Thoughtful Thursdays | A Wander In The Autumn Air ♥

 Hello there all! A little late night blogging felt appropriate due to having a very all over the place sleeping pattern at the moment! 

Above are a few photos i captured last week on a walk with my Grandma, Lynda. I thought they were all far to beautiful to just sit in a folder, in my laptop as they just scream ''share me!''. 

How breathtakingly beautiful is Autumn?! The colours and Autumn feels never fail to amaze me, each year it always feels like the first time seeing it all! Lynda and i went on a simple stroll down to Coniston water, continuing on up a path into woods. As we're both a fan of photography, this presented the perfect opportunity to just have a little play around, shooting landscapes to extremely close up Autumn artifacts such as leaves and conkers. 

Lynda is very much like me, or i am very much like her i should say. We both have a very close eye for detail, which is a blessing i think as being able to notice everything means you'll never miss anything, textures, colours, things down low or up high etc etc.This quality comes in handy, especially when creative projects arise as inspiration is never far away.

This is the beginning of my Autumn series which means all my blog posts will have this theme until winter hits us. So keep your eyes pealed for that!

I hope you've enjoyed this photo-filled Autumn inspired blog post! Let me know in the comments what your favourite part of this time of year is, i'd love to hear!

(Disclaimer: Some to all of these photos have been altered and enchanted on Photoshop to make more visually stimulating. Also my Grandma prefers to be called by her real name rather than Grandma as it makes her feel old. Anyone else's? Haha.) 

♥ ♥ ♥  

Made Up Mondays | Pretty Pieces For A Pound ♥

Hello there all, happy Monday! I thought i'd share with you a little haul i recently did in my local Poundland. I'm impressed by a new line of jewelry they've brought out named Purple Ivy as there are a lot of cute pieces! Below are a few pieces that caught my eye based around this new Autumn season!

Aren't these necklaces just adorable? I couldn't help but get this simple leafy statement piece in silver and gold as i felt they'd add that lovely bit of Autumnal flare to any outfit! I especially love how they look with a dress, chunky knit cardigan, tights and some winter boots; very season appropriate if i do say so myself!

Layered necklaces are really in right now so you can imagine my excitement when i found this little beauty for only a pound! I like to wear it on the tightest loop so the shortest, smallest black stoned necklace becomes almost a choker. I think it looks very interesting layered over a plain racer crop top with a high waist skirt and some chunky heeled boots; a perfect going out combination!

This pack of 3 rings was a must buy for me as i had previously bought the necklace in the same style and received many complements. The pack comes with a lovely little turquoise bug, an orange circle with a bubbly heart with in, and a simple black stone. I love the main structure as its has a worn rustic feel to it, which i think is another perfect style for the Autumn season.

I've been meaning to buy some more middle sized earrings for a while as i love how they look when my hair is up in a pretty doo. The circular detailed earrings are what caught my eye as i liked the Indian style. I like to wear the black flowers in my second ear hole and the Indian style hoops in my first, i think it looks adorable and adds a nice amount of detail to my outfit of choosing!

I was surprised to find Sally Hansen nail polishes in Poundland as they normally cost a bit more. None of the less i picked up these two lovely Sugar Coat polishes in the shades 500 Razzle-berry (blue) and 400 Sweetie (yellow). I love the textured, rough effect they create on the nail as it something a little different to the normal smooth mani.

Finally i picked myself up a simple glass candle holder with a blue like sheen to it and a Mango & Papaya Scented Coley & Gill Pillar Candle because well i can always do with more candles and this one smelt A-mazing!

I hope you enjoyed this little Poundland haul, let me know in the comments if you've found yourself any gems in the cheap store, i'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading, have yourself a lovely day!

♥ ♥ ♥

September Birchbox Products Review ♥

Hello there lovelies! Its that time of month again where i express my thoughts on this wonderful beauty box that is Birchbox! 

This month's theme is Happy Days, which is to celebrate all our wonderful memories helping us subscribers sit back, relax and reminisce those wonderful happy memories what ever they may be. 

A memory i hold very dear in my heart was standing on Oxford Street in London last year. All the Christmas lights got turned on it was so magical and the happiness i felt at that moment was truly amazing. I had that fluttery butterfly feeling in my stomach like a small child gets on Christmas Eve. It was breath taking and surely something i'll never forget.

I also love to think back to and flick through the pictures from my first year at university, trips away and family events from through out the years. It's so crazy to see how much everyone has changed and where we all in life now. But i'm grateful for all the memories as they've shaped me into the person i am today! 
Anyway lets get into the products!

I feel i need to start this month's review with my first dislike i have ever receive in a Birchbox. The Beauty Blender is highly praised and rated high in the beauty community. Yes its okay for blending your foundation or concealer and creates quite a nice natural dewy complexion, although i feel i can achieve this look just as well with my Real Techniques Stippling brush.

The thing that has made me rate this low is due to only getting to use it a couple of times before finding a few small black dots scattered around the sponge when i went to use it again. 
I instantly went to Google to see if anyone else had experienced these mysterious black spots. All the post i could find told me it was mold! Which shocked me as i had washed and dried the Beauty Blender like your suppose too and i left it on my dressing table to air out. I research how i could perhaps free it of the mold although all answers came back to its not possible, a last i'll have to throw it away!

If any of you have experience this Beauty Blender mishap please let me know. I'm not too upset due to not actually buying it for the extortionate price of £26.00, but it is slightly annoying i only got a couple of uses out of it!

Yaay another Benefit product and an eye cream too! I can't get enough of trying eye creams due to having eye bags from hell most days, so i was excited to try this out. 

It is a light green creamy substance that feels very refreshing when applied. I've been using it in my night time routine and I've seen a nice difference to my morning eyes, they're less puffy on my top lids and some darkness is reduced although i continue to fight the darkness!

Arrrr what a nice simple body moisturizer, as they should be with so many beneficial ingredients. My skin felt so soft after applying a thin layer of this, especially my legs. I've been told they feel as soft as a babies bum, which is a great complement! 

I enjoy the smell as it reminds me of men's aftershave with a citrusy hint which i find quite refreshing and comforting. If only the sample was a little bigger as I've pretty much used the whole bottle from a couple of full body coverings, i may be purchasing more...

I enjoy hair oils as they tend to calm my lion like locks down and add that much needed shine. I really love this Agave Healing Oil as only a 5p size amount warmed in the palm of my hands is enough to create a nourished shine and also holds down any flyaways!

The Mexican blue agave is known as the main source of tequila which is amazing that it can be used to lift our hair as well as our souls! It is also wonderful that it can be used as a body oil too, although i don't think this tiny sample could stretch that far.

My favourite is to be saved till last of course! The MODELCO Powerlash Black Mascara is A-mazing! A couple of coats is enough to create thick long fake looking lashes that truely stand out!

 Its not like a lot of mascaras where you have to use them a couple of times for the consistency to build up to its full potential. From the moment i unscrewed the top it worked like a dream! I'd love to repurchase this beautiful mascara, although the £24.00 price tag puts me off just a little! I may just save up them wonderful Birchbox points and treat myself as this is definitely the best I've EVER used.

This month's life style extras include a cute little Happy Days photo clip which adds a lovely bit of cuteness to my shelf next to my nail polishes and also a snack pack of the Urban Fruit Smashing Strawberry bits. I didn't really enjoy the Urban Fruit i have to say, the dried strawberry pieces are far too sweet for my liking and the wrinkly texture really didn't do much for me!

I hope you enjoyed this months post, apologies for rambling on about the Beauty Blender! Tell me in the comment one of your fondest memories? I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading, have yourself a lovely day!

♥ ♥ ♥

September Favourites! ♥

Hey there! Can i get a woop woop for my first ever favourite's post? Hehe! I've been loving so many things in the month of September, so what better way to celebrate them than sitting down and praising!

♥ Skincare -

Vasanti BrightenUp!

This trio have been firm favourites due to simply making my skin look and feel amazing! The Vasanti BrightenUp! facial scrub came in a previous Birchbox (August's i believe) and I've been in love since. I simply rub it into my wet face, focusing on my t-zone to remove any impurities and wash off. Bam! My face feels like a babies bum!

B.Pure Micellar Water

I've been wanting to try out a Micellar Water cleanser for a while due to hearing they're soft and beneficial to the skin. This B.Pure one caught my eye in Superdrug as it was on offer, plus the packaging is very sleek. I swipe a cotton pad across my face with a few drops on at night, which simply and easily removes any make up i may have missed when removing with a baby wipe. It has a mild fresh cucumber scent which i like as scented face products tend to make my eyes water.

Clean & Clear Blackhead Clearing Cleanser

This product is an old favourite from a couple of years back, but i'm so happy i rediscovered it. I wipe it onto my nose, forehead and chin as they are the places that tend to get the pesky little black heads. I notice fewer black heads every time i use it!

♥ Make Up - 

♥ Face: 

Another perfect combo! The NYX Above & Beyond Full Coverage Concealer and e.l.f HD Mattifying Cream Foundation are all i need to cover any imperfections and create a flawless finish. I have both in the shade fair, which matches my light skin perfectly. 

I find this NYX Concealer is very similar to the Benefit Erase Paste, which is great as both offer a thick coverage when layered, perfect to cover up my angry eye bags. I would  recommend giving this a try if your a fan of the Benefit concealer, as i said they are very similar and you could end up saving yourself some pennies!

The e.l.f HD Mattifying Cream Foundation is wonderful as it lasts all day. I apply a thin layer with a foundation brush then buff out with my Real Techniques' Stippling Brush. 

e.l.f Studio Tone Correcting Powder

Oh i love this powder, i do i do i do. I bought it not really understanding how it would work, thinking it'd make my face into a rainbow. I use the shade cool, which is just a very light powder. I find it great to use to set foundations that are slightly too dark for my skin as it evens everything out.

These three eyeshadows have been my favourite go to colours for the past month, due to getting into the new Autumn season, which i'm super excited about as darker Autumn orientated make up and clothes are exceptable again! 

All three are from the Make Up Revolution Out Of This World Collection, which i mentioned in my last blog post. I use the shimmery rusty brown colour all over my lids and under my bottom lash line. I think this looks so pretty and really complements my blue eyes. The black with gold shimmer to the corners of my eyes and in my crease to give the look a bit more depth. Finally i take the shimmery white and apply it to the corner of my eyes to brighten up the look.

Make Up Revolution Salvation Palette

I'm having so much fun with this palette, the colours are so beautiful and pigmented and there are endless looks to be created! I've created a few bright looks, including rainbow eyes which everyone seemed to like. If your interested in seeing how i did it feel free to tell me so in the comments, i'll try get a post up if you are!

The Chella Ivory Lace Highlighter Pencil is one of those simple yet important product i'm not sure how i lived without! I use it to highlight under my eyebrows which doesn't sound like a big deal, but when I've done so my eyebrows look so much more defined and my eyes appear lifted. I also love using it as an eyeliner on natural make up days, as it opens my eyes up wonderfully.

MODELCO Power Lash Black Mascara. I received this in last month's Birchbox and i'm sooo in love! It makes my eyelashes so long and thick you'd think they were fake! I really don't want it to run out as i don't feel i can justify spending £24.00 on a full sized mascara... Although i might save up some more points and treat myself!

This simple Maybelline Brown Eyeliner has been a favourite as i feel it creates a more subtle look when used on the water line and to create a more messy smokey effect on my top lash line, rather than using a black eyeliner.

I've been pretty much been wearing this Make Up Revolution Matte lipstick in the shade Fusion everyday for the last month. Its the perfect dark berry Autumn colour that pretty much goes with any eye look i decide to create. I tend to wear it quite light through out the day then layer up for a darker look at night.

♥ Nails - 

These are the colours that have been on my nails through out September, Revlon Raspberry Scone (love cute nail polish names!) and Soigne Persimmon. I associate both colours with the fall season so they're prefect for now.

The weathers cooling down and the rains been making almost daily appearances so its been time to bring out the Winter boots! I bought these off JustFab, they're great looking strong leather boots that can with stand the rain and mud. I like the buckle and studs detailing it gives them a nice edgy look. I went for the all black option then i can wear them with pretty much anything.

♥ Music - 

This album is gold, there isn't one song on it i don't like. Sam sings with so much passion and beauty, i could listen to him all day long. I was a fan before the album came out, so i feel so happy i have the deluxe copy on my iTunes now. My favourite songs on the album are Leave Your Lover, Restart, Good Thing, I'm Not The Only One, and Reminds Me Of You.

I've become a huge fan of Sia recently, i think she's incredibly talented and i love how her short blonde bob is the thing that defines her look. When she performs and gets interviewed she faces her back to the audience as she prefers not to be judged on the way she looks, which is a great refreshing concept in this day.

This album is inspired by the troubles and emotions she has been experiencing, which i think is great fuel for some strong songs. My favourite songs on the album are Big Girls Cry, Elastic Heart, Chandelier, Burn The Pages and Fire Meet Gasoline.

♥ Website - 

I thought i'd include this in my favourites as i feel its earned it, the amount of things I've bought off Everything5Pounds in the past month! It's a wonderful site where every item is only £5.00, hence the name! They sell tops, skirts, dresses, SHOES, bags, Menswear etc. Everything i'I've bought is amazing quality for the price, especially the shoes. I don't really understand how they can sell them for so cheap... but i'm not complaining!

If your thinking of checking the site out, just keep in mind you do have to look through the pages a bit to find items that are relevant for now. Although if you visit the new arrival page that's where they all tend to be. Like something? Snap it up fast, once things are gone, they're gone and they don't restock.

I'm planning on doing a collective haul to show what bargains i've picked up off the site, so keep your eyes pealed for that!

Thank you for reading, have a lovely day!

♥♥♥

Make Up Revolution Haul♥

Oh my make up goodness! I have endlessly good things to say about this brand! The products are great quality, pigmented, and super affordable just to name a few.

Above are a few items i picked up on the Make Up Revolution website and also in Superdrug.

♥ Lips - 

These lipsticks are amazing. I was skeptical on how the quality was going to be as they only cost £1 each, but i had no need to be! They're pigmented, have great wear-ability and smell sweet like vanilla. I picked a mixture of different colours up as i felt they could all work for different situations and events.

Blue Lipstick - Immoral

Purple Lipstick - Depraved

Pink Lipstick - Enchant

Blood Red Matte Lipstick - Fusion

Almost Black Lipstick - 100% Vamp

♥ Eyes - 

Make Up Revolution have such a large array of single eye shadows and palettes to pick from making it a long but fun process picking out my favourites. I am extremely happy with the pigmentation of all these eyeshadows and the diverse looks that can be created with them!

I bought the Out Of This World Eyeshadow Collection as i couldn't just pick a couple of the merged eyeshadows, i needed them all! The great thing is if you buy a whole collection on their site they tend to have a deal. The deal for this collection was buy all 8 for £9.00 and get 2 of them free, which is great as it saves you £3.00!

(In Picture order)

1 - Blue Planet

2 - Heavenly 

3 - Starburst

4 - Moon Dust 

5 - Limitless

6 - Astral

7 - Celestial 

8 - Galactic

  

♥ Full Out Of This World Collection

The Colour Chaos Palette is probably the brightest I've even owned, as i tend to keep my eyes quite neutral. Although i felt like stepping out of my comfort zone and seeing what looks i could create with such a colour filled palette!

The palette consists of 18 eyeshadows, some matte and some shimmery and also an double ended sponge applicator and a large mirror for applying/ touching up on the go!

♥ Salvation Palette Colour Chaos

I added to my cart the £1.50 Amazing Lengths Mascara. Just like everything else it did not disappoint, the applicator is plastic and thin with even strands that separate my eyelashes perfectly and help to create a nice amount of length. The mascara can also be built up for a fuller look.

♥ Amazing Lengths Mascara

♥♥♥

50 Random Facts About Me ♥

I thought it'd be nice to share a little light on the things that make up me, as i haven't really done so yet. 

1. Full Name? Kimberley Elizabeth Askew.

2. My Age? 20 years young.

3. Zodiac Sign? Sagittarius, which actually fit quite perfectly.

4. Fears? Spiders, Dragon flies... Honestly any kind of bug. Heights.

5. 3 Things i Love? My Family/Friends, colour, fashion/ beauty.

6.Last song i Listened to? Sunday Candy - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment

7. Any pets? A cat, Pepsi and a new Springier Spaniel puppy, Bella.

8. What am i wearing? Pj bottoms with cats on and a Gremlins tank top.

9.How tall are am i? 5ft 5

10.Ever been in love? No.

11. Any tattoos? Nope. Really like the idea of one though, although i'll have to be a 1000% sure on what i want, as if i wasn't i'd want it off again in a couple of weeks!

12. Any piercings? Yes, just 2 in each ear.

13. favourite TV show? Dexter for sure, TV is such a struggle now the series has finished. I just can't find anything that lives up to the brilliance! I also love American Horror Story, and Dance Moms!

14. favourite Bands? Imagine Dragons, The 1975, You Me At Six, Fall Out Boy, Bastille, The Lumineers, Maroon 5.

15. Something i miss? My dog, Tia :(

16. Favourite song? At the moment its Sunday Candy - Donnie Trumpet & The Social Experiment, its super fun and makes me feel so happy! An all time favourite is The House That Built Me - Miranda Lambert.

17. Qualities i look for in a partner? Funny, genuine, not afraid to be weird, passion, caring.

18. Favourite quote? ''Never let the fear of striking out, keep you from playing the game.'' - A Cinderella Story. It may seem cheesy, but its a quote that's stuck with me since i was a little girl, i think it has great meaning.

19. Favourite colour? This is actually a pretty tough question for me because i'm in love with colour, its hard to just pick one... I love blue but the colour of last summer has been lilac, i can't get enough of it!

20. Loud or soft music? Depending on my mood. Getting ready for a night out, cleaning, feeling a little crazy = loud. Chilling, hungover, studying = Soft.

21. How long does it take me to shower? 15-20 minutes, perhaps longer if i'm treating my hair.

22. How long does it take me to get ready in the morning? Hahaha, personally i love to do my hair and make up all pretty on a day to day basis, because that's what makes me feel good. depending on what extent i go to on this time wise the process can't range from 20 minutes to an hour.

23. Have i ever been in a physical fight? No, thank god. I'm a lover not a fighter.

24. Turn on? I think the way to my heart is someone who can make me laugh. Someone who, when i talk to them it feels as though we are the only two people there in a crowded room. Smelling amazing is a definite winner too.

25. Turn off? Cockiness, bad body odour, selfish.

26. The reason i started a blog? To document my day to day style and interests.

27. Last thing that made me cry? Not being able to sleep.

28.  Last time i said i loved someone(s)? Last night, to my family :')

29. I'm a super empathetic person. I hate to see people in pain or unhappy. Most likely if someone is crying i will cry with them.

30. Last book i read? The Fault In Our Stars - John Green

31. Last TV show i watched? Dance Moms

32. Any Siblings? Brother Alex, 21, Brother Harry, 8, Sister Lola, 2.

33. The relationship between me and the last person i texted? Friends.

34. Favourite food? CHINESE. Mmm salt and pepper ribs/ chips.

35. Places i want to travel? New York, LA, Nashville, Rome, Cyprus.

36. Favourite Cereal? Sugar Puffs.

37. Do i have a crush? Nope.

38. Last time i kissed someone? A couple of weekends ago?

39. Last time i was insulted? Today, i have brothers. Its a day to day thing haha.

40. Last person i talked to? A fabulous friend!

41. favourite flavour of icecream? Bubblegum.

42. Do i play any instruments? Nope. I've always wanted to learn guitar though, i think its a beautiful instrument.

43. Favourite piece of clothing? DRESSES! I love dresses, i have a ridiculous amount but they're all beautiful.

44. Do i smoke? No.

45. Last song i sang? I'd Lie - Taylor Swift

46. Last time i hung out with someone? Saturday.

47. Favourite city? Newcastle. I lived there the past year, its a beautiful fun filled place!

48. Favourite season? Autumn/winter. 

49. What size are my feet? 6

50. What is my favourite flower? Daisies.

August Birchbox Products Review ♥

This month's theme is 'Away We Go!' supplying me with products that are orientated around going away during the summer. Personally i haven't had the opportunity to travel anywhere hot this year, but thankfully we've had some hot days here in the UK, so these products have come in handy none of the less.

It seems right to begin this post with my favourite product i received. This Vasanti BrightenUp! exfoliating cleanser works wonders for my skin, as i have naturally dry skin mainly in my T-zone area. The Micro-crystals and other beneficial ingredients completely freshen up my skin removing dry skin, impurities and any left over make up i may of missed. 

I haven't been using the product everyday, as i don't feel like it is necessary but on days where i feel like i need a little more appose to my everyday cleanser, this is the product i reach for! I will definitely consider treating myself to a full sized bottle when i'm finished with my sample, it's great!

I was a bit hesitant to try this product out, as it is an oil which is something i wouldn't normally purchase myself, fearing it'll make my skin greasy. Although i put these feelings aside and tried it out anyways. Using the product on its own after cleansing didn't quite moisturize my skin effectively, so i find it works best when i apply my everyday moisturizer over the top. 

I've been using this product now every morning after my cleansing routine for about 2 and a half weeks, and i can definitely see a change in my skin. It looks so much healthier and happier. When it comes to repurchasing i'm going to have to give it a pass as a full size bottle is £58, which personally is a little out of budget!

The Number 4 Lumiere d'hiver Super Comb & Protect spray is a nice all rounder, supplying my hair with everything it needs to look more appealing and tamed. I especially like that it protects my hair from sea salt and chlorine, meaning my hair doesn't feel like straw after a dip in the pool or sea!

I've been using the Supergoop! CC Cream on hot days due to it having a built in high SPF 35 sunscreen, which i think is fantastic for something that offers coverage too! I have been using the product as a primer although it says its both primer and foundation, but i don't feel it give me as much coverage as i would like, so i just apply a small amount of my usual foundation over top, giving me a flawless finish.

I appreciate that Birchbox sent me two of the 3 ml tubes as they sure to last me a while!

I quite simply love this highlighter pencil. I apply it to any dark areas, mainly under my eyes, on my cupid's bow and to highlight my brow bone then gently blend with my ring finger. The natural 'Ivory Lace' Shade matches my light skin tone perfect and instantly makes me look so much more awake!

I am so pleased with the generous size of this sample, which is definitely going to last me a good while.

This month's extra was a chapter of The Proposal by Tasmina Perry. It is a romantic novel, which deals with love, adventure and betrayal. I feel this small sample hasn't swayed me enough to buy the full copy, although it was a nice little read in the sun. Book wise i tend to go for ones that offer mystery and suspense; those books that you just can't put down because you always want to know whats going to happen next! 

Overall its been another successful month, i can't wait to see what September brings!

Let me know in the comments what has your favourite product(s) been this summer? 

P.s i like to upload my Birchbox reviews at the end of each month as it gives me time to try and test each product thoroughly, this way i can give an honest full opinion. :)

Have a wonderfully day!

♥♥♥