Grey Skinnies | OOTD

JUMPER // JEANS

Today I thought I would share with you a typical outfit that I would wear to college! As the Winter creeps in all that I want to wear is a big jumper. Although it's not the most fashionable, it definitely keeps me warm. This jumper is from new look, which I got for about £9 when I was in London, what a bargain! I have a cropped black jumper which is very thin so I needed a thicker, longer version because I don't wear high waisted Joni jeans every day!

I'm in love with my jeans which are the Leigh jeans from Topshop. I also got them in London, in the Oxford Street store (aka the dreamiest Topshop there is) because I couldn't see them anywhere around Dublin. The only ones that I could find were the Ankle Grazer version with the frayed edge which I wasn't really into. They are just a nice, subtle alternative to your typical black or denim wash jeans.

I hope you enjoyed this outfit post, I plan to do a lot more in the future but with it being dark at 4pm and so much college work to do it's hard to find the time! I can't wait to be finished on the 18th so I can have loads of time to relax and blog.

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November Fitness File

After three months of hitting the gym for the first time in my life I decided to do a round-up of what I have learned from the experience.. 

I wrote a post just like this back at the beginning of October after just one month of having a membership. I'll link the post here if you want a read so this post is just a follow up and some more tips I have (but this time with more focus on the gym!).

//DON'T BE INTIMIDATED BY THE GYM

Advice I should have taken two months ago.. Until this month I only went to classes in the gym, don't get me wrong, they were great but once you get a taste of the gym and all of the machines there is no going back! This month as only a few class times suited me and as I wanted to get more cardio in I decided to suck it up and go upstairs to the treadmill. I just found the gym to be really intimidating as everyone else seemed to be so advanced and I just didn't know how to utilise it properly. I have been feeling a whole lot better about doing more cardio and for me anyway it was really good to get back into running. At the start of the week my friend joined and showed me how to use all of the other machines (I was only sticking to the treadmill and the cross trainer) and it has changed everything. I couldn't believe that I could have been doing so much more and getting so much more out of my workout, if only if I plucked up the courage and asked a trainer for some help months ago! Moral of the story, GO ASK FOR HELP, thats what the staff are there for.

//GET A GYM BUDDY
You have no idea, gym buddies do wonders for your gym time. It'll motivate you to go on them chilly winter nights when you don't want to get off the couch knowing you're going with someone else. Plus, a little bit of competition is healthy and does wonders for your workout!

//GET SOME NEW WORKOUT GEAR
There is nothing that motivates me more than getting some new workout gear. Getting a few new bits for the gym makes you feel great when working out, for me anyway! I have been eyeing up some new gear on NIKE, Boohoo, Missguided and Forever 21 at the moment, you don't have to spend a fortune on cute gym wear!

//HAVE PATIENCE

If you are truly dedicated to a healthier lifestyle and starting to exercise in order to lose weight, you have to have patience. It can be discouraging in the first few weeks not to see results but it takes time and when you start seeing results it is so worth it and so motivational!

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The Winter Beauty Edit

YAY FOR DECEMBER! As the countdown to Christmas is well and truly underway, I though I'd share with you my go to winter makeup look.

//BASE

Starting off with the base, I like to prime my skin with the Porefessional primer by Benefit. In terms of primers I really need to branch out, I feel like I have been using this for years and haven't tried and tested any more! If you have any recommendations please leave them below. Next on to my new favourite product, the Tarte Coloured Clay CC Undereye Corrector. Let me tell you, if you have never tried a corrector, put one on your Christmas list because they seriously change up your under eye area if you have a problem with dark circles! This is a peach toned cream which gives a decent amount of coverage along with counteracting the awful blue and purple tones under my eyes.. Its amazing! When I'm chosing my foundation during the Winter I tend to gravitate towards medium/ full coverage with a matte finish. A perfect, cheaper foundation option would be the Covergirl 3-in-1 which I applied with a Beauty Blender because I wanted to save my beloved MAC Studio Fix Fluid. The Covergirl foundation literally lasts all day so pick it up if you ever get the chance. Concealer wise, I always wear my MAC Pro Longwear for a much brighter and even more concealed undereye area! To set it all I use my trusty Make Up Forever HD Powder and for brows I have been loving my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Soft Brown.

//CHEEKS

Contouring has become my new favourite step in my makeup routine thanks to the Kat Von D Shade and Light Contour palette! I bronze with the bottom left shade with a big fluffy brush on my cheeks, temples and down my neck. For contouring, I use the middle shade on the bottom with my Zoeva 110 Face Shape brush which is the perfect shape to (attempt to) chisel out them cheek bones! On to blush I love cracking out my MAC blush in Peachtwist during this time of year, it is a peachy berry shade with some shimmer but gives a really subtle glow to the cheeks. For a light highlight I love using the top shade called 'Heaven' in the Too Faced Natural Eyes palette.

//EYES

I like to wear warm brown tones through my crease keeping it really simple! My go-to colours are Naked and Buck from the Naked Palette or Nudie, Honey Butter and Chocolate Cookie from the Too Faced Natural eyes palette. For an intense inner corner highlight I love MAC's Nylon. It is so bright I love it!! I love to focus on the lashes so I love wearing the Ardell Natural 100 lashes- perfect natural looking lashes. I have used the Benefit Roller Lash to blend my own lashes in with the falsies. 

//LIPS

My favourite part of the whole look! Charlotte Tilbury's Glastonberry is part of the Revolutionary Matte Lipstick range and is to die for. It is a gorgeous dark berry shade, perfect for this time of year. I can't wait to pick up some more shades from this line as it is such an amazing formula, Red Carpet Red and Love Liberty look beautiful!

Thanks for reading, what is your favourite Winter lip colour?!

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Dark Nude Lips

One lip trend that I didn't think I would like was the Kylie Jenner, dark nude lip. I just saw her huge, overdrawn botox lips and I was immediately turned off it (I'm sorry, I'm just not a fan!) until I got my hands on Whirl lipstick. 

I got the lipstick as I was in Florida when the new matte collection was released and I just wanted to try something new. I have yet to find a lighter nude lip that suits me- even Creme Cup by MAC doesn't suit! There was so much hype around Whirl lipliner that I saw loads of people wear it and it looked amazing on them so I said I'd pick it up.. I haven't looked back, I love it! 

Since Whirl lipstick I have picked up several more lip shades along the same lines so today I thought I would share them with you.

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick // Lolita
Lolita is the must have Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. I knew I wanted to pick one up so when I did my research it seemed to be the one that everyone was raving about. This shade is the darkest of all my dark nude lip colours being the least wearable during the day in my opinion. The lasting power of this is what makes it stand out, it doesn't budge! Honestly you can eat, drink and it will still last all night.

MAC// Spice lip pencil
Ooh I love a good lip pencil. I pair this lip pencil under Whirl and it is such a good match. Even though it is super drying, I am glad I got it. 

Too Faced // Chihuahua 

Chihuahua is a the lightest of the bunch but a beautiful shade. It has more of a peachy undertone, which I didn't think would initially suit me but I absolutely love it. Something I don't love is the applicator, it is like a sponge which I find to be a bit messy and easy to over apply the product. As the rest of the lip products I mentioned above, it dries matte, a preference for me, and doesn't budge!

Do you like the dark nudes trend? What is your favourite dark nude lip colour?!

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Tarte Coloured Clay Undereye Corrector | Review

Correctors are one of them products that you don't know you need until you have one. I have talked about my dire under eye circles on the blog before so I'll spare you today but lately correctors have really changed my makeup game.

Before recently, not even my favourite, highest coverage concealer, MAC's Pro Long Wear could cover the bags (yep, they're awful). However adding just a tiny bit of corrector underneath changes everything. I had Erase Paste by Benefit for ages which worked really well but as it was a shade too dark I had to be sparing with it. I got the chance to make a Sephora order a few weeks ago (see the post here) so I picked up the Tarte Coloured Clay Under Eye Corrector on a whim, boy am I happy I did!

The consistency of the product is creamy and really hydrating under the eyes. I got the lightest shade Light/ Medium, which I had suspicions it would be too dark however it works perfectly. If you have very fair skin this won't be the product for you but otherwise it would suit. In my opinion the colour range is really lacking, it only has two shades and lets be honest, they aren't going to suit everyone! When I use this product I instantly look more awake and as it is so natural, it doesn't look like I'm making a huge effort to cover my dark circles. As the product is so creamy you have to set it, I can't imagine it would work well without a powder. As for lasting power, it needs to be topped up halfway through the day but it doesn't bother me if it keeps my under eyes looking bright.

Overall I'm sure you could find a better corrector, but this is definitely the best one I have tried and it is a product that I am not leaving out of my makeup routine!

Do you use correctors? If so, which one is your favourite?

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Christmas Gift Guide for Her

I don't know if it is just me but I am in full on Christmas mode already, in fact I pretty much know what I am getting everyone, it is just a matter of getting started when I have the time! Buying gifts is always a tricky one but is always so satisfying. Personally, I start early. I start paying attention to what my friends and family say to me and jotting down notes on my phone from about September onwards and I generally have everything bought at least a week before Christmas, I just get a little bit over excited for the occasion! Today I thought I would give you a hand and share with you some of my gift ideas for girls, including both cheaper and more expensive gifts. Lets get going... 

Beauty Lovers

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit

Just look at this palette! I think it would make a wonderful gift as it is such a pretty, luxury product. I have heard good thinks about the Ambient Lighting Powders so this would be such a nice addition to someones makeup collection.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation and Concealer 

As these seem to be very highly recommended products of the moment, I feel like they would make a great gift. Plus, Charlotte Tilbury always gift wrap their products so nicely that it'll save you on wrapping later! Just make sure you know the persons shade, if not maybe find out their shade in a different brand so you can compare because the shade range in this foundation is quite wide.

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Again, another luxury product but this time for skin care lovers. As it is such an expensive product it isn't necessarily a product that you want to buy for yourself. I have read review after review on this product and everyone seems to give the thumbs up so it's a safe bet that this product will not disappoint.

Sephora | Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Glow on the Go

I'm aware we all don't have access to Sephora, (very upsetting I know), but if you're from the UK or happen to be going to a Sephora any time soon make sure to pick up one of their Christmas gift sets for someone! They are always so good and have so much variety. My pick would be this Becca one and at only $20, you can't really go wrong. It includes the Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal in both powder and liquid form.

Muji Drawers

Every makeup lover needs a place to store all of their goodies so what better place to store them than acrylic drawers. I love the drawers from Muji as they are such good quality and you can get variations of them to suit your needs. The best part is that you can just keep getting more and more drawers and stack them all on top of each other, you have to love a bit of organisation!

Fashion Lovers

Hats

As sometimes it can be difficult to buy clothes for others, you can't go wrong with accessories. Hats are perfect for this type of year and you are bound to find one that you like. Practical hats for this time of year would be knitted hats like this and this. Fedora's and floppy hats are really nice during this time of year so check out this and this on ASOS. Penney's also have some really similar cheaper alternatives if you are on more of a budget.

ASOS Creep

A really good idea would be if you know the person loves ASOS, try hack onto their account and find out what they have in their 'Saved' list. This is perfect as the person will have saved their size in each item so all you have to do is creep and buy.. A bit of a different idea but I think it could really work.

Tech Lovers

Polaroid Camera

Polaroid cameras are such a cute gift because it is something that comes in really useful but it is something that you may not buy yourself. If they already have one why not get them film, it always comes in handy. Plus, they are so Instagrammable!

Phone Case

Everyone needs a phone case so why not gift someone a really cute one? My favourite place to browse for phone cases is Etsy, they are always affordable and really pretty. My top picks would be this Cactus case (this shop has other really nice designs too) and  . Cath Kidston also do THE BEST cases, although they are a little more expensive, they last so long and keep your phone really protected.

Headphones
Headphones always come in handy whether you have a commute to college or you're going on a trip and again they are something you don't tend to buy yourself. You can get headphones on the pricey side from Frends but I spotted a really similar pair in H&M recently for a fraction of the price. Generally high street stores stock them so you don't have to pay a fortune for them!

Random Gifts

 Mug

Does the person like tea/ coffee? Then they'll appreciate a mug. Do they have a favourite Disney character? Head to the Disney Store! Do they like prettier, more delicate mugs? Try a department store! Etsy also do adorable mugs so why not have a browse? 

Planner

Going with the whole 'new year new me' idea, why not get the person a planner? I think they will like it more if they are a stationary/ organisation lover but they come in handy nonetheless. Try Etsy and Paperchase for really nice planners.

Onesie/ Dressing Gown

As winter is in full swing we all need some comfy clothes to lounge in on our chilly nights in. Onesies are perfect for this, Boohoo do really affordable and cute onesies along with Penneys and . For dressing gowns, this Next one looks to die for, so cosy!

Plan a trip

Whether it is down the country or abroad, I think if you have a bigger budget then why not arrange a trip away somewhere for the person. Obviously making sure their schedule is clear, planning a trip can be really nice and fun for the both of you in the end.

What is on your Christmas wish list this year?!

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Sephora & MAC Haul

So I may have made a rather large order on the Sephora website the other day and collected it when I was in London last week so prepare yourself for a rather large haul...

After visiting Sephora in June I regretted not getting a few things so I decided to make up for it and make an online order a few weeks ago. First of all let me rant a little bit about my order. I arrived in London last Wednesday and picked up my package. When I opened the package I noticed that the product that I wanted the most, Becca x Jaclyn Hill highlighter in Champagne Pop was missing. It was included on all of my receipts and invoices so I was worried it was just my word against Sephora's but luckily enough they gave me a refund and an extra 250 points for my account. However, I was so disappointed and will not be ordering from the Sephora website after this.

On a more uplifting note, lets get started on the haul!

To start off with I got a Beauty Blender as a repurchase as my old one was looking a bit worse for wear. As for the Kat Von D bits I had to pick up some of her Everlasting Liquid Lipsticks. I got 'Lolita', a dark pinky nude which is a really popular shade along with 'Vampira' which is a dark browny red, both perfect for this time of year. I also got the Shade and Light Contour Palette which looks amazing, I can't wait to try out the middle shade on the bottom row to contour with. I couldn't wait to try the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks so I picked up the shade 'Chihuahua'. From Anastasia Beverly Hills I got the Brow Wiz in Medium Brown and let me tell you, this product is 100% worth the hype! On a whim I got the Tarte Amazonian Clay CC Undereye Corrector in Light/ Medium. I got this as I love my Erase Paste by Benefit but it is too dark for me so I decided to try this one out. 

On to MAC I got the lip liner in Spice (can you tell I have been loving dark nude lips?!). Ever since I bought Whirl Lipstick I have been in love with this trend so I have been picking up loads of different shades. I plan to pick up Whirl lipliner too but they didn't have it in stock when I bought Spice.

(L-R) Spice/ Chihuuahua / Lolita / Vampria

I hope you enjoyed this Sephora and MAC haul, have you had your eye on any beauty bits lately?!

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October Sun | OOTD

I absolutely love evenings like this, when the sun is setting and everything looks so pretty and golden! I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a photo so I headed out and took some pics. I adore this  jacket I got recently. I had my eye on a waterfall jacket just like it from ASOS that was a bit longer but I couldn't justify it as it wasn't going to keep me warm and for €100? No thank you! Luckily enough I stumbled across this gem in H&M for about €40, then on arrival at the till I was told I had a further 20% off thanks to UniDays, it's safe to say I was delighted. I paired it with a simple black t shirt and my Leigh jeans from Topshop as well as my favourite Topshop floppy hat. Whirl lipstick is on my lips, perfect for this time of year. I have been loving the dark nudes lip trend at the moment and I have a few more similar colours coming in a Sephora order I made.. Keep an eye out for a Sephora haul very soon!

I hope you are all having a lovely evening and have a great weekend!

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What I Read | October

Even though I have been slacking on the reading front for the last few months, in October I got back into reading with a newish release that I have heard so much about, The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins.

Here is a quick overview of what it is about from 'Good Reads' because I know they'll do a much better job of describing it than me!

'Rachel catches the same commuter train every morning. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She’s even started to feel like she knows the people who live in one of the houses. ‘Jess and Jason’, she calls them. Their life – as she sees it – is perfect. If only Rachel could be that happy. And then she sees something shocking. It’s only a minute until the train moves on, but it’s enough. Now everything’s changed. Now Rachel has a chance to become a part of the lives she’s only watched from afar. Now they’ll see; she’s much more than just the girl on the train…'

My thoughts & opinions

This book is a mystery/ thriller, right up my street. I would describe it as a muted down, less crazy 'Gone Girl' but still including several twists and turns in the plot. I enjoyed the way it was written, through a few characters perspectives and even though sometimes one chapter was set a year before the pervious one, I found it to be easy to follow if you pay attention to the names and dates. Sometimes I found what was being said a bit repetitive but it held my attention throughout nonetheless and I really enjoyed it. I would recommend this to you if you're into this particular genre and if you're looking for an easy, thrilling read!

Reading is something I really enjoy in my spare time so I am really going to try incorporate books into a monthly thing on my blog. Every month I'll just discuss what I read over the month and give you my thoughts and opinions about it. If you have any book recommendations please leave them below!

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Products Not Worth the Hype

If you're a beauty lover like me, you know that there is no better feeling than going to buy a product after doing a load of research on it. When there is a product that I have my eye on, I love diving into blog reviews looking at swatches and finding out as many peoples opinions on it as possible. Even after all that research however, sometimes products just don't work for you. Even though I try to keep my little space on the internet as positive as possible, today I will be discussing products that, in my opinion, are just not worth the hype!

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Well I think it is hard to forget the launch of this product, everyone was so excited and when it finally launched everyone raved about it. I heard time after time how it was even better than 'They're Real'- a holy grail product of some beauty bloggers. I never liked 'They're Real' but I was intrigued to try Roller Lash anyway. After all the fuss died down I decided to take the plunge and buy it. Much to my disappointment I didn't like it, it made my eyelashes clump together and it took too long to dry. In fairness as it has started to dry out a bit it has started to grow on me however it was not the miracle product I expected it to be. Much like 'They're Real', you can get a mascara that is even better for half the price in Boots!

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream

How pretty is this colour? It is in the shade 'Monte Carlo' but unfortunately it is the formula that lets this product down. When I apply it, it takes a good few coats before becoming totally opaque, not to mention that the consistency can get very gloopy and the colour gets a lot darker as it clumps together making an uneven finish on the lips. A total thumbs down from me!

Milani Baked Blush
When I went to the US this was one of the things on the top of my beauty wish list. I had heard so much talk surrounding them and for the small price of $8, you just couldn't go wrong. I got the colour Dolce Pink, a slightly deeper pink shade with gold flecks in it. The first thing that lets this product down is the pigmentation, it just doesn't transfer onto my cheeks. The worst thing is that as the flecks of shimmer are so thick, they are the only things you can see on my cheeks, I feel like a disco ball when I wear it! I'll keep trying to experiment with this blush but ultimately it is not a product I enjoy using.

I hope you enjoyed this post, what product do you think is not worth the hype?!


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Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Divine Wine | Review

 First of all let me address the application of the lipstick, awful I know.. I didn't even realise until I was editing the pictures (haha whoops!). Recently a new Autumnal lipstick shade has hit the drugstore, and when it is a colour as pretty as this it is bound to be a favourite. Move over Kate Moss 107 and make room for Divine Wine!

This lipstick is from the Maybelline Colour Sensational Creamy Matte collection, it is a new shade that was recently released with a few more colours. As the name suggests, it is a wine colour with a matte finish- perfect for this time of year. 

Yep, as you can see by the photos, this is nearly an exact dupe for MAC's Diva lipstick, one of my personal favourites. They are both a matte formula with Divine Wine having a ever so slight red undertone compared to Diva but for half the price? You can't go wrong. The only thing I don't like about this product is the packaging, it just doesn't compare to MAC in my opinion but I can look past it as the formula is so good.

Have you tried Divine Wine?!

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Boohoo Autumn/ Winter Preview #WeAreUs

Last Wednesday I got the chance to attend the Boohoo Autumn/ Winter Press Day, I couldn't wait to see all the new bits that were coming into stock! The event was held in Soder + Ko, a gorgeous restaurant and bar on Georges Street in Dublin. It was decorated beautifully with plenty of drinks and finger food on offer. It is so nice to get a feel for the upcoming trends, the 70's trend doesn't seem to be going away anytime soon and the sequins and glitter are certainly coming back for the Christmas party season. Some of my favourite pieces were the coats, they had beautiful faux fur and patterned coats that I can't wait to get my hands on. The pyjamas were amazing too! My wishlist has definitely grown after going to the event. 

Do you have any bits from Boohoo on your current wish list?!

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What's on my ASOS Saved List | AW 2015

ASOS is one of them shops I never get bored of, I could scroll though their website for days happily. It is just one of them shops that has everything you could possibly want and as it has so much stock it has something for everyone. When someone tells me that they don't like ASOS it actually astounds me as they have everything you need and everything is amazing quality, they just don't disappoint! So as I love the site so much I decided to give you a sneak peak into my saved items, basically pieces I have been eyeing up and will hopefully get (eventually!)

ASOS Crinkle Oversized Blouse // ASOS Parka with Detachable Fur // Glamorous Lace Up Swing Dress

ASOS Mac // Leather Flat Shoes // ASOS Chunky Jumper

ASOS Denim Girlfriend Jacket // New Look Floral Watch // Faux Fur Gilet

 Make sure you let me know what is on your saved list in the comments, I'm always looking for new things to save!

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The September Fitness File

So I joined a gym! Certainly a statement I never thought I'd say..

My figure was always a part of me that I was comfortable with, until recently anyway. After putting on weight and a few months of not feeling comfortable about my body anymore I said I had to just get up and make a change. I have always said that there was no need to join a gym, if I wanted to exercise I would just go on a run, right? I felt it so difficult to motivate myself to do this and after hearing so many people rave about gym classes I thought I would buy a 3 month membership and see how it goes. After a month of gym- going and (my best attempt at) healthy eating I thought I would give you a round up of my thoughts and what I have learned over the month.

//You never feel worse after the gym

One of my friends told me this after one of the classes a few weeks ago and it really stuck with me, because it is so true! I use this to actually get myself off the couch because no matter what mood you are in, you may feel drained after the gym, but you'll certainly be glad you went. I know there is a science behind exercise as it stimulates endorphins and all that but if nothing else, you'll feel better about yourself that you got up and did some exercise.

//Cutting out bad habits 

Something that I knew I had to do was cut out bad eating habits, the main one being eating the whole packet of biscuits with my tea! I thought about cutting tea from my diet in general but it is so embedded in the Irish culture that I couldn't escape it, plus it is coming into winter, I need something to keep me warm! Thats when I said I would try to cut out eating snacks with my tea and it had made such a difference. At the beginning it was tough and I sometimes caved however lately it has been going very well. I decided to cut them out completely as I know myself that 'one or two' will turn into half a packet very quickly. Just making this small change has improved my diet so much, especially because when I was eating all of the crap, I generally wasn't even hungry! 

//Ditch the scales

Oh the deadly weighing scales.. It is so easy to become consumed with the number on the scales. I personally don't weigh myself anymore, purely because I know how discouraging it can be. In my opinion you should weigh yourself before you make the change to a healthier lifestyle but you shouldn't weigh yourself on a regular basis. It takes time for your body to change, up to 4 weeks before you see a change from healthy eating and exercise so it can be very discouraging in them first few weeks when you aren't seeing results. I personally go by how I feel about my body myself and not going by a number. 

//Don't calorie restrict

Counting calories although can work in some cases, it is just not for me. Calorie restricting can sometimes lead to binging later on in the day which is really unhealthy. I use an app called 'My Fitness Pal' which I absolutely love however I do not use it to count calories I am eating. I use this app to log what I eat (bare in mind I don't do this everyday, maybe once or twice a week) to see if I am getting the correct nutrients. It is also really good for telling you how bad for you a certain product is which I find really helpful. I studied nutrition for 6 years in school so I had a pretty good idea about what is good and bad for my body and in what quantities but when you have to log everything you eat it really puts what I'm eating into perspective.

//Listen to your body

This is something that I find really important. If you're hungry, EAT! Just chose the right foods to eat.  There is no point in starving yourself because it is not healthy and does you more harm than good. I have always had the mindset that if you eat good foods, your body will thank you for it (not that I put this into practice all the time!!).

//Balance

Changing to a healthy lifestyle is difficult so making small changes is the way to start. The past month has definitely been a journey for me with lots of ups and downs however this can't consume your life. You may have really good days where you eat really healthy and go to the gym, and there might be days where you sit in bed watching Netflix all day and eat too much pizza.. Both are ok! You shouldn't feel like this lifestyle is ruining your life, enjoy it and don't feel too tied down by it.

Overall I'm feeling a lot better about myself. As I mentioned it takes time, it is a long process but I am happy with what I have achieved only in the last month and I'm looking forward to what I can achieve in the future with a bit of motivation and hard work.

I hope you enjoyed this really rambly post! It is quite out of the ordinary for me but it is something that has grabbed my interest over the last month and I had so much to say on the topic. I hope you have a great weekend!

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September Favourites

With the warm hazy mornings replaced with a cold, sharp breeze it is evident that Autumn is truly well underway. I feel that (as most of the months in 2015) has flashed before my eyes and can we appreciate that it is less that 100 days until Christmas?! I'm already getting excited. For me, September was filled with work and going back to university so although I have been busy I have been taking note of everything I have been loving.

BEAUTY 

MAC Lipstick in Russian Red

Hands down, my all time favourite red! This has been my go to lip colour through this month as with the arrival of Autumn it is finally more acceptable to wear bold lips (not that I didn't wear them throughout the summer anyway!!). Russian Red is a blue toned red which makes you're teeth look super white, which is always a bonus! As it is a matte formula it can be drying, but nothing a little lip balm can't fix in my opinion. 

Zoeva Silk Finish Brush 102

I won't go on about this too much as I discussed it in my last post about my favourite makeup (find that post here) but it is an amazing buffing brush for foundation and it is a great price. I would highly recommend it.

LIFESTYLE

American Horror Story

After hearing endless recommendations about this show I finally decided to bite the bullet and start watching it on Netflix. I can honestly say that I am hooked! I watched all 12 episodes of the first series in about a week.. Each series has a different plot which includes pretty much the same cast, which is really interesting. The show is quite weird and frightening, which is why I would say it is a strange take on the horror genre but don't be put off! The cinematography and plots are so intriguing and so unique, another reason why I love it so much! I think this can be a bit of a marmite show but give it a go, it will probably suck you in! 

I'm sorry this has been a short favourites, but hopefully there will be a few more next month!

What have been your September favourites?!

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Makeup Brushes | My Top Picks

FACE

Zoeva Silk Finish Brush / 102

My absolute favourite brush to apply foundation with. The brush is dense enough that i can easily buff the product into my skin and its slight dome shape allows me to apply product easily all over my face. This brush has synthetic fibres, which I personally prefer.

Zoeva Concealer Buffer / 142

What did I do before I had a concealer brush in my life? If you don't have one, please try one- it's amazing what it can do! This is also quite a dense brush which blends concealer in beautifully!

EYES (L-R)

Zoeva Luxe Petit Crease / 231, NIMA Brush 'Patricia' & Zoeva Luxe Crease / 228 

These are the brushes I use most to do some crease work (what) and blend shadows out. The Zoeva brushes are a mix of natural and synthetic fibres, something that I didn't think I would like but now I absolutely love them- they blend out shadows so seamlessly! The 228 brush is quite large and fluffy whereas the Nima brush and the 231 are smaller which is perfect to give more definition to your eye look.

Zoeva Petit Eye Blender / 223

This has to be one of my all time favourites- a synthetic brush that is perfect to add definition into the 'outer v' of your eye look and a great size to apply eye shadow under your eyes.

CHEEKS

Zoeva Powder / 106

I use this synthetic brush to apply bronzer. It picks up just the right amount of product and it is a great size to apply it to warm up my complexion.

Real Techniques 301

When I first laid eyes on this brush I knew I had to have it! As it is so dense and such a good shape it is perfect for contouring. It fits exactly into the hollows of my cheeks and with the right product, makes the perfect 'shadow'!

Real Techniques Blush Brush

The newest addition to my brush collection.. I got this as I have recently gotten into blushes and I didn't know what else to buy! I really like this as it is tapered and the perfect shape and density to add some colour to my cheeks.

So that was a round up of all of my favourite makeup brushes. As you can tell, I'm a big fan of Zoeva.. I got the Complete Set for my birthday in March and I really would recommend it. Another thing to note- Apologies that my brushes are so dirty.. I know, I know I really need to clean them more! Thanks for reading!

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Etsy Home Wear Wish List

What did I do before Etsy came into my life? Basically if you don't know what Etsy is, it is an online marketplace where people can sell their products and basically make your house look instantly 'Pintrestable'! 

These are the things that I have been recently eyeing up on Etsy..

Rectangular Shadow Box Set of 3

For some reason, I'm in love with these shelves! The same shop also has triangle shelves just like these which I also have my eye on..

Cat Mug

I just couldn't resist these mugs! I am a crazy cat lady after all..

Greeting Cards

This shop makes THE CUTEST cards, I just want to buy them all!

Hexagon Marble Tray

How cute would this look in blog photos though?!

Painted Wooden Vase and Candle Holder

I have linked the shop above as I just can't choose which vase I like the best. They are all adorable and so Pinterest, ah I want them all!

Cactus Vase

As cactus' have been having a bit of a moment over the last while, this would make such a cute addition to your room.

Dog Tag

A bit of a random one, but how cute would this be on your dog's collar?! 

What is on your Etsy wish list? Make sure to leave me your favourite Etsy shops below and thanks for reading!

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Fleur Loves Eyelashes | Fleur de Force for Eylure

Last month, Fleur from Fleur DeForce released an eyelash collection with Eylure! How exciting?! She released four different styles but from the first time I laid eyes on 'Fleur Loves' I knew I had to have them.

I couldn't wait to try them as Eylure is my favourite brand for eyelashes (along with Ardell- who doesn't love the Demi Whispies?!). They have so many styles and I never have to trim them down, which is always a plus.

There are several reasons why I was drawn to 'Fleur Loves' in the collection, firstly it was the length. As my lashes are quite short, I find that dramatic lashes look really out of place on me and more natural, everyday lashes look better. These lashes are perfect as they are not too dramatic however they will look great on a night out! Secondly I love that they are crossed over for a more natural look. As they are flared out at the side and are 3/4 length, they have a gorgeous cat eye effect that I have been loving lately. 

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The University Student's Makeup Menu

As I am heading back to university soon I thought it was only fitting to talk through some of the products I slap on my face in the morning to make myself look semi- presentable!

Take care of your skin

For me, when I take the time to fully do my skincare routine my skin loves me for it! I really do see a difference. I would recommend, if you don't have a skin care routine already, stop by Caroline Hirons blog and start treating yo' skin, it'll thank you for it. 

Conceal the bags

-An essential for me anyway! I have been recently been using more correcting products and I am constantly asking myself 'why didn't I do this sooner?!?'. After one of my friends gave me the Bobbi Brown Corrector it has been life changing as the pink undertones counteracts the blue and purple under your eyes. I have since moved on to Erase Paste by Benefit but it needs to be set or it will crease, you've been warned! If I spent too much time online shopping the night before (I swear that doesn't happen very often *cough cough*) I tend to go for the MAC Pro Longwear Concealer as it is much more full coverage.

Open the eyes

Even applying one of two coats of mascara can make you look so much more awake! I have been reaching for my all time favourite, the Covergirl Lash Blast or else the Benefit Roller Lash.

Define the brows

As your brows frame your face, this is an essential step that I just wouldn't miss. I find that the quickest way I can do my brows is with the Soap and Glory Brow Archery. It is just so quick and easy to apply, which is why it is good for me as I can't go very wrong when I'm half asleep.

I hope you enjoyed this post and got a nice insight of what I do in the mornings before university. Even though as a beauty blogger there is nothing more that I love then doing my makeup, I like to keep it minimal mainly because I'm rushing out the door! 

What makeup do you wear to school/ college?!

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Amsterdam Photo Diary

A few weeks ago, I jetted off to the beautiful city of Amsterdam for two nights. As it was a city that I had never visited before, I couldn't wait to get out and explore. It is a gorgeous city filled with canals, stunning architecture and plenty to do. 

THINGS TO DO

-Heineken Experience

-Rent a peddle boat

-The Ice Bar

-The Van Gough Museum

-Rent a bike- it is so nice to cycle around the canals and do some exploring! It was so cheap to rent the bikes and such a handy way to get around and experience the city. Just to note you must give a deposit on the bikes, if you bring your passport it was €50 each I believe however it can be even more expensive with just a drivers licence.

FOOD
Cafe De Jaren
We went here for dinner one of the nights and it was so nice. We went when it was dark and sat on the terrace overlooking the city- I would really recommend it!

THINGS TO NOTE

Book the Anne Frank Museum in advance, and I mean way in advance! As soon as you book the trip, book tickets. I went to book tickets over a month in advance and they were sold out until October. We attempted to queue one morning but after arriving ten minutes before it opened the queue was already four hours long.. It is safe to say we weren't waiting around which is such a shame as it was something I really wanted to do. 

Have you ever been to Amsterdam? What was your favourite thing about it?!

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