30/07/2015

Current Music Favourites // 01


Jamie T;
Play me anything by Jamie T and I'm sure that you'll have my admiration forever. I lovvee Jamie T's original, rough sounding voice and style of music so damn much. Particularly the songs: "Limits Lie"; "Turn On The Light"; "Rabbit Hole"; "Zombie" (all from his Carry On The Grudge album) and "Jenny Can Rely On Me" are all amazing. Listen to Jamie T via Spotify - here.

Twenty One Pilots;
An alternative electronic duo creating tracks compelled with relateable lyrics and original sounds..Every Twenty One Pilots song varies, and I love every one I've heard. My favourites are: "The Judge"; "Car Radio"; "Fake You Out"; "Stressed Out" and "Ride".

M83;
Where to start? French band M83's soft lyrics over louder instruments and emotional, moving sound really set the band apart from others. The style is so comforting. My favourite tracks being: "Wait" (the music video for Wait is also worth watching..so damn moving) and "Midnight City".

EXTRAS: "Fuel To The Fire" - Rationale, "Wild" - Royal Teeth, "Faint" - Linkin Park, "VCR" - The xx, "Strong" - London Grammer, "Do You Realize??" - The Flaming Lips, "Welcome Home, Son" - Radical Face, "Miracle (Human Error)" - Sivu.

Hope you like some of my favourites..what's your taste in music? I'd love to know in the comments below.


17/05/2015

Book Wishlist [May 2015]

Once again I apologise for the inactivity here on Rachel Jayne, I don't know where the time has gone and i've been under a lot of stresses recently with not a lot of time for blogging..anyway let's put my excuses aside and focus on my book wishlist.


Reading is something i've really began to enjoy in the past couple of years, probably steaming from my love for The Hunger Games trilogy! So it's not suprising to say that my never-ending list for new books has continued to grow and grow. (These books are taken from my "Goodreads" online wishlist bookshelf".)

     Top of my list, for sure, is "Shutter Island", which i've been desperate to get my hands on after watching the film version (just to let you know the film itself was incredible, and so damn clever). Shutter Island follows the story of Teddy Daniels, a US Marshall, investigating the dissappearance of a prisoner patient at the Ashecliffe Hospital for the crimanally insane. Although, the Island isn't all that it seems, and retuning to the mainland is a near impossible task as Teddy progressively discovers. The film, featuring Mr DiCaprio *heart-eye-emoji*, was recommended to me by a few friends - and the storyline could not be more emmersing..i'll have to hope the book catches my attention just as much. 

     I've seen the film trailer for Child 44 and it definitely intrigued me..I think the film/book would have a whole lot of information and context backstory to it, so i'd probably say that I think the book will be better. Nevertheless, Child 44 compells the story of Leo Demindov investigating the murders in a country in which "crime" is supposedly non-exsistant.

     Described as "the Fault in Our Stars meets Eleanor and Park in this exhilarating and heart-wrenching love story about a girl who learns to live from a boy who intends to die.", All The Bright Places seems like a fairly relateable, young adult novel and is probably one that would need lots of tissues, period. 

     "This hauntingly vivid story illustrates the human spirit’s indomitable search for home, and one girl’s struggle to survive.", as described on Goodreads, explores the ideas of survival outside of home; running away and faces the consequences of being alone with no one to trust. And then what happens when trust is put into the wrong person's hold. Seems very interesting--and a dissimilar novel theme to what i'd usually compulsed to buy.


Maybe you've seen a book above that you like the sound of? I'd love to know if you've read any of the books i've mentioned. Leave a comment below if you'd like, and leave you're wishlist too!

12/04/2015

Lovin' Lush #5 // Forever Repurchasing


To clarify: I mean 'repurchasing forever' as in 'I'll always love you', rather than 'you're a product that runs out way too quick, I'm forever running to the shops to buy you'. Just sayin'. Anyway, yes, I use these two wonder products so often I don't know what I'd do (or my skin would do, for that matter) without them..

The Fresh Farmacy (£4.95/100g) soap is what I always reach for. In fact, I don't think I've gone down a different path for my (morning) facial cleanser in months. Months. I use Fresh Farmacy religiously; my face won't feel clean without it. Despite the fact I don't notice my love when I lather the product, I definitely know my skin is crying for it when I'm left with only half a 5p piece to scrape by on.. Must repurchase immediately. Always. 

Instead of incorporating Cosmetic Warrior (£6.50) into my everyday routine (it would be too harsh daily for my skin), I'd use this 1 or 2 times a week to thoroughly cleanse my face. Looking at the size of the pot, 75g, you might be thinking "you'll only get one or two uses out of that!", but, I find that I get at least 4, 5 or even 6 uses before the date expires (due to the fresh ingredients) or until I've raked every single little scoop I can. Cosmetic Warrior is a staple face mask for myself: I think it's always nice to have a face mask on stand-by for when pampering is initiated..and so, this is also always on my list when I pop into Lush (or I whenever I can persuade my Mum to pick one up for me..).

Do you have any Lush holy-grail products? I'd love to know in the comments!
To read my other posts in the Lovin' Lush series, click here.

06/04/2015

A Quote To Live By [No.5]


Today I am going to be reflecting on how important it is to have the faith that things will improve. This quote, in my opinion, is suggesting that even after the worst day possible, you will always be able to "rise" again, and shine once more. If you're having a bad day, have the hope that possibly tomorrow, or the day after that, or maybe in two weeks time, you'll feel better, because you can always wake up with a different perspective.

No matter how tough things may be have faith that there's always tomorrow.

What's your opinion on this quote? Feel free to share them below in the comments!
Read other posts in the "A Quote To Live By" series, here.





03/04/2015

How Much Is My Face Worth? [April 2015]


Firstly, i'd like to say a big oops and apologise for not posting for over a month, i've not got a clue where the time has gone, I guess i've been spending more time with other people and my blog has became slightly neglegted. Nevertheless, I am back; and today i'll be adding up the total cost of what goes on my face (minus brushes..), period. Be prepared, this could be shocking.. [Products are linked.]

Face:
Benefit The POREfessional (Small Size); £24.50
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation (51); £10.99
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer; £5.49
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Fair); £4.19
Clinique Sheer Stay-Matte Pressed Powder (Invisible); £23.00
Max Factor Miracle Touch Cream Blush; £6.99
Sleek Contour Kit; £6.49
Soap&Glory Glow All Out Powder Highlight; £11.00


Eyes:
Maybelline "On and On Bronze" Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow; £4.99
Urban Decay Naked Basics 2 Palette (Skimp, Primal); £23.00
Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (Small Size); £19.50
Rimmel "Dark Brown" Eye Brow Pencil; £2.99
Maybelline browDrama; £4.99

Total: £148.12, oh my. (Bare in mind that I have used the "full version" price for products I have in smaller sizes.)

How much is your face worth? It's shocking..but i'd love to know in the comments! 

26/03/2015

Where Have You Been? // Getting Back Into Blogging


So it's obvious that Rachel Jayne has been looking like an empty desert recently, and I have no excuses really. Life and everything has piled upon me and at times the build up has became too much, but i'm bringing blogging back beginning with a "How much is my face worth?" going live sometime this week.

I really do enjoy blogging, when i'm in the right mood and frame of mind, otherwise I think of it as everything other than a hobby - which is really what it is.

Basically, hello again.

12/02/2015

REVIEW // Soap&Glory Supercat Eyeliner


Potentially my favourite eyeliner i've ever used? I think so.. The Soap&Gory SuperCat Liner really does have a great status in my makeup collection at the moment, and there are many reasons for that. Firstly, the nib of the pen is sturdy, well structured and strong enough to withstand a flick; it doesn't feel flimsy at all either, so I know i'll get a good line with it. I'm definitely not saying i'm any expert what so ever, although, SuperCat does make eyeliner just that little bit easier.


As you can see above, the you can achieve different widths of your cat-flick with this eyeliner, so it pretty much covers daytime to night wear all in one. At a mere £6, I definitely suggest you pick this up on your next visit to Boots, see what the hype is all about, I understand the fuss.


Have you already tried and tested SuperCat? If so, what's your opinion? 
Tell me in the comments below!

11/02/2015

Liebster Award Nomination

Honestly, I don't have a clue why I was nominated (I'm not being modest) but, Petek Celik must have seen something worthy in my blog as I was featured as a nominee in her blog post here. What is the Liebster Award? It's a chain of awards, delivered by bloggers themselves, to other small bloggers. Well, the blogger who has nominated you sets 11 questions (of which you can choose to answer) and then you nominate 11 other bloggers, including 11 new questions for them to write a post about, etc.. Basically, this is a fabulous way of ensuring new and upcoming bloggers are recognised. So, without further ado..


(These are the questions set by Petek..)

1. What makes you smile the most?
Nice surprises. Unexpected flowers, or signs someone notices me. Anything thoughtful - or chocolate, yeah.

2. Favourite singer/band?
Easy: Imagine Dragons.

3. What's the one food you can't live without?

The most likely answer would be chocolate, but, I actually couldn't live without berries: I adore raspberries..

4. Next planned/wanted destination in the world?

This Summer we'd (my family and I) love to go to Florida, America. So, fingers crossed!

5. Favourite blogger/youtuber?

I've loved Estee's (essiebutton.com) style of videos and genuine positivity for a long while. Despite the fact that (honestly) 3 years ago I disliked her Youtube: now, I love it. Estee literally brings a smile to my face whenever I see an upload from her in my subscription box. I guess I'd say she's an inspiration of mine. I also love Louise's (sprinkleofglitter.com) enthusiasm.

6. Ben and Jerry's or Haagen Dazs?

Ben and Jerry's all the way (especially their Peanut Butter ice cream, uh-huh).

7. Favourite haircare brand?
Probably Loreal. (I'm not too fussed about haircare.)

8. Your go-to makeup item?
Bronzer - particularly The Honey Bronzer (in 01) by The Body Shop. Although, I do enjoy wearing lipsticks and eyeshadow.

9. Snapchat or Instagram?

Instagram, definitely. I'm obsessed with Instagram, because, I guess, I love photography. (Follow Rachel Jayne Beauty in pictures - here).

10. Where do you get your style/fashion interests from?

I don't think I have a particular source for my interest in style. I've taken inspiration from many different areas.

11. Plane journeys or car journeys?

Plane journeys for sure. I love the climax up to the flight, the packing and obviously the destination!

I nominate XoLucy, Nouveau Chique, And Beauty Or Something, Hello April, Pillar-Box Post, Pure Perspective, Winter Thorne, Mascara & Maltesers, Anouska Loves, My Pale Skin and Keep Dreaming.

My questions are:
1. What does makeup mean to you/why do you wear it?
2. Most beloved blush?
3. What would you usually watch at the cinema (what genre)?
4. Your favourite flowers?
5. When did you start blogging?
6. Why did you start blogging?
7. Sweet or savoury?
8. Monochrome outfit or bright outfit?
9. What did/do you study at school (GCSE's, etc)
10. DVD or restaurant meal?
11. Favourite genre of music?


I'd love to hear if you pass on the award, link me to your blogs in the comments!
Do you like the Liebster Award, tell me what you think!

09/02/2015

3 Drugstore Lipsticks You Need To Try


Worthy lipsticks from drugstores are often hard to come by, fortunately, I thought I'd share 3 of my favourites (which, I personally recommend) that have put drugstore versions back in the game..

I'm definitely a dark lipstick lover, in fact, I'd find them easier to wear than bright, neon shades. One berry lipstick I think you need to try is the Revlon Super Lustrous in "Black Cherry" (£7.49): a vampy, plum that I think looks daring & brave on anyone - see the righthand swatch below. Try it for nights out, or a special makeup look with an extra something something. Soap&Glory, in my opinion, do lipsticks really well. Although they are often over-looked, I do think there are a few particularly great shades worth picking up. Soap&Glory's FabuLipstick in ''Blush Pink'' (£9) is the one I've been reaching for a lot since venturing into lipsticks - I think it's a lovely matte everyday option - see the middle swatch below.


Lastly, the Maybelline colourDrama lipstick (crayon) in Keep It Classy (£4.99); a rosy, perky red shade, is a shade you need to try next (after those other two..). Swatched left (above), Keep It Classy really is a classic lipstick. It's flattering and compliments smokey eye makeup perfectly. What more could you want?

Have you got any other recommendations? 
Any lipsticks you always reach for? Let me know!

07/02/2015

Day Zero Challenge // 101 Things in 1001 Days


I thought this was a really motivational idea (based on this website: here), in which you set yourself 101 achievements/tasks to complete in 1001 days (estimated 2.75 years). I'm setting myself a mixture of personal, blogging, lifestyle, health and beauty goals. Some things I set may be small, others will be larger. (Although, obviously I can't write ''fly around the world'' as I'm 15 and who even has that kind of money?) I originally read this post, by Adele, which gave me the inspiration. So, here we go..

Started:
Saturday 7th February 2015 
Ends:
Saturday 4th November 2017

Last updated:
Thursday 28th May 2015, then Saturday 26th November 2016

Key:
Incomplete / Complete / In progress

//Personal
1. Feel better about myself.
2. Reach a healthier weight (put on 1/2 stone).
3. Complete my art scrapbook.
4. Write a list of 100 things that make me happy.
5. Write a CV. [Kinda terrible and last minute..still counts though..]
6. Get a part-time job.
7. Get a part-time job at Lush (particular, I know).
8. Join a fitness group/club. [Joined the gym.]
9. Get my Driver's Licence 
10. Make new friends (lol right).
11. Buy/own a car.
12. Have a pet.

//Photography
13. Complete my photography scrapbook.
14. Go to a photography club.
15. Go on a photography course. [Film course].
16. Learn about all the features of my Nikon D3200 DSLR.
17. Buy 3 new camera lenses.
18. Make a short film/documentary.
19. Take 10 selfies with friends.

//Beauty and makeup
20. Buy atleast 3 big expensive beauty products (£35+).
21. Buy atleast 5 expensive beauty products (£20+).
22. Find the perfect contour shade.
23. Buy an expensive makeup brush (£25+).
24. Buy and try a new foundation (I never stray from makeup I like).
25. Get acrylic/shellac nails.
26. Go to a spa.
27. Get a new hairstyle.
28. Go on a spending ban for 1 month.
29. Wash my face properly every night for 3 weeks (I'm so lazy with this..).

//Music
30. Go to a concert.
31. Buy tickets for a concert.
32. Buy 3 new albums.
33. Buy an Imagine Dragons t-shirt.
34. Buy a record player.
35. Buy records.
36. Buy a new speaker for my phone/iPod.
37. Make online friends who like the same music as me.

//Social Networking
38. Reach 500 blog Twitter followers (follow - here).
39. Reach 500 blog Instagram followers (follow - here).
40. Reach 300 Pinterest followers (follow - here).
41. Tweet 10,000 times.
42. Post 500 Instagram pictures.

//Blogging
43. Reach 1000 BlogLovin' followers (follow - here).
44. Reach 2000 BlogLovin' followers.
45. Reach 20,000 total blog page views.
46. Achieve 500 page views in one day.
47. Upload atleast 4 posts a week, for atleast 1 year.
48. Get my own Business Cards (?).
49. Design my own logo.

//Travel
50. Visit family.
51. Go to London.
52. Go on a holiday to Florida.
53. Go to Glasgow..again.

//Film & Books
54. Watch atleast 50 DVDS (1/50).
#1 The Matrix
55. Go to the cinema 25 times (6/25).

56. Watch Age Of Ultron (April 2015) when it's released. [SO GOOD.]
57. Watch Mockingjay Part 2 (November 2015) when it's released.
58. Read 200 books (1/200).
59. Finish a book with atleast 600 pages.
60. Watch a film at an outdoor cinema.

//Bedroom & Interior
61. Put up a shelf for books and DVD's. 
62. Get a dressing table for makeup, etc.
63. Organise makeup in the dressing table.
64. Put up a small collection of photos on the wall.
65. Paint a canvas for my room.
67. Buy atleast 3 new posters for my room (1/3).
68. Buy an unusual piece of furniture/decoration.
69. Don't buy a new candle for atleast one month.

//Health & Fitness
70. Go for a run 4 times a week, for atleast 2 weeks. 
71. Do atleast 15 press-ups/sit-ups every night for 1 month (record it).
72. Don't drink anything fizzy at all for 1 month (I cannot resist a can of Coke..).
73. Try yoga.
74. Go on a long bike ride.
75. Cut out sweets (not including chocolate, of course) for 3 weeks.

//Everything Else
76. Bake macaroons (my Sister and me have wanted to make them forever).
77. Write a letter to myself to be opened at the end of 1001 days.
78. Go to a comedy gig.
79. Get a tattoo.
80. Don't go on any social networking sites at all for 3 days (minus posting blog posts).
81. Keep a diary for an entire year. (Failed 2015).
82. Fill a scrapbook with my favourite recipes.
83. Make an OOTD blog post - and publish it.
84. Strive out of my comfort zone.
85. Wear something daring that I wouldn't usually go for.
86. Take part in the Race For Life.
87. Drink 8 glasses of water (on average 1.6 litres) per day for 1 week.
88. Re-upholster something.
89. Re-vamp something (make it better).
90. Go and do something/go somewhere I don't think I would like, to try to prove myself wrong.
91. Go ice-skating.
92. Buy a bathroom weighing scale - weigh myself every day for 1 month straight.
93. Buy atleast 3 iPhone cases (for switching it up a bit).
94. Write a letter to someone famous (an actor, or Dan Reynolds *heart-eyes emoji*).
95. Learn new html tricks.
96. Improve my blog in general (relates to the above).
97. Go scuba-diving.
98. Write and/or learn a song for my guitar.
99. See an old friend.
100. Give to charity.

101. Complete 101 goals in 1001 days.


I really, really encourage you to join the Day Zero Challenge, 
write yourself a blog post, and let me know how you get on! Are you joining?

06/02/2015

BARRY M: RASPBERRY


I'm putting this out there, firstly, as one of my favourite colours; so expect high praise for Barry M's Raspberry as it really hit's the nail on the head as a ''deep berry'' (even though my pictures don't do it justice!).

This week I had ''Raspberry'' on my nails, despite the fact they chipped overnight (I know - overnight!), I do love this shade and pretty much wear it all year round. (Why should berries only be allowed in Autumn/Winter? The shade still exists in Summer!) I'd describe this shade a being inbetween a deep red and on the verge of plum. Potentailly, this nail varnish owns the title of "my favourite/most loved ever".. And that means it must be pretty good.

Find the Barry M Raspberry Nail Varnish (£2.99) here.

04/02/2015

Currently Loving: Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer




Recently, I have been getting a whole lot of use out of the ever-so-coveted Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (£5.49). Is it the dreamy consistency, perfect glow or easy application that ticks all the boxes with Wake Me Up? Read on to find out what makes this my go-to concealer..
I'll admitt now: I have terribly pesky - purple - under eye luggage (bags), which are undeniably hard to conceal even with the thickest camoflauge. But for some reason, the budget Wake Me Up was different. I applied around 2/3 thin coats of Rimmel's magic underneath my eyes (I know you're thinking "that much!", but trust me it works..) and pat down with my other recent fave: the EcoTools Foam Applicator (£4.99) (sponge-on-a-stick? - ha). 



I should have, really, done a ''before'' and ''after'', because I believe the results from this concealer are that noticable. My undereyes still aren't perfected, I know; nevertheless, Wake Me Up transformed the area and enhanced my eyes - taking the attention away from the blue-toned undereye gift my parents lovingly gave me.

In all seriousness, Wake Me Up has - for the time being - replaced my beloved No7 Match Made Concealer (which I've used for 6+ months straight, yeah). And that takes some beating.

I also used: Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum, Benefit RollerLash (first impressions here) and the Maybelline ColourTattoo (On and On Bronze).


What's your favourite concealer at the moment? 
Is the Wake Me Up foundation one for me to try? Tell me in the comments!

02/02/2015

A Quote To Live By [No.4]


Today, I thought I would focus on the future; on the ''impossible'' - or, not so impossible - future. In society nowadays, dreams are disregarded, usually, and doubted by both ourselves and peers. Why do we do this? Constantly, we set ourselves goals we'd love to achieve and then cast them away because we think we "can't", or "shouldn't", or "couldn't".

This week, even for the smallest of ''impossible'' tasks you set yourself, I want you to change your attitude and consider these goals to be fun, living and enjoyable. I know it's a cliche; but, you shouldn't doubt yourself. No one ever thought anyone could land on the moon - it was impossible.. But look what happened when a group of people tested that theory and achieved something.

What are your thoughts on this quote? Will you change your opinion on ''impossible'' tasks?
Tell me what you think in the comments below.

Benefit Roller Lash: First Impressions


As many of you will know, this months ELLE magazine features a sample size of the upcoming Benefit Roller Lash Mascara - which curls, lengthens and thickens lashes. Intrigued? Of course.

THE EFFECT:
After using Roller Lash yesterday for the first time I can confirm I let out an amazed 'wow!' once I had applied just one coat. The results, in my opinion, were amazing and really transformed my eyelashes. Roller Lash makes use of a medium sized, fairly thin brush with individual bristles to ensure all the lashes are coated. Firstly I used my eyelash curlers to prepare my lashes, and then took a swipe with the mascara. (The wand was perfectly sized for me - and I didn't make a mess of my eyeshadow either!)


THE WEAR TIME:
I did my makeup at around 1 o'clock yesterday (I took me forever to me motivated to get ready..), and then removed it at around 9.30 o'clock. I'll tell you now: Roller Lash did not smudge (on myself) at all. And I have oily eyelids, but no - no smudging what-so-ever. If that isn't a sign of a winning mascara then I don't know what is!

THE REMOVAL:
Easy, easy, easy! Honestly, I thought I might have a struggle to remove every last trace of the Roller Lash (considering Benefit's They're Real is reviewed as a nightmare to take off).. Although, yet again, I was proven completely wrong, because a few swipes with a cotton pad and liquid (or a face wipe for the lazy people..me..) took away all the mascara ever to flutter on my lashes.

Was I overall impressed? You bet. So will I buy the full version when Roller Lash is released? Well, the £19.50 price tag certainly is off-putting, but this could be my dream mascara - I think so.

30/01/2015

January: A Month In Photos [No.1]


I mentioned at the beginning of the Year (here) that I would put together this very post: A Month In Photos and, I have - actually - stuck to my idea. So, here are (some) of the photos I took during the month of January. Oh, and the photo above was before the 31st of December - whoops.


(These next few I actually took on my Birthday - just saying.)


5 Products To Add To Your Wishlist


1. CAMOFLAUGING: The high-coverage No7 Match Made Concealer (£7) did not leave my face once last Year - well, I lie, I didn't wear it 24/7, don't worry. But you get the idea.. I wrote a full post on this back in June (read it - here) and have used it under my eyes forever since. Available in very neutral shades, Calico doesn't look to dark on me despite my pale skin. I'd recomenend you check this out during the Year; especially considering the small pricetag.

2. FOR THE BRONZE: The Body Shop Honey Bronzer (£13) was definitely my most used contour/bronzer product of 2014 and despite the fact it isn't a high-end product I love it none-the-less. Also, I bought this bronzer (which is in shade 01) early in the Year (around April) and have only hit pan in December.. I really doubt i'd like to go a day without having the option to use this. Full review - here.

3. THE EYES: If you haven't heard about the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in ''On and On Bronze'' (£4.99) - where have you been? 2014 was the Year for creams:  cream eyeshadow, cream blush and so on.. The Colour Tattoo does not fail to stay put throughout the day and is such an easy product to apply very early in the morning.

4. TO APPLY: Last Year, Real Techniques were big, in particular, the Core Collection which features 4 necessary brushes all designed to aid in applying makeup for the perfect finish. In my opinion, it's a great deal at £22 for four (meaning each brush is around £5) and one to add to your wishlist in 2015.

5. BEST WAY TO FINISH: During the end of 2014, I began to complete my makeup routine with a quick spritz of the Avène Eau Thermale Spring Water (£3.50) to ''lock'' in the look i'd created and essessentially blend everything together. I recommend you try this technique soon too.


Have you got any recommendations to add to my wishlist? Have you tried any of the products i've mentioned? I'd love to know!

28/01/2015

A Quote To Live By [No.3]


This ''quote to live by'' comes from the fact that we are all, as humans, in competition. Competition with the person sitting next to us; competition with ourselves or in competition with something that might not even happen. In my opinion, sometimes, we just need to take a step back - and look at the situation as a whole. Are you trying your hardest? Are you achieving something (no matter how small)? If yes, then that is better than good enough.

For the next week, don't worry about anyone else, don't be in constant competition with anyone else: focus on yourself (unless your job is looking after others..). The important thing to remember is that: we shouldn't think about competing with the flower beside us, we should simply blossom.

BRONZE: DO'S + DON'TS


Bronze shades can be the final touch to a makeup look or the last accessory to an A-star outfit; but, it can be too easily overused in wrong areas. Bronze needs to be used delicatly - here are some do's and don'ts when accepting to the Bronze trend..

// DO
Wear on the eyelids: A touch of bronze can look lovely complimenting every eye colour and can aid you in creating polished makeup. Try: smokey eye makeup using the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in ''On and On Bronze'' as the base; or The Body Shop Eye Liner in ''Burnished Amber'' in your waterline (just below your eye).

Bronze jewellery. Yes, yes, yes. One of the 2015 trends to come, in accessories, are minimlistic, dainty rings/necklaces/braceletts. Anything that looks like a Magpie might swoop it up, probably means you should too. Try: H&M Jewellery (they've had some lovely pieces recently).

For interiors: bronze lampshades, vases and pictures frames can look really classy and pull together an entire space. Try: H&M Home (again H&M are nailing it with decor).

//DON'T
Wear bronze (or gold, copper, silver) leggings. Unless your opting to look like a robot/disco ball, or you can totally pull them off (which most of us can't - but if you can then I admire you), stay away from metallic bottoms. Try: matte/leather style leggings instead - Topshop do some nice ones here.

Use a bronze-y fake tan. In my opinion, there's a difference between healthy glowing skin and the colour bronze. (I wouldn't honestly want to look like a metallic glitter ball all over no matter if this is how people expect to come back from abroad). Try gradual tan like the Dove Summer Glow instead or go au naturale and go without faking it whilst Winter is still here.


Do you like the Bronze takeover? Let me know in the comments!
(I'm no style/trend expert what-so-ever - of course - these are just some ideas I thought of.)

26/01/2015

Gooey Chocolate Brownie Recipe

I found this gooey chocolate brownie recipe via Tanya Burr a few months back and I have loved making them since. There is something rewarding about baking; a sense of accomplishment, especially when everyone else is asking for the secret ingredient. Brownies are certainly a treat but, by using this recipe you'll feel less guilty knowing you're eating a healthier, less fatty version.. (That doesn't mean you can eat the entire batch all at once..well..maybe..)


// You Will Need 
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
200g Dark Chocolate 
100g Milk Chocolate
3 Eggs
1 Mashed Ripe Avocado 
2 Cups Brown Sugar
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1 Cap Full Of Vanilla Extract
Pinch Of Salt
1/2 Cup Ground Almonds (Optional)
1/2 Cup Coconut Flakes (Optional)

// The Instructions
1. Pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees c. Start off by melting the 1/2 cup of coconut oil, 200g dark chocolate and 100g milk chocolate together in a large pan over a low/medium heat. 

2. Once everything has turned to liquid, take the saucepan off the heat and add the 1 cup mashed avocado (then mix well), 2 cups of brown sugar (Tanya uses coconut sugar but I can't find this anywhere), 1/2 cup ground almonds, 1/2 coconut flakes, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 cap of vanilla extract, pinch of salt and the eggs.

3. The mixture should have a fairly thick consistency (it shouldn't be like water anyway). Then pop it into the oven for around 25 minutes (check back after 15 minutes first). The brownie should be crisp on the top and gooey (but not runny) inside, so don't worry if you've been going for 30 minutes and it isn't like a brick. The brownie is delicious both warm and cold served with cream and fresh berries.

Avocado, used as one of the few main ingredients, is known for it's healthy fats and the coconut oil contains a special saturated fat making it a great substitute to normal oils. If those facts won't sway you into making this recipe then I don't know what will! Read more about coconut oil and its benefits here.

I'd love to hear what you think about the brownie if you decide to make it please tell me your thoughts in the comments below!

24/01/2015

REVIEW // Smashbox Cream Eyeshadow


Can I just start by mentioning the packaging? How beautifully simple is that glass jar? Very. Smashbox is a brand, in my opinion, that bases its aesthetics to be very monochrome and stylish (both appealing to their target market). 

When I was in Glasgow with my Mum last month I was browsing around the high-end brands (knowing I had my Advantage Card Points stocked up), Smashbox was a stand that caught my eyes many times and so, I was intrigued to swatch more and more of their products. The Smashbox Cream Eyeshadow in ''Stone'', which is fairly similar to the budget Maybelline Colour Tattoo Cream Eyeshadow in ''Permenant Taupe'', was particularly memorable and temped me to part with my points. After having, and using, Stone for around a month now I thought it was time I split the beans. Is the Smashbox Cream any better than the Maybelline offering (1/3 the price) or do I recommend you keep your cash for something else? Keep reading to find out..


Stone - A silvery grey sheen

Honestly, the Smashbox version isn't overly more buttery or easier to blend than the budget option, but, I do think it has a better wear time. Smashbox also have available a large range of shades compared to others (except in the US.. of course..) and so this could be a reason to splash out. By choosing Stone, the tone isn't incredibly different, and so, I wouldn't repurchase it. Nevertheless, it does feel special and expensive to use - and it looks good on anyones dressing table. Overall, for £16 I don't think I could justify putting it in my basket.



Bought with my Boots Advantage Card Points (lucky me, I know).

23/01/2015

15 BLOG POST IDEAS

Occasionally, - and I know this happens to every ''blogger'' - the ideas just stop flowing and the juices halt in their tracks. Yes, I'm talking about a ''blogger's block'' - the period in which you think (or yell) ''I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO WRITE''. Do not give up. I am here with a handful of suggestions for your latest post..


1. {A COLOUR-THEMED POST} 'All Things Purple'
2. {SOMETHING YOU'VE LEARNT RECENTLY} Beauty or not..
3. {CURRENT BEAUTY FAVES} You have to admit they are the best.
4. {ORGANISATION} Makeup collection, Desk tidying..
5. {SHARE A DIY}
6. {OOTD} Having a snoop at someones wardrobe and dress sense? Yes.
7. {YOU LIKE PHOTOGRAPHY? SHARE YOUR SHOTS}
8. {SOMETHING YOU'VE UNEXPECTEDLY ENJOYED LATELY} Share your day.
9. {FAVOURITE BLOGS? INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS?}
10. {SALE PICKS} Everyone loves the sales..
11. {GIFT GUIDES} Mother's Day, Birthdays..
12. {RECIPES}
13. {ANY HABITS YOU HAVE?}
14. {NAIL ART / TUTORIAL} Wether it's a simple design, or not.
15. {Q&A OR 10 FACTS ABOUT YOU}

Hope you've found this post useful in any way.
 I'd love to know what you think about my blog in the comments. Thanks.