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

Being your own person

Sorry for being a bit AWOL recently but I'd begun to really loose enthusiasm for blogging and what I was blogging about; it no longer excited me to rush out and buy new things just so I had something to blog about. Don't worry I've still been shopping like crazy (just follow my Instagram to see all of that haha) I just haven't wanted to sit down and talk about them. 

Today is a bit of a different post in that it's not beauty but I have done some of these types of posts in the past (I think I might have deleted them but hey ho). I want to talk about being your own person and not following the crowd. How you take this and apply this is entirely up to you but I needed to get it off my chest in a way that is also helpful to others (I hope haha). 

Growing up, I always wanted to be part of the 'cool' group but to be honest, didn't we all? A small minority were happy to be the 'weird ones' and in reality, they were probably happier than those who spent all their time and effort trying to impress the people that in actual fact meant NOTHING a few years later. For me, I went through stages of not caring who I impressed but then slipping back to trying to get into the 'in' crowd - old habits die hard I guess. 

Since leaving secondary school and starting college, I have grown more as a person in one year than I have in my whole lifetime of schooling. Previously I would be scared to wear something that I hadn't seen on or seen something similar on someone else, whether that be a YouTuber or someone at school who's style I liked. And looking back I realise how stupid that sounds; I mean who wants to wear something they've seen on a dozen other people?! That's not to say I don't still take style inspiration from people, I'll just take it and make it my own which in the end makes me a lot happier! Even something silly like wearing hats more often - if you know me you know I. LOVE. HATS. I've started wearing them a lot more often and it's stupid but I get so many compliments from random strangers (today I had a woman make a song in the corridor about my hat and a man with a mustache tattoo on his finger compliment me - weird but nice) and it's great! 

Here is my hat and I - we are very happy together

My confidence has sky rocketed from doing little things like not putting myself down over things that don't matter (like boobs - girls, if a guy likes you because of your boobs alone then throw him to the curb because he ain't no real man and you deserve better #girlpower) and, as my mum puts it, being kind to myself. For example if you're asking someone's opinion don't say "do I look stupid?" say "do I look nice?" and believe me, it makes a difference! I'm beginning to develop my own style and because of that I'm developing as a person - I think the two go hand in hand and it's a good place to start on project you. 

I also wanted to talk about not being a sheep. So many people are afraid to do things without other people by their side. For example, university - you shouldn't let your boyfriend/girlfriend/friend stop you from moving away and doing a course that excites you just because they're not moving. At the end of the day IT'S YOUR LIFE and nobody can tell you what to do, not even your parents. They can advise you until the cows come home but you are in control of your destiny and they should respect that. I'm grateful that I have two loving parents that support me through anything but there are ways and means of getting an education that don't require your parents providing you with money if that's your worry. 

I know people that are terrified of what other people think or of doing something out of their comfort zone and it really frustrates me that they can't see how they're holding themselves back. Obviously it's not my place to tell them what to do or I'd be a very hypocritical bitch but as a friend, I feel like if I'd have had someone to tell me what I know now then I would have grown so much earlier! An extension of this for me was starting my blog - I just did it for me and the benefits from sitting and writing about stuff has brought me so much happiness. 

I think the main thing to take away from this rant is that you need to do things alone sometimes; yes it's great for someone to be there but you should see it as a bonus and be sure enough of yourself to be able to go out on a limb and do something you want to do, whether your friends want to or not. This applies to all aspects of life and I'd love to help just one person with this advice. 

If you've managed to read this far I salute you for not getting bored! 


See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

Garnier 'PureActive' Exfo-Brusher Wash Review

Hey guys, sorry about not posting last week; I just really wasn't in the mood to, no idea why. 

Today I'm going to blog about an old favourite of mine that I have rediscovered. It's the Garnier 'PureActive' Exfo-Brusher Wash. 

It claims to reduce spot scarring and smooth skin, and it does just that! I notice after just one use that my skin is softer and my spot marks have faded. 

I have sort of sensitive skin and this doesn't irritate me at all. 

The brush is great for exfoliation. I find squeezing some of the wash onto my hand, then swirling the brush into it and putting the left-over wash onto my face gives the best results. When the brush starts to rub the wash, it foams and has an almost minty feeling to it - it's so fresh and leaves my face feeling thoroughly clean! 

It's also a great price - £7.99!

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

The Handbag Essentials

I never used to really carry much makeup with me while I was out and about but as I actually have a social life now and can end up staying out all day, it's nice to be able to touch up my makeup to keep me looking flaawwlllesss. 

I got this clear pouch with the set of travel bottles from Primark - it's the prefect size and is really flat so easy to fit into any bag. The whole travel bottle set cost £1 so you're getting a makeup bag and holiday essentials in one!

Topshop lipstick in 'Mink'
Great for adding a little something for a
day to night look

S&G 'Kick Ass' Instant Retouch Pressed Powder
Actually retouches makeup without looking
cakey or too powdery

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Dark
I use this as a bronzer

Vaseline in 'Rosy'
Collection 'Lasting Perfection' Concealer in Fair
I can't live without these in my bag!

Rimmel 'Moisture Renew' in Coral Britannia
Nice summer lip colour

Rimmel 'Stay Blushed' in Sunkissed Cherry (004)
The first thing to go during the day is my blush
and I don't need to carry a brush with this one 

Eco Tools Kabuki Powder Brush
MAC 193SE (from a limited edition set)

I hope you found this useful if you needed some tips for what to carry in your handbag. This fits in almost all of my bags apart from my really tiny ones. 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

LUSH 'Tiny Hands' Solid Moisturiser Review

I've always had a problem with dry hands and have always looked for a solution that actually works long-term. I picked up LUSH's 'Tiny Hands' on a whim but I had seen it a few times and was intrigued. 

It comes in a solid hand-shaped bar which you then rub between your hands until the hand oil is released. It contains Shea butter, African marigold oil, aloe vera and cocoa butter - literally everything that moisturises your skin in one treatment! 

I'd definitely recommend using it at night time as it takes a little while to soak in so it's not great as an on-the-go. it has quite a strong smell which I really like but you might not so I'd try it in the shop first!

Link to buy it or read more is here. It costs £4.25 but it lasts AGES so it's worth it!

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x

Tee + Denim

I went to Durham and took some outfit pictures while I was there. It was a pretty chilled day so I went for a simple slogan tee from Topshop petite but it's no longer available online - it might be in some stores though! 

The shorts are vintage Levi and you can find them ANYWHERE - although these were from a charity shop, DEEP in Newcastle are really good value as well as Small Change Vintage near The Cluny. Earrings are River Island, scrunchie is from Topshop and the shoes are Converse. 

See you soon and stay insane!

Bloggerella x