I'm having a blog makeover: Under construction!

I have grown tired of how my blog looks. I will be changing my blog name but hopefully it won't effect it too much. I haven't decided what to yet though. Hopefully I can set up a redirect once I have changed my blog name. 

I'm just having a complete redesign but I hope you will still keep reading while I sort it out. 

I hope to be back to regular blogging soon also. I have just been very uninspired lately which I think is partly to do with my blog appearance. 

But its back to uni on Monday so I need some sort of relief from uni work. Hope those who have just started uni are enjoying their first year. I don't want to by in third year cry cry oh well.

Speak Soon

DIY Makeup Brush Holders

I like to be able to grab my makeup brushes and see where they are. They also look pretty on display. I made some makeup brush holders with little vases from Dunelm Mill but fancied a change. Even though I chose to use the same glitter and they basically look the same just round but anyway (girl problems). I love candles so have a few empty jars so I thought I would use them to make my new makeup brush holders.

Here's what I used 

Life: I've Joined Weight Watchers

Many of you don't know but I decided to lose weight earlier in the year. At that point I was following Tesco Diets. I managed to lose 14lbs on that diet. However, going on holiday meant I put 5 back on and I hadn't really tried to get it off. My dieting came to a halt after my holiday. Returning home for the summer sent my eating patterns out the window. Its so hard to diet when everyone around seems to be eating all the foods in the world. 

I found dieting at uni so much more easier because two of my housemates were also dieting. Also at uni I could only eat what was on my diet plan because I was doing my own shopping so planned ahead. I do like to be organised I am a definite planner.

Life: Congratulations You're Going to University

A Level Results Day is here again for another year. Whether you got in to your first choice or went through clearing you made it. You're going to University and you're going to have the time of your life. Celebrate! I wish I was starting it all over again but I'm going in to 3rd year already. Where has the time gone? It was 2 years ago since I got my results.

I have been doing blog posts around my time at uni so I will link them all here for easy access.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar Cleansing waters have been everywhere lately. Like most products there is an original cult favorite, Bioderma. However, I chose to try the Garnier version to see what all the fuss is about. 

Lush Tea Tree Toner Tab

My skin has now started to improve finally. It has been a long process of exfoliating, cleansing and face wash. But now my skin has started to calm down I want to maintain it. 

Sunday Style: River Island New Season Picks

I was at my local River Island store hoping to find some last minute sale items. However, I was more interested in their new season. I prefer buying clothes for the autumn/winter period rather than buying summer clothes. I like the variety and colours more. Anyway I thought I would show you my top picks from River Island's new season collection. 

Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash & Seaweed Ionic Clay Mask

I have another review for 2 more products from the Body Shop Seaweed skincare range. I love this skincare range as it is perfect for my skin. It leaves it soft and smooth and looking refreshed. The deep cleansing facial wash is defined as a mild cleansing gel which helps to rebalance moisture and sebum levels. Then the ionic clay mask aims to draw out impurities and clarify the skin. 

Collection 2000 Fix Me Up Long Lasting Make-up Fixer

I swear by setting spray for everyday use and especially for nights out. I have noticed my makeup doesn't seem to last that long but with a setting spray it is there all day. I am a lover of the Urban Decay setting sprays but thought I would try the Collection 2000 one.

Eye Kandy Cosmetics: Sugar Cane and Toffee

I found Eye Kandy Cosmetics after my search for glitter for my end of year ball makeup. I wanted glitter because I thought my makeup would look pretty bland without it. I managed to find Eye Kandy Cosmetics after a little google search which led to a purchase. I purchased the two glitters Sugar Cane and Toffee.

As you can see in the picture Toffee is a lot finer than Sugar Cane. Sugar Cane has more of a gritty feel. On the day I wore them both by mixing them together in a separate pot. I was being indecisive and couldn't decide which looked better.

The Fault in Our Stars: Is it really a bestseller?

This is definitely going to be a controversial blog post. Unlike the masses of people who love this book I was left underwhelmed and irritated. I will say right now this book in my eyes is definitely not a masterpiece.So many people refer to this book as life changing and thought provoking. All I have to say to that is, really?

Please don't hate me but I just don't understand the hype. I am glad I didn't buy this book as I had borrowed it from a friend. My friend liked this book but for me I found it lack lustre and boring. It could be that I went in to reading this book with high expectations or the fact it is actually poor. 

Life: It has been a while. . .I know

It has been a while since I have posted something on my blog. It has been a busy couple weeks with exams, end of year ball and a cheeky holiday. 

I have now finished my 2nd year of uni but I am nervously awaiting my exam results. However, 2nd year has been a good year finishing on a high with the End of Year Ball. It was a really good night with everyone dressing up and a few too many bottles of champagne.

Elegant Touch Express Nails: Instant Manicure

I was lucky enough to be sent the new express nails by Elegant Touch to review. I was sent the Polished Neon Pink (£7.99) and the Trend Bright Tribal(£8.99) sets. They are available from Elegant Touch and I believe they will be available in Boots.

For this review I will be applying the Polished Neon Pink set. But I will probably be posting another review on the tribal set as I think they will be ideal for my holiday nails.

Life: A Little Update

You all know I am in my 2nd year at university and it is now reaching that crucial time of year. I have a lot of revision to do leading up to the end of the year. As a result my blog will definitely be suffering. I hope to maintain one post a week however, it may be less depending on my workload. 

I will still be interacting with people if you would like to leave comments I do enjoy reading them. I will try my best to reply as soon as possible. 

Hopefully, I will be back to regular blogging soon. 

Illamasqua Fatale Palette

I have been wanting this palette for so long. I managed to purchase this for £19.50 from ASOS but it usually retails for £34.

Mini Haul/ Recent Purchases

When student loan day rolls round student discounts usually go on offer. I have taken advantage of double discounts whilst damaging my bank balance in the process. Here are a few little bits I have purchased recently and some exciting news.

If you have been following my Sunday Style blog posts you will have seen me talking about the kimono pictured. I managed to purchase this for £28 from ASOS but it is by River Island. It is currently retailing for £35. It is going to be great for my holidays.

Maxitone 4kg Kettlebell

This post is different from what I usually post but it is still a review. I am currently on a health kick trying to lose weight and improve my health. I have been going to gym but my gym is back at uni so I started doing dvds whilst on Easter break. This is really cringey but my favourite exercise dvd is Clubland Work it Out. I started getting bored so I started to research other dvds and exercises I could do at home. Enter the kettlebell. After reading around the benefits of kettlebells I was sold. 

Life: How To Manage Your Money at University

Money! You don't realise how much things really cost until you start paying for everything yourself. You may feel like you're turning in to your parents. You now understand why they would say no when you pick up the most expensive item. You are now saying no to yourself thinking budget not luxury. You may need that 50p later on.

When you first get your loan you are hit with a lump sum of money you have probably never had before. Hence why some students go a little bit crazy in the first few weeks then struggle in the last week. This can all be avoided if you learn to manage your money and maximise it. You don't have to struggle with your money. 

Lush Golden Egg Bath Bomb

I know this is a bit late Easter has been and left us for another year. However, I still wanted to share with you my recent Easter purchase from Lush. The Golden Egg Bath Bomb is a mixture of a bath melt and bath bomb. The glittery outer layer melts away to reveal the bath bomb.

Swissco Precision Blending Sponge

I have wanted to try a beauty blender for some time but I don't know whether to commit myself. I rarely use sponges on my face as I think you can get a makeup brush for everything. However, I think I may have been converted with this sponge.

House of Holland Nailed by Elegant Touch: Jewel Thief

I have recently purchased another set of House of Holland Nailed by Elegant Touch. They have released a second collection which is more out there. There are 9 different designs available in this collection. They are all pictured below. I purchased the design Jewel Thief. 

Sunday Style: Spring Florals

When it gets to this time of year the shops are flooded with floral prints. It wouldn't be spring clothing if it didn't have florals on it.  Here are my top picks from around the high street and the web.

Tops

If you don't want to go all out with the florals a top will do the trick. It will make a simple outfit look summery. 

Motel - Ichiban - Dahlia

Scholl Express Pedi

Ever since moving to uni my feet have been getting hard. Its probably due to the fact I actually had to start doing things and walking about a lot. But it most definitely has to do with my love of flat shoes. However, the express pedi has made my silky smooth feet reappear.

I purchased this from Amazon for £19.99(currently £24.99). It has gone up in price now but if you wait it out I think the price may go down.  But it isn't often sold at its full price(£39.99).

Benefit Boo Boo Zap!

I currently use rubbing alcohol to dry out my spots. It probably isn't the best thing but it does work. I purchased this for £9 from ASOS but it is now unavailable. You can still purchase it through Benefit stockists at the price of £16. 

I'm not really a fan of Benefit makeup as I find it quite heavy on my skin. I was still open to testing their skincare range though.

Sunday Style: Swimwear Hot Picks

If you're like me shopping for swimwear is definitely a struggle. But summer is coming so swimwear is definitely a must, whether you are sunning it up abroad or we finally get a hot summer here. These are my hot picks for swimwear this year. All the links will be at the bottom of this post.

Budget Bikinis

You have probably already forked out for that holiday so you don't want to be spending too much on your holiday clothes. These bikinis are perfect on a budget. 

Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator

I have been having very bad skin lately. It is probably a combination of many things but it needed dealing with. I usually have the seaweed clarifying toner which leaves my skin really soft. I would also recommend the toner as well as this face wash. This currently retails for £9 but I paid £5.40 on the 40% off deal.

Life: Coping with your workload whilst at university

I'm probably not the best person to give you advice when it comes to completing uni work. I don't like to leave things last minute but I struggle to start my work. You have far less work to do now compared to the torture you go through to get here. 

But what actually happens is you will get assigned work due for 3 months time. When do you start? 

Sunday Style: Ready for Spring Kimonos

Spring clothing has started hitting the shops. The sun is starting to shine so its time to shred those winter layers. 

I am currently loving kimonos. I am on the hunt for the perfect one for my holiday. Here are two that I think are really pretty that I may even buy.

How Much Does My Face Cost?

I have seen a lot of these 'how much does my face cost' posts floating around beauty blogs. I'm now curious to know what my face is worth. I'm just going to add up the makeup I use on my everyday look. 

I will just start with the very long list

Primer

Nars Pro Prime pore refining primer - £25

Foundation

Mac Studio Fix Fluid - £21.50

Mac Matchmaster - £27

Concealer

Mac Pro Conceal and Correct Palette - £35

Mac Studio Sculpt - £15

GlamST- Virtual Makeup Makeover

Haven't you always wanted to try new makeup without having to pay for it? GlamST allows you to do just that. It is already used by the likes of L'Oreal. 

I always struggle with finding lipstick shades as in most shops like Boots and Superdrug you just have general testers. I don't want to think about the lips it may have touched before. GlamST allows me try new colours without worrying. The brands on the site are readily available online and in stores. So you can find what suits you without leaving the house. My only issue at this moment in time is the lack of colours for darker skins. However, I'm sure this will be solved soon. 

I had a little play and this what I produced.  I used eyeshadow, eyeliner and lipstick.

La Girl Pro Conceal: Fawn, Toast & Dark Cocoa

I needed some new shades to update my concealer/contour routine. I saw rave reviews for La Girl Pro concealer so I thought I would give them a try.

I purchased mine through Amazon from the company Rude Cosmetics. They are from America so shipping isn't super speedy. My order took 14 days so £3 shipping was reasonable and they were £1.94 each.

Sunday Style: Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces are everywhere at the moment. They are the perfect accessory to give an outfit life. You don't need to have the biggest necklace in order to make a statement. They just have to be striking and set your outfit off.

Mini Haul: Ciate, Illamasqua, ASOS & Benefit

Here are just a few bits I have recently bought in the sales and others just to try.  I will hopefully be doing reviews on most of the items pictured. 

Has Contouring gone too far?

I was scrolling through Instagram this week just looking at the usual makeup pages, when I was stopped by a contouring post. This may not be a new concept to many but I had never seen contoured collar bones. I'm all for contouring the face, I love it! But contouring collar bones where they never were just seems odd. 

My main question is Why?

Life: Freshers' weeks do's and don'ts

Freshers' week is one of the most anticipated events when moving to Uni. But you don't want to get it wrong. Anything that happens in Freshers' week will definitely be remembered. But you don't want to be stuck with a nickname for the rest of your university life.

I understand Freshers' week may not be your thing when you start uni. There are many reasons you may not enjoy it, binge drinking may not be for you. If it isn't don't worry there are plenty of other things you can do. But you should try and go to events which may include drinking as the majority of people will be there. You may even meet like minded people who don't like to drink. Then you will be friends forever. I'm just joking. Your best friend in Freshers' may become a clinger you just can't seem to shake. This leads to my first don't of Freshers'.

Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

I'm still having my primer dilemma. This is the next one I have tried in my quest to find a cheaper alternative to my Nars primer. I had already tried this before I purchased it. Now I have purchased this I am undecided.

This is currently retailing for £7.99 in Boots and is also part of a 3 for 2 promotion.

Latest in Beauty: The Glamour Beauty Edit

After being a loyal Glossybox subscriber but becoming dissatisfied I thought I would give Latest in Beauty a try. 

The Glamour collection box currently retails for £14.95 plus P&P from the website . When I ordered there was also an offer running for a free Dermalogica Starter kit. 

Sunday Style: The Midi Skirt

Midi skirts are all over the high streets. They are the perfect item in your wardrobe for day to night glamour. You can be as outrageous as you want to be.

I am on the short side unfortunately, so if I am going to wear one I will have to wear heels. Heels are not ideal for uni. But on a night out with the right shoes it would work perfectly.

Avon Mega Effects Mascara

This mascara is interesting as it doesn't look like your average mascara wand.  

It currently retails for £10. I think this is quite expensive for an Avon product but it is still one of the cheaper mascaras around.

Illamasqua Gleam in Supernatural

This is my new favourite highlighter. I was lucky enough to purchase this in the Illamasquua sale for £5. It is currently retailing for £18 on their website and I believe in store too. I would definitely purchase this again at full price. Before this I was using a powder highlighter but now I am more open to cream highlighters. 

Sunday Style: Wonderbra

Wonderbra is a brand that knows how to cater to women. I love love love their bras especially the strapless and the new perfect plunge.

I would really suggest buying one. There is usually some sort of offer going on as well. I think they are great to wear with recent fashion. Many dresses lately are low cut or have some sort of mesh cut out at the front. I know my first thought when I try one of those dresses on is 'what bra can I actually wear with this?'. Wonderbra has solved this problem.

Life: Starting University

A levels are definitely the hardest part to the university process. But once you are in the experience is something you will never forget. Getting my A level results was traumatising. When I signed in to UCAS I didn't see the congratulations I thought I would. At that point I thought my life was ruined but it all worked out in the end.

I started my first year in September 2012 at Hull Uni. As it wasn't my first choice I was so scared that I would have to live without an en-suite. One thing I would try and avoid is booking a holiday around exam results. I was due to go on holiday the day after results day so I was definitely missing out on some important details. Everything worked out in the end obviously.

Brit Awards 2014 Makeup Looks

Lets begin with Jessie J's lilac lips. I know what she was going for as lilac is going to be big in 2014. However, on the red carpet it didn't really work for her. This is a trend which many will find difficult to wear successfully. Lilac lips have been all over the S/S 2014 catwalks so she was willing to take the risk. Unfortunately it didn't work out for her this time. In the words of Jessie J 'The lip, didn't work. Get over it. I have. Onto the next look!'. 

Maybelline Color Show Street Artist Urban Vibe

I have been looking at the new Color Show polishes for some time. When I saw 3 for 2 on Maybelline in Boots I thought I would treat myself. Boots stock all of the colours and  they currently retail for £3.99. 

I applied my topcoat over Barry M Peach Melba but to appreciate the orange flecks in the nail polish I think a white base would be more suited. Unlike other top coats with bits this has plenty in so you don't have to fish them out. 

FOTD: My Everyday Neutral Look

At the moment I use all these items for my everyday look. Certain items such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills DipBrow pomade and Illamasqua gleam in Supernatural are new favourites. Everything else I have been using consistently for a while.

Sunday Style: Anything skater

I have so many dresses and skirts all with one thing in common. I think I have a problem when it comes to skater styles I might be slightly addicted. I think it all stems down to the fact that it is such a flattering cut.

I would wear everything skater if I could but the shops keep stocking them so I keeping buying. I just think they are such an easy way to create an outfit and they are flattering. Skater skirts ad crop tops are such an easy look to achieve. They can be as dressy as you want them to be. They are the ultimate day to night attire. 

Maybelline Colorsensational Lipstick in 240 Galactic Mauve

I'm not really a lipstick kinda girl but when I do buy lipstick I usually prefer them to be nude or understated. Unless I'm on the hunt for the perfect purple lipstick. I haven't had any Maybelline lipsticks before so I didn't really know what to expect. This retails for around £6.99. I purchased the colour 240 Galactic Mauve it is a really nice nude for my skintone.

FOTD: Instagram inspired

I was going on a night out and saw this look on Illamasqua's instagram page so I thought I would do an inspired look. 

Sunday Style: Michael Kors Jet Set Travel Tote

I hold my hands up handbags are my weakness. I have so many bags but that is fine because a bag is definitely a necessity. 

At the moment my new favourite bags are Michael Kors. I have wanted a Michael Kors bag for so long but I was undecided on the Selma or the Tote. In the end I decided on the tote because a tote goes with everything. 

Dye Time: Clip in extensions

I wear sew in extensions e.g. a weave. I'm not going to get in to the whole natural vs weave debate. Anyway, when my weave begins to lack volume I like to use clip in extensions. Instead of buying a pack of clip in extensions I usually just buy a packet of hair then sew the clips on myself. I ordered this pack of hair from Paks Cosmetics for £16.99 it was suppose to be £32. The hair is the American Dream Human Hair Luxurious Silky Straight weft in 20 inches. As this was in the sale you can't really pick the correct colour so I dye my hair. It is cheaper this way.

To dye the hair I used Garnier Colour Sensation in the colour Prestige Black. I purchased this for £3.30 from my local Home Bargains. It doesn't really need to be an expensive colourant for this job. The dye was really easy to use and the hair absorbed the colour great. 

House of Holland Nailed by Elegant Touch: Tweed & Heartbreaker

Nail art is one of my favourite things to look at. I follow so many instagram pages filled with nail art pictures but sadly my natural nails aren't up to much. I admit I don't take the best care of my nails but to get my nail art fix I use to sticks on. My second love after nail art are definitely stiletto nails. When I found out House of Holland and Elegant touch were combining my two favourite things, I couldn't wait to buy them!

Life : My University Room

I am in my second year at university so have moved out of halls of residences into a shared house with my friends. Halls is definitely an experience I would want to relive over and over again. But being in a house is so much more homely. I live in a house of 6 girls including myself so you can imagine what our house is like. 

I live in one of the upstairs bedrooms which has an old fireplace. I  really liked this room when we came for a viewing so was happy when I pulled this one out of the hat.

Loreal Paris Elnett Satin Heat Styling Spray - Volume

I was in desperate need for some heat protection spray, it is a must for styling my hair! So when I spotted this new heat spray on the shelf I thought I'd give it a try. This currently retails for £3.99 in Boots and other high street stores. I purchased mine in the volume but it also comes in straight and wavy. I can't deal with my hair being flat it needs to be Victoria Secret model voluminousness constantly.

Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil

Body shop are a must for the majority of my skincare products. I always use their Vitamin C range but lately that hasn't been cutting it. My love with their Vitamin E range only began recently with the illuminating moisture cream. Now a new product I am currently obsessed with is the new Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil. It promises to give your skin an 8 Hour beauty sleep.

Real Techniques Brushes

I have always watched Pixiwoos channel from the beginning so I was so excited to find Sam was bringing out a brush range at reasonable prices. Nic has now joined the Real Technique so I expect more great things to come from this collection.

Lets start with the price. The Core and Starter collections retail for £21.99 at Boots. Everything else varies in price from £6 - £12. For makeup brushes that are to this standard I do think it is a great price. The brushes being synthetic is also a plus as it keeps the price down but has not affected the quality. 

I have done reviews on each of the different colours

Real Techniques Brushes - The Purple Ones - Starter Set

The starter set includes brushes for the eyes. It includes the base shadow brush, deluxe crease brush, accent brush, fine liner brush and brow brush.

Real Techniques Brushes - The Gold Ones - Powder, Expert Face & Core Collection

The Gold Ones are the brushes which you would likely use to create your base. Such as applying you foundation, primers, powders and concealers. 

Real Techniques Brushes- The Pink Ones - Stippling, Blush and Setting

I only have 3 of the pink Real Technique Brushes they are referred to as your finish perfected across the brand. I have the stippling, blush and setting brush but you can also purchase the kabuki brush. They have also added the retractable kabuki and retractable lip brushes to this range.