No7 Stay Perfect Foundation Review

It's been too long since I wore foundation. In Summer I had just gotten darker and was always sweaty so never really cared too much about it but then in Winter it was just too hard to find a good foundation that matched my skin tone because most of them were either too light and made me look grey or darker than I actually was so made me feel upset with my skin. I just gave up and wore a moisturiser and the rest of the products. I'm so happy I had little fancy places to go because mixing up foundations is not a fun job.

Rant over I'd like to share what helped the most and what I think is the best for people going through the same situation and why. If you couldn't already guess by the title it's No7 Stay Perfect foundation from Boots. I decided to give the colour tester a try, it was there and putting my faith in a machine didn't seem so bad. I got Deeply honey and to my surprise, it blended into my skin so well. True tears of joy would have erupted but instead, I shared the excitement by looking through the little booklet that came with it and ecstatically shopping. Honestly, they must have thought I was mad but hey I was buying things so it's all good.

The foundation itself blends in really well and feels so lightweight so it is the best fit for every day. My skin has quite a bit of scar and marks but this really helps create a natural even tone that doesn't cake up on the skin. I like to apply it straight onto my face and then buff it out and then pat it in with a sponge for extra assurance but that's just because I'm a bit extra, using just your fingers is good too.

I ended up also buying a lipstick in the shade sweet chestnut as it's a good coral shade for my skin tone so it's pinky enough without being too bright. This is from the moisture drench range so it's got a sheen to it which I like because I did get a lot of matte lipsticks and this is a nice change.

I also got a blush in the shade plum velvet because I wanted a new shade of blush and this apparently was a good peach shade. I have to say these are super pigmented so don't be scared of the small size, it packs a lot of punch.

Day 7 of 365

Photography is, first of all, a way of seeing

I was reading 'On Photography' by Susan Sontag and I was just extremely marvelled at the wonder of it all. I have not heard of Sontag before but I am so glad I have now. The first chapter alone is amazing. The first few pages talk about the brilliance of photography and how it has been used to compose "mighty, unforgettable photographs to show something out there" with the different techniques and photographers who apply them as reference. I love how she includes a variety of genres and contrasts between the similarities and difference. Going through the history of photography and the rise from a photographer's perspective. It really leaves you feeling educated and inspired.

"There is an aggression implicit in every use of the camera"

Day 6 of 365

The language is beautiful and honestly transformed the experience from homework to insight. I learnt things that now seem so obvious yet captivating to understand, if you're someone who enjoys sociology and photography this is a great book for you. I'd also like to recommend it for anyone who like to take pictures for social media because that's really a merge of the two subjects in action and would seriously help level up your game when  taking photos either from artist research or knowing what was popular in photography and to now find out what will be. The analogies are hilarious and kept me reading, which is hard to find in a book so don't worry it does not feel like a chore at all.

"The omnipresence of camera persuasively suggests that time consists of interesting events, events worth photographing"

I like how lots of people emphasise that photography shows a story and meanings on taboo topics but then Sontag opens your eyes to some real truths; which makes you think deeper when taking a picture. There's some great anologies from other photographers and movies too. I now feel more dominant when taking pictures and responsible for the control of immortalising the slice of a memory. It's made me fall in love with photography again.

"To take a picture is to have an interest in things as they are"

 

Sontag, S. (1977). In Plato's Cave. In: On Photography. London: Puffin Books. 1-16.

I'm on a roll with these super long posts aren't I? But I love Sontag and her work has inspired me so much and I think it's such a great book and in today's society practically everyone would find helpful and enjoy!

The Body Shop SALE

Body shop Here's a little splurge from The Body Shop because of the January sales. I got a tonne of great deals on amazing scents new and old so let's go through them!!

First up my favourite... spiced apple! Honestly, I just love everything about it so I bought the shower gel and body butter. The smell has a lot of cinnamon whilst keeping hints of that sweet fruity apple which makes it my all time favourite winter smell. The body butter is amazingly thick and creamy that it holds in the fresh scent all day while making your skin all soft and feeling cosy. Honestly, I couldn't ask for a better start to the day.

And then we have the frosted berries shower gel which I find myself regularly reaching for. It's a much lighter smell with hints of berry and lots of sweetness. Also for anyone who enjoyed Lush Snow Fairy but thought that was too strong then this is a lighter version and it smells like jelly!! Although I was hesitant this is actually a really nice smell for every day.

I just need to bring up this fabulous smell I got on sale. This beauty was £1 and I am so glad I got it. The lotion is in Indian Jasmine and is the freshest evening scent ever. Even as a small bottle it packs a lot of power and honestly lasts the whole day and night. I found myself smelling gorgeous throughout the day and feeling wonderful. It's such a luxurious scent that I recommended it especially if you're going out in the evening and IF YOU SEE THIS ON SALE GET IT AND THEN YOU'LL SEE WHAT I MEAN!!

Phew now that's done I randomly want to pick up with this Vitamin C Instant Glow Enhancer it was half price on sale so I figured I love the range I'll love this. I was right. Ladies and gentleman let me share with you the secret to glowing skin, yes I am for real. This baby can help marks fade, brighten your skin whilst feeling moisturised and without leaving you oily. Trust me (but then again dependent on the skin type) I have oily skin and the vitamin c moisturiser is so helpful but with so much SPF leaves me feeling like I'm slathered in oil. This goes on top of your moisturiser (some people use it as a primer) and it helps reduce oil so, so much. I'm not gonna lie my forehead is still greasy by evening but at least I don't look like a fried potato the whole day so I'm good.

I feel like strawberry is such a classic, the strawberry body butter was one of the first things I ever bought from The Body Shop and for good reason. The shower gel is one of the best and even though the packaging keeps changing it just gets better and better. It has such a sweet scent but The Body Shop are able to keep it sophisticated and brilliant for work days.

Even if there isn't a sale on the normal items there are great offers so I got these two shower gels together for £6 which also let me try a new scent and I am so proud of my choice. The moringa shower gel is a fresh flower smell that keeps you feeling clean and ready for the day. I am slowly falling in love with this so we'll see how it does!

This is a long haul but I was so excited with all these that I really really wanted to share them with you!! I bought all of these and gave my own honest opinion, not sponsored. There are new and old things so let me know if you've tried any of these and what's your favourite scent from The Body Shop?

Fake it

Day 3 of 365

"If you feel like you shouldn't be somewhere: Fake it. Do it not until you make it - but until you become it" - Amy Cuddy

Planning January

Day 2 of 365

As part of the restart and revamped new year I am starting afresh with my bullet journal. The older pages have been securely taped up and I'm just starting with the simple things and no fuss, there will be no index or key just whatever I feel I need for a month. Instead of starting with a word of the year I wrote my goals so I can easily go back and remind myself of them and little tips to help keep put with them. The page next to it is my college timetable that's just coloured blocks because I am a very colour coding person so I can easily see what I have in the day. Being a student my life pretty much revolves around education.

This is a very bare looking calendar for January but trust me it will get full once the holidays are over and it all kicks in. I like to write big tasks here and little marks for homework so I can prep for tests and still keep track of things. I find that stickers are really useful because you can easily understand the symbol without taking up too much space, for instance, the flower represents meeting up with a friend for breakfast! 

Finally, this is the plan for the day and I'm hoping to get it all done with time to spare so I can catch up on shows but we'll see. I chose very blue colours, I'm trying colour therapy and hoping it helps me feel calm as I panic that I have college in less than 24hrs with no work done... Wish me luck xx 

NEW YEAR NEW BEGINNINGS

Day 1 of 365

It's no lie I am bad at time keeping, I'm late for everything and procrastination is like my bestfriend. But thankfully 2016 was good to me and I'm going to reciprocate that by giving it my all in 2017.

My goals for the blog is to be more consistent to really try hard. I do love reading blogs and making reading other people's life stories and reviews so and to make my own does make me happy. My uncle gave me some good advice that I'd like to share. 

Spend two hours a day purely on work and then after that, you deserved the good things.

So this year I'm going to spend two hours on my blog in some way, whether it's just posting once a day or even joining in on Twitter discussions there will be a good time spent on my blog.

I'd also like to not only read more but actually finish the books I start. That means either bringing a book or consistently reading, either is fine as long as I finish it. I did find a list in the English department at college but I think I'll start with what I have to finish at home.

Well, one down, three hundred and sixty-four left! How about you, any goals for 2017?

Surprise Shopping #4

DUN DUN DUN I did it again. I swear this sale gets to me and I'm only saving 33% but acc this time I saved 60% for being a loyal customer so woop

Let's go through the first item that started it all, I needed some setting spray and the MUA setting spray was just not living up the broke gal pride so I decided to bump up my budget to £4.99 on Barry M matte fixing spray. I am happy with my choice and even though it is much smaller than expected it really does the job well. I found that my makeup stayed on really well, I mean I wasn't matte but after a long day at least I wasn't a greaseball per usual.

I then picked up this mascara because I am in desperate need for a new one and this was recommended to me by a friend. When I was there I saw a few of the same product so it was elimination time. I knew I did not want waterproof because that stuff is hard to take off and I needed one for everyday, also for that reason I got blackest black. I kind of want to say I got the big blackest black because I have big eyes and really love mascara with volume but I was unaware of this before purchase and just wanted the BIG because it was a brighter pink colour. I heard a mix of reviews and considering I was buying 3 for 2 I didn't mind experimenting. I like it a lot tbh the formula is good to play with, not at all dry or clumpy, it makes my lashes look extra long without looking like spider legs so it's good for basic looks.

My final choice is... a blush by Sleek! I feel like I'm moving towards Sleek slowly and honestly no regrets, even though I'm not a fan of their lipsticks they have been impressing me in every other aspect. Usually I'm a bit weary of buying Sleek because of the price but the blush was £4.99 so it was alright (price made cheap me happy) :D I chose Flushed because it was a dark matte colour which is great for the cold season and something I do not own. I LOVE IT! Ah I love it as light blush for everyday and a bold blush for events and how it's so deep but classic and doesn't look childish or anything I love it. I am so happy with this :D xxx

Black Forest Hot Chocolate from Costa

^_^

That is literally my reaction to this drink.

#PSYCH Schizophrenia (1)

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that affects the thought process by creating a lack of contact with reality. It has positive symptoms that add on to 'normal' thoughts and behaviour e.g. hallucinations; and negative symptoms that reduce 'normal' activity e.g. loss of drive.

"Forget all the reasons why it won't work

and believe the one reason why it will."

slumpp

"I am doing so much and so little at the same time."

"How am I supposed to work to my best when I am like this, it isn't possible ahhh what do I do?"
If this is you and you're all like same then yooo just keep reading because same and here are some tips from me to you that I found really helpful to get me out of a no brain slumpp.

Gingerbread Latte from Costa

doesn't matter what colour shirt you wear...

Surprise Shopping #3

I wasn't supposed to go into Superdrugs so I think the lack of sleep pulled me into the store and the rest was history. It was covered in 3 for 2 signs and pom poms I just had to get something so this time I even surprised myself. I'm actually pleased with everything I got even if it wasn't planned, I did decide to get things I already use daily but from different brands.

First up I wanted this MUA highlighter in gold because I always test it out and it's such a beautiful shade, I know that MUA is very pigmented makeup so when this highlighter came out sparkly it just made my dreams come true. I do like gold highlighters with my skin tone so this one was awesome. I knoww it looks white but trust me it's like I'm wearing gold glitter in the best way.

MUA shimmering highlighter in iridescent gold

As the highlighter was three pounds I needed things within that range, the first thing I thought of was Maybelline lip balms and it being Autumn they had a new range. Of course me being my fanatic food loving self got super hyped over chai tea flavoured lip balm and just had to get it. It was also a good deep shade of pink/red that I knew would look good on me. Baby lips is a product I have tried before so I knew it would be pigmented enough that I could wear this alone on a basic day and still look like I glammed up.

Maybelline baby lips in chai tea latte

Finally I was about to buy another baby lips when I remembered that I needed a new deep brown shade to bronze/counter my skin but it did need to be in the three pound range to make sure I was getting the most out of this deal, so I was super excited to get this magnificent find of a three in one bronzer, highlighter and blusher for £3.50 from Makeup Revolution. I know it is 50p over however I don't know if you can see but the screen was cracked so I was able to get it for £3 instead and hey I can live with a crack as long as the product is all good.

Makeup revolution three-in-one in medium/dark C04 

And this is the final look with some primer underneath for an even base otherwise I am happy to leave the house with just these. If you think I'm lacking in confidence because I'm looking down plej no that's not how it works I am just too much model that you cannot handle my shy bride look >.< I am actually really happy with everything I got and seriously this is such a good sale, like this is the one 3 for 2 across all cosmetics, lashes and nails and just yes go for it! You also get a free pom pom to join the #pompomsquad and I am tempted to do a bit more just to get the other two... we'll see =)

without flash for true everyday look

with flash bc too much professional

Fall Study Challenge 25-31

25.10.16 // Hobby
Damn do I even do anything? lol jk sleeping can count as a hobby. However recently I got a camera to borrow from college and that's pretty great! I got both a digital and film camera for the holidays so I'd been using that a lot.

26.10.16 // Study inspirations

"If tomorrow's not the due date, today is not the to do date"

What inspires me to study?? Actually studyspo and deadlines help a lot. Looking at cute notes makes me put more effort in when writing them out aand when I have a lot to do I get stressed out easily so I make sure that I note down what I've done in a day so I can keep track of what needs to be done and it keeps me going. It's kind of weird but I also remember Jim Chapman in a tag with Zoella, talking about how he used to do all his work as soon as he got it and well I kind of just want to be like that I guess!

27.10.16 // Fall theme

... Am I Autumnal yet? I bought a comfy kind of jacket-cardigan from Primark recently and then added some badges to personalise. I wanted something to keep me warm but not hot and this is perfect because it is thin but has a lovely warm material that keeps out the cold. I recommend it for cold mornings and chilly days. I did actually get it from the men's section just because even though it was a bit more pricey they had a much better material and the fitting was more comfy than tight which is actually perfect for fall

28.10.16 // Costume/fall colours

Gold. I'm loving the idea of wearing deep, rich colours like navy blue and teal or plum all over again but there has been a lot of gold accents popping up in my life and I am arms open to it! Sometimes it'll be love to a new highlighter that might as well be sprinkles of gold considering how much they shine and other times it's the golden yellow like in this late night cookie dough that keeps me happy.

29.30.16 // Unknown

There isn't a title for this one so I just decided to insert this picture of a noodle box because I really like food and that is what I ate for lunch today.

30.10.16 // This month I...

have never felt so relaxed and hectic. I had a lot to do but Alhamdulillah I got through it. Yes it could have gone better but it also could have been worse. I'm at least trying this time so it's okay.

31.10.16 // Halloween! / note to self

I need to start fixing up my timetable as in when I sleep and when I'm awake, because it's getting darker I tend to sleep earlier which isn't an issue as long as I wake up and don't oversleep
PS that's kind of what happened yesterday which is why this is late, sorry.

Although that is the challenge complete, I really enjoyed it as it helped keep me motivated however if I don't post soon I'm either too busy, my laptop is dead or I'm just tired and I blame the weather for being darker earlier.

NYX Lingerie - Exotic 12

If you follow me on snapchat you'll know that I went shopping today, it was mainly for clothes but I did buy a few other bits and bobs; one of which includes this NYX liquid lipstick.

Fall Study Challenge 18-24

18.10.16 // 5 reasons to be happy 

1. I got most of the work I needed to do, done!
2. I took a really good shower, like my hair is clean my body is soft and I could be a model really, I smell so nice ^_^
3. Tomorrow is an early day so I get to sleep early (I like sleeping) #NAPtime
4. My makeup was so glam 
5. Just listening to the Sia's album 'This is Acting' is awesome

19.10.16 // Favourite subject

I love psychology. That is my favourite. I'm really happy with all my choices this year but my forever love is psychology <3 We're currently learning about schizophrenia and I just really love learning about people and every lesson I keep thinking this is something I want to do forever and how I could help people with the information so it really makes me determined to study and do good.

20.10.16 // Outline

I don't really get this one but umm outline itself could mean to give a summary of so here is a summary of schizophrenia worth like three marks...

Schizophrenia is a psychotic disorder that affects the thought process by creating a lack of contact with reality, there are positive symptoms that add on to 'normal' thought patterns e.g. delusions, hallucinations and thought disorders and negative symptoms that reduce 'normal' activity e.g apathy, flat emotions, alogia etc.

21.10.16 // 5 facts about myself

1. I am an introvert
2. I like food. A lot. I can eat a lot. Like a lot a lot like not just saying it. Try me, especially if someone else is paying (jk I pay for ma-self)
3. Today I went Brighton for the first timeee! It was fun, went for photography and I really enjoyed the day
4. I'm really bad at charging my phone. I would take a battery bar but I don't charge that either
5. My room is always messy, if you ever see my room and it's not messy please do not go through any of the draws; don't embarrass me like that no just leave the mess inside

22.10.16 // Why I like studying

To be honest I don't study as much as I'd like too but when I do it makes me feel prepared and less worried about tests and things. For me and a lot of people there is a positive correlation between amount of studying and test results so that's a big reason to like it.

23.10.16 // Flashcards

I'm not doing flashcards right now so these are some old ones from my last psychology exam for research studies. Can you tell I prefer writing over drawing?

Sorry I've been MIA recently I had quite a busy week but now it is the holidays so stay tuned! I also have a camera soo better quality pictures will be up and that makes me so so happy =D

St Ives Apricot Scrub

I've probably said this so many times but I swear this is the end all for my love on this scrub, I'd just like to talk about it one more time so I can get it out of my system =)

There is a scrub for normal skin type but as I have oily skin I buy the scrub specifically for that. I need to exfoliate so that the oil doesn't sit on my skin for too long and create spots so I love the seeds in this that help clear and prevent any spots occurring.

I have friends who have dry skin and they love this too because it also has a creamy texture so it isn't at all drying. I wouldn't consider myself to have sensitive skin but I'd like to mention that it is a scrub with seeds so it can be harsh on the skin but from what I've used it hasn't caused any lasting redness or reactions.

I love the smell!! Apricot products are actually so underrated in the beauty world, which is upsetting as they have so many benefits, for instance the scrub is abrasive yet moisturising so can help reduce wrinkles whilst keeping the skin feeling smooth and hydrated. The scrub is also amazing because it helps create an even skin tone, this is for anyone who has scars or marks the apricot scrub helps remove dead skin cells, over time and regular use the new skin layer is gently on top, leaving you with a more flawless looking face.

Lastly I'm going to mention the price, it's usually retailed for £5 and this might seem like a crazy amount to pay but trust me this actually goes such a long way, especially if you cut it open like I did because you'll see that there is lots left and it's all good to use! However if that seems a little crazy for you to pay, next time you're in Superdrugs look out for it in the skincare section and it might just be on offer for better than half price (the cheapest I've seen was £1.65) so if you ever want to try out a new scrub I'd definitely recommend this one especially on offer and if you're like me and love it then be sure to stock up when it is!!

Can you tell I'm obsessed with this, what is your favourite skincare product?

Fall Study Challenge 11-17

11.10.16 // Things I'm stressed about
For real sometimes I think I'm not stressing enough and then I start stressing over that. Recently though I'm kind of stressing over all the assessments as it is nearly the end of the first term this year and all my tests just want to happen at the same time.

12.10.16 // Planning
With the end of term comes the HOLIDAYS and yeah even though sometimes it gets really busy the holidays help calm down and relax so it's all worth it.

13.10.16 // 5 things I like about myself

1. I can do stuff - Lots of times I'm just really lazy so when people tell me I can't do something sometimes it gets to me however in those moments I like to prove them wrong and it is really a good feeling to be able to just say yes, I can.
2. I'm different - I get that everyone is different and it's just about finding your tribe well currently I feel like I can relate to people and I have met some people who please my soul but I have realised and accepted that I am different and that is an advantage. I think differently, I feel differently and my actions are different; obviously it's not in everything and there are similarities but the differences make it me and not just anyone so good or bad differences it's me.
3. I have a never perfect attitude towards myself, they say you are your own worst critic and I totally agree with that. That might seem pretty dismal but it makes me strive to better, to do better so I'm always trying to do good and do better.
4. I know I just said I don't think I'm perfect but I am pretty happy with my body, physically it doesn't look any special and anatomically I am like lactose intolerant and allergic to egg based foods but still, I have a pretty good metabolism that deals with all the junk I eat and I may seem weak but I swear fight or flight I can survive. Idk I probably seem overly dramatic but I swear it's true.
5. Okay this is just me no one else needs to agree, I like my style. It's random, quirky and probably no matter how hard I try I stick to childish and will forever be labelled as cute but at least it's me. I like my style, it's not formal but it's not slouchy, not even on my slouchy days I can just work it perfectly and that makes it awesome to me.

14.10.16 // Notes

My notes are really ugly but I tried for this, these aren't my final notes just ones for class and when revising I would probably write them out again in a more concise manner but for now these will do.

15.10.16 // Currently studying

Lol. I am currently studying Communication & Culture at this very moment because I am working on an essay I need to hand in for Thursday; if you want to know all the topics I'm studying look at this post (here) :)

16.10.16 // Insecurities

I don't think I am insecure, I am what I am and other people can think what they want and it doesn't really affect me but I think it does get to a point and everything is just questionable. Right now I am insecure on my study and if it is paying off because I won't know till the test and well until then I am sitting on a fence named unsure and I am feeling like Humpty Dumpty.

17.10.16 // Notebook

It is such a basic book that I actually bought from the college, it was 80p for 80pgs and I just like that it is wide lined so I can fit my writing in between the lines without it looking uncomfortable. It is a bit thick especially considering I add loads of extra sheets inside but it is does an amazing job so I'm happy. I also use some basic A5 books in lined and squared from Wilkinson for little notes and things!

Superdrug face masks 8D

I love Superdrug. Absolutely one of my favourite places to go ever since I started shopping all by myself. I'm one of the originals I have the first beauty cards and not the fancy half black ones they sell now. All my makeup used to be bought from here, as well as a whole tonne of my bath products! So it is safe to say I have tested this product a whole lot, this was one of the first things I bought and continue to buy, keep on reading if you want to find out why!

It's cheap. £1 per packet that can be used 2-3 times that's a good deal, they also have tubes of masks that last for so long (totally recommending) so overall you can be sure that you get your money's worth, sometimes they even do 3 for 2 on face masks and well trust me then it's like picking the last sweet in a candy store but every minute of it is fun.

My favourite for acne has to be the lemon and witch hazel face mask just because the clay really helps clean the oils in your skin and whenever I have a lot of acne this just helps balance it all out by really gets rid of spots. The only thing I will say is don't expect speedy results thinking that if you use it every day it will be flawless in no time, the drying effect can be overdone so I recommend once or twice a week.

They smell AMAZING <3 In my personal opinion the apricot face mask was not up to par but every other face mask (practically all of the rest) is soo good. The exfoliating berries mask for normal skin types and cinnamon mask has to be my favourite for smells just because I love sweet things, even if it's an artificial scent it's really important you enjoy it considering it's gonna be on your face for 10-15mins.

The self heating masks are the best for dry skin but I still get them for a cold day because I swear it straight up works so good for cold days to make you feel all warm and cosy again, they also help brighten up your skin so that's a plus especially if you've been feeling gloomy; maybe that's just me. I do have to say though the self heating masks need to go on a wet face otherwise it can feel itchy, especially on sensitive areas like under eye. They also don't necessarily dry up so I leave them on for a good 20mins or till I feel like the warmth is fleeting.

These are my personal opinions kay it is definitely not the same for all skin types so even though I did include something for most I'm just putting it out there, I am no skincare expert so don't quote me.
To end, here's a throwback from 2013 (I'd have been 14 and she was 4) of me being really excited and putting face mask on my sis, dw I took it off as soon as my mum told me that it's not good for babies I'm an idiot ik dw >.< Have you ever tried these masks out, which is your favourite?