My Life Changing Lush Haul




Lush has had somewhat of a revival in my eyes in recent months. For years, Lush was that shop that sold huge bath bombs and smelt incredible. But from looking at beauty bloggers and their Instagram accounts everyone is lush obsessed - and not just because of their bath bombs. I popped into Lush in December while I was meant to be Christmas shopping for my family (oops) and seriously fell head over hills in love with so many of their products. Now that I've tried and tested them, I'm so excited to post my review!

American Cream Hair Conditioner
If you're looking for a conditioner that leaves your hair smelling heavenly for the rest of the day - you need American Cream. The scent is wonderful, it's strawberry-vanilla milkshake - and who the hell doesn't frickin' love a milkshake - mad people that's who (oh and lactose intolerant people, soz). As well as smelling dreamy, my hair feels really smooth and generally healthier after using this. I never really leave the conditioner in my hair for ages, maybe 5 minutes, but I've still experienced great results! If you're going to buy anything from Lush it should be this!

Superbalm Scalp Treatment
I have quite a sensitive scalp and during winter can suffer with a bit of a flakey scalp - which everyone knows is not the most attractive thing in the world! So when I saw this scalp treatment I knew I had to try it. I can honestly say it worked after one use - amazing. All you have to do is massage the balm into the sensitive parts of your scalp and leave in for 20 minutes, then wash your hair as normal. I had no issues with my scalp after using this. There have been a few times where I've been in a rush and not had time to apply the balm before washing my hair and my scalp has become flakey again - so you totally notice a big change when you use the balm. 100% recommend this to anyone who suffers from a sensitive scalp!

Yuzu and Cocoa Shower Cream
After seeing countless Instagram pics of the Rose Jam and Snow Fairy shower creams I expected to come out of Lush in love with both. But I actually preferred the Yuzu and Cocoa - bit controversial I know. So what is Yuzu? It's a citrus fruit which essentially looks like a lemon - but smells like a cross between a lemon, mandarin and grapefruit. The shower cream is also infused with cocoa, which omg is like Terry's chocolate orange but about 1000 times better. I'm literally inhaling it as I write this and getting the weak at the knees - need I say more?

Which Lush products do you love?
                                                                               

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil



I’ve been super excited to review the Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil because it completely deserves the shout out I’m about to give it! Seriously, well done Nars. They did a great job at winning me over – this was my first purchase from the brand and I am whole heartedly in love. I purchased the Cruella shade along with the Nars pencil sharpener which is softer and therefore won’t break your lip pencil (could you imagine omg).

I visited the Nars store in the Selfridges at Manchester on the hunt for THE red lipstick which I still didn’t seem to own. I’ve dabbled with the dark reds, the purpley reds, and even the orange, but not THE classic red. The sales assistant suggested that the Cruella lip pencil had my name all over. As she finished applying it to my lips, she grabbed a hand held mirror and revealed the PURE ART she had created, like seriously. I felt like Kendall Jenner in her Estée Lauder ad with the red lips. There is solely one reason that the shade is called Cruella – UM Cruella was like the sassiest Disney character ever, which perfectly parallels the instant sassiness and confidence that you feel when wearing this colour. I found THE red. Surely that’s why we girls wear makeup right? – for that OMG I FEEL AMAZING feeling. It does wonders for your confidence levels and that’s just brilliant.

BUT WHY ELSE IS IT GOOD?

That was just the colour – there is way more:

As it’s essentially a big pencil, you have total control when applying the product. I find this is easier if you don’t have the biggest lips ever. Some people are pros and can apply lipstick in seconds, whilst I’m carefully trying to figure out where the lip ends and skin starts.

I was weary of buying another matte lip product because to be completely honest – matte lipstick usually equates to dry, chapped lips the morning after. However, the Nars lip pencils are non-drying and are enriched with Vitamin E so this means no horrible lips the day after! Yay.

Obviously, Cruella might not be THE red for every girl – but the product itself is convenient, kind to your lips, and there are lots of other beaut colours to pick from. If it can make you feel great about yourself, then it’s definitely worth it!


                                                                                    

Battle of the Liquid Eyeliners


First of all happy new year! Hope 2016 is good to ya all.
 
I've wanted to write this post for a long time as I get through sooo many eyeliners and thought it would be interesting to review a few I tried in 2015. I've worn winged eyeliner every single day since I was about 15 (it all began with an emo phase circa 2007). If I could only use one makeup product it would 100%, without doubt be my liquid eyeliner. Hell, I would take it as my sole possession to a desert island. My eyeliner skills are my pride and joy - I'm not a makeup artist, but this is my one and only skill in life, plz let me have this. With enough practice you can achieve amazing winged eyeliner in seconds. I honestly believe it's just a case of finding the right brush, and the right type of liquid, OH and a bit of practice.

The eyeliners I'll be reviewing vary in price. I'll discuss each in the photo from left to right.

Eyeko Fat Liquid Eyeliner - £12.00
This Eyeko eyeliner definiely has the fattest brush I've ever seen! This eyeliner came as part of my October Birchbox and I've increasingly seen the brand in magazines lately. I was surprised at how easy this glides on to your eye. Although the tip is fairly big, it is still possible to draw a thin-ish line. The difficulty however comes when trying to create a flick. It is possible but it takes a bit of practicing due to the size. I think this would be perfect if you wear a thicker line, or maybe if you don't tend to flick it out at the end this would work.

Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner - £18.50
I had such high hopes for this because I adore pretty much every other Benefit product out there. Sadly, I cannot get on with this liner! The key characteristics of this are the gel formula and the AccuFlex tip which "hugs" your lash line. I still haven't managed to successfully apply this to my eyes... The consistency is quite thick and you can't help but drag the skin on your eyelid. This results in a wobbly line. One positive is that it is durable - each time I've attempted to use this it's been reaaaally hard to wipe off! So if you can get the hang of it, at least you know it won't smudge! I have tested it on my hand and it does look very slick, however I can't seem to achieve this on my eye. Let me know if you have any tips!?

Maybelline Master Precise - £5.99
This eyeliner shocked me because it was SO easy to use, straight away. This is another felt tip style brush but this is much thinner than the Eyeko brush, so you have far more control. Also, creating the winged look is less of a struggle than with the fatter Eyeko felt tip liner. The liquid is very dark, which means you don't have to keep redrawing over the line to add colour. It's also very easy to remove, so if you make a mistake you won't end up with a big smudge! This is the perfect eyeliner if you're looking for a felt tip style liner that does't require too much practicing.

Mac Superslick Liquid Eyeliner - £18.00
Obviously you can always rely on Mac for a great product. Although the pot is only small, this eyeliner lasted me quite a long time. What's fab about the Mac liner is that when they say superslick, they really mean SUPER FRICKIN' SLICK. Like this looked glossy even when it was dry which was AMAZINGGG. There is unfortunately a BUT - if you draw a thick-ish line with this eyeliner, after a few hours it has a tendency to rub off on to the top of your eye lid. Sometimes it left a vertical line from the bottom to the top of the lid which meant I received some jugdemental looks in the office! This is still amazing, so if you do want to pay a bit extra for this, just make sure you don't draw the line too thick!

Rimmel ScandalEyes - £5.49
Rimmel offer this in a thin and thick liner, I opted for the thin precision micro eyeliner. I hadn't used a felt tip liner prior to this, but I gave it a go. The tip is ultra thin making it relatively easy to apply. However, despite claiming that it "dries quickly" and provides "24 hour resistance against sweat, water and smudging" THIS WAS ALL A LIE! Before I'd even finished my makeup, I was retouching the line, and after a few hours the line had rubbed off on to the top of my eyelid and smudged everywhere - which wasn't at all embarrassing..... Basically this is no bueno.

Rimmel Glam Eyes - £5.29
This is by a mile THE BEST eyeliner out of all six of these  OH AND THE CHEAPEST. (We'll forgive Rimmel for the above eyeliner). Obviously everyone has their own preferences, but for me Glam Eyes ticks all of the boxes. It makes winged eyeliner incredibly EASY to accomplish. The brush is very thin - this is SO important for your control when applying the product. A lot of people think a thinner brush is more difficult to use, but you can draw little strokes and build the line up. The consistency of the liquid is FAB and it glides so easily on to your eye.  My biggest problem with eyeliners is when they are too thick or dry and they drag your eyelid meaning you're more likely to make a mistake or end up with a jagged line. The Glam Eyes liner is honestly an absolute dream to apply because of the brush and the consistency of the liquid. This eyeliner has SERIOUSLY been my war paint, it's the power behind my sassiness. Without it, I am nothing. I think this proves you definitely don't need to spend tonnes of money for a eyeliner, when you can get this one for a fiver at Boots. Wonderful. 

Let me know if you have any other eyeliners I should try! 

                                                                               

6 Tips for a Happier Life in 2016




With 2015 coming to an end and 2016 on the horizon, I thought this post would be a great idea! This time last year I was in a rubbish place and there were so many aspects of my life that I wanted to change. I felt like I had SO many goals which I *still* hadn’t achieved. I decided that 2015 would be my year (like we all say on December 31st lolz) and you know what – it’s actually been pretty great. I honestly believe that if you follow these tips that I’ve shared below, you can have a happier life in 2016. 

1. Find what you love and go for it
Sadly not all of us land our dream job straight away. Most of us don't even know what we want to do when we leave school or university! The new year is not only the perfect time to change jobs but to really figure out what it is you love, and to go and get it. At the beginning of 2015 I was working in finance which I hated. Like seriously I would cry in the toilets once a week, not fun. I was desperate to escape, and after some soul searching decided that I might like PR. Getting into a different industry is soo hard, but if you are persistent and passionate someone will give you a chance. Luckily I was given a chance in PR and it transformed my happiness levels for sure. Even if you have to start on a slightly lesser salary in your new industry, if you love it, you'll work hard and the money will eventually follow. Money is obvs to an extent important I'd rather do what's good for my soul ANY day. What I'm trying to say, paraphrasing a Steve Jobs quote - don't settle, do what you love.


2. Write down your short term goals and take action 
We all have little things that we *keep* saying we’ll do ‘this year’ then never happen. Whether it’s to lose 10 pounds or to learn French. Mine was to learn how to drive in 2015. Thankfully I was able to do this and I passed my test in August. This didn’t just happen though. It involved a lot of time and sacrifice at the expense of my social life. PLUS omg how expensive are driving lessons? I don’t get home until late during the week so I always had to do my driving lessons on Saturdays. Friday nights were a big fat write off for what felt like FOREVER. Visiting friends in other cities for the weekend was really hard too. It really was horrible (first world problems eh?) BUT it was so so worth it to finally pass and know that I had actually achieved one of my goals for 2015. So whatever it is that you keep saying you’ll do, write it down and stick to it this year if you know it’ll make you happier. It’ll feel amazing next December when you know you can tick it off the list!


3. Cut ties with people who are a negative influence in your life
As sad as it may sound, I've felt much happier in my life after disassociating myself with a couple of people in 2015 that I was previously close to. From speaking to lots of people it's become apparent we all have at least one person in our lives who has a negative influence - maybe you fight with them, maybe they bitch behind your back, or maybe simply they're just not there for you. It could be a friend, family member or a boyfriend. I honestly feel that I've been happier and my life has been going really well since cutting ties with people that weren't a positive influence. The people in your life should bring out the best in you. They should be fun to be around. Most importantly it should be easy to be around them. This probably sounds brutal to some people, but it's important to look out for yourself!

4. Find what de-stresses you and incorporate it into your life
I'm talking about meditation or exercise here. Taking up yoga is not only relaxing, but boosts your mental and physical strength which can only have a positive effect. I personally am planning to start Pilates in 2016, which builds core strength as well as relaxing you. Or there's the good old fashioned gym session or team sports which definitely can help you distress you in a really fun, positive way. Whatever you choose to do make sure you keep up with it. Exercise and meditation can work wonders for your inner peace.

5. Find a skin care regime you can actually maintain
This is my resolution every single year. Don’t get me wrong I love trying new cleansers and moisturisers -I buy heaps of them - but I’m oh so bad at regularly using them. I’ve got a lot better lately, but I still miss a few days in a week. From what I’ve told you so far it sounds like having a regular skin care regime wouldn’t make me happy (ha) but, has anyone ever regretted cleansing after they've done it? Nope! It might be that you want to start using a serum every day (I probs should be) but it's just extra effortttt. This year I’ve had quite a few break outs (so sexy at age 23) which I hadn’t suffered from before and well, I’ve basically felt rubbish about my skin. Adding something into your every day routine is hard, but you'll thank yourself when your skin is FLAWLESS.


6. Listen to your body
I have a difficult time doing this sometimes! It's easy to get into a bad sleeping routine where you're going to bed late or only getting 5 hours sleep every night. Or you might be getting ill and you carry on working long hours, when you really need to chill in bed with a hot chocolate and watch friends. Or you keep going out every weekend when your body is just screaming NO, like seriously Nicole just have a nice bubble bath and do not consume any more white wine. You HAVE to listen to your body and understand what's best for your well being. Everyone (especially when you get in your mid twenties) needs time to chill the hell out, and think what you really should be doing. Should you be going out getting smashed like you're 18 when you didn't sleep last night, and have spent last week feeling horrendously ill? - nope! Let your body recover from whatever it is so that it doesn't have to suffer. 



                                                                                    

December Favourites






Okay so we're only 2 days into December but there are sooo many products I'm excited about this month! I've had time off the last few weeks before I start my new job on Monday, so I've been trying out new cosmetics which I've had in the box tucked away! I've got some green and red thrown in there, so there's totally a slight Christmas vibe going on...

Mally Precision Brow
Do you ever have those days where you're not feeling the big, bold eyebrow look? Like you're going to an interview and should prob tone it down a notch, but you can't wear nothing cause you're too used to big eyebrows now and feel naked without them filled in? WELL MY FRIEND. This is the perfect brow wand for those days when you actually just want a natural look. The precision brow wand only comes in one colour - universal - so it's a medium brown colour. If you've got dark hair like me, it's perfect for achieving an every day look. It also has a brush on one end, which you can use first to tame them crazy long eyebrow hairs.

Smashbox Primer
Despite being the holy grail of primers, I've never used the Smashbox primer for some strange, unknown reason. But I have now and oh mah gahd it's fabulous. Like my makeup literally stayed on the entire day. I don't think this has ever happened - it usually tends to have melted off by about 4pm. But this was about 10pm and I was still working the dewy look. This definitely lives up to the hype!

H&M Green Bag
I was in a mad rush in Westfield's at Stratford when I found this really cute green bag in H&M. I was going out that night and desperately needed a bag that was small enough to take to a club - which is actually really hard cause every bag in every shop was bulky or expensive! I chose green solely because my whole wardrobe is black, and I need some colour. I have however fallen in love with Green, it's a good alternative to black if you're like me! AND it was only £7.99 so it kind of saved my life that day.

Essie A List Polish
When winter comes you need to bring out the obligatory deep red nail polish. Essie have a thousand shades of red which, makes it quite difficult to choose. 'A list' is a really cool shade, it's not too dark, so it's still bright and quite striking with your outfit. Also this stays on forevs so this makes me happy.

L'occitane Cherry Blossom Hand Cream
I received this as part of a gift set when I left Grayling and it smells incredible! I don't think I ever even mentioned to anyone from Grayling my love for L'occitane hand creams, but maybe everyone is starting to realise how despite the price, they are life changing (and a great gift). FYI if anyone is still struggling to pronounce L'occitane, it's said like - Loxitan. 

Number 4 Super Comb Prep & Protect
If you are signed up for Birchbox you'll probably recognise this product. I'm quite bad at applying protective spray before drying my hair, but as it came in my Birchbox I thought I'd give it a go. It really helps to detangle your hair, and your hair feels healthier so it's definitely a win!

Bare Minerals Precision Face Brush
This is one of those brushes that you can stroke for hours and it'd probably send you into a little snooze. It's created for the Bare Minerals Ready foundation, and I have to say I prefer it to the Bare Minerals Flawless Face brush cause that malts everywhere! 

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara
This is without doubt the best mascara ever. No seriously. Let's be honest when has Benefit brought out a mascara that wasn't good? I actually have two of these, one I'm currently using, and one on standby for when it runs out (which is taking ages btw so that's also good) You only have to apply one coat to achieve long, curled, and flawless lashes. This should definitely be on every girls Christmas wish list!


                                                                                    

Next's Make Me Beautiful Cosmetics (Yes, Next!)



It came as quite a surprise this week to discover that Next have their own makeup and beauty range called Make Me Beautiful. I knew they sold the odd shower gel/body lotion set, but makeup?! I was scrolling down my Instagram and eyeing some beaut nail polish colours that a fellow blogger posted, before realising they were from Next. When did this happen? In utter shock I googled the closest Next, as I was already on Oxford Street and had time to kill. 

Before I knew it I hunted down the nail polishes and there were SO many gorgeous colours. They literally had it all, cool nudes, pearly polishes in quirky blues, lilacs and greens, and a whole tonne of glitter and texture polishes. Seriously they have it all. I picked quite unusual colours I wouldn't usually go for...mainly because I already have a drawer full of nail polishes at home...

I was apprehensive about what the quality would be like but honestly they are AMAZING! The blue I've used is called Fantasy and is one of the pearl polishes, and on my ring finger I've used Electric Violet. I initially applied one coat, and you can deffo get with just one. I did end up applying a second coat - (but if you're busy and haven't got ages to let it dry, you can totally get away with one). The glitter polish is also fab cause you get a whole tonne of glitter in one coat! I also bought Teal My Thunder (loving these names) as it was 3 for 2 and at £4 each you can't pass that offer up! So basically £8 for 3 polishes.

The Make Me Beautiful range also have some shimmery eye chubby sticks which I had to resist because I was meant to be buying Christmas presents for my family, not myself lolz. They looked lovely though, as did the lipsticks. They also do sets of nail polishes and other stuff so you can just go crazy!

Makeup Christmas Wish List



Christmas is upon us and it's super exciting! I don't know about you guys, but when my family (or Santa) ask what I would like for Christmas I never have any suggestions - mainly because when you're older you just buy the things you want for yourself! Having said that, Christmas is always a perfect time to ask for any makeup products which you have been eyeing up on Instagram, but are perhaps a bit expensive. These are a few treats which I would happily open on Christmas morning!

Here is my makeup wish list!

1. Urban Decay Naked Smoky Palette 
These things are pretty much everywhere at the moment! There are a few different palettes, but this smoky one is by far my fave. I need to try this ASAP!

2. Nails Inc by Alexa in Silk and Sequin
Any colours that Alexa has put her name on are gonna be cool aren't they? Now that it's winter, the dark-glitter nail combo  is obligatory.

3. Bare Minerals Prime Time 
There are hundreds of primers out there now, but the Brightening primer from Bare Minerals has a hint of colour in it which I find gives you a healthy glow. It's so dreamy and I need it!

4. Nars Audacious Lipsticks
I've never bought anything from Nars but I've heard amazing things and these lipsticks look life changing tbh. They're both from the Audacious range, the colours are called Charlotte (left) and Annabella (right).

5. Benefit Gimme Brow
A really lovely girl who works on the Benefit counter in John Lewis on Oxford Street did my eyebrows using the Gimme Brow and they looked SO good. So this is definitely on my wish list!

6. NYX Wonder Stick
Ok so I actually have this contour stick already (and written about it on my blog) so it's not personally on my list BUT everyone should put it on their list to Santa because it's incredible. 

7. Mac Studio Foundation
I've probably picked this up ten times in the Mac store before quickly putting it back down again after feeling really guilty for spending £22 on foundation. Don't get me wrong it's prob gonna be so worth it, but I need money for you know, food and stuff lolz. 
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