April Haul | ft. Primark, New Look, Boohoo.

I watch so many hauls on YouTube and I read so many blogposts and I really enjoy seeing what people have recently bought and getting inspiration for new purchases. I've recently had a splurge and for ages have wanted to share my favourite pieces but then I get put off or nervous because other people look so flawless in their shots and it makes me want to buy it but then I had a step back and had a pep talk to myself. 

Reality is; I don't currently have the most up-to-date blog friendly camera, I don't have someone to follow me around in picturesque places and shoot for me. But because I don't have all that, doesn't mean I don't work as hard on my posts, why should I be put off blogging? It's something I enjoy and you know me, I love to rave and share my favourites. So, insecurities aside, out I pull my best mirror selfies and hanger shots for your {and my} enjoyment! Let's get started!

First up is this pastel pink blazer. This was actually an impulse buy that I decided to get despite looking hours for a bomber jacket, I was close right? I purchased this from Boohoo and got it a size up, which to be honest might have been a mistake as it was already oversized! But I think this will be the perfect staple for Spring, dressing up any outfit to be more formal but without being too tailored keeping that casual feel. 

                                

Here I paired it with my blue maxi-skirt also from Boohoo and this grey tee from Primark, for some unknown reason it cost me £1, can't beat that! I think if I was an outfit this would be me, it sums me up as I like to be girly and formal but on a chilled level which I love and the colours don't clash .. I think {hey I'm not an expert!}

Next up is one of my two cheeky buys from New Look. This shirt is actually from the 915 Generation section and it's an age 15! Now, I would definitely advise doing this if you're a size 10-12 and under and also a shoe size 5 and under so if there's a sale {or even if you spot something you like} don't ever feel ashamed to buy it, it will fit just as perfect and admittedly some of the fashion pieces in the teen section are prettier {and cheaper} than the women's what can go wrong?

                                    

It's very sheer, which I found quite surprising for someone young to wear, even I have a tank top underneath! I love it though, it makes the average white work/school shirt sexy and gives a more mature look. I paired it with leather look jeans also from New Look and some ASOS stilettos.

This top is so simplistic and pretty and the second item from the 915 Generation section in New Look. This is age 14 and is fitted but still perfectly floaty screaming summer vibes. I love the tassles and it's slightly cropped which helps it sit nicely on a pair of jeans or shorts.

Here I paired it with my Joe Browns jean shorts, Aviator sunglasses and some flip-flops, the perfect outfit for a beach day when it decides to get warmer!

After a long day at work, there's nothing I want more than to slip on something comfy and loose and watch Dance Moms on catch-up. PJs are perfect for evenings but when I have time off, during the day staying in your nightwear can be classed as lazy, who'd of thought! 

I was partial to a tracksuit back in the day so you don't understand my happiness when "loungewear" became a thing and somewhat fashionable but I've only just got around to purchase a set at a comfortable price from Primark. Sometimes leggings just doesn't cut it.

Last but not least my favourite outfit I've bought. This pink suede pinafore is the perfect staple for the warmer months as a nice alternative to denim and it's super comfortable and versatile! You can pair it with any style top and any colour tights to change up your look every time. Alongside this I bought this nostalgic printed tee which is appropriate since I have binge watched Saved By The Bell over and over lately, and it gets me every time, I love it so much and aspire to be as pretty as Kelly, as feminist as Jessie and as fashion forward as Lisa!

Both items from Primark teamed together and in honour of Saved By The Bell, this brings 90's vibes straight into the 21st century and paired with some white wedges from New Look to tone down the fact I look 12. I could totally fit in with the Bayside gang! 

As a lil heads up for if you purchase this tee; I'm usually a 10 but I bought this in a 6 {i know!} as I wanted it to be a perfect fit for the style to be more versatile as apposed to baggy. It's still a typical t-shirt fit, just the arm and neck holes aren't loose and it's slightly shorter but my usual size was surprisingly big and didn't look right at all! 

An extra little mention goes to this perfume roll-on I bought in Primark. I never really see anyone talk about their fragrances so I thought I'd make special effort to go to the stand and test them. This was my favourite called Coachella O5, it's not too strong, slightly fruity and sweet but not overpowering and I don't know about you but I was definitely envious as usual about not being an A-Lister enjoying Coachella a few weeks ago!

Anyway, I really hope you liked this post, despite it looking amateur in an un-idealic setting but this is real, this is me {don't tempt me into singing camp rock} and this was my haul!

Love you lots

Katie x

When Temporary Products Become Permanent.

Ok let's face it, we all have times where we're short of cash but our favourite products think it's the perfect time to run out. So you're running around trying to find a dupe that will cover your back until payday. Or worse you can't find your favourite product anywhere but it is essential you get a replacement. Absolute nightmare! It can go terribly wrong or it can feel like fate has brought you together, either way, it is a perfect chance to trial new products.

Thankfully products I was very apprehensive about pulled through and pleasantly surprised me so much so that I haven't even resorted back to my original item. This is my top 5 temp products that have become an absolute must!

1. Make Up Gallery Smoothly Does It Pressed Powder.

When I hit pan on my trusty Collection 2000 powder and went to get another I couldn't find the right one anywhere, I think they changed the formula or product completely. I was devastated but I was definitely in need of one. I was aimlessly wandering around PoundLand {i know!} and saw this pressed powder. It matched my skin colour and was surprisingly soft and lightweight so i thought I'd try it out until I found a better one. 6 months or so later I'm still inlove {and I've hit pan!} and I saved a mint on it. Can't complain about that. It makes my skin feel amazing after attacking it with foundation concealer and the rest of the war paint and sets it in place. Need to repurchase!

2. Collection No Clumps Definition Mascara

Some people say that I am blessed with the fact I have long eyelashes but trust me without the right mascara it's a nightmare. I can't use lengthening the days I wear glasses because I end up with window wiper black marks in vision all day and every volumising mascara I've used makes my lashes stick together, it's not pretty. I spotted this when purchasing shampoo in Superdrug and wanted to see if it was true to it's name. My lashes have never looked better and they aren't all clumped together in a mess and my vision is clear! Win-win.

3. Natural Collection Eyeliner

As a self-confessed useless eyeliner applier it's hard for me to find an eyeliner that is fool proof. I have Collection's Fast Stroke Eyeliner which is perfect for a cat-eye look but for days where I don't have the effort in me or if I want a less heavy look I needed something more. This Natural Collection eyeliner is not only £1.99 but it has the thinniest applicator I have ever seen which helps alot for precision and it's made from all natural ingredients, no nastys! Plus it dries so fast and lasts all day.

4. Natura Cleansing Facial Wipes: Age Radiance.

                         

Although I love Garnier's Micellar Water I have always used face wipes just to extra clean my face before washing it. I tend to love the Simple wipes as there is no perfumes or extras which my skin is very reactant to so I did think twice before purchasing these but 3 packs for £1 means I could stock up without worrying about running out. The Age Radiance is actually so soothing, admittedly they do have a fragrance but once you get over that it removes makeup so easily and with the anti-aging it does feel like the wipes do that something extra to your skin.

5. St Moriz Instant Self Tanning Mousse
ft Dove Summer Glow.

Immediately, of course it's a major dupe for St Tropez but I had to mention this as this is the first self tan I've ever bought and it's amazing for a fraction of the price! However, I've used Garnier Body Summer Body Moisturising Lotion for as long as I can remember to cover my ghostly physique but when it's not summer the prices can go ridiculous and the availability goes down so I replaced it with Dove Summer Glow which does just as good of a job and it's less orange toned as Garnier. St Moriz and Dove Summer Glow paired together makes a happy tanned Katie whatever the weather. {When I can actually be bothered that is!}

And that is my top 5! I hope you enjoyed this and maybe even tempted to try these products for the bargain prices!

Have you purchased a temp product that's unexpectedly impressed you? Let me know!

Lots of love,

Katie x

Veleza; The Go-To Beauty App!

Do you often seek advice on what beauty products to buy, have beauty products you just love to rant and rave about or just love all things beauty? Then Veleza is the perfect app for you!

A few months ago I was contacted by the community manager of Veleza telling me about a new app that is completely based on all things beauty and were looking for more bloggers to feature on it. Of course, me being a sucker for hints and tips I just had to sign up! Instantly I was obsessed. Once you sign up you answer a few questions on your skin type which is added to your profile which looks like this.

My blog is linked to my profile which only the owners can do currently if you have one you want to share. Here you have your own posts where you share your tips or a product you're loving for everyone else to see then people can "like" and "comment" very Facebook-esque. Then your Reviews, which when you add a new post {+ button} instead of clicking create a post click add product to shelf where you take a picture and then the system registers it for you to write your opinion on it. Perfect if you're someone like me who loves everyone knowing what you think!

A new feature was introduced the past few days which is earning gems for being active on Veleza so the more you post the more gems you get and the higher you rank! Just a cute added extra to motivate you to post.

What's really cute about the notifications section is you can see when people write a new post and review aswell as who liked yours and followed you. It's so much easier to catch up on as the Discover section doesn't have everyone's posts on there.

Here is where you can see other members posts! I've been inspired by so many of these and bought a ton of products others have tried and tested. The best thing about this is it's real people testing real products, no fake advertising, just pure love!

This section is where you can find products yourself based on what you want and are looking for. Most products on here are drugstore and affordable, even telling you the prices which is super handy!

Finally, my favourite bit of the app, the Discuss section! Here you can seek advice from your fellow app users for whatever you're after. It's like a beauty forum just ask a question then others comment suggesting the best products in their opinion. This is what makes Veleza a community app as a whole.

I hope you liked my little tour of the app and hopefully persuaded you to download this FREE app. Remember, blogger or not this is for everyone and I highly recommend it as everyone is so friendly and supportive on there and it's definitely something that is underrated and needs more exposure. Trust me it can be a lifesaver for your last minute beauty worries!

Here is the website link you can download the app straight from https://veleza.com/

Welcome to the community darlings!

Katie x

Have you got a Sparks Card?

"Have you got a Sparks Card?" one of my many rehearsed lines I have to say to every customer at work but infact it may seem annoying being asked a million and one questions, I'm actually doing you a favour. A Sparks Card, as well as many other loyalty cards, are THE best excuse to go shopping and I swear by them so I'm going to show you the collection I have and why they are brilliant to have.

Sparks Card

This card is relatively new, being introduced just before Christmas, this isn't just any loyalty card, it's a M&S loyalty card (see what I did there?) Simply pick one up from any store and register it online. From there, you get asked questions based on your lifestyle, this gives it the insight on what you would be likely to spend your money on using it. You pick a charity too, which with every transaction a fraction of the prices goes to your selected charity. Then you get to select from a series of discounts that only you will get by using your shiny new Sparks Card. I must admit, the food ones are the best! {currently they have 20% off sandwiches!*} You get 1 point for every 10p you spend and the more points you get the more advantages you unlock including invites to M&S events and shows! Points definitely make prizes.

Boots Advantage Card

Ok, so I'm sure this has been around for as long as I can remember. My mum and sister always had one and it's only this year I've decided to own one myself. You can order one online and it gets sent to you within a week {i think}. With an Advantage Card you get 4 points for every £1 you spend and you also get emails updated you on the latest offers. Sometimes they have promotions on where you earn triple points if you buy a certain product or you get money off if you purchase using your advantage card. The best thing about this is your points convert into money so I think 100 points means you have £1 to spend on there which is perfect if your short on cash or in a rush! So technically your spending out on your favourite foundation and geting money back. Amazing or what?

Superdrug Health + Beauty Card

This is extremely similar to the Boots card but it's got a shiny mirror! Sorry, vain moment. You can pick up one instore to get started and they even register it for you. With a Health and Beauty card, again it's every 100 points you earn it's £1 to spend but it's only 1 point for every £1 you spend. You get promotional offers online and instore, right now it's 100 points when you spend £10 on hair products, and we can't ever have enough hair products right?* Also, by being a member you automatically get free delivery on all online orders, we ALL love free delivery! You get exclusive birthday treats and sometimes exclusive prices for cardholders. Being a VIP has perks.

Costa Coffee Club

Who doesn't love a pricey coffee or hot chocolate every now and again? If you get a Coffee Club card instore you and get your moneys worth and more. For every £1 you spend you get 5 points {which isn't hard} and every point is worth a penny. You get exclusive access to offers and promotions before everyone else and if you get the app or check online it will even tell you what you can afford with the amount of points you had gained so far, which is handy instead of guessing. I think everyone deserves a free coffee sometimes, especially if it was a Monday Morning!

B&Q

This was a total impulse pick-up from when I was redecorating my bedroom but it's actually pretty handy! As a joining offer you get a voucher for £5 off a £50 shop, which if you know you're doing a big shop is worth having, then from there you will get emailed different offers and rewards such as 10% off, a special promotion on paint, free home delivery etc etc. It also comes with a key fob too so you don't have to go through 100 cards to try and find the club card. 

So, that's my stash of cards, honestly they are worth the hassle of bulking up your purse so the next time a shop assistant asks you, don't roll your eyes either ask for one or proudly hand it over. You'll be thankful for it when you want to save money for a new outfit!!

Happy Shopping!

Katie x

*any offers i mention was valid on 18/04/16. i cannot guarantee they will work after.

The £5 Bag

If you read my post The £1 Shoes, you already know what an eye for a bargain I have so I just have to tell you about this bag I recently purchased for £5. It's from the website http://everything5pounds.com which I would see advertised all over Facebook but obviously the fact every item on the website is £5 {hence the title} i was a bit skeptical. 

It wasn't until my sister purchased some clothing that I was pleasantly surprised. The material was good quality, the items were true to size and looked the same as the pictures so it encouraged me to buy a dress which is my favourite to date, so flattering and lovely. 

Then I saw this bag, I wanted a cross over body bag that could fit everything in but wasn't as big as my "suitcase" of a handbag and this seemed perfect. It was advertised in red but when I clicked on it the white took my eye. It's faux leather with a buckle fastening and a zip inside to keep everything in aswell as a zip on the back to fit even more in. I thought, eh why not it's only a fiver but it did seem too good to be true so there must be a catch right?

Wrong. This was exactly what I wanted and more, the structure is simple but so pretty and elegant, perfect for Spring and I don't know about you but it looks far more expensive than what I paid for it and I've already got so many compliments on it. 

The most important thing is everything I had in my massive handbag I can fit into this one but it's not making my arm go numb.

Once again, another successful bargain buy for a very satisfied Katie.

Keeeeep Shopping!

Katie x

REVIEW: Outdoor Hands: The Intense Skin Therapy Cream

My hands have always been one of my least favourite parts of my body because nothing I did ever worked for them to look feminine. Like everywhere else, I do suffer from dry skin on my hands and they are sensitive to breakage as I've found out from getting my nails done which is frustrating for not only me but my friend who is a qualified nail technician. It doesn't help that the shop I work in is beyond freezing and I'm always handling rough metal cages during my shifts so my hands were in definite need of Tender Loving Care.

So, as you can imagine I was thrilled when I was sent Outdoor Hands; a new skin therapy cream launched by experts to relieve dry, cracked and tired hands without any added naughty bits.

"Developed using a unique blend of natural ingredients, Outdoor Hands is free from chemical preservatives, silicones and colourants; to help leave skin feeling soft, smooth and rejuvenated. The cream’s specialist formula is easily absorbed, resulting in a non-greasy finish for use on hands, feet, elbows and other dry skin areas."

And that was the main attraction for me, my skin is very reactant to highly perfumed and preservative ridden products so this seemed perfect for me without worrying about inflammation and redness, which instead claims it reduces that. It even smells quite nice, a kind of subtle citrus scent.

The other attraction was the fact they claimed it was "non-greasy" which I was a bit dubious about.  I've owned creams in the past that no matter how much you rub in, your hands remain sticky and slippery until your hands go dry again so you'd have to re-apply, it was a vicious circle so in the end I stopped applying anything making my hands dry and unfeminine. But I was surprised that when I used Outdoor Hands the cream did actually absorb without leaving any evidence, it looked like nothing was applied but my hands felt smoother immediately. Just a pea-sized amount left my hands feeling as smooth as a baby's bottom!

An extra plus is this is 100% British, so if you're all about being patriotic this is the product for you. It's skincare that can be trusted!

I'm brutally honest and choosy when it comes to products so believe me when I say that if you suffer from dry, cracked skin or even if you don't and just love touchably smooth hands, I highly recommend this. 

At only £6.95 Outdoor Hands is available through a variety of stockists including their website http://www.outdoorhands.co.uk where you will also find out more information.

Have a lovely, skin-loving day loves!

Katie x