Lee Stafford Blow Dry♥*

I do slack when it comes to hair. Sometimes I just simply cannot be bothered, and there's just no excuse for it. I have quite thick hair and the drying process can be lengthy. I need to blow dry it or else it just WON'T dry, literally. I'm always up for trying out new products, and if they claim to help blow drying time, then sign me up ASAP. When the PR from Lee Stafford contacted me about trying out their Air (or Blast) Dry range, my answer was pretty obvious to say the least.

Lee Stafford Air (Or Blast) Dry Foam* || £7.99 - When it comes to using hair products, I look for three things - A) They smell good, B) They don't make my hair greasy and C) They actually work. When it came to using this foam, I was unsure at first as to how much to use, so I used one pump. It turns out that due to how long and thick my hair is, I can get away with using two pumps. It's a lightweight formula that doesn't weigh my hair down nor does it feel sticky. My hair soaks up the product well and doesn't tangle it at all. It has the exact same scent as all of the other Lee Stafford products, making it a recognisable, distinct smell which I cannot help but love. It claims to reduce frizz but I cannot comment on this because I don't tend to experience this but I can tell you that my hair looks lush and shiny after blow drying; plus, it smells amazing and feels super soft. I believe that it makes my hair feel quite hydrated after using too!

Lee Stafford Air (Or Blow) Dry Cream Lite* || £7.99 - I find it hard judging how much product to use when it comes to a tube - with a pump I know how many pumps to use, and with a spray, I know that the product is dispersed anyways and that I don't need that many pumps. I've figured that I only need a small amount, like a 10 pence piece. I just rub it on my hands and run it through my hair using my fingers. Much like the previous product, it leaves my hair so shiny and soft post blow drying. It acts as a heat protector so that's a bonus in my books. It claims to moisturise, soften, smoothen and enhance shine, and I think that it has achieved all of these. It has the same scent as the foam, so does it get much better?

Typically it takes me between 5-10 minutes to properly dry my hair, but I think that using these maybe cuts it down by 2-3 minutes. Although it's not drastic, every minute counts - because drying your hair seriously is a chore.

I love numerous things about Lee Stafford products, including their pink packaging (I'm a girly girl at heart), the divine scent and how affordable they are compared to some high end products yet work incredibly well. There are a few ranges available meaning there is always something available for someone.

Have you tried this range from Lee Stafford? What was your experience like?

*PR Samples

Fashion Faux Pas♥

Oh haven't we all been there? A massive makeup error? Or a fashion boo-boo? No, we might not ever live it down, but we sure as hell can learn from it. I've been there with regards to makeup, wearing lipsticks that I wouldn't even give a second look at today. Goodness knows what possessed me at the time, but now I know what I like but also suits me too. I do love a good nude lipstick, but I'm always careful not to end up with "concealer lips". I had £16 left on my Mac voucher, and I had to spend it before it expired, so I figured what else would one spend their leftover money on rather than a new lippy?

 "Don't you already own that shade?" No, no I don't. I may own similar but I do not own this exact shade. Just look at the shade - it's called Faux, and it's so beautiful. It's on the slightly deeper, darker side for a nude lipstick, but you know, it works. It's a satin finish meaning it's not drying whatsoever and is uber creamy. Comparing it to Mehr for example, it has a warmer undertone which is more on the pink side, whereas Mehr has a cooler undertone with a red/brown side. How it looks swatched on my hand compared to my lips are two very, very different things. Although it can look gorgeous on the back of my hand (alongside the 20 other lipstick swatches, may I add), I was worried that it may not compliment my skintone. I guess I was wrong this time. It looks stunning against my pale skin, and it looks brilliant paired with a natural makeup look as it adds a little something to the completed look, but also works so well with a bold look as it completes the overall look without being "too much".

The lipstick comes in the usual Mac packaging, which I can't help but adore. I don't know if it's just because it's Mac's signature trade, or if it's because I love simplicity and minimalism. Maybe both. Much like my other lipsticks, it has a beautiful scent, which I can't quite pin point but it does remind me of sweets. Due to the classic finish, this lipstick looks fantastic sitting in my lipstick holder, sitting alongside my other two (I've got a miniature collection, but everyone's got to start somewhere, right?)

Once again, I have not been let down by Mac - you are the real MVP.

Any Mac lipstick (or product!) recommendations?

Ted Baker Makeup♥

Ted Baker beauty is kinda of incredible, and I'm referring to both the beauty range and makeup range. I adore both, and the packaging is of such a high standard. I hadn't really tried much of their makeup range before now, and this box I received for Christmas is a beauty lovers definition of heaven - makeup brushes and makeup, an ideal box full of goodies for someone who wishes to try out Ted Baker. I adore the packaging theme which the set follows - gold and white (a beauty bloggers dream!) - and looks beautiful in a collection.

Two absolutely stunning lipsticks were in the set - a pink nude and a nude brown. The pink lipstick is such a beautiful shade which is versatile enough to wear on a daily basis. It's girly and feminine, but it pulls together a whole makeup look. The formula is smooth and creamy, and glides on your lips as easy as pie. The nude lipstick is not as brown toned as it appears, in fact, it's more a "your lips but better" with a hint of brown shimmer throughout. I wasn't sure how it'd look with my skin tone, but it looks quite nice actually.

I was delighted to see it was a straight wand and a lengthening mascara. It doesn't seem to clump and the formula is one which I adore as it applies really easily. I normally curl my lashes beforehand, and the mascara looks incredible on my lashes - they look long and full. It's even that good that I use it alone without layering other mascaras on top.

Let's take a moment to appreciate how beautiful the packaging is of both of these products - Insta-worthy or what? The bronzer and blush duo is amazing. Both do have a slight shimmer to them, however, it doesn't ruin the product. The bronzer is more ideal for bronzing rather than contouring, and the blush makes the cheeks appear naturally flushed and healthy without looking too over the top. The trio of shadows is just stunning. I adore all three of the shades as a combination, and the gold is my favourite shade of course. The pigmentation is insanely crazy, but fallout is always at a minimum.

I'm not entirely sure how I feel about blush sticks. I don't like them that much as I feel like I'm tugging at my cheeks too much. But, they work a lot better as lipsticks. They blend easier and the colour appears so natural. I know already that this is going to be an ideal Spring/Summer lip colour because of it's warm tones.

Not only is the makeup range a winner to me because of it's high quality, but because the packaging is sure to catch anyone's eyes. The products feel extremely luxurious and I adore using them, and due to my organised personality, I like using the Ted Baker brushes with the makeup because they match.

Have you tried the Ted Baker makeup range?

Bargain Makeup || A Makeup Look♥

Sometimes I look at my makeup and think "How can I change up my every day routine without spending a fortune?" Sometimes you just get bored using the same products or just fancy buying a new foundation. When I was in Superdrug during the Summer, browsing, as you do, I came up with a blog post idea - I'd attempt to do a makeup look on a budget. It was especially fitting because I was stood in a "drugstore" and there was quite a few special offers on too.

Miss Sporty So Matte Perfect Stay Foundation || £3.49 - I don't want to ramble on too much about this foundation because I've already reviewed it (read here) but I thought I'd give a quick over view. I wasn't initially sure what this foundation would be like, mainly because it cost me less than £5, but I decided to pick it up as a) I hadn't bought a new foundation in ages and b) I liked the matte aspect to it. Of course, I never use it without a primer, because having oily skin like mine, it's just not possible to wear a foundation without one. The coverage is low yet you could build up a few layers and it wouldn't look cakey. It doesn't feel drying nor heavy on the skin too, and looks natural too. 

MUA Translucent Pressed Powder || This was one of the first ever makeup products I bought, what a throwback! It's just a simple pressed powder that does the trick. It doesn't necessarily have much colour to it, but it still locks my foundation in place and keeps shine to a minimum. I mean, for £1, it does it's job so I cannot complain.

Miss Sporty Studio Colour Quattro Burberry Eyeshadow Quad || £2.99 - Sticking with the Miss Sporty theme (there was a 3 for £5 offer on, would be rude not to!), I went for an eyeshadow quad. There were quite a few available, all of which contained pretty shades, but I opted for this one - the warm tones were calling my name, as were the pretty shades. It's just a shame about the pigmentation. After I bought it, I decided to google the palette. The reviews were saying how pigmented the shadows were, however, for me, this wasn't the case. For some reason, I felt they weren't overly pigmented, and were quite hard to build up too, which is a shame because some of the colours are beautiful. Perhaps for a beginners this quad would be more suitable as it's not as intense. I might need to try again with this quad and see if I can get any further with it.

Miss Sporty Studio Lash The Miaoww Eye Liner || £2.99 - I am not at all fussy with my eyeliners, I tend to choose inexpensive ones simply because I don't see the point in spending a lot of money on something that I know will eventually dry up. Personally, I like the felt tip pens for eyeliner as I find them easier to use and hold, hence why I went for this one. It's actually pretty decent for the price! It's a true black, matte liner which doesn't smudge whatsoever. It's guaranteed to give a classy cat eye, whether you match it with bold makeup or go for a simple look.

Natural Collection Mascara || The range has been updated since I last bought a mascara, and they now sell a mascara for length, volume and a waterproof too. The one I have is their original mascara and it actually works well for the job. It lengthens and makes your eyes appear bigger and more awake. Just be wary though, it can dry up quite fast meaning the mascara may flake off your lashes, however, I can look upon this as I like the appearance of it on my lashes.

Natural Collection Brow Kit || I frigging love this brow kit. It comes with a tinted brow wax, a powder, a miniature brush and brow spoolie. Although mine is a slight mess, I believe that it clearly illustrates to you how much I love this little set. It helps to define the brows; using only the powder provides a softer, more subtle brow look whereas combining it with the wax gives a stronger, bolder brow look.

Makeup Revolution Amazing Lipstick - The One || £1 - Makeup Revolution are remotely known for their inexpensive yet high quality makeup, and one product I've heard about loads is their lipsticks - they have a whole range at a whopping £1! I picked up a nude lipstick because a nude lipstick goes with every makeup look, and at the end of the day, it was only £1. The formula is quite creamy - the first time I tried it, it felt quite drying but this is often the case when you first try makeup for some odd reason - but after that, it's been fine. I can't quite decide whether or not it compliments my skin tone; being pale, it can be hard to find a nude that suits me. The colour itself is really pretty, and if I was wanting to buy a new lipstick, I'd considering MUR to see if they had any other exciting shades!

Here are two quick shots of the makeup look. I didn't want to do anything too extreme, and the most of the attention is definitely the eyes due to the eyeliner and the slightly smokey eye look. 

My final point to make here is that budget makeup is most certainly worth looking into testing because some drugstore makeup works just as well as highend makeup!!

How I Clean My Makeup Brushes♥

No matter what, I hate washing makeup brushes, as do many other people. It's just so time consuming and quite frankly, I find it boring. The only amusing part is when you wash a really, really dirty brush and all the makeup runs out, apart from when you see all the wasted foundation that ended up in your brush rather than on your face. I've seen people using fancy gadgets to wash their brushes, but of course they come with a pretty big price tag. I previously used a flannel, however, once day on a whim in Primark (stalking the beauty section because it's what I do best), I came across this absolute gem - a facial pad.

Yes, a facial pad. Who would have thought it's the best thing since sliced bread? As soon as I saw it, I immediately thought of my makeup brushes - the perfect item for washing them. I thought perhaps the bristles would be ideal for ensuring that every last drop of makeup is removed. It was an absolute bargain as well, at only £1.50. I was afraid in case it would ruin my brushes, however, it hasn't caused them any damage at all because it's made of thin plastic.

The surface area of the pad is large enough for "fluffier" brushes, including my foundation brush, powder brush and kabuki brush. Personally, I wash my brushes with soap (some people prefer shampoo) and I find the bubbles lather up with no problem at all. Must I admit, it is rather satisfying after you've washed your makeup brushes as they are clean, but the process itself is boring. I do find that this little pad helps make things a tad faster though!

Facial pads are brilliant for two reasons; a) for the reason they're designed for (your face, duhh!) and b) washing your makeup brushes. If you don't own one, go get one - they are incredible, and ever so affordable! At the end of the day, who doesn't love a product which has multiple uses?

How do you wash your makeup brushes?

The Best Of The Best: Drugstore Foundations For Oily Skin♥

Drugstore makeup is one thing I am pretty clued up on. It's mainly because when I started wearing makeup, I used to buy my makeup from a Boots or Superdrug (still do!) as I didn't quite know that highend makeup existed (nor did I have the funds). Since using makeup, there has been several trials and errors, a lot of money spent and a heck of a lot of makeup bought, so I've tried my fair share of available products. Foundation is something I didn't start using straight away when venturing with makeup (being totally honest, I cannot remember what my first one was or where it came from, and no it wasn't that dreaded dream matte mousse thankfully) but along the way, I have realised that I need to be picky with my foundations because of one thing - oily skin. I have rounded up three foundation, all which vary from each other but work well with oily skin and are from the drugstore.

Maybelline Superstay Better Skin || £8.99 - I had opted for this one because it was new (introductory price of £5 really had drawn me in) and it promised me better skin by using it. Foundation shopping for me is simple as I only need the lightest shade (I went for Light Beige) and it's 99% guaranteed to always match me. I really liked the coverage of this foundation, it's lightweight and doesn't look cakey either - it's just a natural finish that sits well on the skin. I always use a primer beneath my foundation, and this has a long wearing time before needing any powder top up. You can read more about it here.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte & Poreless Liquid Foundation || £6.99 - I haven't ever tried the original Fit Me Foundation but as soon as I saw the matte and poreless version, I knew I had to be on to a winner. It's for normal to oily skin, so it's not ideal for those with dry skin as I reckon that it would "cling" to the dry patches of your skin. When applied on my skin, it doesn't appear dewy at all, and I believe that this is because it's specific for oily skin, and is to give the appearance of matte skin. It feels lightweight on the skin also, and has an airbrushed, flawless finish. One thing I must mention is that I bought the shade 105 (which was the lightest in the stand) and it's ever so slightly too dark for me, but nothing atrocious looking. It lasts until late lunch time if applied early in the morning before needing any powder touch ups. Pores aren't visible at all, skin appears matte as shine is kept at a minimum, what isn't there to love? You can read more about it here.

Natural Collection Tinted Moisturiser || £2.99 - Technically this isn't a foundation, but I had to mention it. The coverage of this is almost as good as a foundation, and better than your typical tinted moisturiser. I have found the consistency to be quite thin but when applied with a damp makeup sponge, it applies evenly to the skin, and gives quite good coverage, I would say it's light to medium, and is buildable in layers to give as much coverage as you require. Again, this is ever so slightly too dark for me, but a bit of powder and bronzer and you're good to go. The reason I sometimes opt for this over a foundation is that I find my skin is able to breath a bit more beneath it. It helps to give coverage yet is light enough for freckles etc to be visible. It lasts quite well on my skin (in conjunction with a primer, powder and setting spray, of course) and feels comfortable to wear.

I recommend all of these foundations for those with oily skin. They probably would be fine to use with dry skin, but they are more suited to oily skin in my opinion (or normal skin too). All are under £10 and work well, so you'd be a fool not to buy them!

What foundations work well for your oily skin?

A Temporary Brow Tattoo♥*

Trying out new brow products can be a little daunting because they aren't always guaranteed to work for everyone, and working them out can be quite the mission. Typically, I use brow kits or a pomade due to the effectiveness of them and their simplicity. The wonderful people from Maybelline emailed me about trying their Brow Tattoo*, and I was intrigued as to whether it truly worked as a tattoo or not. I opted for their darkest shade, Dark Brown but they also do a Medium Brown and a Light Brown.

In my opinion, the packaging is pretty slick. I like the shiny black packaging with the girly touch of bling. It doesn't appear cheap yet isn't overly fancy too. It is purchased in a box, which contains all of the details of the product on the side (you know, the how to, step-by-step instructions and all that jazz) which obviously wouldn't fit onto the actual product itself. Minimalism is my style, so this packaging is aesthetically pleasing and I like it.

I must admit, the applicator/wand was not what I was expecting. I did expect more of a distinct brush, so I was curious to see how I would get on with the applicator because I was afraid incase it would be tricky and hard to work with. It turns out that it's actually the easiest thing ever. All you do is literally PAINT the shape of your eyebrows. No gimmick. How simple is that? It only takes a few minutes, and of course, the more precise you are, the longer, but I cannot believe how easy it is to apply. It's not messy whatsoever - I thought that it would smudge everywhere, but I was wrong. When applied onto your brows, it appears as a black liquid, which slowly dries, but it looks so funny not going to lie!

Depending on how long you want it to last on your brows, the times vary. If you only want it to be temporary for a day, they recommend 20 minutes. I tend to leave it closer to 30 minutes. Normally, I do it on a Sunday evening at around 7:00, and when I get up on Monday morning, my brows don't need any extra product because this product works so well - of course if you want extra definition, ie at the arch, you may want to use some pomade etc. If you wish for it to last for up to 3 days, they recommend 2 hours, however, I haven't done this - mainly because I'm afraid to if I'm honest aha! After you've left it on for your chosen time, you then have the joys of removing it - well, PEELING it. You basically need to remove the product from the inner part of your brow to the outer. This is a bit of a pain, but it is quite satisfying, and worth it!

Here's a quick before preview of my brows with no product whatsoever in them. Although they are pretty full, they aren't defined at all, and they do have a few sparse areas which I like to fix up with my brow products.

Here's an afterwards preview of my brows. As you can see, they are visibly darker and there aren't as many sparse areas. 

Overall, I think it's a product worth investing in. It certainly isn't a gimmick and I just love the finished results. It's so simple to do and saves you a few pennies by doing it at home!

Have you tried this product? What was your experience like?

Why You Should Make 2018 YOUR Year♥

For me, 2017 has been a blast of a year. Life wouldn't be life if there weren't any downfalls, but majority of this year has been positive. I have loved near enough every minute of it and it has past by like a flash. Unfortunately, this is not the case for everyone. Some years are just damn right rotten from beginning to end and it feels as though you're stuck in a rut that isn't ever going to end. 2018 is approaching at a rapid pace. I'm excited to see what is holds for me, whilst others may be hesitant. Change is good, and change is necessary sometimes. I've constructed a list of small changes you can consider making in 2018 to try make it YOUR year, and the best it can be.

Reconsider your outlook on life - now I'm not meaning dream of fairies and unicorns, no not that. Try thinking positively about everything. I won't lie, it is really difficult to be positive 24/7 - everyone has off days here and there where they feel really down, it's only human. Instead, try to be optimistic about things. Applied for a job? Think positively. Trying something new? Think positively. Instead of having a negative mindset, think positively and well.

Diet and exercise - Well, who would have ever have thought that those words would feature on this blog? Not me, never. I'm not becoming a fitness blogger anytime soon, but small, simple changes in your diet and exercise can make you feel better, improve your mood and is good for your health. Some days you can feel unmotivated, and want to do nothing more than lounge around munching on chocolate - we've all been there. But, how about swapping the chocolate for a bit of fruit? Of course, it doesn't compare at all (it's chocolate after all), but increasing your fruit and vegetable intake is a step in the right direction. Also, drinking more water has lots of benefits - it helps your skin and flushes out any toxins in your body. As for exercise, I don't mean take up multiple extreme sports. Even just walking regularly - get your heart pumping and increase those steps! Exercise releases a hormone which boosts your mood, and it will help you to think a whole lot clearer, resulting in that positive mind set! Although it will make you feel better, remember balance is necessary.

Pick up a hobby - perhaps a hobby is exactly just what you need to stimulate your brain. My favourite hobbies are blogging and photography (cheeky plug in, but feel free to check out my photography here and here), but there are so many options out there. It varies from singing to dancing, baking to drawing, playing an instrument to writing, there is something out there for everyone. You don't necessarily need to be amazing at it; if you enjoy it, then let it be. As long as you are happy, that's all that matters. It will certainly boost your happiness levels by doing something you love, and it will give you something to do to pass your time. I bet if you were to sit down and think "what actually are my hobbies?", you will have more than you even realise. So, for 2018, what's your new hobby?

Be ambitious - when I say ambitious, I mean realistic, nothing overly wild whatsoever. Of course we all want the best for ourselves in life, but when setting goals, but realistic - are they achievable? How can I go around achieving this? Or am I being ridiculous? Setting goals is a good thing, especially if you know the end goal. The journey towards the finish is rather exciting too. Whether it may be short term or long term goals, a goal is a goal and if you're ambitious enough, you can get there - just with a whole lot of hard work and determination! In my opinion, the best way to achieve a goal is by staying humble - don't tell people your goal, instead, SHOW them!

Prioritise YOU - put you first. It is not, and I repeat NOT, selfish to put you first and do what's best for you. Make yourself your number one priority, and watch how your happiness will change. It's only healthy, trust me. Never settle for number two when it comes to you - screw whether you are anyone else's number one, you are your own. Be your own biggest fan, support yourself and make decisions based on yourself. 

Honestly, these simple little things could make your 2018 the best year of your life, so far. Do things for yourself that you will thank your future self for. As I've already said, 2017 went really well for me, and I am nothing but determined to make 2018 as equally amazing as 2017, if not better. I know that I want to look back on my life and be proud of what I've achieved, so I want to absolutely smash 2018 and every year onwards.

How are you going to make 2018 your year?