Music Monday #1

I thought it might be nice to start a new feature, something to break up all the beauty. My other love in life is music. I love live music, if I am honest I'd rather spend money on gig tickets than beauty. I don't think there is anything nicer than loosing yourself in music. I often find myself just lay on my bed , headphones on listening to music and just getting lost in it. 

Music Monday isn't going to be anything amazing but me sharing an artist/ song that I have been loving. I hope to allows you to find a new love as well. 

This week it's the turn of Ed Prosek, a californian now living in Brighton. He actually comes from a Classica background and it's something I think you can hear in his music. His music is pretty much perfect for my 'laying on my bed getting lost in the music' times. I hope you enjoy him as much as me.

My #NottsBBMeet and #LDNBBMeet Haul

I don't think I went to mental at the meet ups with the stuff I bought. My mum was very kind and gave me some Birthday money to spend which was so kind of her. 

In Nottingham, the one place I knew I had to go was Space NK, there isn't one near me and I much prefer shopping in person than on the internet, so I took full advantage of this and bought a couple of bits. I got the Living Proof Prime Style Extender, which is basically a hair primer. You apply this to damp hair and then style as normal. It is a weightless styling product that is meant to lock in you style until the next time you wash. I have only used this once so far and can say it did really help! Next up I bought the Phyto 7 Hydrating Day Cream, which is a hydrating cream that you can add to wet or dry hair. It is contains with 7 plan extracts to helps control frizz, static and help repair slip ends.

The last thing I got from Space NK, was actually my birthday gift and I have fallen completely in love with it! It's The Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel. I have been applying this morning and night and I have noticed such a difference in my skin - It looks brighter, more even and just generally healthier. 

Next Up was Mac- I knew I wasn't leaving without buying a lipstick! I have had my eye on so many lately but I was either going to go for Girl About Time, Impassioned or Ravishing. I went for Impassioned, which is described as an amped up fuchsia. Its such an amazing colour and a prefect bright for the summer. 

Next up was Lush where I bought the Lush Lip Scrub in Mint Julips. I originally bought this for my sister but she bought herself one the same weekend, so what a shame I had to keep it. I have already been through one pot and I love it so much. It's perfect if you tend to get chapped lips and need to get rid of the dead skin (ew but true)

Last stop in Nottingham was Boots and lets be honest- I knew I wasn't leaving without at least three products, as the 3 for 2 offer was still on (It would be rude not to aye?) Firstly I picked up the L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil for Coloured Hair. I have been using this every time I have washed my hair since I bought it and I am in love. I have noticed that my hair looks Shiny and just generally more healthy. Highly recommend this product. Next up I got the Revlon Colour Stay Foundation, a product I have heard nothing but good things about. The staying power of this foundation is incredible. I wore this to London, one day last week, and it stayed put all day and looked just as good when I got home. The last item, I got free in the 3 for 2 offer, was Essie Luxedo, now this is not a particularly summery colour but I just love it so much and I thought why not eh? it's free!  

Above you can see the two bits I got from London. As soon as I met people before heading to the #LDNBBMeet we went to & Other Stories. I have heard so many great things about this store and couldn't wait to check it out for myself. I don't this it is quite as good as everyone makes out but I still wasn't disappointed. There was plenty that I wanted but I controlled myself and just bought the Luminising Powder in 1. I am really impressed with this product. It's light on the skin, applies well and has great lasting power and it was only £10. After & Other Stories, we wandered round a couple of other stores and then headed to Illmasqua. Now I have looked lovingly at Illmasqua for a long time but as I hadn't seen anything in person I wasn't sure. So when we went into the store, I was like a kid in a candy store! I controlled myself and only bought a Powder Blush in Hussy and I can see this starting a long and expensive love affair ;) 

So that is everything I have bought! What have you got your eye on at the moment? 

The #NottsBBMeet| Day and Evening sections!

So after months of planning and talking about it, it finally happened- The Nottingham Beauty Bloggers Meet was on Saturday! Like I said in my wish list post, I haven't really done that much towards the planning apart from emotional support and helping Sophia decide on certain things but it was still so nice to see all the effort that, Sophia from Tattooed Tea Lady, Jessie from The Bode Boutique, Amiiee from It's Amieeism and I, put in all worth it. It was so nice to see everyone having such an amazing time.

I started the day off pretty early- 4.45am to be exact! Usually the time I am going to bed. Once ready I headed out for the train. I managed to have a little kip on my train from Canterbury to London. Once in London I met Clair from Bags, Bows and Boots and we headed for a our train to Nottingham. I am not very good with meeting new people so it was nice to arrive with some one and it was so nice to meet Clair as we have been chatting on twitter for a while. 

Once in Nottingham, we met up with lots of other people and then headed over to the Lions in the centre of Nottingham to meet everyone else and WOW was I surprised to see so many people! It was a bit overwhelming! 

After everyone arrived and we all got our name tags, courtesy of Amiiee. My group headed over to Kiels for a little chat and to have our individual skin consultations (I will be doing a more in depth post on this part of the day later on) while each of the groups where in Kiehls everyone went off and did so shopping. At Kiehls we were treated to some bubbly and Cupcakes. There was some interesting eating of the cupcakes going on here, aye Amiiee?! ;) 

 I so wish I could of spent a bit more time with some other people. I did get to meet loads of lovely girls but I wish I could of spent more time with everyone! 

After having to say goodbye to so lovely ladies at about 4pm, some of us headed up to T.G.I's. Everyone was welcomed to their goodie bags. It was like a second Christmas. I don't think any of us who were organising ever dreamed that the bags would be this good! but they just kept getting bigger. I even knew what was in them and even I was shocked. We had a lovely meal and it was so nice to sit down and chat. Especially to some girls I hadn't had the chance to talk to during the day. 

I'd like to say a big thank you to the staff at T.G.I's they managed so well with 30 of us, I am not going to lie I was so surprised  During the meal we had a couple of Giveaways and I was lucky enough to win the big prize!- The Enrapture Encode Totem Styler! I was in shock for a bit! 

It was so nice to see some of my close friends and also meet some people that I have been talking to on twitter for so long! It feels a bit weird that it is all over now *sad face* 

I will be doing a more in depth look at the goodie bags as I'm sure you will want to see ;) But here is a little sneak peak! 

Also look at this! We got #NottsBBMeet trending! 

I'm sorry I can't remember who I stole this off!

Id like to again, thank all the bands that were involved for their generosity and to every single of one you who came along. It was an amazing day!

#NottsBBMeet Wish List

As some of you may know I was helping Sophia , along with Jessie and Amiiee, organise the Nottingham BBloggers meet up- when I say helping I mean giving words of encouragement, I wasn't very useful! But none the less it is finally here! I finally get to meet some new awesome girls as well as see a lot of my close friends. 

Even though I don't have a lot of money, I thought I would put together a wish list of some of the things I'd like to get. Some of these I haven't actually seen in the flesh, so it might be that I don't like them as much when I do but we will have to see! 

1. Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer- I love my Nars Corrector but because it was only a corrector it doesn't give much coverage as I wanted to try something that would cover my dark circles! I've heard nothing but good things about this concealer, my only concerne is I don't know if it will go light enough for my pale skin! 

2. Phyto 7- I'm forever looking for products that will hep with the condition of my hair. I am changing my hair colour soon and having a good cut so hopefully that will help. I have been eyeing up Phyto for a while now and there are so many product that have caught my eye, Phyto 7 being one of them. Phyto 7 is a silicone free leave in conditioner. My hair needs moisture and I wanted a product that isn't going to weight my hair down but give it the nourishment it needs.

3. Stila Convertible Colour in Petunia- This is something I have been eyeing up for a while but I've always preferred powder blushes but lately I have been loving my Topshop cream blushes so I want to add to my collection. This is a perfect shade for colour and a colour that I seem to be going for a lot more than my usual brighter pinks. 

 4. River Island Tie Dye Dress- I'm starting to try get some bits for summer, especially for my trip to America (hopefully) and I just love this.

5.Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Carina- I already have one of these in Aria and I love it. They have awesome staying power and are so pigmented. Again I wanted a more summer colour and this is perfect! Lovely Coral shade.

6.Urban Decay All Nighter setting Spray- This would be a repurchase for me. I got this for Christmas a couple years ago and it lasted me ages. In the summer i get pretty hot and my make up never lasts with out this so as soon as it gets hot this becomes a necessity! 

7. Urban Decay Naked 2- I don't know what it has taken me so long to get this but I am dying to buy this! If I don't buy this at the meet up I will definitely be buying this when my loan comes through. I can't wait any longer! 

8. L'Oreal Extraordinary Oil- Another thing I have put off! I had an Ojon Oil a while back and loved it and the other week I got an Argan Oil from Primark and I love what Oils do to my hair, so I thought it was about time I invested in a full sized product and I have heard good things about this one and I like that they have one specifically for coloured hair.

9. River Island Flower Smock Dress- More clothes! Not that I need anymore but this just caught my eye. This isn't something I need but I thought I would add it in anyway as I will be keeping an eye out for it! 

So there we go, that is my wish list! Not too long; I could of added more but I showed some restraint! I am so looking forward to meeting all of you that are coming and if you have done a wish list let me know, I would love to see them

La Roche Posay| Effaclar Duo And Effaclar K

Once again, I have fallen for the hype and bought some products that have been everywhere lately. I did debate about if I should actually write this post because there have been so many around that is would pretty much be the same information that everyone else has put but then I just thought screw it! I like these and I wanted to share my views. 

Firstly, I thought it would be a good idea just to explain the difference between these two products:

Effaclar K- is a renewal fluid which gradually exfoliates the skin, reducing pore size and helping regain a soft smooth complexion 

Effaclar Duo- is a corrective fluid that unclogs pores and reduces the appearance of imperfections and purifies pores. 

Now, I haven't been using this long, well in terms of skin care. I usually like to give products at least a good 3 months to see if they do really work with my skin. I have been using these products for 5 weeks now and I can honestly say I have noticed a difference. I wouldn't go as far as saying these are 'holy grail' products but I can say they have made a huge difference but definitely enough for me to see and I am happy with the results. 

I have noticed a lot of people being put off my the back that is does make you break out at first (some people have and some people haven't) and I won't lie- it did break me out at first but I think thats both of the products just getting all the crap out of your skin. The second thing I have notice people saying is it's really drying. My skin becomes dry really quickly so to stop this, I used both of the products as a treatment rather that a moisturiser so I put these on clean skin at then moisturiser over the top. 

I have been using the Effaclar K at night as our skin does most of its regeneration over night and as this is kind of what this product does I thought it would be more suited for night time use and then, you guessed it, the Effaclar Duo during the day. 

This is just how I do it personally but you can use either both day and night or even just one of them, depending on what you feel your skin needs.

Like I said this hasn't completely cleared my skin and made everything perfect but I have noticed a reduction in the number/size of blackheads on my nose (something I have struggled with for years) and the rest of my skin is a lot smoother and more refined.

I know there has been a lot of mixed reviews but I think you need to remember, with skincare, nothing works over night - you have to give products a chance to work. It's not like make up you can pretty much test once and tell if you like it. I don't know if this is the case but it seemed a lot of people rushed out to buy these products (especially the Duo) and had a review up after a couple uses. Just something to remember 

What are your thoughts on these products?

My 'Go To' Make Up Look

I didn't want to call this my 'everyday make up' because well it's not. I like to switch things up but there are days where I just can't be bothered, or if I am going away this is the make up I'll pack. It's quick, simple and I don't really have to think about it. 

It's not an overly complicated look and it only takes me about 10 minutes to do and I think (correct me if I'm wrong) it leaves me looking 'done' but not OTT 

My foundation can change depending on how my skin is that day but lately I have been loving Mac Studio Sculpt. It's quite full coverage but so light on the skin that you barely know it's there. For concealer I used the YSL Touché Éclat under my eyes to brighten, as I had to say goodbye to my beloved Bobbi Brown corrector and then the ever famous Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer for a little more coverage under the eyes and on any blemishes. 

For Highlighter I have been loving my Benefit High Beam again, I just dot a little on the tops of my cheek bones and on my cupids bow and pat in with my finger. My fail safe blush is Mac's Pink Swoon.  I cannot get enough of this blush! I must wear this at least 3 times a week (more than any other blush I own). Also I forgot to add it to the photo (silly me!) but for powder I have recently been using Rimmel's Stay Matte all over my face just patted in with the ELF powder brush

For my eyes- I have been testing out the Rimmel Exaggerate Undercover Shadow Primer, which I'm not totally sold on yet. For this look I used Mac's Naked Lunch all over the lid and then Satin Taupe in the crease and blended out. For my brows I used Mac's Charcoal Brown- which is a little dark but I quite like dark brows and I don't think it's too OTT (again please correct me if I am wrong!) and then to finish off couple layers of Benefit They're  Real- which I frigging LOVE.

Lastly is lips; This is something that I change depending on what I am wearing but my kind of 'go-to' colour at the moment is Mac's Brick-oh-la a gorgeous brown/orange red. It really is the perfect colour that goes with most things so I know I can just chuck it on! 

Birthday Wish List

So this is a bit premature as my birthday is still over a month away- 24th April- put it in your diaries ;) but a couple people have asked me what I want for my birthday and in all honesty, there's not much I am dying to get. I still would love to get the Naked 2 but apart from that I was a bit stuck. 

After a bit of internet searching, I managed to actually find quite a few things that I like so this is it. 

1. ASOS Dress- what can I say I like my dresses and this is so cute and I can just see myself wearing it during summer with some sandals and a denim jacket. 

2. Sims3- I stole my sisters sims for a little bit while I was home and I got completely addicted. No better way to procrastinate than by playing Sims! 

3. Mac Vegas Volt- I have been eyeing up this lipstick for so long but held off buying it because I wouldn't be able to wear it till summer. Another shade I have been lusting after is Girl About Town. 

4. TopShop High Waisted Denim look Jeggings- I am mainly a dress girl and I hate jeans but I like the look of them so this is kind of a compromise. I just want something comfortable so I can wear my big jumpers

5. Illamasqua Generation Q Gleam- The prettiest highlighter! I still don't own anything from illamasqua and it's a brand that I am always lusting after. I love the look of most of their blushers and it was a toss up between them and this highlighter and seen as how I have 2 other blushers on this wish list I though I'd show you the highlighter.

6.River Island Denim Jacket- i have wanted a denim jacket for so long but all the ones I have seen seem to come up short and I just fell in love with this one, especially with the collar! 

7. Kevyn Aucoin Creamy Glow- After seeing Kate from Gh0stparties talk about these blushers so much, I have fallen in love. The shade in the picture is Liquifuchsia but Tresabelle and Tansoleil are equally beautiful colours. 

8. Topshop Stripe Top- This is the top I have been going on about on twitter for ages. I want this top so badly! Yes I know it's maternity but that just makes it even more comfortable! ha. I admit it's nothing special but I am just drawn to it.

9. Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Flush- My second most wanted item after the Topshop top but alas we cannot get these here in the UK unless you want to pay silly prices. I will have to wait till I go over in the summer! 

There we go, that is my birthday wish list!  

What is on your wish list at the moment?