Blog update

Hi guys.

Sorry I haven't posted in a while.  To tell you the truth, it has been a very busy few days.  I have a few posts lined up for the next few weeks.

Christmas has been and gone and New Year is just around the corner.  A few days has been visiting friends and family and now the next few days will be all about getting some Uni work done as I only have a week to go.  I have bought a few things in the last few days and as soon as I have photographed them, I will do a blogpost on them.  Also I will be posting a 'What I got for Christmas' post as soon as I have photographed them as well.  I have been taking a few photo's along the way. You will be notified on facebook and Twitter so make sure you are following one of them.

I will be back at Uni in just over a week's time so how often I will get to post will be decided once I get back.

Over the next few weeks, you will see some reviews of products I have used and maybe some first impressions.  Also a 'What's in my uni bag' when I find a bag I am happy with.   

These are some of what is to come in 2015. As soon as I have an idea of a schedule, I will let you know. 

Again I applies for the lack of posts between Blogmas and new year but uni comes first. I will have one up before or in the 31st of December. 

Let me know what you would like me to post during 2015. 

Bye for now. 

Jess. X

Merry Christmas and a happy new year

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!!

I cannot believe it is Christmas already and that 2014 is almost over.  A lot of things have happened this year and I am looking forward to 2015 and the things I have planned.  I would like to say a bit Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and also a big thank you to those who read my blog and also a big hello to those who are new.  Big things will be happening in 2015 with my blog and I hope that it becomes bigger and better for everyone.

Have a great day today and I shall see you in my next blogpost.

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 24 : What's in my make-up bag (Winter Edition)

As if it is Christmas eve already.  My blog is already 24 days old and I have written a lot.  I know I promised a post everyday but as life is strange, I had to postpone some blog posts but I did get 24 posts up.  As promised, Today's will be a What's in my make-up bag blogpost.

I am away from uni but as my collection is very small, I have brought the majority of my make-up collection.  I will start from base and finish with the lips.

This post will be picture heavy.

Primer


My primer is quite a new product and I haven't had chance to try it out.  I have got Dr Jart's Recover Primer.  I received this in November's Birchbox and I am looking forward to trying this out.

Foundation

In September, I went make-up shopping and purchased a new foundation.  My foundation is M.A.C's Studio Sculpt.  I am NC25 and as much as I like this foundation, there are a few out there that I want to try and 2015 will be the year to do that.  This foundation is quite matte on my skin and sometimes clings to my dry patches (I have combination
skin and am trying to find a skincare routine to combat this)

Concealer

I don't use much concealer as I am quite lucky to not suffer with dark circles.  My concealer at the moment is Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer and I use fair.  I always purchase this and again I want to try other in 2015.

Eyeshadow

I currently only have one palette and am loving it.  I have Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette and it has a nice range of shade which are very complimentary to my skin tone.  My favourite eyeshadow is Tease and Bootycall.  I love those two shades together and that is my usual everyday eye look.

Eyeliner

I have two eyeliners that I use...one felt tip liner and one pencil.  I use Rimmel's Scandeleyes pencil liner on my waterline and I use Collection's Extreme 24 hour felt tip liner on my top lip to create a wing.

Mascara


I chop and change my mascara so often that the next time I do something  like this, it might have changed.  At the moment I am using Rimmel's Scandeleyes Flex in black.  I also have Maybelline's The Rocket and sometimes I use both at the same time.

Cheeks

I usually don't put anything on my cheeks as I feel that I always get it wrong but in 2015 I am
going try and use more cheek products.  The products I have at the moment are MUA's cream blush and as you can see in the picture, it is well used as the packaging is wearing off.  My other cheek product is a Lord and Berry bronzer in Sienna.  I haven't used the bronzer yet so I don't know
how it will look on my skin.

Lips

I have a few lip products in my make-up bag at the moment.  I have three lip products and 2 lip balms.  My three lip products are Rimmel's Apocolips in Big Bang, Revlon's Colourburst Matte Balm in Standout and Illamasqua Glamore Nude lipstick in Rosepout.  Rosepout has to be my favourite as it

 

suits my skintone so much.  My next favourite has to be the Matte Balm.  I have two lip balms one is Maybelline's Baby Lips in Peach Kiss and the other is a Pixi lip balm that I received in November's Birchbox.

Tools & Accessories

I have a pair of eyelash curlers, a Real Techniques Stippling brush, an eco tools angled liner brush, a Burts Bee's Cuticle Cream, a Beauty Protector Protect & Treat Hair Mask, six capsules of drinkwel (another product from November's Birchbox) and a small compact mirror.

My make-up bag is an old, grungy thing and I am kind of embarrassed to show it.  I am going to extend my collection further in 2015 so keep a look out for hauls and reviews throughout the year.

What is currently in your make-up bag and what are you looking forward to in 2015?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 23 : Make-up and hair haul

I went and did a bit of shopping today and got a few things to make my Christmas a bit more beautiful.

I first went to Boots (which is a drugstore on the high street in the UK) and got a few things. 

I wanted a curling wand as I wanted to curl my hair on Christmas Day but knowing my hair doesn't keep the curls, I wanted to get something that would give them a bit of structure whilst also looking and feeling soft. I bought Umberto Giannini's Natural Curls Styling Cream. I thought this would be good to give the curls structure. I will give you a blogpost once I have tested it a few times. 

The next item I bought was Charles worthington's Volume & Bounce Texturising Spray. I bought this so that when I don't straighten or curl my hair, my hair can have some texture and my layers can look better. 

I had left my hair spray back at uni and because I am curling my hair, I wanted something to hold the curl once curled. I bought John Frieda's Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Hairspray. 

I wanted to try a red lip this season and because I didn't know which red lipstick would suit me, I went to my local No7 counter and asked them what the right shade of red would be for me and they told me that I would suit red lipstick which had a blue undertone, which I was rather surprised to hear as I always thought I would suit and orange toned red. I bought Rimmels's Apocolips in Big Bang.

I bought another red lip product to try and so I can have a varity of shades of red. I bought a Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in Standout. I have always wanted try this lip product and will have to get some more shades if I like it.  I hope it doesn't disappoint.

I then went to Argos and bought my curling wand. This is BaByliss's diamond Radience curling wand. It is not your usual curling wand as it has a few waves down the barrel. I have seen a video and the curls looked amazing so will will have to see. 

I will do a full blogpost of reviews of each of the products. 

What is your Christmas treat for yourself this year?  

Bye for now. 

Jess. X

Blogmas day 22 : Favourite Christmas films

As if we are on day 22 of Blogmas...it has just flown by.  We have only 2 days left and boy have a I got a good post waiting for day 24...you will have to stay tuned for that one.

Today I thought I would share my favourite Christmas films.  I am not one for Christmas films but there are four that I watch every year...two that I only watch at this time of year and two that I watch all year round but they tend to show it at Christmas.

My first film is The Muppet's Christmas Carol.  Now I don't care for the original version or any other version apart from The Muppet's.,,I don't even care for The Muppet's so for me to love this film beats me!  I have always liked this version.  I don't know why...I just do.  For as long as I can remember I always love watching this around this time of year.  I tend to watch it in the run up to Christmas and I was having a conversation about this film and another film, that I will talk about in a moment, with a friend and she said that the two films in question should be watched on Christmas eve...I differ on this debate as I feel that they are films to get you in the Christmas spirit and should be viewed from the 1st December.  This film is one that I love to watch with a nice warm drink and some snacks and I am in Christmas heaven.

The second film I like to watch at Christmas is Miracle on 34th Street.  I prefer the version with Mara Wilson as I think she was one of the best child actors when I was growing up (why she quit acting I will never know.)  I love the storyline and the scenery and how it shows that people can be swayed when it comes to believing in the unknown.  I know that there are many people out there who believe in Father Christmas and my other half likes to try and persuade me that he is real but I not one to be swayed but I still watch this and am amazed at however many times I watch it, I am still shocked at the outcome.

I was over the moon to get both of the above films on DVD.

Home Alone is another film I like to watch at this time of year but I have been known to watch them at any other time of the year.  I like films one and two and I don't care for the other two.  My favourite of the two I do like is Home Alone 2.  I like the way that it is set in New York and even though I have never been to New York (though it is a place I would like to go)  I still get a bit sad when I see the twin towers standing in the skyline.  I also like the way that a small boy can get into so much trouble and yet his parents are just too relieved to get him back.

My last film I like to watch at Christmas is The Wizard of Oz.  Yes I know it is not really a Christmas film but it tends to be shown at this time of year and I love watching it.  Knowing that this film is on the TV makes me think that Christmas is right around the corner and that I can get in the festive mood.  I have been known to watch this all year round but it is only when shown around Christmastime, that I get all festive and merry.

So that is my four Christmas films that get me in the festive spirit.  What films do you like to watch around this time of year?

Bye for now,

Jess. X

Blogmas day 21 : My early Christmas present.

A few days before I was due to come home for Christmas, my Nokia died...it wouldn't charge, it wouldn't accept any charging unit...it just died.  I was a bit annoyed.  It was not even six months old.  I took it to get it repaired but knew that I wouldn't trust it.  I decided I wanted a new phone.

On Blogmas day 5, I said I wanted an iPhone and that is what I got.  Unlike the iPhone I put on my wishlist, I got an iPhone 4s and am loving it.  I can do so much with it and I don't think I will ever go back to another phone.

I got the iPhone 4s 8GB in black.  I tend to go for black phones as I think they look sleek and professional and if I wanted a bit of colour, I could get a case for it.

As I am at University, I can use my phone for a lot more.  I can access my timetable easier, I can update my blog on the go, I can view University notifications easily...the list is endless.  My Nokia on the other hand was limited on what I could do.  I am so happy with my purchase.

I only wanted a 8GB as I don't think I needed much more than that.  I paid £199 for my new little purchase and I don't regret getting an older version.    I already have an idea on what case I want for my little iPhone.  I will also do a what's on my iPhone blogpost as soon as I have it the way I want it :D

What phone have you got?  What apps can you recommend?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 20 : Ted Baker Regency Body Spray

As I went Christmas shopping yesterday, there is no way you will not come into contact with sales...two for ones...buy one get one free...three for twos...you get the gist.

I had to pop to boots to get some gifts (I am not going to say what I bought) Upon approaching the till, I was told that it was three for two on gifts and that if I got another product, I would get the cheapest free and this is how I got my new body spray.

Ted Baker's Regency Body Spray is such a lovely scent. The boots website tells me that the spray has notes of Rose, Sandalwood and Juicy Raspberry.  I completely agree with the Raspberry and a slight hint of Rose.  I have never smelt sandelwood either on its own and as a main scent so I couldn't smell it but it hasn't put me off the body spray.  It is currently £6 for a £150ml but if on three for two, you can get it for free as long as it is the cheapest item.

My impression of it is that I really like it.  It has a long lasting wear to it as today I sprayed it on me this morning at about 10am and as I am writing this over twelve hours later and I can just still smell it on my clothes.  I have wore it twice in a row and will always grab it.  I may even repurchase it in the smaller size of 50ml for £2.50.

I am so thrilled with this impulse purchase and I am impressed with the brand and I am willing to experience more from the brand.

What is your current fragrance? 

Bye for now. 

Jess. X

Blogmas day 19 : Christmas Shopping

I love Christmas shopping. I think I'm one out of a small number of people who do. When you go Christmas shopping, you have an idea on what you want to get people.  You have the festive Christmas songs, people barging into others, shops stocked up on Christmas wrapping and seasonal chocolate.  The weather is bitter and cold and your all wrapped up. 

I had my Christmas shopping done a few weeks back and apart from one thing which I had to order online a week before Xmas and hoping it would come on time (thankfully it did) 

I love the wrapping process of Christmas. I love sitting at the table with Christmas songs on the TV and a nice hot drink, I could wrap all day :D. My other half thinks I'm crazy but I really do like wrapping gifts almost as much as giving the gift out.  I like making the gift look pretty and I get quite OCD over what they look like. 

How much Christmas shopping have you got left?  Do you enjoy wrapping and shopping? 

Bye for now. 

Jess. X

Blogmas day 18 : Favourite Night Time Drink

Now this post is a little bit different as I am sat writing this with a cup of tea.  Now I don't normally drink tea but recently I have gotten into drinking herbal tea.

A few weeks ago, my sleep pattern went a bit crazy and I wasn't going to sleep until 4am!  I know crazy right!  Especially when I had lectures in the morning.  I wasn't getting enough sleep and my concentration was suffering not to mention my skin and body was suffering too.  I kept getting spots and the bags under my eyes were getting to big and concealer wasn't helping at all.  I had had enough!

I went to the chemist and they gave me some Nytol sleeping tablets and I had read online that herbal tea helps.  I popped to my local Morrison's and had a look at their herbal tea range and one popped out at me.  This was the Pukka Night Time tea.  It was priced at around the £2.30 mark and I thought to myself 'Why not try some?  What have I got to loose?'  I bought it and tried some that night.

The packet comes with 20 sachets and the smell from the packet put me off slightly but I carried on with making myself a cup of tea.  I added about half a spoon of sugar to the cup as I had never tried herbal tea and poured the hot water and stirred the bag and sugar around and let it steep for 5 minutes.  The smell was a bit better once the water was added and after it had steeped, I tried some...to my surprise, I liked it.

Pukka Night Time tea is a blend of Lime flower, Lavender and  Organic Oat Flower.  At first, I was dubious of what this would taste like but the taste is quite nice.  The main flavour I get from the tea is a very subtle taste of Lavender which is rather nice.

I have recently just tried another herbal tea which is for the night time and that is Clipper Snore &
Peace Tea.  This tea is an Organic Chamomile, Lemon Balm & Lavender.  This one has a subtle taste of mint and on further reading of the ingredients, I found that it contained Spearmint.  This tea retails at £1.50 from ASDA.

I haven't decided on which one out of the two are my favourite but I will be repurchasing both of them and also trying other herbal teas.  I still don't know if I will start drinking tea as a daytime beverage but I am willing to give herbal tea's more credit.

What herbal tea have you tried lately?

Bye for now.

Jess. x

Blogmas day 17 : Nail Polish Wants 2015

I don't often wear nail varnish/polish but when I do, I tend to wear nail polish with a slight shimmer as that is what I have found suits my skin tone better however there is a new collection that is due to be released on the 1st of January (or so I have researched,  correct me if I am wrong )  just in time for the highly anticipated (or at least for me anyway) Fifty Shades of Gray Movie and I am dying to get my hands on this collection.

http://www.reallyree.com/2014/11/opi-fifty-shades-of-grey.html#lightbox/0/

The collection has a nice selection of grey colours and a nice red.  There are a few shades that have really caught my eye.  There are six to choose from and if you are an OPI virgin (like me) chances are you will want them all.  Each bottle will retail at £11.95 however they will also be selling a mini collection of the entire set at £14.50.  

Each shade has a name that has some reference to the film/book.  

• My Silk Tie
• Romantically Involved
• Dark Side of the Mood 
• Shine for Me
• Cement the Deal 
• Embrace the Gray 

All shade names correspond to the order in the picture.

The shades I am really excited for are Romantically Involved and My Silk Tie although I will be purchasing the whole collection (whether in full size or mini is still to be decided)  From what I can tell, layering up Shine On Me with a couple of the other nail polishes in the collection will look stunning and it is a slight shame (in my opinion) that they haven't released them sooner as Shine On Me and Romantically Involved could be good Christmas colours.

What Nail Polish collections are you most excited in 2015?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 16 : The Winter TAG

I first did a Tag last week and thought I would do another seasonal TAG...The Winter Tag.  I first saw this TAG done by Fran from House of Blog (which I will link here  go check them out)

What are your favourite things about Winter?

Being warm and cosy with the ones I love.

What is your favourite Winter outfit?

I don’t really have a favourite winter outfit as I tend to just wear jeans and either hoodies and jumpers.  I do however like having a new outfit for Christmas day.

What is your favourite Winter food?

You cannot beat a good Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings.  That is the only meal I look forward to each year.

Favourite Winter drink?

I like to have a Peppermint Hot Chocolate from Starbucks and I am yet to have one this year but I will do at some point.

What is your dream way to spend a Winter’s day?

Sat snuggled up with my other half watching TV.

How do you like to do your make-up in the Winter?

I don’t really wear a lot of makeup in winter or any time of the year (hopefully will change in the new year)  But when I do, I tend to keep it quite simple which is usually my everyday make-up look (which I will do a blog post at some point)

What are you hoping Santa brings you?

Just clothes and a necklace but I have no idea.

What are the first three things that remind you of Winter?

Cold, Christmas and snow.

What is your favourite Winter song?

‘A Spaceman Came Travelling’ by Chris de Burg.  I have always liked that song for as long as I remember.  I can vaguely remember sat in the car growing up singing to this at Christmas.

What is your favourite Winter memory?

I don’t really have one.

What is your favourite Winter scent?

I don’t really have enough perfumes at the moment to warrant having a winter scent but there is one perfume I have that suits me better during the winter and that is Viva La Juicy but Juicy Couture.

Finish this sentence… If I could have one wish this Christmas it would be…

My other half proposing to me (I can dream can’t i?)

I tag you all to do this.

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 15 : Another mini haul.

I have been shopping again!  I know, I know...bad isn't it?  I swear I needed the items I bought.  Again this haul is only two items as that is all I needed.

I needed some make-up remover wipes as I had forgotten to bring some from Uni so I picked up the Yes to Cucumber Facial Wipes.  I have used this brand once before and found that they was so gentle yet they managed to take off my make-up and they smell so good.  I have tried others since but non were as good as these and once I get my student finance, I will stock up on them as I don't think the boots near Uni sell them which is a shame as I love them.

I first saw them on a few youtube videos and they seemed to be only sold in the US so when I was shopping in Boots one day earlier in the year I was so happy to see the Yes to range had come to boots that I snapped up the Yes to Cucumber wipes straight away.  They retail at £3.99 for 30 wipes which compared to the other wipes in the range is better as they are being sold at £3.99 for 20 or 25 wipes so to get an extra 5 or 10 wipes for the same price is not to shabby.  I will always get these wipes until they are sold no more.

I was in ASDA looking for a new shampoo and conditioner as I was running low on my current one when I saw this Miracle Frizz Taming cube.  I only needed enough to last me until I go back so this was a perfect size set and I was pleased to see that it also includes a heat protection spray (I had forgotten mine!)  The kit comes with a travel size shampoo, conditioner, heat protection spray and a comb.  I have never tried this brand before so am looking forward to trying this out.  The cube is priced at the moment in ASDA for £5 so for that price I don't think is bad.  The have four in the Andrew Barton range, the 'Smooth' cube, the 'Blonde' cube, the 'Volume' cube and the 'Curl' cube (These are not the actual names but you get the idea of the types they do)  I got the 'Smooth' cube as I find when I straighten my hair, I get a lot of flyaway hairs and it doesn't look as good so I thought I shall try this before trying more products to combat my frizzy hair.


What products have you recently bought?  Are they a repurchase or are they brand new to you?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 14 : outfit of the day

Being comfy while travelling is something that I like to do.  I tend to travel
home as often as I can.  I tend to keep things casual as anything more than casual looks stupid.

Today I am wearing clothes that I purchased from Primark.  I cannot remember how much the top and leggings are but the boots were about £18 which is not bad for boots.  I tend to buy clothes from Primark as I find them to be good quality and last quite a while.  I also paired it with my University hoodie as it was quite cold.

(I apologies about the quality of the photos and will hopefully be getting a better camera and will be playing around with photo quality)

What do you wear when travelling?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 13 : A very tiny Boots haul.

As I am going home for the holidays, I needed to pick up two items to go in my make-up bag.  These are staples that will forever be found in my small but growing make-up collection.  In fact these will be found in any make-up collection of any beauty fanatic.

Eyeliner can come in different types and in different forms.  The two I prefer at the moment are felt tip liner and pencil liner.  I will always try different brands and there is one pencil liner that I have found that I will use for a while or until I find another one that fits my needs.  Recently, however, I have gotten into felt tip liner and am in the process of trying different brands.  These were the two staples that I needed to stock up on.

Rimmel Scandeleyes eyeliner has been my staple pencil liner for a few
years.  I like the fact it is so creamy and doesn't pull at my eyelids.  It is easily smudge-able if you need to but dries and doesn't smudge once dry.  As it is waterproof you do find that once removed, there can be some leftover but that soon goes after a night of sleep!  I use this mainly for my waterline but sometimes I use this on the top lid depending on what look I want to go for.  I have tried other pencil liners but sadly non have been up to scratch to this.


Collection's Extreme 24 hour felt tip liner is my newest item to my collection.  I have never tried this but I have read some good reviews and am looking forward to trying this.  I use felt tip liner on my top lid and feel that it gives a clean line and looks nice paired with eyeshadow.  I only do a small cat eye as I am only starting to get used to using felt tip liner.

What brands do you use?  Have you got any suggestions for eyeline?

Bye for now.

Jess. X






 

Blogmas day 12 : Update on Blogmas

Hi there.

I am going to have to take a break from Blogmas for the weekend as I am very busy and I haven't had time what with Uni and other things to schedule Blogmas posts.  There will be however 3 coming on Monday.

If I have time over the weekend, I will write a Blogmas post but because of travelling back home and other commitments, I do not think I will have the time.  Blogmas will resume on Monday and will have the missing posts up as soon as I can.

Sorry about the hiatus, but as you can hopefully understand, I have other commitments.

Hope to see you all Monday and have a great weekend.

Once again I am sorry.

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 11 : My University experience so far

How time flies when you are enjoying a new experience.  It doesn't seem like five minutes since I first walked into my room at my University accommodation and now it is almost the end of semester one and almost Christmas...and do you know what???  I have enjoyed every single minute of it.  Yes there has been highs and lows but what experience doesn't (I would like to know)  

There has been a lot of highs in the 13 weeks I have been here.  Moving is one of them.  Growing up I moved around a lot so I was used to moving and while I was used to moving, I still hated the packing and the unpacking.  It took me a whole week to unpack everything and when I say everything, I do mean everything.  I moved out of my flat back in my home town and apart from the furniture, all my belongings came with me and even as I was unpacking, I still threw things away.  

Meeting new people can be both a high and a low depending on how you are as a person.  I guess I would say I don't make friends easily but for some reason, I made a few friends within the first week and whether we stay friends after Uni, will have to wait and see.

I found my lectures to be a bit of a challenge but that was mainly because of ignorant people chatting away in the back and disrupting others.  I soon fixed that problem by sitting toward the front as often as I could and that soon rectified the problem.  The lectures themselves where good and I have gained a lot of knowledge from them which I am hoping to show in my first set of assignments (due Jan)  

I have had a few lows within this semester and as one of them was a family loss, which I had to miss a day of which couldn't be helped, the rest I have managed to remedy the situation and looking back I can now see what they problem was.  I may be 25 but I have moved on my own away from family, friends and my other half to another city where it is strange and not knowing where things are, is very daunting and I found myself to being homesick.  As the semester has gone, the homesickness has gone away.  

I had a few weeks where my sleeping pattern changed and I wasn't going to sleep until half four in the morning (GMT) and having 10am lectures was not good and I started to skip some of the lectures.  I soon got that back with some over the counter sleeping tablets and some herbal tea (and I am not a tea drinker usually) 

Overall my experience of University has been good.  I haven't wasted my time going out and drinking like a lot of the people here have been doing but in my own way my experience has been positive.  I am now a sixth of the way through my course and hopefully the next two and a half years will be the same if better and I should hopefully get my degree and go on to doing  better things in my life.

I have not regretted coming at the age on 25  as I didn't feel ready at 18 and I still don't think teens at that age are ready either but that is my choice and I don't regret anything.  So here's to the next half of year one and for years two and three.

How was your University experience if you have one?  If not or are in the middle of the application process what stopped you from going and what are you looking forward to in your journey?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 10 : The Christmas TAG

This is the first ever TAG I have done and have always wanted to do one.  As Christmas is coming up, I thought I would do my first ever TAG with a Christmas theme.

I first saw this TAG on Lou's World (which I will link here)  Go check her out...she is amazing!


1. Do you like to stay in your PJ’s, or dress up for Christmas? 

Because I go and see family, the majority of the day I am dressed up for Christmas.  I like to have a brand new outfit...it just makes me feel pretty and after all it is a special day.  

2. If you could only buy one person a present this year, who would it be?
I don’t think I could only buy one person a present this year...it would be like telling people who your favourite person is in your life.

3. Do you open your presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning?

Growing up we had a tradition where we would open a present on Christmas eve and they would always be a new pair of PJ’s which we would run upstairs and put on and be nice and cosy before putting Father Christmas’s treats out for him.  As I have gotten older, I still like having new PJ’s at Christmas but I always wait until Christmas day to open presents.

4. Have you ever built a Gingerbread house?
I don’t think I have ever built one before but I really wish I could.

5. What do you like to do on your Christmas break?
Usually I like to relax and see friends and family but this year as I am in my first year of University, I have a lot of work to do, so the majority of the Christmas break will be essay writing and presentation writing.  I will go see friends and family but not before I have done a bit of work.

6. What’s your favourite Christmas meal or treat?
Christmas dinner of course!  How can anyone not like a good Christmas dinner.  This year I will be eating with my family but last year, I ate with my other half’s family and his mums roast potatoes where so good and I am slightly upset that I won’t be eating them this year. :(

7. What’s your favourite holiday movie?
This one is easy...The Muppet’s Christmas Carol.  I have loved this movie for as long as I can remember and last year my lovely other half bought it on DVD for me even though he knows I don’t like the Muppet’s usually and yet he bought my favourite Christmas movie.  It is still in the cellophane wrapper :D

8. Candy Canes or Gingerbread Men?
Neither.  I don’t like gingerbread and I don’t like the taste of Candy Canes.

9. Have you ever made a snowman?

I made a snowman about 5 years ago with my two stepsisters but that was the last time I have built one.

10. Which do you like better, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Hmmmm...I don’t know.  I think if I had to choose it would be Christmas eve as it is the run up to the actual day and once you have done all what you need to do for the day, you can snuggle up on the couch and watch TV with the one you love and wait for the main event to come.

11. White lights, or colored lights?
Depends on the decorations of the tree.  Usually white lights look better.

I'm not tagging anyone specific, but if you're doing Blogmas and are stuck for a day, do this tag! 
And even if you just want to get into the festive spirit, I still suggest you do this tag!

It's 16 days until Christmas!

Bye for now.

Jess. x

Blogmas day 9 : Illamasqua Glamore Nude Lipstick in Rosepout

I love looking at beauty blogs and one blog called Katie's beauty blog (Which I will link here) reviewed a set of four lipsticks from a brand called Illamasqua.  I had heard of the brand and seen some of the products on videos and blogs but I had never seen a shop or counter selling them.

I was reading her blog when a blog post caught my eye and four beautiful lipsticks caught my eye.  I read though the post and was in awe of the lipsticks...I knew I just had to have one.

I felt at the time that we shared a similar skin tone and looked at what she suggested was her favourite and this one was Rosepout.  I looked at the swatches and what it looked like on her lips against her skin tone and I knew immediately that this was the lipstick for me.  It was all I could think about.  I looked into the lipstick a little more and read a few more reviews (which I found a lack of) and knew for certain that this was the lipstick for me.

The packaging of the lipstick is very sleek and looks expensive and is something that I wouldn't be ashamed to pull out of my handbag and apply in public
















Rosepout is a pink nude which as the website says is a satin lipstick.  The colour is absolutely gorgeous and I think it suits my skin tone very well.  It glides on like butter but doesn't feel sticky or thick.  On my lips the finished seemed almost matte rather than a satin but I don't mind that.  The smell is really nice and I can't quite put my finger on what it smells like.

I would repurchase this lipstick and have backups in case of breakages or I run out (which I don't see happening any time soon)  I would also repurchase just to have one constantly in my handbag.  I would also say that it would suit any skin one whether it be pale or dark skin.  This is a fantastic lipstick and I would like to try more from the range.

In the range there are 7 all together ranging from pink nudes to orangey toned nudes.  They are quite expensive but from what I have seen and tried from this ranged, it is worth it.  They retail at £18.50 and for a lipstick is is quite expensive but they are worth it.

I would also like to try other products from the brand itself as I am impressed with what I have seen so far.



What have you tried from this brand and is there anything that you can recommend?

Bye for now.

Jess. X

Blogmas day 8 : What's in my shower

I watch a lot of Youtube videos and one of my favourite videos to watch is the 'what's in my shower/bath' videos and I love getting ideas for new products to try.  I thought to myself 'why not do a blog post on my shower.

I live in student accommodation as I am in University and I am lucky enough to have a shower room in my bedroom so all of the products are mine and are set up how I want them to be.  I do swap them about especially my shampoo and conditioner as my hair is weird and I have to change my hair products quite often.

So here is what is in my shower.  If you want any in depth reviews on any of the products, then comment on this post and I will be more than happy to make it happen.

On the left is a picture of where my products live.  On the right two pictures is a close up of my products.  Top right: The Body Shop Rainforest shampoo and conditioner and Gillette for women Satin Care shave gel travel size (almost empty)  Bottom right: A Raspberry & Cranberry showergel, Vineyard Peach Body Scrub (Review on that can be seen here) and My razor (which I cannot remember the brand of)

My shower is very small and that is all the products I can fit in...this is mainly because it is all I use at the moment and hopefully that will change.  Like I said above, my shampoo and conditioner change quite frequently and I change my shower gel as often as I need to.  

I will be updating this as and when I feel is necessary. 

Bye for now.

Jess. x

Blogmas day 7 : New Years resolutions

 I am not one to keep a resolution and I never make them as I know I never keep to them, however, in 2015 I am wanted to turn over a new leaf and try and make my life a more healthier life.  Here is my New Years resolutions.

1. Go to the Gym and stick to a routine.  However tired I am from lectures or assignments, I am going to make time for the Gym.  I got a scholarship from my university and in that was a free Gym membership for 12 months and I have already let two months of that go to waste (mainly I have no trainers and have had no money for some [have asked the other half for some for Christmas]  I want to loose weight and feel healthier.
2. Attend all of my lectures unless I have a good reason not to go.  Granted I had freshers flu and still went but this semester I have missed a few due to lack of sleep and now I have my sleeping patten back on track, I am going to attend them more in the new year.
3. Pay more attention in lectures.  As much as I enjoy uni, this semester proved to me that I need to pay more attention in the lectures.  
4. Be more budget friendly. I wasted all of my money on items at the beginning of the semester and am now paying for it now by borrowing money off my friend and it is spiralling out of control.  
5. Learn to drive.  I was recently left some money by a family member and I am going to use it to learn to drive.  Even if I cannot afford a car, I have a life long skill that will remain with me forever.
6. Treat my family.  I gave them a rough time a few years back and now I am making amends, I want to treat them to some nice things.  

I think six is a good number to concentrate on.  I think some of these are doable but we will have to wait and see.

I may have an update later in the year and I may have some more to add.  Let me know if you would like to see an update post.

Bye for now.

Jess. x

Blogmas day 6 : Things I'm looking forward to at Christmas

As I sit here, curled under my duvet trying to warm up whilst outside is like the Arctic, I wondered what to write for today's Blogmas and then a thought came to me...it's almost Christmas and like a child I started getting excited for the first time.  Being a University student I haven't had time to think much past next Saturday when I go home for three glorious weeks (apart from having to be constantly in front of my laptop trying to get essays and presentations done for January! Ugh!)

Here are some things that make me excited for Christmas.

1. Seeing my other half.  Oh how I have missed him.  Talking on the phone is not as good as seeing him in real life.  Its been far too long!
2. Seeing my family.  I have seen them since starting at University but again it is still not the same.
3. Seeing the other half's family.
4. Christmas dinner.  Nothing beats the good old Christmas dinner where you can eat as much as you want and  not be judged on how much you eat.  
5. Seeing home town friends after 3 months of only chatting on Facebook.
6. Christmas Shopping.  Or in my case, Christmas window shopping.
7. Drinking as much as you want and again not being judged on how much you drink.
8. Can't forget seeing loved ones faces when they open the carefully wrapped presents.
9. Seeing your loved ones faces when you open the presents they gave you.
10. Snow...or the lack of in Britain.  I hate being cold but I love the snow and unfortunately we don't get enough of that!
11. Putting up the Christmas tree and decorations and seeing the excitement of knowing it is going to be up for at least a month (or at least in my family it does!)
12. Knowing that after Christmas comes New Year and all they stuff you want to do or to change happens soon,
13. Also knowing that when New Year comes, the Lakeside Darts Championship is on the TV and wishing you and your other half could be there watching it live (That might happen this year!)
14. The different parties that you are invited to.
15. Knowing that even though you have essays to do, you can still have a break and relax.
16. Layering up as it is so cold outside. 
17. Christmas songs.  Yes I know they are played over and over again but you don't care...after all it is Christmas!
18. Getting new PJ's at Christmas and feeling all warm and cosy sat on the sofa with the other half eating copious amounts of chocolate and watching TV.

That is some of the things I am looking forward to at Christmas.

Bye for now. 

Jess. x