OOTD and FOTD 19/12/14

Makeup

Benefit Porefessional Primer

L'oreal True Match Foundation in N2

Collection Lasting Perfection concealer in CM2

Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer in Ivory

Benefit Stay Don't Stray

Revolution Redemption Palette Essential Mattes 

Benefit Bad Gal Mascara

YSL mascara (sorry I don't know which!)

Look Beauty eyebrow kit

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in translucent 

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder in Believe in Me Ivory (on problem areas)

Benefit Rockateur

Benefit Hoola

Benefit Benebalm

(Sorry for the Benefit hype haha!)

Outfit

Blue 3/4 sleeve skater dress- Primark

Tights-Primark

Leather Jacket-Boohoo 

Converse- All Star

I also have a bow in my hair from River Island but you can't see that I'm afraid 😔

-K

18 Things I Learnt When Being 18

18 eh! The age at which you technically turn into an adult in the UK. Although I believe that's a bit too young but hey ho. I thought I'd share with you the things I learnt when being a new adult.

1. Your parents are always right. Just accept it, you'll thank them later!

2. Being able to go out on a night out legally wears off after a few months, you'll be back in watching X Factor in no time!

3. Your age will be brought into everything. "You're 18 now, start acting it!"

4. The future is coming whether you like it or not.

5. Getting excited for Christmas doesn't wear off.

6. Don't worry about what other people are doing.

7. Make your own decisions.

8. Relationships are not everything. Your other half doesn't define you.

9. You'll lose a few people. And gain better people.

10. Nutella still can cheer you up.

11. Nothing wrong with treating yourself once in a while, but look after your money.

12. University is not for everyone.

13. People grow up at different times in their lives, you don't have to be independent straight away.

14. £1 shots are the best

15. Don't drink the night before work!

16. You will definitely have to pay the correct train fee

17. Have fun!

18. Look forward to the rest of your life, don't dread it! 

Enjoy being an adult!

Katie :) 

Autumn Essentials

My Autumn Essentials

Autumn is my favourite season. Not just because I am an Autumn baby, but because of the leaves, weather, fashion and environment. It's not too cold like Winter, but it's cold enough for the hats and scarves to come out. 

Fashion

My absolute favourite fashion trend is the tartan scarves. They are absolutely gorgeous and mine is from Boohoo. I feel they can make any outfit go from average to stylish. I also love beanies! I have one from Primark and although I can't pull them off. I still love them! 

Makeup

A dark lip is obviously going to mentioned here. I just love them! I am quite insecure wearing them as I am very much a nude girl at heart (oops that didn't sound right!). But as it was my birthday a couple of days ago, I received Rebel from MAC as a gift and I can't wait to wear it! It's a signature must have from MAC, I feel! However, I am partial to a cheap lip aswell, and MUA's lipstick in Shade 1 for a £1 couldn't go a miss either. 

Food

Of course it's the time for us to forget about wanting that bikini body and shaving our legs, am I right ladies or am I right? So a lot of food is essential. All I can say for this is CHOCOLATE. In particular, Roses from Cadburys, mmmmmm.

Drink

It is not the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks. I haven't tried it, and I can't say I want to! I adore Whittards. They're a hot drinks company and oh my gaaaaahd, it's so good! My favourite hot chocolate is the Caramel hot chocolate. I recommend you try it ASAP. 

TV

As it isn't the time for being out in the cold right now, I see myself spending more and more time at home in bed! I have been addicted to Gossip Girl, i don't know what it is about Blair Waldorf but I want to be her so bad! 

So I hope you liked this little post, I was going to do a favourites but if I'm honest, I'd rather not as I don't give the best descriptions and terminology!

Thanks for reading :)

Katie x 

The Sweater Weather Tag

What better way to start the Autumn season by doing the infamous Sweater Weather tag?

1. Favorite candle scent?
Without fail, Fireside Treats by Yankee Candle! By favourite all year around but particularly in the winter time, I definitely recommend buying as it's sweet but not too sweet.

2.  Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
As an anxiety sufferer, I can't have caffeine. I have started drinking decaf tea but very rarely. However, hot chocolate is the one. My favourites are honeycomb, white and salted caramel.

3. What’s the best fall memory you have?
For me, it's singing "Autumn Days" in primary school. Also, firework night is the definition of a perfect night for me.

4. Which makeup trend do you prefer: dark lips or winged eyeliner?
Dark lips. I feel as if winged eyeliner is an all around thing. Many people wear winged eyeliner on a daily basis. Dark lips is something every switches up to, the corals go and the darks come!

5. What do you want to be for Halloween?
I'm seriously contemplating Olaf from Frozen or Anna!

6. Favorite Thanksgiving food?
Ahhhh.. um in the UK, Thanksgiving isn't really a thing! I've never celebrated it but isn't it just like a roast dinner? I would say Yorkshire Puddings, but that's a complete British thing.

7. Hats or scarves?
Hats start off on my head, and end up in my bag. I don't suit them at all, unfortunately :( But I really love scarves, in particular tartan ones for this time of year.

8. Most worn sweater?
Mine is from Primark, it's a plain white jumper with detailing at the top meaning to be like a necklace. Unfortunately, no picture!

9. Favorite fall nail polish?
Mine is the deep reds, in particular "Thigh High" from Essie!

10. Football games or jumping in leaf piles?
Again, this is more an American thing, I think. But me and my dad do go to football games in the evening. (That would be considered soccer!)

11. Skinny jeans or leggings?
 Skinny jeans. I know leggings are more comfy and all that but I look a bit more put together in skiny jeans.

12. Combat boots or Uggs?
Uggs.  I don't even care.

13. What's your number one favourite thing about fall?
THE WEATHER.


I tag YOU to do this tag next. :)

Spontaneous? I think so!

Hello! So much to you guys' surprise, I suffer with anxiety. It's not something I want to get into unless you want me to explain in detail, let me know!

I'm not good with going out of my comfort zone at all. And already this month, I have done that.

I feel like September is going to be an amazing month as I am going on holiday with my friend tomorrow night! Me and my friend made the spontaneous decision 10 days ago to go on a little get away to Majorca in Spain! More travel posts to come woohoo!

Also, I have gone ombré!

This is something I've wanted to do for a while and I'm so happy I made the decision to get that blonde on! I will be doing a full ombré haircare routine and detailed post on what they did to my hair to get it the way it is within the next week!

Awful lighting :( (bad blogger)

How's your September been so far?

P.s. No august favourites this month I'm afraid! Not found anything spectacular but September is looking great product wise already :)

-K x

Highstreet/Drugstore Make Up Favs!

Hello! As promised in my last post I said I wanted to do more posts, in particular beauty. So today I've decided to pick my favourite products from the highstreet/drugstore and tell you!

Foundation- Rimmel Match Perfection

This is my favourite foundation tried by the highstreet yet! As I have quite oily skin I thought I should avoid it, but when I saw it in Asda for £4.99 I thought why not? And bought it! The coverage isn't high but it's enough for an everyday look. It doesn't make you look super dewy which is what i dreaded, but it doesn't make you look matte either!

Concealer- Maybelline Fit Me

Shock horror, it isn't the Collection Lasting Perfection! Many other bloggers who would class that as their holy grail concealer, buuuuut I don't like it. (That's a story for another day, I may do a disappointing product post soon!) 

The Maybelline Fit Me concealer is perfect for all around the face, some concealers are pros at undereye or blemishes. But this is an all around product! It blends well and I think it works brilliantly. 

Powder- Rimmel Stay Matte

Shock horror, a very well loved product that is also loved by me! As an oily skin gal, this just makes my skin look amazing! I use transparent as I feel like benefits me the best. I've easily gone through about five of these and I'm about to purchase my sixth. 

Eyeshadows- Elf. 

This is a new discovery for me. I recently visited the Cardiff Elf and picked up a 32 piece palette full of natural shades, for I believe it was £6? There are a mix of matte and shimmers, and a range of colours for everyday and going out at night. For such a low price you can't go wrong!

Cream Eyeshadows- Maybelline Colour Tattoos 

I feel these are just perfect whatever occasion. If you're going for a rather natural look, just a sweep of this on the eye and you're set to go. Or, a more bold look you could use it as a base and apply eyeshadows into the crease. They are £4.99 which I think is fab. 

Blush- Sleek. 

Sleek is definitely one of those brands I go to when I need a good blush. They are highly pigmented, inexpensive and come in the most gorgeous colours! My favourite is in fact Rose Gold. Which is a pink with gold shimmer through out, perfect! If you're looking for a highlighter, go with sleek too! 

Bronzer- Bourjois Bronzing Powder

The infamous chocolate bronzer! I must admit, I only recently bought this bronzer. I myself, love Hoola from Benefit and it was my first experience of bronzer and loved it. Therefore I never looked further! But my Hoola comes in a kit, which makes it difficult to use when I'm out and about. I saw this and thought why not? It says with "glints of sunshine" but honestly it's not far away from matte. It comes in different shades and I'm in the shade 51. I personally love this bronzer for an everyday feel and can't go without it now!

Eyeliner- No7 Amazing Eye Pencil

Loooove this eyeliner. I am recently branching out on eyeliner and actually using it on my lid, rather than my tight or water line. I use the shade 10 Brown for an everyday feel and smudge it out and it's absolutely perfect. I highly recommend the eyeliner as it's simple to use especially for beginners.

Mascara- Maybelline The Collosal Go Extreme Volume

Sooooo many amazing drugstore mascaras this really made it hard for me to choose. But I chose this guy and as I purchased it for £5 I don't think you can go wrong! I've done a more thorough review in a favourites post so check that out for more details :)

BB cream- Rimmel

BB creams are becoming more popular to the day, and for me Rimmel wins. If you are just looking for a good coverage I'd just use the Rimmel 9 in 1. It has blue writing on! The only downside is that it is quite hard to blend. If you're looking for a matte, id go for the Rimmel 9 in 1 Matte. It is so much more easier to blend and I'd definitely recommend.

I hope you enjoyed this post, let me know if you want to see more drugstore/highstreet makeup? Maybe even higher end?

-K x

Changes

Hello! There's a few changes on my blog I would like to make..

Name Changes
If you may or may not have noticed, I have changed my URL! This is down to the fact I made this blog when I was obsessed with tumblr, "curiousasalice" was my tumblr url and something I thought up when I was watching Alice In Wonderland, which obviously holds no relevance to this blog. To make it simple, I am now "katieloulabella"! Loulabella was a nickname of mine when I was a little baby and I think it suits better!

Post Changes
Don't worry, not too dramatic! This is just to say that I will be trying my very best to upload more and more frequently. Since finishing sixth form and undergoing a gap year, my posts will hopefully be more thoughtful rather than just a typical boring 10 minute post! I am planning on doing more lifestyle posts and beauty posts too :)

Layout Changes
I am undergoing many different styles on my blog until I find the right one. I'm sorry for those laptop/computer users who are probably fed up of seeing a different layout but I promise you that it won't be for long!

Room Changes
A bit of a personal change here! I have recently done my room up and it's still a work in progress but once everything is ready I am more than happy to show you what it's looking like.

Please let me know if you have any requests on blog posts as I'm always open to keep you guys happy!

-K x

Graze

Hello! As I've sort of been on a health kick these past few weeks I decided to try out a graze box.

I had a voucher to get the first one free so thought why not give one a try and see what the fuss was about. I ordered the chocolate one as I wanted this to be an alternative to snacking on a Mars bar, but still get some chocolate in there.

I have only had the honeycomb crunch, which had almonds and raisins with little blocks of chocolate, like Cadburys Crunchie. Delish!

As I type this now, i am about to try Dark Rocky Road which is chocolate buttons, cranberries and pecan nuts. 

I am in love with the idea of this box as it is swaying me more to being healthy. However I find the nuts to be a bit trying and I'm fighting the urge to dip them into some Nutella! 

Have you had a Graze box before?

-K x

A Levels

Hello! This is a bit of a different post today, and I realise that it isn't the typical makeup post. But as it is approaching results day and many people are starting back to school I thought this may help a few of you.

A little background before I start, I have just finished my seventh year at school, completing GCSEs and A Levels. I studied Psychology, Sociology, ICT and Welsh at AS Level and decided to drop Welsh at the end of my first year.

Choosing A Levels
Now I had an idea of what I wanted to do before I started A Levels, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field of some sort and I looked into A Level requirements before choosing them. If you know 1000% what you want to do in the future, then I highly suggest finding out what you need. I knew I need a sociology and psychology a level so that's where that decision came from. I took French and Welsh at GCSE and knew I wanted to carry on with either one at A Level, as I enjoyed it. This is incredibly important when choosing also, you need to enjoy them. If you don't, you wont want to study for them. I got a higher GCSE grade in Welsh so I chose Welsh. Which later I regretted as the course was extremely challenging for me and I didn't enjoy it in the slightest. ICT was down to enjoyment and the fact a lot of jobs nowadays are based around technology, so I thought that would come in handy. You can choose 3-5 a levels, although I know the majority choose 4, like myself. If you chose 4, then you choose to drop a subject at the end of the year. This is because A2 (The second year) is harder than the first and it's a lot more work. If you chose 5, you can drop 2. You don't have to drop a subject, my two friends decided to keep going with four. But another friend chose five subjects, and dropped two.

Start as You Mean to Go On.
I CAN NOT PREACH THIS ENOUGH. Seriously, the jump from GCSE to A Levels is immense and I don't think anyone can really prepare you for it. In my school, you get a lot more freedom and I suppose that's when I started lacking the studying aspect. If you are starting A Levels in September, start organised and you're set for the rest of the year!

Balance
Another key aspect of A Levels is to balance your time wisely. I know when it comes to exam period everyone goes to freak out mode and revises crazily and doesn't want to go out or any of that sort. I would say start revising early, and keep it balanced. Do it a little a day and build it up as you get closer to exam periods. My friend was the worst at this, she started early like I said previously, but didn't give herself breaks. She would go to bed at 1am and wake up at 6am, and that time in between was spent revising. I kid you not. Please don't do this, I had gotten her to get more sleep and to take breaks but please realise your health is way more important than grades.

Results Day
Okay, so like I said the jump from GCSE to A Levels is immense. You need to realise that on the first results day, you may get the results you were not looking for. This is what happened to all of my year on the first results day, everyone was shocked as to how we could've all done shockingly bad. But that also gave us the realisation to know what we needed to do and the next results day was a lot more positive. My results day is actually in 10 days and right now I'm panicking. But there's nothing I can do and what'll be will be.

Please remember that A Levels do not define you. There are other options if you don't do as well as you pleased and there is support around you.

I hope this helped a few of you and don't you worry I have a lot more makeup posts up and coming. Let me know if you want more lifestyle posts!

-K x

BlogLovin

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Hey guys! I recently got a bloglovin account and I would love it if you went and followed me over there :)

July Favourites

Hello! I have very much enjoyed July in the materialistic world. I have many to get through so I'll just get on with it!

Benefit Coralista 

Yes I know, very raved about before and I'm slow to join the bandwagon! I had my makeup done at benefit not so long ago and the girl used this blush on me. It was a bit too full on for my liking but when I had got a wipe and rubbed a bit off it was perfect, so I had to buy it for myself. This is the most perfect colour for summer and this is going to sound weird, but it smells so good! 

Sleek blush in Rose Gold

Another blush, sue me! I had yet to own my own personal Sleek blush, I know I know. My sister is a makeup artist and she has many Sleek blushes and I had tried them before, so I knew they were worth buying. When I went to pick my own, I saw this shade and fell in love. I am a huge lover of Rose Gold itself so when I saw a blush called that and then the blush itself I picked it up straight away. I'm so glad I did as I love it so much! Highly recommend.

Benefit Lollibalm

Benefit has recently brought out tinted lip balms of their cheek and lip tints: benetint, posietint, chacha tint and lollitint. I actually own Benetint and Posietint itself, chacha has never been for me and lollitint was put on me once and I fell in love. So I knew that I had to pick this shade. Despite hearing negative views, I bought one anyway. And I can say, I am happy with them! I'm even thinking of purchasing benebalm despite owning Benetint.

The picture makes it look much more sheen then it actually is, the colour pay off is much better! Sorry :( 

Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Audacious

I saw MissGlamarazzi mention this in a video and a scream of hallelujah was in my head. I had been looking for this colour lip forever and I have finally found it. It tastes like mint and literally feels like I have nothing on. It's super pigmented and I recommend anyone to get this. I am not one for a bright lip, but I want to be and I think this has definitely swayed me to try more brights.

Benefit Noelle

Recently I went on holiday, and we all know a perk of flying is Duty Free. So when entering Bristol airport and seeing a Benefit stall I couldn't contain my excitement. I decided to go for a perfume and I went with Noelle. This is definitely a more mature smell and not one I would usually go for but I love it. I'd wear it for a more special occasion rather just everyday. The packaging as expected from Benefit is gorgeous.

Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh Delight Limited Edition

This was another airport pick up. My mum is a huge lover of Marc Jacobs perfume and owns a lot, but when I smelt this I couldn't rely on my mum to buy it and had to buy it myself. It smells so lovely and I think it would suit an everyday or a night out. Plus, the bottle is so cute. THIS IS LIMITED EDITION. Unfortunately, I may have to grab another bottle soon as it's so so gorgeous so if you're interested in this, get it now!

Yankee Candles

I am a massive lover of Yankee Candles and have gone through a fair few in my time. But recently I picked up three candles that I just can't not mention. My all time favourite Yankee Candle is Fireside Treats. Anna from the SacconeJolys recently mentioned this in her video and I was so glad someone else has found an obsession for this. She said it smells like a camp night and I knows exactly what she means. Although this is more of an Autumnal smell, I would still light this everyday. I picked up two that were a bit more summery, Bahama Breeze and Mango Peach Salsa. Bahama Breeze is the smell of summer I think. It smells of beaches and cocktails and all things fabulous. I also love mangos so mango peach salsa is fab for me.

Bahama Breeze is burning in the picture!

What are your July Favourites?

-K x

June Favourites

Hello! June has come and gone and I don't mind that it has left! I hope July brings more memories than June. But June did bring some new things into my life. (Deep! I just mean product wise haha)

*Makeup

Maybelline Go Extreme Volume mascara

This was on offer for £5 and on a spontaneous whim, I thought hey why not? Best. Choice. Ever. I already have a few mascaras on the go so I have banned myself from buying any new mascaras until I have used them all up! (Fun fact, this post was made in two parts and I actually bought a mascara today oopsies!) But this lengthens my lashes so much, and as they are naturally straight I find this curls them well. 

MAC Creme cup

I have never entered a Mac store or been to a counter before. I know this may shock a few, but as I never really sway towards high end it didn't faze me. As I am a huuuuuuge fan of Benefit Cosmestics, I thought I may aswell have a little look in Mac. I had heard a lot about their lipsticks, particularly Creme Cup. As soon as I tried it, and fell in love. At a hefty price tag of £15, this lipstick is a cremesheen and I couldn't love it more. I'm already looking at purchasing another lipstick from Mac!

*Skincare

The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Foaming Cleanser

Christ, what a mouthful. This is fab! I have been using this everyday and I honestly have noticed such a difference! I have quite oily skin (which sucks!) and this is said to decrease excessive oil and remove impurities, which is perfect for me. And it's foam, which makes it simple to wash on and off.

Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser 

Like I mentioned previously, I have quite oily skin, which makes moisturising annoying and sometimes I think "whyyyyy, it'll make it worseeeee." I know, so stupid, don't worry I do moisturise! This is amazing, I used to use the wash but other cleansers over took, but this moisturiser is perfect for my skin and I don't see me using another one anytime soon :-)

And that's all for my June favourites! I know it's not much but believe me, July will be heaps full because I have already done a lot of shopping and I'm off to Greece this sunday!

What's some of your favourites from this month? 

-K x

Here we go again!

Hello! This is one of my many attempts to get this blog up and running, I've had it for a while but the posts I would make wouldn't be up to my standards or I would be too busy to keep the blog updated. So, after finishing school and undergoing a gap year this year, I thought the perfect time to do this blog would be now! Think of this as a diary, the diary of an 18 year old gap year kid.

-K x