PS Pro Blending Brush

As someone that loves testing new beauty crazes, I knew that "Oval Blending Brushes" were a bandwagon I needed to jump on. However with a number of brands releasing their own brushes at various different prices (including MAC, Make Up Revolution & Iconic London), I wasn't too sure where to turn. So when I spotted the PS Pro Oval Blending Brush whilst on a recent trip to Primark, I couldn't resist adding it to my basket.  

For anyone who doesn't know, oval style blending brushes claim to be perfect for applying both powder & liquid products - including eye-shadow, foundation & bronzer - and are available in a range of different sizes. As I really wanted something to use for foundation/concealer I opted for the "large" blending brush which currently retails at £4.00. 

The first thing that really stood out to me when using this brush was just how soft it felt on my skin. This - combined with how condensed the hairs are - is something I feel really helps ensure that all product are blended easily (something I feel regular foundation brushes can sometimes lack). I also feel the condensed brushes result in less product being absorbed into the brush, which is always a nice bonus! 

Since purchasing I've been using this product daily to apply my liquid foundation (as pictured above) along with my concealer - which I then follow with a fluffy powder brush to set in place before moving onto bronzer/highlighter - to leave a smooth & flawless look. 

If you're looking to test out oval blending brushes but - like me - aren't too sure where to start, I honestly couldn't recommend this brush enough. I'll definitely be heading back to the beauty range during my next Primark trip! 

Have you ever tried any beauty products from Primark's range?

What are your thoughts on Oval blending brushes?

I'd love to know! 

xxx

Autumn Home Wishlist

Although I'm not quite ready to believe how quickly 2016 is going, it''s safe to say that we are well & truly into the autumn months (crazy, I know). As well as over-sized jumpers & berry lipsticks, another autumn favourite of mine has to be homeware.

Heart Tea Light Holder - Tesco - £7.50 [x]
Wifi, Coffee, Bed Mug - New Look - £4.99 [x]
"Stay Home & Snuggle" Cushion - Asda - £8.00 [x]
Faux Fur Blanket - Primark - £25.00 [x]
Pain Au Raisin Candle - Yankee Candle - £1.49 - £21.99 [x]
Copper Heart Lights - Primark - £4.00 [x]

With a mixture of vanilla & Cinnamon Pain Au Raisin is one of my favourite Yankee Candle scents (the sweet scent reminds me so much of Disneyland!) - this paired with a fluffy faux fur blanket & a coffee (or maybe hot chocolate) sounds like a perfect autumn evening.

Have you spotted any homewear items that are 

perfect for autumn?

xxx

OOTD - Bank Holiday Drinks

If there's one thing us Brits love, it's a bank holiday weekend.. throw in some sun & pay-day Friday and it's basically Christmas come early.

In our eyes the perfect way to celebrate this extra day of freedom is (of course) to head out for a few too many drinks which perfect after a long week in the office. Not wanting to break tradition I skipped home from work & quickly got changed before heading out to a local bar with some friends.

Top: Primark - £8.00

Skirt: Boo Hoo  - £10.00 [x]

Tights: M&S - £5.00 [x]

Boots: New Look - £20.00 [x]

(I picked these up a while ago so have linked similar) 

As you can see I decided to opt for my leather-look skater skirt with a navy chiffon top. I personally love anything "skater-style" as I find it perfect for covering up those lumps and bumps around my stomach area (thanks a lot, pizza!). As we weren't heading anywhere particularly fancy, I also decided to keep the look relativity smart-causal with a tights/boots combination. Before heading out the door I finished this look by adding a leather-look jacket & a small clutch bag to carry the essentials. 

Overall this is a look that I love as it's something that can easily be dressed up or down & is perfect for any occasion. I hope you liked this little OOTD post & if you have any plans for the bank holiday weekend I'd love to know!

xxx

Spring Homeware Wishlist

As much as I love my cosy winter decorations, it's safe to say that I'm very ready for introduce some bright & floral items back into my home. Plus - what better excuse for a home-themed shopping spree than a change in season?! *not that you need an excuse of course*

1. "Good Vibes Only" Light up frame - Primark - £8.00 [x]

2. Faux Flower Display - Marks & Spencer - £35.00 [x]

3. "Here Comes the Sun" Cushion Cover - H&M - £6.99 [x]

4. Floral Mason Jar - New Look - £6.99 [x]

5. Birdcage Tea Light Holder - Matalan - £8.00 [x]

6. Wood & Lace Photo Frame - Not On The High Street - £4.25 [x]

I absolutely love each of the above & think they would look so cute dotted around the house throughout the spring/summer months. My favourites have to include the floral mason jar - perfect for sipping home-made cocktails - & the adorable lace photo frame. 

Have you spotted any nice spring home-ware?
I'm always on the look-out for new items.
xxx

Another Primark Haul

As the title of this post suggests, I may have wondered into Primark a few times over the last few weeks & - of course - come home with some new treats. In order to try & help justify this little shopping spree, I thought the best thing to do would be to put together a haul post to share right here..

1. Hogwarts Alumni T-shirt - £6.00
2. Lace Pump Socks - £2.50
3. Weekend Bag - £10.00 

4. Monochrome Elephant Mug - £2.00
5. Laser Cut Brogues - £12.00
6. Bow Hair Bands- £2.00 

The first item I picked up on this little trip were the black laser cut out brogues. I thought these would be perfect alternative to traditional dolly-shoes for the spring & summer months that would look adorable with dresses/play-suits. To go with these I decided to pick up a pack of lace "pump socks". For those who don't know - these are essentially little socks that don't quite come up as high as regular "trainer socks". As someone who suffers with blisters quite badly, I thought these would be a perfect way to add a little cushioning between the shoes & my feet - plus if the lace does happen to peep over the top it'll just look super cute.

Whilst looking out for spring/summer items I also decided to treat myself to a two-pack of hair bands. Being elasticated these are perfect for tying hair around to on warm days..*watch this space.. I may attempt a hair tutorial post on this soon..*.

The next couple of items were based around a trip I have booked in April. My boyfriend and I have booked a few days away to visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour *squeals with excitement*. So being a true fan, I couldn't resist picking up this Harry Potter Alumni T-shirt..  I also decided that - as a classic "over-packer" -  it would be a good idea to pick up a smaller weekend-style bag. I've been on the hunt for a bag like this for a while now, so for only £10.00 I really couldn't say no to this.

The final item to *accidentally* fall into my shopping bag was this adorable little mosaic elephant print mug. I've been looking for a new mug to use in the office - my current is getting a little scratched in the dishwasher - so at £2.00 I thought this would be perfect for my morning (& afternoon) coffee fix!

I hope you enjoyed this little haul post.
Be sure to let me know you're favourite item(s) in the comments below.

xxx

A Fashion & Beauty Haul

As the title of this post suggest, January may have been a month of treating myself to a few new Fashion & Beauty items.. Whilst it's safe to say I don't technically need any of these, picking them up definitely helped beat those lingering January blues.

Top: Primark - £10.00

Burgundy Heels - New Look - £14.00 reduced from £27.99 [x]

Jeans - Primark - £7.00 each

Nike Roche Runs - Foot Asylum - £24.99 reduced from £49.99 [x]

Invisibobbles - Primark - £1.00

Make-up Revolution "I Heart Chocolate" Palette - £7.99 [x]

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation - £7.99 [x]

Ariana Grande Viva Glam Lipstick - MAC - £15.50 [x]

Sanctuary Spa "Little Tin of Treats" - Boots - £4.00 reduced from £8.00 [x]

Rimmel Brow This Way clear Gel - £3.99 [x]

Fashion:

At the start of the month I was lucky enough to pick up something I've been lusting after for at least a year now - Nike Roche Runs. For women, these trainers usually retail at around £70.00 - however I recently noticed that in Foot Asylum children's sizes extend all the way to a UK 5.5 (perfect for UK size 4 me) & are therefore retail for much cheaper. Of course the added bonus of a sale meant these went straight into my basket ready to become my own. I've found that these trainers are perfect for both day-to-day & gym wear & are honestly the comfiest shoes I have ever owned. 

The next pieces I picked up were ones I was lucky enough to find whilst on sale. These include the gorgeous burgundy chunky heels from New Look & the Sanctuary Spa gift set. Both of which were picked up for much less than the original retail price. I also *accidentally* made a quick stop into Primark where - whilst purchased full priced - I managed to pick up a few bits for very reasonable prices (who could say no to £7.00 jeans?!). 

Beauty: 

The first beauty product I picked up was a a tried & tested favourite (Rimmel's Lasting Perfection Foundation) which was quickly followed by a few new items that caught my eye. These included the Ariana Grande Viva Glam Lipstick from Mac (click here to read a full review) & Brow This Way clear Gel.. Something I'm hoping will help tame those pesky fly-away hairs. 

Next I picked up something I've had my eye on for a while now.. The Make-up Revolution "I Heart Chocolate" palette. Whilst this is a clear dupe of the  Too Faced "Chocolate Bar" palette, the shades are gorgeous (plus it retails for a fraction of the price). 

I honestly love each of the items that I picked up this month & am so happy with the offers/dupes I managed to find. Although it's safe to say I'm hoping for "no-spend February" to follow! 

I hope you liked this little haul post.. If you've tried any of the products/items mentioned above, I'd love to hear your thoughts!

xxx

New Years Eve | OOTD

Happy New Year all! 

Where has this year gone? I'm sure only yesterday I was opening the first door on my advent calendar & now it's officially 2016?! So what better way to start of a new year of blogging than a little OOTD showing what I *finally* decided to wear to welcome in the New Year. 

This year Ollie & I decided to welcome 2016 in a local bar whilst enjoying a few drinks. This was then followed by a huge late-night food order (who doesn't love 2am cheesy chips after a little too much vodka?!).

Top - Primark - £9.00 

Trousers - New Look - £15.00 

Shoes - New Look - £30.00(ish)

As you can see I opted for a pair of black skinny trousers & a navy "boxy" chiffon shirt. I found this combination perfect for keeping me a little warmer whilst also covering any lumps & bumps gained from over eating throughout Christmas. This was then tied together with my trusty & well loved black wedges to ensure my feet weren't in too much pain as the night went on.

I found this the perfect outfit for a night out as it was both comfortable & flattering so I'm sure I'll be reaching for it on a night out soon.

However you celebrated, 

I hope you all had a wonderful New Year's Eve

xxx