I've Been Haulin'

ASOS Crop Top | ASOS Checked Skirt | ASOS White Tee
Maybelline Brow Drama | Soap and Glory Brow Archery | Garnier Miceller Water | Yes To Tomatoes Daily Repair Treatment | Barry M Speedy Nail Polish 'Pit Stop' 

In preparation for my 5 day UK break coming up in a few weeks I thought I'd head to ASOS and Boots to get some holiday clothes and makeup because why not... 

If you saw my ASOS wishlist a few weeks back then you'll have seen this striped crop top which I was lusting after... I just couldn't stop putting it in my basket so I just thought eff it and bought it! It's a lovely thick-ish material, nothign too heavy but very good quality, long wearing and seems like it will wash well! I went for a size up as I don't like my tummy showing and it fits perfectly. It's still slightly cropped but long enough for my own comfort, I can't wait to wearing this with my dungarees or high waisted shorts - an easy way to brighten things up!

This tailored mini skirt was in the sale for only £15 which was too good of a bargain to resist since I love this style of skirt and a grey one would add to my collection. This will look great with the next item with or without tights, dressed up or down so it really is a versatile piece and I'm glad they had my size left! 

The last thing from ASOS was a simple white tshirt with a v neck, such an easy piece to throw on with various things. I tend to wear a lot of black/dark tops so this will brighten up most of my outfits and I love the v neck, I'll definitely need to pick more up in this style. The only criticism I have is that this top is quite thin but it will do the job nicely. 

Next up is makeup and it seems to be very brow heavy.... first I picked up the Maybelline Brow Drama in the shade Medium Brown cause I feel like sometimes I just want to put on a brow gel and be done with it - particularly when I'm at work all day cause I go for a very simple (read: lazy) makeup. To go alongside this I picked up the Soap and Glory Brow Archery, I was torn between getting this and the solar powder but chose this to try alongside the brow gel from Maybelline. But lets face it, I'll be picking up the solar powder pretty soon cause I'm dying to get into bronzer. 

Then I repurchased my favourite miceller water from Garnier, no other compares and it dispenses just the right amount unlike others! Sticking with skincare, I was after a treatment to clear out the major breakout I have going on, on my chin right now as nothing is sorting it out, I aimed to pick up the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo and it did make its way into my basket until I spotted the bright packaging of the Yes To... ranges. I spotted the Tomato Daily Repair Treatment and as it is cheaper I thought I'd give it a whirl. First up, it has a pump!! Unlike the Effaclar Duo it has a pump so you know you're using the right amount of product so I just hope this works! I'll keep you updated. 

Finally is a result of binge watching Vivianna Does Makeup's videos (for the millionth time...) and seeing her rave about the Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Polishes. I've always been a lover of Barry M, they have every shade you can every imagine and for the teeny price tag they're incredible quality. I have no time when it comes to painting my nails so I tend to not bother so the promise of quick drying is a winner for me I picked up this pastel grey (not purpley, or bluey, actually grey!) named 'Pit Stop' and I love it! It only took two coats to be opaque and did indeed dry super quickly! Winner. 

x

Easter Drugstore Haul and First Impressions

Hi everyone! So after seeing that Boots not only had a triple points offer on but their incredible 3 for 2 on all makeup brands, I managed to convince my mum to let me have my easter money a little bit early so I could splurge on the items I've been lusting after for a while!

So first up is the L'oreal True Match Foundation (Rose Ivory) which I've seen quite a few people mention as a dupe for the Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation which I can no way in a million years afford on my student budget so any sign of a drugstore dupe and I jumped right on the bandwagon! Overall I really like this foundation, it's medium but buildable coverage and matches my skin colour perfectly which is rare in a drugstore foundation for me. I usually go for a very heavy duty matte finish so this velvet/satin finish is new to me but I really like it and think it will transition into spring very well. It lasts pretty well on my very oily skin once I've given it a little powder and only really needs a slight touch up once throughout the day. I can already tell that once this has run out I'll be repurchasing as for £10 this is a steal!

Next is the Seventeen Wow! 3 Way Highlighter described as the 'ultimate skin pick me up' and I totally agree! It can be used underneath foundation, mixed with foundation or just buffed on top of the skin on the high points of the face. I've tried using all three methods and I love each one! I was worried about applying it mixed with or underneath my foundation incase I looked like a glitter ball (I get a bit scared of highlighter) but it's simply gorgeous. It gives you a lovely healthy glow and leaves your skin with a bit of a dewy look when applied with the L'oreal Foundation. 

The Max Factor Excess Shimmer Eyeshadow (Copper) was seen when I was binge watching Poppy (MeMyMouse1)'s videos and I knew as soon as I saw it (as I am a massive lover of eyeshadow bases) I needed it. It has a mousse-like formula which is different to the waxier texture of the Maybelline colour tattoo's but this is almost better as it blends so easily to just a slight wash of colour or you can build it up in layers to really give depth and definition. It is seriously amazing stuff and I can't wait to see what looks I can create using this.

I've never really been a blush girl, I own a few but they rarely get any use which is sad because now I have this Max Factor Creme Puff Blush (Seductive Pink) I am totally converted! Again, you've probably seen everyone saying that these are close to the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes so I thought it was time I tried a fresh blush for Spring. This is seriously amazing stuff, it gives a gorgeous flush of colour with a slight highlighting effect so I dust this all over my cheeky area so really gives a lovely glow and flush. So dreamy.

I saw the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara advertised on tv and since my current mascara L'oreal Volume Million Lashes is starting to go dry I thought I might as well pick a replacement up while the offer was on. At first I wasn't impressed with this mascara, the formula is quite wet so although it glides over your lashes smoothly without tugging, it also left those annoying black marks where the tips of my lashes has brushed against my eyelid, thus ruining my shadow. But after leaving it a few days after opening I like this a bit better.It gives definition and length without my lashes looking like spiders and I quite like the wand as it grabs all the lashes, even the tiny little ones which I struggle to get close enough to coat. All in all, it'll do the job although it doesn't give me the 'wow' factor.

Finally, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick (So Hap'pink) is something which I've been meaning to try for quite a while but never got round to. But seriously, if you don't own one of these I insist you run to your nearest Boots and grab one because they are incredible. They glide on so smoothly and literally can only be described as velvet on my lips. It gives a beautiful colour which a velvety gloss which fades to leave the longest lasting stain I'm yet to try. Literally I wore this on a night out and it did not budge. I like the packaging and the applicator is the perfect size for my lips. I need to pick this up in every colour, well done Bourjois!

So that's it! Hope you've enjoyed reading, I think I'm going to do a Spring/Fresh makeup look and blog it here (which will no doubt feature many of these products since I love them so much!) so you have that to keep your eyes peeled for.

Skincare Splurge

Isn't it just sods laws that almost all your skin care will run out at once? I recently found myself running low on cleanser and my facemask and took to the online shops to buy replacements and ended up with a few extras thanks to discounts and free gifts. 

Pixi Glow Tonic //

I have never used a toner. Whenever wanting to exfoliate my skin I've used horribly harsh facial scrubs which left my face feeling stripped and dry. Not a pleasant experience. I've seen Zoe (from Zoella) talk about this liquid exfoliant/tonic water which claims to "tone, smooth and refine skin's texture". She, and Caroline Hirons (skincare goddess) speak highly of it and as my as my routine was missing a toner it was quickly added to my basket. 

The Body Shop Vitamin E Cream Cleanser //

After finishing yet another bottle of the Soap and Glory 'Peaches and Clean' cream cleanser, I felt like a bit of a change so took to the body shop. There's so many to choose from, but as I am using this cleanser in the morning and not to remove makeup, I just wanted something gentle which leaves my skin clean an soft in the morning, and this claims to do so.

The Body Shop Almond Hand and Nail Cream //

This was a free gift as I ordered over a certain amount of goods and as a full size product I'm happy! This will be great to pop in my handbag and smells dreamy.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream //

As a long time contender on my wish list, I finally took the plunge and ordered this little orange beauty. Smells divine and contains Vitamin C and Caffeine to wake me up in the mornings; an essential for 9 o'clock lectures and the day after the night before...

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Thermal Detox Mask //

Another product influenced by Zoe, but another skincare item that needed to be replaced. I've never tried a heating clay mask before so this was new to me but I love it! It feels great when applied and within minutes it has cooled and is ready to be rinsed off, meaning it gives you a spa like feel but in a fraction of the time. It left my skin feeling so smooth and clear and didn't break me out or cause me to have even oilier skin than usual. A total winner. 

Along with all of these, I also bought The Body Shop Seaweed Purifying Facial Cleanser and Day Cream for my boyfriend. (Do I win extra girlriend/blogger points for sorting out a bit of a skincare routine for him?) 

Mini Haul

So pay day came around and naturally, i went into boots with a list, might I add, but of course, I strayed from the list and bought a few extra's! Plus ordered some 'Zoeva' makeup brushes online as I've been dying to try them out!

Johnson's baby shampoo to wash makeup brushes | Tresemme 'Luxurious moisture' shampoo and conditioner 

L'oreal Skin Perfection 3 in 1 purifying miceller solution | Boots Acetone Free Nail Polish Remover | Superfacialist Tea Flower Mattifying Moisturiser | Models Own nail varnishes in 'Grape Juice' and 'Beach Party'

Zoeva Makeup Brushes 

232 /? Classic Shader 

230 // Pencil 

229 // Eye finish 

227 // Soft Definer

Original Tangle Teaser 

So there we are! Just a quick post today, so sorry about that, but I'll make sure next weeks post is more interesting! 

Hope you're all having a nice weekend and I'll see you next week!

xx

Recent Impulse Buys (Oops!)

Oh hey! I hope everyone in the UK is enjoying this 30 degree weather! I love it until it gets to bed time and then I can't sleep! 

So before getting the train to see my lovely boyfriend, I decided to take a trip to Superdrug and Boots to pass the time, I had no intention of buying anything... But as always I spent way too much money, oops!

1. Real Techniques Expert Face Brush 

Apparently to core collection wasn't enough for me and I needed another foundation brush! I'm yet to use this brush but I'm sure it will be just as good as all the other real techniques brushes (core collection, blush brush, precise shader)

2. Boujois Colour Boost Lipstick in 'Orange Punch' 

I love that this looks like a crayon! It's SO easy to apply and is great t carry around in my handbag! I used it this afternoon and the pigmentation is amazing and once to 'glossy' sheen has worn off, the colour stayed on for a good few hours after which I love, it means you can enjoy your day knowing your lip colour is looking fresh! 

3. Super Facialist by Una Brennan Tea Flower Deep Clean Clay Mask

I didn't actually buy this today but I bought it the other day so I thought I would include it anyway! I've used this once and it is brilliant. It cleared my pores right out and left my skin feeling so fresh and clean. You can even see the impurities being drawn out by the little black splodges that appear during the time it's left on. (I did take a picture close up but I'm not sure you'd want to see it!

This is definitely a must have, it's fabulous and not by any means expensive!

4. Revlon Colour Stay foundation in 'Buff 150' 

I bought this foundation for a few reasons:

a) I thought I'd lost my current foundation and was only wearing concealor and desperately needed something to go on my face!

b) I've had my eye on this for ages! It intrigues me that it is specifically for combination/oily skin as I find it hard to find a foundation that doesn't make me look shiny within a few hours! 

I'll update you on how I find it!

5. Style Expertise Salt Infusion Surf Spray

I'm intrigued by salt sprays and since I want to go for more 'beachy waves' for summer I thought I should try this out! It's not an expensive one, just a Superdrug own brand but I didn't want to spend too much money on something I'm not sure if I like! 

Hopefully this will give the results I want and I'll do a hair post soon!

6. Collection Lasting Perfection Concealor

This is probably my 6th or 7th bottle of this stuff and I cannot fault it! I'm not gonna repeat what everyone mother and dog says about this product but in summary: it's incredibly pigmented, has great lasting power and is dirt cheap! 

7. 17 Wild Metallic Eyes in Wild Nude

Now I already has the Maybelline 24 hour colour tattoo's in 'Permanent Taupe' and 'On and on bronze' but sometimes, especially at this time of year, you need something a little lighter and this is perfect. 

For something so cheap, the pigmentation is great and I can't wait to wear it.

8. L'Oreal Telescopic 'False Lash Effect' mascara in Magnetic Black

I bought his mascara about a year ago and loved it but back then I didn't have the budget to buy it again, but today I did. Although it has a plastic wand that I usually wouldn't like, this picks up every lash and lengthens it and adds volume too. 

So there you go! Hope you've enjoyed having a gander at my recent purchases and let me know if you like this sort of post! 

See you soon,

Katie xx

A few recent buys. (Quick post on a revision break!)

Hello, here's a sneaky post for you all! This has been fairly easy to do and I couldn't resist telling you what new products I have bought, in particular today. I spent £40 on makeup, totally splurged on Boots 3 for 2 offer!
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen all these photos but hey, there's no harm in having another cheeky look!

 Repurchase of Rimmel's Wake Me Up Foundation || My first Essie nail varnish! Tea and Crumpets ||

Barry M Rose Quartz || Barry M Gelly Nail Paint Papaya|| Dream Touch Blush 02 Peach

The Bell Jar - Slyvia Plath

Bit of a mundane item... but I've been after this book for ages!

Hello Literature Geek!

A wonderful blog store 'Kukee' - wonderful handmade and original jewellry, would definitely by from them again!

Here are the two rings I bought:

An 'above the knuckle' twisted ring. 

Infinity shaped ring with a particular personal meaning to me. 

Tresemme Hairspray (small size) || Sleek Brow Kit in Dark || Maybelline Colour 24hr Tattoo in '40 - Permanent Taupe' || L'oreal Coleur Infallible in '021 - Sahara Treasure' || Repurchase of Seventeen Waterproof Mascara (My favourite every day mascara) || Barry M Gelly Nail Paint in 'Greenberry' || Seventeen Lasting Fix Nail Colour in 'Silver Kisses' || Real Techniques Shading Brush

Phew! There you go my lovelies, if you want to know my initial thoughts on any of these products, feel free to tweet me or email me and I'll reply :) 

Hope you're all enjoying the sun we've been having (If you're in the UK), see you all soon!

xx