Shopping Haul...

Over this last month I have been shopping in little bits. Being January, I really didn't have much money to spare. However, every week or so I did treat myself to some cheap things, as everyone deserves a treat!

 Dress: Zara £19.99 (sale)

This dress was a bargain at £19.99. The colour is a really great one for me, especially with my new hair colour. The shape of the top means no bra can be worn, but that's not an issue for me. The cross detail at the bottom is becoming quite fashionable, and adds a little flare to an otherwise simple dress.

 Quick Dry Sports Top: Primark £4.00 (each)

These tops do exactly as the label says as well as look fabulous on. They are form fitting with a racer back that that dry out from sweat by the time you've done your cooling down exercises at the gym. This quick dry feature is also really handy for when you've forgotten to wash your gym clothes, as they dry in an instant.

 Dresses: Miss Selfridge £12.00 (sale) and £7.00 (sale)

Of course I am aware of the weather. I got these for my holiday in the summer as they were great bargain prices. I really liked the print of the summer dress, as I don't really own much summer clothing. And the blue midi is a style I adore that always looks great.

 Game: CEX £15.00 

My friend recently gave me his old PS3 to help ease my boredom and to give me a hobby. I recently played the Last of Us and got way too addicted. So I went out and got a game I've been meaning to play properly since I cosplayed her back in May last year! Tomb Raider aka Lara Croft. I've only played about an hour so far, but its pretty awesome with great graphics, story and characters. I always get any games and DVD's from CEX as whats the point in buying new stuff for double the price? Recycle and save yourself some money!

 Necklace: Primark £3.00

I found this necklace just laying on top of a pile of t shirts that someone had dumped, and I couldn't figure out why! I loved the mix of the gold and pastel pink. Bang on trend and a super subtle piece to be work with slightly more patterned dresses. (would go pretty great with the dress at the beginning, hmm). It was also a steal at £3.00.

Soap: Naturally Unique £3.00 - Red Berry Blast

My friend Josie got me a smaller soap from naturally unique for Christmas and I just fell in love! It smelt so good and left my skin feeling hydrated, even though it was a soap! I went back in there to see if they had the same one, but the one Josie got me was a 'last chunk' so I had a sniff around and ended up with the beauty. It's red berry scent, very strong too but it makes my mouth water (I wish they were sweets!). I also really like the design of the soap. and that huge chunk only cost me £3.00. When I asked her how much, I was expecting her to say around 6-8, and was pleasantly surprised. I think it is a fantastic alternative to lush with just the same high quality indulgent products, at half the price or less! If you are ever in Romford, its worth popping your head into.

I didn't go too wild. All of this months spends came to £64.99 (I got some student discount) and I was given £15 by my friend to treat myself and I had a £10 Miss Selfridge gift card leftover form Christmas. So all together, I only spent £39.99! Great stuff!

I need to keep saving my money though!

Becky xo

Signature Scents, Perfume Top Tips...

When it comes to perfumes I like to stick to what I know. It takes me AGES to choose a new perfume if I am looking to branch out a bit. There are only 4 perfumes I wear, and it depends on the occasion.

1. YSL - Elle

A beautifully rich fragrance that is quite strong, blending both woody and floral scents together to create a really strong, alluring musk. Too much can be overpowering, so wear with caution. I tend to wear this if I'm going to a bar or out for cocktails and want to feel a little more grown up.

2. Van Cleef & Arpels- Oriens

My must have fragrance at the moment. This is my signature scent.  The bottle is what drew me to it at first, and the scent did not disappoint. It's a mysterious scent, smelling different on some days. You can smell a woody undertone, mixed in with what I can only describe as juicy berries. Irresistible. I wear this on a regular basis, the boyfriend loves it.

3. Givenchy - Very Irrestible

This was a gift from my brother, so I hadn't actually picked this one myself. It was just lucky that I liked it! It is an unusual scent for me. Quite sweet, which I usually HATE in perfumes, but its balanced well with 10 different roses scents blended, and being a limited edition fragrance, I feel a little bit cooler that I own it. I try not to use it too often, but it is lovely for casual evenings out, or even daytime use, and would be great in the summer.

4. Dior - J'adore

This is the most feminine fragrance I own. An absolute classic, with its distinctive bottle and recognisable scent. It is more popular within the older generation, but I love it none the less. The main reason I like it is because my mum wears it, and my mum always smells divine. It's fruity, floral and fresh with hints of Jasmine and roses. Could a perfume get any more feminine? I wear this on really special occasions where I want people to respect me and make myself appear older. 

There's nothing worse than being at a super posh event and some woman rocks up smelling of Britney Spears shit fragrance. The way you smell leaves a lasting impression. I can't tell you how many times I've been at work and served a customer, and I've changed my attitude towards them just because they smelt good. It's a little weird, yes, but it is one of the primary senses, so its got to be pleasing, right?

My top tips for selecting a fragrance?

1. Take your time! don't rush through the perfume counters. Enjoy yourself.
2. Don't go by trends. Just because your friend wears it, it doesn't mean it will smell good on you or work with your natural scent.
3. Smell something in between. Many shops offer you a pot of coffee beans to smell to cleanse your nose of the previous perfume you have sniffed. It works wonderfully and helps you to get the true smell out.
4. Try before you buy. Spray some on, give it a sniff and do the rest of your shopping. The scent of perfume changes over time. You don't want to be spending bundles of money on a perfume that wears of quickly and looses its potency in the matter of an hour. Also, give it time to mix with your natural scent. No perfume smells the same on two people because of this.

Hope this helps!

Becky xo

Movies This Week 13 - 19 January

Movies This Week

13/01/14 - 19/01/14

From epic series to shit documentaries. These are the films I've watched this past week. I use to be a film student, but its been a while since I've written a film review. There are also eight films here and I'm not going to write a full review for them all! I will be focussing more on why I chose to watch them, how they made me feel and weather or not I enjoyed myself.

1, 2, 3 : The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. I watched these as a movie day with my boyfriend, as I had seen the films in bits, but never had the time to sit down and watch them properly. It had me in floods of tears in happiness, anger and sad. The films are beautifully made with excellent CGI effects. And as for the musical score. Well that would have had me crying without any image. Fantastic trilogy of films and I'm glad that I finally took the time to watch them all, especially since my boyfriend is such a fan.

4: American Hustle. H O L Y S H I T. This was chosen as an orange Wednesday film for myself and my boyfriend to enjoy, and it exceeded our expectations. The cast was PERFECT featuring one of my favourite actresses Jennifer Lawrence in a supporting role. It had real grit, as well as excellently planned screen play featuring twists and turns that the audience would have no idea are coming. It was a very long film, so by the time I came out of the cinema I was tired and my bum was numb, but I was thinking about it for DAYS after.

5: The Paperboy. This is not a film for the easily offended. I tried to watch it with my best friend Christina, but I had to turn it off for her sake. Not because it was a bad film, she just couldn't handle some of the odd and disgusting behaviour being portrayed. I carried on watching once she left, and it had me grimacing and cringing, hoping my mum wouldn't come in on the wrong scene. I don't really know how to describe it. The film finished and I was left feeling uneasy, yet completely satisfied with the piece of cinema I had just witnessed. Also, excellent casting. I couldn't believe it was Nicole Kidman when I read the synopsis, as I would never have thought this would be her type of role, but she pulled it off beautifully.

6: Catfish. A bit of a waste of time. Was a really shit documentary. But I was bored and it was on the netflix feed. Also, with all the hype around the idea of Catfish and the TV show, I thought I better give it a watch. It wasn't good. But if anything, it opened my eyes to the internet and how deceptive people can be.

7: Sydney White. A good old chick flick to help me relax. I have come to the conclusion that Amanda Bynes voice and fake tan make me hate her, but it was nice to see her doing well before she went a bit mental. It was actually a pretty good film and really made me want to experience American colleges.  I would never say its brilliant beyond belief. But its definitely a great film to watch to pass away some time and relax.

8: JENNIFER LAWRENCE. My love for you will never die. She is literally the only reason why I watched this film. I didn't find it to be all that scary, especially as someone who does not enjoy scary films. not one bit. But I just enjoyed watching Jennifer. Oh Jen...

Just to clarify, I am not claiming to be an expert at reviewing films, I just wanted to share what I had been watching this past week.

Have you seen any of these films?

Becky xo

Miley Cyrus - Bangerz

I'm a huge fan of Miley

From her Hannah Montana days to her mental short haired music career.

The only thing I have to say to all the people who are not a fan of Miley:

Keep that opinion to yourself.

That applies for all music artists. If you don't like them, you do not need to tell a person who does why they shouldn't or judge them for it. People have different opinions and tastes. You also certainly shouldn't throw abuse to them on social media such as twitter, it does offend and it is becoming a criminal offence.

Miley is growing up, she cant be Hannah Montana forever and I think she's doing really well for herself.

I've been listening to her latest album Bangerz a lot recently. Particularly when working on the blog!

Has some country sounds. Features the golden lyric of "driving so fast I'ma piss on myself". 

An absolutely beautiful song. You can really feel the passion and experience the range of her voice.

A really fun song featuring Britney, it's gonna be a good one guaranteed.

Can imagine this one coming on in a club. Also, the title is one of my favourite sayings, so its perfect!

Good old we can't stop. There's not a person who hasn't heard it, love it or hate it. Had this song on repeat for a while!

Miley has a very rich musical background, and the range in her voice and talents is amazing if you really think about it. She sounds fantastic live, even when dancing and twerking her butt off, but sounds just as incredible when she's doing an acoustic cover of her more up beat songs on her guitar, it gives the songs a new angle that people never expected. 

Heres an example. Just listen to her voice!

Becky xo

My Week in Photos - 13/01/14 - 19/01/14

My Week In Photos...

13/01/14 - 19/01/14

A Well Balanced Week

This week was what I would call well balanced. I had just the right amounts of socialising, relaxing, working, studying, hobbies and internet.

Clockwise in a spiral:

1. Gave my cat a kiss with bright pink 48 lipstick
2. Done my best boss eyed impression before a night out
3. Laughed out loud on a bus to this picture of Daniel Radcliffe
4. Selfie with dad, because he worked hard to put up my shelf and felt selfie deprived
5. Pulling funny faces with Simran in the Goose
6. Success is the best revenge. A slightly harsh motivational picture
7. Selfie in the boyfriends jumper, keeping me cosy in bed
8. Water colour painting of a Stag
9. Most epic face swap of all time. Kim and Kanye
10. Preparing for semester two at university
11. Lord of the Rings movie day with my Boyfriend Chris, all cosy in our lounge clothes.
12. Being serious with Alison in the Goose, because she moans that I smile enough
13. A little picture to sum up how tired I was most of the week, for no reason in particular

Not the most interesting of weeks, but I enjoyed it none the less.

Becky xo

Night Time Routine - removing makeup and skin care...

Night Time Routine

Removing Makeup and Skin Care

I'm always getting questions from friends asking what I do of an evening to remove makeup and care for my skin. They expect an elaborate response; when in reality - I do as little as possible!

I am often too tired, or to put it simply, too lazy to do any huge regime, so I stick to the basics. Here are the top 6 beauty items I use to remove all evidence and keep my skin feeling fresh.

 Step 1: Dior Purifying Foaming Cleanser

This is a gentle foaming wash that lathers beautifully, removes every inch of makeup from your skin, including eye makeup! (as long as you keep your eyes shut and rinse off well!)

I wet my face, apply a small amount to my already wet hands, rub between my fingers and massage all over my face and neck, then rinse with water.

 Step 2: YSL Top Secrets Pro Remover 

As you can see, there's only a little bit left! It does last for a very long time. I use this on my eyes after the facial wash, as I want to ensure all traces of mascara have been removed so my eyes don't become irritated and I wake up with panda eyes (not sexy when the boyfriend stays over!).

It is a Bi-Phase formula (bi meaning two) and the two work together to remove even waterproof mascara, without leaving an oily shine and even conditions the eyes.

I shake it first to combine the two, splash a few drops on a cotton pad and massage onto my eyes, taking care not to tug or pull at the skin or lashes. Lovely!

Step 3: Clarins Body tonic

I also use this product in my morning routine. Skincare doesn't just mean your face. It's what you do to care for all of your skin. This tonic is for toning and firming your skin, and I use it in the aid of stretch marks. It can also be used to help battle the effects of cellulite and scar tissue.

I simply apply a generous amount to my hands and rub into my skin where needed (putting focus on stretch marks and scars from spots or drunken nights). It smells divine and leaves your skin feeling soothed and hydrated, not oily.

 Step 4: Estee Lauder advanced night repair eye cream
The advanced night repair range is an excellent one. My mum has used it for as long as I can remember. I generally don't use eye creams, but if I feel as though my eyes have undergone a lot of stress or I've used a particularly large amount of makeup that day, I will use this just to keep them looking good and hydrated so my makeup will look good the next day. It works over night to heal any damage (why it's called night REPAIR, duh!) and also works to reduce your skin creating dark circles.

I just apply this product with my ring finger and blend in gently.

 Step 5: Origins Drink Up Intensive

Although technically a mask, I use it as a super hydrating moisturiser. Yes, I do use it nightly, but only in the winter as my skin gets so dry from the harsh elements. I will switch to something lighter in the summer. The mask works overnight to soak into the skin and leaves it feeling incredibly hydrated and ready for the next day. I apply a small amount (a little goes a long way) to my fingertips and rub all over my face and neck.

Step 6: Vaseline original blue tin.

I rub a generous amount of this bad boy onto my lips and nose before going to sleep. It soothes dry lips and skin almost instantly and sinks in by the morning so there is no trace of it left behind (that's how you know its done a good job!). The last step, but a very important one!  No one wants to kiss gross, dry chapped lips now, do they?

My skin care changes overtime, but the best you'll keep buying. However, all of these are new products, as part of my new year beauty revamp. So far I have had excellent results. I will keep you updated with any changes.

How good is your night time routine?

Becky xo

University Essentials

People go a bit over board when they first start university. 

I did not choose to stay away at uni, so I didn't have to buy pots and pans and all that shit.

I'm talking essentials for studying.

1. Laptop and laptop case (Cath Kidson)
2. Pencil case - page stickers, highlighers, pens, post-it notes
3. Snack. In this case Fruit Mentos
4. A5 notebook (present from boyfriends parents)
5. Lanyard

This is all I take with me daily. When I first started I got  A4 notebooks and binders, and slowly it just ended up with me using my laptop and occasionally a notebook for quick notes.

Why carry a whole stationary cupboard around when you can access everything you need on you laptop?

Becky xo

DIY Lipscrub

Make your own DIY lip scrub

You will need:

• Sugar
• Vaseline (plain pertroleum)
• Clarins Body tonic
• Mixing cup
• Tea spoon
• Container

1. Add 3 tea spoons of sugar to your mixing cup. I used an old plastic shot glass.
2. Add 3 tea spoons of Vaseline.
3. Heat the Vaseline with a hair dryer and mix the two together with the end of your spoon.
4. Add two drops of the Clarins body tonic and mix well.
5. Transfer to your container.

I used the Clarins Body Tonic because it can be used to reduce scaring whilst being moisturising. I have some scars on my lips from where I bite them so this added product works well. You can use almost any oil that is safe for use on skin.

The container I used was a single use jam jar I got with breakfast at a cafe once, and I kept a few for precisely this purpose.

How to use

1. Apply a generous amount to your lips with a finger
2. Allow the scrub to soak into your lips for a few minutes
3. Rub gently with your finger to exfoliate
4. Rub your lips again with a damp cloth to remove any excess sugar and skin that has softened
5. Add some lip balm of your choice to finish!

This is best done at bed time, and don't apply lipstick to your lips for about half an after; give the oils a chance to do its work.

I hope you have found this helpful!

Becky xo

A Very Bad Habit...

Biting My Lips

It's the worse habit that I have, but for me, it seems to be unavoidable. I am lip balm crazy. There is always at least two moisturising lip balms in my bag, a lip balm in every coat I own, and one rolling around in my car. Then why do my lips insist on becoming dry, cracked and flaky?

My 2 step plan for better lips

1. Exfoliate often.
   Just like you would exfoliate your skin, you should exfoliate your lips. I have a DIY lip scrub that I will be posting after.
   
2. Use LESS lip balm.
   Too much of something can be bad for you. Perhaps my excessive use of lip balm is doing more bad than good?

I'll show you my DIY lip scrub in the next post. However, if you don't feel that a homemade lip scrub is the way forward, you should try Lush Bubblegum Lip scrub. Its very expensive at £5.50 for such a small pot, which is why I opted to create my own.

Lush Bubblegum lip scrub - £5.50

Hopefully I can cut out this bad habit!

Becky xo

24/7 Music/Albums

There have been two albums and one track that I just cant stop listening to!
I have them on my iPhone, In my car, on my Spotify. I'm listening to one of them now. 

I've taken a print screen of my Spotify, and starred you my favourite tracks of the album.

1.  AM - Arctic Monkeys

12 tracks of pure soft rock. HEAVEN when doing a long drive. Do I wanna know? has been a top track of mine for a while, and is my favourite track of the album.

2. The Marshall Mathers LP2 - Eminem

This album is so much fun. Reminds me of why I love Eminem. He can be hilarious and mock pop culture, then be super serious. My favourite track is Rhyme Or Reason, because it's got so many different sounds. It makes me laugh as well as pop my head. LOVE IT.

My Top track for this week has got to be...

1. Of The Night - Bastille

I've always been a fan of Bastille, and it just sets the mood. If there was a movie about my life, I would want this to be in it.

What's your latest music picks?

Becky xo

What's in my bag? - UPDATED

I done a what's in my bag a while ago, and I recently bought myself a nice expensive new handbag, so I thought It was best to update this.

Here is the beautiful new bag!

I use way too many Instagram filters.

My lovely new black leather bag is from DKNY. It retails at around £300 but I drove over 100 miles (there and back) to the designer outlet in Bicester to get it for a huge saving of £129. I've always wanted a fancy designer handbag, and I'm so pleased I finally treated myself to one.

As for what's in my bag? 

Not as much as before. I'm relieved to tell you.

Sunglasses:H&M
Purse: Topshop

Ive now stopped carrying so much useless junk. I have a little collection of makeup bits going on, mainly lip sticks and lip balms, I keep them in the zip pouch inside the bag. There's also a pen and a lighter, because you always need those (even if you don't smoke). The allergy tablets are for my boyfriend. He's allergic to my cats, and I had just got some news ones and hadn't had the chance to take them out. I do keep a strip in my purse though, in case we go somewhere and he flares up. And the rest is just the usual. Car keys, headphones, umbrella (it's England) and hand sanitiser.

I don't know why I always find 'what's in my bag' posts so interesting. I just like to see all the shit that people carry.

What's in your bag?

Becky xo

Beauty Re-Vamp for 2014 - Makeup

I've been using the same makeup for around 6 years. I had only ever really used Estee Lauder. My mum worked for them until the end of 2013 so it was all I had around me. Mum moved on to manage a Dior makeup counter, so I thought that if my mum could move on, so could I. Not necessarily to Dior, but just to move on to other makeup brands and try new things. I will never really be one to use drug store products, especially big things like foundation and concealer.

So I completely revamped my skincare and makeup regime for the better and have had some great results.

Skincare:

1. Clarins Water Comfort One-Step Cleanser
2. Clarins HydraQuench Cream
3. Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil
4. Estee Lauder Idealist Pore minimiser

This is the first time I have ever used Clarins products, and my skin has never felt better. These are the only 4 products I use. I have never really been one to use eye creams. Less is more when it comes to skin care.

1. The water cleanser is fantastic at removing any leftover makeup that I didn't get off the night before and leaves my skin radiant and ready for the next step.
2. I then use the Idealist pore minimiser. This was from my old routine, but I will never be able to stop using this product. It's just too good at what it does.
3. I then use the HydraQuench cream which moisturises deep into the skin, but creates a matt surface instead of an oily one. Perfect base for makeup.
4. I use the Body Tonic for stretch marks, scars and cellulite. It smells wonderful and really does make a difference to the appearance of these flaws, and overall helps to tone the skin. 

Makeup:

1. Diorskin Nude® - Natural Glow Radiant Foundation SPF15
2. Diorskin Nude® - Skin-Perfecting Hydrating Concealer
3. Benefit Coralista Blush
4. Bobbi Brown Long - Wear Gel Eyeliner
5. Vaseline Rosy Lips
6. Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara

A completely new makeup routine. This is the makeup I wear every day. I try to keep it super simple daily, so that when I do go out, there's a big difference between how I look daily and how I look when I want to make an impact.
These products are all completely affordable. The only expensive items really are the Dior skin bits. However, where they are super good quality, you don't have to use much for full coverage, meaning it lasts longer!
The blush is great for a hint of colour, summer or winter. It compliments my skin tone perfectly and adds a teeny weeny bit of shimmer too!.
The gel eyeliner is applied best with an angled brush. It stays put and the colour is jet black. As long as you have a steady hand, its creates beautiful lines.
Vaseline with a rosy tint. Can't really add any more to that.
The mascara is okay, but I find it flakes a little by the end of a long day. I will keep an eye on this but at the moment, it looks pretty good.

I feel completely rejuvenated with my new makeup and skin care. One of the best things I done for 2014.

Becky xo

Beauty Re-Vamp for 2014 - Hair

I started off yet another new year with a DISGUSTING cold. I couldn't get out of bed for a week. I was feeling pretty crap when I was finally able to walk around, so I called up my hair dressers and got a totally new style (I'd had the same hair cut since I was 14). It was long, brown and boring. I didn't go wild, but its pretty daring for me.

 Before

After

It's not hugely different. I had It cut to just past my shoulders with more layers, and its hard to see but I also had it dip dyed (iPhone front camera sucks). It's amazing how much more confident it has made me, and I feel prettier, feel that I look older and feel a little bit cooler.

Get yourself a very different hair cut and see how you feel after. I feel like a new woman.

Becky xo

2014 Improvements...

As mentioned in my previous post, I do not believe in New Year resolutions.
However, I do believe in reviewing the year before and deciding what to focus on.
So here are a few things I want to improve upon in 2014.

1. Being Happy
   I allowed myself to let people really knock my confidence and effect my self esteem negatively. I aim to have a more positive outlook and not be so effected by things and opinions of people that I don't care about.
2. Take care of myself
   I am never going to be that into health and fitness, I don't like most foods and the thought of the gym terrifies me. I mean take care of myself in other ways. Regularly get my hair done, have a better skin care regime, take multivitamins, don't over work myself - the little things that will overall help me to feel like the best version of me.
3. Work on my relationships with others
   I have always struggled to make friends and maintain them. I don't really know why. I plan on making a more concious effort to interact with the people I care about and really put effort into my relationships with friends and family.
4. Be more social
   This leads on from number three. I am somewhat of an introvert so I do enjoy staying in more than going out socialising. I aim to say yes to more things, not make excuses and enjoy myself when doing them with my friends. I also want to give myself opportunities to make more friends.
5. Be adventurous
   I have not been on holiday for almost 6 years. I can drive, I have adventurous friends and I have more money than I am use to. There's no excuse really. I need to start experiencing the world for its beauty and open my mind to experiences not within my comfort zone. Sky diving maybe.....
6. Start saving money
   I am 20 years old and I live paycheck to paycheck with no savings. How can I prepare for my future if I don't have a penny to invest? Savings will also help when unexpected bills occur and will help me achieve improvement number five.

Becky xo

2013 to 2014

Its that time of year where people like to reflect on the previous year and set some resolutions.
I have never believed in new year resolutions. Iv'e always been a tad pessimistic about them.
I will not be making any for 2014, but I will be reviewing 2013 and progressing on it to better myself.
Here's a timeline of the big things that happened in 2013. Some months are missing, for the pure fact that nothing noteworthy happened.

2013

January

Started off the new year with a crippling cold at work. This photo was followed with myself fainting - not good!

February

Received my very first rose!

April

PASSED MY DRIVING TEST!!!

May 

Went to MCM Comicon with the best girl ever - Josie.

I was 2013 Lara Croft and she was Blondie from sucker punch.

The Guy is Josie's cousin Ben, who just so happened to be Alex from 2013 Tomb Raider!

September

Started University! I had taken a gap year, and was planning to take another, but I woke up one morning and decided I didn't want to delay it any more! One month later I was taking this picture of myself on my first day! The scariest and the most thrilling day of my life so far.

December

I got to spend Christmas Eve with my handsome Boyfriend. We began dating in February and made it official in October. I've never met someone who makes me smile more than this guy does.

I'm looking forward to what 2014 will bring!

Becky xo