July Beauty Favourites

Another month, another bunch of favourites. 7 months into the year already!? This is crazy! This means that I'm halfway through completing my degree and that makes me terrified! I'm back at uni now so if my posts are inconsistent, you have a reason why. And I apologise in advance if that ever happens. Now, onto the favourites! Also, the reason why it's called beauty favourites is because I don't really have any "other" favourites from this month, just the same old stuff!

Firstly, do I even have to mention my NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer? I have been in love with this for about a month and I cannot stop praising it. I wrote about it here so I won't get into a full praise-rant over here. Next is the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, which is the best primer I've used so far! It glides on over my moisteriser and helps me to keep matte during the day, as I have a very oily t-zone. The MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural is such a great powder as it's so light and keeps everything in the right place. And the last beauty favourite is the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder. It is such a beautiful blush in and out of the pan. It is really subtle on the cheeks but looks so beautiful and natural.

What have you been loving?

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My Everyday Face #2

Another everyday face for you guys! A lot has changed since last time, the only thing that has stayed the same is my MAC Paint Pot in Painterly. I've switched from foundation to the Garnier BB Cream for Oily/Combination Skin, I've been loving this paired with the Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer as it keeps me matte for such a long time. The NARS Radient Creamy Concealer has been my current favourite concealer, and I think it will be for a long time.The powder that I have been loving is the MAC Mineralise SkinFinish Natural in Light which is so light on the skin but also helps me stay matte. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion is such a beautiful everyday flush of colour on my cheeks. 

Underneath my MAC Paint Pot, I use the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer, which helps to keep my eyeshadow, MAC's All That Glitters, in place all day. That colour is a great everyday colour to quickly apply all over your lids. Then I apply the Revlon Lash Potion Volume & Length Mascara. To finish off, I apply the NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Natural for a quick wash of colour and I'm ready to face the world!

However, on days when I miss my alarm or am not too bothered with my make up, I do a quick routine which I wrote about a few weeks back, my "OH NO, I'M LATE" routine.

Hope everyone is a having a fab July!

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A Little Bit of LUSH

So Lush happened. Whoops. After seeing that they were going to be releasing limited edition Christmas in July, I planned a shopping trip for July 18th. I ended up being quite refrained, which is a good sign for my bank account. I picked up two bath bombs, the Golden Wonder and Twilight, the first of which is one of the Christmas products. I bought this one last Christmas and it is my favourite bath bomb ever! It smells like Christmas and all good things, and I've kept it my room and now my room smells ah-mazing. The other bath ballistic is new to me I'm excited to try that one.

I bought two bars of soap, Angel's Delight and Sea Vegetable. The first one is another of my Christmas favourites so I had to pick it up, and the second one intrigued me so of course I got that too. I then picked up the Dorothy bubble bar, which smells like it should be relaxing. Okay, that sentence did not make any sense whatsoever but that's the only way I could think of describing it as! Lastly, I got the  I Love Juicy Shampoo which is aimed at oily hair. It smells like a fruit salad and I'm excited to start using it!

I'm going to try and refrain myself from Lush for a while but somehow I don't see that happening. Wish me luck!

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Where Have You Been All My Life?

The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer - one of the most talked about products in the blogosphere. And one of the recent victims of my lust. Bloggers have been talking about this for quite some time, with the majority highly praising it. I have been wanting to get my hands on this ever since I got into blogging but somehow I managed to talk myself out of it. However this time, my resistance was weak and I caved, picking up the shade Vanilla. When I went to try it out for the first time, in my head I was chanting "Please let it be good!". But it wasn't good, it was amazing! *Pre-warning you for a massive rant on how great this is*. Where has this been all my life!? Not only is it good for underneath your eyes, it covers blemishes like a dream. I have so many on my face right now but when I put this on, they all seem to disappear. The shade Vanilla is a perfect match for me. Other concealers I've tried fade throughout the day, but his does not budge, not one bit! I am just so happy that I finally took the leap and bought this because I think this has become my holy grail concealer. Yes I know it's only been a few weeks but it's just been so amazing. *Okay rant over, my apologies*

Have you tried this yet? Have your experiences been as good as mine?

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My Mecca Cosmetica Beauty Loop Box - July 2014

Every three months, Mecca Cosmetica releases a Beauty Loop Box for it's Beauty Loop Members that features samples of products they sell or are new. There are three levels, and each level corresponds to the amount you've spent during the year at Mecca. I'm Level 1 which means I've spent between $300-600 in the year, which made me cringe but thankfully, the number is closer to the $300 mark. This is my first Beauty Loop Box and I was so excited to pick it up yesterday. 

Inside it came with a card explaining the four samples, and then underneath the beautiful packaging, the four samples. Firstly, we have the REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel. I've been wanting to try a REN product for some time but now I've been given the opportunity! I will definitely let you guys know how I've been getting on with this when I've finished it. It's quite a good size sample at 25ml. Secondly is the EVE LOM Moisture Mask. This is one of the samples that I'll be handing over to my mother  as it's suited to her skin more. Thirdly, the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner. when I saw this in here, I will admitted I squealed a little. I've been wanting to try this for sometime as my hair is feeling thin, which is weird because I have naturally thick hair. I am super excited to give this a go and hopefully I love it. Lastly, it's the Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment. This is the other sample I'm giving to my mum as it's supposed to help plump fine lines and she seemed quite interested in it.

Has anyone else picked up their Beauty Loop box yet? If you have, let me know what you got!

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My Top 5 Beauty Channels on YouTube

So about a 1 year ago, I thought YouTube was just something to watch cute cats and funny fail videos on when I should have been doing my homework. I then discovered the world of beauty vloggers and gurus. I went on there to look up reviews and hauls of Lush because a friend had got me interested in the brand. The first videos I watched were Zoella's Huge Lush Haul and Missglamorazzi's My Favourite LUSH Products! After that, I was hooked. I then discovered more and also started reading beauty blogs. I was reading them till 2am which was terrible, but it inspired me to start my own. Anyway, enough about me, here are my favourite beauty channels on YouTube.

5. ICOVETTHEE - Alix is one of my favourites because she has a great range of videos, ranging from tutorials, to hauls and vlogs. Her hair is to die for as well! She always looks so glamorous but so simple which is what I love about her. She always has an alternative when she's talking about products which helps if you're on a budget.
Favourite Videos: Autumn Smokey Eye Look and Get Ready With Me: Everyday Makeup

4. ZOELLA - As one of the first YouTubers I watched, she has to be on this list. Her hair is like a glorious unicorn mane, and her sense of style is so cute! I love how she isn't afraid to include bloopers and make fun of herself because is shows to me that she's just like everyone else. Every time I watch her videos, I am always smiling because she's so chirpy all the time! Her collaborations with other YouTubers are some of my favourites to watch.
Favourite Videos: The Boyfriend Tag, Shopping & Haul With Baby Glitter and My Autumn & Winter Essentials

3. MISSGLAMORAZZI - Another of my first YouTubers, Ingrid is such a beautiful person! She has been around for a while, but she keeps coming up with amazing new ideas and videos it's crazy! I find I buy a lot of stuff that she recommends because we have similar skin types so I trust her judgement, and so far, they have been great!
Favourite Videos: Beauty Products Worth The Hype! and Ingrid's Apartment Tour!!!

2. ESSIEBUTTON - Essie is the funniest beauty vlogger on YouTube hands down. Seriously, it feels like she's talking right to you because she's so down to earth. Also, #DACLIP. I also love watching her blogs and she has the prettiest apartment/house I have seen.
Favourite Videos: Let's Talk Tutorial: First Impressions/Old Favourites and Perfect Palette TAG

1. VIVIANNADOESMAKEUP - When I was picking my top 5, picking the YouTuber for the first spot was the easiest bit. I absolutely adore Anna! I love all of her videos, especially her weekly vlogs and beauty chats with Lily. Her taste in simple makeup is amazing and I always obsess over her bold lips when she wears them. She talks to you in a way that makes you feel like you know each other and she never fails to make me smile.
Favourite Videos: Lip Product Addict TAG, Makeup Collection & Storage, and any Weekly Vlog!

Who are your favourites?

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Top 5 Albums for Winter

Ah Winter, my favourite season of the year. My favourite thing is just to snuggle up on my bed with some blankets, the blinds open to see the rain luring down the window, a nice cup of milo,  a good book or my laptop, and some tunes to help me relax. I tend to associate different songs or albums with either memories, feelings, seasons, or places. For me, these 5 albums remind me of those cold winter months and are currently on rotation in my car, stereo, or record player.

5. HEAL - LOREEN

After her win in Eurovision 2012, I have been hooked on this Swedish beauty. This album just sounds so chilled even though it doesn't have that acoustic vibe we associate with this. It reminds me of when I was in Paris, walking around at night, specifically the song Euphoria, which reminds me of the night I spent sitting at the window till 3am, watching all the traffic drive by.

Top Tracks: Euphoria, Everytime, Sidewalk.

4. CEREMONIALS - FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE

There is just something about Florence's voice and the layered sound of the album that just gives off winter vibes. This is one I love to play on my record player as the crackling sound of the vinyl just gives the songs that extra edge of retro that this album deserves. Florence Welch has one of the most incredible voices going around so if you haven't heard her, what are you waiting for!

Top Tracks: Shake It Out, Only If For a Night, Spectrum.

3. SUCK IT AND SEE - ARCTIC MONKEYS

I love all of the Arctic Monkey's albums, but to me this one is a standout. The songs to me just remind me of winter, probably because this is the only CD playing in my car at the moment. The album is a great balance of their "classic" rock tunes that sound timeless to the crooning ballade-esque tracks where Alex Turner's voice puts me into a trance.

Top Tracks: Library Pictures, Piledriver Waltz, Suck It And See.

2. BON IVER - BON IVER

This album. THE FEELS! Whenever I listen to this, it just puts me in such a relaxed mood. The songs are all so beautiful and calming, this album is perfect for putting on when you have a bath or are just having some cosy time. Honestly, some of the songs bring me to tears sometimes because they are so beautiful, namely Beth/Rest.

Top Tracks: Beth/Rest, Minnesota, WI, Michicant.

1. SUBMARINE (OST) - ALEX TURNER

Submarine is one of my favourite winter movies, so obviously, this had to be number one. Alex Turner wrote the soundtrack for the mvid and oh my, it's so beautiful. Only 6 tracks but 6 tracks of Alex's acoustic crooning, yes please. It's such a chilled album and features an acoustic version of Piledriver Waltz, which is on the Arctic Monkeys album Suck It And See.

Top Tracks: Hiding Tonight, It's Hard To Get Around The Wind, Stuck On A Puzzle.


What are your favourite albums for the cooler months?

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My "OH NO, I'M LATE" Makeup Rountine

With Uni finishing a couple a weeks ago, my mind has gone into holiday mode and the days are becoming one big blur. A couple of days ago, I decided to take a nap. What I didn't realise is that I had work later that afternoon. My bad. My sister woke me up and I had only 10 minutes to get ready and leave! My face was not looking too presentable at that minute so I decided to quickly slap on some makeup to make it all better.

I used my Garnier BB Cream for Oily Skin as my base because even though it's a BB cream and it's got a thin consistency, the coverage is pretty surprising. On this particular day I didn't need any concealer which was great. Then I used the M.A.C. Mineralize Skin Finish in Natural, which is fantastic at setting my makeup because I find I get oily with this BB Cream. Lastly I used the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara in Blackened Brown to transform my eyes from being almost invisible beady things to something that's supposed to be on my face.

Only 3 steps but boy does it make a difference and only takes about 2 minutes!

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Haulin' Again

Long time, no haul. Joking, I swear it was last week, but as you all know, I cannot resist the temptation of going on a shopping trip. Firstly I went to M.A.C., and I was very controlled, surprisingly. I knew I wanted the M.A.C. Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Light because I wanted a lighter coverage powder for days where I didn't want the same coverage as my Studio Fix Powder.

Next I headed off to Mecca Cosmetica, a.k.a my Achilles heel. This is where I went a bit naughty. I thought I was going to get two things but it doubled. My bad. I wanted to pick up the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush in Dim Infusion which I did but then the lady talked me into getting a blush brush to go with it which is the Mecca Cosmetica Blush Brush. This is the softest brush I've felt. No joke. I also wanted to get the NARS Radient Creamy Concealer in Vanilla since everyone and their mother raves about this, I wanted to join in on the hype. While I was at the NARS counter, the NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella was staring me down screaming "you know you want me!". Okay, it wasn't, but you know what I'm saying. I couldn't resist so I had to get it. 

I think my shopping addiction needs to slow down for now because my bank account is currently in the corner sobbing.

Has anyone tried any of these products and what are your opinions of them? I love to hear from you!

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