Sheet Mask Review;

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post going to be about the latest skincare craze - sheet masks! Everyone is wearing them, Youtubers and celebrities are calling them the 'holy grail' product, so I thought I'd test it out!

I got mine from high street retailer Superdrug, and it was a complete bargain at £1.29!

There are lots of different types of sheet masks on offer including hydration and purifying (as seen below).

As you guys know, I get terrible breakouts and I'm trying to look after my skin as much as possible. The masks are cold and refreshing, with the purifying one smelling like peppermint! 

I loved the feeling on my face, and the different ingredients made my skin tingle and feel fresh. 

Excuse the scary mask face, they aren't the cutest things to wear - you look a bit like a ghost. 

I liked how clean my skin felt after the 5 minutes but the purifying one made my skin sting a little which is a definite con of these. 

It's also nice to have 5 minutes to relax while you wear your sheet mask - especially after a long day of uni/work/life. 

I'd recommend looking at the recommended skin type shown on the packet, I have very dry skin on my face so the hydration one was more up my street than the purifying one. 

Why don't you guys go buy some, try it out and let me know what you think?

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

Beauty Edit: The Brown Lip;

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is all about my favourite beauty trick at the moment; the brown lip!

Now, I know brown isn't always the colour that people go for when they think of lipsticks especially when we're going into spring.

But this colour is the perfect statement to pair with a white shirt and a really simple eye make up. I also find that my skin tone and hair look amazing with this colour - so this one is a definite must for redheads out there!

Lip Liner:

MAC Morning Coffee is my dream at the moment. This reddy-brown is the perfect liner for this dark lip. Although it's a MAC liner, it's quite moisturising and lasts a while.

Lipstick: 

Now I have two for this...and shock it doesn't include Kylie Jenner's Lip Kit which everyone seems to be obsessing over at the moment.

First one is more expensive and it's MAC Verve lipstick. When I bought Morning Coffee, the artist also applied Verve to my lips and this lipstick made my lips feel moisturised and looked so great with my pale skin and red hair. You can buy this lipstick at MAC online or in store.

My second one is a high street brand that can do no wrong. Rimmel's Kate Moss Nudes collection in shade 48. This rich dark brown is perfect on all skin tones and is so velvety soft that I want to wear all day everyday. You can buy these lipsticks in Superdrug for £5.49 in the UK.

This lipstick to me is definitely a statement part of your make up and I'm a firm believer of  "If you have a lot on your eyes, don't put loads on your lips" so as you can see in the photographs, I've kept my eyes natural so the lips really stand out. 

Don't be afraid to try something new guys!! 

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Blogmas #9: Perfect Scents for Christmas

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is about finding the perfect scent for Christmas, and no that doesn't smelling like cinnamon and gravy!

So I've put together a list of yummy candles, perfumes and anything else that I found that smelt gooooooood.

Enjoy!



1.) Kiss Air Candles - www.kiss-air.com @KissAirCandles

I found this company last month at The Ultimate Christmas Fair and have been wanting to post about them ever since. Kiss Air Candles make soy wax candles in the most beautiful scents, from cocktails (their mojito smells good) to their recent Christmas collection.

They have a huge range of different Christmas smells including Chocolate Orange and my favourite Cranberry and Orange. Each give you a small insight into the Christmas spirit and are good enough to eat!

2.) Jo Malone - Nutmeg & Ginger Cologne

This cologne was in the 'spicy' section of the Jo malone website and i thought that was extremely fitting for the festive season. Jo Malone describes it as 'unexpected and addictive' and man they are right! Go down to your nearest Jo Malone and try it for yourself!

3.) Yankee Candles

Of course Yankee Candles are a staple in most blogs around the world due to their extensive range of lovely smelling candles. They've got a whole load for the Christmas season including one called Christmas Day...I wonder if that one smells like turkey...

4.) Marc Jacobs - Daisy Collection

For me, the Marc Jacobs Daisy perfumes are a must have at Christmas probably because I always get one at Christmas (thanks mum and dad!) I have Daisy and Daisy Dream and I love both of them. There's so many to try that I definitely think there's going to be something for everyone!

5.) Febreze Fall/Holiday Collection

I don't how many of these are available in the UK but some of the Febreze scents for Christmas really are delicious! They include names like Apple Delish and Cranberry cheer, both of which sound yummy, snuggly and will definitely get you in the Christmas spirit!

Blogmas #6: Christmas Wishlist Beauty Edition

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is going to be about all the make up products I have been eyeing over the season.

Of course I will not be getting all of these, but it's always nice to have a little look isn't it?

Anyway, let's take a look at what I love this Christmas!

1.) Charlotte Tilbury Lipsticks - any colour, any kind, just give them all to me.

2.) Charlotte Tilbury Foundation - CT's Magic Foundation is just something else. Stays on really well, beautiful colour, doesn't go cakey. Sadly as a student it's a little out of my price range, so I'll have to continue asking for samples before big events (cheeky devil aren't I?)

3.) Benefit Hoola bronzer - This is an old product but man I love it. The colour is just perfect, not too orange, not too pale and it has incredible staying power. 10/10

4.) Urban Decay Naked Palette - My sister Ellie has one of these and it started my love affair with the Urban Decay pallettes. It's so pretty, and the colours all compliment my eyes and it literally never runs out!

Blogmas #3: Winter Skin Routine

Hello Lovelies!

Day 3 is going to be a beauty post, since I've recently adopted a new skin routine for these harsh winter months and I thought I'd show you what I've been doing!

Step 1: Face Mask

I have recently become obsessed with Superdrug's own brand facemasks. I am currently using the 'Purifying' face mask with witch hazel, which is helping me combat my break outs immensely. I also use ESPA's Pro-Face Cleanser which is a mask with dissolving jojoba beads - amazing!

I try to do a mask 2-3 times a week, sometimes whole face and sometimes just on my affected areas, mainly my chin and forehead. Apply to a make-up free face for better results.

After I've worn the mask for 20 minutes or so I like to wash it off with a clean flannel, warm soapy water and then wash my face again with my lemon daily wash - also from Superdrug.

Step 2: Cleanse

I take a cleansing wipe and wipe under my eyes and all over my face to ensure I haven't missed any any excess make up or face mask.

Then I take my new Clarins Cleanser, apply it to a cotton pad and smooth it all over my face. Cleanser is important for unlocking your pores and getting your skin ready for the day. This one is really good because it purifies my skin and smells like peach!

I will admit that I used to not use cleanser but now, this one is a game-changer and when it runs out, i shall definitely be re-purchasing.

Step 3: Tone

Same as with the cleanser, I take my toner, apply it to a cotton pad and wipe it all over my face. Love toner!

Again, I have only recently just started using toner but I will definitely be purchasing more once I run out!

Step 4: Moisturise

I have very dry skin on my face and it usually gets worse during the cold winter months, so moisturiser is always at hand! I recently got the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and I love it! It makes my skin so soft and a little goes a long way!

For this I just apply it to my fingers and wipe it across my face starting at my nose and wiping outwards. I also apply some to my neck as my neck can get dry too sometimes.

Step 5: Spot treatment

If I have any aggressive spots, I usually cover them with Savlon or toothpaste, as they dry them out and bring down the swelling. I do NOT moisturise my zits as I feel that it only makes them worse.

Step 6: Chapstick

I get very dry chapped lips in the winter, especially when it's windy. I carry chapstick with me at all times and I also invested in a huge tub of Vaseline which I cover my lips in before I go to sleep.

It's also important to keep hydrated so your skin can flourish and I find that not wearing make up everyday helps with break outs and your overall skin condition.

That's how I keep my skin (almost) perfect throughout the cold months!

Thanks for reading!

Jx

John Lewis Beauty/Fashion Event;

Hello Lovelies!

As you know I've started an internship with online publication 'My Liverpool Life' as a content writer/internal blogger.

Since they are pretty high up on the guest list for lots of events in Liverpool, my week has been really busy, going to lots of events and writing about them for the website - which has been so much fun!

However last night I think was the best night of all, when I was asked to go to a Fashion and Beauty Event in John Lewis Liverpool, featuring the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins and their new fashion concept 'Loved & Found'.

The Loved & Found concept presents an edited selection of existing and new brands across womenswear, beauty, homewares and technology, providing customers with an interpretation of the latest trends and lifestyle directions which are truly unique.

There are several new brands being introduced as part of Loved & Found, including Supertrash, Urban Code and accessory brands such as Skinny Dip and Dogeared Jewellery.

Now, I didn't want to be a fan girl but I love Charlotte Tilbury. And Clarins. And just clothes in general - so I jumped at the opportunity!

Charlotte Tilbury is a first for John Lewis department stores and a first for Liverpool which was very exciting for us to try out!We were also told by resident make-up artists at Charlotte Tilbury, that there are going to be exclusive treatments available for customers, include 15 minute, quick-trick, mini makeovers and many other treatments from the Menu of Services.

Prosecco in hand, I rummaged through all the products and it's safe to say I've been converted to Charlotte Tilbury - her make up just goes on so smoothly and last for the longest time!

Finally we visited the BeautyBAR by Clarins and I was amazed by the luxurious alcove they had created in such a bustling department store. Clarins new BeautyBAR is also somewhere I think I'll spend a lot of time. They have currently got eight treatments to choose from which are all unisex and tailored to your skin's needs!

As you may or may not know, I suffer badly from breakouts so a facial is definitely on the cards for me - and at £25, that's a bargain!

Yes that's me having a massage...

A panoramic view of the BeautyBAR - thanks Caroline!

I loved all the cute jewellery that is dotted around the 'Loved and Found' area - definitely a stocking filler for Christmas! They also stock SkinnyDip headphones which I love! 

I received lots of great information about the new products and even got some gorgeous freebies (thanks John Lewis and Clarins!)

Hope you enjoy these pictures, head to my Twitter and Instagram for more photos and to view the goings-on in my daily life!

I really love creating content for you guys and I hope you enjoy reading it!

Thanks for reading,


Jx

7 things that I need when I'm sick;

Hello Lovelies!

Today's post is random because I woke up at 5am in a cold sweat, with stomach ache and a terribly sore throat, which could only mean one thing: I'm sick.

I rarely get sick, but when I do it's always bad and usually consists of me moaning to my friends and sleeping all day until the sickness passes.

So today I decided that I'd compile a list of things I need when I feel like death for future reference by anyone who gets stuck looking after me on a day like today (Mum, Elliot and Caroline - this is mainly for you guys!) So here is seven things that will save me from illness:

1. Warmth.
You know when you get asked those 'Would you rather?' questions when you're the last ones standing at 3am at someone's house party? The ones were they'd ask, 'Would you rather be too hot or too cold?' - my answer would be too hot everytime. I live for a warm bed, soft blankets, a hot water bottle and a cup of tea. Keeping warm is so essential to me, that I have actually been known to sit against radiators rather than in an armchair. Being warm makes me feel better and can help with any cramps or aches you have while poorly.

2. Water
Elliot constantly tells me that I need to drink more water and since this weekend I am now sporting the tell-tale red line of chapped lips - I hate to admit he's right. Water is the best way to keep your body hydrated and can flush out any bad toxins that are in your system. If you get bored of the taste you can always try it with a bit of lemon or cucumber.

3. Pampering
Sometimes I don't have the capacity to pamper myself when I'm ill but if you're mobile, then a pamper session can go a long way on the road to recovery. Massages and rubs are good for aches and pains and I suggest a cooling face mask from Superdrug's face mask line, scented candles and maybe even a relaxing foot massage - if you're so lucky!

4. Medicine
That goes without saying. Sometimes sickness goes away on its own, but most of the time a painkiller can be a god sent. Of course, you should always be read the labels of your medicine to ensure you aren't putting yourself in danger.

5. Food
If you can swallow something other than water (unlike me) then having some plain, dry food can help your body get some nutrients it has lost. Dry toast was a firm staple in my poorly diet when I was a kid, but I know people who eat crackers, pasta and rice to make them feel better.

6. TV
Youtube, Netflix and BBC iPlayer are my best friends at the moment, especially because I have no television. I love watching vloggers such as WahlieTV, Tanya Burr and anything else I find funny (llamas with hats spring to mind). I also like watching movies as they are a great distraction for me and my poorlyness.

7. Sleep
Sleep can help so much. Napping when you're ill can help your body heal itself and you can catch up on all the sleep you missed throwing up and crying about your headache. In fact I'm going to sleep now...

Hopefully this will give you fellow poorly people an idea of how you can get better!

Also on a side note, my first posts are going to be published onto My Liverpool Life in the next week! Check out their website www.myliverpoollife.com

Thanks for reading,


Jx

Once Upon a Scream: Perfect for Halloween!

Hello Lovelies!

Last week, I got the chance to catch up with one of my favourite make up artists, Nicole Taylor, who's YouTube channel 'Once Upon a Scream' is becoming more popular by the day. Her tutorials include SFX, and help viewers create interesting and sometimes disturbing makeovers, so with Halloween coming up, I couldn't not ask her a few questions...


Cole, would studies Specialist Hair and Media Make up at Birmingham City University, started her channel as a way of documenting her SFX make up tutorials, and helping her gain confidence in herself while filming the tutorials. When I asked her what made her want to study make up she said;

"Ive always been interested in how make up can transform someone. I started playing around with the beauty side of makeup but it wasn't enough for me. I stumbled across SFX makeup when I was watching makeup tutorials on YouTube, I started playing around with household products and kind of fell in love with it. I knew this was what I wanted to do as soon as I started playing around and transforming myself into characters. So I searched courses on it and that's how I am doing what I love today."

From a Tim Burton style Cinderella to a Woodland Nymph, Cole has created several masterpieces, while being creative and interesting throughout. But which is her favourite?

" My favourite piece on my channel would have to be the Woodland Nymph tutorial. It was so simple to create but I just love the fact that I had completely transformed myself."

She also has plenty of brilliant advice for budding SFX make up artists and aspiring Youtubers.

"For those budding make up artists out there, I have something I wish I knew back when I started out. You don't need the best or most expensive equipment to define how good you are as an artist. Start of with your basic household items like Cotton Pads and buy some cheap latex, Trust me you can do a lot with those things. For the budding Youtubers, all I can say is don't let negative comments stop you from what you're doing. Ignore the trolls and haters and don't feed them attention. Just be yourself and people will begin to respect you as an artist."

So Cole, what advice can you give us for Halloween outfits and make up? 

"For Halloween you need to just think outside the box, let your imagination run wild. Make an effort to stand out from the crowd. But most importantly just remember to have fun with it!

Halloween is my favourite time of year, I nearly started screaming when I saw the Halloween decorations being put out in the shops! I am a little bit of a Halloween Hoarder (anything related to the holiday I have to have it.)"

 That all sounds great! Do you have any special plans for the spooky season? 

"My favourite thing about Halloween is decorating the house, all the family carving pumpkins together and being able to transform my friends and family into what ever creature/casualty they want to be for the night.

For the cool plans well we normally celebrate Halloween for 2 days as my birthday is the day before it so we just end up getting dressed up and watching classic horror films. As of yet I have no plans for Halloween night but I am hoping that will change."

I will definitely be checking out Once upon a Scream for any Halloween tips and tricks!

You can watch all Cole's Tutorials on Youtube at the link below and follow her on Twitter at @Onceuponascream 

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

http://www.youtube.com/onceuponascreamsfx 

What's in my handbag?

Hello Lovelies!

As we move into the glorious month of August, I decided to give you guys another peek into my private life with a 'what's in my handbag?' post. So, let's get started!


The Bag 

I've never really been a bag girl, I would borrow them from my mother or sisters and wouldn't really care what colour they were or what condition they were in (I know, such a terrible fashion blogger). But a few months back, I've purchased a River Island satchel in black and white. It's cute, suits every colour I wear and fits everything I need.

My Purse

My god I need a new purse. I've had this black purse for about three years and I bought it in TK Maxx for £5, purely because of the amount of card slots there were. I am card crazy - loyalty cards, stamp cards - anything that gets me a discount. So this purse was just perfect, although I am looking to upgrade. Any suggestions? Leave them in the comments!

Lipsticks

I have a thing for lipsticks, especially MAC. I have actually converted a friend of mine (Hi Em!) to the MAC side early this year and she now has got even more than me! In my bag currently there is about three lipsticks. MAC Brave, Chanel Coco Shine in rendez-vous and MAC Hang up. I have to be prepared for every situation so these colours are all needed in everyday life.

Sunglasses

They aren't my sunglasses though. They're my little sister's as I can never find good one and she's great at it! The ones I currently have are black and slightly round, they suit my face perfectly, so thanks Ellie!

Antibacterial Handwash

You have to carry this stuff! What if something gross touches you?

Tangle Teaser

My hair can get really messy and my tangle teaser keeps everything in check! I own te black one but they come in a variety of colours such as blue, pink and purple! This god sent has saved me multiple times.

So that's what's in my handbag guys, hope you enjoyed!

Thanks for reading!


Jx

Lush wishlist and favourites;

Hello Lovelies!

Now, everyone in the blogging community is obsessed with Lush Cosmetics products. I, myself am no different! 

I've been obsessed with their bath bombs since I was old enough to have pocket money and now I'm fully immersed in all the amazing products Lush has to offer, so much so that I decided to make a wishlist on my account! 

The wishlist includes;

• Brazilliant shampoo bar
• Honey I washed my hair shampoo bar
• Rehab shampoo
• Titsy totsy bath bomb 
• Twilight bath bomb 
• Strawberry feels forever massage bar
• Catastrophe cosmetic fresh face mask
• You've been mangoed luxury bath melt

I wish I had enough money right now to buy all these beautiful products, hopefully I'll receive some for my birthday (fingers crossed!) 

Don't forget to make your own wishlist on Lush.co.uk, and check out mine. 

https://www.lush.co.uk/my-account/wishlist

Thanks for reading, 

Jx

photo courtesy of lush.co.uk

Skincare routine:

Hello Lovelies!

Today I'm going to tell you a little about my new skincare routine which features cruelty-free products that work wonders. 

I currently am suffering from huge breakouts all over my forehead and chin, now this could be down to several things, a hormonal imbalance, sweating, eating fatty foods, stress...or a combination of all four!

I've never really had spots except for the odd one so this breakout definitely needed action. So I decided to up my skincare routine and show you all! 

1.) Get that makeup off! At university especially I would fall asleep with a full face of foundation and powder which did not do my skin any favours. I know scrub off any excess makeup with t-zone exfoliating wipes (if I'm feeling lazy) or a face cleanser.

2.) Cleanse. I now use the 'Deep action blackhead clearing cleansing scrub' by Superdrug. I simply splash my face with warm water and apply the product with my fingers focusing on my forehead and around my nose (blackhead city). 

3.) Face wash. Next I take my "Tea Tree lemon facial wash" by Superdrug and put a pea sized amount onto my Foxnovo electric face brush (OK, it's my sisters but mine is in the post). This brush helps clear pores, exfoliate the dead skin and remove excess oils in the skin. It feels amazing and I would recommend it for anyone, they've even got them in blue for you lads! 

4.) Moisturiser. I have very dry skin on my face so I try to moisturise every few days, especially in winter! When I do moisturise, I use Superdrug's vitamin E moisture mask. This moisturiser should only be used in small amounts because too much can make your face greasy. 

Now everyone knows how I achieve soft and healthy skin! Why don't you go and buy them to try for yourself and let me know the results?

Thanks for reading, 

Jx