Tuesday 9 May 2017

April Favourites 2017

It's monthly favourites time,  I love looking back on the month and thinking about what products and things I have been loving. So lets just get straight into it...









Ted Baker Makeup Bag
This was the month where I really needed a new makeup bag, mine was very battered around, the zip had fallen off and it was just full of foundation marks. So I took a trip into Boots and found this gorgeous Ted Baker bag. The reason I love it so much, is that it honestly fits everything in! I am the type of person that will take a nude, pink and red lipstick and I will take a few different eye palettes depending on the lipstick... I am a nightmare. Also, how pretty is it? 

No7 Serum - SKINCARE
No7 launched their newest serum to their collection 'Restore and Renew Face and Neck Serum' which is for mature skin, to fade away any creepiness. I don't actually need that serum YET, but I did purchase their serum for the first signs of ageing. So far I have been using it for about 3 weeks, and I can already see improvements. Especially with my under skin spots *cry* they have really faded! 

L'Oreal Moistriser - SKINCARE
This is such a weird product and it isn't actually what I thought it was, I thought it was a serum type of product and I just threw it in my basket because it was on offer and I said to myself 'I will give it a go'. But it's actually a moisturiser, a lot like the Lancome Energy de vie. I have found it's really nice and cooling on the skin. Sinks in beautifully, a very watery texture, but I really like that. The only thing I will say, is that it is quite highly fragranced, like a lot of L'Oreals skincare. 

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara - MAKEUP
I have actually used this mascara before and I am sorry if I have mentioned it somewhere before. But I can't remember mentioning it, so I thought I would speak about it now. The reason I love this mascara is because it just seems to make my lashes look like theres lots and lots of lashes that I didn't even know I had. It's an amazing all round mascara, it gives length, volume and so much definition! 

NYX Dewy Finish Long Lasting Setting Spray - MAKEUP
Again a product I have used before and that I have repurchased this month. The reason I don't think I've mentioned this before is because back then I hadn't really tried many setting sprays, but now I have tried a few more. The NYX one is amazing for the price and the best one I've found in the drugstore. I love the actual spray on it, it doesn't just hit you in the face, its much more of a mist which is the real reason it's the best I've found. Also, it definitely makes a difference to the staying power of my makeup! 

DIOR Pure Poison EDP - FRAGRANCE 
This isn't a new launch for Dior, their newest fragrance in the poison range is 'Dior Poison Girl EDT' which is very sweet. However, I have come across pure poison  it's a very distinctive scent, strong but not too strong, floral but just incredible. I have been wearing this pretty much every day this month and I really love it! Not your typical spring fragrance, but one you NEED to go and smell! 

Alessia Cara - MUSIC
I have honestly been obsessed with this girl recently, I think her voice is amazing, I love every song she's made. I haven't really listened to anything but her! My favourite songs are 'wild things (acoustic version) and scars to your beautiful' LOVE HER





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Monday 24 April 2017

HAPPY 2ND BIRTHDAY

LET ME TAKE YOU BACK TO WHERE IT ALL STARTED...

On the 22nd of April 2015, 'Helen Marie' was born. Obviously I am not 2 years old, because that is my name. But you know what I mean guys... My blog is 2 years old and it's my little place on the internet where I get to share with you little things I love, the things which are going on in my life, the outfits and clothes I like to wear... Literally anything to do with my life. So I thought I would share with you 5 of my favourite blog posts which I have written over the last 2 years, and that are published on here. I have never actually hidden a post I have written, purely because even though the pictures might be rubbish, or I'm talking a load of crap or its just a complete waste of time, its what I was thinking about at the time and its what was going on in my life then. The posts which are my favourite are my favourite for different reasons, it might of been the time of my life, or the subject or just for the fact I'm proud of what I created.

1. GINGERBREAD MUFFINS
The reason I really like this blog post is just because it was my first ever baking post. I know I haven't really done many of them, but I did really enjoy creating this one and it was a very 'follow along' because I was creating my muffins and photographing them at the same time. I just am quite proud of this post, because it did take quite a bit of time creating it and I did get something tasty at the end!



2. MY TOP 5 LIPSTICKS
This was only my second post that I wrote and created, but I remember making it so well, it only seems like yesterday I was lining all my lipsticks up and trying to get an 'arty' shot which I am still crazzzzy bad at. This post does still get quite a few views now, even though it is nearly 2 years old... haha.


3. MY AUTUMNAL SHADE: RIMMEL 107
I'm not too sure why I like this post so much, because it's so simple and that probably why I do like it so much. I'm not rambling on, theres a few pictures and it just shows my lipstick well. I like the pictures in it too, my dad helped me a lot with this post and it is one I like a lot.


4. ALL THINGS HAIR: MY HAIR HISTORY
I don't think I could do this post and not include this. It took me such a long time to make, going through all the pictures, remembering what my hair was like when, it was a loooong process but was totally worth it as I do believe this is my most viewed post ever!


5. A WINTER WEEKEND
This is my most recent post which I am including. It was basically an outfit post and it was on a weekend where I just chilled with my family and did family things. I really enjoyed the day, and its great that I have documented it. Also, thanks dad... for the photos (another reason why I like the post so much)!



I know this is a very different post for me to create, but it was nice going back and seeing how far I have come. I never created this blog for it to become anything big, and it's not big at all, it's just my little place where I share bits and bobs. Thank you for anyone who has commented or followed to me on bloglovin I really do appreciate it and heres to a few more years... *fingers crossed*







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Monday 17 April 2017

Life: Do I Go To Uni?

This is a very different post to what I am used to writing. But I wanted to mix it up a bit, instead of rambling on about my most used makeup products. As much as I love chatting about beauty, I thought I would get a little bit deeper and talk about real life events. So we are starting with that dreaded question... Do I go to Uni?

For me personally I just knew Uni wasn't for me, I am a very 'home' person, I love my home comforts, and I love being in a place where I feel comfortable. The thought of Uni scared me so much. I didn't like a subject THAT much that I wanted to study it further. At college I studied sports coaching, fitness and development. Don't get me wrong I did like college, but more for the social side, the actual course, I didn't. So thats when I knew I didn't want to study it further.

My greatest advice to you is don't let someone tell you what to do, if you want to go then go, if you don't then thats fine too. You need to decide if you need to go, if you want to go and you can physically go. I know for me, I would find it so hard actually stepping into a lecture. Do what you want, don't just go because all your friends are going, or your parents want you to go and still go even though maybe a partner isn't going and you feel like your relationship won't work. It will work, if it's meant too. Everything happens for a reason.

I think Uni is great if you know what you want to study and you need to go for the dream job. I have great respect for you, if you are reading this thinking you actually know what you want to do in life. Most of my friends from college and school are at Uni, and it is hard sometimes when they are miles and miles away. But you can always go and see them and they will come home too. It's not that bad, because you will find where you want to go if you don't go to Uni. You might get a job and earn some money and save up for something like a car, house or even go travelling. You might just go travelling and explore the world, or get an apprenticeship, there are lots of different options.

Also, what you are thinking now... everyone has thought. So you aren't on your own. I hope this has helped you, even if it's only helped one person reading this, then it was worth it. Comment below saying if you liked this more life related post, obviously I'm going to still carry on with my beauty posts. But if you want these as extra posts or tell me... You might of hated it, and don't want me to write one ever again. But if you do, leave me a few topics!






 ♥
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Monday 3 April 2017

March Favourites 2017

I literally don't know where March has gone, or even this year for that matter. It's all just flying past. The sun is also shinning whilst I'm writting this blog post, that makes me so incredibly happy and motivated! Anyway, on with my favourites, there isn't many beauty products this month, but more life favourites and things I can't actually take photographs of. Sorry if you do like beauty favourites more, BUT I do like to keep it real. I don't want to throw in a lipstick and pretend its been my favourite.






Paco Rabanne Olympea Intense EDP - You may of seen in my last post I was talking about the new fragrance from Paco Rabanne and it just wouldn't be  right be not mentioning it in my monthly favourites (sorry if you've heard enough  and are bored). Its just all I've been wearing, fragrance wise and really gives me summer vibes! 

LUSH American Creme Conditioner - I have been doing a lot of shopping in Lush recently. There isn't a Lush shop where I live, the closest one is around 45 minutes away. But this month I have been travelling to different places, so I've been stopping in different Lush shops (saddddo). But my mum got a sample of this hair conditioner, and I used a little bit of it. First off, the smell... is to actually die for. It's quite a thick conditioner so its great as a treatment or conditioner. I have been using it on the mid-lengths of my hair, and it just makes my hair feel so soft and smell so nice. 

Lee Stafford Purple Shampoo - This product is one I have actually been using for quite a while now. I have blonde hair, so I do tend to get some brassy tones in it, usually after I've just dyed it. But what this product does is actually cancel out those brassy tones. I have used quite a few different brands and variations of purple shampoo, but I would defiantly say the Lee Stafford one is the best, just for the pure reason it works the quickest. I only use this every other time I wash my hair, or once a week just because it can be quite stripping. 

Lee Stafford Bleach Blondes Hot Shots -  Can you tell I'm a Lee Stafford fan? Again, I have been using these for a few months now. You actually use these in the middle of your shampoo and conditioner. They are just a treatment which really gives you amazing results! You just foam it up, rub it all in your hair, pile it on top of your head and wait around 2 minutes (sometimes I leave it in a bit longer). Then you rinse and follow with conditioner. The results on my hair have been amazing, I recently had a hair dilemma, my hair was very very yellow after I dyed it and this just cancelled those yellow tones and made it more of a white blonde. 

Liverpool - This month I went to Liverpool to see my friend at Uni. I had a really good time, it was great to let my hair down and really explore somewhere different. I just wanted to mention this briefly in my favourites because it was a big part of March for me. If you did want to read some more about my trip or just see some pictures, click here.

Ed Sheeran 'Dive' Album - OOOOOMGGGG, I haven't listened to anything else this month, literally I have had this album on repeat. On the way to Liverpool this is all I listened too, and I just can't stop, I'm even listening it to it now! Every song is amazing, but my absolute faves are; Happier, Galaway girl and New Man. 

Broadchurch - I have super late to the band waggon here, because I am actually talking about the first series. I had a really chilled day, I popped it on because I have heard so many good things from friends, family and youtubers. I watched the whole first series in one day... I don't really do that very often. The last time I was this obsessed with a TV show was probably PLL. 

Beauty and the Beast - I went to the cinema with just my mum this month. I have never ever done that in my whole life, we have always been with other people, not just us. But it was lovely, and the film was amazing. Much better than I actually thought it was going to be. I am a bit skeptical when it comes to old classic films being remade. But I think it was beautiful, I have read quite a bit about Emma Watson playing Belle, I personally think she was amazing and played the role beautifully. It's such a must see film, so magically but has a gorgeous story just like the classic. 

TOWIE - Since series 1, with Mark, Arg, Lauren G, Sam... and all the others, I have always been a fan of this show. I know its probably a lot of s**t but I really do enjoy watching it. It's actually nice to get lost in someone else's life, drama and problems for 45 mins, haha! Series 20 or something ridiculous has started this month, hense why its in my favourites. If you want a laugh and something easy to watch, then give TOWIE ago. 





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Tuesday 28 March 2017

NEW Paco Rabanne Olympea Intense EDP

I don't normally write a complete review on a fragrance, but I feel like I need to with this one. As soon as I smelt the New Paco Rabanne Olympea Intense EDP I just thought 'OH MY GOODNESS, THIS SMELLS AMAZING' so I just had to share it with you. I really wish there was smellivision because I'm sure you would love it too. For me, I did like the original Olympea, but I LOVE the NEW one.

Paco Rabanne Olympea Intense is such more bolder, sexier and just a much more intense fragrance. I love the scent, however when I actually spray it onto my skin, I cannot smell it, but other people can. This does actually mean that it suits your skin, which I think is really cool. Fragrance is so special, because it does change on everyones skin, it warms to your skin and your PH changes the scent. When I first sprayed this onto my skin, I had 5 people ask me what it was, and for me, this doesn't happen. People just don't ask what I'm wearing, so I was very shocked that people were actually complimenting me.


Woody, Oriental Fragrance
Ingredients: 


Salty Vanilla, Amber Accord, Orange blossom white pepper, cedarwood, white amber and grapefruit flower. 
You get that burst of salty vanilla, which gives it that sweetness, whilst the orange blossom and white pepper give it that edginess and then you have the white amber and cedarwood which give it that warm deeper base. 

The fragrance comes in 3 different sizes.      


30ml - £46
50ml - £62
80ml - £80


If you loved the original Olympea, then you have to go into store and smell this one. I just love that it lasts longer, not because it's more concentrated, it is still an Eau De Parfum, but its more of an intense scent and I've been getting a lot of compliments with wearing it. I think its a gorgeous spring/summer fragrance too, I think thats the sweetness from the salty vanilla. I'm a massive fan of sweet scents, that are also woody, so this one really made for me, haha.






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Monday 20 March 2017

A Week In Lipsticks

Today I wanted to share with you my past week in lipsticks. Lipstick for me, brings a look together and makes my face look alive. Its also the product which I experiment with the most, my base and eyes normally stay pretty much the same, but I do tend to change my lipstick up quite a lot. It also gives you an idea of the colours I've been wearing on my lips at the moment.


Monday
Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector 05 - On a Monday, I don't really want anything on my lips. I didn't really wear that much makeup on Monday as I was just chilling, catching up on things and then I did a workout in the evening. So I didn't want anything to heavy on my lips, just something that gives them a gorgeous natrual glow. 

Tuesday
Mac Mehr - This is probably my most worn Mac lipstick, I just love the shade, its that 'Kylie' lipstick in my eyes, that browny/pink. Again, Tuesday I didn't have much on apart from I went to get my eyelashes and brows done and I popped into town for some shopping. So I did want a little bit of colour on my lips, but nothing to over powering.

Wednesday
No7 High Shine Lip Crayon in delicate pink - 'On Wednesdays we wear Pink!' I wore this shade a lot last spring, because it really is that perfect spring pink colour. Its very shiny, almost glossy, so it very moisturising, but does need applying every 2 hours I would say. But it really is that spring pink colour.

Thursday
NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Stockholm - I have been loving this nude shade for a while now, I did quite a lot of eye makeup on this day, so I wanted something quite minimal on my lips. I love the formula of these lip creams, they are not drying at all, but do have quite good staying power.

Friday
Rimmel Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks in 45 - This is a beautiful pinky/nude shade. Rimmel have amazing lipsticks with really great colour choices. I find they last quite a long time, even though they are not matte at all. This shade just gives a gorgeous sheen to the lips, without being too much. 

Saturday
Mac Liptensity in Doe - I love this lipstick so much! It's a new lipstick range by Mac, its very moisturising on the lips and has amazing colour pay off. Literally one swipe of this lipstick will do you for the day. Doe is a very neutral, browny/peachy lipstick, if that makes sense. Its quite similar to NYX Stockholm. 

Sunday
No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick in Soft Cherry - On Sundays I did actually make quite a lot of effort with my makeup, I went out for a meal and a had a day out with my boyfriend. Soft cherry is a reddy/pink shade. I think its great if you feel very conscious when you wear a red lipstick, it's a lot softer than red, so I think it's a great colour to have in my collection. 







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Wednesday 8 March 2017

Life in Liverpool

In my February Favourites I mentioned that I was having a bit of a shitty month. So I basically took the plunge and decided to go and see one of my close friends at Uni. Her uni is in Liverpool, so I was super excited to visit the city and see her too! I have never been to Liverpool before and if I'm honest I didn't really know anything about the city. But here is a few things I've learnt and that I've done whilst being here... (also, a few cheeky pics, but way too much eating and drinking). I was practically a student for a few days...


It might sound so stupid and strange to some people but going to Liverpool actually made me feel really proud of myself. I am from a small city called Hereford, and I've always had people in my life to help me, and I've always travelled with someone else, never alone. Going to Liverpool on the train took me nearly 3 hours, with one change. Changing on the train really did seem like such a daunting challenge, but really I've learnt it's not. People travel on trains and public transport all the time, everyday, so it's a very normal thing to do. But for me, it did scare me, so I was proud when I arrived in Liverpool Lime Street Station. Might of had a cheeky Pret on arrival...


Being in a city where I didn't know anything, I didn't really know where I was going, and I only really knew a handful of people through my friend at Uni. She was studying hard whilst I was there, not all the time, but some of it. So I did have to have a little shopping trip by myself, which I did really enjoy, it was nice just clearing my head and having some retail therapy. Liverpool is seriously good for shopping.



My favourite night of the time I was there, was actually our night out. It was so fun, just letting my hair down and not really caring about anything in the world. I do love a night out as it is, but I rarely go because I do get bored of the same thing over and over. Plus, I am a pizza night in kinda gal... But this night out was really amazing! We went out for a few hours, had maybe one to many drinks OOPS and then got some chips and chicken nuggets to finish (the best bit?!). I can't say the morning after was as great as the night out... I may of woken up at 7:30am and had a little incident with a bucket and my friend holding my hair back, but speak no more. Probably wasn't my finest moment, especially having a 3 hour train journey feeling hungover...



I really did enjoy the trip though, it was really nice getting away for a few days. Exploring different things, seeing how other people live and just letting my hair down. If you are having a hard time in your life, I really would recommend getting away, visiting family or friends and just living in a different environment for a while. Thanks to Jen for having me too, you are an absolute babe.





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Monday 6 March 2017

February Favourites 2017

Not going to lie, but February has just been a bit of a rubbish month. I haven't really done anything, but I think everyone has a month like this in their life. February in general just is a bit boring and a bit down, because no one has any money, its cold outside, and the majority of people like me, have just been trying to get over a horrible cough/cold all month. Sorry to bring a downer to the month, but unfortunately thats how it's been *insert sad face*. However there has been a few products and bits and bobs I wanted to speak about.




Garnier Micellar Gel Wash - I can't actually explain to you, how much I love this product. I loved the original micellar water, which you put onto a cotton pad to then remove your makeup. But this gel wash, is on another level. Its great for someone who actually likes the feeling of washing their face, which is me down to a T. It's so effective, so easy to remove I couldn't actually believe it when I was using it. But I have been loving this to remove all my makeup, even my eye makeup! A MUST TRY.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Daily Solution - Me and my mum went for a little shopping trip this month, which was one of my favourite days of the month! We poked our heads into The Body Shop and I found this little beauty. Its basically a serum/treatment type product. You apply it after you've cleansed, before moisturiser. It's really cleared my skin up and prevented any further break outs. I don't know about you, but when I went a cold I just break out, whereas with using this, I haven't. 

ASOS - I have been frickin' lovin' Asos this month, my bank account hasn't, but thats another story. Theres just so many great things on there, and I love the way its just super easy to access lots of different shops on one site. I also have paid £9.95 for next day delivery for the year. That's totally worth it as well, if you are shopping on there a lot! I have got my money out of it... OOPS.

Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Face mask - If I'm honest every Lush face mask I've ever used has been great for my skin, none of them  have broken me out or caused any irritation to my skin. I love that they are all made with fresh, natural ingredients. Catastrophe Cosmetic is made with blueberries, so its really calming and moisturising on the skin. It's just great for your skin if you are having a bad break out, or it's looking a bit dull basically when it's not living up to its full potential, pop this mask on and it works a treat. When I went to Lush they had actually ran out of this product, looks like I'm not the only person who loves this stuff! So thats why in the picture theres a tiny sample size. *insert sad face* 

L'Oreal Detox Facial Wash - Another skin care product? I haven't really been wearing makeup many days this month, and when I have its just the same products I love. This detox facial wash, its lovely. Do you ever feel like your skin has just got an almost greasy layer over it? Well this is perfect for that, it just gets into all the pores and cleans them out, my skin always feels so clean after, but not stripped. It doesn't break me out either, which I was actually expecting it to, because it's a 'detox wash' which I thought it would grab all the impurities, but it doesn't it just cleans so lovely. 

James Arthur - My mum actually got me his new album 'back from the edge' for Christmas, ever since I put it into my car, I've been obsessed. Theres not one song I don't like, they are all amazing. However, some favourites are; 'Can I be Him, Let Me Love the Lonely and Finally'. Such a great album!





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Wednesday 1 March 2017

Review: Volkswagen Polo - One Year On

This is a blog post which I'm quite worried to post, because one, I never have wrote a post like this before, two, I don't know if anyone will actually like it or actually interest them and read it and three I'm just going to post it because I know I would be interested in this, a year ago I wish I could of read some reviews and someone would of told me the process that I went through. My blog is all about things that are actually going on in my life, and this happens to be something pretty much all of us go through, buying a car... Also, I am completely not bragging, or showing off! At the end of the day I drive a VW Polo not a Lamborghini. Clearly this is a Wednesday, not a Monday, but I do tend to do some uploads which are extra ones, and this isn't really a 'proper' post I normally do, and its actually March the 1st today, and exactly a year ago today, I picked up my new whip.





Designing the car of your dreams:
Firstly, you have to pick the car you want, the model and the brand. For me, obviously I went for a VW Polo. VW are cars my parents have always had, they are reliable, comfortable, and just well made cars in my opinion. A polo is a small car, it is for town driving, but is great for motorways as well as long as you aren't flying up and down the motorway all the time. Previously I had a VW Polo but the older shape, the reason I had this was because it was my first proper car, I wanted a car where it didn't matter too much whether I banged it around or whether it got scratched and things like that. But that was just my car, it was all paid for. But try different garages, different brands, test drive cars, see what car is the perfect one for you! As funny as it sounds, but a VW Polo is just my dream car, I love the look of them, I love driving it and I don't know why but its always been the car I've looked at and gone, I love that! To the fun part... actually designing the car, the sales person will help you, ask you what you want and what features you need (eg; sat nav, heated seats, etc). I didn't really want anything to fancy, just something that looked nice and was suitable for me. So do what is suitable for you. I went for a shade called 'mayan blue' which is quite a bright blue, which I absolutely love. its great in the dark, because everyone sees you but it's not too bright. It's not a colour which has any sparkles, it's not matte either though, just somewhere in between. Go onto the website when you are at home and put different colours on the cars to see which one you like, thats what I did. I wanted to be a bit different too, I wanted to have something I don't really see that often. The engine size, pick the size you think you need, again test drive the car you are going to buy.

Process of the plan & deal you are getting:
So for some of you, you really don't agree to a 'finance' plan. I didn't either, until I actually went to the garage and had it all explained to me, and in realistically I cannot afford a brand new car, but with finance I can! So the way it works is basically you pay a upfront cost or trade in an existing car, for me personally the garage weren't going to give me as much money for my car as I could do from selling it. So I sold my car, gave them an upfront cost from the money I just earnt from selling my previous car (which was a VW Polo also, but the older shape). Plus I had a little bit of extra money left, which I just put into savings. After that, you do have to agree with the garage on a sales plan, I'm not going into details with money and what I got because it's not really necessary and its quite personal. But to sum it up you have multiple conversations and visits to the garage to decide what you want whether you need GAP insurance which basically is a must, I would personally say. Whether you have break down insurance with them, how many years you are going to own the car for and all that kind of stuff. So you pay the monthly cost for the car, for however many years you have agreed to. I would be wary of starting a plan with an older car, because you have to think ahead, say the car you want to buy is 3 years old now, and you have the plan for 4 years, that means when you actually have to pay it off it's going to be 7 years old.

What happens after?

With the plan I'm personally on, (I'm not a car expert) but with mine if I wanted to cancel or change cars within the certain amount of years I have my polo, I can. So say in another years time I wanted to get a bigger car with a bigger engine then I could, you have to start from the beginning again so you would have to start the plan for another 3 or 4 years whatever you have. But you can change the car. Then at the end of the 3/4/5 years however many years, you then have a few different options you either pay a lump sum and you then have paid for the car fully and get to keep it. Or, you start a new plan with another car, or you just say okay thank you, and hand the car back and thats the end of the deal.

The day:
So a year ago today, I did actually pick my new car up. The reason its March 1st is because thats when the new '16' plates came out, I think the '65, 66' and all of those come out in the October. So twice a year, the car garages go mental, haha. I picked my car up after I finished work, which was around 6pm. So it was quite late, and I was super excited all day! But it walked in, and my car was all wrapped up for me to drive away. You sign a few papers (side note; buying a car, your hand will fall off) haha. Then I was good to go, the sales advisor just went through everything inside the car for me, and taught me how the radio worked and things like that. Then I was off...

Aftercare experience?
It's only recently I had to go back to the VW garage, this was because my car told me I had to have an oil service, which I booked my car into have, and it was done within a few hours. Great service and just one of those things every car needs to have. Otherwise than that, my car doesn't need an MOT until 2019, and nothing has gone wrong with the car *fingers crossed* haha. But I am super happy with my purchase, and I really don't regret anything I did, or any the decisions I made. The car is just tailored for me, and is perfect for me.

I do hope this blog post gave you something, if it didn't I totally understand! Not to worry there will be a brand new beauty post next week...






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Monday 27 February 2017

A Winter Weekend










Weekends are the time of the week where I like to have family time. I do normally work on a Saturday and get a Sunday off. But I actually had both days off on this particular weekend, which was lovely. I had a really chilled couple of days. This was actually the Saturday, so I went for a morning workout which was around 2 hours, then I got ready for a really chilled afternoon. We went to the cutest little shop which sold loads of gorgeous vegetables and yummy goodies. Also, my little fat ball of fluff didn't come (obviously) but he goes under the name of Sylvester. 

Jeans - Topshop Ripped Black Joni Jeans
Coat - Barbour Beadnell waxed jacket
Hat - Newlook Bobble hat
Top - Primark
Cardigan - Primark
Shoes - Nike Flyknit Roche Runs






 ♥
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Monday 20 February 2017

Review: Clinique Sonic Brush

This really is long awaited, but for one good reason only. I like to try skincare products for a good few months before actually giving a honest review. Purely because you might try it for the first time, and think 'oh my goodness my skin looks incredible!' which it may possibly do, but the product can get used to your skin. Or it might just not work out, and you've reviewed a product saying it's amazing where in actual fact its because you didn't test it and now you don't like it.

The Clinique Sonic Brush has actually stood the length of time I wanted. I did briefly mention it in a recent favourites. But I wanted to go through and give you all my thoughts in one blog post, just because it is an expensive product, it is an investment and there are quite a few different points I wanted to make.




How to use the Clinique Sonic Brush:

  • Apply cleanser the brush and circulate onto wet skin. The cleanser I have actually been using is the Garnier SkinActive Gel Cleansing Wash
  • Massage in a circular motion for 15 seconds on cheeks using the white bristles
  • Massage in an up and down motion for 15 seconds on the T-Zone using the green bristles
  • Rinse the skin with water to remove the foam and rinse the brush after each use
The way I have been using this brush is for the first week I used it for 30 seconds. Then after a week, I went up to a minute of using the brush. This is twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.




Reasons why I love it and recommend the product: 

  1. As I've mentioned the brush has different bristles. Some are white and some are green. The green bristles are more exfoliating bristles. So they should be used on the areas you want to exfoliate more (on your T-Zone). I think its great there are two different types of bristles because you have the option to exfoliate. 4 out of 7 days I just used the white bristles over all of my face. But the other 3 I do use the green bristles. I do this because I don't want to over exfoliate my skin, because my skin is quite sensitive. 
  2. This brush is super easy to use. 30 seconds or 1 minute of your morning/evening just to cleanse and clean your skin. It's not got loads of settings. Just press once for 30 seconds and press again  for another 30 seconds. 
  3. I cannot believe the battery life on this brush. I have only charged my brush once, yes, ONCE. I've had it since the start of December and we are now in February. It works just the same as when I first purchased it. 
  4. The most important reason for me, is that the product actually works. Every time I use it my skin looks and feels amazing. So smooth and soft. I used the brush on my boyfriend and even he said it loved the way his skin looked (this is a boy who literally uses zero skincare).
Downfalls on the product: 
  1. Before I purchased this product I read so many reviews, just because I didn't want to waste my pennies. A few reviews did say they thought their skin was amazing in the first month but after that they found it didn't work as well. I do slightly agree with this point, because my skin really was amazing when I first started using it. Now, it still is super smooth and soft. But my skin isn't as clear anymore, I don't know whether its because the brush has gotten used to my skin, or I've used different skincare lotions and potions or what. But I still am happy with the results, I just think that it's a point to bare in mind. Your skin isn't going to be perfect after using it for a while.
  2. The product is expensive, well its £79. I think I paid a little bit more, because I got it around christmas time. So they had different sets, and I got a free full size cleanser and some little bits thrown in. However I do think it is worth the money, there are a lot of cleansing brushes out there which are a lot more money.
  3. I really need to include this point, because you have to remember that your skin isn't going to clear up over night and be amazing. It takes time for the skin to clear. For me personally, it has helped my skin a lot, and I did feel like my skin looked amazing after the first use, and it was defiantly smoother and softer. But it's not a miracle worker, also everyone has different experiences with skincare, because everyone is different. 


Overall I am really happy with this product and I would recommend it to someone who is really struggling with their skin or just wants something which is going to thoroughly clean their skin. Well done Clinique, you've got me hooked!







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Monday 13 February 2017

Valentines Day Beauty Essentials

Valentine's Day is tomorrow! Are you ready? Whatever you might be doing this Valentines... Going on a hot date? Having a meal with your girlie friends? Having a night in with your husband? Its always nice to make a bit of an effort on Valentines day. I love getting all dressed up and heading out for a nice meal with my boyfriend. So heres a few beauty essentials for either your clutch bag or just to help you along with getting ready!


Giorgio Armani Si 
OH MY, this smells insane! I love this scent, I discovered it in the summer last year. Since then it really has just been one of my absolute faves. Mr Armani certainly knows how to knock a few ingredients together. So the main reason why I have chosen this scent for Valentines day, is not just because it smells incredible. BUT, Si actually means 'Yes' in Italian, AND Valentines day is the day where you celebrate the love for you and your partner or the love of you and your friends. So, you say 'Si' to love, and IF your partner may propose to you... you are actually already wearing 'Si'. PLUS, just to top it off even more, theres a gold ring on the top of the bottle, which is representing a wedding ring. OOOO
Perfume Pod
I have included this because its great for your clutch bag. Its easy to transport your favourite fragrance in, it's not going to leak or crack. It's not huge, you aren't carrying a 50ml bottle around with you, just your cute perfume pod.


Wet Brush
Oh everyone needs a hair brush to get ready with. The wet brush is my favourite brush, it gets through any nots I may have, it never pulls at my hair either, its very gentle. I have never tried the Tangle Teezer, but the Wet brush appealed to me more, because its in the shape of a typical brush. 

MAC Ruby Woo 
I crack this out every year. Its just the lipstick which screams Valentines to me. Its red, its matte its fabulous. Some people hate it because it dries their lips out. For me, I find if I put some vaseline on before hand, its perfect. It will last you all night, even if you get a cheeky kiss!


Charlotte Tilbury Golden Godess Palette
Another gorgeous product. From the packaging to the pigmentation. It's just beautiful. I feel with this palette you can create something quite natural, by just putting the champagne pale shade all over the lid, with a little bit of definition of the darker shades. OR, you can do the whole hog, and use the back for the instructions and go full on smoooooky.


Soap And Glory Glow Lotion 
I am really sorry for including this, because I'm not 100% sure that they still make this, or if it was limited edition. But there may be something similar to this product. I believe Estee Lauder do, so check out their counter. But the glow lotion is basically what it says on the tin. It's a body lotion, with a glow, a shimmer. Its not sticky, it just makes your body glow. I apply it mainly to my arms and décolletage.

I hope you have a fabulous Valentines, whatever your plans.
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