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Monday, 29 February 2016

I love painting my nails and would actually admit to staying up an hour or two later just to wait for them to dry, then go to bed when I need too.  Since I developed a love for painting my nails I now find it tranquil and relaxing plus if you do it correctly it can last days before you have to reapply.  I went through a phase of going to get them done at a professional nail salon.  As lovely as it was, I came to the realisation that I can do it in the comfort of my own home and save money as well.  However they may not always look as good; but practise makes perfect! 

Instead of painting my nails all the same colour, I have recently loved painting four of my nails one colour than the ring finger white.  As I don't wear rings or a lot of make up on a day to day basis, I love painting my nails as I find when they are well groomed, you can look much more put-together throughout the day.  So this odd white nail look is my way of adding a quirky effect to a well known basic colour. 

Sunday, 28 February 2016

In today's day and age, we can get caught of being a shopaholic without even knowing we are.  With more and more gadgets and more and more of the latest things, no wonder we are eager to keep up to date with society and enjoy new things.  There is nothing wrong with that at all, but sometimes it may be a little pricey or a little cluttering.  Therefore I have put together a few ideas to help you save money or stop buying things that you may not necessarily need.  Obviously these are only techniques and tips for you if you wish to spend less money or are maybe thinking of becoming more minimalistic. 

Tip 1

This may seem obvious but keep a handful of bags with you whilst shopping.  In the UK bags are now 5p from any store that has over 200 members of staff working for them as a whole.  5p isn't that much however as all proceeds should go to a selected charity from that organisation.  But if you are doing your weekly or monthly household shop you may find that you are adding roughly 30p on top of your bill already.  Shockingly the 5p's add up, so if you get one bag and use it as much as possible before it breaks you have got the most use out of that 5p as possible, also you are saving the planet too. 

Tip 2

Think long and hard before making a big purchase.  So you've seen a pair of shoes that you love and you are thinking of buying them.  I mean they're even on sale!  However don't get mislead like most of the population by buying something because it's on sale.  Ask yourself a few questions before you buy them like: Have you got some like these already?  Would you get good use out of them?  Are they good quality?  Would you buy them normally if they were not on sale?  After thinking about it, you still like them... get them!  If you are unsure it may be best to leave them behind and save the money and space for something else. 

Tip 3

This is something that has really helped me recently.  I never really thought about how much this can affect your decision but it does.  Say again there is something your really like or want to buy.  Instead of using you card to pay for it, go to a cash machine and withdraw the money you need for the purchase.  Then go back into the shop and pay for it using only the cash.  This may sound silly, but you are more aware of the money you are giving away.  If you go to give over the money and feel guilty it is most likely you don't want to spend your money on that particular item.  If however handing the money over doesn't bother you it is more likely that the item you are buying is worth while. 

Tip 4

Check how much money you have in your account before you go shopping.  This way you will know how much money you have actually got and whether you can actually afford it.  Most of the time we shop not knowing actually how much money we have.  I work in retail and there has been multiple times that people have gone to buy something for me to then have to tell them they can't.  So it is much safer overall to be aware about how much money you have got and how to budget it correctly. 

I would love to wear them, if I could apply them.  Unfortunately I have tried many times and keep failing. 

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months? 

Yes, which reminds me - I need to go through my make up. 

What brand of mascara do you use? 

I don’t use just one brand but at the moment I'm loving Maybelline’s mascara. 

What make up tools do you use in make up application? 

In my everyday make routine I only use an eyelash curler as when I’m in a hurry I tend to just use my fingers to apply my makeup as it is very minimalistic.  However if I'm going out I tend to use a kabuki brush. 

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? 

Nope, I'm not to skilled with make up yet so I tend to be as minimalistic as possible. 

What is your favourite eye shadow (colour or shade)? 

I don’t have specific favourite brand but I do enjoy to wear brown shades when I go out.  If I feel a little more adventurous I may go for a silver eye shadow. 

Do you use pencil or liquid eye liner? 

I use pencil eye liner, I can never get on with liquid eye liner – it normally ends up everywhere.  So if you can, you have some serious skills! 

How often do you poke your eyes with an eye liner pencil? 

Almost every other day.  It is a regular thing. 

What is your favourite lipstick? 

The one I tend to use whether I'm going out or going to work is by UNE.  However it is running out of date so I may need to find another red shade.  I don’t think I could get away with wearing any fancy pink shades. 

How about lip-gloss? 

I hardly where lip-gloss, I used to when I was little but as I’m growing up I wear it less and less.  If I do it’s normally to create a more glossy effect on a lipstick which I will then wear a clear lip-gloss. 

What is your favourite blush to use? 

When I was younger I used to apply so much blush to the cheeks and people used to laugh at me so since then I stopped wearing any.  If I want colour in my cheeks I either pinch them or slap them a little bit to create a natural blush. 

Do you buy your make up on eBay?Nope, I rarely shop online.  But I guess I would if there was a product that I brought before and know it well enough in order to buy a new one. Do you like drug store make up?For me personally it doesn't really matter if it’s high end or drug store make up, if I like it I am going to buy it. Do you go to cosmetic company outlets?I've never been to one but I would love to at some point, it looks like you could get some good bargains. Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?I haven’t ever thought about it, I've always loved the idea of hairdressing but as for make-up classes not really.  But I do think it might be beneficial for me. Are you clumsy in putting on make up?If I'm tired and it’s the first thing in the morning then yes definitely if it’s getting ready to go on a night out, no I'm really careful about every detail as I try to make more of an effort. Name a make up crime that you hate?Not curling your eyelashes before applying mascara.  It makes your eyelashes so much better.  Also another pet peeve is when people pour foundation on to them hand then slather it onto their face.  Foundation is expensive!  Plus the finish is not as smooth it looks more caked on. 

Saturday, 20 February 2016

Do you know you skin's undertone?  Not many people do, I didn't until about a year ago.  I never even thought there was such thing.  But after knowing what my undertone is, it helps a lot when picking out what colours you are going to wear whether that's clothes or make up. 

There are three types of skin undertones: they are cool, neutral and warm.  You may now be thinking how do I know which one I am?  Is it based on my skin tone?  Surprisingly it is easier than you may think and you find out what your skins undertone is by using the colour of your veins.  The same principle applies whether your skins tone is fair or dark.  The easiest and most well known way of looking at your veins is by using your wrist as in the pictures.  But without rambling too much, let's begin. 

Cool

You have a cool undertone if your veins appear with a blue and/or purple colour.  You may find that your skin may also appear to have either a pink, red or blue tint.  It is common that silver jewellery appears to be more at home on your skin.  You can also rock a blue eye shadow and rose or purple lips. 

Neutral

Your veins will appear more blue/green.  If you look at your skin under sunlight you may find that it appears to have a green tint to it.  Luckily for you both gold and silver jewellery flatters your skin tone.  You can also get away with a darker or lighter look with red lip colours and burgundy blush. 

Warm

Your veins will be either green or olive colour.  You may find that your skin has a more yellow, gold or peach tint.  Gold jewellery tends to flatter your skin more than silver.  More earthy colour shades suit you better, maybe enhance you lips with a orange based red or brown colour. 

Tuesday, 16 February 2016

Some are round and some are thin, some are hard, some are soft and some are complex and some not as much. 

Each chocolate is like a chapter of your life, once it has gone it's gone.  It's only when the chocolate melts on your tongue and the flavours spreads like confetti.  You truly cherish the moment you're in.  But when it is gone it will forever be just another memory." 

I thought I'd try something a little different today and show a metaphorical piece of writing that I have made recently.  I actually wrote this on a bus in the notepad section of my phone, but equally I wanted to share it on here to see what you thought of it? 

I've had this book sitting on my bookshelf for about three years.  As I finished another book I decided to give it ago, despite how bright neon pink it is.  As I read the first chapter I didn't think to much of it but as I progress throughout the book I am becoming hooked I am literally obsessed with every chapter and find it hard to put the book down. 

I got this for Christmas off of a family friend.  At first I wasn't too keen on the product as I didn't quite know what calendula cream was.  So it took to the Internet to do some research about this product.  I decided to give it a try and fell in love.  It's also 100% natural, 45% organic and hand made.  I use it every night on my hands at the moment and it has really helped them become less painful.  But you can use it all over your body as healing cream for sensitive skin. 

Barry M is becoming my all time favourite brand for nail polish as they are affordable as well as being great quality.  I've used multiple whites in the pass and they haven't given good coverage until now.  With this white you just need to do one basic coat followed by a strong second and you have a perfect white nail.  I have developed a bad habit of not applying nail polish unless I have a base coat and top coat after as I find it gives a much better finish. 

Boy | Anne-Marie

This was harder than I thought, to pick just one song as I'm a bigger lover of music from all genres.  But it finally came down to this song, which I have had on repeat throughout the month as I find it's really catchy and can pick up your mood. 

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

What a month you have been!?  It has been a rather unique and eventful beginning to 2016.  It started with lots of hope and encouragement.  I am very happy where I am at the moment and already it looks like 2016 is going to be full with more ups than downs. 

This month has reminded me of the common phrase "quality over quantity".  January you have shown me who my family and friends are once again.  I began January by entering my house at a frosty 3am after spending a wonderful evening with friends. 

I am 16 chapters into my current book "What I Saw and How I Lied".  I have also made some life changing decisions for the future, which is something I never thought I'd do.  But have developed a strong love and dedication for it and it is something I want to pursue. 

January you have done well and have created a lot of excitement for 2016.