Seventeen Haul

I don't think this actually constitutes a haul, seeing as I only bought one item but there's a lot of make up in here so you'll let this one slide right? Thanks!

I picked up this gem for a mere £17 down from £35 when it was a star gift in Boots. In the run up to Christmas, Boots count it down with a star gift each week, usually with a great discount. This one was such great value, I couldn't resist. Early present for myself!

In this bumper pack you receive:
12 x SEVENTEEN Eyeshadows (Shades taken from Metallic Toffee Trio, Funfair, Peepshow Eye Palette, Vengeance Trio, Style Queen, Spirit, Regal and Mardi Gras. 23g total) 
5 x SEVENTEEN Lip Glosses (Peachy, Pink Ice, Fuzzy Yellow Petal, Nude and Very Berry. 5g total)
SEVENTEEN Blusher (Bramble Frost )
Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Bronzer (7.5g)
Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Metallic Eye Cream (5.5g)
Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Gel Eyeliner
Limited Edition SEVENTEEN Black Mascara (8ml)
SEVENTEEN Black and Coffee Eye Pencils
SEVENTEEN Photo Flawless Primer (15ml)
5 x Make-up Brushes
Pencil Sharpener and
Eyelash Curler

PHEW! Like I said a lot of make up! I haven't tried any of these products out yet but look out for a follow up post with swatches and mini reviews! The only downside to this pack is the packaging, it's extremely cumbersome, no way this one is travelling with me! I'd have loved a removable eyeshadow palette but for the price I paid, I can't complain! Buy online HERE

Have you seen any of the star gifts in Boots? Will you treat yourself this Christmas or are you more restrained than me!

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Topshop's Beatnik lipstick

Bad quality lip picture...sorry!

I absolutely couldn't resist getting my bobble hat in this picture!

Oh my gosh, I'm in love again. I've realised that with almost every lipstick I buy, I say I'm in love but with this one, I really do know true love. I've had it two days, it has passed the reapplication test (I'm so bad for reapplying my lipstick, yet find myself reapplying this at least three times a day) and there is a visible dent in it already. I. Love. It. Let's get onto what 'it' is...

Beatnik is a gorgeous dusky pink (or as Topshop call it 'dirty pink') from Topshop's creamy finish range of lipsticks. It has a slight berry-ish tone to it which is why I think it suits me so well. A lot of my lighter pinks are sometimes a bit too pink. It glides on beautifully and lasts well, despite the horrendous lip marks on my coffee cup!

This lipstick was £8, which I think is really affordable and such great value for what you're getting. A super wearable shade!

What's your favourite lipstick? I feel like I'm cheating on Autumn with such an unseasonal shade!

You can buy Beatnik HERE

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Halloween Nail Tutorial: Dripping Blood

I'm really not one for nail art. It's too fiddly, takes too long to dry and I'm such a darn perfectionist that most of the time it fails. I'm the girl who keeps trying to perfect it until my nails are a gloopy mess! However, I really wanted to try out something for Halloween and believe me this is so easy, even I can do it!

 

 What you will need:

A base coat/ top coat- I chose Barry M Base Coat Topcoat & Nail Hardener

A white nail polish- I chose Barry M Matt White

A red nail polish- I chose NYC Expert Last Nail Polish in Fine Red Wine

A bobby pin/ nail art brush/ small make up brush

First I whacked on the base coat (not pictured because who wants to look at that!)

Next I painted on two coats of the white polish

Here comes the "tricky" bit (read: fool proof). I glooped (technical term there!) on the red polish quite thickly and then as you can see I've pulled the bobby pin apart, to use the thinner part to simply drag the polish down the nail! That's it!

Couldn't resist adding a spooky filter ;)

The great thing about this nail design is that it doesn't have to be perfect. Blood doesn't drip evenly!

I loved how this turned out! Have you done any festive nails this year?

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Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion

 

As much as I want the blogger acclaimed Emma Hardy Cleansing  Balm, I just can't justify it (like most things, booo!) so when I found this in my stash, I thought it'd be perfect to ease myself into cleansing instead of using my foaming face wash (see my favourite one HERE).

With this lotion, you simply put it onto a cotton pad, wipe over the face and it removes make up and cleanses. I like it as recently I've had quite dry patches on my face and have been finding water a little drying so this is a lovely moisturising alternative. Its says on it to use it twice a day but I only use it once as I sometimes don't feel as if the cleanser is getting deep enough to get all of my make up off. Great all round, affordable cleansing lotion!

Feels like a super short post today! What cleansers do you like? I want to try the Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser next as spoken about my MissBudgetBeauty. Affordable and hot cloth? Sounds right up my street!
Order from here

 

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My American Wish List

With my friend currently touring Disney as I type, I thought I'd put together some of the products I'd be making a dash for if I was in America.

Wet n Wild MegaLast lip colour in Don't Blink Pink- buy here
I do love me a fuchsia lipstick! And for the price and amazing reviews I've heard about Wet n Wild, I'd be perusing their stand for hours!

Wet n Wild Petal Pusher palette- buy here
This palette would be in a 'YouTube made me do it' tag, if I ever did one. Tati from GlamLifeGuru on YouTube, created an amazing look with it. So amazing I looked at this one on the website before the neutrals (I can hear you all gasping from here!)

Covergirl Clump Crusher by LashBlast mascara- buy here
Another 'YouTube made me do it' contestant, I have just heard too much about this mascara to leave it in a store.

Maybelline Colour Whisper in Mad for Magenta- buy here
Pink. Lipstick. Need I say more?

Elf Baked Eye shadow in Enchanted- buy here
I was drawn to the champagne colour of this shadow. All my cream neutrals are just that...cream. This one just had something else and for the price of Elf products you can't go wrong!

Physicians Formula Glow & Mood Boosting powder- buy here

I've heard a lot about Physicians Formula recently as they scope out whether to come to the UK or not. I picked this product in particular because it's so darn pretty! Hearts embossed on a powder in different colours? You got me at hello!

American girls feel lucky you have all these amazing brands! I know you can get hold of some of these brands in the UK but some just aren't easily accessible. What would be on your wishlist?

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The Autumn Nail post

Painting my nails for this post was a real surprise. I had in my mind what polish I would like the best and then I fell in love with all the others!

First up on the pinky we have an L&B polish

This is a gorgeous dark teal colour with a silver shimmer running through it. I've had this polish for a while and can you believe it's never graced my nails before. Sacrilege for such a lovely polish. Applied beautifully, opaque in two coats, I can't fault it (apart from the fact I can't find where to buy it, grr!)

On the ring finger we have, another L&B polish

This is a dark metallic grey again with silver shimmer running through it. Another one to never have made it onto my nails, I'm disappointed I don't know a good polish when I see it. Opaque in two coats and looks lovely on shorter nails

On the middle finger we have Collection 2000's 12 Blue My Mind

A polish that has been on my nails before finally! I can't believe I haven't worn it in so long though. This is a beautiful dark navy and for the price it's excellent. Opaque in one coat, and despite my habit to add two, I just never had to with this one. Will definitely be looking to buy more of these!

On the index finger we have Avon's Golden Wine

This polish screams Christmas to me. A burgundy with golden shimmer? I'm getting my stocking out! I was a bit worried about this polish, it's quite a watery formula but after two coats, it looked great and I like that the shimmer isn't too in your face, just shows up in certain lights. Like a selective disco ball...

And finally the thumb, NYC's Fine Red Wine

This is the polish I thought would be THE Autumn colour. I bought this in the summer when the colour was less than seasonal so this is the first time I've worn it. A lot more red than it appears in the bottle; I thought it was more of an Oxblood red but definitely more of a true red (or man eater red as I like to call it!!). Bit too festive for the Autumn nail for my liking but will be getting its use throughout December. It's one fault is the brush. It has a tendency to flood the nail bed so be careful of that

I loves how my nails looked with all the colours on! Back to the childhood days of never committing to one colour!

(P.S. L&B polishes: I've been a bit naughty here and can't seem to track down where to buy them. Sorry!)

Woah! Bit of a long and photo heavy post today but hope you liked it. What's your favourite Autumn polish?

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Winter saviour? | Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask

 

I picked up this mask from Quick Fix when I was perusing Boots about a month back. To give you some info, I've got quite dry skin but am prone to oiliness through the T-zone. I thought this would be great to try and combat some of that dryness; which is made worse in the winter.

On application, the mask is very creamy and feels a lot like a moisturizer. I put a thick layer over my whole face and leave it for as long as comfortable to get the best effects (it starts to dry, it doesn't get tight like a clay mask however). This mask has hyaluronic acid in it which is said to help pull moisture into the skin. I think this mask definitely achieves that.

 

I wouldn't say it makes a huge difference to my skin long term but it does plump and rehydrate it for about a day. This mask is marketed as a "quick fix" so I don't hold that against it too much. I think it would be great as a mask a couple of hours before going out to really plump the skin and make it look it's best.

A perfect party season product! What masks are you currently using?

 

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The Autumn Tag

Have you spotted my autumn header?? I am feeling very festive, very early this year. I'm excited for Autumn, I'm excited for Halloween, I'm excited for Christmas (SO excited for Christmas), just all round excitement! I thought I'd capitalise on this excitement by doing the Autumn tag. I got this one from Fee at Makeup Savvy (see hers here) (created by makeup-pixi3) but there are quite a few floating around.

1. Favourite thing about Autumn

If you haven't guessed by now, it's definitely the changing and falling of the leaves. I absolutely love the reds, oranges and yellows of Autumn leaves.

2. Favourite drink

*Story alert* Whilst I was shopping the other day, still in my particularly festive mood, I spotted Nescafe's Gingerbread latte. I couldn't leave it in the store. Love in a cup; I just feel so Christmassy drinking it. I will be sad when the season is over as it's limited edition. I also want to try Starbuck's salted caramel mocha/hot chocolate. Sounds like a drink made for me!

3. Favourite scent/candle

I think anything Christmas smelling is perfect for Autumn as it just reminds me of cosiness. Anything with a spicy, cinnamon, vanilla scent.

4. Best lipstick

I can't say I wear different lipsticks for Autumn but I recently picked up Beauty UK's plumalicious (similar to MAC Rebel) which is a deep, vampy purple. Berry tones seem to be the choice of the season.

5. Go to moisturiser

On those days when the cold has got to me, it's good to go back to basics with Palmers Cocoa Butter for my body. I'm a bit of a flirt with face moisturisers, so whatever is to hand (currently Good Things)

6. Go to colour for eyes

I'm a neutrals girl through and through so bronzes, browns, taupes and creams are my go to colours. I like to deepen these eye looks with darker browns in the outer corner and through the crease for this time of year.

7. Favourite music or band to listen to

I'm not that excited that I want to be listening to Christmas music (just) yet but the song I'm loving right now is Macklemore's Same Love.

8. Favourite outfit to wear

Anything that involves a chunky knit scarf, dresses and tights or one of my parka's!

9. Autumn treat

This year it will be a nice pair of heeled boots. Yet to find the perfect pair, but I will be browsing Topshop's boot selection religiously.

10. Favourite place to be

Snuggled up in a blanket on the sofa watching a movie with my family. This used to be a weekend tradition in the Autumn/ Winter (not now I've moved away of course. Sob!)

I tag anyone who would like to do this tag! Its made me even more excited if that's possible! (Christmas shopping anyone?) What do you like about Autumn?

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University and the likes| Lifestyle post

Been a while since there's been a lifestyle post on this 'ere blog! This ones going to be a chatty one. You've been warned!

I thought I'd talk about uni, moving away and the likes. I've just gone into my second year of university so I moved out a whole year ago, which is ridiculous. It's gone soooo quick. I thought I'd find moving out really hard but it was nowhere near as hard as I thought; I'd go as far as to say easy. I arrived at uni and some lovely people helped me move my things into halls. Within five minutes, all my earthly possessions were crammed into a tiny room and I had no idea even where to start unpacking. 10 minutes later, my flat mates knocked on my door, I gave my mum a rushed goodbye and headed down to the pub (typical student!). With all the new experiences, people and massive work load, I simply never had time to be homesick.

I love university. The independence, the people, the area (nicer than where I am originally from), however it was this year that I found a lot harder to cope with. I moved out of halls and into a house closer to town with four other house mates. When I returned, what I thought was an amazing house, suddenly looked like somewhere I didn't want to be. I saw it through my mum's eyes; the overgrown garden, the cold conservatory being used as a living room, the weird bathroom where the shower pod is in the middle of the room and the appliances that look like they may be at least twice my age. I'd overpacked so was finding it hard to fit everything into my room, despite it being double the size of my room in halls. Clothes were strewn everywhere, and my mum had to leave me in the chaos. She didn't want to leave me, I wanted to come back home with her and despite not shedding a tear when she left me the first time, we both found ourselves crying this time.

It's all sorted now though! Don't want this post to be all doom and gloom. Bills are sorted, I have found places to store my copious amounts of clothes (thank you under bed storage, you life saver!) and we've made this house our own. Just a few 'pinterest-y' additions to decorate the living room and we'll be there. Also the thought of learning again after 4 months off, scared me but it was like riding a bike. Just all comes back to you.

Have you moved out or gone to university? How did you find it? Were you a big baby like me?

P.S. If you read this post (here), you'll be glad to know I got a food processor (a fancy blender) and have so far made smoothies, crumble and peanut butter bars (oh my god, please try these!) in it. It has pride of place in the new kitchen. Are you proud or what? ;)

P.P.S Would you like to hear more about my time at university? Let me know!

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Collection Cream Puff in Cotton Candy

Seems like I'm going through phases with products. Nail varnishes last week, lip products this week...

Let's address the elephant in the room. This lip cream smells of Flump!! I was impressed when THIS MUA product smelt of liquorice but this smell is the next level! Anyway about the actual product..

I think the name of this is deceiving, when I think of Cotton Candy, I think baby pink. This is more of 'your lips but more pink in a good way' purple undertoned pink (if that makes any sense to anyone but me!). It's been floating around the blogosphere that this is a dupe for something from Mac. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is what pushed me to pick it up. I haven't actually tried anything from Mac (shock horror) but a drugstore dupe for such an esteemed brand, I was intrigued. 

As you can see, it's described to have a matt finish. This tends to discourage me as I hate the fact matt products make it hard to rub your lips together. When I first applied this, I hated it for just that reason. The colour (I'm in love) however made me persevere and I'm glad I did. There's no need for me to rub my lips together so I don't. Problem solved! The wear time on this is good, which I would put down to it being a matt product. Even after a couple of hours, with eating and drinking, there was still remants of it there. Extra bonus points in my book for the fact it wore evenly. I cannot stand how a bad wearing lipstick looks!



Rant over! Have you tried any of these lip creams? I'm tempted to get another but I'm unsure of the shade selection?

 

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Miss Sporty Hollywood Forever Sweet Dance lipgloss

In my search to expand my lip product collection, I came across Soap and Glory's Sexy Mother Pucker in Punchbowl. To say I fell head over heels for that colour would be an understatement. I swatched up half of Boots (and Superdrug!) looking for an affordable dupe! As good as the product is, as a student, I can't justify £9 on a lip gloss. Whilst not finding anything that replicated that gorgeous candy floss pink, I did find this Miss Sporty lip gloss in Sweet Dance. A light pink wouldn't be something I'd usually go for (fuchsia pinks and purpley pinks being my safe area) as they can make me look weird but I really liked this one.

The application is good, a couple of swipes and you've got a good colour pay off. However it doesn't last for long. After a couple of hours, I was having to reapply but I feel that this is to be expected with anything that isn't a lipstick. It wears well, in that it doesn't hang to the dry areas on your lips and it doesn't have that sticky lip gloss feel on the lips (as long as you don't rub them together too much). The one down side to this lip gloss is that you can't reapply more than twice before you have to start over with clean lips. It doesn't handle layering too well. Not the best choice for people with little time for reapplication.

You can order it HERE or pick it up in your local Superdrug/Boots

Have you got any Miss Sporty lip glosses? Any recommendations of lip products? I'm dying to try some new ones!

   

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Sinful Colors 24/7 nail polish

It pains me to see how pastel (ish) this colour is appearing in these photos! In reality, it is the most neon polish I have ever seen! I was attracted to the Sinful Colors stand again (see the first time HERE) as it had been re-stocked and there was a lot of choice. After a lot of um-ing and arr-ing (I'm talking 10 minutes here), I picked up this one which is 24/7. I think the name really suits it as it is SO bright.

Application wise, it goes on a tad streaky, as in you can see the brush strokes, no matter what you do. I tried thinner layers, more coats, it must just be the formulation (of this particular colour, not the brand as a whole). It's a matte polish which I never realised until application. Matte never appealed to me before as I always apply a top coat which it makes it shiny anyway. This wore for about two days until some serious chipping began and I'd again put this down to the formulation. It's just not good. It's such a shame as my other Sinful Colors polish was excellent. You get hit and misses in all brands though.

Saying that, I'd definitely wear this again purely for the amazing colour, just with it in mind that it will only last for a few days.

Have you tried any Sinful Colors polishes? What's your favourite polish?

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September favourites

I haven't written a favourites post since May! (If you're interested, it's here). I'm a bad blogger, I know! Anyway, here are some products and a couple of random things that I have been loving this month.

Barry M Basecoat Topcoat and Nail Hardener// Sinful Colors in 24/7

There is a review scheduled for both of these polishes soon so I won't say too much about them here. The Barry M base coat has been helping to give a much more smooth application to my polish, but I haven't been using it for long enough to comment on the nail hardening qualities of it. I just hope it is true as my nails are currently in a state (sad times). The Sinful Colors (so hard not to put the 'u' in there!) in 24/7 is a neon matte shade which I have been loving. Definitely not seasonal but I'm feeling daring!!

Quick Fix Facials Mega Moisture Gel Mask// Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Bronze

Again a full review to come on this Quick Fix face mask but this has been really helping me through these colder weeks. My skin gets extremely dry at the hint of any cold and this has Hyraluronic acid in it, which is meant to help your skin retain moisture better. I wouldn't say that it has had any long term effects on my skin, but as the name says, I believe it's meant to be a "quick fix". Eeeee, I've hit pan on something! I go very pale in the autumn/winter and this bronzer has been helping me fool people that I don't. I've been giving foundation more of a miss than not recently and a bit of concealer under the eyes and some of this bronzer swept over the face and I'm out the door. You can see a full review of the Rimmel bronzer here

MUA PowerPout in Brokenhearted// Bourjois lipstick in Sweet Kiss 51

I've raved about these two in separate posts (MUA- here, Bourjois- here) so you can check those out but since I've been back at uni, I've wanted some lip colour back in my life. My products of choice have been these two for an easy, every day look and I've been loving them.

Yankee Candle in Sweet Pea// Midi rings from Primark

 Finally a few random favourites. I bought a gorgeous candle holder from Asda (it looks like a flower opening and you put the candle in the middle) and needed some tea light candles to go in it. I can't bear to part with the cash to buy a full sized Yankee candle but these little ones were only a pound (!) so I picked a couple up. Usually I'm straight for the vanilla scents but my mum encouraged me to go for something different so I got the sweet pea. It has a lovely fresh fragrance and really does fill the room. Next to the candle are some midi rings that I picked up at the end of this month. Since I saw the Persian Babe on YouTube with them, I really wanted some so I got two packs from Primark. One set had two of each metal, gold, silver, rose gold and the dark grey metal. The other had a plain silver band, the spring like ring (pictured) and a silver one with the infinity symbol on it (pictured). I just think they make your hand look dainty! A mean feat for my man hands!!

Despite this being a suuuper long post, I can't write it without mentioning Pretty Little Liars! OMG am I addicted, I only started recently and have already almost caught up! It keeps you on your toes that's for sure! Definitely check it out!!

What products have you been loving this month? I'd love some TV show recommendations!

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