Will I Ever Be Organised?

The one thing that really frustrates me about myself is my inability to stay organised when I am such a lover of stationary. For the past month at least, every store has had multiple discounts and offers on 'Back To School' it truly makes me miss the start of a new term. You'd get a new bag, new pens and pencils (that are all gone by week 2) highlighters, a calculator, even stuff you knew you weren't going to use but because of that fresh feeling you just HAD to purchase.

Well, I totally got that feeling a few days ago when I stumbled across my old (incomplete, of course) Bullet Journal from 2 years ago. It made me just want to re-organise myself for the millionth time and what I love about this system is there's no rules. You create the pages, you create the content and I forgot how much I enjoyed doing this when I had the motivation to do it so I am revamping my BuJo.

I'm being smart about this however, instead of outright going out and buying a new journal, I'm putting myself a trial by using my old book with a few pages still left. If I prove I can stick it out and be committed to Bullet Journalling for the next 4 months, I will have a fresh start-over for 2019 and purchase a brand new book. (Eek!)

A gal can't be completely well-behaved though, I may or may not have invested in new stationary just to excite me. Well, I say 'invested' I got it all from Poundland! I honestly couldn't believe the range they had and for a fraction of the price of other retailers. I know most people like the branded items because of the quality and the showing-off aspect of it. 'Oh I'm just pulling out my Parker pen and Sharpies' We've all been there. But that doesn't bother me for my own personal use but they do actually sell brands such as BIC, Papermate and Pritt and they're still £1! Here's what I got:

A pack of Poundland 10 Highlighters, 4 BIC Fine Liners, 10 Poundland Fine Liners, A Pritt Stick, 6 pack of Washi Tape, Pen holder, Stickers.

Let me just highlight something. I honestly recommend that you go to Poundland and have a little nosey for a Pritt stick and branded pens because retailers such as WHSmith and The Works, both I love by the way, are selling these for double the price and for the same product? Surely there's something wrong with that, right? As for the rest, I did put these to the test to prove that sometimes, you're just paying for the name. 

The only comparison with the BIC and Poundland Fine Liners are certain Poundland ones do bleed the tiniest bit, but that's nothing to turn your nose up at and they are definitely a dupe of the Stabilo Fine Liners. Just a little tip too if you are going to purchase them, they also do an 8 pack so don't be fooled and pick up the 10, 2 extra pens for free, why wouldn't you? The stickers, I simply got for my 5 year old self and the Washi tape, I was sooo excited for because 2 years ago when I last wanted some it was so rare to find!

So anyway, back to my Bullet Journal trial. Here's a sneak peek of (my lack of) artistic skills.

                             

                             

I actually find the mood tracker so cute, I grabbed inspiration off 

@AmandaRachLee for the theme and idea. I've also put my food I've had
this month and i'm keeping track of my fruit and water intake.

A monthly log. I base this solely around work so I know what breaks

are coming up and also my ongoing expenses.

Finally, my daily log. My working week is Fri-Thurs so I've

adapted it to suit me and also included my rota for that week.

Finding a layout that works for me is important and i'm swaying towards
this for the future.

It's completely basic for now and unfinished, I need to use my new pens to make it look pretty but this is kind of the jist of a Bullet Journal if you didn't know. I watched a thousand videos dedicated to other people's journals and the inspiration you can get is unreal. You can log as much or as little as you want to do with your lifestyle, and that's what makes them so great.

Would you consider starting one?

Katie x

My Go To Make-up Products

It's July, Summer is in it's prime, which is a rarity for us English lot who don't usually experience sunshine quite this much, so you'd think whilst sweating in 28 degree weather make-up is the last thing on my mind but well, you'll be surprised!

In actual fact, because this heat doesn't allow for a lie in, I have time on my hands to pack on the layers to make me look less of a potato. I've also found a few new products I am obsessed with so I enjoy applying, even if i do look a bit extra for work.

The first product is one of the biggest hypes of this year. I wasn't 100% convinced when I read reviews that a £5 foundation could be so flawless and full coverage but this Revolution Fast Base Foundation Stick is a gift from the gods. Not only is it obviously super inexpensive, It is perfect for my skin. Being Casper the ghost, I feel like most foundations only have limited shades where even the lightest can be too orange for me but having 18 shades suitable for everyone, I really have hit the jackpot. F4 is perfect for me as it's not too pasty on my skin like F1 but it's just the right colour to suit with or without a fake tan. It's so easy to apply and blends like a dream, what more could I ask?

Next up is highlight. I didn't think bargain wise, I'd find one that makes me shine bright like a diamond until I discovered this Primark beauty. The shade is Brunch Club and the glow is just right without looking like you're just sweaty. I feel like Primark has really upped their game when it comes to beauty products, the quality is amazing and at £2.50? Who needs an expensive dupe?

Recently, I've incorporated lashes into my daily routine. I know this seems very "Beauty Vlogger" of me but honestly, I love how much they make a difference to my look. I have long lashes naturally so it's more for the volume and intensity but I'm currently loving it. It doesn't even take much more effort now I've had practice and I always used to think it was an expensive craze but like everything quality isn't always pricey. Now, surprisingly my go-to lashes are only £1! Although Primark lashes are my favourite, most days I grab mine from Poundland and although the glue is shocking, pair these with Superdrug own brand lash glue and you're looking glam for a fraction of the price, not to mention they are reusable!

Finally, who doesn't love a good nude? I feel like I've been on the search for a drugstore dupe of Kylie's Candi K for so long and they've either been too light it looks like I've got foundation lips, or they're too warm toned, however, this Velvet Matte Lip Lacquer by MUA in the shade Tranquility is £3 and I am in love. It just glides onto my lips and dries perfectly without taking too much moisture away as I suffer from chapped lips, also the colour is so versatile for so many looks. So impressed.

Shop here:

Foundation Stick - Superdrug

Lip Lacquer - Superdrug

Highlighter - Primark.

Lashes - Poundland

Organisation Is Key.

Do you know my favourite thing about a new year beginning? The excuse to buy a diary. Now I don't know if it's just me but I must buy at least 10 notebooks throughout a calendar year and matching stationary in an attempt to look like I've got my shit together but in reality I soon lose interest and I just end up with a pile of half used bits of paper and pens coming out my ears. 

I always have the ideal scenario in my head aswell that when I'm out and about, on a train or bus that I'd be sat jotting down ideas whether it's for blogposts, planning appointments or shopping lists when the majority of the time I have my headphones in trying to conceal my inner Beyonce. 

But here's Take 235 of organising Katie Pook's life and this is how I'm going to do it.

Buying an visually pleasing Diary. The obvious first step but as someone who loves colours and pretty things, these bog standard doctors appointment style books just does not cut it. It does not give me the motivation to plan at all however on the other hand I'm too coward to spend too much just incase I don't stick to my word and add to my unwanted collection. I was delighted when I found this cute diary in Poundland with a pink and teal palm tree design. What's great about this is the plastic overlay too because this weather defintiely isn't paper friendly and in the past my notebooks have gotten water damage when the heavens open and who wants soggy notes? Eurgh.

Being aware of significant dates. Birthdays, Anniversaries, Working Hours. Keeping an actual record of these instead of guessing or relying on Facebook will allow me to not only plan for these days but also give the illusion I'm well prepared without worrying last minute and having to send a Moon Pig card or rushing to get to work. It is so easy to lose track of days working in a seasonal job so it will just give me a bit of a reality check. I've written in upcoming breaks to also mentally prepare myself what level of work I'll be doing. 

Having things to look forward to. Scheduling in compulsary days like above will leave space for freetime and although I love having my downtime, nothing compares to the feeling when you know an event is coming up that you're excited for. Currently other than my birthday, I have no plans for 2018 but I think it's vital especially in the type of career I am in, to take a break, go on holiday, go to a festival. This is a major motivational tool to have something to work towards, counting down the days. As much as you don't want to wish your life away, sometimes that excitement can get you through the toughest times. And of course, a more exciting life means more exciting content to post about!

Discover Inspiration. As corny as it sounds, in terms of blogging there is inspiration all around us and my goal is to know how to utilise that in my favour. Whether it's a guest who has made an impact in my day, a product I've come across, a distinctive smell perhaps? I need to open my mind a little more as I love blogging but can get caught in a rut pretty fast. I need to stop feeling so anxious about expressing my passion.

I want this year to count. I want to make an impact. I want to make myself proud and being organised is just the first hurdle.

Love, Katie x

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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.

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