Thursday 19 December 2013

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation

I've said before, on several occasions, that my favourite foundation is Rimmel's Match Perfection Foundation. However, that said last week, December 9th, I had a week off from sixth form, due to my A2 mock examinations and was therefore only in Wednesday and Thursday for 2 hours (result!). Meaning I had Friday completely free and conveniently so did my friends. So we decided to go down to Fremlin Walk in Maidstone for something to eat and a little shop. 
We soon discovered that House of Fraser had up to 50% of everything and benefit, specifically, had 10% off and so having wanted to see what all the fuss was about around the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation I decided that now was as good a time as any to purchase a bottle and see if it was really worth the hype.

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation in 'Honey'
I've always been shade '103-True Ivory' in Rimmel's Match Perfection Foundation and so just assumed I would be 'Ivory' in this as well. However, after testing it on the back of my hand, I soon discovered that I was definitely not an 'Ivory' and so went seeking assistant from one of the Benefit Associates. She tested two other shades just behind my ear and decided that I was in fact 'Honey'.
I've had this foundation just under a week now and have already fallen in love. It's such a light foundation with a good coverage that blends so well with my skin. It's just a shame about the price. I know once I have finished this bottle I will instantly want to go out and buy a new one, however my wages from work probably won't stretch that far :( That said, I would highly recommend this foundation and with any luck it'll be discounted again come boxing day and I'll therefore have to take full advantage of this.
Have you tried this foundation? Is it on your list of products to try?


twitter   facebook   instagram

Monday 9 December 2013

Everyday Make-Up

I didn't grow up 'around make-up' my mum has never worn it, and says that as if she deserves a medal, and I don't have any older sisters that may have used me as a practice doll. Because of this I didn't start wearing make-up properly until about 15, which is year 10 in England and was also when we were allowed to start wearing make-up to school. All my friends would wear and I felt as though I was missing out, so I started off using the classic 'Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse' and that would be it, however since then my make-up collection has grown significantly and with it, so has the amount of make-up I wear on a daily basis (which I know isn't great for my skin).
Rimmel London Match Perfection in 103 'True Ivory'
This is now my got to foundation, it took me forever to find a foundation that I really got on with and worked well on my face and with my skin and I believe this is the one. The coverage is great, not much needs to be decanted/pumped out to cover your entire face meaning this 30ml bottle goes a long way. I also believe it's easily blended to perfectly match your skin tone and although I prefer to use my hands to apply it to my face, there is next to no difference when using a brush. This foundation retails at £6.99 and is available at Boots.
Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in 'Light Plus' and Real Techniques Powder Brush
Only recently have I discovered my love for this powder, and since I've worn it near on everyday. I feel that it really sets my foundation and bends great with the natural colour of my skin, leaving me with no visible lines around/under my chin. It is quite pricey, however a little does go a long way and therefore I believe that it's well worth the money. I have also just done a full blog post on this powder here. This powder retails at £22.50 and is available from most big department stores and this brush retails at £12.99 and is available at Boots.
Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara in Black
I've been a massive fan of Maybelline The Falsies for a couple of years now, never straying for the product even to try another to see if I preferred it. However I received this from a friend for my birthday back in October and have fallen in love with it. It coats my lashes and elongates them amazingly, my eyes look a lot wider (this is a big deal to me, as my distant Chinese roots mean I've never been able to do the classic Puss in Boots wide-eyed face :-( ) It's even tempted me to re-purchase this tube when the need next arises instead of my beloved Maybelline tube. This mascara retails at £6.99 and is available at Boots.
Sleek Blush in Sweet Cheeks
Okay so this isn't part of my everyday make-up, however it is my go-to blush palette for parties and special occasions. None of the colours, once applied, are too 'in your face' and this is why I like it. I prefer to have a quite subtle blush look, as my face doesn't really suit a rosy cheek. The colours also blend really well to give a nice, natural looking cheek. This blush palette retails at £9.99 and is available at Superdrug.
What's your everyday make-up? Do any of these products feature on yours?

Thursday 5 December 2013

Review: Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Powder

It's only recently that I've started using Mac products. I always felt (and still do most of the time) think they are far too over priced for what they are, especially when you can buy a decent equivalent on the high street for a fraction of the money. However, not having used a few of the products I can tell that there is a significant difference in quality. 
The first time I ever used from Mac was their Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder. As one of my best friends raved about this powder and I felt I needed to know what all her fuss was about. I did originally buy this in 'Medium Plus' as this is the shade she wears and I couldn't see much of a difference in our skin tones and the stall in Selfridges on Oxford Street, London was so packed I wanted nothing more than to get in and get out. I have since discovered that there is in fact a massive difference in our skin tones and my shade is in fact 'Light Plus'. 


Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder in 'Light Plus'
Since I first purchased this powder it has become my number one favourite and is part of my everyday make-up. I do still like to wear my transparent powder from Rimmel every now and then as I feel that gives my face a little more depth. But 9 times out of 10 I am wearing this.
I feel that this powder really sets my foundation and concealer and it's titled very correctly because once you have the correct shade it is a very natural looking powder on the face. I also feel that a little of this powder goes a long way on my face this is also enhanced by using the Real Techniques Powder Brush which I use to apply this powder as it has good coverage of my face, as the brush head is so large.
It does leave me with a little shine on my nose towards the end of the day if I don't re-apply, however I've began to accept that this is just my face as this happens what ever powder I wear and besides what better excuse to use that famous phrase 'I'm just going to powder my nose'.
This powder retails at £22.50 and is available from most big department stores.
Have you tried this powder? What were your thoughts?


(I'm sorry, my photography skills aren't the best (I will get better I promise) which means the flash on my camera has washed out the colour of the powder)
twitter   facebook   instagram

Sunday 1 December 2013

Victoria Secret Haul




Victoria Secret Eau De Toilette and Body Mist in 'Such A Flirt'
Personally I've never owned a Victoria Secret scent before, but many of my friends have. I've wanted to purchase Victoria Secret's Heartbreaker Mini Mist for so long, but live no where near a store and so by the time I actually came to buy it, the scent has been discontinued and no longer available in the UK. 
I then smelt nearly everything inside the Westfield Stratford City store, that by the end everything began to smell the same. I found this body mist and perfume in 'Such A Flirt' and instantly loved it. It's such a gorgeous smell, that's both sweet and fruity. There is currently a deal on 3 fragrances for £22, or 5 for £30 (I imagine this is nationwide). I was unaware of this offer before I got to the till, so decided just to go for a second of the Body Mists and give the second as a Christmas present to my younger sister, as I know she will love it as much as I do.
The Eau De Toilette is perfect size for the handbag and so therefore is extremely portable making re-sprays so much easier.
I thoroughly recommend you take a visit to a Victoria Secret store as the range of fragrances in there is enormous and with the exception of a few, they all smell delicious! For those of you in the Kent area, there is a Victoria Secret opening at Bluewater in Dartford, Spring 2014.
Do you own any Victoria Secret fragrances? If so, what's your favourite?

Saturday 30 November 2013

That Dress You've 'Never' Seen Before





Primark Tartan Dress
If you haven't seen this dress before, where have you been?
It's a Primark tartan dress that's available in a range of different colour combinations. I originally said I wouldn't buy it, purely for the fact every female on the planet owns it, however on a trip to Westfields Stratford City I just simply couldn't resist. 
As much as I love the dress and the way it fits, there are a number of problems I have with it. Firstly Primark sizing is mediocre. I had to purchase this dress 3 sizes 'too big' just for it to fit. Secondly the zip up the back, has made it pretty clear that it won't take much, meaning there isn't a chance in hell that the wearer will be able to zip themselves into the dress.
That said, once the dress is on the way it fits suites my figure just how I like it. It nips in at the waist and then floats down quite flat, hiding my stomach which is what I try to hide.
This dress retails at £15 and so despite it's flaws is a bargain, and although they're still in stock, I imagine they're selling fast because they are extremely popular.
Are you a fan of the tartan craze this autumn/winter?

Friday 29 November 2013

The TMI Tag

You've probably already seen the TMI tag circling around the world of social media, and I've decided that today is my turn.

1: What are you wearing? A blue tartan style shirt from River Island and black high waisted skinny JONI jeans from Topshop.
2: Ever been in love? It's hard to say. I've felt love, but I don't think I've ever been 'in love'.
3: Ever had a terrible breakup? I wouldn't say so, no.
4: How tall are you? 5"7
5: How much do you weigh? I don't really feel comfortable disclosing this. 
6: Any tattoos? No. I have an enormous fear of needles.
7: Any piercings? I only have the one hole in my ear.
8: OTP? Troye Sivan and Tyler Oakley
9: Favourite Show? Great British Bake Off or I'm A Celebrity.
10: Favorite bands? Bastille, Imagine Dragons and Half Moon Run
11: Something you miss? My Grandad's, Year 11 and GCSE's. We'll leave the A Level rant for another time.
12: Favourite song? Of The Night - Bastille
13: How old are you? 18!!!
14: Zodiac sign? Scorpio
15: Quality you look for in a partner? Someone who's funny, can tolerate my sarcasm and make me happy.
16: Favorite Quote? 'You could have got us killed. Or even worse expelled!'
17: Favorite actor? Adam Sandler has me in stitches every time.
18: Favourite colour? This changes daily, however at the moment it's a navy blue.
19: Loud music or soft?  I've sensitive ear drums when it comes to headphones, so it's generally quite soft.
20: Where do you go when you’re sad? Bed
21: How long does it take you to shower? Anywhere between 15-30 minutes
22: How long does it take you to get ready in the morning? I need about an hour, however never get up at my alarm and end up leaving myself 10 minutes.
23: Ever been in a physical fight? No, I do remember a 'scrap' me and a friend had in a GCSE lesson, but that was all a bit of fun..
24: Turn on? Eyes and Hair
25: Turn off? Smokers
26: The reason I joined blogging? I have the odd moments of spare time, and so thought I should spend it wisely!
27: Fears? Needles, Spiders and Blood
28: Last thing that made you cry? Cancer
29: Last time you said you loved someone? -
30: Meaning behind your Blog Name? I'm a massive fan of Peter Pan, and my name is Emily (Em)
31: Last book you read? The Fault in Our Stars
32: The book you’re currently reading? I'm not..
33: Last show you watched? Celebrity Juice
34: Last person you talked to? KT (she's actually Katie Thompson, but her initials are her name! :p)
35: The relationship between you and the person you last texted? One of my best friends.
 36: Favourite food? Spaghetti Bolognese for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
37: Place you want to visit? Australia and the United States West Coast.
38: Last place you were? Well I'm at home now but will be leaving for sixth form in 20 minutes! 
39: Do you have a crush? Er
40: Last time you kissed someone? Er
41: Last time you were insulted? Probably today..
42: Favourite flavour of sweet? Blackcurrant
43: What instruments do you play? Right now, nothing
44: Favourite piece of jewellery? I have a lot, it's hard to have a favourite
45: Last sport you played? Netball
46: Last song you sang? One Direction - Little Black Dress
47: Favourite chat up line? I don't have one haha
48: Have you ever used it? -
49: Last time you hung out with anyone? Tuesday
50: Who should answer these questions next? Everyone :-)

Probably did share a little too much information there, but enjoy and if you complete this tag be sure to link your blog in the comments below as I'd love to check them out! 


Wednesday 27 November 2013

My Favourite Lipsticks

Up until recently I haven't been a keen wearer of lipstick, sticking solely to my Rosy Lips Vaseline as I always felt lipstick wore off far too quickly and I found it difficult finding a shade that suited me.
I now own more than 15 different shades, and although it's still not part of my everyday make-up, more often than not I'm wearing some shade or another. I do however have 4, very clear favourites in my collection.
This lipstick is a gorgeous dark red colour, that perfectly finishes off a black dress look. The pigment of this lipstick is great and does keep your lips super soft and moist. It's extremely easy to apply and although I do like to re-apply regularly as a habit, it does leave a long lasting colour. This retails at £6.49 and is available at Boots.
This lipstick is a more subtle red, and creates the almost perfect smile (this is probably the first time this has been said about a lipstick, but what I mean is the colour really shows off white teeth). Several layers do have to be applied to achieved the desired colour and for a constant glossy finish it does have to be constantly re-applied, but I really like the way this colour matches my skin tone and so therefore I feel it's worth it. This retails at £5.49, so is slightly cheaper and is also available at Boots.
Mac Lipstick in Chatterbox
This lipstick is great for day and night, it's not as 'out there' however it looks great with wet look leggings and a loose fitted jumper. The pigment is probably the best of my 4 favourites, as only one coat is required to achieve the desired colour. It's very easy to apply and glides along the lips effortlessly with re-application being completely unnecessary. This retails at £15 and is available at most good department stores.
This lipstick, aside from colour, is identical to 110, Rimmel London Lasting Finish by Kate. This is of course what you'd expect, given they're the same range of lipstick just in two different shades. This colour is the most subtle of all 4 featured here and does match the natural colour of my lips, I believe it brings them out more, and simply makes them more defined. This is my 'go to' lipstick for an understated look. It too retails at £5.49 and is available in Boots.

What are your favourite lipsticks? What are your 'go to' lipsticks for specific occasions?

I'm going to add here an apology for the iPhone quality photos included in this post 
(I've had a minor technical issue with my SD card in my camera)

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Must Have Christmas Jumpers

All River Island
I've been looking for a christmas jumper for ages, it seems I have to have a new one every year to wear on Christmas Day (especially, not exclusively) as a sort of 'who has the best one' with my family. This year I've found it particularly difficult, there are so many to choose from, and you name any shop and they're probably selling them. Hence why I've compiled a few of my favourites from the one retailer to save this post being SUPER long. 
I work part time in River Island and I can assure you all 6 featured above feel gorgeous! (Honestly, I have no idea why I don't own all of them yet)  They're all loose fitting and look amazing with a pair of leggings and some boots, for a super comfy and chilled look. All the above are knitwear, and super affordable for the quality.
Have you brought your 2013 Christmas jumper yet? If so where's yours from?


Monday 25 November 2013

Christmas Wishlist

Christmas is now rapidly approaching (can we just take a minute to realise how fast this year has past!) less than a month now! Christmas is one of my favourite times of year, as side from the turkey and pigs in blankets, I enjoy seeing family that live so far away and christmas is one of those excuses we find fit to drive all over the country to be together.
It's also a tradition that at Christmas gifts are shared, and lets not lie we all have wishlists, some harder to fund, like mine, than others.
Here I arranged a few of the items that are appearing on my wish list this year, some of which I know I'll never be able to own in a million years, but a girl can dream!
The Prada Tote Bag is by far the most expensive item featured, retailing at £1,530. This bag is effortlessly gorgeous, and will finish of any outfit perfectly, day and night. It would prove such a staple piece in my wardrobe if it weren't for it's hefty price tag :-(
I've been dying for a decent watch for ages, at the moment I own a rose gold chain watch, that was given to me free of charge and I've worn it to death. I feel this Marc by Marc Jacobs Gold Plated, Black Strap Watch will complete every outfit much like Prada Tote, and with not so large a price tag at £165, I will definitely purchase this myself if it's not placed under the tree.
The more affordable items featured included the Nars Laguna Bronzer, Real Techniques Limited Edition Duo Fiber Brush Set and a Polaroid One Step Flash. I've wanted to try the Nars Laguna Bronzer for a while now but have yet to go anywhere near a Nars counter to purchase one. I'm very lazy with my make-up, as I rarely wear anything other than foundation, concealer, powder and mascara, by investing in this bronzer I hope it changes my make-up ways and enhances (said very loosely) my appearance.
What have you got on your Christmas Wishlists?


Reading Festival 2013

I refused to buy a ticket when they originally became available through fear of it being a waste of money because I knew I wouldn't enjoy myself. The idea of camping in a muddy, potentially wet, field with no showers or decent toilets did not appeal to me in the slightest.
My friends went ahead and brought tickets, and that was that. However the closer the festival became the more excited they got and the more there was a buzz around what they were going to experience and what I would miss out on. 
This is when I realised that maybe, I would enjoy it and I'd made a huge fuss without even knowing the details. I went ahead looking through pictures of people in the year above me at school who'd been the year before and then one thing lead to another, and £200 later I'd purchased a ticket. 
I went with as a group of 7 with my friends, and at the time we were all 17 and only two had a drivers license. Which ultimately meant we were the designated drivers, thankfully living in Kent, we're only about and hour and a half away from Reading. Right from when I left my house at 4am Thursday morning until we were walking through to the campsite at 11am, I was still skeptical about what I'd let myself in for. I'm not the type of person who enjoys getting dirty, dancing whilst covered in whatever had been thrown overhead or hovering over a toilet seat because you're worried of what you might catch if you sit down.
However, all that being said, I'm so glad I made the decision to go, Reading Festival was one of the best weekends of my life. I'm already counting down the days until the 2014 Festival and I haven't even brought my ticket yet. Everyone around you is willing to chat that by the end of the weekend you will know everyone within a mile radius. 
If you are ever in an position where you're able to attend the festival, I would highly recommend it, even if you only purchase a day ticket, it's an environment that you won't experience anywhere else, not even at an open air concert. 



Get your 2014 Reading Festival tickets here