What I Got For Christmas 2017!

Hi everyone!

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas (or a great holiday if you don't celebrate)! Today I would like to share with you the presents I received for Christmas. As usual with these type of posts, I would just like to put a disclaimer that I am not trying to brag. I love reading/watching these and find it interesting so thought I would share too!

The Christmas Tag!!!

Hey!

I found this Christmas tag online and I thought it might be fun to do and put me in the festive spirit. Feel free to also do it!

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2%

After seeing lots of hype over The Ordinary and seeing lots of great reviews on BeautyBay, I decided to give The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA 2% a try.

12 Things People Say To Alternative Girls

Throughout all my teenage years and now my adult life I have always appreciated the darker things in life. I love black, horror, metal, skulls, piercings and tattoos. Some of my friends even jokingly call me the 'Queen of Darkness'. Because of me just being me, I have experienced my fair share of bullying and ignorant comments, so I thought I would turn them into a humorous post you may be able to relate to. This is for you fabulous alternative, gothic and/or metalhead girls.

The Body Shop Haul

I saw on VoucherCodes that there was an offer to get £50 worth of product for £25 from The Body Shop and I decided to take advantage of this.

Homesense Halloween Haul

Any fellow darkside lovers will understand that when Halloween comes around, we need to stock up. Home decorations, clothes, jewellery...it is the time to spend!

Homesense is AMAZING at Halloween. It was so hard not to spend all my money. But here is what I did get:

My First Tattoo Experience

Hello!

So just over a month ago I got my first tattoo and I wanted to share my experience with it. On the run up to me getting one I read a ridiculous amount of articles so I thought some people might find this interesting.

ColourPop Liquid Lipsticks First Impressions

Hey!

A couple of months ago my friend was making her first ever ColourPop order and asked if I'd like to order anything. Of course, I said yes! These are my first ColourPop items and I decided to go for two very different liquid lipsticks.

A Piece About Heartbreak.

A piece about heartbreak. A piece that is only one part of the million pieces your heart is broken into. You know it sounds cliché, and you know everyone goes through it and everyone “gets through it to the other side”, but you don’t feel it. You have countless amounts of friends and family telling you that, but it still doesn’t feel like your heart will construct itself back together again.

Morning Skincare Routine

Hello!

I've always stuck to a strict skincare routine but in the past 3 months I've become even more interested in skincare products. Because of this my skin is the best it has ever been and I would like to sing these products' praises!

Looking After Your Mental Health In University

Hey!

My previous mental health post (What Are Panic Attacks & How Can I Help Someone?) did really well and people seemed to like it, so I thought I would come back with another mental health post. 

I have just completed my first year of University and understand that there will be first years starting in September, so I have decided to put together a post on looking after your mental health in University. Whilst Uni can be fun, the work load, new environment and meeting strangers can be daunting and stressful. Here are 7 ways to look after your mental health:

BeautyBay Haul

I have been experiencing a tough couple of weeks, so what else would I do other than give myself a little retail therapy?

July Favourites

Hey!


My July Favourites comes slightly late but I wanted to do a favourites post as I haven't done one in ages. Some months you don't feel there are products that you've really been loving but for July there are a few items for me.

Urban Decay 'Stark Naked' Comfort Matte Lipstick

Hey!


Yesterday was National Lipstick Day, so in honour of that I thought I would upload a lipstick review. I've had the Urban Decay 'Stark Naked' Comfort Matte Lipstick for many months now so it is about time!


With lipsticks, I like to have an easy nude colour that is quick and easy to put on when I am getting ready in a rush and don't have time to spend on perfecting my lipstick. After my favourite BareMinerals lipstick was discontinued, I needed to find the perfect new nude for this job. And this is what I chose. 

Mini Killstar Haul

Killstar is a brand I have loved for a few years now. If you were to sum up my style in one word- just say Killstar. Their items always make a statement and provide a talking point. I would quite happily own everything that they do, but unfortunately funds would not allow that!


I recently bought 2 items that I thought I would share with you:

Make Up Wishlist

Bad times when there is lots of make up you want to buy but you need to save money! And then the list just keeps building up and up...Here are a few on my wishlist/radar:

What Is A Panic Attack & How Can I Help Someone?

Hello,


According to AnxietyUK.org.uk, 1 in 10 people are likely to have anxiety/panic disorder at some stage in life. This means that it is likely that those who fall into that category experience panic attacks. Panic attacks can be pretty scary, so it is important to be able to understand what they are and how to help someone through an attack.


You may know someone who has experienced panic attacks, maybe a loved one, or you may even be experiencing them yourself. Here I have put together a guide on what panic attacks are, and how to help someone if they're experiencing a panic attack. I am studying for a Psychology degree and also suffer from panic attacks myself, so I have tried to write this with a balance of factual information and personal experience. 


What Is A Panic Attack?


Panic attacks are sudden intense feelings of panic with physical and psychological symptoms. Panic attacks come from our body's 'fight or flight response', where the body is faced with something it deems a danger. Millions of years ago this would've been important in keeping people alive as they hunted for their food for example, however now it can be triggered by things that aren't necessarily life threatening. They can be triggered by a certain experience, or can even happen for no clear reason.


There are plenty of reasons why someone might be triggered, which is unique to each individual. Examples could be going to parties and doing exams. My own personal triggers include bad dreams/memories, arguments, feeling claustrophobic and meeting new people. If you're suffering panic attacks, you should try to take note of what seems to trigger them. If you're close to someone who has panic attacks, it may be worth asking them what their triggers commonly are so you can be aware. 

Symptoms


It's important to realise that the symptoms people experience can differ. Although there is a general guide, someone may not experience all of them or some that even aren't on the list. If you want to understand your loved one's attacks you can ask how they tend to feel. When I first told my boyfriend about panic attacks he was interested to know what signs to look for and what I feel so he knew exactly how he could help me.


Symptoms:

• Irregular or racing heartbeat
• Sweating 
• Hyperventilating (shortness of breath, struggling to breathe)
• Shaking (if you're hyperventilating, the lack of oxygen to your muscles can cause the shaking and weakness)
• A choking sensation
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Tingling
• Ringing in your ears
• Chest pains
• Feeling terrified
• Feeling you have no control
• Racing thoughts
• Feeling like you're dying or that you're having a heart attack

In my own personal experience, I start to have racing thoughts and feel like there is a belt tightening around my chest. My heart will start beating fast and I will begin to hyperventilate as I try to find my breath. This then leads to tingling, shaking and weakness.

Panic attacks duration averages around 10 minutes, but they can be less or more. 20 minutes is normally the longest duration. However, to the person experiencing them they can feel like a life time.

How Can I Help Someone Through A Panic Attack?

When seeing someone go through a panic attack, you may feel worried and like things are out of your control, especially if this is the first one you've seen, and that is okay. You'll most likely feel sympathetic and want to help. Once you know what to do, it becomes less frightening and you'll feel more in control and comfortable in what you do because you know what works.


If it is someone you're close to, ask them how they like to be helped so you know for future reference. Some may prefer space to breathe, some may prefer to be held. The most important thing in helping someone through a panic attack is to let them know that you're there for them, that they're in a safe space and you're willing to help them with whatever they need to get through it. You could say things like "I'm here for you" and "You're safe, I will look after you". When feeling something so frightening, it is nice to realise you're secure and someone is looking out for you.


Other examples of how to help:

• If in public, help them find somewhere where they can have their panic attack in privacy.
• Encourage them to slow down their breathing, and practice steady breathing with them.
• Counting to 10.
• Get them a glass of water because they may have a dry mouth from hyperventilating.
• Help them sit down in case they go weak and can't hold themselves up.
• Rub their back.
• Stroke their hair.
• Kisses on the cheek, forehead, etc (if you have that type of relationship, of course).
• Remind them that you're there for them and that they're safe.
• Don't leave them alone.
• Tell them that they can get through this.
• Don't pressure them in to talking or doing anything they don't want to do.

Once the panic attack is over, they may feel quite tired. If you're out, ask if they'd like to stay out or would like help getting home. If at home, let them rest and if that way inclined, give them a cuddle. 


Being able to form a good routine in helping your loved one through their panic attack will make you feel prepared, and in return they will build up trust with you and know they can turn to you if they need it.

I hope you find this guide helpful. If you would like further information, feel free to ask or click the links I am going to leave below. 


NHS Guide
NHS Panic Attack
Mind.org
Self-Care

Nip+Fab Mini Haul

I've never used Nip+Fab products before but have always heard good things about them. Recently I have been attempting to try new skincare products as it has become increasingly important to me to find a really good routine. Here are the two items that I chose to introduce myself to Nip+Fab:

The first item I picked up is the Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Daily Cleansing Pads 60 Pack which was on offer on Boots. I have seen rave reviews about this so I was expecting it to be brilliant. These exfoliating pads are to be used daily. They're soaked in glycolic acid to re-texture and resurface the skin. With hyaluronic acid and blue daisy they're also supposed to be moisturising whilst revealing brighter and smoother looking skin.

I've only used it twice so far so I can't review it. Although, I can say listen to the recommendation of using SPF after using this. I didn't listen and came home with a sunburnt face! I'll postpone using these until my sunburn has gone.

Later after I bought these pads, I then bought the Nip+Fab Post Glycolic Fix Moisturiser SPF 30. This lightweight, oil-free moisturiser is recommended to use after any of the Glycolic products as it has SPF 30 in it to protect from UV rays. I bought this on offer at Superdrug and it only arrived today, as I write this, so I don't have an opinion on it. It claims to leave a matte finish, which is important to me, and calms the skin with witch hazel. It also says it uses Niacinamide to reduce visible pores so that should be interesting to see.

I've been looking for the perfect SPF moisturiser to take on holidays with me for years now. I have tried a few and none of them have been comfortable on my face and have always stung my eyes and my sensitive skin throughout the day. I am going on holiday next week and maybe in August so I have high hopes for this!

I am so far impressed with the products and feel encouraged to try out more of their products. A lot of their skincare products have pretty cool names like 'Dragon's Blood' which instantly intrigue me. Their new release of make up products also look good so I would be interested and trying a make up item. 

Look out for reviews on these items once I've given them a good go!

Gerard Cosmetics Hydra Matte 'Cher' Liquid Lipstick

Hey!

Sometime last year my friend and I were talking about Gerard Cosmetics and I mentioned that if I were to buy one of the liquid lipsticks, that I'd go for the shade 'Cher'. My wonderful friend remembered that and bought me it for Christmas! This is my first product from Gerard Cosmetics.

The range of Hydra Matte lipsticks, which you can guess from the name, claim to be a comfortable and nourishing formula whilst still being matte and long-lasting. The packaging looks luxurious with a gold cap and frosted glass, making it one of my favourite looking products. I absolutely love the frosted design! The shade 'Cher' is described as a 'Muted Purple'. 

I'll begin by saying that I absolutely adore the shade. It goes nicely with my purple hair and it surely is a unique colour in my collection. It applies rather easily with a little time to play around with before it dries completely matte. You're able to layer it up too to build up the colour and make it darker. The applicator is shorter than the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks that I own but not too short to make it difficult to apply.

Lasting time I find fairly good. It it non-transferable, which makes it kiss-proof(!). This type of lip product I like to use when I'm wearing make up for a long duration as it doesn't come off as easy as say a lipstick. Eating dry snacks and drinking water is fine, it is just when I am eating a big meal that it comes off on the inner parts of my lips. However, it is easy to reapply and doesn't look patchy.

In conclusion, I really like this lipstick and the formula. I would happily buy more liquid lipsticks from Gerard Cosmetics as this one has become one of my favourites and will continue to use it regularly. 

8 University Summer Break Goals

When I am in education I feel like I have no time for myself. I don't have time to do any of my interests or hobbies, and feel like if I spend time to myself then I'm wasting time where I could be writing an essay or revising for an exam.


Fortunately, I am now on summer break. All my exams are over and I have had all of my marks back which means I can finally relax. It makes me very happy that I don't have to do any University work until September! So here are 8 goals I want to meet in my time off:

•  Read books- I've loved reading since a kid but whether it be GCSEs, A Levels or Uni, if I'm reading textbooks and doing assignments and exams, I just can't read. So, for this Summer my goal is to read at least 2 books, although I'm sure I can get through a lot more!

•  Go on Holiday- In my gap year I had the luxury of being able to go on holiday whenever I wanted to, providing I could get the time off from work. But now I don't have such a luxury! I'm having a week away just in the UK with some family and then I will hopefully have something booked abroad with my friend. Need that relaxation!

• Clean My Room- I hate to admit it, but during University I really slacked on keeping my room clean. I've managed to do a massive, 9 hour clean out of my room since finishing University which was such a relief. But my goal is to keep that cleanliness up!

• Clear Out All Drawers and My Wardrobe- My wardrobe became so full I was hanging things off the doors and my drawers are over spilling. So my goal is to declutter every drawer in my room and tidy them. So far I've managed to clear out and tidy my make up and clear out my wardrobe. I have about 8 more drawers to go, so wish me luck.

• Colouring- This may sound childish to some, but for me colouring books are therapeutic and relaxing. I used to do it all the time until University and I'd like to get back in to it. It's just so satisfying colouring in the lines with bold and beautiful colours.

• Go On Days Out- It's hard to have a social life when you're busy working. I'd like to fit a few days out with people on really nice days in my break. So far I've spent a day out by a river with my niece and a day going to Airhop with friends. Hopefully I will keep this up!

• Pass My Driving Test- I've been driving on and off for 3 years now and I am determined to pass my test by September. Fingers crossed!

• Get My First Tattoo- I planned to get my first tattoo as soon as I hit 18 but I kept putting it off. Now I've finally bit the bullet and had a consultation last week. My tattoo is booked in for the end of August. I'm super nervous but also excited!

What are your summer goals?

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette

Hey!


My birthday was in April and I decided to gift the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance to myself as a treat. I have been lusting over the palette since it first made the rounds in blogs and YouTube, but I was put off at the price (£41.00). But let me tell you now, it was so, so worth it! 

The packaging is luxurious with a pink velvet lid and a long mirror on the inside. The shadows are a nice square shape; easy to dip your brush in to. The palette features 14 eyeshadow colours: 11 mattes and 3 metallics. It also comes with a double-ended brush which is actually nice and not one of those flimsy brushes some palettes come with.


Below is a close up of the eyeshadows. In addition I will also insert two swatch photos- the top row and the bottom row, left to right, as well as my opinions on each colour.

Top Row

• Tempera- (Matte, Beige). A lovely brightening colour which I like in my inner-corner.

• Golden Ochre- (Matte, Earth-Toned Yellow). A unique colour I've used as my lid base and an easy crease colour. I haven't seen this in other palettes.

• Vermeer- (Iridescent Shell Pink). Another favourite for an inner-corner highlight.

• Buon Fresco- (Matte Antique Lavender). My most used colour so far! An amazing lavender which I love all over my lid.

• Antique Bronze- (Metallic Sable). A deep colour that I've mostly used in my crease.

• Love Letter- (Matte, Raspberry). A beautiful colour which is unique to the palette.

• Cyprus Umber- (Matte, Dark Coffee). A nice, deep brown, good for the outer 'V' and crease.

Bottom Row

• Raw Sienna- (Matte, Neutral Amber). A neutral crease and transition shade.

• Burnt Orange- (Matte, Deep Orange). I love this colour as it is unique and goes well with Realgar.

• Primavera- (Metallic, Shimmery Gold Dust). This is an amazing inner-highlight that pops like nothing else! 

• Red Ochre- (Matte, Sienna Red). Truly stunning. A lid colour and crease colour.

• Venetian Red- (Matte, Crimson). I love the colour of this but don't find it to be as highly pigmented as the other colours, so needs building up.

• Warm Taupe- (Matte, Earthy Grey). I love this as a crease colour as it is super easy to blend which is perfect when you need to do your make up in a rush!

• Realgar- (Matte, Brick). Unique to my collection, oranges aren't praised enough.

The overall pigmentation of these shadows are insane! The only slight let down is Venetian Red, but it can be built up. I can't stress enough how velvety and smooth the eyeshadows feel when applying it which I haven't seen in other palettes that I've used. 

The only other issue is that you really do need to use shadow shields, or like me, a tissue under your eyes. The majority of the colours do have fall out that will smudge if you swipe it away. It may even be worth doing your eye make up before your base make up so you can remove any fall out with a make up wipe. This also means that little crumbs of shadow build up in the palette when you've put your brush in it, so I do recommend putting your brush back in to use those little crumbs on your eyes rather than leaving them in the palette to make a mess. This isn't really much of a problem but something to consider when using them.

In conclusion, I LOVE LOVE LOVE this palette and it is definitely my favourite in my collection! I use it every day so the amount I use it justifies the price of it. It has many unique shades and I love every colour. I've already recommended it to people and will continue to recommend it.

Travel | Disneyland Paris 25th Anniversary

Back in April my boyfriend and I went to Disneyland Paris to celebrate our birthdays. Coincidentally, it was also Disneyland Paris' 25th Anniversary!

We spent two days in Disneyland Paris (a park for each day), and then our third day wandering around Paris. Here are some photos from Paris and Disneyland's 25th Anniversary Celebrations:

Disneyland 25th Anniversay Parade

Due to the 25th Anniversary celebrations, Disneyland started a new 'Disney Illuminations' Show where they projected different scenes on the castle. It was absolutely incredible and I admittedly cried.

Walt Disney Studios

The Areosmith Rock 'n' Rollercoaster- My favourite rollercoaster! This was closed when I went to Disneyland last year so I am relieved it was open this time.

The Louvre

I have more photos on my Instagram @BrionyBea as well as videos of the parade and illuminations. It was an amazing trip and I can't wait to go back to Disneyland!