Tag: blogger

GLISTEN UP! MAKEUP REVOLUTION – EYE GLISTEN: FOIL & GLITTER LIQUID EYESHADOWS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date February 1, 2019
12 Comments on GLISTEN UP! MAKEUP REVOLUTION – EYE GLISTEN: FOIL & GLITTER LIQUID EYESHADOWS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! The Gods from Revolution have blessed us once again with some amazing new products. This time, we’re delving into the wonderful world of liquid eyeshadows with their latest release, the Eye Glisten range. I pretty much turn into Gollum when anything glittery comes my way so there was absolutely no chance that I was going to be able to resist these. Grab a cuppa and apologise in advance to your bank account – especially if, like me, you love anything pretty and shiny. Like always, I’ve included links, photos and swatches!

All links in this post are affiliate links.

The Eye Glisten range includes five, dual-ended liquid and foil eyeshadows. One end features a metallic shimmer and the other a glitter gel (I know, I’m drooling too) and they retail at £6 each. The shadows can be found on Beauty Bay, Revolution’s website or in Superdrug stores now!

Makeup Revolution Eye Glisten: Foil & Liquid Eyeshadows Review, Swatches & Photos

The tubes are travel-friendly in size, each containing 2.2ml of product. The flocked wands allow for smooth and easy application – no mess and no faffing around with brushes and tools. I’m all for using glitter but I hate having to use a small army of other products to help it stay put. With these, you get two products in one tube and two applicators – space-saving and practical! Does anyone else overpack when it comes to makeup and going on holiday? I’m absolutely awful for it! “Oh but I might end up needing that neon pink shade” “I simply have to bring that palette because it has a gold in it” and before I know it, my whole makeup collection is in my suitcase. Now, I reckon I could get away with packing a few of these instead!

Look how neat and tidy it is! The wands make it a quick, easy and mess-free experience!.The last thing I want is my hands, face and dressing table looking like something that’s supposed to be hanging above a dance floor. It makes the whole process much more appealing when you don’t have to worry about cleaning up the aftermath. It also means that we can be precise when applying the product. The trouble with loose glitter is that within a few minutes, I’ve either put too much on or it’s gone down my bra. It will be so much easier to control with a wand (if only it were the kind from Diagon Alley), so I can layer the product it gradually and build it up at my own pace!

From Top to Bottom: Adored by You, It’s Fate, Yours Truly, Dreamland & Desired

Here we have the glitters and nope I can’t handle it either. They are gorgeous! I think the colour selection is fantastic, there’s a bit of everything and I think the shades will work on everyone. They can be layered with other eyeshadows or applied along the lash line to create the perfect glitter liner! Imagine what could be created with these during the festival period! The texture is a little bit difficult to manoeuvre – imagine glitter glue but a tiny bit more stubborn and clumpy. They may take a bit of work to get them how you’d like them to look but it’s totally worth it!

Now onto my favourite part. Can we just take a minute to appreciate these beauties? Look how stunning they are! I absolutely love some shimmer on the lid but there aren’t many (good) liquid eyeshadows that don’t require a small loan to purchase. I think my prayers have been answered with these twinkling tubes and finally, I can blink and blind the world as often as I like. The texture of all of the shimmer shadows is smooth and velvety and they dry after a minute or so.

Desired– Red Copper Glitter & Red Copper Shimmer – I didn’t expect the glitter to be this rich in colour at all. It’s so bright and vibrant, it’ll look stunning on any skin tone. The liquid shadow is mind-glowingly pigmented, I still haven’t recovered to be honest. I think this will look beautiful when used with the Naked Heat palette, don’t you think? It would’ve been the perfect festive combination too! A dab of these two along with a forest green and BAM you’ve got Lapland on your lids.

Adored by You – Iridescent Pink Glitter & Frosted Rose Gold Pink Shimmer – Calling all baby pink fans, glisten up, your time to shine has come. The glitter is a lot less chunky than Desired, so it took a little less work to move it around. I tried to capture half and half – what it looks like in the light and what it looks like normally. You can see how beautifully it reflects the light – I’m getting some strong unicorn vibes people. The shimmer is stunning. It’s pigmented, buttery and easy to blend. I can’t wait to use this with some pink shadows! I’m thinking Modern Renaissance…

Dreamland – Yellow Gold Glitter & Deep Gold Shimmer – WOW. I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when I swatched this. What in the name of glistening goddesses did we do to deserve such a product? I’m totally obsessed with Dreamland. The glitter is gorgeous and it looks stunning along the lash line and in the inner corners of the lid. Again, it reflects the light beautifully and it will make you feel like a queen. The shimmer is something else. It’s more pigmented than some of the palettes I’ve paid £45 for, which hurts a little to admit but credit where credits due! 11/10! It came in the post yesterday morning and I’ve already been stopped and asked about it three times. It’s one of those products.

It’s Fate – Cool Gold Glitter & Champagne Gold Shimmer – I’m so glad that they included a cooler gold in the collection. Sometimes I’m not in the mood for a bright yellow gold on my lids, so It’s Fate makes for the perfect alternative. The Glitter is a bit stubborn to shift, which is a shame as it’s such a beautiful colour. The shimmer is perfect, I cannot wait to wear it with some neutral mattes as an every day look!

Yours Truly – Muted Pink Glitter and Rose Gold Shimmer – I love anything pink and shimmer but rose gold always steals the show. For those of us that couldn’t rob a bank in time to buy the Huda Nude palette, look no further – we can get our hands on a pink glitter and shimmer for £6 a pop! I can see myself using this a lot during Spring, as I seem to be drawn towards all things floral and delicate at that time of year. The glitter was less chunky than some of the others and I was able to get it to a semi-opaque layer on my lid without it looking really patchy. The shimmer is another masterpiece and I have nothing to complain about here! Smooth, pigmented and pretty – what more could I want?

So, what’s the verdict?

In terms of what I didn’t like, there’s barely anything to say. The only thing I think could be improved, is the texture of the glitter. It’s literally like glitter glue and like I mentioned before, it can be quite stubborn to move around. It can also clump quite easily which makes it difficult to apply smoothly. If it were slightly more fluid in formula but still had the same wow-factor to it, I think it would be perfect. Something similar to the Collection Glam Crystals Liquid Eyeshadows?

Although there’s room for the tiniest of improvements, I think it’s obvious that I’m a big fan of these products. The shimmers are ridiculously good, there’s nothing to complain about. Let’s just take a minute to remember that Revolution are a drugstore brand – not a high-end one and yet they’re releasing products that are easily on par with the likes of Stila. These shadows are priced at £6 each and the quality is that of a product twice the price. It does make me wonder how some brands get away with slapping such hefty price tags onto products are are only bit better than these and in some cases don’t even come close. The shadows can be worn day-to-night at the flip of a tube and application is made really easy with the flexible, flocked wands – anyone could do it! The shade range is amazing but I hope we get some other options! I already need more and I’ve only had them for a day! I absolutely recommend these, whether you’re buying for a pal or for yourself, these are definitely worth purchasing.

Buy the shadows here!

What do you think of the Eye Glisten range? Be sure to let me know in the comments and don’t forget to follow me on my socials!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Eye Glisten, eyeshadow, Festival, Glitter, Makeup, Makeup Revolution, Photography, Photos, Pigment, Review, Revolution, Swatches

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JANUARY 2019 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been settling back into university for my second term and let me tell you, it’s not much fun preparing to graduate. I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel but I have a lot of things to do to get there! I’m working on my dissertation whilst also running my own study – is this what adult studenting feels like? If so, I think I’ll go back to first year if you don’t mind. I’m back and blogging though and that means I have a new monthly favourites for you! Can you believe it’s already time for this? January has already been and gone and of course, that means I have some new things to share with you.

*Some of the links in this post are affiliate links

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Blue Algae Blemish Rescue Face Mask

This. Mask. Is. Amazing. I don’t know what I used to do without it to be honest. Every time I have a spot attempting to get it’s own postcode, I apply a layer of this and within a day or so it’s completely gone! It smells amazing, it’s not too expensive and it’s effective – the perfect combination, right? I’ve written a post called 5 Face Masks That You Need in Your Life, so be sure to give it a read!

Makeup Revolution – Eye Glisten Foil & Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadows

Even though it’s only January, this is already one of my favourite makeup releases of 2019. These are the Eye Glisten – Foil & Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadows from Makeup Revolution! They’re just so pretty and sparkly, I can’t stop using them. I really hope we get some more shades at some point because I need more immediately, if not sooner. I’ve actually written a review of all five shades so be sure to check that out if these make you feel all weird and tingly too.

Peppermint Tea

I grew up drinking normal tea, hot chocolate and Earl Grey and that is IT. Like the true brit that I am I never dreamed of venturing beyond the realms of the average steamy beverage until I discovered peppermint tea. If someone had mentioned it to me a few months back, I would’ve said “I’ll pass thanks” but now, I can’t stop drinking it. It’s probably the healthiest addiction that I have, in comparison to The Sims and chicken nuggets. It’s just so refreshing and it’s perfect for drinking after dinner. It’s also my go-to when I have a stomach ache or if I’m feeling anxious! The fact that it only costs 75p for 40 bags at Aldi, makes it even more tempting.

Afterspa – Facial Scrubber

This is the ultimate skincare assistant. I always make sure I take my makeup off before I go to sleep but sometimes I just cannot be bothered to do it properly. You know when you’re so tired you can hardly keep your eyes open? That’s where this comes in handy because it does the work for you! It removes dead skin cells, dirt and impurities which is exactly what I need whilst my skin is having its annual January crisis. I actually received it in my January Birchbox and you can read my review of it here.

Thermal Water Bottle

I noticed that the rest of the world has slowly becoming obsessed with these “Chilly’s” bottles and the only thing stopping me from joining them was the hefty price tag. As much as I’d like to carry my tea out and about with me, there’s no way I’m paying £30 to do so. I started looking around to find a cheaper alternative and voila! That’s where the love of my life, T.K. Maxx saved the day. I was on my way to the till after my weekly trip to the store (yep I know, I’m absolutely wild) when I saw an entire shelf of these bottles and they only cost £7.99! Due to my love of animal prints, I went for a snakeskin design and I practically skipped home to start using it. Since then, I’ve been using this bottle almost every day, to take hot drinks to university with me. Typically, I’ll have peppermint tea or lemon and ginger but since my boyfriend has kindly given me his cold, I’ve been taking Lemsip in recently. It’s the perfect cold weather companion! In summer, it’ll be great for keeping drinks cold too.

I Heart Revolution – Bronze & Shimmer

Ladies and gents, say hello to my little friend, the Bronze and Shimmer duo from Makeup Revolution. I have quite the collection of highlighters and bronzers ranging from Benefit to Bobbi Brown and Urban Decay to Too Faced and yet this still comes first, every time. To make it even better, it only costs £6! I’ve written an entire post all about it here, so check it out if you’re interested! This monthly favourites is going to seem like one big plug of my own content but a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do, sorry not sorry!

NETFLIX – SEX EDUCATION

This series is so good! I finished it in two days because I just couldn’t stop watching! It follows a teenage boy with a mother that is a sex therapist (awkward) whilst we attempts to start a sex clinic at his high school. It’s quirky, hilarious and different from most of the other gloomy serial killer documentaries that I spend most of my time watching. There’s talk of a second series too! I love how they’ve made it timeless, with a mixup of the retro and the modern, whilst also featuring elements of British and American culture. It sparked debate on social media, as nobody could work out when or where it was set!

There we have it, my January favourites! What have you been loving over the last few weeks? Let me know in the comments and be sure to check out my social media – I’ve linked it all below!

N xxxx

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Tags 2019, BEAUTY, blogger, January, Monthly Favourites, Netflix, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare

BEAUTY MAKEUP

JUVIA’S PLACE ‘THE ZULU’ PALETTE – REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 18, 2019
3 Comments on JUVIA’S PLACE ‘THE ZULU’ PALETTE – REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Hey you,

I’m back with another review and this time I’m going to be talking about a Juvia’s Place palette. I’ve been wanting to add some colour to my makeup collection for a while, instead of playing it safe with neutrals and bronze/gold shades (very guilty). This is definitely new territory for me but when I think of colourful makeup, I think of this brand so I think it’s worth starting here! I’ve never owned or used any of their products before but I’ve only heard and seen incredible things so I thought I would share my thoughts with you! Today’s review is about the infamous Zulu palette! I noticed this palette a while ago and all I can say is that the pigmentation blew my mind and that was only through watching someone else swatch the shades, so I simply had to get it and try it for myself!

This post contains affiliate links.

Love colourful eyeshadow palettes? Check out my review of the Tammi x Revolution Palette!

PRICE

So let’s get straight in there with the facts. How much is it? The Zulu Palette retails at £20 but sometimes it’s on sale and if you have student discount, you can get an even better deal on in some circumstances. I’ve noticed that all of their products are reasonably priced and I like that you can have access to great quality makeup, without having to spend a fortune on it. Where can you buy it? You can get hold of the Zulu palette on the Juvia’s website itself or through BeautyBay.

PACKAGING

I know that in most cases, it’s what’s inside that matters, but packaging is often the first thing that we see. It makes a big difference as to whether or not I end up making the final purchase – especially if I’m buying something online. If there’s one thing that Juvia’s Place know how to do, it’s packaging. The use of bold and vibrant colours is stunning. I love the beautiful Egyptian Goddess on the front, the level of detail in the illustration is amazing. The background colour is a pretty, pastel pink shade with a holographic tint to it. It’s clear that a lot of time went into designing this packaging and I really like that. It makes them stand out from other brands. We see so much of the same thing being churned out by brands over and over again, it’s nice to mix it up!

WHAT’S INSIDE?

Okay bright colour fanatics, take a deep breath and feast your eyes on these. There’s 9 eyeshadows included: 6 mattes and 3 metallic shades. I guess, some would argue that the palette is fairly small in terms of how many shades you get, right? In this case, I think less is more. First of all, let’s address the size of the pans. They are huge – I don’t think I have a palette with pans this big in my whole collection. Already, you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Secondly, as you’ll see below, the quality is amazing. I’m sick of investing in expensive palettes, only to discover some of the shades are high quality. This is one of the first palettes that I’ve purchased, where every single shade is amazing. There isn’t one that’s worse than the others. They’re all on the same level in my opinion and that’s rare! I’d rather have less product at a higher quality than splash out on something where I barely get my money’s worth. That being said, I do have a tiny suggestion for improvement – I would love the shadows to be labelled! It’s difficult when writing a review and when recommending shades to people when nothing has a name.

1ST ROW SWATCHES

Matte Orange – I don’t think I’ve ever used an orange eyeshadow quite like this one. It’s extremely pigmented and yet the formula is buttery and soft. The colour payoff is insane and yet there’s no kickback or fall out. How have they managed this? It’s a great shade for darkening the crease when creating a colourful warm-toned look.

Matte Yellow – The formula is soft and buttery and it’s incredibly pigmented. It can blend out to be slightly less bold as it appears in the pan but it’s buildable and you could certainly get a really intense pop of colour.

Matte Brown – I thought this shade was going to be quite dark but I think that’s just how it looks in the palette and in the pan. Perhaps it’s in contrast to all of the brighter shades adjacent to it? Either way, it’s not a disappointment, it’s still a beautiful shade. It’s like the perfect, warm-medium brown. I use this almost every day, in my outer corners to create a smokey eye look and there’s no going back now. This is my go-to brown.

2ND ROW SWATCHES

Matte Turquoise – Turquoise has always been my favourite colour so of course, I was practically drooling when I swatched this shade. It felt slightly powdery to the touch but it appleid exactly like the others: pigmented and without fallout or kickback. It blends out to be slightly less intense as it would appear in the palette, but it’s easy to build. I actually prefer the opportunity to build a shade to my desired level of intensity.

Metallic Green – This is where I feel like I enter a whole new dimension. This shade is absolutely stunning. If you were to say, Nina, I know a bright green metallic eyeshadow that you’ll love, I would probably laugh in your face. I’m so surprised at how much I love this shade. It’s so buttery and creamy and it blends like a dream.

Metallic Aqua – Another incredible shade. I can see myself absolutely rinsing this in summer. It’s just so pretty! I think it’s my favourite colour in the palette.

3RD ROW SWATCHES

Metallic Pink – I’m still not quite over this. I think it’s of my all time favourite eyeshadows – ever. I’m obsessed with the way that the colour shifts between a peachy pink and a rusty gold. I’m so glad that they chose to add a duo-chrome to the mix because it continues to make this palette more unique! As you can see, it’s pigmented, it looks stunning and it is pink, what’s not to love?

Matte Pink – The definition of “hot pink”. They’ve absolutely aced the formula too. It’s buttery and blends out really well, despite how pigmented it is! I can see myself using this shade a lot during Spring, as I tend to go for use lots more pinks and purples. It’s really pigmented and bold but it still blends really smoothly. Another formula I’m very impressed with.

Matte Purple – I cannot wait to be creative with this one. It’s so bold and vibrant, I was expecting it to be difficult to blend but of course, in true Juvia’s Place style, it’s perfect.

WHAT DO I THINK?

I can’t believe that this palette only retails at £20. You can also get it on sale AND use a student discount to grab it at an even better price – an absolute steal if you ask me. If you’re into colour and pigmentation that is out of this world, this is a palette you absolutely cannot miss out on. There isn’t a bad shade in there, which is a rare find. I’m also extremely impressed with the formulas, there’s no fallout and they all blend like a dream. Some of the most expensive brands out there are still producing chalky, patchy and rubbish eyeshadows, but with the Zulu Palette there isn’t a bad swatch in sight. I like that the mattes aren’t as intense as they look because it gives me a chance to build them up to the intensity level that I want!

If I were to suggest any improvements, firstly, I wish the shadows were labelled. It makes reviewing so much easier but it also means I can refer to individual shades when I post pictures of looks or when I recommend them to friends. Secondly, I’d say that there could be at least one more metallic in there – I’m just being greedy but that formula is to die for and I need more. It makes reviewing so much easier but it also means I can refer to individual shades when I post pictures of looks or when I recommend them to friends. Secondly, I’d say that there could be at least one more metallic in there – I’m just being greedy but that formula is to die for and I need more.

Get the Juvia’s Place Zulu Palette

Let me know what you think of this palette in the comments! What bright coloured palettes or eyeshadows do you like? Don’t forget to follow my socials – come and say hey!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Juvia's Place, Makeup, palette, Photography, Photos, Review, Swatches, Zulu

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2019: SHAKE YOUR POM POMS – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 15, 2019
No Comments on BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2019: SHAKE YOUR POM POMS – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! It’s hard to believe that we’re already well into the first month of 2019 but somehow, here we are and of course that means another Birchbox review is coming your way! Even though I’ve been subscribed to Birchbox for a long time, I still feel excited when one of their lovely little boxes arrives at my door every month. Before I dive in, I’ve included some information about what Birchbox actually is, how much it costs and other important info below but if you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling! RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop.

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box!

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month plus £2.95 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. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve 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 Birchbox is focused on beating the January Blues by making each day more vibrant – even if it’s dark and gloomy outside! As usual, the packaging is gorgeous. I love how bright and colourful it is, definitely one to keep on show! I’ll probably store some of my makeup in it as it’s far too pretty to get rid of. Is there anyone out there that actually throws these boxes away?

CLĒ Cosmetics – Essence Moonlighter Cushion in Apricot Tinge – RRP £22 (Full Size)

In all honesty, at first glance, I wasn’t too sure about this. I nearly always use a powder highlighter as I just seem to get on better with a a dry formula. However, I wanted to give this product a shot so I kept an open mind whilst doing swatches and it turns out that I bloody loved it! The Moonlighter Cushion is enriched with luminescent pearl powder to add a gorgeous gleam to your skin. It’s sponge-like texture allows for a precise amount of product to be picked up and applied. A little bit goes a long way! It has a really refreshing and cooling sensation on the skin, something that makes it stand out from the other highlighters in my collection! I expected it to be darker in colour but it’s actually a pearly white shade when swatched! It’s so easy to apply and because it’s liquid-based it doesn’t appear cakey or cling to any dry patches. It’s also full-size and I understand that Birchbox can’t always do this, but sometimes it’s really nice to have the whole thing rather than a tiny sample – especially if it’s a product that I really like!

Dr. Botanicals – Cleansing Bar in Pomegranate – RRP £5.90 (Full Size)

If you’ve read my latest post, 5 face masks that you need in your life, you’ll know just how much I love the Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate range. I was so excited to find this cleansing bar in my January Birchbox! It promises to restore our skin’s natural glow and I don’t know about you, but mine seems to have been left in 2018, so I would quite like it back. Although it acts as an exfoliator, it’s not rough whatsoever. In fact, it lathers beautifully for a gentle and soothing cleanse, leaving the skin radiant and glowing. Despite how hard it has to work, it also manages to smell amazing too. Also, I was expecting it to cost a small fortune but £5.90 seems too good to be true!

Philip Kingsley – Flaky/Itchy Scalp Shampoo – RRP £24

I’d say my hair is more on the damaged/lifeless side of things, rather than flaky or itchy so I was unsure of how this would help me until I read the description. Apparently you don’t need to have those issues to benefit from using this product! This shampoo was created to help maintain a healthy scalp but also to encourage a good haircare routine. It gently cleanses to soothe irritation and clear product build-up, leaving your hair silky, soft and shiny. The 3 S’s that you need in your life (as opposed, to straggly, slimy and split ends)

Afterspa – Facial Micro Scrubber – RRP £7 (Full Size)

I already use their makeup removing cloths and my god they’re good so my expectations for this scrubber were pretty high. The dual-sided scrubber can be used every day for exfoliation on the face and neck. It wipes away any dead cells, dirt, oil and impurities, leaving skin feeling cleaner and healthier. You can use it alongside your favourite cleanser too – so it can easily fit into your skincare routine.

Lord & Berry – Line/Shade in Purple – RRP £14

Now, I’m sure the perfectionists amongst you will have picked up on something wrong, just as I did. The top of the pencil seems to have been sliced off in transit but I couldn’t find it anywhere so who knows! I actually love using coloured pencils along my waterline, they quickly make an everyday makeup look a bit less boring! This liner is waterproof, so it stays put all day without budging. I like that it’s an actual pencil too as there’s nothing worse than those stingy ones that you can’t twist up or sharpen. I can’t wait to get creative with this!

Birchbox – Pom Pom Hair Ties

This month we were given a little something extra in the form of two cute little Pom pom hairbands! Like socks, hair ties seem to disappear without a trace so I always like to top up my supply! I always go for the boring pack of brown ones so for once, I will have something colourful to use!

As usual, we received some amazing bits and bobs. This month had a real variety! We had skincare, makeup and makeup and even three full-size products too! I’m sure I will get lots of use out of everything, particularly the skincare as my face has decided to hate me right now. Altogether, the products inside the January box, are worth roughly £72 which is pretty good given that the subscription costs only £12.95. Are you subscribed to Birchbox? Are you subscribed to any other beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box!

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

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Tags 2019, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, Birchbox Review, blogger, Haircare, January, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription Box

BEAUTY MAKEUP

URBAN DECAY – LIQUID MOONDUST EYESHADOW REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 11, 2019
6 Comments on URBAN DECAY – LIQUID MOONDUST EYESHADOW REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’m currently drowning in work for my dissertation so I won’t be posting as regularly as I’d like to but please bare with me whilst I try and get my life together! Final year seems to be a bit like a circus act – keep all of the plates spinning at once and you’ll be fine. Let one drop and you’ll be missing lectures to catch up on lectures! I just need to keep spinning for a bit longer and it’ll all be worth it (I hope).

This post contains affiliate links

I have another review for you today and this time it’s looking at one of Urban Decay’s Liquid Moondust Eyeshadows in the shade “Chem Trail”. They had a sale just after Christmas and I snapped this up as soon as I saw it! I’m always attracted to anything glittery, shimmery and sparkly so as you can imagine it was only a matter of seconds before we reached the checkout together. I hadn’t heard much about them and I couldn’t figure out if that was because they weren’t great or because they were the underrated dark horse that we hadn’t discovered yet. So, let’s find out.

The Liquid Moondust eyeshadows retail at £15.50 each, which I think is a bit much. I think £10 would be a more reasonable price for the 5g of product that we get. The packaging is really pretty. I love the cosmic theme and the way that it catches the light at certain angles. Urban Decay have always done their branding and their packaging right – despite taking the mickey with prices most of the time. When you open up the pretty little box, you’ll find something that looks like Tinker Bell created it herself. I love that you can see the product through the clear tube and the way that the silver font adds some more sparkle.

It’s a no from me. Eyeshadow brushes are ideally meant to be soft and big enough to spread product quickly. This is tiny, stiff and just awkward to use. It’s more of an eyeliner brush which isn’t what it’s sold as so I’m a bit confused as to why they went for this design. Am I just being weird about it? Let me know in the comments what you think.

Note that this swatch shows how the product sits when it’s immediately applied to the skin, not what it looks like blended out – that was too difficult to capture in a photo, which I think says enough anyway!

The formula isn’t chunky thank god. There’s nothing worse than attempting to blend and instead you’re just dragging huge clumps of glitter around. It dries quite quickly too and it didn’t budge until I removed it with a makeup wipe. I would have preferred it to be be more pigmented though, as when I blended it out, it practically disappeared into a very subtle shimmer. When I say blending, it was a bit of a nightmare with that brush…

So, what’s the verdict?

In terms of what I don’t like… If you’re looking for something that makes people stop and ask “what eyeshadow are you wearing?”, I don’t think this is the one for you. However, if you’re looking for a sheer and barely there shimmer on your lids, I’m sure that you will love this product. I might sound really harsh, but for me, this eyeshadow just doesn’t compare to some of the others that I own. If the formula was a little more like the Makeup Revolution Eye Glisten range, I would be buying every shade available! Most of the time when it comes to glitter, I like to go all out, like a glitter ball (don’t judge me) but this is much more…subtle.

That being said, it’s still extremely pretty once it’s blended out and you’ll be looking like Edward Cullen in no time – by that I mean the shimmering, not the fake six pack or the yellow eyes. It’s probably not going to be your night on the town ally but more your summer sidekick. It’s perfect for those days where you quickly need to slap something on sharpish but still look like you’ve made an effort. If you want to go for that “no makeup” makeup look, it would look stunning all over the lids when fully blended out. It’s also exactly what you need when you want to add a touch of sparkle along the lash line, in fact, it’s almost like it was intended for that to be it’s primary use.

If any improvements were to be made, hands down, I’d want a doe-foot applicator, just to make application (shock) a bit easier. I don’t want to faff around with whatever that thing is when I’m trying to get my eye makeup done. I need something that can blend! I think the formula could do with being much more pigmented and less watery. Annoyingly, if you don’t use the product for a while, it separates and all you’ll get is a glittery puddle on your face. Not a fan of that – none of my other liquid eyeshadows do this so that’s a bit of a let down. However, I do really like the way that the shadow works as a subtle shimmer on the eyes. Come to think of it, it could even blend out to be a shimmery highlight on the cheekbones. I’m definitely going to have a play with it and see how I can make it work for me.

Check out Urban Decay’s Liquid Moondust Eyeshadows here!

Have you tried Urban Decay’s Liquid Moondust Eyeshadows? What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

N xxxx

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Tags 2019, BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Glitter, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, shimmer, urban decay

BEAUTY SKINCARE

5 FACE MASKS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 8, 2019
32 Comments on 5 FACE MASKS THAT YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! It’s always at this time of year that my skin needs a boost the most. I’m not sure why I’m so shocked by this, every single time January rolls around (actually, I sort of roll into January after all I’ve eaten over Christmas). It’s no surprise that my skin is in protest after all that I’ve put it through! The weather doesn’t help either, my face feels as dry as a raisin. So, I’ve come up with a list of my favourite face masks to battle the blemishes and drench those dry patches. New year, new skin!

This post contains affiliate links

L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Blue Algae Blemish Rescue Face Mask

What is it: This mask is an absolute game-changer. It’s the one thing that I’m constantly recommending to everyone. I first tried it last year and since them, I’ve lost count of how many pots I’ve bought since. The mask combines three Pure Clays with Marine Algae extract, known for it’s spot-fighting properties. The mask feels creamy and hydrating and it also smells incredible! These amazing ingredients target pores by unclogging blackheads and reducing the appearance of blemishes. Surprisingly the mask leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh without drying it out whatsoever!

How to use it: After cleansing, I apply a thin layer all over my face. I usually wait for about 10-15 minutes, looking like a Smurf, before washing it off with warm water.

Dr. Botanicals Pomegranate Superfood Regenerating Sleeping Mask

What is it: I love skincare already but masks that work overnight are on another level. I don’t always have an afternoon to sit and wait for a face mask to fix my face. That’s why this Dr. Botanicals mask became an essential in my collection! It’s enriched with Pomegranate Extract, an antioxidant that smoothens and brightens for a glowing and radiant complexion! The mask nourishes dull and thirsty skin, which is perfect for January right? It’s also vegan-friendly and PETA approved too!

How to use it: I apply a thin layer all over my face and then I give it a few minutes to sink in before I hit the hay. Voila! That’s literally all you have to do! When I wake up, my skin feels so soft and refreshed – it’s kind of magic actually. Bye bye dry, hello glow!

Quick Fix Facials – Black Peel Mask

What is it: Quick Fix Facials are one of my favourite brands when it comes to face masks. I’ve always got at least one of their tubes on the go and my latest obsession is this Black Peel Mask. Packed with Activated charcoal, Witch Hazel and Allantoin, the mask targets blocked pores, excess oil and impurities. The charcoal helps to purify the skin by drawing out impurities and dead skin cells. Witch Hazel helps to keep the skin clear and tighten pores. Allantoin smooths the skins texture for a more even complexion. Basically, it gives your skin the deep cleanse that it really needs!

How to use: Apply and thin layer onto dry and cleansed skin, avoiding fine hairs (pain like no other, you’ve been warned) and allow it to dry for about 15-20 minutes before peeling off. Prepare for the most satisfying moment EVER. If you’re really gross like me, you can look at what the mask has drawn out, it’s mind-blowing! If there’s an residue left, you can just wash it off with some warm water and a flannel.

Argan+ – 5-Oil Miracle Clay Mask

What is it: They’ve actually rebranded and this mask is now called “Lift and Renew” and I’ve linked the new version above! This mask is amazing at renewing, nourishing and revitalising the skin. Enriched with Argan Oil and Shea Butter, it helps replenish and smooth fine lines. It also features Kaolin and Green Clay help draw out impurities. I use this mask whenever my skin is looking dull and

How to use it: Apply generously to clean, dry skin and allow to dry. Rinse off with warm water. I tend to use the mask once a week when I’m having a pamper night!

Good Things – Five Minute Facial Anti Blemish Face Mask

What is it: I discovered this in my local T.K. Maxx! They actually seem to be the only place that stock their masks at the moment, but you can always order from their site too. Whenever I can feel the blemishes creeping back – this magical tube comes to the rescue! It’s a multi-tasker, aiming to make your skin clearer, brighter and smoother – all in one go! The ingredients include green clay and kaolin to draw out impurities, avocado oil to nourish and moisturise, goji berry extract to soothe and willow bark extract for radiance. What a combination! When it comes to masks that target blemishes, I always worry that they will dry my skin out, but surprisingly this one leaves my skin feeling silky soft!

How to use: After cleansing, apply a thin layer and allow five minutes for it to dry. Splash with warm water and rinse off using warm water and a flannel. Use weekly.

There we have it ladies and gents! Five face masks that you definitely need in your life! What are your favourite face masks to use? Let me know in the comments! Don’t forget to follow me on my socials – come and say hi!

N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, blogger, Dr Botanicals, Face Mask, Lifestyle, Mask, Photography, Photos, Skincare

LIFE

MY GOALS FOR 2019

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! 2018 has been both good and bad for me. I’ve had some difficult things to deal with, as well as celebrating some amazing achievements too. I want to try and make next year the best it can be and I thought I would share my 10 goals for 2019 with you! I’m hoping that because I have an entire blog post dedicated to this, I have no excuse but to stick with it. This time next year, let’s see how many of these goals I have achieved! I’d love to hear what your goals are for the new year, so be sure to comment some at the end of the post!

When I was younger, I used to read all the time! In the car, at school, before bed – I was always reading something. Even though I’m already struggling to manage my time in my final year of University, I definitely need to make time to read more. I regularly read peoples blog posts but it’s just not the same as having a story to get stuck into. I’m going start the year by absolutely rinsing Amazon’s stock of books! Does anyone have any recommendations, the kind that you can’t put down?

ACE MY FINALS

I’m slowly getting closer and closer to my university finals (as well as handing in my dissertation) and with that comes the pressure to do well. I don’t just want to scrape it, I want to be able to say I did my best and that I achieved a grade that I’m really proud of. So far I’ve been working my socks off so I’m hoping that next year when it comes to my exams, I’ll still be feeling this motivated!

RECOGNISING WHAT I DO WELL

I’m sure the saying goes; “you’re your own worst critic” and that’s very true in my case. I’ve always found it much easier to criticise everything that I do, rather than see the good in it. I will always manage to find a “but…” in response to compliments. I’m like this with my writing, with my singing (I used to perform regularly) and with my academic work. I once sung a massive song (Alive by SIA) and I didn’t hit a note the way that I wanted to. The performance was recorded and all I could think of every time I heard it back was how awful it was, even though nobody else could tell. It’s actually quite exhausting as I never seem to let myself off the hook. I aim to celebrate my successes far more next year. Although it’s good to give myself some criticism to improve, I need to make sure that I’m not being too harsh!

REACH 3K ON INSTAGRAM

I barely have time to keep up with social media whilst I’m studying but whenever I manage to dedicate the odd 10 minutes to it here and there, it always pays off. In 2019, I’m going to consider it as a side project, so that I always keep it going in the background – even when I’m really busy! My next goal is to hit 3K and fingers crossed I manage it! Be sure to follow me here!

PUSH MYSELF LITTLE & OFTEN

Last year, I found myself having at least two panic attacks a day and that was almost always because I’d tried to push myself too much. I kept doing things that made me anxious, just to keep everyone else happy or so that I wouldn’t miss out. For example, I sometimes find social things really stressful and at university – that’s hard to get away from! Rather than taking it easy, I kept pushing myself to attend everything which only left me feeling exhausted and deflated. This year, I want to continue to push myself little and often, so that it’s more manageable.

EAT MORE HEALTHY FOOD

Whenever I come home from university, I always lose so much weight and no doubt, it’s down to my eating habits. I share a flat with my boyfriend in central Nottingham, which means we always have access to Deliveroo and UberEats. At home however, the apps don’t work – so you do the math. I need to stop snacking and make sure that I eat proper meals every single day – no excuses! The odd dominos here and there never hurt anyone but I need to restrict myself to one every now and again rather than the nights when I can’t be bothered to cook.

START A YOUTUBE CHANNEL

This has been my dream since I was about 13 years old. I’ve always wanted to be creative and blogging has allowed me to do that, however Youtube has always been what I want to do. After I graduate – I can finally do it! I have the camera and the equipment ready and waiting so all that’s left to do is pick up the camera and go!

HAVE A SORT OUT

One of the things that makes my anxiety worse, is feeling like I’m constantly moving from one place to the next. Since moving to Nottingham and certainly since my Dad moved to Manchester, I feel like I’m constantly packing bags and living out of suitcases. At university, I spend most of my time doing work or in lectures on campus, so it never really feels like home. At my Dad’s, I haven’t had much of a chance to move my things in properly and make my bedroom my own. At mum’s I keep landing and dumping my bags before I have to head off somewhere else – it’s just a mess and I don’t feel at home! You know when you just have piles everywhere and bags that need unpacking? In 2019, once university is done and dusted, I’m diving straight into a (much needed) big sort out!

SUPPORT MORE SMALL BUSINESSES

It’s so easy to stumble into the usual high-street shops or Costa’s but I actually really enjoy discovering new and local places to visit. Since I started working for myself, I’ve realised how much every little helps – especially when it comes to word of mouth. I always like to recommend quirky coffee shops and sweet little gift shops to my friends. In 2019, I want to discover lots more as well as letting others know all about them! I read something the other day, about how Netflix didn’t need to advertise their new film, Birdbox, because we did it all for them on social media! If we can make Netflix some extra cash, think how powerful a like or a share is for a small business.

Join me in December to see how many of these goals I’ve smashed! Let me know what your goals are in the comments too.

N xxxx

Tags 2019, blogger, Books, Business, Goals, Lifestyle, New Year, Reflection, Resolutions, YouTube

2018 BLOGMAS LIFE LIFESTYLE REVIEWS

CAPTIVATED BY CASEAPP (AGAIN)*

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 8, 2018
No Comments on CAPTIVATED BY CASEAPP (AGAIN)*

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Welcome to Blogmas Day 8! Today we’re revisiting the wonderful world of CaseApp, who kindly gifted me two of their cases to share with you guys on my blog. I worked with CaseApp earlier this year (read that post here) and I have been hooked on their products ever since! For those of you that haven’t seen my post or heard about CaseApp, I’ll explain how it all works below!

*Gifted Items

One of the things that I love about CaseApp is that the whole website is super easy to navigate. Straight away, you know what your options are. They offer hundreds of pre-made designs or if you’re feeling creative, you can create your own personalised phone case or laptop skin from scratch. CaseApp have accessories for Iphones, Androids, Macbooks, Ipads – there’s just so much choice.

Here are some of my favourite designs! There’s such a variety to choose from. You can go for abstract, tropical and even watercolour! There’s literally pages and pages of different designs to look at, so there’s bound to be something you’ll love. It’s also perfect if you’re picking out a gift for someone too! You can even choose between a matte or glossy finish and there’s a “tough” option too, for those that have been known to drop their devices from time to time…(guilty)

I ended up going for a case for my iPad and a new case for my phone. Blogging often means that I’m travelling with lots of different devices, so instead of risking them getting damaged, I always make sure they have cases on them. I’m all about bright colours and patterns so of course, I went for two vibrant designs. I needed something that I could spot when my bedroom is at its messiest! I opted for the glossy finish, just because I think it looks nicer than matte – I quite like the shiny look.

CaseApp send their cases in the cutest little bags and I love this little extra detail. Mine came in a marble pouch, which I’ll have to find a use for because it’s so pretty – any ideas? I chose the “Blue Peacock” iPhone 8 case because I love the design and I think it looks so quirky! I love the tropical vibes too.

How cute is this? This is the “Abstract” iPad mini case and I think it’s my favourite design on the site. I love the combination of pastes with the black dots! It’s so much more interesting to look at than my old, plain red case. I’m obsessed! They actually have a great range of abstract designs on their website so if that’s your thing, definitely go and have a look for yourself.

How cute are these? I’m so happy with them! Both were easy to snap onto my iPhone and my iPad – no faffing necessary. They keep my devices protected and they look cute at the same time! I really recommend using CaseApp if you’re considering purchasing some amazing cases or skins for your devices. Their products aren’t just easy on the eye but they are also made really well. The quality is great!

What do you think of these cases? Which ones would you choose? Let me know in the comments! I’ve linked all of my social media below so come and say hi as I love to hear from you! If you decide to order some goodies, go ahead and use my discount code 20NINALOUISELAW for 20% off! Check out CaseApp here!

N xxxx

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Tags blogger, BLOGMAS, CaseApp, iPad, Iphone, Photography, Photos, Review, Technology

2018 BLOGMAS

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2018: PERFECT PRESENTS TO SUIT YOUR POCKET*

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date December 2, 2018
22 Comments on CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE 2018: PERFECT PRESENTS TO SUIT YOUR POCKET*

Hey Everyone,

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! 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.

FOR HER: UNDER £5

1. Jack Wills – Lip Balms // 2. M&S – Festive Dog Mug // 3. Santuary Spa – Cosmetic Bag 4. Zoella Beauty – Mini Supernova Collection // 5. Champneys – Hand Cream // 6. Yankee Candle – Tealights // 7. Sleek MakeUp – Ultimatte Lips // 8. Zoella Beauty – Milky Way Bath Powder // 9. Wilko – Pedicure Set // 10. Soap & Glory – Flake Away Body Polish // 11. Charbonnel et Walker – Heart Truffle Box // 12. Champneys – Harmonious Hands

FOR HIM: UNDER £5

1. The Real Shaving Co. – Weekend Kit // 2. Green & Blacks – Chocolate Mini Bars // 3. Black Ring // 4. Mocktail Scented Candles // 5. Expresso Martini Popcorn // 6. Coffee Syrups // 7. Bulldog – Sensitive Face Wash // 8. Gold Binder Clips // 9. Splice Storm Towels // 10. Chocolate Stones // 11. Red Leather Card Holder // 12. Sea Salt Caramel Truffles // 13. Storm Bath Bomb // 14. Artificial Succulent

FOR HER: UNDER £10

1. Sleep MakeUp – Star of the Show // 2. Real Techniques – Mini Miracle Sponges // 3. Zoella Lifestyle – Pencil Case // 4. John Lewis – Coffee Collection // 5. Baylis & Harding – Trio // 6. Missguided – Matte Liquid Lipsticks // 7. Holdsworth – Truffles // 8. John Lewis – Gin Made Me Do It Cocktail Recipes // 9. Boots – Stripes Cosmetic Bag // 10. Soap & Glory – Glitz the Girl

FOR HIM: UNDER £10

1. Black Diary // 2. House Shelf // 3. Banksy Calendar // 4. Baylis & Harding – Black Pepper & Ginseng Trio // 5. Cocoa Collection // 6. Champneys – Mens Duo Kit // 7. Camera Tin with Fudge // 8. Classic Ale Collection // 9. Brisk Grooming Trio // 10. Jack Daniels – Sauce Duo

FOR HER: UNDER £20

1. Benefit – Get the Pretty Started // 2. Zara – Animal Print Scarf // 3. Strawberry Truffles // 4. Gold Jewellery Holder with Mirror // 5. Pixi – Glow Tonic // 6. Slippers // 7. Compact Mirror // 8. All The Jingles Ladies Gift Set // 9. Missguided – I Believe in Me // 10. Laura Ashley – Candle // 11. Penguin Mug // 12. Bobble Hat & Mug

FOR HIM: UNDER £20

1. Wooden Ibed Lap Desk // 2. Seagrass & Linen Candle // 3. Jack Wills Travel Kit // 4. The Bodyguard – Box Set // 5. Whisky Selection // 6. Ploughmans Box // 7. Wash Bag // 8. Hotel Chocolat Goody Bag // 9. Throw

FOR HER: UNDER £50

1. Benefit Vanity Flare Palette // 2. Jo Malone – Peony & Blush Suede Candle // 3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Sultry Palette // 4. Babyliss Soft Waves Wand // 5. Urban Decay Naked Cherry Palette // 6. Charlotte Tibury – Magic Eye Rescue // 7. Zoella Beauty – Wish Upon A Spa // 8. Ted Baker Card Holder // 9. Croft Collection Cafetiere // 10. Molton Brown Gift Collection // 11. Neom Wellbeing Set // 12. Whistles Clutch Bag

FOR HIM: UNDER £50

1. Champneys – Gym Holdall Set // 2. Red Dead Redemption // 3. Cards against humanity // 4. Paco Rabanne – 1 Million // 5. Johnnie Walker – Whisky // 6. Zara – Scarf // 7. De’Longhi – Coffee Maker // 8. Philips Electric Shaver // 9. Edinburgh Gin Christmas Gin

FOR HER: LUXURY

1. UGG Slippers // 2. Michael Kors – Leather Purse // 3. Swarovski – Bracelet // 4. Hourglass Ambient Light Palette // 5. Tiffany – Infinity Earrings // 6. HP Sprocket // 7. Ultimate Ears Speaker // 8. Huda Beauty – Nude Palette // 9. Rosefield Watch // 10. Neom Essential Oils // 11. ghd Gold Hair Straightener // 12. Cushion // 13. Swell Drinking Bottle // 14. Macbook Pro Case // 15. Kate Spade Makeup Bag // 16. Jo Malone Candle // 17. Lulu Guinness Leather Purse

FOR HIM: LUXURY

1. Hamper // 2. Bronte by Moon Herringbone – Throw // 3. HP Sprocket // 4. Apple – iPad // 5. Bric’s Life – Small Holdall // 6. All Saints Scarf // 7. Ronny Colbie – Luxury Candle // 8. Johnnie Walker – Whisky Collection // 9. Bose Speaker // 10. John Lewis – Laptop Case // 11. Hugo Boss – Fragrance // 12. Tom Dixon – Candle Set

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’s luxury bouquets and 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 beautiful luxury candles, one of which was included above! Everything is created with such imagination and exudes 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. I’ve tried to cover all bases! So do let me know if anything was just what you’re looking for!

Click here to read yesterday’s post!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

N xxxx

Tags 2018, Bargain, blogger, BLOGMAS, Christmas, December, For Her, For Him, Gift Giving, Gift Guide, Gifts, Lifestyle, Luxury, Photography, Photos, Presents, Shopping, Stocking Fillers, Zoella

BEAUTY SKINCARE

DOES THE NIP + FAB – TEEN SKIN FIX PORE BLASTER WORK? – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date October 30, 2018
4 Comments on DOES THE NIP + FAB – TEEN SKIN FIX PORE BLASTER WORK? – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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.

Nip + Fab 2 in 1 Teen Skin Pore Blaster Review

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.

N xxxx

Tags Acne, Advice, BEAUTY, Blemishes, blogger, Favourites, Lifestyle, Nip + Fab, Photography, Photos, Skincare, Spots

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2018: DAYS LIKE THESE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date October 12, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX OCTOBER 2018: DAYS LIKE THESE – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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? 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 you’re just here for the review, keep scrolling!

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 per month plus £2.95 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. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve 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!

BeautyPro – Thermotherapy Warming Silver Foil Mask – RRP £5.95*

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. Also, can we all just acknowlegde that it’s silver?!

Gallinée – Hydrating Face Cream – RRP £34.90 (Full Size)

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!

Winky Lux – Disco Gloss in Far Out – RRP £13

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 crazy plus it smells of coconut and vanilla!

Daily Concepts – Multi-Functional Charcoal Soap Sponge – RRP £6 (Full Size)

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.

Number 4 – Lumiere d’Hiver Super Comb Prep & Protect – RRP £26.25

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.

Joop! – Wow! Woman Eau de Toilette – RRP £39

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 the Gallinée 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! The products inside the October box, together, are worth roughly £125 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 £12.95 per month, which always works out at fantastic value. Are you subscribed to any beauty boxes? Which is your favourite?

N xxxx

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box!

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*RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop

Tags 2018, Autumn, BEAUTY, Beauty Box, Beauty Subscription, BIRCHBOX, Birchbox Review, blogger, Makeup, October, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription Box

BEAUTY

MOPBOX: SEPTEMBER 2018 – LET IT GLOW*

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 28, 2018
2 Comments on MOPBOX: SEPTEMBER 2018 – LET IT GLOW*

Hey Guys,

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 & Gifted 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 via Royal Mail 2nd Class Signed For postal service. You can choose from three different subscriptions; monthly, 3 months or 6 months. 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! 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 through makeup!

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Monthly Subscription – £24/month

3 Month Subscription – £23/month

6 Month Subscription – £22/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.

CHECK OUT MOPBOX HERE

READ MY REVIEW OF LAST MONTH’S BOX

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 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). 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! Just by flicking through the magazine, you can tell that that MOPBOX is different from the rest.

Phase Zero – Metal Foil Eyeshadow in “Gold Roses” – RRP £4.75

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! It’s even better on the eyes as it stays put for hours when applied properly (using last month’s MOPBOX brush). 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 £22

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 – £16

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 £15

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. 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!

NYX – Lip Lingerie in “Bedtime Flirt” & “Push-Up” – RRP £7

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 £3.99

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 £4.99

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 £16

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! 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!

READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blog, blogger, Contour, Cosmetics, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Subscription, Trends, Tutorial

BEAUTY

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS PRISM PALETTE {REVIEW & SWATCHES}

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 21, 2018
14 Comments on ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS PRISM PALETTE {REVIEW & SWATCHES}

Hey Everyone,

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! 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. I know lots of you are makeup lovers too, so if any of you are considering purchasing the palette, keep reading!

This post contains affiliate links

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. You may be familiar with the high price tags, however for those that aren’t, they usually retail at £43. 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 palette 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. 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 – A duo chrome with warm gold undertones and flecks of pink- 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. 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 undertones – 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 matte 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 chrome grey/silver shimmer with pink flecks – 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 chocolate brown matte – 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.

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 Copper – 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 – 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!

READ MY REVIEW OF THE MODERN RENAISSANCE PALETTE

READ MY REVIEW OF THE SUBCULTURE PALETTE

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

N xxxx

Tags Anastasia Beverly Hills, BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Colour, eyeshadow, Makeup, palette, Photography, Photos, Prism Palette, Review, Swatches, Trends

LIFE PAPERGANG

PAPERGANG AUGUST 2018: REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 17, 2018
2 Comments on PAPERGANG AUGUST 2018: REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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! I always include a little bit of info about Papergang and what they’re 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, 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 – I simply can’t 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 Lewis and 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 Deer decided to create a monthly subscription service for stationery addicts, such as myself called, Papergang! 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 costs £10.95 and then a £2.95 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 Deer’s shop.

Like the sound of it and want to subscribe to Papergang? Click here to use my invite!

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)

Follow Iraville –

Insta – @iraville

Every month we receive a printed calendar as a bonus item and I really love them as they’re perfect for keeping on my desk in a cute little frame! I can’t bring myself to throw them out so by the end of the year I’ll be swimming in them. I love the little tree illustrations – again, perfect for Autumn!

A5 (ish) NOTEBOOK – £9.95

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.

3 x PENCILS – £3.95

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!

WASHI TAPE – £2.50

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!

GREETING CARD – £2.50

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 £18.90 and considering that I pay £13.90 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 I’ve linked all of my social media down below so go and give me a follow and come and say hi!

N xxxx

Want to subscribe to Papergang? Click here to use my invite!

READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW

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Tags Art, blogger, Bullet Journal, Design, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Notebook, Ohh Deer, PAPERGANG, Photography, Photos, Review, School, Stationery, Student

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX AUGUST 2018: ETSY – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 14, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX AUGUST 2018: ETSY – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

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!

Birchbox is a UK beauty subscription service that sends beauty boxes to their subscribers containing 5 goodies every month. You don’t have to worry about lifelong commitments or any contracts, you can cancel anytime with a monthly subscription – no fuss whatsoever! The monthly subscription costs only £10 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. I’ve gone on to buy lots of the things I’ve 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 features a beautiful eye-catching pattern. I love the combination of colours, it’s definitely a keeper!

Dirty Little Secret – Eye Shadow Crayon – Fetch (full size) – RRP £10.50

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” 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. 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).

CLĒ Cosmetics – Melting Lip Powder – Red Cherry (sample) – RRP £15

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. It looked patchy and lumpy! After that experience, I certainly wouldn’t pay £15 for it.

Dr. Botanicals – Pomegranate Superfood (full size) – RRP £14.90

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!

Luseta Beauty – Keratin Smooth Conditioner (sample) – RRP £19

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.

Rituals – Happy Buddha Foaming Shower Gel – RRP £8.50

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 £67.90 and considering that the subscription costs £10 plus £2.95 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?

N xxxx

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CLICK HERE TO READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW!

Want to try Birchbox for yourself? Click here and use my referral link to get £5 off your first box!

*RRPs correspond to full-size items at birchbox.co.uk/shop

Tags 2018, Art, August, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blog, blogger, Design, Etsy, Photography, Photos, Products, Skincare

LIFE

BACK TO UNIVERSITY: BEDROOM ESSENTIALS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 10, 2018
No Comments on BACK TO UNIVERSITY: BEDROOM ESSENTIALS

Hey Guys,

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!

This post contains affiliate links

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!

LINKS: White Bees – Purple Paisley – Jungle Animals – Terrarium Print

LAUNDRY BASKETS/HAMPERS

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.

LINKS: Pop Up Laundry Bin – Vintage Basket – Yellow and Grey Bin – Colours/Darks/Whites

COMMAND STRIPS & HOOKS

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!

LINKS: Str i ps – Plain Hooks

FAUX PLANTS

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!

LINKS: Faux Aloe Plant – Set of 2 Succulents – Llama Succulents – Copper Succulent

STORAGE

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!

LINKS: Confetti Boxes – Pink Set of 4 – Set of 3 Rattan

MIRRORS

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! 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!

LINKS: Blue – Black – Rose Gold

HANGERS

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!

LINKS: Copper Wire Hangers – Pastel Skirt Hangers

DOOR STOPS

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)

LINKS: Blue Snail – Plain Grey – Cheese Wedge

CARDS

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!

LINKS: Black Waterproof Playing Cards – Cards Againt Humanity – What Do You Meme – F**k The Game – WTF Did You Say? – Never Have I Ever

PORTABLE SPEAKERS

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!

LINKS: Black Skull Candy Speaker – KitSound – Pink Wonderboom

CANDLES

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

LINKS: – Rose & Oud – Tropical Passion Fruit & Blueberry – Mango Peach Salsa

FAIRY LIGHTS

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…

LINKS: Pineapples – Geometric Copper – Copper Leaves

TOWELS

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).

LINKS: Pink – Polka Do t – Terrazzo Print

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! I’ve put links to all of my social media down below and I’d love it if you would give me a follow – come and say hi!

N xxxx

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Tags Advice, Bedroom, blogger, DIY, Friends, Hacks, Interior, Lifestyle, Results Day, School, Shopping, Studying, University

BEAUTY

GET GLOWING: SUPERDRUG’S NATURALLY RADIANT RANGE

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date August 3, 2018
32 Comments on GET GLOWING: SUPERDRUG’S NATURALLY RADIANT RANGE

Hey Everyone,

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. 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?

*This post contains affiliate links

Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser – £5.99

“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!

CHECK OUT THE HOT CLOTH CLEANSER HERE

Refreshing Complete Cleanser – £5.99

“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.

CHECK OUT THE CLEANSER HERE

Glycolic Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid – £5.99

“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).

CHECK OUT THE GLYCOLIC TONIC HERE

Glycolic Overnight Peel – £5.99

“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!

CHECK OUT THE PEEL HERE

Renewing Night Cream – £5.99

“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!

CHECK OUT THE NIGHT CREAM HERE

Brightening Day Cream – £5.99

“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!

CHECK OUT THE DAY CREAM HERE

Moisturiser and Serum – £5.99

“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.

CHECK OUT THE MOISTURISER AND SERUM HERE

Brightening Radiance Balm – £5.99

“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!

CHECK OUT THE RADIANCE BALM HERE

Brightening Eye Cream – £5.99

“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!”

CHECK OUT THE EYE CREAM HERE

So, what’s the verdict?

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.

What should I try next?

N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, Cleanser, Moisturiser, Natural, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Superdrug

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

JULY 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

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. 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!

This post contains affiliate links

BLANX TOOTHPASTE

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?

Check out the toothpaste here

ASOS FULLER BUST RANGE

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.

KIKO SMART HYDRATING FOUNDATION

Behold! A hydrating, dewy and amazing foundation has been discovered – except this one only costs £5.90! 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.

ZOELLA BEAUTY – SPLASH BOTANICS – LIP OIL

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!

Click here to read my review of the full range

ZOELLA BEAUTY – SPLASH BOTANICS – BODY SORBET

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!

Click here to read my review of the full range

Tammi x Revolution Palette

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!

Click here to see my full review of the palette

Image Source: https://www.youtube.com/user/shane/

SHANE DAWSON – THE SECRET LIFE OF JEFFREE STAR

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!

N xxxx

Tags 2018, BEAUTY, blogger, Favourites, Makeup, Makeup Revolution, Monthly Favourite, Photography, Photos, Skincare, Summer, Zoella, Zoella Beauty

INTERIORS LIFE

INTERIOR EDIT: FANTASTIC FLAMINGOS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date July 24, 2018
No Comments on INTERIOR EDIT: FANTASTIC FLAMINGOS

Hey Everyone,

I haven’t written a post about interior design in such a long time so I’m super keen to be back with another one for you! Today’s post is all about the summer trend of flamingos – they are EVERYWHERE! I’ve chosen a few favourites to share with you from bedding to candles so keep scrolling for some goodies! I’ve included links to everything so you can have a look for yourself if anything takes your fancy!

This post contains affiliate links

John Lewis – Sara Miller – Thermal Flask

How freaking cute is this? I love using flasks during the winter at university. It makes those 9ams so much easier when I have a nice hot tea with me! I love the print, it’s so quirky and different! With the cold weather on it’s way, grab yourself one of these to keep cosy!

CHECK OUT THE FLASK HERE

Amazon – Final Touch Flamingo Wine Glass Markers

You’d be surprised at how handy these things are! Whenever we have lots of people round for dinner and drinks, I always stick these on everyones glasses so people know which belongs to them! I hate putting a drink down and not knowing which one it is an hour later. Plus they’re cute and quirky!

CHECK OUT THE GLASS MARKERS HERE

Argos – Pieridae Flamingo Bedding Set

How gorgeous is this bedding? I hadn’t bought any bedding from Argos before so I was slightly worried that it wouldn’t be much good. However, I ordered some a while back and I have zero regrets! It’s so comfy and affordable, it’s perfect if you’re going to uni and you want some fun bedding to brighten up your new room!

CHECK OUT THE BEDDING HERE

Sass & Belle – Ziggy The Chevron Tropical Flamingo Mug

If you didn’t know already, I own far too many mugs. For some reason, I keep buying them and I can’t stop. I always go for the bigger ones so then I can have a huge cup of tea! I particulalry love the look of this one, I mean look at the handle, it’s too cute to miss out on. I love Sass & Belle and I’ve bought lots of things from them before! If you’re interested in homeware then definitely check out their website, they have some amazing bits and pieces. They’re also amazing when it comes to looking for gifts!

CHECK OUT THE MUG HERE

John Lewis – Fenella Smith Flamingo and Pineapple Ring Plate

I really love using plates like this to keep all of my trinkets and bits and pieces in one place. I have one on my bedside table to put my earrings and rings in before I go to sleep and I have a few on my desk to hold paperclips etc. They come in so handy – particularly at uni! They stop all of those little bits going missing under the bed or behind your drawers. I love the little illustration is as well – adorable!

CHECK OUT THE RING PLATE HERE

John Lewis – Sanderson Flamingos Wallpaper

Bathroom GOALS! Look at how pretty this wallpaper is! It’s like my dream design to have in my future bathroom. I’ve always liked the idea of having a feature wall in each room, this would make a great one right? I’m one of those people that can’t manage to get themselves together on a daily basis but somehow has planned their future home out – in depth. Is anyone else like that? I blame Pinterest.

CHECK OUT THE WALLPAPER HERE

If you read my other tropical themed interior post, then you’ll know how much I love flamingos and all things summer. I just love the pop of colour and the idea that you can make a room feel different with just the addition of a little pink bird! It’s strange how suddenly it started trending but I think the idea of a tropical interior is becoming much more popular as the years go by. I’m excited to see what next summer brings! This year we’ve had cactuses, flamingos and pineapples – who knows what is to come!

What do you think of this trend?

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N xxxx

Tags blogger, Decor, Design, Favourites, Flamingos, Furniture, Interior, Interior Design, Lifestyle, Photography, Photos, Review, Summer, Tropical

BEAUTY

HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP WITH FEATHER AND DOWN*

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date July 20, 2018
19 Comments on HOW TO GET A BETTER NIGHT’S SLEEP WITH FEATHER AND DOWN*

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Is anyone else finding it difficult to get anything done in this heat? I’m literally melting away as I’m typing this. Either way, I have some lovely bits and pieces to share with you! I was kindly gifted these by Feather and Down, however all thoughts, of course, are my own! If something takes your fancy, you can buy it in Boots, however I’l also include links to everything so you can order them too!

* Unpaid AD & Affiliate Links

Today, I’m going to be reviewing some of the Feather and Down Sweet Dreams range! After finishing my second year at university, I have never valued relaxation and wellbeing more. With the stress of deadlines and exams, I decided I needed to spend much more time concentrating on my health and one way that I did this was through using products containing lavender. Not only does it help me sleep but it keeps me calm and collected – particularly the night before an exam. I absolutely love the packagaing, it looks so elegant and luxurious – perfect for a pamper evening!

All Purpose Sleep Balm – £7.00

I’ve used sleep balms before and I’ve found them so helpful when I’m trying to drift off. This particular balm contains Lavender and Chamomile essential oils (it smells unreal) to keep you calm and relaxed. It’s not sticky either so don’t worry about getting stuck to your pillow! Apparently, massaging it onto your pulse points (temples, neck and wrists) makes it last longer due to your heartbeat! I apply this just before I get into bed and I have the best night’s sleep as a result!

CHECK OUT THE BALM HERE

Melting Shower Cream – £6.00

In summer, I prefer to have showers as baths are just too hot for me at this time of year! This shower cream is amazing! Not only does it keep you clean and fresh, it also melts into an oil when you massage it onto wet skin, leaving you feeling soft and silky. I used to hate using oily products until I realised how good they were for my skin. I’ve started putting oils into my bath too, to help me relax and also to keep my skin moisturised and nourished. This shower cream smells incredible too, featuring lavender and chamomile – perfect for bedtime. If you take a shower before bed, the warm water actually causes your body to relax and eases any tension built up throughout a long and stressful day!

CHECK OUT THE SHOWER CREAM HERE

Pillow Spray – £7.00

I’ve been using this product for a while now. It was so helpful when I was extremely anxious about my exams late at night (there’s a theme here) and I couldn’t get to sleep. I simply sprayed this onto my pillow and I was able to calm down and drift off! Lavender and chamomile actually help to reduce anxiety in order to experience a better night’s sleep. In fact, lavender increases the brain waves that are associated with relaxation, so as you can probably tell, this pillow spray contains all the right ingredients!

CHECK OUT THE PILLOW SPRAY HERE

I absolutely love these products and I can’t find a single thing wrong with them. They’re not only beautiful to look at but they’re a joy to use! I’ve never found anything that works this well at helping me drift off. I will definitely be using these around exam time next year when I’m going to need all of the sleep that I can get! I feel so pampered and relaxed after using these products and I can’t see myself not using them now as they’re part of my night-time routine. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these products before as I’d love to hear your thoughts! What do you use to help you sleep?

I’ve linked all of my social media so come and say hi!

I’ll be back soon with another post!

N xxxx

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Tags Bath, BEAUTY, blogger, Chamomile, Lavender, Lifestyle, Mindfulness, Photography, Photos, Relaxation, Review, Shower, Sleep

Peppermint Tea

Thermal Water Bottle

NETFLIX – SEX EDUCATION

PRICE

PACKAGING

WHAT’S INSIDE?

1ST ROW SWATCHES

2ND ROW SWATCHES

3RD ROW SWATCHES

WHAT DO I THINK?

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This post contains affiliate links

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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.

FOR HER: UNDER £5

FOR HIM: UNDER £5

FOR HER: UNDER £10

FOR HIM: UNDER £10

FOR HER: UNDER £20

FOR HIM: UNDER £20

FOR HER: UNDER £50

FOR HIM: UNDER £50

FOR HER: LUXURY

FOR HIM: LUXURY

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So, what’s the verdict?

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This is a paid collaboration, however all opinions are my own!

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

HOW MUCH IS IT?

IS IT WORTH IT?

Phase Zero – Metal Foil Eyeshadow in “Gold Roses” – RRP £4.75

Elizabeth Arden – Maximum Volume Mascara in “Black 01” – RRP £22

Model Co – Highlighting Trio – £16

So Susan – Haute Light Pencil – RRP £15

NYX – Lip Lingerie in “Bedtime Flirt” & “Push-Up” – RRP £7

Sunkissed – Hello Sunshine Powder – RRP £3.99

Bourjois – Khol and Contour 16hr Pencil – RRP £4.99

MOPBOX – Powder Brush – RRP £16

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This post contains affiliate links

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WHAT IS PAPERGANG?

Insta – @iraville

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This post contains affiliate links

BEDDING

LINKS: White Bees – Purple Paisley – Jungle Animals – Terrarium Print

LAUNDRY BASKETS/HAMPERS

LINKS: Pop Up Laundry Bin – Vintage Basket – Yellow and Grey Bin – Colours/Darks/Whites

COMMAND STRIPS & HOOKS

LINKS: Strips – Plain Hooks

FAUX PLANTS

LINKS: Faux Aloe Plant – Set of 2 Succulents – Llama Succulents – Copper Succulent

STORAGE

LINKS: Confetti Boxes – Pink Set of 4 – Set of 3 Rattan

MIRRORS

LINKS: Blue – Black – Rose Gold

HANGERS

LINKS: Copper Wire Hangers – Pastel Skirt Hangers

DOOR STOPS

LINKS: Blue Snail – Plain Grey – Cheese Wedge

CARDS

LINKS: Black Waterproof Playing Cards – Cards Againt Humanity – What Do You Meme – F**k The Game – WTF Did You Say? – Never Have I Ever

PORTABLE SPEAKERS

LINKS: Black Skull Candy Speaker – KitSound – Pink Wonderboom

CANDLES

LINKS: – Rose & Oud – Tropical Passion Fruit & Blueberry – Mango Peach Salsa

FAIRY LIGHTS

LINKS: Pineapples – Geometric Copper – Copper Leaves

TOWELS

LINKS: Pink – Polka Dot – Terrazzo Print

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*This post contains affiliate links

Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser – £5.99

Refreshing Complete Cleanser – £5.99

Glycolic Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid – £5.99

Glycolic Overnight Peel – £5.99

LINKS: Str i ps – Plain Hooks

LINKS: Pink – Polka Do t – Terrazzo Print