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I received a 30% off beauty email from ASOS in my lecture and i knew exactly what i would be doing when i got back. I had to constrain myself from spending all of my student loan but you've got to make the most of a sale, right?!

Stila Convertible Color Dual Lip and Cheek Cream- Peach Blossom
I've wanted to try this for ages after hearing very good reviews but I've never got around to actually buying it. First of all i love the packaging, its small, cute and pretty. I think the shade works for all year round but will be especially good in Spring and Summer. On first glance it also seems to be really pigmented and blends like a dream, why didn't i get my hands on one sooner?!

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder
I only ever really use the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder and i've been wanting to try something different for a while. I love the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundations and so i thought this would be good to try, especially as it apparently still leaves a glow to the skin which i'm liking at the minute.

Bourjois Gold Bronzing Powder
I actually bought the wrong bronzer here and i'm gutted! I meant to buy the matte version so i could contour with it as well but bought the shimmery one by mistake and i'm not the biggest fan of shimmery bronzers. It still smells amazing and blends really nicely and i'll probably make good use of it in the summer but for now its going to the back of my makeup collection. 

Rimmel Kate Moss Nude Collection Lipstick- 43
I love nude lips and i love the Kate Moss Rimmel lipsticks and so what is not to love about this? I did actually buy a shade darker than i wanted but i still love it and i'm definitely going to get good wear out of it. I'd say it is a brown peachy shade which would definitely suit a lot of skin tones. Rimmel and Kate Moss just seem to smash it when it comes to lipsticks and they are such a good price, definitely one of my favourites!

Like so many people, i'm a big advocate of Real Techniques. Most of my brushes are RT; they're soft, high quality and affordable, just to name a few of the long list of their plus points. Sam and Nic have just nailed it. I've managed (with difficulty) to narrow my collection down to my 3 favourites, going for the 3 that i use the most!

The Buffing Brush
Probably the most well known and well loved RT brush and deservedly so. I owned this a few years ago, loved it, lost it, used the Expert Face Brush for a good year instead and then re-bought it and i've barely used anything else to apply foundation since. As the name suggests it just buffs foundation in flawlessly as well as being speedy.

The Multi- Task Brush
Another perfectly named brush. I mainly use it for bronzer but when i'm feeling lazy i use it for the whole works, powder, blusher and even highlighter. Its super soft and is the perfect shape and size for the cheeks.

The Setting Brush
I also use the setting brush for a number of things but i mainly use it for blending in concealer. It is the perfect size to fit under the eye and really leaves a flawless but not cakey finish. I also love this brush for highlighter as it gives you lots of control so you don't go overboard on the glow. As the name suggests it is also great for setting your makeup if you only want a small amount of powder in certain places.

I'm sure most people already own Real Technique brushes but if you don't, get on it now, you won't be disappointed! This may just give you inspiration on the next RT brush you want to own. 

£1.99 lashes that are natural, have a thin band and are easy to put on? Let me introduce you to Amazing Shine. 

For me, eyelashes are something i don't particularly like spending a lot of money on. I usually buy lashes around the £5 mark from the likes of Eyelure and Millie Mackintosh, and i really like them however spending a fiver on something your only going to use a couple of times adds up, especially on a student budget.

I've heard of Amazing Shine Eyelashes for a few years now; Pixiwoo have used them in their videos for a long time, and if they recommend something, i generally trust their opinion. They said they buy them from a little shop near their studio and i much prefer buying lashes when you can actually see them however i've never seen them in shops nearby me and so i took to looking online. You had to buy them in bulk from a lot of the websites i'd seen and on the actual Amazing Shine website it crashed on me, declining my payment and therefore i was wary of trying it again. I then found Colour Cosmetics and went ahead placing an order of 4 different styles that seemed the most 'me'. However there are loads of different styles, from natural to pretty wacky show lashes. They're made from 100% human hair so they look a lot more 'real' and feel comfortable on the eyes. The thin band means their easy to put on and you don't have to draw a thick liquid liner on your eyes to cover it up. With good glue they'll last all night (or day!) and they can be used a couple of times.

I got the numbers 12, 110, 606 & 747-S. The 747-S is actually a very good dupe for the Mac No. 4 Lash, only around £8 cheaper. If your into your lashes i'd definitely recommend trying these. 

When i was little, i used to spend hours designing clothes, outfits, the hair and makeup to go with each outfit, basically an on the page fashion show. None of it was any good, i was only 10, 11, 12, but i really enjoyed doing it. Throughout school i always enjoyed my textiles (basically sewing) classes and chose textiles as one of my four options at G.C.S.E (exams/qualifications you do at 15/16). This was where i stopped enjoying making things on a sewing machine, partially due to the stresses of it actually counting towards something and partially due to a teacher that made it more stressful than it should be. Since finishing my last piece a good 3 years ago, i haven't touched my sewing machine. Having finished my first year of university and having much more spare time i suddenly had the urge to get out my sewing machine, my bags of material that i'd forgot i had and make something. 

After testing out the stitches and making sure i could remember what to do, i found some red tartan and set about making a cushion; something easy but actually useful.  short time later and voila! a cushion is made. I really enjoyed getting my creative side out again and i'll definitely be embarking on more sewing based little projects in the next few weeks.
I'm moving in to my student house in September and having black, leather sofas this cushion will go perfectly. Time to start making more!

All things French is the theme for this months Glossybox. And the only thing that a French inspired Glossybox could include? Skincare. 

To start off with the box is beautifully illustrated, making it a perfect addition to a dressing table. It has that whole shabby chic vibe which goes along with the French/ Parisian style. As always there's a card detailing the products featured and their full size price but also a card about the artist of the the Vive La France Glossybox, Jamie Lee Reardin, which is a nice touch.

Here's what my box contains;

Noxidoxi Enhancing Serum Base
This supposedly provides hydration, tightens pores and is a antioxidant shield which i like the sound of. This also seems a good product to layer under makeup to make it go on smoothly and create a flawless finish. 

Lollipops Lip Balm Delicieuse
You can never have enough lip balms in my opinion. This one smells (and tastes!) really nice which is always a bonus to me as i generally dislike unscented lip balms. It's creamy and has ingredients to protect against UV damage, burnt dry lips are not the one!

Teoxane Cosmeceuticals Perfect Skin Refiner
I was excited to try this when i read about it and saw that the full size is a whopping £70. The concept of it being a skin renewal cream excites me and i always like it when you can feel a product working as this has has mild tingling feeling at first.

Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Eau De Parfum
I always like receiving perfume samples as they're perfect for chucking in handbags for a freshen up throughout the day. They also mean you can test them out before deciding on whether to purchase the full size. This is a musky floral scent.

Glossybox Exclusive Travel Pouch
Finally comes a little pouch with a similar design to the box. It is made of that thicker plastic material however this does mean that it's easy to clean if you keep makeup and toiletries in. 

Overall I do like this box, however is it bad for me to admit that the thing i'm most excited about it is the actual box. I just can't wait to have it on show in my room as i just love the design!

When i heard about this, i was so interested to try it. For a lazy fake tanner like me, it seemed like the perfect way to add colour without having to make sure you've perfectly exfoliated, moisturised and then evenly applied fake tan which to me is a hassle. After it seemingly being sold out everywhere i finally managed to pick it up in Boots a few weeks ago and have since tested it out a few times. 

My lowdown;

It's definitely a gradual tan and only adds a hint of colour with one application however after 2-3 applications over a few days it builds to a darker yet still natural looking tan. Even with a mitt, i still sometimes get the occasional streak however the times i've used this there has been no streaks, no lines, nothing! Which is probably what i like most about it. It's easy to apply, it just feels like your putting on a normal body wash and doesn't really have much of a smell.

The downsides are it really is a gradual tan, no good for anyone wanting an instant hit of colour. Although application is easy, it is also strange. The first time i used it i kept the shower running and stood in the corner as my shower is big enough for that however i felt like it was a waste of water. Turning the shower off as suggested on the bottle, you have the problem of being cold for 3 minutes. There is also the issue of knowing when 3 minutes is up, i resulted to counting in my head haha. Although it doesn't sound like a long time, it does go a lot slower when your stood there. 

Despite that, overall i do like it and i can bear standing in the cold for 3 awkward minutes for a easy, streak free, natural looking tan.

Have you tried it yet? What do you think?

I used to be a big reader when i was younger. I have J.K Rowling and Jacqueline Wilson to thank for that, two very different but brilliant writers! The Harry Potter Books have always been my favourite though. I've read the whole series of books numerous times and each time i am emotionally and physically attached, doing nothing but reading all day everyday and forgetting that the storyline is not real life. They have made me scared, they have made me cry and they have made me smile and laugh.

However, for the past 2 to maybe 3 years, the only things i've read are the occasional magazines and obligatory university reading, which is quite frankly, dull! But recently i've had the urge to change that and remember what it felt like to have your head stuck in a good book. I did a bit of searching online and looked at a few reviews, including the mention in Zoellas June Fave video, and therefore placed an all book based Amazon order, one of them being All The Bright Places written by Jennifer Niven.  

I was out when it arrived and started it later that evening and i was immediately attached. I was finding myself enjoying reading again, falling in love with characters through their wit and charm and i loved it. I really did not want to put it down. Despite being pretty busy, i was reading it whenever i could and had finished the book just two days later. I really don't want to describe it in detail as to not give anything away however the description on the front of the book is perfect; 'The story of a girl who learns to live from a boy who wants to die.' 

It made me feel and experience a number of emotions, including making me cry. I think that if a book makes you cry it must be pretty damn special. Not many make me do that. But best of all this book is eye-opening, creates awareness and brings a different light to a serious topic. For that it must be applauded. 

Sure TV series are good and addictive, i've had many days where i've done nothing but watch Netflix series after Netflix series and i think maybe that's the reason why i've done much less reading recently, too transfixed by a screen. But after reading All The Bright Places it has reminded me that nothing can beat a good book and to have a break from technology. 

All The Bright Places hasn't stolen my number one spot for my favourite book, Harry Potter (all of them) still holds that however this has come pretty close. So, in my eyes, it must be good. Jennifer Niven, thank you for making me want to read again.

If you hadn't guessed it already (you'd be pretty stupid if you hadn't, sorry haha!) i'd really recommend reading it. 
You can buy it online from Waterstones here: https://www.waterstones.com/book/all-the-bright-places/jennifer-niven as well as from Amazon and other book stores.

I hope you don't mind the different blogpost today, i may do more like this in the future as i really enjoyed writing it. 

Since getting a smoothie maker (Breville Blend Active) for my birthday, smoothies have become my new obsession! Not only are they super tasty and healthy, they're also so easy and quick. Here are a two of my go to smoothies, with ingredients you'll most likely have in your kitchen. Now, get whizzing!

The Simplest Smoothie:

• Banana
• Orange
• Apple
• Your choice of fruit juice/ coconut water
• Flax seed (optional)

In a couple of days i'm going on my summer holiday, hoorah! And so i thought i'd share with you what i'm taking makeup wise for my week in the sun.

Base:

• Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer- Especially in hot weather makeup will just slide off my face so primer is essential.
• Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation- Normally once my skin has had some vitamin D it clears up and so i am hoping to use this only for the first few days of my holiday or in the evenings when i want a little bit more coverage. This is quite a light coverage foundation and therefore is perfect for summer.
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer- This goes everywhere with me to cover up spots and under my eyes.
• Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer- An extra concealer incase i need more coverage under my eyes or things needs brightening up.
• Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder- I like to have glowy skin in the summer however i don't want to look oily.

A bronzey eye is my go to. My go to for a night out and my go to for the day. I just think it works and makes my blue eyes 'pop' however it really is a universal colour and will look good on everyone. So here is a rundown of my three favourite bronze eyeshadows.

The one everyone knows:

The Maybelline Colour Tattoo in On and On Bronze/ Bad to the Bronze is the cult classic that everyone knows. Its a long lasting gel-cream formula that i like to wear either as base for some of the eyeshadows coming up or on its own as its got that multi tone effect however you have to blend it fast, because once it's set it's set. But that's a good thing right?

The dark horse:

Next up is No.7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow in 65 Truffle. This is a really pigmented, soft shadow which blends really well. It's got a mauve hint to it which makes it really pretty and I think the name fits it perfectly. I mainly use this in the outer corner of my eye to deepen a bronzed eye however the times i've used it all over the lid, i've really liked it. I also like the packaging; small, cute, simple yet sleek. 

My ultimate favourite:

I absolutely love this eyeshadow. It's not just the pick of my bronze eyeshadows but is close to being my all time favourite shadow and what's best, with it being Wet n Wild its the cheapest of the already cheap bunch. It's pigmented, easy to blend and doesn't crease as well as being the perfect shade for my eyes. When i'm in a rush for a night out or when i just want something that i know works, i put this all over my lid and smudge black eyeliner close to my top lashes and on the water line and lower lash line. If i've got more time i use the Maybelline Colour Tattoo first and put the No.7 shadow in the outer corner and a matte brown in the crease to add more dimension and help it last that little bit longer. It did come with a gold shadow too but that smashed and although i've never tried it, it seems very similar and a good dupe to the well loved Nars Isolde Duo. I've had mine for years and i really hope they still sell it as i'm running low. Time to stalk the internet!

Left to right: Maybelline, No.7, Wet n Wild

Are you too a lover of the bronzed eye? Let me know your favourite shadows because in my opinion you can never have too much!

My mum and I both love Nails Inc and the other day she came home after shopping with this little beauty saying it was for us both to share, aahhh love! The collection features 6 minis in a range of gorgeous colours, from nude to coral to mint green, it will suit everyone's tastes. 

I immediately gravitated towards Regents Place as i've been wanting a colour like this for a while. I would describe it as a slightly muted bright blue and therefore i feel its something slightly more 'grown up' than a bright, bright blue.

In truth, the past few weeks maybe even months i've been really lazy with my nails, not being bothered to paint them and also biting them loads, not good! So, i was in desperate need of a good old manicure. After filing, buffing and all that jazz i applied a base coat, Sally Hansen. This is actually a double duty polish, being both a base and top coat. I personally love this as its much cheaper than buying them separate. It is also really good and unlike with other base and top coats, it has lasted a long time without going gloopy. Now on to the actual colour. Like all Nails Inc nail polishes it applied well, due to it being a mini size the brush was quite small, however i don't mind this as I have small nails. Someone with much longer nails may find it a bit more difficult, but it worked for me. One coat probably would have been fine however i always like to make sure and do two, just to be on the safe side. I then reapplied the Sally Hansen polish and waited for it to dry and bobs your uncle, glossy summery nails. 

I've now had it on for over 3 days and there has been no chipping at all, exactly what i like to see! The collection costs £29 and so far i've been really pleased with it. I'm looking forward to trying some of the other nail polishes now!

Makeup organisation and storage is an important part of having makeup, for me anyway. I like to be able to see everything clearly yet it still look good. Although i'm not perfectly happy with how the rest of my makeup is stored, i am happy with the organisation of my lipsticks, my favourite makeup items. 

I bought this red, coca cola vintage tin maybe 2 or 3 years ago from Amazon and i love it. I think it adds something different and interesting to the standard, boring organisation and being red, goes along with the colour scheme of my room. Whats more, it cost less than a tenner! I cant remember the exact price but i think it was in the £5-£8 bracket, a bargain i think. 

There are all sorts of designs and styles on Amazon and Ebay for really good prices, perfect if you're looking for new ways to organise your beloved collection.

Along with my outfit, navy striped top and light denim ripped skinny jeans, i felt i looked very Parisian today, a look and style which I personally love! I brought out the liquid eyeliner, something i rarely do due to my awkward eyes, and paired it with a simple and eye brightening eyeshadow look, along with bronzed-glowy skin and a pinky red matte lip.

Base:
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer
L'Oreal True Match Liquid Foundation
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer- Fair 1
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder

Face:
Soap & Glory Solar Powder
Bourjois Blusher- 16 Love Struck Rose
Nars Highlighting Blush Powder- Albatross

Eyes and Brows:
Avon Eyeshadow Primer- Light Beige
Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette- Venus for the lid
Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Palette- Cover in the crease+ Frisk for brows
Collection Fast Stroke Eyeliner
L'Oreal Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara

Lips:
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet- 09 Happy Nude Year

As much as i wish i could, i cant go out with zero makeup on; my brows just need some attention! and besides, doing my makeup is something i really enjoy. However there are days when i can't be bothered to slap on a load of makeup, especially in the summer. Recently, my skin has been behaving quite well and with inspiration from Lisa Eldridge, i've stripped back my makeup and i love the results!




 Much to my surprise i've been loving the look of my skin with no foundation, opting first for primer (Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer) to slightly even my skin tone and help everything last and then concealer (Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer- Fair 1) on any blemishes, redness and under my eyes. I also like to add another concealer (Rimmel Wake Me Up Anti- Fatigue Effect + Radiant Glow Concealer) under my eyes to add extra coverage to my awfully blue under eyes and brighten things up there, especially due to skipping foundation. I recently bought the Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge and i've been liking blending in my concealer with this. Got to powder to set this in place (Rimmel Stay Matte Long Lasting Pressed Powder - 001 Transparent) and that is base done in under two minutes!

Another year has passed and ASOS is still my favourite shop, online or on the highstreet. Period. It literally has everything. Although i've recently placed two quite large orders on the site, my saved items page still has a whopping 63 items on it, whoops! My two previous ASOS Wishlists #1 #2, were in autumn winter and as its almost June this wishlist has much more of a summery vibe. Maybe this will give you inspiration for your next purchases, all in time for summer holidays! All the photos have links to the item in case you too want to buy!