Current Favourites!

Hello you beautiful human beings! I am well and truly back into my university routine, being in my third and final year now (of my Sociology degree at least!), it's the beginning of the end..eek. So now I'm back to my stash of all things beauty and otherwise, I thought I should sit down and tell you about my current favourites. Since my last favourites was an ENTIRE year ago (whoopsy daisy), now might be a good time to update you. Right let's get down to the nitty gritty shall we... 

Make Up

My lipstick and gloss combo recently has been the Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in 'Grace' (£22 for full size) which is a pale beige nude. I will say on it's own it doesn't suit my skin tone that well, due to my pale complexion, it can wash me out. However with my sheer baby pink Laura Mercier lip glacé in 'Bare Baby' (£19 for full size) on top, it is a perfect union, for natural everyday make up. Both products wear well, and sit comfortably on the lips too (especially the Hourglass lipstick; velvety smooth...oh la la). 

Nails

It is well and truly Autumn edging closer to Winter every single day. Although I must say the Autumn weather has been so mild this year, it's refreshingly odd, not complaining though. I've probably completely jinxed us UK humans saying that...sorry. That was a tangent, if I ever saw one. Anywhoo as I was saying the colder months are upon us, and so the darker shades make their appearance once more. OPI's deep purple named "I Carol About You" (£8.95) from the 2014 holiday collection has resurfaced from the depths of my nail varnish collection, and I really love it. OPI varnishes are great, they last well (with a top coat) I only retouch them every 3-4 days, which is actually quite an accomplishment for me and my nails. 

Scent

Mac's "Turquatic" perfume (£23 for 20ml) is super duper lovely in my humble opinion. Firstly the bottle is unique with it's floral and grass theme, which looks cool on my dressing table. However it's like a weapon, the edges are extremely sharp (keep away from children..and me. Just kiddin' kids it's not that bad). The scent notes include anemone, lotus, orris and Corsican blue cedar (honestly I don't know what half that stuff is, but it smells good all together!). To me the scent is quite a strong slightly muskier scent, with a hint of licorice, which sounds insane to me, I hate licorice to taste but I guess I don't mind it as a scent? How bizarre.

Hair

Co Lab's Extreme Volume Dry Shampoo in the Rio tropical scent (£4) is wonderful at making your hair last between washes, it absorbs oils and doesn't leave a white cast in the hair. The extreme volume version is great at adding that bit of oomph! to my limp fine hair, which is just smashing. 

Skincare

Sheet masks are such a fun pampering pick me up, they make you look like a scary ghost or serial killer, which is great for snapchatting (SUCH FUN!). I got my masks from China this summer, from Etude House (80p each), but there are many variations on the market. In terms of logistics I just pop the slimy sheet of skincare goodness onto my face for twenty minutes, and immediately after my skin feels so much softer and looks more plump with a renewed glow. 

In addition I just want to mention my Pink Grapefruit Hand Cream from The Body Shop (£4). It's a hand cream filled with moisturising oils, which make your hands feel beautifully soft. Really it's the pink grapefruit scent that makes this one my fave though. It smells delicious. 

Fashion

These shoes (£45) are a love/hate item. Clearly I love them. They're from Next, which is a tad unusual for me, as I never shop in Next, but I went in with a friend, and haven't looked back since! haha. I love the sophisticated school girl vibe the shoes give off. They are black lace ups (very past Natalie aged 10) but with a 3/4 inch heel (very present Natalie aged 20). They're comfortable enough to wear with skinny jeans on a daily basis, but look great with a skirt or shorts too for a dressed up look. 

Book

I am currently reading 'After You' (£12.99) the sequel to Jojo Moyes 'Me Before You'. I really enjoyed the first, a chick-lit filled with tears and laughter, and the second seems to be following suit. I highly recommend it, if you're into your light contemporary reads, with a bit of heart, and relatability thrown into the mix.

Food

If you are eating healthy look away now. You have been warned. Now don't judge me. This is a safe place; no T, no shade, no pink lemonade. Lotus Biscoff Crunchy Biscuit Spread (£2.25) is heaven in a jar. Grab a spoon and dig in. You're welcome. 

Item

My Primark 'Hello' lidded plastic glass. Perfect for on the go, but for me it is a big "HELLO! I'm a big glass of water, drink me, so you are the slightest bit healthier and stay hydrated!". Just a subtle hint to myself there. Plus it's super cute. 

TV

I am a decade late to the party but Prison Break is just brilliant. It has everything; suspense, humour, heart, as well as great plot line, script and acting. I'm obsessed, although still on season one so no spoilers! For anyone who has been under a rock, like me for the past ten years, Prison Break is exactly as it sounds, men with a plan to break out of prison. To me, it's like a testosterone filled Orange is the New Black. Just splendid. 

On the reality end of the spectrum I am relishing in the ridiculousness and trashiness of Are You The One? season three, which is airing now. Some of the girls are nutcases and some of the boys are poo-heads (pardon my French), but that makes it all the more enjoyable to watch. There is also a part of me who is like get me in that house, and let me meet my perfect match! Basically it is a dating show, where ten guys, and ten girls live together, and with in the group each have been matchmake'd with their perfect romantic partner. However they don't know who their perfect match is. They must try to work it out with their hearts (and their heads) to win the grand prize fund; but with twists and turns and make ups and break ups, it gets pretty cray cray. 

...and there we have it, all my current favourites, this was fun, let's do it again sometime soon. Please let me know if you have any recommendations, in the comments below, as I am always on the hunt for worthy products/time consumers. xx 

March Collective Haul (All Saints, River Island, Vintage & ASOS)!

Over the past few weeks, I've taken a little break from my spending ban of five weeks; whoops! This included a shopping trip in London, and a few Easter outfit treats from ASOS too. 

ASOS

ASOS PETITE Kimmi Supersoft Stretch Shrunken Boyfriend in Mid Wash Vintage £38.00 

I wanted something that wasn't the same as every pair of skinny jeans I own, so I opted for these shrunken boyfriend jeans. They are incredibly comfortable, and paired with my Topshop Chelsea Boots I think they look casual yet chic. 

 ASOS PETITE Poncho Top with Lace Trim £25.00

This would be perfect for festival season, due to its boho nature. Although I'm not sure if I'll be attending any festivals this year. Nevertheless it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion regardless. 

 

(ASOS) River Island Maisie Sunglasses £10.00

I'd wanted coloured lenses for ages, and thought these would do the trick nicely. The tortoise shell temples add a lovely touch too. However I must say every time I've put them on top of my head they've got stuck in my hair! That's my own fault though haha. 

Vintage Shops

Goldsmith Vintage (Portebello Road, London Area)

Colourful Patterned Button-less Shirt £25

This will be perfect to cover up in the Summer, without getting too warm. Throw it over a plain t-shirt and a pair of jeans, and you're good to go. 

Maroon Leather Bag £40

A great day bag, that fits everything you need inside. Plus I love the vintage appeal, the worn leather adds a little something extra to it.

Mens Levi Denim Shirt £40

I wanted a denim shirt that was baggy and structured (and long) enough to wear with just leggings. This one is perfect for that, being almost dress length.

Blitz (Shoreditch, London)

Cropped Jumper £29

The inside of this cropped jumper is just fleecy gorgeousness on the skin. It's so comfortable, but the pocket adds a touch of oomph. Fantastic for casual comfy days out. 

All Saints

Tan Leather Jacket £298

This is the piece de resistance. I would love to build up a wardrobe of classic staple pieces that will last a lifetime. This is hopefully one of them. It feels absolutely gorgeous to the touch, and so beautifully made. I adore it. 

River Island

I haven't bought a new pair of shoes in a year (a part from trainers) so instead of one pair, I bought two! There was a 20% off for students, so that is my excuse at least. I just can't help myself... 

Gold trimmed, snakeskin insole, wedges £50

These will take me some time to learn to walk properly in, however they aren't as impossible as I first thought. Fancy dinners may come before wearing them all night on the town nonetheless, don't want to be breaking my ankle, that would be quite embarrassing. Nevertheless I thought they were stunning, and perfect for summertime, as I'm usually more of a chunky platform boot kind of girl, but that isn't quite summer appropriate. 

White Chunky Heels £35

These are more my usual, they are so comfortable, and easy to wear. Day or night. 

That is everything I've picked up over the past few weeks. I'm very happy with my spending spree, but back on the spending ban wagon once more! Have you treated yourself to anything recently that I should check out, when I'm off the spending ban? Let me know in the comments below... 

What's In My Bag? (March 2015)

The bigger the bag, the more you stuff it with rubbish. I have tried, and somewhat, I believe succeeded in keeping the rubbish to a minimal. I adore my Michael Kors Jet Set Travel textured-leather tote. It is perfect for a jet-set lifestyle, as the name suggests, or alternatively to be used for everyday purposes. I tend to use mine on a daily basis, it is a perfect size for all my uni books, as well as everything else. It is black textured leather with gold hardware; so easily cleaned, and not so easily scuffed.  There is an internal zipped compartment in the centre, and two open compartments either side, with zipped and unzipped pouch pockets too. Great for keeping everything organised. Now on to what's actually inside...

This is typically what I carry around day to day. The only things that are changed up are the snacks and my lipstick choices. I currently have Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick in number 12. This is a bright orangey-red, which I think is a fantastic transitional shade for the beginning of Spring. However I always carry a neutral shade too, in case I need a switch up. I have Revlon's Colourstay in 'Flashing Lights' in there right now. I love it! Such a subtle sheer shimmering neutral, that is easy to maintain. The only other make-up I carry is the Bigelow Apothecaries Rose Salve for my lip conditioning needs, as well as my Seventeen Phwoar paint concealer, and the Milani Even Touch Foundation in 01. These are just a few staples to touch up any make-up dishevelment throughout the day.

The bright is the no 12, the sheer is Flashing Lights.

Moving over to other beauty related products in my stash include my few sanitary products, a plaster and a packet of tissues for those caught short situations (we've all been there haven't we?) and then I also take citrus zest hand wipes from Marks and Spencer ,and Bath & Bodyworks 'Twisted Peppermint' scented hand sanitizer (smells lush!) incase I need to get out of a sticky situation (eating snacks on the go can lead to this). I follow this with The Body Shop's Pink Grapefruit hand cream, to keep things nice and smooth.

Speaking of sticky situations, I have a stomach that will grumble at every most embarrassing moment. Also known as in a silent lecture hall. Hence why I come prepared with snacks, to combat this happening. An Alpen bar, and a Weetabix 'Toffee Dazzler' oat bar (these are very very yummy). In addition I bring a bottle of water, purely to make sure I drink enough of it.

Sephora's 'Always Fresh' deodorant wipes are great if you're out all day, or travelling and need a quick spruce up. I also take my Elizabeth & James White Nirvana rollerball on outings, to keep smelling sweet. I love the fresh floral scent, and it lasts well too. Speaking of fresh, my out of season Merry Christmas tin contains mints, and then I have my little tub of Extra gum to keep minty fresh throughout the day too.

The other bits I keep handy are a hair bobble, as I always end up putting my hair up at some point, it just feels better out the way. As well as my USB for any work I need to procrastinate over, a notepad with 'Random Crap' on the front. That does contain just that. A few pens. My passport for ID. Sunglasses from Urban Outfitters. My Instax polaroid camera (LOVE). My iPhone 4s. Sony Earphones. My floral Primark wallet (very sturdy, but very worn).

Finally I have 'The Guest Cat' by Takashi Hiraide, which I am yet to start reading, but ready to do so. I wanted to escape my typical reading, and try something different. That is why I chose a novel set in Tokyo, written by a Japanese author. I look forward to delving into it. Plus I know we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but it is stunning.

Thanks for reading!

What are some of the typical (or unusual) things you carry day to day, that I should pop in my bag?