Tuesday 27 August 2019

Review: No7 Maple Glow Palette

Hey lovelies!

So if you know me at all, you know that I love a good deal and thankfully Boots UK are always on hand with the best deals especially when it comes to No7 products. This post may not be sponsored, although I wouldn't be mad about it if it was haha, but with my new Boots Advantage Card I can see myself shopping up a storm - in moderation obviously!

 The deal that I managed to get in on was to purchase two No7 products and get a free No7 Maple Glow Palette which in all honesty is the perfect palette for pre-Autumn - it's a thing trust me!


The four eyeshadow shades included in the palette range from a cream, neutral brown, rusty red and a neutral purple. The makeup look that I went for was a minimal smokey eye which definitely gave me enough sultriness to see out the longer nights before they gradually become shorter and let's be honest, a little duller.

 What I was most blown away by though were the two highlighter shades. The best thing is that even in the palette they looked so bright and beautiful, so much so that I instantly knew that with just one swipe, each of the two highlighters would've given me such a radiant glow that would make it look like it was coming from within.


Funnily enough I accidentally managed to get some of the top highlighter on the edge of my brush when I was applying the bronzer and just being able to see the two mixed together made the idea of a shimmer bronzer possible with very minimal work and it was gorgeous.

 I did however experience a bit of fallout from the eyeshadows but they were easily removed with a quick swipe of a powder brush. The pigment was great and went on super easily although I would probably finish applying the crease colours before I applied the lid shade and then go back in to touch up the crease if need be since I found that applying the darker colours such as the rusty red or neutral purple seemed to lack a bit of pigment when layered on top of the lid shade - is this unusual or normal with most eyeshadows in your opinion?


Now I know that I was able to get this palette for free but let's talk about the value for money for a minute. This palette includes four eyeshadows, two highlighters, a bronzer and a blusher - that's a lot for one palette when you think of the fact that those kinds of palettes tend to be a little bigger than this No7 one right here. It truly does what it says on the Boots UK website in that it acts as the perfect on-the-go palette for when you're travelling and need a quick touch up.

This palette can definitely take you from day to night and for those pre-Autumn/early Autumn days, whether you're working or going out for the day or night, you can definitely rely on this product to give you that pop of colour and a great glow when you need it most! I will definitely be putting it to work a few more times and I will update you if anything changes.

Let me know in the comment section down below if you'll be picking yourself up one of these palettes to ease yourself into that early Autumn mood!

XOXO

Products Used:

FACE: MAC Cosmetics Prep + Prime Natural Radiance in Radiant Pink // MAC Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid in NC15 // Maybelline Fit Me! Concealer in Fair 10 // Maybelling Fit Me! Matte & Poreless Pressed Powder in 120 Classic Ivory. 
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Tuesday 20 August 2019

Norfolk Broads: A Mini Photo Display of Pretty Pictures
Never seen something so perfect, have you?
Hey lovelies!

You know I didn't know that I could be so relaxed. I didn't know that I would love driving a boat around the broads for an hour and a half straight. I didn't know that the simple life with plenty of peace and quiet is what I craved. I also didn't know that for the second time, I would enjoy going on holiday somewhere that wasn't abroad.

I loved practically every second of my holiday and maybe when you're working full time this is what happens - you end up cherishing the moments you aren't rushing around trying to get loads of things done within a short period of time and you value the quiet times with loved ones, even when you're having a simple relaxing time with your family at home.

I returned from my holiday just over a week ago and having spent the last week with family, I am truly envious of all those still or yet to go on their holidays! Summer can be one of the best times of the year and without a break it feels as though you've been robbed of the chance to create so many wonderful and beautiful memories as I did over the last two weeks.

The Norfolk Broads trip was so lovely and every aspect of it was beautiful! Having the chance to sit by the water, watch the river flow and let life slow down a little bit was exactly what I needed for the first week of my holiday. That being said, a trip to the Norfolk Broads is not a success if you don't visit Cromer to have a mini golf tournament (and lose), spend a few pennies (responsibly) at the amusements and sit on the beach for a little while for a much needed breath of sea air.

 I've never been one to opt for a holiday in England as I usually like to leave the country for a complete change of scenery but this year, I couldn't help but enjoy our little home away from home, even if I hadn't left the English borders haha!

 I hope that you love these photos as much as I loved snapping away taking them. If they do manage to convince you to book a Norfolk Broads getaway for the weekend, be sure to hire a day boat as there is no better way to see the broads than on the river, trust me you won't regret it!

 Also if you love a bit of adventure and love being on the water, canoeing and kayaking are a must-do activity for any individual, couple or family who want some quiet time, bonding time or let's face it, since you're in close proximity to one another in a canoe (possibly for the first time)...some arguing time hahaha! Let me know which you choose and have a wonderful time! 

XOXO

P.S. Check out my Instagram for more photos from my trip!

Perfect after dinner view!
Tree reflections
Cromer Putting Green (I lost)!
Putting green or uphill mini golf battle?
Little hobbit steps
Flower beds at the putting green
Flowers so perfect
Chocolate ice cream from the ice cream boat on the river - just moor up and grab yourself a well deserved treat!
Near Lathams...
Take me back!
Super peaceful!
Boat views for days!
Making ripples
The sun makes the water look even more beautiful!
Dreamy...
What a view!
I could've been in Brighton for all I knew haha!
I really wanted to go for a swim!
Just like the Greek sea
Five shades of blue for a holiday by the water
When I discovered 'Night' mode on my phone
Moon on the river
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Tuesday 13 August 2019

Sunrise To The Extreme | Orange Eyeshadow Look
Makeup: Elena Pylarinos MUA
Hey lovelies!

The beauty in a sunrise is to know that a new day is starting and you can begin again. The colours are beautiful and they light up the sky in shades of yellows, oranges and reds; who knew there could be so many?

Elena Pylarinos MUA is a true artist to say the least and having mastered the art of bold colour play, I knew that I was in good hands for her to create her own interpretation of a similar look that she had found online. Honestly I often wonder how makeup artists have the ability to turn any face into an even more radiant version of itself but somehow they succeed!

This sunrise eyeshadow look was everything I could've asked for and more! The colours seamlessly blended together and gave the orange fiery shades a chance to give off a powerful look without me really needing to try - I'm not going to complain about that!

If you're sitting there thinking that you couldn't possibly pull this off (I have seen comments like this before), please know that you can pull anything off and all you need to do is just find the right shades for you. You can still achieve the same look without having to use the same products or the exact same shades as have been shown here. Make it your own!

Be sure to leave a comment letting me know if you'll be recreating this look, maybe for a late Summer evening party or as part of some experimentation with bold colour play. I'd love to hear your thoughts!

XOXO




Products Used:
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Friday 9 August 2019

Summer Playlist 2019

Hey lovelies!

Having songs for the summer is essential and seeing as I'm a music lover through and through, I thought that it would be awesome for me to bring you 25 of my favourite songs that I've been listening to as of late!

It would seem that I have really been loving my Spanish songs, a few dance ones too, and obviously some with a few tropical vibes here and there...hint: Jonas Brothers; you can't go wrong!

If you have a listen to some of the music towards the end of the playlist, you'll notice that the songs are seemingly more chill and relaxing and perfectly describe that end of Summer, nostalgic emotion we all feel looking back on what can often be the greatest part of our year!

Take a look and let's see if you agree:

1. La Flaca - Santana featuring Juanes
2. Find U Again - Mark Ronson featuring Camila Cabello
3. Mad Love - Mabel
4. Stay (Don't Go Away) - David Guetta featuring Raye
5. All Day and Night - Jax Jones, Martin Solveig & Madison Beer
6. South Side - Thomas Rhett
7. Senorita - Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello
8. Megatron - Nicki Minaj
9. Only Human - Jonas Brothers
10. Old Town Road - Lil Nas X & Billy Ray Cyrus
11. Inside Out - Britney Spears
12. Bow Down (Homecoming Live) - Beyonce
13. Easier - 5 Seconds of Summer
14. Started - Iggy Azalea
15. SOS - Avicii featuring Aloe Blacc
16. King is Born - Aloe Blacc
17. Nevermind - Dennis Lloyd
18. I Won't Give Up - Jana Kramer
19. Position to Win - Migos
20. Into The Night - Santana featuring Chad Kroeger
21. Vossi Bop - Stormzy
22. Body to Body - Lilly Ahlberg
23. Ricochet - Oomiee
24. If You Let Go (Chez Remix) - LEL featuring Chaeli
25. La Di Da - Lennon Stella

Let me know if you've listened to any of the songs above or better yet, tell me if you've now found a new favourite that you'll be blasting for the rest of the Summer! I love hearing recommendations too so let's get chatting in the comment section down below!

XOXO
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Tuesday 6 August 2019

Where Have I Been?

Hey lovelies!

You know what, I just needed a break. Admittedly it was an unintentional break but I had to figure my life out and things were changing for me after what I would describe as a very rough period of my life. I felt like I was drowning in "problems" and for a long time too; I was getting restless with all the negativity I faced.

This is no pity story, this is just my truth and not in a YouTube drama kind of way. Without getting into too much detail, the last year of my life consisted of too much time I would say...too much time to think and even more time to overthink and truthfully, too much time without something that made me feel as if I had a purpose.


This July marked 1 year since I graduated from university and I actually felt accomplished in a way. For too long I had "stood still" to the point where things just felt stale. I was going nowhere, I had no ventures that made me feel super passionate, nothing that made me feel that I was worthy of doing it and that I would succeed. I would be jealous of other people's achievements and I looked bitter. I wanted something of my own, something that others around me had that gave them happiness and a purpose.

Don't get me wrong, I had so much support whilst I was going through this period of time, even though I may not have entirely deserved it and even though I was proud of others deep down, on the surface my aura was just...nope I want that for myself - how could I be like that, seriously? The phrases: "something will come along" and "you'll have your time" were circulated around me like wild fire and I got it. I understood it and I guess I believed it but I was so over the waiting game. I became so fragile to the point where I couldn't help but breakdown.


I am so lucky to have had people around me that loved me so much that they wouldn't give up on me even though it would've been so easy to, trust me! I am so grateful to be in a better place now and I might not be "fixed" but I am able to give more to others and have it come from a place that is more loving and real. I could apologise time and time again and I have but right now, I'm letting my actions speak for themselves and at this stage in my life they need to more than ever.

So long story short, the change in my life that took place through full time work and thereby having less time to overthink my brain and body into a negative place has led me to take an accidental yet crucial break from blogging and the world of social media, minus an Instagram/Twitter post here and there.


You may have missed me or you may not have noticed that I was gone but I am making my return however unstable and stressful it may seem at first. Stay tuned for the series that was inspired by this concept of needing a purpose and one of my new year goals...Blogging With A Purpose.

XOXO

P.S. Feel free to let me know in the comment section down below if you have ever gone through anything like this. I want to hear your stories and your thoughts so let's chat!
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