Wednesday 2 December 2015

I'm Back!

Hello Blogging Community!

It's been a while, eh? About 3 months if I remember correctly, which is way way waaaay too long!

College ended up getting the better of me and I was just too stressed out to do anything, be that blogging or youtube or homework. I am the procrastination queen. However, I recently decided to leave college, simply because I'm not ready for it at this time in my life. I have good AS level grades behind me, and I'm going to reapply for college next year when I feel more comfortable with myself, my life, and what I want to do with it.

The thing I hated about the education system is there was never enough time. When choosing my options for GCSE's, I was focused on mock exams. When choosing my A-Level choices, I was focused on my GCSE exams. Now that I'm meant to be focusing on university, I've realised I'm not doing anything that I'm passionate about. I've simply decided that enough is enough, and I'm going to take my education, my health, and my future into my own hands. I didn't have time to fully figure out what I wanted to do by the time college rolled around, so I picked subjects that I thought I would like. I had no experience with these subjects before, and as you can imagine, they weren't what I expected.

So, my plan is to take the next year by the horns and do as much of what I want to do as possible. That means getting a job (I have an interview tomorrow, woop!), volunteering anytime I can, and really getting into blogging and youtube, plus trying lots of different things. This is going to be the year that I discover myself properly, and just in time for New Year's resolutions!

My inital plan was to do Blogmas this year to fully throw myself back into blogging, but I then thought that might be too much stress all at once, so instead I'm just going to post as regularly as I can. Who knows, I might end up blogging everyday until Christmas, I might not!


I thought this little quote was quite fitting for my situation, and it's completely true. If you're unhappy, you can do something to change it. I thought dropping out of college would mean the end of the world, but I'm already happier and looking forward to going back when I've sorted myself out and planned my future the way I want it.

I can't wait to get back into blogging, I've missed you all so much! 

I'll see you very soon!
Katie xo

Sunday 13 September 2015

Autumn Wishlist | Beauty

Welcome back to my autumn wishlist - this time, makeup! Autumn is definitely about golds, reds, berries and browns, so I have made a little collection of my favourite shades that I would love to wear this autumn. 

Eyeshadows


(From left to right)

I've actually been quite adventurous with these choices, in the sense that I don't usually go for berry/purple colours for my eyes. I love berry lips but have never actually tried it as an eyeshadow, but these colours look absolutely gorgeous. The Beyond Gold eyeshadow stick is right up my street and by far my favourite out of my choices! Early Christmas present please, mum?!

Eyeliners


(From left to right)

I've suddenly become interested in brown eyeliners. They are much more natural looking, and although I love my bold black eyeliner, my eyes are quite small and can often look overpowered, so I'm going to attempt some more natural pencils that you can see here. I've also included the Little Black Liner, just because I still love the bold black look.

Lips


(From left to right)

Oh my god, lipsticks galore! I'm quite surprised I went mostly for reds rather then berries and purples, but saying that, I do own an awful lot of berry tones already. I think all of these colours would look great for autumn, as well as into the colder winter months. I included a nude colour (Chanel) as I think a very natural look is also gorgeous at this time of year.

Blush 


(From left to right)

Last but not least, blush! Now, I'm usually not a blush fanatic - it kind of scares me. BUT, how gorgeous are these colours! They would give such a gorgeous pop of colour to your cheeks, as if you had been out in the chilly autumn breeze too long!

What do you guys think of my makeup wishlist for autumn? What are your must haves this season? Don't forget to check out my autumn clothes wishlist here, and stay tuned for a few more autumn wishlist posts!

See you soon!
Katie xo



Sunday 30 August 2015

Autumn Wishlist | Clothes

As far as I'm concerned, the end of August marks the beginning of Autumn. England barely has a summer anyway, so I am super excited for cozy knits, fluffy socks, and going to college in my pyjamas (not really, but you get my excitement!). I've decided to create a wishlist of clothes, makeup, skincare and autumn essentials that I would love to have this year in separate blog posts which I'll be posting over the next couple of days. Let me know your autumn wishlist favourites in the comments below! 

Shoes


(From left to right)

You can never go wrong with boots when it comes to autumn - they look gorgeous with practically every outfit and keep your tootsies warm! I always find it hard to find flat shoes which are good for the autumnal period but the brogues from New Look are super cute and would look amazing with jeans or a floaty dress and coloured tights. The red boots I would pair with black skinny jeans and an oversized burgundy jumper. It would be a very simple outfit which would allow for statement jewellery and lots of accessories! I think the tan boots would look amazing with plain black leggings, a patterned top and a chunky nude or brown cardigan, and the black ankle boots would pair nicely with an a-line skirt and long sleeved top and knee high socks.

Dresses/Skirts


(From left to right)

I love the granny patterns and mixture of browns and reds this year, which you can clearly see through my choices of dresses and skirts. Just because it gets colder doesn't mean you can't style dresses and skirts with coloured tights, ankle boots and chunky knit cardigans. The black button up skirt would look great with knee high boots or ankle boots and cute socks and a casual shirt with elegant accessories. I love the grey knit dress I though was lovely for autumn because it's still girly and has the fun of a dress, but the knit material and long sleeves would keep you warm, but I'm not sure how I would style it, what do you think? The floaty dress is something I'd wear on a warmer winter day with kitten heels, or with a simple cardigan, tights, and ballet flats on a chilly day. The chevron skater skirt would look really on style with a plain black turtleneck, black tights and flat ankle boots, paired with chunky but simple jewellery. The jacquard dress is something I'd wear of an evening with black or nude heels and a matching clutch bag. The dress does all the talking so I'd wear minimal jewellery and subtle makeup. I love the zip front skirt as it is really chic and on trend, incorporating the classic autumnal colours. A plain black v-neck sweater and brown boots would be my ideal outfit for this skirt. Lastly, my personal favourite of the skirts and dresses, the bird print dress can be styled with any kind of shoe and bag for a casual or a more dressy outfit.

Jumpers


(From left to right)

The camel jumper and the side split jumper would look really elegant styled with jeans and any kind of shoe as they're too thick to tuck into skirts but would be gorgeous over sized. The waterfall blazer would top off an elegant outfit of a white shirt and navy blue heels, and I'd pair the burgundy blazer with a monochrome turtleneck top, high waisted jeans, and boots.

 Tops


(From left to right)

I always find it really difficult to shop for tops, but I think these ones are perfect for the upcoming months. I think all of them would look amazing with jeans and loafers, changed to heels for evening events. I basically live in skinny jeans so it would be a dream to have a selection of gorgeous tops for all different weathers and occasions, like these ones!

Accessories 


(From left to right)

I think these scarves and bags are really cute and use the basic autumnal colours, and would add a seasonal flare to any outfit, whether it be plain black or something a little more extravagant.

I hope you liked my wishlist, and let me know if you want anything that I've shown here!
See you soon!

Katie xo

Wednesday 12 August 2015

I Made a Youtube!

After months, weeks, of thinking and umming and ahhing, I finally decided to take the plunge and create a youtube channel. Of course, I suck at editing videos and I don't have any amazing equipment, but hopefully as I make more videos it will start to come more naturally to me. If you wanted to subscribe, that would mean the world to me, and if you have Youtube channels too, comment with the URL below and I'll check them out!


This first video did not come naturally to me at all. I kept looking at the screen rather than the actual camera, and there are a few silly bloopers at the end. I'm not usually a camera shy person and I'm not afraid to make a fool of myself, so it will definitely be a lot less weird for me once I know what I'm doing a bit more.

If you guys have any requests for videos, comment on my Lush Haul video, or on this post and I'll be sure to write it in my planner! I really hope you like it guys!

TTFN!
Katie xo

Recent Beauty Buys

Yesterday I went for a little venture into town and ended up coming home with a few new bits and bobs of makeup, none of which I have used yet, but I thought I would show you guys anyway!

The only high end makeup I own is a Benefit Foundation, so I was really excited to pick up a few of my first ever MAC pieces. Firstly, a MAC eyeshadow in Chrome Yellow. This shadow is a gorgeous golden yellow colour which will look amazing all year round, and I really love wearing gold on my eyes as it makes them stand out a bit more, so I'm super excited to use this. MAC eyeshadows are really pigmented and finely milled so they're amazing for blending, bring it on!


I also picked up the Haute and Naughty Lash/Mascara Double Effect, which is a double wanded mascara. I've seen a lot of mixed reviews on this so I'm interested to see how it will work out. 


The last MAC piece I got was a Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Ruby Woo, a gorgeous pink toned red. My lipstick collection is ever growing and this is the first high end lipstick in that collection, so it had better be good!


I picked up 4 little drugstore makeup items, including another mascara - the Rimmel Wake Me Up mascara. I have actually tried this one and was quite impressed with it. It separates my lashes and makes them look really long, just what you need in a mascara!


Also from Rimmel, I picked up the Brow This Way brow gel. I'm not going to lie, I have never used a brow gel in my life. However, I am going to get my eyebrows shaped today and I'm hoping my eyebrows will look fabulous. I have actually tried to find something other than a pencil to fill my eyebrows in, but everything I come across is too dark. If you have any recommendations for lighter eyebrows, let me know!


The last two items are from Collection. I picked up another Lasting Perfection Concealer in shade fair 1, as my current tube is coming to it's end. I am in love with the concealer and thoroughly recommend it to everyone!


Last, but not least, the Little Mix All About the Eyes palette. This palette features 6 different shadows,in a gorgeous range of golds and browns, right up my street! I have heard good things about this palette, and it was only £2.99, so I'm not complaining!




What have you been buying recently?

TTFN!
Katie xo

Monday 3 August 2015

Should I Start a Youtube?

I've wanted to start a youtube channel for a long time. Longer than I've wanted to blog, but I don't know whether I have the confidence to do it. Rest assured, I cannot use an editing programme and I do not look good in front of a camera.


Obviously I know my channel would never get 'big', like Zoella, or Gracie Francesca, or any of the other big youtubers, but I feel that it would give me a chance to expand my creative outlet. Sometimes, I'm just really not in the mood to blog or sit for ages trying to think of how to word something. It would be so much easier to just chat to you guys in front of a camera. My brother even suggested I started vlogging and he doesn't even know what that is.

Of course, it would be a beauty/fashion/lifestyle based thing, similarly to Tanya Burr, Zoella, Fleur De Force etc. I just feel like it would be a better way of showing you guys who I am.

What do you guys think? Is it something you would consider watching? I'm really stuck in a rut with what to do. Let me know in the comments or on twitter!

Katie xo

P.S. *not my images*

Sunday 2 August 2015

Liebster Award


Go me, I was nominated for the Liebster award. Thank you very much to Mary Veronica from Beautilicious Freaks. I love the whole idea of nominating people for awards in the blogging community as it shows your followers who you're loving and helps to introduce blogs to people, like one massive shoutout!

Mary's Questions and my answers!
1. If you organize a fashion show what theme would it be? My theme would obviously be like fairy tale. Because I'm generic like that.
2. What do you enjoy the most shopping or blogging?I really love shopping but I really hate spending money, and blogging makes me really proud of myself, so I'm going to say blogging.
3. What would be your favorite outfit pick for a dinner date? 
Something cute and classy, perhaps a midi dress, loose curls, and a pink lip.
4. If made the fashion editor for a popular magazine what would you love to change in the fashion industry or write about? I'd really want to see more plus size models featured in magazines and on the television. It's not fair for us larger girls to have to imagine what a certain outfit would look like on us and be disappointed because it would look nothing like the thinner model. Equal representation of bodies and ethnicities yo.
5. What advice would you like to give to fellow bloggers? Have fun! It's all very well wanting to get something out of your blog but if you aren't enjoying it, what's the point? When it starts to feel like a chore, take a step back and breathe, think about why you started blogging in the first place.

I nominate any of my followers who want to get involved with this, you're all nominated! My questions for you are:
 
1) If you could decorate your bedroom however you wanted, what would you do to it?
2) What do you do when you feel down?
3) What is your staple makeup/fashion item for the upcoming autumn?
4) Why did you start blogging?
5) Who is your biggest inspiration?

Let me know on Twitter if you've answered my questions, or even just comment if you don't want to write a post!

See you soon!
Katie xo

Confidence

I was really excited this morning. I planned to do my first ever OOTD and FOTD post. I thought I looked really great and was flaunting it to no end in front of my mirror. And then came out the camera. I set up my tripod and put the camera on the right setting, spent 20 minutes trying to find the best place for the photo and then decided that everything was wrong. My bun was too high on my head. I have the wrong shade of lipstick on. My legs are too fat for this dress. 

So here we are. No OOTD. No FOTD. No more excited Katie.

Confidence is a really tricky thing. Sometimes I have so much of it that I think I'm queen of the world, and sometimes I have absolutely none so I stay in my pyjamas all day because there's no point in me even trying to make myself look good. I don't like the way I look, I don't have amazing hair and makeup skills, and I have a very unflattering wardrobe. 

Recently, I have had very little confidence in most things I do. I desperately want to start a youtube channel but I don't think I'm interesting or pretty enough, I feel like my blog will go nowhere, I have no confidence in my college work so I haven't been concentrating on my summer assignments, and I have completely given up with dieting because, at the end of the day, I'm still going to be me. 

It's a very sad thing that this happens to me, and millions of other people all over the world for millions of different reasons. It's so easy to get wrapped up in other people's success that you lose sight of your own, so I'm making a list of everything that I have achieved that I've lost confidence in.

1) I successfully put lipstick on today, for once. I'm really cack handed so lipstick usually just doesn't work, but I took extra care and did it really well.

2) I'm wearing an outfit that is very daring for me. Or I was, until I lost confidence in it and took it off. But the fact that I considered wearing it was quite a big step for me.

3) I took some beautiful photos in the woods recently, which has boosted my confidence for my A-Level photography course. I'm nowhere near as good as other people in my class, but I'm getting there.

4) I've been exercising. And enjoying it. Going to exercise classes 4 times a week has really boosted my confidence with exercising in front of people, and I'm pretty sure that I don't care what people think of me when I exercise now. At the end of the day, everyone is there for the same reason - to better their body. Whether that be to lose weight, gain muscle, or just keep fit. 

5) I've started being quite independent with my cooking. Usually my mum would cook for me, but recently I've been making lots of super easy meals such as gnocchi or pasta parcels, breakfast bagels, tasty smoothies, and even just tins of soup. I'm finally taking the initiative to make myself nice meals, instead of eating the same thing everyday.

These are tiny little things, and I'm sure that plenty of you guys do all of these things easily and amazingly, but for me, they're big things to becoming a happier person. If you struggle with confidence or self esteem like me, take a look at these little tips to see if they improve your mindset.


  • Make a list like I did of all the things you've achieved that you thought you were bad at or had lost confidence in. You may surprise yourself. If you find it hard to make the list by yourself, ask your friends or family who know you best.
  • At the end of each day, think about all the good things you did, or inspiring things you saw, and write them down. Take them into account the next day, and actively try to improve on the previous day. That way, you'll be taking into account your accomplishments, while bettering yourself at the same time.
  • Make a playlist of songs that make you feel big and important. My favourite song to make me feel happy and cool is Sail by AWOLNATION. I don't know, it's just fun to make stupid faces to and feel kind of like an alien. I'm not making sense. 
  • Try something new. If you don't have any body confidence, try a completely different style when you try clothes on. Pick up a lipstick colour you wouldn't usually take notice of. Maybe you just need a change and don't know where to start. Little things make a difference.


I hope these little tips help, and there's plenty of other really lovely tips on the internet, so if you're feeling down, just look some up!

Sorry for the word heavy post! Happier posts to come.

See you soon!
Katie xo

Friday 31 July 2015

Monthly Favourites | July

So July went by super quick and quite a few exciting things happened.. I joined a gym and went swimming at 6:30 in the morning, quit my waitressing job and got another job working at a holiday park with some really wonderful people, and finished my course of CBT training with a lot of improvement, go me!

This month's favourites are a lot more makeup based than usual, which is quite strange because I've been wearing less makeup this month - it's too hot, and I'm too lazy! Anyway, here's what I've been loving this month...

The Rimmel 60 Seconds Super Shine and Rita Ora nail collections are my obsession this month, I think I've bought about 10 different colours this month alone. They're only £2.99, which I think is amazing as the quality of the polish is so amazing. The colour is really shiny and lasts a long time on the nail, as well as only needing two coats at most to cover the nail fully. The only downside to them is that I don't have more! In the picture you can see Berries and Cream, Lose Your Lingerie, and Rain Rain Go Away, pretty pretty pretty!


The Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation is literally a godsend at the moment. My skin has become a bit horrible recently with a lot of breakouts and discolouration, probably from the heat we're getting at the moment. This foundation gives me a gorgeous coverage which isn't so heavy that it looks like I'm wearing foundation, but heavy enough that I honestly feel flawless. It's the only high-end makeup I own (for now..) so I cherish it dearly. It was £26 but I feel like that's a good price to pay to feel flawless. Plus, it has SPF 25, yay!


The W7 In The Buff eyeshadow palette is quite a recent buy for me, but I saw it everywhere and thought the colours were way too pretty to leave on the shelf. I've wanted a nude palette for ages as I'm not very adventurous with colours, and this was exactly what I was looking for. I think this cost around £4.99 which is an excellent price for so many colours. The shadows are really pigmented and last ages, so I'm as happy as Larry!



I wanted something lighter as a base for the summer, what with it being so hot at the moment. Something lighter would benefit my skin and would also be really useful for when I'm having pretty good skin days, but just want a little bit of coverage. I picked up the Rimmel London BB Cream in light, and I can't tell you how much I love it. It is literally the perfect colour for my skin, it lasts all day and longer, and makes my skin look normal, healthy, and dewy, and we all want that, right? If I were to recommend anything in my favourites, it would definitely be this.



I heard a lot of people talking about the Lash Sensational mascara by Maybelline, so I couldn't help but feel intrigued. I had recently finished my mascara so was looking for a new one anyway, and this makes my eyelashes look really long, really full, and really thick. I haven't had any clumps which I got a lot with my old mascara, and the packaging is really pretty which is obviously essential.


Lastly, and the only thing that isn't makeup related, are candles! The Tesco Travel Tin candles, to be precise. I've really been getting into candles and saw these for 75p, which is an amazing price for such amazing smelling candles. I have Awake, which is grapefruit and lime leaf, and is basically just a burst of citrus which really wakes you up, Sleep, which is lavender and jasmine, quite herbal and sweet, Laugh, which is pink lemonade and peach, really sweet and light, and Indulge, which is bubble bath and rose petals, and basically smells like fancy soap. They're really cute and burn for ages, so go head to Tesco's and pick yourself up a bunch!


What have you been loving this month?

See you soon!
Katie xo

Wednesday 29 July 2015

July Glossybox

Salut!
This month's Glossybox is by far my favourite of the ones I have received so far. The collector's edition box was inspired by French skincare, complete with illustrations and a box designed by the phenomenal artist Jamie Lee Reardin. 


This month's box featured 4 French skincare products, as well as an adorable exclusive Glossybox travel pouch. I'm not even a little bit disappointed with any of these products and I'm really impressed with the amount of effort that went into the July Glossybox! I have a weird obsession with France and think it is a beautiful country, so I was really excited when I saw that this box was French inspired.


First of all, a little bit about the artist! Jamie Lee Reardin is the fashion 'it' artist of the moment, and has done work for Chanel, Givenchy, Christian Dior, Cara Delevingne, and Anna Wintour. Ooh la la! She was the brains behind the gorgeous design of the box and the adorable face of the box, Mademoiselle Glossy. Check out her Instagram here.


First up is the noxidoxi Enhancing Serum Base which aims to protect your skin from external aggressions - fancy!

noxidoxi Enhancing Serum Base
Glossybox Says: A serum is the power-house of any skincare regime. From Bordeaux-born brand noxidoxi, this has a CRC6 moisturising complex, which hydrates the skin's surface as well as deeper layers, while a cocktail of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories protect the skin. Layer under moisturiser.
My Review: I have never used a serum before, although I've really wanted to. This stuff shields your skin from environmental damage, so no matter what the weather, or how polluted your surroundings are (smokers, cough cough), your skin will still be amazing. I actually really like this. I put this on in the morning after cleansing and toning, and before moisturising, and found that it left my face feeling healthy and protected. I do believe this stuff works really well, and for something that protects your skin from smoke and pollutants, I don't think £33.46 is bad all all! You can get it here.

Next, the Lollipops Lip Balm Delicieuse, the only full sized product featured in this month's Glossybox.

Lollipops Lip Balm Delicieuse

Glossybox Says: A wonderful French find. This rich and creamy balm immediately soothes and softens with antioxidants and vitamin E, as well as protecting the lips from UV damage. Perfect for the summer!
My Review: I'll be honest, lip balms aren't something I tend to worry about very much anymore, simply because I've found my holy grail lip balm which is the Body Shop Cocoa Butter lip balm, but there's definitely no harm in trying new things, especially if they've come all the way from France! I'll start with the bad point first - there is barely anything in the tube. I had to squeeze it really hard to get any lip balm out, so I probably won't repurchase it simply because you're not really getting much! However, this stuff is really good. It smells quite sweet, I can't quite put my finger on what it smells like but it's definitely familiar! It does hydrate your lips and I found it was a lovely base in my skincare routine. It's only £4.15 for a tube and is available here. It is also available in two other flavours!

This is the only product I haven't actually tried yet, and you'll see why in a minute... Presenting the Teoxane Cosmeceuticals Perfect Skin Refiner!

Teoxane Cosmeceuticals Perfect Skin Refiner

Glossybox Says: Why hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate skin, 10% glycolic acid to help resurface the skin and calming ingredients to reduce irritation. Start by using it every other night (you'll feel a mild tingling at first), and as with all potent treatments, a high SPF is a must during the day.
My Review: Okay, when a product makes your skin tingle, you know that either it's working it's magic, or you're going to die. Well, not really, but it's easy to be intimidated by products that affect your skin that way, so I am a little scared to try this, but even more excited. The only reason I haven't tried this yet is simply because I don't own an SPF, gasp! Shock horror! I know, I need to buy one, but they're pricey and I never go outside because I'm a winter girl. However, at £70 a pop (!), it had better be good. If you can afford this then head on over here to purchase it!

You can never have too many perfumes, so you can imagine my happiness when I saw the Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Eau De Parfum in the box (what a mouthful!)

Yves Rocher Comme Une Evidence Eau De Parfum

Glossybox Says: This quintessentially French musky floral scent is light, feminine and airy. It intertwines notes of violet leaves, rose, lily of the valley and patchouli for a subtle scent that lasts all day (or night) long.
My Review: Gorgeous. Wonderful. Love, love, love! This is such a beautiful scent, it makes me feel so feminine and bubbly, I don't even know how to describe it! Y'know when you're wearing your favourite lipstick or your most flattering jeans and your mood is instantly lifted? This is the perfume version of that. SWOON! It's only £24.50 which is really good for such a lovely perfume, and is available here!

Lastly, my personal favourite, the Glossybox Exclusive Travel Pouch! Peachy keen, jellybean!

Exclusive Glossybox Travel Pouch

Glossybox Says: With exclusive artwork by fashion illustrator Jamie Lee Reardin, this zip-lock pouch is the chicest way to keep your beauty essentials safe through security, or use it as your everyday make-up bag.
My Review: The little bag features an illustration of Mademoiselle Glossy on it, and it is just so cute! It's the perfect size for my daily make-up essentials, so it's brilliant for carrying around in my bag for touch-ups throughout the day.

So that's the July Glossybox! It looks absolutely gorgeous sat on my makeup desk with my other boxes, and I have not been let down! If you don't already have a glossybox subscription you can get one on the Glossybox website, and receive 5 surprise goodies every month! I highly recommend, it's so exciting!


If you haven't already entered my giveaway, you can do that here. There's still a few weeks left so get in while you can!

Until next time, au revoir!
Katie xo