N.O.T.D - Essie 'Mint Candy Apple'

Spring has officially sprung here in the UK which means painting my nails in all kinds of pretty pastel shades. A gorgeous Tiffany blue colour , 'Mint Candy Apple' from Essie is the perfect shade to adorn my nails now the sun is finally showing it's face. I've probably just jinxed it now and we'll be in for another month of rain!

I already own a few Essie polishes and I have to say that the formula really didn't impress me all that much, I found them to be really gloopy and bubbly so I never really used them. My Mum picked up this shade at the weekend however and I have to say the formula is so much better, it glides on smoothly and it's incredibly shiny, akin to gel nails I'd say. I bought my previous Essie polishes in the US so I'm wondering if the formula is different to those sold in the UK, either way it's certainly persuaded me to give Essie another try.  

Essie Nail Polish 'Mint Candy Apple' - £7.99 boots.com

A Visit To The Harry Potter Studio Tour

It was my sister's birthday recently so she took Monday off work and we both headed to the Warner Bros Studio Tour London - The Making Of Harry Potter. We are huge fans of the Harry Potter films, they were pretty much a permanent fixture in our lives growing up so we were more than just a little excited about our visit and it certainly didn't disappoint! It was truly incredible to see behind the scenes of the films, the costumes, the sets, the props, every single thing was familiar and I couldn't help but be in awe of it all. After seeing the ins and outs it really made me appreciate just how much creativity and imagination it took to put the whole thing together, it was obvious by all the attention to detail just how pride the the production team must have had in their work.

At certain points of the tour it really felt like we were actually in the film, it must have been an amazing experience for the actors who were a part of it. To add to the experience of being in the film they were selling cups of butterbeer which I persuaded my sister we should try seeing as we wouldn't get another chance to. Now I know on our next visit to avoid it, it was absolutely disgusting! It tasted of butterscotch which is obviously really yummy except it was fizzy which completely ruined the taste. Fortunately there was a special liquid waste bin to pour it away, obviously we're not the only ones who don't like the taste once they've tried it!

I felt quite disappointed at the end of the tour knowing that it was all over, I just wanted to go back in and see all the things I might have missed, I'm sure a return visit is on the cards sometime in the future! I couldn't recommend a visit to the Harry Potter studio tour enough, whether you're a  fan of the Harry Potter films or not, it's a chance to see behind the scenes of how a movie is made that you probably wont ever get again. Just make sure that you book your tickets well in advance as I tried to book tickets a few times last year and it was fully booked for weeks ahead, weekends being the busiest time. 

Wishlist - Good Hair Day

I am obsessed with my hair, you ask any one who knows me and they'll tell you I spend hours styling it and the rest of the day worrying whether there's a hair out of place. I own 6 different styling tools which may be slightly excessive but hey, at least my hair looks good! Unfortunately my hair dryer has now decided to go on the blink, effectively I can't turn it off which is a nuisance to say the least. I've got my eye on the Ghd Air Hairdryer instead, it's like the ferrari of all hairdryers and I would LOVE to own one! There's no way I can afford it at the moment so I'll have to keep on wishing. In fact if I owned everything on this list I would be a really happy bunny, a happy bunny with great hair.

Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Spray - £3.59 boots.com
Asos Floral Hair Bow - £4.00 asos.com
Ghd Air Hairdrying Kit - £109.00 hairtrade.com
Invisibobble Hair Tie - £4.00 topshop.com
Cream Rose Floral Bulldog Hair Clip - £2.99 newlook.com
New Look Oversized Bun Garland - £4.99 asos.com
Oasis Polka Dot Hair Barette - £6.00 asos.com
Moroccanoil Treatment - £13.45 hairtrade.com
Bow Elastic - £3.00 topshop.com

No 7 Pop & Glow Cream Blush Stick - Review & Swatches

I took advantage of the recent 3 for 2 offer in Boots last weekend (who didn't?!) and picked up one of the new No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush Sticks. I saw them on Kate from ghostparties boots haul on youtube and was really intrigued, mainly I think because I'm a huge fan of lip crayons so blush crayons seemed like a really great idea to me. There are currently three shades in the range and I picked up 'Rose Blossom', a gorgeous bubblegum pink. The other shades are a peachy orange and a paler pink. 

The blush itself is extremely pigmented so you definitely need to be very light handed when applying it or you risk the clown look which isn't attractive on anyone! It blends out like a dream whether you're using your fingers or a brush. The colour is really buildable which means it's incredibly versatile to use especially if you're going from a day to night look. It's not as creamy as some cream blushes, I'd say it's more of a stain which blends out to a very fine powder. It's definitely more long lasting than most other powder blushes I've used, for some reason I find my blush just sort of disappears after a couple of hours. Happily, I found this No7 one stuck around for most of the day and really kept it's intensity of colour. 

I've been applying it straight on to my cheeks using the crayon and then blending it out with my fingers which works really well but you could just as easily apply it with a brush. The 'Rose Blossom' shade creates a really natural pink flush on the cheeks which is normally what I go for when it comes to blush. However I'd be really interested to try out the other colours in the range which are a little more 'out there' than this one. 

The packaging is very travel friendly, you can pop it in your bag and take it out throughout the day for top ups without the need to carry round a brush as well. The lid stays nice and secure too so there's no worrying about it coming loose in your bag. It does remind of a shorter, fatter version of the Clinique Chubby Sticks, anyone think that?! 

I'm really impressed with the Pop and Glow Cream Blush Stick from No7, it's really versatile and just the fact that it can applied on the go is a huge plus for me. It does take a little getting used to as to how much you need to apply but it didn't take me long to work out the best way to use it. It's the perfect addition to my makeup collection now it's coming up to Spring/Summer and if the Boots 3 for 2 offer is still around I'm not sure I'll be able to resist buying up the other two shades!

No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush Stick - £9.95 boots.com

(This was originally a guest post over on bebeautiful-beautyblog.com)

Spring Makeup Haul

Now that we're finally coming up to Spring (woo hoo!) I thought it was about time I gave my makeup bag a 'Spring Clean' and tried out some new products. The fact that Boots is still holding their 3 for 2 deal across all makeup just helped persuade me more that it was a good idea. Honestly, what makeup addict could resist such a good deal!? Not all of this is for me however, my sister picked up the Bourjois CC cream, the Revlon Colour Rush Balm and the Rimmel nail polish to try out too.

L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara - £8.99 boots.com This is my favourite mascara at the moment, it instantly gives me fuller, longer looking lashes with just one coat.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum 'Vanilla' - £10.99 boots.com I've heard many a good things about this foundation, I'm hoping it will live up to my expectations for something which is lighter coverage, expect a review soon!

Bourjois 123 Perfect Colour CC Cream - £9.99 boots.com One of my sister's buys, she is lucky enough to have pretty much perfect skin so she's ditching the foundation and giving this a try. Hopefully I can get her thoughts on it and review it.

Soap and Glory One Heck Of A Blot - £12 boots.com I've used this before but the price put me off repurchasing it, the 3 for 2 deal gave me the excuse to give it another go.

Rimmel Colour Rush Balm 'On Fire' - £5.99 boots.com Both my sister and I own a few of these between us and we really love them, she decided to pick up this shade which is a gorgeous vibrant red pink colour.

No7 Pop and Glow Cream Blush 'Rose Blossom' - £9.95 boots.com This has already become an every day essential in my makeup bag, you can now officially call me a cream blush convert.

Barry M Sequin Nail Effects 'White' - £3.99 boots.com The sequin effects polishes have caught my eye every time I've gone over to the Barry M stand and this time I just couldn't leave without buying one. I've heard mixed reviews on so I may be doing a nail post soon so you can see what I think.

Rimmel 60 Seconds Nail Polish 'Instyle Coral' - £3.99 boots.com Another of my Sister's picks, she was looking for the perfect pedicure colour and I think this shade will go with just about anything. It's more pink in real life but for some reason in these pictures it looks really orange.

I'd love to hear what you've picked up in the in the recent Boots 3 for 2 deal, let me know below!

25 Things To Do Before Turning 25

I've had a sudden urge this year to really get life moving along in the direction I want it to. It's about time really as I'll be 21 this year which, if I live by this list, gives me four more years to get back on track. That seems like a lot but the last four years flew by for me without anything spectacular happening. I guess I've just realised now that if your want good things to happen to you, you have to make them happen, I can't keep sitting at home wondering why everyone else's lives are better than mine. I think it was complacency mixed with a fear of having to grow up that was getting in the way but do you know what, I get the feeling now that life is just starting to get good. 

1. Learn to drive.
2. Start a blog. 
3. Move out of my parents house.
4. Figure out my career route.
5. Get full time job in said career.
6. Go on a spontaneous holiday.
7. Expand my social circle.
8. Fall in love.
9. Go to a music festival.
10. Go to a gig.
11. Start saving a little.
12. Let go of the past.
13. Have a good conversation with a stranger.
14. Eat less junk food. 
15. Buy myself something expensive.
16. Stop comparing myself to others.
17. Go to the theatre more often.
18. Live in a city.
19. Take a road trip with friends
20. Win something, big or small.
21. Be irresponsible. Live a little.
22. Party all night.
23. Become less of a 'homebody'.
24. Volunteer. 
25. Have more confidence in myself.

I'd love to hear your dreams and plans for the future so make sure to let me know below!

Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blush - Review & Swatches

Seventeen have brought out some really exciting products for Spring/Summer this year but it was the Cheek Stamp Blush which really caught my eye. Taking advantage of the recent 3 for 2 offer in boots I picked it up in the shade 'Blushin', a lovely soft pink shade in the pot. Once on the cheek however it's more of a purple pink colour which is a little different to the normal peachy pinks I tend to go for. There are four other shades available in the range including two matte bronzers which they've just introduced.

For whatever reason I thought the Seventeen Cheek Stamp would be a cream blush but it's actually a very fine powder. It's picked up really easily by the sponge stamp applicator which transfers a lot of product on to the skin. In fact, you really have to be quite light handed when applying it or you risk looking a little too pink!
When I first bought I thought the shape of the applicator would make it quite awkward to apply but actually I found I could use the edge to apply it to my cheekbones and the flat surface works for the apples of the cheeks. It definitely needs blending out once applied however for a more natural look which I used my fingers to do.

The packaging makes it ideal for applying on the go with a great little mirror on the top of the pot and a secure twist fastening so it won't come loose in your bag. We're starting to see a lot of travel friendly makeup products at the moment which is really great, anything that makes applying makeup easier when you're out and about is really bloomin useful!

I so badly want to buy the other colours in the range now I've tried this one, the blush applies so well and I love how portable it is. I've found myself using it pretty much every day since I bought it just because it's so quick and easy to apply. I'd definitely recommend the Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blush, they're a real bargain if you ask me!

Seventeen Cheek Stamp Blush - £4.99 boots.com

N.O.T.D - Polka Dot Nails

 

Polka dots have to be the easiest nail art ever, all it takes is a bit of practice and a steady hand. Trust me, I'm the most clumsy person ever so if I can do it, you definitely can. I don't actually have a dotting tool which is what most people tend to use so suggestions please as to where I can get one for cheap, I'd be interested to see if it's easier! I actually use a kebab skewer which might sound odd but the pointed end is the perfect size to pick up just the right amount of polish. You might want to break the skewer in half if you're going to try it however so you don't poke your eye out!

Three easy steps for perfect polka dots:
1. Drop a small amount of polish on to a piece of aluminium foil (it stops the polish from drying out).
2. Dip the pointed end of your dotting tool in to the polish picking up a small bubble of polish on the end.
3. Just touch the bubble of polish on to the nail to create the dot.

What I used:
Ciate Paint Pot in 'Underwear' - £11 ciate.co.uk
Ciate Paint Pot in 'Pepperminty' - £9 ciate.co.uk
Barry M Nail Paint in 'Matte White' -£2.99 boots.com  

Primark Spring/Summer 2014 PART 2 - My Picks

Primark have just launched part 2 of their Spring/Summer 2014 collection in stores now. They've brought us even more florals and pastels which lets face it, is never going to go out of style. You can take a look at my picks from part 1 of the collection here. Take a look at my favourite items from the collection.

Black floral tapestry T £10 - Such a flattering neckline on this t shirt, would look great paired with just about any other colour. 

Tropical print maximise bikini set £8 (top) £4 (pant) - This bikini looks both sturdy and stylish, what more could a girl want!?

Orange gingham shirt £13 - Forget check, it's all about gingham for Spring/Summer and this shirt is the perfect piece update your wardrobe.

Woven asymmetric wrap skirt £10 - This neon skirt will be sure to brighten up any outfit, team it with black and white accessories for a great evening look.

Floral peephole longline bandeau £4, pant £3 - I couldn't love this bikini more, I think it's one for sun bathing rather than swimming however!

Monochrome PU satin T £11 - A simple structured t shirt will go with just about anything so in my eyes it makes this a must buy!

Pink scuba pleat dirndl skirt £12 - This Orla Kiely inspired skirt has been hugely popular already, get it before it's gone! 

LE metal edge x body £12 - Who'd have known this bag was from Primark! I love it's unique design and versatility, you could wear it day or night.

Bright floral bomber £15 - Bomber jackets are this seasons blazer, paired with almost anything it'll look good!

Blue crepe midi £10 - Midi, check! Pastel, check! Floaty, check! This skirt ticks all the boxes for Spring/Summer trends.

Floral multi print trouser £11 - A great statement piece to have in your wardrobe, these trousers will take you right the way through to Autumn.

Turquoise crochet pencil skirt £8 - Pastel, lace and a midi, this skirt fulfils three trends in one, definitely a must buy if you're going to occassion like a wedding or just a day out.

LE contrast tote £20  - This bag looks more like something you'd buy from another well known accessories shop (hint, hint!). Great to use for work or a shopping trip.   

Art deco clutch £6 - It's all in the detail with this art deco clutch, perfect for a summer picnic!

Aqua fluffy ribbed cardigan £12 - You're bound to need a cover up for summer and this chunky cardi would be perfect for the job.

I've got my eye on all three of those skirts, think I better get myself down to Primark sharpish! Anything take your fancy? Let me know below!

*All pictures property of Primark*