Crop Top on the Humber Bridge | Fashion

It's been a long time coming but here is my first fashion post! Please excuse the phone photos as this wasn't planned but I was encouraged by friends to post them.

This look is very Autumnal considering we're only just in September but the weather is making it obvious Summer is long gone. The other day my parent's and I decided to walk the Humber Bridge and in classic Harriet style I dressed for the occasion... Maybe not so much. But I do long this outfit! 

Tan skirts are everywhere for Autumn this year, especially cordory with buttons but I went for a suede material with a zip because I like zips. Zips don't tend to pull open like buttons do.

This post is also very special to me because I am facing one of my big fears which contradicts a dream - wearing crop tops. I have wanted to embrace crop tops for a long time but have struggled to do so because of my weight, however this Summer I bite the bullet and purchased a few. It's slow going actually taking the courage to wear them but on this occasion I did and I'm very happy with the result!

Crop top - New Look (£6.30)

Skirt - New Look (£12.99)

Boots - Primark (Old)

For more outfit posts, check out my Instagram.

I would love to see some of your early Autumn outfits!

Harriet x

Top Ten Under £10

Today I'm going to be telling you all about my favourite products under £10, all which can be found at Boots or Superdrug.

Beauty UK Eyebrow Kit (£4.99) - I've been using this eyebrow kit for over a year now and really enjoy using it. Originally I only used the black powder but now my hair is lighter I have been using the dark brown colour. The fact that this has three different coloured powders is only one great aspect of this product. It also comes with a wax, mini tweezers and a doubled ended brush.

2True Eyeliner in Black (£1.99) - This eyeliner has been mentioned before but I will talk about it until I'm blue in the face as it is the only eyeliner which doesn't smudge on my hooded eyes. I find the felt tip style brush really easy to use and the colour is a pigmented matte black, for only £1.99!

MUA Prime and Conceal Correcting Powder (£4) - This seems pretty pricey for a powder, especially from MUA, but it leaves a lovely satin finish on the skin which sets foundation without an ultra matte look. I love using this on my dry skin but those with oily skin may also enjoy this powder as it doesn't give a 'dewy' look.

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer (£5.99) - While this concealer is more expensive than the infamous Collection Lasting Perfection I find it is better for dry skin as it blends nicely, giving good coverage without looking cakey or flakey. Some people even use this concealer as foundation all over the face!

Seventeen Cheek Stamp in the Cheek of It (£4.99) - I recently mentioned this in my Top Four Blushes post and it really is such a great product. I have only tried one shade but I highly suggest checking them out!

Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit (£4.49) - Although I have not tried the Smash Box contour kit I can guess this is pretty comparable and a lot cheaper! Even on my pale skin these colours work well to contour and bronze my face. I also use the 'banana' style powder to set my under eye concealer. This product is brilliant for travelling as it is compact and unlikely to break.

Real Techniques Miracle Complextion Sponge (£5.99) - The second ever post on this blog was a review of this sponge and a year later I still love it! I'm actually thinking about buying a new one as I've put so many holes in it with my nails.

Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara (£9.99) - Another product I've mentioned before (see a theme here?) but this mascara is brilliant if you want a dramatic lash look.

Maybelline Colour Tatto in Pink Gold (£4.99) - I've nearly used up all of this cream eyeshadow now as I use it everyday! I love this pinky colour as it gives all my eyeshadows a lovely rosy tone and makes them seem more pigmented. Recently new colours have been released so I really reccomend checking the Colour Tattoo out.

Makeup Revolution Salvation Girls on Film Palette (£6) - Lastly, I've reviewed this product and mentioned it in a budget palette post so I won't go on too much as you already know I love it! The pigmentation of these shadows are great and you really can create so many looks, from natural to dramatic.

Wow this was long post but I really had to tell you how much I love these products! What are your favourite products under £10?

Harriet x

Top Four Blushes

Today I'm going to be talking about my favourite blushes! As you can see they are all peachy toned as I find this suits my very red skin. There is only one high end blush in this selection and it is a cream rather than a powder blush.

Seveteen Cheek Stamp in The Cheek Of It (£4.99) - The design of this product is a little strange is the idea is to 'stamp' the product onto the face using the large sponge provided however I just tap my brush into the product before dusting off the excess and applying it to the face, this way I can easily control how much is applied. I really like this colour as it provides a flush of colour and highlighted look to the skin.

Essence Blush Up! in 10 Heat Wave (£3.50) - Essence products can be found in Wilkos and they have a lot of great products that are affordable, such as this blush. Because of the ombre colours of pink and peach you can tailor the colour of this blush to your preference and the pigmentation is amazing! This is also comes in another more pinky shade.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Blush in Santa Rose (£3.99) - This blush is talked about a lot in the blogging world and for a good reason! It gives a dewy glow to the skin, just the spot of colour need to look more awake, and the pigmentation can be built up if you feel the need.

Benefit Majorette Blush (£23.50) - The high end blush from this selection is pricey but I really enjoy the cream to powder formula. This feels quite dry in the pan but blends out nicely on the cheek. The pigmentation also packs a punch! 

Swatches left to right: Seventeen Cheek It Up, Essence Heatwave, Rimmel Santa Rose and Benefit Majorette.

What blushes do you enjoy the most? Are they all similar shades, like mine, or all different?

Harriet x

My Favourite L'Oreal Products

Today I'm going to be telling you guys all about my favourite L'oreal products. I believe L'oreal is one of the best brands on the high street despite the rising prices. I say 'one of' because really I like all the brands in Boots and Superdrug a lot! This post may be followed with similar posts about other brands such as Rimmel and Maybelline, if you enjoy it.

Firstly lets discuss a product I use every single day. This beautifully packaged mascara is the L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess. I have the waterproof version as normal mascaras always smudge on me so sadly I don't have the lovely red packaging but the blue is just as nice! This mascara gives lengthened and defined lashes but you can also layer it up for a voluminous look which is why I really like it for everyday use.

Next let's talk base. One product you may be surprised to see here is the Nude Magique CC Cream in the anti-redness version. Much to my own surprise I love this product for day when my skin is behaving as the green pigments cancel out my very red skin but it also provides pretty good coverage when blended out.

Secondly a well loved foundation, the L'oreal True Match. This foundation comes in many different shades so it's great for everyone. I can use this foundation every day as it provides a good medium coverage and doesn't dry out my already dehydrated skin. Some people have said that this doesn't work on their dry skin so I test it out before purchasing.

Lastly, let's talk lips! Annoyingly none of these products have a name on the actual product however I can tell you that the pigmentation of the L'oreal Colour Riche Extraordinaire is amazing! These square liquid lipsticks give a comfortable glossy colour in a range of shades, in fact I really want to buy some more colours! They are moisturising so great if you have chapped lips but if you don't like a glossy look I would give these a miss. 

The product in the middle of this picture is the L'oreal Glam Shine Stain Splash, what a mouthful! I really enjoy this lip product as it gives a nice wash of product which dries down to a stain, so you don't have to worry about touching up. Again this product feels very comfortable on the lips so is great for everyday!

Swatches of the Colour Riche Extraordinaire and Glam Shine Stain Splash (middle)

That was an overview of my favourite L'oreal products, what do you love from this brand?

Harriet x

PS: I made my pictures bigger for this post, do you like it or should I return to the smaller versions?

My Favourite Budget Palettes

 

Today I'm going to talk about the three budget palettes that I reach for the most, often daily. These are all under £6 and by brands that can be found in most Superdrug stores. 

First let's talk about MUA's dupe of the Naked 2 palette. This is called the Undress Me Too and for £4 it really packs a punch! I really love the quality of these shades and the colours are wearable neutrals. I use this palette so much that I have debated getting the Naked 2 but for the price I believe this is a better option. There are matte and shimmer colours, both are pigmented although the mattes less so. I have actually bought this palette for other people because I love it so much!

Next another MUA offering which is currently £2! This is the matte palette and as you can tell from the swatches the colours aren't as pigmented as other MUA palettes. However I think this palette is an essential because if you ever need a matte crease colour it has you sorted! Although the colours are sheer you can build them up which makes them perfect for the crease. Considering the price I can handle the lower quality shadows.

Lastly the Make Up Revolution Salvation Girls on Film palette. This is more expensive than the MUA palettes at £6 but is the palette I use most. The selection of colours in this palette is great as there are neutral tones as well as some pops of colour. There is a rosey theme to this palette so is a nice alternative to the Naked 3 palette. Read my full review of this palette here.

Have you tried any of these? Tell me your favourite palettes in the comments! 

Harriet x

My Go To Contour Combo

Lately I have only been using one bronzer/contour product along with just one brush! 

The bronzer I have been using is Hoola by Benefit. This colour works even on my pale skin so I would recommend it to anyone. I use this to slightly contour my cheek bones and then blend it around my forehead and jawline. This helps to slim down my face and give my skin some colour. While this product is expensive I do believe this is worth the investment.

Now for the brush I have been using with Hoola: the Lauren Luke contour brush. I got this off eBay for £3 but I am unsure if it is still available. Now I do not follow Lauren Luke nor had I heard of her before buying this brush but I do love this brush!

It is smaller than what I have used previously and because of the shape it really fits into the hollows of the cheek bones. This can be used to create a strong contour but I also use it to blend out the contour and put colour around the forehead and jaw line.

The shape of the brush is why I love it so much. The cut is quite flat but the brush itself is still round and tapered giving it the perfect shape. The flat cut and smallness of the brush helps it to fit into the hollows of the cheek and create a contour but the round fluffiness helps with blending. If you can I really recommend getting your hands on this brush!

Do you have a go to contour brush?

Harriet x

Top Five Mascaras

Today I'm going to tell you about my top five mascaras! I mostly wear waterproof formulas because otherwise I get horrible black smudges underneath my eyes, so please bear this in mind!

First up a long time favourite of mine, the Max Factor False Lash Effect (in waterproof). I really love the look this gives my lashes, voluminous but also lengthening. At first I though the rubber brush would be useless because of the short stubby bristles but it actually helps to get right into the roots of the lashes.

Next the Max Factor Masterpiece (in waterproof). I feel like this is the mascara that does it all, volumes, lengths, separates and holds a curl! All with one rubber bristled brush. It really doesn't look like much because of how small the bristles are but trust me, it's a winner. This is one of my favourite options for a dramatic look, perfect for a night out. Also I really love the packaging. 

When I first saw the brush for the Revlon Photoready 3D Volume I though it was going to be a mega voluminous mascara but instead this is really separating and lengthening.  I love this for everyday but as I don't have the waterproof version currently it smudges on me. One thing to note is the rubber bristle brush is longer than the average which can be a hindrance if you have small eyes.

Volume de Chanel is the only high end mascara I have owned but it is one I have repurchased. This brush has a blend of fibre and rubber bristles which gives mega volume. I save this mascara for nights out because it is very dramatic. When wearing this mascara some people have actually commented saying they thought I was wearing false eyelashes! This mascara gives me the heart eyes.

Lastly the Revlon Grow Potion (in waterproof). Firstly the packaging of this is beautiful! The brush has fibre bristles and looks quite scary but it actually makes it really easy to get a lengthened look with little effort. It can also be built up to give good volume but be careful as it can easily clump. 

It is important to note that not none of these mascaras are clumpy as clumps really irritate my eyes!

What are your favourite mascaras? Do you prefer high street or high end? Let me know in the comments below!

Harriet x

Spring Nail Varnish Ideas

Although the weather isn't consistent in my mind it is official Spring. And you know what that means... Pastels and floral's! Here are my nail polish picks Spring.

Barry M Nail Paint in 305 Pink Flamingo is a nice bright pink that isn't too fluorescent as I reserve those colours for summer. I love the formula of the Barry M Nail Paint's and I think they are really good quality for the price. They have pretty good staying power with minimal chips, at least on my nails.

Another Barry M Nail Paint I like for spring is 134 Yellow. This bright yellow reminds me of sunshine which is especially important on those rainy Spring days. Everyone need's some sunshine yellow to cheer them up every now and then.

Two Topshop Nail Polish colours I love for Spring are this baby blue and pale pink. Blue Rinse is the perfect baby blue which I have had on my nails for three weeks! I have Dynasty on my nails right now which is just the prettiest pale pink. The Topshop formula is AMAZING! Three weeks with no chips? Yes please! I think these are the right shade's but the name is not on the bottles so I had to guess on the website.

Lastly a high end option. Nails Inc Warwick Avenue is a really sheer pink which comes out almost nude. This is a refreshing shade to wear on the nails, especially if you are looking for something more natural.

What are your nail picks for Spring? Tell me in the comments below!

Harriet x

Sprucing Up University Accommodation (And Other Small Spaces)

Although I originally intended this post to go up around September when people are moving into university halls and student housing but this post has been a long time in the making so February is when it's going up!

These photos are of my space and just how I like to decorate my area to give a homely feel, everyone has their own style. Mine is definitely not a modern or monochrome style haha! I am in my second year of university so while not in university halls I am living in a flat. As the bedrooms are en suite I basically just live in one room and this is how I like to cosy it up.

A nice bed spread - When you live in a small space your bed is often the main area of focus and takes up the most space, therefore get yourself a duvet cover you really like with matching pillow case. Red and pink are my favourite colours so a lot of my decor and furnishings are these colours. I also have a fleece blanket that I lay on the end of bed which also matches the red and white pattern of the duvet cover.

The white of the duvet cover really opens up the space but the addition of fleece blanket doesn't make it feel as cold. Opening up the space is really important in when you spend a lot of time in one room and in my room in particular the windows are small (and weirdly positioned!) so there is a lack of light. Also please ignore the ugly curtains my flat came with!

Cosy cushions - To go with your lovely bed spread why not add some cute cushions! Before coming to university I hated cushions but now I really enjoy them; they add something extra to the space and can also be used for propping things up (like yourself or a laptop, as I am currently!). I actually throw these cushions on the floor while I sleep as otherwise they get in my way. As you can see the red and white colour scheme is continued in these cushions as well as a cats, colour and a love theme!

Fairy lights - Now many people suggest candles but I'm scared of fire so I prefer fairy lights. I really love the way they look when you want a relaxing or romantic evening. Be cautious with this as not all halls and flats allow fairy lights, the halls I was in last year didn't. I highly recommend fairy lights that you can plug in rather than battery powered. I have these cute star lights around the window above my bed.

Anything can be used as decor - Now this is my make up storage that lives on, and takes up most of, my desk. These drawers were bought from WHSmiths on sale and match themes of pink, white and colour! I also have a wombat and capybara teddy on top of these which I have gathered on my travels and really have a lot of memories attached, it's great being able to see them everyday. There are some select nail varnishes on display, these are Top Shop ones I got for Christmas from my friends and I think they match the vibe of my room really well. I store my make up brushes in this spinning white carousel I bought from TKMaxx and my palettes live in a matching letter holder.

Display some of your favourite things - Now since taking this picture I have actually rearranged my books so that they are stacked as I bought some more and I actually think it looks nicer than them stood up. But my main point is that you can put on display whatever you like. This might not be to everyones taste but I like being able to see what I have, it makes me use them more! In this picture alone there is make up, jewellery and books on display. They really add a bit of personality to the room as they are related to your hobbies and interests. I love this white plastic jewellery tree I got for Christmas, again it makes my white/red/pink/colourful theme.

Storage - This isn't a very pretty photo I'm afraid, but it is the reality. Some flats have a lot of storage and some have none. I have a lot of stuff so got these drawers from IKEA last year to store some clothes and electronics in. The open up mirror on top is really handy for doing hair as I can rest my straighteners on the space where the mirror lays down. If you need extra storage do not be afraid to buy more drawers or cupboards but remember in rented accommodation it is unlikely you'll be able to put up shelves.

Lastly, just another peek into my tiny bedroom. I have my perfumes on display on this beautiful Clarins gift box from a few years ago, which contains some extra skincare such as masks. I like my space to be cosy and I enjoy being surrounded by my things as it makes me feel at home, especially as I miss my home a lot! Well that is all my little tips, sorry this turned into such a long post!

How do you like to decorate? What are your favourite decor pieces? Any tips to add? Comment below!

Harriet x

Quick but Presentable Exam Face

Although my exam season has now finished (YAY) I thought I would still share the make up look I have been doing. It's been all early starts until today, getting up early to go to the library or to my exam's so I need something quick and easy. This look takes only 10 minutes, if that, yet still looks like you put in lot's of effort. 

Firstly I do my eyes with a quick sweep of the Maybelline Colour Tattoo in Rose Gold and then the bronzey taupe from this Make Up Revolution Palette in Girls On Film all of the lid. If I'm feeling extra fancy I blend the matte skin colour in my crease. For eyeliner I use the Maybelline Master Graphic to do a simple flick followed by lashings of the L'oreal Volume Million Lashes Excess in waterproof (because I have a issue with smudging mascara). 

For my base I use the Maybelline Anti Age Eye Eraser in light under the eyes, around my nose and a sweep down the nose. I blend this in with my fingers as it looks quite dry on my skin if I use a brush. The foundation I'm loving at the moment is the Rimmel Lasting Finish Nude although I don't find it 'perfects' the skin as much as it claims but it does feel light on the skin. I set under my eyes with the L'oreal True Match Powder and then do a slight contour/bronze thing (just a quick sweep really) with Benefit's Hoola. Using the Soap and Glory Archery Pencil I fill in and shape my eyebrows.

Lastly, on the lips I use ELF's Mineral Lipstick in Rich Raspberry. The colour is lovely for everyday but still seasonal and the formula is super comfortable on the lips.

Do you have a quick and put together look? Do you love or hate these products? Tell me in the comments!

Harriet x

Empties!

Firstly, I would like to say welcome to my new followers! And next I would like to apologies for my absence but I have been very busy with university work, along with many other students. I had three essay to write for the beginning of the week which I put off through out Christmas by doing blog posts and other things. I had an exam yesterday but my last one is next week which means I will be more consistent again. Thank you for your patience! 

So on to the empties. I finished these products in the last couple of months in 2014 and will be giving you a little insight into my opinion on them.

First up some Body Shop products! I used the Argon Oil Rough Scrub and I have to say it wasn't very scrubby. If you want something gentle this is for you but as a dry skinned girl who needs to exfoliate to successfully shave her legs this does not work for me. The same with the Chocomania Body Scrub (which is only available around Christmas for some reason) it just wasn't very scrubby. With both of these scrubs the particles were left in the bottom of the shower and I had to brush them away. Not a good look for the chocolate one which is brown! I have also used up a mini of the Chocomania Shower Gel and I absolutely love this! The scent is my favourite.

At the end of summer I switched to no-sulfate shampoo and conditioner because my scalp was very itchy and irritated. I used up the L'Oreal Ever Pure Shampoo and Conditioner in the colour care and moisture version. They have now changed the name of this but I love this line! I am currently using the deep conditioner of the same line and the volume version of the shampoo. Sulfate free is definitely for me as over Christmas I was just using whatever was in the shower at home and my scalp was irritated again! If you have problems with an itchy head I definitely recommend these.

Lastly, skin care. You may recognise these products from my Skincare Shake Up post in summer but unfortunately only one worked for me! I was using the Garnier Moisture Match for Very Dry Skin as a night cream but it wasn't hydrating enough for me and also felt very thick on the skin. I really didn't enjoy this moisturizer but it might work for those without dry skin. The Clarins HydraQuench Lotion also wasn't hydrating enough for my parched skin which was using as a day cream until the New Year when I finally finished it. I believe this would work for those with slightly dry skin but for me it just wasn't enough. The skin care product I did love was the Botanics Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream! This eye cream is nothing fancy, certainly not anti-aging, but it does the job for younger skin or dehydrated eye areas. I haven't repurchased this as I'm currently using the Yes To Carrots Eye Cream but they are very similar in texture and results.

So those were my empties from the end of 2014! Have you used any of these? How did they work for you?

Harriet x

PS I'm working on a new header so please ignore the un-centered title!