WANT: HIGH END MAKE UP BAG

001. Topshop Make Up Bag £14 - 002. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler £20 - 003. Benefit Erase Paste Concealer £19.50 - 004. MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder £20.50 - 005. MAC Please Me Lipstick £13.50 - 006. Philosophy The Present Primer £22 - 007. Nars Blush Orgasm Blusher £20.50

(Other notable mentions: MAC Pro Palette with Eye Shadow Pans in Naked Lunch, All That Glitters, Shroom + Woodwinked, Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel Bronzer, Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna, YSL Lipstick)

After being a drug store girl for many years I am ready to introduce some more expensive make up to my collection. I have never bought make-up from any of the brands listed above + I think it's about time for change! I am hoping to treat myself to one of these products per pay day which I think is a sensible way that won't break the bank. Being pay day this coming Friday I have been debating which will be this months treat! As the Diet Coke + Benefit offer (post here) is still on I think I am going to take advantage + buy my first Benefit product. I've had my heart set on the Erase Paste for a while but after seeing so many 'Favourites of 2011' post/vlogs mention the Collection 2000 concealer (which I've used for years) I'm wondering whether splashing out will make that much difference to the one I already use? Maybe a more glamorous product will be better for my first splurge? Come on girlies help me out! What is your favourite make up product to treat yourself to?

SUNDAY POST #005

Purchases - Magazine splurge - Christmassy bubble bath - Awful weather forecast - Slowly running out of my Lush stash - Lazy hair do - Monochrome purchases - Picking my doggy up from the hair dressers

This past week has flown by + I'm ashamed to say I've done next to nothing all week (again!)! Back to reality + university tomorrow though for my next project brief. Kind of excited to get back into working + back into a routine but I do feel like I could do with another few days off, lazy bones! My wish may be granted as we are forecast a bit of snow for the early hours of the morning but I can't see it coming to anything, boo! My worst nightmare would be going into uni' in the morning then it emptying down with snow leaving me stranded, fingers crossed I'll be okay!

This morning my mum + I went to Cardiff for a mooch around the shops. I usually have a list of things to keep an eye out for but never actually end up buying any of them + waste my money on impulse buys! It's the first time I've been shopping to Cardiff since going for Christmas presents so it was nice to have a little look around. I did buy a few things from Primark, River Island, WHSmiths + Paperchase but I was actually hoping to spend my MAC voucher + pick up a new perfume, typical mol'!

I luckily have this week off work so hoping to do something with my evening/day off! Also hoping to take a trip to the travel agents to book up a holiday for the summer with my girls! I definitely have the January blues + need something to look forward to!

STYLE INSPIRATION: LANA DEL REY

Like so many at the moment I am fully on board the Lana Del Rey band wagon. She is my current girl crush! Her music is just so different to anything out at the moment + has re-ignited my love for female indie pop bands, girl powaaa! I've slowly been transitioning into a centre parting over the past couple of months but her gorgeous locks are making me re-think this move altogether! Her hair is just perfect; I want her side parting + bouncy curls! I'm also really envious of her style, it's effortlessly glamorous with that little hit of vintage grunge which I just love! I'm going to add a little Lana to my wardrobe via feminine pastel shades, 3D floral detailing, short gold necklaces, statement rings + retro 50's styling! Hurry up pay day!

LIZ EARLE CLEANSE & POLISH

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser

I've been reading about this product for forever on the blogasphere but only got round to buying it when in London last week. I only have one question, why didn't I buy this sooner!? I thought it was mainly hype surrounding this cleanser so didn't build my hopes up too high that it would help clear my terrible skin. I have been using it for around a week now + I can't believe the difference it has made, absolutely amazing! I don't know why my skin had gotten so bad; probably a mixture of stress, dehydration, a rubbish diet + working too many hours in an air conditioned shop over Christmas but it had never been as bad as that before in my life! I should of been brave + taken before/after photographs but I don't think I'm quite ready to put my naked face on the internet especially in the tragic state that it was!

I bought the 100ml Pump Starter Kit which contains a bottle of the cleanser + two muslin clothes in a handy zip up bag. The kit was £13.75 which isn't really that expensive. I was tempted to pick up a moisturiser too but being sceptical that it wouldn't make that much difference to my skin I stopped myself. This is by far the best purchase I've made in a long while + the only face wash that actually made a difference to the condition of my skin. I've been recommending it to everyone that will listen + if you haven't tried it yet it suggest you take the plunge too!

One thing that usually puts me off face washes is the fact that I tend to soak myself + get suds everywhere when using them! The way you apply this is probably what makes me love it so much! You massage the cleanser onto dry skin then rinse the cloth in hot water and use it to buff away the cream! Mess free + leaves your skin feeling amazing! It contains a load of natural ingredients but to me it smells a little like Olbus Oil, kind of menthol but not too overpowering. 

Liz Earle is my new favourite skin care brand + I'm hoping to gradually expand my collection. I will definitely be repurchasing this Starter Kit and also hoping to pick up their Deep Cleansing Mask + Skin Repair Moisturiser Light. It may be more expensive than products that you can pick up in drug stores or super markets but it's definitely worth splashing out! Have you guys tried this miracle product yet?

RIMMEL SHAKE-UP PINK LIPSTICK

Rimmel Show Off Lipstick in 020 Shake-Up Pink

Shake-Up Pink is a cool toned, matte, Barbie pink lipstick. I love the shade although it is a little brighter than I'd usually wear. When wearing this I find that I have to layer on a bit of Carmex before as I find it quite chalky + drying, but for only £6 you can hardly complain! The flash has altered the colour of the lipstick a little in the close up shot but you can see the shade a bit more naturally in the pictures from this post. All in all good value for money as it is very pigmented + a lovely colour. Sadly this isn't one of my all time favourites but is one that I grab when I fancy adding a pop of colour to a look. Have you tried this shade, what do you think?

SUNDAY POST #004

M&M's world in London - The boyfriend + I - M&M's again - Bowling Snaps - Learning to cook - Lush bath time - Temple running - Why I have not posted this week, grr!

I'm really shocked at how little I've blogged this month, for something I really enjoy doing I need to start making more time! It's not completely my fault though as I'm possibly the unluckiest person ever + anything that could go wrong usually does! I took a load of photographs in the week for upcoming blog post, then my SD card reader of course died! I literally can not win! They're only cheap little devices so I've ordered another + it should arrive any day now, still so annoying!

This selection of photographs from this week is rather random + quite boring seeing as I've had quite a fun week! Maybe I should stop having so much fun + take more pictures!ha.. Me + my friends wanted to have a catch up this Friday but as half of us are skint students + the other half have joined some sort of slimming club, a night out was off the cards, boo! We instead decided that we would be beyond cool and go 10 pin bowling on a Friday night! Lame or not I had such a funny night + I can now probably admit that I am the worst bowler in existence! I'm yet to find a game/sport that I don't suck at!

I'm off university for another week while our work is being assessed so hoping that this one is more productive than the last! My bedroom is in dire need of a sort out, my hair is desperate for a trim + my blog layout needs shaking up! I must not let Temple Run get in the way of my productive days, I need to beat my boyfriends score of 2 million!! Always so close yet so far away!

PS this was supposed to post yesterday but for some reason didn't, I repel technology!

PPS I will be modifying my blog over the next couple of days so my apologise if it's a right old mess!

AND THAT'S SHOWBIZ.. KID

Blurry photograph of the W sign - The comfiest bed in the world - My boyfriend + I(: - China Town - The Garrick Theatre

I can't believe I'm home + back to reality already, boo! I've had such a dreamy couple of days (if I try to push the total 8 hours on the bus to the back of my mind!)! It doesn't matter how many times I visit London; I still get the butterfly, excited feeling when I arrive, seriously in love with the place! The other times I've been in the past I've always had some sort of uni' work to do/errand to run so was actually really nice to completely relax and visit parts of London that I wouldn't normally have the time to go to.

As I've mentioned before we stayed in the W Hotel. One word, wow! It's situated in the perfect location; on the doorstep of China Town, a short walk to the theatres, filled with night life and above M&M World! Everything in the hotel from the elevators to the shower is perfectly designed, it felt like a totally different world. We stayed in a Wonderful Room; the W's terminology for standard, there's no wonder they didn't call it standard as it's far from it! The room came with a king-size bed, iPod docking station, rainforest shower and a selection of arty books to browse over whilst you relax in your robe and slippers! I don't think I could do it justice by yapping on but it is the best hotel I have ever stayed in + would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a special night away.

The other part of my present was to see a show, something else I've never had the chance to do whilst in London! We saw an evening show of Chicago in the Garrick Theatre, the perfect choice made by the boyf'! Chicago is probably one of the only musicals I can actually sit through without becoming agitated or annoyed, not a musical person at all! Chicago the film is probably one of my favourites so I absolutely loved the show! Want to see it again!ha..

We spent the Tuesday trawling the shops of Oxford street. I have a little bit of a love/hate relationship with shopping in London; the shops are on a totally different level compared to the ones in Cardiff but I find them awfully repetitive and a little bit overwhelming. I did pick up a few little treats out of my Christmas money, will share with you guys tomorrow, but I'm a little disappointed that I didn't buy that much. Oh well I suppose it's better to buy something I want rather than an impulse purchase!

WANT: WARDROBE UPDATE

001. Silver Cross Earrings - 002. Striped Blazer - 003. Black High Waisted Jeans - 004. Black + White Print Shirt - 005. Tassel Messenger Bag - 006. Polka Dot Headband - 007.  Cheetah Print Tank Top

 

Not done my usual Sunday catch up post today as this whole past week was spent getting my uni' work ready for hand in. It's such a relief to have it all finished + out of my life! Plus to make things even better I have a lovely two weeks with out a scrap of work to do, woo! Being so busy I haven't any chance to go shopping + blow my Christmas overtime or I've not even had much of a chance to check out the new spring summer lines coming in online. So when in work on Saturday being largely hungover + completely stress free, I had a good old nose + must say I want so much!

As you can probably tell from this little selection of clothing I'm really into my blacks + monochromes at the moment! They're so easy to wear yet look really striking! I know a lot of bright prints + pastels are set to be big for summer but I'm just not ready to put away my winter wardrobe just yet!

So why I chose the above.. I'm in desperate need of some new jewellery as I seem to have misplaced some of my favourites, boo! These little silver cross earrings are perfect, need them! I've been looking for a black blazer for a while but seen this striped one in work + I must say it's amazing! At the moment I don't own a pair of black jeans + these high waisted ones would be super flattering. They're only £30 too, total bargain! I love this little black + white print shirt; it's so cute + love the little neck tie! I was hoping to treat myself to this handbag today but decided on a lazy day instead. It's the perfect size bag to take on casual nights out + I really do like the quality on RI bags. I decided that I want to play around with my hair a little more + this hair tie is the perfect way to dress up an all black outfit. I'm a little unsure on the cheetah top, I like that it's different but not sure whether it's nice or tacky? It keeps catching my eye so may have to try/buy just to put my mind at rest!

Tomorrow I'm off to London for my Christmas present off the boyfriend! We're going to see Chicago at the West End then spend the night at the W Hotel! I'm sooo excited! Probably won't get chance to blog again now until Wednedsay but after then I'm going to get on top form with the regular posting! Hope you've all had a lovely weekend!

SUNDAY POST #003

  

Glitter nail varnish collection - Healthy eating begins - Lush pudding bath bomb - Terry's Chocolate Orange + 9O21O boxset - Drake Tickets ♥ - So-Co lime + lemonade - My new coat - Current favourite nails

Random selection of photographs taken this week with a little help from everyone's favourite Instagram! It's been a rather quiet week with my deadline creeping up an' all but not a bad one. My project which I've been working on since September is due to be handed in Friday afternoon so only have a few days left to get it all up to scratch. I'm currently hating everything I'm doing so can't wait until it's done + dusted + out of the way! My uni' friends + I have a night out planned for Friday to celebrate so cannot wait to blow off some steam!

After a month of stuffing myself with anything I could get my hands on, I've attempted to get back into a healthy eating diet this week. Tried + failed that is! I seem to be okay through the day but as soon as evening comes + I snuggle in front of the tv, I reach for the chocie! Need more will power! There's something about January that makes you want to completely re-invent yourself + I am certainly feeling the urge! My 9O21O boxset certainly isn't helping much either! Watching the super tanned, toned + beautiful girls after eating an unhealthy amount of Toblerone is rather depressing! If they aren't inspiration to put down the junk food + get to the gym I don't know what is!!

I picked up some late sale buys today when I popped to the shops with my mum. I got two coats for £24, TWENTY FOUR POUNDS! Literally couldn't believe it, will hopefully share all my sale buys with you some time this week(: Oh and thanks to those who left comments on my Benefit post, still deciding on what to treat myself to but your recommendations help greatly! Now to get my hands on one of those cans of Diet Coke!

WANT: DIET COKE + BENEFIT GET GLAM

January is such an awkward month in my eyes! I'm still feeling the pinch from Christmas yet have resolutions to get myself looking on top form which of course equals spending money! I was flicking through my More magazine yesterday + this little offer caught my eye so couldn't help but to share it with you guys! Diet coke have partnered up with benefit to release these limited edition 'Get Glam' packs.. 

Each pack comes a promotional code which allows you to redeem £5 when you spend £20 online with benefit! I am yet to purchase anything from benefit but being a total Diet Coke addict this offer is certainly tempting me! Each can is inspired by a Spring make up trend; the romantic, the fashionista + the rock chick, love it! I had to have a cheeky look on their website to see what I could spend my money on + lots of things caught my eye.. 

Hoola Bronzer £23.50, Bella Bamba Powder £23.50, Sugarbomb Powder £23.50, Erase Paste £19.50, Confessions of a Concealaholic £28.50

The prices on these products do put me off quite a bit but surely all the rave reviews justify the price tags? I have quite bad dark circle so really tempted by the Erase Paste/Confessions of a Concealaholic Set! I have only heard good things about the powders above too but so hard to decide between them! What are your favourite products + what would you guys recommend? Will you be taking advantage of this little offer? Let me know(:

HAPPY NEW YEAR

 My friend Kayleigh + I at lasts nights New Years party

Happy New Year! 2011 wasn't exactly the best year for my family. After a tough start + a very hard year I feel that I've grown so much as a person and really have learnt what is important in life. It sounds so cheesy to say but it's 100% true! The main lesson I've learnt is that life is too short + you need to do what makes you happy! As said by Neil in The Inbetweeners Movie..

"You only get one go around, I reckon. When you’re dead, you’re dead. So you can spend your time thinking about how things haven’t gone perfect, or you can just get on with it. Have a laugh and that. That’s what I do. I’m pretty happy"

Rather simply put but oh so true! Overall I'm glad to be saying goodbye to last year and that chapter in my life. New year, fresh start!

Last year wasn't all doom + gloom; I saw several artists preform including Chase + Status, Tinchy Stryder, Kate Nash, Katy Perry + Take That, had an amazing holiday with my boyfriend in Greece, took part in my first fashion show, attended my summer ball, gone on girly weekends to Liverpool + Swansea, celebrated my twentieth birthday, fancy dressed, got tattooed + I think I'm closer to my friends and family than I've ever been!

On the blogging side of things, I'm really pleased with how my little blog has grown + developed this year. Again the motto is onwards + upwards and can't wait to see what 2012 has in store! Going to aim to try and write more outfit posts but I have said this countless times!ha..

Hopefully my twenty twelve will be a positive year filled with exciting experiences with my loved ones. Already have several gigs lined up for a few months time + a trip to London with the boyf' in just two weeks! Tagline for this year: live, laugh, love! Again hope you've all had a wonderful new years(: