Get Inspired & Be Creative!

Hello Internet Beauties!

Do you ever get the creative bug?! When all of a sudden, at the most random times, you get the desperate feeling that you need to create something? I get this so often, like right now for instance when suddenly at 11.50pm listening to Vanessa Carlton, A Thousand Miles (throwback!), I have the need to be creative, to draw, to make art, to do something creative. Unfortunately, my art skills are very limited - to the extent that I used to get my sister to do all of my Art homework for school...oops..sorry former art teachers! (Although it must have seemed a bit bizarre that all my Art homework was pretty good, yet anything I produced in lessons looked like a toddler's attempt at drawing 😂)

Anyway, back to the point! As my art skills aren't too good, my creative outlet is writing (hence blogging!) and doodling. While waiting for a train home the other day, I was overcome by this feeling. So, I logged onto Amazon and ordered these two journals which I'd seen previously in a shop, along with some colourful pens.

They are semi-blank journals that encourage you to create and write but give you prompts, questions and activities to complete, rather than just a blank journal which can be difficult to get started. The first one, 'Write Here, Write Now' is actually aimed for the teenage market, but even though it's been 5 years since I've been classed as a teenager, I love it. It's simple, it's light-hearted and encourages imagination.

Write Here, Write Now, £10, available from Amazon and Waterstones

The second I purchased is definitely a much more grown-up one, 'Start Where You Are', which is actually called a 'journey of self-exploration'. What won me over on this one was the most beautiful quotations on every other page, between the pages to fill in yourself. I'm a sucker for quotes with the most beautiful illustrations. The topics are also much more grown-up, as it is about learning more about yourself, such as your goals, strengths, weaknesses and desires. I think it's such an interesting idea because in a world when we rush around everyday, it's good to take a moment to just focus on yourself.

Start Where You Are, £8, available from Amazon 

I've started to fill in bits of them both, I do it whenever I get the creative feeling, as I think that's really the best way to do them, when you are fully in the mood. In colourful pens, they are looking pretty good and they will be something to look back at in years to come.

For anyone who loves to create and write, I'd recommend these 100%.

Have you tried any creative journals like these? I'd love to find out about any others, let me know in the comments below! If not, what's your creative outlet?! I'd love to hear!

MakeUp Obsession Review: The Only Palette You Ever Need!

Hello Internet Beauties!

Over the last few months I have developed serious love for a brand new palette I've been trying, I would even say it's my new favourite palette! So that being said, of course I had to share it with you all.

The palette is by a fairly new brand - Makeup Obsession, available from Boots only (online and in selected stores). What makes this palette so amazing in my eyes, is that every palette is different and perfect for YOU. How?! Because it's a build your own customized palette!

I've never had one of these before and was so excited when I heard about them. We all know the sadness that occurs when our favourite shade or two in our daily palettes hit pan, but with all the other shades having plenty of use left.  
*sad face because I can't justify a whole new palette for one shade even if it's my fave*

This is the solution! You choose your palette base which comes with a built in mirror but completely empty otherwise, then pick your shades (eye shadows, blushers, bronzers and highlighters) to click into the palette. You can switch them up whenever you wish!

First, you choose your base, which come in sizes Medium (holds up to 6 shades, £4-£6 depending on colour choice) or Large (holds up to 12 shades, £5-£8 depending on colour).

Makeup Obsession Palette Base, Medium in Gold, £6

I chose a beautiful gold base (as I did feel some of the plain colours like pink were a bit more plastic looking) and then chose 6 clip ins.

You then choose what you want to fill your palette with. I went for 5 eye shadows and one highlighter as I wanted a neutral palette but with my own specific choices.

Here is my unique Makeup Obsession palette creation...

 (From top row left to right: Eyeshadows in shades E132 'Pearl', E131 'Mood', E121 'Flushed', E102 'Taupe' and E127 'Chocolate', Highlighter in H105 'Bare', all £2)

Here are swatches of each of my chosen shades:

(I have no idea why I did these weird finger style swatches 😂)

A larger swatch of the highlighter in Bare

Overall, the shadows do have good pigmentation and a lovely texture. Especially for the price! The palette is perfect for travelling with, meaning when you go away on holiday, you can just choose exactly what you'll want, rather than lugging half a suitcase of makeup around! (Let's be honest, we've all packed way too much makeup before 😛)

My only wish and advice for those purchasing a palette is that I wish more Boots stores physically stocked them/try to go to an actual store to buy it if you can! I had to purchase mine online as I couldn't find any stockists nearby and therefore the shades are lighter/more similar to my skin tone than I expected, meaning I don't feel they show up as well as they could.

But I've saved up £10 worth of Boots points so I'm going to be adding to my collection with ones a few shades darker and hope that my local Boots (or one nearby) gets this in stock soon! Because with a palette this good and creative, I reckon it will soon become a favourite buy for many!
Have you tried a Makeup Obsession palette? What are you thoughts? Any shade recommendations?! Let me know in the comments below!

Glossybox UK Review - March 2017

Hello Internet Beauites! 

Can you believe March is already almost over?! I can't believe how quick this month has flown by! The end of the month always means one thing...it's almost time for our new Glossyboxes to arrive at the start of the next month! 

But, before we think about April's box, here's my thoughts on this month's Glossybox, after a month of trying the products. As everyone will have opened their March box, it also means no spoilers! If you've not tried a beauty box before, then this will hopefully help you figure out if Glossybox is the one for you.

So let's take a full look at what March had to offer...

On first impressions, I was surprised on opening my Glossybox, as I instantly noticed 3 tubes which looked like skin care products, when personally I prefer receiving makeup. However, I soon realised one was a primer and another was an eye cream, which definitely made me more intrigued and excited! 

Sleek Eye and Cheek Palette, Full Size, RRP £9.99

The largest product in the box was the Sleek eye and cheek palette, which all subscribers received an email to choose which palette they wanted, so we knew this item was arriving. I opted for 'All Day Soiree' as I felt this looked the most neutral of all the options, which is definitely my go to look! I have to admit, this is the only product I'm yet to try, which has surprised me and is due to the shadows being much more shimmery than I expected, I had assumed they would be matte. 

However, for a palette that usually retails at £9.99, it definitely can't be grumbled at! I am really pleased to have received this and will force myself to be brave and try a shimmer eye look soon! 

oOlution Eye Love, Full Size, RRP €35 (approx. £30)

The second item I picked out was this 'oOlution' eye cream. Now, I know I am only 23, but I LOVE eye creams! I always thought they were typically for the older generation, however after receiving a sample once of a Clinique eye cream, I realised how beneficial they can be, however I have never got round to purchasing one, so I was super excited to receive this! I'd not heard of the brand before but it claims to reduce dark circles and bags and have a general lifting effect. I've used it everyday and although I'm not prone to super dark circles, I've definitely noticed less puffiness and generally feel eye cream helps my makeup under my eyes go on much smoother and generally gives a soft effect.

This Works In Transit Camera Close Up Primer, 20ml sample worth approx. £15
(Full size 40ml RRP £30)

I was really intrigued by this third product, as although I have heard of the brand 'This Works', I'd not heard of this product, which is a mask, primer and mosituriser all in one. I've been using it as a primer (but still using my usual moisturiser first just because that's my preference) and I'm really liking it! It has a different texture to other primers, I would say it's slightly thicker and more like a rich mosituriser in texture, however it sinks in well and definitely gives a smooth base for makeup. It also feels like it lasts and doesn't have a greasy or 'slippery' effect which I feel some primers can have. I will definitely continue to be using this in my daily makeup routine. 

Figs and Rouge Hydra-Activ Smart Nutrient Vital Moisture Day Cream, 20 ml sample worth approx. £15
(Full size 40ml, RRP £30)

The third and final 'tube' product in this month's box was this Figs and Rouge Hydra-Activ mosituriser, which again is a new brand to me. I'm going to be honest, I'm never fussed about receiving face moisturisers in my boxes, simply because I have a favourite mosituriser that suits my difficult skin! Therefore, new ones rarely persuade me to try them. This mosituriser promises to have an anti-ageing impact on lines and wrinkles, which as this isn't really relevant to me at 23 (or I hope not!), so I passed this onto my mum who was very grateful and reports good results so far! 

Schwarzkopf Brazillian Oil Pulp Treatment, 30ml sample  worth approx. £0.79
          (Full size 150ml, RRP £3.95)

The final product was the Schwarzkopf Brazillian Oil Pulp treatment, that is applied like a hair mask. When I opened this I was surprised to find little exfoliating grains, as I've never seen this in a hair mask. I may be a small and cheaper sample but...OH MY GOSH...THIS IS AMAZING. After the first use my hair felt the softest I have ever experienced! Which is amazing for my long locks. I have honestly never got so excited or in love about a hair product before haha! It also smells delicious! I will definitely be purchasing a full size! 

Overall, I think this was definitely an impressive box for the month of March. A good mix of products and a total box value of approximately £70, for a £10 box! Which I think is pretty exciting and definitely a good treat for yourself through your postbox.

What do you think of the products in March's Glossybox after trying them out? Do you have a favourite?! Let me know in the comments below! 

If you fancy trying Glossybox to see what April has in store, be sure to use this referral link for 20% off your first box: http://referme.to/niz8iko :)

                                                

High End Vs. High Street: Mascara Edition

Hello Internet Beauties! 

Today I am putting four mascaras up against each other, two high street mascaras, and two high end mascaras (or at least what I consider high end!) to see which one will come out on top! Does more expensive always mean better results? Let's find out...!

The mascaras I'm trying today are:

• They're Real by Benefit (RRP £19.50)
• Better Than Sex by Too Faced (£19.00)
• Volume Million Lashes Excess by L'Oreal (RRP £9.99)
• Great Lash by Maybelline (RRP £4.99)

So, before reading any further, to make this fun, have a look at the pictures below which are in a random order. Without scrolling further, have a guess at which mascara I used in which picture! 

The mascaras tested today (from left to right)
Great Lash by Maybelline (excuse my old dirty packaging for this one, I've had it years!)
Better Than Sex by Too Faced
Volume Million Lashes by L'Oreal
They're Real by Benefit

Can you match each eye to the right mascara?! Once you have your choices, scroll down for the reveal! I have tried to apply the same amount of layers for each to give a fair comparison. 


So, here's the reveal...

Mascara 1 is Better Than Sex by Too Faced - this definitely gives curl. 

Mascara 2 is They're Real! by Benefit - this definitely adds length.

Mascara 3 is Great Lash by Maybelline - this is definitely a slightly more subtle/natural mascara, less length and definition between lashes.

Mascara 4 is Volume Million Lashes Excess by L'Oreal and definitely the winner for me! I was so surprised how similar this looked to the Benefit mascara, yet with even slightly more length! Also - it's half the price, which is crazy to me when they look so similar, so this is definitely the one to go for in my eyes! 

Overall, I was SO shocked by how similar the mascaras all were, considering their various brands and price differences. From this Vs. Edition, I've concluded mascara definitely isn't something I'll be judging based on the price! 

So were you surprised by the results?! Did you guess right?! What high end and high street makeup would you like to see battled against each other?! Let me know below!

Lush Halloween Haul!

Hello Internet Beauties!

So, after watching Louise's (/SprinkleOfGlitter's) recent Lush halloween haul, I couldn't help but pop into a Lush and pick up some of their seasonal goodies! As I ended up buying a rather large stash of general Lush goodies, I managed to restrain myself to picking up just a few of the halloween range!

So the first product is this incredibly sparkly pumpkin Bubble Bar called 'Sparkly Pumpkin' - pretty self-explanatory haha! But, you might as well keep it simple because the reason I picked this up was because of the glitter! It has a lovely fruity kind of scent, but honestly for me, it's the gold and iridescent shimmer makes this a gorgeous product. My tip for Bubble Bars - you only need a tiny bit! So crumble a little piece under the running tap and then swish it all around in the bath water with your hands for about a minute to make an extra large bubble mountain!

This next product is a cute little guy named Boo! A bath melt but with a little added fizz, he's perfect to add a little treat into your bath. A warming scent and the best addition for the winter for smooth and soft skin!

So I didn't intend to pick this one up, as I already had one pumpkin themed product, but I actually found it too cute to resist, as I saw it as a rather happy looking pumpkin! (Yes, I am way too easily sold on things haha) The simply named 'Pumpkin' bath bomb is actually my favourite scent of the three products I picked up! With it's vanilla notes and cinnamon, its the perfect sweet warm scent for me. Who said pumpkins had to be scary?!

Overall, I think these are lovely additions to the Lush collection this season! 

Did you pick up any Lush Halloween items? Which were you faves? Or, if you've already picked up some of the Christmas collection - let me know what you recommend in the comments below!

Having a Blast: Bomb Cosmetics Bath Blaster Review

Hello Internet Beauties! 

So, I have been a long time Lush girl when it comes to adding some sparkle and fun to my baths. I think for the majority of people, when they think of luxury and fun bath products, Lush is the first one that springs to mind. However, a recent disappointing encounter with their customer service team over the Christmas period, left me more open to trying alternatives. I had a Bomb Cosmetics advent calendar this past Christmas which I pretty much found the most exciting thing in the universe (okay, slight exaggeration perhaps but it was incredibly cool!), so I decided to branch out recently and try some of their full sized products. 

I tried 3 different bath blasters - 'Fresh Berry', 'Cherry Bathe Well' and 'Two Hearts'. 

(Above from left to right: Fresh Berry, Cherry Bathe Well and Two Hearts)

Bomb Cosmetics available to purchase here

There are a few things about these Bath Blasters that really stand out to me and perhaps even almost win over Lush bath bombs:

• The cuteness factor - I think these are absolutely adorable! From how they look and their names. Don't get me wrong, Lush bath bombs look incredible too but I do think Bomb Cosmetics make great gifts for friends and family because of their special appearances. I LOVE the iridescent cherry on top of Cherry Bathe Well!

• The price - At £2.29 each, they are a much cheaper alternative to Lush, which average around £3.50-£4.00 these days. This makes them perfect when you want a nice bath but don't have time to spend hours in it, so perhaps don't want to use up your more expensive Lush products. 

It's not really a positive or negative in my eyes, but I would say the scent of Bomb Cosmetics is amazing but definitely less strong than Lush. I know some people find Lush over powering, so again this may make them a better gift option. 

However, there are also some things which let Bomb Cosmetics down for me:

• Fizz time - this is the big disappointment for me and where Lush definitely win. I felt as if my Bath Blasters disappeared as soon as I put them in the bath! They fizzed away far too quick for my liking. 

• Ingredients - Although Bomb Cosmetics say on their website they try to source the best ingredients and minimise packaging, Lush is definitely a front runner for natural ingredients, fighting animal testing and environmental sustainability, which unfortunately many other companies don't quite match up to yet. 

Overall, I think Bomb Cosmetics is producing some really beautiful products which make perfect gifts and allow you to have fun baths more often with the price. However, this does mean quality might not be quite as high as Lush at the moment - I think with a few improvements it would be a close call, so I'm excited to try some more of Bomb Cosmetics and see how they progress, but for my long luxury baths, I will be sticking to my love for Lush! I just hope that as Lush is now so huge and continues to grow and grow, that they keep their personal and friendly touch, which is what made me become a loyal customer. 

Have you tried Bomb Cosmetics? Or are you forever a loyal Lushie?! Let me know your thoughts and favourite products in the comments!