NEW Video // Make up Packing

Hey Everyone,

I hope you are all well. I am back, safely from my holiday in Italy - I had an amazing time! I would 100% recommend going to Sorrento if you have never been. 

Even if you just go for view!

Now, there were some technical difficulties when it came to editing this video before I left last Friday. It involved a lot of crying and wanting to throw my laptop out of the window (we've all been there!) But, the issue has been resolved and it is here! I hope you enjoy it! 

How I pack my make up for my holiday!

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

Show your brushes some love!

Hey Everyone,

I know you are all aware that I am away on holiday at the moment (this is a pre-scheduled post) and I am showing my brushes some love this evening. As I am going away for a week,  I thought I would give the ones I'm taking some love! This post also gives me an opportunity to show you some new products I've been using to clean my brushes.

First step - Deep cleanse

Now - I'll admit - this is my first proper Brush Soap/Shampoo I have EVER used! I know! It is shocking, I only used normal hand soap! :O!

But I wanted to change that! So, when I went to IMATS (Haul Video) I found this little beauty. I bought it from the Love Make up counter; as it wasn't too expensive. Another thing that draw me to it, was the smell. As the picture on the front suggests, it smells like lavender :P! Which makes cleaning my brushes a much more pleasant experience. Also, it is made with Goats Milk, which led me to assume it would make my brushes uber soft (which it does!)

How to use: Dampen the brush and the soap. Then, swirl the brush in the soap and then rinse! It is that easy :D! (I'm sounding like an advert now!)

Second step - Towel dry

I know a bit obvious - but I wanted an excuse to do a cool aerial shot :P!

Remember to be gentle and to re-shape once excess water has been removed.

Third step - Dry UPSIDE-DOWN!

Now - this little item has made drying my brushes less of a fuss.

What is it you may ask? It is a brush tree. To be more precise it is a Benjabelle Brush Tree. Again, I got this from IMATS from Love Make up.

I love this thing - for several reasons. Firstly, it drys brushes quicker! See the big brush in the picture (in the middle) that is a Louise Young Super Foundation Brush. This brush used to take a day and a half to dry! It seemed to take ages, and this is one of my favourite brushes! Now it only takes about 10 hours - amazing! Secondly, it looks a lot neater on my table top and it seems to take up less space than you'd think.

I would highly recommend these brush trees; as they are good quality and really get the job done! 

I hope this posts inspires you to clean your brushes (yes - I'm looking at you!). As always, have a lovely day!

x

Blogging Tips // Clean up your Blog Sidebar

Hey Everyone,

So, everyone who knows me, knows I am a complete noobe when it comes to editing and blogging! And when I say blogging I mean the technical side of blogging. I only just worked out how to put my google analytics code into my template! Stressful times - I didn't understand why it kept saying "Error has occurred"!

But anyway, I digress....

For this post I was going to include the links I found, which really helped me understand more about HTML and how to make your blog side bar look pretty!

I use Blogger to edit my posts - if you didn't know :P

Social Media buttons

Pretty Picture

And this link is useful to get rid of a title (if you don't want one - like me!)

Instagram 

YouTube Video

Popular Posts

If these links could help me sort my blog out - I'm sure they can help you! 

I hope found this post helpful (for once) and as always, have a lovely day!

x

NEW Video // Holiday Mini Series

Hey Everyone,

I hope you have all had a good week! I am currently in Italy :D (properly lying on a sun lounger!) So, that means I may not be answering tweets and messages as quickly as usual. 

Never fear though - I have scheduled some posts for you while I am away, including this little mini series! 

There will be three videos in this mini series: 1) Skincare and Haircare (which is this one!), 2) Make up packing, and 3) Holiday Look book. Now, the last one won't be going up until I get back, but the other two are ready to go! 

So - without further adieu, here is the first instalment!

What Skincare and Haircare did I pack?

 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

Make up Organisation // New storage items

Hey Everyone,

So, I don't think I have ever met a beauty enthusiast/vlogger/blogger not get excited by the prospect of NEW storage items! It is a serious subject, and needs to be just right - in terms of presentation and usefulness. 

I am currently living at home for the summer, so my storage system is not ideal; as my collection has grown substantially since I was in Sixth form. So, while in HomeBase and BHS, I found two new items which have helped me organise my stash. They were both inexpensive and have other potential uses.

Cutlery Tray

My first item is this Chrome wire Cutlery Tray - which I picked up from HomeBase for about £3. I have seen this technique of organisation used many times in the blogger world. Why? Because it just works! Instead of my previous technique of throwing them all in - this works much better. I am able to separate the lipsticks form the lip glosses, and the mascaras from the eyeliners. 

As I said this is my old storage unit from when I was still permanently living at home. So, this draw is too small for my collection, but this tray is still useful (I have even been able to colour organise my lipsticks and lip glosses!) 100% recommend something like this to organise inside draws.

BHS Vintage Tooth brush holder (sorry - no link was available)

Now this was a steal! I managed to find this for £2.99 (originally £6.99), and I just love the fact it says "Brush" (even if it really means tooth brush). It is the perfect size for smaller brushes, such as eye and lip brushes etc. 

As you can see from this set up on the top of my cabinet, I like to keep my brushes in mugs. More specifically, Starbucks mugs which I have been collecting since I went to a Starbuck's in the Bahamas when I was about 12! My most recent addition to my collection is my Amsterdam mug - the bike just makes it :P 

To me this is the most effective method of storage for brushes; as they are easily accessible and they are kept (relatively) clean. Logically, my larger brushes are in the larger mug. At the start of the summer, I had all my brushes in the SAME mug - which meant that I kept losing smaller ones (namely eyeliner).

I am now happier with the addition of my new storage. I'd love to know how you store your make up - let me know in the comments below.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and have a lovely day!

x

Wish List // Space.NK.apothecary

Hey Everyone,

I enjoy reading these sorts of posts, so I thought you guys might like to see what is currently in my imaginary Shopping Bag on the Space.NK.apothecary. I am currently obsessing over skincare - more than makeup, which is unusual for me. Another incentive to make a purchase, is my £5 off voucher I received as a N.dulge member *WARNING!* High risk of splurging! *WARNING!*

Here is it :P

1. Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£28.00) -  this is a very much loved cleanser by beauty bloggers. It receives great praise for being a gentle gel cleanser, which doesn't foam an excessive amount. I would use this as a morning cleanser, and the second-step in a double cleanse in the evening (using an oil-based cleanser first).

2. Rodial Dragon's Blood Toning Spritz (£33.00) - now this is a ridiculously expensive toner. I would have not ordinarily picked this up to try; as I know that ALL Rodial products are at a premium premium price point. However, on a quick visit with my sister, who insisted that we tested it on our faces - I am now hooked. *Must resist...must resist*

3. Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Exfoliating Booster (£57.00) - I should have warned you that this is not going to be a cheap wish list! I discovered this product when I was searching ache scarring treatments, which is my current major skin concern. It is a gentle, non-glycolic "serum" or booster as it is called. It is like an intense acid toner (which I talk about here), which works on the skin while you sleep. So, it would supposedly have quicker results - which excites me greatly! 

4. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta 14 Day Challenge Original Formula (£36.00) - I think anything with the word "challenge" in the name makes me instantly want to try it out. This is basically an introductory kit to Dr Dennis Gross's famous Alpha Beta Peel. Again, more products that contain that lovely acid which will improve texture and skin tone. 

5. Caudalie Vinoperfect Serum (£45.00) - Now, I only currently own one serum (the kiehl's midnight recovery concentrate), which is designed to be used at night. So, I don't use one in the morning - this I would like to change. Serum's are meant to promote better skin absorption of products like your moisturiser, and have more benefits of their own! This is meant to brighten the complexion, and it helps to eliminate spots/scars etc. and prevent new ones! Also, the assistant is Space NK said it also helps dehydrated skin stay hydrated for longer.

So - I will probably treat myself to one of these items before I go back to University, but the others will have to wait. Any of you got Space NK wish lists? 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

My L'Occitane Experience

Hey Everyone,

Firstly, I wanted to say "Hey!" to all my new followers - I always get way too excited when I get that notification to say I have some new readers :P! Please don't be shy; I love hearing from you all (constructive feedback is greatly appreciated). 

Anyway...on with the post!

While I was in the Lake District on my holiday this summer, I did manage to get a bit of shopping in (naturally). Now, I have been into L'Occitane boutiques before, but I have never actually bought anything form them - until now!

As I entered the boutique I was greeted with a glass of rose - which was a lovely surprise! (Note: that every time I've been into a L'Occitane shop I have been offered a drink or a chocolate; even when I had not made a purchase!) The staff are always welcoming and friendly. The lady who helped me on this occasion was very knowledgable of the products, and I felt no way pressured into making a purchase.

So anyway, what did I pick up?

 

Hydra Vital Cream - £32.00

I have been on the hunt for a good hydrating/moisturising cream which doesn't feel too heavy on the skin and doesn't break me out. This seems a hard thing to come by for me. As I feel that the lighter, more gel-like moisturisers aren't hydrating enough for my dry cheeks. 

This range was recommended to me as it is good for combination to normal skins. Firstly, this packaging is amazing! It is super heavy and feels expensive. 

The cream itself is relatively thick, but not at all greasy and pretty light on the skin. I can happily wear this as a day moisturiser and a night moisturiser (I just add a moisturising serum for more hydration at night). Also, I absolutely love the smell of this cream - it has this special plant called Angelica, that promotes 24-hour hydration.

I was also intrigued by Hydra Vital Face Mist in this range, but there was a special offer on this set called the Summer Ritual. It was half price at £15, and as the spray is £12 full price anyway. And there was 15% off when you spend over £30. So, basically, I was sold!

Summer Ritual - Face mist on the left.

I haven't actually tried the shampoo, conditioner or hand cream as I am saving them for my next holiday. But the Face mist is a lovely cooling spray, and it has that lovely scent (the same as the cream). My only annoyance is that the spray comes out really weirdly; as it just goes everywhere, except your face. I don't use this regularly as a toner, but I am planning to use it when the weather is hot as a cooling spray.

Overall, I have been impressed with the service from L'Occitane and happy with the products purchased. These are not cheap products, and I can safely say (from the products used) you are getting your money's worth!

I hope you have a lovely day and enjoyed this post!

x

Review Beauty Blender // Worth the hype?

Hey Everyone,

So, this has been on my radar for a long time. This is a much loved beauty applicator by beauty bloggers everywhere and is continuously hyped up. My interest was increased after a number of new posts on it, after it was included in a recent Birch Box. Unfortunately, I am not subscribed to this service - yet ;)! So, I made it my business to find the cheapest seller :P! 

Original beautyblender

It is still expensive for a make up sponge at £14.95 - though it can be as expensive as £16! This is pretty pricey - the question is..is it worth it?

 From the the left beautyblender dry and damp

So, you probably all know the drill by now with this sponge. It is a lovely hot pink sponge, shaped like an egg. The rounder side is for blending on larger areas of the face (such as cheeks, forehead etc.) and the pointy end is for getting in all those nooks and crannies (such as around the nose and under the eyes etc.)

From the left beautyblender, MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC15 and Real Techniques Buffing brush

 For this little test, I decided to use one pumps worth of foundation for each side of the face. On the left side I used the beautyblender, and on the right I used my usual brush (RT Buffing brush).

For the left side, the best way to apply the product is to dot it onto the face and then go in with the beautyblender. You use the damp beautyblender in a "bouncing" motion to blend out the foundation. The one thing I will say about application is you do need good lighting when applying; so you don't miss out any lines that need to be blended.

Only right side of photo (left side of face) foundation with beautyblender

As you can see, it gives a gorgeous airbrush look to the skin. This is a medium, build-able coverage foundation; this applicator works best with slightly thicker consistency products. I have used no concealer at this point - so you can still see a couple of my active breakouts showing through (which I would normally cover with concealer). 

On the left beautyblender used. On the right Buffing brush used.

Please excuse my awful skin at the moment (hormonal breakouts suck!). I know this isn't probably the best representation of the applicators; as my skin is pretty bad on the one side. However, there doesn't really seem to be much difference between the two - except the beautyblender may have reduced the appearance of redness (ever-so-slightly more!) 

Both sides foundation.

I don't know if it's just me that sees this - but it appears that my skin on the beautyblender side (right side of the photo) appears less flat. I feels like it gives a more skin like appearance, even when using a medium to full coverage foundation. 

I definitely like the beautyblender, but my only two cons are that it is a bit of a effort. You have to dampen the sponge and tissue it off. Also, this type of blending technique takes slightly longer than your normal buffing brush. Furthermore, I feel you use more product this way than with a brush.

I will continue to use this sponge, and use it when I have a bit more time in the morning to get ready. However, will I repurchase this? Probably - if it slightly cheaper (maybe I'll stock up when I'm next in the US) 

What are your thoughts on the beautyblender?

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

First glance at Charlotte Tilbury // K.I.S.S.I.N.G. Fallen From the Lipstick Tree

Hey Everyone,

I finally caved! I resisted the first time I saw the new glorious, glistening counter in Selfridges - that is home to a new-ish brand of Charlotte Tilbury's. It just had to be done - eventually. I had some time to kill after my work experience in Birmingham, and the swatches got to me...and then I tried it! There is no going back after that point!

I'll start with my only negative comment of the post. I have spoken to Charlotte Tilbury assistants before and they have always been lovely and polite. Except for the one that served me on this occasion. He seemed extremely disinterested in my request to try the lipsticks - as if it was an inconvenience to him; as it interrupted his conversion with a co-worker.  He was very cold, and didn't seem to want to help me make a decision on what shade to go with. I was overall unimpressed - and it is a shame; as I shall now think twice about shopping at the Birmingham counter.

First of all, can we just admire this packaging? 

There is no detail spared - even on the box! 

This is what the lipstick case looks like, it has the signature rose-gold packaging. I love the CT logo on the top; lovely touch :P! I feel very fancy when I pull out this lipstick: it feels and looks good quality.

Shade Nude Kate

It is a light nudey-pink shade - definitely more on the nude side than pink. It is sheerer than some of the other shades I tried, which means it is pretty much fool proof. I was able to put this on on the train with no mirror, and as far as I'm aware I didn't look a mess afterwards! Also, on a side note, love the name - makes me feel extra trendy!  

 This is it on my lips (natural light).

This is now my favourite nude - it is much more wearable than my Tom Ford lipstick in Blush nude, which is much more opaque. The formula is extremely comfortable to wear; it is made from special plant extracts that not only make it a joy to apply, but also protect the lip.

Whole face shot.

As you can see this works really well with my skin tone and I don't feel like it washes me out. Lovely finish - with enough colour pay-off without it being over powering!

So, if you haven't had chance to try these lipsticks out - I'd definitely recommend trying these. I will certainly be looking to add more Charlotte Tilbury to my collection. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

Jewellery with style and distinction...

Hey Everyone,

I've got a different post for you today. It's all about jewellery! If you are looking for something totally unique and original, look no further!

Special Expressions is a wonderful shop in the picturesque town of Keswick in Cumbria. That sells some of the most gorgeous jewellery I've ever seen. I have now visited the store twice and also ordered from their website (linked above) and the customer service is great! All the gold stars! 

My first purchase from them was at least six years ago now! (And they are still going strong!)

Short Single Twist EarSpiral in Gold Fill

They are a very unique piece, which I have never seen anywhere else! I feel like these can be worn in the day, or as a statement evening earring. When ever I wear these I get a tonne of comments! I feel they are different, but classy at the same time.

Now and again, I will treat myself to some nice statement pieces. But, in this case it was a lovely present from my parents when we had a recent trip to the Lake District.

Large Skull ring

If you have seen my most recent monthly favourites video, you will remember this one! I have always wanted a big skull ring *drools over The Great Frog London*, but unfortunately this has never quite been in my price range :'(! However, I feel like this ring is just as good - it's a weighty ring (which I like) and is a perfect fit! It is excellent quality and I have already got a load of use out of this. It adds instead edge to any look :P

I also wanted to show you what we bought my sister; as it is extremely cool!

Spider Web and Chained Spider

My sister was unable to join us on our family adventure to the Lakes, so my mum wanted to get her something special. And these are definitely in that category. This is such a statement piece! I was very tempted myself! It is, again, amazing quality and the cuff is fully adjustable. My sister doesn't often wear jewellery, but has been really enjoying wearing this! 

So, I would really recommend checking out their website or popping to the shop! There are some great gift ideas, that a both good quality and unique. 

I hope you enjoyed this post and have a lovely day!

x

Favourites Time! // July 2014

Hey Everyone,

I hope you all had fantastic months in July - I know I did! I have a mammoth of a favourites video for you, and I am using my new camera (everyone shouts "Hooray!"). It actually came out pretty well, it definitely feels more professional - except my camera stand of books!

Stick with me on this one and you may find some gems in there too!

I hope you enjoyed the video and have a lovely day!

x