A beauty, health and lifestyle blog.

Friday, 7 February 2014

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Her



Yankee Candle 
(20% Fresh Cut Roses by Yankee Candle is currently being donated to Breast Cancer Care which is a great cause).

This is the second post in my Valentine's gifts for Him and Her. Compiling a list of gifts for a man was quite difficult, but this list was super easy! I would love any of these gifts myself ;). Again I tried to think of presents that varied in price and type so there's something for everyone. However there seems to be a theme of red and pink, only a couple of those were intentional!
Since my boyfriend and I aren't buying each other gifts this year, I may have treated myself to the Hey Girl journal - I couldn't resist! There were so many lovely gifts on ASOS, I could have compiled my whole list of there really.

Are you celebrating Valentine's Day this year? What are you planning?

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Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Him




Leather Journal (fair trade)

Since Valentine's Day is coming up I thought I'd do a couple of posts for what to get Him and Her! Just incase you have a special someone in your life but you're a bit stuck for ideas :).

This first post is for Him. I know when it comes to Valentine's Day it's very difficult when buying for your man because everything is so girly!! Flowers and pink covered chocolates aren't to every mans taste. When compiling this list of gifts I tried to keep different ages and budgets in mind. There's a couple of things I wouldn't mind on there myself *Game of Thrones obsessive*.

Me and my boyfriend aren't actually buying each other anything for Valentine's Day this year as we are both being careful with our pennies. However a nice relaxing night in will be on the cards. I don't see him very often so just seeing him will be good enough! 

What are you doing this Valentine's Day? Are you celebrating as a single pringle or doing some big romantic gesture for the one you love?


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Sunday, 2 February 2014

Being Happy...


I know this is a bit of a random subject, but it's just something I've felt like writing for a while and I'm feeling philosophical :). This isn't a post on "how to be happy" I'm no expert on that! But I just though I'd write about what I feel about happiness. After all, life is about being happy, right?! 

Being happy, it sounds so simple. But I know for many people it's not. Different things make us happy, whether it's the big things in life, or all the simple, little things that all add up to make our lives what they are. I know when I was younger, in my teenage years, sometimes I just felt I struggled to be happy. I wouldn't go as far as saying I was depressed, but I think you're teenage years are a very confusing time; you're riddled with hormones, you don't really know who you are and you're under a lot of pressure to be and look a certain way. If you're in this position, I think you just have to remember that you're situation is not permanent, things will change and get better and those people who put you down will most likely end up being losers later on in life. Horrible people have very few true friends remember.

As I got older I just seemed to wake up feeling happy more often. I'm not sure what changed to be honest, my confidence has improved a lot and I know that if I want something in life then I just need to go out and get it. I've also learnt not too worry too much, things do have a way of working out. I also do try to believe everything happens for a reason. If your boyfriend breaks up with you, just try to think that he wasn't the one. Obviously you don't just get over someone in a day, but it does help to stay positive. 

There are some things in my life that are big and scary, and could get worse anytime soon, and although sometimes I do get really upset about the situation, I try not to panic and live every day being happy. Even if it just means watching your favourite tv programme at the end of a long hard day, if it's something that you can look forward to and will make you happy, then do it. 

I think self confidence does determine a huge amount of how happy we are, of course along with having a loving and supporting set of family and friends. If you are confident you do feel like you can take anything life throws at you. Confidence is something I'm still working on. It's important to love your family and not take them for granted, as they are truly the only people in your life that you know will stick around. As for friends, I find it's better to have a small group of close friends, rather than a large group of extended friends. I know my friends will always be there for me when I need them, and I can honestly see us still being friends when we are old biddies. 

Appreciate the little things in life. That's where I think happiness lies. Take everything a day at a time and try not to overthink things. It will work out :).  Always have hope, even when things are looking really dark. Get rid of the negative things in your life, if they are bringing you down you don't need them. Whether that be a job or a boyfriend or anything else. Look after your body too, that will give you confidence. Hold your head high, you're just as important as anyone else. Embrace what you have and remind yourself what you're good at and what makes you, you. Be the best version of you, not a poor copy of someone else. Everyone has down days when you just don't want to get out of bed. This is normal and sometimes it's just your body's hormones reaping havoc. Do what makes you happy, even if that means taking a risk, you'll only regret it if you don't. 

Being independent can make you happy, I took a risk when I went to uni, I was terrified but I went out there, completely out of my comfort zone, I used to be terrified of getting the bus alone but I got on the train to the nearest shopping centre and went out there and got myself a job. I felt proud of myself for doing something that scared me.  

I'm sorry if this post was a bit deep for some of you, but I want my blog to be honest and have some depth to it for those who need help. It's also quite a reflective post on my part too, as I think some of the things I've mentioned I've managed to overcome in the last couple of years. I promise my next post will be nice and light ;).

Becca 
xx 

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Friday, 31 January 2014

Simple Bright Eye Makeup Tutorial

Today I thought I'd post a tutorial (my first one I think?!) Recently I've been playing around with Urban Decay's Naked 3 palette. although I don't like it as much as number 2, its sort of pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to try some new looks, and this one is one I have been loving.

I like to call this look The Bright Eye, as it really makes your eyes pop and its nice and so simple and natural looking. I think this would be a go to for me if I was still at school as it's more of a "no makeup, makeup look"! 

Before:
 
After:
What I'm wearing on my face:
Revlon Colorstay Foundation for combination/oily skin in Sand Beige
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NW15
MAC Pressed Blot Powder in Medium
Rimmel London Powder Blush in Winter Glow
Avon Deep Glow Bronzing Powder

Lips: 
Maybelline Colorsensational Lip Liner in Sweet Pink
Nivea Essential Care Lip Salve 

Eyes:
Urban Decay Brow Box in Brown Sugar
Urban Decay Primer Potion
Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, shades used:
Strange, Limit and Nooner
Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Sellout
Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara
Maybelline The Falsies Mascara
Barry M Kohl Pencil in Number 30
I won't go over everything that I did for my face, but I used a light concealer and used quite a lot under my eyes to really brighten them up. I also put some around my nose and any visible blemishes as flawless skin really compliments this look. I should also note I didn't have a nude lipstick on me at the time so I just filled in my lips with a lip liner! I just then went over it with my lip salve for a shiny finish. Simple!

First off give your eyebrows any filling in they need, but don't make them too over the top as this is a simple look, just aim for symmetry. For my eyes I applied Urban Decay's Primer Potion, then patted Strange (which is a matte white/cream colour) all over the lid. I just used the brush that came with the Naked 3 palette as I like this brush. I then went in with Limit (a matte pinky/brown colour) over the outer half of my eyelid. I then just went in with Nooner (a matte light brown colour) in the crease. I also put the colours under my eyes too, starting with the lightest near the corner and blending out to the darkest at the outer edge. I just think this makes my eyes look bigger. To really brighten up my eyes I then used Urban Decay's Sellout in the corner of my eyes. I applied this quite generously. Sellout is great as a highlight as it's really light and shimmery. It was also the closest colour to Bootycall that I could find! (Tip: make sure you blend all the colours well! This is the key to a flawless makeup look. I again just used my Naked 3 brush). 

For my lashes I applied Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara to the top lashes (review here) and to the bottom lashes I applied Maybelline The Falsies Mascara, however you can just apply any mascara that's nearing the end of its life! I then lined my water line with Barry M's Kohl Pencil in number 30. This is a shimmery white colour and really makes your eyes pop.

Hope you've enjoyed reading about this look, it's my current favourite and go to as it's so simple and great for the day time without looking like I've gone through too much effort!




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Monday, 27 January 2014

The Review: Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, a Love/Hate Relationship


 Hello Lovelies, I thought I would do a another review for you today (loving writing them at the moment!) I'm still on the lookout for my perfect mascara and love to read reviews on them myself!

A couple of months ago I purchased Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara. I have used their Lush Lash Growth Serum-Infused Conditioning Mascara which I absolutely loved, but I felt I wanted to try something different from their mascara range, so I just went in and asked the lady behind the counter which was their most popular mascara and she raved about the Big Fatty mascara so I went ahead bought it.

The claim:

"Virtually weightless and buildable to the extreme, Big Fatty Mascara is smudge-proof, flake-proof, and ultralong wearing too! Loaded with all the good stuff to keep your lashes looking luscious (Hemp Seed Oil for moisture, Vitamin E to prevent free radical damage, Jojoba Oil for hydration, and Purisilk SPB for conditioning and curl retention), Big Fatty Mascara enhances lashes inside and out. Packaged in a large black tube, with luxe silver and purple art deco design, this big fatty boasts a fat molded brush completely covered in fine bristles that wrap all the way around the tip."

What I think:

Pros: 

♥ This mascara does glide on very well, it hasn't gone dry at all in the 2 months I've had it, not even around the lid and I think this may be due to the Jojoba oil that it contains.

♥ It does actually curl my lashes, as mine are quite long and straight naturally.

♥ It's easy to build up for a longer, thicker lash effect, however one coat is all you need for an every day look. It's a good mascara if you don't like wearing false eyelashes but you want a striking effect still.

♥ The design of a brush means that it grabs each individual lash and defines each one rather than clumping them together which is a quality I love in a mascara.

♥ There seems to be a lot of product and I think it will take a while to use up. I tend to get through mascaras really quickly, and although I should mention I have used others in the two months I've had it, it is still nowhere near used up.

Cons:

✘ This mascara may be flake-proof as advertised, but it is by no means smudge-proof. I do apply this to my bottom lashes too, which are quite long, but it still smudges all underneath my eyes. And I never rub my eyes! I find myself having to check myself face throughout the day to make sure I have't got a case of panda eyes! 

✘ It takes a while to dry too, because it's so oily I think, so if I glance up when I've just applied it I end up with black marks all over my lids and get into a right mess!

✘ Lastly, and probably the thing I dislike most about this product is that it is literally impossible to get off! I know some people may think of this as a good thing, but literally my Liz Earle cleanser does not even touch it. I then go in with my Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover for lids, lashes and lips, which is really good but still it won't budge! I have to grab my lashes in a cotton pad and pull them which still doesn't get it all off and is really damaging. It actually takes days to come off and I wake up with it all down my face! Not at all ideal. I never even have that much of an issue taking off waterproof mascara!

Urban Decay's Big Fatty mascara retails at £15, which I think is a reasonable price for a more high-end product, and can be purchased at Debenhams here. However I think I do prefer their Lush Lash mascara and if I repurchase this I will definitely do a review.

As I said in the title, definitely a love/hate relationship! I think I may start using a different mascara for my lower lashes, but as for the taking it off drama, does anyone have any tips?! I really don't want to dismiss this product for that reason.

P.S. Watch out for a makeup tutorial I'll be posting soon, it features this mascara if you would like to see it in action! 


Have any of you guys tried this mascara? What did you think? I would love to hear your thoughts!


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Sunday, 26 January 2014

Lyn Harris La Rose Review


Happy Sunday everyone! Not so happy for me, spending it writing a presentation. My favourite thing ever. Anyway I have another review for you today! :)

So for those of you who know me well, you'll know that I have a growing candle obsession. My friends and family were aware of this, so for Christmas and my Birthday I received a lot of candles, yay!

I was given La Rose by Lyn Harris for my Birthday. I had never heard of the brand personally, but I did a little research and found out that the brand is sold by M&S.

The candle has a really good burn time. I've lit it quite a lot now and it has hardly gone down! The fragrance on the other hand is a bit of a difficult one for me. It really is very floral, and does smell like roses, however its very strong and I can't burn it for more than an hour in my small bedroom without it becoming a bit overpowering. However I have found this with a lot of candles that I like the smell of, especially sweet ones; too much of a good thing?!

Although the smell does get a bit overpowering, I never want to blow it out because it looks so pretty! It looks so classy with white candle and black writing on the glass, and it just lets off such a nice glow, much nicer than some of my others.

If you're wanting to purchase this candle, its actually half price at the moment on the M&S website for just £7.50. There's also a La Rose fragrance if you want to smell like roses too!

P.S. I took these photos with my new camera, I'm in love!!

What's your favourite candle? Any I should try?
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Saturday, 25 January 2014

Casetagram Review


Not the most conventional of beauty posts today, but our phones have to look beautiful too right?!

Why Casetagram?

I heard about Casetagram through a few different blogs, and decided to visit their website. What I found was completely unique and special designs unlike anything you can find on Amazon or Ebay, which is where I usually buy all my phone cases! They were so beautiful that I felt I had to splash out seeing as I knew I was getting a new phone!

How it works:

Most designs cost $39.95 (£24.33 for you UK readers if that makes you feel any better!) however there is some variation on this price on some cases I do believe?

Casetagram caters for a range of different phones: iPhone 5S / 5C / 5, iPhone 4S / 4, iPad Mini, iPad 4 / 3, iPad 2, iPod Touch 5, iPod Touch 4, Galaxy S III, Galaxy S II, Galaxy Note II, Galaxy Note, HTC One .

You can choose from different plastic case designs, such as the Classic Snap (which I went for) or a more protective Bezel Bold which encases the phone more fully but I thought this looked a bit heavy.

You can choose to either design your own case (how cool is that?!) which could be virtually anything, most use Instagram photos, (see the play on words with Casetagram?) However you can use anything you like really, you could even do a drawing, take a picture and use that for a totally unique case! But you can also just pick one that someone else has designed from their collection gallery, which I chose for my first case.





I literally spent hours choosing my case, I wanted the perfect one for me because I thought this was a lot of money to spend on a phone case! I went for the blue sparkly design, as I thought it was so pretty and reminded me of winter, but it wasn't too girly.

I ordered this and was happily waiting for it to arrive (which can take a while, 10-20 days and may vary depending on where you live) and I completely forgot I'd actually entered a competition on Kerry's blog OhSoAmelia before I ordered the case. Of course I didn't think I'd win, but a few days after I ordered mine I got an email saying I'd actually won a case of my choice! So thanks for that Kerry and make sure you check out her blog!






This time I decided to design my own case. I just picked some of my favourite photos from this year, with a winter theme in mind, and threw them together on a design I liked! It gives you some ready made templates to place the pictures in. I recommend having a play around on it just to see how it works.

The phone cases took a couple of weeks to come as they were dispatched from outside of the UK, but once they arrived they were wrapped up lovely (I'm regretting not taking a picture of that now!) and I was all excited opening them. The finishing is actually really matte rather than shiny which I wasn't expecting, but I love it! They feel really sturdy and like they would last a while too. I sent my friends a picture of the montage case and they all replied saying they loved it so I think it's a hit!

Oh and before I forget it's free delivery for them too!

I would definitely recommend getting a case from Casetagram if you want something different. I've left a link here if you'd like to have a browse.


Have you got a Casetagram case? If so what do you think?
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