The 2014 Review

It was a funny old year. 

TUTORIAL - Festive Nails!

As winters is coming (*cough* GOT reference *cough*) and the shops are starting to fill with christmassy goodies and sparkling lights, I've been getting into the festive vibe. 

Top Tips to Healthy Winter Skin!

As we get closer to December, the air gets colder and the general need to stay wrapped up in your duvet, instead of going to lectures becomes ever more prominent (or is that just me?). 

But as we near winter, it isn't just our motivation that takes a beating. Our skin does too! 

A Late October Haul!

In reading week I had a little haul with my mum and managed to pick up a few bits I'd been wanting for awhile. Perhaps not the most exciting haul but just a few really good products!

Liz Earle Radiant Essentials Gift - £16.50

I've already tried out the Cleanse and Polish but I wanted to try the toner without buying the full size. This was the perfect solution and I love getting sample sized products as they are incredibly handy when travelling back home for breaks from Uni.

Barry M Nail Polish £3.99 each

Okay, you know I have a problem. But it had to be done. I picked up the 2 limited edition glitter Christmas nail paints (from Superdrug) and one of the new Glitterati range called Rockstar which is absolutely beautiful, thoroughly recommend! 

Superdrug Glass Nail File and Cutex Ultra Cleansing Nail Polish Remover

As I am always painting my nails and trying out different polishes I decided it was time to invest in a Glass Nail File, this one was from Superdrug for £3.29 and is much better for your nails and lasts longer than an emery board! I also invested in some stronger nail polish remover as it's getting to the time of year where the glitter nail polishes are starting to come out... and you need something industrial strength to remove some of them!

Superdrug Witch Hazel Mud Mask and Cucumber Peel-Off Mask

Finally, I picked up a couple of the superdrug face masks. I already own a moisture mask and thought that these two would be perfect editions to my skincare routine. I love the cucumber peel-off mask as it is the perfect pick me up mask mid-week, its not to stripping but just leaves your face feeling fresh and clean. However, the Mud mask is a different story. I applied this last Sunday and left it on for 10 minutes (as the packaging states) and noticed a slight tingling but thought that was probably fine. I washed the mask off once the time was up, only to be confronted with what can only be described as a beetroot staring back at me in horror in the mirror. I don't know what it was about this product but something did not like my skin and my face felt burning hot and sore for a good few hours after the removal of the mask. I don't have sensitive skin and often use Mud masks and products that contain witch hazel so it must be something to do with the formulation that reacted with my skin. I definately would not recommend this product but don't be put off by their other masks as the moisture mask and the cucumber peel off are both lovely. 

The Nails of Month!

I had painted my nails more than this in October but honestly alot of the times they were so scruffy and chipped before I could photograph them so here are 4 of the better nails from last month! 

Top Left: Essie Chinchilly 

Bottom Left: Topshop Prim and Proper with Barry M Rose Quartz

Top Right: Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine Paprika 

Bottom Right: Barry M The Glitterati Rockstar

The October Birchbox 2014!

A little late in the month but here is Octobers Birchbox Review! 

If you're new to Birchbox, let me fill you in. 

Birchbox is a monthly subscription beauty box for £10 + P&P! You receive 5 beauty based samples +  the occasional lifestyle extra! This allows you to try out new products each month that you would perhaps never find in the stores! PLUS you can earn up to 12 "Birchbox points" with each box and once you've earned 100 points you can redeem them for £10!! BARGAIN!

Onto the review!

October 2014

Lollipops Voyage a Paris Nail Varnish | Full Size £7.00 - This was a complete surprise to me as I was actually meant to receive the Benefit It's Potent! Eye Cream according to my little card telling me what I got. I'm not entirely disappointed by this substitution as I actually received the Eye Cream last month anyway! However, I did not get on with this polish. I found it took forever to dry (even though I did very thin even coats) and chipped so easily despite its promising claims. The colour is lovely but I just don't have the patience to wait for it to dry! This sample is full size.

KMS California HAIR PLAY Playable Texture | Full Size £15.50 - I do love a hair product and this one is no exception. First of all the sample size is nice and generous meaning I can really test it out and see what its like. Secondly, the product is actually good! It's more like a light hold hairspray but it does that job well! This sample is worth £5.80

Shaveworks The Cool Fix | Full Size £11 - I'm really not a fan of receiving this type of product! I had a massive rant when I received the shaver in a GlossyBox last year and this is only marginally better. I get subscription boxes to try out new higher end beauty products I wouldn't otherwise be able to try due to lack of finding them or lack of funds! This doesn't fall into that criteria... It doesn't really scream luxury does it?! I'm sure this product has its own merits and that's why we've been sent this but I'd rather choose things like this for myself.  This sample is worth £5.30

Pixi by Petra Shea Butter Lip Balm | Full Size £8 - I love lip balms and this one is no exception to that. I received the colour Honey Nectar which is a nude tone pink. It is super moisturising and smells amazing! (just like Vanilla Cupcakes!) It really helps to sooth my dry lips! This is easily my favourite product from the box! This sample is full size.

Balance Me Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm | Full size £20 - I'm a lover of skincare but I am so bored of receiving cleaners... please send us some treatments or moisturisers!! I haven't actually tried this out as I already have a fair few balm/oil cleansers on the go. I will definately get round to using this but I would love to see some different skincare in the next few boxes! This sample is worth £6.40

Lifestyle Extra

Birchbox Lipstick Pen | £2.50 

I certainly wouldn't pay £2.50 for this pen as it is very light plastic and feels flimsy, it isn't weighted at all and so it feels uncomfortable to write with. But as it's an extra I will happily keep this on my desk for display as it is cute (albeit slightly tacky!) 

Overall this box is worth £32.50. Despite the high price, I was fairly unimpressed with this box... I don't know why but it just didn't excite me. Everything was just "ok" with exception of the lip balm. Birchbox needs to up their game again!

The September Haul - Superdrug, The Body Shop and more!

Throughout September I was collecting bits and bobs for going back to Uni and just general stuff. 

From The Body Shop I purchased: 

Amazonian Wild Lily Fragrance Mist - £7.50 (featured in my September Favourites!)

Early Harvest Raspberry Shower Gel - £4

Vineyard Peach Shower Gel - £4

Banana Conditioner - £4.50

I feel like The Body Shop have just been awesome recently! I have been loving their stuff and it all smells AMAZING. 

From Superdrug I purchased mostly Nail Polishes... don't judge I have a problem! 

Tanya Burr Cosmetics Lip Gloss in Picnic in the Park - a beautifully pigmented Pink - £4.66

Tanya Burr Cosmetics Nail Polish in Midnight Sparkles - £3.99

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Chilli - £3.99

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Paprika - £3.99

Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Chai - £3.99

Nicole by OPI Base Coat Plus - £7.99

Lastly I got some home bits from an awesome local store in Colchester called Evolution. I have loved this shop for years and it stocks the most adorable home bits. This stuff now sits happily throughout my new house at Uni! It is so adorable! 

Cinnamon Candle - £3.75 

Blue Shell Plate - £0.75

Mini Sitting Budda - £0.75

Budda Candles - £0.75 each 

The September Favourites!

This month has been so hectic! I've been trying my hardest to keep up with my blogging schedule and I've moved back to Uni so I've been reaching for everything quick and easy that gets the job done! 

Here's what I've been loving this month...

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream £20 Link - I received this as a sample from my July Birchbox I have been loving using it this month! With many late nights and stressful day's, I really feel that this has taken alot of the strain from my delicate eyes. 

The Body Shop Amazonian Wild Lilly Fragrance Mist £7.50 - I absolutely love this scent! It is so fresh and just smells amazing. It doesn't smell typically floral it almost smells like the sea... but in a good way. It's a hard scent to describe but I recommend going into your local Body Shop and finding it for a sniff!

The Walking Dead - Throughout September I have been loving The Walking Dead, It is such an addictive TV series! I'm already almost through the 3rd season! If your a fan of action packed, tense drama with the occasional addition of gore then you will love The Walking Dead! Hurry and make sure your up to date though as the 5th Season starts on the 13th October on FOX.

H&M Faux Leather Biker Jacket £30 - I have wanted one of these jackets for so long but they have always been way out of my budget or horrible. That was until H&M released their autumn collection and this little beauty popped up in my local store... I love it! I've worn it so much recently and I know I will just keep getting loads of wear out of it! Sadly I can't find it online but here is one similar - Link

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara £6.99 Link - This is such a good mascara! It lengthens, thickens and doesn't clump at all! It has a plastic wand and a medium wet formula meaning the application is easy and mess-free! I honestly can't rave more about this mascara! 

That's it for this months favourites! 

Let me know what you've been loving this month! 

Fitness Friday #1

Ever since I turned 18, I've had issues managing my weight! My love of food and hatred of any form of exercise has meant that over the years I have piled on the pounds. Now I'm at Uni this is accelerated by easy access to tasty but not so nutritious foods and stress from assignments. However, this year I am making it my mission... not to get skinny... but to get healthy! 

I am (what I think) is a relatively normal size. My dress size is between a 12-14. I have small hang-ups like my arms but nothing that is worth fixating over. Overall I'm actually pretty happy with my size and I feel comfortable. What I'm not happy with is my lack of fitness. I get out of breath on short walks and that needs to change! 

To keep things plain and simple I have decided to share all my measurements including my weight. I know this is a controversial thing to do, but I want to get across that weight and size really shouldn't determine your happiness or lifestyle and honestly... It's not a big deal. 

Weight: 12st 2lbs or 170.8 lbs 

Waist: 33.5 inch

Hips: 39. 5 inch

Thighs: 25 inch

Arms: 12.5 inch

I will check back with you guys every month and update you on my fitness journey!

To get fit I have found something that I really enjoy doing called Blogilates! Blogilates is run by Cassey Ho who produces fantastic pilates videos on YouTube and even makes fitness calenders so you can have a routine to work out to! What's even better is that all you need is the Internet and a yoga mat to do it! I started doing this last year at Uni and saw an improvement so quickly but I stopped over summer and I got lazy and unmotivated. 

However, here I am! Motivated and ready to go! 

Lets see how this month goes!  

Nails of the Month

This month I've been focusing on trying to perfect my nail polish application and make sure that they look as neat as possible. I have been doing this by using a small dense brush dipped in nail varnish remover to clean up the edges! I've been pretty happy with the results so far (especially the orange nails!)

Top left Corner - Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Sugar Apple

Bottom Left Corner - Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Mango

Top Right Corner - Essie Chinchilly with BarryM Limited edition gold confetti

Bottom Right Corner Barry M Gelly Hi-Shine in Chilli 

Top Coat Used - Nicole by OPI Quick Dry Topcoat (It's amazing!) 

Let me know what you've been loving on your nails this month! 

The September Birchbox 2014

Welcome to Septembers Birchbox review!! If your new to Birchbox, let me fill you in. 

Birchbox is a monthly subscription beauty box for £10 + P&P! You receive 5 beauty based samples +  the occasional lifestyle extra! This allows you to try out new products each month that you would perhaps never find in the stores! PLUS you can earn up to 12 "Birchbox points" with each box and once you've earned 100 points you can redeem them for £10!! BARGAIN! 

Now onto the review!  

Student Eats: Tofu & Peanut Patties!

Something abit different from me today on the blog! I've been trying to incorporate more lifestyle into my blog this month and from now on in I shall be doing a monthly healthy eating series designed for students!

This month we have Tofu & Peanut Patties, these are a perfect healthy substitute for burgers and only take 30 minutes to make!

The Nokia Lumia 1520: A Review

Are you tired of taking crappy instagram pictures? Feeling that you may need to get a better phone? Well this may well be your post!

 Last month I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to trial the new Nokia Lumia 1520 for a fortnight! This was such an exciting opportunity that I just couldn't miss it! The Nokia Lumia is a Windows phone, this means it runs on the Windows 8 Operating System. I'm an iphone 4 girl so getting used to the Windows OS was a challenge to start with (especially as my laptop only runs Windows 7!). However once you get used to it, the system is actually pretty cool and makes a
refreshing change to the monotony of the Apple OS.

The Lumia 1520 boasts an impressive 6" screen with 1080p full HD display, making the screen easy to use and full of colour! Something I really loved was the front camera. I find on my (very old) iphone the front camera is pretty sub-par. On the Nokia Lumia it is really really good. Many selfies were taken in the 2 short weeks! 

Not only is the front camera good but the primary camera on the back is amazing! Boasting an awesome 20 mega-pixels this is the phone for any budding photographer! The Lumia also has some interesting features to design and edit your photos that are worth checking out! This camera was definately good enough to take blog photos with and I can imagine it being a fantastic tool for any budding blogger.

However, as much as I liked this phone there were a few things that irked me. Firstly, the Windows OS, whilst it was fun to play around with for a fortnight, I wouldn't replace my monotonous Apple OS for it. I just found it a little bit confusing at times and struggled with the customisation aspect of it. I'm sure if I had it for longer I would have figured it out but it just wasn't as "idiot proof" as I think it should be! Second, the price! I could be madly in love with a phone but I would never pay over £500 for it up front or £33 a month (hence why I'm still sporting my iphone 4!). Lastly, I am a clutz and carrying around a phone that big all day is just asking for me to break it. I'm sorry but I'm just not a fan of big phones but that is a personal thing and I'm sure some people will love it for its size!


Overall, if your looking for a tablet/phone, that is abit different from the norm and allows you to create some amazing photos then this is your guy, however if your easily confused and don't like bigger phones then perhaps it's worth looking elsewhere!

A big thank-you to the people at Microsoft who gave me the opportunity to trial the phone it was great fun! 

I hope you guys enjoyed this post, I know it is different from the norm but I felt that I couldn't pass up such a cool opportunity especially when it may help you out when you come round to finding a new phone!

THE BRAND || BarryM

I love nail polish. I have an addiction. It's true.
If you follow me on Instagram here you will probably already know this with the sheer amount of NOTD posts that usually 9/10 are BarryM polishes. What do I love about them?
Well, they are cheap, ranging between £2.99 and £3.99 per polish. They come in a variety of formulas including the classic Nail Paint, Gelly Hi-Shine and Matte solutions. The colour range is awesome with brand new releases all the time. All of that is great but the thing that keeps me coming back is the longevity of the polishes. Once dried they stay chip-free on your nails (with the aid of a good topcoat, I'm currently loving the OPI quick dry topcoat) for days!

3 in 1 Base/Top/Nail Hardener, Raspberry & Cappuccino. 

Here we have my tiny collection of the original "Nail Paint" which seems crazy considering how many others I have but I am least fond of this formula, it chips easier and takes ages to dry in my opinion.

Red Glitter, Gold Glitter, Superdrug Limited Edition 2012, Rose Quartz Glitter & Superdrug Limited Edition 2013.

Next we have the glitter polishes, These are mainly adored over the festive period but Rose Quartz is a year round favourite of mine!

50 years of Superdrug Limited Edition, Superdrug Limited Edition 2013, Station Road, Duchess, Nail Effects 321, Truffle & Mediterranean. 

Onto more limited editions and "effects" polishes! I love the Silk effect polish and I will definately be purchasing more of these soon!

Sugar Apple, Key Lime, Papaya, Rose Hip, Elderberry, Lychee, Blueberry, Watermelon, Greenberry, Plum, Pomegranate, Mango & Prickly Pear

As you can probably see, next we have my favourites! The Gelly Hi-Shine Polishes! These are amazing. I always pick up more every time I go into Superdrug. I just can't stop myself! Even now I think I need more!

Copa Cabana, Cancun, Miami, Malibu & Matte Topcoat

Now onto a new favourite of mine. I've really been getting into matte nails recently! Something about them looks so chic and effortless. I have been loving the bright shades Barry M released for summer and I look forward to getting my hands on some of the Autumn shades!

Barry M have also released Nail Art Pens!! They make nail art so quick and easy! It really does become effortless! I have both black and white although I must say that the white gets more use! 

I was even sporting some BarryM Gelly Hi-Shine in Mango whilst I took pictures so I decided to show you! This was 2 coats and a topcoat! It is so opaque and glossy! It is perfection in a polish!

I hope you've enjoyed your peek into my quite frankly ridiculous collection of polish! If you would like to see any swatches of these nail paints let me know down below and I will make sure I do it for a NOTD on my Instagram here. The chances are if you scroll through my Instagram feed you will find a lot of them any way!