Six things I would tell my younger self

Undoubtably as new experiences and people come into your life you're bound to change and grow - it's only natural. I wouldn't change any series of events that have happened in my life because I'm a firm believer that things fall apart for a reason and lead you onto new pathways. Anyway, if I could tell myself just a few tips or lines of advice to my younger self, this is what they would be:

No.1 People you think matter won't be in your life in a few years

All those people in school are people you will most probably never see again in a couple of years/when you've left and moved onto bigger and better things. Obviously it's a lot easier to say that now but in the moment they were intimidating and their opinions and perceptions mattered to you. Oh the power of in hindsight. This goes for some of your friends as well. There are only about 3-4 people I was friends with in school and still remain friends with now. Granted I don't see them all the time but when I do see them it's like no time has passed at all.

No.2 Boyfriends are not the be-all and end-all

Oh my goodness. I just wish I had the knowledge I did now. These 4 month relationships are honestly not even worth your time. In the moment you don't know they're going hold such a short chapter in your life but really it does just seem like a lot of wasted time and tears. 

No.3 Don't cut your hair or touch your eyebrows

To be honest I think this is probably the most important one. Why oh why did I cut my lovely long healthy locks. Honestly it was the most stupid decision I've ever made. I had beautifully long hair that sat just above my belly button and part the way through year 7 I decided I wanted it cut just below shoulder length - idiot. Secondly, never ever think about SHAPING your eyebrows. Yano if you have the odd hair which doesn't fit in then pluck that one out or if the hairs are long give them a little trim.. but do not by any means shape your own brows. You will fail. They will be horribly wonky. Just don't do it. See a professional who can neaten them up for you.

No.4 Never be ashamed of hard work

Looking back, especially compared to university work, GCSE's and A-Levels were somewhat easy. If I could have just told myself to work that little bit harder and improve my grades because the work wasn't actually that hard and I was just lazy. Luckily I had this realisation in year 12 doing A-Levels and got into a Russell Group University. Likewise, even if it's not school work, there's nothing wrong with working hard at the gym, or working hard on a talent or hobby.

No.5 Appreciate your loved ones

This one might be a little depressing but the reality is you never truly know how long you have left with someone. Whether it's a friend and they're going to move onto other things or a boyfriend or perhaps grandparents. Please please please don't take their presence for granted.

No.6 Do what makes you happy

I mean this really is pretty self explanatory. Always find the time to focus on what makes you happy. Whether it's finding more time to watch another series on Netflix (The Vampire Diaries is highly recommended if you haven't seen it already), or rekindling your love for playing an instrument - putting your time and energy into things you love is guaranteed to make you happier. 

Til next time x

Charlotte Tilbury Eyeshadow Quad | Dolce Vita Review

Charlotte Tilbury makeup is well known for being luxurious, but with that comes a hefty price tag.  I finally received this beautiful palette for my birthday and a review is exactly what is needed for others who might be on the verge of buying but don't know if it's worth the bucks. I have quite a few other Charlotte Tilbury products and they have not disappointed in the slightest.

Starting with the glorious packaging (deep purple and rose gold) this palette is on the small side but it's oh so pretty. I mean look at it, perfect for adding to those cheeky Instagram photos which I have been doing a lot lately (sorry not sorry because it's just the prettiest palette ever).

The whole idea is that the quad is coded to create a day, dusk and disco look from one palette. The quad contains four shades: 1. Prime, a neutral champagne shade with light sparkle/sheen almost satin texture; 2. Enhance, a deep cranberry/red brown; 3. Smoke, a deep brown; 4. Pop, a beautiful glittery bronzey gold. Shades 1 and 2 create your day look, adding 3 creates dusk and adding 4 creates disco. 

I mean the concept is so lovely but I love going that bit extra for a day time look because glittery goodness can't just be worn for a night look. I personally like to wear it when most people will see it which is in broad daylight - ha. 

(L-R: 1. Prime, 2. Enhance, 3. Smoke & 4. Pop) 

The eyeshadows are buttery and pigmented and so far have lasted really well from a whole days wear - I did use my ultimate eyeshadow base (Mac Paint Pot in Painterly - which is my holy grail for keeping my eyeshadow set all day). I will say that the Prime shade could be more pigmented as it's very light but if you really want that pop - especially for the inner corners - spray a little water to dampen your brush or use the Mac Fix+ and you're good to go. Also, the Pop shade is best applied with your finger and patted onto the lid to really get all that glitter on.

Sometimes with bigger palettes there's so much choice that you're trying to partner up shades to make a look, but with this, all four shades compliment each other so nicely. From the packaging to the actual shades this palette is an all rounder. It's perfect for travelling because of the size - duh, and because obviously you can make any look whether it's daytime or dusk or disco! This palette currently retails for £39 and you can buy it 'here'. Obviously if you're not sure you'll wear all the shades then this isn't for you - considering the price (but who wouldn't want to wear all the shades, they're gorgeous). If you're after true brown glowing goddess majestic vibes as the Dolce Vita has a lot of warm tones, then the Golden Goddess palette looks absolutely stunning. This palette has been my eyeshadow life line recently and I'm completely in love.

Til next time x

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January Lust List

January is one of the hardest months, I don't know about you but I always have no money.. apart from now because I've just got my student loan through. All jokes aside, waiting for January payday is one of the hardest things, possibly ever. I'm also trying not to spend any of my student loan on personal shopping which means no spontaneous, hormonal 'I'm-feeling-sad' spend ups. So when it's finally acceptable to treat myself from all the blood sweat and tears that went into working retail over the Christmas period, I put together a little lust list because honestly, I deserve a treat. I just hope I won't buy it all on payday.. or right now for that matter. Must. Stay. Restrained. 

Zara Sweater with Tie Sleeves | £29.99 

Nars Velvet Lip Glide Unlaced | £21

Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Blush Palette | $62 

Jo Malone London Pomegranate Noir Home Candle | £42

Topshop Embroidered Boots | £42

Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder Pink Glow | £34

Tom Ford Nude Vanille Lipstick | £39

Zara Suede Effect Jacket | £59.99

I  hope January is treating you well so far. I know it's hard but stay strong everyone, there's a light at the end of the tunnel in the form of payday. I'm currently obsessed with this embroidery trend but I have no idea if I'll be able to pull it off. We all need a little refreshing and some change to get us to those beautiful, longer, lighter days where blog/Instagram photos don't have to be strategically taken. 

Til next time x

Ten things 2016 has taught me

Over 365 days ago I was starting my second semester of my first year at university. Needless to say that taking the leap to start, after being unsure of what I wanted to do in the first place, pushed me out of my comfort zone. So here's to a another year of pushing myself and taking leaps.

No.1 Diamonds are not made under pressure 

Yes, I'm talking about assignments/exams and possibly anything else under that bracket. Achievements are a reflection of hard work and time, you can't expect greatness if you don't put greatness in. 

No.2 People won't always agree with you

Not everyone you meet is going to have the same opinion as you - and that's okay. Each to their own. 

No.3 Let go of negative relationships

Whether it's friends/family/boyfriend or girlfriend, if they're causing a negative impact then you need to let them go. Obviously that's easier said than done but it will impact your own positivity and happiness. Friends drift apart when they go to university or start new jobs in different parts of the world. It's not going to be the same as school when you see them every day. Hold on the ones you cherish and make time for them.

No.4 Life is too short to care about how other people might perceive you 

One thing that I've really learnt to own is not giving a crap about what other people might think of you or about their judgements.

No.5 Step out of your comfort zone

Some of my best experiences of 2016 have happened because I stepped out of my comfort zone and just went for it. I wouldn't have it any other way and it's allowed me to grow as a person. Something that I've truly learnt to respect this year is self growth. Never stop yourself from learning and developing.

No.6 Water is your BFF

Water is amazing for hydration, losing weight and flushing out toxins/ex's by drowning them. Drink up.

No.7 Getting into freshly changed bed linen is one of the greatest feelings ever

I mean, it's just the best thing ever - end of.

No.8 Self doubt kills more dreams than never trying does

Self doubt is a killer of dreams. If there's something you want to achieve, the only person standing in your way is yourself.

No.9 Self care is important

Always leave time for yourself. You need sleep and rest for your body to recover. It's okay to stay at home with a hot chocolate, cosy pjs and a date for one with Netflix. Respect your own body, you don't need to work 24/7, everyone needs down time.

No.10 Be kind - always

Everybody is going through their own problems. Everyone is fighting a battle with their own demons. Just because someone appears fine on the surface doesn't mean they actually are, so be kind - always.

So here's to another year of challenges and opportunities. 2017 I welcome you with open arms.

Til next time x 

Beauty Favourites of 2016

2016 has introduced me to a lot of new products, but there have been a few that I have constantly used throughout the year and now I honestly don't know what I'd do without them. Picking them out was actually quite challenging. You know when products just become so integrated into your routine that you kind of don't notice? Well that's all of these. 

Urban Decay | Naked Palette

I just feel like throughout 2016 when in doubt I've been reaching for this palette a whole lot. It just has the most beautiful array of matte browns, shimmery browns and champagne shades. With that said I mainly use the first part of the palette and occasionally dip into those dark blues to deepen things up. I'm well aware that this has been around for ages but it's one of the best!

By Terry Ombre Blackstar | Frozen Quartz

This little eyeshadow stick has just saved my life when you're travelling and can't bring a lot with you, or if you're in a rush but still want to add a little bit of glam to your eyes, perfect. There's a review already up on the blog 'here', so if you want to read a bit more it's all up there.

Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Lipsticks | Kim KW & Liv It Up

This is a no brainer either. These beautiful lipsticks have taken over my lipstick choices. The formula is lovely and creamy (almost like Mac cremesheen) so they don't dry out your lips. There's also a review for these 'here' and I just love the two colours and consistency and packaging.. everything basically (guilty as charged, I used the pictures I took of these beauts from my review because they're just too pretty).

Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick | Milkshake

You can see a trend right? I flippin' love pinky lipsticks. Sometimes I prefer something with better staying power so I'll put this underneath a creamier lipstick (I love mixing combinations as you can probably tell). I don't use this just on it's own because it's very opaque, but because it's so light it's perfect for lightening darker shades. I normally just pat this into the lips and it's just such a beautiful colour. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush | Dim Infusion 

This blush is so beautiful. It's the perfect combination of peach and pink with a beautiful buttery texture that stays radiant mmm. I can tell I'm gonna hit pan on this soon which is so depressing. If you're ever wondering if they're worth the splurge, they are!!

Mac Lip Liners | Stone & Whirl

I'm sure most people have heard of Whirl by now, it's basically a cult favourite. The lipstick is actually too dark for me but the lip liner is beaut. It's a dark pinky brown which matches so many lip combinations. Stone will always have a special place in my heart. It's basically a cool toned brown and it's perfect for darkening the corners of your lips and i've been through one of these already. I've always found that Mac lip liners are the best, they have a beautiful consistency and they last really well throughout the day. 

Too Faced | Born This Way Foundation

I'm not even going to jest, I'm on my third bottle of this and it's almost running out. I should probably post a full review at some point on why I love it so much.. My skin is oily so it's really difficult to find a foundation which has a lighter weight consistency, looks like skin and still has good coverage. So all the yesses to this little beauty and there's no doubt I will continue using this in 2017.

Other love has to go to these though: Becca Cosmetics Champagne Pop and the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance palette.

I don't know about you, but I'm super excited for new beauty releases in 2017 - oh and mini & creme eggs.  

Til next time x