New Favourite Nude Lipstick!

 Rimmel Nude Collection by Kate Shade 43

Tis the season for all the dark lip shades! I love choosing a dark red, plum, purple or berry lip to wear when wrapped up in my winter wardrobe. With one quick sweep across the lips your outfit looks instantly more stylish and put together, win! However my next go to shade for winter when I am feeling like toning down the drama on the lips has to be a nude! Nude lips look amazing combined with an everyday casual outfit, but can also look super chic in the evening with a shimmery smoky eye and a classic LBD! This year I have discovered my new favourite nude lipstick which I am quickly becoming obsessed with and I thought I would share with you.

The Kate Moss Collection by Rimmel London never fails in the lipstick department. The shades are beautiful, long lasting and are available at affordable prices (£5.49). This year the collection was extended with new nude shades for the Kate range and as soon as I seen the oh so pretty light peach and silver packaging I couldn't wait to try these out! These are available in five neutral shades to suit all skin tones but I picked up mine in the shade 43 which is a beautiful warm peachy nude. The formulation of these lipsticks is amazing. They are super soft and creamy with great pigmentation and are not drying on the lips whatsoever. This shade is great for tying together make-up looks and adding a little something extra to any quick and easy natural looks! I love wearing mine with shimmery bronze eye make-up and some natural contouring but I think this shade will go with so many different looks and skin tones. These lipsticks also have a lovely subtle vanilla scent which makes them even more luscious to apply! The only thing I would say is I wish these had shade names instead of numbers as I find them so much easier to remember. Although that definitely won't stop me from picking some more shades up asap as I am super impressed and will probably wear my shade 43 like crazy this winter! 

What is your favourite nude lipstick?

♥

Lush Christmas Range Haul

One of the first places I head to for a pay day splurge is most definitely the sweet, bubbly heaven that is Lush. I just cannot resist picking out some bath bombs and bubble bars to have stashed away for an exciting selection of bubbles, melts, colours, popping candy and more come bath time. Which turns out, actually comes around quite quickly for me as I love baths! I feel like now is the perfect time to indulge in plenty of long, hot baths when it is so dark and cold outside. Apparently Lush agrees because this time of year is when they really up their game and bring out their amazing limited addition Christmas range! I'm so excited to try some of the things I picked up from this range recently and I thought I would share them with you. 

Magic Wand Reusable Bubble Bar £5.25 

 First of all, look how pretty! Magic Wand is a reusable bubble bar made with the same super sweet scent as the Snow Fairy Shower Gel which I also picked up (think candy floss and bubble gum). Simply hold this under running water or swish the wand round in your bath to create a pink bubbly bath with tiny silver sparkles. I tried this one last night and it is amazing. My bath smelt good enough to eat!

Big Bang Bubble Bar £3.75 

 I was drawn to this one as I thought the different colours and sparkles made it look so funky! Big Bang claims to uplift and refresh as well as nourish and hydrate the skin which sounds like just what I need after a long day! This one is made with grapefruit oil, avocado butter and tangerine oil which gives it the uplifting feel and smells really zesty and awakening! 

Star Dust Bath Bomb £2.95

Lush describes Star Dust as "ideal for post-party recovery" and I definitely think this one smells much more soothing with a hint of fresh citrus. Star Dust is made with vanilla absolute, rosewood oil and bergamot oil and I can only imagine how magical this sparkly white star is going to look in the tub! 

Butterbear Bath Bomb £1.95 

 I have heard so many people talk about Butterbear that I thought it was about time I went and tried him for myself. I kind of don't want to use him though because he is just too cute! Butterbear is made with cocoa butter, ylang ylang oil and cocoa powder and is supposed to be creamy, comforting and softening. Mmmm.

Snow Fairy Shower Gel 250g £7.95

Finally, it wouldn't be a Christmas Lush haul without picking up the classic and scrumptious Snow Fairy Shower Gel. I absolutely love this stuff and get so excited when it comes out again at this time of year! If you have ever tried the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub (do try it, it works wonders and smells delicious!) this has a very similar scent. Snow Fairy makes my skin smell like sweet Candy floss and leaves me wondering if I should stock up before it gets discontinued until next year... hmmm what do you think?

Let me know if you have tried any of these and which one is your favourite! If you need me, I'll be in the bath! 

Have you tried any of the Lush Christmas range yet?

♥

The Benefit Prime Off!

The Porefessional Face Primer 22.0ml Available Here

That Gal Face Primer 11.0ml Available Here

After trying a primer for the first time a couple of years ago, I knew there was no going back. Straight away I was able to notice my make-up and skin appearing so much smoother and my make-up staying in place for a lot longer, yes please! Since trying out many different brands and formulas of primers, nothing has impressed me quite like Benefit in the search for the perfect make-up base! Both The Porefessional and That Gal primer from Benefit have quickly become two of my favourites and so, I thought I would put them head to head to decide once and for all which is my favourite Benefit primer and why! Dun Dun Dun...

♥ Benefit The Porefessional Face Primer

The Porefessional primer is one of those products that I have repurchased over and over again and would truly recommend to anyone! The primer itself is a light weight balm with a velvety consistency which can be worn alone, under or over make-up. The formula is oil free and appears to be beige in colour but blends seamlessly into the skin with a translucent finish. As the name suggests, The Porefessional is designed to minimise the appearance of pores and fine lines. The Porefessional creates a much more flawless base for my make-up, gliding over and smoothing out the different skin textures which can come from having dry skin. (Boo!) I have also noticed that a little goes a long, long way with this product. The tiniest amount of this stuff can have my make-up set for the day, goodbye touch ups. 

♥ Benefit That Gal Brightening Primer

That Gal has become my go to primer when I want a healthy dewy complexion! A couple of twists of the base and you've got a silky pink primer that instantly eliminates any dull and tired looking skin. That Gal contains light reflecting pigments to brighten your skin tone and raspberry and camomile to soothe which is great for sensitive skin! This silky primer can be worn alone or under make-up and always leaves me looking more awake and glowy. In terms of make-up application, again, this primer gives me a lovely smooth finish and has my make-up lasting all day. Yayy!

So as I'm sure you can tell, I am a big fan of both The Porefessional and That Gal for various different reasons. I love That Gal for a healthy bright complexion and the Porefessional for a flawless base, but if I had to choose one of these as my absolute favourite Benefit primer, it would have to be The Porefessional. Although I love That Gal, you can find very similar formulations for a fraction of the price in the drugstore (hello L'Oreal Lumi Magique). Whereas I have never found such a light weight primer which can eliminate the look of dry patches and skin textures such as The Porefessional as well as keeping my make-up in place! I would highly recommend both of these primers though I find That Gal doesn't quite have the complexion benefits that The Porefessional does. See what I did there? 

Have you tried any Benefit primers?

♥

One Preppy Autumn

Fedora: New Look

Shirt: Miss Selfridge

Jumper: Topshop

Skirt: Topshop

Boots: New Look

Now that it's starting to get a little chillier, I have been doing some shopping for my Autumn/Winter wardrobe. I grabbed a couple of essentials like a furry jacket, checked scarf and some new black boots, but I couldn't help putting my own preppy spin on a cute and cosy Autumnal look. I believe fashion is all about finding your own style and personal taste among the ever changing trends. Some trends you may love and that's great! But if there are some that just aren't for you, don't be afraid to bypass these and stick to what you do best. 

This Autumn, I kept a pinch of preppy light colours and teamed this thick Topshop jumper with a sweet pinstriped shirt from Miss Selfridge. If you know me you will know that I am a sucker for bows, and I loved this more subtle one on the side of my fedora from New Look. Finally, add a button down 70's inspired skirt, comfy tights, some heel boots and you got yourself an October worthy wardrobe. 

What is in your Autumn/Winter wardrobe this year?

♥

Zoella Beauty Wonder Hand

 Wonder Hand: Available Here

This month has seen the release of new Zoella Beauty products. Don't you just want them all? One of the latest beauty arrivals from our favourite vlogger sensation is the oh so lovely Wonder Hand. Something that I am always sceptical about when trying out beauty or skincare products is whether it is able to cooperate with my skin or not. I have super super sensitive skin which is prone to reactions if the product is too harsh. However Wonder Hand truly has worked wonders on my skin and left it sweet and soft. Score! Here are some of my thoughts...

Wonder Hand is based around the first Zoella Beauty range. It is available in a 90ml tube complete with rose gold and cream colouring, with pretty polka dot and lace detailing. I personally think this is the perfect size hand cream to sit proudly on your bedside table or vanity reminding you give your hands some love during your beauty or bedtime routine. Also let's face it; this little dream cream is too cute to have hanging around the bottom of your bag. Wonder Hand contains luxurious softening ingredients such as Vitamin E, Shea Butter and Aloe. Aloe is particularly helpful for any of you out there who suffer with sensitive skin as this will soothe any irritations. Wonder Hand is enriched with the same subtle feminine fragrance as the original Zoella Beauty products. Think calming, slightly floral pamper scents, mmm. 

The cream itself has a velvety feel which dries very quickly which means you avoid that slimy hand stage and go straight to supple, soft hands with a fragrant finish. Basically, Wonder Hand is everything you could need in a hand cream. Suitable for sensitive skin? Check. Pretty packaging? Check. Moisturising and quick drying? Check. Lovely feminine and pamper product scent? Check, check, check. Not bad for just £5.50 (available at Feel Unique or Superdrug). It's safe to say that I am giving this one a very soft and moisturised thumbs up and I can't wait to keep my hands happy with this heavenly hand cream this Autumn/Winter. 

Have you tried any of the Zoella Beauty products yet?

♥

I don't know about you...

 Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette: Available Here

Mac Lipstick in Sin: Available Here

I don't know about you but I am so happy that it is Autumn! Fashion and make-up gets darker, the air gets a little chillier (but not too much! It sucks being cold.) and also September is my birthday month! So the start of last week I turned twenty two and of course the first thing I did was listen to Taylor Swift's 22, not that I haven't heard it a million times before. Damn that never gets old. 

The celebrations began last Saturday when my two besties from Uni flew over from Leeds for a few days of exploring some local Irish sights and just a little bit of partying hehe. I was so excited to have them here and to spend my birthday with them. It really made everything so much more special. We had the most fun four days that I thought I would share with you...

I was so shocked by how much they spoilt me for my birthday! Turns out all our Uni buddies chipped in and got me some amazing things including the new Urban Decay Naked Smoky palette and a Mac lipstick in Sin (eekk)! I have some amazing friends! I took my new make-up out for a spin on Saturday night when we went out and danced the whole night. We spent Sunday doing something a bit more peaceful with a walk around the beautiful Glenshane Forrest. Next we hit Derry City and had a night of bowling, sipping cocktails and eating my favourite food, candy floss! (Twenty two and still my favourite!) 

Next I decided to take them to one of my favourite places which is the lovely Oxford Island. This meant a road trip with some girly tunes (Vanessa Carlton A Thousand Miles obviously) and a lovely walk around the Lough Neagh. For their final day in our sweet N.I. we headed to Belfast for some shopping, hello more new make-up, I just can't stop! Then finished off the birthday celebrations with Legally Blonde the musical at the Grand Opera House which is now the soundtrack to my life. I love it! I don't know about you but I have had so much fun turning twenty two.

How has your Autumn been so far?

♥

Portugal 2015

Sunglasses: Vintage

        White crop top: Topshop

       Leopard shorts: Primark

    Black Bikini: Primark

Pink bikini: Primark

                Denim shorts: Vintage Levi's

On 26th August 2015 I flew out to Faro Portugal for a very unexpected week in the sun. Just a few days prior, I was asked to fill in for someone who had pulled out of the trip. So what's a girl to do?! Of course I sprinted to Primark to pick up a few bikinis in the last of their summer stash, squeezed some shorts, tops, dresses, shades and books into a case and off I went! Lucky, lucky me!

We arrived late Wednesday evening, rented a car and drove to our hotel. This all sounds a lot simpler than it actually was. Turns out our hotel was up a mountain in the middle of nowhere. Although this meant we avoided busy touristy areas, had beautiful mountain views with a secluded and adventurous vibe, it was very difficult to find the place to say the least! So the beach and pool holiday we had in mind actually ended up being a lot of getting lost around Portuguese towns and road tripping. Perfect! The rest of the week consisted of driving around exploring the different beaches and towns, a road trip to Fatima, reading by the pool, listening to acoustic music in the sun (try it! So relaxing!) visiting the local water parks, getting a sunburnt ear (rookie mistake), swimming in rivers, browsing markets and going to the 2015 Festival of Light to celebrate the end of summer. I have to say, I couldn't think of a better way to do so than a spontaneous week in Portugal! Oh and I also got an email while I was away confirming that I had got a new job in a funky little coffee shop in Northern Ireland just in time for September. Yes!

So of course I had an amazing time lazing around in a bikini in Portugal working on my tan, but now that September has happened I am excited to welcome Autumn and Winter again. Hello cosy boots and hot chocolates! 

Have you been on holiday this year?

♥

Press-On Pineapple Nails

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose

50ml Available Here

There is nothing more tempting than the discounted haven that is duty free. All your beloved beauty brands and fragrances at sale worthy prices minus the stress and crazy shoppers. You've finally finished organising your trip, packing and battling your way through an airport, and now you've found yourself in front of shelves and shelves of all your dream products. Before you know it you've convinced yourself that you deserve a treat and you're at the till with one of these beauties in hand. Not that I would do that or anything. (Woops.) 

Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb LaVie en Rose is this summer's edition of the oh so famous original Flowerbomb scent. If you are familiar with the original, La Vie en Rose is very similar but with a more light and fresh feel, perfect for summer! After spritzing this uplifting scent, I find the most powerful note to be quite citrus-ey, (very technical term there!) layered with a background of the original Flowerbomb scent we know and love. The sparkling scent is delicate and feminine with a soft spice undertone and I absolutely love it! However I would say that I don't particularly detect any strong rose scents despite the name La Vie en Rose. I personally find it to be more citrus than rose giving it a young and sweet vibe.

Something I always consider when deciding on a perfume is if I like the bottle or not because let's face it, the right bottle can look so lovely displayed in your room and this one is no acception. The sophisticated bottle adds a touch of class and playfulness to your vanity with a luminous pink glass indented with jewel like squares. It is simple and classic, ideal for all your perfume display needs, yes please! Needless to say Viktor & Rolf have done it again with another beautiful fragrance and if you think you would love Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose as much as I do don't forget it is limited edition for this summer so get it while you can!

Have you tried Flowerbomb La Vie en Rose yet?
♥

Graduation Day!

When 70's Met Spring

Sunglasses: Vintage

Crop top: Miss Selfridge

Midi skirt: New Look

Backpack: New Look

Shoes: Topshop

So this Spring/Summer is going to be all about the 70's. I would never have thought 70's inspired outfits would ever have thrilled me that much as it has never been a style that has ever interested me. However the high street stores are gradually filling up with really subtle and stylish takes on the era of floral and flares, and I have never been one to deny trying out a vintage look.

I found this 70's inspired midi skirt from New Look on Asos and I know you're all probably quoting Miranda from The Devil Wears Prada in your heads "Floral for Spring? Ground breaking". But what I thought made this skirt a little bit different for Spring was the deep shades in it and the midi length giving it a real retro feel. The material light and soft, and the quality is absolutely lovely! 

Also in my recent Asos order, I treated myself to this structured white backpack which I already know will probably be staying on my back all Spring/Summer. I think this will go with so many different outfits!

Although I was trying out the latest 70's trend with this look I also stuck to my roots as a 90's kid and added some sneaky 90's vibes in there too. Let me know what you think!

Have you tried out the 70's trend this Spring?

♥

Elle March 2015

                     

Just a quick post for any Benefit fans out there! If you are like me and you're obsessed with beauty products and beauty blogs you will have heard about the new Roller Lash mascara launched by Benefit this month! I couldn't wait to get my hands on a new mascara from Benefit as I am such a big fan of the They're Real mascara, and I didn't have to! In this months Elle Magazine  you can try a free mini version! So if you want to be the first to try out Roller Lash (and believe me you do, I am loving it already!) then why not treat yourself to this months Elle, which is a really lovely issue by the way. Just in case you needed a little more convincing!

Happy Reading! (and mascara-ing)

♥

Face of the Day

So technically, this isn't actually my "Face of the Day" as these pictures were taken on Saturday evening. I am spending today researching for my dissertation (bleugh), my face is really not suitable for the internet right now and I quite liked how my make-up turned out on Saturday, so I won't tell if you don't. 

I love wearing a dark lip at this time of year and I cannot recommend this YSL Rouge Volumpté Perle lipstick enough. It really is the most beautiful lipstick with the silkiest consistency you can imagine. I have wrote a review on this lipstick previously if you want to hear more you can read about it here.

On my eyes I swept a wash of the shade Mugshot from my Naked 3 palette and blended the shade Factory into my outer corner and crease. I also want to give a shout out to the Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Ultra Black which I have recently discovered and I am absolutely loving it! It really reminds me of the Benefit They're Real mascara in both packaging and results.

Products Used

Face

♥Benefit Porefessional primer

♥Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer

♥Mac Studio Fix Fluid foundation

♥Benefit Rockateur blush

♥Benefit Brow zings brow shaping kit

♥The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzing Powder

Eyes

♥Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, shades Mugshot and Factory

♥L'Oréal Super liner

♥Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara Ultra Black

Lips

♥YSL Rouge Volumpté Perle lipstick in 112 Spellbinding Violet

Let me know if you guys like this look and if you would like a review on any of the products mentioned as I would be happy to write one. Hope you all are having a fantastic 2015 so far!

♥