Everyone is talking about NYX Cosmetics at the moment, ever since Boots started stocking the brand. Yesterday, I had a couple of bits I needed to pick up before I went away and decided to have a little mooch around the counter. I behaved myself since I know I'm going to do so much shopping in Trafford Center later this week and just picked up two of their Soft Matte Lip Creams.
The Soft Matte Lip Creams are basically a liquid lipstick. They apply with a lipgloss applicator but are incredibly pigmented. They apply quite glossy and sticky before drying down on the lips into a matte finish. I have a love hate relationship with liquid lipsticks. I find that they are either too sticky and don't dry out enough and end up getting all over your teeth or they don't apply as much colour as I like. These, however, are the perfect formula. They apply sticky to begin with which makes it really easy to apply but then they dry out and stay on your lips for an incredibly long time.
Despite the matte formula, I don't find the product drying on the lips either. They feel really creamy and they don't peel like a lot of lipgloss. They also don't hug the dry patches on your lips too which I like. There are so many colours to pick from I ended up with Cannes and Istanbul but I was eyeing up Sao Paulo too. I love both the colours I picked up. Cannes looks a bit more brown/pink in the tube but applied on me as very deep colour. Whereas Istanbul is definitely more of a baby pink shade, perfect for spring/summer. I would definitely check out the NYX counter if you have one near you. It's really affordable for some great quality products.
Monday's are normally my time to share music on here,but today is a special day for me as it's the day I turn 21. In all honesty I haven't been looking forward to turning 21 but at the same time its a milestone I feel like sharing.
On Friday I went out with the girls from work to Frankie and Benny's and had some food, it's always a good laugh when we get together outside of work. I'm not one to have the attention poured onto me so as it's one of the other girls 18th soon we've joined our birthdays together for a meal. Sunday, I spent some quality time with my family eating lots of Chinese food and watching movies. Scott came around and again it was just a lovely evening. Towards the end of the week I'm meeting up with a bunch of school friends for some food too (I'm going to be non-stop eating this week).
Tomorrow, myself and Scott are going away to Blackpool for a couple of days and I'm so excited. Blackpool is where I spent most of my summers growing up and I still love it now. There's plenty of things to do like the zoo and the sea life centre as well as the arcades which I will no doubt update you on here as and when of what we've gotten up to. I'm also looking forward to spending some time away with Scott. It'll be our first holiday together so it'll be lovely to have some quality time.
21 probably means that I'm officially an adult and if that's so I'm worried. I might seem really put together on the outside but I think I'm a mess most of the time. I've learnt a lot about life already and I can't wait to see what else life has to throw me in the years to come. If you're celebrating your birthday today too, I hope its epic.
What are your plans for your birthdays? Or any holidays coming up?
This last two months my hair has drove me mad. I've been using the same shampoo and conditioner for about a year I would say and one day when I used it I noticed that my scalp became really sore and each time I washed my a hair I noticed that my scalp became more and more inflamed. So I've been hunting for a new shampoo and conditioner that made my hair look and feel soft the way that one had previously.
I've had so many problems trying to find something suitable for my hair. I colour my hair so I try and find something that adds hydration because my hair can become really damaged. But the few I tried just weren't working for me. I noticed that when washing my hair the 'repair my hair' sort of shampoos just weren't soaping up the way I like and my hair never felt super clean either. I was also finding I was spending ages trying to wash my hair and make sure it soaped up and was as clean as possible when I could really do with something that was quick and easy especially when you're getting ready in the morning.
I then tried the Nicky Clarke SmoothSilk Frizz Shampoo and Conditionerand my hair felt so much better immediately. My soaped up the way I like it to when washing my hair and once I had dried it felt and looked really soft. I like the smell of the product too (unlike others that I had tried previously) and it wasn't a break the bank price. I haven't had a sore scalp since using this and my hair feels a lot healthier. If you're struggling with sore scalps or wanting to find something that makes your hair look silk, I would recommend trying these out. I was so impressed with what they've done for my hair.
The other day myself and Scott decided to take a walk around our local reservoir to feed the ducks. We'd just been to the gym (hence why I look a little dishevelled - cardio killed me) and it was still nice out so made use of the opportunity buy taking a wander. I love going for walks with Scott just because I relax a lot more, especially if I've been having a bit of a rough time. It also gives us some time to just chat enjoy each others company instead of being cooped up watching lots and lots of TV al the time. There were loads of baby ducks about this time when we went and I couldn't help but find them all so cute especially the geese - so adorable.
As per usual, I took this opportunity to get Scott to take some outfit shots for me too. So here goes.
Today I thought I would share with you my go to every day lipsticks. I always love watching Youtube videos of peoples top 10 favourite lipsticks etc, but thought I would share with you my everyday lipsticks.
Charlotte Tilbury - Amazing Grace
This is probably my all time favourite lipstick, it's part of the Matte Revolution range and I adore it. It was the first product I ever tried from Charlotte Tilbury and clearly wasn't disappointed. It's quite a natural colour, it's a very rosy pink with a hint of red in there and I always feel really put together when I wear it. I love that it's matte because it lasts ages on the lips. It can be a little bit drying but I tend to just put on some lipbalm before application. I find that this lipstick works well regardless of the season and it really brightens up your look.
Rimmel - Let's Get Naked
This lipstick I bring out every summer and it's the only lipstick I've ever repurchased. It's a peachy nude and looks amazing with a coral blusher. I love the formula of this lipstick, I try not to wear quite so many matte lipsticks in the summer just because I prefer the glossier look for this time of the year. Let's Get Naked is part of Rimmel's Moisture Renew range. They're long lasting despite the fact they have a glossy finish. I just love the colour of this lipstick, I do struggle to wear corals and peaches as they tend to drain my colouring but this looks really pretty on the lips.
Clinique - Nude Pop
This is a great go to nude, its kind of a cross between the Rimmel and Maybelline ones mentioned in colouring, its quite pinky with a hint of peach in there. Its really moisturising on the lips and because of the primer benefits the lipstick is really long lasting too. The colour is also perfect for if you've got a smoky eye going off, this is the perfect nude to go along side it.
Maybelline - Pink Fling
Part of their Blushed Nudes Collection, this has been my latest addition to my lipstick collection. I love the baby pink colour, I think it's hard to find a baby pink that doesn't look too barbie doll, but this, for me, is perfect. Its got a creamy texture too and is super glossy. I've been reaching for this a lot for the last month. It's very girly but a nude so incredibly easy to wear.
There we have it, my everyday lipsticks. When I don't know which lipstick to go for, these four never fail me. What are you favourite lipsticks?
Sometimes it's hard to get motivated to go to the gym, trust me I know. Sometimes you're hungry after work and so that comes before going to the gym, there is nothing worse than being hungry and working out, I always feel so faint and sick. It's also hard to find motivation to hit the gym if you're constantly doing the same things. For me, I've been looking through the Women's Health Big Book of Exercises to find new and things to do in my workouts. I tend to use it more when I'm at home doing a home work out if I'm honest.
What I like about the book is that it's in clear sections for you to find exercises to train different parts of your body. I look at the abs section the most. I find it boring doing sit ups and crunches all the time so this helps me find new ideas for different circuits for me to do and helps me keep things a bit more interesting. It's also good if you're bored at the gym and creating routines before you actually go.
I've also got a couple of kettlebells at home that weighed a tonne carrying them home from my supermarket but I haven't really used them since I bought them, so I've been wanting to get into more at home workouts including these in my routine so it wasn't a waste of money. I know that Scott has looked through the book for ideas too, so it's definitely not just for women despite its name. I just need to invest in a good mat so that I'm not hurting my back on my wood floors.
Where do you find workout inspirations from? Also any recommendations for good gym mats for at home?
In April, I managed to blog pretty much everyday from when I started daily blogging but May has been a little bit of a fail for me. I can't blame anyone but myself and I have definitely needed to schedule a bit more time for myself. I write this blog when I have some free time, so on my days off or if I finish work a little earlier and I really enjoy it. It's my hobby and one I really enjoy. But this month I've found that I've barely had any free time, there's always seemed to be something coming up and not that I'm complaining because I've really enjoyed it, I've just found it difficult to keep up with my daily blogging, however, I'm hoping to get back to that now. With Scott away for a couple of days I'm hoping to get a lot of blogging done so that I'll have a couple of weeks waiting and ready for me to click publish.
This month I have learnt how much friendships mean and how important they are. I think I mentioned it at the beginning of the month but this month I've hung out with people I've never met before at Scott's work event and then last week I hung out with my brothers friend Stu who I've never really hung out with before and I noticed how more relaxed I've become around meeting new people and making new friends. Awhile back I wouldn't have dreamed of meeting new people and would've felt the anxiety for weeks but lately I've been enjoying meeting new people and having conversations with different people - not many more new people, but a handful is still enough.
Friendships are hard. You're always going to have fall outs and disagreements. But the most important thing you need is to be able to trust them. I've had plenty of friends in the past but I've only been able to trust a small handful. There have been people throughout my life that I've said things too thinking they'll keep it to themselves for it to only later be passed on and trust me guys can be worse than girls. Unfortunately, it isn't something that stops as you get older.
I'm lucky enough to have realised who my friends are over the last couple of years and we're planning on doing a lot more together. You can get down a lot, especially as you get older, about friendships and not having many friends but in all honesty it's not about how many friends you have but how much you care about those people and they care about you. I'm looking forward to spending my birthday with some of my closest friends this weekend and the following week with some school mates. This has been a little improtu but as always I like to keep my Tuesdays to ramblings.
Last Wednesday I went to see The Summer Set at Nottingham Rescue Rooms and it has been one of my favourite gigs I've been too. Though it was only a small turnout, the crowd were still incredibly supportive and the atmosphere was just like a party in there with tracks like 'Figure Me Out' and 'All My Friends'.
I first started listening to The Summer Set (an American pop/punk band) in about 2010 when my brother introduced me to them, and I loved their 'Legendary' album when it was released in 2013 but they've released a new album, 'Stories For Monday' and it's definitely my favourite. With catchy lyrics and a feel good sound this album had me dancing from the first listen. It's definitely the perfect summer album.
As for the gig, the band were incredible. Performing a nice mix of their new songs and old, Brian Dales is such a great frontman, not only with great vocals, but getting the crowd moving and the interaction was perfect. Highlights for me, were 'Boomerang', 'The Night Is Young', 'Chelsea' and 'Missin' You'. It was a night full of singing, dancing and smiles. I don't think I've ever smiled so much. I liked how they interacted with their fans but there were no gimmicks, it was just a bunch of friends on stage performing and you could see how much they love doing it. I liked the naturalness of the gig too, there wasn't any forced choreography or hitting marks etc, but they were just moving around the stage and performing without a care, which I think made it so enjoyable. You could see that they were enjoying themselves which made the crowd have a good time too. I would recommend seeing them again, it was my first time watching them live, but my brother and his friend have seen them 4 times now and say they're always amazing. I can't wait to watch them perform again.
If you're a fan of The Cab and All Time Low you'll probably like these. Check out the music video for The Summer Set's music video for 'Missin' You' below:
When I was in my local Boots the other day, I spotted that Barry M had a new range of nail paints out from the last time I visited. This was the Coconut Infusion Range. The formula includes coconut water and coconut oil to help hydrate your nails whilst still providing a glossy gel-like finish.
(My nails are slightly chipped but this was 4 days after I applied it)
I was more interested in the colours than the added coconut benefits though I was curious about it. I struggle with peeling nails and so I thought this may help to prevent my nails from peeling a little and I have noticed an improvement in this too. I love the colour, I picked up Surfboard which is a pale nude pink. It looked really nice with my accessories for Saturday night too. It's the perfect colour to wear all year round in my opinion too. It's still has that glossy finish like the Barry M Gelly range does too. I'm definitely going to be going back into store and picking up a few other colours as they were all really pretty.
Today's music comes in the form of a young male artist called Joshua Luke Smith with his new single 'Carry Me'. A song about coming home and being free to be who you are, Joshua has said,
'Along my own journey I've defined home as living as the person you were born to be, free from pressures of other perceptions and your own self-depreciation. 'Home' is a identity without illusion, without the confusion of trying to be someone we are not. We all get distracted, disappointed and at times disillusioned with who we are and where we're at but there's hope in knowing you can change direction, there's hope in knowing you can always return home'.
'Carry Me' is a song about appreciating the people who stand by you throughout. Using his beautiful soulful voice for the chorus to sing about being 'free' and 'walking in the wrong direction' we can hear how gorgeous Joshua's tone is. He then raps the verses, he's captured the right balance between the two and shows off how much talent he has. With a song that has a lot of depth behind it and has been so beautifully crafted its hard to believe that Joshua has never physically written a single line of his songs but has clearly not allowed his dyslexia hold him back when it comes to his poetry and artistry.
A song about peer pressure as a teenager the music video portrays this message beautifully. We see a group of teenagers out late at night getting drunk and fooling around until someone takes things too far and one of the boys can't handle the pressure to be someone he isn't even if it means fitting in. The video is beautifully shot showing clips of the boys mother crying at home looking at pictures of him as a young boy before he returns home sitting on the door step visibly upset with the person he's become. It's an incredibly inspiring song and music video. I love that the message is powerful and something that we can all relate to. Joshua Luke Smith is definitely someone we should be keeping an eye one as he simply oozes talent.
Check out Joshua Luke Smith's music video for 'Carry Me' below:
I recently received a sample of the MorroccanOil Treatmentand whilst I initially just put the bottle away without much thought I tried it the other week and fell in love with the product.
I struggle with my hair getting greasy at the roots and having dry ends, so using serums on the lengths of my hair really helps. I applied the MorroccanOil Treatment to damp hair, so when I dried my hair half way through I applied a small amount of the product through my hair. I sectioned my hair into three sections and ran the product through the end of my hair before drying it completely.
Once my hair was dry I noticed that my hair felt a lot softer and healthy immediately. But after I straightened my hair the next morning you could instantly see a difference. My hair looked a lot healthier and felt it, it also looked a lot shinier. I would really recommend trying out the brand if you're like me and do suffer with dry ends to your hair. You only need a small amount so I know the sample that I've got will last me a while.
Last Sunday I made a special as a treat for my 21st birthday. We were in Birmingham and so went to the Bullring shopping centre which is always a disaster for my bank account. It was when I was in Selfridges that I came out with a rather large bag containing an All Saints goodie in there. Whilst I've been lusting after their leather jackets for a couple of years now, I didn't leave with one. I just couldn't justify it on the day. I did, however, pick up an All Saints Suede Cross Body Bag. I fell in love with it immediately. It's the perfect summer bag but you could also use it in winter too. It's a beige/sand colouring so will go with most outfits too. The leather on the bag is gorgeous too, it's incredibly soft which means I can't stop stroking it. The bag isn't too big, but its bigger than the bag I have been using too. It's just the perfect size for me. I'd definitely check out the range of bags in store if you have an All Saints near you.
I'm also obsessed with this printed bomber jacket from Dorothy Perkins. It's lightweight so it's perfect for the weather we've been having lately where it's been quite warm but in the evenings you've still wanted a little bit of something on. I also wear a lot when I've just come out of the gym where I'm still really warm but if I don't wear anything I get freezing cold too. They're really good for making it look like you've made an effort with your outfit too.
Before I got into going to the gym, I started working on my abs by following YouTube videos. There's loads out there and it's just trying to find one that suits you and that you enjoy doing. So I thought I'd share with you my favourite ab workout that I tend to do at home (though you can also do at the gym too).
So I started following a routine called the 10 Minute Ab Workout: How to Get a Six Pack off of theXHit Daily. I liked this routine because it's easy to follow as she goes through all the steps with you plus it reminds you of what's next in the routine throughout the video with a notification. I find the video is really encouraging and it's more about doing what your capable of in that time limit than doing a certain amount of leg raises etc. I also noticed a difference after a couple of weeks following this routine with my abs. They were definitely more defined. The channel also has a five minute ab workout along with workouts for beginners so be sure to check their channel out.
Check out 10 Minute Ab Workout: How to Get a Six Pack below:
At the weekend, myself and Scott went to a ball for his work and it's quite possibly the biggest thing I've been too. I found the entire process leading up to the event really stressful and it definitely tested my anxiety. Firstly, it's a ball and I was told that it wasn't the kind of occasion where you wear a long dress so opted for something in between where it was longer on one leg than the other. Whilst many did wear long dresses other wore shorter ones too. I initially felt a little out of place but in reality I felt really comfortable and confident in what I was wearing that I didn't actually care in the end.
Before we left to go to Birmingham (about an hours drive for us) I was so anxious and there was a moment when I wasn't sure on whether or not to go. But I decided that I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity and ruin the day for myself and the event for Scott. So I swallowed the nerves down and got in the car and got myself ready.
The event was really lovely. The people were nice, and the entertainment was brilliant. I also felt myself relax a lot throughout the evening and the nerves and anxiety quickly went and I was soon back to my normal self.
We stayed at The Hyatt in Birmingham and it's the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at. I asked Scott several times if we were in the right place. It was also lovely because it was connected to the ICC where the event was so we only had to cross a closed bridge when everyone else got wet through walking over from different hotels. The breakfast was amazing and there was a wide selection to choose from and the staff were really friendly. I was gutted when we had to leave Sunday morning. However, we did go shopping and I may have treated myself to a 21st birthday present, you'll see it on Friday.
Anyway, whilst you can see what I wore, I also wanted to write this post just to remind you that anxiety is a daily battle and it's not something that you can ever be cured with. But you just need to keep pushing yourself. Whilst this was a big deal for me in terms of anxiety (because I had to travel, stayed in a hotel without my parents, met lots of people I didn't know, stayed in a place I didn't know) I managed to get through the day without it ruining my plans. Even the little victories are still victories.
I've been a fan of Busted since I was about 7/8 and when I heard that they were reuniting again I was overjoyed. The thing is you never know how it's going to go, some people have a comeback and they're amazing and others leave you a little disappointed. The other day Busted released the lyric video to their first single of the band back together and I'm a fan of it.
Though it's not very typical Busted in sound, it's really up my street in sound. The song is called Coming Home and basically tells the story how they've all gone their separate ways but now it's time to come back to where they started, essentially coming home. Lyrics such as 'I miss my family' shows how much this reunion must mean to the band.
The track is a lot more mellow than what we're used to from Busted, the slick and tongue in cheek lyrics have gone and they've provided a more serious and sincere track. Though its still got an electronic sound to them, typical of their older material. It reminds me a lot more of what Charlie Simpson did as a solo artist but with a little more life behind it. The song is optimistic about the future and I can't wait to hear what's next for the band. I wish I had tickets to their tour but I'll stick to listening to Coming Home on repeat.
Check out the Lyric Video of Busted's Coming Home below:
Yesterday, myself and Scott went for a walk around a reservoir near to where we live. It was a nice evening and so took advantage of the weather to get a few shots. I love going to the reservoir just because I find it incredibly relaxing and there's lots of different animals around, it's often full of people walking the dogs which is always cute too, and it's perfect for running around if you're training.
I've recently been wearing my daisy printed jeans a lot lately, especially since the weather has picked up and it's okay to have your ankles out. I've just been teaming them up with a white cami or t-shirt and slipping on my converse or sandals and I'm good to go. It looks like you've put a bit more effort into your outfit when all your really wearing is jeans and a t-shirt.
I love to having a nosey into people's make up bags and so today I thought I'd share with you what's been living in mine for the last few weeks. I picked up a new make up bag on Monday from Urban Outfitters, I'm going away at the weekend so I wanted something that would fit my make up brushes in them as well without completely crushing them and this one does that perfectly. These items I basically use all the time and they're my go to products for when I'm in a rush in a morning.
First up, I've been using the Revlon PhotoReady Perfecting Primer whilst I originally didn't get along with this product, I've been trying it out since my Nude By Nature Primer ran out and I've been enjoying it. I find it's quite silky in application and whilst I originally broke out when I first started using it again, now I'm having no problems. I just apply my primer with my fingers.
I then use myRimmel Lasting Finish Foundation in Ivory. I've been using this foundation for a couple of months now and love it. It's quite a full coverage foundation but it feels really light on the skin and it doesn't feel like you've got anything on. I apply my foundation with the Zoeva Silk Finish Brush. I then go in with my concealer and again I've been using the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for years now. It's just the best, in my opinion, for hiding and brightening up dark circles. After that I like to set my base with the Boujois Healthy Balance Powder, just a light powder to set things in place.
I've recently picked up Benefit Hoola Bronzer, after lusting after it for ages I finally had enough boots points to pick up the miniature that they sell. Using the Real Techniques Contour BrushI just apply this to the hollows of my cheekbones to just look a little more tanned and healthier. I then use my Nars The Mutiple (Orgasm)on my cheeks. I've been loving cream blushers lately and this has been my favourite over the last two months, I just use my Real Techniques Stipling Brush to bush it in.
Once my base is finish I then just use a bit of eyeliner (which I couldn't find when taking the picture) and a mascara and I've been loving the Lancome Hynose Volume-a-porter. I find it gives you a bit of length but makes you eyelashes look really full. I then comb through my eyebrows and apply a little bit of lipstick and I'm good to go.
This week music wise we're talking about Australian singer Jude Perl who's just released her debut album Modern Times. Challenging the motive behind music with the album, she's created an upbeat, funky album that will have you wanted to sing along over and over again.
Jude Perl has a very distinctive voice, she doesn't sing with her accent like some artists do, but at the same time has a stand out voice in a similar way that Lily Allen has. Having created a 'funk-a-licious' album it will have you wanted to travel back in time to the 80's and go to a disco, but at the same time it still sounds very current. The album opens with the single 'Hungry and Horny' this is such a great introduction to the album, it's upbeat and features the disco element heavily. It's cool and fun and so well crafted. Demonstrating her different skills and styles to music with her funk and soul style used in so many of her tracks, 'Yetta' sees her edgier side as she plays around with some rock elements. She also shows her softer side with track 'The Better Life Gets' which opens with just a piano.
As well as having the upbeat element, she also takes it back a notch with the second track 'Can't Wait to See You' which is a lot more innocent and young, in my opinion, when you're just falling in love and eager to see your partner. It almost sounds like a song from a musical which I love. It's cute and fun with lyrics such as 'my heart belonged to you before I knew your name' it reminds me of a young teenager love and the repeatedly sung 'can't wait to see you' its probably the most innocent track on the album.
As well as the fun side of her album, Jude Perl also takes the time to take a few digs at the media and advertisements in particular. With tracks like 'Poison Diet' and lyrics like 'desensitised' and 'no time to reflect on this disaster' I can't help but think how gossip magazines are always trying to sell us weight loss tricks and these diets, I like the fact that she's calling them outright. Making a statement is so difficult these days, but Jude Perl has done it in such an elegant way. Along with the track 'Money Got in the Way' another track with a lot power behind it 'took the spark out of your eye' and how the person changed what they wanted to do to fit into society and follow the 'rules' that we don't even realise are being told to us all the time. "Music and advertising are so intertwined, which to me seems ludicrous, as they have such different goals, Music is supposed to elevate people and challenge people and advertising kind of does the opposite" is what Jude Perl has previously said and I feel like these two tracks in particular demonstrate this.
Within her album she also has these breaks of thirty seconds of songs that sound a lot like advertisement jingles. 'Sugar-Ohs''Sugar Stuff' and 'SugarHope' they are all quirky and not necessrily what you expect to appear on an album but at the same time they seem to fit in perfectly especially because of the premise and what she hopes to achieve with the album.
If you're looking for something a little bit different and quirky, I would recommend giving Jude Perl's Modern Times a listen. It's been crafter so incredibly. Check out Jude Perl's music video for 'Hungry and Horny' below.
I've been using the Nuxe Reve de Miel lip balm for about two years now and I'm still as in love with it as when I first picked it up. I bought it when I was first getting into skincare and beauty the second time around so when I was about 18/19 and I've been using it ever since not really using any other lip balm since.
I like the formula of the product, it is quite thick and heavy duty so I tend to pack a lot on to my lips at night to act almost like a mask. I wear a lot of matte lipsticks so my lips do get really dry throughout the day and I find this works really well in saving them a little. Whereas when I apply it throughout the day I only put a very small amount on. The product also acts like a gentle scrub I find. It is ever so slightly gritty so removes any dead cells. Whilst the product is quite thick, it feels very light on the lips which I love. It dries really quickly so if you're applying a lipstick on top you're not waiting around ages. It's very nourishing and feels really creamy on the lips too, you can feel the benefits on the lip balm straight away. I can't go to bed at night without applying this lip balm anymore or my lips just feel too dry and tight. If you're in the market for a new lip balm I highly recommend checking out the Nuxe Reve de Mielpriced at £9.50 on Feel Unique its such a bargain and the product lasts ages. I've only had to buy two in the entire time that I've been using the product.
