BeautyBay Haul + Updated Z Palette

Hey!


BeautyBay had an offer for students going on last week so I had to take advantage!

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:

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.

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?

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:

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!

Mini Sephora Haul

Hey!


Last year I did my first ever Sephora haul from Paris. This year, I am coming at you with another mini Sephora haul, also from Paris (photos from the trip coming soon)! I was lucky enough to have a Sephora nearby my hotel in the mall next to us.


The first thing I think of when I think of Sephora is their face masks. So, I picked up a few. Their face masks are sheet masks, meaning they're super easy to apply. You're able to mix and match them like a pick 'n' mix and they're at a very affordable price.

The first one I picked up is the Sephora Avocado face mask which is for nourishing and repairing. I used this mask last year (and reviewed it), and really enjoyed it.


The second one that caught my eye was the Pearl face mask, for perfecting and brightening. I normally always go for face masks designed for acne or for dry skin, so I wanted to try something a bit different. Plus, the idea of pearl caught my eye!


The last mask I picked up was the Charcoal nose strip. I don't remember seeing these last year and I wanted to get it because I have not done a charcoal nose trip in years. They're good for pulling out blackheads and other impurities.


In usual Sephora style, I was also given a sample of the Mon Guerlain Eau de Parfum. I didn't notice I had been given this until I got home from Paris, which is a little annoying as I had forgotten to bring my perfume with me so this would have been useful!


I was also mesmerised by the Kat Von D stand they had. I knew France recently got Kat Von D Beauty in store, so I was hoping to see it! Although we can buy Kat Von D Beauty from Debenhams here in the UK, it's only online which means you can't see the colours in person. I made sure I took a good look at the formulas and colours of different items so I know what I want to buy when I can.


I am a bit disappointed I didn't buy any make up, but I knew I didn't have enough euros left to buy anything. I nearly bought a nude lip liner, but forced myself to put it down for the sake of having euros. I will try to bring more next time!

Paperchase Haul

Hey all!


I've never written a Paperchase haul before but there's a first time for everything! I noticed Paperchase had a sale on this week so I made sure to buy a few things.


The first thing I picked up is the Galaxy pencil case. I am starting University in September so I needed a pencil case and this design just stood out to me. I love the colours and the galaxy so what more could I want?


Then I picked up a mini diary. I am definitely someone who loves to be organised. I adore making lists and I always make use of the calendar in my room, my to do list app and writing important things on a whiteboard in my room. I thought I would try out a diary and the good thing about this one is that it is small enough to carry around in my bag so I can write down anything on the go. It is also a mid-Year diary meaning it starts from July which works out nicely! It was only cheap in the sale so it doesn't matter if it turns out I don't use it much. We will have to see how useful it becomes for me.


The next two items are travel items. I am going to Tenerife at the end of the month and I wanted a new suitcase tag and passport holder. I embarrassingly admit that I still use a pink hello kitty tag and passport holder from when I was younger and I can't stand the embarrassment any longer! For a luggage tag I chose the Parkano luggage tag. I thought the colours were nice and it has plenty of space for writing your details on the back which I need because I have large handwriting! As for the passport holder I chose the Get Away stamps holder. I love travelling so I really liked how it has different countries stamped on it. It also has a plastic case around it which means it would be good if it got wet at all.


That's that! I love Paperchase and no doubt I will be purchasing from there again soon.

Haul | Travel Size Products

In June and July I am going abroad so I needed to stock up on some travel size products. All products mentioned are 100ml or under which fits in with the UK's guidelines on bringing liquids in your hand luggage.


The first item is simple but important- Carex Aloe Vera Hand Gel (50ml). I want to bring it with me so I can bring it out with me to make sure my hands are clean. I like the aloe vera one as hand sanitisers can be drying and I have sensitive skin so aloe gel helps to keep my skin calm. Pretty simple really!


The next item is a slight cheat. This item I already owned so I didn't buy it with the others but it is still a travel size product that I am bringing. This is The Body Shop Strawberry Shower Gel (60ml). It is the perfect size and the strawberry scent smells particularly fruity and perfect for summer.


Then is the travel size of Batiste Blush Floral & Flirty Dry Shampoo (50ml). The scent doesn't really matter to me but I use dry shampoo every week of my life so this is a necessity! The big bottles I usually buy are way too big to bring so this is a good size.


As someone with lots of baby hairs that stand up on end, I need hairspray. Likewise to my dry shampoo, my usual bottle is a huge bottle so would be no good for travel! This is the L'Oreal Elnett Satin Extra Strength Hairspray (75ml). The Elnett hairsprays remind me of my Mum as I always remember seeing them on her dressing table as a kid. When I used to do dance competitions she would use it on me so for that I just had to buy it when I saw it!


For heat defence, I picked up the VO5 Smoothly Does It Tame and Shine Heat Defence Spray (100ml). I actually didn't realise until after I bought it that this is for dry hair rather than wet hair which is when I had it in mind for, but it should be okay! I always try to avoid hairdryers but regularly use hair straighteners. 


Lastly is my all time favourite, Urban Decay De-slick Make Up Setting Spray (30ml). I buy this regularly on FeelUnique and love it for travelling. It keeps my make up in place well and I love it for hot weather as it has temperature control. It works wonders for stopping my make up from melting off in the heat! If keeping your make up in place on hot days is an issue for you then I really recommend this.


So that's it! Anything else I need travel sizes for I am just decanting from my full size products into empty travel bottles. 

Boots Haul | Make Up & Holiday Necessities

Hello!

The other day I made a trip to my local Boots store with my Mum to replenish some make up items and stock up for my upcoming holiday. I spent a little bit more money than I ideally wanted to but it was worth it!

• Nivea Daily Essentials Sensitive Day Cream SPF 15- 

I'm going on holiday in about a week's time and I needed a SPF for my face. I'm really picky about what SPF I will put on my face as some can cause me to break out. Most years I stick to Nivea, and this year I decided to go for a sensitive skin one. I have sensitive skin and this cream also claims to help redness, which I have a lot of, so I am looking forward to trying this.

• Tresemme Freeze Hold Hairspray 100ml-

Another item for going on holiday is this smaller sized version of hairspray. I have always used Tresemme hairspray so I got a smaller bottle to take on holiday. It's good because it is 100ml which is the amount of liquid you can take on a plane.

• L'Oreal Infallible 24hr Matte Foundation [Rose Beige]-

As the bad beauty blogger I am, I've always only used the same foundation. However, I'm finding more and more lately that the foundation that I use isn't really suitable to my skin type now which is kind of dry. I have been seeing so many good reviews over the past few months on this foundation so I have been dying to try it. I always want a good coverage matte foundation so hopefully this will do the trick. I used to always use the L'Oreal Infallible eyeliner in my high school days so I have high standards for this!

• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer [02 Cool Medium & 03 Warm Medium]-

This is my holy grail concealer and when I decided to change foundation I just couldn't convince myself to change concealer. I couldn't decide which colour would go better with my new foundation so I bought both 02 and 03 shades to try with it. Before that, I always used 03. I adore this concealer and it is certainly the concealer I recommend for anyone who suffers with acne, redness and scarring like I do.

• Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen-

My eyeliner (which is this one) is currently on its last legs so I thought I better buy a new one! I'm usually more flexible when it comes to liquid eyeliners and trying new ones but this time I decided to stick with something I know that works for me. I love doing winged eyeliner and this is my favourite liquid eyeliner to do that. What more can I say?

• Eylure Pro-Lash Individuals [Short, Medium & Long Length]-

Again, as the bad beauty blogger I am, I have never used false eyelashes. I've been wanting to for ages but always convinced myself I would be crap at applying them. However, then I think back to the days where I struggled with mascara and eyeliner- now look at me! But the reason I finally decided to get eyelashes was because I recently had an eye infection which meant I lost a large amount of eyelashes. It's to the point where I look like I don't have many eyelashes and they're super gappy so I decided to try my hand at individual lashes. Hopefully they will bring me more confidence with my eyelashes and totally change my eye make up!

• Carex Aloe Vera Refreshing Hand Gel-

If I had a pound for every time I have been out and wished I had some antibatcerial hand gel to use then I would be rich. My main reason to buy this was so I could take it on holiday with me in case I needed it but this will go straight in my handbag afterwards. I also find that I get ill a hell of a lot so I am hoping if I use this outside more I might find myself getting ill less.

• Boots Travel Bottles-

I didn't take a photo of these but I bought two travel bottles to put some of my usual Tresemme Colour Fade Protection Shampoo & Conditioner in for when I go away. I usually save smaller bottles from other products to use as travel bottles but I still needed another 2. I couldn't find a travel sized version of the shampoo and conditioner I like and I am too smitten with them to buy anything else!

So that's it! Have you used any of these items? Let me know!

MAC, New Look & Yankee Candle Haul

Hey!

As mentioned in my book haul (click here), I went shopping last Monday and these are the rest of the things that I got.

Firstly I went to MAC Cosmetics in Debenhams and got myself 'Lady Danger' lipstick with a gift card from a friend. It is an orange/red in your face lipstick that isn't exactly for the faint hearted. I of course will review this soon!

I then went to Yankee Candle. I don't buy candles for myself but because I knew it was my step-sister's birthday coming up and that I know she likes candles I bought 'Mango Peach Salsa' and 'Turquoise Sky'. I loved them for their smells and vibrant colours I thought would go well with the Spring/Summer seasons.

Finally, I went to New Look. I needed new sunglasses as a couple of months ago I managed to spill acetone over my sunglasses and ruined them! I was so gutted because I loved them. However, I managed to find a matching pair in New Look even though mine were from last summer! They have round lenses with a thicker black rim which I know isn't to everyone's tastes but I love them. It is also my sister's birthday coming up so I bought her a small baby pink bag with a lace pattern and a gold clasp and chain. It isn't something I would ever buy for myself admittedly but the material is lovely feeling and it is a pretty girly bag which I know my sister would like for special occasions and nights out. I also spotted a flower bracelet which, again, I wouldn't buy for myself but thought it was beautiful and something my sister would like.

 What do you think? Let me know!

Waterstones | Book Haul

Hey!

On Monday I went shopping (alone which wasn't half as fun) and one place I stopped off was Waterstones. I have loved and adored books as far as I can remember and they've always played a big part in my life so my boyfriend and sister knew what they were doing when they bought me gift cards for Waterstones. In total I had £30 to spend in Waterstones so I had fun spending an hour in there picking out 4 books to get.

First of all I spotted 'The Bane Chronicles' by Cassandra Clare, Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson. For those of you who don't know, Magnus Bane is a character from The Mortal Instruments series and The Infernal Devices series by Cassandra Clare. I absolutely loved The Mortal Instruments and Magnus Bane is a flamboyant, bubbly character everyone loves from the books. The Bane Chronicles is a mix of stories from his life which I completely forgot was going to be published until I spotted it in the shop. So as a fan, I quickly picked up this book.

Next I picked up 'Dark Places' by Gillian Flynn. I was originally looking for 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins as I heard it was similar to the famous and popular 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn which turned out to be one of my top favourite books of all time. I couldn't find 'The Girl on the Train' no matter how hard I looked which was frustrating but I did see 'Dark Places' which, as you can see, is also by Gillian Flynn. Because I loved 'Gone Girl' so much I decided I would pick this one up to see what it was like instead.


Then I found 'Annie' by Thomas Meehan. You may all know the musical Annie with the famous song 'Hard-knock Life' and this is the book it is based on. I have loved the musical from a very young age when my Mum bought the DVD and it had been on my bucket list since to see it at the theatre. And luckily, I finally am going to see it at the Bristol Hippodrome at the end of the year. So I thought I would read the classic book in the mean time whilst I wait to tick seeing the musical off of my bucket list. :-)


Last of all I picked up the famous classic 'Alice's Adventures in Wonderland' with 'Through the Looking Glass' by Lewis Carroll. For many years I have been in love with quotes and illustrations from the book. I can't quite put my finger on it but I am so inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland' to the point where I want an 'Alice in Wonderland' tattoo and would quite happily have a 'Alice in Wonderland' themed wedding! When I was younger I used to cover my bedroom wall in quotes and would learn them off by heart. The films are pretty great too. But anyway, I didn't actually have the book in my possession so thought it was good time to get it so I can read it and gaze at the beautiful illustrations all day.


So there we have it! Even though I've got a million books to read already, you can never have too many books...even when your bookcase is over flowing like mine!

What book are you reading right now? Let me know!

Boots 3 for 2 Mini Haul!

Hey all!

I needed to go to Boots this weekend to replenish my usual foundation. When I was there, I saw everything was 3 for 2! I've been on a spending ban since the beginning of the year as I am not in a job at the moment and I'm trying to save for my gap year so I thought I may as well treat myself. I haven't had any new make up in ages!


So first of all, I bought my holy grail foundation which is the Collection Lasting Perfection foundation (review here). I like it because it' inexpensive, full coverage and lasts all day.


Next, I picked up the new Barry M Flawless Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit. A review on this will definitely be coming up soon! I have been eyeing this up for weeks now and after watching/reading reviews on it I finally went for it and bought it. I am a beginner when it comes to contouring so hopefully this will teach me a thing or two!



The last thing I got was on a complete whim. I had never seen it before but when I was looking for something I'd want for free out of the 3 for 2 deal this caught my eye. I have been wanting some bright coloured eyeliners for a while so when I spotted the Bourjois Contour Clubbing Eyeliner in 'Purple Night' I knew I had to try it. It is an absolutely stunning bright, deep purple with slight purple shimmer in it. It's gorgeous and I cannot wait to review it for you!


So there we go! Have you used any of these products? Let me know!

What I Got for Christmas 2014

Hey guys!

I know this post is about a week late but it is finally here! I'm not making this post to brag about what I got I just know how much I like seeing what other people got for Christmas so I am making this post for people like me. I know I got a lot of presents and that is not because I am rich but because I have a very large and close-knit family. Some presents aren't on here because either I received them early or received them after Christmas and after I took these photos. But anyway, let's begin with this photo heavy post! 

my gifts from my boyfriend. We're going to put a photo of us in that frame.

a beautiful tealight holder which makes the skull light up!

front back back of the top

tights and leggings

What did you get for Christmas?