Autumn/Winter Lips & Nails

Autumn/Winter Lip & Nails

Obviously it's Autumn now, so bright orange lips and pastel blue nails are less acceptable. Whilst I'm sure I'll try and work Mac Morange, and Essie Bikini So Teeny, these products will be my go to's for the next few months...

L-R: Revlon Black Cherry, Clinique Grandest Grape, Revlon Berry Smoothie

L-R: Revlon Black Cherry, Clinique Grandest Grape, Revlon Berry Smoothie

I love berry colours my lips all year round. In fact, I was shamelessly wearing Grandest Grape most of this summer. These are some of my faves right now. Black Cherry was me trying to convince myself that i don't need MAC Rebel. And I think it's worked. I love this lipstick, its staying power and it's price! My love for Grandest Grape is clearly out there now, I have written about it in several posts! Berry Smoothie is one of my fave your lips but better colours, I wear this in more casual days, when I don't want to look like I've made TOO much effort. 

Barry M Red Wine, Barry M Gelly Plum, Nails Inc Motcomb Street, Revlon Sequins

These are the nails colours I can see myself wearing this Autumn/Winter. Barry M nail varnishes are probably my favourite, so cheap and such lovely colours. Red Wine is a lovely deeper red. I still think I need Barry M Red Black though, for an even more autumnal colour. Plum has a lovely finish. I love purples in the Autumn, and I am actually wearing this right now! This Nails Inc colour was a freebie in Glamour mag last year, and I love it. I can sometimes even get away with only 1 coat. I think this Revlon glitter polish was also a limited edition freebie, but I'm sure you could find similar. It's perfect for Christmas, who doesn't love glittery nails to brighten the cold dark days?!

What are your Autumn/Winter faves?

Hope you've enjoyed this post :)

Kelly
xxx

My Face #9

My Face #9

Today I'm heading into uni to the library. 3rd year is getting pretty hectic, I feel like I have so much work, and so little time! As part of my 'weight loss' efforts, I've joined the swimming pool near where I live, so I'll be going swimming later on this evening. 

Face: Mac Studio Sculpt in NW15, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 Fair, Bourjois Bronzing Primer, Mac Soft and Gentle

Brows: Maybelline Brow Drama (not that you can see my brows!)

Eyes: Maybelline The Rocket Mascara, Naked Palette (Sidecar and Darkhorse, Creep on lashline)

Lips: Mac Up the Amp

Kelly 

xxx

Naked Palette

Naked Palette

This is my new found love. I am so annoyed at myself that it has taken so long for me to buy this, Admittedly, £37 is a lot of money, however, for 12 eye shadows, an eye shadow brush, and a mini primer potion, I thought I could justify it! 

This honestly might be the most beautiful looking product I have ever owned (apart from the YSL lippy of course). All of the colours are lovely, and I have used them all already despite only owning this for 2 weeks. My favourite shades so far are Sin, Toasted and Hustle. I love how they blend in together. 

I bought the Stila in the Light palette last year in the hope that it would stop that feeling I had that I needed this. It didn't. I still felt like I needed the Naked palette in my life. I went for the Naked1 as opposed to the Naked2, just because I like the colours a bit more, and I also wanted to try the free primer potion. 

Have any of you got this palette? What do you think?

Naked Palette : 10/10 

Kelly 

xxx

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Review

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo Review

I have raved about this product on several occasions, so I am sure you'll know this is going to be a positive review. I thought I would tell you guys a bit more detail of why I love this to bits...

I have had problem skin for about 2 years. WARNING, GIRL TALK. I all started when I went on the pill. Clearly something mucked up my hormones and,  boom, spots. I'll be honest, up until this year, my skincare routine was virtually non existent. But, I promised myself that 2013 would be the year I sorted out my skin! This is the product that has helped me do this. 

I wish I had makeup-less before and after pictures for you. Just to demonstrate how good this has been for me. Admittedly, when I first used it, for about a week, it broke me out. But, I persevered, and slowly started to notice that I was getting less spots, and that my acne scars were less obvious. Since then (April ish?) I have been using this pretty much everyday. (Apart from 1 month when I tried to convince myself I didn't need it, broke out, then went back to Boots and repurchased).

So, if any of you have similar skin type to me, acne prone and combination, I would definitely say this product is for you! It is £13 in Boots, but when I last bought it (last week) it was 25% off La Roche Posay, so was only around £9.50. 

La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo

10/10

Kelly 

xxx

My Face #8

My Face #8 

Today was just a normal uni day. I was in uni from about 10-3, so I wanted makeup that would last without having to top up. Thankfully, it did. This is what I wore on my face...

Face: Nars Sheer Glow in Mount Blanc, Bourjois Bronzing Primer, Dainty Doll Blush in 001, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 01.

Brows: Maybelline Brow Drama in Medium Brown

Eyes: Urban Decay Oz Palette, Avon Liquid Liner, Maybelline The Rocket Mascara

Lips: Mac Shy Girl

Hope you're all having a lovely day :)

Kelly

xxx

Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi Glow Tonic

Pixi Glow Tonic, £20.50 with P+P

I have heard so much good about this in the past month or so. I knew I wouldn't be going to London any time soon, so I got this by mail order from the Pixi Store in London. It arrived two days ago.

I am so far, really impressed. There are 3 things I love about this already. 1- the smell. 2- The way it leaves my skin feeling soft and clean. 3- The way it leaves my skin looking bright and healthy. Obviously I haven't been using this for long enough to decide how I properly feel about it, but first impressions are brilliant, I am really happy I bought it!

Have any of you tried this? What did it do for your skin?

Kelly 

xxx

September Faves

September Faves

This month has been more busy than most. As you know I have moved back to uni, and I have had a week of lectures. I'm 3rd year now, so things are going to be a lot more hectic than the past two years, and quite frankly I am terrified! Most of my favourites this month have been newish purchases that I have fallen in love with...

 I posted about buying these about a month ago. And I love both of these. They have been really sorting out the stress breakouts caused by the terror of starting 3rd year of uni. The Una Brennan Superfacialist Tea Tree Deep Clean Pore Purifying Clay Mask (they need to think of shorter names) is lovely. I like the way it kind of tingles on your skin and leaves my skin feeling very soft. The No7 Hot Cloth Cleanser is my favourite cleanser of all time(not that I have tried a huge amount). It feels lovely on my skin, a real balmy creamy texture. 

As for my hair favourite, I have been really loving this Schwartzkopf Salt Spray. It leaves a typical beachy wave in my hair, but unlike many salt sprays I have heard about, it doesn't particularly dry out my hair, or leave it feeling weirdly crunchy. Also, it was under £5. 

More new purchases that have become staples in my life. The Bourjois bronzing primer is lovely. I love the smell(chocolate) the texture(creamy and blendable) and the colour(a perfect brown, not orange!). I would definitely recommend this. Nars Sheer Glow was always going to be in this months faves. I leaves a flawless finish, which is incredible for me, as I sometimes found even Estee Lauder Double Wear didn't cover all my imperfections. My only problem is that I need to powder though out the day, which is a pain when I'm out all day.

Sorry this months faves are a bit late. Things have been getting a bit hectic! Hope you're all having a good October!


Kelly 
xxx

What I bought #5

What I Bought #5

I needed to pop into town yesterday, and obviously, when MAC is near, and Boots started calling, I cannot resist!

Boots are having a buy one get one half price on make up at the moment. I needed a new mascara, and I always hear good things about the Maybelline mascaras. I picked up the Rocket Mascara. I also wanted to try the Maybelline Brow Drama, so I picked that up too. It's basically a tinted brow mascara, and after using it this morning, I can tell this is going to become a staple in my make up bag.

I also had a voucher for £5 off No7 skincare. I always spot this eye make up remover, and I am having trouble removing my eye liner recently, so I thought this would be a good buy. With the voucher this was £3.50. I used it last night, and it seems really good so far! I love the way it looks, with half blue, half clear liquid that you shake before you use. I have known for a while now that I want to try primers. However, firstly I don't have the money, and secondly, the only one I have ever tried (a sample of Benefit Porefessional) make my skin quite dry. So, I picked up the Nivea Express Hydration Primer. It was around £3.50, as there was a £1 off offer! 

 Obviously being back in Birmingham means being near Selfridges, which means being near MAC. Woo! I had a few on my list (Plumful and Rebel) but when I swatched them I was less impressed than I thought. I then picked up Speak Louder, and realised how gorgeous it is! So, after comparing it to Girl About Town (my other MAC pink) and realising they are very different, I bought it :)

L- Speak Louder. R- Girl About Town

I should probably stop buying things now and buy books for uni. Hmm...

Hope you're all having a nice day :)

Kelly 
xxx

The Saturdays on Saturday

The Saturdays on Saturday

I go to uni in Birmingham, which means regular trips to the Bullring. If you haven't heard of it, (which I'm sure you have if you're in England) the Bullring is a big shopping centre in the middle of the city. Last Saturday was the Bullring's 10th anniversary.To celebrate they had a fashion show hosted by Molly King (from the Saturdays) and the Saturdays performed too. 

I didn't manage to get any good pictures of the fashion show. There was quite a lot of tartan for Autumn/Winter, which I am not sure how I feel about. I'm good with tartan scarfs etc, but I can't quite see myself in a tartan dress. There were also some gorgeous evening dresses from Debenhams. It made me wish I was actually going somewhere posh enough to where something like that! 

As for the Saturdays performing, they were really good. I am not their biggest fan, but I do like most of their music. I have to say I was pretty surprised by how good they were live!  Frankie wasn't there as she is very pregnant, but they were still pretty good! Not bad for a free performance...

How was your weekend? Have you guys ever been to the Bullring?

Kelly 

xxx

My Face #7

My Face #7

This was from the day before I left to come back to uni. I forgot I had taken these photos. Even though these are from a few days ago, I thought I would show you what was on my face that day. I was going to visit my grandparents and boyfriend before coming back to uni..

Face: Estee Lauder Double Wear in Ecra(Got a tester, I'll let you know what I think), MAC Sincere BLush to contour, MAC Soft and Gentle, Topshop Flushed Cream Blush, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1.

Brows: MUA Pro Brow Palette

Eyes: MAC Paint Pot in Eclair, Loreal Superliner Perfect Slim, Benefit They're Real Mascara

Lips: MAC Please Me

Now, I'm back at uni, I'll try keep my posts frequent, but if I don't post for a while, please don't lose hope, I'll be back! :)

Kelly 

xxx

My Face #6

My Face #6

As I said in my last post, I'm back at uni now. The lighting isn't great in my bedroom, I only have two little roof lights, as I have the attic bedroom. So, I'll do my best with photos, but see how it goes. Today I popped into uni. Lectures don't start till next week, but I had a meeting to go to. This is what I wore on my face...

Face: Laura Mercier Silk Creme in Soft Ivory, MAC Sincere Blush as contour, MAC Soft and Gentl Highlighter, Topshop Cream Blush in Head Over Heels, Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1
Brows: GOSH Brow Ink
Eyes: Avon Liquid Liner, MAC Paint Pot in Bare Study, Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara, Urban Decay Oz Palette
Lips: Revlon Lip Butter in Candy Apple

Hope you're all having a nice week. 

Kelly 
xxx

What I bought #4

What I Bought #4

I am so excited. I finally got Sheer Glow! I am back at uni now, which means I am just a ten minute train journey to Selfridges, so I took a trip there today.

The first thing I did, obviously, was head to Selfridges. I love the beauty hall, I spent at least half an hour just swatching pretty things and saying, 'just looking thankyou' to anyone who approached me. But I did buy Nars Sheer Glow, a foundation I have been wanting for a while now especially since my skin has cleared up (thanks effaclar duo!) I also bought a pump, just to make my life easier.

Now, Boots. It's currently buy one get one half price on makeup/nails so I allowed myself £15. I bought my trusty Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1, and the new Bourjois Bronzing Primer. I'll be interested to see how this works for me, as I simply cannot afford the Chanel one. And, if things couldn't get any better, I only spent just over £12, haha. I have also save £5.62 on my Boots card so next time I'm there I'll be treating myself to a Barry M nail varnish or two. 

Hope you enjoyed this little 'haul'. I'll be doing a review on the Sheer Glow and Bronzing Primer once I have given them a good try.

Kelly 

xxx

What I Bought #3

What I Bought #3

So, I went to Primark. I can't remember where I saw it, but on someones' blog I spotted the most gorgey coat ever, from Primark. As soon as I saw it, I knew Primark was calling again! Obviously I didn't just buy the coat. Here's what else I bought...

The coat is like a Mango coat I wanted last year. I am sooo happy with it! I would recommend going a size down, I bought a 12, I'm usually a 14, but I think I could even get away with a 10 and it would still be oversized. It was £25. I also bought this tartan scarf. I love it, and it was only £4 :) I love how it goes with the scarf! 

I want this pattern of this top on my walls. It's beautiful! It falls really nicely and loosely, and it looks really good with my disco pants! I think it was £6.

Potentially my fave bargain is the bag. It was £7 down from £12! It's the perfect bag for uni, and I love the fact it has shorter handles as well as a longer strap. 

I love the jewellery in Primark, and I was particularly looking out for some midi rings and a chunky necklace. I got both! The chain was £3 and the rings were £1.50 for 8! Crazy Cheap!

Hope you liked this post! I recommend you all go to Primark! Haha :) I would buy so much more but I had to restrain myself! 

Kelly 

xxx

My Top 5 Lipsticks

My Top 5 Lipsticks

Sorry I have been a bit non existent on here this past week, I have been working a lot and been very busy. I do have a lot of posts lined up though. I am heading back to uni next Sunday, so I will try to post regularly, but we'll see :)

A while ago (I think it was my second ever post) I showed you my MAC lipstick collection. There is no doubt that MAC lipsticks are my favourite of all time, but I though I would show you my most worn favourite lipsticks across high street and high end. 

L-R: YSL Rouge Volupte Shine, Mac Please Me, Mac Ruby Woo, Revlon Smoked Peach, Clinique Chubby Stick Grandest Grape

MAC Ruby Woo

I love this. I could just leave it at that. This is the perfect matte red for anyone. It lasts all day/night, and I would say I probably wear this at least twice a week. I'm going to put it out there that this is my fave lipstick EVER. 

MAC Please Me

This is also a matte lipstick, so lasts forever, which is a big part of my love for this. I am definitely going to run out of this soon, which makes me sad. It's a lovely baby pink. I like it for days when I want something a bit more natural than a bright in your face colour, but something with a bit more colour than a nude. 

YSL Rouge Volupte Shine in 17

The most beautiful lipstick. I don't wear this all that often, I like to save if for more special occasions. But, come that occasion, this is guaranteed to be on my lips. I wrote a post solely on this lipstick, so if you're interested in more details, pop on over and have a read :)

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense in Grandest Grape

I have been loving this during this summer (weird as it's probably more of an autumn/winter pick). I love how moisturising this is on the lips, and how long it lasts. I prefer this to any high street dupes I have tried (the Revlon and Bourjois ones).

Revlon Matte Lipstick in Smoked Peach

This lipstick is pretty much gone. I love it! Matte lipsticks are definitely my favourite finishes purely because they last all day. Revlon lipsticks in general are definitely my favourite on the high street. They have the most beautiful colours, and a range of finishes. I always keep an eye out for the offers so I can buy some more on my ever growing list of Revlon lip products! If you are struggling to justify £15 or more on a high end lippy, go for Revlon, every time :)

L-R: YSL, Mac Please Me, Mac Ruby Woo, Clinique Grandest Grape, Revlon Smoked Peach

What are your favourite and most used lipsticks of all time? Any you would recommend? 

Hope this post was enjoyable, maybe a bit helpful too :)

Kelly 

xxx

Best Ever Magazine Freebies

Best Ever Magazine Freebies

I am a sucker for a freebie, as are most of you I'm guessing. Recently, I have bought a good few magazine purely because they include something free that I have been DYING to try. Here's my run down of the best products I have got free...

Clockwise from top: Benefit They're Real, Balance Me Face Wash, Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

Benefit They're Real Mascara

This was in Elle at the start of summer. I was waiting for the 1st of the month (I think it was May) excitedly for this to come out. Okay, the magazine was £4, which is quite a lot, but when this is worth £9.50 (in Boots) then paying £4 is amazing! This mascara is incredible. This brush is interesting and really makes you discover lashes you never knew were there. If you ever spot this as a freebie again,you have to get it. Or, if you're willing to part with £19.50 for the full size one (and I'm tempted) then buy it!

 Most of you will probably already have seen this, but I thought I would do a close up of the brush for this.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash

This was in the Glamour with Jessie J on the front (July/August maybe?) This smells lovely and gives your face a good clean, leaving your skin feeling very very soft. My only issue is that this is 50ml, and I have had this for about 6 weeks, using it every other day, and it's nearly out. I don't know if this is normal for other people, but normally I don't get through skin products this quickly?

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray

This was in Elle (the one with Katy Perry). I don't know if it's still in shops or if the new issue is out, but if you spot this, I highly recommend it! This smells of liquorice, holds my curls and fringe in place, and I love it. Another weird love about this is the nozzle. It distributes a good spray of the product rather than one jet spray, which is essential in the packaging if hair products for me.  

Philip Kingsley Elasticizer

Oh, how I squealed with excitement when I saw this. Lily Melrose loves this, Essie Button recommended it, and I wanted it! It comes with this months In Style magazine, not usually one of my top mag picks. However, I thought I would try both the magazine and the product out. I am yet the try the product, as I only got it today, but so far, I like In Style. It's the kind of mag that you want to cut out pages from and stick all over your wall. I'll let you all know what I think of this!

If you guys see ANY of these products in a mag for free in the future, get them! I love being able to try high end things out, without having to invest in a full size. And although some of the mags are about £4, I definitely think it's worth it. I don't think I have ever been disappointed with one of these freebies!

What are the best things you've got free in a magazine? 

Hope you've enjoyed this!

Kelly 

xxx

New Glasses

New Glasses

I'm a contact wearer by day, glasses wearer by evening/when I'm hungover. Haha :) I haven't had new glasses for 2 years, so I was really excited to get new ones. I am one of those people who LOVE going to the opticians, it feels like a fun test and at the end of it woo new glasses. (I'm so sad.) I'm pretty short sighted (-4.50). I know some people are a lot worse than this, but I know I cannot see clearly past about half metre, and that's bad enough eyesight for me! 

I picked up my new glasses yesterday, and here they are!

These usually cost £99, but as I am on lensmail for my contacts, they only cost me/my dad £35. I love them so much! I hope you guys think they suit me! Please don't be mean!

Kelly

xxx

My Face #5 +OOTD

My Face #5 + OOTD

This was the other day, when it was pretty warm. I found this skirt deep in my wardrobe with the things that didn't fit. Since losing some weight, I thought I would try it and I have fallen back in love. (I was obsessed with it during my first year of college, OBSESSED.) I am still loving the MAC Eclair paint pot, it's pretty much not left my eyes for the past couple weeks. I'm also wearing the Revlon Suede Lipstick I posted about last week. I really like it, it's very long lasting and I love the finish. My only issue is that if you apply too much, it goes kind of crumbly on your lips?! But put on the right amount and this stays out for hours and hours!

Top- Primark, Skirt- Zara (3-4 years ago), Necklace- Ebay

Face: MAC Studio Fix mixed with MeMeMe Beat the Blues Highlighter, MAC Blush in Harmony (contour) and Dainty Doll Blush in 001.

Eyebrows: MUA Pro Brow Palette

Eyes: MAC Eclair Paint Pot, Loreal Superliner Perfect Slim, Loreal Volume Million Lashes Mascara, Rimmel White Pencil Eyeliner

Lips: Revlon Suede Lipstick in Couture

Hope you enjoyed this post. I am gonna find some better ways to show my OOTD but for now you have a slightly blurry photo! 

Kelly

xxx

August Faves

August Faves

I have decided I'm going to do a monthly faves, and a 'middle of the month' faves. I don't mix up my routine enough to do weekly favourites, so I thought this would be best. August has FLOWN by. I don't even know where this summer has gone! I haven't done many interesting things really, just relaxed days, bit of uni work here and there, and when it's sunny, some nice walks in the country with the boyf. Here is what I have been particularly enjoying this month. 

Aloe Vera Gel

Glamorous Alert. I have heard this is good for reducing stretch marks, so this month I have been using it on my legs and hips in the hope that this will work. I have to admit, my stretch marks are less obvious and more smooth, RESULT. I wouldn't call this a miracle product, but I you want a cheap alternative to all those 'miracle wonder creams' that cost about a million pounds, try this. 

Bourjois Delice De Poudre Brozing Powder

When I first bought this about a year ago, I thought it was an absolute waste of space. However, recently, I have realised that with a better brush (real techniques contour brush) I actually quite enjoy this. I have been using it as a subtle contour.

Urban Decay Oz Palette (on particular Spell)

This palette is perfect for me. With the exception of the green 'Jealous' colour, I use all the shadows frequently. This month though, I have been enjoying using the gold half of 'Spell' in my inner corner of my eye. It looks really pretty and makes you look more awake. I also like the black half smudged into my lash line as an alternative to liquid liner. 

MAC Studio Fix Foundation & MeMeMe Beat the Blues Highlighter

This month, I hsve been loving the combo of these mixed together. It gives  nice glow to your skin, without looking greasy. This is probably my fave foundation of all time. This highlighter is a dupe for Benefit HighBeam/Moonbeam/Sunbeam. I really really like it. It is a universal highlighting product. I love how, unlike my MAC MSF in Soft and Gentle, you have the choice of mixing it in with your foundation, as well as using it on top of it. Love! :)

These faves aren't particularly interesting this month. I haven't really bought anything that I have tested enough for it to make it into this months faves. Maybe a few of the skincare items in my last post will be in nexts month's. In fact, I'm sure of it :)

What have you guys been loving this month? Any recommendations?

Hope you've enjoyed this post!

Kelly 

xxx