I have been using this on and off (but mostly on) for about a year, and I always seem to go back to it. At £16, the price is right, and even though my skin has improved dramatically from when I first purchased, I love the coverage. One qualm I have with this foundation is the lack of choice when it comes to colours - the palest shade Opal can sometimes look a little orange for me if I use too much and I don't think the darkest shade would be useful for black skin. For now, this is my favourite foundation as it is almost perfect.
Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge
I bought this on a whim with my built up Boots advantage points and I am so pleased I did. My foundation has never looked so flawless and I am convinced that a sponge is the best way to apply makeup, I'm just mad I'm only now realising! However, I've only had it for about three weeks and it has a significant amount of tears in it from washing, so I'm curious to see how long it will last.
Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara
My favourite mascara to date, I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a lengthening effect. Until I can afford to try out the much coveted Benefit They're Real mascara, I'll be buying this product for the foreseeable future.
Rimmel Moisture Renew Nude Delight 700
In my opinion, this is the perfect nude lipstick on a budget. The colour is subtle and long-lasting and feels moisturising on the lips. At £6.49, it's pretty cheap and at Boots, they currently are offering Rimmel products at 3 for 2.
Baby Oil
I swapped my old moisturiser for this about a year ago after my sister's recommendation. I have to say, my skin is softer than it has been for years. I have senstive skin on my chest and this is gentle enough not to irritate it. Between two and three pounds, you can't go wrong. This bottle has lasted since September.
So Christmas is well and truly over, but that doesn't mean I have to stop wishing for stuff! This month, I'm lusting over these lovely items. Have a look and see if anything takes your fancy too...
I have no idea where I would put this decorative screen in my bedroom, but hey, lets just say I'm saving for my bottom drawer? Regular visitors of this blog will know that I've really got into to weird and wonderful lip colours, and my latest obsession is this gorgeous mint. This cute fawn sweater is on sale at the moment, and it's taking everything in me to not click and buy it - there's a high chance I will. I Origins is out on DVD and Bluray and, after seeing it with my best friend in the cinema, I'm desperate to get my hands on a copy. It's such a brilliant movie. And check out this collar bib - what a great idea! I really need to get myself one of these, maybe I could make one myself? And lastly, I'm in love with this beautiful globe pendant I found on Etsy by Resity. Their delicate jewellery is definitley worth a look and is pretty reasonable.
Recently, I've become a lot more experimental with my choice of lip colour. As someone who had never quite got red lipstick to work for me, I wanted to try something even bolder. So what's bolder than red? Black of course. Here, I've softened it with an icy lavender colour. I don't know what made me try this out today other than the fact I couldn't decide which colour to go for, but I really love it.
The temperature has plummeted, the nights are drawing in and the dark lip stains are coming out. Despite an unseasonably warm September, in comes November and we are in no doubt that Autumn is here and Winter is on it's way. So put your brolly away, make a cup of tea, get your feet up and enjoy my picks for everything you need in the beautiful seasons of Autumn and Winter.
The Outfit Keeping warm and stylish in the cooler months...
do I have resting bitchface..?
I typically wear darker hues at any given time but in the latter end of the year, they seem most appropriate. I love this faux fur collar from eBay and have been wearing it with everything - it instantly adds a touch of glamour to even a simple outfit. Boots are must - these are from New Look. I picked up this hat in an Antique/vintage store in London and I think it's perfect for the season.
The Beauty Stuff
Wind-resistant hair and smoky eyes ...
My make-up is pretty minimal when it comes to my eyes, but recently I've been smudging a little eyeshadow on my lowerlash line and flicking out out towards the end. It gives a grungy yet pretty look, I've been following Beautycrush's tutorial below to achieve this.
My hair is mainly covered up with a hat through most of the colder months, but when I do decide to brave the elements with a bare head, I have to make sure my locks are on point. My go-to hairstyle recently has been a high ponytail secured with a cute bow hair bobble. I find it's easiest to achieve if you tip your hair upside down in order to gather all the stray hairs. I also love a fishtail plait to the side as it looks good on it's on or peaking out under a hat.
The Music & Movies
The sights and the sounds ...
Halloween may be over, but that doesn't mean you need to put the scary movies away. I used to hate horror movies but recently I've found myself watching lots, from golden oldies like Poltergeist to the absurdly awful Drag Me to Hell. When it comes to new movies, I'd highly recommend Gone Girl - at two and half hours it's a long one so I'd skip the large-size drink if I were you! I also am cautiously optimistic when it comes to the new Paddington film (Nov 28), I just hope it doesn't ruin my childhood!
Of course, when Halloween and Bonfire Night are out of the way, it's time for festive films! One of my absolute favourite Christmas films is the Patrick Stewart version of A Christmas Carol - I watch it several times on the run up to Christmas.For nostalgia, I love Mickey's Christmas Carol and when I'm done with all the mushy movies, I just have to crack out Bad Santa!
Recently, I've been listening to Justin Sane's album Life, Love & The Pursuit of Justice. His mardy, whiny voice is right up my street and just puts me in the mood for the cold weather. I have to be honest, the new tunes haven't really dazzled me this season, but I'm loving Janet Devlin's second album Running With Scissors, checking out her Friday I'm in Love cover.
The Food Stuff What to munch on ...
My spicy bean burger with cheese and mango chutney - amazing!
Of course, candy apples are the way to go! My friend Alex posted a great tutorial last year for these treats, check them out here. When it comes to dinner, one of my favourite winter warmers is a large steaming bowl of chilli (veggie of course) and tacos. Chilli is one of the easiest meals to cook as you literally just throw everything in a pan and let it do it's thing. If you don't fancy cooking, The Spode Cottage in Rugeley is one of my favourite places to eat - they do amazing burgers with really delicious and unusual topping combinations. If you'd like to check it out, I have a review of the place here
The beverage of choice has to be a milky hot chocolate - preferably with squirty cream and a little cocoa powder dusted on top. However, the amazing Divas Can Cook recently uploaded a tutorial on how to make delicious caramel apple spice drink. I'm yet to try this myself but it's definitely an activity for chilly cosy nights. I was recently introduced jasmine green tea which I'm loving.
Hope this gave you some ideas for the upcoming months!
University is starting to take it's toll on my feeble body and mind. To keep me sane, I've been indulging in a spot of retail therapy. It's not really a haul, I don't have the money for those, but it's a small collection of pretty things I could not resist. Check it.
I had a cheeky little potter round Primark when I should have been in the uni library. White is my favourite colour to wear (next to black) because it's so pretty and versatile. I am also a sucker for crops, I have this thing about midriff, you see. I felt it was time to get myself a new hairband and how amazing is this one? I love the mix of sweet and punky, totally my style. Can't wait to wear this.
I'm addicted to Revlon' s lip butters, so I was excited when I saw Boots had a 3 for two offer. I picked up Strawberry Shortcake, Sweet Tart and Tutti Fruity. How cute are the names? These shades are a light rosey pink, a poppier bright pink and orange-hued reddy colour.
I'm really annoyed that I've had to neglect my blog recently, all my uni deadlines are coming up at once and I'm working flat out. But I just completed a particularly scary project, so things are looking up!
Because of uni, my social life has gone kaput so I'm really looking forward to a night out next Saturday. Hopefully I have a nice lil' outfit post for you guys. I'll be blogging a lot more when this semester is done!
I have a confession. Red lippie and I don't really get along. Yes, I am a pathetic excuse for a girl. The truth is, I wish I could wear it but instead of feeling like Marilyn Monroe I just feel like The Joker. My lipsticks of choice tend to be very pale pinks and nudes, but this time I decided to try something a little different. Cue Wild Watermelon; a shimmery coral shade with hues of both pink and red.
The Good
This is literally the most comfortable lipstick I've ever worn. Jack scoffed at the name lip 'butter'; sure it was just a marketing tactic, erroneously claiming to be more nourishing then your average lippie. He was wrong, it feels amazing from the first slick. I tend to be stingy with lipsticks and pick the cheapest brand (I know, I'm a bad beauty blogger!) It is always a mistake as they cause my lips to flake and the colours disappears within an hour. This lip butter truly feels like you've smoothed on Vaseline - so soft and kissable, with no signs of flaking. This is very good for someone who has notoriously easily chapped lips.
The packaging is totally cute, I love the diamond patterned lid and the case is chic and shiny. Such pretty little thing to have in your make-up bag! I was amazed by the choice of colours available too, a total of 21 shades.
The Bad
Honestly, I don't really have anything bad to say about this lip butter. At £7.99, it's not the most student friendly price but it's worth ten cheaper lipsticks, I promise you. Obviously, you need reapply after eating and drinking, but it lasts a couple of hours on it's own, so keep it in your bag for touch-ups. I shall definitely be picking some more shades up soon.
The Bottom Line
Get this, just get it. Super soft feeling, brilliant choice of colours. An essential for every girl.
