I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 7! You may have noticed that here on Nina Louise Law, that I like to make Christmas last as long as possible – hence why I love doing Blogmas! I’ve been preparing since Easter (don’t judge me) and I’m pretty sure I was a Christmas decoration in my past life or at least an elf. This year, myself and my blogging bestie, Becca, have decided to create our own Christmas tag! It features ten quirky questions and we would LOVE it if you could answer them too! If you do decide to take part, make sure you link us and send it to us so that we can have a look!ย
Weirdest family Christmas tradition?
So this is going to sound odd, but we usually stretch out the gifting as much as possible. For example, we’ll do a few on Christmas Eve, most on Christmas Day and then save some for Boxing Day – that way it lasts ages!
It’s Christmas Eve, what are you doing?
ย I’m most likely doing any last minute wrapping and maybe grabbing some stuff in the sales (100% recommend buying your Christmas on the 24th as they’re nearly all on sale). If I’m not doing that, I’m stuffing my face with snacks (christmas tree shaped tortillas to be precise), whilst highlighting everything that I want to watch in the festive RadioTimes!
Top 3 Christmas dinner components?
Roast potatoes – (crispy on the outside, soft on the inside)
Pigs in Blankets – What’s not to love?ย
Yorkshire Pudding – It’s not very traditional of me, I know, but THEY ARE SO GOOD.ย
ย When do you decorate your house? November, the beginning of December, the week of Christmas?
I mean, if it was acceptable, I’d have them up all year but usually mid-November I start to fish them all out and start dotting them around the house. At university, my boyfriend and I put our tree up on the 5th November! It’s never too early in my opinion…
ย Loved and loathed Christmas songs?
I love love LOVE Ariana Grande’s Santa Tell Me but I also love a bit of Elton John (apart from the New John Lewis advert – what were they thinking?) and of course I love it when Bublรฉ returns every December (where is he for the rest of the year?!) The song that I hate and I know I will get so much stick for, is Fairytale of New York. I literally cannot stand it. It sounds like Friday night karaoke down the pub – not a fan.ย
ย One big present or lots of little things to open?
Mum and I have ALWAYS done lots of little things. We even do it for birthdays too! I think there’s something more exciting about being able to give someone lots of pressies rather than just one, it makes it last so much longer. Obviously, that means there’s more to open too!ย
ย What is your favourite Christmas decoration? (Include a photo if you have one)
I bought this little tea-light holder from a gift shop in Nottingham last year and since then I’ve bought a few more – I seem to have started collecting them…but just look at how cute and festive it is!
ย Do you like to have a themed tree or one with a bit of everything?
We actually do a bit of both! We have one main Christmas tree that has a bit of everything on it, you know, the hand-me-downs, the whacky and the traditional. We also have a white tree (we call it Ben’s tree after my brother) that we decorate with red and gold decorations too!
Christmas pudding: yay or nay?
Absolutely NOT. For some reason, I get itchy thinking about it. I’m much more of a chocolates or cheesecakes kind of girl.ย
What’s at the top of your Christmas wishlist this year?
I never really have a Christmas Wishlist, but given I’m a homeware freak, I love anything that I can use to cosy up my flat or my bedroom at home! Candles, cushions, bedding – yes please (adulting)
I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 5! Today’s post is an updated version of my MAC lipstick collection! You all seemed to love last year’s so I thought I would turn it into a Blogmas tradition and show you my newest additions.
When it comes to lipstick, I rarely venture beyond the realms of MAC Cosmetics. I’ve tried looking for dupes and I’m yet to find anything that ticks all of the boxes. I fell in love with their iconic and sleek black packaging and there’s no going back now! I can appreciate that at ยฃ15 (roughly) they’re pretty pricey and understandably for some that can be offputting. However, they regularly have sales with huge discounts plus they are now available on ASOS, so with student discount, you can grab yourself a bargain! I tend to buy their lipsticks gradually, so that I can save up and treat myself when I most need it.
This was the first MAC lipstick that I ever had. It was given to me as a gift and I think it was the reason that I got hooked! Taupe is a warm, muted brown shade with a matte finish. It’s so pigmented, which is why I’m still not even halfway through, as I only seem to need the tiniest amount! I particularly love wearing it during Autumn as it’s got some warm colour undertones but it’s also quite dark. It also carries me through to Winter, with it’s cinnamon-like undertones. If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know how much I love to wear warm toned eyeshadow, so Taupe ties in perfectly!
See Sheer is one of MAC’s lustre lipsticks and it’s a warm coral, almost grapefruit pink.ย I felt like I was really branching out with this shade when I bought it. I used to go for nudes and neutrals so this was a step out of my comfort zone! I find that it adds a perfect pop of colour and really brightens up my face, which comes in handy when my skin is as dull as dishwater during Winter. It glides on, providing sheer to medium coverage, but it’s definitely buildable! I just love the formula as it’s so creamy and moisturising and it’s so easy to apply. It doesn’t last all day, but I don’t mind reapplying it every now and again.
Everyone was raving about this lipstick – I have a feeling it has something to do with Kylie Jenner, and before I knew it, I had bought it! This time last year, Velvet Teddy was my favourite matte lipstick and as you can see from the photos above, it’s looking pretty well loved! I don’t use it anywhere near as much, but I do still love it. It’s a warm brown with a red undertone – perfect for autumn! Although it has a matte formula, it’s not drying whatsoever. I usually never have to touch it up either as it stays on all day!
Cosmo is probably one of the lipsticks that I wear the most. It’s a warm peachy pink with brown undertones and it’s a great one for pairing with simple everyday looks. I just love the glossy satin finish and the way that it adds a subtle pop of pink – not too much! I tend to wear this everyday to uni as it’s glides on quickly and isn’t high maintencance once I have it on.
Muscu-linity
I managed to get hold of Muscu-linity, in last year’s Black Friday clearance, so unfortunately it’s no longer available to purchase. It’s a warm but muted beige-brown and it has a sheer finish. Again, I love the glossy look of this formula – it’s a great one for summer as it compliments my tan. It also keeps my lips looking hydrated too.
Testosterone
I also picked up Testosterone in the Black Friday sale last year, so it’s no longer available now, but still there’s lots of alternatives to choose from. It’s a gorgeous warm coral shade and I’ve been obsessed with it during Winter. It adds a pop of vibrant, glossy colour to my lips without going too overboard, which is exactly what I love on those days where I’m not quite feeling a red yet. The finish is so dewy and creamy, it’s got to be one of my favourite formulas.
Patisserie is one of my newest lippies from MAC! I absolutely love this shade – it’s a neutral pink with a hint of brown – making it my perfect natural shade. I wear this one all year round, on any ocassion and it always pulls through! If you’re looking for a classic staple to add to your collection – this would be it.
Spirit is a pinky-warm brown with a satin finish. Itโs rich in colour and dries semi-matte and still leaves my lips feeling moisturised. I love wearing this colour during the sunnier months for a less intense and more natural look. I tend to pair Spirit with bold eye makeup if I want the focus to be on my eyes.
My dad gave me Retro for Christmas and it’s now one of my go-to Winter shades! It’s a beautiful warm plum shade – perfect for any festive functions! It’s a great transition shade from Autumn to Winter as it’s not quite a full on red and it still has some subtle brown undertones to tide you over.
Persistence might just be the perfect Autumnal shade ever. It’s a warm, peachy-brown cinnamon shade with a matte finish. I always opt for matte shades in Autumn as that’s usually the time of year that I’m snacking and drinking the most coffee (deadlines and stressv do this to me) so I want my lipstick to stay put.
I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it! I’m sure I’ll see you in a year with another updated version as my addiction to MAC isn’t going anywhere fast.ย Let me know in the comments what your favourite MAC lipsticks are and whether you think I need to add any more to my collection.
I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 4! Today’s post is focusing on the latest gifting goodies from Soap & Glory. I’ve always loved their playful packaging and perfect products but their 2018 Christmas range is a whole new level of wow. These items have been sent to me by Soap and Glory. How could I be so lucky? Although they are not sponsoring this review, I’m rewarded enough by being able to share these two gift sets with you! If these look tempting, do have a look at their extensive festive range.
Here we have the gorgeous Glitz The Girlย Gift Set! This twinkling trio retails at ยฃ8.50 and it includes a metallic lip gloss, kohl liner and face glitter.ย Scoop these up and see the sparkle! These are the perfect products for getting glamorous this Christmas!
It’s time to brighten your blinkers with the Eyes Queen Gift Set. This set retails at ยฃ18.50 and includes four fabulous products; a 2-in-1 brow pencil, mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow pencil. What more could you need to prepare your peepers for the festive period?
I really hope you enjoyed this post! It was such a pinch me moment when I received these pretty packages and I knew I had to share them with you! Tomorrow’s post is looking at my updated MAC lipstick collection – so stay tuned.ย If you’re looking for some more gifting guidance, click here to find the perfect presents to suit your pocket.
I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 3! Today’s post is all about the apps that I’ve been loving throughout 2018. I actually wrote one last year, and since then I’ve been trying out lots of different things and I have a few more favourites to share with you! All of the apps that I’ve included are ones that I consider to be complete game changes and I can’t imagine doing what I do without them.
UNFOLD
Instagram stories started out to be fairly unpopular, as most people were just sticking with Snapchat. However, now, everyone is using them! As someone that works with social media every day, I’m always looking at ways to reach out to people that view my content. Typically, I like to use engaging language and high quality photography. Although I was doing this on my Instagram stories, I was getting bored of the same old features and ending up with the same sort of “homemade” look to all of my photography. That’s when I discovered Unfold! The app offers simple but elegant templates to curate your Instagram Story exactly the way that you want to. You can use it for photos, videos and even boomerangs! My stories now look so much more professional and well laid-out – I’ve even noticed a spike in engagement on my profile! The app is free to use however there is an option to buy some of their premium collections to give yourself some more templates to get busy with!
PREVIEW
This is probably my most used app of 2018 – I use it every single day without fail. Since becoming a blogger, I have recognised the importance of using Instagram to share my content. Not only this, but how important it is to keep it looking professional and organised. I started to use themes this year and with that came the stress of planning what photo to upload next. What would happen if I uploaded a photo and it didn’t look right or fit in? That’s where Preview comes in. This wonderful app allows you to plan your dream feed before anything goes live. You can shift the photos around to get them in the perfect position and schedule them to go up whenever suits you. You can also add hashtags to any of your images as well as being able to upload straight to Instagram without any fuss. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this has helped me, plus I now have a feed that I’m proud of. This is the kind of app that once you start using, you can’t understand how you used to function without it.
BUFFER
I’d heard so much about this app and so I finally caved in to the curiosity to download it. I’m glad I did as I use it all the time and find it so helpful! I’m a student in my final year with a busy timetable, I also post twice a week on my blog. This means that I hardly have time for dinner most days, let alone promoting the things that I write. Buffer allows you to pre-write all of your tweets and schedule them to go up whilst you’re going about your day as usual. It means I don’t have to find the time to sit and compose tweets as it’s already doing it for me! It’s made me a lot less stressed, as it’s taken one less thing of my plate. You can also sync it to other social media accounts too – it doesn’t have to be twitter.
SPROCKET
My boyfriend Kindly bought me the hp Sprocket for Christmas a couple of years ago and I’m so glad he did as I love it! The Sprocket is a wireless pocket-sized printer that doesn’t require ink or any lengthy printing sessions – just an app! The app lets you choose exactly what you want to print from any of your devices, all in a couple of taps. It also has lots of editing features that allow you to add overlays, stickers and filters for any last minute touch-ups. You can even connect it to your Instagram account to print directly from your feed! Obviously you need the Sprocket to use the app, so I’m aware lots of you won’t find this useful, but if you’re considering getting one, or even asking for it for Christmas, you can see that it’s a really handy little system to have for on-the-go use! I love that I can print instantly wherever I am, it’s definitely encouraged me to be more spontaneous and to create a memory out of every day.
I hope you enjoyed today’s post! I usually stick to lifestyle and beauty on my blog, but occasionally it’s nice to talk about something else! I’m always interested to know what apps everyone is using and whether I’m missing out on any! Be sure to let me know in the comments what your favourites are!
I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 2! Today’s post is a HUGE Christmas gift guide. I’m really not a last minute buyer, as I like to be organised and ready for christmas early. No Christmas Eve panics for me, thank you very much!ย With my nearest and dearest it’s not that difficult. In fact it’s a pleasure to shop with them in mind – but I do sometimes suffer from gifter’s block. I often search online for inspiration, so I thought I’d offer you something here and now, as you read, to sort out your own seasonal challenges within your own comfortable price range! I’ve also included prices and links to everything so that you can make a purchase straight away if you see something that takes your fancy.
This post contains paid content for Ronny Colbie. This post also contains affiliate links which do not impact your purchases, but may mean that I earn a small amount of commission as a result.
Now if you are seeking something really special, and I mean LUXURY is the word, then take a look at these examples of Ronny Colbie’sย luxury bouquets andย wreaths. Today’s post is in collaboration with this company, which was founded by Ronny himself, a designer and creator of gifts that are truly individual. His range includes perfectly beautifulย luxury candles, one of which was included above! Everything is created with such imagination and exudesย understated elegance.
I really hope you enjoyed this post. Personally, I’ve always loved looking at Christmas gift guides, especially if they offer a wide price range.ย I’ve tried to cover all bases! So do let me know if anything was just what you’re looking for!
Welcome to Blogmas Day 1! I can’t believe we’re already here, it seems like yesterday that I was writing last year’s Blogmas content. I thought I would kick it all off with a post about my favourite lipsticks to wear over the festive period. It’s like I evolve from being nude and neutral-loving to dark and dramatic in the space of a season. I used to practically sprint away from anything red and now it’s a totally different story!
First up, we have Mac’s Retro. My dad actually bought me this one last Christmas! This tends to be my transition lipstick from Autumn to Winter. It’s a muted peachy-pinky brown so I’m still getting to wear something that I’m used to but at the same time it’s darker than my usual go-to shades. I love that it has a satin finish to it as it’s non-drying but still really pigmented. A cheaper dupe for this is Sephora’s Labyrinth City!
This is the beautiful Vixenin Illamasqua’s Lava Lips range! I originally picked it up because I was so intrigued by the marbled design however, upon trying it out, it quickly became one of my Winter favourites. The colours blend so well together to create a vibrant and intense pinky-red. It’s slightly different every time I use it and that’s why I love it! The finish, again, is satin, which keeps my lips feeling soft and moisturised. The packaging is also so sophisticated and sleek – I love everything about this lipstick! I can’t find any dupes for this as it’s just so unique!
Here we have one of Anastasia Beverly Hill’s matte lipsticks in the shade Rogue. It’s a dark brownish red that fulfils all my festive lipstick desires! It has warm undertones, which is why I enjoy wearing it at this time of year. It may be frosty outside, but my lips will stay rosy for as long as possible thank you very much. Not only is it really pigmented, but it’s ultra-matte formula ensures that it stays on all day.
This is one of Urban Decay’s lipsticks from their Vice range in the shade Plaid. I chose it because at this time of year I can’t resist deep berry tones! It’s a cool pinky-red with a sheer finish so it’s hydrating and always makes me look so healthy! Although the texture is quite thin, it’s still pigmented and it’s buildable if I ever wanted something slightly more intense.
A Peachy cinnamon shade, absolutely perfect for this time of year! It’s also perfect for anyone that doesn’t want to wear anything really dark or dramatic. It has warm, reddish-orange undertones, so although it’s almost a brown, it’s actually really flattering on and I’m still staying within my comfort zone! I love a matte lip in Winter too, especially with the amount of hot chocolates I get through every day, I need something that doesn’t budge! However, it can be a tiny bit drying, so I always make sure my lips are moisturised before applying it.
Processed with VSCO with c1 preset
I really hope that you enjoyed my first Blogmas post of 2018! My makeup routine completely changes over winter, so I’m always curious as to whether or not anyone else’s does too! Let me know in the comments what your winter beauty staples are! Tomorrow’s post is a HUGE gift guide that I’ve been working on for ages! I’ve included all kinds of bits and pieces to suit lots of different price ranges, so make sure you come back at 6pm to have a read!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m packing to go away with my boyfriend for the weekend. We’re going to the Harry Potter Studio tour on Saturday, as well as seeing The Cursed Child in London on Sunday. I’m super excited and I can’t wait to tell you all about it. Are any of you Harry Potter fans? Let me know which of the films or books are your favourites! I think the Deathly Hallows (plus the final two films) are my favourites – the plot thickens and it becomes much more serious and interesting! Speaking of movies, this month’s Birchbox was in collaboration with Disney to celebrate the release of their new film, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms.ย I always loved the story as a child but I’m intrigued as to how they’ve turned it into a film with a bit of a twist. As usual,ย Iโve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if youโre just here for the review, keep scrolling!ย RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.
Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโt have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month plus ยฃ2.95 P&P! You can edit your beauty profile on their site in order to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is so great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for a long time now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month.ย Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the older boxes to store makeup in too as the designs are too pretty to throw away!
When I found out that Birchbox were collaborating with Disney this month, I was so excited to see the packaging that they would come up with! Look at how beautiful it is! I love the micture of dark reds and the reflective gold text, it looks so magical and festive! ย I think this month’s products are focused on preparing for the party season ahead, which I love! I’m no party animal but I definitely love a good pamper evening during Winter, especially after a long day of Christmas shopping or being out in the cold. I love a pamper night all year round but there’s something much more satisying about it when it’s dark and freezing cold outside!
I’m a sucker for all things eyeshadow related, so to be honest, I’m happy with anything, but a gold roller shadow is a whole new level. I didn’t even know that roller shadows existed?! I also love this brand, I’ve recieved lots of their products over the years and I’ve enjoyed them all so I know that I’ll enjoy this one too. Last month we were given the choice of two shades to receive and so I chose Enchantedย which is a beautiful sparkly golden colour. It can be applied not only as an eyeshadow but also on the tops of your cheekbones or as a glossy lip topper! I really love multi-use products because they’re perfect to travel with and they barely take up any room in my makeup bag! When swatching the shadow, I noticed that it was quite subtle once blended out. I reckon it should be applied in layers to intensify it or it can always just be left as a touch of sparkle on it’s own. It’s exclusive to Birchbox so if you want to try it, head on over to their shop!
I seem to have a bit of an obsession with liners, whether that’s for my eyes or lips, I will always find an excuse to add another one to my stash! That’s probably why it was so easy to welcome this one into my collection. Birchbox have never sent me anything by Lottie London before, however I’ve always loved their branding and I use their makeup brushes all the time so I was excited to try their makeup for once! I love nude liners as I wear nude lipsticks all the time so they always come in handy. I love that it’s long-wearing, so it can stay strong throughout the many hot chocolates that I get through every day.ย Plus, this liner can be sharpened! One of my biggest pet peeves is when liners can’t be sharpened because it leaves you with barely any product once you’ve used the part that you can see. I can’t wait to use this! Keep an eye out for my Instagram posts as I’m sure I’ll be talking about it and sharing some pictures of the looks I’ve created.
Birchbox have sent me a Polaar suncream before and I absolutely loved it so I reckon this product will be something I end up using a lot. I’ve always liked the idea that some skincare can get to work whilst I’m fast asleep, minimal effort required! This moisturiser is packed with boreal algae, which reacts to the blue light of the moon (I know, it sounds like something Brian Cox came up with) which in turn, boosts your cell renewal. If all of that can happen whilst I’m out of it then I’m down!
I’ve known about the wonders of lip scrubs for such a long time, but I just couldn’t get over the whole friction and lumpy bumpy situation. However, when I saw this in my November box, I was actually really excited to try it! It doesn’t look as “lumpy bumpy” (as I creatively put it just now) and it seems pretty tame. I like that it’s almost like a crayon which makes it much easier to apply and be accurate without getting the scrub up my nose or on my forehead or something (believe me I’m capable).
Yes to self-heating face masks! Typically, when it comes to eyes, I’m used to using things that are cooling to reduce swelling or puffiness but I’m intrigued about using something warm. Apparently we are to expect soothing results! I reckon I will be using this when I’m needing some down time, possibly just before I go to sleep. It seems like the perfect thing to pop on before bed when I’m not doing anything or even if I’m busy, it’s still something I can make time for! I love the packaging too – it’s reminding me of Glamglow for some reason?
In conclusion, I think this may be one of my favourite boxes so far! I loved every single product. The focus of it being on preparing for the party season ahead was absolutely perfect! I know that I will use everything and I’ll most likely by replacements too. 4/5 of the products were full size which is insane. I’ve unsubscribed from lots of beauty boxes because so many are reluctant to give out full sized products whereas Birchbox are always generous. The products, together, are worth roughly ยฃ69 and consdering that I pay ยฃ12.95 per month, that works out at great value!ย You may have noticed a difference in my photography and that’s because I was lucky enough to get a new camera for my birthday! I’m still experimenting but I definitely prefer how it looks now, what do you think?
With the transition from Summer to Autumn well underway, my skin, as usual, panicked and decided to bless me with some spots – hooray! The change in weather either causes me to break out or just get ridiculously dry skin for a little while before it finally settles down, does anyone else have this issue? Typically, most of the year round, I don’t suffer too badly with my skin. However, if I’m stressed or the environment around me changes, I tend to get a period of breakouts. It shouldn’t, but it always makes me feel incredibly self conscious. Instead of hiding away indoors I decided to invest in some skincare to see if I could banish the blemishes as quickly as possible. This involved spending an hour in Superdrug trying to decide what product to invest in. There’s so much available these days! It’s hard to make a decision without feeling like it was perhaps the wrong one and that there might be something way better available down another aisle. However, today I’m doing the work for you. If you aren’t sure, scroll down and have a read!
*This post contains affiliate links
I use a lot of skincare by Nip + Fab and so far, so good. I love their products and they make my skin look and feel great. I wouldn’t say that I have “problem” skin but I do get little bumps and blemishes, particularly when I’m stressed. I have been prescribed topical gel that works but it can bleach things and leaves my skin feeling quite sensitive and dry. So I decided to dive into Nip + Fab’s Teen Skin range. I was slightly put off by the name, as it made me feel a bit silly buying something that’s aimed at teenagers at the peak of puberty however I went for it anyway and I now have zero regrets. I noticed there were lots of different products in the range, all aimed at blemishes and problem skin. I chose to try the 2 in 1 Scrub and Mask Pore Blaster first.
The product is aimed at congested skin and it works as a mask or as a scrub. I love multi-purpose products as I feel like I’m getting more for my money and as a student, that’s important when it comes to buying skincare. I don’t usually use scrubs as I feel like they can sometimes be too harsh on my face but this one isn’t at all! I can tell that it’s really getting to work but it’s doing so gently, which is why I enjoy this product so much! It doesn’t feel like you’re going to scrub yourself so that only your feet remain.
It stops my skin from breaking out any further as well as stopping any excess oil from building up. It contains volcanic pumice to exfoliate the skin, salicylic acid to unclog present and further breakouts and wasabi extract which acts as a powerful antioxidant. I simply wet my face and then massage the scrub onto my skin before rinsing it off with warm water. When I used it as a mask, I just apply a layer over my face and leave it to dry. Both methods have completely transformed my skin! I’m so glad that I discovered this product as it’s made such a huge difference to my confidence as well as my face. I’m looking forward to trying the other products within the range as I’m sure they will be just as fantastic and effective.
So, what’s the verdict?
I strongly recommend trying the Nip + Fab 2 in 1 Scrub and Pore Blaster. I haven’t experienced any issues with it so far and my skin had cleared up within a couple of days of using it! I’d say it’s probably not the right product for everyone’s skin, but it might. be worth a try if you also struggle to get rid of those pesky pimples once they appear. What are your holy grail products? Let me know in the comments.
I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been well and truly slapped across the face with third year! It’s here in all of it’s sobbing, sweating and panicking glory. I’ve spent the last few days chasing around my supervisor in order to figure out my dissertation. One day, I found him having breakfast next door and then another time I had to get a toddler to him me find him (that turned into half an hour of babysitting instead) so I’m sure you can tell I’m having a FABULOUS time dealing with that. I don’t like it when he turns up and I don’t like it when he doesn’t so that doesn’t leave me with very much, does it? ย You would have thought that with the amount university costs us, we would be given, at least, a competent member of staff to help us through the hardest part – but apparently not! Anyway, rant over! Today’s post is another Birchbox review! I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if youโre just here for the review, keep scrolling!
Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโt have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month plus ยฃ2.95 P&P! You can edit your beauty profile on their site in order to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is so great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for a long time now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month.ย Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the older boxes to store makeup in too as the designs are too pretty to throw away!
This month’s box is focused on winding down in preparation for the transition from summer into autumn. I’m so excited to slow down a bit, as these last few months have been hectic! I’m looking forward to having cosy evenings in with all the autumnal scented candles on the go – anyone else? I think these products are going to be perfect for this season! It’s usually at this time of year that my skin needs the most help. How gorgeous is this box? I love the phrase as well as the floral design, I will definitely be using this one for storage!
Well we all know I love a good face mask. I’m always looking for new ones to try and so I was really pleased to find this one in my box this month! I’ve never tried a sheet mask before so I’m really keen to see what this one does for my skin. It targets tired and dehydrated skin to leave you with a “youthful glow” which sounds pretty promising and it’s during Autumn that my skin needs the most moisture! It suggests leaving it on for 20 minutes which is perfect for when I’m in the bath or whilst I’m chilling in bed. It’s a self-warming mask, great for nights in on those really cold evenings after I have to walk home from university.ย Also, can we all just acknowlegde that it’s silver?!
It’s a no from me already. When it comes to putting something on my face, I want it to smell good. If it’s going on my feet or something then I’m not particulalry fussed but when it’s right up in my grill, I don’t want something that smells like dodgy milk mixed with fake tan… well that’s what I get every time I try this cream. I just can’t get past it! It’s such a shame because like I mentioned earlier, I need as much hydration as possible at this time of year so I probably would have liked it had it not been for the smell. I have to say that it left my skin feeling moisturised but I won’t be reaching for it any time soon, nor would I pay that price for a full sized version either!
Me: oh dear god no, not another unicorn themed makeup product, get away from me, absolutely not, EW
Also me: *adds straight into makeup collection*
Right so I was totally mistaken about this product. When I first saw it, I practically threw it across the room in a state of panic as I HATE glittery crazy coloured products – they just aren’t my thing. Basciallu, anything that reminds me of this really annoying unicorn phase that the world is having is a no from me. I decided to try it anyway and I’m so glad I did! Once applied to your lips, it’s pH adjusting formula reveals a lovely glossy effect – no purple to be seen anywhere! It completely transforms when I apply it and now I’m obsessed. The glitter doesn’t look too crazyย plus it smells of coconut and vanilla!
I’m so excited about this! I feel like charcoal skincare products have become very popular in the last few months and they’re all over the shelves now. I often use charcoal masks to draw out impurities and to keep my skin really clean and clear. We all love a multitasker and this sponge happens to be a 2-in-1! It acts as a body wash as well as an exfoliator – which will save me so much time in the shower.
I normally avoid leave-in products as I don’t usually have time to sit and wait for something to get to work. However, since being at university, where breakdowns are more regular than breakfast, I’ve learnt to make time. Nothing is more important than slowing down and making sure you take care of yourself. Whether that’s running a hot bath, putting a face mask on or using some leave-in conditioner! Self-care, people – do it! Apparently this spray is great for strengthening, repairing and detangling as well as taming flyaways! I don’t tend to get tangled hair but I do need something to keep it strong as I’m always using curlers and straighteners on it. I’ve used a hair product from this brand before and I loved it so I have high hopes for this one.
I’ve never tried any Joop scents before so I’m really interested to see how often I end up wearing this one. It smells absolutely amazing! The fragrance features rose, peonies, amber, patchouli and raspberry. I’ve never come across anything like it before, it’s musky but fruity at the same time. It’s definitely going to be one of my favourite scents over the festive periods – it’s gorgeous! It’s also a scent I can see myself wearing day and night too!
This month’s box had a bit of everything – makeup, skincare, haircare and even a fragrance too! It’s always nice to discover some new products as well as revisit some familiar brands and this box had a great mixture of the two. I’m looking forward to using all of these bits and pieces when the weather gets a lot colder and I’m in need of some cosy pamper evenings. The only thing that I know I definitely won’t be using is theย Gallinรฉe Face Cream as I just can’t get past the smell. With subcription boxes, I am lenient when it comes to anything that I don’t particularly like – they can’t get it right every single time!ย The products inside the October box, together, are worth roughly ยฃ125 which is crazy! Although one of the products isn’t for me and some of the products are sample sizes, I wouldn’t have been able to try them with my student budget anyway so I’m grateful for the opportunity in the first place. The subscription costs me ยฃ12.95 per month, which always works out at fantastic value.ย Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?
I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s post is all about the latest addition to the Anastasia Beverly Hills family of eyeshadow palettes, Soft Glam. Since their cult favourite, Modern Renaissance, the ABH palettes have been somewhat of a collectors item within the beauty community. I have to say, they are some of the best palettes that I’ve ever used so I’m sure you can guess which direction that this review is going to go in…
This palette contains affiliate links
As soon as I saw a picture of the palette online, I knew it would be full of neutrals and warm-toned shades. The name “soft glam” sounds loike a combination of subtlty and sophistication, which is right up my street! As much as I love embracing my crazy inner MUA, sometimes I love to keep it simple! I’m drawn to nudes and neutrals just as much as I am to vibrant and dramatic colours, so I know that I will still really enjoy using this palette. It seems to me that this is the kind of palette you can take anywhere and you’re good to go – which is ideal for people that travel a lot! The packaging, as expected, has the same gorgeous velvety exterior as the other ABH paletes, which I absolutely love! It looks and feels so luxurious and it’s so much nicer than the usual plastic and cardboard most other brands use. The only slightly “hmmm” part about this palette, is the price tag. At ยฃ43, it’s a rather expensive addition to any makeup collection. The question being, is it worth it?
The palette contains 14 beautiful shades, including essential mattes to stunning shimmers. Just like I thought, the shades are warm-toned and neutral, perfect for both day-time looks as well as night-time glam. They’re also the kind of shades that can work all year round, meaning you can easily get your money’s worth when it comes to usage! So many looks can be created with this palette, from elegant and understated to bold and glamorous. There is a slight overlap with some of the shade from the Modern Renaissance palette (Tempera, Burnt Orange and Cyprus Umber), which is kind of frustrating as I paid a lot of money in the hope that this palette would be a totally new addition to my collection, however, I do love all three of those shades and I’m quite glad to have some replacements. I’ve been wearing the shadows for a couple of weeks now and I have reviewed every single one below!
Tempera – Ultra-matte beige with warm undertones – One of my favourite base shades ever. I always use this before I apply anything else to my lids. It always makes my eyes look bigger and brighter, and it compliments any shadow that I wear it with. It’s velvety soft and yet it’s so richly pigmented, I don’t know how they do it. It blends like a dream without losing any coverage either, 10/10!
Glistening – Iridescent gold with orange undertones – This shade doesn’t have the same “wow” factor that the other shimmers do as it’s not as pigmented. It blends out to be quite sheer on me, however when applied with a wet brush, I can build it up a fair bit. However it’s a shame it isn’t more intense. I guess the palette is called “soft” for a reason though, right? It’s probably the ideal shimmer for someone that prefers a subtle look.
OrangeSoda – Ultra-matte pastel peach – How gorgeous is this shade? I can see myself wearing this all year round as I love warm toned shadows! It’s pigmented and blends really well too. It tends to fade after a while so I like to combine it with other shades or just use it as a subtle transition into something darker.
RosePink – Rose gold/copper with warm undertones – Now we’re talking, this shade is right up my street! I love anything rose gold – especially when it comes to makeup! It’s pigmented but can sometimes be difficult to apply so I like to use a good base as well as setting spray to help it along a bit.
Sultry – A medium-dark coppery chocolate brown – YES – I love this shade! The colour payoff is amazing and it adds a touch of drama to any look. I love using this on the outer part of my lid to create some depth. I nearly always use it with a damp brush to make it more intense.
Bronze – Metallic bright bronze-gold – The sparkle that this shade gives off is amazing, I feel so glam when I’m wearing it and I always get compliments whenever I have it on. It’s so bright that it makes me look ten times more awake! Again, I tend to apply it with a wet brush, which always intensifies the payoff.
Mulberry – Ultra-matte deep mulberry/plum – The formula is velvety soft and it blends beautifully. I was worried it would be patchy but it was totally fine and applied evenly.
Dusty Rose – Ultra-matte dusty mauve – I love this shade. It’s so elegant and even on it’s own looks lovely. It’s super pigmented and it applies evenly too. I reckon it’s the perfect springtime shade and would also look gorgeous in summer. I don’t actually own any shades quite like this either, so I’ve really enjoyed experimenting with it over the last couple of weeks.
Fairy – Multi-dimensional bright yellow-gold – Isn’t that the perfect name for this shade? It’s so soft and gentle and yet so pigmented and bright! I’ve been wearing this almost every day and I blooming love it. I always apply it on top of a concealer instead of a primer to intensify the brightness and it works a treat!
Burnt Orange – An ultra-matte deep orange – This shade is so pigmented! I didn’t even have to try to get it to swatch well either! It blends really well so I love using this in the crease as a transition shade and also on it’s own for a more subtle look.
Sienna – Ultra-matte earthy brown with red undertones – I love this shade! I’m getting some strong autumnal vibes, so as soon as September rolls around, I can see myself wearing this a lot!
Rustic – Ultra-matte cinnamon brown – I think browns are the shades that I reach for the most! Rustic blends out for a subtle look but can also be built ip up to be quite bold too. I love wearing this on it’s own with a tiny bit of shimmer on the lid. However, as lovely as it is, you may be able to see in the photo above, that it darkened in random places, which made it look a little bit patchy.
Cyprus Umber – Ultra-matte dark coffee brown – I feel like I’m repeating myself here but it’s another brown shade that I reach for all the time! This shade comes in so handy for adding a bit of depth to a look or for creating a smokey eye. Also, I have to say that the pigmentation is insane too, I’m very impressed.
Noir – Ultra-matte carbon black – I love it when palettes include black shades! There was a time where I used to wonder how they could ever be used, whereas now I’m using them all the time. Just like Rustic, it can turn a day-time look into night-time glam in seconds. I often blend this along my lower lashline to make my eyes look bigger and brighter. It’s not as creamy as the other mattes in the palette, so it takes a bit more work to blend out.
I actually really like this palette. I was a bit worried that it would be a tad too subtle for me as I tend to go for shades that I can go all out with. However although the shades are mainly neutral, are all rich in pigmented and with that comes the option to go all out if I wanted to, or I can keep it simple. That’s why I like this palette, it gives you the freedom to create what you want and even just looking at it, I can see so many different combinations! Some of the shades needed a bit of help from primers and wet brushes but I didn’t expect them to be as intense as some of the shades in their other palettes, as after all, it’s been named “soft” for a reason. I’m experimenting with the whole “less is more” idea, so I reckon this palette will come in handy when trying to create some more natural looks. I also think that ABH have been working on their matte formulas as they all felt velvety to the touch (more so than usual) and blended out beautifully. However, a couple of the mattes seemed to darken slightly in random places which isn’t ideal for a high-end palette. My main issue with this, is that I paid a lot of money for this palette, so in all honesty, any flaws aren’t going to go down well. If you’re going to charge a lot, the quality needs to be as close to flawless as possible.
So in conclusion, I like it! It’s a fantastic palette and I’m glad that I added it to my collection. It’s not perfect but it’s pretty close! The weird dark patches with some of the matte shades are a bit annoying but I can get over that as I’m able to use the shades and still get my money’s worth. I can see myself taking this on holiday with me as well as using it in winter so in my opinion it’s a palette that can be used all year round. Not only does it come with 14 gorgeous shades that can create so many different looks, but it also comes with a generously sized mirror, making it ideal to travel with for on-the-go use. Not everyone wants to go for the perky pinks or the vibrant violets, so I would recommend this palette to anyone that’s looking for something more delicate with a hint of glamour too.
Want to know what the other Anastasia Beverly Hills palettes are like? Check out my reviews of Modern Renaissance, Subculture and Prism palettes to find out!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m currently writing this in Majorca! I’ve spent the last few days soaking up the sun and floating in a ring in the sea (it’s a hard life but someone has to do it). I’m flying home in two days, so I’m sure the holiday blues will kick in when I have to go back to university for my third year! That’s going to be the worst wake up call EVER. One thing that I’m sure will get me through, is theMakeup Revolution Cotton Candy Chocolate Palette, which I’m going to be reviewing today!
This post contains affiliate links*
The Cotton Candy Palette is part of the I Heart Makeup chocolate bar series, Read my reviews of the Mint Chocolate Bar Palette & Golden Bar Palette if you want to know more about the range. This palette retails at ยฃ8.99 and you can grab it on the Makeup Revolution website or from Superdrug.
PACKAGING
Just like the other palettes in the range, it’s designed to look like a chocolate bar. It’s clear to see that it was influenced by candy-floss with that pretty baby pink and cream colour scheme. The one thing I’m not a huge fan of, is how chunky the palette actually is. I appreciate the creativity but I find it difficult to store. I use a filing system and these palettes take up a lot of room.
WHAT’S INSIDE?
The Cotton Candy Palette contains 18 shades; 14 shimmers and metallics and 4 mattes. I wish there had been a bit more variety. The best thing about having a palette that contains a bit of everything is you can rely on it to create lots of looks on its own. I will definitely need to reach for other palettes to create more looks. It’s a shame as there’s so much space inside the palette. I think it could have been split more evenly. Most of the shades are neutrals and pinks which is ideal if you like playing around with those colours. There’s also a good variety of warm and cool toned shades. Also, it’s scented people! We’re not talking Willy Wonka’s factory, it’s kind of a fake chocolate smell, but it’s nice! I hate when eyeshadows smell of chemicals so this makes for a nice change.
FIRST ROW
Topped – A champagne gold metallic – Quite powdery but when applied carefully it looks great!
Carnival – A light rose gold metallic – Not that pigmented but it is buildable and it looks gorgeous on! It’s such a pretty shade for Autumn. I love using bronze shades, particularly pinky ones!
Enjoy – A taupe matte – My least favourite shade in the palette! As you might be able to see from the swatches, it’s patchy and it took a lot of effort to get any pay off. Ironically I didn’t exactly enjoy it!
Fancy – A light copper satin – Similar soft feel to Carnival however this one has more pink in it. It’s quite subtle at first but it’s also buildable and it’s a lovely shade for the inner part of the lid.
Fairground – A matte taupe with a gold shimmer – I’m slightly disappointed with this matte shade too! It’s not very pigmented and it takes a while to build it up
Sweetheart – A burgundy red satin – I love this shade! It’s so pretty and it will look so stunning during Autumn and Winter along with some other warm toned shadows. It also feels silky soft and applies beautifully.
SECOND ROW
Made To Share – A warm light brown matte – This matte is much more pigmented than the others and I actually quite like it! I can use it as a transition shade but other than that I probably won’t use it all that much.
FairyFloss – A pastel pink shimmer – It’s quite similar to the shade Topped in that it’s powdery and glittery at first but when applied bit by bit and with a wet brush, it looks gorgeous! I love wearing pinks so I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of this one!
Strawberry – A pink metallic – My favourite shade in the palette! It’s nicely pigmented and it’s just as good as some of my more expensive metallics!
Clouds – A silver-grey metallic – I don’t actually own a good silver metallic shade and I’ve been looking for one for ages so I was happy to find this one inside the palette! It’s slightly chalky but it still looks lovely on!
Spun Sugar – Warm rose metallic – I love this shade! It’s pigmented and easy to apply (especially with a wet brush) and I can see myself using this one a lot! I love that it has a pink shift to it, it looks so elegant and pretty! It’s a more subtle pink than the shade “strawberry”.
Sweet Tooth – Cream metallic shimmer – Annoyingly, this is also quite powdery and glittery so the fallout is a bit annoying but I still use it to glam up my makeup looks! I think they just need to work on their shimer formula a little bit more.
THIRD ROW
Pretty In Pastel – Metallic pastel purple – My second favourite shade in the palette! Look how pigmented it is, it’s ridiculous. I know I’ll get a lot of wear out of this shade in particular, especially when the weather starts compliment these colours a bit more in Spring!
Confection – Light metallic bronze with a white Shift – This is such a stunning shade! I love anything champagne coloured as I find these shades are the most flattering on me. I tend to wear metallic shades like this every day paired with a neutral matte.
So Sweet – A light pink metallic with a white shift – I would have liked this to be slightly more pigmented, it’s just not quite bold enough for me.
Treat For You – Deep cinnamon matte – This is the kind of shade that I wear every day. It’s perfect for depending the crease. It was slightly patchy when swatched but on the eyes, it looks flawless.
Puff – Deep muted purple with pale pink shift – Although I’m a fan of warm toned makeup looks, every now and again I like to experiment with pinks and purples. I can see myself using this to create some berry toned smokey eye looks all year round. Imagine this with the shade Strawberry and FairyFloss.
Dreams – Deep copper metallic with a slight shimmer – I bloody love this shade. It’s the perfect copper and you know me and my bronze eyeshadows – I can’t get enough of them. It’s pigmented, buttery and it can work with so many different looks.
WHAT DO I THINK?
In terms of things that I don’t like, I think there could have been more matte shades. There needs to be more of a variety, perhaps some darker and lighter. When it comes to creating makeup looks, I tend to use the palettes that have the most in them, that way I don’t have to reach for anything else. If I’m travelling, I can pack lightly. It’s just so much easier to be creative! We definitely could have had some fun, bright colours in there. Perhaps some pinks and purplest to fit with the theme? I might sound picky but it would have made such a difference!
That being said, this palette only costs ยฃ8.99. Given that it contains a whopping 18 shades and I like nearly all of them, it’s really great value. Even though I think it could be improved, I really like the design, the colour theme and the formula of most of the shades. I love the packaging but it I think it would be slightly better if it was bit less bulky and chunky. That won’t stop me from buying more of these palettes though!
What do you think of this palette? Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments! Donโt forget to follow my socials โ come and say hey!
How are you doing? I’m currently ignoring the fact that I need to be packing for a holiday that I’m going on in less than 24 hours. I’m going to Mallorca with my boyfriend and his best friends (another couple). We’ve only been on family holidays together so I’m excited to be going away with just him. I’ve also never been to Mallorca so I’m looking forward to exploring a new place. I plan on sunbathing as much as possible and topping up my tan so that during Autumn I don’t look like a ghost (although I could make that work for Halloween).
*Paid AD &ย Giftedย Items
This is a paid collaboration, however all opinions are my own!
Today’s post is another collaboration with MOPBOX, a new makeup-only subscription box, here in the UK! I’m a makeup addict so this is exactly the kind of subscription that I need in my life. Subscriptions are open on the first of every month and stay open until the 28th (unless the boxes all sell out) and your box is then shipped around the 30th viaย Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For postal service. You can choose from three different subscriptions; monthly, 3 months or 6 months.ย If you sign up for 3 or 6 months, you pay monthly with a saving, instead of an upfront payment, however, cancellation is at the end of your plan if you choose to subscribe to either one of these!
WHAT IS INCLUDED?
Each box features a stylised makeup-look to create and it also includes the makeup, tools and brushes to help you do it! Thereโs also a magazine inside, with a step-by-step guide showing you exactly what to do. I think these boxes will be so inspiring for any budding makeup artists or for anyone looking to boost their confidence in order to express themselves through makeup!
HOW MUCH IS IT?
Monthly Subscription –ย ยฃ24/month
3 Month Subscription – ยฃ23/month
6 Month Subscription – ยฃ22/month
IS IT WORTH IT?
Last month’s box was amazing. I was extremely impressed with the products that were included. The sizes were all very generous and the brands were all great too. One of my pet peeves with most beauty subscription boxes is how reluctant most of them are to include decent sized products. I would happily pay more per month to receive normal sized beauty products than tiny little ones that I can’t really test properly. From what I’ve seen, the boxes from the last two months (August and September) are definitely worth the money.
This month’s theme is focused on creating a glowing makeup look – perfect for the last stretch of summer! I love using products that make my skin look radiant as I use lots of liquid products and I don’t really like to ย have a matte face. I am still haunted by the days where I wore so much powder that I probably looked like a cake (year 8 throwback).ย Just like last month, we received another lovely magazine which provides information about every product including their RRPs (I find this info helpful when working out if I am getting my money’s worth). There is also a step-by-step guide, teaching you how to create this month’s look, featuring tips and tricks from industry professionals!ย Just by flicking through the magazine, you can tell that that MOPBOX is different from the rest.
Phase Zero โ Metal Foil Eyeshadow in “Gold Roses” โ RRP ยฃ4.75
I practically jumped for joy when I discovered that this product was included in my September box. I love anything gold and when it comes to eyeshadow, it’s a staple in my makeup bag. I always go for a shimmery base, whether I wanted one or not, it just seems to happen every time. The texture of this foil shadow is difficult to explain. It reminds me of the Kylie Cosmetics Wet Set – it’s kind of springy and wet and it applies so smoothly as a result. Swatching it was a piece of cake as it’s so pigmented! I always worry with cream shadows whether or not they will take a lot of blending however this one takes seconds. The quicker you work, the easier that it blends out!ย It’s even better on the eyes as it stays put for hours when applied properly (using last month’s MOPBOX brush).ย Although we received it in a Summer box, it will be amazing to work with during Autumn with warm orange and red shades.
Elizabeth Arden – Maximum Volume Mascara in “Black 01” – RRP ยฃ22
I was shocked that they included such a high end product in this month’s box. The mascara itself nearly costs as much as the whole box – wow?! I’m always changing my mascaras up as I have extremely boring lashes that just go in a straight line unless forced (anyone else?). This product actually works for me which is very rare! I love how well it separates my lashes and makes them look much longer – another rare find for me! Normally I don’t like to spend too much on mascaras however this one is clearly worth the money.
Model Co – Highlighting Trio – ยฃ16
Well, you know me and my cream products – I’m obsessed! I just love radiant and glowing makeup looks and this is the kind of product that I search high and low for. The fact that three shades are included in one little pot is perfect for saving space in your makeup bag plus I can see myself using all three to contour, highlight and as a blusher too! The formula is so creamy and smooth, it’s so easy to apply over foundation and it also blends really easily too. I’m also a huge fan of Model Co’s products anyway so I knew that it was going to be good before I’d even opened it!
So Susan – Haute Light Pencil – RRP ยฃ15
Sometimes I find that using black eyeliner can just be too much and it makes me look terrifying. I’ve been looking for a good white or cream liner for ages to try and brighten my eyes instead and all of a sudden this one arrived! Last month we received a So Susan palette and it was great quality so I had my hopes up for this product. So far, it’s living up to my expectations and it’s been a staple in my makeup bag since I received it! I absolutely love it. Don’t worry about it being dramatic either, it’s very natural and creamy rather than white so you won’t look crazy.ย My eyes are the one thing that I actually like about my face so I love using products that enhance them and make them stand out more. This pencil is an absolute yes from me!
I’ve been debating about buying these for such a long time. I’ve only heard good things but I just couldn’t make my mind up as there are so many shades available! I was so happy to receive these two minis in this month’s box as it gave me a chance to properly test them out. I tend to wear reds at this time of year but I wear nudes a lot too so I can definitely make these shades work! They swatched beautifully and they lasted a long time – I carried on with my day as usual and they were still there when I was getting into bed! I’m so impressed with the formula and the staying power! I love that we received two in this box as well!
Sunkissed – Hello Sunshine Powder – RRP ยฃ3.99
My skin is normally somewhere on the darker side of pale (not white and not quite olive) and I tan very easily so I always use warm shades when it comes to contouring or bronzing products. I just find that cool toned shades look awful on me! Typically, I also go for bronzers with a slight shimmer to them however this one is matte so I’m interested to see what I can do with it. Also, how generous is this pan? It’s HUGE! This is what I mean, you really do get your money’s worth with MOPBOX! Even though this bronzer only retails at a few pounds, it just goes to show that subscription boxes don’t always have to include sample sizes.
Bourjois – Khol and Contour 16hr Pencil – RRP ยฃ4.99
Although I mentioned previously that I don’t always like to use black eyeliners, when I need to add some drama to my makeup looks, this is the kind of product that I look for! I’ve always loved Bourjois (I’ve been using their foundation for over 7 years now) so I was keen to try this pencil out as I knew the quality would be good. I was right! It’s pigmented and easy to apply. It’s the kind of product that can turn any daytime look into a night-time look in seconds! When they say “16H” – they mean it! It’s so long-lasting and it’s smudge proof so whether you’re sobbing in the toilet with your pals or you’re dancing the night away on the sweaty dance floor, this pencil has got your back!
MOPBOX – Powder Brush – RRP ยฃ16
I just can’t get over the quality of the MOPBOX makeup brushes. This month we received a large powder brush – perfect for setting powder or bronzer! It’s so soft and you can tell that it’s high quality too just by the weight of it. I’m so impressed with this brush and I’ve been using last month’s almost every day, more than some of my high-end brushes! I’m really excited to see what other brushes we will receive!
Overall, this was another fantastic box. There isn’t a single thing I would change or improve here – everything is amazing. It’s very rare that I don’t have something negative to say about a subscription box as there’s usually something that doesn’t suit me etc. but in this case, I have nothing but praise! MOPBOX is just ticking every box for me. I understand that some of you may be thinking well if she’s being paid to write this post, she’s probably biased. Well if you’ve read my disclaimer page, I wouldn’t recommend anything to you unless I would buy it myself. So regardless of the fact that this is a collaboration, I would subscribe to MOPBOX anyway if I wasn’t working with them. If you’re looking for a new beauty subscription or you want to become more familiar with makeup and how to use it in different ways, this is definitely the box for you!ย What do you think of these products? Do you have any suggestions for how they could improve or anything that you really love? Let me know in the comments! Iโve included all of my social media below so be sure to come and say hey!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m all about keeping that summer glow going for as long as possible soย today I’m reviewing a particularly shimmeryย Makeup Revolution product! You may have noticed that I’m a huge fan of their brand and I love to talk about them here on my blog. You may have also noticed that each week they seem to be one step closer to drugstore domination and I’m so here for that.ย I love that they still follow all of the trends in the beauty community whilst every product affordable, high quality and inclusive of all different skin tones too. It’s refreshing to finally discover a brand that can offer all of those things without charging us a fortune! Are you a fan of Makeup Revolution? What would you like me to review next?
Today I’m reviewing an exciting new product from Makeup Revolution. This is the Highlight Compact in their Opulence series! I chose this particular compact because I tend to suit more warm toned highlighters than the more cool toned ones. I was so excited when I saw these being teased on their social media channels! I’ve been using lots of their highlighters as part of my usual makeup routines so I had high hopes for this one. It retails at ยฃ8 and is available to purchase online as well as in a majority of Superdrug stores in the UK.
I think we’re all thinking it. Yep. Move aside Bobbi Brown, a new shimmer brick is in town.ย I know that they aren’t exactly the same, but the beautiful textures and the variety of shades packed inside a luxury little compact is pretty similar, right? Makeup Revolution describe it as a luxury highlighter compact without the expense so it seems like that’s what they’re getting at. If I can get my hands on something similar without having to break the bank – tell me more!
The packaging itself is gorgeous. The white and gold colour scheme looks so luxurious and expensive too! It definitely looks just as good as some of my high end products.ย It might be small but it contains four satin highlighter shades, great for anyone wanting to save some space in their makeup collection.ย You can either wear each shade separately or swirl your brush around the compact to create a glowing combo. I love that there’s a mirror too, which makes it a great product to travel with for on the go use!
So here we have the swatches. The pigmentation is amazing and whenย applied with a setting spray, they look even better. Depending on what look you’re going for, definitely keep that in mind as a little bit goes a very long way. I’m not sure how I feel about the texture of the highlighters. It’s difficult to put my finger on what it is exactly but she shades felt a bit powdery and chalky when I was swatching them. This could just be because they are so densely packed, so I’d recommend applying them a little bit at a time if you want to avoid any clumping on your cheek bones. That being said, this product is still amazing for the price. I actually use these as eyeshadows too. I’m used to a more powdery consistency when it comes to my eye makeup so I find that these work really well with some matte shades too.ย I’ve used them to create a halo eye look and I got so many compliments so I’d recommend using the compact as a 2 in 1!
Granted, it’s not the best highlighter that I’ve ever used, which funnily enough is from I Heart Revolution, but it’s still a great product.ย Despite my being picky about the texture of the shades, I have still been using it and I’ve figured ways around that. I apply the shades in small amounts, sometimes with my finger to make sure I have full control of what is going where. I use the products lightly to begin with and then I can increase the intensity if I wish.ย I also use the shades as eyeshadows which means I get maximum use out of the compact. The packaging is definitely a winner as it looks so luxury and expensive.ย This compact is also available as a blusher and an eyeshadow and both are equally as gorgeous! If you look closely at the eyeshadows, you’ll see what I mean by the textures of the highlighting compact. They’re both really similar which I’m assuming means they designed this range with multi-use in mind, or they just used the same formula across the board.
Let me know if you’d be interested in a review of the other two as I’d be more than happy to do that!
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m trying to get organised before I go on holiday to Mallorca in a week. I have a list of things to do that just keeps growing every day, no matter how much I seem to get done! I have lots of exciting content scheduled to go up for you guys whilst I’m on holiday so if you aren’t subscribed, make sure that you are so that you get notified with every new post!ย At the end of every post, I link all of my social media so that you can see what I’m up to in-between posts, I’d love it if you gave me a follow – come and say hey!
Today I’m going to be reviewing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism palette! I know some of you will be thinking “didn’t this come out last year?” and you’d be right in thinking that! It did come out ages ago, however, I only just caved and bought it so I thought I would post a review! There’s just something so collectable about the ABH palettes, I feel like I need them all.ย I know lots of you are makeup lovers too, so if any of you are considering purchasing the palette, keep reading!
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I already own two ABH palettes (Modern Renaissance & Subculture) so I reckon I have some knowledge about the quality of their eyeshadows and what to expect.ย You may be familiar with the high price tags, however for those that aren’t, they usually retail at ยฃ43. Just like the others, the Prism palette is covered in a beautiful crushed velvet material featuring a gold geometric design. There’s something so luxurious about this packaging, it partially justifies that price tag.
The Prism palette contains 14 shades including some ultra-matte, duo chrome and metallic pigments. It’s definitely a palette for those that enjoy experimenting with bold and bright colours! I bought it purely because of the variety that it offers – think of how many unique looks that can be created from these 14 shades! The paletteย comes with a dual-ended soft blending brush which actually does a fab job. There’s a generously sized mirror for on-the-go use which makes it perfect for travelling with. ย It’s also the kind of palette that can work all year round for lots of different occasions. For example, we’ve got bright pops of colour for Spring and Summer and the darker neutrals and shimmers for Autumn and Winter. Just looking at it makes me want to be creative! I love that the shades are all labelled too as I always lose this flimsy sheets that some palettes come with. Want to see some swatches? Keep reading…
Lucid – Aย duo chrome with warm gold undertones and flecks of pink-ย I love using this as a brow highlight or for my inner corners. It can sheer out on the lid so I’d recommend applying and building it with setting spray on your brush.
Eden – A pink/coral matte with warm orange undertones – Very pigmented. It’s almost fluffy to touch! So smooth and easy to apply.
Unity – A light beige/nude matte – Slightly too dark to use as a base shade for me but I use this if I want to add a really natural bit of depth added to my eye makeup.ย I’m usually not that fussed about these kind of shades, they’re not the most interesting but handy to have in a palette. It’s also pretty pigmented and it swatched beautifully.
Sphinx – A metallic bronze with warm orange undertonesย – This is a pigmented shadow however I’ve used better. I like my bronze and golds to be blinding and this takes a few applications to achieve that. It’s not sheer but it’s also not full coverage.
Osiris – A midnight blue/purple shimmer with flecks of silver – It’s nice to have a cool shimmer shadow within the palette, which is what I meant when I talked about the variety that this palette has to offer. This shade was very easy to swatch and blend out as it’s very buttery and soft.
Sphere – A bright yellow matteย with green undertones– I was really excited about this shade when I first saw it. I love using bright colours in my inner corners to add some drama so this seemed like the perfect shade (I know it looks like a mustard yellow but it’s much brighter than that). It’s not the most pigmented and it can sort of blend into a sheer base on the lid which isn’t what I was hoping for. It’s buildable but I was hoping for a more pigmented matte. I’ve been using it to blend warm shades together and I reckon I’ll get some more use out of it during the Autumn months.
Obsidian – A deep black matte – I’m just not a fan of this shade, it’s my least favourite in the palette. It was difficult to move around when swatching and on the lid, plus it was semi-sheer and patchy in some places. For the price of the palette, this should’ve been much better than it was.
Dimension – Duo chromeย grey/silver shimmer withย pink flecksย – I love this shade. It’s so pigmented! It blends like a dream and it barely takes any effort to achieve full coverage. I like how unique this shade is too, it’s unlike any other shadow that I’ve come across, so I’m happy to pay a little extra for something new in my collection. It was quite dry which made fallout a slight issue when applying. I tend to use setting spray when applying shimmer shadows as not only do they apply better but they last longer too!
Parallel – A warm and dark chocolateย brown matte –ย Everyone needs a shade like this in their life. They’re so handy for making any look smokey and dramatic. I use this shade all the time to darken any look for some nighttime glam! It’s pigmented and blends out pretty well for such a dark shade.ย
Pyramid – A metallic yellow gold – Now we’re talking. This shade is fab! I love using this all over my lid – it’s too pretty to only use a tiny bit of it so I go all out! It’s also the kind of gold that works all year round for any occasion so you definitely get your money’s worth.
Throne – Metallic dark blue with flecks of green – I’m unsure about this shade. It’s pigmented and it looks pretty but I think it’s a bit too dark and it just doesn’t look very flattering on me. If it was a little bit lighter I reckon I’d use it all the time.
Saturn – Terracotta Matte – I’m a big fan of warm shades pretty much all year round. I use them almost every day as I find they’re the most flattering for my skin tone. This shade is exactly what I look for in every palette I buy – I get so much use out of it!
Eternal – Metallic Copperย – My favourite shimmer shadow in this palette! I just love a copper shade and although I have a stupid amount of them, it’s always nice to get a new one every once in a while. It’s so creamy and buttery that it blends beautifully across the lid.
Lure – Ashy lilac matte – ย I’ve somehow managed to forget to swatch this shade – I’m so sorry! However, I have been wearing it so I can still review it for you, there just isn’t a swatch photo! I wear lots of pinks and purples so I’m always looking for new shades to create these looks. This lilac is so beautiful! I was worried it would be powdery after feeling the texture of it in the pan however it’s nicely pigmented and it looks beautiful on the lid or in the crease.
There we have it ladies and gents – the Anastasia Beverly Hills Prism palette! The packaging is gorgeous, I love the dramatic combo of black and gold as well as how the box itself is more matte than the others in the series. It feels so luxurious and I guess that’s one reason why I’m happy paying more than usual. The range of colours included is amazing! I like paying for palettes that are different from the rest and the Prism palette really stands out in that sense. So many different looks can be created from these fourteen shades. The shadows themselves are very nice quality. There are one or two that I would tweak and I think that the price should be lower if there are going to be shades lacking in pigment. However a majority of the shades are extremely pigmented and apply beautifully. I would really recommend this palette to anyone that is looking to be creative with their eye makeup. It’s definitely a palette for those that aren’t afraid to experiment with colour however if you’re looking for something more subtle, this probably isn’t the one for you! What do you think of this palette? Let me know in the comments below! Want to see what I’m up to in-between posts? Check out my social media below! I’ve also put links below to my reviews of the other palettes in this series!
I hope you’re all doing well! How quickly has this summer gone by? I’m fed up of blinking and finding that another week has gone by! Either way, one of the perks of the time passing by is that I got my August Papergang box in the post and it might be one of my favourites!ย I always include a little bit of info about Papergang and what theyโre all about so if you just want to see the review, keep scrolling until you see some photos!
Ohh Deer, a company I have SO much love for,ย was founded in order to allow illustrators and artists to showcase their work and find people that would be interested in buying their designs. The company sells the most amazing quirky and arty products โ I simply canโt get enough. I love the fact that Ohh Deer offers artists the opportunity to get noticed and therefore get something back for all their hard work that otherwise we might not have seen. Some of their clients include Paperchase, ASOS, John Lewisย andย Oliver Bonas (my all-time favourite shop) and some of their collections have been specifically designed for the Tate Galleries and the Science Museum!
WHAT IS PAPERGANG?
Ohh Deerย decided to create a monthly subscription service for stationery addicts, such as myself called,ย Papergang!ย Each month you will receive a box filled with brilliant papery goodies and desk accessories. Some examples are notebooks, greeting cards, wrapping paper and art prints. It costsย ยฃ10.95 and then a ยฃ2.95ย for shipping which in my opinion, after receiving their boxes, is a great deal. Every box has a different design and theme by a different artist and for every 4 boxes, 1 tree is planted in partnership with the fantastic charity, Tree aid. To find out more about their connection with this charity here.
I am a huge stationery addict and this subscription box is probably my favourite out of the many I am a part of. I always look forward to opening my box every month and using all my new bits and pieces! Most of the products you receive are exclusive the Papergang subscribers for a while before they get sold in Ohh Deerโs shop.
Just look at that design! This box was created by Iraville, a wonderful artist based in Munich! She creates the most beautiful watercolour illustrations and I absolutely love her work. How perfect is this design for Autumn? The browns and oranges are gorgeous together and I can’t wait to whip out the matching stationery when the leaves are turning the same colour outside (call me a weirdo, but seasonal stationery updates is a must)
Every month we receive a printed calendar as a bonus item and I really love them as theyโre perfect for keeping on my desk in a cute little frame! I canโt bring myself to throw them out so by the end of the year Iโll be swimming in them. I love the little tree illustrations – again, perfect for Autumn!
I love a notebook so I’ll never complain when one turns up in my Papergang box. You can never have too many right? To be honest, if I can’t fit anymore into my drawers, I can give them to friends and family as gifts instead! This one is particularly lovely though, and I’ll definitely be using it for planning my Autumn content! The cover is soft but I can tell it’s still high quality. I always get stressed when there’s a blank space on the cover a notebook, just incase I can’t write neatly enough on it! The book is filled alternating blank and lined pages which I find handy for notes and sketches.
As sad as it sounds, I was so excited to receive these. I’m a collector at heart and one of the things that I love about Papergang is that a lot of the items are the same but with different designs on them, so I’ve managed to collect quite a few of these pencils and they all just look so good together. I did warn you, I’m a weirdo. If ever things start to spiral out of control, at least my desk has got it’s shit together and I’ll have a lovely pot of pretty pencils there to support me. I always use them to write up my blog statistics, as they change every day so this means I can edit them easily! I love all of the little illustrations featured on them too – so cute!
Well, you should all know by now, that I have a stupidly large collection of Washi Tape. I apparently keep justifying buying more and more but hey I could be collecting worse. I love using these tapes in my bullet journal and scrapbooks. I love the illustrations on this one and I reckon I’ll be using it a lot during October and November in my notebooks. I tend to look on Pinterest for washi tape ideas and there seems to be hundreds of different ways to use them!As usual, they’ve been incredibly generous with the tape size – it’s 10m long!
How gorgeous is this design? I always seem to have a stash of cards ready for any special occasions thanks to Papergang! It’s always nice to be prepared and the cards are always such lovely quality that I genuinely look forward to sending them! I might sound fairly old school but I love receiving cards from people, it’s sometimes nicer than receiving a text.
In conclusion, this was another great Papergang box. I love everything that I received and I know I will use everything too! I like that this box was seasonally themed too, which makes it easier to imagine myself using all of the wonderful products inside when Autumn comes! The box values at ยฃ18.90 and considering that I pay ยฃ13.90 per month, that still works out at great value. You really do get your money’s worth, and usually a bit more too! I love that every month is a total surprise and each time, the products are always amazing.
I really hope you enjoyed this post and Iโve linked all of my social media down below so go and give me a follow and come and say hi!
Of course, I’m back with another Birchbox review! I really love writing these posts as it gives me a chance to zone out and talk about beauty products which is my favourite thing to do! I’ve been subscribed to Birchbox for such a long time that opening and reviewing their boxes is just part of my routine now! Are any of you subscribed to a beauty box? As usual, I’ve included lots of information below about what Birchbox offers etc. but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling!
Birchboxย isย a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You donโt have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytimeย with a monthly subscription โ no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only ยฃ10 per month! You can edit your beauty profile on their site in order to ensure you get sent products that are suitable for your skin/hair type and personal preferences. Birchbox is so great for discovering new brands and products. I have been subscribed to Birchbox for over a year now and I look forward to receiving their boxes every month.ย Iโve gone on to buy lots of the things Iโve received because I have loved them so much. Every box you receive is beautifully packaged, some months are designed and inspired by artists and companies. I use some of the older boxes to store makeup in too as the designs are too pretty to throw away!
This month’s box is in collaboration with Etsy, the wonderful online marketplace for the creative community. I absolutely love buying my art supplies from Etsy, there’s such a vast range of things available and there’s something for every occasion! If you haven’t checked them out before, you’re missing out! Birchbox decided to feature ten Etsy sellers to create a selection of box designs for subscribers to receive. One of my favourite aspects of the makeup world is the packaging and I love when brands push the limits and create beautiful looking products. The box that I received was created by The Lovely Drawer (@thelovelydrawer) and it featuresย a beautiful eye-catching pattern. I love the combination of colours, it’s definitely a keeper!
I’ve actually tried out one of the Dirty Little Secret Lipsticks before and I really liked it so I recognised that polkadot pattern on the packaging straight away! I love cream shadows so a crayon is right up my street. I chose the shade “Fetch”ย as I tend to wear pinky-champagne style shimmer shades most of the time as I find them to be the most flattering on me! The great thing about crayon shadows is how easy they are to apply – one swipe and you’re good to go. I find that the creamier the product, the easier it is to blend, especially compared to powders, which comes in handy on those super busy mornings.ย My dad’s always referred to my makeup as “slap” (he has a way with words, right?) and for once it’s true, you could probably slap this crayon on and you’d come off looking great. I love that this product is multi-purpose as I’ve been using it as a highlighter too! It lasts ages and doesn’t crease whatsoever (one of my pet peeves).
I’m all for original thinking and innovative ideas but this just seems a bit unnecessary to me. I put powder on my eyes, on my cheeks, on my brows but on my lips?! It’s a no from me. I just can’t see why I would opt for this when I could easily go for my usual lipstick formula that I know isn’t messy. The idea behind this product is that it melts from a powder into a matte lip tint. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof and it’s full of Vitamin E to keep your lips hydrated. It sounded great to me until I swatched it. The powder clumped up into little balls making it not only difficult to blend out but difficult to imagine on my lips. Don’t get me wrong, I am open minded about every product that I try, so I went into this hoping for the best, however it just didn’t work for me.ย It looked patchy and lumpy! After that experience, I certainly wouldn’t pay ยฃ15 for it.
Most of us have seen some of the Dr Botanicals products floating around our Instagram feeds. If you haven’t heard of them, they’re a fantastic skincare brand that sell some of my favourite face masks! Whenever I’m trying to tackle spots and blemishes, I usually use a drying treatment which leaves my skin feeling like the Sahara desert – you can’t win can you? I use this mask whenever my skin needs a moisture boost and it works so well for me. It’s actually an overnight mask, so you can apply it before bed and whilst you sleep, it gets to work! I love the idea that there is minimal effort required. Sometimes when I apply a face mask, I’m already dreading the lengthy washing-off process, but this mask doesn’t require any effort until you wake up and even then it’s so quick and easy to remove. In fact, my skin usually absorbs every last drop so I rarely have anything to scrub off anyway! It’s so hydrating and refreshing, my skin completely transforms overnight. If I need my makeup to go particularly well, I always use this the night before as it prepares my skin perfectly! 10/10 would recommend!
I’m awful with heat protection for my hair. I straighten my hair a lot and I occasionally remember to spray some protectant however it’s just so easy forget! I love that this nourishing conditioner can easily become part of my haircare routine. It repairs and strengthens damaged hair and it only takes a couple of minutes for it to get to work! I use this straight after shampooing my hair and I leave it to sit for a while before rinsing it off. My hair feels so soft and silky afterwards – I love it! I’m definitely going to invest in the full sized version of this product.
I’ve heard so much about Rituals however I had never tried any of their products until I received this one! I love foaming products for the shower as it just makes life so much easier and it leaves my skin feeling so squeaky clean and soft. This shower gel is fragranced with sweet orange and cedar wood which smells SO GOOD! It takes minimal effort for the gel to transform into a foam so don’t worry about standing there and trying to work it into a lather for ages. I will probably be purchasing the full sized version of this product too! I can see myself using this every day, as I love the scent and the way it makes my skin feel.
I really liked this box! I think it was great value for money and I will use most of the products on a regular basis. Yes, the lip powder isn’t for me, however when I subscribed to Birchbox, I knew I wouldn’t always receive products that I loved! If it was a whole box of products that I disliked, I’d be less lenient but one or two every now and again is fine with me. The products inside the August box, together, are worth a whopping ยฃ67.90 and considering that the subscription costs ยฃ10 plus ยฃ2.95 P&P per month, that’s such good value. I never feel like Birchbox are being stingy when it comes to products, which is why I’m still subscribed years later! Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?
I hope you’re all doing well! I’m aware that lots of you are heading back to uni and some of you are about to start your first year! I thought it would be fitting to give you a list of essentials, with links included so that you can order any last minute bits and pieces! I’m in my third year and I reckon I have some alright-ish advice to give, although I am no guru and I still have lots to learn – even during my last few terms!
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First of all – check out my post all about how to revise properly, it will help you get organised before you start and that way you’ll have all of your stationery on point by day one! Also, have a look at this post if you want to hear about what university has taught me so far!
BEDDING
Get yourself something nice but also something cheap. You never know what the washing machines will be like and whether or not your bedding will return to you fit for a barbie doll rather than a human. I buy most of my bedding from Asda as it’s great quality, the designs are lovely and it’s very affordable. It also means you get to personalise your room a little bit! Sometimes, bedding can be reversible and these are the best to buy in my opinion, as you get two for the price of one!
Depending on how much floor space you have, a laundry basket can be a total life saver! If you don’t have much space, lots of the hampers can hang on the back of your door (if you dont have a hook, dont worry I have the perfect solution for you next). The reason I’ve included a hamper is because whilst your in halls, people tend to just walk in whenever and you might not want your underwear all over the floor when they do! It also makes it so much easier when you want to set a wash going as you have all of your dirty clothes in one place! My boyfriend and I bought one from Wilko and they have such an affordable range I’ve included a few for you to have a look at.
When I first moved into halls, I was so keen to get some fairy lights up but I didn’t have anything that would make them stick other than blue tak, which annoyingly leaves marks behind. That’s when I discovered these amazing little strips and hooks! You can hang fairy lights or canvas art and you can stick posters and prints to your walls with no marks left behind! I even use them at home! They’re cheap and easy to get hold of either through Amazon or Wilko – I would highly recommend! You can get them in lots of different sizes depending on what you need to use them for. If you’re looking for hooks, I’d suggest getting the transparent ones as they’re pretty much invisibile so they’re perfect for tacking lights to your wall! Also, like I mentioned previously, you can use the hooks to hang things on the back of your door like coats/jackets and laundry baskets!
P.S. I’ve just seen that you can get ceiling ones too!
I absolutely LOVE these! My boyfriend and I have been sharing a house for our second and third year and we have a plant in every corner! The great thing about faux plants is that you don’t have to bother watering them, they just sit pretty all the time – regardless of the time of year or lighting. It’s also really nice to have a pop of green in every room as it makes the space feel much brighter! When I was in halls, we had the dingiest rooms ever so brightening up the space with faux plants really helped. They’re very easy to place too as they don’t take up much room (depending on the size of the plant but usually they’re quite small) and you can sit them on any surface! There are so many options these days however I’d suggest looking in IKEA or Primark as they have such amazing prices and they’re always bringing out new products. I sometimes find really nice ones in Homesense too so keep a look out there!
Depending on where you’re living, you may or may not have a lot of storage space. When I was in halls, we had some drawers under our desks, space under our beds and a wardrobe. I just about managed, however I’m the kind of person that has lots of things, so it was tricky! Now that I have my own space, I own a lot more storage! The first thing I did was buy lots of boxes and baskets to keep my surfaces clear. The great thing about boxes is that you can fill them with whatever you want and then stack them to save on even more space – plus you can get some really pretty ones too! I also used copper/gold baskets for anything that I needed quick acccess to – they work so well! I buy most of my boxes from homesense but seeing as they don’t sell online, I’ve found some alternatives for you!
Most of us had mirrors in our rooms however they were horrendous. You know the kind that are attached to wardrobe doors and sometimes make you look twice the size you are? Yep, lucky us! They’re also a nightmare for doing your makeup, as you can’t necessarily sit in front of your wardrobe to do it in the first place. Myself and most of my friends used these little ones instead! ย You can actually see what you’re doing which is always a bonus, hey? Plus they barely take up any space. Highly recommend grabbing one!
What’s the point of a wardrobe with no hangers? Usually, halls don’t supply things like this so it’s always best to bring your own. I bought a whole load of new ones for uni because I knew I would end up taking advantage of the student discounts and buying a lot more clothes! Plus, if you can’t be bothered to iron, at least hang your clothes up so the creases can drop out. I buy mine from Wilko and Homesense!
Believe it or not you’ll be needing one of these. I shared my flat with 5 other people and after a while we all started propping our doors open so we could chat to eachother whilst we were doing things in our rooms. The annoying (but necessary) thing about most uni hall doors is that they are fire doors, so will swing shut automatically because they’re so heavy. This was a nightmare when we were trying to get things in and out of our rooms (washing etc.) plus, some flats have doors that automatically lock and this is where door stops come in very handy!
P.S. For any Game of Thrones fans out there I just found some that say “Hodor” & “Hold the Door” on them (if you don’t get the reference, just accept that it’s a touchy subject)
I didn’t realise how much we would be using these, particularly during freshers. There’s bound to be a lot of drinking games and cards are usually involved so have a pack prepared just incase. Most of the packs end up getting sticky and ruined so it doesn’t hurt to have a few between you all. They’re also pretty good at breaking the ice with other flats in your block. During our first week, we visited the flat next to us and thank GOD we brought cards because the awkward silence definitely wouldn’t have been as entertaining. If you’re not into drinking, I’d still have a pack on you as they’ll stop you all getting bored on those rainy evenings in! Oddly enough, one of the best places to look for card games is in charity shops and as someone that works in one, I can vouch for that!
I can’t tell you how handy these are. First of all, when you’re at pre drinks and you don’t want to sit in silence, always have one available. I mean how else are you going to get wrecked without some tunes in the background, am I right? They’re also great for having in your room to drown out whatever is going on outside. I was lucky enough to have a flat mate directly opposite me that loved having his music full volume at all times – YAY! They’re also handy if you all want to watch a film in someone’s room or something!
Okay so some halls don’t allow these but some do. As long as you’re careful and you don’t set off the fire alarms then you should be fine! I buy nearly all of mine in Homesense but there’s some great ones available in other stores too! I’d recommend using tea lights too as they’re so cheap and they work just as well! They were so helpful for getting rid of the smell of cooking and also for disguising the smell of my delightful flat mate’s past-times that used to float through the vents into my room- love my life x
If your room is looking pretty dull and you need something to brighten it up, definitely opt for fairy lights. These are game changers I tell you! As soon as we put them up in our rooms, everything looked so much better! They’re also perfect for when you want to chill in the evenings but you don’t want all the lights on (we had bright white lights that reminded me of hospitals). Strongly recommend grabbing some! You can get so many different styles and designs that it’s worth having a look because you might be able to get hold of some that match your interior – if you’re a nerd like me…
Don’t take your lovely ones from home. Get something cheap that will get you through the year that you don’t mind getting ruined (might not happen but you never know). One night, my boyfriend and I came home to find our mate using our shower, washing his pink hair dye out after a night dressed as a fairy (like I said you never know).
I hope this has been helpeful for some of you! I just thought that I would’ve benefited from reading some posts like this before I started uni as I took so much uneccessary stuff with me as well as forgetting important bits and pieces! Can you think of any other university bedroom essentials? Let me know in the comments! Iโve put links to all of my social media down below and Iโd love it if you would give me a follow โ come and say hi!
I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s review is about Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant skincare range. Your girl has been a busy bee over the last couple of months, as I’ve been trying out these products for you.ย I’m super excited to share my thoughts with you!
So, it turns out that my favourite place to look for affordable and effective skincare is Superdrug. I don’t really fancy paying my life savings for a pot of moisturiser small enough to store a jelly bean in it. I’ll admit, some of those high end products are fantastic and they smell like a luxury spa weekend, however if I can get something equally as good for a quarter of the price, I am DOWN! If you’re anything like me in that respect, keep reading as this could be the skincare range for you.
The Naturally Radiant range features a variety of products, all of which are infused with plant extracts and focus on awakening the skin’s natural glow. I always find that whilst on holiday, my skin gets this amazing glow and that only lasts a little while after I’ve returned back home. I bought this range hoping that I can keep that glow a little longer! What were the results?
“Enriched with nourishing Cocoa Butter, this rich and creamy formulation melts into the skin and cleanses away make-up and impurities, whilst also providing gentle exfoliation, leaving skin feeling renewed, soft and ultra clean.”
For quite some time, I’ve been admiring those who have their life together enough to be using the famous Liz Earle Hot Cloth Cleanser (I am not one of those goddesses). I’ve also been wondering how on earth I’m going to afford to have that as one of my regular products and the answer is – forget it unless you sell one of your kidneys… so, I was THRILLED to discover this little beauty! I’ve been using this every single night to help remove my makeup and it does a fab job! It smells absolutely divine and the formula is so creamy that you barely have to put in any effort! It gently exfoliates too, leaving my skin feeling super soft and smooth. Plus, it comes with one of those fancy cloths!
“Formulated with a unique energising complex and infused with Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry extracts to help revive skin’s radiance. The creamy formula is designed to gently but effectively remove impurities, excess oil and melt away make-up leaving skin feeling clean, refreshed and comforted.”
I LOVE this product! It’s the most amazing cleanser and yet it’s so affordable – I just can’t get my head around it. You know those cleansears that lather up beautifully? This is one of those! Whenever I can’t be bothered to tackle the tedium of wiping my makeup off I use this bad boy and it does the job. I also use this first thing in the morning and I look so much healthier for doing so! This is a must if you’re looking for a new face wash or cleanser – it’s so good.
“Highly concentrated in Glycolic Acid, a powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acid, the refreshing tonic also refines pores, retexturises the skin’s surface and smoothes fine lines, providing a brighter, healthier and more youthful complexion.”
This stuff is the BOMB. After a couple of days, my skin looked softer, brighter and much healthier. Every morning and evening, after cleansing, I apply it with a cotton pad and wipe over my face before moisturising and it works wonders! If you have any spots, be warned that it feels like a tiny flame has been taken to them for a brief few seconds but it actually seems to help them heal faster (no pain no gain).
“The refreshing gel formula also refines and retexturises the skin’s surface, providing a brighter, more youthful complexion.”
Okay so this is my favourite product in the range. It’s one of those products that literally work overnight and the results are immediately noticeable – what more could you want? I apply a tiny amount to my face after cleansing, leave it to get to work overnight and I was it off first thing in the morning. I can’t even begin to explain how soft my skin feels – this stuff is addictive! I’ve received so many compliments about my skin since I started using this, I can’t imagine not having it as part of my routine. I haven’t worn make-up for ages and it’s down to this little tube of goodness. I HIGHLY recommend trying it out! 10/10!
“Enriched with nourishing Sugar Beet extract and skin renewing Fruit Acids, this intensive formulation delivers rich and long-lasting moisturisation, whilst helping to refine skin’s texture as you sleep, leaving skin feeling smoother and looking more youthful”
I love the idea of overnight skincare. Who doesn’t want to have amazing products getting to work whilst you literally get your beauty sleep? It’s such a simple way of waking up with radiant and glowing skin – barely any effort required! If I need my makeup to go particularly well the next day, I always use this cream the night before, that way, I wake up and my skin is super smooth and soft, ready for my foundation etc. I really recommend this to anyone that doesn’t enjoy waiting for moisturisers to get to work, you’ll be asleep for this and when you wake up it’ll be done!
“Enriched with nourishing Sugar Beet extract, this lightweight formulation provides all day moisturisation, helping to smooth and soften skin’s texture, whilst also protecting against UV rays to keep skin looking youthful.”
I’m now on my third pot of this stuff – it’s SO good. It’s the only moisturiser that I would keep buying again and again and I recommend it to everyone! I apply this every morning before I put on my makeup and it makes for the perfect base. I love that it’s also SPF15 just for extra protection during the day – it was great on holiday! If you’re looking for a great moisturiser, this is a product really worth trying. I’ve noticed that my skin tone looks so much more even and refined, any discolouration is long gone and any scarring has healed!
“Enriched with nourishing Fruit Acids, this rich velvety formula delivers long-lastings moisturisation, whilst also helping to refine skin’s texture and clarity for a smoother, more radiant complexion.”
I like using this product on the days where my skin is particularly dry. During the Winter months, the skin around my nose gets particularly dry and irritated and I can tell that this will be an amazing product to keep me moisturised! I love the formula too, it’s silky soft, almost gel-like! Again, I’ve noticed my skin is able to maintain a healthy glow for much longer, since I started using this product.
“Enriched with Sugar Beet extract and light reflecting pearls, this lightweight formulation instantly illuminates the skin, whilst also delivering rich and long-lasting moisturisation for a more supple, smooth and intensely luminous complexion.”
My second favourite product within the range. On days where my skin is clear and I’m feeling confident to go make-up free, I just put this on! My skin looks so pretty and healthy it’s like a magic trick. My skin has never looked this good before, I can’t believe it’s down to such an affordable product?! Before you apply the balm, look at the product in your hand – you can literally see the shimmer!
“Naturally Radiant Brightening Eye Cream is formulated with a naturally revitalising blend of ingredients and infused with Mulberry and Kiwi extracts to help brighten and smooth the eye area and help reduce signs of fatigue.”
Okay so you know those gross lines that your foundation can sometimes sit in beneath your eyes? No thank you! Since using this eye cream, they’ve completely disappeared. Also don’t you hate those mornings where you wake up and your eyes are puffy? Fear no more! Dark circles? Got it covered! It does everything it claims to do. No – it’s not too good to be true. I can’t explain how good this is other than “it’s good, buy it and try it!”
This range is absolutely amazing. The packaging, the quality and the pricing, it’s all amazing. As a blogger I see heaps and heaps of expensive skincare all over my social media channels and all I can think about is “how can I afford to use that?”. I used to think that good skincare was only for those that could afford the crazy price tags however this demonstrates that that isn’t the case! Quite often, these products are on offer (half price/buy one get one free) so you end up saving a lot more than if you were investing in some pricier skincare on a regular basis.
If you have fairly oily skin and you don’t want it getting any oilier, I wouldn’t recommend using this range as it’s so moisturising and hydrating that it probably wouldn’t help. However, if you have dry skin or you’re looking for something to help fade any scarring and give your skin a natural glow for an affordable price – this is your calling! It’s super easy to get your hands on too either in store or online! Superdrug are really changing the game with their skincare and I’m desperate to try some of their other ranges.
I hope you’re all doing well. I recently finished my jury service and it was such an amazing experience. As a criminology student, it’s bascially my dream to be sat in a courtroom every day so I was actually really excited when I got the letter in the post! The case, (obviously I can’t go into much detail) was a fraud case, which is known to be one of the most tedious ones to go through. There were hundreds of articles to look at (bank statements and recipets) and there were so many figures and statistics to keep in mind all day, every day! I really enjoyed working so closely with a random group of people too! It’s like the relationships that you make on holiday, they’re different and it often feels like you’ve known eachother a lot longer than a few days! That’s what it felt like working with these 11 other people.ย We all got to know eachother so well over those two weeks and it was surprisingly fun to spend all day with eachother, discussing the case and on one occasion, trying to complete a hue jigsaw puzzle when we were given a four hour break. Have any of you guys completed your jury service? If so, what did you think of it?Summer is going by way too quickly and it’s already the end of the month which means it’s time for my July favourites post! I’ve got a few bits and bobs that I’ve been loving over the last few weeks. Don’t forget to let me know your favourites in the comments below!
I was lucky enough to be sent these toothpastes by Blanx and I haven’t stopped using them since. I feel like every teeth whitening product always promises those pearly whites to be instant but these really do work . I noticed a difference straight away and within a week my teeth looked completely different! There’s probably something in the fact that I’m tanned too, so the contrast probably made it more obvious. Either way, I’ve had compliments and I feel great about them, so that’s good enough for me! Do you use any teeth whitening products?
Hello and welcome to the big titty committee! The place where you can’t walk into Primark and buy a cheap and pretty little bra, but instead you have to heave your melons into Bravissimo and get fitted into some thirty pound chunky cups if you don’t want back ache. I’m planning on doing many youtube videos (as you can probably tell, I could do with a rant), but if you didn’t know, I have big boobs and with that comes the nightmare of not only finding things that fit me but also things that I can afford. Apparently most places didn’t get the memo and decided to charge sky high prices for basic underwear if you’re bigger than the average size. I considered getting an operation because it was just too much to deal with and I was so fed up with not being able to buy into the latest trends UNTIL I discovered that ASOS do a fuller bust range and thank god I did. There’s no going back now and certainly no need for breaking the bank every time I need to buy a bikini or a new bra. I now scroll through their huge selection of affordable underwear without panicking about spending too much or looking like an old lady – I can even buy bralettes and strapless bras that work perfectly well but are half the price! If you haven’t checked them out yet, please do as they’ve been an absolute game changer for me.
Behold! A hydrating, dewy and amazing foundation has been discovered – except this one only costs ยฃ5.90! I’ve been using it every day this summer. It gives my skin such a healthy, radiant glow and the coverage is perfect for those gross, hot and clammy days. I feel like I have nothing on and yet my skin looks flawless. It applies beautifully and blends like a dream! I never thought to look in KIKO for a foundation but everything I’ve tried by them before, I’ve ended up using every day and I’m yet to be let down. I love that their makeup always looks and feels so luxurious and yet it costs half the price of the expensive products that I wish I owned.
I absolutely love this! I use it all the time to make sure my lips stay moisturised whilst I’m going in and out of the sun. It’s so easy to carry around with me too, I’ll definitely be buying another one. I also love anything cherry scented too, so this was a winner straight away for me! I’ve always avoided lip oils as the last thing I want is to feel sticky and gross but this doesn’t seem to work like that. It feels like a lip balm but way more moisturising and adds a lovely gloss to my lips!
This is my favourite moisturiser ever, I think I’m addicted to using it! The texture is so light and fluffy, it’s absorbed in seconds so I never feel greasy or sticky afterwards! There’s a very subtle shimmer to it too, which makes my skin glow when I’m out in the sun. I love using it after I’ve been sunbathing as it keeps my tan looking fresh and will hopefully make it last a lot longer! There’s so much product inside the pot too, I doubt I’ll finish it any time soon but I know I’ll buy another one as soon as it’s empty!
I’ve already reviewed this so I’ll keep it short and snappy. It’s pigmented, it’s colourful and it’s affordable, what’s not to love? I’ve been using this most days to create bright makeup looks whilst I’m on holiday, as I don’t own another palette quite like it! I love that it’s easy to travel with and that it also comes with a generously sized mirror, meaning it can be used anywhere!
I was completely hooked on this series! Shane’s videos have always been the ones that I drop everything for but this was a whole new level. I was cramming as much of this as I could because it was just such an interesting topic. I’ve been watching Jeffree’s videos for a while now and I’ve always been intrigued by his glamorous lifestyle so I was super excited when Shane announced he would be making a documentary on it. I hope Shane continues to make these amazing series because I just love them and it appears millions of others do too, judging by the views he gets!
I hope you’ve all had a lovely month and I’ll be back next time with a review of Superdrug’s Naturally Radiant skincare range, so stay tuned for that! Don’t forget to let me know everything that you’ve been loving lately as I always look forward to hearing your recommendations!
Today’s post is super exciting as it’s in collaboration with MOPBOX, a new makeup-only subscription box, here in the UK! You know how much I love makeup so this is a dream come true for me!ย Each box is shipped on the 26th of every month via a ‘signed for’ postal service. You can choose from a monthly subscription, a 3 month subscription or a 6 month subscription – whatever suits you! I’d personally go for the monthly subscription and this only costs ยฃ24 per month, which I think is amazing value for what you get. Each box features a stylised makeup-look to create and it also includes the makeup, tools and brushes to help you do it! There’s also a magazine inside, with a step-by-step guide showing you exactly what to do. I think these boxes will be so inspiring for any budding makeup artists or for anyone looking to boost their confidence in order to express themselves with makeup! It stands out from other beauty subscriptions and I think it will be really popular!
Look at all these goodies! This box was created with a festival look in mind which is perfect for this summer – especially with all of this gorgeous weather that we’ve been having! This month, we were sent makeup, tools, a makeup bag AND glitter – I’m already thinking that this is a winner given that it only costs ยฃ24 and you get ยฃ62.94 worth of products!
I really love that the boxes include a little magazine with information about the products, a step-by-step guide and a sneak preview of next month’s theme! It makes you feel part of a community as well as giving you lots of tips and tricks. I think it shows how much thought and effort goes into this beauty subscription box compared to some other well known ones.
Lord & Berry – Scuba Pro Mascara – RRP ยฃ16.00
I am a huge fan of Lord & Berry products, so I was delighted to find this mascara inside my box! I feel like mascara is such a must for a festival – even though my lashes are extremely straight and boring, it makes a huge difference believe it or not! It’s such a quick and easy fix for tired eyes and at a festival I can imagine this would be a really popular product for on-the-go top-ups PLUS it’s waterproof so it’ll protect you from those unpredictable showers that the UK is known for!
So Susan – Liquid Powder Eyeshadow Palette – RRP ยฃ11.50
You know how much I love my eyeshadow so of course I was glad to find this beauty tucked into my box! This palette features eight gorgeous shadows, hot-poured and solidified to form a creamy firm powder. It’s also cruelty-free! I absolutely love warm/berry toned eye looks and this palette is perfect for creating those type of makeup looks! I think summer is the perfect time to experiment with colour and this palette allows me to do just that. I’ve never heard of SoSusan before so it goes to show that MOPBOX want to showcase some less well-known brands which I think is a really nice idea.
Model Co – Rose Glow – RRP ยฃ14.95
This has got to be my favourite product in this month’s box! I love highlighters so much, I think they’re your perfect summer companion and they just make such a difference to my makeup looks. Not to be dramatic, but I can’t imagine my life without them – they’re an essential! I already own quite a few products by Model Co, so I know that they’re a great brand and that their makeup is always fantastic quality! I like that this highlighter is a collaboration with Hailey Baldwin too as she’s becoming increasingly popular as the months go by which shows that MOPBOX are keen to stay on trend. I tend to go for a dewy look most of the time so cream highlighters are my best friend, they’re super easy to apply and blend out and you’re totally in control of where it goes and how much you use! This highlighter in particular is pigmented and creamy and it’s got a rose-gold tint to it to give you the healthiest glow you ever did see!
The Glitter Army – Glitter Bag (6g) – RRP ยฃ4.50
This summer has made me a bit glitter-crazy which is so strange because this time last year I couldn’t stand it! I think it grows in popularity during the festival season, when our Instagram feeds are packed with creativity, colour and glitter. I wouldn’t have known what to do with it if I hadn’t seen the countless tutorials that have come out this year. I’m starting to love it more and more, it allows me to be creative and the possibilities are endless! This bag is packed with gorgeous silver glitter and as I’m sure most of you are well aware, a little bit goes a LONG way so it’ll last ages!
Curlers
I mentioned earlier that I have the most boring lashes ever. I’m lucky in that they’re quite long but I literally can’t get them to do anything and they’re determined to stay dead straight. That’s where curlers come in super handy! I was glad to see a pair in this box because they really do help me out when I’m trying to stop my lashes being so stubborn. I always find that after I’ve curled my lashes I look so much more awake which is a must if you’re pulling all-nighters at a festival!
MOPBOX – Small Blending Brush – RRP ยฃ8.99
In my opinion, you can never have too many makeup brushes and on those days where I can’t be bothered to wash them, I’m glad that I have an extensive (and growing) collection as there’s usually a clean one to use! Blending is so important when it comes to eyeshadow as without it you might look like you’ve been punched in the face which isn’t the best look for a festival. Blending allows you to create effortless and beautiful looks and that’s exactly what this brush is designed for! It’s always good to have a stash of blending brushes as they come in so handy!
Overall, I think that this box was amazing. The quality, size and type of products is fantastic for the price. I think it will be such a popular subscription and I think there’s definitely a gap in the market for something like this. I often feel like I don’t know what to do with all of the things I get sent by some other subscription services, whereas with MOPBOX, I’m told exactly what each product is for and I’m also given a stgep-by-step guide and a look to create so nothing can go to waste! I love that they stay on trend and I think this will appeal to so many different audiences. I also love that they included a makeup bag too and it’s little things like this that make you feel like a valued customer. I really recommend giving this a try if you’re anything like me and you love makeup! What do you think of these products? Do you have any suggestions for how they could improve or anything that you really love? Let me know in the comments! I’ve included all of my social media below so be sure to come and say hey!
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