything. 

On the bottom I have my beloved Primark jeans. They are a dark blue denim with a high waist, which are the only jeans I don't mind buying at the moment, as buying jeans is such a chore when you have a slightly fuller derrière! The jeans fit perfectly on the legs and bum and the high waist means my jeans actually fit at the waist rather having that baggy space at the bottom of your back, which I really have a problem with due to my lower half being pear shaped. 

For shoes I have worn one of my best and favourite purchases, my Docs. They are probably the best investment I have made on shoes as they are so durable and go with anything (being the Chelsea boot style). I know they will last me years which was the reason for buying them to break the habit of constantly buying new boots every winter. They were £110.

For jewellery I have on a chunky silver necklace from H&M to add something to my jumper as well as my usual Michael Kors watch and my ring (both from my lovely boyfriend).

Peace x 

LIGHTEN UP//SPRING/SUMMER '14

So I had my spring/summer copy of Vogue come through the post the other day (yes, I am subscribed) and as I was flicking through the trends pages I noticed that once again pastels were making a comeback. This is something I really enjoyed last year, maybe this is the crazy girly side of me appearing, which it does tend to in the summer. I love how they can instantly make quite a boyish, slouchy coat look so delicate and feminine.

Here I've put together a quick little post of three easy outfits taking you from day-work-night by embracing the pastel trend.

My all time favourite thing to wear in pastel is a slouchy jumper. Here in England it is still pretty cold in spring so there's nothing better than keeping warm in a thick knit jumper but keeping up with the season by lightening things up a little.

All of the outfits you see are either from Topshop or Miss Selfridge as I have always found they do the best pastel pieces.

Peace x

'Put on some red lipstick and live a little'

A quick little post here on my favourite lippy at the moment. This is the Maybelline ColorSensational range in the colour pleasure me red. I am enjoying wearing a bright lip at the moment to brighten things up a little when it's all looking very grey and miserable. I keep everything else pretty simple so it can be worn at work and in the day. This colour is very pigmented so I tend to press it on rather than sweeping it across my lips. By dabbing on the colour and blending it with my fingers it gives a more matte look. I particularly like this red as it doesn't give the appearance of yellow teeth which some reds do and I would say it has slight pink undertones. This is the lipstick on and in the flesh... hope you like :)

Peace x

Bloggers made me do it...

Something I have seen on blogs I follow as well as Youtuber's I follow is the bloggers/youtuber's made me do it tag. I have enjoyed watching and reading this particular tag as most of the things I buy have been somewhat influenced through the internet. I find it hard these days to buy something without reading a review or watching a video because it saves you a tonne of money by not buying something that could be a waste of money. I've picked a few things that have been heavily influenced by bloggers, although, I haven't added everything as i'd be here forever. Below I've shown my main picks.

I would say MAC lipsticks in general have been introduced to me by bloggers but one that has stood out is shy girl. It is a perfect nude with a hint of peach.

Oh, Essie. I am so glad I have been introduced to this brand as it has the best colours and formula that I really enjoy applying. I've always like pale colours for my fingernails and fiji is a perfect pastel colour.

I won't go on too much about this foundation as I have recently posted a review about it. This is Pixiwoo's fault, seeing this Illamasqua skin base used frequently in their tutorials only made me desperate to try it. Click here for the review post.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish. This was a recent purchase which I now know what I was missing before. The colour is in Soft and Gentle which can be built up from a subtle highlight to quite a dramatic highlight for an evening look.

I have only added the one brush but I am including the whole Real Techniques collection. They are the only brushes I use as they are great multi taskers and I feel I don't need any other brushes. These brushes are probably my number one grateful recommendation.

Sleek blushes are amazing. They are so pigmented and have a great range of colours. I own three of the blushes and didn't realise the quality you can get with a cheaper price tag.

Hope you liked this post :)

Peace x

OOTD//A WINTERS DAY

So I'm pretty sure I should get worst blogger of the year award for this but I'll apologize now for the terrible picture quality!I had forgotten my camera so had to settle for my phone and after having a pretty lazy start I was rapidly losing light!
Anyway, enough of the excuses! I wanted to do a quick little outfit of the day as I feel I have been neglecting fashion for a while as all I've been doing lately is work which requires a uniform. Lets just say it isn't all that interesting! So, I haven't really been wearing anything interesting enough to blog about. The outfit I was wearing today was all black (shocker there) I think I was going for a slight biker thing or something with the black, zips, studs and ACDC tee. This outfit is pretty much an everyday one for me as it's so simple, really comfortable and versatile. 
The jacket is from New Look which is kind of in between a blazer and a coat. It definitely isn't the warmest thing in the world but I like how throwing it on can edge up any outfit. 
My jeans are from Primark, they are the only jeans I have found recently that fit really well! They are high waisted, skinny jeans that are in a really nice soft denim. I also own these in a light denim and an acid wash.
The top I am wearing you cant really see but its a printed raglan t-shirt with an ACDC tour logo from Forever 21.
Accessories I have on are my latest shoe purchase which I'm sure you'll be sick of their appearance sooner or later (I just love them). Not entirely weather appropriate but hey, that's the fashion lover in me. They are Kurt Geiger.
My bag is my everyday bag which is from H&M, simple and plain and goes with everything. Again, I'm sorry for the shoddy images but I do promise better organisation and better quality images soon!


Peace x

Everyday make-up routine

So today I thought I would post my everyday make-up routine. I am always looking for ways to create an everyday look that is simple and takes minutes to achieve. I usually wear this make-up look for work and weekends when I'm out shopping or other day to day activities. I start off by moisturising my face with Simple light moisturiser which isn't too heavy for my skin and isn't too slippy for my make-up to sit on. I then use Illamasqua Skin Base foundation in the shade SB 06 which I blend in with the Real Techniques buffing brush. I then go in with Collection's Lasting perfection concealer in the shade light under my eyes and on any blemishes.

To contour my cheekbones I use the Bourjois bronzing power which looks and smells like chocolate (I'm sure you all know it) and blend that in with my Real Techniques powder brush.

I blend a small amount of MAC's mineralize skin finish in soft and gentle on the tops of my cheekbones and my brow bone for a bit of a glow with my finger. Then finally I use the Bourjois Volumizer in ultra black which has two steps to lengthen and volumize.

Depending on how I feel on the day I will change my lip colour from either a clear lipbalm like the Babylips range or a nude.

Hope you enjoyed this short but sweet one :)

Peace x

MUA Eyeshadow Palette in Heaven and Earth review

'A beautiful collection of eyeshadows that will enhance your eyes to give the perfect natural look' - MUA

I have had this palette for a while now and have used it almost on a daily basis. I picked this up from Superdrug some months back as I have heard good things about MUA eyeshadows, although, I was a wee bit skeptical as they are so inexpensive. 

At only £4.99, what a bargain! The colours in this palette would give the Naked palettes a run for their money! The palette has a variety of shimmery champagnes, browns and golds which are perfect everyday colours. I have pretty much tried every combination possible from a very dark, smokey look to a light, shimmery highlighting base. 

Below, I had inserted a picture of three of the colours ranging from the darkest to the lighter shades. The pigmentation is amazing and the lasting power is fantastic as I worn these shades to work and haven't had them budge! 

Peace x

'

My favourite lipsticks

Today I thought I would do my favourite lipsticks, I have no idea why I haven't done this sooner as my all time favourite thing is lipstick! Obviously, I love all make-up but I definitely think lipstick is the most transitional product as any colour can completely change your look. 

Lipstick number 1 is the Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in 69 Flirt. This lipstick was my first high end purchase and I absolutely love it. The formula is really moisturising and has a sheer peach tone. This is a brilliant everyday shade with a lip balm type texture.

Next up is MAC's Creme Sheen in Shy Girl. For me this the perfect nude. It has a peach undertone rather than blue as that tends to make me look a little dead. Another everyday colour that looks great with a smokey eye.

This is Rimmel's Lasting Finish Lipstick in Amethyst Shimmer. A change from all of my other favourites, (all being nudes). This is a pink/plum colour with a slight shimmer to it. This is great when i fancy a bold lip.

I think this was one of first ever lipsticks. It is the best peach colour I have found so far and it is the Kate Moss lipstick range in the number 16, it doesn't appear to have a name as far as I can see. This colour is great for spring/summer. The formula is creamy and doesn't dry out the lips.

Next is another Kate Moss lipstick in number 03. This is a more of a beige nude rather than a pink nude. This would flatter any skin tone and doesn't wash out the skin like some nudes do. Little side note, Kate Moss lipsticks are brilliant with such a great colour range. 

Peace out x

Throwback Thursday...

The other night I was having a rummage through files and documents on my laptop, just trying to de-clutter really and I came across my New York trip album. 

It was the first time I had ever been the United States and what a place to be your first time. I absolutely loved my time there. I stayed for a week and even that didn't feel long enough, luckily I managed to get all of the main sights in which was brilliant, but my calves sure did pay for it at the end of each day.

I did far too much shopping while I was there so next time if I had the chance to go I think I would focus on the sights rather than the shops as it really does take it out of you. 

I would love to visit the city that never sleeps again, preferably at Christmas time with all the snow. Definitely on the bucket list!

Healthy starts

As it is finally January and a whole new year what else to do but take up healthy eating... for the fiftieth time. 

Now, I wouldn't say I eat badly as such but I do have a slight habit of overeating and overeating the wrong thing. 

I think this time around I really want to do it. The many reasons before falling off the wagon have been sheer laziness and lack of willpower. But, something has clicked this time and I seem to have the motivation to do it. 

Unfortunately, because of my working hours I struggle to get to the gym like I used to so to rectify this problem I have started exercising at home through the powers of Youtube! It's easy, brilliant and free! You're in the comfort of your own home with no one watching you sweat and make a fool out of yourself while you jump around like a lunatic!

My inspiration for my workouts are the Tone It Up girls Karena and Katrina. I have been following them on Twitter for a while and have watched their videos. Their workouts are so easy to do with a limited space (as my room is so tiny).

Really, all I am doing is trying to cut down my portions and make healthier choices. Being more sensible about my food such as choosing options that will keep me fullest for as long as possible like the images above.

As I was doing a late shift today at work I wanted something that would keep my full as I knew I'd be having a late lunch/dinner.I used one whole avocado which I am loving at the moment as they are fabulous for your hair/skin etc. feta cheese on top of rye bread with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. 

I do believe you can eat healthy, tasty food it doesn't have to be all bland salads!  

Statement Necklace appreciation

Since it has got colder throughout autumn and winter I have found myself wearing nothing but bloody jumpers. Now, don't get me wrong I love a good, cosy jumper, but it became a bit repetitive. As I don't like to steer to far away from black and white I really felt I needed something extra.

I had never really ventured into the world of statement necklaces before as I used to be a small necklace kinda girl. I had seen so many people rocking these ginormous necklaces round their necks paired with big, chunky knits and thought it looked fab! 

So, it wasn't until I popped into Primark on my lunch break that I stumbled across this beauty. At only £4, I couldn't quite pass this up. For a starter statement necklace I thought what better than to go hard or go home and get the biggest one I could find. 
It has a gold, chunky chain with a line of diamante studs running along the top side of the necklace. 
Hanging from the necklace are triangle shaped charms in a gun metal grey as well as larger triangular shaped gems which have a worn, sea green/blue colour to them.



Apart from the necklace being pretty heavy for costume jewellery, I am loving the jumper necklace combo. I will definitely be on the hunt for more like this, Topshop have a few that I have my eye on. ;)



Peace x

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation review

About a month ago I was on the hunt for a new foundation. At the time I was using the Christian Dior Forever foundation which I have repurchased many times before and definitely would say it is one of my top 10. Although, the last time I bought the Dior foundation I was matched slightly wrong. The foundation was far too yellow toned for my skin and as my post-holiday glow was quickly fading it was becoming more noticeable.

So that brings me to this beauty here. Illamasqua is a brand I had never fully explored before and had never tried any of their foundations. After being recommended the Skin Base foundation and hearing many good reviews about it I decided to purchase it. 

The lady who served me was so helpful and couldn't have matched me better, which was then I discovered that I had a mixture of yellow and pink toned skin which is why I struggle with matching my foundations. I have never had a foundation suit my colouring as well as this one. It is definitely as winner for pale skin.

What I would say is that it isn't too kind on dry patches. I do find I have to moisturise very well and exfoliate the night before for it to not be as noticeable. Although, I am willing to let this slide as it is such a fantastic product.

Face of the day...

Today I decided to go for a bit of a change with my make-up. I like to keep the base pretty much the same as my everyday make-up but like to change up the eyes and lips once in a while.

I chose warm orangey tones today for the lips and eyes with a subtle feline flick of liquid liner.

Everything I have used for my base make-up you'll find in my everyday make-up post.

For the eyes I used an MUA palette which I recently purchases. The palette has a variety of warm, golden, brown shimmery tones which have always been my favourite colours for eyes. I used the most orangey tone out of the whole palette to warm up my skin. I didn't use any other colours with the orange as I would be using liquid liner I felt I didn't need to create a smokey look. 

The liquid liner I used is from Collection which I have always used because it's very black and doesn't budge all day even when I have rubbed my eyes. I create a small flick on my outer corner of my eyes and stop the line well before my tear duct area as I feel this flatters my eye shape better. 

To match the eyes I used Rimmels Apocolips lip lacquers in the shade Luna. I think peachy tones always brighten up a look especially in winter when it is natural to go for darks, it's always nice to have a pop of colour without being too bright.

This look would be great in the summer too with really bronzed skin. 

Hope you liked this little post. 

Peace out :) 

What I got for Christmas

I am probably late to the party on this one but I normally am with everything anyway! I thought I'd share just a few things I got for Christmas. I love knowing what other people have had for Christmas, not just because I am incredibly nosey but I feel it gives inspiration for gift giving and for buying myself. 

It's not quite Christmas without getting some smellies. By that I mean lotions and potions, creams etc. I'm pretty sure that is just an English saying. I was pretty pleased with this set of three Soap & Glory body butters. I have only tried one of the body butters before so thought this was a brilliant idea to get to try all three. I particularly like the Sugar Crush one as it has such a fresh scent with hints of shea, cocoa nut, lime and almond oils. Soap & Glory never fail to be super moisturizing too.

Next up is the perfume Alien by Thierry Mugler. I have loved this scent ever since my Mum first had this bought for her. I remember thinking it smelt so grown up and sultry, so since then I have always asked for it for Christmas and birthdays. 

O.P.I nail polishes have always been one of my top brands for quality and colour. These two polishes came as a set together which at first I thought was such a strange combo as the colours are complete opposites. But now trying them both they look great on their own or layer together. 

For the grande finale, my beautiful Vivienne Westwood earrings. I have owned a pair of the studs before and absolutely love them as Westwood has always been my favourite designer. The drop version of the orb earrings suits a slightly dressier outfit, especially with an up-do. 

Other things I got for Christmas were clothing, socks, bits of jewellery and Drake concert tickets which I am so excited to be going!

I hope you all got everything you wanted for Christmas and happy new year! 

x

Merry Christmas to me...

So lets just a take a minute to here to admire the beauty.

Say hello to my newest purchase and recent love of my life. I wasn't particularly in the market for new shoes, it was definitely more of a want than a need. But, as you know, the Christmas sales were on so I thought there wouldn't be any harm in looking. 

Kurt Geiger in Selfridges was where we first met, any I couldn't possibly leave without them. 

I had seen this style of shoe in Jimmy Choo and fell in love with the studs and the shape of  the shoe but failed to find a (less expensive) alternative. 

The shoes would have been £120 originally but I managed to pick them up for a crazy £31! Now tell me I should have left them and I didn't need them! 

They are incredibly wearable. Being black means they go with pretty much everything while the point of the shoe gives them a slight dressed up feel. The studs of course give them an edge which I have always loved. They are the perfect alternative to wearing a heel.

Pamper Sunday

So, I think it's safe to say I fell off the blogging wagon. Somewhere in between now and my last post I completely fell behind from the stresses of general life and mainly university. Oh poor me! Terrible excuse I know! But this year, a resolution of mine is to get back into the swing of things and really commit to blogging again. 

When I originally decided to start blogging it was for the benefit of myself and to document my life as something to look back on in years to come, to see what I was up to then and where I have got to. 

So, pretty mundane, I know. But, I thought it would be a good idea to start with a lazy Sunday pamper routine. There is nothing I crave more at the end of the week than a make-up free, lazy day ending with a calming pamper sesh!

First things first: Lighting candles. I'm pretty sure I am not alone here, but candles = ultimate relaxation. I don't know what it is but dimming the lights and having candles burning whilst filling the room with their scent is just heaven to me. (I just adore these tiny heart candles that came in a little wooden boat like holder).

Next up is face mask time. After I've cleansed with the Ren Evercalm cleansing milk I follow up with this Dead Sea delicate boosting mask. As the weather has took a turn for the worst my skin has also. Unfortunately, my skin gets particularly dry in the winter so having a mask that isn't drying too really helps. This mask has a clay like texture which is my favourite and a very clean scent. I then take off with a flannel and rinse the excess off with water.

Then comes the holy grail skincare product. Recommended by so many bloggers and youtuber's, the one and only La Roche - Posay Effaclar Duo. Ever since I discovered this spot treatment my skin has improved tenfold. When I am having a particularly bad break out I pop this on the main areas morning and night until it clears up. I have also found it acts well as a primer under foundation and doesn't dry out the skin too much. I suffer with mild acne and have found this product really helps keep everything under control.

*

After the pamper session I love nothing more than to climb into bed with a cup of tea, my kindle or a good film. 

*

Night, Guys.

x