Charlotte Tilbury Favourites

Charlotte Tilbury has got to be up there with some of the best brands for lipsticks. I absolutely love them and they have been a staple in my makeup bag for many years.

I have three lipsticks which are my absolute favourites of hers and I’ve included an image of three swatches on my arm so you can see what the shades are like.

1) ‘Secret Santa’

I received ‘Secret Santa’ at Christmas as a present from my sister and I was made up, I feel like it’s a perfect shade for the Winter but can also add a bit of something extra to a Summery outfit as it is so bright.

2) ‘Very Victoria’

I’d say this was a very close shade to Mac’s ‘Velvet Teddy’ as it’s a dark nude. I tend to wear this shade on nights out to add a bit more to my makeup look as it can make your makeup look a lot more dramatic. I also feel like my lips look fuller when I wear this lipstick.

3) ‘Bitch Perfect’

Saving the best for last, this is my favourite of the three and the one I reach for everyday. It is a peachy shade which I think suits my pale skin the most and it is also the most suitable for an everyday look as it isn’t too dramatic but ties the makeup look together perfectly.

(Secret Santa is first on the left, then Vey Victoria in the middle and finally Bitch Perfect on the right)

The lipsticks, at £24 in most UK stores can be seen to be a little bit pricy, especially when comparing them to Mac’s prices however the packaging, the way the lipsticks feel when you put them on and the long lasting colour make them definitely worth it.

Q: If you were to buy one of these three shades, which would it be? Also, which other shades do you recommend?

Much love xox

18 things I’ve learnt in 18 years!

My birthday is coming up soon and I will finally be turning 18- it feels like I have been waiting for this moment for way too long. As turning 18 is meant to be quite a big deal, I wanted to do a blog post centred around it and thought I would tell you guys 18 different things I have learnt in 18 years.

1. Everything happens for a reason (my favourite quote, which I live by)
2. Not everyone has the same good intentions that you have and that’s ok, don’t let it affect you
3. People change and sometimes that can be for good but mostly it’s for the bad and there’s nothing you can do about it- learn to cope or walk away
4. Things can only get better- you can have the worst day and want to give up but things will eventually improve
5. Always be yourself, don’t ever change for anyone or anything
6. Coffee is your saviour (especially when you’re a student or you never sleep)
7. Know your place in a situation/ argument- apologise when you’re wrong but keep grounded if you know you’re right
8. It’s ok not to have your life figured out or have any clue what you want to do, everything will work out in the end.
9. Keep yourself to yourself, social media doesn’t define you- your whole life doesn’t have to be portrayed through Instagram or Twitter
10. People will leave you even if they promised that they wouldn’t- this is ok, pick yourself up and move on
11. Your family are your best friends, always put them first.
12. Remember that there is no such thing as a ‘perfect’ life or a ‘flawless’ person- nothing can be completely perfect
13. Always work your hardest- you will only get out what you put in
14. Know who your true friends are, focus on them and be wary of others
15. Teachers don’t know everything and aren’t always in the right, but be respectful and value your time in school and the lessons you learn.
16. Take photos of anything special or fun that you do, they will always be valuable to you and will provide good memories to think back on
17. Remember that you need to get off your phone at times and enjoy what is going on around you and cherish the moments you’re experiencing.
18. Finally- try and make something out of each and every day and value everything you experience.

 

What are some of the things you have learnt over the years?

Favourites: May

I honestly can’t believe that May is over already- this year is going far too quickly. This month has been both bad and good for many different reasons- it’s definitely not been the best month for blog posts due to exams being so close. However, I’m still going to share with you guys my favourites of this month!

Super Facialist Salicylic Acid Anti Blemish Clay Mask

My skin has been playing up massively this month and this mask has just been amazing. Whenever my skin feels sore or my blemishes are really noticeable then I will put this on and it helps to calm them and it feels like it gives my skin that extra cleanse that it needs.

Clinique moisture surge extended thirst relief

This has quickly become my favourite moisturiser! It just works so well with my dry skin-I use it every morning and night and I also use it just before I apply my makeup. The moisturiser gives my skin a glow which it has never had and it makes my skin look so much more healthier. I recommend this moisturiser to everyone!

Sì Eau de Parfum by Giorgio Armani 

I’ve already done a blog post on my favourite fragrances so check that out if you want a more in depth look at why this is my favourite perfume. I just had to mention it in my favourites as this month I have especially been reaching for this one in particular and it just smells incredible, I love it!

Batiste Dry shampoo

Dry shampoo has been my life saver this month. With the amount of work I’m doing I haven’t made the effort to properly wash my hair which results in it getting greasy so much quicker. The shampoo just helps to give me an extra day before I have to wash my hair and that’s helpful when I’m so busy.

 

 

Geordie Shore (Big Birthday Battle)

I love Geordie Shore, I’ve been watching it for years as I just find it so funny and it’s so interesting to watch how everyone has changed over the years and fall in love with the new housemates which come in each year! But this time around I have loved it that extra bit more, as all of the housemates (well, minus a few boring ones) have entered back into the house and it’s so lovely seeing all of them living together again and it provides so much more drama which is amazing!

Catfish and the Bottlemen

Whilst I’ve been doing work, I have loved nothing more than being able to listen to CATB- I just love the sound of this band and their songs are some of my most favourites. I also love how I can play their music at any time and they can have a totally different effect, whether that’s helping me to relax  or helping me to wake up in the morning when I’m half asleep!

 

Recent purchases: Clinique

Clinique is definitely one of my favourite brands for skincare. My skin is horrendously dry at the moment so I was looking into different moisturising facemasks and came across Clinique’s overnight one. When I went to pick it up, I came across a set which included; a full sized ‘moisture surge extended thirst relief’, a sample sized ‘moisture surge overnight mask’, a sample sized eye cream- ‘all about eyes’ and a cute little makeup bag.

 

1) Moisture surge extended thirst relief     (50ml)

2) Moisture surge overnight mask     (30ml)

3) All about the eyes    (5ml)

In total this set cost £34!

I’ll let you know how I feel about these products after I’ve used them for a little while longer!

Birthday wishlist: makeup products

My birthday is coming up soon so I thought I would create a quick little blog post with makeup products that I’m hoping to receive or use birthday money to purchase. It might give a few of you some inspiration if you’re looking to buy more makeup!

1. Mario Badescu facial spray

 

2. Laura Mercier setting powder

3. Dior Addict lip glow pomade

 

4. Gerard cosmetics- Hydra Matte Liquid Lipstick

 

5. Mac Fix+

My top 4 fragrances

 

Jo Malone:

Peony& Blush Suede Cologne– ‘The essence of charm. Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede. Luxurious and seductive.’ 

£85 (http://www.jomalone.co.uk)

 

Pomegranate Noir- ‘The sensuality of a daring red dress. Ruby-rich juices of pomegranate, raspberry and plum are spiked with pink pepper and laced with Casablanca lily and spicy woods. Dark and enigmatic.’

£85 (http://www.jomalone.co.uk)

Giorgio Armani

Si Eau de Parfum-‘Top notes: Cassis, Bergamot, Mandarin
Heart notes: Freesia, Rose de Mai, Neroli, Jasmine
Base notes: Patchouli, Woody scents, Amber, Vanilla, Ambroxan’ 

£65 (50ml)  (http://www.johnlewis.com/giorgio-armani-si-eau-de-parfum/p603154)

 

Si Eau de Toilette- ‘Si eau de toilette is a delicate interpretation of the unique Si eau de parfum; a softer, lighter olfactory experience, reminiscent of a veil of chiffon against the skin.’ 

£54.50  (50ml)   (http://www.johnlewis.com/giorgio-armani-si-eau-de-toilette/p1897125)

-The Si Eau de Toilette is much lighter and therefore it is amazing for the Spring and Summer time, whereas the parfum is perfect for winter.

 

Have any of you tried these fragrances? What are some of your favourites?

 

The Elemis products that changed my skin

Elemis is my favourite skincare brand, which some of you may have gathered by now as I never stop going on about it! But, it is just sooo good and their products work so well with my skin. I have many of their moisturisers, cleansers, creams and exfoliators but I recently bought the ‘Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash’ and ‘Papaya Enzyme Peel’ due to the amazing things I have heard about them and the woman on the counter telling me it will be perfect for what I was looking for.

If you have checked out my other blog posts, you’ll know by now that my skin is very dry and I suffer from acne which resulted in my skin having scars which are so red and obvious that it was impossible to cover them, even with very high coverage foundation. However, these products have changed my skin forever- they are resurfacing products which means that they are taking the top layer of your dead skin off and reducing the look of scars and acne while leaving you with the smoothest and silkiest skin ever (no joke!)

Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash

I use the facial wash every night after using my normal chamomile cleanser and leave it on for a few minutes before removing it with a face cloth. It may tingle if you have very sensitive skin so just keep it on for however long you feel is necessary. This product is my favourite out of the two as I can really see the difference every night that I use it- before this, my skin was dull and dry but this has totally changed that- the dry patches are gone and my skin looks so much brighter, leaving me looking more awake and I couldn’t be happier!

Papaya Enzyme Peel

Once a week I will use the enzyme peel after the wash in order to give my skin a good exfoliating and cleanse. This smells amazinggg and really feels like your at the spa getting a facial- it is similar to an exfoliator in the way it works however it feels like a moisturiser which is perfect for those with sensitive skin as it isn’t abrasive and therefore it won’t leave you with red/sore skin. I leave this on for around 8 minutes and then wash it off with warm water and a cloth.

My skin has never looked or felt better- the products haven’t totally changed my skin and made an amazing drastic change but it has got me half way to achieving the perfect skin I crave for! I really recommend that you check these products out for yourself!

 

Price for the face wash – £30       (www.Elemis.com)

Price for the enzyme peel- £32    (www.Elemis.com) 

Pro’s:

• Leaves your skin feely ridiculously smooth
• Makeup applies so much better after using these two products
• They both smell amazing which is always a positive
• Leave your skin looking revived and brightened, perfect for those with dull skin
• Not like other resurfacing products- don’t hurt your skin or make it red/swollen

Con’s:

• Can be quite annoying having to wait in order to remove it (not good for when you’re shattered and need sleep)
• Can see the peel running out soon, not much product but still expensive

 

 

Liebster award nomination

I’ve been nominated by Emily to do this tag, where she set out some questions that I need to answer. I’m so happy she tagged me as I feel like this will give some of you the chance to learn a little bit more about me! Thanks Emily!

The rules for this tag are:

1. Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you
2. Display the award on your blog
3. Answer a set of 11 questions provided from the blogger that you were nominated by
4. Nominate 11 bloggers, each with under 200 followers
5. Create your own set of questions for your nominations to answer

 

My answers:

1. What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

My favourite ice cream flavour is chocolate, however I love neapolitan (Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla all together!)

2. Water? or Fizzy pop?

Fizzy pop, I love the drink Fanta fruit twist!

3.What are your 3 top fears?

To be burgled when I’m home alone (is that a good answer? who knows), Spiders and dying alone. Bit depressing, I know…

4. Are you a sweet or savoury person?

Sweet 100%

5.What is your favourite book?

‘The Island’ by Victoria Hislop- mainly because I’m obsessed with Greece and it’s based there

6. Do you prefer to write in pen or pencil?

Pen, I hate writing in pencil

7. Why did you start your blog?

I started my blog as I love to write. I also wanted to share my opinions, give advice and tell people my own experiences and hopefully see it as a way to make friends!

8.How many siblings do you have? If none, would you want any?

I have one sister, who’s older than me. Even though I have an older sister, I would love a baby sister too because I love babies and children!

9. What 2 things do you like about yourself an why?

Ooo this is difficult… maybe that I’m always true to who I am? I won’t be friends with someone if they have done me wrong just because they are ‘popular’ or because I want to get by, I’ll always be real and do what I want no matter what others do. Maybe thats a bad and good thing about me! Second thing would probably be how I’m always there for my friends, no matter what- I’m always there for anyone and everyone really, even if I don’t know someone and they asked me for help I’d be there to listen and give the best advice I could and be there for someone to talk to. So, if anyone needs someone to listen or to talk to, I’m here and I love meeting new people so talk to me 🙂

10. If you could be any animal what would you be?

Probably a dog- that’s quite boring but all they do is sleep and that’s all I want to do rather than study for exams haha!

11. What is your favourite chocolate bar?

Cadburys dairy milk with little pieces of oreo… mmm!

 

I nominate;

Cloudy skies blogging

These witty words I don’t believe

Pixie beauty bible

Demure ‘Denike

Ruby’s Cadence

Simply beautiful

I’m not sure who else to nominate as everyone has more than 200 followers but if you want to have a go then answer these questions:

1) What’s your favourite word?

2) What’s your go to lip colour?

3) Your favourite makeup product?

4) Who’s someone that you look up to?

5) Winter or summer?

6) Your favourite TV programme?

7) The best foundation you’ve ever used?

8) Do you enjoy blogging?

9) What made you start your blog in the first place?

10) What is the best advice you have to give?

11) What is the worst part about doing your makeup for you?

 

Have funnn😋

 

 

My Spring wishlist

I’m so happy that it’s now Spring- don’t get me wrong I love Winter and everything that comes with it but I always feel so much happier and upbeat when the sun starts to come out. It can be hard to find clothes in Spring which match British weather as you never know whether you’re going to be freezing and be soaked by the rain or whether you’ll be waking up to sun and bright blue sky. That’s why my favourite thing about Spring is all of the makeup- the dewy skin and the strong highlighter, with the pink blush and nude lips. I have picked a few items which I would love to purchase this spring, so if you fancy a nosey then here we go!

1. Hourglass: Ambient Lighting Powder

 

2. Bobbi Brown: Radiance Boost mask

 

 

3.Mario Badescu: Drying Lotion

 

 

4. Chloe: Drew cross-body bag

 

5. Urban Decay: Naked skin weightless complete coverage concealer

6. All saints: Plait balfern biker jacket

7. Huda Beauty lip contour

What are some of the things you are hoping to get this season? Let me know!

Review: Too Faced ‘Born this way’ foundation

A foundation that everyone needs to buy!!

I recently bought this as I was getting bored of my Nars ‘Sheer Glow’ and wanted to try something different. I had watched tonnes of youtube videos on this foundation and read many reviews online- everyone bar a few people said that it was their favourite foundation and that it was perfect for all skin types. I have very dry skin and this makes other foundations look cakey and just makes my skin look even drier when they’re applied, which I haaaate!

The ingredients are what sold me when I looked at the foundation:

• Coconut water- which is added to give your skin a dewy finish and provide your skin with the much needed moisture
• Hyaluronic acid-which gives you a smoother, more youthful finish
• Alpine Rose- which brightens your skin
• Oil free- useful for those who suffer from oily skin

 

Once I saw the words; Dewy, smooth, bright and oil-free skin along with the fact that it is medium to full coverage, I was instantly sold and it has quickly become my holy grail foundation! It’s perfect for my blemished, red and dry skin- the coverage is great, you can add so many layers without it looking too full on or cakey, meaning that it covers my spots and scars as well as providing moisture to my dry skin- making it the best foundation I have ever tried. I recommend it to everyone, even those who have oily skin as the fact it is oil-free will protect you from getting even more oily and shiny, so don’t shy away from it just because it says it has coconut water!

As the brand is American, I bought mine online from Debenhams and it came the next day. They have a wide range of colours online but not as wide of a range as the actual Too Faced website so if you need to buy from there, it will be shipped over to wherever you live. They also give a good colour chart on the original Too Faced website which made it easier to choose which colour I needed. I was going to get the shade ‘porcelain’ however it was out of stock on Debenhams so I got ‘Ivory’ which is shown below- it was hard to get a good picture as when the light was on the bottle you couldn’t make out the writing so I’m going to have to make do with this one!

The price I paid: £29 from Debenhams

Pros:

• Good for all skin types
• Good colour match
• Medium-full coverage, buildable without looking cakey
• Blurs most imperfections, making your skin look better than ever
• The packaging and the bottle is just the cutest thing

Cons:

• Expensive when you don’t know which colour you are
• I use quite a lot but this may be due to the fact that I want a fuller coverage