2015 | June Favourites!

Another month over! I can't believe we're this far into the year already, it was Christmas like, yesterday!

So this post is a first for me, I've never done a favourites before, and narrowing it down to just a few was really hard!

So we'll start with beauty;

First up, it's MAC Fix+ Prep and Prime spray.

I've already written a review for this, which you can find in my archives, but this stuff is just so good! I work 13 hour shifts, and especially now that it's getting warmer and therefore my face is getting shinier, this helps my make up to last all day! And at just 15.50, you can't go wrong, all it takes is just one spritz at arms length from the face, and you're good to go for the entire day!

Next up, is a beauty must have. For the past year or so, I've gone full throttle into embracing the lipstick. For years and years i've been a lipgloss/carmex kind of girl, but now the teens are behind me, I decided to up the anti, and become a lipstick Queen. But do you know what I don't like? Lip liners. I never seem to be able to find one that exactly matches the lipstick I wanted to wear, and some of the price tags attached to some of the high end ones... well, you know...

So instead I opted for using make-up brushes to create a lip line, but using the actual lipstick i'd chosed. Where better to get your lip brushes than the Queen of lip art, Miss Karla Powell?

Now I will admit, I didn't buy these, I won them when she did a collaboration with Nina Ricci, but all the while waiting for her to announce the winner, there was a box of these waiting in my basket to be purchased! These brushes are perfect for lipstick! i wont go into too much detail now, because I am preparing a blog review, but trust me, they're so worth it!

Next is more of a beauty smell than a make-up item, and it's Zoella Body Mist.

I bought this back in May, used it a few times, then kind of left it in my bag. But this month, I pulled it out again because I felt like my normal perfume was a bit too strong for the summer months (although they probably wont last long), and I'm so glad I did!  It smells delicious! It's such a light, and fresh scent! I feel like the smell is the perfect on to describe Zoe's personality (I know that sounds weir but I know what I mean!). Massively looking forwar to her new collection hitting the shops!

Now, i've said this once and I'll say it again, my absolute skin essential, that has well and truly saved my skin this month is Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. 

I was quite poorly at the beginning of the month, and my face massively crapped out on me! The above picture is after using the cleanser for two days, morning and night.... two days! I wont go on and on about it because there's already a review of Liz Earle skin care on my blog, but honestly, Liz, you saved my face!

Let's move onto the things that completely aren't beauty related at all, let's call them 'Life favourites'.

The Secret By Rhonda Byrne

I saw this book on one of Cherry Wallis' favourites videos. This book well and truly changed my outlook on life. (Word to the wise, don't rea it all at once, your brain will explode).

From the moment I started reading it I genuinely felt more positive about my own life, and I had a better outlook on what I wanted for the future. Instead of panicking about what I wanted in the future, I decided what I wanted, and how I was going to get it. And so far it's gone pretty well!

It's not one of those preachy-you must love Jesus kind of books at all, which did worry me at first because i'm not a massively religious person, but it just gives you the chance to look at things from a different perspective, and apply those thoughts to your own life, and i'm definitely considering buying the second version which gives you a positive thought to start each day with.

And last but not least, let's talk about Salted Caramel Green Tea.

I've wanted to try green tea for ages, but the smell/taste of normal green tea never really appealed to me. But those of you that know me, know that i'm a sucker for caramel flavoured anything! So I jumped at the chance to try this, and let me tell you, it's fab. Definitely a green tea I can get along with. It's done wonders for my body, it gives me more energy for my work outs, and since drinking it before going to the gym, i'm pretty sure my abs are becoming less reluctant to show themselves!

So that's all for this month! I shall see you all in July for the next installment of my favourites segment!

Beauty | MAC Fix+ Review!

15.50

A lightweight, mineral rich finishing mist that refreshes the skin and finishes makeup. Helps create an even surface for a smooth makeup application. Same Fix + formula with upgraded packaging.

(Taken from maccosmetics.co.uk)

I know recently MAC have had some bad press due to some bad customer service people have received at their counters, but you can't deny it, their products are pretty awesome!

For the past few weeks i've been trying out Fix+, which can be used not only to prep your skin but also to set your make-up!

I decided to put it to the ultimate test. A 12 hour day, sat in a hospital waiting room with dodgy air conditioning, while doing coursework, and stressing about being starving...

 This is how I started the day. 6am, Barely there make-up with eyeline, mascara, and of course some eyebrow pencil. 

 I needed this make-up to last me all day, because who wants to reapply make-up at a hospital?

On the face;

~ MAC studio fix liquid and power foundation

~ MUA Bronzed Perfection in Shade 1

~ Soap and Glory Brow Archery in Brownie Points

~ Maybelline gel liner in Dark Brown

~ L`Oreal Miss Manga Mascara in Black

This is my go-to look for everyday, nothing too over the top, that I can do in about 15minutes before work.

Now I was dubious, because i've tried setting sprays before, and they don't last very long, but this one, I was pretty impressed with.

I do a light spray before applying my make up and it helped it go on a lot smoother, I think I use half the amount of liquid foundation than I usually would, and I felt like my powders blended a lot easier when contouring.

Then once I'd finished, another light spray, and you're good to go!

Those of you that have been in a hospital waiting room for long periods of time know that you vary from being too warm, to too cold. You find yourself leaning in positions that aren't even comfortable, fighting to keep your eyes open. You're rubbing your eyes to try and stay awake, leaning on your face, massaging your temples, if there's any place your make-up just wont last, it's here.  And this is how I came out...

Now the picture is really bad quality, and the dark circles are begining to creep through, but after 12 hours, the spots are still covered, eyebrows still intact, and only the tiniest smudge of eyeliner has creeped across my face. Not bad right?

Definitely got the Scissorhands stamp of approval!

Lifestyle | 10 Things I've Learnt While Being Single

I've been single for over a year now. Don't get me wrong, i'm not a relationship grinch who thinks all men are just waiting to screw you over, and I do enjoy the thought of spending your time with someone who is truely and madly in love with you, but this past year, i've focussed on me. An i've got to admit, it's gone really well. I really think i'm the one for me.

So as part of my 'Independent Ladies' series, i've decided to share with you everything i've learnt during my time of singledom. (Not sure if that's a word but let's go with it.

1) You do things for yourself, not for another person. 

I used to have the mindset that I needed to look good for said 'significant other', and I don't. I get my nails done because I love having nice nails. I shave my legs so I can look good walking down the street in a split leg maxi skirt. I wear bright lipstick and curl my hair, because daymn, I look good in bright lipstick an curly hair!

2) You become less bothered if you catch a guy checking you out. 

Don't get me wrong, I don't mean the creepy guys who cat call you in the street, which is verging on sexual harrassment. But if i'm out with my friends, or just doing a bit of shopping, if I notice someone looking at me, knowing that I look good, I don't mind it. I no longer feel guilty and think 'oh my boyfriend wouldn't like that'. I work hard to look good. It's nice to have other people appreciate that sometimes.

3) You go to the gym to feel good about yourself, not because you don't want your other half judging your wobbly bits.

I joined the gym back in September, mid-singledom. As I was single I didn't feel like I was going to impress another person. I went for me. I wanted a smokin' hot body for my girls holiday the next summer, I wasn't doing it for the sake of a boyfriend. Everyone has parts of their body they're not happy with, but you should never change them for the sake of another person. I've always had the mindset that if someone didn't like me for who I am, to put it simply, they can do one!

4) Single dates are a thing!

The thought of going to a cafe or a coffee shop and sitting there eating or drinking alone would terrify me. But then what do you do when you mega-crave a cheese an ham toastie with a side of Caramellatte from Costa? Do you order it to go and sit and have it in your car? No! That's not fun! You take a book or a magazine, and you own that table by the window, because that is your table by the window and by god you're going to enjoy that cheese and ham toastie!

First step coffee shop, next step, Nandos!

5) You can do what you want, when you want.

Within reason of course. I don't mean you can go off terrorising people and robbing a bank just because you fancy it. If you want to go on a girls weekend you can do so without thinking your other half might feel left out. Another more personal example, If you want to write a blog about life and beauty, and basically any other things that come into your head, you can, without your boyfriend saying it's a stupid idea and no one would read it. (Tell that to my over 1000 readers, we so showed him guys!).

6) Seize the moment.

Last minute barbeque at Alice's house? Yep, i'm going. Mid-week trip to Ibiza? Sure, let me grab my suitcase. Tattoo of a cat on your arm? Tattoo away! Do you get the idea?

7) Normal people, don't respond to texts all day everyday.

You see, most people have lives. I was use to every message being answered, within the hour at least. But whilst being single, I've come to realise that not everyone does that, because they have jobs, and friends, and other things which mean they're not attached to their phones all day. 

8) Family is there forever.

As cheesy as it sounds, your family (and real friends that are basically family), are the only ones that will actually be there for you. These are the people you need around you.

9) Netflix and Duvets were made for you... and cats.

Sometimes when you've had a bad day, work's been stressful, you just feel like utter crap for no reason, your duvet will always be there to welcome you home with open arms. So grab the cat, stick on the tv, and binge watch your favourite programme until you decide you want to shower. No one's going to judge you.

10) DO NOT SETTLE!

Irrelevant of how long you've been single for, days, months, years, it is absolutely the most important and vital thing, that you do not settle. The right person is out there, and you will fin each other. Don't settle for someone who isn't giving you what you want, just because you want to be with someone. You're better than that.

I've been on my fair share of first dates, and this is the most important thing. If it doesn't feel right, don't force it. The situation wont change. When you find the right person, you just know. I am the most shy and awkward person in the world when I first meet anyone, employers, friends, potential boyfriends, and when I meet someone who i'm suppose to be with, all of that will vanish. Conversation will flow, I won't overthink every tiny detail, and I wont be afraid of smiling in front of them because of my wonky teeth. It'll just feel right.