The Best of Beauty 2015: Powder and Eyebrows

This year I have decided to choose my best products of 2015. I'm only choosing one beauty product in each section. e.g. one foundation, one mascara. However, I will be doing a "Runner Up" to the product that almost made it.  In this post, powder and eyebrow product. 

Powder

Benefit Hello Flawless

This powder basically feels like a powder foundation. I apply it all over the face and use a little brush to apply it directly onto problem areas. It looks beautiful on the skin and I want to repurchase it, but the price tag definitely puts me off. I'm going to invest in the MAC Studio Fix powder and if it's not as good as this one, I'll stick to this. Baring in mind, the powder has lasted me well over a year! It also has an SPF of 15.

£25.50

The Runner Up
Revlon Photo Ready

I don't have one that magnificently stood out for me but the Revlon Photo Ready would be my next favourite. £11.29

Eyebrows

Sleek Eyebrow Stylist

I have been using this for about a year and a half. It is an absolute favourite of mine, I've repurchased it four times. It has a wax on one side and a spoolie on the other. The spoolie is incredible and I never need a gel to set it. Absolute must!

£5.99

The Runner Up. (It almost won.)

Benefit Gimme Brow

Ahhh the ultimate cult favourite. I love this gel, I use this on its own when I've just had my brows done or with the eyebrow stylist for that bit more va va voom. Mine lasted me a year and I've just repurchased a new one! 

£18.50

Stay tuned for Mascara and Eyeliner next!

The Best of Beauty 2015: Foundation and Concealer.

This year I have decided to choose my best products of 2015. I'm only choosing one beauty product in each section. e.g. one foundation, one mascara. However, I will be doing a "Runner Up" to the product that almost made it.  In this post, I'm doing Foundation and Concealer.

Foundation

YSL Touche Eclat

I'd always heard people raving about this foundation, but I was always apprehensive to purchase it as I thought it might've been super glittery. I decided to take the plunge and purchase it at the airport and I found that it isn't at all! It gives a gorgeous natural glow to your skin while still giving it a good coverage. I'd definitely repurchase this. RRP £31.50

The Runner Up. 

Rimmel 25hour Lasting Finish

An absolute staple in my makeup bag. I haven't repurchased it yet as they have changed it since I've had it. It is a full coverage foundation from the drugstore that sits perfectly on the skin. RRP £7.99

Concealer

Urban Decay Naked Skin

There's a big hype around this product, and I was torn between buying this or the MAC Prolong Wear. I decided to pick this one up in the end, as I absolutely adore the foundation. It is so light on the skin, like the foundation with a good amount of coverage. My skin tends to scar a lot if I've had a few spots so I only really need the concealer to cover the scars, which it does a tremendous job. £17.50

The Runner Up. 

Collection Lasting Perfection

High coverage from the drugstore, if you have dry skin avoid it, if not it's brill!

£4.19

Five Ways To Stay Kind Of Healthy at Christmas

It's here. The time of year that we all forget about the bikini bodies and the shorts we may fit into, and we focus on oversized jumpers and how many chocolates we can consume without feeling sick. I embrace this time, I'm usually the first one buying the big tin of chocolates! But, this year, I saw something on instagram and it said, "Summer Bodies are made in Winter." Now I know, we shouldn't be worrying about our weight and I'm not saying "Don't eat chocolate. Eat celery." I'm just thinking, maybe I shouldn't lose my gym mojo just because it's the time the advent calendars come out. 

1. Exercise in the morning.

Now I've had this debate with a lot of people. But honestly, if you wake up early and go to the gym. It's done, it's out of the way, you can do all the Christmassy things you like for the rest of the day. Last year, I went to the gym on Christmas Eve. Yeah, I know. 

2. Go on Walks

I loooooove Winter walks. What's better than putting on a cosy coat, hat and some wellies and heading into the forest? It destresses you, gets you away from social media and gets you fresh air and some exercise. All while you crazily jumped in puddles!

3. Have a good meal a day.

I get that most people have a lot of junk food snacks throughout the day. What if, it got to lunch and you thought "Hey, why don't I have a stir fry for lunch?" You have your stir fry with your veg, and then it's kind of unlikely you'll have enough to fit in that extra piece of apple pie, when you've had such a filling meal. Am I even making sense? It's 10:12pm.

4. Drink plenty of water.

Christmas is the time for the parties. And I know if you're over the legal age of consuming alcohol in your country, some of us will like to enjoy a glass of wine or nine. Even if you're younger and you drink lots of Coca Cola, make sure you're getting that water in. I know this tip is always being mentioned, but there's a reason for that. It works! The amount of health benefits you can get from drinking just a few glasses a day, it will have you pumped to put that tree up!

5. Catch up on sleep. 

A funny one, but this helps your brain a lot. We're recommend seven to nine hours sleep a night, and in the Winter, when there are longer nights it is the perfect time to get those hours in. So catch up on those hours you've missed from going to bed so late in those Summer nights! Quick fact, sleep actually improves memory. That means you won't forget to get a certain someone their Christmas present!

Just remember that your body is your temple, look after it! 

But also eat those mince pies. Before I do. 

Giving Back

I was talking to my best friend the other night, and we decided we needed to give back this time of the year. Despite me not having my best year, I know some people are still battling it a lot worse than me around the world. I'm not saying I'm trying to end world hunger or anything, but I wanted to help out.

I looked into a few things, I wanted to send a soldier a Christmas card. I couldn't find anything in the UK for that, if you're American and wanted to do it, the American Red Cross had something. There were a few different things out there, as simple as giving a pound to charity, but my friend told me she had donated a present for an 18 month old baby girl at an organisation her university were doing. Inspired by the thought, I found one local to me.

Capital FM Radio for South Wales have a Toy Appeal going on at the minute. They have a stand in the St Davids Centre in Cardiff. Seeing as I had already heard about the organisation, I went straight up and picked up a leaflet. A girl there just gave me and my friend a candy cane and said thank you. We read the leaflet and it seemed the candy cane represented a girl. If you were given a red candy cane, they wanted you to buy a present for a girl. If you were given a blue candy cane, they wanted you to buy a present for a boy. No pressure to come back with a present, but we did.

The present can be anything from a cuddly toy to a selection box, and the ages are from 0-16. I picked up a lip balm trio from Boots, and some bath bits from there too. As a thank you for donating, we got a free Krispy Kreme donut voucher, we didn't end up getting it but it was a kind gesture.

If you feel like giving back this year and you're in South Wales/Cardiff area, I will leave a link to the details of the Toy Appeal below.

Giving back can make you feel like a saint. 

NARS Glossybox Edition

I've never really ventured into NARS. I've picked up the odd lipgloss in T K Maxx excitedly, but other than that, I've never looked at the counter and picked up more than I should. I've also never had a Glossybox, never really thought about subscription boxes either if I'm honest! Until. They collaborated. The box contains five miniature products and it retails for £35 if you're not a subscriber, and £30 if you are. Personally I think it was worth it, though if it had been just that tad bit more, I wouldn't have bought it.

It contains the Audacious Mascara, I haven't actually used this because I'm using up others. But, I heard that it is good for voluminous lashes!
The Long Lasting Eyeliner in Via Venito, which is just a black eyeliner. It is highly pigmented and it can be smudged well.
The Satin Lip Pencil in Rikugien which is beaaaautiful. Such a lovely colour, I acutally wore it on my 20th birthday.
Orgasm blush, which I like, but I'm not sure on the hype around it? It's very similar to Sleek ones, so if you're after this! I'm sure Sleek Rose Gold is like it.
Multiple in Orgasm, again same shade as the blush. I haven't used this yet but these things don't really jump out at me to use. However, I will use this and let you know.

Overall, if you can get your hands on this and you haven't tried Nars before, do it! If you have tried Nars and you've used a fair few products, I would keep your pennies.

I Hate Driving..

In September, I failed my driving test. My major was in the last five minutes of my test and wasn't my fault. I was heart broken, I don't remember the last time I sobbed like that. I started driving in October last year, passed my theory in April and now I'm at the blip where I don't know what to do. I can hand on heart say I really hate driving. Lessons are just dragging, other drivers scare me, and roundabouts are just a no in my books. So I'm asking for some advice! What do you recommend? How can I like driving and get over my hatred?
Thanks in advance!
X

Cala Gracio 2015

Cala Gracio

Last week, I returned from a lovely holiday with my parents to the town of Cala Gracio in Ibiza, Balearic Islands. It was sooo nice to get away from all the cold and stress from the October life!

On our first night, Wales played rugby against Australia. Unfortunately, we did lose but still a great night! 

Me and my mum exploring the little rock pools, we found so many fish and crabs!

We're Halfway There..

Already, we are half way through another year. So far, things haven't been that great. I lost a very close friend of mine at the start of  the year, my health hasn't been the strongest, and I've seen loved ones suffer. But a sudden realisation of mine hit me last night, was that I am still focusing on the negative things that have happened this year. Where really, I should focus on the positive! So these are 15 good things that have happened in 2015 already, that have been great!

My godson said my name for the first time! Finally, little Lucas who is two next month, said my name. My heart burst!

I went on my first hen do for one of my best friend! It was amazing :)

I am now a LEVEL 2 swimming teacher, after a year and a half, I decided a Level 1 just wasn't good enough for me. Hence the Level 2 title ;)

I am a LEVEL 2 GYM INSTRUCTOR! This was amazing to complete, it took months of hard work and now I can help get people fitter!

I passed my driving theory test! Now it's just time for the real deal..

I went to Birmingham with one of my best friends to see Ariana Grande, I also saw one of my friends who is at Birmingham University doing Nursing, it was so good to see her!

I went to see One Direction in Cardiff. No shame.

I went to The Vamps with my two good friends.

I conquered my fear of not being able to sleep alone in the house!

One Direction at the Millennium Stadium!

Last night, me and one of my best friends, Ellie, went to see One Direction at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. 

The whole city centre was absolutely manic with it being One Direction concert night, a Friday and a very sunny evening. Cardiff Central train station was rammed! 

We first went to Pizza Express for some food and I had a really awkward pizza, that had loads of veg on and I stupidly didn't ask for cutlery.. You can only imagine how ridiculous I looked!

Then we headed onto the stadium and sat in our seats. I have to sit down in concerts as I went to one two years ago and fainted.. I missed half the concert! So I stick to seating. 

Me and Ellie in the stadium! 

The support act was McBusted but I only got videos of them as my inner child wanted to capture the moments. It was my second time seeing them live and they are incredible performers!

ONE DIRECTION! 

There was a gap because I don't think all of standing was sold out. But that was great because that meant less crowds which meant less claustrophobic Katie! 

I highly recommend seeing One Direction live, as they are great singers but I feel as if I didn't really connect with them? That sounds so stupid but I hope you understand what I mean! 

I'm going to see Ariana Grande in Birmingham on Tuesday so look out for a blog post on that! 

The Only Two Lipgloss' I Can Stand

I have a confession, I hate lipgloss. The consistency, the effect, the texture. I just can't cope with them. I have tried so many from multiple ranges, the Tanya Burr ones are lovely, but I can't wear them for long. MAC lipglasses are just too sticky. Maybelline haven't got the best smell. Call me picky, I just don't get on with them.
That was until I bought these two beauties.

 

Burberry Lip Glows and the Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing lipgloss are the best ones I've ever come across.

I found the Burberry one in TK Maxx, would you believe it? It was £12 and I'm GUTTED, I didn't pick any other shades up as I was quite distraught to see they retail normally for £19. They glide smoothly, they aren't sticky, they give a gorgeous glow to your lips and they are just great! I have the shade No.09 Nude Beige.

The Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing lipgloss was actually in my Naked On The Run palette, which happens to be my all time favourite palette. These retail for £14.50 so more affordable than the Burberry. I can't really compare the two as they both do different things. These have a distinct smell that make my lips feel so soft. I have the shade Sesso and it's the one I wear to work everyday.

(Nails are Essie's Mint Candy Apple!)

5:30am

Waking up at 5:30am is a struggle. I have to get up at this time each week for my 6:15am starts so I thought I'd share my tips for what I do in the mean time.

1. Set an alarm prior to the time you have to get up. 

I have to get up at 5:35 at the latest, so what I do, is set my alarm for 5:23, that gives me some time to actually wake up and enjoy those precious moments in bed and that time to check instagram in the morning. When your actual alarm goes off, you're set! 

2. Eat your breakfast in bed.

Eating breakfast in bed is perfect, minus the crumbs. I get up and straight away go and get my breakfast, I like to have cereal in the morning for the energy fix I need. Then I can slide back into bed, eat my breakfast and I'm good to go. Another tip, if you're running particularly early, make a smoothie. Instant energy.

3. Don't muck around with skincare. 

Cleanse. Moisturize. Keep it simple! That's all your skin really needs after waking up anyway, plus you haven't got time for all that cleanse, tone, exfoliate, moisturize, eye cream etc in the morning!

4. Simple. Natural. 

I like to keep it super simple in the mornings. I will keep it to at least 7 products or less. No contour, no cut creases! I have a post coming up tomorrow maybe tonight about the makeup I use. 

5. Listen to your relaxing playlist.

There is nothing worse than getting into a stress as soon as you wake up, for you to be in a bad mood all day. Listen to slow songs, rather than upbeat Uptown Funk. I love The Fault In Our Stars soundtrack.

6. Get a drink. ASAP.

For me, I have this in work. I'll grab myself either a glass of water or a hot chocolate, something that's gonna help you to keep alive!

Early mornings suck. I know!

7 Deadly Sins of Beauty Tag!

Hello! I'm trying my best to get back into blogging, as I have so many events coming up and I really want to account for them. (Is that the right term.. or?) So to start back, I have the Seven Deadly Sins Beauty tag!

1. GREED: What is your most expensive beauty product? What is your most inexpensive?
Now, I'm a bit tight when it comes to money. I bloody hate spending it! But I think it's my Urban Decay Naked palette, which retails for £38. Thirty eight pound for twelve eyeshadows! But saying that, my parents got it for me. So I think it's my Benefit set with six blushes and a highlighter that come out at christmas, or my Urban Decay Naked on the Run palette!
Inexpensive, easily, the MUA lipsticks for £1. Bargain!

2. WRATH: What products do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Liquid blushes. I love the Benefit tints, I have them all! But lordy, they are so hard to blend. I love the colours, I love the idea of it not coming off, but I do not love the fact I can't leave it in one place for more than 0.9 seconds!

3. GLUTTONY: What are your most delicious beauty products?
My MAC lipsticks taste delightful, the vanilla scent is just peeeerfect. Another is the LUSH Bubblegum lip scrub and oh my lord, it's like heaven in a pot.

4. SLOTH: What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness?
Eyeliner. I don't wear liquid eyeliner as it doesn't suit me in the slightest but any eyeliner is just soooo much hassle. Just the mascara life for me!

5. PRIDE: What product gives you the most confidence?
Foundation, as my skin is bloody damn awful. Or red/dark lipstick, I legit feel like a rebel when I wear MAC's Rebel lipstick.

6. LUST: What product makes you feel more attractive?
Lipstick, I just feel like I can take on the world when I have my lippy on. Also, glowy skin like, whenever I look in the mirror and I look so radiant and healthy, its great! The combination of the two and I actually can take on the world.

7. ENVY: What products would you most like to receive as a gift?
I would loooove another Naked palette, in particular 2. They're just so damn gorgeous! Or I would love a Nars product, like the Sheer Glow foundation or their audacious lip pencils. Ooh, or Zoeva brushes, rose gold is just mhmmm!

I tag all of you to do this tag!

It's Hard for Me to Believe too..

As I type this now, I have just finished a work out. I know, an actual work out. This is something I've never really mentioned on my blog before, but I am an active user of a gym and try my best to stay in shape. Recently, I have been on a gym instructor course, I know, it's hard for me to believe too. I really want fitness to become a key part in my life and to help someone to also do that, sounds perfect. So be prepared for more fitness, healthy posts!

The Essentials for Being Poorly

Being poorly is no fun, the pain in your head, the endless amounts of tissue and the constant temperature change. Today is one of those days for me today and as I'm suffering, I thought I'd tell you something that helps perk me up.

Tissues and not loo roll! For a cold, this is given. Please don't use toilet roll, it hurts your little Rudolph nose enough as it is!

Films. 100% you need a film to watch, Love Rosie is a new favourite, I saw it in cinemas and it recently came out on DVD , Lily Collins and Sam Claffin, what more could you want?

Chocolate. Now this may not be for everyone who's ill, but if you've got the common cold/flu, this might just be the thing to perk you up!

Books. Gossip Girl is my choice today, but whatever tickles your fancy!

I hope this cures your poorly self, and if you're feeling like me today, I wish you a speedy recovery! :)

Top 5 Beauty Favourites of 2014

Ooooh, the big one, the yearly favourites!

I feel as though 2014 has been the making of me in terms of beauty wise. Sure, I used a foundation the odd couple of times and I quite liked the mascara that was a fiver. But this year I grew my collection massively, especially in regards to Benefit. Benefit was the first high end brand I wanted to buy from. I would steal my sister's "They're Real" mini mascara whenever I had the chance. Now, I own a hella of a lot from there and I own MAC and Urban Decay. Lipsticks were never a main priority for me, and now I can't stand to be apart from my collection. Without further or do,  let's get into it!

Benefit The Porefessional Primer
I had never even used a primer until this.. how crazy! When I first went to Benefit, the lady put this on me. Of course I'd heard about it and the reviews were crazy, but could it really work? Did it actually make my pores look smaller, my skin smoother? YES! I absolutely love this primer, as a girl with oily skin and a lifeguard on a boiling hot poolside, I feel my makeup stays on a lot more. And I love it!

MAC lipstick in Hue
You know that lipstick that you wondered what you did before you had it? This is mine. This is my go to, everyday, perfect, nude. I thought "Yeah I'll like this" but I didn't expect to be obsessed with it. Which I truly am.

Benefit Coralista Blush
If you had told me at the start of the year, that I was going to buy a blush for £23.50, I probably would've laughed, hit you, and told you to jog on. But yes, I took the plunge and bought the beautiful box. It's without a doubt the nicest blusher I have ever used, it even has a nice smell. It looks so natural but so effortlessly gorgeous at the same time. Aaah, i just love it!

L'oreal Collection Exclusive Lipstick in Blake's Red
This year, I went out and reached for a red lipstick. Every girl needs one in her lipstick collection, I don't care what you say. I had MUA's Shade 1 before and yes it was nice for a quid. But this, is perfect. It's matte which screams for me to buy, as I am a matte girl. It glides onto the lips and just looks bloody gorgeous on. I hear it is a dupe for Ruby Woo by a MAC by the way.


L'oreal True Match Foundation
Late to the game I know, but I don't give into hypes very easily, e.g. Benefit Porefessional ;) but I thought hey ho, let's buy it. And I'm so glad I did! It's a matte finish, mediumish coverage, and a perfect skin match for me. I'm in N2!

2014 in 194 Words and 11 Pictures

2014 was a whirlwind. I feel I have grown up a lot in the terms of leaving school and working fulltime. There is a massive pressure to go to Uni and to break the sort of, trend, i guess you'd call it, is a hard thing to do. Uni has meant four of my best friends actually moved away to Birmingham, Sheffield, Aberystwyth and London, which has been hard but I appreciate them a lot more now they've moved away. Work friends have been even closer and I have some of my best friends there, that I hope will stay friends forever. My family have been incredible, supporting me in my choices an always being there. My two best friends Georgia and Alice have been my rocks. I have managed to push myself to doing more things and my anxiety has definitely improved. I went on holiday without my parents! I unfortunately had a breakup in the middle of 2014 which effected me immensely, I still miss him a lot but that is expected and I'm glad we have come to talking terms. :)

Now enough with the soppy talk, and this is 2014 in pictures!