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Recent Purchases

Hello! Prepare for a big’un…

I thought I’d share with you what I’ve bought recently, a few of which are repurchases and some are total game changers that I’ll DEFINITELY be buying again! Let’s do this!

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner 24hr

I bought this from Boots for £7.99. I’m not the best at liquid liner – I can do it well enough, but it never looks perfect and my eyes NEVER look even which bugs the hell out of me! However…..! This gel eyeliner may well have solved those uneven woes. Using a brush is somehow much easier than a liquid liner tip so hopefully my winged liner will look much much better from now on! Love it so far!

Kallo Organic Belgian Chocolate Rice Cake Thins

These are £1.99 from Holland & Barratt and soooo tasty! I’ve only ever eaten dry rice cakes – like snackajacks or the ones that taste like marmite – so these chocolate coated rice thins were something I was intrigued by. They’re 56 calories and 2.6g of fat (if you’re interested in that kinda thing) per thin, which by Rosemary Conley standards is perfectly acceptable! I really like them for a tasty, healthier treat. They still have that delightful polystyrene texture that other rice cakes have, but the chocolate makes them pretty yummy. I probably won’t buy them again, but for this pack, they’ll do nicely.

Passion Peel Off and Very Berry Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks

These were on offer in Boots – 4 for £3 – and I loved the Passion Peel Off mask last time I tried it, so ideally just wanted 4 of those. Alas, there were only 3 left so I bought the Very Berry on a whim. I’ll see how it is, but I prefer face masks that do something witchy. By witchy I mean like a magic trick – peeling off, warming your face, changing colour – something interesting and fun. Yep, it’s definitely the little things with this chick.

The Porefessional and Stay Flawless by Benefit

These two are definite game changing products; my beauty prayers have been answered! I was getting so sick of visible pores which are probably an after effect of suffering from bad skin (post here) and I didn’t know what to do to get rid of them. Whilst I continue to find the cure, I’ve definite found the product to at least hide them and minimize their appearance – The Porefessional! It’s brilliant stuff. It’s very lightweight and leaves the area feel silky smooth. I bought it from Debenhams for £24.50 which IS expensive, but like with all Benefit cosmetics, they last a really long time so they’re great value for money in my humble opinion.

After using up a tube of face primer from 17, I was looking for something slightly more sophisticated and long lasting. I had tried this primer back in Spring after I was given a promotional sample before its release and I fell in love with it there and then. It’s not greasy and really does help my slap to stay put. Whether it lasts 15hrs or not is another matter – I’m rarely awake for 15hrs in a day so I wouldn’t know, haha! This was also £24.50 from Debenhams.

Botanics Essential 100% Tea Tree Oil and Studex After Piercing Lotion

So, I unfortunately got the dreaded nose piercing bump last week – NIGHTMARE. I needed something to get rid of it pronto and my sister recommended tea tree oil and the Studex solution. I ordered the Studex from amazon.co.uk for about £4.99 and then bought the tea tree from Boots for about £3 maybe… I can’t find it online so that’s a total guess, apologies for any misinformation. Cleaning the bump with these two consecutively twice a day has really done the trick. If you try this too, just be careful with the tea tree as it can irritate and dry out your skin.

OPI and Nails Inc Nail Polishes

After seeing Tanya Burr wearing OPI’s “A Grape Fit”, I HAD to buy it! Such a beautiful colour and only requires 2 coats for a really even finish. I got this on amazon.co.uk for £8.99.

I also got a Nails Inc polish free with Elle Magazine this month in the shade New York Noir which is part of the Kate Spade New York range. Haven’t tried it yet but it’s a great moody autumn/winter colour. It will be perfect for the days my inner Goth girl creeps out.

Eucerin Aquaphor, Benefit Hoola Lipgloss, Rimmel London Apocolips Lip Lacquer and Carmex Moisture Plus

Aquaphor is a GOD SEND for anyone who suffers from very dry or perhaps cracked skin. I use this mostly on chapped lips, but also on my hands at night if they start to crack during the colder months. It’s thicker than Vaseline, but much less greasy. I got this on amazon.co.uk for £8.20. A tube of this goes a reeeeeeeaaaaaaaaally long way though as you only need a tiny amount which lasts hours.

The Benefit Hoola Liplgoss was another magazine freebie, this time for Glamour. I get so excited when Glamour has their Benefit giveaways, being a really big fan. I chose Hoola because I don’t have it yet. It’s very balmy, not sticky like other lipglosses can be and it’s a really lovely coppery nude colour.

I’ve already reviewed the Rimmel Apocolips – you can find that post here.

I’m a big fan of Carmex lipbalms, especially at this time of year when my lips get really dry and flaky (such a sexy little image for you all!) so I tend to have one these in my bag whenever I go out. This is a new product I decided to try though as it has a sheer pink hue to it, which is very subtle but pretty. Same moisturising lipbalm, just a little bit more girly! This was £4.49 in Boots.

Garnier Eye Roll-On, No7 Calm Skin Balm and Rimmel London Hide the Blemish Concealer

Like visible pores, I had also had enough of dark circles and a red face! Being so fair, blemishes and redness seem to show up like beacons on my face. Last time I had my eyebrows waxed the technician kept asking if I was ok because it went so red, very embarrassing particularly as I was COMPLETELY FINE! A friend I met during my brief stint at uni bought a caffeine roll on for dark circles so I thought I give one a try. This Garnier one was around £10.99 and to be honest, I don’t think it was worth the money. I can’t notice much of a difference, but hey ho, I’ll persevere but probably won’t repurchase.

I was going to buy the No7 balm myself, but it was £18 and my wonderful mother had some she didn’t use so kindly gave it to me. Again, can’t see a huge difference so I’m glad I didn’t pay for it myself, haha.

I am happy with the concealer though - £3.99. It’s very creamy and blends really well, covering not only my dark circles but acne scarring also. Mine is in the shade Albino… Only kidding! It’s Soft Honey/103.

Thanks for reading – I know this one was hefty! But at least it’ll tide you over for the next 10 years until I remember to update this blog…

COTD – Anjelica Huston (I’ve been re-watching series 1 of Smash and this lady is just fabulous!)

SOTD – Light Me Up by Birdy

Autumn Update

Hello kind readers,

Have a standard "sorry-for-not-posting-enough" speech - as usual, life is hectic and busy.

As you may know from my last post, I moved to Brighton at the end of September to start a degree in History of Art and Design. I wish I was about to fill your beautiful minds with stories of a fantastic start to a new academic year. Alas, I'm not. I moved back home a week ago after withdrawing from the course and deciding to leave Brighton. My chosen course really didn't suit me, for reasons I will detail in a few short moments, and it seemed like the best option to move back to the safety and normal-ness of my family home and have a little (massive) re-think.

History of Art and Design is, as the title would suggest, an academically led degree - it's text based and requires mad brains and concentration, in my opinion anyway. For a very long time I've tried to be good and enjoy these kinds of subjects - English, history, sociology, psychology, you get the idea - and for an even longer time (it feels that way, anyway), I've hated them. I pushed myself above and beyond to like them and twice as hard to actually be any good at them. This made it really difficult for me to stay focused in lectures and seminars, motivate myself to do the assignments and enjoy my time outside of classes. I also found communal living difficult, simply because I'm not the most social of people and I tend to keep myself to myself until I really know somebody - I'm veering on the side of being a bit of a hermit!

Anyway, I gave it a month, tried really hard to like it, but it just didn't work out for me. I'm really disappointed because I was ready to move out and start my independence (uni was my escape from a pretty awful year) - it was simply the course that stood in my way, and with no options to transfer, I made this decision.

My mind works in a more creative way and I would much prefer to study something more artistic - perhaps photography or beauty therapy which could then lead on to something like make-up artistry.

So, that's the page turned on that short adventure - onto the next!

To keep this blog within it's very vague theme of beauty of fashion, I've got a lip gloss/stain/stick type fella to show you and vaguely review.

It's the "Rimmel London Apocalips Lip Lacquer" in the shade Eclipse which I bought in Boots for £6.49.

First impressions - DARK!!!!!

This lipstick, well, this shade in particular, is NOT subtle! It's only for those who want something that packs a punch! I love the colour for the colder weather, it's lovely and autumnal, although I'm still figuring out eye make-up to go with this.

It comes off really easily with a face wipe, which I love - can't stand stained lips after "removing" something dark, so this is great.

All in all, I'd probably give it a 7/10 - application is a little tricky because it's so pigmented, I definitely try to be steady and careful with it. There might a a lot of teeth licking with it also.

COTD - Clémence Poésy

SOTD - Heart of Gold by Birdy

What a difference 2 years makes

Hello!

Sorry once again for my absence. I'm not getting used to this 'regular blogging' business so you'll just have to bear with me. I've been crazy busy too, catching up with friends, holidaying in Portugal, getting myself ready for university (which is only ONE WEEK away!) - it's been rather hectic!

My post today is a weird one. I was looking back at photos from 2 years ago, simply to see how my hair has changed - ridiculous and sad, I know! I also noticed how my weight has changed, which I was obviously aware of but you only really see it properly when you compare photos. But the main thing I thought was how much I've changed personally and emotionally.

Everything is different since 2011. My wellbeing, my health, my education, my life plan. It's insane to look at how much I've grown and changed in such a short time. I think Autumn is a good time to reflect on ourselves as I see it as a time of new beginnings - starting new schools, new jobs, new years at university - and I think it's a great time for us to look back on ourselves and then look at the future and try and guess what that has in store for us. I'm so ready for this new chapter of my life - let's hope it's a great one!

SOTD - Last Goodbye - The Kills

COTD - Angelina Jolie

I got my nose pierced!

Hello everybody!

Just a quick post to show you my new facial asset - a nose piercing! I got it today, kind of a spur of the moment thing, although I've been thinking about it for about a year, just decided to go for it today! I had it done with a needle and it cost £15 at Top Gun in Woodbridge. It hurt quite a bit, but nothing really severe. Unfortunately, my body decided that a full on nose bleed was a great idea whilst she was sticking the needle in. How embarrassing?! I used to get them a lot when I was younger and just have a very sensitive inner nose, so when she put the clamp in I think it just irritated my nose. The actual piercing bled a little bit, but it's fine so far. I'm cleaning it regularly with saline solution and I've been told to twist it gently every so often. I can change it in 6 to 12 weeks, so I've got that long at least to change my mind, I can always take it out if I don't like it in a few weeks.

SOTD - Need you now - Lady Antebellum

COTD - Kristen Wiig 

My Accutane Experience

Hey guys!

Hope you're having a lovely day.

This post is going to be about acne and my experience taking the drug Isotretinoin/Accutane. I didn't think I'd ever show anybody these photos, but I'm sucking it up and putting it out there because it might be helpful to other people in a similar situation. I found the information and other peoples stories on the internet invaluable, so I'll add to it and hopefully give some people some tips. If not, well, lucky you lot, you've seen my glorious spotty face!

Up until I was about 16 I had a pretty much clear complexion. I kind of thought I'd get away with not suffering from acne, but alas, the zits found me and I got it pretty bad. I tried every drugstore skincare product you can think of (Witch, Clearasil, Clean and Clear, Nutrogena...the list goes on) so then moved onto over the counter products, which I still had no luck with. I visited my GP and tried all sorts of topical treatments which still didn't work. I also went on the pill to try and control it (amongst other reasons) - another method that didn't work for me. Some of the topical drugs I tried were so strong they made my already sensitive skin so sore - I remember crying one night because I was in so much pain!

My bad skin affected my confidence quite a lot, I remember going through a phase where I'd always wear scarves and cover my chin with them, which in turn made my skin worse. I caked on the make-up and tried to hide it as best I could for 3 years. In the end, I decided to take matters into my own hands and got a private referral to a dermatologist at a Nuffield hospital. He told me that my acne was moderate and chronic and that it wouldn't respond to topical treatments, hence my skin not improving. So he prescribed me Isotretinoin and promised me clear skin.

I don't know much about the technicalities of this drug (although you can find these online or if you visit a derm) but in basic terms, it stops oil production in order to dry up the acne. This does mean that your scalp gets dry (I could get away with washing my hair once a week, which was great!) but so do your lips and hands. There are other side effects of the drug that are more serious such as birth defects in pregnant women (you are strictly forbidden to get pregnant whilst on accutane), depression and liver damage (you have to limit your alcohol intake whilst on this drug and some hospitals take blood tests monthly). I must make it clear that these side effects are uncommon and I did NOT experience any of these other than dryness. It's not a nice drug, it's seriously strong but IT WORKS!

Here are a few photos of my face before and during the treatment:

I took the tablets for 6 months (April to October) and my skin continued to improve until about December. I was a 60mg prescription which is quite low, but as I said, my condition was moderate, not severe.

This is my make-up free face now (minus eye make-up):

See? Completely transformed!

Whilst you take the drug you should eat healthily, get regular exercise and plenty of fresh air, along with drinking lots of water. 

You should adopt a gentle but regular skin care routine during and after taking the medication. I used Cetaphil cleanser and moisturiser during and I use Simple cleanser and moisturiser now. I avoided exfoliators whilst I was on the drug in order to eliminate any extra soreness and I never use toner as I think they can be quite harsh on the skin.

I highly recommend using Aquaphor on your lips and any really dry patches of skin. It's truly amazing stuff - thicker than vaseline but a similar consistency - I still use it now, nearly every day.

Please feel free to leave any questions in the comments as I'm happy to try and answer them.

I'm really pleased I took this route for my skin. Although it was pretty unpleasant, my skin is completely clear now which is brilliant.

Thanks for reading!

SOTD: Shake it out - Florence and the Machine

COTD: Claire Richards

My Favourite Songs!

Hello everybody!

So, as well as beauty and fashion, I'm also really into music. I don't play any instruments (although I wish I did) and I don't really sing (except badly in private!) but I listen to it A LOT. Rarely a day goes by where I don't listen to music and I feel a little lost on those days. So here's a fun post where I'll just link some of my favourite songs for you. Enjoy!

1. Spanish Sahara - Foals

2. Call Your Girlfriend - Robyn

3. Love On Top - Beyonce

4. Wildest Moments - Jessie Ware

5. Two Way Street - Kimbra

6. Lover to Lover - Florence and the Machine

7. Breaking Down - Florence and the Machine

8. Ride - Lana Del Rey

9. Young and Beautiful - Lana Del Rey

10. Never Let Me Go - Lana Del Rey

11. Instant Crush - Daft Punk

12. Changes - David Bowie

13. Down By the Water - The Drums

14. Blind - Hurts

15. Oxford Comma - Vampire Weekend

No song of the day as you have 15 already ;)

COTD - Beyonce Knowles

Gel nails

Hello!

I've been getting my nails done using Gelux gel polish since about March. I'm absolutely loving it! I get them done by my good friend's sister, Sian (who is also a good friend) and they last about 2-3 weeks (when I don't peel them off, naughty naughty!)

Sian charges £15 for a manicure and has a fantastic selection of colours, as well as gems, transfers, pearls and bows that can be added. She also does free hand nail art which looks amazing!

Here are the manicures I've had so far:

She shapes and paints them beautifully, taking time over each coat so they look perfect every time. My nails don't break when I have gelux on them which means they grow nice and long and stay strong. I'm a massive fan of nail art and nail colour so I'm loving all the possibilities - they're endless!

Pop over to Sian's facebook page for more information

https://www.facebook.com/SparkleAtNumber18?fref=ts

SOTD: Sugar Town - Nancy Sinatra

COTD: Daisy Lowe

Florence and Celilia

Hello everyone!

My sister runs an Etsy shop where she sells vintage and handmade jewellery at SERIOUSLY reasonable prices. The aim of her shop is to give these beautiful vintage pieces a new lease of life and sell her own creations.

The shop is named after our Grandfather's cousins, Florence and Cecilia (fondly known as Florrie and Sissy) who were involved in the family circus back in the day.

Here are some of the vintage pieces that are for sale:

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/157845846/gold-coloured-vintage-shell-earrings?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=ConnectedShop&utm_campaign=Share

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/158004332/vintage-silver-coloured-leaves-earrings?ref=listing-shop-header-1

And some of the handmade pieces that are for sale:

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/157538363/handmade-vintage-style-flower-pendant?ref=shop_home_active

http://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/157537547/handmade-vintage-style-flower-pendant?ref=shop_home_feat

Here is the Facebook link:
https://www.facebook.com/FlorenceAndCecilia

And the Etsy link:
http://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FlorenceAndCecilia?ref=l2-shopheader-name

(All information and items for sale were correct at the time this was written)

It would be great if you had a look, liked what you see and maybe even bought something special!

Song of the day: Something to talk about - Badly Drawn Boy

Celebrity inspiration of the day: Anna Kendrick

Apologies and French holiday!

Hello everybody!

Firstly, sorry for not posting in months. I've been so busy finishing college and, well, enjoying this beautiful weather. I'll try my hardest to post more, but I can't make too many promises - I'm a busy little thing!

I've just arrived home from a really relaxing holiday in Le Touquet, France.

 I went for 6 days and had such a wonderful time. This post is going to be fairly long, but is going to show you some of my outfit of the days and nights, as well as a few of the things I bought while I was out there. Enjoy!

This is the outfit I wore to travel in, minus the leggings I had on in the car. When we got there it was suuuuper hot, so I had to nip into a toilet and take them off (classy lady). The dress is from ASOS.

That night I wore this simple black skater dress from H&M with nude studded sandals from New Look.

The next evening I wore this Aztec print strapless maxi dress which is also from New Look.

It rained on this day so I opted for jeans in the evening, which are from Topshop, along with a peplum vest, cardigan and shoes from New Look.

The weather cleared up really quickly so my next outfit was this cute ditsy print dress from Topshop which is made from 100% organic fabric.

I wore this dress from Next which I dug out of my wardrobe a few days before we left. I hadn't worn it in ages because I got a bit too big for it, but have since slimmed down a little. I'm so happy it fits again!

Then I wore another little ASOS number on our last day.

Here are a few of the purchases I made whilst we were away. I didn't get many bargains because the pound/euro exchange rate is pretty crappy at the moment and it's a very expensive area, but I did pick up some really nice things.

Marc Jacobs is king of perfume! My parents kindly bought me Dot and I got Oh, Lola for myself. I got both because I loved them both so much and couldn't decide! I think they were both around £35 in the duty free shop at the Eurotunnel.

My mum actually found this cute little bag in a boutique we found on a side street in Le Touquet. It was only £10!

Diadermine is a moisturiser I always try to buy when I'm in France. It's really thick and creamy and I like to slather it on at bedtime for a good deep moisturise when I sleep. I thought I'd try the cleanser too - which so far I'm loving. The cleanser was about £5 and the moisturiser was about £8.

I bought this cardigan and dress from Mango. The dress was £25 and the cardigan was £30. I thought they'd be perfect to see me through summer into winter. I did buy another dress but had to take it back because it smelt awful! I was so disappointed, but also embarrassed as I had to work out how to explain the situation in French. I just mumbled something about "maloderant". Oh dear...

Song of the day: Give a Little Love - Noah and the Whale

Celebrity inspiration of the day: Alison Mosshart