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

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!

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

Spring Up Your Jeans.

Happy Easter! 

I hope you all have lots of chocolate to munch on whilst reading this, and if not, what's wrong with you?! And I hope you all regret it afterwards like I do because now I need to diet to get back into these jeans!!

Jeans are a staple in everyones wardrobe no matter the weather (especially if you live in England even in the Summer it is acceptable to wear black jeans) and I have all different types and shapes and styles so as it is now Spring, here is a little insight on how I will be styling them up this season.

Look 1: 

Making ripped jeans look girly without grungy is a task but I paired these Missguided jeans with a tank top from Primark and I love colours in it so much, they brighten up any outfit! Adding my quilted bomber jacket and floral dolly pumps also from Primark this has been my go-to Winter to Spring transition outfit for when the sun is out but it's not quite warm yet.

Look 2:

Grunging it up a bit is acceptable any time of year. With the same Missguided ripped jeans, I paired this gorgeous top from Bershka. It has this chain detail going down the side and the back is alot shorter than the front, perfect for Summer when you aren't feeling super girly. I finished up this look with my lace-up white patent boots from Missguided.

Look 3:

Next up is my attempt to spring up some black jeans of mine by adding a super girly floral halter crop and gold brogues. Jeans are from New Look, Top is from Boohoo and my brogues are from New Look. As this is super exposed I throw on this check shirt that I actually stole from my brother to complete the look. Super casual.

Look 4: 

I love how summery this outfit feels so much. My white jeans are from Boohoo, and this peachy/orange crop is from Primark. I'm obsessed with the cut-out detailing of this (i attempted to capture it) and I paired this also with my gold cut-out brogues from New Look. This look is so girly without the need of any floral patterns.

Look 5:

Last but not least are these floral pattern jeans from Boohoo. They caught my eye last summer because they were unique but as always, patterns are hard to pair with but I just went for this black bardot top from Primark and my denim jacket from Lipsy. You can totally get away with double denim here! Finishing up with some flip flops or sandals, keeping it understated so the jeans are the main attraction.

I hope you enjoyed this and liked how I styled up my jeans to keep them fresh for this season. If you have any other suggestions or feedback I'd love to hear it!

Until next time, love y'alll.

Katie x

How Natural Is Your Natural Look?

I was sat at home the other morning contemplating what make-up look to wear, it was a day I was working so I didn't want heavy coverage and a full face so decided to go with Natural/wearable/easy to do. Perfect. 

However, when it came to doing my makeup it actually dawned on me when I was pulling out different products I was going to use that there is actually more effort to my natural look than I originally thought. So how natural really is my natural look? 

Here's the evidence of products I use on a daily basis: 

                         

So much for the I just woke up and glided out of bed effect. There are so many products nowadays encouraging this toned down look that we don't realise the amount of makeup we are applying just to get that impression of "we've haven't even tried" because the majority of us are too scared to go out bare-faced the real way. 

It's definitely a confidence issue, there was a period of time I did really look after my skin that I felt brave enough to ditch the makeup and go out without the slightest hint of foundation but with my redness, dark under eyes and blemishes there was no way in hell I would now.

The make-up remover test was also a revelation when I had to almost use two wipes just to get this understated look off my mug. 

Is it really worth it? 
Wouldn't it be more worthwhile to do a full face instead?

Oops. 

Well to be honest I love dolling up and toning down so for me it's not that much of an issue but I wanted to share with everyone what an eye opener this was for me. 

Yeah, I'd probably save a hell of a lot of make-up if I just braved it but what's the point if you're insecure and uncomfortable? The power of makeup is certainly too hard to resist nowadays. 

So, how natural is your natural look then girls?

Katie x

Day 7 of #Blogmas | A Day In The Life; Xmas Shopping!

So by being amateur in this blogging world I don't quite know how to "blog" a Get Ready With Me post so I just took a few pictures of my ugly mug this morning and hoped for the best?

So here goes;

woke up like dis // ootd // shower tiiime

all clean! // face routine // cuppa break!

time to dry ma hair // i can seee // foundation time

concentration face // mum brought me toast! // concealer time

looking fit // powder style // pouty

face is done! // pink lips+craay hair // tamed+ready

fur+sunnies aka diva. // forgot to brush my teeth // xmas shopping!

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYBODY

Katie x

Day 4 of #Blogmas | Winter Must-Haves.

Winter is here and we're all freezing our tits off right? It's been so long now since Summer I don't even remember what it feels like to be warm. What is warmth???

But luckily I came prepared in order to survive Winter with these investment pieces you will never regret owning in the colder months!

1) Duffle Coat.

Or any coat really. I got this Red one from Primark a few years ago for £13 and it's lasted amazingly. I rely on this coat to keep me cosy and shield me from the wind and it doesn't disappoint. I also may have got one so I could pretend I was Red Coat ... (any Pretty Little Liars fans will understand!)

2) Boots.

Now, if you don't own a pair of knee high boots, I am judging you. How else do you manage to keep the bottom of your legs warm?! They go with anything; jeans, leggings, dresses. They're the ultimate staple shoe. I got the Black Boots from Very for £25 (you may have seen me mention in my previous OOTD post) and the tan brown pair were a Christmas present a few years back from Deichmann and I think they were around £30-£40. I live and die in boots all year around really because if you have warm, dry feet, you can do anything!

3) Fur.

It doesn't matter how much or where, you just need to own some. Again, you may have seen my OOTD mentioning this Leather Jacket but I absolutely love it. The fur keeps my neck warm without it being too overboard and as much as I want to look like one of the Mob Wives with a full-on fur coat, I can't risk buying one if all it does is rain, it'll completely ruin it! This jacket was £49.99 from New Look and another note, the fur is detachable!

4) A scarf.

Because sometimes your chin gets cold too! This pastel pink/grey/blue tartan one was £5 from Primark and it's literally like a blanket for my face! I love wearing scarves I have a ton of fashion ones but this is actually the first woolen, thick scarf I've owned, I don't know what took me so long!

5) A Chunky Cardigan

Every year I look forward to wearing this cardigan, the first touch of bitter cold weather against my skin and this attaches to my body for at least 6 months. I bought this literally about 5 years ago, and it's been my trusty cardigan ever since. It's from F&F at Tesco and I'm sure it was £12? But it is by far the best money I've spent ever, sometimes I just chuck this on and I'm ready to go that's how comfortable and insulating it is!

6) Christmas Jumpers

I will be doing a post completely dedicated to Christmas Jumpers soon but every single person in this world must own at least ONE Christmas Jumper. It's the Law. I have about 4 along with a dozen normal jumpers so I'm completely covered for the season. This one is from the Men's section in Primark for £9 and I love it because it's a stereotypical statement jumper but without silly slogans or animals. Did I mention IT PLAYS MUSIC?! I actually didn't even realise this until my mum decided to press me. An added bonus for Little Miss Claus here!

7) Ear Muffs.

 

These were actually a birthday present because I hated that my ears got cold but I've only started wearing them this year. They're super cute because they have a bow too making them extra girly. These were from Claire's Accessories probably for about £5 and they have adjustable band to suit your head size. I do sometimes have trouble hearing whilst wearing them though but a warm Katie is a happy Katie.

8) Sequins.

Like the fur, it doesn't matter how much or how little they just need to make an appearance to get into the party spirit! This Midnight blue top was from New Look last year I think for £14.99? It was a present for me anyway and it's great if you want some sparkle to a casual look or even if you want to dress down for a Christmas party! 

9) Umbrella.

Not really an explanation needed other than the fact that British Winter time consists of rain, rain and MORE rain. Here's a cute little panda umbrella that's battled through the wind aswell. (Let's not talk about his missing ear) This was £4 from Primark.

10) Microwavable Panda.

No this isn't animal abuse don't call the WWF! This panda actually has a lavender bag in it's bottom that you can microwave so you have a warm teddy to cuddle on chilly evenings. How genius is that?! Basically a glorified hot water bottle but you don't get scolded. I have no idea of the pricing of this but I have seen all different versions and animals of this in most shops I've been in. The newest craze I reckon!

Have I missed any out?
What are your Winter Essentials?

Make sure you keep warm and cosy!

Katie x