Real Techniques Blush Brush

It took me a while before I bought into the Real Techniques brushes hype, but I started with the Stippling Brush  and since then I couldn't go back to another brand. One of my favourites is the Blush Brush, which I think is one of the larger brushes.

It's shaped like a large tapered egg shape which makes it great for applying blush. I tend to make a sort of 'fish face' and then apply my blush to the apples of my cheeks, the the shape of this brush is just perfect to do so. I also thought that due to the brush shape it's the right size to apply brozer and contour. I've also heard it's good for highlighter, but I've not tried that out yet. Since using this brush there's no way I could go back to using my old scratchy blush brush. 

My love for these brushes is growing. Their so light weight, and I really like the shapes of the handles, especially as they can stand up. (It also helps that it's pink, but that's just the girly girl inside of me). Their so soft to use, and even after washing they keep their shape. No matter how many times I've used them and washed them there is no signs of shedding, and trust me I've used it ALOT. The blush brush is £9.99 which may seem slightly much for a make up brush, but I've had mine six months now, using it pretty much everyday and there are no signs of wear. I really think Real Techniques are worth their price tag. I've already started eyeing up the rest of the Real Techniques collection, I feel a splurge coming along...

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NOTD Barry M Cappucino

When it comes to nails I'm a lover of all things neutral. Greys, browns, nudes, you name it I have it. There was once upon a time I used to paint my nails every colour under the sun, but as I've 'grown up' in my nail varnish tastes I've found myself switching to neutral colours because 'it goes with everything'. Although I must admit my neutral collection is probably getting a bit much, and a lot of my shades are blurring into one. As my uni housemate once pointed out I had 5 of the same shade of beige...

One neutral colour that I've been loving recently is Barry M's Cappucino. To me it doesn't really resemble the fancy coffee choice, but it is a lovely grey/brown colour that can look slightly dark purply in some lights. This is one of those shades I always end up coming back to, it's the perfect shade for neutral lovers. 

I'm determined now that it's starting to brighten up outside (fingers crossed) I might start branching out into coloured nail varnish. Who knows..

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John Lewis Wishlist

I know home furnishings aren't the usual theme of my blog but I've been looking into furniture recently. I've currently moved back home after 3 years of university and my bedroom that once was decorated when I was 14 no longer feels like mine. Now that I'm about to turn 22 (tomorrow!) I want a more grown up bedroom. Somewhere that I've been looking at for new bedroom inspiration is John Lewis, and I've put together bit of a wish list for it. 

1. John Lewis Limbo Ceiling Light, Chrome, 3 Arm £50

John Lewis have a range of beautiful ceiling lights, but this one especially caught my eye as I thought it looked a little different than usual, especially with all of the pretty twiddly bits. I think it would be the perfect understated feature to a room.

2. Timeless Cushion Collection £25

I'm an absolute cushion addict. I don't think any bedroom is complete without mountains of cushions taking over the bed, although my boyfriend disagrees. They may be a pain to take on and off the bed every day, but I think they make the room look so pretty in the mean time. 

3. Emma Bridgewater Black Toast Memory Box £15 

I love pretty little storage boxes (although some may argue I have too many). This Emma Bridgewater one instantly caught my eye as the perfect keep sake box. I think it's ideal for keeping post cards and letters in, and it might just have to be an addition to my desk.

4.Cath Kidston Spring Bouquet Duvet Cover £65 

If it hasn't been made obvious for my love of Cath Kidston yet then this duvet set will just remind you. Yes I am a complete girly girl and love all things floral, and so this Cath Kidston duvet set was something I would just have to have for redecorating my room. No girls bedroom is complete without a little Cath Kidston ;).

5.Neom Contentment 3-wick Candle £39.50 
In recent years I've found myself to have gained quite the candle collection. And I've found a popular theme amongst this is strong fresh scents. I've been eyeing up a NEOM 3-wick candle for ages and I think this would be the perfect excuse to buy one. 

6.John Lewis Alice High End Bedstead, Kingsize £399.00 

Of course you can't redecorate a room without new furniture  I've always wanted a pretty 'princess' style bed (I guess that's my girly side coming out), and this one is perfect. I love the frame, especially with all the twirls and patterns going on. 

7. Harlequin Wallpaper, What a Hoot 70515, Pink / Lime £30 

This wallpaper is actually for children, but I've always had some sort of obsession with owls and birds, so I saw this and immediately decided I needed it for a feature wall in my room. 

8. Heart Twin Bell Clock, White £20 

I've always loved clocks, especially ones that make lots of noise and you can hear ticking away. I think every bedroom should have an old fashioned twin bell clock, and this one from John Lewis seems to fit in perfectly with my shabby chic theme.

Looking through the John Lewis Home & Garden section there's so many items I want for my new bedroom, I think I might have to narrow it down...

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Skinetica

Since I was Eleven I've always had troubles with my skin, I used to have terrible acne and my skin is always looking a bit meh. I always thought that one day my skin would grow out of it's 'awkward teenage phase', and although the majority of my acne cleared, I was still left with troublesome skin and the odd break out of spots. 

Now I'm no angel when it comes to skin care. I'd love to say I spend ages on my daily routine looking after my skin properly, but honestly I'm too lazy. I often just use a cleanser, and sometimes, dare I admit it, face wipes. By the time I get home in the evening, spending 20 minutes on skin care is just the last thing on my mind, and in the mornings I'd rather stay in bed. So if I could find a product that can improve my skin with little effort on my part, I'm game. So when I was offered to try Skinetica* I jumped at the chance.

Skinetica is meant to improve the condition of your skin and control your break outs, and I found it really helped me out when I was having bad skin days. All I did was applied it twice a day with a cotton pad as I would a cleanser or toner. It seemed to work quickly for me, and I saw visible improvements after around 2 or 3 days. Although it hasn't cleared up my skin completely (although that's probably due to my lack of a skin care routine..), it has helped me when I'm having a falling out with my skin. 

Skinetica is only £9.99 including P&P from their website, where you can also request a sample if you want to try it out.

* PR Sample

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The End

The past week has been a crazy up and down ride for me. After three long years, I finally finished my degree and handed in my dissertation on Thursday. I can't believe that I managed to write something this long, especially after all the hassles I had with it, but I did!

University has been an up and down ride for me. I went to uni straight after my A levels (all three years of them...) just because I didn't know what else I wanted to do. At college we were always told if we didn't have a degree we would be stuck at some dead end job, which I've since learnt isn't true. University isn't for everyone, and I don't think I was the sort of person meant for it. I hated my last year of uni, and really couldn't wait for it to end, but I'm so glad I managed to stick through with it! 

As well as ending my degree on Thursday, I was offered my dream internship. So from Wednesday I am the new Social Media Community Manger Intern at Brainbow Games! It all happened so quickly, I only applied for the job two weeks ago and already I've packed in my Mcjob, finished my degree, and walked into my dream job. 

Now just to wait for my uni results..

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Avenue 32 Wishlist

Avenue 32 is an online luxury shopping neighbourhood featuring cutting-edge international labels, offering the latest in high fashion, clothing, shoes, and accessories. I've been having a look at their website and found many items I'm lusting over, but sadly can't afford. So here's my Avenue 32 Wishlist -

1. NO. 21 Grey Lace Sweater £175
I love a pretty looking jumper that has a little something special to it. And this grey one has lovely subtle white lace panels in it, which make it a lovely little cute number. 

2. Folk Light Grey Suede Steph Boots £315
Come autumn/winter time you can always find me in a pair of boots. I know it's not really the right time of year, but I just couldn't resist putting a nice pair of boots on my wishlist, and this grey pair would go perfectly with anything.

3. BLK DNM Black Skinny Jeans 4 £150

I always think a good pair of black skinny jeans is a staple item in any wardrobe. I've had a pair in mine for years, and I don't think that will stop anytime soon. 

4. BLK DNM Black Leather Motorcycle Jacket £675
Just like black jeans, everyone needs a leather jacket. I've had one living in my wardrobe for a few years now so I think it's time to look for a new one. And this motorcycle style one has a lovely 'edgy' look to it. 

5. Araks Sea Stripe Linen Cato Top £295
When it comes to tops I don't like anything fancy, or too over the top. So this stripy number is just right for that. Perfect for summer days, or brilliant to layer over in the colder months with a cute cardigan. 

6. L'agence Grey Silk Pleat Belted Dress £445
I'm really loving dresses with collars currently, so this grey silk pleat belted dress just called to me.  I think it's perfect to dress up for a night out, or you could leave it as it is for office wear.

7. Duffy Jewellery Silver Feather Necklace £395
I've always loved a good statement necklace, and this feather necklace is beautiful. It's the perfect thing to wear with a plain top to dress it up. 

8. 3. 1 Phillip Lim Black Floral Mini Pashli Satchel £590
I love florals, and I love satchels so this satchel is perfect for me. I just think their great for an 'everyday smart/casual' type of bag. 

Sadly for now this will have to stay as a wishlist, as my back balance can't justify these. But wow Avenue 32 have some lovely things on offer! 

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Origins Never A Dull Moment Cleanser

Recently my skin has been looking a little 'meh'. It's been looking dull, dry, and I'm getting quite an outbreak of spots. I've never had amazing skin, and it's never seemed to grow out of it's teenage spot phase. But it's been looking even more worse for wear recently. So I decided it was about time that my skin needed a pick me up, and I decided to invest in some new high end skin care. 

I have no idea with what I'm doing when it comes to skin care. I know I need to wash my face, and cleanse, tone and moisturise, but when it comes down to products and ingredients etc, I don't know whats best. So off to Debenhams I went with absolutely no idea what I was looking for. I didn't even have a brand in mind, but found myself at the Origins counter staring blankly at all of the lotions and potions lined up on the shelves. I must have looked lost, and luckily an assitant came over to help me. I told her what was wrong with my skin, and that I had no idea what I was doing, and she was lovely and helped to point me in the right direction of the Origins Never A Dull Moment range. After talking to her I decided I needed the cleanser, and she also gave me a couple of other samples to try.

I've never used anything from Origins before so I wasn't too sure what to expect, and I didn't think I would initially be 'wowed' by a cleanser. Nevertheless I decided to give it a go, and thought that if it's not brilliant, I only spent £17. So I started using this and already after a couple of days I started to see an improvement in my skin. It was already looking brighter and healthier, and felt much smoother. It contains papaya extracts so it smells amazing! The only problem I've found with it is that it doesn't really take off my eye make up well, and when I do use it on my eyes it stings, so I've started using an eye make up remover first. Other than that it's working wonders so far. I haven't seen an improvement to my spots yet, but my skin is feeling cleaner after using this. 

I've now got my eyes on a couple more Origins products...

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