Missguided & Boohoo Wishlist

Time for a change in clothes  me thinks! Maybe a change in scenery will follow suit in the near future who knows? Anywayyyyyys, one day I could be loving the whole Kardashian/ Jenner look and then the next day I could love nothing more than a pair of sweats and a baggy tee.
 I am currently loving both Missguided and Boohoo because they're diversity in styles just amazes me!

 Boohoo

Missguided

(All images provided by Missguided & Boohoo)

Nivea Post Shaving Balm for Men as a Primer?

I assume that you have heard about the Nivea Post-Shaving Balm is now been used for primer? If you haven't then I don't know why you haven't! It is the talk of the beauty world for months now thanks to NikkiesTutorials. I always had the agenda to go and buy it but when I go into Boots I always forget apart from the other day thanks to my sister. As I was at the checkout, the woman behind the check out told me that it is constantly been swiped off the shelves by women! Apparently they can't stock it soon enough and so I was lucky because there was only two left!! I decided to put it to the test during a few long day in school. I frequently come home with makeup running off my face, maybe it's from all that day-dreaming I do of travelling hmm. Just the right test for such a product!

Can we start with the scent? If you know me, I love any masculine scents such as cologne or aftershave. Of course this products smells masculine, it's for men! Who needs a man in their life when you can just purchase men products?!

When applied you rub it in until it goes tacky on the skin. I always give my face a little pat test during the day just to see if it stays tacky and trust me it does. It also gives a very hydrated look to your face which is a plus for my dry self.

Another bonus is the price! It was €6.79 at Boots. Not bad eh?

Exfoliating 101

We all desire super soft and smooth skin but we can be quite lazy when it comes to maintaining our skin! Exfoliation is the removal of dead skin from the body and the results can be amazing. Now that winter has our skin dehydrated and lifeless, we should be taking extra care of it. 

What should we use for exfoliating?

There are many products and tools that can be used for exfoliating such as Lush' Ocean Salt, exfoliating gloves and brushes. 

How should we exfoliate? 

When exfoliating, use circular movements. Not only does it remove dead skin cells, it also stimulates your blood. 

How many times should we exfoliate? 

We should only exfoliate 2-3 times per week because we don't want to irritate the skin and create more problems. 

Follow up care after exfoliation?

After exfoliating, make sure to apply your favourite moisturiser to lock in moisture and keep that soft silky skin!

What Acrylic Nails Taught Me

                                      

As you seen, if you follow me on Instagram~ BeautyxSteph ~ that I got acrylic nails nearly two weeks ago. As it was my first time doing so, I was so excited! This nail biter was finally gaining claws. There are both pros and cons to getting acrylics. I certainly know more about nails now more than I ever did!

Length 

The longer the nails, the better they may look but is it worth limiting daily activities? Even though I have the 'manageable' length there are still some acts I can't do! Buttoning up my shirt for school has become a real pain let me tell you.

Natural Nails

Even though they can destroy your natural nails from continuous application and such, I have no urge to bite my nails which is unusual for me because I always feel like biting my nails! Maybe this is the start of a beautiful friendship with my nails. 

Shape

I never realised there are so many different styles of nail shapes.Coffin, Almond, Stiletto..... Shall I continue? Maybe not. I prefer the coffin shape to show off my slim fingers.

Regrowth

Only after nearly two weeks, I am seeing major growth and it tears me up. I drives me crazy to see acrylics that are in badly need of refilling. It's not a pretty sight in my opinion. 

I think after this experience, I will wait a while before I will get nails again as I think the nails will need nourishing time. 

Hunting For A New Foundation

                         

Foundation is one of those products that you can either get fabulously right or completely wrong. There are so many factors that contribute to the perfect foundation such as whether it be a day-time foundation or night-time one. I'll never forget my little "phase" of when I was 12 and I would wear the completely wrong shade for me (obviously borrowed it from Mam because I wasn't as makeup savy as I am now) and just looking back on pictures makes me cringe. But hey, we all got embarrassing moments in our lives.

Luckily for you beautiful readers, I have created a list of important factors that are what you must look for in a foundation. 

Texture 

Believe me when I say that the texture of the foundation effects your skin. There are usually labels on the packaging of what skin type it's for. So if you're skin is dry.. get a foundation suitable for dry skin.Simple. You'll see the difference. It is made especially for your skin. Use it.

Shade

We'll all been there and done that, used all the shades that never match our skin tone because they cost too much money to waste. Here's some advice, get the makeup sales-assistants to test the foundations so you buy the perfect one on the first attempt! Score! 

Coverage

This totally is up to your taste and what you like. Some may prefer light, sheer coverage and others prefer a more full, opaque coverage. 

What foundations are your favourites?

Vice Palette 4

Okay, so I decided to splurge out on some new makeup and as I walked past the Urban Decay counter in Debenhams I spotted the Gwen Stefanie Palette. But as I fawned over the shadows, the woman behind the counter was stacking the Vice Palettes onto a shelf and I instantly fell in love.
I spent 50 euro on this palette which I think is reasonably priced considering the quality of the product.

Some colours are a bit on the wild side but that's what I love about it. I love sparkly , bright eyeshadows for a night out and for when I need that extra boost of fun. Step out of your usual matte smokey eyes for once, like me, you might enjoy it.
They all are super pigmented and glide on like a dream, nothing worse than a shadow that won't blend or can't be seen on you. Ugh the horror!!

My favourite shadows from the palette are Fast-Ball, 1985 , Underhand, Arctic and Bitter. Bitter can be used for a black smokey eye to diffuse the harshness I believe.

Born Pretty*

Happy New Year! What a way to start the year with a review.
I recently received a package from the Born Pretty Store and I put the following products to the test for a review post. Born Pretty is an online store that sells cutely-designed beauty products.
They offer world-wide free shipping! Not every online store does offer this which can rise your payment higher than you hoped for.

 First, we have the  4Pcs/set Portable Makeup Brush Kit Soft Hair Long Pole Cosmetic Brush Set !
I think the pink handles are really cute and dainty looking but are very firm when using. The quality of the bristles are of high standard I believe and are really gentle & soft on the eyes, which is always important. I particulary like the blending brush, second from the left, because it really softens out any harsh lines and blends everything out beautifully.

 Next we have the Shining Shimmer Eyeshadow Powder Pretty Highlight Nail Art Paillette For Beauty Makeup  in #11.It's a really pigmented copper loose eyeshadow and I'm in love with it. If you know me you should know that I love copper/rose gold eyeshadows.. I think they make the eyes pop and can be worn just by itself. Warning: A little bit goes a long way,trust me.

Lastly, it's the  1Pc Lovely Egg Hand Cream Moisturizing Hand Care Cream (Random Color) and I received the blue one. I am a sucker for cute cartoonish products so when I seen this I thought "GIVE ME IT NOW"! 
It smells like any Garnier moisturiser which is a plus for me because I love anything Garnier. The only downside of this product is that my hands feel as if they're a teeny bit oily after awhile. 

Lucky for you guys, I have a 10% coupon code for you guys! Just add the code 'SMTH10' at the checkout! If at least ten people purchase something with that code, it may be possible to hold a giveaway for you guys!

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me to be reviewed but as always, all opinions are MINE.

Dippin' the Brows

I apologize for the cheesy title, but I couldn't resist hehe. Today's review is about Anastasia Beverly Hills 'Dipbrow Pomade', another Christmas gift I received from my parents which I'm thankful for.I had been wishing to buy this for myself for ages so after ripping open the parcel on Christmas morning ...lets just say I squealed very loudly.

 The creamy texture is just divine and a small amount is needed at a time so this product should last you a while before you have to purchase another.Mine is in the shade 'Dark Brown'.
I like to apply this with an angled brush for a precise sharp brow, well as sharp as I can with these bushes.

It is certain I will be trying out other products from ABH such as their contour kits. *swoon*

Morphe Lovin'

As a Christmas gift, I received the Morphe Brushes 684 18 Piece Professional Brush Set from my parents . Seeing as it was my fist ever set of brushed from Morphe, why not review it.

First and foremost lets talk about the quality. The brushes are made out of both goat and synthetic hair. Now I've read reviews about the "bristles falling out when they received it" or the "smell of goat hair becoming intolerable" but I have not had these complaints. 
The brushes are soft on the skin and blend your makeup seamlessly so we look like we got our makeup applied by a Pro! Score! 


I just can't recommend Morphe Brushes enough!I love this set because of the quality and I believe they're not too expensive... right up my alley.
I think I may try their eyeshadow palettes soon.*wink wink*

Blogging Goals for 2016!

(Image taken by me, Ireland-Italy)

Only a few days ago I shared my personal goals with you, well now it's time for my blogging goals for the following year. As I stated before, I HATE setting myself goals and aims because I'm a coward! I'm scared of failing and not achieving, being defeated and not being successful. But this will change as I'm determined to beat my little fear.

More Interactive

I'm very active on social media and such but I never think to comment on others posts or tweet other bloggers. I have this theory stuck in my mind that I bother everyone by commenting or texting them. Anyone else like this?

 Quality over Quantity





Scheduling posts a week ahead has always been something that boggles me. Sometimes it's possible, other times it's not. Stressing over such a thing has/is a problem for me. From now on I'm will focus on what I'm posting rather than how many I'm posting.

               

Buy a Camera & Computer

Believe me when I say that I'll do my research before purchasing a camera. Why bother waste money on a camera that isn't expected to do your purpose for it? I need to wise with my money and also know how to use the camera before attempting to use it. At the moment I'm also using my sister's computer to write this. Mine has been broken for a while now and I don't expect it to be fixed.. goodbye my trusty Toshiba *tears up*

Gain more Followers

At the moment I'm just a little over one hundred followers for which I'm eternally grateful. 

I wish to increase our little family and let more become aware of my corner of the internet. BUT I must remember that the number doesn't define who I am.



Palmers Cocoa-Butter Moisturiser

                          

Palmers is a brand that has been around for decades, my mam used it when she was younger also.

It's rich in Vitamin E which we all need because it acts as an antioxidant which may help protect your cells from damage. Although deficiency in Vitamin E is rare, can't do no wrong by adding it by moisturising your body. 

 I always smell a real chocolate scent anytime I apply it, obviously because of the cocoa in it.

I've been using this for at least 2 weeks and have noticed a significant difference in my skin. My dry, rough skin is gradually disappearing. I must say that I prefer this to the Nip+Fab moisturiser I have been using before and have mentioned on this blog. 

                                           What's your holy-grail moisturiser?

Personal Goals 2016

                  

Us bloggers have a life outside of blogging too y'know? So with that being said, I have set my personal aims for 2016.  I don't normally set myself personal aims/goals because I'm always afraid I won't achieve them but it's time to resolve that predicament. I am going to work so hard that I have no other option but to achieve them.

1- Study as much as I possibly can and try the best I can.

2- Bake up a storm and become the next big baking phenomenon.

3- Step out of that introverted shell of mine and show the real me.

4- Save up enough money for my own car.

5-Sing more often because surprise surprise , I sound decent.

6-Focus on what is important and don't waste time on the people who use you.

7-Be content in what you do and if you're not..change it.

8- Quit that pesky nail biting habit.

9-Help Mam around the house more, at least make an effort to keep my room clean.

10- Start that healthy eating and workout regime I'm always talking about

Fashion & Beauty Shopping Spree

                    

You know the drill... I shop, I spend and then I cry about how much money I've spent but it's worth it.
My week consist of school, work and study which only leaves me with Sunday as a relaxation day. I love spending Sundays rooting through aisles of various clothing items and shoving my way to back of Boots to find hidden gems. Last Sunday was no different.

Ardell 'Demi Wispies'
My favourite style of lashes are these babies! I love how they're not too full and dramatic so I can wear these whenever my lashes are just not good enough for an eye makeup look.

Soap & Glory 'For Youth' Moisturiser
I can't say that I've given this product a fair testing yet because I bought it as a back-up for when my other moisturiser runs low. I will be sure to review this product for you guys.

Soap & Glory Speed Plump OverNight Miracle Moisture Mousse

The pros of this product are 1.it's not heavy 2.My skin feels hydrated and smooth. 

Unfortunately for me there is a con, a small minor problem... I don't like the scent. 

I can put up with the scent so it's con isn't major.

Eylure Lash Applicator 

I am brutal at applying lashes and if I do manage to put them on, it's a miracle! 

Hopefully this tool will make life a lot easier on me haha.

  

Boiré Pore Strips

I purchased these before and could never get them to work for me but after watching a YouTube vid on a gurus 'pamper session' she convinced me to buy and retry. 

Primark Pink Knit Sweater

I am a sucker for pink sweaters! I just love them recently, knit is just a plus for this time of year. 

I am in love with the knit pattern on it and it's so cosy to wear. 

Primark Wide Leg Trousers

Now I usually wouldn't be drawn to anything like this but something in my mind screamed "Give it a chance" I seen these trousers and the lace top on a mannequin, baring in mind that the mannequin towered about 6 inches over me, it looked very sophisticated but not too serious.

Primark Lace Top

As I previously said for the trousers, these were paired together on a mannequin so maybe I can make it work. I definitely will be wearing a strapless bra under this because obviously it wouldn't look as appealing when you can see your straps. Too much information? Maybe but oh well.

Primark Black Suede Heels

I'm only 5"4 in height so I appreciate as much help in the height department as I can get. 

These heels are around 5 inches of pure bliss. They are comfortable and trust me I live for my comfort.

Not too bad in price either.. €18 

Have you any new product/ clothing item you adore? Let me know below in the comments!

Catch-Up

                     

 

   



 Hey guys!
 As you may have noticed, I have been absent for quite some time now and I feel like I should at least inform you why. School has recently been mayhem for me with assignments due nearly every day and revising for my Christmas tests that are in two and a half weeks. Not panicking here....
Even when I arrive home from school, I am still devoting my evenings to homework and revision, I think I'm going to go crazy if I read anymore poetry haha.
 Everything should be back in order by Sunday I'd say, but no promises.

 Is there any in particular posts you would like to see? I feel like revamping this space x

Au Naturel

Recently I purchased the Sleek I-Divine Au Naturel palette and I'm immensely pleased that I did! The shadows are really pigmented, especially the darker shades which I think I'll be using more this Fall &Winter. I think 'Toast' will be a beautiful transition colour in the crease and 'Moss' is just heaven. 

                   

                    

This is only my second purchase from Sleek and I continue to be amazed by the brand and their products. Hopefully I will be purchasing the other palette 'i-Divine Ultra Matte 1' for more fun looks so watch this space. 

 The only con of this product was that when I opened it, I was unfortunately met with a broken 'Bark'. Now I know this wasn't anyones fault in particular but I was a bit disappointed to say the least.

Have you tried any brands that you think should have more recognition? Tell me in the comments x

Next Level Nude

Hello lovelies, having a nice weekend I hope.. I know I am he-he. Today's post is a review of House of Holland & Elegant Touch's 'Next Level Nude' nails. As I've told you guys before, I'm a nail biter. Always have been, always will be! But I do love having nail length hence why I wear false nails.

So far, these nails have lasted longer than any other nails I've purchased in the past. Day three and still no looseness, fingers crossed they'll hold on for the week. I've received an endless amount of compliments on the almond shape nude saviours, yes I went there.
I purchased these from Boots for 11 euro I believe!

Missguided Must-Haves