My Sick day Essentials

So I am currently battling a rather horrible cold/throat infection, and whilst the best treatment is resting and relaxing, there are certain products that are essentials for me if resting is not an option and I need to look half decent. So, if you are  feeling a little under the weather at the moment, grab a cuppa and read on for my essentials to make me look and feel slightly normal...

Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation

My complexion always suffers whenever I am slightly ill, becoming dull and in need of some serious radiance. This foundation adds an instant glow to my skin, through the use of radiance pearls, which makes my complexion look more alive and reawakened. A must have product that actually manages to disguise the fact that you are not feeling your best.

Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer  
I find it quite difficult to sleep whenever I have a cold, which means that I end up with some rather unsightly under eye circles. This concealer comes in quite handy to cover these dark circles, as it has a slightly orange undertone that counteracts the blue toned circles.  It also helps to brighten the under eye area, making me look less tired and more refreshed and well rested.

Bourjois Volume 1 Seconde Mascara

I tend to keep makeup to a minimum when I am ill, yet mascara is a necessity in order to look more awake and put together, when all you want to do is stay in bed all day. I have really enjoyed using this mascara recently as it really volumises your lashes without clumping, as well as giving a wide eyed look.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip balm
My lips always seem to suffer whenever I have a cold, becoming dry and chapped. Therefore, a moisturising lip balm is an essential, and this one from Burt's Bees has been my favourite for ages now. The slightly peppermint tingle provides a soothing feel to the lips, which is just what my lips need when I am under the weather. I seriously couldn't be without this stuff!

Miscellaneous
As well as the beauty products to make me look better, there are certain essentials to make me feel better as well. The obvious Kleenex and Strepsils are a necessity, soothing my sore throat and clearing my blocked nose. A hot beverage of your choice is also very comforting, whilst Disney films for me are the best part of being ill and having to rest, as they make me feel all relaxed.

So there are my sick day essentials, I hope if you are not feeling very well you recover soon. Have you used any of these? What are your sick day essentials?

Megan x



Current Non-Beauty Favourites

I thought I would do a slightly different post today, as I always talk about my current beauty favourites, but never mention my non-beauty favourites. So without further ado, here's what I have currently been loving, avoiding all beauty products...

The Lovely Bones

I decided to read this book for one of my English Literature coursework pieces for school and I am completely hooked. Although not the nicest book in terms of what it's about- it is extremely violent at certain points- it is utterly gripping and one of those books that is so easy to read, yet it also has a slightly chilling atmosphere.  I can't wait to finish it and find out what happens next!

Hans Sloane Drinking Chocolate

Quite a random favourite, but I am not exaggerating when I say it is the best hot chocolate ever. It comes in the form of chocolate beads, which you melt into hot milk, to create a luxurious, smooth, milky, chocolatey beverage. It is perfect for those chilly evenings, as it just seems to warm you up completely.

Yankee Candle "Pink Sands"

I have really got into burning candles recently, as I feel so much more relaxed when I have one burning. This one is quite a summery scent as it has a mix of citrus, florals and vanilla, and I have burnt about half of it now, but I will continue to light when I just need to relax and chill out.

Relax Melodies App

Speaking of relaxing, I have really been enjoying using this app recently to help with my anxiety and ensure I feel calm. Relaxing music always makes me feel better, no matter how anxious I feel, and I really like this app as you can create your own melodies by selecting the sounds you like the most. With sounds ranging from Campfire, Slow Waves and Cat Purring, there is something to make everyone feel relaxed.

Moleskine City Notebook- New York

With exactly three months until me and my family cross the pond for a trip to New York to celebrate my 18th birthday, I am getting completely into planning mode, researching restaurants, shops and tourist attractions, and making a note of recommendations and things to do at that time of year, as it will be Christmas. I am getting very excited whenever I jot something down in there.

The Great British Bake Off

I look forward to this being on the TV every year, as it is just such a homely and cosy programme, that makes you crave cakes, biscuits and puddings. I also like the fact that it is not a boring show about baking, there is humour provided by the brilliant Mel and Sue, as well as the impeccably dressed Mary Berry being a judge. Perfect Wednesday Evening!

September

I love this time of year as for me it symbolises a fresh start, with the new term at school, as well as the fact that Autumn is just around the corner, which is my favourite season. A lot of exciting things start happening at this time of year as well, with the run up to Halloween, my birthday and Christmas. You also can't beat a cosy night in when the weather starts turning colder.

So that's all of my non-beauty favourites, I hope you enjoyed reading through them. I enjoyed writing about something other than beauty for a change, as I think it is quite nice to do more of a lifestyle post from time to time. Maybe I will do this type of post more often.

Megan x



My Top 5 Drugstore Lipsticks

 

L-R: Topshop Beehive, Revlon Backstage, Bourjois 24 Rose xoxo, Rimmel In Love with Ginger, Revlon Pink in the Afternoon

 

When it comes to makeup products, lipsticks are definitely my favourites, as they are so easy to change up to suit any makeup look. I spend quite a long time in the mornings trying to decide which one to wear that day, but I always come back to certain favourites. With that being said, I thought I would share my top 5 drugstore/high street lipsticks.

 

Topshop "Beehive"

This lipstick from Topshop is a pretty, cool-toned soft pink that suits any makeup look. It has the typical creamy consistency of Topshop lipsticks, which leaves the lips moisturised and nourished. I wore this constantly throughout Spring and Summer, as it gives a very natural look, perfect for those no-makeup, makeup days.

 

Revlon Colourstay Ultimate Suede Lipstick "Backstage"

This is one of my favourite Autumn/Winter lipsticks as the berry-toned purple adds slightly more vampy look, without being too dramatic. I love the formula of these lipsticks as they are velvety soft, with Shea butter and aloe, making them extremely moisturizing. The colour is also very buildable, so you can go as subtle or daring as you like with these lipsticks.

 

Bourjois Shine Edition "24 Rose xoxo"

I have featured this lipstick on my blog a couple of times already, because it is one of my all time favourite lipsticks. It is quite similar to the Revlon Lip Butters, being quite sheer, but easily buildable. My favourite is Rose xoxo, as I love the slightly lilac toned, shimmery pink, as it suits my skin tone the most. These lipsticks are quite glossy, but extremely comfortable to wear, and I am always swiping it across my lips for a natural, pretty look.

 

Rimmel Moisture Renew "In Love with Ginger"

This has been my current go to red, as the orange undertone made it the perfect colour for Summer. This lipstick is very pigmented, with one swipe providing a bright pop of colour. As the name would suggest, it is very glossy and moisturizing, and I like to wear it slightly blended out, to create more of a stain. I definitely want to add more of these lipsticks to my collection soon.

 

Revlon Super Lustrous "Pink in the Afternoon"

This is a recent rediscovery for me, as I bought it a while ago and completely forgot about it. However, it has become one of my firm favourites lately, as I love the pinky-nude pigment, as well as the glossy, plumped effect it gives the lips. It is quite a warm toned pink, and I love pairing it with a bronze eyeshadow, for a day or night look.

 

So there are my current favourite drugstore lipsticks, what are your favourites?

 

Megan x

 

 

Autumn 2014 Wishlist

New Look Leopard Print Shoes// Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Perfume// ASOS Beaded Tapestry Dress// Yankee Candle "Spiced Orange"// Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette// Olivia Burton Watch// Jouer Matte Moisture Tint

 

 

My favourite season by far is Autumn, as I love the bright jewel tones of the clothes and makeup, as well as the cosy evenings watching X Factor and Downton Abbey. Every Autumn I seem to end up with lot's on my wish list, and so I thought I would share some of the things I am lusting after this season...

 

The moment I saw these shoes, I fell in love (which happens quite often with shoes!) I feel that they would add an instant uplift to any autumnal outfit, due to the leopard print. I also like the peep toe style, which means they would be appropriate to wear now, whilst the weather is still warm-ish, and not just in the Autumn/Winter months.

Whenever I end up in Selfridges I always head to the Jo Malone counter to peruse the beautiful fragrances and candles on offer. I fell in love with the scent 'English Pear and Freesia' from the first whiff, and despite trying out many others, I will always have this one on my wish list, as I love the blend of fruity and floral scents.

 
This ASOS beaded tapestry dress just screams Autumn when you look at it, due to the rich orange, mustard and brown tones that represent the tone of Autumn leaves. I love the skater style of the dress, as well as the woven fabric, meaning it will be perfect for when the days start turning colder, and you can throw it on with a pair of tights and some black ankle boots.

Burning a candle seems so Autumnal, and this Spiced Orange Yankee Candle just smells of Halloween and Bonfire Night, with the citrus and ginger scents. I will definitely be buying one of these soon, as I can't wait to make my house smell of Autumn.

Eyeshadow palettes are my weakness when it comes to makeup, because I love the range of shimmery and matte colours all housed in one item of makeup. I am definitely a neutrals girl when it come to eyeshadow, and this just seems like the perfect product to create many different looks, for both day and night. I will definitely pop this onto my birthday wish list later in the year!

When it comes to accessories, watches are one of my favourites, as they are subtle, yet can add just an extra something to an outfit. I love the tan and gold colours of this Olivia Burton one, making it classic and understated, yet the the pretty flower design on the watch face adds a fun and girly twist.

 As we enter Autumn, I tend to start wearing more matte foundations and bases, as the glowy, dewy look seems more suited for Summer. However, I still like a hint of radiance and glow, as well as some coverage, and this product seems perfect to give that matte-dewy complexion that I am after.

So that is my Autumn wish list, I am sure many more products will end up on it, so I had best get saving!

Megan x



Review | Seventeen Phwoarr Paint Concealer

 I love trying out new concealer products and I am always on the hunt for the best product to aid my mission of  a flawless looking complexion. Therefore, when my previous under eye concealer ran out, I immediately took a little trip to Boots to pick out a new one. I had read many reviews of the Seventeen 'Phwoarr Paint' concealer and so decided to give it a try, and with a price tag of only £5.49, I'd have been mad not to.

 

 I was instantly impressed with the packaging alone, as it comes in a fairly big sized pot with a mirror in the lid. The product itself claims to "wage war on under eye circles" due to the heavy duty, thick and creamy consistency of the concealer. I picked up the shade 'Fair', which is a slightly orange toned hue that counteracts those pesky blue undertones of dark circles. I have found that after using this, my under eye area looks a lot brighter and illuminated and my dark circles have instantly vanished. Whilst the texture does seem slightly dry at first, once applied it becomes more creamy and is easy to blend out. With just a slight dusting of powder, it is set in place all day, without creasing or sliding off the face.

 Overall, I would definitely recommend this as it is a really great concealer, giving a lot of coverage as well as being much cheaper than alternative versions.

Megan x

Review | Benefit High Beam Luminescent Complexion Enhancer

One of my favourite makeup looks at the moment is beautiful, glowing, dewy skin, and so my number one product to achieve this is with a shimmering highlighter. One that I can't get enough of at the moment is the Benefit 'High Beam', a satiny pink luminescent complexion enhancer that comes in liquid form.

Despite not being the best that Benefit has to offer on the packaging front, I still like the nail polish bottle look that it has going on, as I find it easy to apply with the brush applicator on the tops of my cheekbones, my brow bone and down the centre of my nose.  The consistency of this product is very creamy, making it effortless to blend in to the skin and give a flawless, radiant finish.  The pigmentation is great also, as just one swipe along the places I want to highlight gives a beautiful, shimmering luminosity without looking too glittery. For me, this adds a subtle, healthy glow reminiscent of Victoria Secret Models, making it the perfect product for effortless highlighted skin. 

 

 

Overall, I really like this product from Benefit and would highly recommend it if you are interested in products that add a brightening and radiant finish to your complexion. It is available to buy from many retailers for £19.50.

 

Megan x