Life At University: Freshers Week

Last week I began my adventure of becoming a primary school teacher by heading off to university! It is a BIG step in anyone's life when  you move away from home and spend your next three years living on a 'student budget'. But I am excited for this adventure, it will be filled with emotions but that's all part of the process and I can't wait to graduate and then become a actual teacher. 

CREDIT

Over the next three years I also hope to keep this blog going, as beauty has become a big love of mine and I want to carry on blogging for as long as I can because I really enjoy it. Sometimes there will be weeks without any posts going up because life will get in the way, but I am hoping that I can find the right balance and schedule up blog posts for the weeks I know will be hell. 

Last week I had 'Freshers Week' the first week at university where you start to settle in. It took me three days to be finally happy with my room, shuffling things around and moving things from one area to the another area. As I want it to be as cosy as possible. Freshers for me hasn't been like you would typically class freshers as. I haven't gone out 11pm every night and got drunk out of my head because a) i don't drink and b) that's not me. And I decided very early on in the week that I wasn't going to change for anyone just because I was at uni doesn't mean the rules I have lived by get thrown out the window. I have questioned myself as to whether or not I should have gone, but would I have been comfortable? Probably not. Instead I have been spending the nights watching TV & Films. Ringing home to see if they miss me and in my opinion the most important - sleeping. 

In this first week I have already learnt a lot of things on the academic side of things such as how much work I will have to keep on top of as well as the life sides of things. Doing your washing is very complicated and shopping for food without getting distracted by makeup is a hard task. Every so often I hope to document my time at university to share with anyone else who is going through or will be about to go through the same thing. 

If you are nervous about starting something new whether it be university or even a job, just remember that everyone else you are surrounded by is too. They may not show it or say it but deep down they are absolutely petrified. The nerves give you power to push yourself and also the most daunting thing making friends seems like a simple task once you give yourself a boost. 

I would love to know your experiences with University and how you overcame any problems?! 

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Flexitol Moisturising Foot Cream & Heel Magic Review

Feet. What a weird thing they are, but things that in the winter are sometimes overlooked just by putting a sock on or your slippers on. I was recently asked to try out some Flexitol Products to see how they worked on me and most importantly if they can help you in the cold winter months. 

Flexitol Moisturisng Foot Cream* - 85g £4.99

I love foot creams, espcically at night time right before I got to sleep. It means that I can wake up the next day and my feet are feeling soft and also smell amazing! The foot cream from Flexitol reminds me of the hotel I stayed in when I went to Mauritius, bizzare. Overall the cream is exactly what it says on the packet 'moisturising' upon application it feels like its already working and sinks in to the skin. There is also no oily texture afterwards making it ideal to use on your hands as well if you really must. The smallest amount of cream goes a really long way and just by applying this every other night to my feet I have seen a massive difference to the dry skin near my toes. 

Flexitol Hell Magic* 70g £5.99

Now for the star the show! This is the Heel Magic a treatment for those of us who have dry skin or cracked heels. The 'stick' is made up of shea butter and olive oil making it the perfect combination for your dry skin that is sometimes hard to really get rid of. You take the lid off then twist the bottle up, then apply on the areas that are affected. It has been designed for daily usage and I have been doing just that and can see the difference slowly, 

Both of these feet products have become part of my night routine and whilst at university I have forgotten to bring my slippers with me so my feet are freezing most of the time but these have been helping me a great deal!

What are your favourite foot creams? I feel like I need to try some more! 

*PR SAMPLES

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Nanokeratin System Invigorating Shampoo & Hydrating Conditioner

I love trying out new shampoos and conditioners, especially ones that are meant to be used together as part of a brand/range. For my last few washes I have been using the Nanokeratin System  Invigorating Shampoo and Hydrating Condition* and as a duo they have made my hair irresistible. 

REVIVE Invigorating Shampoo - Each of the Revive Products are specially formulated to target different hair types and mine is best described as 'natural/virgin' as there has nothing been done to it not even hair dye. I like to look after it and keep the natural black colour that I am very lucky to have. The shampoo lathers up really well and even this small sample was more than enough for my thick hair, so I can only imagine how long a full sized bottle would last me. I love the smell of this shampoo its fresh and very awakening for the morning. 

REVIVE Hydrating Conditioner -  I never have been a fan on conditioner as I always had this thought of it making my hair greasier quicker. But I soon realised that it was the type that was wrong. I need to use hydrating ones, the ones that balances out my hair and gives it deep cleanse. The Revive one restores my hair back to normality after stripping it of everything through shampoo and then leaves it feeling silky and soft. 

Using both of these it made me feel like I was in a hair advert, swish swoosh! 

You can find out more information and view the full range on Nanokeratin 

 

PR SAMPLES

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MAC Mineralize-Skinfinish Soft and Gentle Review

I have this 'imaginary' MAC wishlist, full of all the things that I really want to try out from lipsticks to to the new 9 eye shadow palettes which are perfect for the autumn. For my birthday a few months ago I was very kindly gifted a MAC Voucher and held off spending it until I was absolutely sure exactly what I wanted and then after doing some browsing I purchased the MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft & Gentle. After using it for only a week I am ready to tell you my thoughts and summed up its AMAZING. 

What is Soft & Gentle? Its a mineral powder that has a metallic finish to it and is primarily used for adding a glow to your skin. I have fallen in love with this powder because it adds a gorgeous glow to my skin like no other product. Its a very very finely milled powder that is extremely pigmented meaning you need to pat/dab your brush in. MAC products like blushes ect I am sure will last you forever as you only ever need a little bit and makes you feel better about the £24 price tag. 

MAC describe this wonder highlighter as a 'gilded peach bronze' but to me its more of a champagne bronze and looking at the close up picture you probably agree as well. The colour therefore makes it suitable for all skin tones, as it will adapt to you. 

I use this along with the bronzer to give my face a lift and not make it look flat and it lasts all day even when only using a small amount. I apply it to the tops of my cheekbones, down the centre of my nose and just above my lips to give my skin a nice glow. 

This is by far the best highlighter I have ever used, and am so glad I took the plunge to buy it because I have obsessed! Its safe to say after only a week this is now my HOLY GRAIL and if you want a product that will give you a nice dewy finish without looking oily then you need this. 

PRICE - £24
Available - MAC

 

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2 Seventeen Lip Products You Need To Try!

If you didn't already know then I am a lip product addict, no matter what brand, colour or type I love all things lips. The newest additions to my collection are from Seventeen, a brand I haven't ever really discovered. When I got the opportunity to test some out as part of their amazing Blogger Network I couldn't resist. Both are completely different to one another, but ones that you just need in your (forever) growing collection. 

First up we have a Lip Crayon in a shade that I have no idea of as I can't seem to find it on the packaging at all but nonetheless it is stunning. I would describe this as a 'baby pink but a muted one' in the sense that the crayon sheers it out. Thus giving you a your lips but better look and with a formula that isn't sticky it doesn't apply patchy on to the lips and gives your lips added moisture. The finish of this lipstick is glossy which is very different from any other lip crayon I have tried as they tend to be matte, but the shine in this crayon makes me like it even more as it lasts all day. These lip crayons are one of those budget friendly products that you can have millions of and use them everyday for a quickie and keep them with you on the go. 

Then we have the Stay Pout lipstick in the shade ' Rule Breaker', my new favourite Autumn shade. As the weather gets colder berry toned lips are a must have and look great with any eye look. This range is relatively new to Seventeen and contains added shea butter to give your lips a hydrating feel. I love that all Seventeen products are made to give your lips a added moisturised feel. Rule Breaker is a lovely berry shade with blue undertones making it cooler and suitable for all skin tones. When I applied it, a little bit smudged but then I used a lip brush to get into the annoying bits of my lips and it was all fine. The packaging is very sleek and the lasting power of this lipstick is remarkable, no fading, bleeding or drying out for my entire shift 9-5. 

The Stay Pout lipsticks come in a whole range of colours and when I was browsing the Boots website I now have my eye on Date Night another one for Autumn. 

Both of these lip products are great quality, budget friendly and ones that you need to try.

Have you tried anything from Seventeen? 

Lip Crayon £4.99 Available Exclusively at Boots

Stay Pout Lipstick £4.49 Exclusively at Boots

 

*POST IN COLLABORATION WITH SEVENTEEN*

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Worth The Hype - Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

About two months ago, very blogger and vlogger was shouting out loud about the miracle product that is the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream (what a mouthful in short Complexion Rescue).

The complexion rescue comes in a plastic tube with a squeezy applicator, although I would prefer a small pump - but i'm just fussy. I went with the shade TAN 07 as this was the closet match to my skin, but is still a tad too light for my skin. But with other products on top you can't really tell. 

I can't describe how this 'gel cream' feels, at first I was very worried as it felt like I was applying a watered down foundation on my face. Then after using both my fingers and a sponge to see which method is easier I decided that it isn't at all that bad. The coverage is light and great for when you are on the move however I found that you have to be quick. And I mean really quick, it dries like quick dry paint and then doesn't budge. It reduces redness and helps with evening out my skin tone, but this isn't something I would reach for when I was working/had a long day as it personally isn't enough coverage. 

The most noticeable thing about this gel cream is that it feels fresh and hydrating on the skin, I am able to wear this without having to apply a moisturiser underneath even when my skin is full of dry patches. The bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Creams isn’t at all rich in consistency– but very slippery in feel. It really is a great gel-cream; not cakey and with sheer coverage of SPF30 that leaves the skin with a slight sheen and a tiny hint of a glow. Very different to anything else I own. Is it worth the hype? Kind Of. I love the convenience of the product and the feel of the product. On the other hand I only got it because it was 'cheaper' in Dubai otherwise I would have never purchased it as there are many other products out on the market just like this aka the Bourjois CC Cream. 

I would love to know your thoughts on the Complexion Rescue Cream?! 

Price - £26.00

Available at| Boots Feel Unique Debenhams 

 

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Autumn Is Coming - Nails

Welcome to the first installment of Autumn is Coming, a series where I show you how I am getting ready for the transition into the new season and my favourite picks. Of course I have to kick things off with my nail colour's of the season, and as you can see I am kind of obsessed and all 9 are very similar. The first three are probably the ones I will be going for the most this year as they are by my favourite, the first two are more of your typical purple and then Paprika is a very unusual colour, burnt orange and it is stunning with an all cream outfit!

The next four are 'pedicure colour's' not to dark to make my fee look invisible but also still sticking to the autumnal colour. Uptown is a colour that I have now decided can be worn all year round, and the Ted Baker one (part of a gift set at xmas) looks stunning on the toes as it is all glittery and can be worn alone or on top. 

Finally we have two choices that I adore but maybe won't be using very often and that is because of the colour more than anything. Slip Stream is a bright purple, lovely but maybe not as autumn appropriate as I thought at first and Urban Purple is like the colour of wine and my skin tone like the latter looks washed out when wearing it. 

1. Damsel in a Dress

2. BarryM Speedy Sprint Finish

3. BarryM Gelly Paprika

4.Ted Baker Glitter

5.BarryM Raspberry

6.Nails Inc Gel Uptown

7. Rimmel Ready Aim Paint

8. BarryM Speedy Slip Stream

9. Rimmel UrbanPurple 

What are you go to nail options for a/w? x

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Primark Homeware Haul

Next week it's the big day - the move up north to University! I am very exited, stressed and worried at the same time but I guess that it normal. The one thing that is really getting me excited is my room, I want to make it as homely as possible and for it to be like a home away from home - and what better way than to buy lots of bits from Primark.

This haul doesn't feature anything that is pretty but everything is matching. I have gone for a colour scheme of a muted/dusky pink that isn't so in your face, but also very neutral making it easier for me to use the same things all year round.

The first bits I picked up were bedding sets, and that it what set off the entire theme. The duvet set is grey with butterflies all over it, and with it I got sheets and a pillow case. I also picked up a bath math from Primark, following in the same colour theme. The towel and face towels are super soft and can't wait to use them for the first time. The two things that I am the most excited about are the hanger, a) because they match everything and b) because they are non-slip which are amazing as your clothes actually stay on the hangers.Then we have the laundry hamper which has the prettiest pattern on and a bargain of £3.

There are a lot more things I am getting, all will be shown in the upcoming weeks!

 

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What I've Been Loving - L'Oreal True Match

Anyone else have love hate relationships with their foundations? One base that I have hated for the last few months is the L'Oreal True Match as it was clinging on to dry patches and going 'patchy' throughout the day. Until the other week on a complete whim I decided to repurchase it due to the bottle having a makeover. It is now taller and slimmer with a new pump. This enticed me to try it once again and I have fallen back in love.

The coverage is medium to high as it covers everything, from dark spots to red spots as well as giving a slight dewy finish. It also isn't very thick in consistency and this makes it easier to layer up if needs be. I guessed my shade to be 7.c or Rose Amber and it is a perfect match, even better than the other foundations I own. They have also confirmed that the formula has been updated yet still keeping the medium coverage.

There is just something about this foundation that has got me hooked again, maybe because it is a more of a winter base rather than summer. I can't lie and say that I picked it up because I love it, because I really did hate it for some time, but the new bottle is just marvelous!

It hasn't been updated online, but if you go into Boots, Superdrug & Tesco you will no doubt see the new bottles. 

 

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Manicure Monday - BarryM Speedy Sprint Finish

After my Why I Bloody Love Autumn post, I was in the mood to pain my nails in the most autumnal colour possible. Of course nothing I had already was good enough therefore a shopping trip was in the distance and I picked up this new BarryM Speedy in the shade 'Sprint Finish'. 

BarryM describe it as a 'pomegranate' colour but I would say this colour is a deep berry, burgundy and in the night it looks more like an ox blood colour. Making it perfect for the autumn and a great transition colour.

These new shades to the Speedy range are exclusively available to Superdrug and buy one get one half price!

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GlassesShop.com Review

Summer might just have finished in the UK, but that doesn't stop me from wearing my new sunglasses courtesy of GlassesShop.com. Every time the sun makes an appearance my sunglasses come out and come along with me in my bag, better to be safe than sorry. These particular ones are very new to me, so it is taking some time to adjust to them but I love them and thought I would share with a little bit about them, and where I got them from.

GlassesShop.com is an online American retailer that sells all types of prescription glasses at a low price so that you can look after your eyes the correct way without having to fork out a great deal of money. As a full time glasses wearer I understand the struggle of finding a pair of glass that look nice and also feel comfortable around all areas. That why GlassesShop.com has wide range of specs for you to choose from and you can choose from the expensive ones or the cheap glasses that are just as good quality.   

I adore these sunglasses that I got sent because they are so sleek. The frame is thinner than my usual style but the gold detailing makes them look expensive and very designer. The top corners have a slight cat angle to them that makes my face look less squashed when wearing them. If you are a full time glasses wearer then have you ever thought of purchasing prescription sunglasses? It means that you don't have to struggle with wearing sunglasses that you can't see out of, or even layering them up. 

Don't let the fact that they are an American online shop put you off, they ship to over 45 countries and the parcel comes to you amazingly well packed and in a glasses case so no need to worry about the handling of them.

They currently have a promotion going where you get your First Pair Free which means all new customers can have a pair of free glasses and just pay for shipping! Pretty Awesome Right!

If you fancy buying yourself a new pair of glasses then use GSHOT50 for 50% off on eyeglasses and sunglasses with free lenses (sale frames excluded).

 

*These sunglasses were kindly sent to me by Glasses Shop, all opinions are my own*

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Why I Bloody Love Autumn

It's officially September and in my mind that means it's Autumn/Winter Season! I probably sound like the typical blogger right now because I love the season so damn much, but I genuinely do and here are a few reasons why..

1. Sweater Weather 

I love wearing thick woolly jumpers that you can layer over leggings, a scarf and long/ankle boots. Just thinking about it is making me want to put one on right now, I also love the fact that half my uni wardrobe will be this.

2. Dark Colour's 

Clothing that is dark can be hard to pull off during the summer but towards the end of the year you don't have any excuse! Wearing everything black/grey is perfectly acceptable and the best thing it doesn't even have to match. 

3. Hot Drinks aka Starbucks PSL

Here comes the American inside of me, it's nearly time for the Pumpkin Spice Latte to come back in stores and also a bonus if you don't like coffee try the Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate - divine!

4. Smelly Candles

Long time reader then you should then I love candles and will always buy them (even though my university doesn't allow them). Around this time of year I always repurchase the same ones eg Vanilla Chai and Salted Caramel - for more recommendations have a look at my previous posts.

5. Boots

I briefly mentioned these in 1. but it deserves an entire ramble - BOOTS! Knee Length, Short, Ankle, Leather, Pleather, Suede - all of them. I love buying and wearing them because they go with everything and look so stylish at the same time. Primark always have some great ones as do BHS and now is the best time to get them because they sell out quickly. 

6. Movie Nights

Any excuse to watch a film all year round but during the winter when you don't want to be going out then staying in is the best option. A good old girly film, blankets, popcorn and of course hot chocolate with marshmallows to top it all off. I watch all the same films, Confessions of a Shopaholic, The Notebook. 

7. Leather Jackets

Another fashion favourite this time of year has to be leather jackets, I have a nude one from Primark that is stunning. Looks amazing with leggings and a jumper and they are oh so snug. It takes a while to get used to them again as they can feel sticky at first.

8. Red/Berry Lips

There is going to be a whole post on this very soon but I still had to mention it of course. Dark, berry lips are a staple in my beauty routine - so many options to choose from as well from berry berry to deep reds. I prefer matte formulas as they last longer and look much better, however I hate dry lips. Pain!

9. Smell

This is a weird one to talk about but there must be someone who understands what I mean. The fresh, smell of Autumn is a good one. The crisp leaves and dark nights create like a breezy smell and everywhere I go I can smell it and just admire the area around me. Ooh and the sound of walking on leaves - adore. 

10.  The C Word

Dare I even say it but as soon as September hits I secretly start counting down to Christmas. There I said it. But it is really just around the corner, I am a planning freak so have to get mentally prepared from now - sad I know. 

I have become that obsessed that I just had to create a Pinterest board, which you can find over here and it includes lots of cute photos like the one above and a series of blog posts coming your way very soon!

What do you love about Autumn?

 

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What I've Been Loving - L.A. Girl USA Pro Conceal

I posted my Beauty Crowd haul last week and got such a response about one of the items I had ordered, the infamous L.A Girl USA Pro Conceal. 

There are more than 10 shades of concealer giving you a guarantee that there is a shade just right for you, ordering online can be scary especially with something you will be using on a everyday basis but there is a helpful hint on pinterest if you fancy matching yourself. From this picture I managed to guess my shade 'Medium Biege' and it is the perfect one for under my eyes and blemishes. 

The Packaging

This concealer is like no other I have in my collection, for one it is a squeezy tube which shows you straight up how much you have used, my tube is half empty already oops. The second thing that makes it different to other concealers is that the applicator isn't a dofer it's a brush. When you squeeze the product up it comes into the brush and then you apply it so that it spreads out. 

The Formula

When you put the tiniest little bit of pressure on a little blob appears at the bottom of the brush and this is enough to cover any blemishes on your skin as well as your under eye circles. I prefer this for the dark circles due to it being creamy, long lasting and very high coverage. The image above shows you my horrible dark circles before, the lovely triangle and after - the difference to me is huge. 

Price

BeautyCrowd sell the concealer for an amazing £5 and provide you with all the shades and small swatches. A tiny bit more expensive than my usual Collection one but less expensive than the Maybelline Eraser Eye Concealer, 

L.A Girl USA Pro Conceal - £5.00

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August Favourites

It's August Favorites time!

Garnier Micellar Wipes
 I love the water and thought about trying the wipes for some time, when I picked them up before I went on holiday I didn't have high hopes but they are amazing. Unlike other face wipes they thoroughly clean your makeup and leave your skin feeling nourished at the same time.

E45 Overnight Hand Cream
Anyone else suffer from ugly cuticles? Raise your hand!! Mine are disgusting and nothing seems to be curing them nail product wise then a week ago or so I tried this overnight hand cream at night of course and my life changed. The next morning not only did my hands feel super soft but also my nails were improving. Miracle hand cream!

Rimmel Wild-er-ness
My current go to mani and pedi colour is Wild-er-ness by Rimmel, its the perfect lilac colour that doesn't look awful against my skin colour and it reminds me of summer even if the weather outside is awful.

Bourjois Aqua Blush in Pink Twice
Where do I even start with this blush? The best cream blush I have ever tried (well the only one) it applies so well and after a few seconds it sets onto my skin and is ready for the day ahead. It is much easier to apply this with my fingers, but I think I need a stippling brush to get a more even application and this might stop it from going everywhere.

Ghost Whisper Perfume
This perfume is one that I got gifted back at Christmas time, and have only just opened it to see what it is like. It is very musky with a hint of mandarin in the background that makes it wearable and it lasts on me for a long time too.


Random

Song - Rachel Platten 'fight song'

I heard this song just the other week and by accident in fact and every since I am hooked! The song is really deep and the meaning behind it is about struggle and you can really feel it.

TV - Melissa & Joey

I have previously talked about my love of this programme on here and probably in a favourites post, the last ever season just finished airing in the UK and it was an emotional one but turned out perfect in the end for the whole family.

What have you been loving this month?

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