February Favourites

I've not done a favourites post for months, and they're one of the posts I enjoy writing the most, so let's jump in with beauty!

NYX Highlight & Contouor Pro Palette // £18 // Boots
For a drugstore contour palette, for some, this may been seen as a bit pricy nearing the £20, however, the value for money is insane. You get four different contour shades for different skin tones, along with different shades of concealar and highlight. I use the lovely shimmery highlight on the top left to highlight my cheekbones and nose, and the banana yellow powder next to it under my eyes. I also use the white shade as a transparent powder to set the conceler under my eyes and the darkest contour shade to fill my brows in.

I don't usually find contour shades do much for me at all (usually I either go a strange shade of orange or look as tanned as an ompa lumpa), but this is the perfect in between; the shades show up and chisel my chubby pale face, but without being too OTT. Love itttt.

NYX Liquid Suede Lip in 'Soft Spoken' // £6.50 // Boots
As you can tell, I got a little excited around the NYX counter in the Brighton Boots in my February half term! I do have far too many nude lipsticks already, but I was looking for another liquid lipstick in particular - the only other one I own is the 'Revlon Ultra Matte Lip' (which if you know this blog, you'll know I'm obsessed with), but I wanted something a little darker and brown toned. I did have a bit of a shock, as this does actually plump your lips out quite a bit, which I wasn't expecting. It emphasises my cupids bow really nicely, and is a nice shade. I do find it slightly drying, but the wearability in incredible - I just put lipbalm on all the time the day before and after wearing it.

Too Faced Chocolate Bar Eyeshadow Palette // £39 // Debenhams 
My lovely Mum bought me this palette for my birthday at the end of January, so during February I have experimented with it quite a bit and adore it. My favourite look to do with it is using a combination of the burgandy shades on the eye, then using a shimmery highlight in the middle of the eye and blending it out.

Literally everyone has this palette, so I won't bang on about it too much, but the pigmentation, shades, wearability and everythinggg is incredible.Worth an investment 100%!

All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven  // £5.99 // Waterstones
There's not a large amoun that I can say about this book without giving anything away. but all I can say is the emotional rollarcoaster that I went through whilst reading this was so mad.... let's just say it broke me! Niven writes in an intelligent way, and it is such a fascinating read, especially if you're interested in plots with mental health at the core. Despite all of that, I would read it again - it is incredible.

Pink Suedette Trainers // New Look // £19.99
I've recently developed an obsession with trainers - they are all I seem to wear! Stylish, yet comfortable seems to be my motto now, so I am accumilating quite a collection of trainers. I own a pair of Adidas Gazelles in mint (I spoke about them in my August Favourites Post Here), but I wanted another pastel pair. These are a great and cheap alternative - I've dug them out to co-ord with slightly more spring-like outfits, and I am in love. I've received so many compliments on them, they go with pretty much everything, are super comfy and look so cute.

So, that's what I've been loving this month!

Let me know your favourites in the comments below  :)

Katy x

November Favourites

I didn't do a 'monthly favourites' post last month, as nothing really stood out to me. Instead, I've combined the items that have stood out to me for both October and November - hope that's okay with you guys! Autumn has rushed by and it's almost Christmas - get ready for lots of fun filled Christmas related blog posts, eek! 

MAC Lipstick  // 'Diva' // £15.50 // MAC Cosmetics

As we have been going through the Autumnal season, darker lipsticks are an absolute must. I was fortunate enough to receive this for Christmas last year and had been resisting using it until the beginning of October - oh boy, I was not disappointed! I could honestly go on for days about how much I adore this lipstick, but I'll try to keep it short! The pigmentation is gorgeous; the shade itself is divine; it stays on all day, even through eating food and drinking (to the point that it won't come off when you take your makeup off in the evening). I've been complimented so many times on it! MAC lipsticks are my fave - I only own 2, but if you've been reading this blog, you'll know how much I go on about Velvet Teddy!! Yes, I have been loving this very much through November!

MAC Studio Fix Powder // NW10 // £22 // MAC Cosmetics

After religiously using my Rimmel Matte 'Stay Perfect' Powder pretty much non-stop for the last couple of years, I wanted to treat myself to something slightly more expensive. I feel like your base is the most important part of your makeup, so you can splurge a bit on your foundation/powder, just so your skin looks flawless. I did really splurge with this - I only have about 5 high-end items of makeup in my collection, so £22 was quite a bit above my budget to be honest. I do not regret my decision at all - this has got to be my favourite powder ever (which really says something). You do not have to reapply it throughout the day - it covers the shine all in one go, and just sets your skin perfectly. I honestly don't know what I'd do without this, it's upped my makeup game so much!

Makeup Revolution Blush Palette  // 'Hot Spice' // £6 // Superdrug

This palette has been in my makeup collection for quite a while, but had recently slipped to the back a bit. However, I've rediscovered it and fallen in love all over again. For £6, you get 6 gorgeous blush shades, plus 2 pretty shimmer highlights. Mine is in a bit of a state - the mirror has gone very floppy is very messy (apologies for the finger smears, lol). If you are looking for a blush palette with a variety of shades in it for under £10, I highly recommend this one.

Toni & Guy 'Firm Hold' Hairspray // £7.49 // Boots

Almost £8 for a hairspray isn't cheap, but this has to be the best one I've used. Whenever I plait my hair, or want it down, but to have a bit of hold, I just spritz this everywhere and voila! It is stick enough to hold, but not enough to douse your hair too much. A little bit goes a long way, too. I love this so much and I am really glad I picked it up. If you're obsessed with hair like me, defo get this!

Ted Baker Body Spray // £7 // Boots

I use body sprays generally as opposed to perfume - I don't really have the money for many expensive ones on a student budget, so go for something cheap. My fave scents are floral, but have a musky undertone - nothing too full one, but just nice enough to stay on the skin for a while. This came in a gift set I got a while ago and I love this scent very much. The smell stays on your for quite a while after you spray it, with hints of grapefruit - I will definitely get this again in the future.

What have you been loving this month? Let me know below.

Katy x

September Favourites!

Hey guys!

Somehow, it's now October?! I'm super happy about this as I'm such as Autumnal/Winter gal - out comes the berry lipstick, beanies and ankle boots! Here's what I've been loving in September -let me know what you've loved this month in the comments below.

Rimmel London "Fresher Skin" Foundation // £7.48 // Superdrug

I picked this up on a whim a few weeks - I was super intrigued by the packaging, as I've not tried a foundation in a pot before. I purchased it at an introductory price of £5.49, but even at £7.48 it's not going to break the bank. I'm going to do a full review on this foundation in the upcoming weeks, so I'll keep this fairly short, but I LOVE this! Although it's not summer anymore and a lighter base isn't really necessary, this is such a comfortable foundation on the skin - it sits so nicely and has such a lovely mousey texture. This has been incorporated into my main makeup routine, and I can't rave about it enough. Would highly recommend!!

Soap & Glory Lipstick // 'Naked Talent' // £9 // Boots

I've had this product for a couple of months now, but as we're heading into Autumn and I'm fazing out the liquid lipsticks a bit, I've rediscovered my love for this. The shad got is 'Naked Talent', which is the most beautiful pinky nude. It's the perfect in between - not as brown-toned as perhaps Velvet Teddy by MAC (if you know me, you'll know I always bang on about this), but not too pink toned as to stand out. It stays on throughout the day, even through eating and drinking, plus the packaging is so classy and gorgeous. This has been living in my college bag with me, and yeah, another thing you should pick up.

'Breath Of Fresh Air' Toner Water // Lush // £4.50 (100ml as pictured)

Okay, so I'm very naughty and am too lazy to use a primer before I smother my skin in foundation (I know, I should use one), but I never find they add anything to my skin - if anything, my skin feels greasier and my makeup lasts the same amount without one. 

This is the perfect alternative, and makes me feel less lazy, as I'm still technically prepping my skin with something... see my point? I've been using this for months in my makeup routine and realised I've never actually spoken about this properly. Once I've washed my face in the morning, I spritz with this, give it a couple of moments to settle than do my makeup as normal. My skin is generally slightly oily, but sometimes dry - it's also very sensitive and this has never aggravated my eczema or broken me out. My makeup just goes on soooo much smoother with this underneath. 

Milk & Honey // Rupi Kaur // Waterstones // £7.49

I've had various friends begging me to pick this up, so I ordered myself a copy, and I do not regret a thing. I would say that this is such a table piece - you can leave it on the coffee table and whenever anybody comes round, they can have a flick through. Apart from the fact that the matte black cover is super pretty (apart from my fingerprints on it, oops), it is so beautifully written. The poems are super short, so you can read just a couple of pages a day, or the whole thing in one go. I adore the illustrations as well, all in all this is incredible.

Hope you enjoyed this post, and have had a good month!

Katy x

August Favourites!

Hi!

August has flown by, and we've somehow suddenly found ourselves in September! Here's what I've been loving throughout the previous month - let me know your faves in the comments below.

Suedette Bomber Jacket  // £35 // New Look

It may have been summer, but in the UK, the weather rarely reflects that. I found that I spent most the month in this jacket. The beige, neutral tones within the jacket make it perfect for summer wear, and the material is light. Inside the jacket it is silky, so you don't get too hot, but you are also very comfy. This is personally one of the classiest bomber jackets that I've come across and I absolutely love it. I think I'll be living in this in winter this year too, as it is just beautiful! If you don't purchase this yourself, you are missing out!

Adidas Gazelles (Mint & White) // £75 // Adidas

I never used to be into trainers, but recently, I've been obsessed! Adidas have massively upped their game from the unfashionable but comfortable trainers that I used to wear as a child in year 9 P.E lessons to shoes that everybody desires. I decided to splash out on these, and I don't regret a thing. The mint is nice and subtle, easy to pair with jeans and leggings, but also shorts and skirts (when it's hot enough). I think that these look so cute, and they're also incredibly comfy - I've walked round London and Brighton without getting blisters. At £75, they are a little pricey, but worth saving up for. 

Millie Marotta's Tropical Wonderland Colouring Book // £5 // Amazon

This book shows that you can be creative and have fun without breaking the bank. I received this a few months ago as a birthday gift from a friend to de-stress (they all know I stress out at everything, urgh) and have been loving it. I hadn't had much time to use it as I had college full time, but over summer, I've been loving sitting at my desk, reminiscing of a fun childhood full of colour. I think my favourite thing about this has to be that you can make this entirely your own - every person can colour in one section in different colours and exactly how they want it. I made a pineapple pink, purple and red, for example - I thought yellow was too boring!

'Clue' - Period Tracking App // FREE // Apple Store 

So I feel like raving about a period app isn't very normal, but I'm going to do it anyway! This app is incredible - you can track your period so easily with this. When you download the app, you enter a few basic details, such as your birthday, weight, and height. The app works out when you are due based on your last cycle, and gives you an estimate on when that should come on the calendar. It also gives you a 'fertility window', if you are trying for a child (I'm obviously not, but useful for people that are!) It looks super clean, and by being called 'clue' on your homescreen, you no longer have to worry about that awkward moment boys look on your phone, as it's unlikely they'll know what it is. I actually enjoy waking up and filling out the symptoms part. I'd really recommend this!

So that's what I've been enjoying this month! Let me know what you've been trying out below :)

Katy x

July Favourites // Beauty, Hair, Reading & Random

So tomorrow, it's August, meaning its favourites time! Today, I'm going to share with you my must -have products of the months that I've been using none stop, plus some other bits.

Starting on makeup, let's start on what has to be my favourite drugstore palette at the moment. It's the Seventeen Palette in 'Birthday Suit'.  For £8, you get 8 metallic shimmer shades, 3 cream eye shadows and an eye primer. Although the pigmentation is variable, most of the shades have amazing staying power and they are the prettiest neutrals for summer. I've been reaching for this over every other eyeshadow I own, and I use it literally everyday.

Now, if you know me, you'll know I am obsessed with lipsticks and lip glosses. Recently, I've discovered liquid lipstick and it is my new fave. I picked up the Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lip Colour in the shade 'seduction'  and it may be the best thing in my lip collection right now. The applicator is perfect for putting it on without getting it everywhere (my habit, lol) and is such a pretty pink. I'm so in love with it!

I'm pretty low maintenance with my hair tbh, I'm guilty of the 'wacking it up in a ponytail' habit or shoving on a flower crown after brushing it. Toni and Guy have released a good'un here - the texturising Sea Salt Spray. For nearly £8, it is slightly on the pricey side, but it lasts forever and is so good! Literally spray it onto your hand and rub it on, or straight into your hair, massage it and you are good to go. It gives you a slight curl and bounce without having to faff around with curling tongs - perfect!

Billy & Me by Giovanna Fletcher has to be one of the most heartwarming books I've ever read. Both main characters help each other throughout, and Gi raises important issues such as social peer pressure and love. I read this within a week I loved it so much, would highly recommend.

Okay, so getting onto music. I have been loving Tom Odell's new album 'Wrong Crowd'. If you aren't into indie/alternative music, this might not be up your street, but boy, is it good! I have been listening to it none-stop wherever I go - whilst doing college work, walking to town, on the train - everywhere! My personal faves are 'concrete', 'wrong crowd' and 'daddy'.

If you have Spotify, then saving the 'folk pop' playlist into your library of music is worth doing. My cousin recommended me this playlist and it is the most calming thing ever. Pop this on whilst reading with candles and fairylights, and you'll be sorted.

Of course, I can't do a July favourites without mentioning Orange Is The New Black. I finally decided to jump on the bandwagon and watch, and I was not disappointed! I've started from the beginning and am only just on Season 3, but it is sooo good!! Hilarious whilst bringing up serious issues. I have also been watching Celebrity Masterchef - I'm a sucker for a good cooking programme and this one did not disappoint. I'm more of a GBB girl myself, but this was surprisingly good.

So I hope you liked this chatty post! What have you been loving this month? Let me know below!!

Katy x

Current Faves

I've been trying out some new products over the summer and these are the ones I've been loving!

SHAMPOO

As my hair is long, it's quite hard to keep it in good condition. As my hair was becoming quite straggly and greasy, I decided to try this. This is the Aussie 'Miracle Moist'. It has honestly transformed my hair and smells AMAZING! 

BODY WASH

I'm one for fruity scents in the shower, and this one does not disappoint. I saw this in the shops and couldn't resist picking it up! The Original Source Skin Quench in 'watermelon' moisturises and lathers up well, while waking you up in the morning and making you smell gorgeous - what more could you want?

EYEBROW KIT

I recently decided to put a bit more effort into my eyebrows in my make-up routine and saw this lovely kit on offer. The Seventeen Brow that Brow was a good dupe for a more expensive kit. There is a step-by-step guide for beginners and it fills my brows in really nicely, making them darker, striking and much more defined.

CONTOURING

Since my school prom, I've started contouring my cheekbones and highlighting. I'd heard rave reviews of the Boujoirs Bronzer and Highlighter & decided I'd give it a try. This gives a sun-kissed look and a good contour.

LIPSTICKS

I picked up the MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy - a gorgeous nude - and I fell in love! Look at my last post to see a full review! The revlon lip butters are super moisturising and I've been loving the red shade 'candy apple'. This gives a lovely red that pops on the lips - I adore both.

All these products can be picked up from Boots in store, except the MAC lipstick which is from the MAC store itself. 

I hope you've enjoyed hearing my favourites this week! What have you been loving? Let me know below!

Love,