REVIEW: Laura Mercier Mineral Powder

Laura Mercier Mineral Powder - £31

Being a liquid foundation/tinted moisturiser kind of girl, I was a little apprehensive to splurge on the Laura Mercier mineral powder. However, after hearing rave reviews about the finish it gives and how it is perfect for oily skin types, I thought I'd give it a shot. 

As with every experience I've had with a Laura Mercier counter, the assistant was so friendly and helpful and colour matched me perfectly. I have the powder in the shade 'Tender Rose'.

I love the finish of this - it is perfect if you have slightly oily skin as it mattifies any shine and leaves skin looking flawless. I find it is best applied with the Real Techniques buffing brush. Yes it is quite pricey, but if you prefer a more luxurious product for your makeup base then definitely give this one a go!

Would love to know if you've tried it and your thoughts if so!

Love,

LIFESTYLE: Shabby Chic Kindle Case

 Shabby Chic Kindle Case - £6.99

I thought I'd share with you something that I have been loving for the past couple of months, which *shock horror* isn't beauty related. Instead it is my very cute and very 'shabby chic-esque' Kindle case. 

I had been eyeing up the Cath Kidston covers for a while, but couldn't bring myself to spend over £10 on one (tight arse, I know). So instead I had a little browse through eBay and came across this one. 

For only £6.99 with free delivery, I thought this was such a bargain. It has such a sweet design on the front and the back features a pretty floral pattern. It makes reading that extra bit more enjoyable! 

I'm currently reading The Book Thief which is definitely not an uplifting read! I'm definitely after some good book recommendations for when I finish it though, so if you have any leave a comment :).

Love,

TRAVEL: A month in Vietnam & Thailand //

**WATCH IN HD**

So if you've been wondering why I haven't been posting for a few months then here is part of the reason why!

For the last month I have been off travelling around Vietnam and Thailand with my lovely boyfriend. It was such an amazing experience and I really needed the time to just chill after three years of hardcore studying at University.

I'll be uploading a couple of posts over the next week or so with photos, tips and advice that I have from my trip. But for now, here is my attempt at throwing together  a video of our time away!

Let me know if you give it a watch :).

Love,

REVIEW: MAC Mineralise Skinfinish - Stereo Rose // Worth the hype?

If you are an avid reader of beauty blogs like yours truly, you will be well aware of the huge hype and love for the MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in the shade 'Stereo Rose'. Hundreds of beauty junkies around the world have raved about this gorgeous blush/highlight hybrid and so of course I thought I would jump on the band wagon and try it for myself.

I would best describe the colour as "salmon" - definitely far more red-based that the shade of blusher that I would usually gravitate towards. However, it has a very subtle shimmer through it which leaves a beautiful natural glow to the cheeks. It is highly pigmented so therefore I try not to be too heavy handed when applying it! I find the shade to be very flattering, particularly when I have a tan and is a nice change from using a bronzer during the summer months.

Unfortunately Stereo Rose is limited edition and only seems to make a comeback in certain MAC collections. However, if you have yet to try a Mineralise Skinfinish from MAC and cannot get your hands on Stereo Rose, I would definitely recommend taking a look at the Mineralise Skinfinish in "Soft & Gentle". Although it is definitely more of a highlight than a blush, it is super pretty and one of my all time favourite beauty products!

Have you tried Stereo Rose and if so what are your thoughts?!

Love,

BEST BUDGET BEAUTY BRANDS: Rimmel

I am super sorry for the lack of blog posts in the last few weeks, all I can say is I have been under alot of stress from numerous deadlines at University. I promise to try my hardest to blog more frequently from now on!

Anyhow, I decided to do a mini series of blog posts on my favourite budget beauty brands. It is obvious in the beauty community that we get consumed in the ever wonderful world of high end beauty, but I'm not all that sure our bank accounts appreciate it! As a student I have many a time had to pick the budget mascara from Boots or Superdrug over the beautiful alternatives found in Space NK etc. For my first budget beauty brand, I have decided to focus on Rimmel as it is a widely known (and generally loved) cheap brand. 

Here are some of my favourite products.

1. Rimmel Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Live Pink - £3.99

Some of my all time favourite blushes are these ones from Rimmel. I love the colour of this one, it is so pigmented and lasts for hours. I also really like how compact they are, perfect for throwing in your travel make up bag!

2. Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation in 100- £6.99

This foundation is not only the perfect shade for my skin tone but a lovely consistency, as it gives me a light - medium coverage and is definitely buildable. I have liked every foundation that I have tried from Rimmel (Rimmel Wake Me Up and Rimmel Lasting Finish) and this is by far my favourite. It gives just the right amount of 'glow' yet doesn't make my oily skin any worse. Highly recommend!

3. Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstic in Soft Coral -Discontinued (?)

If you're after a long lasting yet hydrating lipstick, then the Rimmel moisture renew lipsticks will be right up your street. One of my favourite colours was 'soft coral' and as you can see from the photo I've almost finished it. As Rimmel recently launched a new bunch of shades for the moisture renew lipstick line, it looks like this particular shade is no longer available. However, that's not to say that I love each and every new shade that has just been released.

4. Rimmel Scandel'Eyes Shadow Paint in Rich Russet - £4.99

Finally and by no means least, is my much loved Scandal'Eyes Shadow Paint in 'Rich Russet'. I am a hardcore lover of cream eyeshadows - either as a base or used to create a certain eye look. The formula of this cream eyeshadow is amazing, it literally lasts hours and there is no need to worry about any creasing either. The colour is a gorgeous bronze which is great for my blue eyes. If I'm having a lazy day I'll just dab a little onto my eyelids and soften the edges by blending with a fluffy eyeshadow brush. If I'm feeling a little more adventurous, I love using this as a base and using my Urban Decay Naked 2 palette to sweep 'Suspect' over the top and blend 'Snakebite' into the crease - resulting in a gorgeous bronze-y smokey look!

Of course there are numerous other products that I equally adore from Rimmel, but I wanted to just focus on a few. What are your favourite products from Rimmel and do you have any recommendations as to products I should try? I hope you liked this post and am looking forward to focussing on more budget beauty brands in the very near future! Watch this space...

TAG: Liebster Award!

So after a little while spent away from blogging, I was so happy to see that I had been nominated for a Liebster award by the lovely Amy-Leigh from Sale Away From Me ! I had seen the Liebster award on quite a few beauty blogs and am so happy that my blog has been recognised :). Also, hello to my new followers!

11 Random Facts About Me

1. I have a serious addiction to fruit gums.
2. My favourite/lucky number is 7
3. I've been with my boyfriend for three years in May
4. I'm going to visit Vietnam & Thailand this summer
5. I can't ice skate to save my life
6. My favourite shop is Topshop
7. I've worked for Waitrose for over four years now
8. I'm obssessed with Cath Kidston
9. I have always wanted a St Bernard dog
10. I'm completely terrified of spiders
11. I hate being disorganised and being late

Now the 11 questions Amy-Leigh set for me :)

1. What's your favourite album of all time?

Such a tough choice but probably either Riot - Paramore or B'Day - Beyonce!

2. Do you prefer tea or coffee?

I wouldn't say I prefer one over the other, I'm a big green tea lover but also love a good cappuccino

3. Where did you get your blog name from?

I am just another british blogger!

4. Who has been the biggest influence in your life so far?

Probably my mum, she always gives the best advice and knows me so well.

5. What is your favourite time of the year?

Summer summer summer!

6. What star sign are you?

Capricorn

7. What is the worst item of clothing you've ever bought?

There have been a few *hangs head in shame* but perhaps some hideous bright yellow trainers I thought were really cool when I was about 14.

8. Where did you go on your first holiday?

No idea, I would guess somewhere in Spain!

9. If you could have one song stuck in your head, what would it be and why?

Definitely Happy - Pharrell! It definitely puts me in a good mood whenever I hear it, although I can imagine if I had it stuck in my head for too long it might drive me a little mad...

10. When and why was the last time you laughed so hard your stomach hurt?

Watching The (American) Office. Steve Carrell is the funniest guy ever.

11. If you could pick only one make up product to wear all day what would it be?

Mascara. I actually quite enjoy not wearing any foundation (so long as my skin is behaving) but I feel naked with no mascara on.


Now for the questions I've set for the bloggers I am going to nominate!

1. What's your favourite colour?
2. What country would you most like to visit and why?
3. Something you have learnt recently
4. What is your favourite shop and why?
5.If you could have one wish what would it be?
6. Do you have any phobias/fears?
7. Do you have any quotes that you live by?
8. What is your best childhood memoy?
9. If you were stuck on a desert island, what three things would you take?
10. What is your favourite film?
11. Why did you start blogging?

I tag:

Hannah from Hannah's Vice

Danielle from A Little Bit of Everything

Molly from Let's Try Makeup!

Thank you once again to everyone that has taken the time to read my blog posts, it means alot! :)

FOOD: Butterfly Cakes Recipe

So today after hours of feeling sorry for myself whilst writing (yet another) assignment, I decided to take a break and make some cakes. I decided to make something quick and easy, yet just as yummy! In the end I went for good old classic butterfly cakes. The recipe book that I used is called '1001 Cupcakes, Cookies & other tempting treats' - (buy online here). I love this book so much, it is full of pretty pictures, delicious recipes and easy to follow instructions.

To make some yourself, follow this short recipe :).

INGREDIENTS

115g/4oz self-raising flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
115g/4oz butter
115g/4oz caster sugar
2 eggs
2 tbsp milk

Vanilla buttercream icing

85g/3oz butter
175g/6oz icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

1. Preheat your oven to 190°C/375°F/Gas Mark 5
2. Sift the flour & baking powder into a large mixing bowl
3. Add the butter, sugar, eggs and milk and beat together until smooth
4. Spoon the mixture into twelve paper cases
5. Cake in the preheated oven for approx. 15 - 20 mins or until golden brown
6. Allow to cool completely

7. To make the buttercream icing, beat the butter in a bowl until fluffy
8. Sift in the icing sugar, add the vanilla extract and beat together until smooth & creamy
9. When the cupcakes are cold, cut the top off each cake and then cut the top in half
10. Spread a little buttercream icing over the cut surface and gently press the two halfs into it
11. Fin!
(Recipe taken from 1001 Cupcakes, Cookies & other tempting treats recipe book)

They are super delicious and if I can make them, anyone can! I hope you like this different post and let me know if you'd like to see more baking/cooking posts in the future :).