Did I Achieve my 2012 Goals?

So each year I set myself sort of a "To-Do List" for the coming year. I usually fail miserably, and always write up on the blog with how well Ive done. What better way to end 2012 than to see how well Ive done?..or not as the case may be!

1. Pass 1st year of uni 

Done, Yey!

2. Finish decorating my bedroom

Yes, apart from I need a nice bedside lamp...but we can still cheat and say yes.       

3. Learn how to make a Sunday dinner.

Not really, I make lovely bangers and mash though. Just need to get the roast beef down to a tea.

4. Give David an amazing surprise for his 21st

Yes! I took him to London for the weekend and we went to the Capital Summertime Ball and Wicked :)

5. Rejoin the gym and actually start going at least once a week.

Big fail, I rejoined and went TWICE. I give up on the gym I hate it.

6. Get stuck in to uni work, stop being lazy and actually attend lectures!

Hmm. No. I tried for the first few months back at uni but let it slip recently.

7. Find my driving theory pass certificate

Nope. Its gone forever :(

8. Pass my driving test!

Another big fat no.

9. Make cupcakes to fill my cupcake tree

No! I cant find my little tree so havent been able to do this one

10. Visit Grandma much more often

Yes and no, I do see her more now which is good.

11. Do youtube videos more consistently

Yes! Ive been doing at least one a week for over a year now.

12. Take more of an interest in fashion and accessorising my outfits

Taking an interest, yes. Funding it, no.

13. Watch The Sopranos with David

Nope :( And I bought the boxset as well we just never have the time.

14. Watch all of The OC again from beginning to end

Not this year, Ive been way too obsessed with Gossip Girl instead.

15. Do something really good and memorable for my 21st

I just had a lovely night out with all my nearest and dearest, so yeh it was really good!

16. Go on holiday with the girls (eventually)

Yep, Ibiza was AMAZING. Cant wait to go back.

17. Finally watch the Bourne Trilogy

Watched the first one, so 1/3 of this done.

18. Go back to America

Ha, I wish!

19. Get a job

A big YES finally!

20. Ride a rollercoaster

Unfortunately yes, it was awful!

21. Read at least 10 books, preferably on my kindle or ones I already own

Ive read six. Which sounds like nothing over a year but its good for me.

22. Grow my hair without caving in and getting loads chopped off

Yeeeeees! My hair i supper long now for me (past nipple length haha). But it definately needs a trim. Just not loads off :) 

23. Learn how to do a fishtail braid

Yep, long hair = better fishtails.

24. Watch The Godfather films

Nope.

25. Drink more water, anything would be an improvement as I dont drink it at all now

I was better at this over summer, not so great now but better than I used to be.

26. Get dressed up and enjoy an evening on Newcastle Quayside with David

No! Skint students cant afford this.

27. Learn how to make bread

Another no, oops!

28. Save up and make plans to go to New York

The plans are there, the saving...not so good.

29. Meet a friend through blogging

Nope :( Maybe if I actually blogged a bit more though.. 

30. Visit a city in the UK Ive never been to before

Yep, I went to Manchester in March. Really loved that city :)

31. Get my ears pierced

Oops, no! Wimp!

32. Sleep earlier and get up earlier

Failed this too...Im practically nocturnal 

33. Watch more Audrey Hepburn movies aside from Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Ive bought and seen Roman Holiday so I did this one!

34. Become less shy

Definitely, Im still very shy but much more confident than I used to be.

35. Get my parents to meet Davids parents

Still hasnt happened, beyond a joke.

36. Visit a new country

Yep, Ibiza

37. Buy a stranger a drink in a bar just to be nice

Haha, yes actually.

38. Make genuine friends with the people I know at Uni

Sort of.

39. Make a gingerbread house from scratch

No :( I so want to do this.

40. Try every Lush Bubble Bar

Most of them, at least the scents I like. So I'd tick this one off.

41. Get my eyebrows threaded

Nope, looks too painful!

42. Get a spray tan

Another no.

43. Stay back in Room 105 of The Langdale Hotel again.

I wish...maybe one day.

44. Buy my Mam flowers for no reason

No! Again Im the most skint haha

45. Do one of Jamie's 30 Minute Meals

Nope but I got his book for Christmas so I intend to!

46. See a show in London

Yes, Wicked. Its amazing.

47. Visit my friend Amy in London

Visited London, but Amy moved back home anyway so this didnt really make sense anymore.

48. Do one full review a week on my blog

Sadly a massive fail. I miss blogging almost every day.

49. Get a facial

No but I still really want to.

50. Take my mam somewhere for a beauty treatment

Nah we havent done this yet, maybe for her birthday.

So Im  big fat failure haha, but did achieve most of the big important ones I guess. Now to think of what I want to do in 2013...

The Christmas Tag!

Having so much time away from blogging recently, Ive find it hard to come up with any decent posts I could do. Cue The Christmas Tag, what could be more festive and simple to ease me back into it!

 1. What is your favourite thing about Christmas?

The whole mixture of everything creating festive cheer. The feeling of good will everywhere you go is really heart-warming  everyone in my family becomes slightly giddy and were all in high spirits. Its the little things like mince pies, hot chocolate with cinnamon, and Christmas themed everything that make me warm inside.

2. What is your favourite make up look for the festive season?

Definitely red lips and simple eye make-up  Also, if you cant do a touch of sparkle at Christmas, when can you? This is the only time I feel its appropriate to whack on the sparkly eye liner for a good Christmas night out.

3. Real or fake tree?

Real all the way. Theres nothing quite as special as picking out the perfect tree then unwrapping it in all its glory in the living room. The smell alone is enough to sway the real vs fake argument. Ive had real trees my whole life, apart from this year we have borrowed a fake one to save pennies...I must say it isnt quite the same!

4. Giving or receiving presents?
Lets face it, its always very exciting receiving presents, and often seems slightly cliche to say we prefer giving to receiving. However I have t say this is definitely true for me, even my boyfriend has commented on how I get more of buzz from giving him his gifts than I do from opening my own. I can get very stressed doing Christmas shopping, but seeing someone get excited over a surprise youve given them is totally worth it.

5. Do you open your presents in the morning or evening?

The morning of course! Weve always been allowed to open just one on Christmas Eve night, along with our new Christmas Eve pyjamas! 

6. Handmade or bought Christmas cards?

Handmade cards are lovely, but Im rubbish at crafts and Im not sure people really appreciate the effort that goes into them, so I always buy my cards but make sure to find nice ones.

 7. What is your favourite Christmas film?

I love all Christmas films, watching them is by far one of my favourite festive things to do. I have to say the original Santa Claus The Movie with Dudley Moore, Ive always watched that before bed on Christmas Eve with my family and its just the best tradition we have. I get just as excited watching this as I do on Christmas day, we still do this every year.

(Image from Pinterest)
 8. What is your favourite Christmas food? 

Im a big foodie so Christmas is such a good excuse to eat constantly. I do love my Christmas dinner but Id have to say my favourite part of it is pigs in blankets. I literally pile them onto my plate...my family make extra just so theres enough for everyone else. Theyre amazing and Im kind of upset I only get them one day a year, but I guess they wouldnt be so special if I had them year round.

Ive seen this tag so many times on loads of blogs so I tag anyone to do it. If you do be sure to link it below!

Glam Glow...The Wonder Mask

Hello! I feel slightly odd typing up a blog post, its been so long. Ive always had a rule with blogging that I will never force myself to do it if I dont feel like it, and that is evidently what happened. However, Im back today to ramble on about my new favourite product....Glam Glow.

At first I was hesitant to splash the cash on this mask, which costs around the £50 mark for 50ml. It sounds insane but a little really goes a long way, and its the most effective product Ive ever used on my skin (bold statement). I compare it to buying those £1 one use face masks. It doesnt seem too bad shelling out £1 for one use of a face mask, but I think I would get at least 30 uses out of this pot fr the £50...which really doesnt make it too expensive per use considering its a million times more effective.

With that little rant over...what's so great about it anyway?

Basically it has a ton of amazing ingredients that work wonders. Im not going to go into depth about what it contains, I just know it has the same amazing acid that Alpha H Liquid Gold does that works to resurface you skin and make you look ten times healthier. 

The product itself as you can see is a thick greeny sludge which actually contains pieces of green tea leaves which can look quite strange once applied. I apply it with an old flat foundation brush to get it on evenly and thinly - I find I use less product this way rather than caking it on with my fingers. The mask has a strange but fresh scent, I cant put my finger on what it is but I dont think its an added perfume, just the smell of the ingredients. 

Once on the skin the mask is quite an experience. You have to leave it to set on your face for around 5/10 minutes. As it dries it tightens on your face and feels really wierd. It also tingles while its drying, which can get quite intense. Personally I found it stung a little but my Mam said she barely felt it so maybe it just depends on your skin type. Once it dries I scrub it off with a damp flannel cloth in a circular motion so the little grains within it really exfoliate as its removed which I find is really effective and makes a difference.

The result I get once my face is dry is without a doubt the smoothest my skin has ever felt. I was taken aback by how great the instant results were the first time I used it. Generally I find cheaper facemasks dont make a huge difference but this is amazing and worth every penny. My skin feels squeaky clean and my pores look way smaller. My skin does feel a little tight but not dried out - but a layer of moisturiser sorts that right out. I agree with almost everything the box says are the results of the mask. My face is glowing for days afterwards and is much brighter, clearer and softer. My pores are definitely minimised and are barely noticable compared to what they once were. As for wrinkles I cant really comment but even without that aspect I think its such a good product.

If you couldnt already tell Id highly recommend this mask to anyone as I think it would help with all manner of skin issues. Maybe stick it on your Christmas list - I know I'll be asking for another pot as I couldnt be without it now

xoxo

4 Years...

to the day since two little 17 year olds agreed to be in a relationship with one another when they barely even knew each other. By some miracle were still here today. Keeping mushy sicklyness to a minimum, I couldnt be happier! Cue cringey photos...

 Underage, bad eyebrows and no makeup on my behalf, and drunk off about 3 WKDS.

4 years later, still the same but this time way more lipstick and sambuca, blergh!

xoxo

Moroccan Oil...Late on the Bandwagon.

The Moroccan Oil craze was something that never really interested me. Neither did any of its oily competitors. Having fine, thin hair that looks limp and greasy easily, hair oils seemed like a big no no to me. However I received a small bottle of Mhagrabian Hair Oil in a recent Glossybox which totally made me change my mind - I loved it. The combination of this and receiving lots of lovely money for my 21st birthday lead to purchasing this full size bottle of the highly acclaimed Moroccan Oil totally on a whim.

The one I purchased is the Moroccan Oil Treatment for all hair types. They also make one that is specifically targeted towards fine and light coloured hair, which is probably what I should have purchased. However this works perfectly well for me, I think the other formula is probably less rich and thick.

Lets just start by saying, I'm fully addicted to this now and totally understand why people rave about it so much. I use this mainly after washing my hair and before drying it. A pump or two warmed up in my hands and rubbed through the ends and lengths of my hair does the trick.  I find this makes my hair so silky smooth and sneakily disguises my awful split ends. On top of that I find it makes my air smell amazing. I know many people arent too fond of the smell and find it quite masculine, but I personally love it. 

The other way I use this is after styling when my hair is dry. I don't always do this but find that if my hair is looking quite brittle and dry on the end a little drop of this really helps to make it look way healthier. After straightening or curling my hair it just gives that extra something to the style and makes my hair look more polished and "done". 

Theres only a few minor negative points I can think of for this product. The first being that its fairly easy to go overboard with it and make your hair look like a lank greaseball. Ive only done this once and learned my lesson. Less is definitely more and only apply a small amount at a time, if you think it needs more you can go back for more but putting to much on to begin with is a much harder issue to resolve. The only other problem I can see is that I dont feel it is actually doing anything for the actual condition of my hair. I find it to be just a really great styling product, rather than a conditioning treatment. Over time I may see a difference but for now my hair hasnt changed an awful lot. 

As far as pricing goes, this is pretty expensive at £30.45 for this 100ml bottle on Feel Unique. You can aso get a 25ml bottle for just £12.85 which will last for ages and is much friendlier to the bank balance. I would highly recommend giving this or even any hair oil a go even if you think they wont suit your hair. I thought that too and now I couldnt be without it in my hair routine! 

xoxo

Saturday Night Smokey Eye

Ive been really ill the past few days, so these pictures from Saturday have taken a little while to make it into a blog post. Its been so long since I did Face of the Day posts but Im going to start doing them again. On Saturday night I had intended doing something a little different with my makeup but when it came down it the good old smokey eye made an appearance.

I used...

Skin:

Loreal Studio Secrets Resurfacing Primer

Revlon ColourStay Foundation

Collection Lastng Perfection Concealer

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel

Nars Laguna

MAC Azalea Blossom Blusher (ltd edition)

Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow in Iced Gold

Lips:

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 700 Nude Delight

Nars Turkish Delight Lipgloss

Eyes:

Benefit Creaseless Cream in Skinny Jeans

MAC Eyeshadow in Club all over lid

Urban Decays Eyeshadow in Blackout (from Naked 2 palette) through the crease

Maybelliene Gel Liner

Benefits Theyre Real Mascara

Avon Perfect Brows Blonde Pencil through brows.

Sorry for the rather blurry eyelid shot!

So thats about it :)

I cant wait to start experimenting a bit more when Im better and making more FOTD style posts

xoxo

Liz Earle Eyebright

I have to admit I was always slightly baffled as to what this product was even meant to do. I'd seen a fair few   reviews of it all saying it was a great product, so I added it to a Liz Earle order to give it a go.

The Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion claims to soothe and refresh tired, puffy eyes and remove light eye make-up. My eyes are always very puffy when I get up in the morning, and I usually like to let my face "settle" before leaving the house otherwise I may frighten small children. This was the main reason I thought to try this and it does actually work.

 The first thing I noticed about this is that it is most definitely soothing. A soaked cotton pad laid on the eyes feels very cooling and refreshing, the perfect thing to wake you up quickly on a morning. It really does reduce puffiness too. Ive even used it a few times after Ive shed a few tears (Yes, Im a crier...I cry at everything), and it really helps settle your eyes down after crying. This is great if you have to face people after watching PS I Love You!

The eye make-up removal part is something I had never considered using it for until I found myself eye-makeup removerless. I found this in my stocks and thought it was worth a go at taking off a few coats of mascara and it really did the trick well. I dont think it would hold up so well against a smokey eye and gel liner, but for the last few bits of mascara or liner you missed when cleansing, its perfect.

I wouldnt say this is really an essential product to own, but it is useful for a number of reasons and its really rather handy to have around. This handy 50ml size would be great for travelling, but its also fab for if you want to give it a go but dont want to commit to buying the full size. This size has lasted me months of on and off use and is still going strong. It costs around £5. The full size is 150ml at around £10, which I think is really fairly priced.

I love Liz Earle products and this is just another to add to the list of little gems she has in her range. 

xoxo

Lustlist #21 Shoes Shoes Shoes!

Over the past week or so Ive been lusting after shoes...constantly. With the weather turning bad, boots have been on my radar so Ive been searching every website's shoes section...leading to looking at every type of footwear and wanting everything. Now Ive came across all of these shoes on ASOS (all of which are black, by accident) that I now think I must own...

River Island Western Stud Ankle Boots - £75

Ive always enjoyed the western boot, but never owned a pair. These are subtle enough to not scream "cowboy", and give a nice little nod to the studded trend I love so much right now.

ASOS Deny Wedge High Top Trainers - £36
Im a little late to the party on this trend, but for ages I didnt really like high tops. For whatever reason Ive came round to the idea, and especially like the thought of a sneaky concealed wedge to make my legs look longer and nicer! I love these ones particularly because of the cute floral detail, someone treat me to these! :)

ASOS Abbi Chelsea Ankle Boots - £38

I think if I actually purchase any of these shoes, itll be these. Flat chelsea boots dont look great on me, so these heeled ones will be way more flattering and go with so many things over winter. I see them as more of an investment rather than a naughty purchase, maybe.

ASOS Little Miss Ballet Flats - £25
I know these are a bit of a rip off of the Marc Jacobs mouse flats, but in reality I can never afford the originals...and these are SO cute and way way cheaper.

Which of these do you think I should buy? I wish I could get them all!

xoxo

Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel (Chanel's cream bronzer)

The Chanel Soleil Tan de Chanel is one of those products I lusted after for months and months. Blogs and videos constantly mentioned how unique this was and how perfectly natural it looked on the skin. One day, almost 4 months ago, I bit the bullet and paid out around £30 for what my brother describes as chocolate ice-cream in a tub that you put on your face. After using it none stop since I got it I thought it was about time I gave my two cents on this £30 tub of inedible chocolate ice-cream. 

I've never been one to wear bronzer on a daily basis, so purchasing this was a big deal for me. I thought it may be way too dark or orange for me, and might be so pigmented that I find it impossible to pull off on my pale skin.

Im so pleased to say I was very wrong in my presumptions.

For a start this smells amazing, along with the packaging the scent oozes luxury, and instantly makes me feel a little bit more special when doing my make-up with Chanel on a morning (Im easily pleased).
The product itself is perfectly pigmented, not too strong but plenty colour so you dont spend ages building it up. A few light swirls of my Real Techniques Contour Brush in the bronzer is the perfect amount for contouring one side of my face for the day time. This can be built up to however dark you wish to go, and I do tend to apply a little more for an evening look.
I find myself reaching for this every single time I do my makeup, and cant imagine my routine without it now. Its so quick and easy to create a natural sculpted look whilst adding warmth to your face.
Its worth every single penny to me, as you can see Ive barely made a dent in it after 4 months of day to day use...This will last me forever.
If youve been debating over whether to buy this or not, do it!
xoxo

To Do in 2012: How Ive Done So Far!

I was meant to do this 6 month into the year but totally forgot about it, so three months late I thought Id check it anyway and see how Im doing...

1. Pass 1st year of uni

Yep, I got  2:1 for my first year!

2. Finish decorating my bedroom

Almost...just need a nice chandelier and a big picture for one wall and its done

3. Learn how to make a Sunday dinner.

Not really

4. Give David an amazing surprise for his 21st

Yes! I took him to London for the Capital Summertime Ball!

5. Rejoin the gym and actually start going at least once a week.

Rejoined...went once. I need to stop making this a thing to do each year as I HATE the gym!

6. Get stuck in to uni work, stop being lazy and actually attend lectures!

Didnt do too well on this for first year but second year starts next week so who knows.

7. Find my driving theory pass certificate

Nope, its officially gone forever, give up on this one.

8. Pass my driving test!

Havent even had a lesson, also give up on this one!

9. Make cupcakes to fill my cupcake tree

Not yet

10. Visit Grandma much more often

I could really still improve on this...sorry Grandma

11. Do youtube videos more consistently

Yes! So far Ive been pretty good at uploading at least one a week.

12. Take more of an interest in fashion and accessorising my outfits

The interest is there, the funds to achieve it..not so much.

13. Watch The Sopranos with David

Weve watched two episodes...think this will be one for the winter.

14. Watch all of The OC again from beginning to end

Nope Ive been too hooked on Gossip Girl!

15. Do something really good and memorable for my 21st

I had a lovely night out with my friends, nothing crazy or out of the ordinary, but memorable because it was such a good night anyway.

16. Go on holiday with the girls (eventually)

Yep, I miss Ibiza so much!

17. Finally watch the Bourne Trilogy

Watched the first one...its a start.

18. Go back to America

Sadly not this year, each year I hope to go back but it doesnt happen :(

19. Get a job

Not yet, applied for three yesterday so fingers crossed!

20. Ride a rollercoaster

Not a rollercoaster, but a ride at the fairground that made me feel sick, so this can count!

21. Read at least 10 books, preferably on my kindle or ones I already own.

Ive read three so far...only seven to go!

22. Grow my hair without caving in and getting loads chopped off

Yes! My hair is the longest its ever been, ever! I dont plan on cutting lots off anytime soon.

23. Learn how to do a fishtail braid

Mastered this one in the summer, constantly braided all my friends hair on holiday.

24. Watch The Godfather films

Not yet...

25. Drink more water, anything would be an improvement as I dont drink it at all now

Big failure at this one, oops.

26. Get dressed up and enjoy an evening on Newcastle Quayside with David

Still need to do this but think we will soon.

27. Learn how to make bread

Nope!

28. Save up and make plans to go to New York

The plans are there...the savings are a different story.

29. Meet a friend through blogging

Not yet, would love to though!

30. Visit a city in the UK Ive never been to before

I visited Manchester for the first time and loved it!

31. Get my ears pierced

Still too scared to do this haha

32. Sleep earlier and get up earlier

Failed at this most the year but have been getting up slightly earlier recently, hope it lasts.

33. Watch more Audrey Hepburn movies

Still need to buy some!

34. Become less shy

Sort of, I guess youtube is helping with this a little.

35. Get my parents to meet Davids parents

Shockingly no, after a 4 year relationship this is slightly mental.

36. Visit a new country

Yep, Ibiza!

37. Buy a stranger a drink in a bar just to be nice

Haha, god no. I dont know why I put this, its a bit strange.

38. Make genuine friends with the people I know at Uni

Hmm nah, maybe this year!

39. Make a gingerbread house from scratch

No, but I must do this at Christmas

40. Try every Lush Bubble Bar

Im getting there, but not tried them all just yet.

41. Get my eyebrows threaded

Nah I want to stay in control of my own brows I think.

42. Get a spray tan

Also decided against this one, dont wanna be like a TOWIE extra.

43. Stay back in Room 105 of The Langdale Hotel again, best night ever

I would love to do this, but cant afford too, boo!

44. Buy my Mam flowers for no reason

Havent done this either...

45. Do one of Jamie's 30 Minute Meals

...Or this.

46. See a show in London

Yes, Wicked!

47. Visit my friend Amy in London

I visited London, but not her home...shes returning to our home town now anyway so this is kind of void!

48. Do one full review a week on my blog

Definitely failed at this

49. Get a facial

Nope!

50. Take my mam somewhere for a beauty treatment

Not yet, need to though!

Dear me I havent done very well with my aims for the first 3/4 of the year have I! Ive only really done 11/50...Must at least try to do half in the next 3 months. 

Do any of you keep lists like this?

Im officially in my 20s!

Hello! Long time no blog...Theres a valid reason I promise. On Monday I turned 21. This not only terrifies me, but also took up a lot of my time recently in being truely spoilt rotten by my amazing boyfriend, friends and family. Ive spent the past few weeks shopping, going for lovely meals and drinks, and partying pretty damn hard...(Sorry liver!). So Im back and ready to blog after a nice few weeks of spending lots of time with loved ones, and Im ready to blog away! So with that out the way Ill leave you with a few random photos of my main birthday night...

My favourites 

My lovely mam :) 

Thinking were all Beyonce 

Several shots too many... 

Love him 

My expression is hilarious, some of my best boys 

Got out the bath to find this!  

...and this. Probably the yummiest cake Ive ever tasted!

xoxo

August in Photos...Failed.

Each month I accumulate some half decent photos from the past months to create a small "photo diary" if you will. This month there has literally only been two photos taken of me that were none blog/make-up related. So here they are....guarentee there will be some better ones next month cos its my BIRTHDAY. Yes Im excited.

Me and Tabitha on Bank Holiday Sunday...shes a beaut. 

Me and Louis a little worse for wear after too much vodka, hence my face. Wish he didnt make me look SO pale, hes just been on holiday and thats my excuse.

Well that was rather a short post with nothing in it but I couldnt let myself miss a month out!

Better posts to come I promise!

xoxo

Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray

If you watch any of my youtube videos, you will be sick to death of hearing me go on and on about this product. But for me, its the perfect summer hair product, so I thought I should give it its own proper review.

The Bumble and Bumble Surf Spray is basically a salty sea-water spray that gives that "just walked off the beach" hair. Beachy tousled hair is my absolute favourite, and I think its the style that suits my own nautal blonde hair the best. This spray allowed beachy locks without the beach, which lets face it, we cant all access every day unfortunately!

I believe you can use this spray on damp freshly- washed hair, which Ive never tried but Im sure it would give great results. Personally I spritz it all over as my last step when I style my hair. Its especially great when Ive used my Babyliss Curling Wand as it breaks up the curls and makes it look more natural.

It was an amazing product to take on holiday, and I wore my hair like in the picture below most nights. With most hair products I usually find it tricky to use just the right amount, I usually go overboard and ruin my hair. With this you can use a lot without it weighing your hair down, which is good if you get a little heavy-handed like I do!

I love the matte textre and look it gives to the hair, some say it dries their hair out but I dont think it does. I wish this look was appropriate all year round...somehow I cant see it going well with my sparkly Christmas dresses!

The only dwnside is the price is £20.50 for 125ml. It sounds pretty steep but this bottle will last me for years to come and £20 over a few years is practically pennies. Its totally worth it and Id repurchase again and again.

What do you think of the Surf Spray?

Origins Out of Trouble Mask

In the past the only facemasks I've really ever purchased came in sachets for £1 in Superdrug, and usually peeled off like a kind of second green skin after 15 minutes.

I thought they were fun, but didn't really do a lot.

Origins Out of Trouble face mask has changed my mind completely about face masks as a whole.

This most definitely does something.

I bought it in a moment of desperation when my skin was really acting up. The lady at the counter convinced me this would sort my spotty skin right out, and she was right.

The mask is applied on problem areas, or the whole face if you wish, for 10 minutes then washed away. I personally just use a small amount on spotty oily areas as I dont want to waste it where its not needed. 

Its a rather thick consistency as you can see below, and that small amount is usually about how much I use at  a time. I think this makes the 100ml tube costing £20.00 well worth it, considering I used to pay £1 per one-use sachet which did nothing for my skin. Ive used this about once a week for three months now and Im nowhere near finished!

As far as the experience and results this mask gives, Im very impressed. It feels luxuriously thick to apply, and once on my face Ive found it to tingle slightly for a few minutes. Nothing uncomfortable, but it certainly feels like its working. Once its washed away and my skin has dried theres instantly a noticeable difference.

My skin feels squeaky clean, and noticeably less oily. Spots seem to calm a little, and I think it really makes a difference to how angry and long lasting my blemishes are. I find that it doesnt dry my skin out at all, even when I do use it on my whole face. However my skin is fairly oily so this could differ with drier skin types.

Overall I would highly recommend this mask to anyone that wants to tone down the oiliness of their complexion, clear blocked pores, and keep spots at bay.

I cant wait to try the other Origins masks, Ive heard theyre all just as amazing

xoxo 

Top Picks from Feel Unique's Sale!

After browsing through the amazing sale Feel Unique currently have running I thought I'd show you some of my favourite bargains I came across. Ive divided it into two lists. One being products I would recommend, which are ones I already own and think the sale prices are an amazing deal! The other being my own lust list of quite a few things I already had my eye on, and the sale prices make them even more tempting!

So firstly, products I would recommend...

 Xen Tan Dark Lotion Absolute Luxe. Was £29.70, now £26.73
This is my absolute favourite false tan, worth every penny!
Bare Minerals Pure Transformation Night Treatment. Was £45.00, now £33.75
This is so pricey, but when I use it my skin is always looks amazing the next morning.
Jemma Kidd Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Creme. Was £17.00 now £13.60
Such a bargain for my go-to highlighter!
Clarins Liquid Bronze Self Tanning for Face. Was £17.50 now £14.88
I use this most days and a little goes a long way, I think its a great price anyway so the £3 off is a bonus.
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector. Was £16.00 now £13.60
I am obsessed with the apricot colour, this sale is tempting me to purchase the pretty rose version.
Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum. Was £29.00 now £23.49
Im still using my Glossybox sample sparingly, as I love it and dont want it to end! This will be a must have when Im done. Its amazing.
Jemma Kidd Blushwear Creme Cheek Colour. Was £13.00, now £10.40
I use my blush in Paw Paw most days, so almost £3 off is a steal!
Jemma Kidd Light As Air Foundation. Was £25.00, now £20.00
My all time favourite foundation, and if I didnt already have a full one and a backup Id be buying one at £5 off!

Now the products I really wish I could just empty my bank account to purchase!

Bare Minerals Ready Touch Up Veil. Was £22.00, now £16.50

Im really interested in the Ready range from Bare Minerals, and this powder has been on my wishlist for a while now, so with such a discount its rather tempting.

L'Oreal Mythic Oil. Was £15.95, now £12.55

I really want to try a hair oil, and this price is really appealing to me over the more expensive options.

This Works Clean Skin 5-In-1 Water. Was £21.00, now £16.80

Fleur De Force says this is as good as Bioderma, so its worth a try!

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. Was £14.40, now £11.03

This gets such good reviews, the smaller size of 75ml at this price is enticing me to try it out.

YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation . Was £28.00, now £23.80

I really want to try this, and as far as high end foundations go, this is an awesome price!

Elemis Revitalising Skincare Anniversary Collection. Was £45.00, now £36.00

Ive been obsessing over this, as I love the Enzyme peel and really want to try the other products. The set is actually worth £81, so its a huge bargain!

Bare Minerals Ready Eyeshadow 4.0. Was £29.00, now £21.75

Ive heard these eyeshadows are great quality, and the quad in The Truth looks like the perfect little neutral palette, great for travelling!

Someone stop me from spending every penny I have in this sale!

xoxo

Products I'm Hitting Pan On

Its not often I finish a make up product. Body care, hair care...I go through like no tomorrow. The occasional eyeliner or mascara gets used up, but its not so often I use a lot of a "pan" product. By which I mean those that are packaged inside a metal, well, pan. So its kind f a big deal to me when I "hit pan" on a product. I realise this is quite pathetic, but it excites me and I dont know why. So heres the products Im currently hitting pan on...

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in 003 Peach Glow

This setting powder has served its purpose well. Its been great for setting my makeup with, but does create quite a matte finish as the name suggests. I prefer a more dewy look, but my skin can tend to look a little oily so only a small amount of this dusted over my face does the trick. Its very cheap too which is always a bonus. 

GOSH Creamy Compact Make-up in Beige 2
This is basically a cream foundation. I had a penchant for cream foundations when I was about 17...and Ive had this since then, which explains how gross and battered it looks! Its probably well past its expiry date but thats not something Im too fussed with. I actually love this, it creates an amazingly flawless base. Sadly I think its been discontinued as I cant find it anywhere, so I have been using this little bit sparingly. I think Ill always have a cream foundation in my collection though, theyre my favourites for nights out.  

Natural Collection Eyeshadow in Willow

This is the first eyeshadow Ive ever hit pan on, and its the cheapest one I own too! The only blush Ive ever finished was also Natural Collection, which speaks volumes that cheap doesnt always mean its rubbish. Anyway, I absolutely love this eyeshadow the perfect lightish taupey shade. Its also really nice quality, and only about £2...Bargain!

What products are you hitting pan on? I think it shows which products are really truly loved!

xoxo

Clarins Self Tanning After Sun

Its been almost two months since my last holiday (time flies), and with no real summer here Ive had little use for this product for a while now. But, the times I have used it I absolutely loved it, so there was no way I could let the summer pass by without discussing it.

The product in question is the Clarins After Sun Moisturiser with Self Tan. I bought this with the knowledge that I was going away on holiday with girl that tan easy, and I dont. This was intended to boost my tan to keep up with everyone elses, and boy did it perform!

This aftersun does the perfect job at enhancing your tan. The self tan in it isnt orange at all, and just adds nicely to any natural tan youve picked up. However, this does have more tan in it than I first anticipated. On the first application I just slapped it on like any other after sun....and woke up to streaks and orange hands the next day. By just applying it a little more carefully and washing your hands after, any of these accidents are avoided. It also sins in really quickly and evenly, so not much waiting around in the bathroom windmilling your arms around!

In terms of its purpose as an aftersun, its not the type I would slather on continuously on a night time to ease sunburn. I used a different one just for the purpose of cooling and soothing, this was more for the tanning purposes. Also I think its a little expensive at £18 for 150ml to just be chucking it on a load of sunburn constantly. Another factor in this is that I dont know if this would intensify the false tan in it and maybe look a bit strange?!

The product itself just comes out like a white lotion and sinks in like any after sun would, so its not too scary or "fake-tan-ish". Something else worth mentioning is it doesnt smell like false tan not one tiny bit, bonus! I love the extra glow and boost it gives to the tan Ive already got on holiday. For once in my life I felt like a bronzed goddess after using it (maybe minus the goddess part), so just for that its worth every penny to me!

I couldnt recommend this after sun enough, I dont think Id ever go on holiday without it now. I got mine from feelunique.com for £18 with free delivery!

xoxo

Saturday Morning Style Lusts

Maybe not the catchiest title ever but Im working on it. I was thinking about doing a weekly series, and the time in the week I always have plenty time to spare is a Saturday morning. I have a Saturday "wandering the shops" ritual with my mother, which always starts at noon...were wierd. 

So "Saturday Morning Style Lusts" is born, because on Saturday Mornings Im going to talk clothes. Fashion and style isnt something Im naturally good with, so maybe this will help. Itll be a mixture of trends Im loving, particular outfits Iv seen on celebrities that Im loving, and whole outfits Ive put together via clthing websites that I wish I owned. Essentially none of this is going to be my own clothes, as then it woudnt be a "lust". Trust me, my wardrobe is nothing to lust over.

So without further rambling, Ive been loving the black studded clutch bags that seem to be everywhere, so Ive decided to put together a day and a night look for it. I took this as a challenge as a friend of mine said "Its quite a lot to spend on a clutch you could only use at night". 

Night...

Gold Stud Suede Clutch - Topshop - £38.00

Macrame Bra Top - Miss Selfridge - £22.00

Red Dip Back Maxi Skirt - Topshop - £40.00

Steve Madden Black Xcess Cross Strap Wedges - New Look -  £64.99 

Triangle Pearl Studs - Miss Selfridge - £8.50
Triangle Open Ring - Topshop - £2.50 (Sale!)

Im very much a girl that lives in black, so I think I did well to sneak a little orangey-red into the mix. Id wear the skirt a little high wasited so as not too show too much tummy, and I think the dip hem works nicely to show off those gorgeous wedges! 

Day...

White Skull Print Vest - New Look - £9.99
Grey Marl Dip Maxi Skirt - Topshop - £20.00

Mini Stud PU Biker Jacket - Miss Selfridge - £57.00

Gold Stud Suede Clutch (As above)
3D Pyramid Ring - Topshop - £5.00
HIGH Beaded Gladiator Sandals - £30.00

Converse All Star Light Trainers - Schuh - £43.00

Id tuck the skull vest into the skirt, I think its quite cute for only a tenna! Ive been loving the jacket for ages now and feel I must have it very soon. The sandals were thrwn in to add a little colourful option, they had them in hot pink too which I think would look just as good. Most days I would probably opt for my trusty Converse Lights, so comfy and great for as the weather turns colder. 

Not so sure these posts are a great idea for my bank balance!

xoxo

Smudgy eyeliner and my new favourite jacket...

On my way out the door to go and see Ted last night (the funniest film of the year so far by MILES) I realised I hadnt taken any pictures of my new favourite clothing item. I quickly snapped one and a little FOTD for you as well...

Firstly for make-up Ive been switching it up a little bit recently in terms of my eyeliner. Im usually a clean black line of gel or liquid liner kinda girl, but Ive been going for the more smudgy pencil look these past few days. In the past Ive always made a bit of a mess of it, taking it way too far down under my yes and end up looking like a raccoon. I think I may have cracked it now!

As for the products I used my Mac Studio Fix Fluid as a base, with my Chanel cream bronzer to contour with a little of Benefits Bella Bamba to give a little flush to my cheeks.

You cant really tell here but I used MACs All That Glitters and Mythical (ltd ed.) on the lid with Avons Supershock liner in Blackberry smudged all around the eye. I find it to be a grgeous unique colour, like a really dark purpley reddy toned brown. Mascara was just about one coat of each different one I own at the minute, I like layering. 

On the lips is my usual nude combo of Rimmels Nude Delight with Nars lipgloss in Turkish Delight over the top. Lots of delights there!

Now, the outfit. 

Im known for wearing all black a lot of the time, I dont have much imagination and black just always looks right, and its easy. This Zara jacket is my new best friend to team with my all-black outfits to bring them to life. I know there is so much more you could do with it in terms of what to pair it with, but as I say Im pretty boring in the wardrobe department. I have Barbara from The Persian Babe to thank for my new love, she had it on in a video and I knew it had to be mine!

I got it in the sale for £20 (I think!), and I was rather chuffed as Id been eyeing it up for months at full price! I'm not entirely sure its still in stock but I'd recommend snatching it up if you find it. My boyfriend and my Dad hate it, my friends love it as do I...So its one of those things that everyone has a strong love/hate opinion on. Even though its quite a loud floral style print I think it could be a very versatile piece and could be worn with many different outfits to spice things up a bit.

Do you like it, or hate it?

xoxo