Wednesday 30 October 2013

Nailed it!

Hey guys

I've been suffering a bit from blogger's block so I though I'd go back to the reason why I started blogging in the first place. (Watch out for a lot more nail related posts)
I'm a massive nail art fan and I feel like it's my only opportunity to show my creative side because I can't draw to save my life. I hated art. It just wasn't a talent I have.
But with nail polish I'm able to express myself.
I have great fun just messing about with the numerous (maybe too many) pots of nail polishes that I have. And it's also a great way for me to de-stress and relax.
What do you guys think of today's design?



I've been totally neglecting my other nail polishes due to my obsession with Maybelline's color show range. I had forgotten how much I love Bourjois' nail polish. Their polishes do cost a bit more that I normally like to pay but it's worth the price. The colours are great and don't require many coats and they last. At least I know I'm paying for quality. (Besides I bought it when Boots had some kind of offer on...).
 I used Bourjois nail polish in Violet couture for the base and then Barry m's staple black and white design on top.

Anybody else a fan of nail art?
I'd love to see what designs you've come up with!
Do comment below, I love receiving them and I do take time to reply them.

Thanks for reading 
Don't forget to follow me on twitter and bloglovin and if you haven't entered my giveaway what are you waiting for?

Have a great day!
 x x

Friday 25 October 2013

NOTD

Hey guys

I know it's been a while. I've had a super busy week at uni and my weekend isn't any less busy.
I feel like my blog has been a little bit neglected so here's a little short but sweet post.
I'm a massive lover of nail art and love doing a bit myself when I have the time and patience but I was quite limited since my only accessory was sellotape.
So I decided to treat myself and get some accessories from eBay!


I got some brushes, a pen, some acrylic nails and nail glue.

I was pretty tired last night when I was doing my nails so decided to keep the design simple. I used a turquoise as the base and a black for the extra detail. Both polishes are from Maybelline's color show range which I have reviewed before and can be found here.
For a first attempt the design turned out quite nicely if I do say so myself



What do you guys think? Any suggestions of designs or accessories? Or have you had a go at nail art. Do let me know. Also if you're interested in getting my designs on acrylic nails do let me know! I don't really wear acrylics myself only for special occasions but I'm quite interested and keen on painting designs on them and selling. I've always had a love for business so why not combine that with one of my passions?!

Thanks for reading! And don't forget to follow me on Twitter and Bloglovin'!

And if you haven't entered my giveaway make sure you do! You can find it here. Free beauty products up for grabs!

Have a great day!

x x 

Monday 21 October 2013

My first giveaway!!!

Hey guys!!!

I mentioned on Twitter that when I reached 500 page views I was going to do a giveaway and now that I have reached over 500 I have to keep my promise!

It may seem like a small achievement but for me who started my blog last month, as a little hobby it's a huge achievement!

The prize is a surprise but it will be beauty related. Some of my favourite items :)
The giveaway runs for a month

The instructions are as follows:

Follow me on twitter and bloglovin'.
Tweet about the giveaway
Comment on this post and one other random one.

Entries will be checked for validity.





a Rafflecopter giveaway Thanks for reading and entering and good luck!

x x

Sunday 20 October 2013

Prep+Prime

Hey guys

Hope you're having a great day

I thought I'd review the two products I have from MAC's Prep+Prime range.


I've been using the skin base visage for a while.

I was recommended it after visiting the MAC counter to buy a new foundation and I told them I had oily skin. I was slightly hesitant but I thought what have I got to lose (except like £18).
It's supposed to keep the face shine-free and matte.

It can be worn on its own or under make up to help set the foundation and leave it looking matte.
I have to say it's not bad. My face is super oily so doesn't remain shine-free all day but it helps my face for a couple of hours. It's the best I've tried so far. For those of you who don't have super oily skin like me if think it would work greatly.

The second item is a transparent loose powder.


This is a relatively new addition to my collection. I've been looking for a transparent powder for ages but have always been hesitant as I've heard some can leave the face looking ashy and as I'm quite a dark skinned girl that's a massive concern for me. After reading many reviews I finally gave in and bought it.
I'm quite impressed with this product. You don't have to use a lot to get a result.
It can either be used to set your face or after foundation.
Since I already use a primer to set my face I use it after my foundation. I use it when my face is getting a little oily. I blot and then use minimal amount to make it look matte again.

Have any of you guys used these products or could recommend anymore products from this range?
Do let me know and don't forget to follow me on Twitter and bloglovin'!

Thanks for reading!

x


Friday 18 October 2013

Beauty favourites

Hey guys

I thought I'd write about a few of my favourite beauty products. I do have quite a few but I thought it best to limit it to 3.

(Please do mind the quality of the pictures- all I have is my iPhone camera and the lighting in my room sucks)

First product is MUA's Undress Me Too Eyeshadow palette. 



At the time of this purchase I hadn't started blogging but I had read so many reviews for this product and I have to say they didn't let me down! It's meant to be a dupe for Urban Decay's naked too palette. I don't wear eyeshadows often- just when I feel like making an extra effort like for dinner or something so didn't feel like paying the amount for Urban Decay's as it would be a waste of my money. MUA didn't let me down- it's a great dupe! The colours are vibrant, it's great for creating smoky eyes and last for ages! Even better if you use it with the MUA eye primer (I'm an MUA fan- can you tell? Lol)
The palette is at a bargain of £4! And if you have an NUS card like I do you can even get student discount on it bringing it to just over £3.50!  You can't go wrong. One of my favourite beauty purchases ever! As you can see- well used lol.

Second product is Maybelline's colossal volume express mascara- the cat eyes one. 


I did try others in this range but the cat eyes one did it for me. I already have pretty long curly eyelashes so this mascara just accentuates them making them even longer and fuller without clumps. I've been so happy with this mascara that I'm very hesitant to try any new ones (even though the blogger within me tells me to try new ones). I have tried and they've all failed in comparison to this one.

Third product is Collection 2000 extreme felt tip liner.




 I got this for free after spending a certain amount on collection 2000. It was new at the time so I think they were trying to promote it. I'm a sucker for offers and I love eyeliner so obviously I spent enough to get it. At first I wasn't convinced. I think it was due to me switching from eye pencil to something different but after a few times I began to love it. It's bold and you can create thin and think lines with it and great for the 'eye flick' we all know and probably love. It has lasted me quite a while and doesn't dry out. There have been a couple of times when I haven't put the lid on properly by mistake and I thought that was it but weirdly no, it hasn't dried out!

That's it's for now. What are your favourite products? Do any of them include these? Do comment and let me know!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on Twitter and bloglovin'

Thursday 17 October 2013

October beauty wishlist

Hey guys

So I'm on a spending ban again so thought I'd write a list of what I would have bought if I wasn't on one.
Maybe it'll help me from getting sidetracked when my ban is lifted and stop spending unnecessarily.

Lips
MAC lipsticks: Girl About Town, Up the Amp and Ruby Woo
I love these shades and have wanted them for ages but for some reason I've never gotten round to buying them 
I currently own 2 MAC lipsticks (Lady Danger and Quite the Thing) which I got from the cosmetics store so they were cheaper so maybe that's why I haven't bought these 3 shades. But I think I'm just going to close my eyes and buy them. (Not at the same time I hope...)

Maybelline Color Elixirs 
I saw them on the American Maybelline website and I don't think they're out here in England yet but they look amazing. It's a combination of a lipstick and a lipgloss which I think is perfect for those days when lipsticks may seem too much but still need some colour on the lips. I love Maybelline so I'm sure the pigmentation will be great. I'll be keeping an eye out for when and where I can get that from.

Eyes

L'oreal blackbuster super liner in black. 
I love a good eyeliner and after seeing adverts for this I knew I had to have it. Eyeliner is a staple part of my face when I want to make even just a little bit of an effort (my usual face is foundation and concealer) and this eyeliner looks perfect to create dramatic eyes which I do sometimes like to do. Make my eyes POP! Lol 

Fragrance

Escada cherry in the air 
This perfume smells amazing. Perfect if you like perfumes with a fruity smell. It does cost quite a bit which is why I haven't bought it yet as I haven't thought it a priority but I'm definitely thinking of treating myself with it soon or a family member/friend would be nice enough to buy it for me... I'll start dropping hints.

Clothing

Parka
These were pretty big last year but I couldn't find one I liked or in my size so I'm still on the hunt for one. Perfect for these cold days that seem to be descending upon us.

Fluffy jumpers
I have a few but you can never have more that enough I believe...

Well I think that's all that's on my list for now.
What's on your wishlist? Any of these items or do you already have these items?
Do let me know

Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on Twitter and bloglovin'

 x  

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Books

Hey guys

I decided to write a post on a different topic this time. It was either going to be about books or tv.
I chose books (hence the title) but I'm sure there will be a tv related post soon as tv does take up a lot of my time (I'm working on reducing it) so watch out for that one.

Winter is a perfect time to get warm and cosy and find a great book to read so I thought it appropriate. 
I love to read but sadly, during term time I don't get that much time to read. I struggle to read what I'm supposed to let alone read for fun but I'm trying to organise my time better so that I have more time to read for leisure.

My main favourite genres are chick-lit (#sorrynotsorry) and thriller.
With the days getting darker earlier maybe it's not so best to read thrillers at the moment lol.
I could list my favourite authors but we would be here for days so I'll try to pick a few from each genre and then some miscellaneous ones.

Chick-lit:
- Sophie Kinsella
- Lindsey Kelk 
- Carmen Reid
- Meg Cabot

Thriller:
- James Patterson
- Karen Rose

Miscellaneous:
- Malorie Blackman
- Dorothy Koomson 

If you haven't heard of any of these I urge you to go check them out if you're a fan of these genres. You won't be disappointed.
I will be posting book reviews of my all time favourites but I'd love to hear some of your favourite books and authors. I'm always looking for new books to read.

Feel free to comment! And don't forget to follow me on bloglovin' and twitter!

Thanks for reading
x x

Tuesday 15 October 2013

Macarons Galore!!!

Hey guys

It's time for another food related post, this time not made by me.
I was fortunate enough to receive some macarons free of charge from a company called Macarons Galore who deliver macarons straight to your doorstep. You don't even need to leave the house for them which is always a bonus for me.



I'm a massive fan of macarons and these did not disappoint. Mine unfortunately did come slightly smashed as you can see from the picture but I blame my housemates for not handling my delivery with care. Luckily it didn't take away from the taste. Each macaron had its unique flavour and after eating the four provided I definitely wanted more. Worth postponing my diet for. Lol
I highly recommend and I'm sure I'll be ordering from them soon.

Thanks for reading and check them out on Facebook and Twitter (username: macaronsgalore)

x



Monday 14 October 2013

September favourites

Hey guys

My last post was me having a bit of a complain so why not do the exact opposite and celebrate what purchases I made last month that I'm happy with!

September marked the lift of my spending ban. (I'm currently on another one now lol- watch out for October favourites).
Yes I did just plug one of my future posts lol

My first favourite is from body shop. I normally go to body shop for stuff for my face but this time I went in for the free hand cream they were offering and of course I came out with a purchase.
It wasn't my fault. They had a deal when spending over £5 you get their membership card free. Of course I wasn't going to say no. I did however restrict myself to just one purchase. 
I got the new strawberry body mist smells gorgeous. I could sniff it all day! 


My other September favourites have got to be my Revlon lip butters and lipgloss. I've previously talked about them here so I'm not going to go into details here but basically you should check them out.




Anyway that sums up my September favourites.
Like I said watch out for October favourites!

What were your September favourites? Have any of you used these products?

Comment below! And follow me on twitter and bloglovin'!

Thanks for reading and have a great day! x x

Saturday 12 October 2013

Clinique disappointment

Hey guys!
Long time no blog! Super busy week at uni. I defo need a holiday again

Thought I'd write a post about my latest dissappointment.
Those that have read previous posts would know I battle with super oily skin so I'm always on the hunt for products to help me remain shine free for as long as possible.

I've heard many people rave about Clinique so I thought I'd visit their counter at debenhams and ask for their help.
The lovely lady helped me and recommended me the Pore Refining Solutions- Stay-matte hydrator hydratant matifiant. It's supposed to absorb any oil produced during the day and last up to 8 hours.


This cost me £32!!!
I was hesitant and had to leave and think about it. I read reviews and all I saw were positive and great reviews so I was sold. I closed my eyes and bought it as I thought it would be an investment.

It comes out like a cream. A bit like a primer. Can be worn alone as it has no colour or can be work under make up.

This item seemed to make my face seem even more oilier and shinier than ever!!!
Just after 1 or 2 hours and I would be blotting for ages!!! 
I was so annoyed. 

Has anybody used this item and found the same thing? Or used it and loved it? Maybe I'm using it wrong? Who knows. But all I know is that I'm not rushing to the Clinique counter any time soon.
This has got to be my worst beauty buy that I can remember to date.
Just had to air my frustrations!

Thanks for reading and have a nice day!

Feel free to leave your comments and suggestions and please follow me on Bloglovin' and Twitter!

x x

Sunday 6 October 2013

Barry M matte nail polish

Hey guys! 

As you can see from the title this post is about Barry M's new range of nail polishes.
I've been wanting a matte nail polish for ages but I didn't want to pay loads for it so as soon as I heard Barry M were releasing a matte range of nail polishes I just had to get them! I'm a massive fan of Barry M so on the 25th of September (the release date at Superdrug) after my lectures I rushed to go and get them (using my beloved NUS card) before they sold out.   
I restricted myself and bought 2.
I got crush and espresso.
Espresso is a black colour and crush is more of a burgundy colour. 


I was impressed. I loved that it truly was matte and yet the colour that Barry M is known for was still evident.



My only complaint is that it seems to chip easily. I hate to say it because it pains me to have to say something negative about Barry M but after the first day there was significant chipping. I don't know if that's due to not using a top coat to keep the nail polish looking matte.


Has anybody else tried it out and found the same thing or is it something I'm doing wrong? Or have you tried it and loved it and have no complaints?
Please do let me know 
Comment below and follow me on bloglovin', twitter and google+

Thanks for reading!
 x x

Healthy body=healthy mind! :)

Hey guys!
It's been a while so I thought I'd post something a bit different. This post is there to help keep me motivated but may also motivate other people.


Keeping fit and healthy is important regardless of your shape or size. It can help prevent many horrible diseases and conditions. The recommendation is to do 30 minutes of exercise 5 times a day, so I've decided to go back to the gym. My aim is to lose a bit of weight and then tone up. 



I've decided to go back to the gym. I know the gym isn't for everybody but I enjoy it. The walk there and the exercise I do there helps clear my mind and it always leave feeling good and less stressed :)
I tend to use the machines more often than going to the classes. 
I am to do 10-15 on each machine I use. I'm a massive fan of cardio so I use the rowing machine, elliptical trainer (without upper body), cross trainer. I may also use the bike and treadmill but that's if I'm looking to stay a lot longer.
I also incorporate a bit of weights into my routine to help tone up my arms and legs. If I'm feeling particularly motivated I'll add some stomach exercises such as the evil plank or those horrible stomach crunches (all the different types available) lol
I try to stay at the gym for an hour minimum. 
So far I'm doing great.
I'm remembering to stretch and drink more water (never do intense exercise without having water with you- bad idea lol). The increase in water drinking will also help my skin :) so I'm killing 2 birds with stone.

I find that having a good playlist also helps. So here a few songs I listen to, to help me get in the mood. 

Let you go- Chase and Status
One- Swedish House Mafia feat. Pharrell
Miami 2 Ibiza- Tinie Tempah
Earthquake- Labrinth feat. Tinie Tempah
Me and You- Nero
Innocence- Nero
Promises- Nero
Let's Go- Calvin Harris feat. Ne-Yo
As Your Friend- Afrojack feat. Chris Brown
Turn Up The music- Chris Brown
Love You More- Chris Brown feat. Nicki Minaj 
Say my name- Florence and the Machine (Calvin Harris remix)

There are also some good mixes available.

Hope you've enjoyed this post. Do any of you like to exercise? Whether it be going to the gym, exercising at home from videos, playing sports with friends? Any tips or good exercise songs? Do let me know. 
Thanks for reading and follow me on bloglovin', twitter and google+!

Thanks guys!
Have a great day!
x x