Non Beauty Favourites

I'm certainly not going to commit to these regular weekly favourite posts (because I know I'll fail) but I do love doing these random weekly(ish) updates.

The Thought Catalog
I've been seeing random articles from here popping up on my Facebook for months now but I only actually checked it out this week and I'm a little addicted to checking it when I'm bored. There's almost always something interesting to read and there really is a little bit of everything. It's a website full of articles written by.. well written by anyone on just about anything.

Photos from a different perspective
I saw this linked on Carly's blog and I actually really enjoyed browsing the photos. Some I'd seen before but there were a few I hadn't and I really enjoyed looking through them!

The White Queen
OK, so I am way behind on this. But I got the series on DVD last Christmas and I'm only now getting round to watching it and I'm totally hooked! Despite it being a TV Show it has the feel of a film and I'm totally loving it (may have watched 7hours worth in one day….)

Writing Thank you Cards
I must be getting old, but I used to hate it when my mum made me write my thank you notes after birthdays. But this weekend when I wrote out my cards I actually found really therapeutic and actually quite humbling, just how many people I had surrounding me that I wanted to thank. #grateful

The Lip Product Tag

I've seen a few of these on various blogs and youtube, are there seem to be a ton of different questions with everyone sporting their own list! So I've done a bit of a combination of a few different lists.

1. Favourite balm or treatment?
I'm very low maintenance when it comes to lip care, which is bad. But I hate feeling like I have stuff on my lips so treatments are out the window since I only do a lip scrubs once in a blue moon. I'm going to be boring and go for my EOS Lip balm. 

2. Favourite eye catching Red/Bright

This has got to me Mac Russian Red. It's a lovely matte red that's just deep enough to make it easy for me to wear.

3. Favourite Pink Lipstick
This is strange, but I rarely wear pink lipstick. I just haven't found one that really suits me. The only 'pink' lipstick that I've kept in my clear out is Mac Viva Glam Gaga as I do like to keep a pink on hand 

4. Favourite Nude Lipstick

I am not a nude lipstick person. Oh I've dabbled with them, bought more than I can count but I've never worn one more than once or twice before dismissing it. Nudes just do not suit me.

5. Luxury or Drugstore?
Buying a luxury lipstick just makes me feel pressured - if you get a bad shade then you've shelled out all that money for something you'll never use (speaking from experience here with YSL 24..) So Drugstore all the way… although that depends where we're putting mac as I always think of mac as somewhere in between

6. Best Mac Lipstick

I do love my mac lipsticks so picking one is just hard!

7. Favourite Gloss

This is another easy one. I'm really not a lipgloss person, I just never wear them reaching for lipsticks over a gloss any day. But I recently bought a Buxom gloss in Sugar and I'm hooked. It tingles when applied which I usually hate but for some reason it stops it feeling so heavy - heavy gloopy, sticky glosses are my idea of a nightmare.

8. Favourite Spring/Summer shade

Honestly, once the weather warms up it's tinted lip balms all the way. And if I'm being honest the one I reach for most is vaseline rosy lips. Boring I know, but you just can't beat that slight wash of colour 

9. Favourite Autmn/Winter shade

Benefit Do Tell. This was another one I only had to contemplate for a moment or two as do tell instantly sprung to mind. It's the perfect winter colour for me adding some drama to your look while staying creamy despite frigid temperatures.

10. Lip Liner: yes or no?

i want to say yes, but i never, ever use one. I'm actually guilty of 

The Blush Tag

How many blushes do you own?

Now I've done my clear out, 9. But I'm not even going to hazard a guess at how many I had last week!

Favourite blush brush?

This is difficult since I switch out by brush all the time depending the blush and what look I'm going for… My most used it probably the Real Techniques Blush Brush for its versatility 

Peach vs Pink and favourites of each
The distinction between the two is hazy at best… is it cheating if I say 'peachy-pinks' over peaches or pinks? If I absolutely had to pick one it'd be peach since that's what I reach for more regularly 

Favourite Pink - Mac Two Virtues

Favourite Peach -  Sleek Rose Gold. It's not 'technically' a peach, but when it's on it definitely leans towards a peachy-coral

Drugstore vs High End and Favourites of each

Although price doesn't necessarily entail quality and there are really some amazing drugstore blushes out there, when i think of what I want to buy in the future it's a lost exclusively high end blushes - there's just something lovely about applying a blush in luxurious packaging in the morning… I'm aware buying a blush for the packaging is ridiculous but the heart wants what the heart wants!
High End - Nars. weirdly I don't actually have any right now since those I love I've used up
Drugstore - Sleek. Packaging and product are great value for money

Cream vs Powder

Something about cream blushes just suck me in, the idea of a lovely soft texture creating the perfect finish on the skin is addictive. But in reality they're just a bit of a faff to apply. So despite loving my cream blushes I'm definitely a powder blush girl at heart!

Most Overrated?

Nars Orgasm. 

Don't kill me, I know it's a cult classic… But I just don't get it. I ordered it, I waited with baited breath until it arrived, and then… it was just a bog standard blush. I mean it was pretty, it looked nice on, but it didn't do anything crazy. I gave it to my friend in the end as I just never reached for it.

Most Underrated?

The Balm blushes. 

I've only got the bahama mama and hot mama right now but I'm in love with the sleek, but cute packaging (pay attention benefit) and their buttery texture. I've certainly got my eye on a few others. 

Worth the Hype?

Mac Ladyblush

It really is quite unremarkable in the pan. But when it's on, its just so flattering. 

It's not been talked about quite so much recently, but when first bought it was definitely the product

Top 5 Blushes everyone should own

Blushes are so personal to your skin tone that this is really hard, but I have a few thoughts on it

1. A good 'basic'- one you throw on know it'll work with any look. For me, that's Mac Ladyblush 

2. I know shimmery blushes are a controversial one but when you're in a rush and your skin is looking drab a quick sweep of Sleek Rose Gold or Mac Stereo Rose just works wonders. 

3. A cool toned pink. I could talk for hours on why this is a necessity. Mac Two Virtues

4. Something to warm up your skin without resorting to bronzer. Topshop Head over Heels

5. The Blush/Bronzer mix. Lancome Oche Doree, is a light, warm bronzer when I'm pale and the perfect way to stop bronzers looking too muddy when tanned. 

This tag has been quite weird to do now my blush collection is so much smaller but it was really fun - I can't quite believe how much I just wrote about blushes though!

This Week

I can't believe I've been back in the UK a whole week! Where has the time gone? Since I've been back there's been a few things I've been loving and I thought I'd share a handful of this weeks favourites! (reading people's weekly round ups are some of my favourite blog posts)

DeCluttering
I've decided to take the stance that if you don't use it and love it then it's clutter! This started with make up (which I wrote about here) and has steadily spilled over into nail polishes, shoes and is now infiltrating my wardrobe. And I'm loving being ruthless and donating things I simply don't need to people who do.

Practicing Hairstyles
This might be weird coming from someone with a beauty blog but I've never really bothered with my hair. I'm definitely a wash and go kinda girl but this last week I've been playing about with all sorts of different up dos and styles - and loving it!

Endless Birthdays!
My Birthday was actually way back in June but since this is the first time I've been home since I celebrated this weekend with my family and I have to say, I'm loving having my birthday celebrations spanning several months! (I actually still have another party planned for next month to celebrate turning 21 with some friends at university - Birthdays lasting over 4 months? Yes Please!)

Honey Lust
I truly have the most tumultuous relationship with this eyeshadow. I either loathe it or absolutely love it - there's never any in-between! Since I got back to the UK it's been all about the love though!

Graze Boxes
I am a verified snacker. So graze boxes just appeal to me! I've had one or two before (I remember placing an order when they first came out) So last week when I got a voucher through the door, I couldn't resist. I'm not one for a subscription as the novelty is half the fun!

& Incase you're thinking of getting one any time soon these are my thoughts:

Bonne wee Oatbakes:
These were so disappointing! I was so excited to try these, but… I only had two before they found their way into the bin - something just tasted 'off' about them.

Sour Cream & Garlic Crostini:
You definitely don't want to kiss anyone afterwards, but they were so worth it!

The Graze Brownie:
Considering the three little slices are only 110calories and 1g of saturated fat they're pretty damn good. Personally if I have chocolate I want it decadent, these worked as an after lunch chocolate fix though!

Cherries & Berries:
Dried cranberries are my weakness. And since they feature pretty heavily I was automatically going to like this one. Having said that it wasn't anything too special, but it was a delicious snack

Let me know if you like these kind of blog posts!

Shopping Basket

1. Off the shoulder crop top / 2. Pink skater dress / 3. Khaki Lace Shorts / 

4. Love Moshino Shoulder Bag / 5. Bardot Bodycon Dress / 6. Adorable jumper / 

7. Loverboy flats / 8. Mesh Bralet / 9. Flower Tank / 10. Leopard Print Heels

Online sales have been killing me recently - I can't buy anything since I'll be travelling but oh my goodness, all my online baskets are overflowing! These are a couple of my absolute favourite pieces that I'm tempted to order regardless of putting myself on a bit of a shopping ban

There's definitely a bit of a mix of winter and summer here, all I want to wear is big warm jumpers and knitted hats, but at the same time, next month I'll be up in California so all the pretty summer clothes out right now are calling my name :)

Current Favourites

Although this blog is almost entirely me rambling about make up with the occasional hair or skin care ramble thrown in, I want to share a couple of my other random favourites every so often too. It's not going to be a regular thing, but maybe every month or so expect a bit of an odd collection of favourites to appear! I've had one of the most amazing month and these are just handful of things that sprung to mind Saturday morning while nursing my fuzzy head after celebrating a friend's birthday last night

Picking my own Fruit
Where I'm living at the moment I'm surrounded by fruit trees and everything seems to be ripe at the moment so I've been picking a little selection of fruit every morning. There's just something so lovely about starting your day picking oranges and lemons! - I can't wait for the grapefruits to be ready!

Myer Briggs Test
This has been around for ages, so it's probably not new to most of you. But it's basically a 'personality test', you answer a bunch of questions and you get given a 4 letter result. I'm INTJ if you were wondering. I've just been really loving googling the various 'charts' out there, there's one that correlates your 'type' with a Game of Thrones character, or someone from star wars, or even a disney princess! I had a girly evening the other night and after a glass of wine we figured out our types and had way too much fun comparing which characters we'd be! It's a fun way to waste some time!

Golden Kiwis
I've never seen these in the UK so I've been pretty much living off them here as they're so good and I want to make the most of being able to get them where they're grown!

John Mayer's cover of XO
I found Beyonce's latest album to be really hit or miss, roughly half the songs I completely adore, but some just don't do it for me. John Mayer, one of my favourite artists, did a cover of XO recently and I can't stop listening to it! I think he completely nailed it!

New Zealand
It's a bit weird to have a country as a favourite, but I'm now my time in New Zealand is coming to an end I just can't help but see all the wonderful parts of the country. I'm trying to squeeze in as many weekend trips and long treks as possible since the landscape here is truly phenomenal!

College Prepster
I've loved Carly's blog for a while but the last month or so I've been checking it every day and loving every single post! Definitely head over and check it out if you haven't already as she's got a lovely style with great posts for young women, and actually women of almost any age. I always find what she posts seems to just perfectly suit what's going on in my own life - oh and her puppy, teddy, is adorable.

TED
I'm ridiculously late on the bandwagon here I know, but it's only the last month or so I've discovered Ted Talks videos. And oh my gosh they are addictive. I personally love watching one when I wake up in the morning as they're just so inspiring it sets me up for the day. They're also my guilty pleasure during study breaks as they keep me motivated!

February Favourites 2011

I know I don’t do favourites every month but I discovered (and rediscovered) some really lovely products this month and I wanted to share with you how much I loved them!

Calvin Klein lipgloss in 212 Bella
I think I’ve mentioned this one before as I keep meaning to do a whole post on this lipgloss as I really love it. But put simply this is a gorgeous colour that isn’t too strong to wear during the day with a really creamy texture that makes your lips look really pretty!

Bobbi Brown long-Wear Gel Liner in Black ink
This is one of those products everyone seems to have tried and loved and I’ve got to say I haven’t been disappointed. I wear this near enough every day, and have been for the past 4 months and I have barely made a dint in this little tub!!

Trilogy energising face lotion
There will be a review on this and Trilogy’s face wash within the next month, however this has become my favourite moisturiser – my skin feels hydrated but not greasy and I swear it’s been a large reason for why my skin hasn’t been feeling dry despite the harsh weather!

Dior Skin sculpt concealer
For a concealer this is a little pricey but you only need 3 little dots under each eye and your under eyes are concealed and kept hydrated all day – again I’m planning to do a full review on this little tube I love it that much!

Smashbox blush in Famous
I’ve been eager for spring this past month and really wanted to be adding some warmth into my skin tone and this is the perfect everyday blush that compliments most skin tones! This was the first smashbox product I tried and at first I didn’t see what the fuss was about after a few months of trying it out though this really is a great staple item – the sort of thing I’ll repurchase time and time again because I know it’ll work for any look!

Hope you’ve enjoyed!! x

2010 Favourites

This is just a quick run down of my favourite products of 2010 :) Cleanser - simple refreshing cleanser
Toner – BodyShop seaweed toner
Moisturiser – Lancôme hydrazen neurocalm extreme soothing moisturising cream-gel (a bit of mouthful I know)
Eye cream – Clinique all about eyes rich
Lip treatment – Carmex Cherry
Exfoliator – St Ives blemish fighting scrub
Extra – L’Oreal Renewal lash Serum

Foundation – Mac studio sculpt
Concealer – Dior lift and sculpt
Blush – Clinique iced lotus
Eyeshadows – sleek storm palette
Mascara – Maybelline colossal mascara
Eyeliner – Bobbi brown gel liner
Lipstick – Natural collection Sunset
Brows – ELF eyebrow kit
Lipgloss – smash box (all their colours are lovely)

Polish – eyeko rain
Perfume – Chloe
Body exfoliator – BodyShop mango body scrub
Soap – Lush godmother
Top coat – seche vite
Make up remover – Lancôme Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
Eye Primer - mac's paintpots (Inidanwood is my current favourite)

(Just so you know it's taken me nearly a year to learn how to centralise text on here...lol)