Autumn & Winter Nails!

Whether you enjoy a sophisticated deep red, prefer a fun n' fabulous glitter & sequined look, or dare to play with textures and finishes this season; velvet or matte... I've got your nails covered. Here are my top five nail polish choices for this currently chilly climate, and the festive period afoot. 

I adore the name first and foremost. I also think this is the prettiest polish by far in my entire collection; the glitter is stunning with the three shades within creating a gorgeous multi dimensional appearance on the nail. If ever I was to call a nail polish captivating this would be it. Not sure if I'm there quite yet...but yeah it really is.

This is the most understated, yet appropriate for the time of year. It's red but not your bright garish stereotypical red. It's demure and sophisticated. A tad more unusual than most reds on the market too, in my opinion.

This is just some fun, every Christmas (eek can I mention the C-word yet!?) party needs a little sequin number, and this is just the one. Each application offers something different. In terms of how many sequins the brush applies to the nail, and what colour range comes from the bottle is purely luck of the draw though! 

This deep navy matte polish is sleek and stylish, not as harsh as a black nail, but just as daring yet delightful. Trés Chic. 

However I do love black nails, now the early nights have set in, I feel black is quite apt! The velvet texture is a fun gimmick to play around with too. 

Those are my five favourites for the season upon us. Please let me know in the comments below if I should check out any others. My nail polish collection is forever growing, I just can't help myself! x 

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 

The 40 Beauty Questions Tag!

I love a classic tag post. They are so much fun to ponder over, but I did amalgamate a couple of questions since they were related, to speed up the reading process. There are quite a few areas to cover, so lets get cracking!

Skincare

How many times a day do you wash your face?

Twice. Once in the morning, and once at night. I don't like to over cleanse my skin, in case it strips the skin of the natural oils, as then it will over produce oils wreaking havoc for the condition of my skin. 

What skin type do you have?

I have never had a professional skin assessment, but in my opinion I think I have combination skin. 

What is your current face wash? 

I am currently loving the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Facial Cleanser. Nevertheless I always have a couple of different cleansers on the go.

Do you exfoliate?

Yes, a couple of times a week. I am using St. Ives Timeless Skin Daily Microdermabrasion, at the moment. 

What moisturiser do you use?

The Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturiser. I highly recommend it, it has such a lovely sweet orange scent and makes your skin feel super hydrated.

Do you have freckles? 

Not nearly as many as I had when I was younger, but I do have fair skin, so they can make an appearance in the Summer.

Do you use eye cream? 

Yes. The Soap and Glory Puffy Eye Attack. 

Do you have acne prone skin, and did you ever have to use Pro-Activ? 

I do have skin prone to spots, but I never used Pro-Activ. 

Make Up

What foundation do you use?

My drugstore foundation is the trusty Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation, a classic. While my high-end favourite at the moment is Tarte's Amazonian Clay Foundation. My goodness I adore it, such a great full coverage foundation. 

What concealer do you use?

For blemishes I really like Seventeen's Phwoarr Paint. It has a really nice consistency and coverage. For the under eye area I enjoy Rimmel's Match Perfection 2 in 1 Concealer and Highlighter to brighten up my dark circles. 

Do you know your undertone colour?

Pink I think (hey that rhymes). 

What do you think of fake eyelashes?

I think they can look gorgeous, but I have actually never dabbled in them. I do not see myself being able to apply them successfully at all. haha. 

Did you know you are supposed to dispose of mascara after three months?

Yes. Do I follow the rule? No. Woops. 

What mascara brand do you use?

Tarte and Rimmel. 

Sephora or Mac?

Sephora, so many choices. 

What make up application tools do you use?

brushes, a beauty blender, and eyelash curlers. 

Do you use primer?

I haven't found a primer I really like. I do not enjoy the silicone feeling of most, it feels yucky on my hands. It's like my personal equivalent of hearing nails being scraped down a chalkboard. Eek. 

What is your favourite eye shadow? 

Marc Jacobs palette in 'The Dreamer' all of the shades are beautiful and buttery. 

Pencil or liquid eyeliner?

Pencil, I am not the most skilled at liquid application. 

How often do you poke your eye with eyeliner?

On occasion. 

What do you think of pigment eye shadows?

They can look stunning, when used in moderation. Although they can be rather messy. 

Do you use mineral make up?

Nope, not currently. 

What is your favourite lipstick?

I am loving Soap and Glory's 'Mantrap' muted red at the moment, as well as Rimmel's Kate Moss shade in number 08. It is my everyday dark neutral colour. 

How about lipgloss?

I am more of a lipstick girl, but lipgloss wise I really like NYX's buttergloss in Tiramisu. It is such a lovely formula and such a fabulous neutral gloss. 

What is your favourite blusher?

Nars Deep Throat.

Do you buy your make up on Ebay?

Nope. 

Do you like drugstore make up?

YES. The majority of my make up collection is from the drugstore.

Have you ever considered taking make up classes?

Yes I have, but haven't taken the plunge yet. 

Are you clumsy in putting on make up?

I wouldn't say clumsy, but things certainly do not go as planned on occasion. 

Name a make up crime you hate? 

Super duper dark and overdrawn eyebrows when the persons hair is fair. I am all for slightly darkened and defined brows, but there is a limit. When your hair is bleach blonde, it is unlikely that you would have black eyebrows. But each to their own I guess!

Do you like colourful make up shades or neutral?

Both! I like neutral eyes, with bright lips. 

Which celebrity always has great make up?

Apologies for being cliche, but Kylie Jenner does have a great look. Trend setting some might say. 

If you could leave the house using only one make up item which would it be?

Concealer. Or mascara. 

Do you think you look good without any make up on?

Depends on the condition of my skin mostly. Usually that's a struggle for me, to think I do, but I have good days and not so good days. 

In your opinion what is the best make up brand?

Rimmel, Tarte or Sleek. 

What do you think of make up?

I adore it. It's so much fun to create different looks and styles. Plus it can be a confidence booster, but never let it define you. 


That was so much fun. If you fancy a go at this tag leave your blog post in the comments below so I can check out your thoughts and favourites.