Exam Survival Guide

Exams are coming! Urgh.

Highlighters, revision guides, timetables, coursework, test papers, sticky notes, flash cards and candidate tags are going to be your worst enemy throughout the next couple of months so I decided to put together a couple of tips, tricks and advice to help you make it through till schools out for summer. 

When I was at school doing my exams, stress was an understatement however sleepless nights and migraines were my new best friends. It can be stressful and worrying when you come to the realisation that you need to prepare for tests and coursework deadlines. But forget all that, I am here to put that smile back on your face and help you out.

1. Splash out on cute Stationary

Get yourself some cute notebooks, diaries and planners to organise your exams and revision time. Planning your revision in between other activities and breaks can help put everything into perspective.

TIP: Use brightly coloured pens, paper and highlighters to categorise subjects and topics.

2. Prioritise Snacks & Beverages

I know the feeling of craving fatty and sugary food, but DON'T give into temptation! Combine something sweet with some brain food. Bananas are a great snack or breakfast component to provide the energy you need from the first bell to the last; try being more creative with your meals and making this an important part of the day during this time.

TIP: Avoid caffeine, even if you need those extra hours before bed, it'll only make it worse.

3. Water, Water, Water

If you don't have a bottle of water on you then you need to find a water source ASAP. Ensuring you're hydrating yourself whenever you can is important for the skin and mind. Computer work and revision can cause huge strain and leads to migraines, keep up with the water and take regular breaks away from all things educational.

TIP: When the warmer weather finally arrives, freeze a bottle of water so it stays cold and refreshing all day.

4. Chuck on your Running Shoes

 Although exercise can be tiring and for most of us, a pain in the arse (literally) it really does help with relieving stress and giving you some loving energy. Head to the gym, take a stroll round your local park, take a friend swimming...regular exercise during exams can boost your mood and provides that little spring in your step when you most need it.

TIP: Update your workout wardrobe by buying a new sports bra to make yourself feel good no matter how much you sweat.

5. Pamper Yourself

Have yourself some pamper time, it's not all about cramming information into one space at one time. Gather together some pampering products and give your skin a break. If you want to go all out, head down to lush and pick yourself your favourite bath bomb.

TIP: Have a warm bath at night and a cool shower in the morning to wake those tired eyes up!

6. Get rid of Distractions

Turning off your phone will help massively when it comes to exams because it will be the number one thing to take your attention away from your revision. I have learnt from experience so turn off the telly, turn off your phone and don't tweet a thing till you have completed that revision period.

TIP: If you can resist the temptation then create a long play list full of your favourite music, plug in those headphones and work, work, work!

So those are my top tips and advice from one girl to another on surviving the toughest months of school. There is no need to freak out and get anxious at the thought of unfolding your exam timetable, follow my tips and Summer will arrive along with those A's.

What do you study?

Morphe Brush Delivery

I love getting new make-up brushes; fresh fibres for a flawless face! I placed an order on http://www.beautybay.com/ and to my surprise, it turned up early this morning which turned my Friday into Fri-yay. I was so impressed with the service I received and it has become my favourite place to buy some of my essential products.

I purchased all the brushes I knew I would use all the time, whether it is an every day look or a dramatic, glamorous full face. These brushes are amazing yet affordable. Once you have them, you will never be able to do your make-up without them! If you are a freelance make-up artist or make-up beginner, I recommend these brushes 100% because they will see you through your career with excellent performance. Oh I just love myself some new brushes in the collection.

690 6 Piece Deluxe Contour Brush Set

Some dense brushes are really handy to have, not only for what they say they should be used for but they can be used with so many liquid products for a gorgeous complexion. So these ones were part of the 'contouring set' alongside their smaller twins which I will talk about in a couple of sentences. The fibres are so soft and although they are very fluffy, they are dense which is perfect for getting sharp contour. They have a white thick plastic handle with a beautiful shiny silver at the end. Personally I love brushes with white tips because you can see what and how much product you have on your brush.

These are the smaller twins of the larger brushes; aren't they cute!? These brushes are to be used for smaller contouring such as the sides of the nose. I think I could see myself using these for highlighting because these are yet again fluffy and dense.

M439 - Deluxe Buffer Brush

Now this is the brush I couldn't wait to get my hands on. After seeing so many YouTube videos and reviews on this brush, I knew I was definitely going to add this to my basket. I can't wait to use this for foundation because I know the outcome is going to be so flawless and smooth. Another thing I can't help but mention is that all these brushes are going to be a dream to wash because the fibres are such good quality...every make-up lovers favourite thing to hear.

 

M504 - Large Pointed Blender Brush

I have needed some blending brushes for quite some time; the fluffier, the better to blend. I can use this one to blend out a dark crease colour and I could imagine this one being perfect for creating cut creases.

M441 - Pro Firm Blending Crease Brush

Another blending brush that will fit in perfectly to the family of my most used eye brushes is the M441; again recommended by the one and only, Patrick Starrr. The fibres on this brush are less dense and longer, therefore will come in really handy for blending out harsh lines. Everyone needs this brush in their kit!

M431 Precision Pencil Crease Brush

This is a very versatile brush, it can be used for the lower lash line, smudging and for a sharp crease line. I am going to love this brush for creating bold features.

The fibres on these eye brushes are super soft and incredible, I know I am going to be using these every time I do my make-up.

Hey, a little heads up...by just getting these brushes I was eligible for free next day delivery ;)

Have you tried Morphe Brushes?

 

MUA Matte Liquid Lipsticks: Review & Swatches

Afternoon all, I hope you have had an amazing Wednesday; It's the middle of the week meaning half way to Friday, of course that's a good enough reason to have an amazing day!

As promised, today's post is going to be all about my best purchase to date, the MUA Matte Liquid Lipsticks.

I purchased the 'Perfect Matte Lips Bundle' which included 8 colours in addition to a small black bag to store them in. I had never tried out any MUA lipsticks before but I wanted to give them a go seeing as I had wanted to get my hands on some matte lip products for quite some time. Let me tell you now, never have I been so impressed with a drugstore product, I became instantly obssessed and couldn't wait to tell you all about them because I knew you would all love them just as much as I do.

The packaging is absolutley gorgeous, with that soft, matte finish (which kinda makes sense now I think about it). I instantly knew that the nude colour was going to be the first one I wanted to try out, I love nude, don't you? Let's love nude together!

The first thing I do when I get new products, is give the actual product a good old sniff. You know when you get a really beautiful lipstick or lipgloss and it smells like the factory it came from? Maybe it's just me, in that case I do not come across as a normal human being...moving swiftly on. Well these had a sweet, candy type smell about them and that was my first 10/10 given to these amazing sticks of heavenly colour.

MUA is sold in Superdrug stores but I purchased the bundle from the original website so if you're interested in getting your hands on these bad boys then click this link http://www.muastore.co.uk/mua-lacquer-bundle trust me, I am doing you a favour!

At £20 for the lot you can't really go wrong. However if there are some colours you know for sure that won't fit into your collection then they are sold individually at £3. 

Let's get onto some swatches to see what the product looks like outside the packaging.

Tranquility is definitley my favourite.

There are so many brands out there who sell matte liquid lipsticks with a much higher price tag such as Jeffree Star, Gerard, Dose of Colors, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Mac...the list is endless. But after trying these liquid lipsticks, I won't be paying anymore for any other liquid lipstick product because these are so amazing and needless to say, outstandingly pigmented.

The application is fairly easy seeing as the wand is small and dense; but even if you do mess up along the way, it's as simple as taking a cotton bud and correcting the mistakes. The consistency is thin but not runny so it's not going to take layers of product to create a lip full of colour. I cannot rate these liquid lipsticks highly enough, they're currently my go to lip products and can be worn day or night to really give the perfect finishing touch to a subtle make-up look.

I recommend any matte lip lover to get a hold of these or even just the shades you see yourself wearing because I can't fault them. Do you like my review? Let me know if you want to see more posts like this more reguarly.

SFX: Eye Love You

Happy Valentines Day my beautiful readers, I hope you have had an amazing day no matter your relationship status.

I knew I wanted to create a Valentines themed SFX look in which I wanted to post on the day itself because it's something different and not everyone would have done something like this; I mean, it's not as pretty as hearts and flowers of course.

Isn't that just awfully attractive!? I really loved creating this and it made me realise how much I love make-up and creative make-up. This was my first look in a good couple of weeks because I needed some new products but doing this has given me a kick up the butt along with all the support I get when sharing my looks; I really do love what I do.

So let me explain this horrifying site. I got my inspiration from the YouTuber and artist Connie Corban; she was the main person I learnt my techniques from and who made me realise what I wanted to do. She is such a talented and beautiful woman so go check her out if that's what you enjoy. This look is not all blood and gore though, I wanted to make this look like I was all prepared for a date and then incorporate that betrayal of trusting a guy with your heart; I wanted to send the message out that girls need to keep their guard up before allowing themselves to possibly get hurt.

If you are at all interested in creating the same or a similar look then here's a product list for ya'll:

Everyday Make-Up:

- Nivea Hydration Primer

- Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Medium)

- Rimmel Wake me Up Concealer (Ivory)

- Rimmel Wake me Up Foundation (Ivory)

- Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (Translucent)

- Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

- MUA Wet Look Liquid Eyeliner

- Prima Lashes #118

- Soap and Glory Black Mascara

- MUA Red Lip Liner

- MUA Matte Liquid Lipstick

- Nyx Contour and Highlight Palette

SFX Make-Up:

- Tissues

- Liquid Latex

- Translucent Powder

- Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer

- Krylon Burn & Injury Wheel

- Krylon Fresh Scab Blood

- Krylon Stage Blood

I got my main products for SFX from Krylon because they were the base to my collection and they were perfect for starting out. I then built my kit up with everyday products and things anyone would have laying round the house. The littlest of things could make a look 10x more successful!

There are so many Valentines themed looks out there but I wanted to combine both sides of make-up. I would really love it if you guys had any suggestions you wanted to share with me and I would definitely be inspired by the ideas you have. 

30 Second, Let Loose Hairstyles

Do you ever have one of those days when your hair is feeling a lil bit shabby and you want to make it look like you've spent some time on it when actually it was no worry at all? Well then you just so happen to be at the right place at the right time. I am one of many people who perfect the make-up and then just shove my hair in a bun which doesn't look great at all so learning new ways to add a little 'oompth' shall we say to your locks really does make a whole lot of difference.

Whether you have a lunch date or a school day to get through, I have come up with some ways to put a little something exciting in your hair without having to manage your time around endless pinning and styling.

1. Half up, Half down 

I love a half up and half down look. Using dry shampoo with this look is so beneficial because it gives you lots of grip and volume to work with. I took two sections from the sides and combed back the middle. I then grabbed a small regular hair tie and tied it up, pulling either side to create a messy ponytail. To take it to the next level, I used my white bow hair band to tie around the ponytail again, I thought this looked kinda cute and I knew my hair wasn't going to move throughout the busy day.

2. Single Side Braid

I don't know about you but I really think braids are making a come back no matter what age you are. For this look I parted my hair in the middle using a tail come and took a small part of hair at the front of one half; the amount of hair depends on how chunky you want the plait to be. I then tightly braided 3/4 of the way down and tied it with a regular tie. This is so simple but adds a little something to your straight hair.

3. Indie Style Plaits

I love this look because it takes the most annoying part of my hair away from my face so I don't end up having to rugby tackle my hair into a bun. Similar to the last; I parted my hair in the middle and took two parts symmetrical to each other on each side. I then plaited both sides (these were a little smaller) and clipped them back in the middle of the back of my head where they both met. If you have baby hairs then say hello to your little friends who make an appearance every time you pull your hair back.

4. Apply & Amplify

Second day hair can be unneeded hassle and we do not need that when we are running on a tight schedule. The only exception with this look is that I had curled my hair the day before and this was the result after sleeping on it all night. I simply took my Tresemme Keratin Smooth Waves Styling Mousse and scrunched it in the bottom of the curls. For those curls that really didn't want to keep their shape, I wrapped them round my finger as if it was a curling wand. To finish I added some Got2be hairspray (which is one of my favourite scents, weird huh?).

When I was back in school I never had time to do my hair so if you're like me and do want to look at least half decent, then I hope this does help you out during those desperate times.

I hope you're having a lovely weekend. Got any styling tips for me? Let me know.

Nude & Neutral

Morning, today I am feeling super productive, maybe because it's that energetic 'Friday Feeling' but as I was planning, I am back with another post. I have a make-up look for you today and although I have spoken about make-up on my blog before I haven't showcased it as a look on myself so I want to share with you this neautral, nude look that would be perfect for a night out or a day time date.

That's me! So before anything, I want to talk about the matte liquid lipstick that I am wearing. It is beautiful to say the least, the formula is creamy to apply and then dries matte. I believe this is in the shade 'Tranquility' by MUA. They were a bargain buy and I have fallen in love with them because they give my lips a fuller, 3 dimensional look and I plan to do a swatch and review post very soon; they're so dreamy! 

Here's the link if you want to check them out: http://www.muastore.co.uk/mua-lacquer-bundle

I absolutley love this look because you can dress it up or you can dress it down depending on where you are going. Let's get one thing straight though, am I the only one who struggles massivley to apply false lashes, I mean, forget these 'hacks' I really need to find a way to apply them with just a click of my finger because we have a love hate kinda relationship right now, anyone with me?

 Let's talk products; I am going to make the list in order of application:

- Nivea Skin Hydration Primer

- Body Shop Eyebrow Kit (Dark)

- Rimmel Brow this Way (Dark Brown)

- Morphe 35W Palette

- Prima Lashes #118

- Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (Black)

- Make-up Revolution Highlighter (Golden Lights)

- Rimmel Wake me Up Foundation (Ivory)

- Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Medium, Fair)

- Rimmel Wake me Up Concealer (Ivory)

- Nyx Contour and Highlight Palette

- Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (Peach Glow)

- Benefit Hoola

- Rimmel Long Lasting lip liner (Spice)

- MUA Liquid Lipstick (Tranquility)

I have a couple of techniques that I like to use to achieve that sharp winged looked, whether it is a straight wing shape or curved.

1. Place some masking tape, plaster or any type of sticky shield on the outer corner of the eye. The length and width of the wing depends on what angle you place the shield. Remove once eye products are applied.

2. Apply your eyeshadow like normal, extending it at the end. Although this looks messy, you can take a cotton bud and face toner, water etc to remove unwanted shadow. By moving the cotton bud in a diagnonal straight line, you can get the same desired look.

So there you have it, one of many 'Nude' looks that I loved creating. Do you have any new techniques or make-up hacks that will help me out? Let me know.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Best Friend Gift Giving

Hey lovelies, so im sure you all know that Valentines is just around the corner; for some it is the most beautiful day full of roses and love whereas for others, it's about spending the day with your best girl friends with a ton of ice-cream and hours spent watching girly chick flicks. However you choose to spend it, there are always things to do and ways you can celebrate whether you're a single pringle, in a blossoming relationship or in a childhood sweatheart marraige.

I thought I would start spreading the word of love by sharing with you some ideas for the best friend in your life. You love your best friend right? then let them know with some of the gift ideas I have come up with. Because I am so thoughtful, I have organised my ideas into catorgories so if you are sticking to a specific budget this year then you can browse the price range you have in mind, although personally, it's always the thought that counts, pricetag or not!

£0 - £5

Girly Sleepover - Free (Except the snacks of course)

Claires: Pink Heart Pom Pom Keyring - £5.00

Superdrug: Zoella Blistful Mistful Solid Fragrance - £5.00

Lush: Lover Lamp Bath Bomb - £3.95

£10 - 15

Lush: Two Hearts Gift Box -£13.95

Topshop: Unicron iPhone Case - £12.00

Paperchase: Patchwork Heart Scrapbook - £12.00

Paperchase: White Metal Heart Photo Frame - £10.00

£20 - £30

Victorias Secret PINK: Tote Bag - £22.02

HSamuel: Silver Heart Pendant Necklace - £22.49

Spectrum: Eye Brushes - £29.99

Lush: Lots of Love Gift Box - £27.95

So these are just a few ideas I think would make really cute gifts for your best friend or even your girl friend. I tried to include a variety of things but it really comes down to what the person loves, I mean if she doesnt have a bath then the likely hood of her using bath products is not so likely at all but no matter the budget, there are so many places and online stores selling anything from cards to spa days so being stuck for ideas really is no excuse.

I hope I have helped you out with some last minute shopping and I'll be back soon with another pink and red themed post, as in Valentines? Never mind!

What gifts have you brought? What are your plans for the weekend? Let me know!

A day in the life of: Victoria Secret Visit

What a week it's been; nevertheless I am back with something different. So you've heard of Victorias Secret right? If you haven't then you are most likely living under a rock. Well anyway, a Victorias Secret came within distance to where I live. I had never been happier so with this in mind, my boyfriend and I ventured out on a little shopping trip!

 

Surprisingly we turned up early at the station so we wandered down the lane to grab some beverages from Costa (Peach Iced Tea and White Hot Chocolate to be exact). Taking the train is always interesting when you have no idea when to get off and which platform to wait on, but we made it. No journey is successful without a couple of selfies...

 

I knew the first place I wanted to go was to Victorias Secret so we asked around at information points so we were the first couple of people there. A good walk later, we had made it...

 

Seriously though, how pretty is that god damn store. I was in love with absolutley everything, Louie (My boyfriend) admitted that he'd never seen such a girly store that had my name written all over it. I think that might be because I had been talking about it for weeks and probably driving him insane. The store had the perfect perfume scent due to the fact people would spray numerous amounts of body mist trying to find one they liked; I did this quite a few times. I was overwhelmed with the georgous garments and the beautiful clothing they had on display, I was literally in my element.

We spent an hour in the store; yes thats a long time but when the boyfriend doesn't complain about it, you know it's ok. I mean, it would be near impossible just to have a 'brief' look.

 

I am sure I will do a haul soon but for now, admire the pretty bags...my favourite colour of course! Since the visit, I have made it my aim in life to become a VSA (Victoria Secret Angel) a girl can only dream right?

 

A handful of shops and hearty food later, we were ready to call it a day. You know that feeling of accomplishment you get when you've found everything you wanted? that's exactly how I felt and more! Oh, it was also the first time I had to run for the train, yes, run with all these bags and my hair flying in all directions. I can definitley say that I loved the entire day and we can't wait for our next visit.

A different post today but let me know if you want me to do more like this. What posts do you want to see more of on my blog?

P.S I hope you've had an amazing weekend!