Winter Wardrobe Essentials...

Winter is quickly approaching us so I thought I'd share with you what my wardrobe essentials are for those dreary winter months. 

Topshop KnittedFluffly Jumper // £40

H&M Cable Knit Jumper // £19.99

H&M Straight Cut Shirt // £12.99

Zara Checked Shirt // £25.99

Warehouse Black Basic Tee // £25

Warehouse Grey Basic Tee // £12

Warehouse Khaki Basic Tee // £16

Warehouse White Basic Tee // £12

Topshop Leather Buckled Ankle Boot // £80

As much as I'm not the biggest fan of Winter (excluding Christmas time because lets face it, who doesn't love Christmas?!) I absolutely love Autumn/Winter fashion and love keeping things minimal hence the neutral colours and black and white theme we have going on above. As soon as I saw these boots on the Topshop boots on their website, I fell in love and may have to treat myself to a pair as they are very similar to the ones I wanted last year. I also love the statement shirt from H&M and for £12.99 its such a bargain. 

What are your Winter Wardrobe Essentials?

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Review: L'Oreal True Match Foundation...

After reading countless positive reviews about the L'Oreal True Match foundation, I caved and decided I was going to give it a try. 

The L'Oreal True Match claims to be a 'super blendable' foundation with a 'creamy texture'  that promises a 'natural looking, skin-true colour without tide-marks and outstanding coverage without caking'. 

This foundation has a smooth, silky texture and since using it, I've found it to be very similar to my Nars Sheer Glow in the way it leaves my skin looking matte but with a luminous finish. I've found this foundation to have a medium coverage which is perfect for everyday use but it is also very buildable if used in small doses for a more flawless base for those occasions where you may need a little bit more coverage. 

As well, as being happy with the coverage of this foundation, I've also been impressed with its wear time. I've found that this foundation can last for at least 6 hours before the foundation begins to disappear around my nose. However, if you do have oily skin then you may need to powder more frequently.   

To apply this foundation, I've found that applying it with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush allows me to reach my desired coverage however, I sometimes buff it in a little bit more with a clean Real Techniques Buffing Brush to ensure there are no brush marks on my face. 

Here is a picture of how my skin looks when wearing this foundation:

Verdict

Statistics

My Shade: C2 - Rose Vanilla

Application: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush & Real Techniques Buffing Brush 

Coverage: Medium (can be built up)

Finish: Matte but with a luminous look

Cost: £9.99

Positives

-Good, buildable coverage.

-Luminous glow to the skin without looking oily.

-Only need a few dots on the face for good coverage.

-Covers hyper-pigmentation

-Good range of shades (23 to be precise!)

-Long lasting (6 hours)

-Nice packaging (Glass bottle & pump)

-SPF 17

-Lightweight, silky formula

Negatives

-Can cling a little to dry patches

-SPF may cause flashbacks if worn in photos

All in all, I am loving using this foundation as my everyday base and with it being available in such a vast range of shades I would definitely recommend it.

Have you tried L'Oreal True Match? What did you think?

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SHOP THE POST

BOOTS // SUPERDRUG // FEEL UNIQUE

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Seven Deadly Sins Tag...

If you've read my blog for a while now, you've probably realised I love a good tag! Today's tag involves answering questions based on the seven deadly sins but in relation to beauty products. 

Greed // What is your most inexpensive and expensive beauty item? 

The most inexpensive beauty product would probably me my MUA eye shadow palette which for only £4 is amazing quality. My most expensive beauty product would probably have to be my Nars 'One Night Stand' Guy Bourdin palette which I absolutely love and was without a doubt worth every penny.  

Wrath // What beauty products do you have a love/hate relationship with? What product has been the hardest to get?

The product I have a love/hate relationship with is probably eyeliner - I love it when I get the perfect application but could cry when it doesn't go on right. And what's even more annoying is when one eye is perfect and the other is a mess! The product I found most difficult to get my hands on is most probably Nars Sheer Glow in the shade 'Mont Blanc' it was literally sold out everywhere and it took me FOREVER to get a hold of it.  

Gluttony // What are your most delicious beauty products?

I wasn't sure if this meant in terms of taste (not that I eat my beauty products!) or not but in terms of taste I'd say my Lush Lip Scrub in the flavour Bubblegum - it is gorgeous! 

Sloth // What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness? 

The beauty product I neglect the most is probably bronzer. I never wear it. Not necessarily out of laziness but more out of fear of looking like a clown or like I've covered my face in mud. 

Pride // What beauty product gives you the most self confidence?

The beauty product that gives me the most self confidence has got to be concealer. As a frequent sufferer of breakouts and blemishes, I couldn't live without concealer. It immediately allows me to feel confident when stepping out of the house on those days I'd much rather curl up with my duvet and a movie. 

Lust // What attributes do you find most attractive in the opposite sex?

Physically has definitely got to be eyes - especially a stunning blue colour. But in terms of personality they have got to be caring, gentlemanly and definitely able to make me smile. My ideal man would without a doubt be the beautiful David Gandy. 

Envy // What items would you most like to receive as a gift?

Definitely something from a luxurious brand such as Chanel or YSL - both would make beautiful gifts purely because their packaging is so dreamy. 

If you have completed this tag leave a link in the comments below and if not have fun completing it!

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Foreign Beauty...

One of the worst things about being a UK blogger has got to be seeing all of the amazing foreign beauty products and not being able to readily get your hands on them. So for today's blog post I thought I'd share with you which brands I wish were more accessible here in the UK and specifically which products I'd love to try. 

Bath & Body Works

Probably one of the most talked about American stores, Bath and Body Works is obsessed over by both bloggers and YouTubers. Bath and Body Works was set up in 1990 and their aim was to 'bring amazing fragrances to every home' and with their 'commitment to quality' being at the core of everything they do, they have been able to become America's best store for fragrance, body lotion, home fragrance, anti-bacterial and much more. The products I would most like to try from Bath and Body Works are their much raved about candles and their anti-bacterial hand gels. 

Make Up Forever

Make Up Forever was created in 1984 by Dany Sanz - a professor at heart who created the first professional makeup school in Europe during the 1970's. Since launching, Make Up Forever has travelled the world with its epicentre being Paris. The product I would most like to try from Make Up Forever, has got to be their 'HD foundation', a supposed favourite of Kim Kardashian and we all know how flawless she always looks. I would also love to try their 'HD setting powder'.

Tarte Cosmetics

Tarte Cosmetics was created in 1999 by Maureen Kelly who set out to create a line that would prove that glamour could be good for you, all from her one bedroom apartment. She decided to launch her own cosmetics line when she couldn't find 'pure, powerful cosmetics'. All of Tarte Cosmetic products are created without mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sodium and many other unnatural ingredients which resulted in the moto 'be green, be smart, be tarte'. There are tones of products I'd love to try from Tarte including their 'Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara', 'Amazonian Clay Foundation' and their 'Amazonian Clay 12-hour Blush'. 

Sephora

Sephora was founded in France in 1970 by Dominique Mandonnaud and sells an ever -expanding amount of classic and emerging brands from a wide range of beauty categories including skincare, haircare, makeup and their own brand. As well as being a leading cosmetic store across France, it is becoming increasingly popular around the world. Owned by LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world's most luxurious group, Sephora is regarded as a 'beauty trailblazer' down to its large assortment of prestige products. I have heard amazing things about Sephora's own brand so would love to one day try out some of their own products. 

Milani Cosmetics

Milani Cosmetics is an Italian brand which offers 'incredible quality for an incredible price'. With hundreds of shades and specialty formulas, Milani states they have everything you could ever want or need for face, eyes, lips, cheeks and nails. Out of all of the brands I have featured this is the one I would most like to try - especially their blushes, they look so dreamy! Their eyeshadows also look amazing quality and are such an incredible price.

Have you tried any of these brands? What products would you recommend? 

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Review: Body Shop Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash...

Seaweed Deep Cleansing Facial Wash 100ml // £8.50

At the moment, I am absolutely loving the Body Shop skin care products and firmly believe they are the best thing to happen to my skin in a long, long time! 

I use this Seaweed Facial Wash every morning to remove my skin from any impurities that have gathered on my face overnight and it leaves my skin feeling refreshed for the day and nice and clean for make-up application. 

The great thing about this mild cleansing gel is the fact it is both oil and soap-free and helps rebalance moisture and sebum levels as it cleanses making it perfect for my sensitive/oily skin. 

To use this cleanser, I first dampen my face and then massage a small amount of this onto my face using my fingertips to create a lather and then rinse it off with my face cloth.

Verdict

Statistics

Skin Type: Combination/Oily Skin

Application: Fingers

Size: 100ml

Cost: £8.50

Positives

-Refreshing

-Mattifying

-Removes make-up, impurities and excess oils

-Not much needed for the whole face

Negatives

- Can be tough to lather up if you don't use enough water

I love using this cleanser and would recommend it to anyone after a refreshing face wash for everyday use. 

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Topshop A/W14

Unlike, what seems like every other girl on the planet, I'm not actually a huge obsessor when it comes to Topshop and only ever pick up a handful of items a year. Below are a selection of my top picks from their collection for this years Autumn/Winter. 

Sandylion Slipper Shoes // £24

Snake Effect Stone Collar // £14.50

Knitted Fluffy Jumper // £40

Mixed Dogtooth Scarf // £22

Cropped Shearling Jacket // £350

Lace Panel Tee // £24

What do you think of the items I've picked from the A/W14 range?

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What I Got For My 19th Birthday...

On the 10th of September I turned 19! I can't believe another birthday has been and gone, the years just fly by - it doesn't seem 5 minutes since I was turning 18. Like many other bloggers I love having a nose at what people received for their birthdays so I thought I'd show you what I received. 

I am so grateful for everything I received from my amazing family and friends. And had a lovely birthday spent with them. 

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Saving Money and Earning Rewards...

Today's post, to fit in with my week dedicated to being a student, is all about how to save money and earn rewards. 

As you can see from the above image, I am quite the fan of saving money and earning rewards.

Boots Advantage Card

Probably the best loyalty card out there (well to me it is), the Boots Advantage Card allows you to collect 4 points for every £1 you spend and you can then use these points to spend in store or online. What's even better about Boots is they often run special offers which can double your points or you can sometimes earn 300 points if you spend £30. Furthermore, Boots have a special app for your phone where you can find offers tailored especially for you. 

Debenhams Beauty Club Card

The Debenhams Beauty Card is probably my least favourite of the cards I own. The Beauty Club card lets you collect points and earn rewards when you purchase Beauty, Fragrance and Beauty Electricals. However, you have to earn so many points before you earn money off/rewards and they also expire if they aren't used. 

The Body Shop Loyalty Card

The Body Shop Loyalty Card is the latest in my collection. This card is usally £5 to buy however, the day I went in store, they offered me it for free with being a student. The Body Shop Loyalty Card entitles you to 10% off purchases for a year, £5 off an in store purchase in the month of your birthday, a free product to the value of £5 on your 4th stamp, a free product to the value of £10 on your 8th stamp, invitations to exclusive events and news updates of the latest product launches. 

NUS Student Discount Card

The NUS Student Discount acts as proof that you are a student and allows you to get discount at anywhere that offers students discounts both in store and online.

Handmade Burger Co Loyalty Card

Another new addition to my cards is the Handmade Burger Co Loyalty Card; this card is a one which involves collecting stamps. On your third stamp you receive a free drink, your sixth is a free side and your tenth entitles you to a free burger.   

Esquires Loyalty Card

The final loyalty card in my collection is the Esquires Loyalty Card; like the Handmade Burger Co card, this is also a card which you collect stamps on. And on your tenth stamp you can receive a free drink of your choice. 

As well as using loyalty cards, I have also been using 'Shop and Scan' for the last few months and have already had £30's worth of vouchers, 2 for Debenhams and 1 for Amazon.

'Shop and Scan' is a simple way of earning vouchers, all you have to do is scan your shopping once a week, transmit your barcodes and earn your points. Each transmission earns you 1100 points and once you reach 10000 points you can get a £10 voucher to spend at a store of your choice from the list available including Debenhams, Outfit, Topshop, Argos, Pizza Hut and many more!

What do you use to earn rewards and save money?

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P.S Today is my birthday!!

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Stationary Haul...

I can't believe I'm saying this but next week, I officially become a university student and its safe to say I've never been so excited and nervous in my life. Therefore this weeks post will be dedicated towards students/student life so what better to start with than a stationary haul!

A4 Ring Binder - Tesco - £0.80

A4 Notepads - Tesco - £1.50 (each)

Floral Folder - Tesco - £1.00

Floral Pencil Case - B&M - £0.99

Academic Diary - B&M - £0.99

 Sharpies 80s Glam Collection - Tesco - £10.00

BIC Pens - Tesco - £1.50

Staedtler Coloured Pens - B&M - £2.99

I absolutely love stocking up on stationary and love these items I've picked up - especially the Cath Kidston esque pencil case from B&M.

Are you heading off to university this month?

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Recipe: Double Chocolate Brownies...

I recently bought a new recipe book and couldn't wait to have a go at making these Double Chocolate Brownies.

Ingredients:

115g Butter 

115g Plain Chocolate (broken into pieces)

300g Caster Sugar

Pinch of Salt

1tsp Vanilla Extract

2 Large Eggs

2tsp Cocoa Powder

100g White Chocolate Chips

Instructions:

Step One // Preheat the oven to Gas Mark 4 or 180 C and grease a baking tray.

Step Two // Place the butter and chocolate into a saucepan and stir over a low heat until melted.

Step Three // Remove from the heat, stir until smooth and leave to cool slightly.

Step Four // Stir in the sugar, salt and vanilla extract.

Step Five // Add the eggs, one at a time, and stir until blended.

Step Six // Sift the flour and cocoa into the mixture and beat until smooth. 

Step Seven // Stir in the chocolate chips, then pour into the tin.

Step Eight // Bake in the preheated over for 35 - 40 minutes, until a cocktail stick comes out clean.

Step Nine // Leave to cool slightly and serve. 

And there you have a simple but delicious recipe for Double Chocolate Brownies. 

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Holiday Outfits...

I don't often post outfit posts on my blog so I thought for today's post I'd take the opportunity to share some of my outfits from what I wore when I went to Chester for the week at the beginning of August.

Outfit 1

Black Top - Primark

Striped Skirt - H&M

Black Sandals - Shoe Market

Watch - Michael Kors

Sunglasses - Brighton Pier

Outfit 2

Denim Jacket - New Look

White Tee - New Look

Shorts - H&M

Brown Sandals - Shoe Market

Bag - Fiorelli 

Sunglasses - Brighton Pier

Outfit 3

Lace Top - Warehouse

Jeans - New Look

White Shoes - Primark

Brown Satchel - Primark

Watch - Michael Kors

Necklace - Primark

Sunglasses - Brighton Pier

Outfit 4

Mint Blazer - Primark

White Tee - Topshop

Jean - New Look

White Shoes - Primark

Watch - Michael Kors

Sunglasses  -Brighton Pier

Hopefully when I get a new camera, I'll be able to take outfit pictures more often.

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Gold Highlights...

I love experimenting with my nails so when I was deciding what I wanted to do with my nails for this week, I immediately fell in love with this colour combo and had to share it with my readers because its soooo pretty!

For this weeks nails I opted for Nails Inc 'George Street' with accents of Nails Inc 'Chelsea Bridge Road' and I think this has got to be my new favourite combination. 

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