Make Up For Dry Skin

An alternative title for this post could be 'my everyday base routine' as these are the products I tend to wear everyday. I have dry skin and these products work really well together on my face without looking cakey or making my face look like it's flaking off which is a constant struggle with some foundations. As dry skin seems to be more of a problem in the colder months I thought this would be a useful post for lots of people!

The most important product in this selection, to me, is the Real Techniques Beauty Complexion Sponge. If you have dry skin this sponge is a must! It applies any foundation in a really even way without causing the skin to become irritated or flaky. I like to use the Rimmel Match Perfection foundation for everyday as it evens out my skin tone without being too heavy or thick. This makes it a great match (see what I did there?) for dry skin as well as having a more natural finish instead of matte.

Next up is concealer! Another Rimmel product, the Wake Me Up concealer provides good coverage for undereye darkness without going into fine lines or looking cakey which I often struggle with under the eyes. Dry skin under the eyes can be quite noticeable and feel tight or flaky so it's important to find a concealer that works well with your skin

The Maybelline Fit Me powder is my current favourite as it is very silky and soft, blending in with foundation and the skin instead of leaving a powdery finish. I also find this is great for touch ups on the go because it doesn't look cakey or obvious.

And for a bit of glow (or natural sheen in the case of dry skin) I like the Freedom Pro Highlight in Ambient as it gives a nice, subtle highlight that isn't in your face or super glittery. I've heard some people even like to use it all over the face as a setting powder!

What are your favourite make up products for dry skin? I would love to hear your reccomendations!

Harriet x
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Nars Luxembourg Dupe?

I received this Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg as a present at Christmas last year and when I spotted the Bourjois Souffle de Velvet in Plum Plum Pidou I snapped it up as I thought the colour may be a dupe for the Nars. As I knew the formulas are different I did assumed the Plum Plum Pidou would be a more sheer colour, possibly a more wearable version of Luxembourg but unfortunatly I was disappointed...

As you can see from these swatches the colours are very similar. As the Bourjois is more sheer it may seem different but I believe it is just a less concentrated version of the same colour as the Nars, a gorgeous raspberry plummy colour which I love! However this is where the similarities end.

As I mentioned I knew the formulas were different so was expecting a different look from each product but the wear time of the Bourjois Souffle de Velvet was very minimal and it also wore off in a very strange, patchy way.

So even though the colours of these two products may be very similar it really isn't a dupe as the formula of the Bourjois is not only different but awful compared to the Nars. On the other hand, the Nars Satin Lip Pencil applies with lots of pigment, isn't dehydrating on the lips, has a good wear time and, most importantly, wears off naturally and subtly. To wear this colour in a more sheer way I recommend applying a little bit of the colour to the lips then patting it in with a finger.

Have you tried the Bourjois Souffle de Velvet? Have you ever found a dupe for a Nars Satin Lip Pencil? Let me know!

Harriet
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Favourite Revlon Products

Another edition to my favourite products series! Today it's all about Revlon products, which are high street but tend to be at the more expensive end of the spectrum. This post looks like it's all lipstick but I promise it's not haha!

First up are two mascara's: the 3D Volume and Lash Potion. Contrary to it's name I find the 3D Volume mascara has more of a natural, lengthening look which is great for every day. I get a little bit of smudging with this mascara but take that with a pinch of salt as every mascara tends to smudge on me unless it's waterproof. The Lash Potion mascara is extremely volumising but along with this has a very big brush so you do have to be a bit careful! I really enjoy both these mascaras but I have just discovered they have been unfortunately discontinued with the release of their new mascara wardrobe but I will be trying some of these as hopefully there will still be similar brushes in there somewhere!

Another eye product I love by Revlon may seem a bit random but it is the clear Precision Lash Glue. I much prefer this to any glue that comes with false lashes as it has a stronger hold and is easier to apply as it has a brush tip. If you wear false lashes I recommend checking this glue out!

On to the elephant in the room... Lip products! I have never tried a traditional lipstick from Revlon but I adore their Lip Butters and Color Burst Lip Crayons! I have a range of shades from both of these ranges and cannot fault the formula. The Lip Butters are extremely pigmented, not sheer in anyway, and apply easily as they have a soft consistency, just like butter. I will definitely be featuring some of the lip butter shades in an Autumn/Winter lip colour post.

I have tried all three formulas of the Color Burst Lip Crayons: Matte, Lacquer and original, which are all pictured in this post. I can't say I love them all equally as the Matte and original are my favourites, not much of a fan of the shiny lip look I'm afraid. The Matte balms are more of satin matte than a true (dry as a desert) matte which means they don't dry out your lips at all while the original and Lacquer versions are quite hydrating. Both the Lip Butters and the Lip Crayons wear off evenly, without leaving a line around your lips, which is something I look for in a lip product now.

What are your favourite Revlon products?

Harriet
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Moving house... Moving home.

Advanced warning that this post is very personal and I may or may not have cried while writing it.

I have lived in the same house all of my 21 years. Yes I have been to university and lived other places but they have never been home. All of my memories and happy moments are in that house. It is the place I feel safest. It has always been with me through many tears and hard times. Whenever I feel lost I go back to this house, my home.

But this week I moved.

I moved out of my safe little nook to a strange, new place. Well, not completely strange and definitely not new because it's a whole weird situation that I won't go into. I'll summarise with I haven't had great experiences with this 'new' house and on the whole it doesn't give me happy, safe vibes.

I feel shocked, I feel lost, I feel on edge and uneven. Maybe I wouldn't feel so dramatically about moving if I had moved before but I haven't and I have always just had one home. Maybe this new house will become my home or maybe not as I plan to move out within a few years. For now it is just a house, not a home.

So I'm adapting to this new space, to saying 'I'm going back home' and not meaning my home home. For now. I'm pretty positive that with this final year at university it will quickly become my home, my new safe nook, as anyone who knows me will tell you I am not looking forward to this final year. In fact, I just want to be at home. Be it the new house or old house.

And so as I add each of my little trinkets, my books, my make up, my favourite things I feel more and more safe, more and more at home. So let's wait and see if this house becomes a home.

Skincare Recommendations for Dry Skin

Combatting my crusty skin is something I'm passionate about... That was a strange sentence, but it's true! My skin is very dry and often flakes off so I'm constantly looking for hydrating skincare products to help prevent this. So today I thought I would tell you about my favourite skincare products for dry skin that I would absolutely recommend.

I've only featured one cleanser in this post and that's because it is my favourite! I use the No7 Cleansing Balm to take my make up off or if my skin is feeling particularly dry and sensitive. This has more of a cream texture than a balm and is so gentle and calming. It's great for dry or sensitive skin as it isn't irritating as all yet leaves skin feeling soft and clean.

My favourite serum is the Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum which I use most evenings before moisturising. This feels so cooling on the skin and really hydrates without making my face feel greasy. When I wake up in the morning, after using this serum, my skin is plump, bright and hydrated. I cannot recommend this serum enough!

Another Pixi product I love is the Glow Tonic which I use in the evening after cleansing. As my skin is dry and flaky this acid toner really helps to get rid of any dead skin in a gentle and effective way. I'm looking into trying the acid toner by La Roche Posay to compare! Sometimes even after using the Glow Tonic I can have some flaky skin in the morning, so to help this I use the Foreo Luna Mini with just a basic (non-foaming) gel cleanser which is much less irritating than an exfoliating cleanser. I chose this over the Clarisonic as it has soft silicone bristles which is more hygienic and gentle. Another bonus is you don't have to buy replacement heads and I've only had to charge my Luna Mini twice in a year and a half!

Lastly, I also really like the Hydraluron serum and masks. The serum is great for days when I'm not really dry and so use it in place of the Pixi Hydrating Milky Serum. I would really reccomend the Hydraluron masks if you need a quick fix of hydration. Both of these products leave the skin feeling plump, soft and hydrated.

What products do you use for dry skin? Any moisturiser recommendations, as I have yet to find one I love!

Harriet
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Favourite Rimmel Products

Continuing my series where I talk to you about my favourite products from a certain brand, this weeks post is about my Rimmel favourites!

Theres a lot of lip products I think are great from Rimmel so lets tackle them first. Although the versions I have are in the old packaging I'm sure the Lasting Finish and Colour Show Off lipsticks still have the same formula. The Colour Show Off lipsticks I have here are Pink Gossip and Red Fever which are a lovely pink and classic vintage red. I also have another red lipstick from Rimmel in the form of the Lasting Finish lipstick in the shade alarm which is a hint more orange than Red Fever. I really like both of these lipsticks, the Colour Show Off formula leans more matte than the Lasting Finish but both provide a luscious, pigmented coat of colour on the lips. Unfortunately I couldn't find a link for the Colour Show Off lipsticks so they must be discontinued and possibly replaced by The One lipsticks :(

Next let's talk lip liners! I only have two from Rimmel but they are both different formulas and I love them both! The retractable Exaggerate lip liner in the shade East End Snob that everyone raves about. I do like this shade but I think it's a bit too light for me however the shape and texture of the pencil is great so I would love to get some more shades. The darker pencil is the Lasting Finish lip liner in Space, a shade I often lean towards in lip products as it is similar to the 'Kylie' brown-ish nude. Both of these lip liners apply nicely and have good pigmentation; the Lasting Finish is a bit drier than the Exaggerate so lasts longer on the lips.

The last lip product is a liquid lipstick: the Provocalips lip colour in Make Your Move. A strange name but I love this! You have to apply the colour then wait for it to dry down to a matte texture, you can then apply the clear moussey gloss if you want some more moisture but the product still stays relatively matte. I really like the colour of this shade and am on the hunt for more tradtional lipsticks in this colour.

I've featured two foundations from Rimmel here, the Match Perfection and Lasting Finish Nude, which are two very different foundations. I've talked about the Match Perfection many times as it provides light to medium coverage while still looking fresh and feeling light on the skin. Somehow the Lasting Finish Nude also feels light on the skin while providing medium to heavy coverage (more than the Match Perfection but less than the original Lasting Finish). I find this foundation perfect for long days when I want to look my best or going out for a drink in the evening as it really does last a long time and provide great coverage whilst still looking natural. Although if I was going out dancing and sweating all night I am more likely to wear the original Lasting Finish, I prefer the Nude version more.

Lastly, my favourite concealer EVER (I think!). I have talked about this so many times, so I won't go no too much, but the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer is amazing. Providing good coverage whilst also feeling light and looking natural on the skin, but not too glowy. For me you just can't beat it!

What are you favourite Rimmel products?

Harriet
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Speedy Summer Beauty

So I'm now one summer break before returning to university which means I'm doing the typical student thing and barely leaving the house. Which, for me, means minimal or no make up days, yay! When I have been been doing daytime activities I've been opting for a light, natural look rather than what I would usually wear so I thought I would share with you my favourite products for this. 

First up is the L'oreal Nude Magique Cushion foundation because it is so quick and easy to apply! It doesn't give a full coverage look but the packaging makes it portable so I often take it with me, especially if it's warm (unlikely in the UK) and I may need to reapply.

As I mentioned in my Current Favourites post on my cheeks I have been leaning towards a light shimmery blush rather than my usual bronzer. My favourite for this at the moment is MAC Mineralise Blush in New Romance. 

In summer I like to wear a bright lip but also give my lips the hydration they needs, a good option for this is the Lancome Juicy Shakers as they come in a large range of colours, from a pinch of nude to bright red. Some are more pigmented than others so there is something for everyone and the oil that is mixed with the pigment feels very moisturising on the skin.

This summer I have also been loving eye crayons! Mostly I have been using the My Little Beauty Amazing Eye Crayon but I don't think this is very accessible so I have also featured the Rimmel Kate Shadow Stick (which I used to use a lot for work) and the Kiko Long Lasting Eyeshadow Stick, which is my favourite formula of them all! Just a quick swipe of the crayon then smudge with your finger and you are good to go with a quick, light wash of colour on the lids.

What are your speedy summer beauty products?

Harriet
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Current Favourites (July 2016)

If you follow me on Twitter you will know that recently I've been struggling with my blog posts and ideas but I realised it's been a few months since I last did a current favourites so here I am again telling you my favourite products of the moment!

Firstly I have been loving the L'oreal Nude Magique Cushion foundation as it's quick to apply whilst also evening out my skin tone and covering my redness. It doesn't provide a high coverage finish but for every day and work I really have been enjoying how it looks. I also find it lasts really well on my skin and even if it doesn't the packaging means I can take it in my handbag for touch ups. This was especially important when I cried on my last day of work recently!

The NYX soft matte lip cream in Cannes is a really lovely colour on me, the typical 'my lips but better shade'. If I don't know what lip colour to wear I always reach for this! And of course, the formula is incredible as you probably all already know.

I mentioned it in my Most Used Brushes post but I had to give it the praise it deserves: the Zoeva Wing Liner brush. I cannot say enough how much I love how this brush makes my brows look! Feathery and full without looking fake, this brush does things others don't. For more details see my Most Used Brushes post. Another product I've been using regularly is the MAC mineralise blush in New Romance which provides a gorgeous sheeny flush to the cheeks, perfect for minimal make up days in the summer. For daytime I've been leaning more towards this blush rather than using my usual bronzer.

The last beauty product is a rediscovered favourite! Lately I've been loving using the Urban Decay Volume 2 palette on my eyes as it has lovely neutrals for day time, smokey colours and bight pops of colour! An oldie but a goodie, this palette has me sorted for every situation. It goes without saying that the Urban Decay eyeshadows are creamy and pigmented.

Lastly, a lifestyle favourite. Now I've finished work for summer I have been really getting into using my planner. I use inserts but organise them in a sort of bullet journal style but also use stickers, it's just the way that works best for me and I've really been enjoying it. Going along with this I've been building up my washi tape collection, it's so addictive to just keep purchasing! I found my favourites on Aliexpress at a super low price.

What are your current favourites?

Harriet
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The Deep and Space Centre - Week Notes #4 (31/7/16)

This week has been pretty great! The first week off of the summer holidays for me; I have finished my placement and can relax until it is time to go back to university in September.

"BUT WAIT" you say! What about that essay you have to do? Well I have already finished it and I am so so happy to have it complete. I actually wrote most of this essay on Monday so I will not have to think about it for the rest of my time off now.

On Tuesday I went to The Deep and had a whale of a time! (See what I did there?) As we went in the summer holidays there were lots of children and families which meant patience was required to see a lot of the tanks but it was still a great day as most people were equally patient and kind. I really enjoyed the way that the aquarium was set up, you start at the top of the building and work your way down through the exhibits. The 'centre' of The Deep is 'Europe's Deepest Viewing Tank' which has lots of interesting animals such as rays, sharks and two saw fish! One of my favourite parts was the staircase which has a viewing deck into this tank on each level. You can even see the very top where staff are monitoring the tank!

As you can probably tell I also loved the 'Cold Seas' area which featured lots of jellyfish glowing in the dark! The picture above is a small tank filled with tiny jellyfish surrounded by mirrors so when you look in you can see yourself and it looks there are millons of jellyfish! Incredibly cute and cool.

Then on Friday I went to the National Space Centre in Leicester which we thought would be a quick visit but actually took us four hours! We could of spent even longer if we had done all the interactive attractions and astronaut training. However, again, there were quite a few families so we decided to let them do these instead of queueing up, especially as these were more geared towards children.

My favourite part of the National Space Centre had to be the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium Show called 'We Are Stars'. This show told the story of how the Earth began and how we are all connected to stars. It was incredibly interesting and even though I knew most of the science behind it thanks to A Level biology, I throughly enjoyed watching the show. The effects we amazing, especially projected onto the spherical ceiling of the planetarium.

After the Space Centre we managed to go see Finding Dory at the cinema, a film I would highly recommend to adults and children alike! Yes, I did nearly cry but I managed to hold it in. There are a surprising number of plot twists whilst also sticking to the plot line and keeping you engaged. I really cannot speak highly enough of Finding Dory.

What have you been up to in the summer holidays?

Harriet

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My Most Used Brushes

Brushes are something I use everyday but rarely talk about them on this blog! So I thought today I would take the chance to tell you my five most used brushes.

First up is the Zoeva Face Shape brush which I use to blend in concealer (when I don't use my complexion sponge) under my eyes, around my nose and on my chin. The Zoeva brushes are so soft and this brush makes quick work of blending in concealer, especially compared to the much smaller brushes usually advertised as concealer brushes.

After I've blended in my concealer I set it using a powder and the Real Techniques Setting brush. I never though about using a separate brush to set concealer but it really helps in preventing creasing under the eye; a problem I really used to struggle with. All the Real Techniques brushes are soft and well made without the super expensive price tag.

Going along with the setting brush is the Real Techniques Blush brush which I use with a powder to set my whole face. I personally find this too big to use for blush but the perfect size for face powder  as I find the bigger powder brushes do not properly set my face.

Another brush from Zoeva is my beloved Wing Liner brush which is perfect for using with a brow pomade! Unlike many other eyebrow brushes it is not as dense, therefore providing light realistic strokes rather than a harsh block of colour, which can easily happen when using a brow pomade.

Lastly, an eBay bargain brush! This came in a set of four brushes, which can be easily found just by searching on eBay, and I love using it to blend out eyeshadow in the crease. The angled shape means it slots into the crease and makes it simple to soften any harsh edges.

What are you most used brushes?

Harriet x

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Reasons To Look Forward To Summer

Although it is now July (where has the year gone!?) summer has yet to reach England so while I'm still feeling hopeful I thought I would tell you the reasons I'm looking forward to summer.

• Reading a good book in the sun
• Wearing comfy shorts
• Not having to be bundled up in a coat or scarf
• Being able to wear sandals and flip flops
• Lighter, brighter, longer evenings
• Taking evening walks
• Being more productive because sunlight motivates me!
• No work for a few weeks (for me anyway)
• Watching my tortoise stroll across the garden
• Eating fruity ice lollies!

Why are you looking forward to summer?

Harriet x

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My Must Have Handbag Products

Today I thought I would tell you all about my hand bag beauty essentials! I carry them round with me most days but never really tell anybody about them so here I am, giving them some praise.

Concealer - I always carry a concealer with me because my face is naturally very red, sometimes it can't help but peak through! Very frustrating but in these tragic situations I pat on some concealer with my finger to cover up the redness. My current favourite is the Rimmel Wake Me Up but I also enjoy taking the Maybelline Better Skin because it's so small and pigmented.

Powder - I don't know about you but I can't apply concealer without setting it with powder! I don't always carry a big brush like that pictured, sometimes I use the small brushes that come with powder although I find that the sponges that often come with powders don't apply very well. I like to carry square powders, like the Maybelline Fit Me, because I find they fit well into bags and slot into small spaces. The Fit Me is also great because it doesn't look cakey no matter how much I seem to apply!

Tinted Lip Balm - Most people tend to carry a lip balm with them but I prefer a tinted lip balm. Mainly because I often forget to bring the lip colour I applied with me and I can't stand my lips without any colour on them. I mean what's better than some lip hydration? Lip hydration with a hint of colour, of course! I generally go for red tinted lip balms, the one shown here is Max Factor Colour Intensifying Balm which is a very pigmented lip balm.

Fragrance - Do you ever get that feeling that you smell? Even if people tell you that you don't, you cannot help but be paranoid! For occasions such as this I like to carry a small sample of fragrance; the one shown is a sample of Philosophy Amazing Grace but I prefer vials that have a spray because they are easier to apply.

Setting Spray - Now I don't always carry a setting spray with me but if I know I'm going to be out a long time it can be super handy! If my make up looks a bit weird, cakey or dry I just give a little spritz and it refreashes my face while improving the wear time. This technique is also great if I have reapplied concealer and powder causing a cakey look. My favourite one to use is the budget friendly Maybelline Super Stay.

I have been known to carry a mirror with me but if I happen not to have one I simply use my front facing camera on my mirror!

What are your handbag essentials?

Harriet x

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Transition to Summer: Cheeks

Despite the dreary weather in England, I'm still craving those summer colours! The other week I talked about summer lip colours and today I'm going to be telling you all about my favourite cheek products for that bright pop of colour.

Let's start with powders. I've had this NYX blush in Pinched longer than I would like to admit but I just love the colour! It's a nice bright pink, with a hint of coral and gold glitter. But don't worry, the glitter doesn't make you look like a glitter ball!

Another, very affordable, option is the Essence Ombre blush in Heatwave. I love this blush because you can go bright pink, orange or somewhere in the middle! You can probably tell from the pictures that I mostly use the middle of this product for a nice wash of colour.

A more expensive blush I love is the Clinique Blush Pop in Peach Pop. This looks quite scary in the pan but when applied it isn't too pigmented (a quality I love in a blush because I only like a light touch of colour) and so the result is a beautiful, sheeny, peach colour. It isn't pink and it isn't orange, this blush is definitely a peachy coral, making it perfect for summer!

With this last powder product I actually went for a bronzer instead of a blush, like all the others. Although you can probably see that haha! This is the L'Oreal Glam Bronzer, which is a great high street bronzer. Unfortunately I can't find this on the Boots website anymore but it is still available on Superdrug. This bronzer has a slight cool tone so can be used for a light contour or to warm up the skin for summer. I tend to like a matte bronzer for contour but I find the slight shimmer in this product works really well in the summer, despite the fact I never tan.

Swatches, left to right: NYX Blush in Pinched, Essence Blush in Heatwave, Clinique Peach Pop, L'Oreal Glam Bronze, Bourjois Aqua Blush in Cocori Corail and Benefit Majorette.

If you are looking for a more light weight option I really recommend the Bourjois Aqua Blush. Here I have the shade Cocori Corail and I love the flush it gives to cheeks without weighing my skin down. These Aqua Blushes are also super long lasting. When blended it out it isn't as orange as it looks, trust me! Another cream blush that isn't as orange on the skin as it looks in the pan is the Benefit Majorette Cream Blush. A much stiffer formula than the Aqua Blush but it blends to almost powder finish which looks natural on the skin.

As you can tell I love peachy toned blushes as the don't just make my skin look even more red than it is! What cheek products do you love for summer?

Harriet x

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Sharing The Love - My Blog Reccomendations

There's no Week Notes post this week because it's been a pretty average work week with no exciting extras. So instead I thought I would share the love to fellow bloggers and tell you all about my favourite blogs!

A Branch of Holly

Holly herself is such a lovely personality, I always see her commenting and tweeting support for others, and her blog is no exception! A Branch Of Holly is all about encouraging you to be motivated and creative whether it is in everyday life, your blog or business! There is something for everyone, even causal bloggers like myself. Reading a post from A Branch Of Holly isn't like reading the same old blogging tips but, instead, is a supportive and motivational experience.

Posts to check out: Take Back Your Mornings, Ten Minute Tasks To Improve Your Blog and What To Do When Things Aren't Going Your Way.

A Girl, Obsessed

Mandy is the only USA-based blogger I'm featuring (as I tend to like those where I can more accessibly find the products mentioned) but her photography is so stunning and I always read every blog post she creates, so I couldn't resist mentioning her! A Girl, Obsessed is a blog that talks about beauty, fashion, lifestyle, blogging and photography which is basically every subject I'm interested in. Again Mandy is a lovely, supportive woman who is always active in the community, especially encouraging others.

Posts to check out: How To Organically Grow Your Blog, Getting Through A Sad Day Alone and 27 Things To Be Happy About.

Dorkface

Now most of us know Jemma as the creator of #TheGirlGang but her blog is also a wonderful addition to the community! Everything about Dorkface is full of life, fun and colourful. If you want a break from the crisp, white and pastel aesthetic you should definitely check out Jemma's blog as it really brings those pops of colour, which you can't help but smile at. Once again Jemma is so supportive and enthusiastic about the blogging community, evident by her creation #TheGirlGang. In fact it was one of Jemma's posts which inspired this post!

Posts to check out: 20 Things I Know About Life, 50 Things To Post On Instagram and Inside My Journal.

Jaye Rockett

Jaye recently merged her beauty blog (Bed In The Kitchen) and lifestyle blog to put it all in one place at jayerockett.com which just makes it easier for me to see all of her lovely posts and gorgeous photography. I'm not kidding when I say the photography is swoon worthy! I love seeing beautiful photography as it really inspires me to improve my own photography skills. I think 'I wish my blog looked like that!'.  So if you are looking for amazing photography and posts about beauty, fashion and lifestyle, Jaye is your girl.

Posts to check out: Being Productive When You Have Nothing To Do, When Things Aren't Going Your Way and Peachy Cheeks.

As I was writing this post I just kept thinking of more and more blogs I wanted to feature; there will definitely be more posts like this in the future!

Which blog posts have you been enjoying lately? Let me know!

Harriet x

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A Boots and Paperchase Haul!

I popped into town on Saturday (as I mentioned in my Week Notes) only to buy a few bits and it got a little bit out of hand....

First let's talk stationery! I went into Paperchase for a small square scrapbook and photo corners for said scrapbook but ended up picking up some more notebooks. I have been on the hunt for some  notebooks with squared pages for a while and I bought some big A4 ones off Amazon but I still wanted some smaller ones really. The amount of times I had been into Paperchase to look and never found them but this time I spotted some! I got a pack of three for £5 and they're just want I wanted.

I also purchased this simple list book which was only £8. I like how simple it is but also perfect for my needs. The separate long list and short lists is a great idea! The little tabs that say 'to do', 'memo', 'note' and 'check' have a sticky strip no the back as well at the short list and long list.

Next let's talk skincare! I had a code for 40% off the Body Shop which was great timing as I wanted to try out the new Vitamin E day lotion with SPF 30 and needed a new night moisturiser. Unfortunatly the Vitamin E SPF 30 day lotion wasn't in the discount because it was new but I bought it anyway, needs must. It will be perfect now the weather is getting warmer and the Vitamin E range really agrees with my skin. The Vitamin E Night Cream, however, was in the discount and so far I love how it feels. I also picked up my usual Simple Eye Balm, from Boots, as I had ran out.

Then I wandered into the make up section of Boots and bought three more Bourjois Rouge Velvets... I know I'm awful! But I mentioned how much I loved them in my Best of Bourjois post and so many of you agreed I had to buy some more shades. Just had to! And then there was a 3 for 2 offer on so of course I had to take advantage and buy three. I bought the shades 07 Nude-ist, 08 Grand Cru and 17 Cool Brown. I had also run out of my favourite setting spray by Maybelline so I picked up another bottle.

Have you made any exciting purchases lately? Link me your haul posts below!

Harriet x

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Bad Neighbours 2 and Pub Golf - Week Notes #3 5/6/16

This week hasn't been very busy, as it has been half term, so I've just been taking it slow and trying to tick lots of things off my to do list! However it did get a bit more interesting towards the end of the week...

On Wednesday it was the first of June which means Treat Box time! This months was a baking themed box. I really enjoyed eating the biscuit, look at its pink glitter blush! A little bit disappointed with the part ring nail file, I actually thought it was going to be sticky notes. Some of these things I will be passing onto friends but I will be getting use out of the chalkboard stickers and adorable little pegs.

On Thursday I went to see Bad Neighbours 2 at the cinema and it was quite good, especially for a sequel! If you are going because Selena Gomez is featured I wouldn't get too excited because she only appears briefly twice however Chloe Grace Moritz was on top form, I love her! The film was very funny and there is a feminist theme running through, as the plot focuses around some girls creating a sorority that is equal to fraternities when they are told only fraternities are allowed to throw parties. At some point it came off a little bit like they were making fun of feminists but I think the overall message was positive, I'd recommend seeing it if you liked the original Bad Neighbours film.

Then on Saturday I had a lovely, busy day! I went into town with my friend for some lunch and spot of shopping.  We went to a little Italian which I had never been to before but it seemed to be family run, was quite small and cheap. Only £6 for pizza or pasta! I had the Boscailoa, which was penne pasta, fresh mince, onion and garlic, and I asked for it without mushrooms which they didn't mind at all. This was a baked pasta dish which gives it a texture I really enjoy. My friend has the carbonara, of course I tried some and it was the best carbonara I've ever had! We also shared a garlic bread. The food was excellent and lovely, friendly service. I really recommend going if you are in Lincoln.

Then on Saturday night I went to a Pub Golf event because it was another friends birthday! I didn't realise until I got there that there was rules, oops. In each bar/pub we had to have a certain drink and then write down how many gulps we drank it in. The goal was to keep on par (or under? I don't know the rules of golf haha). Straight away I was losing because I had to take a forfeit of five points as I can't do shots! Towards the end of the night most people stopped keeping score, and there might of been some sneaky lying about points, but we did have a winner and it was a brilliant night. We didn't go to any clubs, which was refreshing, and instead had a dance in some of the bars. Of course the night ended with a naughty McDonalds, totally worth it.

How has your week been? Has it been half term where you are? Tried any amazing food? Let me know!

Harriet x

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Best of Bourjois

So I've talked about my favourite Maybelline and L'Oreal products, next up is my favourite products by Bourjois!

First up is the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets which I cannot help but rave about at every turn! You can see my first impressions here, but I truly do love these products. They feel light and comfortable while also being pigmented and long lasting. True to the 'velvet' name they do set to a matte finish. I have the shades 09 Happy Nude Year, which is much more peachy than nude so perfect for Spring, and 12 Breau Brown, a lovely brown nude suitable for daytime and nighttime. I definitely need to try some more shades of these!

Another lip product I love by Bourjois is the Colour Boost Crayons, pictured here in the shades Red Island and Plum Russian. I also mentioned these in my Summer lip product post because the formula is really pigmented without being dehydrating and also very comfortable. Unlike the Rouge Edition Velvets these are not matte, instead provide a satin, slightly shiny finish. However I love them just as much because they really pack a punch and don't require as much concentration to apply!

Next is a eyeliner I've loved for a long time: the Smoky Effect Pencil in Ultra Black. This is one pencil eyeliner that barely smudges on me; a huge issue I have with liquid and pencil liner, unfortunately. But even when smoked out, using the super soft brush provided, this pencil barely moves on my droopy eyes! I really recommend checking these out if you're in the market for a new pencil liner and they come in a range of shades.

Lastly, a long time favourite bronzer for is the Bronzer Delice de Soleil in Fair/Medium. Although many people rave about the chocolate bronzer by Bourjois I've always found them lacking in pigmentation. However the Delice de Soleil is pigmented but not so much that it doesn't suit fair skin. In the pain you can see some flecks of glitter  but I find these don't transfer onto the face when applied. I often use this as my everyday bronzer for work.

What products do you love by Bourjois? Tell me in the comments so I can give them a try!

Harriet x

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Looots of Food! - Week Notes #2 (28/5/16)

This week was a very busy, exciting one! I ate sooo much food so actually did some exercise (I know, shocking). I went out for three meals, all of which were pretty great. So, lets talk food.

The start of the week was extremely warm, I really felt like Summer was coming. Which explains my super bright and airy dress in the left picture, which I wore on Monday evening, and why it's so different to my outfit in the right picture! The green dress on the left is from Forever 21, but it comes without anything under the lacing; the white bandou is an old one from New Look I think. On the right I'm wearing a black and white pinafore from Red Herring as it was a dreary, rainy day and a more casual event.

So on Monday night I went to Huckleberry's Bar and Grill. This was exciting because we have been trying to get a table for aaaages. I recommend booking at least a week in advantages and aiming to visit on a weekday because it's less busy. I had the Boss Hog burger which was a beef burger, pulled pork, BBQ sauce, Monterey jack cheese and salad in a brioche bun. It came with regular fries and I paid extra for apple slaw, which was refreshing and went well with the pork. I also ordered a side of Dirty Mac n Cheese, which had bacon and onions in it, but I barely touched it so they offered to put it in a box for me to take home (and I then had for lunch the next day!). The food was incredible and the service was outstanding, so friendly and fun as well as polite! I would definitely encourage you to go to Huckleberry's to try it out for yourself.

So I didn't take any pictures when I went for a meal on Wednesday evening as it was more of a family event. We went to the Bluebell Inn where the food was lovely. I had the deep fried brie to start, which was my favourite course, and then hunters chicken as a main. The portions were much bigger than expected and I no where near finished my chicken, however I still had room in my dessert stomach for mint areo cheesecake which was also amazing. The atmosphere in the Bluebell Inn was very friendly and comfortable. If you are passionate about history, the war or aviation I highly recommend giving it a visit. even if it is just for drinks, because all the rooms are filled with interesting memorabilia. There's even signatures on the wall from many current pilots and those who fought in the wars.


And in the final section of this very food related Week Notes: on Saturday I went to Wagamamas with some friends! I had my favourite dish which is the chilli chicken ramen, which I always finds tastes better at the Lincoln Wagamamas. It was a lovely sunny day so we also pottered about town and had a few cocktails resulting in a very lovely start to the bank holiday!

What have you been up to this week? Tried any nice food?

Harriet x

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