My Beauty Shelf: Part 2

Sorry this blog post has taken longer than expected, as I have been busy doing school work at the moment, but here is my second addition of the My Beauty Shelf posts. I have previously done one on my body lotions and sprays that I currently have on my shelf. Check that out here.

This blog post will be focusing on what is in my make-up bag at the moment. As a new member to the beauty scene, I haven't got loads and loads of make-up to share with you. However, I am slowly buying new items and brands to try out. So, please leave a comment below if you have any recommendations for me to try out.

So, the first thing is what my make-up bag actually looks like. This bag was a gift from my cousin when she went to Paris a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it! I think it is the perfect size for holding make-up in, and I love the design on the front as well.

                                      

Now, let's start with the contents. I have tried to put these make-up items in order of use. First up is my concealer which is the Natural Collection Concealer in Fair. I have purchased this concealer before and really liked it. This is quite a cheap concealer at only £1.99 but I feel that it does the trick for me personally. I really wanted to try out the Wake Me Up Concealer but found it quite expensive, especially as I was buying quite a expensive mascara anyway. But, next time, I will try out a different concealer. Another thing, I really like about this concealer is the fact it has a little brush (sort of like a lip gloss) which makes it easy to apply to my face. 

                                       

Foundation is the next item. I use the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation in Ivory. This is such a good foundation, as it covers up the spots, scars and blemishes that I don't want showing on my face. My mum actually bought this foundation for me as I needed some for my prom last year. One year on, and I am still using the same bottle which is quite good. 

                                   

My Foundation and Concealer brush is from Primark which sounds quite weird, but it does the trick. I think it was only around £1.50, and I find that it blends in all my make-up quickly and evenly.

                               

This is my favourite item in my make-up bag at the moment. My Rimmel Kate Moss Mascara in Jet Black is so good. I got this half price in Boots, a while back and it makes my lashes so long and black which I feel brings out my eyes a little. As well as the result of my lashes through using this, I really like the packaging Kate has used. The mascara reminds me of a bullet and I really like how big and chunky it looks which makes it stand out in my make-up, making it easy to find. Another thing I really like is the brush, as it isn't your normal straight brush, but is in a sort of wave design, making it easy to apply. I tend to use this on my top lashes, while on my bottom lashes I use...

                               

This! My bottom lashes mascara is Colour Trend in Black. I use this because it is less clumpy than the Kate Mascara.The brush is straight and easy to apply. 

I don't really use eye shadow but I came across this Sun Kissed Palette in my drawer and applied it to my lids the other day. I used a mixture of shadows and blended them in and I have to say, it actually looked quite nice. I really like the different colours in this palette, but I think I need to get some more practise in before I go out with it on.

                                 

My last make-up item is this Luscious Lip gloss in a brown glittery colour. I use this if I am going out somewhere special as it makes my lips have a little bit more colour and gloss to them. Plus, I really like the colour and I feel that it suits my skin tone well.

My next two items are not make-up based, but they are essentials.

                               

I think it is essential to keep a mirror in your make-up bag as you never know when you might need to apply some make-up. I have this little Cath Kidston mirror in mine which I think does the trick.

And finally, is the make-up wipes I am currently using. I don't keep these in my make-up bag, if you were wondering. I got these Johnson's Face Care Moisturising Wipes from Boots as part of a deal. You got 3 for £5 which I thought was so good. I highly recommend these wipes as they get rid of your make-up so quickly, they smell great and also leave your skin hydrated after having make-up which I think is so important. 

So, that is what is currently in my make-up, I hope you enjoyed it. My next blog post will be the last of the 'My Beauty Shelf' and I will be discussing my nail polishes, so look out for that. 

My Beauty Shelf: Part 1

As a new member in the beauty department, I have been slowly but surely gathering and purchasing new items to add to my beauty shelf. Over the next couple of blog posts, I will be writing about what is currently on my beauty shelf and my current opinion of these items. So, if you are interested in beauty or a new member of the beauty crew, then stick around and I hope you enjoy.

My first beauty items will be focusing on sprays, perfumes and creams.

Let's start with the perfumes and body sprays.

Soap & Glory Mist You Madly Body Spray 

                                  

This is my FAVOURITE spray that I am currently using on a day-to-day basis. I absolutely love it and I highly recommend it to anybody! It is the perfect summery scent and leaves you feeling refreshed. You only need to apply a couple of spritzes and it lasts the whole day. I will be definitely getting another once this runs out.

Dove Invisible Dry Deodorant 

                                  

I know this seems a weird spray to add to this blog post, but the truth is, we all use and own a deodorant, and plus it is a spray, so this is the one I am currently using. I love anything Dove because I feel it is sensitive and perfect for any skin type. This deodorant I am loving as it has a subtle smell, not like some deodorants, which I find really strong, and leave me gagging once applied. 

Harajuku Lovers Baby By Christina Aguilera Perfume 

                                       

I am now going to talk about the two perfumes which I have but don't really use (for different reasons!). First, is this Harajuku perfume, which I tend to use for special occasions or if I am heading somewhere special. This is purely because there is not a lot of scent in the bottle and I don't really want it to be empty. Although, there are loads of different Harajuku perfumes to choose from, I chose the "Baby" one as the scent was comforting, sweet, girly and fruity which I loved. The only downside to this perfume is that you are mostly paying for the quirky, original design on the top of the bottle, and not actually the scent which is a shame.  

Posh Perfume 

                                   

This perfume isn't anything special, despite the design of the bottle making it appear more sophisticated and expensive than it actually is. I got this perfume from a party, a couple of years ago, and haven't really used it that much, as you can tell from the amount of scent still in the bottle. This is because I don't really know if I like the perfume that much. I like the bottle, but the scent I'm not a fan of. Maybe I should try it again and see if I have changed my opinion. 

So, that's all of the perfumes and body sprays I currently have and my favourites. 

Next up is the body lotions and hand creams. 

Cath Kidston Wild Rose Hand Cream 

                                        

I really don't like this hand cream at all. It has such a strong, pungent smell, it is awful! I would not recommend this to anybody! It reminds me of thistles for some reason, and it is overall, not a pleasant smell. (Sorry to any of you, that actually likes the smell, I personally don't like it!). 

Marks & Spencer's Floral Collection Lavender Hand & Body Lotion  

                                      

I really like this smell, it has a strong lavender scent and reminds me of my nan, who always smells of lavender. This used to be my favourite hand cream and I used to always use it, but I stopped as I found another one, that is the best cream I have ever bought, which you shall see in a minute. 

Marks & Spencer's Floral Collection Magnolia Body Cream

                               

The smell of Magnolia is my favourite smell by far. Literally, if anything smells like this, I will probably buy it. It is a thick, moisturising cream, which is perfect for using when you get out of the shower/bath and during the winter months, when I find my skin is so dry and horrible. By applying this, it leaves it feeling and smelling lush! 

Soap & Glory The Daily Smooth Ultra Rich Body Lotion 

Another Soap & Glory product, I bought a massive bottle of hand cream, not to long ago. (I have no idea why, as I have just shown you all the body lotions I have, why add another one???) Anyway, I use this for my legs and arms after getting out of the shower, and it leaves them feeling so smooth, healthy and best of all shiny. It contains mango peel extract, rosehip seed oil & shea butter, with fragrant notes of bergamot, blackcurrant, magnolia, freesia, vanilla and musk. So, it is packed full of flavours, to leave you smelling amazing. Plus, it has magnolia, which is a massive bonus. 

Another thing, I love about Soap & Glory is there packaging. I find it is so original and noticeable, so that when I go into Boots I can always find the section so easily, but I don't know if that is a good thing, as I always end up buying something!

Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion (for normal to dry skin)

                                  

As I mentioned earlier about my favourite body lotion, you have now discovered it. This stuff is magic! It is SO, SO, SO, SO, SO good! Not only does it smell amazing, and I literally mean, AMAZING!!! It is so good for your skin. Although it is quite expensive, it is so worth your money. Trust Me! As this product is made from bees and is completely natural, it gives your skin the added nutrients and vitamins it needs, in order to stay glowing and soft. I use this on my face in the morning and before I go to bed, and after a few weeks of using this, I noticed a difference in my face. My spots had cleared up and I didn't seem to be getting spots anymore. It has literally been my saving grace and I cannot stop raving about it! I have nearly ran out of it though, but I am definitely going to be purchasing some more very soon. 

So, that is the end of this blog post, look out for my next Beauty Shelf blog post, which shall be on my make-up bag and what is inside. 

Please leave a comment on what is your favourite perfume or body lotion at the moment and please leave any recommendations. 

All photos in this blog post were taken by me. 

New Look Haul

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On a spur of the moment, me and my mum decided to go out for a late night shopping trip. It was around 6.00pm that we decided to leave and make our way towards the shopping centre that consisted of two shops that I really wanted to have a look in. The first was New Look and the second was Outfit (which has Dorothy Perkins, Wallis, Topshop, Ms Selfridge, Burton).

When we arrived, we headed to New Look, as I was in desperate need of some tops and dresses for holiday. After looking around I found some items and finally, some jelly shoes that I have been dying to get as well! Then, I made my way to the fitting room to try on my selection, I discovered that they all fitted well and I was very happy with how they looked. Unfortunately, I was going to get this yellow top with a lace fringe at the bottom, but after looking closer, there appeared to be a stain on it, and they did not have another in my size which was a huge disappointment. But, I am hoping to have a look around and find another - without a stain, and hopefully, in my size.

So, without further ado, here is what I bought from New Look:

The first item I found were these cute flowery shorts. Immediately, these caught my eye as they were colourful, printed and baggy. I love the colours and the elasticated waist meant that they were not too tight on me. I would pair this with a yellow top (that I was going to get!), sandals or my jelly shoes, some rings and sunglasses, but not forgetting a glowing, brown tan that I plan on getting as well!

                                

Shorts - £14.99

My next purchase was this flowery crop top with a white lace fringe. Recently, I have been loving this fringing detail at the bottom of the crop tops. As I am not a fan of showing off your entire stomach, I opted for a classy, yet on-trend option. Although this top does not portray your entire stomach it still looks elegant and the white detail adds a different dimension to the top. I will be styling this with my jelly shoes, shorts and sunglasses.

                                   

Crop Top - £12.99

As I was searching for summer dresses, I found two that I really liked the look of. The first one is this salmon pink with white flowers and a white lace belt. I really liked the pattern on this dress and the material which is silk makes it smart, so I can wear it for sixth form but also out for dinner on holiday. I would pair it with pumps for school and sandals for holiday. I would not add any accessories as the loud print speaks for itself.

                                  

Pink Dress - £14.99

My second summer dress is this baby blue with white butterfly dress. I loved this simple yet versatile summer dress as it is pretty and can be paired with anything and still look different. I would style it with sandals, a silver necklace, rings and sunglasses.

                                   Butterfly Dress - £22.00

My next stop was the accessories section. I started looking through the jewellery and discovered these rings. I absolutely love rings and they are by far my favourite piece of jewellery. I always feel that it is best to get multiple rings in a pack as this way, you are getting your money's worth but you are able to mix and match at your own pleasure.

Rings - £7.99

Also, in the accessories department were the hair items. I don't normally bother with this bit, but I had a quick look and found these hair scrunchies. I love scrunchies and was planning on learning how to make my own, but never got round to it (maybe one day I will!), so I thought I would buy my own.

Scrunchies - £2.99 each

My final purchase was my long awaited jelly shoes that I keep on going on and on about. I could not wait any longer and I just had to get them, before all of the good ones went. I bought these plain black jelly shoes, which I thought could go with anything and everything. I might try and get another pair before I go away in a brighter colour, but I am so happy and excited to wear these!! If you own a pair of jelly shoes but don't know how to style them or want to know where to buy a pair, then check out my blog post Rise of the 90s Jelly Shoe.

Jelly Shoes - £9.99

Hope you enjoyed this blog post!

All photos in this blog post were taken by me. 

The Discovery of the Loom Bands

While out on a shopping trip with my mum, she asked me "Do you know what loom bands are?" I had never heard of "loom bands" in my life, but apparently my mum seemed to have a good idea. As a teacher, she had discovered this up and coming trend of these "loom bands", in which coloured elastic bands are twisted in a way to make a cool and unique pattern, which could be shaped into bracelets, necklaces, anklets etc.

Now, as most teenagers know, it is never good when your mum has more knowledge on a new fashion trend, so I made it my priority to research and look around to find out why these "loom bands" are causing such a phenomenon, and what celebrities are currently wearing this style of bracelet?

www.groupon.com.au

1) Bracelets 

The most popular style of jewellery through loom bands is the faithful bracelet. This means that you can wear maybe just the one bracelet or for a more relaxed and boho look, stack multiple bracelets on both wrists, in a range of different colours and patterns, like the picture above. If you would like to learn how to make a loom bracelet, there are a range of different YouTube videos online, or step-by-step guides on the internet as well, so make sure to check them out. Also, for those of you, that are interested in loom bands, but are worried they will cost a lot of money, don't worry as you can go into the pound shop or The Entertainer and they are only selling for £1 a packet, in a range of colour. Now, you have no excuses! 

Loom Bands have become so big that even royalty have been photographed wearing them, pictured below is Kate Middleton, wearing a single bracelet featuring a smart attire. 

 www.dailymail.co.uk

Or, you can copy Lauren Conrad who has been pictured wearing a variety of loom bands on her wrist.

crumbsandcurls.blogspot.com

2) Necklaces 

A second way you could wear your loom band is by creating a necklace. This could be paired with any outfit and will add a spot of colour and originality to any piece of clothing. Again, you could keep the look simple with just the one necklace or for a more daring look you could place multiple necklaces. However, make sure that the necklace is not too tight and please test how tight the necklace is before tying the loom band off. 

You could try and create a loom band chocker necklace, in which you would have created two trends in one, as the chocker necklace is another up-and-coming trend this season. 

www.banggood.com

3) More Experienced Creations 

Once you have grasped the loom bands and how to make bracelets in different styles, you might want to try and make a more difficult and challenging creation with the loom bands. Below are some really cool creations people have shaped out of the bands. If you do want to try out any of these designs, then make sure to check out the YouTube videos that I have linked below (under the image). 

Maybe, a cute penguin and its baby 

 www.youtube.com

Or some unique and home made Christmas decorations 

 www.youtube.com

How about some bunny rabbits for Easter 

 www.youtube.com

These loom bands make such great and interesting accessories for anybody and everybody. So, next time you are stuck for a present or gift for your parent or sibling, then why not make them a loom band bracelet, necklace or character. I'm sure they will love it, as you put in the time and effort to make something that they can keep for a long time. Another idea is making friendship bracelets for your group of friends at school, that way you will all feel like you are part of a group, with a colourful bracelet to show off!

Now, you have the hang of the loom bands, why not try and copy Jimmy Kimmel and make a whole suit full of loom bands. I found this so funny and it must have taken hours to make but it looks so cool. 

blog.ebay.com

Hope this blog post filled you guys in on the latest craze. I know it is late but hopefully it informed some of you who are clueless on this craze as I was. 

All pictures in this blog post are from Google Images

Savvy School Supplies

As an A-Level student, I have to be super prepared when I return to school. After having a few weeks off after my exams in May, I have returned to school, and found myself needing new school materials such as pens, highlighters, notepads etc. Although most of you are approaching the end of the academic year and are not in need of new school supplies, however, come September, we will all be rushing to Staples or Ryman to get our new necessities.

From first-hand experience, going back to school/college is not the most exciting time in the world, especially after a long break off. However, it is something we all have to deal with and maybe we are able to make this ordeal more bearable with the help of some new back-to-school items (plus, it gives you another excuse to go on a shopping trip!) Personally, I love getting new supplies for school (I know this sounds a bit nerdy!), I just think there is nothing better than opening a fresh, new notebook on the first day back and writing with a brand new pen.

So, I decided to design a blog post to show you cool, unique and original school items, so that when you return back to school/college, you are almost excited to try out your new purchases.

                                                                                       retrowunderland.tumblr.com

1) Pencil Cases 

Everybody needs a pencil case, in order to keep all of their pens, pencils, rulers, rubbers etc in place. So, what better way to start the new school year than with a cute, fresh case. Remember: this will probably last you the whole year, so make sure to pick one you really love. 

Sunflower Pencil Case - Urban Outfitters - £10.00

                                               www.urbanoutfitters.com

 

Woodland Multi Pencil Case - Paperchase - £2.75

www.pinterest.com

Belle and Boo Pencil Case - John Lewis - £8.00

www.johnlewis.com

The Belle and Boo pencil case is my favourite by far, I love the fact it has a little story on the pencil case and is so adorable and original.

2) School Bag

Summersville Satchel - Paperchase - £30.00

www.pinterest.com

Aztec Backpack- Accessorize - £35.00 

uk.accessorize.com

Tile Print Saffiano Tote Bag- Topshop - £28.00

www.styloko.com

3) Notebooks/Pads 

I am always getting through so many notebooks when at school, although I tend to get the cheap refill pads, instead of splashing out on an expensive pad. Below are some options for notebooks/pads that you could use for school, work, college, university, a gift for a friend or even if you want to treat yourself, here are some options for you:

3D Orange Kitten Notebook- Urban Outfitters - £6.00

I am in love with cats and so when I found this kitten notebook, I had to upload it on here for you guys.

www.urbanoutfitters.com

Dragonfly Applique Journal- Paperchase -  NOW £4.50 WAS £9.00 

www.pinterest.com

Art File Birds A5 Notebook- John Lewis -  £8.50

www.johnlewis.com

4) Stationary (Pens, Pencils, Ruler, Rubber, Highlighters etc)

As this is a big section of the back to school post, I am only going to put  one idea for each piece of stationary mentioned. Otherwise, it could get really long and tedious.

Yummy Scented Pen Set- Urban Outfitters -  £10.00 

wanelo.com

Bear Highlighters Pack of 5- Paperchase  -  £3.00 

                                 wanelo.com

All Change Ball Pen Set - 1 Black and 1 Red Pen - Paperchase -  £1.25

                                                           www.pinterest.com

Iwako Shaped Erasers- Blott.com -  Ranging in prices 

Biege Biscuit Eraser £1.10

Purple Cat £1.00 

Toothbrush £0.30

  www.blottshop.com

These rubbers are so adorable and unique as well. There are so many different shapes and colours to choose from. Including animals, food, objects, vehicles and so many more. I highly recommend looking out for this shop on the high street and having a look for yourself as it is stationary heaven and you can pick up some great original bargains.

30cm Ruler in Green- Blott.com -  £1.00

www.blottshop.com

Animals 6 Pencil Set Tin - Blott.com -  £3.00  

www.blottshop.com

So, there are my back-to-school buys and I hope you found this blog post helpful.

All pictures in this blog post are from websites that I have hyperlinked