Tag: blogger

BEAUTY

TAMMI X REVOLUTION PALETTE – REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date July 10, 2018
7 Comments on TAMMI X REVOLUTION PALETTE – REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! I’ve been doing a ridiculous amount of summer sales shopping this week and I’m feeling no regrets about it! Where have you been doing your summer shopping? This post is looking at the Tammi x Revolution collaboration palette, called Tropical Paradise and as usual, there’s going to be a full review including photos and swatches!

Revolution have been bringing us some amazing collaborations recently and this has to be one of my favourites! Tammi Clarke (makeupbytammi) is a youtuber who creates some of the most gorgeous makeup looks. She experiments a lot with colour and it always turns out beautifully! I knew her palette would be bright and vibrant and it’s exactly that and more…

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The packagaing is beautiful, apparently inspired by the carribean where Tammi’s hometown is! I just love the mixture of reds and oranges – it makes me feel warm to look at! I love that the font is a beautiful rose gold shade (you know how much I love that colour). The palette itself, is rose gold and reflective, much like Soph’s Extra Spice palette. It looks pretty and all but it just seems a tad plain to me. It would be nice if each of the collaborations had a really different look to them when it came to the palettes themselves.

Tammi, as a woman of colour, designed a palette to suit women of a similar skin tone to her – hence the amazing colourful and pigmented shades, however, I think there’s something for everyone included! Here it is in all of it’s glory, just look at those shades (dribbling emoji) Does anything scream “summer” more to you than this? I think not! The Tropical Paradise palette retails at £10 and it include includes 23 beautiful shadows, 11 shimmers and 12 mattes. We have a mixture of the bold and bright as well as some neutral shades, so there is plenty to play around with! I was expecting a layout similar to Soph’s and many other palettes, however, I was happy to discover that more has been packed into this one! It separates the more vibrant shades from the basic neutrals which makes the palette nice and simply to use. I always find that when shades are separated into categories, I can plan my look much quicker!

Pina Colada – A white/yellow shimmer – I love using this in the corner of my eye! I look so much more awake afterwards.
Queen Lou – A pink prosecco Shimmer – Pinky/prosecco shade and it’s just so pretty! I like using this to create a pink/purple smokey eye! It’s a great shade to put on the inner part of the lid.
Tropical – A warm orange Matte – I love using this to create warm makeup looks so it’s been an amazing shade for summer!
Coraline – A pinky purple Matte – Such a beautiful colour, I can’t wait to use this during autumn, it makes me think of the colour of the leaves!
Exotic – A cool gold (if that makes sense) – I love shades like this, they’re my go to for an everyday bit of glam!
Caribbean – A flirty pink shimmer – This shade is just so pretty! I love it – it’s the perfect pink. It’s so pigmented and easy to apply.
Purpy Purps – A rich purple matte – This is pretty much Vimto in the form of a shadow, plus I am obsessed with the name! It applied slightly patchy whilst I was swatching however I reckon it’s buildable.
Treasure – A copper shimmer – Again, shades like this are a must for me. Anything remotely gold or copper is right up my street! Look at that pigment too!
Adventure – A warm chocolatey brown matte – Everyone needs a shade like this for basic smokey eye looks!
Rich Soil – A grey/brown matte – Another great shade for adding some drama to a natural look.

Moonlight – A bright white shimmer – The perfect white to illuminate any look! It’s so pigmented too!
Enchanting – A chocolate brown shimmer – This shadow is so rich and pigmented, a little bit goes a long way!
Burning Heat – A pumpkin spice shimmer – This reminds me of everything Halloween – I’m excited to see what I can do with this during Autumn. It’s super pigmented!
Majestic – A grape purple matte – I’m slightly disappointed with this shade. Don’t get me wrong, it’s pigmented and beautiful however it’s very similar to Coraline and Purpy Purps. I just wish we’d been given another colour! Maybe a shimmery blue instead?
Paradise – An emerald green shimmer – This is BEAUTIFUL! It’s like a christmas green shimmer and it’s so pigmented that it blew my mind. I only needed to touch it once and that was my swatch complete! Really stunning shade.
Carnival – A Purple shimmer – I really love how rich in pigment this shade is. My eyes are green, so shades like this make the colour really pop! Imagine a look with Carnival and Caribbean
Golden Sands – A true gold shimmer – This reminds me of a brick of gold! It’s literally the perfect gold shimmer shadow – I use this pretty much every day. It just adds so much glam to my look, I can’t resist.
Rainforest – Deep green matte – It’s pigmented and smooth to apply however I probably won’t get much use out of it unless I’m being super creative!
Waterfall – A Yale blue matte – I don’t own a shade like this so I was happy to see it! It’s EXTREMELY pigmented and it practically glides onto the skin.
Midnight Stroll – A black matte – Everyone needs one of these in their life! When Halloween comes around you’ll be rinsing these shades! I always find a use for them, even if it’s just running it along my lower lashline as it adds some definition and makes me look so much more awake! (I somehow forgot to swatch this, but it looks as you would expect)

Coconut Cream – A pale cream matte – The perfect base shade! I use this every day. It’s also super creamy and easy to apply.
Nutmeg – A caramel matte brown – I love using this as a transition shade, it’s a must in my routine!
Isle of Spice – A cinnamon brown matte – I love using this to warm up my makeup looks, it’s another great transition shade but also works for a simple and natural look too.

WHAT DO I THINK OF IT?

Okay, so I absolutely love this palette! I think it’s a real reflection ot Tammi’s style and if you like her makeup looks, you’re going to love this! She often posts little tutorials on her instagram that demonstrate how to use the palette, so if you’re unsure of where to start, check it out. The shimmer shades are absolutely BOMB and there are none that I think need improving. The quality is amazing, considering they easily beat some of my higher end palettes! Most of the matte shades are highly pigmented but they may need a tiny bit of work to build them up! I like that this palette is different from the basic ones that come out all the time, it’s clear that thought and creativity went into it!

IS IT WORTH THE MONEY?

You’re paying £10 for a palette that is pigmented, well designed and great quality! I think that’s a fantastic deal if you ask me. Some high end palettes cost £40 and for a fraction of the price, you’re getting the same high quality – yes please? If you like being creative and colourful with your makeup, this is definitely the palette for you, however if you prefer a more natural look, I’d say put your £10 towards a different palette with some nmore natural shades in it.

I hope you enjoyed this review! I always enjoy writing about Makeup Revolution as I think they’re such a fantastic brand! It’s nice that they’ve been able to combine affordable prices with great quality makeup so that more people can afford it! People of all age groups are buying from them and I think that’s such a positive thing. I used to think that I had to spend a huge amount to have really good makeup but that isn’t the case anymore! Go ahead and check out my socials below, I’d love to hear from you!

READ MY SOPH X REVOLUTION REVIEW

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N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blogger, eyeshadow, Makeup, Makeup Revolution, palette, Photography, Photos, Review, Revolution, Swatches, Tammi Clarke

BEAUTY

ZOELLA BEAUTY: SPLASH BOTANICS – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date July 3, 2018
23 Comments on ZOELLA BEAUTY: SPLASH BOTANICS – REVIEW

Hey Guys,

I’m so excited about this post! I’ve been waiting so long for this range to drop and now I can finally review it for you – plus I need an excuse to buy it all anyway. I’m too excited to ramble any further so let’s get straight into the post!

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Zoella has launched her new summer beauty range, Splash Botanics, which consists of seven brand new products. This range is absolutely beautiful, the packaging is amazing and the scents are to die for. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know how tropical print mad I am. I literally live and breathe for some banana leaves, succulents and all things fruity so this range immediately appealed to me. Not only does it appeal to me but it will certainly appeal to many as tropical prints are everywhere right now so hats off to the branding team for this range! The prices are all very reasonable too which I think is great as so many of her audience are students who will no doubt be on a budget (I abso-frickin-lutely am). As usual, it seems like so much thought went into this range and every individual product has been well thought out and planned to perfection. I think this is, hands down, Zoella Beauty’s best range yet.

Botanic’eau – Body Mist

I have been loving and using all of Zoe’s fragrances all year round (particularly Let’s Spritz) so I was extremely excited to get my hands on this! I’ve used all of her fragrances so far and I love them all! They’re all so lovely and because Zoe releases them with seasons in mind, there’s always one that’s perfect for you at any point in the year.

Firstly, this packaging is unreal – I love that you can see the beautiful tropical print through the bottle – this definitely reflects how creative Zoe and her team have been with this range in particular. The bottle looks so elegant and expensive that it could definitely pass as something other than a drugstore fragrance. It also happens to smell pretty damn good too, with a green, water and floral scent, featuring freesia and iris flours. It’s perfect for hot summer days as it feels so lightweight and fresh. It’s a fragrance for all occasions, I would wear it during the day as well as on a night out. It’s also only priced at £8 which is amazing vaue, given that it contains 45ml and a little bit goes a long way.

CHECK OUT THE BODY MIST HERE

So Soft – Lip Oil

This might be my favourite thing in the range and given I’ve never really enjoyed using lip oils, that’s saying something! It’s cherry scented (my absolute favourite) and it’s enriched with almond, jojoba and argan oils so it’s super hydrating and moisturising. It doesn’t oily or sticky at all and it’s extremely lightweight – I don’t feel like I’m wearing anything when I have it on. After a few days of applying this product I’m already noticing a huge difference as my lips feel so much more nourished and soft. Zoe mentioned that she had been trying to make this perfect for so long and you can definitely tell by the formula as well as the packaging. I love having this in my handbag for on-the-go use as it’s very travel friendly too! It’s priced at £5 which I think is really great for such a nice quality product.

CHECK OUT THE LIP OIL HERE

Lagoon Love – Bath Milk Powder

I loved the bath milk powder that Zoe bought out in the Snowella range so I knew this would be just as good, if not better! For a beautifully moisturising soak, simply empty the sachet under warm running water and swish it around until completely dissolved. It features hydrating coconut water and radiance-boosting lychee so obviously it smells fantastic! It’s priced at £3 per sachet.

CHECK OUT THE BATH MILK POWDER HERE

Make A Splash – Moisturising Body Wash

This is such an amazing product! It feels so thick and luxurious on the skin and the formula leaves me feeling fresh and moisturised! It’s so creamy too which I didn’t expect from a drugstore body wash. I tend to use this for shaving my legs as it lathers so nicely and it keeps my skin feeling silky soft afterwards. It’s also great for a morning shower as the fragrance is so refreshing and energising! Again, it features coconut water and lychee so the fragrance is the same as most of the other products in this range. It’s priced at £6 which is pretty good for a big bottle of product.

CHECK OUT THE BODY WASH HERE

Quench Me – Body Sorbet

I was so intrigued by the whole “sorbet” aspect as I’m always looking for new products to keep my skin moisturised all year round but I can’t say I’ve ever tried a “sorbet”. I genuinely love this product! The gel-like formula is so lightweight and fluffy and my skin absorbs it almost instantly. I absolutely hate applying thick and greasy moisturisers during summer so it was a relief to find something that’s almost like applying fluffy whipped cream to your skin. It practically glides on and I’ve been using A LOT at once. Very very impressed!

CHECK OUT THE BODY SORBET HERE

“Beautiful” – Cosmetic Bag

I seem to collect makeup bags. I don’t even travel that much and yet I have a drawer overflowing with them. However, that didn’t stop me purchasing this one! Look at that gorgeous tropical print! Even the zip is in the shap of a tiny leaf – what more could you want? It’s a great size too so I’ll definitely be taking this on holiday with me as I think I could fit a fair amount into it. It’s also really lovely quality which I think is why it’s priced at £10 – I would happily pay this for something that keeps more than £10 worth of products protected!

CHECK OUT THE COSMETIC BAG HERE

I hope you enjoyed this post as much as I enjoyed writing it! I think this whole range is fantastic and there isn’t a single product that I don’t love or use regularly. The scent is also to die for, let alone the beautiful tropial packaging. Let me know what you think of this range in the comments! I’ve linked all of my social media below so come and say hi!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

N xxxx

Tags Bath, BEAUTY, blogger, Photography, Photos, Review, Summer, Tropical, Zoella, Zoella Beauty

LIFE LIFESTYLE REVIEWS

CAPTIVATED BY CASEAPP*

Hey Guys,

If you didn’t already know, I am a tad obsessed with phone and laptop cases. I know it sounds weird but I just love the idea of chopping and changing what they look like! I’ve always had about ten different cases on the go but I think I’ve found the best place to go when I need some replacements! Today’s post is in collaboration with Caseapp, a brand who offer hundreds of different designs for cases but also allow you to make your own custom cases. They kindly gifted me two lovely acccessories however all opinions are completely my own!

*Unpaid AD & Gifted Items

The homepage is so straightforward and it’s super easy to navigate your way around the site. I love the idea of being able to customise your own laptop and phone cases as well as being able to choose from hundreds of pre-made designs! CaseApp have accessories for Iphones, Androids, Macbooks, Ipads – there’s just so much choice.

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Here’s a mini selection of my favourites – look how gorgeous these designs are! There’s literally pages and pages of different designs to choose from (this is just a tiny amount of the iphone cases available) so you’re bound to find something that is perfect for you.

I even tried designing my own case too which didn’t turn out too badly if I may say so myself. It was SO quick and easy. I just uploaded a photo that I loved and then bam it was made into a phone case ready to order!

I ended up going for the “Banana Leaf” Iphone 8 case and the “Green is Mean” Macbook skin. I have a thing for all things tropical print so this was a no brainer for me! There’s so many other prints available and yet I was immediately drawn to these.

How pretty are these?! I am obsessed! The laptop skin was so easy to stick onto my Macbook, it literally took less than a minute and it’s there to stay! The phone case protects my phone whilst also looking 10/10 so what more could you want? I really really recommend checking these guys out as they have so much to offer and I reckon you will love them. Their products don’t just look good, they’re really well made and will definitely do a great job at keeping those screens protected!

If you decide to order some goodies, go ahead and use my discount code NINALOUISELAW20 for 20% off

CHECK OUT CASEAPP HERE

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! I’ll be back on Friday at 6 o’clock with my June favourites post, I hope you’ll be there too!

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N xxxx

Tags blogger, Design, Iphone, June, Lifestyle, Photography, Photos, Review, Summer, Technology, Tropical

LIFE PAPERGANG

PAPERGANG JUNE 2018: REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date June 19, 2018
No Comments on PAPERGANG JUNE 2018: REVIEW

Hey Guys,

Somehow, it’s time for the June Papergang review! I hope you’re all doing well and that you’re enjoying the nice weather that the UK has blessed us with over the last couple of days. I always include a little bit of info about Papergang and what they’re all about so if you just want to see there 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.

This month’s box was designed by a green fingered goddess, Maddy Gale, a photographer and a gardener, which totally explains the beautiful floral packaging. Although the base of the design is quite dark, it’s brightened up with pretty little flowers and petals. It’s like a dark and less pastel version of Cath Kidston patterns.

Follow Maddy Gale–

Insta – @SoWedgier

A4 (ish) NOTEBOOK – £4.95

This notebook features the same design that the box features (which is also my phone background thanks to Papergang’s downloadable wallpapers!) Inside it’s much more of a diary as every other page features a task list, space for a date, appointments and doodles, whilst the other pages are lined for notes.

A6 NOTEPAD – £3.95

I get through HEAPS of these! I can get through one a month if I’m super busy. I just find them so useful for having around the house and I love that there’s space for a whole list because if you’re anything like me and leave everything until last minute, you’ll be needing a whole page at a time! I was very happy to find this little goodie in my June Papergang box!

WOODEN RULER – £3.50

I actually really like this! One month, we receievd a fleuorescent pink plastic ruler and I just wasn’t a fan – read that review here – however this one seems much more girl-boss and it gives me “I am currently adulting” vibes which occasionally I’m going to need believe it or not! Even though it’s wood, it’s very light and could easily pop into your pencil case plus it only goes up to 13cm so it’s perfect for a spot of bullet journal editing etc.

BRASS PEN – £5.50

Okay, so as most of you know, I am a huge gold and rose gold addict, so first glance I thought I would love this however I’m still unsure. Don’t get me wrong, it’s beautiful and it’s clearly a very high quality pen, but the design absolutely bamboozles me. Maybe I’m just a simple being but every time I pick it up, I can’t figure out where to open it! I spend more time trying to get the pen to show itself than I do using it which is a bit annoying. I’m sure there are lots of people out there fully able to use it properly but unfortunately I don’t seem to be one of them! When I finally get the lid off, it works just fine, it just seems a bit of a faff to me! I do appreciate that it’s much prettier than my current selection of pens though!

GIFTWRAP – £1.75

The design is the same as is featured on the box and the notebook which is a shame as I would’ve loved to see something different. However, I really love getting giftwrap in Papergang boxes! Not only does it come in super handy, but it’s also nice to wrap gifts in beautiful designs like this! I like to go all out with my wrapping, particularly at christmas so this is going straight into my pile of wrapping paper waiting for December to arrive again!

Overall, I did like this box! I had a few teeny tiny issues with some things but I appreciate that not every Papergang box can please everyone. All of these items are clearly created with high quality in mind as usual and I know that I’ll use all of them on a regular basis! i love the design, I would’ve liked to see some more though. This box values at £19.65 and considering I paid £10.95 plus £2.95, I think that’s pretty good value! I’ve linked all of my social media down below so go and give me a follow and come and say hi!

N xxxx

If you would like to subscribe, my invite is here!

If you want to know any more about Ohh Deer, click here!

READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW

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Tags Art, blogger, Design, Floral, Lifestyle, Ohh Deer, PAPERGANG, Photography, Photos, Review, Stationery, Subscription

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JUNE 2018: 5TH BIRTHDAY – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date June 15, 2018
4 Comments on BIRCHBOX JUNE 2018: 5TH BIRTHDAY – REVIEW

This post contains affiliate links

Hey Everyone,

June is flying by and that means another Birchbox review is coming your way! I’m enjoying the freedom from exams now and I feel much more like myself again. I keep catching myself watching TV or lying on the sofa and suddenly panicking, thinking I should be doing revision instead! I get my results in a couple of weeks so I just want time to move a little faster so I can find out and put those horrible exams behind me. Does anyone else feel like the exams aren’t quite over until the results are in? Anyway, below I’ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see 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!

CLICK HERE TO READ MY MAY BIRCHBOX REVIEW!

*RRPs correspond to full-size items in the Birchbox shop!

You may have noticed, June’s box came in a tin. I’m so used to our cute little drawer-like boxes that this came as a bit of a surprise when I first saw it but I actually quite like it. I’ve already got it displayed on a shelf in my room because it’s just so cute! It reminds me of the biscuit tins I would find in my Grandma’s kitchen if you know what I mean?!

This box is all about Birchbox’s 5th birthday! I love the British tea party vibes, perfect for some summer evening shindig inspiration. As usual there’s a great variety of productsincluded in this box (there’s actually 6 this month). We have some makeup, haircare and even tea bags!

Ella Eden – Compact Eyeshadow “Julia” – £12.99

I am a sucker for a shimmer shadow so I was super excited to receive this! As usual, we were offered a choice between two products and in this case it was between the shades “Faith” or “Julia”. I usually wear something light and shimmery on my lid so I chose the shade “Julia” just because I can see myelf wearing this a lot! It’s so easy to apply and it’s extremely pigmented which means it hardly takes any effort at all. Not only is the colour-pay-off incredible but it’s also really long-lasting and stays put all day. I’ve been applying it with a wet brush and it’s just mindblowingly sparkly as a result. It’s also cruelty-free!

CHECK OUT THE EYESHADOW HERE

Benefit – POREfessional Pearl Primer – £27.50

Right so let’s get it out in the open, I’m not sure about this primer. It’s not that it doesn’t work or that it isn’t a good, product but the price is just far too much for me. I have found drugstore primers do just as well if not better so I just can’t justify spending that much. However, receiving it as a sample was a lovely treat! It’s pretty much the same as the original POREfessional primer, except it contains pink pigment to brighten the skin. I’m all for a dewy look so I’m totally down for this primer however the price is a real put off for me. If you’re looking for a dupe, check out the Natural Collection Hydrating and Radiance Primer (it costs £2.99 plus you get more product so you can’t go wrong really).

CHECK OUT THE POREFESSIONAL PEARL PRIMER HERE

Number 4 – Jour d’automme Smoothing Balm – £24.50

You know that episode of Friends where Monica’s hair goes absolutely nuts due to the heat? Well, that’s usually me in summer so this product was a winner in my eyes before I’d even tried it! This balm targets frizz by restoring softness and by protecting against humidity and heat damage. It’s like my dream hair mask! It works a treat during the warmer and muggy weather – speaking of muggy is anyone else finding Love Island really dull this year?! I’ve been watching the Australian one (traitor I know) and it’s actually really good! Anyway, I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a frizz free summer!

CHECK OUT THE SMOOTHING BALM HERE

Polaar – Velvety Sun Fluid Face & Body – £25

I think I’ve always used the highest factor of suncream possible on holiday because there ain’t no way this girl is gonna burn thank you very much (I also want to take care of my skin). Seeing as this sunscreen is pretty high at 30, I’m definitely willing to give it a shot – probably on the really hot days we have here in the UK (if we ever get any again). It offers high UVA and UVB protection, it fights sunburn and premature ageing as well as being super moisturising for the skin which is exactly what you want when you’re spending a day in the sun. It was definitely a good idea to include this in the June box as I’m sure lots of people are getting ready to go on holiday and will need some sunscreen in their travel bag!

CHECK OUT THE SUN FLUID HERE

Amika – Bombshell Blowout Spray – £14.99

I already absolutely love Amika and their products as they smell freaking AMAZING and the packaging is gorgeous to (plus they actually work of course). This spray works on damp and dry hair and BOOM you’ve got yourself some volume as well as heat protection, which I definitely need! It’s so lightweight and easy to apply that it’s super easy to add it into your usual routine. I won’t even attempt to describe how good this smells but all I can say is that it’s extremely good!

CHECK OUT THE SPRAY HERE

Whittard of Chelsea – Teabags

This month we were treated to these lovely goodies from Whittard of Chelsea! I am a tea drinker through and through and I probably spend hours every week just sitting and sipping so there are perfect for me! The three flavours included are; Earl Grey, Mango & Bergamot and Lemon & Ginger. I’m actually a lover of Earl Grey and I’ve been drinking it since I was little, I just find it helps me relax and it makes me feel all cosy and chilled out. I love fruity teas during summer too so I’m really looking forward to trying these!

CHECK OUT THE TEA HERE

I was really happy with this month’s box and I reckon I’ll be using all of these products within a couple of weeks. I would have liked to see some more skincare in this box but then again we can’t have everything every month so I’m not too fussed. However, I do love that they included another gift in this box and switched things up a little to celebrate! I’ll definitely be keeping the gorgeous little tin and I think I’ll fill it with my polaroids from summer. What do you think of this box? Would you be happy with it? Let me know your thoughts in the comments as usual, I love to hear from you! I’ve linked all my social media below so come and say hi!

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

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

Tags 2018, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blogger, Cosmetics, Hair, Holiday, June, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Summer, Tea

BEAUTY MAKEUP

SOPH X REVOLUTION: EXTRA SPICE PALETTE & LIPSTICKS – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date June 12, 2018
26 Comments on SOPH X REVOLUTION: EXTRA SPICE PALETTE & LIPSTICKS – REVIEW, SWATCHES & PHOTOS

Hey Everyone,

I’m super excited for this post as I’m reviewing the new Soph X Revolution palette and her new lipsticks! I ordered them as soon as they were released as I just knew they would all be amazing. I’m also a huge fan of Sophie and her channel so I was more than happy to support her with this! Some of you may have read my review of her first palette but if you haven’t you can read that here. Either way, I’m too excited to keep talking any longer so bring on the review!

*This post contains affiliate links

The packaging is pretty much a the opposite version of her first palete, this time with the case being rose gold and the palette itself being a matte nude/pink shade. It retails at £10 (wow) The lipsticks are also a new addition to this collaboration – I totally wasn’t expecting these! There are three in total, all creamy satin nudes and they retail at £4 each.

This packaging, as you probably know is just SO ME! I absolutely love anything rose gold, so I’m considering framing it to be honest. It’s so pretty and sleek looking that I can’t wait to put it on my dressing table so I can see it every day! I love that she’s been able to create a second palette and I would honestly keep buying them if she brought out another ten. Soph said she wanted to create something that could be the “extra spice” in someone’s makeup collection and I reckon she’s done just that. I can see myself using this palette every day and it just stands out from everything else I own.

So this palette features 18 shades and JUST LOOK AT THEM – I cannot get over how stunning these colours are and there’s such a great variety! Soph picked every shade and named them herself! I love that each shade means something different to her and that the whole palette is a reflection of her personality. There’s a mixture of 6 shimmers and 12 mattes in this palette so there’s plenty to choose from! Compared to her previous palette, it’s definitely a bit more bold and vibrant however it still has a very generously sized mirror! Can we also talk about that fact that she definitely took on board our feedback and added labels to each shade within the palette! I love that, as I’m forever losing those plastic sheets that come with the names on.

Every Day – A duo-chrome pale purple with a white/iridescent shift – Super pigmented and creamy
Running Late – A matte orange with a light brown undertone – My kind of transition shade
Infinity – A silver/metallic shimmer – WOW, this is so pigmented and buttery
Cheesecake – A matte chesnut brown with red undertones – A great shade for a smokey eye
Cookie Dough – A matte soft/light brown – Another good one for transitioning
Dreams – A warm copper shimmer – So creamy and smooth, extremely pigmented

Vitamin C – A bright matte yellow – The only shade I’m disappointed with, I just found this was too patchy and the colour pay off wasn’t great
Sweet n Sour – A warm matte orange – I can’t wait to use this for summery makeup looks
Twenty One – A cherry pink with red undertones – I’ve never used a more pigmented pink/red, this is incredible
Romance – A rich burgundy shimmer with a pink shift – I think I’m in love, this might well be my favourite shade in the palette
Enchanted – A matte purple with red wine-type undertones – This is such an interesting shade, it kind of reminds me of “Rowdy” in the Subculture palette!
Lakes – A matte olive/khaki green – Given that 90% of my wardrobe is khaki this is bound to come in handy

Brownies – A very deep brown with purple undertones – Again, this was a tad patchy but with a few layers it builds up
Chocolate Orange – A warm brown with red undertones – I love shades like this for every day simple looks
Mulled Wine – A matte Ribena Purple – This shade is so vibrant and bright, it’s such a great shade for anyone into bold looks (aka me most of the time)
LA Sun – A bright gold shimmer – Bloomin’ heck these shimmers are all just incredible, this one in particular is something else!
Aurora – An olive/khaki shimmer – It’s like shrek met a disco ball, I am loving this shade however it wasn’t as creamy as the other shimmers in the palette, it took a few swatches
Reputation – A matte charcoal black – I’m so glad she included a matte black shade again as I don’t own one and I always seem to end up needing it! It’s also great for really dramatic looks too!

Soph x Revolution Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos

So, there’s three gorgeous nude shades in this collection. From top to bottom we have, Syrup, Fudge and Cake. Below, I’ve reviewed them all separately so keep scrolling!

Syrup – This is the kind of nude that most people could pull off. It’s a very simple brown nude, which typically I would run away from but I because of the creamy satin texture and finish, I’m absolutely loving it! I love that it’s so soft and silky on the lips too, as I hate anything drying and sometimes pale nudes can have “foundation lip” look to them which is a no from me but this bad boy is a 10/10 on that front.

Check out the shade Syrup here

Soph x Revolution Fudge Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos

Fudge – This is a darker nude to Syrup and I was originally kind of terrified of this shade as it looked so so dark. However, upon trying it on it didn’t swatch that way whatsoever! It actually came up on me as a kind of dark orange nude which I really like! I’d suggest swatching it before buying it just to double check it’s what you think it is as it will probably look very different on different skintones! Either way I love it and I reckon I will be wearing this shade A LOT during Autumn.

Check out the shade Fudge here

Soph x Revolution Cake Lipstick Review, Swatches & Photos

Cake – This is by FAR my absolute favourite lipstick in the collection. It’s pretty much your basic pink nude. I can tell this will be an everyday product for me and I actually prefer it to a majority of my high-end lipsticks which is crazy considering I only paid £4 for it?! It’s kind of giving me Velvet Teddy vibes, anyone else?

Check out the shade Cake here

Overall, I am EXTREMELY impressed with this collection. Soph has given us another fantastic palette along with three beautiful nude lippies. Firstly, the palette is an absolute dream. There are some things that I would change however, like the pigmentation of Vitamin C and Aurora as I think they could both be even better. That being said, the other 16 shades are honestly very very good. The quality of the packaging is also amazing. The shimmers are so buttery and creamy and the mattes are super easy to blend out. I would easily pay £20 for this palette let alone the £10 that it actually retails at (wowza). The lipsticks are equally as fabulous too. I don’t know what they used to make them but I’ve never used anything that buttery or creamy before and there’s just no going back now! It’s safe to say that I am now a brown lippie convert. I would really recommend trying these out!

I really hope you enjoyed this review and found it helpful as I know lots of people are deciding what they want to order from this collection!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, blogger, Cosmetics, eyeshadow, Lipstick, Makeup Revolution, palette, Photography, Photos, Review, Soph x, Sophdoesnails, Swatches

BEAUTY

ELIZABETH ARDEN – CREAM SHADOW “02 OVERBOARD” – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date June 8, 2018
14 Comments on ELIZABETH ARDEN – CREAM SHADOW “02 OVERBOARD” – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

I hope you’re all doing well! Today’s review is slightly different but I thought it was worth a shot! Any fellow beauty nerds out there will know that this product was released four years ago, as part of the 2014 Summer Escape range! So how come I’m reviewing it now? Well anyone that knows me well, knows I absolutely love a visit to TK Maxx every now and again. They have an amazing selection of makeup and beauty products, often high-end outdated ranges. I’m always finding NARS, MAC, Too Faced and Bare Minerals bits and pieces! On one of my trips, I discovered this little gem and I simply had to buy it! I know lots of you are makeup lovers so I thought I would share my thoughts! You’re actually still able to get hold of this product via the American Elizabeth Arden website if you click here.

I was immediately drawn the the beautiful packaging! I love the nautical vibes – perfect for summer! It almost hurt to throw the box away – does anyone else hoard unnecessary amounts of packaging? I’ve never tried anything by Elizabeth Arden before so I guess this is a first impressions post as well as a review!

I really like that the pot continues to show off the gorgeous nautical print featuring a gold rope design across the navy lid. It’s also a screw cap so you don’t have to worry about the lid flying off at any point (always a bonus, nobody wants to open their makeup bag to find a jackson pollock remake). I love taking little pots like this on holiday with me because they barely take up any room and there’s still enough product inside to create some lovely looks.

Today I’m specifically looking at Overboard, a shimmery blue cream shadow. LOOK AT THAT! I fell in love with this shade – it literally looks like the ocean. I love wearing colourful eyeshadows during Summer so I knew I could be creative with this one in particular. I don’t actually own anything like this either so I’m excited to add it to my makeup collection!

I dont think I’ve ever come across anything so creamy and soft! It was a dream to apply and even easier to blend out! I layered it a couple of times for the purpose of the photo but it can be worn with just one layer for a subtle pop of blue. I was so surprised at how pigmented it was too, I was expecting it to be really sheer. The shadow also lasts really well too – I’ve worn it all day before and it hasn’t budged – even in this hot weather. I like to apply it on top of a shimmery silver shadow and then it pops even more. It’s also enriched with Aloe and Vitamin E to protect the eye area and soothe your skin.

CHECK OUT THE EYESHADOW HERE

Overall, I think this shadow is amazing. The quality, the lasting power, the packagaing – the whole lot is 10/10. I love love love it! I really recommend checking out your local TK Maxx because they have some little gems hidden amongst their makeup troughs, so get searching! Have you ever tried any Elizabeth Arden products? If so, what do you love or hate? What have you found in TK Maxx? I hope you enjoyed this post and I’ll be back soon with another!

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

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N xxxx

Tags BEAUTY, blogger, Cosmetics, Elizabeth Arden, eyeshadow, July, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Summer

LIFE PAPERGANG

PAPERGANG MAY 2018: REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 22, 2018
4 Comments on PAPERGANG MAY 2018: REVIEW

Hey Guys,

Today is Papergang day! I absolutely love writing these reviews, they’re some of my favourite things to write about as I am a true stationery addict. This month’s items were so great and I cannot wait to share them with you. I always include a little bit of info about Papergang and what they’re all about so if you just want to see there review, keep scrolling until you see some photos!

WHAT IS PAPERGANG?

The packaging for the May box is so gorgeous, with the cutest little doodles covering it (that pear is just adorabe). As soon as I saw the box I was desperate to see what was inside. This month’s box was in collaboration with Hello! Lucky, a fantastic design studio based in San Francisco. It was founded by sisters Eunice and Sabrina Moyle back in 2003 and have since been recognised for their fun and quirky designs. I love anything playful and vibrant so these guys are right up my street.

Follow Hello! Lucky –

Insta – @HelloLuckyCards

Website –https://www.hellolucky.com

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. Also, no, your eyes are not playing tricks on you, the print is actually slightly blurry – I promise it’s not my photography!

A5 LINEN NOTEBOOK – £12.95

You guys know what I’m like with notebooks – I have rather a few and I’m beyond addicted. Obviously, I was super pleased to find this gorgeous linen notebook in this month’s box! I love the message displayed on the cover – I need more things like that around to remind me to stay positive. If university has taught me anything, it’s that you can choose who and what you surround yourself with. Since pushing away anything that made me unhappy, I feel so so much better so this message is really important to me! It’s also really well-made and it just feels like a good notebook – you know? The cover is such a nice texture too, as it’s wrapped with a blue linen. Inside the notebook (front and back pages) there’s a collection of Hello! Lucky’s fun illustrations.

2 x STICKER SHEETS – £1.95

I LOVE stickers and I have done since I was a kid. I used to collect them and stick them all over my dresser and bed frame, I still have some of those urges to this day and Papergang is my main supplier! For some reason I just need stickers in my life, even if they do just live in a box on my desk for a while before I actually can bear to use them. I can’t wait to stick these in my scrapbooks to brighten up the pages!

SET OF 3 PATCHES – £8.95

Recently, I’ve been decorating my denim jackets with pins and patches like there’s no tomorrow, so I was so happy to see these adorable litttle goodies this month. I literally can’t wait to iron these onto the denim pieces that are waiting in my wardrobe. Patches are so great for personalising your clothes, I love doing it to old denim jackets and bags because then it really feels like they’re my own! They’re also a great way to freshen up any clothes you’re getting a bit bored of.

GREETING CARD – £2.50

I LOVE getting cards in my Papergang boxes. They’re just so fab for when someone’s got a birthday etc and when you haven’t got time to nip out and get one. I love having a little collection of cards in my room and so far I’ve not missed any important dates thank to Papergang! This card is just so adorable, I love the message and the colours and I can already think of someone that would love to open this on their Birthday!

Overall, I’m so happy with my May Papergang box. All of these items are so great and I know that I’ll get so much use out of them! I love the cute and quirky little illustrations and I will definitely go and look at Hello! Lucky’s products as I’m particularly a fan of those little fruits with faces – what more could you want? This box values at £26.35 and considering I paid £13.90 (monthly subscription fee and postage) and as usual, that’s fantastic value! I’ve linked all of my social media down below so go and give me a follow and come and say hi!

N xxxx

If you would like to subscribe, my invite is here!

If you want to know any more about Ohh Deer, click here!

READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW

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Tags Art, blogger, Design, Desk, Lifestyle, Office, Photography, Photos, Review, School, Stationery, Student, Subscription

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX MAY 2018: PALM LEAVES & WARM BREEZE – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 18, 2018
4 Comments on BIRCHBOX MAY 2018: PALM LEAVES & WARM BREEZE – REVIEW

Hey Guys,

I’m so nearly finished with my exams and I can’t wait for freedom! I’m really looking forward to spending some more time on my blog and being able to throw away all my revision cards (there’s quite literally hundreds). Either way, I have Birchbox looking out for me with their wonderful boxes! Below, I’ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see the review – keep scrolling!

Click here to read my April Birchbox review!

*RRPs correspond to full-size items in the Birchbox shop!

This month, Birchbox have brought the rainforest to our doorsteps with this gorgeous tropical print packaging. I am obsessed with all things banana leaf and tropical print so this was immeidtaley a favourite of mine. I actually wrote all about my favourite tropical interior bits HERE. This box is so pretty and I will definitely be using it to store things in!

The theme for this month appears to be concentrating on the (hopefully) warmer and sunnier days ahead. It’s been so nice to have a taste of summer over the last few days and I cannot wait to enjoy the weather properly once my exams are out of the picture. This month’s box has a good variety of products which I’m like as I enjoy trying loads of different products in my spare time and it’s boxes like this one, that allow me to do that! It was also great to recieve products from brands that I hadn’t heard of as I love discovering new things within the beauty community.

Doucce – Luscious Lip Stain in “Steaming Red” – RRP £21*

I’m actually a huge fan of Doucce and I’ve been using their products for a while now so I have high expectations when I saw that this lip stain was included this month. This lipstain actually went above and beyond what I was hoping for and it’s become my new go-to lip product. It’s so pigmented that you don’t have to touch it once it’s applies which is a big bonus for me as I hate doing that. It dries matte and it dries super quickly too so you dont have to worry about sitting and waiting for it to dry whatsoever, you’re good to go almost immediately. It almost applies like a liquid lipstick except the formula is much softer and hydrating. This products smells incredible too! I will definitely be buying this again once I run out.

CHECK OUT THE LIPSTAIN HERE

Greenfrog Botanic – Geranium and Peppermint Botanical Bodywash – RRP £8.95*

This smells like a breath of fresh air, it’s honestly incredible! It’s a totally organic, cruelty-free and vegan product too which I know will win lots of people over. There’s something nice about using really natural products when it comes to skincare and this definitely ticks that box! It contains aloe vera which is so soothing and moisturing for the skin and will be perfect after days spent in the sunshine. It’s also a great product for sensitive skin, eczema and psoriasis.

CHECK OUT THE BODYWASH HERE

Native Unearthed – Activated Charcoal Natural Deodorant Balm – RRP £7.99*

I was totally intrigued by this from the minute I saw it. A deodorant balm?! It’s actually a nice alternative from using chemical-filled products to prevent body odour and it still managed to do everything you need it to. Filled with antibacterial coconut oil, soothing shea butter and sweat-absorbing arrowroot, this deodorant forms an invisible shield after you apply a pea-sized amount to your clean pits – simples (I can’t shake the image of the insurance meerkat now). It’s definitely not something I will be using everyday but when I need someting for on-the-go use, it’s super quick and easy to apply and will be perfect for my travel bag.

CHECK OUT THE DEODORANT BALM HERE

NUXE – Aquabella Micro-Exfoliating Purifying Gel – RRP £12*

I have been loving and using NUXE products for quite some time now and so I was really pleased to find this product in my May Birchbox. I mentioned in my April Favourites post that I’m using a skin treatment that dries it out so anything to help keep my skin feeling fresh is a must right now! This exfoliating gel definitely gets to work but it’s also super gentle and it leaves your skin feeling fabulous. I tend to use this every evening before bed as a cleanser and it’s been working a treat ever since I opened it!

CHECK OUT THE GEL HERE

Eyeko – Skinny Liquid Eyeliner – RRP £16*

I haven’t been wearing any liquid eyeliner for the past few weeks until I found this in my May Birchbox. I LOVE felt-tip style liners as I feel like they are much more precise than any other type and I can get a great wing whilst using them. This is so easy to use and I was able to get both eyes lined in minutes. It also lasts all day and that’s something I always look for when it comes to eye products. This is a fabulous product and I highly recommend giving it a try! It’s also a Teen Vogue winner so I can’t be the only one that rates it!

CHECK OUT THE EYELINER HERE

Overall I really enjoyed this month’s Birchbox and I was really impressed by the gorgeous packaging let alone the amazing variety of products that were included. The lip stain is probably my favourite product as I can see myself using this every day and it’s already a staple in my makeup bag! Let me know if any of you recevied this box and what your thoughts are on the products inside! Don’t forget to follow me on my social media which I’ve linked below – come and say hi!

N xxxx

CHECK OUT LAST MONTH’S BIRCHBOX REVIEW

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Click here to get your first Birchbox for £5 this May by using the code MAY5 (Offer runs from Tuesday, 22nd May to Thursday, 31st May)

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

Tags BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blogger, Cosmetics, Design, May, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Subscription

FASHION FASHION REVIEWS

HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT PROM DRESS*

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 15, 2018
3 Comments on HOW TO FIND THE PERFECT PROM DRESS*

Hey Guys,

Today I’m going to be talking about something a little different! I recently discovered an amazing website called Prom Dress Finder* which bascially helps you find the prom dress of your dreams in seconds! When I was searching high and low for a prom dress, I was so overwhelmed by the pages and pages of options on different websites. It felt like there was too much to look at and too many websites to visit. With Prom Dress Finder, it’s so much faster and easier to plan your perfect prom night.

*Paid AD

Since creating my blog, I’ve come to understand the importance of a simple layout and easy navigation when it comes to using websites. It’s pretty much the first thing that I look for. Nobody wants to spend ages trying to find exactly what they want and with Prom Dress Finder it’s super easy to find your way around. They have dresses from lots of different brands including Miss Selfridge, Asos and Missguided. You can filter the results in terms of colour and price too which is really helpful for finding exactly what you want. It makes me want to go and do prom again, now that I know how easy and stress-free it can be!

They have cateorgies to help you find exactly what you need and not only do they have dresses, but they also have shoes, accessories, hair styling tips and transport ideas. It’s got it all! I love that they have articles with lots of advice in as sometimes it can be really overwhelming to manage it all on your own! I’m someone that leaves lots of things until last minute and this can be so stressful when it comes to planning events like Prom! It’s so useful to have everything in one place so it makes organising things much easier.

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These are just a few of my favourites from their website – there are lots more! They have every style too and they also stock maternity, plus-sized, tall and petite dresses too so you’re bound to find something that suits YOU. As a girl with big boobs and a tiny body, it can be really hard to find any clothing that addresses this issue! It’s nice to see that they’ve attempted to cater for everyone. Prom is about feeling fabulous and I’m sure that by using this website, you’ll be well on your way!

This post is in collaboration with Prom Dress Finder. Anything marked with an “*” are sponsored links, which means I earn commission through every click, however all opinions are my own! I would love to know where you guys bought your prom dresses from and what you think of this fabulous website! I think it’s such a great idea and it really does take away all of the stress and it lets you enjoy picking your perfect dress! I’ve never seen a website that offers all of these features, so I think it deserves some recognition and also I hope it helps some of you if you’re going to Prom this year. If you do use this website, do let me know how you get on as I’d love to hear from you! Also, for any of you with exams, I wish you the best of luck!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, blogger, Dress, FASHION, Photography, Photos, Prom, Review, Student, Website

BEAUTY

BEAUTY BOULEVARD – GLITTER LIPS*

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 11, 2018
4 Comments on BEAUTY BOULEVARD – GLITTER LIPS*

Hey Everyone,

I’m back with another review (despite practically swimming in revision cards) and I’m really excited for this one because it’s a bit different to my usual go-tos in the makeup world. I was sent these gorgeous products a few weeks ago and I’ve been testing them out ever since and I’m definitely ready to spill the beans.

*Gifted Items

Today I’m going to be talking about the Beauty Boulevard’s Glitter Lips range. Each lip kit retails at £12.50. I really love the packagaing of these! I like that the colour of each lip kit is shown on the outside, which makes life a lot easier. I also like that they look very sophisticated and luxurious with the glitter and the black mixed together! It’s also fab that they say the name of the product on each one so you know exactly which one is which when youre picking one out (or for the sake of getting a flatlay like me #bloggingproblems). Each kit comes with some Gloss Bonding Glue, a pot of glitter and an applicator brush. They claim to be waterproof, smudgeproof, easy to apply AND long-lasting (about 8 hours). Typically, I run at unbelievable speed from anything glittery, so I was really keen to see if these products could change that. If you want to hear my thoughts, keep reading!

First up we have this daring shade called “Purple Reign”. It’s pretty much just a vibrant and rich purple glitter with specks of pink and indigo within it. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it could be my new best friend at Halloween (I’m getting dark and glamorous witch vibes).

Right, so this one is a bit hit and miss. The colour payoff is fantatsic and the sparkle is incredible BUT it was a nightmare to apply. I really struggled to hide my natural lip colour beneath it and because it’s such a dark colour, any gaps really stood out. I would recommend using a purple liquid lipstick before, maybe even mixing it with the glue to make the coverage slightly more even. I think this is a good product however with the right base, it could be even better. Either way, I’ll definitely be using this for Halloween!

Here, we have “Midas Kiss”, a sparkly gold glitter that pretty much looks like champagne in a pot and it’s absolutely gorgeous! I’ve never considered using a gold lip product before but the more I looked at this, the more I wanted to try it.

This was the colour I was most nervous for but do you know what? I actually loved it! I think I’ll end up using this during summer when I’m being more creative with colour but also for festivals and concerts. I’ve never been one to jump on the glitter and festival combo but this product definitely has me considering it. It was easy to apply and it also looks really cool. There’s something interesting about using an unusual colour when it comes to lip products and I think I will have loads of fun playing around with it.

Finally, we have “Diamond in the Buff”. This is a beautiful pink shade with an iridescent shift to it as well. This was the shade I was immediately drawn to and that’s probably because it doesn’t look too far off the lipsticks that I already use (minus the glitter).

As you can see, the colour is much lighter than it appears in the pot – probably due to it being more spread out as opposed to packed together. It’s my favourite shade out of the three and I can see myself wearing this quite a lot which is saying something! I love that it could pass as a natural colour with a bit of sparkle to it so it’s not too dramatic or intense. Again, it was super easy to apply and any gaps that showed through didn’t make a difference. It ties in so beautifully with a sparkly eyemakeup look too (see above pic).

Overall, these are great products however it’s definitely worth keeping in mind what you would definitely wear and what you wouldn’t. “Purple Reign” was the shade I was most unsure about but I can definitely think of ways to make it more wearable. I’d say that it mostly comes down to figuring out how and when you’d wear them and whether or not they’re your thing. Although that being said, glitter isn’t for me whatsoever and I would still find occasions to wear these – particularly “Diamond in the Buff”. The quality, the application AND the durability of all of these products it very good and considering that’s what they guarantee, I think that’s a good deal. I’d definitely suggest giving yourself some extra time to apply these and time to remove them if it doesn’t go to plan before you head out somewhere. One thing I noticed was that they were a nightmare to remove quickly, so also keep that in mind when considering buying them – is that something you’re fussed about or do you not mind? I’d also suggest looking at all of the colours that ar available as there’s lots to choose from! Again, although these were sent to me, this review is completely my own and all thoughts and opinions are mine too!

CHECK OUT THE RANGE HERE

Let me know what you think of these or if you’ve tried anything similar? Don’t forget to follow me on my social media – I’ve put the links below!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, blogger, Cosmetics, Glitter, Lip kits, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review

BEAUTY

NATURAL COLLECTION MAKEUP REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date May 4, 2018
37 Comments on NATURAL COLLECTION MAKEUP REVIEW

Hey Guys,

Today I’m reviewing some of the products within the Natural Collection range! I have such a soft spot for this brand as it was the only makeup I used when I was younger. It was actually the first brand that I ever tried! I started wearing very very light makeup (we’re talking basically might as well not be on my face) when I was about 12 for discos and parties. My mum would apply it and she would often use their lip glosses and lipsticks on me when we went on holiday so I could feel dressy and grown-up (lol) and so I thought I would relive some of my fond memories and also see what they currently have to offer!

Whilst I was visiting Bath with my boyfriend (click to read my post about our trip here), I managed to pick up these bits and pieces from the range! I love the simplistic packaging – it kind of gives me Topshop Makeup vibes what with the capital letters and the plain colours (love it). I tried to grab a good variety of products whilst also getting things I know that I will use so I hope this gives you some idea of what to expect from Natural Collection.

BRONZING POWDER – GOLDEN GLOW* – £1.99

First up is their Bronzing powder! It’s a lightly tinted powder with a subtle shimmer which I actually really like as I think it makes me look healthier. I tend to go for shimmery products when the sun starts to come out because when they catch the light it can look so pretty and they give off a gorgeous natural glow. This isn’t the most pigmented bronzer in the world and I wouldn’t expect it to be however I think I actually prefer that as it’s not too intense and it makes it easier to build up. It’s also enriched with camomile to help soothe and protect!

BUY THE BRONZER HERE*

POWDER BLUSHER – PEACH MELBA* – £1.99

I love a good peachy blusher and this ticks all the right boxes! It gives a subtle hint of colour to my skin and isn’t too intense so it’s perfect for more natural looks. It’s super easy to blend and build up (if necessary) as well. I love how delicate and subtle it is and I cannot wait to use it during Summer. It also contains camomile to help sooth and protect your skin.

BUY THE BLUSHER HERE*

TINTED LIP BALM – CRANBERRY KISS

I’ve been using these glosses for YEARS now and I honestly think they’re fab. I very rarely wear glosses as I prefer a matte look but whenever I need some extra moisture, I turn to these straight away! This was actually the first shade of their tinted lip balms that I ever used and I love the subtle pop of pink that it gives my lips. If you’re looking for something lightweight and really subtle, I’d definitely recommend trying these out!

LIQUID EYELINER – BLACK MATTE* – £2.49

I tend to go through phases of wearing liquid eyeliner. Recently I’ve been loving a more natural look but I know there will come a time when I need that extra something to make my eyes pop! When it comes to eyeliners, I like something that is really easy to apply and allows me to be really precise when I want to do a winged look. The brush is so tiny it’s perfect! I love using this to perfect my wings and also it’s smudge proof so what more could you want?

BUY THE EYELINER HERE*

BLUSH AND GLOW – BRONZE* – £2.49

I really wanted to try this because anything compact that has multiple products in is just such a winner in my eyes. I love being able to carry less and more at the same time! This little due contains a silky matte bronzer as well as a shimmering highlighter to give you a pop of colour and glow when you need it! The bronzer was much more pigmented than I expected but it’s definitely not too intense and can be built up if necessary. The highlighter was really pigmented however and it creates a lovely and natural looking shimmer to my complexion. For less than £3 you can’t go wrong really!

BUY THE DUO HERE*

TINTED LIP BALM – CARIBBEAN CRUSH

Unfortunately I can’t find links for either of the lip balms but I’m sure they still have them in store! I love using this shade to add a coral/nude gloss to my lips – particularly when I don’t fancy having anything intense or pigmented. Plus, they feel so nice and moisturising too so they’re lovely when you have dry lips that need repairing!

Overall, I actually really like these products. I like that they’re very focused on a natural look which is pretty hard to find these days. I also like that the packaging is simplistic and not too cluttered. I really like Natural Collection anyway because they offer such fantastic products for extremely good prices and it’s perfect for those that don’t want to pay ridiculous amounts of money for some good makeup. They also offer lots of shades, which means there are lots of options when choosing what would suit you best. I would really recommend trying these products – and the rest of the range, out! Don’t forget to follow me on my social media which I’ve linked below as I’d love it if you came and said hi!

N xxxx

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

*Anything marked with an “*” are affiliate links, which means I earn commission through every click, however all opinions are my own!

Tags BEAUTY, Beauty Blogger, blog, blogger, Cosmetics, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Swatches

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX APRIL 2018: CATH KIDSTON – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date April 24, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX APRIL 2018: CATH KIDSTON – REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

How are you all? I’m so glad that I’m finally able to review my April Birchbox! I have been at home for a while, so I wasn’t able to get hold of all of my post that arrived back at my flat. I’ve only just managed to get my hands on it and I have some really exciting posts coming up as a result! Below, I’ll include some info all about Birchbox, who they are and that they do, so if you just want to see the review – keep scrolling!

Birchboxis 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!

Click here to read my March Birchbox review!

*RRPs correspond to full-size items in the Birchbox shop!

This April, Birchbox have teamed up with British brand Cath Kidston to bring us a little sunshine! As soon as I heard that this month’s box was in collaboration with Cath Kidston, I knew that the packaging would be amazing! I don’t tend to shop there very often but I’ve always loved the way that they present their products and the beautiful designs that they bring out every year. The box is so pretty and I will definitely be using it to store things in!

The theme for this month is focused on doing things to brighten up your day. I love this concept as sometimes it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with all of the negative things going on and I end up losing sight of all of the great things. It’s been so nice to have some sunny weather and to see the flowers all coming out as these little pops of colour make me so happy and I love that this packaging reflects that! Even when things are getting me down I just know that looking at this gorgeous box will brighten my day for sure! This box has a great variety of products which I’m happy about as I like to try lots of different products in my spare time.

ModelCo – Baked Highlighter in “Moonshine”– RRP £24*

I have used the ModelCo mini contour stick which I have used religiously, every single day since I received it last year, so I had high hopes for this product when I first saw it! As most of you probably know already, I absolutely love highlighters and I have a scarily big (and growing) collection so I was super happy to receive another one this month! This highlighter is gorgeous and I love that it has a bronze tint to it which will make it perfect for summer. It’s really pigmented and easy to blend out however it’s such a shame that we were sent such a small sample. I think, personally, I would rather have one less product as opposed to a tiny sample of this one as it would be worth having some more to play around with.

CHECK OUT THE HIGHLIGHTER HERE

Beautaniq Beauty – Fill + Tame Brow Gel – RRP £8.60*

I have to say I’m more of a powder girl when it comes to my brows but I reckon I’ll use this because the colour is almost spot on. I also like how small the brush is, which makes it easy to control and apply, particularly if you prefer a more natural look. I love the packaging – it makes a change from the typical brow products you see around and it’s much prettier to look at! I like the fact that the formula is not only vegan but it’s also enriched with aloe leaf extract which keeps your brows nourished instead of straw-like (something I will do anything to avoid when it comes to brow gels).

CHECK OUT THE BROW GEL HERE

Cath Kidston – Hand Cream – RRP £2.50*

I’ve really been loving hand creams recently! I have one in my bag at all times and I’m slowly getting through my current tube so this came at the perfect time. It smells AMAZING and apparently it’s their signature scent – I can totally see why. It contains notes of jasmine, orange flower and vanilla! As well as smelling great, it actually works (always a bonus) and I will definitely be buying more of this. Also this packaging is to die for, it’s adorable!

CHECK OUT THE HAND CREAM HERE

Lumene – Valo (Light) Overnight Bright Sleeping Cream – RRP £22.50*

I really like the idea that whilst you sleep your skincare can be getting to work as I don’t always have time to really treat my skin. The formula is rich in anti-oxidants and targets dehydrated and fatigued skin (hello yes I’ll take ten please). It features Cloudberry seed extract, vitamin C and Hydraulic acid which all work to replenish your skin’s moisture levels! It leaves your skin refreshed and balanced which is definitely something I’m going to need with exams rapidly approaching.

CHECK OUT THE CREAM HERE

Marcelle – BB Cream Golden Glow Illuminator – RRP £22.50*

I’ve been sent this before and I actually really enjoyed using it last summer. It’s pretty much like a bottle of pure glow! It makes me look more awake and much healthier -the perfect holiday companion when I didn’t want to wear lots of makeup. If I were to label my skin type I would say dewy/oily, so I always go for products that work with that. This cream hydrates my skin as well as controlling shine (I don’t want to be blinding people when the sun hits my face) I always go for a dewy look when it comes to everyday makeup so this product fit right into my collection. I’d really recommend getting hold of this – it’s one of my faves!

CHECK OUT THE CREAM HERE

I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I enjoyed writing it! I also really enjoyed taking all of the photographs for this post (it gave me an excuse to use flowers again) Let me know if any of you received this box and what your thoughts were – I really liked it! It was nice to get some new things that I haven’t tried before and there was such a great variety of products this month too. Don’t forget to give me a follow on my social media to keep up with what I’m doing and to say hi – I love hearing from you!

N xxxx

Go ahead and use my link (here) to subscribe and you will get £5 off your first Birchbox!

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Tags April, BEAUTY, BIRCHBOX, blogger, Cath Kidston, Cosmetics, Floral, Flowers, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, Skincare, Unboxing

BEAUTY

URBAN DECAY NAKED FLUSHED – NOONER REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date April 17, 2018
4 Comments on URBAN DECAY NAKED FLUSHED – NOONER REVIEW

Hey Everyone,

Finally the sun has arrived here in the UK and it’s about time! I was getting so sick of the cold and gloomy days, I just couldn’t find the energy to get things done. I’m excited to feeling more energised and motivated by this much nicer weather! Today, Im reviewing The Urban Decay Naked Nooner Palette*. This caught my eye back in December and I’ve been waiting to post about it for a while now so let’s get into it!

The packaging is super pretty and simple, similar to most of the Urban Decay Naked products. I love the reflective rose gold text on the grey, it really stands out and looks so nice in my collection. I also like that the packaging shows what the products look like too.

The actual palette itself it made from plastic – the expensive-feeling kind and it’s also got this grogeous sparkly/metallic sheen to it. Again, the rose gold writing stands out and I think this really emphasises that it’s more of a high-end product.

All of the Urban Decay Naked Flushed palettes contain three different shades of bronzer, highlighter and blusher. I chose Nooner as it contains the shades that I consider to be the most wearable for me. I love that there are three products fit into one palette as it makes this palette perfect for travelling and on-the-go makeup. Using one palette instead of three takes up so much less room in my makeup bag. I also really like that the products work well together, particularly the bronzer and the blusher as both give me such a healthy glow! The bronzer is generously sized, as is the blusher. I was lightly disappointed with how small the highlighter was however, I’m not a huge fan of it anyway so I’m not that fussed.

The bronzer is a fairly light shade but it’s definitely buildable. I like that it’s warm-toned as this suits my skintone best. It reminds me slightly of the Hoola Bronzer by Benefit actually. It gives me such a gorgeous healthy bronzed look. I can’t wait to use this in Summer and on holiday. The bronzer is also super easy to blend and apply and it doesn’t look muddy or patchy at all. It’s definitely not the most intense bronzer I’ve ever used but it’s perfect for the more natural looks that I like to create.

The blusher is such a pretty and flirty shade of pink. It’s buildable so you probably won’t go overboard in one sweep. I’ve always been quite timid with blusher so I was actually glad to find that this shade wasn’t too intense. This blusher looks so nice with Spring-themed outfits and makeup (pastels).

The highlighter is the most disappointing part of the palette. I understand that this palette is probably for natural makeup looks but it certainly didn’t need to be this basic. It’s more glittery and chalky than creamy which was really annoying. I don’t hate it, I just own better highlighters so I will probably use those. It’s a shame because it looked like the perfect champagne-shimmer shade! However, when I want something really subtle I think this will come in handy.

Overall, this palette isn’t the best but it also isn’t the worst. It’s definitely not for those that want something intense, I’d say it’s better for someone just getting started with makeup. It’s a nice palette, it’s just lacking in some areas, which isn’t what I would expect when it’s from Urban Decay. It’s also quite annoying that the three shades aren’t separated by anything as they tend to get mixed up sometimes and that can make it difficult to apply each product precisely to one part of the face. However, all three products in this palette are really easy to blend so any mistakes can quickly be fixed. I also love how easy it is to carry and it will make travelling with makeup so much easier. I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know what you think of it in the comments as I love hearing from you!

N xxxx

BUY THE NOONER PALETTE HERE*

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*Anything marked with an “*” are affiliate links, which means I earn commission through every click, however all opinions are my own!

Tags BEAUTY, blog, blogger, Cosmetics, Makeup, Photography, Photos, Review, urban decay

MONTHLY FAVOURITES

MARCH 2018 FAVOURITES

Hey Everyone,

This month came and went before I had time to say “March” out loud, I can’t believe I’m already writing another favourites post! I’ve been loving the brighter skies and slightly warmer days but there’s also been lots of other bits and pieces that I’ve been enjoying too.

DW HOME – ROSE QUARTZ

If you’ve been reading my blog posts for a while, you’ll know I am a candle fanatic and I’ve written quite a bit about them! I particularly enjoy candles by DW Home and their new ranges are incredible at the moment. This candle smells gorgeous! I don’t normally go for rose scented things but this is really really nice. It’s defintely a fresh scent but it’s also sweet with hints of vanilla.

DW HOME – LEMON LEAF

I absolutely love this candle! It’s just so refreshing with hints of lavender, sage, basil and spearmint to top it all off! I’m also digging the pastel packagaing too.

ARTIFICIAL FLOWERS

So I know this is increidlby random, but it wouldn’t be my March favourites without these included! As a blogger, I’m constantly needing props and trinkets to make my photos pop and recently I’ve started investing in artifical flowers. This rose was from Dunelm and the daffodils are from Home Bargains! They’re so affordable and can be used over and over again so it works out way cheaper than buying a real bunch every couple of weeks or so. I can’t wait to use these for my Spring and Summer themed posts.

MY BULLET JOURNAL

I have used bullet journals for a few years now and all of a sudden I’m even more obsessed than ever. Typically, I use them to track any habits, blogging stats or my diet but recently I’ve enjoyed simply writing my plans down and summarising how my day was in a few words. Don’t even get me started on the stationery – I could dedicate a whole post to this and may well do that one day! This journal is from a Papergang box which I reviewed a couple of weeks ago so click here for that!

PASTELS AND CULOTTES

So I’ve had this bodysuit for ages now and it’s perfect for me as I’m not exactly lacking in the boob department, which is one of my biggest insecruities so this can disguise it in some ways and also allows me to go braless (HELL YES). It’s also such a pretty and summery colour too so I tend to whip it out around this time of year whilst getting ready for some sun! I’ve only recently started wearing culottes and I have to say, I’m really loving them. They’re just so easy to style and they’re super easy and comfy to wear! These are from Primark and cost just £13! The only part I sometimes struggle with is what shoes to wear them with? If I’m just going to uni, I’ll throw on some trainers but when I want to dress them up a bit I’m totally stumped.

KIKO – BAKED BLUSH

I’ve defintely included this in a favourites post before but honestly it’s become an absolute MUST in my makeup bag. I don’t know what I would do without it! It’s got the most beautiful sheen to it which ties in with my highlighter and leaves my skin looking flawless. I can’t wait to see the difference that this makes to my Summer makeup looks too. I’m so glad I bought this and although it’s unavailable currently, Kiko offer some fab alternatives so I recommend checking them out.

CHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF THIS BLUSHER HERE

Source – Comedy Central UK

FRIENDS

I watched Friends back when I was tackling my first lot of GCSE’s and although it meant I was HEAVILY distracted, I think it might have saved me. I have so much love for this series and I decided to watch it from the beginning again! It’s usually on TV but there’s something nice about snuggling up in bed with a cup of tea and just tuning into the latest happenings at Central Perk. Can we also talk about how amazing the fashion is too?! I find myself wanting to clone pretty much every single one of Monica and Rachel’s outfits.

I hope you enjoyed this post! I love writing my favourites and they’re possibly one of my favourite things to read on other peoples blogs too. As always, let me know what you’ve been loving in March!

N xxxx

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Tags blogger, Candles, Clothes, Easter, Favourites, Flowers, Friends, Lifestyle, MonthlyFavourites, Netflix, Photography, Spring

LIFE PAPERGANG

PAPERGANG MARCH 2018: REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date March 14, 2018
No Comments on PAPERGANG MARCH 2018: REVIEW

Hey Guys,

It’s been a while since I posted a Papergang review but I’m back with another one for you today! Sorry that this review is a bit late, I’ve been so busy over the Easter holiday! After last month I was really hoping this box would be a good one and I was pleasantly surprised. Below, I’ve written some information about Papergang and Ohh Deer so if you just want to read the review, keep scrolling!

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 £2.95for 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 stationary 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.

As you can see, this month’s “box” was a tad different from the others. I usually expect a little box to arrive once a month so I was a bit shocked to find this HUGE package waiting for me when I got home. The packaging, although on the large side, is so lovely and the design is really cute and fun with lots of geometric trees and tiny foxes (LOVE these). This months box was designed by Peskimo. It started in 2004 and since then their designs, pins and prints have been extremely popular!

Follow Peskimo –

Insta – @Peskimo

Website –http://peskimo-illustration.tumblr.com

Every month, we receive a printed calendar as a bonus item and I absolutely love them! They’re perfect for keeping on my desk in a cute little frame. I reckon at the end of the year I’ll find a way to frame them all together, because they’re all just too nice to throw out!

A2 CAT NAPS ART PRINT – £12.95

I was so happy to see this gorgeous print in this month’s box. This explains the HUGE tube, which kept it in great condition thank god. Described as “Perfect for a crazy cat lady, doggo fan or kid’s bedroom.” it’s super fun and adds a bright pop of colour to any space. It was nice to receive a larger item this month and I’m always looking for prints to display in my flat or at home! I love the bright turquoise colour scheme (one of my favourite colours)

CHECK IT OUT HERE

SKINNY PENCIL CASE – £9.95

I always love receiving pencil cases as I have a slightly ridiculous stationery collection and I’m constantly needing new things to store it all in. I love that this one is skinny too, so that it can fit into my bag for on the go notes/bullet-journalling. The little “foxy forest” print is so adorable too, it makes me happy just looking at it!

FOXY FOREST WASHI TAPE – £2.50

As you probably know already, I have a (verging on unhealthy) obsession with washi tapes and I literally cannot stop myself collecting them. Obviously I was delighted to find this cute little tape in my box! It features the same cute print as the pencil case as well. I can’t wait to use this in my bullet journal!

CHECK IT OUT HERE

CAT NAPS PEN – £2.95

I really like this style of pen, it makes a change from my usual biros! Papergang have sent lots of pens like this in different boxes and I always look forward to receiving new ones. I love the print on this pen, it matches the poster/picture as well! I’ve been using this in my bullet journal and notebooks every single day. It’s definitely going straight into my “nice pens” pot – yes I have one of those sadly.

CHECK IT OUT HERE

Overall, I’m so happy with my March Papergang box. I love every item and I can see myself using everything I was sent! I love the fun and quirky prints and I can’t wait to have them on display around my room. This box values at £28.35 and considering I paid £13.90 (monthly subscription fee and postage) that’s amazing value! I’ve linked all of my social media down below so go and give me a follow if you want to see what I’m up to!

N xxxx

If you would like to subscribe, my invite is here!

If you want to know any more about Ohh Deer, click here!

READ LAST MONTH’S REVIEW

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Tags Art, blog, blogger, Lifestyle, Office, Ohhdeer, PAPERGANG, Photography, Photos, Stationery, Student, Studying, University

BEAUTY

URBAN DECAY NAKED ILLUMINATED POWDERS: REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date February 20, 2018
2 Comments on URBAN DECAY NAKED ILLUMINATED POWDERS: REVIEW, SWATCHES AND PHOTOS

Hey you,

I hope you’re all doing well. Today I’m back with another review for you! I am all about highlighters at the moment, I just love how much healthier and more awake I look with a little bit of a glow! I’ve been trying out lots of different ones recently so I hope you don’t mind (I know I wouldn’t – I’m a tad obsessed) highlighter spam over the next couple of weeks.

Today, we’re going to be talking about Urban Decay’s Naked Illuminated Shimmering Powders. I’ve heard so many great things about these and I’ve been dying to try them for so long. I’ve also read a lot of negative reviews saying that these were bad “highlighters” and that they lacked pigment or that it was too glittery – it’s worth keeping in mind that these are shimmering powders that are designed to illuminate and not necessarily be used just as a highlighter. I’m extremely fussy when it comes to shimmers and highlights as I prefer more natural shades as opposed to the extreme ones (blue and green?!).

I like the idea that these are more stripped back and delicate, as any powder products with a heavy consistency just aren’t for me. If you buy this expecting a highlighter, you might not get what you’re hoping for so keep that in mind! They retail at £24 each. Of course, in true Urban Decay style, the packaging is gorgeous and features a nude camo-print which I LOVE. I’m a huge fan of brands that put a lot of work into their packaging, because I’m someone that is drawn to more luxe and pretty looking products.

The powder comes in a rose-gold box and it includes a generously sized mirror as well as a dome-shaped flat brush (you have to open a separate compartment underneath the powder – amazing use of space) I applied the powder with this brush and I have to say I missed using my usual fluffy highlighter brush. I reckon I would use this when travelling because it would save space but it’s also the perfect sized brush for when you want to apply product in a specific area.

URBAN DECAY – NAKED ILLUMINATED SHIMMERING POWDER – AURA – £24

The first shimmering powder that I chose is called Aura. I went for this shade because it has a pink-bronze tone to it, which I reckon will look so nice during the summer months or for when I’m on holiday. This powder is smooth and silky and gives my skin such a healthy and beautiful glow. It’s definitely a more natural glow but that’s what I was expecting and hoping for when I bought it. Although this is technically a powder, there’s still a colour payoff and it’s so easy to work into the skin. I saw some comments saying it left a layer of glitter but I found that it was super easy to blend in and it looked so natural!

BUY IT HERE!

URBAN DECAY – NAKED ILLUMINATED SHIMMERING POWDER – LUMINOUS – £24

Luminous is a gorgeous champagne shade which I love as it’s slightly lighter than Aura, so it can act as more of a highlight for my skin tone. This powder has the same soft and silky texture to it and gives off an equal amount of shimmer and sparkle as the others in the range. I cannot wait to use this when the sun comes out more and I can blind people with the light reflecting particles on my cheekbones (hands down the nerdiest thing I’ve ever said). Its just so light and easy to wear and it’s velvety texture is just SO freaking good.

BUY IT HERE

Overall, I really like both of these products. I’m so excited to use these during summer when I’m wearing more natural makeup looks or when I’m on holiday and don’t fancy making much effort. I purchased these fully expecting a shimmering powder, hence why I wasn’t disappointed when neither provided me with a crazy intense highlight. Saying that however, it’s definitely buildable but if you’re looking for something intense from the off, this probably isn’t for you. If you are looking for something like this, check out the Urban Decay website for more info! Let me know what you guys think of these and whether or not you’ve tried them, I’d love to know! I also reviewed the Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette – so click here if you’re interested!

N xxxx

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Tags BEAUTY, blogger, highlight, highlighter, Makeup, naked, Photography, Review, urban decay

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX FEBRUARY 2018: BEAUTY THROUGH THE DECADES – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date February 13, 2018
No Comments on BIRCHBOX FEBRUARY 2018: BEAUTY THROUGH THE DECADES – REVIEW

Check out my review of last month’s box here!

We were given a choice between a 70s, 80s or 90s and I have to say it a was a tricky decision, they all looked so good! I opted for the 70s design, so my box is a real throwback with a gorgeous retro floral print. Beauty is about the classic tips and tricks as well as trying out the latest trends so I’m loving this combination! I will definitely be keeping and re-using this box as it’s just too pretty to throw out.

This month’s box has a good mixture of products including two full-sized makeup items, skincare and hair care too! I love when there’s a good variety of products to try out, so I was really happy when I saw the contents of my February box.

(FULL SIZE) The Beauty Crop Eyeshadow Trio – Love You So Latte – RRP £7

I love eyeshadow – I’m sure you’re aware of this by now, but I could honestly buy palettes every day if I had the funds! So when I saw this I was so excited to try it out. The trio includes two shimmers and one matte so it’s perfect for creating smokey and defined looks. I love how there’s a variety of shades in this little compact, as it means you can travel with it and still create a few different looks. The shadows are rich in caffeine and are packed with antioxidants to help brighten and tighten the skin, keeping your eyes bright and awake! I reckon these are flattering for any skin tone and eye colour too which is an added bonus to any product in the beauty community! These shadows are also vegan and cruelty-free with no sulphates or parabens too! It’s a shame the compact is so tiny but then again bigger palettes are harder to take on the go! The shimmer shadows were super pretty and creamy so they blended out well, however the matte brown shade was a bit harder to blend and swatched a little bit patchy.

(FULL SIZE) ModelCo® – Crème Rouge – RRP £14

I love cream products. I use a dewy foundation so products with creamy formulas blend so nicely on top. I often use a cream contour, blusher and so this was immediately something I was interested in. This 2-in-1 formula can add a pop of pink to your cheeks and your lips. It’s so easy and creamy to blend so it adds a healthy and natural-looking tint and doesn’t look too heavy on the skin (my swatch was to test how pigmented it was, I obviously wouldn’t rock about with that much product on my face!). I like that you can choose exactly how much product you want too, depending on whether or not you want a brighter pop of red or a more subtle hint.

Percy & Reed – Quite Frankly Flawless Finishing Polish – RRP £10.

I’ve always liked Percy and Reed products, I think they’re really luxurious and also so beautifully presented and packaged. I was intrigued by this product as it claims to be a leave in polish, which isn’t something I would normally go for. However, the ends of my hair could definitely do with a bit of shine. The polish is packed with horse chestnut extract and sunflower wax to give soft and flexible hold whilst also hydrating your locks!

UPDATE – I tried this today and I absolutely loved how it made my hair feel. It smelt amazing and didn’t leave my hair feeling sticky or oily. I could definitely feel that something was there but it wasn’t noticeable at all! It made my hair look more alive and healthy which are the main things that I look for in hair products and treatments. I’ve received a lot of Percy and Reed stuff over time so if you would like a review let me know as I can definitely do one for you!

Luseta Beauty – Coconut Milk Hair Mask – RRP £26

I hadn’t heard of this brand before I received this month’s box so I was excited to try this product out! I have quite damaged hair as I tend to use a lot of heat-based tools (oops) and I’m always looking for something to revive it! This mask helps to restructure hair back to it’s original and healthy state. The coconut milk, rich in vitamins C, E, B1, B5 AND B6 adds moisture and conditions the hair to tackle any dryness. This mask is sulfate, phosphate, & paraben free too! I will keep you updated with this as I will be doing a hair pampering evening soon!

Balance Me – Wonder Eye Cream – RRP £20

As a student, I don’t tend to get many full nights of sleep so any product that helps to disguise this is a godsend! This eye cream has a 3-in-1 formula smooths, softens and brightens (yes please) and it’s packed with chamomile, lemon, cucumber oil, witch hazel (one of my faves), anti-oxidant spruce knot, virgin coconut, reship oil and carrot oil (is there anything that isn’t in this product?!). My skin practically drinks this stuff up instantly and it leaves my eyes looking so much brighter!

Overall, I am really impressed with this month’s box. I love receiving boxes with a variety of products as after all, that is why I signed up for Birchbox in the first place! I really love that there was two full-sized products too as we usually only get one (which is still fab). Let me know if you are subscribed to Birchbox and what you thought of this box or if you are subscribed to any other beauty boxes, I would love to know!

Go ahead and use my link (here) to subscribe and you will get £5 off your first Birchbox!

Tags BEAUTY, Beautyblog, BIRCHBOX, blog, blogger, Lifestyle, Makeup, Photography, Product Review, Review

LIFE

MY TOP REVISION TIPS

Hey Everyone!

I hope you’re all doing well! I have survived school (GCSEs and A Levels) and one and half years of university (ish), so I would like to think I can give some decent advice when it comes to revision. However, everybody’s different and this means we all learn differently so what could work for me may be useless for you – don’t feel that you HAVE to do any of these, they’re just some things that have got me through those icky study periods.

START MAKING NOTES EARLY

For most of my exams (we’re talking GCSEs A levels and University) I have written my notes out early on in the term. I come home and write what I learned that day and that way it’s out of the way and you’ve gone over it at the same time. Two birds one stone right? I am also a bit of a perfectionist (when I say a bit I mean hours can go by and I still won’t think it’s neat enough) so starting early gives me time to be fussy and obsessive with colour coding and highlighting. I’ve definitely learned from leaving my notes until last minute and I would waste so much time making them look pretty that I barely had time to learn them! I like to use these packs of revision cards for all of my notes!

REMOVE PHONE/LAPTOP/TABLETS ETC NO TV OR MUSIC

I know this is such an obvious one but it’s true. I remember scowling as my parents and teachers lectured my year group about putting phones away but my God it makes a difference. I’m so much more productive without constant reminders that so and so favourited a tweet or that someone’s typing on snapchat – you’d have thought I didn’t need to figure this one out the hard way but hey ho. If you like to study with music, I would definitely recommend listening to instrumentals or music without actual lyrics because I have found myself writing down the lyrics to Thinking Out Loud as opposed to Freud’s Oedipus Complex, so cheers Ed, but not right now pal.

STICKY NOTES

I started using these last year as the amount I had to learn for first year was HUGE. I made maps on my wall using sticky notes and colour coded them to make it clear where everything was. I found this super helpful for learning dates! In the exam I was able to visualise the map and so the facts were easy for me to remember as I could still see them in my head! I love to use these post-it notes for my revision!

LEARNING IN CATEGORIES

With most of my modules or subjects there’s lots of tiny topics within these and sometimes it can be overwhelming when trying to get it all down and in one place. I recommend grabbing some small clear plastic wallets, (I use these) and using one per subject, that way everything is in sections and is organised. I find this really helps with making things easier to learn in chunks rather than as a huge great big pile of information.

COLOUR CODING

I learn from colour and I always have done, I’m not sure why but that seems to be how I work. I tend to colour code certain things, for example if I’m learning a theory, I will write it all in blue and then a different theory in red. This way, it seems clear to me what is associated with what and this stops me getting things muddled in exams which can be easily done if you’re stressed or panicking. I use a variety of pens but my favourites are the Maped Assorted Fineliners, Staedler Fineliners and Crayola Supertips!

HIGHLIGHTING

I remember when I thought revising meant writing the whole page out from a textbook. DON’T DO THIS! It wastes so much time, you won’t be able to take it all in and it’s more than likely you only need a fraction of it actually written down. This is where highlighters come in super handy. You can write as much as you need to and still highlight the key points so they stand out to you on the page. I personally like to use the Stabilo Boss Original Highlighters and also their pastel range of highlighters.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANYONE NOT DOING ANYTHING – PARENTS/FLATMATES/BROTHERS/SISTERS/ANYONE

Last year I was in a flat of 6 people so I was asking everyone to test me which helped loads. I also absolutely rinsed my dad during my study weeks. We would sit down for hours going over the same stuff to the point where he knew it too so he could help me revise. I would learn some of my revision cards and then give them to him to ask me about. This helped so much and we wouldn’t give up until I knew everything.

WASHI TAPE

I love using these to decorate my work, bullet journal and scrapbook pages. They’re so cheap and easy to get hold of too. I tend to buy mine from Etsy or Amazon but I’ve found a few in craft shops and stationery shops too! There’s also a photo (scroll up) where you can see I’ve put tape at the top of my revision cards. I find this helps with colour coding everything and keeping organised as well as making it all look nice too!

EAT PROPERLY

I honestly didn’t think much of this until last year. The difference in my productivity and motivation between when I was bingeing on snacks and crisps and eating proper meals everyday was HUGE. I was able to concentrate for longer and I didn’t crave any snacks. I also noticed that I lost weight too when I wasn’t snacking constantly (surprise). A great alternative so salty snacks are edamame beans! You can get them in little pots ready to fry up – they’re one of my faves!

Did you find these tips helpful? What helps you with revision? Let me know in the comments! I hope this post helped some of you that are preparing for exams, I know I will be working hard over the next few months as exams are fast approaching (no thanks). If any of you have exams soon, good luck and let me know how they went!

N xxxx

Tags Advice, Art, blog, blogger, Exam, Inspiration, Lifestyle, Photography, Revision, School, Student, Tips, University

BEAUTY BIRCHBOX

BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2018: OHH DEER – REVIEW

Post author By Nina Louise
Post date January 12, 2018
26 Comments on BIRCHBOX JANUARY 2018: OHH DEER – REVIEW

If you want to see last month’s review, click here!

This month’s beautiful box is in collaboration with the British stationery gods over at ‘Ohh Deer‘. I absolutely bloody love this company – I’m even subscribed to their stationary subscription service too (click here for my November Papergang box review).

The January Birchbox is a pretty good mixture of skincare and makeup. This month seemed to have less well known brands than some of the other months, but the products are still all lovely. We were also given a cute little sheet of stickers too which I’m loving as they’re perfect for putting in my bullet journal/blog planner.

(FULL SIZE) Lord & Berry – Blusher Crayon in Peach : RRP £8

First up we have a crayon blusher. I picked this last month in advance (Birchbox usually offers this for every box – you can pick one of two products) because I knew it would be a good colour for more summery makeup looks. At first I was a bit terrified when I swatched this because I’d gotten so used to wearing dark coloured makeup over the Winter months but I reckon it’ll be an easy transition once Spring arrives (asap please because I’m fed up of it getting dark by 4 o’clock). I also like that it’s super creamy in it’s consistency so it’s easy apply and to blend in. I wasn’t sure about the whole ‘crayon’ idea however it’s meant I’ve been able to put the blusher exactly where I want it. I use a dewy foundation anyway so I prefer makeup that glides onto my face rather than putting something powdery or dry on top of it. I’ve also always loved using peachy/coral coloured lip and cheek products during Summer so I will definitely be keeping this around to test whilst I’m on holiday! It will definitely save me some space in my makeup bag as I won’t need to carry a whole compact and a brush. If this product takes your fancy, get yourself one here.

Marcelle – Waterproof Eyeliner in Charcoal : RRP £10.99

I always forget how much of a difference eyeliner makes. I keep thinking ” Something doesn’t look right, what’s missing ?” and it’s always eyeliner! This product really excited me as it’s waterproof. I hate getting panda eyes a few hours into my day or after a sobbing through an episode of Grey’s Anatomy so I tend to look for waterproof products – especially when it comes to eye makeup. This eyeliner stays put and doesn’t budge for a good few hours, I only had to touch it up once in a whole day – very impressed! Grab one here!

Thermaliv – Night Cream : £21

I have always loved night creams, masks and treatments as they’re so simple and easy to use. Just plonk them on and all you have to do is go to sleep to wake up feeling fresh faced and ready to go. This product contains sea chamomile and vitamin E which leaved the skin feeling nourished and plump. It is quite pricey though so I’m not sure if I would buy the full sized version once this sample has run out. However, if this sounds like something you’d be interested, you can get yourself one here!

Paul & Joe Beauty – Moisturising Foundation Primer in 01 Dragee : RRP £24

I’ve recently started using primers and I’ve really noticed a differenced in how my makeup applies once it’s on. It makes such a good base for my foundation so I was super pleased to see this product in this month’s box. This primer is enriched with botanical extracts providing extra moisture for your skin as well as having a subtle gold shimmer that creates a healthy and dewy look which I am all about. I really recommend this product, so if you want to check it out, you can do so here!

Afterspa – Amazing Makeup Remover : RRP £5.50

I cannot get over how unbelievably soft this product is. It removes any kind of makeup including mascara and waterproof eyeliner – SAY WHAT? It isn’t necessarily as easy as a makeup wipe but it certainly saves you some dosh given it apparently lasts up to 1,000 washes! All you have to do is soak it in warm/hot water and you’re ready to go. It’s a great idea plus it also is a great option for people that have sensitive skin. Grab it here if you want to check it out for yourself!

Overall I think this box is great value for money. One of the products is full sized and it costs £15 – whereas the box itself costs £10. I think there was a good mixture of skincare and makeup in this month’s box

Let me know if you are subscribed to Birchbox and what you thought of this box or if you are subscribed to any other beauty boxes, I would love to know!

Go ahead and use my link (here) to subscribe and you will get £5 off your first Birchbox!

Tags BEAUTY, Beautyblog, BIRCHBOX, blog, blogger, Bullet Journal, Design, January, Lifestyle, Lord and berry, Makeup, Marcelle, Ohhdeer, Photography, Product Review, Review, Skincare, Spring