Tuesday, 30 September 2014

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)

6 - Astral
7 - Celestial 
  

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!



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.





Friday, 5 September 2014

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.

Monday, 1 September 2014

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!


♥♥♥






Friday, 22 August 2014

Rainbows and Unicorns ♥

I try to keep my style as fun and colourful as possible, especially in the summer! I love the quirkiness of this dress, i found wearing it out caught a few people's attention, obviously because they're jealous and want one. But in all seriousness i think your never too old to work quirky pieces into your wardrobe weather they include rainbows, unicorns etc etc!













Outfit - 

Dress Ebay
♥ Cropped Cardigan - Primark
FedoraMissguided
Boots - Amazon

Sunglasses - Primark
Choker - Amazon
Feather Necklace - Forever 21
Satchel - Primark
Heart Earrings - Primark (Pack of 6)
Cat Ring - Amazon
Daisy Ring - Forever 21

Make Up - 

Benefit The Porefessional - Primer
Supergoop! CC Cream - Coverage
Smashbox High Definition Concealer 
Benefit Stay Don't Stray - Eye Primer

Bourjois Smoky Eyes Trio - Gris Dandy ( I used the shimmery white as my base and to highlight the inner corners of my eyes. Apologies for the state of it, its seen better days!)

Make Up Revolution Pure Pigment - Hysteria (I worked this pigment into my lid starting from the corner and up half way to create a gradient effect, keeping my corner quite dark.)
  ♥ e.l.f Flawless Eyeshadow - Party Purple (I worked this into my crease and also under my bottom lashes.)

♥ Lord & Berry Kohl Eyeliner 
♥ Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner ( To line my lash line and create flicks!)
Eyelash Curlers - Forever 21
Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Mascara
♥ e.l.f Lenghting & Defining Mascara 

e.l.f Tone Correcting Powder
♥ e.l.f Studio Eyebrow Kit
♥ Maybelline Baby Lips Electro - Berry Bomb
e.l.f Make Up Mist & Set (To keep all my make up in place and looking lovely!)







Wednesday, 20 August 2014

My First Birchbox! ♥



Recently i signed up to Birchbox, a monthly beauty subscription box! For those of you who don't know, the box comes with 4 to 5 good sized luxury samples, tips and tricks that link with the season of that month. My first box was the July Sun, Sea & Sand, although if your wondering why i'm delayed with this review it is because i didn't receive it till August, and i wanted to try the products out properly before saying what i think!

I joined personally because my interest for the world of beauty has grown significantly over the last year; wanting to stray away slightly from drugstore make up and products into the wonderful world of higher end beauty products! (Nothing against drugstores, i love me some Superdrug and Boots!) 

The great thing about Birchbox is it gives me the ability to try new samples from the higher end, before committing to buying full sized products!



On the back of each monthly welcome card, Birchbox provides information on each sample i have received, plus the price of each product's full size.



I love the theme of this box, its so colourful and summery! It came with five cards, covered in ways to use each product, make up and beauty ideas and even inspiration for things to do with your summer. 


Everything with in the box is enclosed in a simple fabric bag, with the Birchbox logo on each side.


A 7.5ml tube of the highly raved about Benefit The Porefessional was the first item that caught my eye, as i've been wanting to try it out for sooo long, although always discourage by the price. 

To be honest, i don't see what so amazing about it? Yes, it feels lovely when rubbing it into my skin, silky almost. But as a primer solely on it own, i found it quite drying especially in my T-zone. Although when using over a moisturizing primer i do see a difference to using it on its own, and with a little powder to set it creates a nice natural coverage.

I like how it feels, its smells fresh, for these reasons alone i will continue to use the rest, but when it comes to thinking about repurchasing i don't think i will, but its been nice to finally try it out!


So many great things to say about this hand cream! Basically, the creators have taken that lovely summery fresh beach smell and mixed it into a moisturizing hand cream. I've used the product almost everyday, as i just can't get enough of the beach inspired scent. It moisturizes wonderfully and has definitely worked its way up to favourite status for this summer!


I was excited to find a 7ml tube of the Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream in my box, as my eye bags have been a pain recently, self inflicted of course with these long summer nights (not complaining!). I've been using the cream in the morning and before bed for a good week and a half and honestly i can see a nice change, my eyes bags are basically none existent on a good day! 

I'll think about repurchasing, although eye creams are new to me, so i may do some more research into other brands.


This LAQA & CO. Lip Lube in the shade Bees Knees is just gorgeous! I love the metallic packaging, the minty fresh scent and the sample size is great, i don't think it far off being full sized. The Lip Lube is moisturizing, and the fresh coral colour is versatile making it wearable through out the day with subtle make up, then built up at night time with a more dramatic eye.


SOIGNE Boutique nail varnishes are so beautiful, i always look at them in aw when seeing them around, although not owning any myself. Thanks to Birchbox, now i do! They sent me this beautiful bright orange in the shade Persimmon, not necessarily a shade i would pick myself but none of the less i love it, i think the bright colour is perfect for summer and can work its way into Autumn too.

The packaging is so simplistic and classic, if i didn't know of the brand i would of thought it was a fancy perfume sample!


Birchbox also offer a little extra in your box, i chose a life style extra and got sent Chai Shots. Small seeds that can be sprinkled on to everyday meals like cereal, salad and in soup etc. They have barely any taste but offer great benefits displayed on the card above. These tiny seeds have become a part of my everyday, i've recently bought a big jar from Tesco!



I signed up to the Birchbox newsletter a month or so before i purchased my subscription as i noticed they offer extras when you sign up at certain times, keeping my eye on these till i found one that i thought seemed like a good deal.

 These 3 items came as extras when i signed up, a tiny Benefit Stay Don't Stray, a Kohl Black LORD & BERRY eyeliner and a Alima Pure loose eye shadow in the shade Chai, which is beautiful, giving a lovely golden shimmer to the eye. I thought these three little things where a nice addition to my first box and great way of saying welcome! 

Let me know in the comments if your thinking of joining or already are a member and whats your favourite product you've received so far!

Keep your eyes pealed for my review of my August Birchbox!

Have a lovely day!


♥♥♥

Sunday, 10 August 2014

e.l.f Haul ♥

I recently did some research into cheaper beauty dupes of various higher end products. E.l.f products popped up here an there a number of times, people mainly recommending their studio range. I was thrilled when heading over to their website finding there was 50% off... on everything! Typical me got too excited buying a small box full of products, instead of the 1 or 2 things i actually needed!

♥ Eyes 


I've been loving purples recently, so this 'Party Purple' compact palette is perfect! I love how each shadow is named in order of ways to apply. These shadows create a lovely vibrant eye, that can be made as subtle or as bold as you like, perfect for day to night. 



I have to be honest i wasn't expecting major results from the e.l.f 'lengthening and defining mascara' as it only cost £1.95, but i was pleasantly surprised! As you can see in the photos, my lashes are lengthened,well separated and this was achieved after only 2 coats!
I'd recommend trying it out, as it actually does what it says on the packaging and for the bargain price what do you have to lose?!


♥ Lips 


I love love love this lipstick! When organizing my collection the other day i came to the realization that i didn't own a matte red lipstick, all the more reason to buy one! What i like about this is the sleek pen like applicator, making it super easy to precisely fill in my lips. The moisture of the lipstick is just right and the staying power is amazing! I wore it out for lunch, a burger,salad, plus a coffee later and it stayed put.(Note to all this is normally how i tested the staying power of lipsticks; if they can last while i stuff my face, they're good!)

A dupe of the Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg $26.00 = £15.50



I'm a lipstick gal all the way, so when it comes to lipglosses i'm hesitant as the few i have tried got sticky and felt uncomfortable because of this when wore for a long period of time. For a steal price of £1.95 i thought i'd give one ago! The texture of the gloss is smooth and not too thick, which i find is normally the quality that makes a lipgloss sticky. I got mine in the colour joy, mainly because it looked lilac on the webpage, but is actually quite a neutral pink in person. I think it will be perfect as the finishing touch over various lipsticks!

This gloss resembles the Stila Lip Glazes which cost $22.00 = £13.12.


♥ Face  


I slipped up a little when buying this item as i thought it was a powder.. no Kim its a cream foundation, read woman! None of the less its a lovely constancy and the porcelain colour matches my skin tone almost perfectly. The case its self also contains a mirror and a compartment under the foundation with a sponge in, perfect for throwing in my bag to touch up on the go!



I've seen a few of these brightening/ tone correcting powders around the make up market, not really understanding how they worked as they're a variety of colours. I purchased the powder in the colour cool, which i find gives my light skin a nice radiant glow and a natural coverage. 

This powder is a more affordable dupe of the Bobbi Brown Brightening Finishing Powder in the shade Porcelain Pearl which costs a pricey £40.00! Why pay more when you get the same effect?



Filling in my brows is normally a quick process for myself, using a matte light brown eyeshadow. I've been interested to try out a brow gel for a while, so when i saw this gel and powder duo i had to snap it up! I found the shade light is perfect for my blondy brown brows, plus the case is comes with a built in mirror and double ended brush, making it easy to achieve strong defined eye brows!

A dupe of the highly raved about Benefit Brow Zings £24.50

♥ Studio Eyebrow Kit £3.95


Finally, i purchased the e.l.f setting spray, which really appealed to me because of all the beneficial ingredients 'Aloe, Green Tea, Cucumber, and Vitamins A, C & E'. It feels and smells super refreshing, and is true to what it says on the bottle!

Dupe of the Urban Decay All Nighter Long Lasting Setting Spray $14.00 (30ml) = £8.35 or $30.00 (120ml) = £17.89 
Many reviews say they can't tell the difference between the 2 products, which makes it a no brainer to go for the cheapest option, right? You get 60ml in the e.l.f bottle, that equivalent to 2 of the Urban Decay smaller bottles!


Overall i'm a huge fan of e.l.f make up and cosmetics, all items i have purchased i am thoroughly happy with as they are all high quality for such affordable prices! 

Let me know in the comments what your favourite affordable dupes are for higher end products, i'd be happy to hear and perhaps try them for myself!

Thanks for reading! Have a lovely day!








Wednesday, 23 July 2014

My Pamper Night Essentials ♥


I find pamper nights are the perfect pick me up, weather it be after a long weekend of partying or mid week to keep myself feeling refreshed and relaxed for the rest of the week!














Step 1 - Face Care

I find cleaning my face beneficial to do first, as i like to wear a face mask in the bath. I begin by gently exfoliating my face with my Nivea Gentle Exfoliating Scrub, this helps to remove dry skin and any excess make up i may have left behind. 

I then take my Nivea Daily Essentials 2 in 1 Cleanser and Toner. I find with this product a little goes along way, i tend to apply to my skin then leave for a couple of minute to let the product sink in.

I've been loving Superdrug's face masks recently as the few i have tried out have left my skin feeling baby soft! The mask i used here was the Anti-aging Moisture Mask, obviously aging isn't something i need to worry about, just yet! But i find moisture masks are perfect for my usually typically dry skin. I recommend picking up a few of the masks, there is a 3 for 2 offer on at the moment!


Step 2 - Bubble Bath

There's nothing like a hot bubble bath to relieve the body of stress and tension. Usually i create the bubbles using my smaller siblings bubble bath mix, just because it smells a-mazing and is pure to the skin. 

I wash my body with my exfoliating gloves, smothering them with my Dove Exfoliating Soap! Exfoliating gloves are a great and easy way to remove dry skin. This step is also important to do if you plan on applying tan, as it stops it from building up in dry areas.

For extra comfort i dot a few small candles around the bathroom and turn off the main bright light!



Step 3 - Silky Smooth Hair!

 I wash my hair with the John Frieda Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Conditioner and Shampoo, always rinsing thoroughly with the shower head. This product is great, the difference in my hair colour is amazing!












Step 4 - Moisturizing & Teeth Whitening!

I love the Garnier Summer Body Moisturizing Lotion in the colour Deep Sun-kissed Look. It has  such a fresh summer smell, moisturizes my skin beautifully and gives me a sun kissed glow after one application. If i would like a deeper tan for the next day i usually apply in the morning then before bed, this way my skin darkens while i sleep! I like to apply it straight after my bath to lock in moisture. 

I massage Soap & Glory's The Firminator into my knees, lower leg, bum and my inner thighs. This product smells so good! I've been using for about 3 and a half weeks now along side a moderate work out routine and i can definitely see a noticeably difference, especially to my bum!

I purchased a teeth whitening kit off of Amazon not thinking much of it as it only cost £8.00, but its great! I fill the two trays up with the whitening paste, place them in my mouth and the UV light in front, then leave them in for 20 minutes. White teeth is something i take seriously, because who doesn't want a beautiful smile?







Step 5 - Pajamas!

I fell in love with these adorable Gismo Gremlin pajamas when i saw them in primark and for a tiny price of £5.00, who wouldn't buy them?! They're a lovely lightweight fabric, perfect to throw on on a summer's night!






Step 6 - Hair Care

I spray John Frieda's Sheer Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray through out my towel dried hair, focusing mainly on my dip dyed ends. Using this product along side the Go Blonder shampoo and Conditioner has made my hair at least 4 shades lighter!

Although John Frieda products are great for lightening they lack when it comes to moisturizing my hair. So to keep my hair soft i spray Herbal Essences Bee Strong Leaving in Conditioner all over, again mainly focusing on the lighter ends.

Finally when my hair is almost dry i apply to pumps of Wella Oil to my hands, then rub it through out my hair!

I hope this post has gave you a insight into my pamper sessions and the product i like to use. Also i hope it has perhaps inspired you to treat yourself to a night of pampering every so often too!

♥♥♥