REVIEW | Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation

I have waited so long to do a review of this but honestly, I've not been near a drugstore to pick it up until I completely ran out of it's sister product Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation. Anyway since this has been my Holy Grail product since about 18 years old (as I've noted a thousand times before) It was time to test this out, finally!

Now, let's get down to what the foundation states:

"Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Breathable Foundation is a lightweight skin perfecting foundation with medium coverage. Breathable skin technology that moisturises for up to 25hr. With SPF 20"

Sounds promising, however as I am such a advocate for full coverage foundation, I was a little apprehensive as to how well I was going to get on with it and whether it will cover to my desire.

I always get Rimmel foundations in 100 Ivory as I am Casper the Ghost's sister and even that is still dark for me! I must admit when I opened the lid I was pleasantly surprised (and a little excited) about the applicator. It's a stick with a sponge end which is the complete contrast to original which is just a pump with no applicator. 

I suppose you can apply this directly to the skin however I decided to dab a few swabs onto my blending sponge and applied it that way and honestly as I first I wasn't convinced. It felt so lightweight like I wasn't covering any blemishes it literally just felt like a moisturiser however when I actually looked at my complexion I was proven wrong. Admittedly it's buildable so I did need to apply more product until I was comfortable but I couldn't fault it and like I said, how it felt against my skin, it didn't feel caked on yet looked almost flawless.

It also worked well with the rest of my make-up routine (you can read about what products I use here) blending together lovely. So, honestly if you're looking for a light-medium coverage more moisturising foundation that doesn't feel caked on your skin, this is an amazing alternative to the original product by Rimmel.

However, I am a sucker for full coverage so it's not a complete replacement just yet!     

Love, Pook x

DRESSES FOR £1?! | ISawItFirst

Do you ever wake up in the morning after a nice little sleep and a miracle has happened? Well that's exactly what happened on Tuesday. Well, okay I know I'm being super extra but seeing an email saying I could get clothes for £1 was a blessing when I'm struggling to maintain money this side of Christmas.

Now, normally when I get emails or notifications of crazy sales like this, I just think, oh it's just the last of their summer crap, or something that is a serious fashion faux pas but I always look, because y'know, just incase and I'm nosey. 

I Saw It First is genuinely my go-to online store now. I first discovered it back in July when literally every social influencer was raving about it and usually when that happens I click their link and that's as far as it goes but something was different about this site, I had a good feeling and that day I did spend about £70 on a few outfits just to test it and it's been my favourite since. It's affordable, efficient and friendly and the quality is decent!

Now, back to this £1 malarkey. After scrolling through the first few pieces, I realised this was the real deal man, like it wasn't just summer sale, there were £30 price tags reduced to £1 which is very rare, I know it's Black Friday week but this was crazy. They smartly however, put a 2 items per transaction limit to prevent greedy buggers like myself nabbing the whole lot so in the end I settled for these 2 gorgeous dresses, retailing originally at £20 and £25.

  

I was a little bit excited as party season is very soon approaching (not that I have any to go to) so used this as an acceptable excuse to buy metallic pieces. C'mon it's CHRISTMAS!! And besides if for whatever reason I hated them, it cost me less than a bottle of Coke!

First up I tried on this Rose Gold Metallic Dress and it's not actually from the I Saw It First brand which I kind of knew straight away, it wasn't the usual quality I expected and the metallic material reminded me of a turkey wrapped in foil but when I put it on it actually looked nice. The material doesn't really give much wriggle room and you have to tie up the straps yourself to avoid any malfunction which is super risky but I styled it with my oversized denim jacket from Boohoo to make it a little bit more me to dress it down and I do really like it. It's definitely a Christmas dress when you're feeling a bit extra (which is me all the time) or can be used for fancy dress but I do see myself wearing this to a few parties.

Now onto the second dress, which on the model I didn't think much of I mean I liked it but the way it was styled with metallic silver thigh high boots didn't leave the best first impression. When I took it out the parcel I was instantly inlove; the material was such good quality and wasn't rough like some glitter style dresses and it was stretchy and fit like a glove. This is how I know it was the I Saw It First brand. Because of the low-back you can't wear a bra with it and as someone with alot of boobage I usually feel so conscious about this but I felt so secure and you can't see any nips which is an added bonus. This dress is definitely more my style out of the two and so comfortable, I cannot wait to wear this to a birthday party I'm going to next week and completely blag around the fact it cost me a freakin' £1!

If I'm 100% honest, I don't think I would pay full price for either dress as they both aren't usually something that would catch my eye or I would go for amongst other styles, but I am definitely very satisfied with my purchases and I definitely recommend you all to check out I Saw It First if you haven't already, especially with Black Friday around the corner, get yourself some bargains! 

Website: http://www.isawitfirst.com
Twitter:@isawitfirst
Instagram: isawitfirst
Snapchat: isawitfirst_com


(Please note: the £1 sale was over before I uploaded this post. This is not an Ad, just myself and my honest opinions on a brand I love)

Love, Pook x

How I Fake Confidence

When it comes to my job there's no hiding, you have to be confident and outgoing to make an impression on those thousands of guests who pay good dollar to be on holiday, after all, they're after the high quality service. However, anyone who really knows me would have gone through this life journey with me and in actual fact most of the time, it's a total facade. I'm self-conscious, anxious and often quiet around new people. That's right people, I'm a total fake but I'm going to let you into the secrets of how exactly I completely blag my way through life.

• Make an effort with yourself. This is such a materialistic way to start but I believe that if you take that little bit of time to do your hair and make-up and even tan yourself up, you're already half way there because looking good makes you feel good. Am I right? Not many girls can say they feel 100% confident with their hair in a top knot, joggers on and Au Natural.

• Put on your favourite outfit. Of course this applies if you don't have work or a uniform but even so just style it to suit you with your favourite accessories. You can tell when someone feels comfortable in and enjoys what they're wearing as apposed to over-dressing or wearing something not your style, you aren't fooling anyone we know you feel awkward and conscious. Of course I'm all for taking risks but ensure you feel happy before stepping foot in public.

• Walk with your head up. Put that phone away for a change, we all are guilty of clinging onto it as a safety guard to avoid awkward eye contact or conversations but when you look and feel good, show that off. People may disagree that they hate being noticed but walking past someone with your head up will make them take a second look, you look more approachable and I don't know about you but knowing someones acknowledged you or your effort will boost your confidence that extra step.  

• Smile. This fits in with my previous tip. As much as you think your resting bitch face is doing you favours, it doesn't. Simply smiling to whoever you walk past, whether they smile back or not will actually also put the other person in a good mood aswell. After all, smiles are infectious. The only downside is I'm so used to smiling in my job that when I'm that friendly out of uniform I get a few odd looks but trust me, it works.

• Don't overthink. I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that 9 times out of 10 we rehearse what we want to say in our heads beforehand even if it's for an appointment, a phone call or what you're ordering for dinner. But sometimes it's beneficial to drop that filter in everyday life. Letting your words run free tends to reflect more of your personality even if you are a bit shy. Say something cheeky, be sarcastic, make a joke because actually you will have more of an impression on that person (good or bad) that if you kept your mouth shut. Obviously this is only to an extent, don't be inappropriate or rude and know when to be quiet (word vomit is a genuine disease for me) but it definitely helps the conversation flow that little bit more.

And that is pretty much it. I hope this will help you fake confidence as much as it does me. Of course, there are days I do none of the above but trust me, all this tips will have an impact on your confidence overall, you just have to take a chance and embrace it.

Love Pook x 

Winter Beauty Killer | Make-up Routine

Hello lovelies,

I don't know about you but when it comes to this time of year, in between snuggling in my pajamas most of the time with the heating on and a good cuppa, I always find the motivation to look more "glam". Maybe it's because Winter is known for awards season and just parties in general dazzling yourself in sparkles and it being more acceptable than ever, I just enjoy sitting down and actually putting my face on and making an effort in an attempt to brighten up this gloomy weather.

That in mind, I thought I'd share my favourite make-up routine and what products I use to achieve this look.

First of all, let's start with eyes. I always find it so much easier to do eye make-up first that way I can be as messy as I want and wipe away any mistakes without worrying about my foundation ruining. Common sense really. Although it's a complete contrast colour to the festive season, I thought applying pink shadow would just add a bit of light softness to the usual bold trend of winter make-up. I used the Beauty Killer Palette by Jeffery Starr which is full of vibrant colours usually suitable for summer however I use this all year around. I took the shade Princess as a base colour (it's actually a pale pink, excuse the brightness ruining the colours!) then I apply a little bit Star Power, which is a vibrant pink ever so slightly to deepen the colour to get more of a subtle Barbie shade.

If you struggle with eyeliner like me, Glam Eyes by Rimmel London is perfect for dummies because of it's precision applicator it even makes my attempt look somewhat decent! I then finish off with Miss Manga Mega Volume Mascara from L'oreal Paris, because my eyelashes are naturally long but light, this mascara just thickens them up giving that falsh lash effect.

Now time for base and I've used the Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation by Rimmel on and off for years. It's just my Holy Grail product, I need full coverage that takes me through some gruelling shifts and this has never failed to impress me since I was about 18. They've actually brought out a "breathable" version this year which is more of a medium coverage that I'm looking forward to trying out for days I don't need much warpaint! Now for concealer, I used a mixture of Natural Collection's Liquid Concealer and a Cover-Stick. This one is from Poundland and is actually better than most coversticks I've used. Together they attack any dark circles or blemishes I have and actually covers my Chicken Pox scars above my lip instead of sinking into them. I then set it all with a Pressed Powder which is also from Poundland, it doesn't cake up at all and it's a bargain!

Last but not least a little bit of contouring. For this I cheat and just use Rimmel Kate Moss Sculpting Palette which does the work for you and tells you what goes where. (I often wonder how I'm a girl) it just accentuates my high cheekbones and stops me looking like a potato. I finish off with the Undress Your Skin Powder Highlighter from MUA which is so pigmented it's crazy for it's price! 

And here is the finished look. (Note: My lip colour is Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Lipstick in shade Plum This Show)

Until next time, my loves.

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OPINION: Grease The Musical (2017)

Before I get into this post, I sincerely hope anyone who reads this has watched Grease, and if not, W H Y? Grease is one of THE best musicals ever, long before Zac Efron had even graced this world with his presence, it is basically the 70's version of High School Musical, with an incredible cast of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John where we follow the journey of The Pink Ladies and T-Birds through high school who face tough decisions in their final year and summer lovers Danny and Sandy and whether they will rekindle their romance now Sandy has joined Rydell High. Now, anyone who knows me realise how much I love everything about this musical; the story, the fashion, the songs and even to this day when a DJ goes into his cheesy playlist, I am there on the dancefloor doing my best Sandy impression. 

Just going to casually insert of picture of me and my family as Pink Ladies and T-Birds for my Dad's 60th ...

Even if you haven't watched the film, there is no doubt you know Greased Lightning, You're The One That I Want (ooh ooh ooh honey) or Summer Nights. 

Okay, so I rambled on enough about my love, we can establish my excitement when I found out they were revamping the theatre show and touring this year and coming to Plymouth! Not only that, the teenage love of my life, Tom Parker (from The Wanted if you didn't know) was cast as Danny Zuko so, no brainer right? I HAD to go!

When we got into the theatre I was a little apprehensive, understandably I had very high expectations of the show as I'm sure did the whole audience, there's an enormous amount of pressure to pull off such an iconic musical and ensure it's relevant for this century but I assure you, it didn't disappoint once I got over some of their American accents. 

Alongside Tom, Danielle Hope (who previously played Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz) portrayed Sandy amazingly and with an effortless vocal performance to match. Eastenders' Louisa Lytton also joined them as Pink Lady leader Rizzo, bringing to the stage the right amount of sassiness that we all know and love from the character.

From the get-go, the whole theatre was filled with laughter, applause and singing, even when there was an unfortunate technical hitch that brought the show to a halt in the first half, but true to the saying, The Show Must Go On, and it did and the cast were greeted back on stage with a massive reaction from the audience. 

Overall it was a spectacular performance, Tom and Danielle retelling the far-from-perfect love story of Danny and Sandy with ease and powerful chemistry throughout, the whole production of light and sound were outstanding which really brought the show to life, and the whole cast just go together seamlessly with good comedic timing and really engaging with the audience. It really has done the original justice. 

Now I'm off to watch the film for the 1000th time.

You Got Me Wrapped Up

Cor, it's got a little bit chilly outside lately hasn't it? Anyone would think it's bloody Winter! As much as I couldn't think of anything worse than being cold, it's also my favourite time of year in terms of fashion - jumpers, tights, boots, and of course big cosy coats to brave the temperature in. It makes Autumn/Winter somewhat bearable when you are comfy but also looking good whilst you're at it. 

Here are my 3 staple coats to help me survive this season!

First up is actually my most recent purchase. I got this Red Fitted Quilted Puffer Jacket from Lasula and it's very much on trend, proving very popular for socialites like Olivia Buckland and Megan Mckenna, adding a pop of colour to what can be quite a bland time of year. I have had so much wear from this already and the black faux fur collar is like a constant hug around your neck. My only negative is it is definitely fitted and I wish I'd gone a size up for extra room as I can't layer as much as I want but saying that the warmth this coat brings, you don't really need it.

 

Next up, is this gorgeous Black Check Longline Jacket that I purchased the beginning of the year from New Look and for me, is the most sophisticated thing I own. It dresses up any outfit I decide to wear and I can't get enough of pairing it with my thigh high grey boots that I dig out every winter! Granted, it doesn't do me any favours when the heavens open and drown me but for an dry day and an evening out, it's perfect. I get so many compliments.

Last but not least is my trusty, extreme weather coat that was such a bargain buy from Primark a good 2 years ago and it's still going strong. The Parka coat, a staple in everyone's wardrobe for those miserable, rainy days that never seem to go away. The length is perfect covering 3/4 of my body from the cold and wet, protecting my clothes and the huge fluffy hood that makes me feel like Macklemore (remember him?!) is perfect for keeping my head and ears warm and dry, although the fur takes forever to dry again! 

 

Great Britain; I am ready for your baltic, horrific weather, come at me!

Why Why Why?

Guilty, there's only two whys in this post...

Why I miss blogging.

Wow, it's been well over a year since I sat down and wrote out a post to publish. Sure I have a few drafts but honestly, with the lifestyle I've adapted to, I fell out of love of blogging. It became a bit too forced to me like I just had to post anything for the sake of posting but truthfully I just didn't know what I actually felt passionate about writing.

After a year full of constant change and hecticness that surrounded my life, I finally have a few days a week to sit down, relax and reflect on everything and whilst scrolling through Twitter there are so many bloggers that I still follow and their content is amazing and then I began to miss writing down how I felt.

I then started to use a notebook which admittedly helped satisfy my writing needs and it also helped me alot mentally, actually putting pen to paper and just venting for a few pages, really started to put my mind at ease because I find it difficult to express how I feel verbally, (unless of course it's to my mother!) and it was then I thought what if I just resume my blog?

Why I don't understand boys.

How do I even begin to explain my confusion with the opposite sex? As a female, I can put my hands up and admit us girls are hardwork. There's no denying that, especially when we know what we want and as much as we can be indecisive I'd like to think we are consistent with our work, our life and our feelings. Yeah, we have our ups and downs but ultimately we are honest and true to ourselves. I'm not talking on behalf of all guys but so far, all males that have entered my life, initially, seem sure of themselves, what they want and their carefree attitudes but their inconsistency is such a turn off and ultimately frustrating! One day they can act so into you, almost a little bit too clingy and then the next they do a complete 180 degree turn and go cold, distant and leave you feeling like you're the size of a peanut, as worthy as a round £1 coin. And yet, they seem so oblivious to how they actually are making you feel then resume talking to you days later and because we are all suckers for a little bit of attention, we somehow have short-term memory loss until the next time it happens! It's a vicious cycle until the conversation and any kind of relationship you had dies completely. 

Why is this generation's dating system so fucked up and complicated? Surely if you like eachother you like eachother, if you don't you don't. Call me old fashioned but bring back the days where my parents met and 6 weeks later moved in together. Skip forward 34 years and they are still very much inlove. 

Things were alot more consistent back then!