The Brow History

I've always suffered with brows. Since I was about 11, the boys would pick on me in my class for having such overgrown brows. That was in 2007, when brows weren't a big focus. I actually didn't do my brows really until I was about 18. I've always hated them, and these photos definitely show my brow journey.

These were a while ago, but they are thick, unshaped and just horrific. This actually a nice picture of them in that time. They were rough!

We start getting to the point where I allowed my beautician sister to hack at my brows with some wax.. I still hated it with a passion. 

The stage where I wish I kept my brows this way and my hair this way. :( 

THE WORST STAGE. The over plucked stage. I got so annoyed at my thick brows and for once and for all, I hacked at them with tweezers. WHYYYYYYYYYY.

And so that brings us to present day Katie, months after my plucking, a few waxing sessions and they're shaped. Finally. Brows will always be my most hated part, so many of my friends ask what I fill in them in with and I honestly can't tell them. I use every brown matte shade I own, and just go for it. I feel like everyone has had a bad brow stage, apart from these 14 year olds now that have them waxed and tinted every month?? Why?? 

I hope you enjoyed laughing at horrific old photos of me. Thank God I've changed eh!? 

Good Things That Happened in 2015

This is my last post looking back on 2015, and I thought I'd make it a positive one and list all the good things that happened in 2015. :) 

February 19th: Passed my Level 2 Swimming Teaching course

April 5th: Spent Easter Sunday on a glorious walk with my parents.

April 11th: My cousin, Ashley, got engaged. 

April 21st: The youngest of our group, Arian, turned 18 and we had a great partaaay.

April 23rd: Passed my Driving Theory test. 

May 7th: Saw The Vamps with my two best friends, Georg and Alice. 

May 22nd: Went on my first hen do, for Katie in Birmingham. 

May 30th: Passed my Level 2 Gym Instructor course. 

June 9th: Saw Ariana Grande live in concert with Alice, in Birmingham.
June 11th: Saw One Direction in concert. 

July 12th: Went on holiday with Rhiannon to Alcudia.

July 14th: My godson Lucas, turned two.

July 25th: Went to my first Horse Races.

August 2nd: My best gal, Katie, got married!

August 8th: Went to Birmingham with my friends to visit our friend's birthday.

August 25th: Saw Annie the musical with my mum. 

August 31st: Saw Blue live with my work friends. 

September 3rd: Spa day at the Celtic Manor with my mum.

October 11th: Went on holiday with my parents to Cala Gracio.

October 31st: Celebrated Halloween in Cardiff with work gals.

November 26th: I turned the big 20. 

December 10th: Donated a Christmas present to Toy Appeal

December 21st: Got awarded the "Biggest Moaner" in work hahaha

December 25th: Celebrated Christmas with my family. 

A lot of a good memories from this year. I think you can tell I had a better summer than the rest of the year haha. Goodbye 2015!

Top Lip Products of 2015

I was thinking about my favourite lip products of 2015, so I've just decided to put them in one blog post in the order I love them, wish me luck trying to rank them!

Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick

Too Face Melted Lipstick in Melted Nude

Too Faced Lip Liner in Too Nude

YSL Rouge Volupte in 9

MAC Hue Lipstick

Urban Decay Ultra Nourishing Lip Gloss in "Sesso"

L'Oreal Collection Privee in "J Lo's Nude"

Burberry Lip Glow in "No.9 Nude Beige" 

L'Oreal Collection Privee in "Blake's Red"

It's Okay Not To Have A Plan

This year I have already made big decisions. I've made the decision to apply for University and leave my full time job. I haven't left it yet, I'm waiting to hear back from the places I've applied and then I will be leaving in September to go. But the main post of this post is,

IT'S OKAY NOT TO HAVE A PLAN.

I'm a 20 year old girl, I like things that normal 20 year olds like, partying, sleeping, going out for food. But when I was in my final year of sixth form, and it was the time that everyone went on our own little journeys. I was the 'deviant' one, shall we say. In my school, everyone went to university. They'd enforce it, most likely for the reputation of the school. But only about three of us, left school to go to jobs. In my friendship group, all went to University, all studying different things. Bar me and a close friend. She went to college instead. I was the only one not applying for university.

At the time, I panicked. I just didn't know what I wanted to do, I was living in the moment and not thinking about the future when I should've been. I went to work full time, where I before worked part time. I'm a lifeguard and swimming teacher, so it's not a bad job. There were a lot of shifts to be covered, it just worked.

I don't regret not going to University at the time, because I didn't know what I truly wanted. But, I wish I did a bit of forward thinking. My parents said they were never worried because they knew I'd go eventually.

It's not essential to go, unless you want to go into Medical. (Hint Hint, I'm applying for a Healthcare profession) So please, don't panic if you're like 18 year old Katie. My friends are much older than me and they are now wondering what to do with their lives. We find out what we want to do when it comes to us, regardless of our ages. Heck, I know 40+ year olds changing profession.

I've had a good two years out of education, I did a lot. I grew a lot. The pictures I've included are all from my school days, I do miss them a lot, but it's time to embrace the next chapter!

5 Things to Help You Stick to the Gym

As I've been the member of the same gym since I was 13, and I'm 20, I feel as if I am rather experienced in the gym world. The fact I'm a Gym Instructor helps aswell really doesn't it? Now it's the start of the year when most people start saying "This is the year I'll get fit!" They go to the gym once or twice, put an Instagram picture of their new trainers and then they're back to not exercising and watching Netflix. Don't deny it, we've all been there! I've discovered things that do and don't work when it comes to exercising and I figured I'd share them with you. 

1. Get a Work Out Buddy!

I love going on a Monday morning with my best friend, Georg! She picks me up at an early time because she has University at 1pm, and then we'll head straight to the gym. It's so good to go with a friend for a longer session, I tend to go more than once a week but my long session is always with Georg. What's better than a catch up over a treadmill?

2. Work Out in the Morning

Following on from my last point when I said I go to the gym Monday Morning, I love to go on Mondays in general. I get up, get ready and go. I instantly feel like my day has been productive and it sets a good mood for the rest of the day, whats better than that?

3. Treat Yourself to New Gear

I always say to people starting the gym, it's always worth buying a decent pair of trainers. The amount of money you spend constantly having to repurchase ones from Primark, you could've paid for a decent pair from Nike. They're made particularly for training, it will benefit you! I always find that if I buy new gear, I want to go to the gym and show it all off. Today my new trainers came, I went to the gym a couple of hours later!

4. Get a Decent Nights Sleep

I get it, it's 2am, you've just finished the last chocolate in the box, and you're about to press play on another TV show episode. But, what if you plan to go to the gym that very next day? I can guarantee you, you will hate hearing that alarm even more. Drink a glass of water, get to sleep and you'll wake up wanting to squat! 

5. Make a GREAT Playlist 

There is nothing worse than scrolling through your phone and just seeing songs like "Daniel Merriweather-Bad Day" start playing. (This happened to me today!) Make a playlist in advance of songs that you know you will work that little bit harder for. Beyonce, Little Mix and Justin Bieber are some great artists I listen to, to get me moving. Alternatively, my gym has WiFi, so I leave all the videos in my subscription box until I get there, I can get there do what I'd usually be led in bed doing, on an exercise machine!

I hope these things come of use to you, some of them are kind of obvious and raved about. There is a reason for that, it works. Remember, exercise can be done in many other different ways to the gym and even walking to work, rather than driving, can massively benefit you! 

See you soon! 

The Best of Beauty 2015: Blush and Bronzer.

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 Blush and Bronzer.

Blush
Benefit Rockateur Blush
A beautiful deep rose gold blusher that just looks beautiful all year around. If I need a blush that is going to make me look awake and healthy, I'll go to this, it is pricey but Benefit blushers are in kits and I know this particular blush has its own kit so it's more for your money!
£23.50

Runner Up
Milani Luminoso Blush
I purchased this at the start of the December, but it's just too well loved not to mention it in this post. It looks so subtle on the cheeks, you just look like you have a natural flush to your cheeks. Definitely one of the cult products you have to pick up for yourself!
Milani is hard to get in the UK, but it's $8.49 on the site and that's £5.79!

Bronzer
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
Another Benefit product, I'm sorry! But this one is definitely worth it. For me, it kind of doubles up as Bronzer and Contour powder. When I'm tanned, I just use this as a bronzer to enhance my colour, when I'm pale, I can use this as a contour powder. This has it's own kit "Do the Hoola" and it's also in "Bronze of Champions." I own both and I think they're £26!
£23.50

Seventeen Define and Conquer Kit
I know this is a contour and not a bronzer but this is just the one. It looks gorgeous on light-medium skin tones and the highlight is matte. Matte highlight, can we just take a moment to appreciate that? I never see a matte highlight on the high street! The kit is so cheap for the money and it's entirely worth it.
£5.99

The Best of Beauty 2015: Face and Eye Primer

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, face and eye primer. 

Face Primer

Benefit Porefessional Primer

I have used this for well over a year, and I adore it. I have quite large pores (I don't know why, someone help me please) and this just covers them up. The Nude Magique Blur Cream by L'Oreal does a similar job but this just slays. I'm not sure whether I'll repurchase it once I've finished it, I don't really want to pay that price tag again! 

£24.50

The Runner Up

Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer 

If you read my foundation post, which I really hope you did, then you will have seen that I love the Lasting Finish foundation. This literally feels like a second moisturizer, it glues my foundation to my face and it's just so good!

£6.99 I think!

Eye Primer

Urban Decay Primer Potion in "Eden"

I have all of the Primer Potions because when I had my first two Naked Palettes, they came with testers of them all. Unfortunately, my Smoky Palette didn't! But this one is the best one, it's matte and you literally need about half the amount of this one compared to the original. It's tinted and it's great! Plus, the testers have loads in so i've not actually had to buy the full size of it!

£16 for the full size, and you can get a smaller tube for £10. I just have a sachet!

Runner Up

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original 

Although Eden won the first place, Original is still better than any other primer I've tried. I highly recommend the Urban Decay Primer Potions in general. Glues your eyeshadow to your eyes!

Same price as above.

Stay around for the next post, blush and bronzer!

The Best of Beauty 2015: Eyeshadow Palette and Cream Eyeshadow

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, eyeshadow palette and cream eyeshadow.

Eyeshadow Palette

Urban Decay Naked Palette

I have bought so many palettes this year, they have definitely been my weakness. But this has definitely been my ultimate go to palette. They have such a variety of shades, there are only two matte shades which is the only downside for me, i'd quite have liked three! My favourite shades are Sin, Smog and Half Baked!
£38 (Usually on sale on Feel Unique though!)

Runner Up
The Balm Nude Tude Palette
Gorgeous variety of shades, highly pigmented even the white. The names are amazing, sassy, sultry etc. Great sleek palette for travelling!Sleek is also one of the names haha. Just great!
£30

Cream Shadow

Maybelline Colour Tattoos
These have such a range of colours, I have a fair few of the neutral shades. I absolutely adore the two new shades that are matte called "Creme de Rose" and "Creme De Nude" and they are perfect for a base or just on their own for a subtle look. They have different ranges, creamy mattes, leather and just the averages one. I've heard America just got the metallic ones too!
£4.99

Runner Up
MAC Paint Pot
I only have two of these and I've just got them at the end of the year so I didn't think they should be number one. I have two shades, Camel Coat, which is a just a base colour. Perfect for covering up the veins on my eyelids! I have Antique Diamond aswell which I picked up in the Cosmetics Company. It's a glittery silver, which you can imagine I haven't got much wear out of! Perfect consistency of these paint pots, just a bit more of the pricey side for a cream shadow!
£16

The Best of Beauty 2015: Mascara and Eyeliner

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, mascara and eyeliner.

Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash

I'm so incredibly picky with mascara. Mascara is one of those things that I will splurge on because I am still searching for the best mascara. However, this comes close. This mascara makes my straight lashes so curly, the curl lasts so long. No clumps and I make it dramatic with the more coats I use.

£19.50

The Runner Up

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

I was really doubtful about this mascara. Everyone loved it, and I was thinking "It can't be that good." I was so wrong, it curls, it lengthens, it does everything I'd ever want it to do. I use the waterproof one which is a bugger to get off. For the price, you can't go wrong for trying it, and people are right. It is good!

£7.99

Eyeliner

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencils 

I have so many shades of these. I got given a kit that has a fair few mini eyeliners in and one large one of the Perversion liner. My favourites shade are Stag and Pervision. Easily blendable and definitely worth the price!
£15.50

The Runner Up
NARS Larger than Life Eyeliner in Via Venito
I got this in the NARS Glossybox (Which I've done a post on!) and it's just a simple black. It's quite an average eyeliner really that's hiiiiighly pigmented!
£19

Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016.

2015 was a massive whirlwind for me. It was the worst year for me yet, having losing a close friend and my grandad falling ill. But there were some really good moments like one of my best friend's getting married, and her hen do. Going to Birmingham to see Ariana Grande, seeing One Direction live, going on holiday with another best friend and with my family. But there's a few things I'm trying to do in 2016 that I think will massively benefit me.

1. Think Positive. I'm sure I'm one of the most negative people out there, and I have no idea why. I think the worst will happen in each situation. I think the fact I'm a massive worrier doesn't help much, but I'm definitely going to start thinking the best in situations.

2. Stand up for myself more. I'm a pushover, I admit it. I let people walk all over me, and I shouldn't. I need to think of myself rather than other people sometimes. I saw a post the other day about things that everyone should do more in 2016, and one of those things was saying no and not explaining. If I don't want to go somewhere, chances are, I either will or I'll make an excuse. Why can't I just say no? 

3. Spend less time on social media. I think this is one of everyone's this year, I spend so much time online. That isn't always a negative thing, but I need to get off Twitter sometimes and actually go out. I'm already seeing improvements from my mood from staying off of Facebook for a bit!

There are other generic things, drink more water, eat healthily, go to the gym. But those are tiny aspects, I'm determined to be strong this year mentally, rather than physically!

Below are my favourite pictures from 2015. Bye Two Thousand and Fifteen!