A Day In York

A little over a month ago I took a trip to York with my parents and I got some lovely pictures all taken on my iPhone 5, which I had recently gotten. I was really impressed with the quality of the photos as my normal blog pictures are taken on my DSLR. Anyhoo here are the pictures and I hope you enjoy!

See you soon and stay insane!

April Favourites

I know I've been MIA recently but je suis back with an oldie but a goodie - a monthly favourites!

Dior Nude Skin BB cream

I got this for Christmas and I love it! Such a light base but gives a good amount of coverage for a BB cream. Yes it's expensive but it would be a nice treat for yourself for not crying at work if you had a bad day haha. A cheaper alternative is the Bourjois '123 Perfect' CC cream :)

L'Oreal Brow Artist Plumper

I can't stress how much I love this product! It gives my brows colour and texture so they don't look so 'fake'. It has an OK colour range but the brown suits me well. I would recommend taking off the excess like you would with a lipgloss because too much and it can get krispy like a donut (get it? No? Ok)

Sleek 'Face Form' Kit

I've been using this for a while and barely made a dint in it - excellent colour pigmentation! The blush and highlight are shimmery without being 90s tacky sparkle and for the price is so good. Bravo Sleek, bravo.

Una Brennan Cleansing Oil

I bought this on recommendation from Essie Button on YouTube and I agree with everything she said! It has a zingy citrus scent that leves your skin refreshed and plump. It takes off makeup very well, and no matter how tired I am it is faster than makeup wipes so it's a win win!

Umberto Giannini 'Curl Friends' range

If you have curly hair you know my struggle. You want to embrace the curls but they never look like the tousled tresses that you see on Tumblr. But alas I have found a shampoo, conditioner and hair oil that make my curls smooth and bouncy without weighing them down! Tumblr fame here I come.

Neutrogena 'Fast Absorbing' Hand Cream

I have v v v dry hands so something that is hella moisturising and doesn't leave my hands greasy is the perfect product for me. Also love the pump dispenser - makes it so easy so use!

Topshop Kohl in 'Hear Me Roar'

Speaking of 90s tacky sparkle, I bought a blue eyeliner so I can be so indie and cool. It stays on well and I love the two tones of blue that I like to blend for an ombré effect.

Marmalade of London 'Seville Orange & Clementine' Candle

Dis candle doe. If you don't like sickly sweet candles this is the one for you! It scent is fresh and makes me room smell nice without it even burning - so worth the price!

George Orwell - 1984

I am trying to become more cultural in my book selection instead of reading teen romance all the time (which ngl are still amaze). It's basically the concept of Big Brother and although I'm not finished I'm really enjoying it. The writing style is easy to read (unlike F Scott Fitzgerald u bitch) and well worth picking up!

Catfish and the Bottlemen - The Balcony 

I LURVE the album so much! It's got the right balance of chill songs and let's let our teenage angst out right this second songs; they play some of the songs at work and it makes me so happy and sassy.

So that is my monthly favourites! I hope you enjoyed them and comment below your favourites and if we have any the same. I will try to get back on the blogging hype because lets be honest I'm not busy really lol.

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

Music Of The Month: January

Music is a passion of mine. I can't breathe without it. Not a day goes by when I don't plug myself into my little world where Ed Sheeran sings love songs to me, or I indulge in my teenage angst with the Prodigy. Because it's something I'm passionate about I want to share it with you so each month I'm going to tell you my top 3 musicians I've been loving. 

Ed  Sheeran - X

Words can't describe my love for this man. This album has the right balance of upbeat and mellow songs that take you on a journey through the album; each one can mean something different to each person. I saw him in October last year and he was the best live act I've seen - he's funny yet sincere and his voice is on point. My favourite song is 'Tenerife Sea', along with all of the other ones really. So, so beautiful.  

Saint Raymond EPs

They toured with Ed Sheeran and I've been obsessed ever since. I recently bought their EPs (they don't have a full album out yet) and they're so so good! They're quite dancy and always put me in a good mood so definitely a one to check out.

Shannon Saunders EPs 

Another one who doesn't have a full album out yet but I'm really excited for. I can't remember how I found her but her voice is just so smooth and I love her tone. She's amazing at the guitar but also does some more electronic stuff. 

Any new recommendations would be much appreciated so leave them in the comments below! 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

5 Things for 2015

I don't plan to make resolutions this year, more goals. With resolutions I tend to be negative and set things that start with 'don't' and 'stop' which makes them harder to achieve. So today I am going to set 5 goals that may (or may not) actually carry through.

1. Go to university

2. Push myself to do new things

3. Be a little bit less bitchy

4. Try to find my style (both fashion and art)

5. Find a sport or exercise that I enjoy

Let's see if this works yeah?

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

Lord&Berry Crayon Lipstick in 'Vertige'

OH HEY so this is a thing that I used to do. Yes I am back and I bring good news in the form of a (wait for it) holy grail lip product - it really is that good. 

So as I was having a wander round Boots, I had the sudden urge to buy a bold lip product. Being a neutral lip girl this was a big step for me but as I was looking I stumbled across the Lord&Berry stand . And oh what a good discovery that was.

This is one of their crayon lipsticks in the shade 7805 'Vertige' (I can't find this shade on the website but 'Fire' is very similar). It's a fiery red matte crayon with an orange undertone and amazing staying power.   

I've been wearing this the past few days and I'm very impressed; I can have a meal or a drink and about 90% of it is still there. It doesn't bleed, is easy to apply and is very opaque. The only thing I would say is that your lips must be moisturised because it clings to dry parts but very few matte lipsticks don't for the £10 I payed for it. 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

'Lads'

Ahh that mystical species we call the 'lad'. That other half of the population that some people eventually call 'my other half'. 

Short story short - they boggle me. 

I reckon most of us have heard of the book 'Men Are From Mars' which talks about the psychological differences between men and women and I think that book hits the proverbial nail on the head. I'm not here to boast about all my past relationships (of which I have none) but just to merely put it out there that I don't think I'll ever understand the male species. 

I mean one minute they're saying 'oh I love you, we need to go out, I love speaking to you' blah blah blah then the next minute they won't reply to messages and have blocked you from their lives, leaving you sitting there, Ben&Jerry's in hand, wondering what the hell you did wrong. 

So then you start to blame yourself; of course you came on too strong and of course you shouldn't have told them about your irrational fear of potatoes (for example). You then think it's because you were too fat for them, that they didn't like your hair or thought your ears were too big for your nose. And obviously you believe it because why would they have left if they didn't think that??

All I'm saying is that often their behaviour doesn't correspond with their actual thoughts, what with hormones raging and all that, thus making it incredibly difficult for girls to keep up. Not that I'm saying girls make it easy for guys to keep up but that's a completely different can of worms.

I just want a bit more clarity; down with the cryptic signals that befuddle people all over the world. From now on, if you like someone, SAY SO! If you decide it's not working, SAY SO! Don't just leave without an answer; it's rude and causes unnecessary hurt. 

I feel I should end this post with, 'am i right ladies?' (please say I am)

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

Scars

Everybody has scars. 

Whether they're from an accident, acne or something else, everyone has them. And FYI, they're totally ok!

I have three notable scars. One is from pouring tea on myself (yes I can be that stupid), one is from a friction burn from go-karting (my most recent escapade) and one is from where my Mum accidentally head-butted me and burst my top lip. Hardcore, I know. 

Although mine are not from anything serious, they're still a mark on my body. And I sort of love them; they are a piece of my life, a little insight into what I've done. 

I know some people really hate their scars and I guess I'm lucky in that the one on my face is barely visible now because it was so long ago. 

I want people to embrace their scars; they're fascinating to me and they don't make you any less beautiful. If someone makes a comment about them that's derogatory then they can f**k off (no other word was as expressive, sorryy) because their opinion doesn't matter. If a girlfriend or boyfriend makes you feel down about them, tell them to stop or leave the relationship; if they're making you feel sad then you don't need them in your life. 

My message will forever be; love yourself. 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

The Miracle Dress

Today I wanted to show you a dress; it has fast become the pièce de résistance of my wardrobe. As simple as it may look, it really is my miracle dress. It hangs beautifully, it has subtle details and goes with pretty much anything. 

I love you, miracle dress.

Dress - Topshop (£28)

Jumper - French Connection (stolen from my Mum, now mine)

Shoes - Topshop (£8 in sale)

Sunglasses - a theme park in the Netherlands

Long necklace - Mint Velvet

Short necklace - Spanish market

Left hand ring - Urban Outfitters 

Right hand rings - Mum's and Pandora

Nail varnish - Barry M 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

A Little Pep Talk

Let's discuss you. Or maybe you don't want to, that is also fine my friends. But I'd like to make a few points that I've learnt over the past year.

1. 'People Care About People Who Care About Themselves' 

I do love a good Miss Congeniality 2 quote (don't we all) and although this is probably the vainest way of putting it, she has a point. If you don't look after yourself and love yourself, it is much much harder for anyone else to. Confidence isn't something you can buy; it's something you have to build within yourself with your own blood, sweat and tears - sorry to break it to you but it often gets worse before it gets better so be prepared for a few down-in-the-dumps feelings until you emerge a social butterfly. 

2. 'We don't have to take our clothes off to have a good time, ohhnoo' 

God I'm on fire with quotes today. It also shows my backlog of 80s dance knowledge. But as unrelated as Jermaine Stewart's lyrics might sound, I promise they aren't. I take these lyrics to mean that you shouldn't have to change yourself to make people like you. For example, you shouldn't have to smoke, take drugs or drink purely to fit in. If you want to do it, crack on although I wouldn't recommend it as your internet mother. But the point still stands that you need to be comfortable in yourself and what you're doing otherwise you'll be a smidge miserable. 

3. Listen to Destiny's Child, it makes you feel sassy

This one's not really serious but I'm currently listening to Destiny's Child - Lose My Breath and I honestly feel I could take on the world. I'm not saying you have to listen to Destiny's Child when you need a pick me up, but find some music that makes you want to dance like mad and feel instantly better. Music is food for the soul so feed your soul with so many different types; do NOT just stick to just one genre! 

I hope this was helpful in some way :)

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

August Favourites

I'm going to start picking a selection of stuff I've loved every month and sharing them with you all. 

Jeans - Gap 1969 'Sexy Boyfriend'

These jeans are part of 5 new styles they brought in this Summer in a selection of stores. I got mine from York for £49.95 (I think; they don't have these ones on the website)and I've worn them so much with the Ralph Lauren belt pictured. Really comfy and go with everything. Bravo.

Book - 'How To Build A Girl' by Caitlin Moran

Blummin hilarious. Moran has a very dry sense of humour which I also have and find really funny. I'm three quarters of the way through and I'm loving it a lot.

Perfume - 'Ricci Ricci' by Nina Ricci (eau de parfum)

I'm not an avid perfume wearer but I like this one enough to talk about it. The website describes it as; a fresh, floral, sensual perfume created for the modern, urban heroine. Sounds like the perfect one for me as a modern, urban heroine *hair swish*.

Foundation - Max Factor Whipped Creme in 40

Ermageursch this foundation is everything I need; light texture, buildable coverage and makes my skin look fabbity fab. I couldn't ask for more for £9.99. 

Floppy hat - Forever 21

As hats are all the rage and I like them anyway, I bought this felt floppy hat for £7 and it's been great for all my bad hair days (which is errday).

Jewellery - no idea as it's my Mum's or from all over the world

As the weather has cooled slightly I've been getting back into jewellery; I get too hot and expandy for it in the heat. I wear quite simple outfits so it's nice to jazz them up a bit. 

What have you been luvin' this month?

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

To University Or Not To University, That Is The Question

It's only been in the last few generations that more and more people are deciding to go to university; before that it wasn't on many people's agendas and seen as a posh man's game. However with the opening of more higher education facilities and the ability for people to get loans, it's become a helluva lot more accessible. 

I've always wanted to go to university, but what I've wanted to study has changed drastically over the years. I went from architect (too much maths needed there) to interior designer (got a bit bored of that one) to art therapy (too much science required) to textile design, which is what I want to do now (I think I'll stick to this one lol). Instead of A-levels, I decided to go to college to study art & design and have completed my first year; it took a lot of courage for me to make the change to college but I'm so so happy I did! 

It only just occurred to me recently that it wasn't vital to go to university to do what I wanted to do. A lot of arts based careers don't look at qualifications but at your portfolio; this is a collection of your work that you take to interviews and the like. As long as I built up a good portfolio and worked hard to develop my skills, there isn't really any need for me to go to university. 

That being said, I still want to go. I just love the idea of moving away, fending for myself in the big bad world. I made an agreement with myself (secret handshake and everything) that if I get into my top 3 choices then I would obviously go, but if I didn't, I would have a gap year working in my chosen industry to build experience. Then when the time came again, I could decide if I really needed to go to uni. 

It's your choice and I think some people forget that with career counsellors telling people that they'll never get anywhere if they don't go to uni, which is absurd and puts pressure on you to apply. At the end of the day, you're going to have £50,00 worth of debt so you better get it for something that's going to be useful. 

I'll now open the floor for discussion; in the comments would be best or if you have more complicated questions, send me an email! 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

Times Are A' Changing

Okay so it's been a while... 

This feels strange, to be sitting back down to write a post, with the cool Autumn air creeping back into our worlds. Last August, I began a beauty and fashion blog, with the mad idea of becoming some famous blogger lady and starting a YouTube channel - so much for that. 

Time for change. It's no longer going to be beauty focused; for now I'm leaving that to the pros, but it's not to say I won't drop in a few beauty posts, you know, if I'm feeling fancy. Although my blog analytic tells me that my guidance posts aren't as popular, I always feel better for writing them; I feel like I'm giving advice to people who might not be open about seeking help. 

And that's what I'd like to do; help people. I've always been told I'm the mother of the group; on holiday with my friends this year I was the one with the plasters, wound wipes, anti-histamines and bite creams - and I loved it. Although I won't be there to shove paracetamols in your face and make sure you drink enough water, I'd like to be your internet mother (not in a creepy way at all); a place for you to seek advice and comfort, if you so need it. 

But yes, this was me saying hey again - I hope you will take me back and will support me in my mad little mission. 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x 

Fresh Summer Makeup Look

I've been really struggling with my skin recently so I haven't really wanted to put loads of makeup on but I didn't want to go bare-skinned and have my spots showing. This look is an easy, medium coverage base with a neutral eye, lip and cheek. 

These are the products I used today; the Soap&Glory eyeshadow primer and Rimmel blush are new but the rest I've had for a while and love. The only base product there is concealer as I haven't wanted to use foundation and I really dislike my BB cream. 

This is a swatch of the Rimmel 'Lasting Finish' Soft Colour Blush in 050 'Live Pink'. I just picked this up because it was a nice summery colour, I actually didn't even swatch it but it was £3.99 so I wasn't too bothered if it was bad. I was actually pleasantly surprised - it has a slight golden shimmer in it and the colour does hang around. It looks brighter in person but the camera setting muted it a bit. All you need is a small amount as it's very pigmented. Perfect for holiday!

I got this S&G 'It's About Prime' Eyeshadow Primer because my Urban Decay mini primer has gotten to the very end. It's the bright light one that is supposed to brighten the eye area, reduce crease lines and reduce puffiness. All that for £8! I've only used it today so I'll have to update you on its staying power. It has a dofut (?!) applicator which makes it easy to apply. 

Another S&G product I've been loving (as you can see by the state it's in) is the 'Kick Ass' Concealer. I really like the concealers; the one on the left is under eye concealer as the salmon colour reduces the appearance of dark circles and the one on the right is a general face concealer. The thing I really like is the powder it comes with - it stops the under-eye concealer but I use it on the rest of my face too because it gives a great finish. Anyone know if I can get the powder separately??

This is probably the cheapest, most well-loved brow kit in the world. The MUA Pro-Brow Kit is similar to the Benefit 'Brow Zings' apart from that the wax isn't tinted (there is tweezers to go with this). I use a mix of the darker shades to do my brows but I don't use the highlight colour. 

Simple eye duo - Bourjois shadow in 08 and Natural Collection shadow in 'Asteroid'. DON'T JUDGE ME but when I first started doing my brows, I actually used this SHIMMERY BROWN as my brow shadow- I'm ashamed of myself. But aside from that they work well together and I just put the lighter colour up to my brow and then the brown up to my crease then blended out. I also used a little bit of MAC 'Wedge' in the crease on a 217 brush. 

I'll just link to my blog post on this mascara as I've talked about it before. For this look, however, I only used it on my top lashes. 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x