3 Recent Beauty Buys

Today I just wanted to share a few of the latest beauty bits that I’ve picked up! I’ve kept it down to 3 for this post, so I can really talk about them. You’ll notice this is different to a ‘haul’ because I tend to have tried some of these bits already and gotten them started, so I can give a little bit of initial feedback on the product. Sometimes I just find a post like this is a good ‘one stop shop’ method, so it saves having a haul, try-on AND then a review. It’s just like an all-in-one post, enjoy these little Autumnal pick-me-ups!

Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine Nail Polish in ‘335 Gimme Some of That’, £2.99: I’ve been enjoying the Rimmel formula for a few months now and have been really enjoying it. I’ve found that sometimes the lasting power on it can be great, usually get about 5 days out of them at a time. This one, as you can see in the picture has gotten a few small chips within only 2 days though. The shade is really lovely though, its a deep sophisticated pink that almost looks red in some lights though. It’s a really good one for Autumn and I have a feeling I’ll be reaching for this one a lot!

Revolution Conceal and Define Supersize Concealer in ‘C2’, £7.00: I’ve been using my Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer for months non-stop, so I felt like I wanted a change. I have tried this concealer before, but then never got round to re-purchasing it. Unfortunately, I had to settle for the supersize one… which is MASSIVE! I don’t know if they’re still doing the regular sized one, but this one is almost like a foundation stick. I found it harder to shade match me this time, there are literally so so many to choose from even in the pale section- which is a good thing really. I’m looking forward to having a bit of a change up and using this one again.

OGX Purifying and Charcoal Detox Shampoo, £6.99: OGX is a brand that I’ve very recently begun dabbling in and I’m really impressed so far. I like to alternate with my shampoos, so this one and the coconut curls one are the ones I’m currently using. The charcoal one is set to give your head a real deep clean out of any product build up and general dirt. I love a good deep cleaning shampoo, especially as I use serums, so there can often get a build up if not cleansed properly. Love the packaging of these and they’re so big, it will take me a while to finish them off- I usually try and find them on offer too when I can!

Amy

Must Haves: Budget Beauty

Today is the final instalment on my must-have Monday’s throughout March!

*pass the tissues*

I’m finishing on a high though by sharing some of my must-have products from the hughstreet beauty brands, specifically here in the UK. These are the products that make up my everyday make-up looks and are some great alternatives to higher priced items. These are quite natural looking items which is what I go for and are great for slotting into your routine. I’ve gone for my 3 absolute faves, which was actually really difficult, but I’m thinking you can get these in the 3 for 2 at Superdrug and you’re sorted. Once you start doing 4 things can get complicated haha!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair, £4.19: I know you are all completely shocked by this brand-new original suggestion- sorry not sorry! If I’m being honest I actually do use this every time I wear make up and I love it. I’ve tried others but I genuinely do keep coming back to this and I really believe it is one of the best products the drugstore has to offer. It is full coverage, not flaky and blends seamlessly into the skin. I use it to conceal my spots, not under eyes, and I am always picking these up- as you can see!

Barry M Gelly Nail Polish in Acai Smoothie, £3.99: This had to be one of the easiest decisions for this post because the Barry M Gelly range is simply the best- better than anyone I’ve ever met. This formula is EVERYTHING, my only gripe with it is that I do have to replace them roughly every 10/12 months because they go gloopy. This gloop is what gives you that perfect shiny, professional manicure and with the reasonable price, I’m willing to do so. This shade has been my go-to for years and it’s a really unique shade, I would say it is almost a neutral purple with a hint of pink- it looks better than this description though!

Rimmel Brow the Way Mascara in Clear, £3.99: This was one of the first drugstore products I purchased and have continued to enjoy using it ever since. I’ve done a more indepth review, comparing it with the Glossier Boy Brow here. Although I love the Boy Brow this is always a good one quickly on the go in the morning as it is less of a waxy formula. It isn’t crispy and dries fairly quickly, it just doesn’t have the staying power of the Glossier one but it is a fraction of the price. I really like the packaging and it has a really good brush, it is shaped well just a smudge too long. If brow mascaras are your thing then I would definitely give this one a go.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this little series, I’ve really enjoyed writing about beauty and make-up again! April is tough with the alliteration thing but if you’ve enjoyed this I might bring it back for May. Let me know your must-haves from Boots or Superdrug below, specifically if you have any bronzer or mattifying powder recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Amy

Top 5 Beauty Favourites of 2017

Happy Throwback Thursday!

I previously mentioned that throughout January on every Thursday at 10am I will be posting a ‘throwback’ post to reflect on some of my favourite things from 2017. I thought it would be nice to have a little look back at the year in its entirety, before we all become too caught up in 2018. This post might give you some inspiration for new products to try in this new year too! I’ve tried to choose products that I’ve used throughout the year and not just towards the end, so you can be assured these are proper favourites of mine. Right, here we go in no particular order:

• Tanya Burr’s Chasing the Sun ‘Peonies’ Illuminating Powder in, £7.49: I’m not usually into Youtube ‘merch’ or cosmetic ranges, so buying this was a first for me. I LOVE it, I was a bit wary because these collections are usually hyped for a week and then barely mentioned. Yet this one has become a staple, especially during the summer months when I wanted that glow! This is a blush, highlighter hybrid and is unlike most of my other pieces. It is extremely pigmented and powdery but once you get used to the consistency then I’m sure you’ll be reaching for this constantly!
• Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, £4.19: Not a new product for me but I’ve used it the most out of all my beauty products in 2017, so I can’t really ignore it. Pretty simple really, its my favourite concealer. It covers up my uncontrollable spots, to the point where people have thought my spots have just healed… I wish haha! It really makes clears up my complexion and its so good I rarely reach for foundation.
• Rimmel Brow this Way Gel in Clear, £3.99: I’ve spoken about this countless times. Basically it has become a staple for me in 2017, as I long to create the perfect ‘no make-up’ make-up look! It isn’t crispy or too wet, which I have found with other products in the past. The clear one works well with a brow pencil so you can get the desired colour using another product then the shape with the mascara. Definitely check this out if you’re into natural make-up looks or if you already have quite full brows.
• Nivea Essential Care Lip Balm, £1.65: Before 2017 I was a vaseline girl, then I picked this up and changed. I have bought quite a lot of these now because I like to keep them everywhere. I still might try a higher end lip balm to compare, but for now this is pretty much my go-to. I really like using it before bed too because then in the morning my lips feel super soft!
• Real Techniques Setting Brush, £5.59: I don’t know if it’s weird to have a favourite brush but this is THE one for me. I love it. Usually the brush world can be overwhelming with so many sets and variations, so I think it makes it even more exciting when you find the brush for you. I use this for concealer and sometimes highlighter. It gives accuracy with the product and helps blend seamlessly, to make it look like skin. I usually go for concealer alone, without foundation, therefore it is SO important that it blends in and this is the brush that I have found to do that.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed seeing 5 of my favourite beauty products from 2017! I’ve definitely become a bit stuck with my routine, so I’m looking to get more creative in 2018 and try some different products. The ones I’ve mentioned though will definitely stay with me for a while though- I can’t imagine finding much better especially for the prices! I’ll have another throwback favourites post next Thursday- see you then!

Amy

Most-loved Make-up Products

Hello!

Today I wanted to share my top 3 most-loved and most re-purchased make-up products. I thought this was a nice way of sharing some of my favourite pieces that can go unnoticed  within monthly favourites because they’re not new. I think these posts are the best way of showing products that you REALLY love because these have stood the test of time. This is kind of like the ‘Holy Grail’ tag but I haven’t gone for a whole look. I’ve decided to go with 5 products that I have been using for years basically and have been extremely well-loved. Here they are:

• Collection Perfection Lasting Concealer, £4.19: Original… I know? Anyway I didn’t want to pretend I have used another concealer so I’m being honest and saying that I completely fell for the hype and I never looked back. I LOVE this. It is perfect for my spotty skin and stays put pretty well- these are my two criteria for a good concealer. I used this throughout school and it’s a product I trust.
• Seventeen Instant Glow Shimmer Brick in Bronze: I couldn’t find this online but I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it in shops recently… I’ve had this years! That probably means I should re-purchase but I still have some left! This is my favourite bronzer/ highlighter combination and it is perfect for paler, pinker skin. I find it difficult to find a good bronzer for my skin tone and this is the one that I constantly reach for- mainly during the summer months. It keeps a lovely warm, healthy glow and it appears quite underrated online but definitely give it a go if you see it around!
• Rimmel Stay Matte Powder, £3.99: I know this is talked about a lot on the internet BUT that was how I have found some of my favourite products- so hopefully I can help you find some too. This is perfect for my oily skin and it does its best at keeping the shine away- I mean it is no miracle worker lets me honest but it does enough.
• Rimmel Brow this way Styling Gel in Clear, £3.99: I recently spoke about this in my Basic Girls Guide to… Eyebrows post- so you can hear a more in-depth review there. Basically I love this to give my brows a bit of shape and to keep them put without any ‘crispy’ residue. I have re-purchased this for years as it is the perfect product for ‘no make-up’ make-up days- which I have regularly.
• Barry M Gelly Nail Polish in Acai Smoothie, £3.99: This is one of my MOST used nail polishes and one of the few that I actually re-purchased which I’ve never really done with nail polish before. I didn’t completely finish the last bottle but it went a gloopy because I had it for so long. Its a lovely mixture of pink and purple with a high-shine finish and I have been reaching for this nail polish for years and years, and continue to today!

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this post seeing some of my most favourite make-up products that I have trusted for years. I think its nice to have some key make-up bits that you can rely on and always go back to in your collection- these are definitely 5 of mine. Let me know some of yours below and if you agree with my choices!

Amy💖

Basic Girls Guide to… Eyebrows

Happy Monday!

Today I’m dedicating an entire post to eyebrows. I’ve called it a ‘guide’ but it’s pretty a few things I’ve learnt and then two of my ABSOLUTE favourite eyebrow products. I think it’s important to start off by saying that the eyebrow look I go for is natural, simple and fairly thick. I’ve previously mentioned about my curly, frizzy hair which you can read more about in my Basic Girls Guide to… Curly Haircare post- so I style my eyebrows to fit with that. I also have quite a young looking face therefore a heavy brow look is just not for me- this post is more about making the best with what you’ve got! I think you’ll notice from the title and my blog in general I am NO expert, but this is something I would have liked to read when I first got into eyebrows.

General Tips: 

• Waxing or Threading: I would suggest when you first start venturing in to the land of eyebrow grooming get some kind of professional to work on them first. I had mine waxed for about a year- until the lady I went to stopped doing it- from then I decided to start plucking them myself. It was easier to maintain my eyebrows now because I already knew the right shape!
• Plucking: The best time to pluck your brows is after a warm shower or bath because the pores are opened making it easier to remove the hair. Try using a zoomed in mirror too because then you can get a precise look. If you want to pluck at another time of the day then try patting your brows with a damp, warm flannel first to create the same effect. Remember that the more you pluck the less it will start to hurt… very gradually though! ALWAYS pluck from the bottom of the brow so that you don’t go crazy and end up with stick thin brows.
• Keep a light hand: This could be a general make-up rule I try to follow but with eyebrows it is even more important. I would recommend doing this not only with styling but when using the products too. I think a lot of us have had to learn this rule the hard way, but it will be okay.

Favourite Products: 

• Soap and Glory Archery 2-in-1 Brow Filling Pencil and Brush in ‘Brownie Points’, £8.50:  There are SO many eyebrow pencils in the drugstore and out of the ones I’ve tried this is DEFINITELY my favourite. The colour is perfect and I just feather lightly through the brows focusing on the beginning of the brows and the arch. I love the packaging mainly because the brush is ESSENTIAL to even out the product throughout the brows whilst helping define the shape. You should definitely give this a go if you’re looking for a waxy eyebrow pencil that has longevity.
• Rimmel Brow this Way Styling Gel in ‘Clear’, £3.99: I’ve mentioned this product a couple of times before but I don’t think I’ve given a full review. SO, basically this brow gel is the one. The brush is the perfect size, not too small but not like a full-mascara wand either. The product is not too ‘wet’ and it doesn’t leave your eyebrows crispy or with white bits in- which I have had before. It’s cheap enough to re-purchase too and it does exactly what I am looking for in an eyebrow gel.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed this post! I’ve tried a few different eyebrow looks and products throughout the years but I like to think I’ve cracked it… for now at least. Let me know if you’ve tried an eyebrow pomade before because they’re one of the few areas I am yet to venture into.

Amy💖

Stationery and Superdrug Haul

Hello!

I LOVE reading and watching people talk about their recent purchases BUT in an attempt to save my bank account I’ve tried to keep them to a minimum on my blog. So this is a collection of the things I’ve bought throughout September which mainly consists on stationery with a couple of beauty bits… I couldn’t help myself especially with the 3 for 2 offer on in Superdrug! Anyway I’ll start with a few of the stationery pieces I’ve bought before the start of my second year at uni:

• Patterned Popper Wallets: I LOVE these as a stationery item in general, usually they are completely overlooked though! I use these to carry the random bits of paper around that I end up collecting throughout the day to stop them getting lost in my bag. If you use folders then you can also get popper wallets with holes in and I would definitely recommend grabbing some of those for when you can’t find your hole punch! I picked up a pack of 3 pink and orange striped ones from WHSmiths and think they’re really cute… and practical obviously!
• Academic Diary: I picked up my diary this year from WHSmith- I usually look in Paperchase but I think they had a limited choice because I was a little late in buying this year! The one I have has a lace design on the front with a pastel blue and pink pattern with some white on. I like the simplicity of the diary which contains pages to write your timetable, deadlines and annual overviews whilst having sections to write in everyday.
• Notebook and Pens: I know these are kind of the boring things to buy so I’ve kind of lumped them all together. I use a large notebook to write my lecture notes and then have a smaller notebook to write about essay feedback, deadlines and to keep notes from meetings with my tutor etc. Then pen-wise I ALWAYS go for the BIC ballpoint pens in blue… controversial I know but my reasoning is that black just looks too legit whereas a nice blue seems less serious! Then I picked up some coloured BIC pens too just to add some colour to my notes- they do a pack of 4 which has both pink and purple in which is all I’m really looking for anyway!

• Tanya Burr’s Chasing the Sun Peonies Illuminating Powder, £7.49: I’ve not really gone for a product like this before but after hearing such great reviews I thought I would try it. I’m much more of a blusher than bronzer girl, so I’m pretty sure this is going to be a product I’ll really like!
• L’Oreal Infallible Nudist Eyeshadow in Nudist, £5.99: This eyeshadow definitely intrigued me because of its mousse-like consistency that still sets like a powder. The ‘Nudist’ shade is a kind of like a bronze but a bit more matte. I’m hoping it will be a nice everyday product that doesn’t require much work to create a natural eye look.
• Max Factor Colour Elixir Lipstick in Rosewood 833, £7.99: I’ve had my eye on this lipstick for AGES and not just because of the shade name! It’s a deep nude-pink mauve colour with a slight sheen to it… it’s nicer than it sounds! I love the gold packaging and am looking forward to trying out more lipsticks because I’ve been sticking to  my favourite KIKO one for years- but I’m pretty sure it’s been discontinued… which I am still in denial about.  
• Maybelline Forever Strong Gel 130 Rose Poudre Nail Polish, £4.49: In my August Favourites 2017 I mentioned another shade from this collection that I really love, so I wanted to try another one! This collection consists of some classy nude nail polishes which are completely different to my usual colour choices! I would definitely suggest looking at Maybelline polishes if you’re looking for more subtle shades that are still opaque and glossy.

I hope you’ve enjoyed reading about a few of my purchases from September and that it has given you some shopping inspo. for October! I’ll be sure to mention some of these beauty purchases in upcoming posts so keep an eye on my blog to see what I think of them.

Comment below any make-up products you think I should add to my shopping list for October… not that I need much encouraging, haha!

See you on Thursday for my monthly favourites,

Amy💖