There will never be a time of year where I am not constantly buying and trying out products to try and keep up with the latest popular products where I can. Over the past few weeks I have been doing just that to treat myself now and then.

Festival season has started  (BRING ON READING FESTIVAL) and my love for bum bags, or 'fanny-packs' if you are American, has blown out of control. They are practical, don't take up much room and look so damn cute. If only it was socially acceptable to wear them everyday??? Everytime I go shopping I'm always trying to scout one out for me to take to this years festival. As I have been strangely lusting over them I thought I'd compose a wish-list of some of the bum bags I've had my eye on...



1. Obey Laroche Bum Bag- Urban Outfitters
2. Urban Renewal Vintage Originals Tapestry Bumbag - Urban Outfitters
3. Jaded London Tie Die Print Bum Bag  - ASOS
4. Watermelon Bumbag - The Lost Lanes
5. Mesh Bum Bag - ASOS
6. Trip Out Bag - Yayer (MY FAVOURITE)
7. Scratchy Hologram Bum Bag - ASOS
8. Vans Logo Bum Bag - ASOS
9. American Apparel Leather Bum Bag - ASOS

Now that summer's around and I actually have somewhat of a social life I wanted to try some new beauty and make-up products as well as stock up on some old favourites.


MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID: I finally delved into the world of MAC foundation and I mostly love it. I think the coverage is great and it blends and applies so easily leaving a great matte finish.  My only problem is I found it hard to find one which matched my skin tone. There is only one 'pale' shade which was too light for me so I had to go for something darker but I all found they had two orangey undertones. Luckily it blends really nicely so the colour is easy to blend out and match.

COLLECTION LASTING PERFECTION CONCEALER: I had heard only good things about this so I knew I had to try it, and all the hype is worth it. The coverage is insane and I will definitely buy again in the future.

RIMMEL LONDON STAY MATTE PRESSED POWDER: This is my trusty go to powder and I have used it for so long now. It doesn't leave your skin powdery and gives it a light matte finish.

RIMMEL LONDON STAY MATTE PRIMER: I have been looking for a decent high street primer for a while and this was on sale at Superdrug so I thought I'd give it a go. I am definitely impressed by this Rimmel Primer. It definitely makes my make-up last longer and it gives a smooth matte finish when first applied.

BARRY M EYESHADOW BRUSH: I actually brought this for a quick, last minute concealer brush, and it does the job.

SUPERDRUG FACE MASKS: A last minute pamper night was arranged with my friends and face masks were on the list. I thought I'd give Superdrugs ago and they definitely made my skin softer.

MAKE-UP REVOLUTION FLAWLESS MATTE ULTRA EYESHADOWS: I was questioning for ages whether or not I should buy one of these because for the price of £8 for 32 shades it seemed to good to be true. I decided to go for it and for the most part I am pretty happy. Some of the lighter shades aren't so well pigmented but the majority of the palette is and for me I love the matte colours.

PALMER'S COCOA BUTTER FORMULA: I always thought Palmer's was more pricey than it actually is so I was presently surprised to see how affordable it is. The smooths marks and scars drew me in and the second I smelt it and put it on my legs I was in love.

RIMMEL LONDON RAIN RAIN GO AWAY RITA ORA NAIL VARNISH: I loved the stoney/neautral stage and for the first few days I loved the colour. But I've had the same problem with a few Rimmel London nail varnishes, after a while the colour changes to purple and I'm bummed out! Does this happen to anyone else?!

LA RICHE DIRECTIONS HAIR DYE: No school, a change from private school life after the summer means I can finally dye my hair whatever colour I want. I chose for purple because it's a colour I'm confident with and I thought would work well. (There will be a blog post soon about my new hair)

RIMMEL SOFT KOHL EYE PENCIL: I'd seen a few make-up routines recently using brown eyeliner which I loved the idea of especially since it's coming up to summer and I want a softer make-up look. So far every time I've used it it hasn't smudged and stayed on really well.

Recently ASOS Beauty has seemed to become more and more popular. As they sell popular brands such as Benefit and Nars it's an easy way for makeup and beauty lovers to get their favourite higher ends products straight to their door all from one place. I have also joined the thousands of people loving ASOS Beauty at the moment which is why my April Wish List is of various items from the thousands available....


1) Maybelline Colour Drama - Red Essential = £4.99 - link here
    I've seen this advertised everywhere recently and I've only heard good things about the bold and bright lip crayons - I'm desperate to try them.

2) theBalm Put A Lid On It Eyelid Primer = £16.50 - link here
    The adorable packaging which looks like a higher end soap and glory really drew me in and they eyelid primer seems like a good place to start with a new brand I've discovered.

3)Illamasaqua Brow Gel - Strike = £18.50 - link here
   This looked very similar to the Anastasia Beverley Hills Brow Gel but this is seems much more in reach as it's on here.

4) Tangle Teezer Professional Detangling Brush = £10.50 - link here
    I have no idea why I don't own a tangle teezer yet...I'm borrowed friends before and loved them to death.

5) Benefit Dandelion Face Powder = £23.50 - link here
    I've seen so many people rave about the Coralista and Hoola shade but the dandelion blush is so much more delicate.

6) Batiste XXL Volumising Plumping Powder = £3.99 - link here
    I use Batiste Dry Shampoo 24/7 for my lazy days or days where I want to boost my hair so this plumping powder intrigued me.

7) Kellogg's Rice Krispies Make Up Bag = £8.00 - link here
    I thought this was so quirky and adorable, I can't resist wanting it.

8) NIP + FAB Dark Circle Fix 15ml = £16.00 - link here
   Now that Kylie Jenner is sponsoring it NIP + FAB has become more and more popular and I am really wanting to try the Dark Circle Fix  - something has got to work.

9) Going Places Yellow Stripe Wash Bag = £8.99 - link here
    This is so adorable and much more fun than you usual clear or blag makeup bag.

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Lipsticks are probably one of my favourite beauty products to buy, especially cheaper drugstore finds. Who doesn't love finding cheap alternatives?! Even though it's getting nearer spring I still love the dark lip look but that doesn't stop me from also heading towards a nude and fresh look.


MUA Matte Lipstick Totally Nude (£1) The other MUA lipsticks I bought is in the shade Totally Nude. I struggle to find nude lipsticks which don't make it look like I'm trying to work the unfortunate 'concealer on lips' trend (god knows why anyone tried that) and for such a low price as well. MUA's shade has just enough of a light peachy/pink tone to keep it from going too pale and a lovely shade to wear.

Lipstick Swatches

Collection Lip Definer Damson (£2.79) It's been months since I've owned a lip liner and after picking up the Wild Berry MUA Lipstick I felt like a new lip liner was needed. The Collection lip definers caught my eye and I thought I'd give them ago. They apply so well and this shade looks great with the MUA lipstick. If you have a shaky hand though this shade is a risky one as the slightest bit out of line is noticeable.




Collection Lip Definer Nude Pink (£2.79) Not only for a match for the nude but because Nude lip liners are great for lining with many shades, this was an essential. I am OBSESSED with this shade and the dark nude colour goes great with so many lipsticks or just used a lip coverage on it's own. This will definitely be featured in many Instagram photos in the future.

I am lucky that I don't have the worst thing but when the weather suddenly changes, like this blistering cold spell, my skin tends to break out or become dry so I like to make sure I have a solid skincare routine to keep my skin in as good condition as I can. Over the years I haven't been very good with taking care of my face in the morning and night but I decided I need to make a change. I've been through various products in the past but this routine and these products are ones I'm settled with moment.


Morning Routine:
The first thing I use in the morning is the Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water. In the mornings even though I generally have no make-up on my face it is great for purify your skin and making it feel fresh.

Then I use the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Spot Clearing Facial Wash. I love Neutrogena products for spot treatment and for me it works really well. It's so good at clearing up blackheads and spots that you have. I haven't broken out as much since I've been using this face wash. The pink grapefruit face wash is also really good and smells great too.

As I found out yesterday, a new hair cut can change your mindset completely. After having long hair for many many years I decided it was time to change it up a bit and chop it all, well a lot of it, off. I could have gone for mid-length, below shoulders but I went with a more drastic change for me and went to my shoulders in a nice long bob. I am so happy with my new hair. It's completely changed the way I look and for now at least it's boosted my confidence...TO A SOLID 2%!!! Strangely I had no nerves when it came to getting it done. I don't know whether it was the amazing staff and atmosphere at the salon or the dire need for a new do but as soon as she cut it off I had no regrets. Already I'm feeling the perks of shorter hair; it doesn't lay flat and the volume boosts; you can style it more; you don't the ends caught in bags and zips; and endless more. To anyone who can't decided whether changing your style completely is for you, just do it. Take the risk like I did and you won't regret it. If people have said that they think you'd love it or it might look great then trust them, they'd tell you not too if they thought it was a bad idea (that's why I'll never go blonde).

I love trying out new beauty products whether it's for my hair or face, or if it's cheap or the occasional splurge. In preparation for when I get my hair cut next week, I went out to get some hair dye but ended up with a little extra.

If you're a sucker for beautiful and unique jewellery, just like I am, I suggest you go and check out Damsel Jewellery ( website here ). They sell a range of different products from stunning gemstone and crystal necklaces to arrowheads and adorable little charm ones. Damsel Jewellery is so affordable yet such amazing quality it's hard to believe it's real. For months I have struggled to find someone that sells gemstones and such at such decent prices, and now I have I shall never look back.

(*Blog Warning: I am sorry for some of the condition that my make-up is in,  I am very ashamed. Also I am sorry for the awful camera quality - the iPhone 4 for you - especially as there is a lot of photos*)

Ever since I was a little girl I admired make-up. I never got to wear it until I was about 12, but that didn't bother me considering I was a massive tomboy and the only 'make-up' I was bothered about wearing was mud or sand. That didn't stop me though from watching my mum in the mirror as she applied mascara with an open mouth, or being mesmerised by the adverts with bright red lipstick (something at the time I thought only adults could wear, unless I was in a dance show). Over the past few years though, my love, need and collection of make-up has grown and I like to think I have mastered my own technique for make-up, even if the shades and quantities change.
Whilst doing my 'Daily Make-Up' the other day I decided it could be a good idea to do a daily make-up routine blog considering I haven't blogged in a while. So here it is!!!

(All products listed after the Daily Make-Up Routine)

Daily Make-Up Routine (December 2014)

Step 1: First off, using my Real Technique Expert Face Brush I apply my Rimmel London Wake Me Up Foundation. Then I apply the Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer to my problem areas (for me under my eyes and spots) to cover up unwanted marks and blemishes. You don't have to use a brush for the foundation and concealer, i recommend sponges or just your fingers as well as they can be useful for hard to reach areas (make sure your hands are clean though first).

After Foundation - some problem areas i.e spots have been particularly hard for me to cover at the moment so are still on show...*cries for a little bit*

Step 2: Now i tackle my eyebrows. Everyone knows that these are one of the most defining features of your face and everyone wants to have 'strong eyebrow game'. To start, I use my tweezers to get rid of any strays and make sure the shape is as close to perfect as I can get. I don't actually have an eyebrow palette so instead I use Benefit eyeshadow - shade:elegant espresso (I'm awful I know). With I use an angled eyebrow brush (no brand just one I've had for years) and colour in my eyebrows. I start on the outside where it is thinner and then work my way to the other end of my eyebrow, working in the same direction that my eyebrows go.

After my eyebrows are done - I like to call my eyebrow shape The Extended Tear Drop

Step 3: I've developed the routine of working down my face when applying make-up so next I do my eye make-up starting off with my eyeshadow. Using the Eco Tools Shadow brush I start off by putting the lightest shade of Benefit Jetset Eyeshadow shade:champagne eye shadow, to place just under my brow on the outside corner. This defines the brow. I then use this shade in the inner corner of my eye. For the main base of my eyelid I again use the Eco Tools Shadow brush and the shade gold card, covering my eyelid to the crease.. I have always been a fan of this shade and for the base shade it's great. On the outer corner of my eye and the crease I like to use a darker shade to shadow the eyelid and emphasise the look. I use the shade Pretty In Mink (light brown) from the Benefit set for this.

Step 4: Next with eyes is eyeliner. For my daily look I do two different types of eyeliner. On my bottom liner I use the Pretty In Mink shade and the Eco Tool Flat Eyeliner Brush to line my bottom lashes. As I do my top eyeliner as well this lighter shade tones down the look.I have spent years trying to do top liner well. Normally on an everyday basis I try and avoid winging my eyeliner and keep it just to my lid. I use the Maybelline EyeStudio Drama Gel Liner. I start off in the middle and then flick to wards to inner corner of my eye. I start in the middle because as the brush goes along the thinner the line becomes as I press down lighter. I then do the same with the opposite side of my eye, towards the outer corner but this time I press harder on the corner so the line and thickness stays the same.

Step 5:Mascara is the last things I do on my eyes. Before I apply any I use my No7 EyeLash curlers to enhance my lashes. For my mascara I use Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express. I swear by this mascara and for years I have used nothing else as I haven't found anything quite as good. I apply a few coats onto my top lashes, especially focusing on the tips to extended the lashes even further. Personally, I leave my bottom lashes and I get irritated by them often.

Finished Eye

Finished Eye

Step 6: Lipstick is a releatively new thing to my look and later on in this year I started using darker or brighter lipstick instead of just plain lipgloss. At the moment the lipstick I use on a daily basis is the MAC Lipstick Lustre in shade:Plumful. MAC Lipsticks are my favourite and are so nice and easy to apply. )(Cheaper alternatives that I used prior to this will be in a blog post soon).

Favourite Shade At The Moment

Step 7: The last two things I do is my powder and bronzer. A lot of people put on powder straight after they have applied their foundation but I've found that if you apply it after all your other make-up is on, it keeps that make-up in place and stops it shifting off your face during the day. To my skin which is shining from the foundation , and my eyebrows if they are too dark, I use the Rimmel London Stay Matter Pressed Powder to power my face of too much shine using the Eco Tools Powder brush. I then apply my Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzer and Blush using the Eco Tools Angled Powder Brush. This is great for applying onto the apples of your cheek. If my bronzer or blush comes out to harsh I'll go back over with my powder to tone it down.

And here is my finished look.

Make-Up Look Complete

Make-Up Look Complete

Hope you liked my Daily Make-Up Routine. If you have any questions or requests or tips please leave them in the comments :-)

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Products:

MAC Lustre Lipstick  (Plumful)

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (100-Ivory)

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (Ivory)

Benefit Jetset Make-Up Kit:

Benefit Jetset Make-Up Kit Eyeshadows  ( champagne please, gold card, pretty in mink, elegant espresso)

Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Powder and Blush

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder Press (001-Transparent)

Eco Tools Brush Set

Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express Flared

Maybelline EyeStudio Drama Gel Liner (01-Intense Black)

No7 Eyelash Curlers

(Middle Brush) Real Technique Expert Face Brush, (others)unbranded brushes)