Mascara | Perfect Pairings

Hey lovelies, 

The other day I was happily scrolling through some blog posts and came across a perfume layering post which got me thinking. The whole perfume layering thing isn’t something I do but for as long as I can remember I have been pairing up my mascaras with others as I want length and volume plus a whole lot of colour and sometimes, one mascara just isn’t enough! Don’t get me wrong, I have my favourites that do everything but there are certain circumstances when I want more. Especially on nights out where I can’t get my false lash fixed and I end up walking off the anger it fills me with before throwing a strop and taking off all my eye makeup and starting again because I have glue all up in my lashes.

My favourite mascara at the moment is the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara (£17) and it really does the job in terms of colour, length and volume but sometimes I want MORE! I absolutely love pairing this up with the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara (£19.50) or the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (£7.99) as it creates a false lash effect and really opens up my eyes. 

Another favourite of mine is the Maybelline Falsies Mascara (£7.99), I have been buying this for as long as I can remember but again, I feel that I need extra length so I like to add the YSL Babydoll Mascara (£25) into the mix which does such a great job at separating each lash and creating a lot of length. 

Sometimes I mix and match them, depending on how I feel but these are the combos I reach for most often. I will be trying out others on this journey and if I find anymore great ones, I will share them with you.

Do you pair your mascaras?

What products do you use?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My 30th Birthday Wish List? 

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

My 30th Birthday Wishlist

Hi guys,

I don't know if you know this, but I am turning 30 on the 6th July so I wanted to put together a little wish list of the things I have been lusting over for the past couple of the months. Before I delve in, I know people might wonder if I am scared about turning the big 3-0 but to be honest I’m not. I did think I would be married by now with a kid or two but life never works that way does it. I am happy to be moving onto another chapter in my life where hopefully I will be finished with University, get married, buy a house and then have children. I feel as though I have done a lot in my 30 years on the planet, although I would like to have travelled more but other than that, I have a great partner in life, a great family and some amazing friends so turning 30 will hopefully include the same people and more exciting adventures ha! 

Please don’t think that I am being greedy by asking for everything on this list, I am merely putting together a wish list for some products that I love so if I got one or two things from it, I would be very happy with that. I wanted to start with something big as I want to have something that I can keep so I have added the See by Chloe Lizzie Long Flap Wallet (£155) and also Carat Mini Asscher Border Set Studs (£128) as need a new purse and who doesn't love jewellery!

As far as makeup products go, I could have anything and be happy but I am really loving Nars, Delilah, Charlotte Tilbury and Laura Mercier at the moment so I would adore anything from them including foundations, blushers, lipsticks etc. but I do have my eye on these particular products, Nars Tahiti Laguna Bronzing Powder (£39), Nars Audacious Lipstick in Natalie (£24), Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette (£45), Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Pillow Talk (£16), Laura Mercier Smooth Finish Flawless Fluide in Ivory (£35), Becca Shimmering Skin Powder in Moonstone (£30),  Delilah Colour Gloss in Siren (£22) and Delilah Farewell Cream Concealer (£24).

The scents I have been totally loving recently are the Valentino Valentina Pink Eau De Parfum (£59) and Jo Malone`s Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne (from £42).

When it comes to skincare, I would love such products like Pixi Glow Tonic (£18), Alpha H Liquid Gold (£33.50) and the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Balm (£38).

Hopefully I get one or two products from this list and then have a nice night out with friends and family to celebrate. So far my family have booked a lovely seafood restaurant for both me and my sister who is turning 25 on the same weekend so that will be lovely. Then I think my friends have planned something the weekend after which should be fun. 

If your birthday has just passed or of its coming up soon, then HAPPY BIRTHDAY from me! I hope you get/got spoilt rotten and have/had an amazing day!

Update: I am in no way bragging but I thought I would let you know what I got. I was lucky enough to get a Marc Jacobs Purse very similar to the See by Chloe one pictured above and some Charlotte Tilbury goodies from Liam. My babe of a pal Siobhan got me the Nars Dual Intensity Eyeshadow Palette and Nars Audacious Lipstick in Natalie. My mum bought me the Mini Asher Earrings along with a few bottles of my favourite, Chateauneuf Du Pape and an amazing custom made birthday cake. I was also gifted with a few bottles of champagne, perfume, flowers, clothes, bracelet, yankee candles and jewellery. I was a very spoiled girl this year. Thank you so much to everyone who wished me well on social media and obviously to all of my loved ones :) xx

Paese Cosmetics | Bamboo Silk Powder

Hello guys, 

I seem to be on a roll this week, I’ve had a post every day since Sunday and I even have one scheduled for tomorrow so keep your eyes peeled. I have been using this powder for the past couple of weeks, only on my t-zone as it is the oiliest part of my face and I can safely say it is becoming a firm staple in my makeup bag. Before I delve into a full blown review, I will let you know a little about the company and powder itself.

I am going to be honest, I have never heard of this brand but when Mags over at Monmag decided to send it to me, I thought it would be rude not to have a little go to see how it fared with the rest of the powders in my collection. Paese is an award winning Polish cosmetics brand and their mission was to create products for woman full of colour, beauty and happiness. They offer a full range of products from primers to foundations, nail varnishes and everything in between at very affordable prices. The item I was sent was the Paese Bamboo Silk Powder* (£9.99) which is a loose transparent powder that promises to deliver a long lasting matte finish and a subtle glow for oily and combination skin without clogging pores. It is supposed to offer antibacterial and healing properties as well as regulating the production of sebum (oils). It also claims to reduce the visibility of wrinkles and fine lines. The way this powder is used is by applying it to the oily sections of your face for a matte finish.

I am in love guys; this is such a great herbal alternative to those talc based powders that we have become accustomed to. I apply to my t-zone only, as this is the only oily section of my face that causes the most bother and I have to say, it made my makeup last all day and left me shine free. It didn’t irritate my skin nor did it leave my skin looking “cakey”. The powder has a slight scent to it which isn’t intrusive at all, it’s very mild. It’s transparent so it will match any skin tone and it applies beautifully. Even though it comes with a little pad to apply, I have been using my limited edition Real Techniques Duo Fibre Face Brush (limited edition) as I felt it gave a lighter touch and made me feel like I had no powder on my face at all. The only negative point I can make is container it comes in, I don’t like the colander tray inside of loose powders which means you have to pour it out and then apply as I feel it is a nuisance, I would rather this wasn’t part of it to be honest but that isn’t a direct problem with this brand as a lot of brands do this.

If you want a light loose setting powder to help with oily skin then I would whole heartedly recommend picking this up. For £9.99 it is a total bargain and honestly one of the best powders I have ever used. I know I recently put up a review for the Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact (£8.99) and I always bang on about the Rimmel Stay Matte Powder (£3.99) but this blows them out of the water. This is for oily skin only so it’s not for anyone with dry or normal skin so I would keep that in mind.

Have you tried this before? What were your thoughts?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My Flawless Base? 

I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

Its All About That Base | Flawless Skin

Hello guys,

I love make up, I do, and I hold my hands up. It’s just one of those things that makes me happy and cheers me up if I am feeling like a slob or having a fat day. The thing about make up is, it does something totally different for each person whether it be a confidence booster, something to cover any blemishes or scars or even a creative outlet but I simply love it because I love starting off with a blank canvas and creating a different look every day. 

For me, all make up looks need to start with a flawless base and if that isn’t perfect then you might as well wipe it off and start again. I am also a go hard or go home sort of girl which means I have to start off with a good skincare routine, primer, foundation and concealer before adding blusher, or any contouring and highlighting.

After I have washed my face in the morning and applied my current skincare products I then work in a small amount of my Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer (£29) all over my face. My absolute favourite foundation of life is the Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation (£9.99) which blends so perfectly into the skin. I normally use 1 - 2 pumps and work the product into my skin with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (part of the core collection £20.99) or my Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush (£18.95). After my foundation is blended perfectly, I move onto concealer. I have been reaching for the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory (£5.49) recently, I blend this in with my Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (£5.99) which sets the concealer perfectly and reduces the appearance of dark circles. After I am finished I set everything with the Paese Cosmetics Bamboo Silk Powder (£9.99). This is a talc and paraben free transparent powder that soaks up excess oil from my t-zone; and then hey presto, I am finished.

I adore the finish I get when using these products and tools as I feel my base looks flawless and my skin looks clear and fresh. After I finish my eyes, brows, blush, contour and highlight I always give my skin a spritz of the Urban Decay De Slick Oil Control Make up Setting Spray (£21) to set everything in place.

These are my favourite products of the moment but it will probably change every time I try something new.  

What are your go to products for a flawless base?

Do you use any of the same products as I do?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Bourjois Aqua Laque's? 
I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

Bourjois | Rouge Edition Aqua Laque

Hey guys,

As you all know, Bourjois are one of my favourite drugstore brands. I picked up my first ever product from them when I was 17 and working in my old hairdressers. Boy, that is a few years ago eh? Almost thirteen years later and the love is still going strong. Thank goodness for me they have improved somewhat.

I know everyone and there granny have spoken about the new Bourjois Rouge Edition Aqua Laque`s (£8.99) which frankly have been mostly positive but I decided to put my two cents in and let my lovely readers know what I thought about them. I only picked up one shade in Rose on the Rocks as I wanted to see how I got on with this one before I picked up anymore. Now as I say, Bourjois are one of my favourite brands but I can’t help but not like this, I just didn’t fall in love with it. This colour is amazing with its very nude pink, sure all of the colours are very pretty but the wear of this just isn’t enough.

I found this to be quite messy when I applied with the applicator so I gave it another try using a different brush but it still made its way outside my lips. I loved the glossy effect to it and that did last a while before it started to fade. The one thing that I didn’t like about it at all was the fact that it really dried my lips outs. I applied before making my way to Sainsbury’s one day and by the time I came home I was chomping at the bit to get it off my lips before applying a thick layer of Nivea lip butter to add some moisture back into my lips!

It’s such a shame that I didn’t get on well with this as I really wanted to love it, like I do with everything else in their collection but it’s just not for me! This isn`t to say that you won’t get on a bit better, this is only my opinion. I think I will stick to my Maybelline Elixir Lips instead as it makes my lips feel great and gives a gorgeous glossy look to my looks without drying them out.  

Have you tried these Aqua Laque’s?

How did you get on with them?

P.S Head down to your local Debenhams to get yourself measured. I recently went along and was surprised to find that I was 2 whole cup sizes bigger and a back size smaller!! No wonder my back has been sore. 

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Mario Badescu?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

Mario Badescu Skincare | Aloe Lotion

Hey guys,

How are we all today? I can’t believe I only have 3 assessments left in college and then I am finished for the summer! I really should be looking for some summer work but it is so hard to find someone to give you a chance when you only have a qualification and no experience! I won’t bore you with the daily real life struggles ha-ha.

I thought I would talk about the amazing Mario Badescu who until recently I hadn’t actually heard about; it was only when I was looking through some of Nicole Guerriero videos on YouTube that I actually took notice. She is one of my favourite beauty gurus on the web and was one of the first, apart from the Pixiwoo girls that I watched religiously so when she says she loves something, I take notice.

I was on the lookout for a new toner and having tried my fair share of the best on the market; I decided to pick up something new so I went with the Aloe Lotion (£12.95) from Beauty Bay which is a mild 2% alcohol based astringent that has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to disinfect and clean normal, combination and oily skin but it also helps to soothe any irritations. This toner contains aloe vera gel and magnolia extract along with some other ingredients which help to unclog pores and leave skin looking its best.

To start, I double cleanse my skin. I have been using the Eve Lom Balm Cleanser (from £40) recently; this is thanks to my gorgeous friend Siobhan who gave me a sample to try out as it wasn’t working out for her. Once all of my makeup has been removed, I then use a cotton pad which has been soaked with this lotion and swipe all over my face. I leave this for a few minutes before moving onto the rest of my skincare products.

As the description states, this is mild on the skin but the smell is a bit of an eye watering solution which sort of reminds me of lice lotion. I know that sounds weird and disgusting but we all remember those letters being sent home from school when there was a lice outbreak and then being doused in this lotion which was so strong before enduring the pain of the metal comb being dragged through our hair and scalps. I used to think my mum hated me when I was younger when she carried out this routine but now I know it was mandatory. Even though the smell is strong, it isn’t enough to put me off using it but if you can have a whiff before purchasing then I would highly recommend this as it may not be for everyone.

As far as a skincare tool, it is phenomenal. It works over my face perfectly and leaves my skin with a slight glow to it and it also helps to reduce the redness from cleaning my face. I adore this product as I haven’t had one breakout since using this as well as Cupcake. It is amazing and if the rest of his products are as good as this one, then Beauty Bay better watch out, cause mama will be spending some cash in there soon.

Please give it a try, don’t let the smell put you off as it really is an amazing product which helps combat skin irritations including blemishes and redness. 

P.S Head down to your local Debenhams to get yourself measured. I recently went along and was surprised to find that I was 2 whole cup sizes bigger and a back size smaller!! No wonder my back has been sore. Ending today (25th May) there is a £5 off any £30 purchase offer on.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring The Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

Bourjois | Healthy Balance Matte Powder

Hey you lovely bunch!

Bourjois are one of my all-time favourite drugstore brands as they offer so many amazing products that actually do what they promise, so when I saw the Bourjois Healthy Balance Compact Powder in 52 Vanille (£8.99) in Boots a few weeks ago I obviously had to add it to my extensive collection. 

I have been using this to set my entire face with the Real Techniques Face Brush from the Limited Edition Due Fibre Collection (£23.99) after I have applied my foundation to give it a light touch and flawless finish, and to say it has been amazing is an understatement. This boasts a 10 hour staying power and advises that it’s anti-shine and hydrating. I don’t really get the hydrating statement to be honest, I mean how hydrating can a powder really be? If a cream based product claimed this, then I would be more inclined to believe that. The 10 hour staying power, I will agree with that, once it’s on, it’s staying on and it does help with the old shiny forehead.

For £8.99, this powder is great, I have tried some high end ones that guarantee the same but in actual fact they do nothing for my oily skin and I end up looking like a melted welly by the end of the night but this has been fab! You should give it a try.

P.S Head down to your local Debenhams to get yourself measured. I recently went along and was surprised to find that I was 2 whole cup sizes bigger and a back size smaller!! No wonder my back has been sore. For the month of May there is a £5 off any £30 purchase offer on.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring A Meaty Cocktail?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

Scottish Scran | The Meat Bar

Chorizo Margarita

Smoked Chicken Liver Pate with House Chutney and Rye Toast

Woodland Pigeon with Beets and Redcurrant Dressing

Smoker Plate w/ Quince & Chilli Ribs, Louisiana Hot Glazed Chicken Wings, Rabbit Meatballs and Pulled Pork

Hey guys,

I don’t normally do restaurant reviews but I recently went along to the Meat Bar in Glasgow again and had to do a little post about how amazing the food was. I have been here numerous occasions in the past and it never disappoints. As the name suggests it is definitely a place for the carnivore and let me tell you, it will leave you wanting more. As well as some amazing food dishes with their home smoked meats they also offers up a selection of specially brewed Scottish & American beers, wines, cocktails and savoury cocktails which have a little twist.

Both Liam and I met up with our good friends for a double date night which seems to be an almost monthly occurrence which normally ends in me being a drunken disaster ha! Both of the boys ordered the amazing Smoker Plate which looked stunning, they both devoured it, so it obviously hit the spot. I ordered the Woodland Pigeon and Chicken Liver Pate as I didn’t want a main and they were both fantastic. The Woodland Pigeon was definitely the highlight of the meal for me but the triple cooked fries were equally amazing. Like most restaurants now, they offer up an amazing cocktail menu but the Meat Bar offer a fun cocktail menu where they have meat infused savoury cocktails, naturally I had to order one. I chose the chorizo margarita which didn’t really taste of chorizo but it did have a slight salty element to it, I loved the little chorizo slice which was hanging on the side of glass. I know this sounds disgusting but it was actually really nice, please give it a try before dismissing it.

If you are looking for tasty food a great selection of cocktails and a great atmosphere then I would recommend heading down this weekend to sample some of their amazing offerings. Don’t head there for a quick bite as the service is quite slow due to it being busy most of the time so head there for a nice night and bring your appetite, you will need it.

Have you checked out my latest post featuring My April Favourites?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | 

My April Favourites

Hi guys,

April sure went in quick didn’t it? I tried to get this post up sooner but I have been studying away and totally neglecting my blog recently as I only have 9 days before I sit the final exam of my HND, fingers crossed I get an A or B but I’m not going to lie, it’s going to be hard.  

April was a great month, I had my first ever blogger event, I celebrated my first year blogging anniversary and I got to meet some great bloggers too. This month I have Liam’s 30th birthday so I have a few surprises up my sleeve for him, hopefully he enjoys what I have planned. Unfortunately he will be working for most of May so he won’t be here for his birthday, nor will he be allowed to celebrate it as he will be stuck on an oil rig for 3 weeks! It’s a good thing he doesn't care about birthdays but I do so hopefully he has fun when he comes home with myself, his family and friends. I have planned a night at the dog races for all of our friends and family and also a paintballing day for him and 15 of his nearest and dearest plus an extra surprise just for him, I don’t want to say it just now in case he reads this and it ruins the surprise but hopefully he enjoys his 3 weeks at home with all the little surprises I have lined up.

Back to this post though. The first item I have absolutely adored this month is the L’Oréal Matte Infallible Foundation (£6.99) this foundation is the first in my collection that hasn't had to be set with a powder and has actually lasted all day. Throughout the day, it didn’t budge at all. I will have a full review of this very shortly. Keeping up with makeup, I have also rediscovered my love for the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms (£7.99), the one I have been reaching for almost every day is the shade Elusive which is a gorgeous pink shade that lasts on the lips without drying them out. As with everyone else, I have fallen head over heels in love with the Max Factor Crème Puff Blushers (£8.99). My favourite is shade Seductive Pink, which gives a gorgeous hint of colour as well as a little added highlight to the cheeks which is a look I am loving at the moment.

Skincare has been my real love this month. I will have a new skincare post up very soon with all the products that have completely changed my skin, for the better. The first thing I have absolutely loved is the Yes to Carrots Exfoliating Cleanser (£6.99). This is so gentle on the skin and can be used as an everyday cleanser, the only thing is, it’s not great at removing every trace of mascara so if you want to purchase, I would suggest using an oil/gel/balm cleanser first and then using this as a second cleanser. Balance Active Formula Hyaluronic 554 Youth Serum (£3.99) and Nip & Fab Dragons Blood Fix Plumping Serum (£19.95) have been the greatest serums ever invented in my opinion, between the two of them, I have had added so much moisture back into my skin which has in turn completely transformed my skin.

Masks have been another favourite this month and amongst them is the facemask, Cupcake (£6.50) from Lush. This mask is something else entirely, it smells like an absolute dream and has also worked at calming down any blemishes I had. Since using it, I haven’t had one breakout so to say this is a life saver is a massive understatement. 

I have 2 non beauty favourites this month which are the movies Avenger: Age of Ultron and Big Eyes. Avengers needs no introduction at all, it’s one of the biggest movie franchises out there and brings together some of the most amazing superheroes including Iron Man, Thor *swoons*, Captain America and The Hulk amongst others. If you love superhero films, then I suggest you grab a friend, large popcorn and prepare to be blown away! Big Eyes is a film I stumbled across and stars the amazing Amy Adams and tells the incredible story of artist Margaret Keane and her attention seeking husband Walter Keane. I didn’t expect much from this film to be honest but I was blown away by the acting, especially from Christoph Waltz who plays Walter, there are some incredible scenes from him and in my opinion he steals the movie. Please, please, watch this, it might not be for everyone but I loved it.

I have a lot more in my favourites but if I carried on I would probably have enough material for three blog posts so I won’t bore you but I will tell you another few without too much detail. These are the May Chang Citrus Pocket Balm (£4.95), NYC Liquid Eyeliner (£2.49), Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (£70), Maybelline Color Elixir in Petal Plush (£6.99), Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream (from £35), Soap & Glory Orangeasm Super Rich Body Butter (£10) and the Laura Mercier Hydrating Foundation Primer (£29).

What have you loved in April?

Have you checked out my latest post featuring Bio Oil?  I can also be found on Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram |