The Outfit Post | Not A Granny Skirt

I feel I need to explain the title - basically my lovely boyfriend is of the opinion that this is a "granny skirt". Well, we all know how fashionable he is now don't we. Anywho, I fell in love with this skirt. The shape, the colours, just the idea behind it. So comfy to wear and you can either dress it up or down - I have no doubt you'll be seeing a dressed up version at some point.

Here I have popped it with a baggy jumper, tucked in at the front and some little pumps. These pumps I got in the Ugg sale for £35 - reduced from £80, bargain! I love them. They have a memory sole and the classic ugg sheeps wool on the back heel so no rubbing. So comfortable and again, love the colour. I also can't believe I've never featured this jumper before. I got it last Christmas (?) and I love it. The colour (hello navy) and the gems. It's slouchy and o so comfy.

I have also got this skirt in a gorgeous red tartan - in the sale yay for £15 I might add. I will definitely be looking to get more of them, in lots of different patterms. So beware boyf - it's the return of the 'granny' skirt - or as I like the call it, the uber flattering comfy gorgeous pencil skirt.

Jumper: Topshop (old) | Skirt: Topshop | Shoes: Ugg | Necklace: Topshop |

How would you style this skirt? Are you loving the return of the pencil skirt?

The Review | Revlon Color Burst Matte Balm

Is it just me or do all my reviews seem to be centered around lip products these past couple of weeks? Whoops. Anywho, if you don't know what these are then where have you been? It's a new launch from Revlon to go with their previous Just Bitten Balm Stains (which have also been repackaged, renamed and rereleased). I picked up three of their new Colour Burst Matte Balms as I wanted to try a crayon that was a tad different. All the others that have been released since Clinique's Chubby Sticks have been glossy, sheer sticks with a touch of colour. So when I heard there were matte ones coming out? Well that went straight in the diary. Revlon are 3 for 2 at the moment so I picked up the three shades that really caught my eye. 

The top one is Audacious, a brave vibrant orange - not a colour I would usually reach for I must admit but I saw it on Emma Stone in the advert and I had to have it. It's a very warming orange and one I will reach for more in the summer. 

Next we have Elusive, your typical everyday my lips but better shade. A blue toned dusky pink that gives your lips the illusion of colour and health. This has been the one I've used the most since picking them up for work etc.

Finally we have Unapologetic, and oh my gosh is this gorgeous. It's a beauty raspberry pink that is warm in tone and just plain yum. When I'm not at work this has been working its way onto my lips not questions asked.

In terms of formula, unlike other matte lip products, these are really silky to apply and then mattify when left on the lips for a minute. Lasting time is great, as with most matte products, I'd say a good four hours (depending on food and drink) and the colour payoff is amazing compared to a lot of other lip crayons. The finish is definitely matte, but it has quite a satin effect as well I've found - it doesn't look dry or chalky which I love. Also, it isn't drying in the slightest like other matte lip products. 

Overall these get a huge thumbs up from me. I love them and they have been living on my lips since purchase. I love the minty freshness to them as well, yum. You can get them for £7.99 here from Boots where they are (at time of publishing) 3 for 2 - so no excuses not to pick some up! Go go go!

What colour would you pick from the new range?

The How To | Sleek Straight Bob

I had my first little go at Space NK the other week - exciting! I found this set for £15 in the sale, bargain! Bumble and Bumble is a brand that I've coveted for ages, especially since I've had my hair cut short. When I saw the blow dry serum I had to have it. I really struggle where my hair is shorter to make it sleek, without frizz and just nice. 

So, having used this a couple of times I thought I would pop together a simple "how to" for a straight and sleek bob. 

1 |

Wash your hair as normal, I don't use a specific straight or sleek version, I actually use good old Head and Shoulders shampoo with an Aussie conditioner. Both specifically for coloured hair.

2 | 

Wrap hair in towel, like a turban, and leave it up for around fifteen minutes to let a lot of the excess water drain off. Then give it a very rough towel dry to stop any dripping.

3 |

Brush is out to your normal parting and get rid of any knots or tangles. I use a flat head brush as it leaves it more sleek and smooth.

4 | 

Spray Bumble and Bumble Thickening Hairspray into the roots, massage in. Do this in different layers to get as much exposure as you can. Then, put Bumble and Bumble Straight Blow Dry through the mid lengths and ends, brush it all through.

5 |

Section hair off and blow dry. I use a flat head brush again and just bring the hairdrying down onto the brush and pull out. The Thickening Spray acts as a heat protector so you don't have to worry about that, but obviously you can add your own if you feel it's needed. Do this until your hair is dry.

6 |

Then run your straighteners through the midlengths and ends of your hair just to make sure it stays nice and straight.

That's it! I love this set, especially the Straight Blow Dry serum, it's actually genius. You can buy the hair spray here and the blow dry serum here. 

How do you get sleek and straight hair?

The Mani | Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Not going to lie, todays post was originally meant to feature the Naked 3 Palette and some looks from it, however, my camera was annoying me and didn't take the kinds of pictures I wanted - so I had to make a quick substitute and settled on a Mani post. I picked this up at the weekend and had to post about it ASAP. This is bloody incredible. Excuse my French.

Now, I'm not really one for top coats as I think it just prolongs the entire process of nail painting - so I tend to avoid if I can. However, I've seen this EVERYWHERE on the blogosphere so when I spotted it in my local Boots it ended up in my basket. Funny how that happens eh?

I wanted to try it asap, so I popped on some new polish, then coated this on the top. Within a matter of seconds it was dry. Not even joking/exaggerating. I kept touching my nail like "what the.." It really did surprise/impress me. I don't know the science or anything behind it, all I know is this has changed the way I paint my nails forever. Couple of coats of polish, slick of Seche Vite and out the door I go! Absolute bloody miracle.

Okay, I am in major gush mode so I apologise. Either way I would highly recommend this to anyone who needs a top coat. At £9 it is a tad pricey for a top coat (I didn't look at the price when I bought it opps) but it does the job so I don't mind paying it. You can get it from Boots here or obviously in your local store.

Have you tried this little miracle product?

The Life Post | Blogger Organised

So it's a nearly the end of January (um, how?) so I thought I would pop up a little post about how I've been getting my butt in gear and organising my blogging life. I work full time, like a lot of bloggers, which means organising and scheduling are key. Sorting my time accordingly takes time and I need to think ahead about what I'm going to post 90% of the time. November and December I struggled with this, but I'm back baby and this time I come armed and dangerous. Well...

I schedule my posts all the time, I work full time so it's just not a maybe thing for me, I have to. But this month I've been super organised and got myself a monthly planner to help sort my life out. I spend my Sundays taking hundreds of photos for the weeks ahead and then spend the afternoon sat at my desk writing - so it's nice to have a plan of what I plan to take pictures of. This planner is from the Martha Stewart range over at Staples and was just under £6, it has a sticky back so you can attach it to the wall, but can peel off and move around as you wish as well. Very handy!

I've also started putting my posts into different categories, just to make sure I don't do too much of one thing and bore everyone. At the moment we have, 'The Review', 'The Outfit', 'The Life Post', 'The How To', 'The Face' and 'Insta-Outfit". I love writing my blog and I'm very committed to growing it this year and making it the best it can be for its readers, and myself. I also like to post everyday, I know this isn't for some people - but I love going onto a blog and seeing a new post so why shouldn't I incorporate that into my own blog? Exactly. It probably won't last, and of course I will have days when I don't post, but for me I want to make sure I do Monday - Friday at least. 

I'm hoping you like the blog (if you've read this far I'm sure you do) and I will definitely be popping up a blogging/full time job tips post soon.

How do you organise your blog?

The Review | Sexy Mother Pucker in Replumzel

I got a new lip product i got a new lip product. I feel like this hasn't happened for a while. Yes I did just review two lipsticks but I got those a while ago and just hadn't reviewed them yet so... Yay! I will continue my new lip product dance (trust me, you don't want to see it.)

I have been loving Soap & Glory make up lately. It's fairly new to me so I am making the most of it. This is one of their Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Sticks and I got it in Raplumzel (it took me about four days before I realised why it was called what it was, doh!). It's a gorgeous dark plum colour with a bit of raspberry pink to it. 

I have to say, this is the closest I've found to the Clinique Chubby Sticks. They are sheer and glossy, but still very long wearing. So comfortable to wear and enough colour pay off to be subtle yet sexy. I will definitely be picking another one of these us - I love them and they are perfect for any lipstick phobic readers out there.

You can find them in Boots for £8.00 here, Fuschia-Ristic is definitely on my wishlist.

Have you tried any of these? What's your favourite S&G product?

The Comparison | L'Oreal SuperLiner v Soap & Glory SuperCat

So it's not secret that I love eyeliners. Without it I feel a bit naked! For most of 2013 I was using L'Oreal SuperLiner, however I've discovered something new that I feel like I'm loving just as much so thought I would do a comparison between the two - mainly so I can figure out with is my fave and give you guys a bit of guidance. I've recently done a "How To" on how to do winged eyeliner so this comparison is paired with that. 

So lets start with where the liner comes from. With L'Oreal SuperLiner it has a little pot that's part of the product itself. For me this is amazing as I usually use liner with shadow so you can easily top up your liner on the nib but putting it back into the pot. Supercat from Soap & Glory is like a felt marker, the liner comes from the barrel itself. Having said that I have found it's not as bad as other nibs when it comes to fading with shadow. So far it's doing a very good job of staying a lovely glossy black.

The nib is so important. If you can't use a liner properly it's usually because the nib or applicator itself just isn't suited to you. For me that is brushes (shudder). SuperLiner is long and thin with a very fine tip. It's quite flexible so it does have the potential to wander if you don't have complete control. However if you are a beginner it's perfect as it is a fine liner. Supercat has a very thick base and then goes up to a fine line. Not as fine as SuperLiner so it does create a thicker line. It is a lot sturdier so definitely easier to control.

Longevity wise is again so important. So many liners end up on the top of my eyelids and it's just annoying. I'm happy to say neither of these do that. SuperLiner is long lasting, however it does tend to fade by the time I get home from work. SuperCat is actually amazing. It's even Zumba proof and that's after being on all day. It stays very glossy and very black.

Overall I'm very confused! I feel like I should stay loyal to my SuperLiner as it is a very good friend. However SuperCat has just pipped it to the post for me at the moment. After I've gotten used to using an entire pen as opposed to just a lid with a nib on it it's the perfect liner.

You can get both from your local Boots, Soap & Glory SuperCat for £6.00 here and L'Oreal SuperLiner for £7.99 here.

What's your favourite eyeliner? Have you tried either of these?

The Review | Mask of Magnaminty

I feel like I'm a little bit obsessed with Lush lately. I cannot get enough of them and I keep finding myself creeping onto their website to have a look, and then quickly shutting it down as I could easily spend hundreds in there. This purchase was definitely a necessity for me though (so I say with all of them). I can't actually pronounce this but here we go.

Mask of Magnaminty is a mask made specifically to try and combat spotty skin, it's also one you can use for either face or back. I purchased this with my back in mind. Back-acne (or back-ne) is a real pain in the arse, if you excuse my french. I hate it and have never really found anything that gets rid of it. So I picked this up to see what it could do.

It has mineral rich kaolin to nurish, honey for its anti bacterial properties and peppermint oil to stimulate the blood cells to look refreshed and nourished. I use this before I go in the shower, I slather it on my back (where I can reach), then wait for 10 minutes before I pop in the shower, then rinse off. 

I found the first couple of times you use this it really doesn't make a difference, not one I saw anyway. My skin looked cleaner and fresher yes, but there wasn't any difference in terms of spots. It was about the fourth go that I saw more of a difference and my back started to look a bit clearer. I use this a couple of times a week to get this. It's not life changing I have to say - in face I am a tad disappointed and it's not really done what I bought it to do. All in all it's a nice mask, but for me it's not quite doing the job. Also, the scent is incredibly strong - if you're not a mint fan then you won't like the scent. I'm not a huge fan if I'm honest.

So basically, it does clear the skin a touch and it does clean your face. But if you're looking for that miracle cure for back-ne then you may want to look elsewhere. I got the 125g pot so I could try it for £5.25 or you can get the larger 315g pot for £9.25, you can get both here from the Lush website or from your local Lush store.

What masks from Lush would you recommend? Do you know of a back-ne cure?

The Outfit | A Little Daisy Number

On Saturday I went out with the boy to see a load of mortgage advisors about what we could borrow to buy our very own house. Both of our job situations are a bit up in the air at the moment (hoping I share more of that with you soon) so it was enlightening, if confusing. For the day I wore this little number. I also wore this out for drinks for my besties birthday.

This dress is like a dream. I got one the exact same shape etc for my birthday (here) but I've been eyeing up this one since as well. This pattern is so pretty, neutral and just plain yum. I love me a bit of floral. It's your typical smock dress, slightly baggy, super flattering and comfy. I decided to team it with some purple pattern tights instead of the usual black for a bit more depth to the outfit. I really like the affect. Add a chunky knit and voila - outfit complete!

Items worn: dress, topshop | cardigan, new look (old) | tights, topshop | necklace, accessorize | shoes, schuh

How would you style this daisy dress?

The Review | Collection Deluxe Lipsticks

It's those little products that you never think to try when you go awandering in Boots. However you see things reviewed on blogs you trust and then uh oh, there they are in your bag. This is what happened with these two. I'm very picky about lipsticks usually but I fell in love with these colours. 

Collection is an underdog brand, known for its Lasting Perfection range, loved by many. I think this is going to be another one like that. The Deluxe lipsticks are lovely little products. There are five shades, these two being the best of the bunch I believe. Tallulah, a gorgeous baby pink and Prohibition a deep berry red. 

They aren't the longest lasting in the world, but they are very pretty and very comfortable to wear. I really do love both. Tallulah probably gets more wear because its more of an everyday shade, but Prohition is perfect for going out in the evenings. Like I said, don't expect it to last for hours on end because they don't. You do get what you pay for with these, but they are just such pretty lipsticks I couldn't resist.

You can get these from Boots here for £3.99 each and Superdrug here for the same price.

Have you tried these? What bargain lipsticks would you recommend?

Outfit | Insta-Outfits

Okay so I want to start doing a series every couple of weeks, on a Sunday, that shoes my outfits from the past few days. I try and do proper outfit posts when I can, but I love the idea of this as it shows what I wear on a daily basis. So, I've pulled outfits from the past couple of months for the first run and we'll see how we go from there. Hope you like!

1 | Jumper & Playsuit: Topshop (see full outfit post here)

2 | Dress: Topshop, Cardigan: H&M, Necklace: Lola Rose (see full outfit post here)

3 | Jumper: Topshop, Skirt: H&M, Tights: Topshop

4 | Jumper: H&M, Top: Topshop, Jeans: Topshop, Necklace: Gift

5 | Dress: Forever 21, Heels: Jimmy Choo

6 | Dress: H&M, Belt: Topshop

7 | Shirt: New Look, Jeans: Topshop, Necklace: Gift

8 | Jumper, Shirt & Jeans: Topshop , Necklace: Gift

9 | Jumper and dress: Topshop

If you want to see more then follow me on Instagam here or keep an eye out on Twitter of course.

What do you think of my insta-outfits?

The Mani | Nails Inc Bling It On

As you can see I got a bit funky and fun with come glitter the other day. I got this set in my stocking for Christmas, it's a Nails Inc set called "Bling it On". It comes with Baker Street which is this absolutely GORGEOUS cobalt blue. You also get a little pot of glitter, brush and tray to use (not pictured).

So the idea is this - you pour your glitter into said tray, then paint one nail. Whilst wet roll your nail is said glitter until fully coated. Pat with your finger to ensure it stays on and let it dry. I decided to go for a more low key look and just do the feature nail like this. 

It was very messy - even with the tray, glitter was literally everywhere. For the hour afterwards everything I touched had at least one little spec left on it so it's worth remembering if you want to try this out. 

If you don't want to pay out for Nails Inc then I can see how easy this could be to do on a budget. Literally all you need is some glitter and a little tray to pop it in. Head down to your craft store and voila. It's such an easy nail art trend.

These are actually in the sale on Beauty Bay at the moment, reduced from £18 to £10.80, you can get my one here. I definitely want to get a couple more of these kits, especially the feather one here. 

I'd love to see if you give it a go with your own bits and pieces. Just pop it on my twitter for me!

Also - I need to say a HUGE happy birthday to my bestie Amber. She's as old as me today (mwaha) and I love her to pieces so I hope she has an amazing day. Happy Birthday Mambie!!

How would you wear your bling?

The Best of 2013 | Nails

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

I've getting getting a little bit more creative with my nails this year and I've gotten some gorgeous shades to play with. It was actually a bit ridiculously hard to pick my top 5 from the whole year - kind of like picking out 5 needles in a hay stack - but hey, I found 5 needles...! Click on each number to see my full reviews.

I've not actually reviewed number 1 yet - so basically it is L'Oreal Nail Colour in Black Diamond. It's part of their Christmas selection so hopefully you can still get it.

What's your top nail products of 2013?

The Review | Marc Jacobs Honey

I've been after this beauty of a fragrance for a while now. It's been on my birthday/christmas list since it was released and luckily my prayers were answered at Christmas. There is just something about Marc Jacobs fragrances that scream buy me buy me! I have a feeling it's because of the bottle designs.

This fragrance is fruity and sweet. Now I don't tend to understand the whole "notes" part of the fragrance, but I did a little research. Top notes are green pear, fruity punch and juicy mandarin. Heart notes include orange blossom, fruit nectars and honeysuckle. The warm base is full of honey, vanilla and smooth woods.

For me, it is very sweet, you can smell the honey. There is definitely sharp fruity scents to it as well, and really it is the perfect summer fragrance. In terms of the winter we are having right now - well I think it's the perfect reminder of what is yet to come!

I love the bottle, it's much more understated than Dot was (review here). The little bees were very cute and it's sitting in pride of place in front of all my other perfumes. If I'm honest, Daisy is still my favourite everyday, but this is giving it a run for its money.

You can get Honey from all good drug stores and take a look at its main site here for all details.

Have you tried Honey yet? What's your favourite Marc Jacobs fragrance?

The Best of 2013 | Lips

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

We all know I'm a bit lip obsessed - especially when it comes to lipsticks. Lip gloss I'm a bit meh about, but you cannot beat the feeling of bringing home a new lippie! This was quite a toughie to narrow down to just five from over the year... Just click on each number to go through to my full reviews.

Number 3 hasn't been reviewed yet, but it is Collection Delux in Prohibition. It will be reviewed very soon and I would definitely recommend checking it out.

What's your favourite lip products of 2013?

Outfit | The Little Winter Green

Ok, so maybe shorts isn't the best idea in this weather. However I was dying to put this outfit together and wear it. I'm going to be all doom and gloom here and say I HATE my thighs in these photos but hey - I like the outfit so pish posh.

I've had this playsuit for over two years now and only really wear it for special occassions as it's more of a smart one. My boyfriend hates it, I love it - so standard for my wardrobe really! I recently got this gorgeous mint green jumper from Topshop with some Christmas vouchers and have worn it so much since. It's perfect for under collars and it's so warm, it's like triple quilted so very warm (this also means it takes two days to dry boo). 

I wore this outfit to go and see the lovely Paige from Paige Joanna for a bit of tea and cake (coffee for me) down in her home town of Southsea. We thought it would be the perfect opportunity to do some outfit pics. My legs were chilly, however my top half was very warm thanks to this cutie jumper. Thumbs up indeed!

Outfit details: Jumper, Topshop | Playsuit, Topshop (old) | Tights, Primark | Shoes, Schuh | Watch, Miss Selfridge | Bracelets, Accessorize

I've linked everything I can still find for you guys. You can also get this jumper in a gorgeous pale pink which you can find here.

How would you style this jumper?

The Best of 2013 | Eyes

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

2013 is the year I've really got back into doing eye make up, in particular eyeshadow. I've done liner for a long time but eyeshadows have really made a comeback this year. Just take a click on each number for my full reviews.

Also, sorry for swearing at you all in the top picture. I didn't really realise until I double checked the picture. Opps!

What's your top eye products of 2013?

The Life | BlogLovin

I bloody love BlogLovin. Excuse my language. It's only recently that I've really gotten into using it, more for fear of GFC disappearing and then how will I keep up to date with my favourite blogs? But since actually using BL I really have fallen in love with it.

I've been signed up to it for a while but never really paid it that much attention. So I wanted to do a quick post as to why you SHOULD sign up to BlogLovin if your either a blog, or just someone who loves reading them. 

Blogger

If you have a blog yourself and you aren't on BlogLovin get your arse over there right now! It's so easy, you sign up, then "claim" your blog. Pop a little button on your blog to let people know how to follow you.

It's great for blogs as it gives readers on a different platform other than GFC to follow you. Also it's so easy to keep up to date on how many followers you have an what other blogs are up to.

Readers

Some readers don't have blogs - I know that seems like a silly statement but I don't know, for me I see my readers as bloggers as well but need to get out of this mindset. For readers you may not have heard of BL or thought that much of it, well change it. You can sign up without a blog.

It's so easy to find new blogs depending on which category you want to look through and you get an update when someone posts. I'd downloaded the app which is amazing. You just pop on your phone and see who has posted today and what about. Magic!

So, I know some people will look at this post and think I'm just plugging for more followers, I'm really not. Obviously I love it when I see I have new followers - it's such a compliment, however I honestly just think that if you're in the blogging world as either a blogger or reader, BlogLovin is such an amazing platform for that and I've had a few people ask me what the point of it is.

That being said - if you want to follow me on BL just click here. I've also popped my top 5 blogs that I click on through BlogLovin below that you should definitely take a peek at. Enjoy!

More Than Adored | Paige Joanna | Birds Words | Pearls and Poodles | Thumbelina Lillie

Now - leave me your BlogLovin links guys - I'd love some new blogs to follow!