Life lately #13

For me, there is nothing better than going home. Weekends with my parents (and my big sister if I'm lucky enough) and having nothing to worry about are exactly what I look forward to, especially in the winter. This weekend I'm home, and today probably consists of freezing my extremities off at a nature reserve lusting over the promise of mince pies. But let me tell you, there is no place I would rather be.

I hope you're all having a wonderful sunday.

ps- happy december for tomorrow!

n xx

The bronzer favourites

Being a very pale person (the kind of pale that high street foundations don't stretch to, and sometimes not even high end either), I never used to bother with bronzer. You need to have a tan for those, right? It wasn't until I met these two beauties that I discovered how wrong I was...

It's been a while since I posed my Bobbi Brown bronzer review, so here's a refresher. It's matte (I've discovered I'm not a fan of bronzer shimmer), and I have it in 'golden light'. I apply it with the Real Techniques blush brush and blend it generously, but it gives my cheekbones a whole new life. On the other hand, this Body Shop Honey Bronzer, which I have in matte light, takes a little less blending to seem natural, though it doesn't give quite the same definition. In other words, in these two I have my perfect night out, statement look bronzer, and one for more subtle day wear. Sorted.

Bobbi Brown bronzing powder £28

The Body Shop honey bronzer £13

Paleness aside, I do love these enough to recommend them whatever your skin colour! 

What's your favourite bronzer?

n xx

Review | Seventeen miracle matte concealer

I found myself in a bit of a concealer rut recently, so I picked up this Seventeen (or is it 17? I have no idea) miracle matte concealer stick in the shade 'extra fair' for £3.99 from Boots (here). Though I was originally a little skeptical over it's alarmingly orange shade for something that is 'extra fair', I gave it a go and was pleasantly surprised.

It claims to be an all over face concealer, but I tend to stick to using it around my nose and blemishes rather than under eye area. It's a really creamy consistency that blends out really easily with a brush, but until I've blended it in it still looks like it won't match my skin colour. I've found that it lasts a good 8 hours when set with a powder, though it lasts longer on less oily parts of my skin. It's a good coverage, and it definitely does stop shine appearing as quickly.

I like the packaging, especially as it's so easy to get the product out and to be able to tell when you're running low.

I'd definitely recommend trying this, especially because it's so good for how little it costs!

What's you're favourite concealer at the moment?

n xx

Review | Rimmel scandaleyes jumbo eyeliner

Back in January, I posted about this products sibling; the Rimmel scandaleyes thick and thin liner. When  I reviewed it I was a fan, but then quickly found something I loved more (L'Oreal superliner blackbuster). Since that recently ran out, I decided to purchase the mix of the two in the form of this Rimmel scandaleyes jumbo liquid eyeliner, and I'm sorry to report that the relationship didn't go so well.

One of the main reasons I quickly went off the thick and thin liner was because it came out more grey than black after a few uses, which was something that I found the same in the jumbo liner. In pretty much every other way, it's a really good liner; it's easy to apply, it's long lasting, it's waterproof, I like the packaging, it comes off easily. I could go on, but I feel like the main thing I look for in the shade '001 black' is for it to actually be black, so when that doesn't happen, it's just annoying.

Though it is only £5.49, Rimmel is a brand I normally get on with really well, which I think is why I'm so disappointed!

For now I'm back with my L'Oreal romance, but if you have any eyeliner recommendations, liquid or otherwise, I'd love to hear them!

n xx

The little things♥

I hope you're all happy and having an amazing sunday! Thank you for sticking with me and my blog, you're awesome ♥

Here's a few posts I've been loving recently:

If you're a 20-something; you should read...

Top 10 blog tips

5 things: being a yes person

n xx

Winter outfit staples

coat - Topshop

dress - vintag topshop

bag - new look

shoes- schue

jumper - a present from my mum

Ignoring the fact that I clearly wasn't born to be a model (I was told "You keep blinking!" more than once, there are some stunning out takes), I do love a good outfit post. I recently bought this dress from one of the vintage brands at Topshop, Loving Youth, and I really wanted to share it with you guys. It's quite loose and such a cute pattern that it's something I can get away with wearing all year round, and fits in really well with my three winter staples:

♥ cosy jumpers

♥ fluffy coats

♥ boots

Whenever I have no idea what to wear, which is pretty much every day, I tend to turn to one of these three bits as a statement piece. Between them they're just so comfy and warm, which is my main priority because I get cold so easily!

What are your winter staples this winter?

n xx

A pamper night in

The other day I decided I really fancied a pamper that wasn't too much effort, so I had a quick rummage and came up with these two gems. I'm a big fan of Lush face masks, and this one in particular leaves my skin feeling so soft and detoxed. I've noticed that the day after I use this, my skin looks a lot clearer and healthier. I'm not overly keen on the smell, but otherwise this one is a winner for me. Full review here, and find it on Lush here!

I've not mentioned this Estee Lauder Resilicence Lift face cream on here before, but I've been loving it quite a lot. It's a pretty thick texture, but sinks into your skin like a dream and leaves it feeling soft and glowy (in a non-sweaty way). My skin has been feeling a lot less dry since I started using it, and my make up goes on like a dream over top of it. I can't say I'll repurchase it for £64 for 100ml (this pot was a gift from my nan that she won in a raffle), but if that's more your budget then I would definitely recommend giving it a go!

Have you tried either of these?

n xx

A week in lips

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Rimmel lasting finish in 016 heartbreaker | No7 Poppy King in allure | MAC cremesheen in peach blossom | Clarins lip balm crayon in 01 my pink | The Body Shop colour crush in 115

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Rimmel lasting finish in 016 heartbreaker | No7 Poppy King in allure | MAC cremesheen in peach blossom | Clarins lip balm crayon in 01 my pink | The Body Shop colour crush in 115

Though I'm not a big lipstick lover, I've been getting a lot more into the spirit of bright lips recently. I decided to show you what I've been wearing for the last 5 days, though it should definitely be noted that I only wore so much for the purposes of blogging! My lips are in shock from so much attention.

The Rimmel heartbreaker lipstick is one that I was totally in love with a few years ago and used to wear daily; it's a perfect dark pink without being too dark or attention seeking, and still looks amazing even when it's a bit more faded. The No7 Poppy King lipstick is a beautiful neutral shade that works really well with my complexion, and is a perfect little summin' summin' for my lips when I can't really be bothered. The formula is quite nourishing too, which is perfect for my quite dry lips.

Next I went for my current favourite MAC lipstick in peach blossom. It's quite similar to No7's allure, but creamier and pinker. I really love this lipstick, but it doesn't always look great if my lips are too dry. I really love the Clarins lip balm crayon; it's super nourishing, and gives my lips a really healthy looking plump when I put it on. A definite staple in my handbag for winter! My favourite lipstick of the moment is this Body Shop offering. It's one of my newest lipsticks, but I adore the shade of red that makes for a perfect bold lip day.

Did you want to see full reviews of any of these?!

MAC peach blossom

Rimmel heartbreaker

What lipsticks have you been loving recently?

n xx

Review | Clinique pore refining solutions

Recently in a rummage through the depths of my skincare stash, I re-found these Clinique pore skin care beauties. I got them in a set what feels like an age ago, and it became a firm favourite to use on my nose area where I'm most aware of my pores.

The stay matte hydrator full size is £34 for 50ml, and aims to "after mattifying instantly, this oil-free formula supplies needed hydration while curbing excess oil and shine for 8 hours. Even T-Zones feel fresh, stay comfortably matte." I think this is my least favourite of the set, though it's good for days when I'm wearing less make up and I don't want to feel oily around my t-zone. It's quite long lasting, and doesn't make my skin feel at all dry, so I'd definitely recommend trying this out! I don't think I'd repurchase this one just because it wasn't my favourite.

The correcting serum is £39 for 30ml or £54 for 50ml, and though it's quite expensive I've really enjoyed using it. Clinique say that "pore Resurfacing Complex quickly, gently clears out debris and rough flakes. Pores 'snap back' into shape. In 2 weeks, pores look 58% smaller. Guaranteed. Over time, help skin create stronger supports and healthier cells to see more improvement." Since I've been using this, I have noticed a difference in my pores. Though they might not be so dramatically 58% smaller, I think that my skin where I've been using this product is looking a lot healthier. Though I can't see myself splurging on this soon, it's definitely something I can see myself investigating in this in the future!

Have you tried anything from this range?

n xx

Review | Dove Oxygen

Lately my hair has been going through a bit of a dry phase, so I've been crazily buying anything to help re-hydrate my hair. It's taken me years to grow it this length so I'm keen to get it back on track with nourishing products!

This is one of my favourite things that I picked up (boots haul!). I got it for half price, but it's now back to £6.99 which I would happily pay anyway. The oxygen moisture range is new from Dove, and they say 'introducing Oxygen and Moisture, it targets roots where hair tends to be weighed down, lifting it and adding body and fullness.'

The product comes out in a fine spray, and it's recommended that you use about 12 sprays in the roots of your hair, then massage it in. I tend to do this, but more all over than just focusing on my roots. It distributes really evenly and you can't really feel it once you've squirted it in. Since I've started using it, I've noticed that my hair is surprisingly soft and a lot easier to deal with if I put this in after washing.

My hair can get quite flat, but this gives more volume without doing much else. I'd definitely recommend getting this if you have fine or flat hair, especially as it doesn't have a strong scent and is basically undetectable once you've sprayed it in!

Have you tried this out, or thought about getting it?

n xx

Beauty sins

Like pretty much everyone, I have really lazy moments. But for some things beauty-related, I'm especially lazy. Anyone else have these problems?!

- being too lazy to have a evening skincare routine that I actually stick to every night (though I've never slept with make up on)

- definitely keeping some mascaras longer than 3 months. How am I supposed to remember when I opened it?!

- not cleaning my make up brushes nearly enough. I'm getting better, but jeez some of them take a long time to dry

- the same with my hairbrush. Who has the time?!

- never, ever using a top coat when I do my nails. I don't even own one anymore, I'm just too bored by that point

- constantly buying new lipsticks. Do I wear lipstick on a daily basis? No. Do I keep buying them? Yep

What would your biggest beauty sins be?

I hope you liked this post!

n xx

Loving again | Clinique dramatically different moisturising lotion

A few years ago, I first mentioned liking this as part of the Clinique 3-step cleanse. I'm dry combination type 2, and the final step is the 'dramatically different moisturising lotion'. Clinique say that it 'strengthens skin’s moisture barrier, deliver's all-day hydration and keeps skin looking younger, longer.'

I recently found this in my make up drawers a few weeks ago like I mentioned here, and I have to say that it's been something of a revolutionary rediscovery for my skin. I've been using it in the morning after cleansing, and it sinks into my skin really fast but leaves it feeling more like I've put on a new super soft skin.

I was dubious about using this in the morning, as I used to use it in my evening routine, but I think I prefer using it in the morning. It really helps with the dryness around my nose, and doesn't leave any greasiness on my skin later in the day. It doesn't have a very strong smell, which I prefer, and the only drawback for me is this particular packaging; there's several different types of bottle you can get, but this one is so hard to get product out of! It's not a massively runny moisturiser so it doesn't run out of the bottle.

If you haven't tried this, I'd definitely recommend it! I definitely think this is one of my new winter favourites!

Have you tried it before?

n xx

My evening skincare routine

 Garnier micellar cleansing water

Estee Lauder resilience lift

The Body Shop tea tree skin clearing toner

The Body Shop vitamin E overnight serum

Clinique take the day off make up remover

Last week I posted about my current morning skincare routine, so I thought I'd also update my evening skincare routine! I've only ever written a lazy evening routine before, so I hope you enjoy this post!

I'm normally quite lazy before bed, so I'll usually take my make up off with this cleansing water and clinique make up remover, just to make sure everything's off. I'm not keen on using the Clinique remover by itself because it leaves quite a greasy residue on the skin, but it takes off eye make up like a dream. I know some people aren't overly keen on this Garnier micellar water, but I find it gets all my make up off and leaves my skin feeling really clean so I'm a fan!

I then use this anti-blemish toner to get the remnants of anything leftover, and also because I have a few leftover marks from old spots that I'm trying to get rid of. I love this particular toner because of how fresh it leaves my skin feeling.

I'll then go in with the serum that I'm using right now, and really massage it into my skin so that it has a chance to sink in properly. I've really liked using this vitamin E one because of how much more refreshed and glowing my skin is when I wake up the next day! My nan actually gave me this eye cream, but I'm in love with it! My under eye can get quite dry, and this is quite a thick consistency so it really helps keep my skin, though I feel like the only thing it's missing is being cooling.

What's the favourite part of your routine at the moment?

  

n xx