Current Beauty Products I Want to Try This Year

When I want to try a new product, I note them in my phone. I blame beauty bloggers and youtubers for the hype of the majority of these included. I've ended up with a mini list of beauty products that I want to try at some point throughout this year. No doubt this list will grow majorly throughout 2018. 

Tropic So Sleepy Pillow Mist

I've seen a lot of bloggers rave about the 'This Works Deep Sleep' pillow spray but me being a tight-arse, didn't want to pay £18-£26. I then heard through the grapevine that the 'Tropic So Sleepy' pillow mist works just the same. It's also cheaper than deep sleep at just £10. Bargain! 

Nars Creamy Concealer

This is all I've seen over the blogging atmosphere for the past, almost four years I've been blogging. I was so so close to buying it last Summer but I didn't want to spend that much ££ on a concealer - especially as I go through them fairly quickly. But, I think it's finally time to get an amazing concealer that is actually worth the pennies. 

The Body Shop Complexion Blender

I fell in love with the shape of this beauty blender when I saw Sabrina use it in one of her videos. You obviously have the same shape of the blender but with a pointed tip so it's easier to get to the inner corners of the eyes, to go round the brows and to sharpen the eyeshadow line. You can basically do everythaaang with this little beauty.

Loving Tan Bronzing Mousse 

Oh my god. I have been wanting needing this for absolutely AGES. Again, the price put me off. (Omg, I really am a tight-arse bitch!? How do I not have any money?) Anyway, is it really that good though? Er, yes! Those before and after results on their Insta page. I'll probably ask for a few of these for my birthday.

The Body Shop Nourishing Banana Hair Mask

It's only recently I've seen people go on and on about this hair mask. I've only tried a few hair masks in my life which is ridiculous as I have bleached hair. But, this sounds amazing. Some people have complained about the strong smell of banana but I love the smell of banana. Gimme all the banana!

NYX Glitter Primer & Glitter

I read a blog post mid last year about the NYX glitter primer and how good it was. I've been meaning to buy a good glitter primer for some time. So as well as buying the glitter primer, I might as well buy and try their glitter brillants too, right?

Iconic London Illuminator

This has been super popular in the blogging world recently and I'm feeling bloody left out to be honest! I love all the results from this little product.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Again, like the Nars creamy concealer, this costs a few pennies too. Although, people have said that it really is worth the price so it's definitely a must for me! I just don't want to pay the price for shipping as it's ridiculous. 

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser

Oh I've heard great things about this facial cleanser. I like trying out new and different skincare products, so I will definitely get round to giving this a go at some point.

Makeup Revolution Liquid Highlighter

A liquid highlighter at an affordable price - now I'm hooked. I love all the results their shades give. It's so tempting to buy the whole lot.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette

I love everything about this palette. How gorgeous are the shades? I would probably use every single one. I don't think I own any high-end eyeshadow palettes apart from Urban Decay. Wow, some beauty blogger I am.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I have been wanting to try this for a while but I've stuck with my drugstore faves haven't I. I do need to venture out and try more high-end foundations. They're worth the money I guess.

Have you ever tried any of these products? What are they like? What beauty products do you want to try in 2018?

Urban Decay Moondust Palette Review & Swatches

Oh hey, you know me... always late on the bandwagon. This eyeshadow palette was released in late 2016, it's now 2018 and I've only just tried it out. Well, I actually got it for Christmas, so I only got it a year late. Not bad if I say so myself. If you've been following my blog for a while, you'd know that I love Urban Decay and that I love glitter - so of course I had to ask Santa for this. 

This palette features eight brand new shades:

Specter - soft pink glitter (this is very similar to the shade 'dust' in the Naked 3 palette, here)

Element - a coppery, peachy glitter

Magnetic - purple with blue sparkle 

Lightyear - vibrant green glitter

Granite - silver/grey shade with multi-coloured glitter

Lithium - brown with 3D sparkle

Vega - bright blue glitter

Galaxy - smokey blue/grey with 3D sparkle

L to R: Specter, Element, Magnetic, Lightyear, Granite, Lithium, Vega, Galaxy

As these shades are glitters, I was worried about there being so much fallout. BUT, there was no need for me to worry. I had a few sparkles under my eyes after applying but it weren't anything major and it was super easy to wipe away. I do my eye makeup before applying my foundation for that particular reason and if you do need to wipe anything away then you can easily.

When I first got the palette, I didn't think that I'd wear every shade or even use the palette that often. But I have used it quite a few times already.

I tried out the application of the shadows both wet and dry. If you use these shadows dry, it gives more of a subtle look. If you use these wet, they just apply so much easier and they're more vibrant and intense. I found that wetting your finger and patting it on works better than using a wet brush as well. These shades are so highly pigmented and your eye makeup will last hours, I don't think I could be anymore in love. 

Have you tried the Moondust palette?

9 Movies from the Late 90s/Early 00s that I Still Love to This Day

I found it so hard to put together a list of just 9 of my favourite, still favourite, movies from my childhood to now. However, I somehow did it. You may think of better quotes for each film but I just popped my favourites in.

1. Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game

A Cinderella Story, (2004).
I bloody LOVE this movie, I must know every single word that's said. When I really got into this movie, that was when I became a huge fan of Hilary Duff and then I moved on to loving her music too.

2. On Wednesdays, we wear pink

Mean Girls, (2004).
I wanted to add in so many quotes on this number. What else is there to say about this film? Again, I must know this one word for word as well. Every person of my age must have seen this film, and it was the number one film to put on at sleepovers. So fetch!

3. I'm Eve and you're my special friend 

Life-Size, (2000).
This was one of my most favourite movies as a kid. I'm still annoyed that the magic spell ended up turning the doll Eve into a real person instead of Casey's mother coming back to life. 

4. Uh, as if!

Clueless, (1995).
I remember my mum putting this movie on for me to watch and I instantly loved it. I loved their fashion, oh and why can't we have an app that shows us what an outfit looks like on before pulling out the entire wardrobe. Surely we've hit that stage in technology by now!?

5. Cookie?

Freaky Friday, (2003).
Ah, Freaky Friday. I didn't actually know there was an older version of this up until a couple of years ago when I saw it on the TV guide and put it on and I realised it wasn't Jamie-Lee Curtis or Lindsay Lohan. I just love when they switch bodies and have completely different lives.

6. I smell children...

Hocus Pocus, (1993).
I watch this movie throughout the year and I'm not even sorry. I thought they were meant to be bringing a second one out but I haven't heard anything since so it was probably rumoured. Come little children, I'll take thee away...

7. Do you like cheese?

She's the Man, (2006).
I love everything about this movie. Amanda Bynes' character poses as her brother to play football as the football team think girls aren't good enough. I have quite a good sense of humour anyway and I just find it hilarious.

8. Love is the closest thing we have to magic

Aquamarine, (2006).
I went through a huge mermaid phase at this time in my life. I also used to love watching H20 mermaids on Nickeloden. I actually still watch it on Netflix... shhh. I used to be super jealous of Aqua's hair and I loved the fact that JoJo was starred in the film too.

9. You want to know the difference between us? I have class and you don't

The Parent Trap, (1998).
Now we're on the last film, I didn't actually realise how many films I've included with Lindsay Lohan in. She was in most of the films from my childhood. I absolutely loved The Parent Trap and watched it whenever I could. I remember always wanting to be like Annie and having lockets like the girls.

What are your favourite movies from your childhood that you still love?

The Big Blue Bath Bomb Review

 I don't know why, but I always look up to see what the product is like on the Lush website prior to using it, and boy am I glad I did! There was a mixture of positive and negative reviews due to seaweed suddenly making an appearance in their baths. I freak out when I go into the sea and a little bit of seaweed touches my foot, so I was a little unsure about trying this out.

Lush states:

"This calming bath bomb evokes a summer’s day at the seaside: perfect for drifting off. Big Blue’s key ingredient is a type of kelp called arame seaweed, which softens in your hot bath water. Arame is rich in vitamins and minerals including iodine, which helps to regulate the metabolism. Sea salt softens the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells, while lemon oil clears the mind and, like lavender oil, is antiseptic and cleansing."

This bath bomb certainly smells gorgeous and turns the water to a perfect blue colour. Of course, it was no surprise to me that a load of seaweed exploded from the middle of the bath bomb. However, laying and relaxing in the bath, the seaweed didn't bother me in the slightest like most people said it would. But then, when I started to move around and wash, it was a bit of a nightmare trying to stop the seaweed going near my vagina... TMI? Soz.

The sea salt definitely softened my skin and hard areas on my feet and I did smell amazing after getting out of the bath. I also read up that the seaweed had blocked peoples drains! So, I spent ages after my 'relaxing' bath picking out bits of seaweed to make sure it didn't block the drain. I really couldn't find any easy way to get it out. I got out as much as I could and the rest went down the drain, oops. Soz mum and dad, in advance. I personally wouldn't purchase this again, it's just one big chore.

Recent Purchases from L'Oréal

I have recently had a little splurge at the L'Oréal counter in Boots after loving the true match foundation. I needed a new foundation for when fake tanned and the beauty advisor in Boots recommended for me to try the infallible total cover, so I bought it in 'Radiant Beige (22)'. I'm not a huge fan of foundation in squeezy tubes but I was willing to give this one a go and WOW is this foundation thick! I've never tried a foundation this thick before. It definitely makes a difference from using true match as that foundation has such a runny consistency.

You've got to be quick in applying and blending this as it dries super quickly! I find best results using a damp beauty blender and a stipple brush. As it's quite a thick product, I was expecting it to be cakey and heavy on the face but it's really lightweight and natural. It's great once it's first applied, it covers redness and blemishes but unfortunately I find that this doesn't last. After around 4 hours, the foundation has settled into my laugh lines and came away from around my mouth. But, the colour match was perfect to match my tan. I personally wouldn't buy this again as it's not long lasting for me at all.

I've been in need of a new brow gel for quite some time. I'm used to using clear brow gels but I thought I'd buy a coloured one this time to give extra colour and definition to my brows. I literally just picked this one up without even reading the packaging. It's a bloody brow plumper guys, it has fibres in the gel!!

I still use it anyway but I wish I got the lighter colour as this one is a little too dark for me. Even though I didn't want to use this, it's a great little product. I normally wipe off some of the gel on the sides of the tube before applying it, if not I make such a mess with it. But, my brows stay in place and keep their colour all day so I'm happy with it. 

I never used to bronze before I bought this duo. As I have quite pale skin, it definitely adds colour to my face and makes me look more human. Honestly, what did I do before I used this!? I love that it comes with a highlight as well. I use this highlight every day and it is a pretty good subtle highlighter for during the day. If I'm going on a night out or to a special occasion, I wouldn't use this as it doesn't 'pop' like I'd want it to.  

I usually use Rimmels stay matte pressed powder but I thought I'd try a different brand for once. I love this powder as it's transparent and doesn't give you much colour or a shimmer, it's perfect for just setting that base into place. My oily T-zone seems to peep through after around six hours, but the rest of my face seems to stay put. So, I'm still yet to find a pressed powder which locks in those oils.

2018 Goals

I already had my goals set in mind for the year ahead and had no intention of writing up this post. But as 2018 has started off really shit, I thought that maybe writing my goals down will make me feel more positive and determined to smash 2018 in the face!

Eating healthier, fitness & starting dance classes again

I've become so unhealthy and lazy over the festive period, I can't wait to start eating healthier and get back into my fitness routine. I haven't been back to my dance class for about a year. I stopped going when I was in a full time job as I literally had no time for it and my hours were all over the place. Getting back into dance will definitely happen this year because I've missed it terribly.

Blog more

This time last year, I had hardly no motivation to blog and it only got worse from there. I don't blog all the time but I definitely put a lot of effort and time into it - I've never really had a break from it. Since September, I have been more motivated and gained lots of ideas so hopefully I'll have a good year of blogging.

Qualify as a beauty therapist & get a job at the end of it

I am studying for my level 2 beauty course at the moment in which I'm hoping to be qualified by June/July time. Once I'm then qualified, I'm expecting to get either a full time or part time job as a beauty therapist. I would obviously prefer full time but we'll see what happens when the time comes.

Get another job

I'm currently working as a self employed nail technician and as much as I love it, the money isn't great. I only took the self employed route back in August, so of course I still don't have my client base. Products aren't cheap to buy and now the busy Christmas period is over, work is dead. I have the usual regular clients but it just isn't enough. So, I'd like to get another job along side my nail work until I qualify as a beauty therapist.

Maybe start YouTube again

I think I published my first ever YouTube video back when I was fourteen years old. I then published and deleted videos on and off till I was probably sixteen. I started YouTube again on a brand new channel back in 2016 but due to having no confidence and worried that someone would notice me, I ended up deleting the videos. I have been thinking about getting back into it as I really enjoyed the full works of it - filming and editing etc.

Start saving up again

I was in the middle of saving up for a new car and for mine and Liams first home, but paying for that beauty course has literally wiped my bank account and put everything on hold. So, as that beauty course is now paid for and I'm on the lookout for a second job, I'm going to save as much as I can. 

Do you have anything you'd like to achieve in 2018?

What I Got For Christmas 2017

Ayyy, happy new year! We're finally in 2018 - I'm gonna be honest, this year has started out pretty shit but I have so much to look forward to this year so I'm just going to try and keep positive. Anyway, getting back onto the topic of this post... I had no idea what to ask for this year so a lot of presents were surprises. 

I really wasn't expecting to get as much perfume as I did - I got my favourites; YSL Black Opium and Britney's Midnight Fantasy along with Lady Million and BOSS Orange. I'm definitely stocked up for the year now! I also got a gorgeous set of underwear from Boux and from Pandora, I got a beautiful ring and earrings from Liam. I also got other bits of jewellery alongside Liams too. 

My parents surprised the hell out of me by getting me a new TV! I didn't see this one coming at all. I remember seeing it standing against the unit on Christmas Day and I was literally like WTF IS THAT!? I'm so pleased with it though, the TV remote has a YouTube and Netflix button and ahh I'm literally in my bedroom all the time now. Of course I had the Christmas music playing whilst taking these photos.

I couldn't wait to use the Moondust palette on Boxing Day! As you know, I love glitter! The colours in this are beautiful and I also used this palette for NYE too. I was super impressed with the No7 rose gold mirror. I had the exact same in silver but obviously, this colour is a lot more me. 

Of course I got a few new pairs of shoes - you know me, ha! I was so happy to get new pyjamas and clothes too. My wardrobe needs updating so bad! I got a new faux fur jacket from River Island, which I actually chose myself and oh my god, it's so cosy! My parents also bought me a new dressing gown from Jasper Conran... lushhh! Ooh and I got Tinkerbell. My car is called Tinkerbell and my mum has actually wanted to get me a Tinkerbell teddy for ages to put in my car but they've always been too big, so she's finally got me one. So cute! 

Alongside these presents, I got the usual money, bath bombs, alcohol, socks, sweets, chocolate and a scratch card which I won £20 on by the way, jus' saying... Winner winner chicken dinner!!!!!

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year! I certainly did, I'm so grateful. What did you get for Christmas?