ROSE GOLD DETAILS

Rose gold accessories are my absolute jam at the minute. Not only are they really quite festive, but I find they compliment any sort of outfit too! Despite not being a massive jewellery person, these are my favourite throw on pieces to oomph up any outfit and make me feel so much more glam!
I actually received the Abbott & Lyon watch for my 20th Birthday, along with these Ted Baker Rose Gold & Pearl studs. They are both absolutely stunning and just add a little something-something to my everyday jeans and a tee. The little teeny-tiny hoops are from ASOS and retail for a mere £6. They are a little fiddly to put in, especially if you have massive sausage fingers like myself. However, they're deffo worth the struggle as they look so cute!

What are your go to accessories this A/W?

Liv x

TATTI LASHES IN TL3

Tatti Lashes in TL3 (£8.99)

When it comes to falsies I rarely stray from my beloved Eylure 143s - they are hands down one of the best lash styles EVER. But when I saw that they had gone up to £8, EIGHT POUNDS, on the ASOS website, I took to www.falseeyelashes,co.uk to have a browse of some different styles. 

I had come across the Tatti Lashes brand before but had thought  nine quid - that's a bit pricey isn't it? Well it seems like that's the going rate at the minute. Also, the Tatti Lashes are mink so really they're not half as expensive as say Lily Lashes.

I was a little bit worried these might look cray on my tiny eyes but they actually look amazing - no joke! They're so fluffy and thick. The band is pretty thick but they were super easy to apply, it's like they were already moulded to my eye shape. These lashes come with a little vial of glue which was SO STICKY. In the best way possible! I really hope they sell the glue separately cos mama needs that in her life.

Overall these were an absolute dream to wear and I reckon I'll defo be getting a good 5-10 uses out of these bad boys!

What are your favourite lashes?

Olivia

HACK TESTING: WASHING UP LIQUID FOR CLEANING MAKE UP SPONGES

If there's one thing I love more than a good ol' Beauty Hack post, it's a Hack Testing post. I've found so many good hacks over the years, my favourite being the classic hair spray on a spoolie to set your brows in place and THEN to comb back your fly aways! Seriously, hacks are awesome. So when I saw this hack to clean your make up sponge with just water, washing up liquid and a microwave, I was so excited to try it!

So this hack involves your dirty make up sponges put in a mug with washing up liquid then in the microwave for 1 minute. I was really eager to try this one because I can never seem to get all the foundation out of my sponges, so much so it ends up being easier to just buy a new one.

The outcome of this hack for me was.. interesting. I put the sponges in the microwave repeatedly with new water and washing up liquid but I couldn't get all the make up out to save my life. Like, more and more was coming out each time but it just never seemed to end - I thought I was going to be there all day! So I did sort of give up, but as you can see on the after picture of the RT Miracle Complexion Sponge there are bits of orange coming through the lovely brown foundation stain (yum). And on the mini sponges (these are from Primark and they are so fab by the way!) it worked much better. I think this must have been because I hadn't used them as much so the make up probably hadn't penetrated as deep into the sponge.

When testing this hack something to bear in mind is how dirty your sponge actually is. Now, I know you're going to think I'm utterly gross but I actually can't remember the last time I actually tried to clean it. Grim, I know.  But I do think this affected the outcome massively. When I buy a new RT Sponge (which I think should be very very soon) I'm going to wash it more often using this hack and I'm pretty sure it will come up clean every time!

Overall, I feel like this hack would work a treat if your sponge isn't as foundation-logged as mine! I'm definitely going to do it more often on my sponges in the future!

Will you be trying out this hack?

Olivia

JUNE TO DO LIST

I finished my exams a few weeks ago and with June in full swing now I can finally ditch the revision and focus on other exciting projects! I've got a long summer this year and I'm desperate to make the most of it so I've compiled a little June To Do List involving all of my summer goals.

1. Get my blog in order
HOW long have I been saying this for now? I really want to start posting regularly (say twice a week) and summer is the perfect time for me to get into the swing of things. I also am desperate to improve my photography as I feel its really holding my blog back.

2. Declutter
I seriously need to declutter my room at home. Since being at Uni I've bought so many new things, I've got no idea how on earth they're all going to fit in my room at home. I'm going to start with taking all the clothes I don't wear to the charity shop/recycling centre - I literally have clothes from when I was about 11 years old. I also have tons of old make up lying about at home that I know I never use as I haven't taken it to Uni with me. Not to mention all my old school work and revision that will need to be recycled too! Sounds like this could follow on into July.

3. Spend time with my mum
Now that I'm at Uni, my mum is at home all on her own, rattling about in our house. Not helped by the fact all of our family live in Kent and we're up here in Manchester! I'm really going to make an effort to spend time with her this holiday and do loads of lovely Mother-Daughter activities. As well as help her around the house whenever I can

4. Do a little bit of exercise
Exercise really isn't something I do on a regular basis. I won't lie, I'm an avid walker - and a particularly fast one too. But tell me to run/swim/any other form of exercise and I will quickly refuse. However, I'm going on holiday at the end of June and want to look my best in a swimming cozzie so I'm going to take part in the 30 Day Shred again as I really enjoyed it last year!

5. Get creative with my make up and hair
This is a bit of a silly one, but I always feel in a rut with my make up! I just immediately reach for the warm toned eyeshadows, but I really want to try new products and techniques to switch it up a little bit!

So, there you have it - my June To Do List, what's on yours?

Love Olivia

MARC JACOBS REMARCABLE FOUNDATION

Marc Jacobs Remarcable Foundation - £37

When the Marc Jacobs Remarcable Foundation first came out last year, it was everywhere in the Blogosphere being both hyped up and criticised. It was majorly praised for its high coverage whilst having a really light weight feel on the skin, however it was bashed for the poor shade range for deeper skin tones. Having had this foundation for a good 6 months now, I think it's time to give my verdict on this cult classic.
Marc Jacob says,

"All day weightless finish. Beyond full coverage"

Retailing at £37 you would certainly expect this foundation to live up to this claim. In terms of coverage and texture I completely agree - it's such full coverage as it contains twice as much pigment as a regular foundation. It also has a surprisingly thin consistency considering the coverage it gives. It terms of a "weightless finish", I'm not sure I agree. Yes, it is very light on the skin, but does it look weightless? No, I don't think so. It certainly doesn't look overly heavy, but you can certainly tell you have got foundation on - which for me isn't a problem at all. In terms of "all day" I also disagree, it melts off my nose by the end of my day at uni which I do sort of expect. It also transfers onto clothes and other people, as well as masks (not ideal when you were a surgical mask for a good few hours a day). I also can find it to go a little cakey during the day - sorry Marc.

I find this foundation a little difficult to apply on my nose, granted it is one of my problem areas. I suffer from large pores/blackheads and so it can often cake up in that area. I usually apply this with my RT Miracle Complexion Sponge but on my nose I find I have to use a little brush and really swirl it into my pores (yum). I also find it can cling to dry patches when using a brush.

The shade range is great if you're from light to medium skin tone, if you're any darker then unfortunately you might struggle. I would consider myself very pale and ordered myself the lightest shade which is Ivory 10. To my surprise, this was actually far too light for me, but I rolled with it anyway, mixing in a little bit of a darker foundation to actually match me. For this reason, I would definitely try to get matched in a store if you're looking to buy this foundation as it can be very difficult to tell.

The packaging. Oh, the packaging. It comes in a glass bottle with a little screw on lid and dropper. It looks gorgeous and so luxurious but it's actually very impractical. A lot of product gathers where the lid screws on so you actually waste a ton of foundation and it's a bugger to clean.

Despite wearing this foundation everyday for the past 6 months, I doubt I will be repurchasing this foundation again. For just short of forty quid, I expected it to last a little longer and to not go cakey during the day.

So, I'm still on my quest to find the perfect foundation, have you got any favourites?

Olivia x

THE ORDINARY SKINCARE: LACTIC ACID 5%, HA 2%

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5%. HA 2% - £5.50

I stumbled across The Ordinary brand whilst doing my routine browse of ASOS and I couldn't believe the range of products they were selling - and for the price tag too! I quickly did a little bit of research and settled on the Lactic Acid 5% and HA 2% serum.

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and Hyaluronic Acids (HAs) are all the rage in skin care products at the moment. Lactic acid is an AHA and is said to exfoliate your skin which over time should improve texture, fade pigmentation and reduce fine lines, Whereas HAs hydrate your skin and also has anti ageing properties. Having dull, dry and congested skin myself, I always wanted to try Hydraluron however I couldn't justify splashing the cash knowing there was a (pretty high) chance it could lead to my eczema flaring up. So I was so excited to bag a bargain at only £4.95 (10% student discount holla).

With this particular product, it says to apply once a day and preferably at night. The product is dispensed through a little dropper, helping you to get the correct amount you need - which isn't much!
I apply this after I've washed my face and follow up with moisturiser. I was a little concerned this might make my face feel tight/dry but it hasn't so far!

I have been using this for about a week now and I feel as though I've noticed improvements mainly in my skin texture; I don't have half as many little bumps as I used to! I haven't noticed too much of an improvement in terms of hydration yet. I've been make up free for the past week due to revision so I think I will notice more when I start wearing it again (next fri!!!).

My only issue with this product is that I have noticed a few little spots on my face recently. I don't tend to get little ones, only huge horrible ones so this is a change for me! I don't know if its due to this product or stress from exams, but I'll be sure to keep you updated!

Overall I have been really enjoying this product and will definitely carry on using it! I really want to try a few others from their range too.

Have you tried any acid based skin care?

Love, Liv x

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DEALING WITH EXAM STRESS

Yes, my tea really is that milky.

Exam season has reared it's ugly head once again. No one enjoys it, no matter how much you love the subject you're studying. The library's full. Your room's a mess as you don't have time to tidy it. Your mind says hummus and pitta but your summer bod says salad with no dressing. Overall it's just a very, very stressful time. Whether you're doing GCSEs, A-levels or Finals, everyone can benefit from these top tips to de-stress whilst studying.

Take a break
Revision breaks are an absolute must. You can't sit there and concentrate on one subject for hours on end, it's just not physically possible. Scientists say you should adopt the Pomodoro technique - 20 minutes of work and 5 minutes of rest. Although I don't use this technique religiously, I do make sure I have plenty of breaks and switch up the subjects I'm studying as to not get bored.

Exercise
Now I'm not asking you to run a marathon or do an intense session in the gym (but if you're up for that then GO YOU, BOO!) but I find getting up off my arse really helps motivate me.. even if that is just to walk to the fridge. Jokes aside, walking in the fresh air on a nice day can really help to clear your mind and help you to feel refreshed. I like to walk around the local park on my revision break - kill 2 birds with one stone!

Don't burn yourself out
You don't want to burn the candle at both ends during the exam period. If you work better in the mornings, perhaps go to bed a little earlier to ensure you get enough sleep. Similarly if you work better in the evenings, there's no point finishing your work at 3am then trying to wake up at 7am! You'll just be exhausted for the rest of the day and end up getting less done that if you'd woken up at 11am.

Stay hydrated
Staying hydrated is really important for brain function, and being dehydrated can give you headaches which are not fun when you're studying! Keep a bottle of water by your desk (preferably a big one so you don't have to fill it up) and remember to just sip on it every now and then. Your whole body will thank you for it.

Have something to look forward to
This can be in the short term or the long term, but it will make you feel more motivated to get your work done sharpish! For example, maybe have your favourite meal for dinner after a long day of studying. Or even plan a night out with your besties after your last exam! I've got a holiday planned at the end of June with my friends to Malaga and I can't wait. Remember, exam period is only temporary but the results are permanent...

So there we have my top five tips on how to make exam season a little bit less stressful. Of course, it's nothing groundbreaking but I think we all need reminding every now and then! 

I've got my end of first year exams in a few weeks and I'm so nervy, praying the Dentistry Gods will help me.

Have you got any studying tips?

Love, Liv x

NYX LIP PRODUCTS: MATTE VS GLOSSY

L-R: Butter gloss in Fortune Cookie (£5.50), Soft Matte Lip Cream in London (£6.00), Intense butter gloss in Apple Dumpling (£6.00), Lip Lingerie in Baby Doll (£7.00)

2017 is definitely the year of the gloss; beautifully glossy lips, eyes and skin are all over social media at the moment and I am loving it. Nothing better than a slapping a bit of lip gloss on and being good to go rather than being paranoid throughout the day that you have the dreaded crusty lip (cringe). Nevertheless, matte lips do have their place in my make up stash as I'm sure they do in yours too! For this reason, I thought I'd give you the lowdown on some of my go to glosses and most used mattes. Only a coincidence they're all from NYX - and all nudes of course!

Starting with my first EVER product from NYX, the Soft Matte Lip Cream in London (£6.00)is a brown nude that dries down to a matte finish. This one has such a lovely texture, it's not drying at all but comfortable on the lips and ever so easy to apply. There will be no flaky lips in sight with this one. The only downside is that it doesn't have the longevity of liquid lipsticks so you will have to reapply this during the day.

The NYX Lip Lingerie (£7.00) products had such major hype surrounding them, being the first affordable set of nude liquid lippies and all. I got the shade Baby Doll which is a light pink-nude, perfect for everyday. The formula lasts a hell of a lot longer compared to the SMLC but this does come with the added dryness.. You can combat this easily with a slick of lip balm underneath and a good exfoliator beforehand! I prefer to pat this into my lips for a lovely effortless glam look.

Now for the newest additions to my collection... the glosses! My absolute fave has to be the Butter Gloss in Fortune Cookie (£5.50). It's the ultimate nude gloss that makes your lips look SO plump that you could give Kylie Jenner a run for her money! It's perfect on its own for an everyday look or layered over the Lip Lingerie in Baby Doll. This has the longevity of a standard gloss but fades really nicely and is soooo easy to apply.

Onto the Butter Gloss's more potent sister, it's the Intense Butter Gloss in Apple Dumpling (£6.00). This gloss is extremely thick, verging on sticky but I love it nevertheless. It can be a bit of a mare when it's windy up here in Sheffield as you will get your hair and about one million other things stuck to it, but that's a sacrifice I'm willing to take. I tend to use this alone or just with a little bit of lip liner and it looks gorg. I'm tempted to get more of a nude shade next time as I think it would look really pretty.

I've got some of the new Lip Lingerie shades on my wish list, have you?

Love, Liv x

NEW FAVE ALERT: FLEEK LASHES "CAMI"

FLEEK LASHES - CAMI - £6.99

Let us take a moment to appreciate these eyelashes *insert praying emoji here*.

As of late I've been ditching my precious falsies on uni nights out as they end up half way down my chin about an hour into pre drinks. Or worse, down the toilet in Paris after having an emosh chat with one of my uni BFFs. Either way, due to my false lash abstinence during term time, I get giddy with the thought of a classy (as classy as a manc gal will ever be) night out on Bank Hol where I don't have to worry about getting a Blue Pint in my hair and feeling sticky for the next 2 weeks. And of course with any classy night out comes with a fab pair of fluttery lashes. I opted for the Fleek Lashes in the style 'Cami'. They're lovely and wispy so you can actually see your eyeshadow! The band is very thin so no need to go Winehouse style on the liner.  This particular style were a bit of a pain to apply so I would definitely wear these a few times around the house so they mould to your eye shape - you don't want them pinging off as you drink your Pornstar, do you?

Fleek Lashes in 'Cami' retail for £6.99 and can be found at www.falseeyelashes.co.uk!

Thank you for reading huns, what are your fave pair of falsies?

Liv x

ABH MODERN RENAISSANCE PALETTE

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette - £41

Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette. Do I need to say anymore?

If you haven't heard about this palette then you must be living under a rock as this eye shadow palette quickly become a cult beauty product in the blogger world (and also in my own make up bag!).

Filled with orange tones and pinks this couldn't be more up my street if I'm honest. In saying that, there really is something for everyone in this palette with a few cool tones and neutral shimmers. The shades I've used the most are Burnt Orange, Realgar, Love Letter and Venetian Red - they're all gorgeous!

The quality and blendability of these shadows makes doing your eye make up 10 times quicker and easier, they are melt into each other beautifully. I also haven't experienced any creasing whilst wearing these shadows (they have even survived a Corp night out - if you know, you know). The only issue I have with that there is a lot of fall out with these (like a lot) so you are likely to hit pan quickly which is sooooo sad. 

The palette is a bit on the spenny side at £41 but if you like these shades, it's definitely worth it!  I just can't wait for ABH single shadows to come to the UK - BeautyBay please.

Thanks for reading,

Olivia

ps. soz for not posting in a hot minute