Friday 8 August 2014

Feeling overwhelmed... Or underwhelmed?

While I love social media (I'm literally all over it, just look above at all those sparkly buttons!), it really can get me sucked into this vortex of nothingness made up of a bit uselessness, woeful and a whole lot of "What am I doing with my life?!".

I think this is typical for students though. I've literally spent 18 years (yes, it took me a while to work that one out) in full time education, constantly learning and constantly being asked, "So what do you want to do with your life/when you leave school or uni?"

Back to the social media. Over the last few weeks, my personal Facebook feed has been littered with statuses such as 'OMG GOT A NEW JOB WAHOO!', 'JUST BEEN ACCEPTED FOR AN INTERNSHIP!' and 'OMG GOT SO MANY EXCITING SHOOTS LINED UP'.

The most exciting thing in my life right now is that I've been working quite a bit so I have a bit more of a disposable income and I treated myself to a family size packet of ginger biscuits.

Please don't get me wrong and think I'm a total grump, I'm so happy for those who post these statuses. I really really am. But sometimes, I wish it were me.

I'm not really too sure what this post is all about really. Just life things I guess. I wanted to share how I'm feeling in the hope that if you might be feeling that way too we can help each other out, or have felt like this before and can offer some advice.

I have so many dreams, but just don't know where to start or even how to?

I really hope you understand what I'm trying to say :)

Wednesday 6 August 2014

Autumn Polkadots

Nail art is a big thing in beauty right now and its a great way to jazz up your nails with more than one colour. We are creeping closer to Autumn months so here is a look suitable for the colder months but still catches your eye. Plus, who doesn't like polkadots?!


To prep, I trimmed and filed my nails. You wouldn't believe how quickly and long my nails grow. They are made of steel, I swear! Next I popped on some top coat which doubles as a base coat too from Leighton Denny available here.

For the base colour, I used a much loved colour from Essie, Bahama Mama, available here. I love plum-toned nail varnishes for Autumn/Winter. The formula of this and other Essie polishes are just lovely. They glide on like a dream. I have a good 2 coats of this for full opacity and it didn't get gloopy or streaky at all.
Once that had 90% dried (I started to get impatient and wanted to polkadot!!), I blobbed a generous amount of Barry M's Matte White, available here, on a piece of card with a cuticle stick armed at the ready. 

For the polkadots, its very simple. Literally, dip and dot. I started off with two dots then three dots and carried on across the whole nail. So easy.


Once this had all pretty much dried, I put on another coat of the Leighton Denny top coat and that was it! 

How long does it last, you say? A couple of my nails have chipped but I think thats due to rigorous washing up. I know, I'm quite the glamour puss! I reckon this will last about a week. I'll let you know!

What do you think of this nail design? Are you excited for Autumn/Winter?

Watch this space as some more A/W14 posts are coming your way!

Monday 4 August 2014

Boots Haul (+ First Impressions!)

So I went to Boots with a rather hefty 'to-buy' list and spent a hefty amount. It's only fair that I share with you what I bought and my first impressions of them. It also relieves my conscience a little as I feel I'm being somewhat productive in my spending. Reviews of those that particularly impress me will come in due course, rest assured!

Soap and Glory's Solar Powder Bronzer

A lovely looking duo bronzer with very little shimmer to it. Do not be discouraged by the pink overspray, that will disappear after the first stroke of your brush. The Soap and Glory products were all part of a 3 for 2 offer and is also my first dipping of feet into the make-up line First impressions: Love this. I find it to be much more subtle that my Benefit Hoola Bronzer so will be great for Autumn/Winter where I want just a hint of a glow. Having two colours gives you more control in how much you put on.

Soap and Glory's Sexy Mother Pucker in Nudist

A product loved by one of my favourite bloggers, Fleur from www.fleurdeforce.com, this is essentially a tinted lip balm in a twist up stick. First impressions: THIS SMELLS AMAZING. It also packs a lot more colour than I thought, automatically a winner and now a handbag staple. Highly recommend.

Soap and Glory's Kick Ass Concealer

Again, a duo (or triple with the finishing powder?) product from S&G. This features two concealers; one pink toned for cancelling out blue tones in the inner corner of the eyes and one green toned for cancelling out redness from pigmentation and spots. Also comes with a nifty little finishing powder to set everything into place. First impressions: Very nice. Great little compact to keep in the make-up bag to touch up any flare ups and the finishing powder is surprisingly very good! I wonder if this is a smaller version of their One Heck Of A Blot? If so, definitely purchasing!

No7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter

This caught my eye whilst I was late-night perusing Boots online and I had a voucher for £3 off No7 make-up (fabulous!) so decided to give it a whirl. First impressions: Again, lovely. Great alternative to powder bronzers and/or highlighters. Glides on lovely, blends well and gives a very natural glow-ey finish. I expect it would be great for holidays as it will sit better on the skin and is quite compact without the need for a brush.

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara

This mascara was recommended to me by a friend of my sisters whilst at my sisters hen do. She said it is a dupe for the Benefit They're Real Mascara for a snip of the price. I haven't used that mascara before, have heard great things so decided to give this cheaper alternative a go. First impressions: The brush is quite deceiving. It's a thinnish plastic wand (not my favourites- I love a fibre wand personally) but it really does make lashes very doll-like. The first coat is fairly normal but the second coat is where the real monty comes in. Very impressed. Definitely give it a go if you see it!

Seventeen Eye Eye Crayon in Jewel

There was a buy one get one half price offer on Seventeen products and my boyfriend actually steered me away from my usual gold toned eyeshadows and said I should get the blue. First impressions: Boy did good. I love this, very creamy and stays on pretty well. I pinched a look using this colour from Pinterest for a night out and loved it. Maybe I'll recreate it for here? We'll see :)

Here are links to where you can buy everything mentioned:

S&G Solar Bronzer: http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory%C2%99-Solar-Powder%C2%99-Bronzo-9g_1238296/
S&G Sexy Mother Pucker in Nudist: http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory-Sexy-Mother-Pucker%C2%99-Gloss-Stick-3D-Super-Colour-Volume-Lip-Shine-2-72g_1277067/
S&G Kick Ass Concealer: http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-Glory--Kick-Ass-Concealer--Three-Piece-Camouflage-Kit-2-x-2-6g_1243294/
No7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter: http://www.boots.com/en/No7-Instant-Radiance-Bronzing-Highlighter_1475889/
Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara: http://www.boots.com/en/SEVENTEEN-Falsifeye-HD-Mascara_1502635/
Seventeen Eye Eye Crayon in Jewel: http://www.boots.com/en/SEVENTEEN-Eye-Eye-Crayon_1427550/