Superdrug Haul (Also Known As Alex Spends Money She Doesn't Have...)

I popped into Superdrug to buy some "time of the month" supplies and whilst there figured I would pop a few new beauty items in my basket to cheer myself up...oops. I ended up spending WAY too much but I did get some nice new stuff! And I haven't done a big shop like this in a very long time.

Things I actually needed and provide some use in my life- floss and Nurofen. Nurofen are the best painkillers ever, highly recommend and well, there's not much to say about floss. Moving on...

These facemasks are amazing, make my skin feel great, always enough in the packet and at 99p PLUS three for two theres not much else to say other than pick some of these up when you're next in Superdrug. 

Oh what a surprise Alex brought more Rimmel make up! I picked up the Lasting Finish concealer, mono eyeshadow in "Gold Record" and the blush in "Santa Rose" because I don't have a blush in this colour and I've heard many good things. Rimmel is my favourite highstreet brand and I can't wait to try out these new products. 

I also picked up a Tanya Burr Lipgloss in "I Found Nemo" which is a really pretty coral pink. I wanted to get this for a while but was swung by the new packaging, it's so much more classy looking and looks high end despite the highstreet price. I can't wait to wear this. 

So that was my splurge in Superdrug...please let me know if you've tried any of these products and your thoughts!

Also on a completely random note, can high street brands STOP sealing their products with sellotape?! It's so annoying to remove and always leaves marks on the packaging. Worse is when people peel off the sellotape and USE the product or test it and then put it back. Ugh. Sort it out high street shops!! 

xxx

Reading 2015

Shamefully, I have never been to a festival before. I know, I'm a disgrace. I've always wanted to but have just never had to organisation skills to get it arranged with friends. However, Friday the 28th of August my friend and I headed to Reading festival for the day so I thought I would share the experience.

I know, going for one day and not even camping is hardly the full festival experience, but there was two reasons why we didn't go for longer 1) money (a weekend ticket is EXPENSIVE!) and 2) I wasn't a big enough fan of some of the Saturday/Sunday line up artists to warrant spending that much money. Don't get me wrong, I would LOVE to go for the full weekend and camp- Summer 2016 maybe?

Outfit 

I have literally no good photos of my outfit from the day...sorry. However for outfit I decided to keep it simple with a summery cami top from Primark that had this lovely blue and white flower pattern on, shorts from New Look and a grey hoodie from Asos. Of course, wellies were essential. I also put a pair of leggings in my bag which I was grateful for around 9pm when the temperature dropped and I started getting very chilly. And sunglasses were a must as we were actually very lucky with the weather and it was beautifully sunny. 

Make Up

I kept make up pretty simple, just going for a decent base, bit of bronzer, mascara and then making sure my brows looked neat and defined. I used suncream on my face to keep my skin protected, then a primer and made sure I set everything with a powder. I even used a setting spray which I'm never entirely sure makes much difference but I figure doesn't hurt to use it right? 

Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50

Benefit PoreFessional (Sample Size) 

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum in Vanilla

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory 

Benefit Rollerlash Mascara (Sample Size) 

Topshop Brow Pencil (Brown)

Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastle 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Powder Foundation in Light Porcelain 

Make Up Revolution Pro Fix

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Nic's Picks Duo Fibre Face Brush 

And a random stippling brush I got from a set off ebay

Music

We saw some really amazing acts, from Panic! At The Disco, Bastille, All Time Low (who are two of my all time favourite bands) Alt J and the headliners Mumford and Sons who were incredible. We also caught some artists we hadn't heard before on other stages such as Elle King who was fabulous and I am now officially a fan, and Sunset Sons who my friend had heard of but I hadn't but were really great! 

I don't have too many good photos as I was too busy enjoying the live music but I thought I'd post them anyway. 

P!ATD

ATL

Bastille

Mumford and Sons

Top Tips From A First Timer

• Be prepared for all weathers- that means suncream, sunglasses but also wellies and something to keep you warm. 
• Take tissues, hand sanitiser and wet wipes. Festival toilets are certainly not pleasant and you don't want to be caught short.
• If you can take some snacks/something to keep you hydrated (water not vodka preferably) as food and drink on the festival site is ridiculously overpriced.
• Check out some of the smaller stages, you might discover your new favourite bands! 
• Portable chargers are a life saver- this meant I could take as many photos/videos as I wanted and use my social media to my hearts content whilst not worrying about have no battery for the journey home. I have this Anker one and I highly recommend it.
• Make use of the app. Reading and Leeds has a free app that has the complete schedule for every stage which was super useful for planning our day

So that's my Reading experience in one post, as I have said I was a newbie but will definitely be heading back for more. 

Have you been to any festivals this summer? 

xxx

Summer Make Up: Minimal

I find in Summer the last thing I want to do is wear a thick face of make up. Unless it's a special occasion and I really want to look nice, I tend to stick to concealer, powder, lashes and lips. These are my essentials for a bare faced look.

Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+

In order to keep my skin protected SPF is a must in Summer, considering I burn ridiculously easily and I don't want skin cancer thanks very much. I got this in a Latest in Beauty box and I love it. It doesn't leave my skin greasy at all and doesn't break me out at all. It leaves a matt finish so is perfect for applying make up over. Also at SPF 50+ I know my skin is safe from UV rays.

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in "Ivory" 

My favourite concealer ever. Concealer is lighter on your pores than foundation so I find a layer of this over any blemishes and dark circles gives me the coverage I need but feels like I'm wearing nothing. It isn't full coverage so it still leaves my skin looking natural but hides any imperfections. I will continue to repurchase this until Rimmel stops making it (but I pray that day never comes). 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Powder in "Light Porcelain" 

 This powder whilst not full coverage at all and I definitely would not say replaces a liquid foundation, when buffed in over concealer makes my skin look pretty much flawless. It lasts on my skin for a while before I get oily again, and is small enough to slip in my handbag. The compact even has a mirror. Highly recommend, Rimmel really know how to make some decent make up. 

Natural Collection LashCare Mascara in "Clear"

I find mascara really helps complete a make up look and makes me look much more awake, but for days when I really don't want to look like I'm wearing anything a clear mascara is my go to. Also I always rub my eyes (damn you hayfever) and so a clear mascara means I don't end up with black all over my face! This gives my lashes lift and curl just like any other mascara but looks completely natural. It's also only £1.99 which is a complete bargain and does such a good job. 

Zoella Beauty Tutti Fruity Kissy Missy Lip Balm 

I'm not going to lie, I'm not a massive Zoella fan and I haven't purchased any of her products before, purely because none of them really appealed. However when I saw this lip balm in Superdrug for only £3 I figured why not give it a try? And I was pleasantly surprised. It's moisturising and gives really good pay off considering it's only a tinted lip balm. It gives a nice barbie pink tint to your lips that can be built up and has a nice fruity smell. Super easy to keep in your bag for days out, so if I'm bothering to put anything on my lips this is a great choice. 

So those are my very basic make up essentials for summer, what are yours? 

xxx

Latest Beauty Favourites

Whilst I'm at uni I rarely buy new make up as my weekly  budget doesn't stretch that far/I just don't go shopping that much! However since being at home I've picked up some real beauties so I thought I'd share some favourites!

The first two products are from MAC and are from the Cosmetic Company at Bicester Village. These products are discontinued but this means you get genuine MAC items for a discounted price. Fab!

The first is the Kelly Osbourne blush in "Cheeky Bugger" which was a summer 2014 collection. This blush is so gorgeous, perfect for everyday and really picks my cheeks up. The packaging is super cute as well, and this is really great quality, just as you would expect from MAC!

The second product is my first MAC lipstick. Oooh. This is a Mineralize lipstick in "Love Temple" and it's a really pretty coral pink with some shimmer. It applies like a dream and has amazing lasting power. I think this is going to be my go to lipstick for a night out. 

Next is some Rimmel purchases. Rimmel is by far my favourite make up brand, if you said I could only use Rimmel for the rest of my life and no other make up brand I actually think I could manage. 

First is an Oh My Gloss lipgloss in Glossaholic. I got Snog in a Latest in Beauty box and I thought it was fab, not too sticky and long lasting with great colour payoff. Also the major difference between this and the Provocalips is that these smell really sweet and yummy as opposed to smelling like paint. This is a really pretty pink that I use as my everyday lip colour. 

Next is a Rita Ora nail polish in "Peachella". This is a beautiful peachy pink which is going to be perfect for Summer- I much prefer bright colours on my nails but these don't really suit grey, gloomy weather so bring on the warmer weather and brighter nails! 

Finally is the Superdrug own brand facemasks. At 99p and with 3 for 2 offers these are an absolute bargain and honestly are really great facemasks. They have so many different types so no matter what problem your skin is having there will be one to help! I love peel off masks because they clear your skin so well, in particular the Cucumber one pictured above because it clears and refreshes your skin brilliantly. 

Those are my latest beauty favourites, let me know if you share any of these favourites or if you have any recommendations! 

Alex

xxx

Updated Everyday Make Up

If you had asked me a five/six months ago what my everyday make up routine was I would have given you a long detailed description of concealer, foundation, blusher, contour, highlighter, mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, powder and lips. Getting ready in the morning was a mammoth task and I used to have to build in extra time in my morning routine for my make up.

Without turning this post into a psychoanalysis about my inherent self-confidence issues and how this led to me piling make up on my face in order to believe I was "pretty" it's not just simply a case of "oh I don't wear as much make up anymore". It's a different girl, someone who sees make-up for what it should be, something fun to make your eyes look even more beautiful on a night out or for rocking a bold lip to let people know you mean business. It's no longer something to hide behind.

But anyway! My make-up has turned into a five minute affair, and some day I don't bother at all if I don't feel like I need it or if I'm just hanging out with a few friends. This isn't just for day to day uni life either, even on nights out now I don't feel the need to go all out and spend 40 minutes in front of my bathroom mirror getting ready.

Side note- Ironically my make up now resembles very closely what I used to wear when I first started wearing make up at age 15ish!

(Terrible photo I know but bear with)

Benefit POREfessional

I never used to bother with primers, and although I don't think the hype about this is totally deserved, it does a great job at making my face nice and soft before concealer. 

Mac Studio Fix in NW18

This powder is just great. Do I see a major difference between this and some powders (like the Rimmel Stay Matte) for a much cheaper price? No not really. But I have this and so I'll use it, keeps your face nice and matte for ages and keeps all your concealer/foundation in place so I'm a happy bunny. 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory

I had one of these ages ago but it was too orange for me, and I only recently brought one that actually matches my skintone. I love this, blends flawlessly, brightens and conceals and doesn't cause me to break out like some concealers! 

Benefit Lollibalm and Chachabalm

These are fab for giving a hint of colour as well as moisturising your lips on these cold winter days. I prefer a tinted lipbalm over a lipstick that drys out your lips and smudges anyday and these although pricey really are great. However, Body Shop tinted lipbalms are pretty much identical and also brilliant if you're on a budget. 

Soap&Glory Love at First Blush

My mum brought this ages ago and never used it. It's similar to a Mac Mineralized blush I have, and has become a firm favourite for giving a hint of colour on days I look a bit dull. I never used to like shimmer on my cheeks, but I think a blush with a bit of shimmer can do amazing things for your cheekbones, which is always good! 

Brushes- Real Techniques

I use the powder brush, expert face brush and duo fibre face brush whenever I apply make up. The expert face brush I've had forever and is still looking brilliant and hasn't diminished in quality at all. It blends concealer in within seconds and creates a flawless finish. The powder brush I use when I want to get my powder on my face as quickly as possible, whilst I use the duo fibre one for touching up powder throughout the day as it prevents you looking too cakey. Would recommend these brushes to anyone!

That's it, that's my updated everyday make up! 

Monthly Favourites: November

My first post since October..uni has just been so busy I really haven't had a chance to put fingers to keyboard to construct anything much that isn't an essay! However term finishes a week yesterday and things are slowly winding down- plus both essays are DONE (until the next one!) so I thought I'd do a quick monthly favourites post.

Zara Knitted Hat in "Ecru"

This hat is perfect for days when my hair is looking terrible or just to keep warm in the winter months. It goes with everything and is so comfy. I always get compliments when I wear this hat and the bobble makes me feel adorable. A winner in my eyes! 

Benefit Tinted Lipbalms in "Chacha Balm" and "Lollibalm"

I got Chacha balm free back in summer with a Benefit order and absolutely loved it- so moisturising and gives the perfect coral tint to your lips. Lollibalm is now the newest addition to my collection, which gives such a pretty pink gloss. Love these and highly recommend. 

Mac Conceal and Correct Pro Palette (Light)

This concealer palette I was initially unsure about due to the heavy thick texture of the concealers. However, the salmon pink shade counteracts my dark circles better than anything else I've tried and I think the thick nature of the concealers covers up a multitude of sins! I can also see the range of shades coming in very useful in Spring/Summer when my skin becomes slightly tanned.

Lush Bubblegum Lipscrub 

I've been using this for over a year and it's come back into my life in a big way now that it's winter. This makes my lips so smooth and gets rid of any dry skin- plus it tastes amazingly yummy. My pot is finally starting to run out so I might need to pick up a new one in the new year! 

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This is a brush that needs no introduction. I've had this for months but have really been using it since I got to uni- (my make up routine has been minimalized to a bit of concealer, blusher, lipbalm and powder then out the door) so this is perfect for buffing in all my concealer in the morning. Such good quality and is now totally invaluable to me! 

Make Up Bag from Primark 

Finally, this make up bag that my Mum gave me when she came to see me during my fourth week. Minnie Mouse and Paris- what else could you want?! This is such a cute design and perfect for chucking all my toiletries and make up in for days away from uni or overnight trips. Most likely no longer avaliable but check out Primark if you want a good make up bag!

Let me know if you've used any of these products or have any recommendations!

Enjoy the last month of 2014 (how crazy is that?!) 

xxx 

Everyday Make Up

I have a lot of make up. Way, way too much. I buy a lot of make up impulsively, add on products that my Mum or Aunt gives to me, alongside freebies and samples and I have an overflowing collection. I only use certain products again and again, and so a lot of products go to waste.

The other day I sat down and cleared out a lot of make up, throwing away items I've had forever and have never used or items that are the wrong shade for me and yet I've hung onto claiming "oh if I get a tan this will be the right shade!" Face reality Alex. You never tan. Or items that I will just never use- a bright blue eyeliner? Really?

I also gave some stuff to my Mum, blushers, bronzers, lipglosses, as she is always giving me stuff and it also means that if I ever change my mind I know where to go to get them back. Hehe. She can either keep them and use them or chuck them away.

This left me with a smaller make up collection, which I then went on to organise. I am always getting ready and forever forgetting which make up bag I put something in- leading to lots of frustration and products all over the floor. I decided to organise my make up into small collections, an everyday bag, products I use when getting ready to go out and products I rarely use or products that I already have (aka I am currently using a sample of Benefit Mascara but I have the full sized version on hand for when that runs out)

Anyway, I thought I would do a post about my everyday make up as I am quite proud of it. It makes so much sense to have products I use everyday in one place, meaning that when going away I don't have the "what to take dilemma" it's already packed!

So without further ado this is my everyday make up.

My Benefit make up bag. A handy little size and fits more than you would think in there!

Comes free with the Nice Package create your own kit deal

Collection Illuminating Touch Concealer in Shade 2

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer Shade 01

Benefit POREfessional (sample size) 

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in Light Porcelain

Barry M Flawless Matte Finish Foundation in Ivory

Topshop Bronzer in Sandcastle 

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Pink Blossom 002

Benefit Rockateur Blush

Sleek Face Form Palette in Light

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow in Pink Gold

Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express Mascara Flared in Black

Clinique High Impact Mascara in Black (sample size)

Body Shop Eye Definer in Shade Rich Brown 02

Sleek i-Divine Eye Shadow Palette in Au Naturel 

Sleek Brow Kit in Light

Topshop Brow Pencil in Brown

Body Shop Born Lippy Stick Lip balm in Pomegranate 

Benefit Cha Cha balm 

Estee Lauder Lip Conditioner- I brought this in America and it's no longer available :( Sorry!

Body Shop Colour Crush Lipstick in Peachy Pink 200

 So those are all the products I use on a day to day basis! If you'd like to a more detailed review of any of the products listed here just let me know :) And if there's anything you use everyday that you think I'd like let me know so I can check it out!

xxx

Benefit Haul

I recently took advantage of the "buy three products get two free" deal Benefit were doing and spent some birthday money- I love Benefit but it's just a tad too pricey. However I'd wanted the Boi-ing concealer for a while so I decided I might as well.


The products I brought were the POREfessional as I have been using a sample tube for ages and decided to invest in the full sized tube, Rockateur blush, and Boi-ing concealer in 01 (Light). For free I got a make up bag (a bit sneaky of Benefit as I wouldn't really have picked this myself) and Chachabalm which is a tinted lipbalm. I also got free samples of the POREfessional agent zero shine which I don't know if I'll try and the Total Moisture facial cream which I actually will try!

Create your own kit here

I'll be using these products in the next few weeks so let me know if you want me to review any of them individually :) xxx

America shopping: beauty favourites

This is a very long overdue post considering I was back from America about three weeks ago..oops. But I wanted to use all the products I had brought and develop a genuine opinion as opposed to "I think this product I've used twice is really good!"

So here goes- my favourite beauty products that I brought in America!

First off, Wet N Wild lipsticks. I was in Walmart and was browsing all the American brands. I had heard of Wet N Wild a few times, but I was blown away by the prices. I brought two lipsticks for about a dollar each, and I honestly wish I had brought more :( They are really pigmented, give your lips an amazing finish and last for a pretty long time, I normally only have to touch up once or twice a day! 

The colour shown below is "Pink Ice" which is a pale pink with the slightest shimmer.

Whilst in America, I was keen to buy some MAC products as I knew it would be slightly cheaper (not by a lot but still) when I came across a shop called "Cosmetics Company" which is an outlet store that stocks MAC, Estee Lauder, and Bobbi Brown. I was so tempted by the other brands, but I knew I would end up spending way too much so I vowed only to stick to MAC. (However my Mum did buy herself some Estee Lauder goodie bags which I got some things she didn't want from- yay!) 

They had several beautiful mineralized eye shadows, which I just couldn't choose between, so I ended up buying two. Pictured below is "Tropica" and I also got "Dare to Bare". Tropica is such a lovely subtle purple colour. It is hard to get the blue to show up but I think with a more precise brush it could happen. It's so pigmented and stays on all day, and I am so pleased I got this! 

I also picked up a Mineralized Skinfinish in "Perfect Topping" after spending about an hour trying to decide which Skinfinish to pick. I am really pleased with this, and I tend to use it as a highlighter all over my face, and it gives a really soft peachy glow which is great for when you don't want really obvious highlighter all over your face. I also use this if I want a more subtle blush as it has really pretty pinky tones in it for your cheeks. 

Okay. I have completely fallen in love with Bath and Body Works, and I've already looked up overseas shipping costs. The entire shop smelled amazing and if it wasn't for the fact that I thought they would smash in my suitcase, I definitely would have brought some of their perfume and candles. Next time though! 

They had a deal on lip products, so I picked up the JellyPop in Watermelon, which I loved, until the lid came off in my bag and it went everywhere, leaving me to scrape the remnants into a small pot. Cries. I also brought this, which is a beautiful Marshmallow lipgloss. It smells SO GOOD. Like, I actually want to eat it. It smells like sweet, melted marshmallow mush. When you apply it to your lips it gives a nude shimmer with a glittery finish. It leaves your lips feeling so soft and I really want a Watermelon one of these. (I'm obsessed with anything Watermelon...) 

Finally, I brought a nail file. This probably doesn't sound very exciting but it is one of the best quality nail files ever, and it was only a few dollars from Walgreens. (also a store I fell in love with). As you can see it has a file, buff, shine and smooth, and I used this so much to get my nails back into perfect condition. It makes it super easy to get your nails filed to perfection and smooth. 

That's all my beauty faves from my America shopping, let me know if you have an similar favourites or if you've used any of these products!

xxx 

Summer make up essentials

I''ve been meaning to write this post for a while, but I haven't had the time until today. Plus, I've been doing so much shopping over the last few weeks that I keep discovering new goodies! However, the shopping has ceased now (my bank statement shot me back to reality) and I've got my summer make up bag sorted. So, these are the products I've been using and loving to create a light, radiant summer look!

Firstly is the Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream in light. Wearing foundation just feel too thick on my face in summer, and I can literally feel myself melting (not a nice feeling). I was looking for a lighter coverage foundation when I started browsing BB creams. This one claimed it would do all kinds of wonders, as well as having SPF 30. I brought it and started using it instantly, and I love it! I apply it either with a brush or a sponge, but it is so like a moisturiser that you could use your fingers to blend it in. It is so lightweight that it doesn't feel like your wearing anything, and obviously it doesn't have such a good coverage as a foundation would give, but it still covers blemishes and radiates your skin. It makes you look so glowy, that combined with highlighter and bronzer you look like you've spent all day out in the sunshine! I normally prefer the matt look with foundation, but with this BB cream I've been experimenting with the dewey look, as I think it looks much nicer to be glowing and radiant in summer than to be mattified.

Secondly is my Sleek Face Form Pallette in light, which is a blush, bronzer and highlighter in one. I've been using this for a while now, but it's recently come back as a staple in my everyday make up routine, particularly the blush and highlighter. The highlighter is really pinky, which makes your skin look lifted and glowing. The blush I haven't used much in the last few months, but it's perfect for when you don't want to look like you're wearing blush at all. It just gives a subtle pinky shimmer to add a bit of colour to your face and I love it.

Thirdly is the Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Gold Bronze. This is a beautiful little box with four shimmery bronze colours. The top colour is a really nice highlighter, that you can blend with with the second colour for a gorgeous colour. The colours are shimmery so for contouring etc I wouldn't really use them because no one wants shiney cheekbones (or maybe they do idk) but I just tend to put a light wash of this on my face and it makes me glow and look really bronzed!

Now for eyes. I like to try and keep my eye make up quite subtle and light, with no harsh tones or dark colours as I think summer is the time for paler, brighter colours! For eyeshadow, I have been using the Sleek palette in Au Naturel. These yellow and browns are perfect for creating a subtle everyday eyeshadow to lift and brighten your eyes. There's a mixture of matte and shimmery tones, and the eyeshadows are so pigmented it's unreal considering each palette is only around 7 pounds.


I also picked up the Maybelline Colour Tattoo cream eyeshadow in Pink Gold. This eyeshadow is the most beautiful colour ever. I apply it with my finger and it is sooo pigmented. It's not cheap, but for a good cream eyeshadow it's quite a good price. It stays on all day and is so easy to blend. I love this and I really want to buy some more!

I love my pencil eyeliners, particularly the body shop ones. For a softer summer look, I use the Body Shop eye definer shade in 02 which is "Rich Brown". This is amazing for any everyday look as it isn't too harsh. I would recommend any of the Body Shop eyeliners as they are amazing!

Finally, I use the Body Shop Born Lippy in Pomegranate. I do not suit red lipstick..at all. My two best friends will vouch for that! But using this makes your lips really soft, and gives a subtle pinky tone to your lips. I also love the pop art casing! Would definitely recommend any of the born lippy range from Body Shop.


So those are my summer make up essentials! Let me know if you've used any of these products and what you thought of them. Enjoy the sunshine!
xxx