Outfit of the day

Natural

Nude is timeless and so so so pretty. It's so feminine, even an all nude outfit can work. I'm typing this with nude painted finger nails hehe. Any way yes, I love anything in natural tones and I just think it looks so soft and effortless.

Sixth Form experience

If you're reading my blog and preparing to go to sixth form in September, here is a short run through of my experience there and some advice that I think is a little helpful.
First off, this is about sixth form, not college. Sixth forms are very different environments as they usually have a much smaller student count and have different atmospheres. So yes, this is about sixth form.
I started sixth form in Durham in September 2010 and I studied English Language, French and Media, all of which I had previously studied at school. I went with four of my friends and then by the end of this year there was only 3 of us. Sixth form is not for everybody, it's very hard and a huge jump from GCSE. However, one thing that's wrong is when teachers at school warn you that you wont receive help from your teachers at a level, and it's all very independent, because yes, you are treat like an adult and given a lot of independent work but do not be afraid to ask for help, you're still only sixteen year old and you may be studying something that's brand new, don't be afraid to be totally clueless about something, as it's likely that around 10 other people in the class are feeling the same.
There will be times when you pretty much break down, you will feel as though you are in far too deep and that you just cannot do it any-more and that you aren't clever enough, but don't quit because quitting is lame. Actually having survived the two years, me Laura and Elliot felt we had achieved something.
I'm not going to say everything will be okay and sixth form is all nice and happy and yey, because it's not. It's hard work, lack of sleep, bus rides at 7.30am on winter mornings, heavy file carrying, meeting a lot of people you wont get on with, and sometimes feeling unhappy. However, you will benefit so much from the experience, you're independence develops and your ability improves massively, in anything you do. As  long as you are prepared to be devoted then you will succeed I guess. You will meet lovely new people, and at the same time learn to tolerate and work with those who perhaps you would have just ignored in school. You will grow up a lot, and you will change and it may cause clashes between old friends, as they may be developing in different manners and ways, or as I found with some of my old friends; not developing at all.


When you start you can study 4 A levels, or my sixth form offered a few B-tec courses. I only studied three as there was nothing in the fourth option column which I even wanted to study. Most people drop down to 3 throughout the year then most definitely in year 13. In year 13 you actually realise how easy year 12 was and you are really pushed to your limits. My subjects fell together quite nicely as media was relevant in english language, and you need developed writing skills for media, then I was able to tie my French studies in with my media A2 coursework. It is a good idea to pick subjects that have even just a slight correlation in my opinion.


A levels are not easy going, and those two years will change you so much, but it's probably one of the best choices you could make. I'm (hoping) to go to uni this september to study French and Spanish at either Northumbria or Leeds (I havent quite decided yet, although Leeds is my first choice) so wish me luck xox

What's in my Make up bag

A quick run through of the make up I am most likely to use on a day to day basis, and carry around with me when I go out in a small cosmetic bag.

I love now that I have finished college I can take time with my makeup, cause to be honest making my pores less visible was the last thing on my mind when I was getting up at 6am feeling like absolute crap.  These are just the items I carry around with me and am most likely to use daily, if you have any alternatives or some cheaper versions of the benefit items I would love to know, as even though their products are lovely (even the packaging) they are quite pricey. I have posted about the They're Real mascara before as it's the best mascara I have ever used, so a slightly cheaper alternative would be great if it matches the quality.

Mac Favourites

Despite loving Mac's products, I don;t actually own that many or shop there that often. I never risk purchasing make-up online and so I buy my products from either Fenwicks' or House of Fraser's Mac concession. These are the things that I do own, I really think Mac lipsticks are up there with the best in particular their matte range, which is where the lip conditioner comes in especially handy as they can be prone to dry out your lips. I have never actually used any form of face make up by mac as I am so scared to change from my normal (the Perfection Lumière by Chanel). My skin is normal and so I would love some recommendations as of where to start with the mac range xox

WISHLIST- Cath Kidston

My 18th birthday is coming up soon and I would love some of Cath Kidston's things. They're just so cute and pretty, so many highstreet shops have taken on her ideas and I don't even mind. Floral is timeless and it will always be linked to Cath Kidston. The shop in York is like a wonderland, it's my mine and my mam's favourite place to visit when we're in York, even if we just go in to look!

Envy

Review - Sleek Cosmetics

Sleek is a brand which I have loved for a long time. The first product I purchased was a red lipstick and since buying it I have never gone back. I love the matte black packaging, and the prices are absolutely fantastic. I am particular about make-up and I do mostly prefer higher end brands, especially for face make-up and mascara. However I can't stress enough the quality of sleek. Their eye shadow palettes are wonderful and their brow kit is another favourite of mine.
In my latest purchase from their website I bought these items

1. Blush in coral. I have a couple of other blushes from sleek and I like this one just as much. They are all toned colours that don't lie too heavy on your face. They stay on for a long time too.
2. Contour kit. This is available in 3 shades. I got medium and it's so handy. The dark side is very pigmented so I only use a very slight amount on my contouring brush, but it creates a really nice look and gives my cheekbones the structure that they lack.
3. Palette - V2. The colours are so matte, I've used every single one of the colours and you honestly only need the tiniest amount and they are so long lasting. You can get the V1 palette too, but for me they were just a little to bright.
4. Glisten me highlighter. I use a small amount on my nose and just on the brim of my cheekbones, it gives the skin a natural glow without looking overly shiny and shouting 'hey every body look at my glowing skin' as I have found with other liquid illuminators. 

Blush in coral - £4.30
Contour kit - £6.50
Palette - Ultra Mattes V2 - £7.00
Glisten Me - £5.29




when this post goes onto my feed, I'll be in Ibiza, still some posts scheduled until I return! xox

Holiday fever -what's in my suitcase - summer soundtrack

I couldn't imagine sunbathing without my iPod, I actually find sunbathing extremely boring so I'm secretly excited to be going on holiday with my little cousins who with probably wanting to go swimming and build lots of sandcastles for most of the time. When I do sunbathe I like to make sure I have a playlist so I can just relax and not have to keep looking at my iPod and skip songs until I get to one that I really want to listen to.
Songs that have made it onto my play list this year include

Holiday Fever - what's in my suitcase- Time to shine

On the night times of your trip you want to look nice, but also incorporate your style which you would usually wear at home, which is sometimes difficult as studs leather and skulls don't tend to fall hand in hand with Spanish weather. My mam spends so much time telling me off for wearing too much black, and in her defence about 60% of my wardrobe is black. I'm only taking one black dress on holiday, it's one of the dresses which Topshop released in a range of colours with a lace sheer waistband (I'm sure you know what I mean) but you can't deny that black can show off a tan just as well as white does. I also love lace and always have, especially lace pieces which have embroidered features on, making the white lace skirt I am taking perfect. 

Outfits for this year:

Holiday Fever - what's in my suitcase- à la plage

How bad is the first day on the beach, stripping down to your bikini next to everyone else who seems to be about 400 shades darker than you. You feel so naked and pale. I always take a range of bright coloured bikinis as I think that the colours can really set off your tan and make you feel better on the beach. Primark this year has been so good for swimwear, and it's such a good price to pay. I always take some cover ups as sometimes it's nice to wear them if you're going shopping or for a little wander along the beach, or if some kind of ridiculously hot girl sits next to you and you all of a sudden feel like flubber. This year I have tried to stay with the bandeau shape as it's the best bikini to avoid unattractive strap marks.
My picks for this years holiday :

    

 

Red ruffle - river island 2011

Floral - New Look -Kelly Brook collection

Paisly - Primark -unsure of price

Polka dot -George at asda - unsure of price

Floral -Topshop -around £20 for the set

Some people feel too conscious to bare all in a bikini but this year in particular I have noticed some lovely costumes in the shops. Once over costumes were all adidas and frumpy, but now New Look and Topshop are selling some lovely ones. I must say I don't often shop in new look any more, however it's my every year go-to for swim wear. 

Floral- £45 New look

Polka Dot -£8 New look

Block colour - £32 Topshop

Palm print - £35 Topshop

Graphic - £35 Topshop

Holiday Fever - what's in my suitcase- essential toiletries

As my holiday is finally in sight, I have decided to to a post about what's in my suitcase. I leave on Friday, just a family holiday but still lovely to escape the constant soggy gloom which seems to be upon us for the long haul here in the UK. 

First of all - Toiletries.

Now, for me, I find it essential to make many lists before packing my suitcase otherwise I feel all in a tizzy about what I have got and what I haven't. My Mam has always been the kind of person to take every imaginable type medication/toiletries available so I have her to thank -or loathe- for my obsessive need. 

Obviously there are the things I don't need to mention, the likes of deodorant and moisturiser. But here are the things I couldn't go without:

1. Tinted moisturiser or BB cream- such a good alternative if you aren't confident enough to face the beach without foundation, in particular BB cream if you pick up one with UV protection. Also great for a night time, as with a sun kissed glow your usual foundation may feel slightly heavy.

2. Dry oil suntan lotion - Argue with me that this isn't the best creation yet. No one enjoys applying suntan lotion, having to rub it into your skin and feeling all wet and sticky- no thank you. Dry oil sun lotion allows quick and easy application (also with no effort but a finger to press the sprayer), however it builds up such a good tan as it's a kind of oil. It comes in up to about factor 30 too, so it has all of the benefits of using oil, without feeling all slippery and the dangers of burning.

3. Aloe Vera gel- cooling and pro-longs your tan.

4. Burt's bees bees wax lip balm- I get really dry lips on holiday, and this is my personal favourite product to avoid it.

5. sea salt hair product- great to carry around in your bag as you can just spray it on after you have been in the sea or pool and your hair dries with a natural wave. It's also lovely to spray on after a shower.

6. exfoliater - Skin tans much better after ex-foliating!

7.sun protection shampoo and conditioner - stop your hair going dry, as it's just as important to protect your hair as it is your skin.

8. eye brightener- after staying up late your eyes may seem slightly dark, eye brightening gel uplifts your eye area and makes you feel more awake. Great for going to breakfast, which always ends stupidly early.

9. dry shampoo - essential!

10. Body Butter- So lovely to apply after a cooling shower. Pair with this and your ex-foliated skin and you will get a lovely tan.

My personal choices:

Maybelline BB cream -£7.99 at boots

Hawaiian Tropic dry oil spray - £3.99 at Home Bargains (so much more expensive in boots!)

Hawaiian Tropic Aloe after sun gel £3.99 at Home Bargains

Burt's Bees with Acai Berry - £3.69 (RRP) http://www.burtsbees.co.uk/

Label M sea salt spray - £12.25 Toni&Guy

St Ives scrub - £5.09 at Superdrug

Charles Worthington - £1.99 (travel size) at Superdrug

Eye revitaliser - £11.00 at Body Shop

Dry Shampoo cherry- £2.99 at boots

Satsuma body butter - £12.50 (lasts ages) at Body Shop

Ready to go

After a very long time, I'm finally in the mood to get back to blogging. So much went on and I just lost the with of doing anything. I,m not going to dwell on anything, as things are slowly starting to get better and for some reason today I just got the urge to make a post. So without further ado, I'm just going to start off making some pretty run of the mill posts and try and really make something out of it this time.