The Body Shop - Christmas Makeup collection!

 

Hey beauties!

 

I know it's been a while but I have been busy with Uni deadlines (urgh) but I am here now ready to tell you about my exciting experience with The Body Shop! Now around a month or so ago I went to the York Designer Outlet with my sister. I insisted I was 'nipping' into The Body Shop as she continued to look around other shops.. I was there for around twenty minutes surrounded by a beauty lovers dream of discounted goodies. I was asked by a reader of my blog to try out some primers, so I went with the intention of getting a couple to sample. I ended up getting a couple of testers and picking my brother up some shampoo (he is worse than a girl with his hair).

I got carried away chatting away with the staff and I mentioned that I am a beauty blogger. I got to the till and paid for my things and as I tottled out with my shopping I was shouted back in and asked if I would like to blog for them! I couldn't believe my luck and I am honoured to have been given this opportunity from them.

So last Monday (20th of October) I went to get a make over by their store makeup artist using their new Christmas cosmetics line. They also gave me some to go home and try out myself and as I had a wedding evening do to attend I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give them a go. So here is my review on the products..

 

Now I have wanted to try this particular one for some time now, it is their ALL-IN-ONE BB cream. It comes in 5 different shades (00-04). The reason there is only 5 shades is because it is a colour adapting formula! It actually comes out of the tube white and as you blend it into your skin it changes colour to match your skin tone.

 

 

 

I am shade 02, which is for medium skin tones. Now I do like my full coverage foundation especially as my days are long and full coverage is easier to maintain, but I was pleasantly surprised with this BB cream. It actually gives a really great coverage! It leaves a dewy finish but with me loving matte skin I paired it with the 'matte it' skin primer of theirs. If you have a good complexion and are looking for a lightweight foundation or if you want a base foundation which is buildable this is definitely worth checking out! The 'matte it' primer is actually one I picked up on my first visit and by the way it is absolutely fabulous.

 

As for eyes I was given the Dolly Pastels eye shadow palette..

 

 

It comes with 4 different shades:

top left - base

top right - outer corners

bottom left - lid liner

bottom right - highlight

 

Now there is two variations of the palette, there is this one (dolly pastels) and another which is called frosted pastels which contains more minty hues. I really enjoyed playing around with these colours, they have a frosty finish to them so they are slightly metallic apart from the matte brown. I found the colour of the shadows have to be built on but that's not really an issue, as I tend to pack it on when I opt for a smoky eye anyway. With their products being made from natural ingredients they don't harm your skin so these shadows would be perfect for children's Christmas parties too!

 

 

For my lashes I used their glitter mascara, now when you read that I bet you screwed your face up and said to yourself 'who's worn that since the 90s', but don't be to quick to judge as it is really subtle and I found it brightened up my eyes! It's perfect if you're going for a basic eye, it adds an extra bit of sparkle which everybody loves during Christmas time!

 

 

Last but not least I finished my look with the Vanilla Brulee body sparkler.. as you might have guessed it is scented. It also comes in two other scents Frosted Cranberry and Glazed Apple. To be honest it is not the kind of thing I would normally go for but it is really subtle and smells divine. It can also be worn in your hair, so if you have children it would be perfect for their Christmas parties, I think it's better than those cheap and nasty glitter hairsprays you can buy and with this being au natural it's going to be harm free. If you use this over one of their body butters it will also intensify the smell and look how cute the packaging is!

 

 

The great thing about the York Designer Outlet Body Shop is that they have massive savings on their products. I think it is 20% off if you buy two of their products and a massive 40% off if you buy 4 or more.. PLUS if you own a Body Shop beauty card you get an EXTRA 10% off.. now tell me the reason not to shop there?! The cards are £5 for the year and they often throw in a free gift when you sign up or if you're like me and a student they are freeeee! With it you get 10% off your purchases in regular stores and as I have just explained an extra 10% off in YDO. With every purchase you make you get a stamp, once you get 4 stamps you get a free gift worth up to £5 and when you get 8 you get a free gift worth up to £10. That goes for them as a company not just York Designer Outlets particular branch.

 

Here is my finished look!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for reading beauties! I hope you enjoyed this one, I know I did. Don't forget to check out my GIVEAWAY . You can also find me on Instagram, Facebook and Bloglovin.

Thank you to The Body Shop for this massive opportunity and to you lot for reading me babble.

I will be back soon, if you have a post you would like to see don't be shy about commenting and letting me know (:

Stefi xoxo

 

Did someone say.. GIVEAWAY?

Hya beauties!

 

Exciting times ahead, I am now announcing my giveaway! I've finally gathered all the bits ready for it! Now everything I'm giving away as been bought with my own pennies and the reason I am doing this is for all the support I have gained since starting my blog up. It's nice to give a little back sometimes, ya know? The things I've got together are all the things I use myself bar one which I just thought was cute! The goods are worth up to £50, so it is well worth entering..

 

Now, if you regularly read my posts you will know just how much I love this product.. yep the Sleek face form contour palette! I got it in the shade medium as that is the one I use and I feel it is probably the most adaptable for all skin tones..

 

 

 

I also picked up the Rimmel wonder'full mascara with argan oil as it is my current fav!

 

 

An ecoTOOLS angled foundation brush as I use mine to death everyday!

 

 

The Soap and Glory Righteous butter (full 300ml) size as if you have read my Get ready with me post you will know I use its velvety texture goodness on my skin!

 

 

 

PS mind the not so cute acrylics.. I haven't had time to get them fixed up and I lost one today. Don't judge me haha! Last but not least I picked up a Ciate caviar manicure set. Now as I've just mentioned I wear acrylics on my nails and I get my toe nails gelled, but I have always wanted to try out Ciate manicure. So I thought to myself why not give it away to one of my subscribers and let them tell me how it is? Its so pretty!

 

 

Now the rules are simple, you just need to be following me on at least one of my channels.. however for every platform you follow me on you will be entered again. I am going to use an online name generator to pick a winner therefore you know the winner will not have been chosen by myself in anyway. The winner will be announced within the next three weeks. So get following/liking and sharing for your chance to win! Here's the links to my media's:

 

Facebook 

Bloglovin 

Instagram 

Google+  

 

I hope you are all as excited as me! Thank you for reading and thank you for your support!

Stefi xox

Just a little fashion haul!

 

Hey beauties!

 

This is the haul post that I've been promising.. I know, its about time! Just a little disclaimer before I start..  I am in no way bragging about things I have bought, I work hard and everyone deserves treats! These are things I've collected over a couple of months of retail related therapy..

 

I'm going to start with shoes, just because everybody loves shoes! I have bought two pair in the past couple of weeks (oops). You won't blame me though once you see them!

 

 I have always hummed and ahh'ed at the thought of a mule, but then I seen some absolute beauts while scrolling through ASOS..

 

 

Incredible, right? I couldn't avoid the 'add to basket' button especially with them being in the sale for £28 from £42! They are really comfortable which came as a surprise to me and I have had nothing but compliments since wearing them. Link!

 

Some more little treasures which recently caught my eye are from Schuh. As usual they never fail to deduct my bank balance as soon as I step foot in store. It's going to happen to me though, I'm a shoeaholic and their shoes just invite me in. They are the perfect dress shoe for the Autumn/Winter period and at a price of £45 I am sure I will get my wear out of them!

 

 

Mmm, mmm! I just love them, the warm floral print accompanied by the gold heel just adds class to these statement shoes. Imagine them with skinny jeans for a dinner date or a rich burgundy dress for a night on the town. Link!

 

 I needed a bag one that's going to be my staple throughout these wintery months. I didn't want to spend too much on one as I am currently trying to save my spare pennies towards a Viv Westwood number! At £32 from River Island I bought this beaut..

 

 

 

 

It's roomy, you can have it as an across the body or over the arm bag, oh and best of all it is.. KHAKI. I am a big khaki junky this autumn, genuinely can't get enough of it.. if it's khaki best believe I will be wanting it! Link!

River Islands bag game is always strong though, so it was only to be expected that I bought another little number from there too..

 

 

I have been lusting over their fluffy little bags for some time after seeing fellow bloggers posting them up on Insta, so I crumbled and walked out with this lilac one! I can't find it on their website. BOO! But I got mine at Doncaster's Frenchgate store about two weeks ago, so they must have it in stores still. So if you're digging it check your local stores, I will have my fingers crossed for you to find one!

 

My little two piece which I recently blogged about it on my outfit of the DATE night post so you may have seen it before. It's from Crystelle Clothing for only £21.99..

 

 

I love it, it fits perfectly and it's that deep floral print which I'm digging at the minute! £21.99 for BOTH pieces is an absolute steal as well, I won't be hesitating to order from their again. Link!

 

I really have wanted a jumpsuit for ages but I struggle to fit in them due to the uncanny size of my hiney in comparison with my waist.. PEAR SHAPE STRUGGLES! Anyway I found one on Fashion Union and without hoping for too much I ordered it, I tried it as soon as it came and surprisingly it FIT! Helps that it ultra stretchy.. so if you're like me and have a colossal bootay it may be worth checking it out..

 

 

It comes with a belt but I paired it with my Moschino one on a recent night out. It was £24 so I quick time snapped it up with no doubts when I seen that price tag. Link!

 

It's getting to that season where you've constantly got events to attend.. so us girls know what its like to have 'nothing to wear' but a dozen dresses either worn once or not at all staring back at us. That didn't stop me buying a new one like, it probably won't stop you either..

 

 

 

I got this burgundy body con, midi dress from the Oh My Love concession in Topshop during Sheffield's Meadowhall student lock in. It is pretty basic but the neckline detailing makes it a lot more interesting! I'm going to pair this with my Schuh shoes for an upcoming wedding evening 'do'. I will do an outfit post for the event to show you the two together. Link!

Another cheeky buy from Oh My Love is a khaki playsuit, now you know my dilemma of too much ass to waist ratio so I bought this in the hope it could accommodate for me. I tried it when I got home and I found myself prancing around my boyfriends room with excitement that it fit! I love it and I cannot wait until I get the chance to wear it!

 

 

My pictures aren't the best so click on the links to see them on models, it looks a million times better on them than it does on my coat hanger! Link!

 

Let me tell you about my issue with jumpers, they are either too short, too tight or too baggy. I can never find the perfect fit.. that was until I found this piece of knitted perfection in River Island..

 

 

Ahh, the picture just does not do it justice at all! It's my go-to wear at the minute, I just love chucking it on with my Joni jeans and ankle boots ready to tackle this awful weather mother nature is throwing at us. It has a cute little gold zip detail too which I love. It is £40 and I was initially put off by the price tag, but it really is worth it (I paid £32 because I'm a student who takes full advantage of her UNI days app). Go check it out if you are interested Link!

I desperately needed to replace my faux leather jacket that I have had since my 18th birthday (3 years ago) as it has started to show it's age, it has holes in the lining and everything! I knew Topshop wouldn't fail as that where my original one was from..

 

 

Nothing like a bit of faux fur on cold days! I'm sure I will wear this jacket to it's absolute limits like I did with my old faithful. It is £58 full price but I got 20% during Sheffield's Meadowhall student lock in. Link!

 

Last but not least is my most favourite purchase of the weather change so far and it's all down to Topshop again!

 

 

It is a bomber style cardigan and by the way it is soooo warm! I think I have worn it everyday since getting it. It goes with absolutely everything and anything I put on, best £38 I have ever spent. Link!

 

I hope you enjoyed reading this post and got some Autumn/Winter outfit inspiration from it. Thank you for taking the time to check my blog out.. don't forget to follow me on Bloglovin like my page on Facebook and follow me on Instagram. I have a GIVEAWAY coming up soon guys so stay tuned.. thank you for all your support x

 

 

 

Feel good, always!

So I thought I would write about something a little different today.. I will keep it short but I believe this is worth talking about!

Confidence, anxiety and depression. Three words with grey, rainy clouds hung over them. Everybody feels down sometimes, its natural, you are allowed too.. but don't allow it to take over your life. Do you ever wake up in a morning and think 'I just want to stay in bed' or 'I'm not getting up, I have nothing to get up for' I know I have but  there is always something to get out of bed for, try being active.. go for a walk, tidy your room or just dress yourself up, for the sake of dressing up! Avoiding your feelings or things that scare you only makes them worse, you need to tackle them head on.  But know you are never alone, there is ALWAYS somebody who cares. Life is a beautiful gift and if you have a bad day, wake up the next morning put on your best smile and remember all the good things you have to be grateful for.

So stay happy, stay positive and keep striving. Support is always there for those of us who need it.

Thank you for reading, fingers crossed I will get my haul up in the next couple of days so keep your pretty eyes peeled!

Outfit of the DATE night!

My first outfit of the day post! How exciting.. My boyfriend said he was taking me out so my first thought was 'WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR PLEASE?!'.. Luckily I received my order from Crystelle Clothing and with it came the perfect Autumn/Winter Co-Ord. The floral print is toned down by leafy hues (Greens, Burnt oranges) which makes it ideal for the cold British weather! I've been on a mission for the perfect co-ord for some time now and at the price of £21.99 for the set, YEP, the set, I couldn't resist clicking the 'add to basket button'.

 

I paired this pretty little set with my Schuh 'Cinema' boots which I've previously wrote about in my 'a little peak into my shoedrobe' post. They toughen up the floral print which I love! My khaki bag is

River Island and it was £32. Khaki is my go-to colour of the season, I can't get enough of it! For a jacket I wore my Topshop bomber style cardigan.

It seriously is the warmest cardy I have ever had! Helps that its ultra soft too.. mmm it's like a dream! So that is it. That's me posing to show off my all new errr'thing outfit!

 

 

Introducing my new shorter locks! Hope you all enjoyed reading this quick outfit post! There will be more of these on the blog soon.. Any post requests are more than welcome just drop me a comment and I'll be sure to read!

 

My everyday makeup routine and review of products!

I'm back! Now I am a get up and go kind of girl so I don't get up on a morning and spend a lot of time on my makeup 'cause I love my sleep too much! So here is my makeup routine, I have recently bought some additions to my kit so I will throw my opinion on them in here somewhere too!

My Victoria Secret makeup case carries my essentials in perfectly and it helps that it looks super cute too.. I've had this since Christmas last year ( I think) so I don't know if it is still available but they always have new pretty ones out anyway! Now new to my kit is Mac studio sculpt foundation, I'm usually a studio fix gal, but I fancied trying something new after seeing my friend Demi look ultra flawless rockin' hers, Link! To be honest it comes out rather thick and once it's on your face it rubs off easily 'causing it to transfer onto your clothes.. but it gives great coverage and I have just discovered a primer which in my opinion works wonders with it! It is The Body Shop 'matte it' skin primer, I only picked up a tester but after using it a couple of times it's won my never before primed face over! It is £12, but it's literally like silk on your skin and actually helps matte the dewiness of the studio sculpt which I love!  Link!

Time to conceal those, not so Chanel bags under my little brown eyes..

 

It's a good job I have no shame or this particular selfie would be massively embarrassing! I use the 'Collection lasting perfection concealer'. Now this is a massive bargain buy and after reading in numerous magazines that it is a makeup artists secret tool, I toddled off to boots to pick me one up hoping after I'd use it I'd look like Cara Delevingne.. I didn't but it did help with my bin liner eyes. So if you're looking for a concealer that does the trick at a low cost this little beauty might just do the trick! Link! 

 

 

STOP.. EYEBROW TIME!

 

It's all about that Rimmel eyebrow pencil for me. Probably 'cause it's a quick fix for my untameable brows and at £2.99 you can't got wrong. Link! As for the 'brow this way' gel, that's a new find in my life and I think I love it. It can clump a little and go on a little thick so you have to kind of get rid of any excess which lays on the brush before combing it through your brows, but apart from that I dig it! Link! This is the result of the two together!

 

 

I never used to use a powder but I have just discovered one by Estee Lauder. I've searched on the web and can't find it but It's the 'Lucidity translucent loose powder' and I got mine in the shade light. I think I paid £20 for it from 'The Makeup Company' in York Designer Outlet. It may be discontinued now which breaks my heart a bit 'cause it's so great! It doesn't cake at all and mattes my foundation which I love. Here's a picture of it, if you have ever used it or use it currently let me know!

 

 

I mentioned that I bought a new mascara in my 'beauty buys' post, its the Rimmel 'wonder'full' mascara with argan oil. I don't know where my sudden love for Rimmel as come from but it's ticking all the right boxes for me at the minute and the prices of their products are so reasonable too! This mascara is great by the way, may be worth a buy if you're looking to try something new Link!

 

 

Contour time, with my favourite beauty purchase of the year! The Sleek contour palette in medium, it comes with a contour powder, a highlight powder and a bronzer. I would 100% recommend this if you want to sculpt your face up! Link!

 

 

 

After I've polished off my cheekbones, I put my lipstick on, not going to lie it's usually in the form of Mac, you know how it is! For this look I used  'Close Contact' which I believe was in a limited edition collection of theirs at some point. You can get it from 'The Makeup Company' in York Designer Outlet, for £10.50. That's where I got mine from!

 

 

Ahh, its so perfect! My favourite lip colour for Autumn. I decided to straighten my hair this day to enjoy the last 24 hours of having long locks, as I have now had it cut short! So here's my finished day to day makeup look..

 

 

Hope you enjoyed reading this and in someway found it insightful! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Bloglovin and like my page on Facebook or subscribe to my blog! My next post should be a haul! Keep reading and thank you for your support x