November Favourites

Hello! It's that time again! This months favourites are slightly more high-end than normal. I got tonsillitis last month and so wasn't up to eating much for over a week. This meant I had a little bit of money set aside to spend on treats for myself. And nothing makes me happier than pretty packaging and makeup! 

Bobbi Brown Warm Eyeshadow Palette (Limited Edition)

My first favourite needs no introduction. For those who read my "A Little Touch Of Luxury" post earlier this month, you will know how I came to purchase this beauty and what my initial thoughts were. 

The shades are so beautiful and this palette take the idea of neutrals to a whole new level! With a mixture of matte, shimmer, full on glitter and metallic shades this has to be one of the most stunning neutral palettes I have ever seen!

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vera

Packaging has won me over again. Someone stop me! 

I have been eyeing up this lipstick in the shade "Charlotte" for a very long time. But have only recently found a place that stocks this shade. And unfortunately for me, is over a 1.5 hour car journey from me. 

The Body Shop Pomegranate Chapstick

Winter is here and I'm sure we all know from past bad experiences  to take care of our lips. I love this lip balm from The Body Shop and it is so hydrating and caring for the lips. 

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Soft Damson

I have been using this blush on and off for in excess of 6 years so you can tell it is a clear favourite of mine. It is such a great shade for any makeup look as it is so subtle it never detracts from anything. 

Real Techniques Eyeliner Brush (Limited Edition - Nic's Pics) 

Late last month I purchased the Nic's Pics Brush set from Real Techniques and this particular brush has made doing my eyebrows a whole lot easier. Now many people have a love/hate relationship with their brows. I quite like my eyebrows, but when I smile they  look odd (queue the "eyebrows are sisters not twins" line), so often in photos they appear to be different.. Which is rather annoying.

Sally Hanson Complete Salon Manicure in Back To The Fuchsia

How have I never tried these till recently? These are incredible!  They are just like the Essie nail polishes except a fraction cheaper. They have such a wide range of colours/shades and I hope to extend my collection in the near future.

Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot 

Another EssieButton fuelled purchase! This is great for when you want a slightly lighter powder that still offers enough mattifying effects for those overly shiny areas. The powder is translucent which means that it does not appear cakey on the skin and you don't have to worry about matching shades to your foundation.

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Dirty Dancing

Here in Leeds, Dirty Dancing is currently touring at The Grande Theatre. And as I was arriving back at university late one evening, I heard my name being shouted from a window above. I looked up and numerous voices shouted me saying that they had bought us tickets to go see Dirty Dancing. You could only imagine how excited I was! 

My uni family (from left to right) - Laura, Me, Charlotte, Becky, Jess, Demi and Fern

Last night was the night! As soon as lectures had finished for the day, we all gathered and got ready (and we even ironed our clothes!) whilst listening to the soundtrack. After taking numerous group selfies (featuring the ironing board) we jumped into a taxi and off we went! 

Dirty Dancing is one of my all time favourite films and to see it performed live on stage was an absolute dream! 

I haven't been to The Grande Theatre in absolutely ages so I was in awe at all the old features and chandeliers. As for the performance, it was brilliant! I had the most wonderful time, made better with the lovely people I experienced it with!  

The Grande Theatre, Leeds - Source 

The beautiful chandelier - Source

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Style: Autumn/Winter Edit

The cold weather has finally arrived! Meaning hot chocolate, layering and generally just being nice and cosy!

I wasted no time in pulling out my warm jumpers and layering up. 

I love fashion and clothes shopping, but I apologise as I never follow trends and therefore am not the most 'fashionable' of people.  

What I am wearing:

Jeans - New Look (extremely old)
I don't tend to wear jeans, but when I do, its usually these. Although I don't like the colour, they are super comfy whilst being a true skinny fit. 
(find similar here) 
Bag - ASOS (summer)
I am an absolute sucker for cute brown bags and this one is no exception. I had my eye on it for quite some time and then bought it for £15 when it went into the sale after another of my cute brown bags broke.
(find similar here)
Cable Knit Jumper - Next (extremely old)
This isn't my most favourite jumper, but it isn't half warm! I wear it when it gets really cold and layer it over a t-shirt. 
(find similar here)
Brown Chelsea Boots - Next (old)
These were bought over a year ago and at first they rubbed my ankles slightly. But as you can see they are now VERY well loved and made of about 60% leather, 20% rubber and 20% superglue.
(find similar here)

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Feeling Spendy

So last weekend, I was feeling rather spendy. 

I ordered the NARSsist Limited Edition Eyeshadow Palette only to later receive an email saying it was out of stock and there had been an issue with the website. I was devastated! 

Now many normal people would simply move on. But what did I do? I ordered other things that exceeded the value of the initial purchase… Duh!

Firstly, I ordered the Clinique Cheek Pop in Berry Pop. I had resisted the urge for so long and finally thought "why not?". I am in love! I initially thought this was a cream blush with a powder finish but it is infact a powdery blush. The colour is beautiful! Why did I ever resist it?
I am in love with it! I initially thought this was a cream blush with a powder finish but it is infact a powder blush. The colour payoff is beautiful! Why did I ever resist it?

Plus the packaging is super cute and the product is bigger than I thought it would be which is always a bonus when it comes to high end prices!

The second thing I bought was the Urban Decay Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Liar. This was a very spontaneous purchase as I am very picky when it comes to lipgloss and never really wear it at all. I used to buy lip glosses and then end up throwing them away as they were too sticky. This one however, is perfect. The colour is lovely for the day time as it is one of those 'your lips only better' colours. I will certainly consider extending my shade range in the future as some of the other colours are to die for!

This, being my first Urban Decay product, assured me that the brand creates high quality products for fairly reasonable prices!

I therefore may end up splurging on the Naked palettes that I have been lusting over for so long!

After purchasing these two products, I took to checking my social media (big mistake). And saw someone tweet Pixiwoo saying that Superdrug had £10 off the Real Techniques Nic's Pics Set. So I went straight onto Superdrug.com and ordered them no questions asked! 

I must say they are utterly fabulous! So soft! 

I have been using the cheek brush to apply the Clinique Cheek Pop and it just spreads the colour so evenly. If you are looking for a subtle look, you just sweep your brush over your cheeks and boom! But if you were wanting a more dramatic look, this brush can be used to build up the product to the desired amount.

(And you can never have too many eyebrushes)

All I can say is thank goodness for my student loan!

What have you all been buying recently?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

The Reading List

Something that really helps me relax is reading. I enjoy being able to loose myself in a good book. 

Now just like my music taste, my taste in books is also very diverse. As you may be able to tell. 

Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy by Helen Fielding

I know I am extremely late to the game, considering that the first in series of books was published in 1994. However, in September I read Bridget Jones' Diary (followed immediately by The Edge Of Reason) and absolutely loved it. It was such an easy read and I couldn't help but compare myself to Bridget!

Paper Towns by John Green 

I have just finished reading Looking For Alaska and like all his books, I never wanted to put it down! (There was also tears, as always with John Green) His books are a must read for all young adults as they are so relatable even though they aren't it that makes sense? 

If I Stay by Gayle Forman 
I first heard about this from Sanne (of Books&Quills), and immediately wanted it from the way she described it. It was bought over the summer with about 20 other books and is slowly making its way to the top of the pile.

The Sound And The Fury by William Faulkner

Have you ever bought a book simply because it has a beautiful cover? Well I have. This one. Ugggh swoon! The actual book is about how a family slowly falls apart due to hate and self-centredness. And though broken narratives, Faulkner explores their relationship. 

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath

My sister owns a copy of this book but was reluctant to lend me her copy, so I bought my own. And I must say, my copy is prettier than hers. Although this might not be everyones cup of tea, I really want to read about it as I kinda like depressing books. And this one certainly is that as it tells a woman's story as she slowly sinks into depression.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
When the film came out last year, I told myself I wouldn't watch it until I had read the book. So as a treat I bought myself a copy last christmas, and unfortunately it is still waiting to be read. 

Pride And Prejudice by Jane Austin

Recently, I have been slowly trying to read more 'classic' novels in order to prepare me for the language used in Pride And Prejudice. I have been meaning to buy this for quite sometime, but was donated this beautiful hardback copy by my Grandma who was having a clear out in her library (yes she has a room full of books and yes I am totally jealous). 

What books are you enjoying at the moment?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

To BB Or Not To BB?

To BB or not to BB? That is the question!

BB creams were created to do everything: fix complexions, add moisture, work away behind the scenes to make your skin better, and provide a reasonable, yet natural amount of cover. But I couldn't help but think “so what? Why wouldn’t you just use a tinted moisturiser?” 

Quite a while ago, well before I started my blog, I was sent a sample of this Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream and loved it!

I was very surprised it took me this long to buy the full size!

It does a pretty decent job of covering imperfections and evening out redness. It blends easily and is very moisturising. It doesn't feel thick or heavy on the skin. 
It really feels extremely light, almost like a second skin. As with all makeup, I would still recommend wearing your everyday moisturiser underneath as that helps to protect the skins natural layers.

I have normal/combination skin and would say that it isn't suitable for those with oiler skins, however, there is another product in the same line that may be better suited to you. 

What are your thoughts on them? Worth the hype?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Beauty Blunders

Before I begin, I can hear you all asking - why do you have so many if you don't like them? The simple answer is I got them in a set. 

Now, coming from Stila I expected them to be really good as the brand is highly praised for high quality products.

But my expectations were disappointed when I found them to be incredibly sticky! 

Before trying them out, I was amazed at the incredible range of colours (and the fact they are constantly bring out more with each passing season), and I will admit that once on they look really pretty. The main problem is the stickiness. 
They also have a super thick formula which also makes them quite difficult to apply. 
All in all, I don't think they are worth the £15 a pop price tag.   Especially considering that there is next to nothing in each pen. 
And I certainly won't be repurchasing any more in the future!

My Stila Lip Glazes after being used approximately once - clear to see that you don't get much product. 

Anything been disappointing you recently?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Bonfire Night

So here in the UK, every year we have something called Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night). Which is to celebrate the day when a man called Guy Fawkes tried to blow up the Parliament Building in London in 1604. 

We celebrate this day by making a huge fire and setting off fireworks. As always, my family build a little fire and as always, I take my camera outside with me. 

Here are just a few of the photos I got this year! 

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

Face Of The Day #3

So yesterday, I went for dinner with some of my best friends to celebrate a birthday. We had a great meal at Pizza Express and it was lovely seeing them as always!

Now, after yesterday's post, I was asked to do a swatch of one of the lipsticks I mentioned. So here it is - the NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vera!

So here are the products I am wearing

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 115 Ivory

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 01 Fair

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in 03 Peach Glow

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Soft Damson

No7 Skin Illuminator Radiance Beauty Fluid in Peach

Soap & Glory The Perfect 10 Eyeshadow Palette - Minky

Bobbi Brown Warm Eye Palette - Bone, Champagne Quartz and Gold Sparkle

Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Mascara in Black

Rimmel Glam Eyes Professional Liquid Liner in Black

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Vera

Brushes used

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

Real Techniques Eyeliner Brush

Real Techniques Cheek Brush

Real Techniques Multi-Task Brush

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush

Real Techniques Domed Shadow Brush

Real Techniques Angled Shadow Brush 

NARS Eyelash Curlers

What are you wearing today?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

A Little Touch Of Luxury

So when it gets to the christmas shopping season I always like to buy myself a little gift as a treat. This year, I went slightly overboard.

I have been lusting after the NARS Audacious Lipstick in "Charlotte" for so long now it's ridiculous. But that particular shade is still to be welcomed into the UK. I have been checking all the NARS stockists I can think of, but still no prevail. But as I was searching, I found the shade "Vera" which I instantly fell in love with it! It is such a beautiful autumn/winter colour! Plus, being easily pleased by simple things, I was amazed to find out that the lid is magnetic and so instantly clicks into place which is incredibly satisfying!

I then found myself christmas shopping (yes I am that prepared this year!) on the Debenhams website. And by mistake, ended up looking in the beauty section. Big mistake. But say hello to my new Bobbi Brown palette!
I have never bought anything from Bobbi Brown before as the majority of her products are all out of my price range. But every year, I put aside some of my birthday money and buy myself a little Christmasy treat. I was looking at the Mini Eye Palette but then this caught my eye and I was won over! I just knew I would use this one more as I would wear all of the shades! Although both are stunning neutral palettes, this one has a slight edge in my opinion. Plus, the packaging is to die for! As it is a limited edition palette, the packaging has a tortoise shell effect *swoon*

I then ended up doing a tad more christmassy shopping in Boots. So as always, I took advantage of the 3 for 2 offer on all beauty and cosmetics products.
Now I have been using the No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Soft Damson for so many years I've lost count - and I have just run out. I am glad I have too. My old blush was looking incredibly worse for wear after it fell out of my drawer and I stood on it and cracked all the packaging. So this pristine one looks stunning. 

I also bought the Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in Ivory. When this was released (last year?) I was sent a sample tester and loved it. I am so surprised it has taken me this long to purchase the full size!

The third item from the offer, was the No7 Skin Illuminator. I have been looking at expanding my collection of highlighters and the only one I seem to own is the Soap and Glory Glow All Out powder. After purchasing the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Liquid Blush, I have been intrigued into buying other liquid/cream products. And this highlighter was a lovely colour! You apply it underneath your foundation in order to achieve a truly natural glow.

And finally is the L'Oreal Colour Riche Lipstick in shade 325. I received this free in a goody bag at a recent student shopping event (which of course I went to) along with a few other things that weren't really my cup of tea. I really like this, I actually had a red one given but I traded with my friend as she has lots of pink lipsticks and I have lots of reds so it made sense to mix up our collection a little by swapping. 
This lipstick is from the Diamantissime range, and has a shimmery finish. It is like nothing I have ever seen before and I will certainly be wearing it quite often!

What are you hoping for at Christmas?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x

October Favourites

Hellooooo! Its that time again where I tell you about all the products and things I have been loving throughout the past month!

So lets get started!

Original Source Shower Gel - Tea Tree & Mint
Mmmmm. I blame my cousin for getting me onto this stuff! It smells AMAZING! It's great for those early morning starts at University. It really livens up the senses and wakes me up ready for the (long) day ahead.
I picked up the handy little travel size version to try it out as I literally have thousands of bath and shower gels and should probably use those up before buying any more. 
When I have cleared the cupboards a bit, I will certainly be buying the full size 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick - Heartbreaker
This lipstick sure brings back memories! I first purchased this to wear for my high school prom back in 2012, but it has been a staple in my collection ever since. 
The colour suits my skin tone perfectly! It is a gorgeous dark pink colour (bordering on berry) and the finish is really shiny and hydrating on the lips. 
And at a bargain of £4.99, what could go wrong?

Super Facialist By Una Brennan Tea Flower Clay Mask

This mask is quite regularly my saviour. I like pamper myself and have a facemask at least once a week. I tend to switch up which mask I use fairly often depending on my skins needs at the time of pampering. Recently I have been really stressed out due to massive life changes, and when I get stressed, it clearly shows through my skin's appearance. It contains salicylic acid proven to help unclog congested skin. 

Plus for those with a busy schedule, yet still want to pamper yourself, you only need to leave this on for 5 minutes whilst it works its magic!

Nivea Lip Butter - Raspberry Rosé

I have tried various flavours of this balm and this one has to be my favourite! It tastes slightly like raspberry yogurt (please tell me I'm not the only one who tastes lip balms?) and has one of those 'your lips only better' tints. 

The texture of these balms is incredibly creamy and they go on extra smoothly. They don't feel as greasy as pure petroleum jelly and they leave your lips feeling nourished and hydrated. 

Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Gloss Stick - Nudist

My go to nude lip! Whenever you see me wearing a nude lip on Instagram (sneaky plug there) it will 9 times out of 10 be this that I am wearing! 

This gloss smells just like vanilla cupcakes and reminds me of the smell of MAC lipsticks (delicious if you're wondering!). 

The colour is ultra subtle so perfect for the natural everyday look.

Sally Hansen Cuticle Massage Cream

I very briefly talked about this in my manicure extender post, but this product has been my savour! I've always had a problem with the skin around my nails being dry, but it is slowly getting better. I was advised to try this product by my Grandma. Infact, she even gave me her pot to try as she sung its praises. I soon finished it up and bought my own I loved it that much!
It smells absolutely delicious, buy it for that if nothing else!

Clinque Perfume - Happy

Now if you've been reading my blog for some time, you'll know from my 50 random things post that this is my absolute favourite perfume! I also mentioned that I only wear it on special occasions, so the fact that a lot of special occasions (mainly birthdays) fell into the month of October, meant it only fitting that it should be featured in my monthly favourites. 
Hey, I would include it in my lifetime favourites!

What have you been enjoying this month?

Thanks for reading!

Love Charlotte x