My 2014 Beauty Favourites

My 2014 Beauty Favourites

I'm finally getting around to doing my 2014 beauty favourite. I love watching these videos and reading these posts. A lot of people do this in categories and talk about their favourite foundation and then concealer and then powder etc. Being fairly new to beauty blogging I firstly don't think that I have enough products to do that and secondly thought rather than trying to find things purely to fill a certain category I would just talk about the products that I have found and tried this year that have really impressed me. 

Garnier Micellar Water

When I first tried this I really wasn't too sure about it. Before I had only been using wipes to take of my makeup and this was nothing like I'd ever used before. I did a whole blogpost which you can find here back in May where I talk about the pros and cons. Since then I haven't actually used anything else to take of my makeup. It's so much more gentle than any wipes and it takes everything off with just a few cotton pads. Plus it's a total bargain. 

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion

I like to look a little bronzed as much as the next girl and sometimes we just have to fake it a little. I've never really been a fake tan girl, I get scared that it's going to go horribly wrong and one day I'll wake up orange or my beautiful white sheets will turn brown. Instead I've been using gradual tanner for years now and I think this one is my favourite. I use the shade medium to dark usually as then I only need one application for a visible tan. What I really love about this gradual tanner is that unlike a lot of others that I have tried the undertones are bronze not orange which makes it a lot more natural. 

La Roche-Posay

There is huge hype going on about this stuff in the beauty community as it is now available in the UK - yay! I've been loving this since I picked it up in Paris as the beginning of summer. I just use it as a toner after my face wash and before a moisturiser. It's hard to put it down to one product as I have changed a few things in my skincare routine this year but I honestly think this is what has cleared up a lot of the little bumps that I used to have all over my face. 

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

I have pretty thick hair but it is also very dry and this summer with the heat and swimming my hair really started to dry out. With Moroccan Oil not in my budget I picked this up hoping it would be similar and I have been really impressed. I used to use about 10 different hair products after I washed my hair and now this is the only one that I really reach for. It de-frizzes and really moisturises my hair as well as leaving it smelling amazing. If I don't use this then my hair can dry into a frizzy static afro!

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry For Nail

This has honestly been such a life saver this year. Basically you paint your nails and then spray them with a bit of this and it helps them to dry so much quicker. I think it takes a little longer than 60 seconds like it says on the bottle but it's still such a great product. 

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder

I absolutely love this product. It's the most amazing powder that gets rid of shine without getting rid of a glow. It lasts for months as it is so fine and I love the practically of the thin pot and the big mirror. If you haven't already you really need to try this. 

Sephora Black Eyeliner

This is such a great eyeliner. It's super pigmented, super black and super long so it's going to last me for a while. Hopefully until I can get my hands on another one!

Real Techniques Buffing Blush

For months now this is all I have used to apply any foundation or BB cream. It's soft, so easy to work with and the hairs don't fall out the brush. This whole set by Real Techniques is a really great one and I hope this year I get to try out more of their brushes. 

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - Enticing

This year I was totally blown away by this whole range from Revlon, the lacquer and the matte balms. They are a great price for amazing quality and I just love the packaging. This red is quite bright but I think that it really suits me. It's glossy and last for ages too. And the colour has been a real staple this last month. 

Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss

This was the lipgloss that converted me back to lipgloss. For years I'd avoided wearing lipgloss as I hated the sticky feel and the hair issues it caused. But I love this product, especially the colour Cashmere Rose. It's a beautiful pinky coral that looks really natural and is glossy without being sticky. This year I really want to try out a few more colours from this range too. 

The Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine Perfume

This is one of the scents that I have really been loving this year. It smells a little bit spicy and a little bit fruity. To be honest I don't really know how to describe it (you'll just have to go and sniff it yourself!) but I've got a lot of complements wearing this. And my boyfriend loves it which is always a good thing!
The other scent that I have also been loving this year is Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream. It smells floral and fresh which I really love. Sadly at the moment it's back at uni, I didn't want to risk it with such a beautiful bottle. But I did still want to include it.

NuNail Cream Nail Strengthener

This year I really suffered from dry flaking nails. I tried a lot of different treatments and while my nails are still nowhere near perfect this has really helped my. Whenever I get a chance I just massage this into each of my nails and it really moisturises them. A great cheap product! 

Essie Nail Polish - Parka Perfect

You can read the full review and see some picture of this polish here. I love Essie polishes anyway but this is just such a beautiful unusual colour. It's really flattering and I think that it would work all year round. 

Rimmel Space Dust - Aurora

I really need to pick up a new one of these as I think it's nearly finished and starting to go a little gloopy. But I am so in love with this shade it's like a beautiful rose golden glitter. What I love most about this glitter polish is how you need one coat and your good to go. It takes ages to even chip and it just look gorgeous. I think this would have to be one of my favourite nail polishes of all time!

Hope you all had a lovely 2014. Sorry again that this post is a little late but I hope that you still enjoy reading this and maybe find some new products that you want to try out this year. Comment down below any product that you were loving in 2014, I'd love to hear. 

Speak soon xx

My 2014 Beauty Favourites

My 2014 Beauty Favourites

I'm finally getting around to doing my 2014 beauty favourite. I love watching these videos and reading these posts. A lot of people do this in categories and talk about their favourite foundation and then concealer and then powder etc. Being fairly new to beauty blogging I firstly don't think that I have enough products to do that and secondly thought rather than trying to find things purely to fill a certain category I would just talk about the products that I have found and tried this year that have really impressed me. 

Garnier Micellar Water

When I first tried this I really wasn't too sure about it. Before I had only been using wipes to take of my makeup and this was nothing like I'd ever used before. I did a whole blogpost which you can find here back in May where I talk about the pros and cons. Since then I haven't actually used anything else to take of my makeup. It's so much more gentle than any wipes and it takes everything off with just a few cotton pads. Plus it's a total bargain. 

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion

I like to look a little bronzed as much as the next girl and sometimes we just have to fake it a little. I've never really been a fake tan girl, I get scared that it's going to go horribly wrong and one day I'll wake up orange or my beautiful white sheets will turn brown. Instead I've been using gradual tanner for years now and I think this one is my favourite. I use the shade medium to dark usually as then I only need one application for a visible tan. What I really love about this gradual tanner is that unlike a lot of others that I have tried the undertones are bronze not orange which makes it a lot more natural. 

La Roche-Posay

There is huge hype going on about this stuff in the beauty community as it is now available in the UK - yay! I've been loving this since I picked it up in Paris as the beginning of summer. I just use it as a toner after my face wash and before a moisturiser. It's hard to put it down to one product as I have changed a few things in my skincare routine this year but I honestly think this is what has cleared up a lot of the little bumps that I used to have all over my face. 

L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil

I have pretty thick hair but it is also very dry and this summer with the heat and swimming my hair really started to dry out. With Moroccan Oil not in my budget I picked this up hoping it would be similar and I have been really impressed. I used to use about 10 different hair products after I washed my hair and now this is the only one that I really reach for. It de-frizzes and really moisturises my hair as well as leaving it smelling amazing. If I don't use this then my hair can dry into a frizzy static afro!

Elegant Touch Rapid Dry For Nail

This has honestly been such a life saver this year. Basically you paint your nails and then spray them with a bit of this and it helps them to dry so much quicker. I think it takes a little longer than 60 seconds like it says on the bottle but it's still such a great product. 

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder

I absolutely love this product. It's the most amazing powder that gets rid of shine without getting rid of a glow. It lasts for months as it is so fine and I love the practically of the thin pot and the big mirror. If you haven't already you really need to try this. 

Sephora Black Eyeliner

This is such a great eyeliner. It's super pigmented, super black and super long so it's going to last me for a while. Hopefully until I can get my hands on another one!

Real Techniques Buffing Blush

For months now this is all I have used to apply any foundation or BB cream. It's soft, so easy to work with and the hairs don't fall out the brush. This whole set by Real Techniques is a really great one and I hope this year I get to try out more of their brushes. 

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - Enticing

This year I was totally blown away by this whole range from Revlon, the lacquer and the matte balms. They are a great price for amazing quality and I just love the packaging. This red is quite bright but I think that it really suits me. It's glossy and last for ages too. And the colour has been a real staple this last month. 

Maybelline Colorsensational Shine Gloss

This was the lipgloss that converted me back to lipgloss. For years I'd avoided wearing lipgloss as I hated the sticky feel and the hair issues it caused. But I love this product, especially the colour Cashmere Rose. It's a beautiful pinky coral that looks really natural and is glossy without being sticky. This year I really want to try out a few more colours from this range too. 

The Body Shop Indian Night Jasmine Perfume

This is one of the scents that I have really been loving this year. It smells a little bit spicy and a little bit fruity. To be honest I don't really know how to describe it (you'll just have to go and sniff it yourself!) but I've got a lot of complements wearing this. And my boyfriend loves it which is always a good thing!
The other scent that I have also been loving this year is Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream. It smells floral and fresh which I really love. Sadly at the moment it's back at uni, I didn't want to risk it with such a beautiful bottle. But I did still want to include it.

NuNail Cream Nail Strengthener

This year I really suffered from dry flaking nails. I tried a lot of different treatments and while my nails are still nowhere near perfect this has really helped my. Whenever I get a chance I just massage this into each of my nails and it really moisturises them. A great cheap product! 

Essie Nail Polish - Parka Perfect

You can read the full review and see some picture of this polish here. I love Essie polishes anyway but this is just such a beautiful unusual colour. It's really flattering and I think that it would work all year round. 

Rimmel Space Dust - Aurora

I really need to pick up a new one of these as I think it's nearly finished and starting to go a little gloopy. But I am so in love with this shade it's like a beautiful rose golden glitter. What I love most about this glitter polish is how you need one coat and your good to go. It takes ages to even chip and it just look gorgeous. I think this would have to be one of my favourite nail polishes of all time!

Hope you all had a lovely 2014. Sorry again that this post is a little late but I hope that you still enjoy reading this and maybe find some new products that you want to try out this year. Comment down below any product that you were loving in 2014, I'd love to hear. 

Speak soon xx

The 2014 Year Jar

The 2014 Year Jar

Writing this I just can't believe that 2014 is over. Most people probably say that every year to be honest but 2014 has been a really great year for me. 

For me 2014 marked huge changes in my life. The most obvious being leaving Sixth Form and going off to university in Manchester. And while I'm sad to leave and move away from old friends I've met some amazing new people and discovered an amazing new place which I am now able to call my second home. 

This time last year I was in a very different place in my life. I had been knocked and I was very insecure and unsure about what I was doing and my plans for the future. In 2014 I turned over a new leaf and tried to be more positive. Inspired by Pinterest (as is increasingly the case) this year I kept something that I like to call a year jar. Every time that something happens or I do something that makes me feel happy I write it down on a little piece of paper, fold it up small and put it in the jar. It's just anything big or small that made me smile and feel good, from getting to university to finishing a good book or having a nice coffee catch up with an old friend. Then at the end of 2014 I can open up all the little bits of paper with my happy memories and it will remind me what a great year this has been. 

I think this is a really inspiring and beautiful idea that more people should try. It keeps me feeling positive and reminds me not to take the little things for granted.  

I also wanted to share with you pictures from some of my favourite moments of 2014. 

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope you have had a wonderful 2014 and best wishes for the next year. Lets make it an amazing one! xx

The 2014 Year Jar

The 2014 Year Jar

Writing this I just can't believe that 2014 is over. Most people probably say that every year to be honest but 2014 has been a really great year for me. 

For me 2014 marked huge changes in my life. The most obvious being leaving Sixth Form and going off to university in Manchester. And while I'm sad to leave and move away from old friends I've met some amazing new people and discovered an amazing new place which I am now able to call my second home. 

This time last year I was in a very different place in my life. I had been knocked and I was very insecure and unsure about what I was doing and my plans for the future. In 2014 I turned over a new leaf and tried to be more positive. Inspired by Pinterest (as is increasingly the case) this year I kept something that I like to call a year jar. Every time that something happens or I do something that makes me feel happy I write it down on a little piece of paper, fold it up small and put it in the jar. It's just anything big or small that made me smile and feel good, from getting to university to finishing a good book or having a nice coffee catch up with an old friend. Then at the end of 2014 I can open up all the little bits of paper with my happy memories and it will remind me what a great year this has been. 

I think this is a really inspiring and beautiful idea that more people should try. It keeps me feeling positive and reminds me not to take the little things for granted.  

I also wanted to share with you pictures from some of my favourite moments of 2014. 

Happy New Year Everyone! Hope you have had a wonderful 2014 and best wishes for the next year. Lets make it an amazing one! xx

I've Been A Very Lucky Girl...

I've Been A Very Lucky Girl...

I am so sorry for the lack of posts over the last very days. I wanted to spend Christmas with my family and I have also got a little job for the Christmas holidays so I was working on Boxing Day and the day after. And I've been having some problems with my camera although I hope that it is all sorted out now. 

I know I'm a little late as it's now New Years Eve but I really wanted to show you some of the amazing things that I got for Christmas this year. I personally love watching and reading "What I got for Christmas" posts and really wanted to do one myself. However I am going to do the quick disclaimer that I'm not trying to brag about my presents. I was incredibly lucky this year! So I hope that you like this post and I would love to hear in the comments below what you got for Christmas or what your favourite part of Christmas was. xx

A very very lucky girl...

In my family we usually have a main present at Christmas/birthdays. This was my main present from my parents. I've wanted this exact radio for years and it's just beautiful!

I asked for The Fault in Our Stars DVD and watched it with Jack (my boyfriend) the other day. Yes I still cried like a baby even though I've seen it before and knew what was going to happen. I also love getting books for Christmas as holidays are when I find the most time to sit down and read a book. I remember talking to my mum about wanting to read the book on the right ages ago and I can't believe she remembered. I actually finished We Were Liars the other day and thought it was a really good book. It's pretty short and an easy read but the story line and the twist at the end are very clever. 

This eyeshadow palette was another thing that I had been talking about for ages. I used it the other night and I will be using it again tonight for New Years Eve. The colours are gorgeous and the palette itself is beautiful. 

I also received some beautiful jewellery from my family. I think it just shows how well they know me really! Elephants are my favourite animal and I'm just obsessed with them at the moment. And I am in love with the beautiful blue colours in the earrings and bracelet. 

I've wanted a smaller satchel bag for ages and when I saw this beautiful 3 toned pink one I knew it was perfect. My mum for this for my and it's the only bag that I have used since. Although annoyingly I think it has now gone in to sale in Accessorize so you might be able to get your hands on it still for even cheaper!

Of course I got some beauty things! This Jack Wills lip balm is from my cousins and it smells amazing. And the lip balm set is a bit of an inside joke with my driving instructor! I can't start driving unless I've used some lip balm or my dry lips will distract me! It was so sweet of her to see this and think of me as I know she doesn't really get Christmas presents for her students. She is so lovely and we get on so well (and she has been trying to teach me for a while!). 

This was another surprise chosen by my mum which I am obsessed with! She knows my style so well! I've worn this so much already and I just think it is so cute!

The jumper from Gap and the top from Zara I picked out myself and have worn them both already. And the Hollister waterfall cardigan is from my cousins and is the most amazing thing! It's so fluffy and feels like I am actually wearing a blanket. And as it has been so cold recently this is what I have been wearing most days!

And of course I received loads and loads of chocolate!!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and have a great New Years Eve tonight. Love of love
Katherine xx

I've Been A Very Lucky Girl...

I've Been A Very Lucky Girl...

I am so sorry for the lack of posts over the last very days. I wanted to spend Christmas with my family and I have also got a little job for the Christmas holidays so I was working on Boxing Day and the day after. And I've been having some problems with my camera although I hope that it is all sorted out now. 

I know I'm a little late as it's now New Years Eve but I really wanted to show you some of the amazing things that I got for Christmas this year. I personally love watching and reading "What I got for Christmas" posts and really wanted to do one myself. However I am going to do the quick disclaimer that I'm not trying to brag about my presents. I was incredibly lucky this year! So I hope that you like this post and I would love to hear in the comments below what you got for Christmas or what your favourite part of Christmas was. xx

A very very lucky girl...

In my family we usually have a main present at Christmas/birthdays. This was my main present from my parents. I've wanted this exact radio for years and it's just beautiful!

I asked for The Fault in Our Stars DVD and watched it with Jack (my boyfriend) the other day. Yes I still cried like a baby even though I've seen it before and knew what was going to happen. I also love getting books for Christmas as holidays are when I find the most time to sit down and read a book. I remember talking to my mum about wanting to read the book on the right ages ago and I can't believe she remembered. I actually finished We Were Liars the other day and thought it was a really good book. It's pretty short and an easy read but the story line and the twist at the end are very clever. 

This eyeshadow palette was another thing that I had been talking about for ages. I used it the other night and I will be using it again tonight for New Years Eve. The colours are gorgeous and the palette itself is beautiful. 

I also received some beautiful jewellery from my family. I think it just shows how well they know me really! Elephants are my favourite animal and I'm just obsessed with them at the moment. And I am in love with the beautiful blue colours in the earrings and bracelet. 

I've wanted a smaller satchel bag for ages and when I saw this beautiful 3 toned pink one I knew it was perfect. My mum for this for my and it's the only bag that I have used since. Although annoyingly I think it has now gone in to sale in Accessorize so you might be able to get your hands on it still for even cheaper!

Of course I got some beauty things! This Jack Wills lip balm is from my cousins and it smells amazing. And the lip balm set is a bit of an inside joke with my driving instructor! I can't start driving unless I've used some lip balm or my dry lips will distract me! It was so sweet of her to see this and think of me as I know she doesn't really get Christmas presents for her students. She is so lovely and we get on so well (and she has been trying to teach me for a while!). 

This was another surprise chosen by my mum which I am obsessed with! She knows my style so well! I've worn this so much already and I just think it is so cute!

The jumper from Gap and the top from Zara I picked out myself and have worn them both already. And the Hollister waterfall cardigan is from my cousins and is the most amazing thing! It's so fluffy and feels like I am actually wearing a blanket. And as it has been so cold recently this is what I have been wearing most days!

And of course I received loads and loads of chocolate!!

Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and have a great New Years Eve tonight. Love of love
Katherine xx