1. Make the most of offers. Brands often try to tempt you by offering free gifts when you buy certain products or spent a certain amount. Take advantage of this and only buy products when you're going to get a little extra for free. Its also a great way to try things and then you know if a product is really worth the money.

2. Get savvy with the sales and sign up for email alerts to your favourite brands. Then you'll be the first to know about them and should be able to pick up some bargains. Also they often send emails with special offers and discounts so its a really easy way to stay up to date with any potential deals.

3. Make good use of sites like Pinterest. It helps you develop your personal style which saves you money long term. If you know what you actually like then you waste less money on buying stuff you aren't really that fussed about. That leaves you more money to spend on that really nice coat you wanted instead of buying five really average T shirts you'll never wear.

4. Get comfortable with the idea of second hand. Sites like eBay and Vinted are great ways to pick up a bargain. People often sell on high end brands at significantly discounted prices.

5. Make good use of blog sales as people often sell virtually untouched or new clothes and make up at massively reduced rates. A good way to find them is to search 'blog sale' on twitter.

6. And blogs in general. Look at swatches and make certain it is what you want. Read reviews and see what other peoples experience with a product was. Doing your research on an expensive purchase is essential because you need to know if its right for you before you part with your cash.

7. If possible try to look at it in person/try it on in the shop before taking advantage of a better deal online. Particularly with perfume as its impossible to tell what something smells like just from a description.

8. Always check if you can earn cashback on purchases with sites such as Topcashback and Quidco. In the past year I've made over £200 from doing this so its well worth doing.

9. Make good use of comparison sites if you can. If you really want the latest iPhone then make sure you are getting the best deal for your money. Also take a look at your current bills and see how much of your current package you are actually using. You might be able to cut back and save yourself loads of money.

10. Sounds obvious but if you really want something but can't justify the money then ask for it as gifts. If its really pricey then you could ask for a gift voucher or cash towards it instead.

11. If you really really want something but its just too expensive then a dupe is a great way of trying it and seeing if you actually get on with it. For example you really want MAC's Ruby Woo lipstick but you decide to get a Rimmel dupe instead. If after a few months the lipstick has been hardly used or you're not too sure if the colour suits you then you'll know not to bother investing in the real thing.

12. Always be on the look out for any loyalty or reward schemes and save your points up for luxury items.

13. Learn what you can save money on. So if you don't find there to be any real difference between Maybellines Lash Sensational Mascara and Benefits Roller Lash then stick with what's better value. Then use your extra cash for items that are worth the splurge.

14. Always check sites like FragrenceDirect.com to see if they have your desired product for less.

15. Choose your most used brand as your favourite on feelunique.com and then you always get 10% off. They also offer free shipping on orders over £10 so its a great way of ordering your staples. I also recommend choosing a high value brand e.g. Chanel because you hardly ever find discounts elsewhere for brands such as these. Then if you choose to invest you'll save quite a bit of money.

16. If you're a student buy makeup from ASOS as you get 10% off. They stock some really big brands such as NARS and Benefit so the savings can really add up. If you're no longer a student then persuade a student friend to order if for you and give them the money.

17. Sites like wowcher and groupon often have really good deals on make up. For example reduced MAC lipsticks, heavily discounted fragrences and gift sets. I've saved considerable money buying feelunique.com vouchers and on my BirchBox subscription.

18. Outlet shops are often full of bargains and always have a good look in TK Maxx. You'll never know what you might find if you have a good rummage in there. For every ten smashed up eyeshadows there is a hidden gem lurking at the bottom of the pile.

If you have any other tips or tricks I would absolutely love to hear them!

Things that have made me happy this week

Its been a long week that has mostly consisted of revision but I have managed to squeeze in some fun things to stop me going completely crazy. So here is what I've been up to this week. I'm one exam down now with only one left to go next week.

1. Abbi's birthday. So last Wednesday was my absolute BFF's birthday and shes a whole 21 years old. In the three years I've known her shes always insisted on us making no fuss for her birthday but this year I decided to just totally ignore her requests and go all out. My original idea was just to get a small group of our geology friends together for dinner to celebrate. But then I thought her flatmates might like to be involved so I contacted one of them and we hatched our plan. It soon grew to include her friends from halls and rugby friends as well. It took a lot of planning to get 4 separate groups totaling 18 people in the same place at the same time so a massive thanks to Felicity for all her help (you're amazing). It was 100% worth it for the look on Abbi's face when she walked in and we were all waiting to surprise her. Thanks for being the best mapping partner a girl could wish for <3

2. Cheeky Nandos. Ok after all the social media buzz surrounding #cheekynandos I remembered I had never actually been. So as a revision break Jared and I went to the one in Southampton and it was everything I expected. The food was good but not amazing and the banter was out in force. I don't know if I'll go again but I'm glad I experienced this part of British culture.

3. New Clinique bonus time. I recently discovered the site feeluinique.com (I know I'm about a million years behind the times) and used it to restock on some favourite facecream from Clinique. Partly because I was too lazy to go to town but mostly because you got a free bonus time gift with it. This included the Super Defense Day cream, Liquid Facial Soap, High Impact Mascara, Blush in bashful blush and a Chubby Stick in Roomiest Rose. I can't stop wearing it, its just too pretty! Plus the bag it came with is pretty cute. And you can never have too many little make up bags.

4. Malcolm in the middle. Such an oldie but I never watched it back when it was actually on TV. I'm currently on season 3 and it makes me so incredibly happy. Mostly because their crazy lives are remarkably similar to my own childhood except I am one of 4 girls instead of boys. Whether you've already seen them or not they are perfect for procrastinating as each episode is only 20min long.

5. Real Techniques brushes. I've always been a massive fan of Ecotools brushes but they don't have as large a range as Real Techniques. Everyone seems to love them and they are a similar price so I thought I would give them a try. I got the powder brush as I don't currently have a nice big fluffy brush and the Expert face brush. I've always used a flat foundation brush and find it leaves streaks so this is perfect for buffing in your base. Plus they were on offer in Boots. A girl's gotta take advantage of these things.

6. Sisters coming to visit. All three of my sisters came down to Southampton for a day out shopping followed by dinner at Turtle Bay. I was naughty and got three new dresses and had the juiciest steak for dinner. But shopping and good food soothes the soul right? That aside though it was nice to spend some quality time with them as now that two of us are at uni we don't get to see each other as much as I would like.

New Urban Decay Haul

Today I am going to branch out a little and do more of a beauty style post. Although I am a lifestyle blogger I like to mix things up from time to time. Plus I am really nosy and love to see what other people have bought.

The bunch of stuff I bought was because I found a bit of money in my room I had forgotten I had (bloody love it when that happens). A sensible person would have put that money aside for a rainy day and not spent it on eyeshadow, but I had clearly already done that and never spent it. So y'know I just thought what the heck, ITS TIME.

am obsessed with Urban Decay and in particular their Naked palettes. I find myself trawling through Instagram and Pinterest for pretty pictures that have these incredibly sexy eyeshadows in. I already have the Naked 3 palette and I have got such amazing use out of it. Clearly I now need all three of them.

So I had to get Naked 2. Its a beauty, I mean just look at it. I know everyone who has ever been on a beauty blog already knows all about them so I am not going to blabber on about the different shades and how pigemented it is or whatever. You already know this stuff, just look at it and appreciate how gorgeous it is. I think I'm in love. I suspect its only a matter of time before the original one is sitting in my online basket.

I also got the Urban Decay Primer Potion in original because this is the only thing I have ever tried that stops my eye make up sliding around my face on a night out. If for any insane reason you have not tried it yet then you really should. And just as a hint if you get a eyeshadow palette you get a free sample of this with it...

So moving on to lip products I finally purchased these after trying them on in store back at the beginning of the year. I can't stop thinking about how much I liked them so it had to be done. First up is the Revolution lipstick in Turn on which is a lovely soft pink colour. You can't get better than pink lipstick for Spring. Thats just how it is.

To go with it I got the Naked Ultra Nourishing Lipgloss in Lovechild. I used to love lipgloss and wore it everyday, but recently lipstick has kind of been winning for me. Its time to get back into this and I love that this one doesn't feel sticky and gloopy.

I'm pretty happy with all this, plus I got 10% off and free delivery which is always a bonus :D

New Beauty Buys all under £10

So ok I might have gone a little mental in Boots and Superdrug last week. I only went in there to return a nail varnish I wasn't happy with and before I knew it the three for two offer had sucked me in...

Anyway I'm actually really pleased and impressed with all of these products so wanted to share them as I feel they are really good value for money. Just goes to show you need not spend a fortune to get good quality products providing you make an informed choice.

First off I got myself three new Rimmel lipsticks. I am a big fan of their lipsticks (and Maybellines but I've already got most of theirs) as they last a long time and give a great buildable colour. I got two from the Kate Moss range in shades 01 (far right) and 30 (far left) which are a bright red and a berry colour. My favourite though is from the standard line and is shade 016 called Heart Breaker (centre) and is a lovely rose pink.

I always end up with nail varnishes and I am really loving Barry M ones at the moment. I picked up two from their new Speedy Quick Dry range in Pole Position (far right) and In a Heart Beat (far left) as well as an iridescent shade called Pacific (centre). This looks amazing over my Gelly Hi Shine in Blueberry.

As an extra nail varnish I got an Essie one in Bikini So Teeny which I've been waiting all winter to get. Its such a lovely pastel blue and is perfect for Spring. I've had my eye on the Bourjois cream blushes for ages now so got one in Rose Tender and it comes in the cutest little pot! I'm currently wearing it at work and it just gives the most natural looking flush I've ever seen which is perfect for Spring. The second blush I got was the Max Factor Creme Powder blush in Seductive Pink. I am loving this so much and I've worn it to work twice this week.

In addition to make up I also got some more Nivea extra gentle eye make up remover as its such good value for money and a Boots essentials 3 minute clay mask. At only £1.50 this is a bargain for anyone with oily skin. I also decided it was time to lose my waxing virginity to got some wax strips (not pictured) and sweet jesus does it hurt! Won't be doing that again in a hurry.

Thank to a combination of Boots Points and the Three for Two offer I got the Essie Nail Varnish, 1 Barry M Nail Varnish, 1 Rimmel Lipstick, the Make up remover and the wax strips for free. Boots, you really are the best.

I also dropped into Superdrug to pick up some blackhead removing strips after trying one for the first time last week (soooooo satisfying!) and to grab the Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer as they had ran out of my shade in Boots. Have you tried any of these products? Do you have any favorites?

Are high end beauty products worth it?

Over the last year or so my love for make up has increased ten fold. I'm not sure when this change occurred exactly but I suddenly realised how creative you could be with it and its gradually become the best part of my morning routine.
Since becoming a blogger I read a fair few blogs and a lot of these feature make up reviews. While this is not an area I personally want to get into I do find other peoples opinions and experiences of products to be extremely helpful. I'm much more likely to try a product if someone else has already bought it and loved it.
However one thing I have noticed is a lot of bloggers tend to focus on very high end brands and this has lead me to question are these products worth the money?
Generally in life I would agree with the statement that you get what you pay for. Those Primark shoes you got for £4 will probably fall apart but a £60 pair from Zara probably won't. But is it the same with make up?

Does a higher price equal a better product?

In my experience a lot of the time the high end product ends up being of better quality than the cheaper option, but this should be a no brainer. After all you are paying a lot more money, the product SHOULD be better. The question is more whether there is a significant enough difference to justify the extra cash. This is a tricky thing to decide and much depends on the individual product in question.
This is where beauty blogs come in handy for make up newbies like myself as the people who write these blogs have a passion for make up. By writing their blog they try a wide range of products and are better equipped to make a good comparison than someone like me with limited experience. Sometimes there are really good alternatives out there and you could potentially save yourself loads of money. Like most things by doing a little research you can make an informed decision as to which product is best for you.

Are you buying the product or the brand?

Like with everything fashions and trends change endlessly and it can feel like there is endless pressure from social media (including blogs) to keep up. Are you buying the product just because the brand on the packaging will make you look cool? Or because its a 'cult classic'? I actually don't think there's much wrong with enjoying something that lots of other people like. After all, its popular for a reason so there is a strong chance you will like it too. If wearing your Ruby Woo lipsticks makes you feel fierce and strut your stuff like the badass bitch you are then you should definitely get it. But I don't think you should buy it purely because everyone else has. Buy it because YOU like it.

Are you paying for the packaging?

A lot of high end brands have gorgeous packaging, ranging from girly and adorable to chic and sophisticated (looking at you Chanel). But are you forking out the extra money for the pot in comes in? The packaging is there to try and suck you in and could potentially house a substandard product. Equally some of the less snazzy looking drugstore versions can be amazing. There's nothing worse than buying something you really like but it doesn't work. If you love the actual product itself then buy it regardless of how it looks. If it happens to look stunning as well (no matter what it costs) then consider that a bonus.

Are you actually going to use it?

When it comes to choosing whether to splurge or save I personally think it depends on the useage you will get out of the product. Is it only ever going to get the occasional use or will you wear it everyday? Items that you will use day in, day out are worth investing in as you get good value for money. Make up has a shelf life and theres no point spending £30 on a lipstick you only wear five times a year. However if you invest that in a shade you wear twice a week that lipstick only costs you 30p each time you wear it.
You could argue its too expensive to wear these things everyday but I think its better value to treat yourself to your best products and get the maximum use out of them. If you never wear it then the product was a waste of money regardless of how much it cost.

So how do you make a good decision?

Over the years I think I have actually wasted far more money on cheaper products that I don't like than I have ever spent on more expensive ones. The lower price encourages impulse buying and I am guilty of just thinking 'What the hell, its only £3.99'. But this adds up if you consistently purchase items that don't suit you and that you don't actually like.
Sometimes taking a risk is good but I would never spend loads of money on a product I am unsure of. I never thought I would like a dark vampy lipstick so I dipped my toe in with a £5 Rimmel one and I love it. But taking a risk style wise is not the same as just buying stuff without considering if its right for you.
So far I have never purchased a high end product I don't really love. When I know that I am about to spend a fair bit of cash I make careful decisions. I research the product, I read reviews, I watch videos and most importantly I always try it first. If it doesn't make me feel like a goddess then I don't buy it.
Respect the need to experiment in order to learn. But you will make better decisions if you take your time to think about it regardless of how much money your are spending.

So overall are they worth it?

I believe make up is all about how it makes us feel about ourselves. It helps us put on a the face we wish to present to the world regardless of how we feel inside. That extra confidence is priceless and can truly change the way we are perceived by others. Buy the one that suits you, works for you and makes you feel good. You have only wasted your money if you buy it to please others regardless of whether you spent £5 or £50.

Why is everyone hating on the French Manicure?

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So as we all know, yesterday was Valentines Day and no I am not going to write a post on it because couples who post their relationships all over the internet make me want to vom (but thats a post for another day).
I love nail varnish, like almost as much as I love lipstick and I wanted to make them look pretty for my Valentines Dinner.

Normally for a big occasion I like to paint my nails red to match my lipstick (I'm a feisty kinda gal), but as I was staying in I wanted something a little less in your face.

So I decided on the trusty French Manicure. While on the bus on my way to town to purchase a new white tip pen I did an idle google on French manicures for some inspiration. I got back a ton of pages, blog posts and fashion articles on how to 'update' the french manicure and on 'fun new twists' to put on it.

Now I am all for trying something new but a lot of these ideas were Pinterest worthy and looked tricky. I wanted the standard French manicure so I started to narrow down my google search and got back tons of stuff on how it has 'gone out of fashion', is 'so overdone' and is 'cliche and passse'.

I was stunned by this. Maybe I am not very hip and down with the kids any more but as far as I was aware the French mani is a classic. And classics never go out of fashion. Thats kind of the point of them.

You never hear about people saying a bold red lip, or the classic LBD is 'tired'. Instead it is praised for being a classy and put together look.

What is not to like about the French mani? The whole point is it is so unoffensive and subtle. If it is done well it just looks like you have healthy, well looked after nails. There is a reason it is the top choice for most brides and most people in the know advise it so as not to make your wedding photos look dated in a decades time. Plus the understated look does not detract from the dress.

Maybe it is because in the mid 90's it was massively popular and was the mani of choice when people got acrylics and this probably was tacky. Long overdone nails never look good to me.

In my opinion I say it is time to welcome back the French look and I for one will not stop wearing it just because some fashion magazine has told me to. I want to look elegant from time to time and this goes hand in hand with simplicity. That is exactly what the French Manicure is: simplicity at its best.

7 Hairstyles to rescue a bad curly hair day

Curly hair is a frickin pain. It looks oh so fabulously shiny and swishy on the day you wash it. You float about with a tumble of glossy curls that cascade down your back making you look at feel like a Disney princess. Once you've slept on it the nightmare begins. Normal straight haired people just brush their hair again, maybe use a little dry shampoo or a quick once over with the GHDs and they're set.

Just washed

For people with curly hair its a whole different game. Now don't get me wrong the good thing about curly hair is that it never looks as greasy as straight hair so you don't have to wash it as often which is great cos washing it is a total pain in the arse.

However you can't brush it without washing it (or you'll look like the local madwoman) so you're in a bit of a tricky situation. You could just wash it everyday but if you wash it all the time it will eventually start to look flat and lifeless as you strip all the natural oils out. But if you don't wash it everyday you can't brush it. The result is a tangled mess that takes you forever to deal with plus second day hair never looks as good.

My advice? Figure out what you can do with it to disguise what a mess it is so you can waste less of your life washing it and make your hair better in the process. Accept the fact that you cannot brush your hair everyday and you will have to get up 10min earlier on days you DO wash it so you can attack it with conditioner and a comb while in the shower. Sorry housemates who also need to shower in the morning but TOUGH.

First thing you need to remember is that unless its been quite a few days since you washed it or you've worn a sweaty riding hat on it (like I do) then its highly likely that to anyone other than you your hair looks no different. I swear that normal people think my hair looks exactly the same all the time and they regularly feel the need to tell me this. Its all part of being 'blessed' with naturally curly hair.

So now we've established the plan of only washing your hair every 2-3 days what do you do with it in the meantime? Well as I have a lifetime of experience in this area here are my suggestions. All of these though will obviously work with straight hair too.

Day 2. Difference is not that obvious. Really

1. Just wear it loose anyway. As I've already mentioned nobody else thinks it looks any different anyway so just leave it and don't care. This is obviously the easiest option but it is really only suitable for the day after you've washed it. Get yourself some decent serum and run that through it and 9 days out of 10 it still looks fine and you're good to go. Laugh at all the straight haired people who had to brush their hair that morning.

2. Plait it. Once you've gone past this point or you woke up with it all stuck up cos you slept on it weirdly you are going to have to tie it up. I find day 2 or three to be the best day to go for a plait because my hair is not yet knotty enough for me to have to rip most of it out in order to achieve this.
The classic plait will keep your hair under control and tidy and is ideal if you are trying to do something where you need it out of the way eg. at the gym.

3. The fishtail braid. Looks great when you get someone else to do it and have it all the way down your back but I usually end up doing it myself so have it as a side plait (congrats to anyone who can do it by themselves without making it a side plait). I think it looks cute like this, particularly in the winter when I wear it with a beanie. Plus it keeps it out of the way and under control.

4. The french braid. Although I can french plait I need someone else to do it for me cos it's just too fiddly to do yourself. As a result this one rarely gets a look in but if you are skilled enough then it looks incredible.

5. Pigtails. These take only a few moments to do so are great when you are in a hurry. Plus almost everyone looks super cute with pigtails.

6. The pony tail. This old friend will never fail you and is great for days when you don't have time but your hair is just so bad its beyond saving. Get yourself some decent hair ties that are tough enough to hold your curly locks and tie it up in a high pony tail. I like to pretend to myself that this tells other people I'm low maintenance and I just woke up looking this cool. Scrunchies are back at the moment so add one of these on top of your hair tie thats doing all the work and you're good to go. 

7. The messy bun. Now as your hair is curly every hair style you do it going to be messy so just embrace it. Those straight haired girls spend ages back combing and using curling tongs to get this look. Just grab your hair and wind it into a loose, messy bun. Secure with a nice strong hair tie and glam it up with a scrunchie/ribbon/hair clip etc. Use bobby pins to secure any bits that wont co-operate. This style can hide even the messiest of hair so no matter how bad it looks and how much you overslept it can always be disguised.

So there we have it, 7 different ways to turn around even the worse of hair days.
What do you find works best for you?

The Clinique products I'm currently lusting after

Now first off, the work situation is currently dire. I am in the grip of a tortuous two week exam period and only a few days after my final exam is the hand in date for my dissertation. In case I hadn't gone on about it enough. I've been staring at a computer screen ALL DAY drawing lines in order to make my interpretive map. The good news is I've done one of my exams, submitted a deadline and my map is slowly but surely getting there. Also almost half way through the dissertation. BOOM.

Instead of revising tonight I am procrastinating by making this post. I am a top student.
I've already spent several hours watching Him & Her (rapidly becoming my favorite show of all time) and Orphan Black (only just discovered this, it is so darn gripping!). And I've had a ready meal. But I have spent 8 hours today making that fecking map so I think its only fair enough.

Just as a side note, Clinique have not bribed me in anyway to make this post (although if they want to I would be more than happy to accept aforementioned bribary). I am actually a genuine fan. Also a very poor fan, who would already own all the things on this list if I actually had any money. So please indulge me in another whiny post about all thing stuff I want. This really is way more fun than actually doing any form of work.

1. Turnaround Overnight Radiance Night Cream

I love a good night cream. There is something so luxurious about taking the time to pamper yourself before you go to sleep. Also I am a bit of a sucker for thinking I genuinely look like a model when I wake up after I use one. The reason why I've got my eye on this one is it is oil free and designed for my skin type (which is type 3 in case anyone is interested). I currently use Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask which is great but I think it is a teeeeeeny bit too rich for my shitty oily T-Zone. It also has 95% recommendation rate. Sounds pretty ace to me.

2. Turnaround Instant Facial

Another one from Clinque's turnaround range. I love their other cleansers but I am looking for something that can create a real at home treat. This product (according to the reviews) has sparkly bits in which sounds exciting! I need something that will repair damage done from a late night binge watching Breaking Bad or from too much wine. I feel like I could use this product and skip off to lectures with nobody having a clue how exhausted I am. I want people to be like "Amber's skin is always so radiant! I wish I knew how she did it!". I can dream.

3. Clinique Sonic Brush

I've mentioned this bad boy on here before. But its because I really REALLY WANT ONE. I tried one at my local Clinique counter when they first came out and it was so good. Felt so soft on my skin and I'm certain it could zap the greasy bits by my nose. I feel like it would boost my 3 Step to a whole other level but the expense is certainly holding me back on this one. The huge amount of positive reviews on the website promise I wont regret it, but I still just can't quite bring myself to part with the cash. Maybe I'll spend my birthday money on it... (By which I mean, I will.)

4. Smart Custom Serum

Now this is also a relatively new product from Clinique and I have a free sample of it somewhere. I'm desperate to try it but it has vanished into the depths of my room. This promises to address uneven skin tone and to improve radiance. Sounds pretty incredible to me. Again, this is quite pricy for a student budget so I think I'll have a good look for that free sample and see what I make of it. But serums are all the rage at the moment and I'm keen to see what all the fuss is about. This little beauty also has over 95% recommendation rate and I can't imagine all those people are wrong. I shall prepare for a trip to Boots in the near future.

5. Airbrush Concealer 

My flatmate has this and I find myself stealing it before every night out. I also tried it last time I was at a Clinique counter. Mostly cos I was looking like shit that day and wanted someone to patch me up. I haven't bought it yet because I am too poor. But I am going to. At some point. I need a concealer that will work perfectly with my foundation and I suspect that this is probably the answer. Also I just love that its a pen cos thats so handy for emergency spot hiding. I suspect when I eventually own one I will go though it pretty quickly and it will become a handbag staple.

6. True Bronze Pressed Powder

Another one that I've tried during a makeover at a counter and I loved it! I use bronzer all the time but I am always stressed my cheap one makes me look like an orange amateur. This gave me such a healthy glow and I got so many compliments that day on how great I was looking. I already own Cliniques Fresh Bloom All Over Colour and I think its incredible so hopefully I would love this one just as much.

7. Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balm

This is not an essential purchase. I already have several blushers that are all great. This is purely something I want. As I already have 3 Chubby Sticks I am confident that this would be a flattering, long lasting colour. I've never owned a cream blush but I constantly read that they give a very natural flush which sounds good to me. I like to go for the natural look on a daily basis so anything that can help me achieve that has to be on my wishlist.

8. Long Last Lipstick

I already own two of these and they are by far my favourite lipsticks. They are soft, creamy and really do last for ages. Ive already mentioned my newer of the two called So Sweet here and I am devastated that Clinique decided to discontinue it. What will I do when it runs out!! There are several different colours that I like the look of available such as Black Violet, Watermelon, Pink Spice, Rose Shimmer, Violet Berry, Heather Moon, Dubonet... Basically all of them! I probably need to go into store and spend a delightful hour trying them all on. I highly recommend these lipsticks. You need one in your life. And for a high end lipstick they are very reasonably priced.

So in conclusion: I need to get saving. When I finish this exam hell I plan on going on a splurge to reward myself. What the hell.

Pictures all from Clinique,

Things I currently want

I love pretty things!

1. A faux fur headband. As previously mentioned I think I might look like a total muppet so I have never bought one. But I want it...

2. Netflix. As my boyfriend has this and I spend a lot of time at his house its pointless to spend any money on it. But I want to be able to watch it whenever I like. AKA. All the time.

3. For my dissertation to stop ruining my life. If it could just go away that would be great.

4. To have my car at uni. It would make my life a million times easier. 

5. I really want a go pro. Like really want one. Partly for filming my horse stuff with but also for just say to day life. I've spent a lot of the Christmas holidays watching old home videos and they're so hilarious. I reckon we could record some awesome stuff on a go pro. Now I just need to find £280....

6. A cat onsie. I already have a onsie. It's leopard print and it's awesome. I also have pjamas with a hood that looks like a robin. Next on my list is to actually get a cat one. With ears and a tail and everything. I'm going to wear it and sleep for 16 hours a day. 

7. Eyelash curlers. I'm not sure I can be a proper girl without these. I need to stop messing around and just buy some. 

8. Clinique sonic brush. I feel like this will turn my skin care around and make me look like a super model. But then again it's EIGHTY POUNDS. So maybe not. 

9. Coffee. I bloody hate coffee yet I want to be as basic as everyone else and walk around with my Starbucks. Instead of having to be boring and get a hot chocolate every time I go into a coffee shop.

10. A Mac. Again I'm basic and I don't care. My sister has a Mac and it's so much prettier and cooler than my shitty HP laptop. But y'know as I don't have a spare grand lying around I'll have to give this a miss for now. 

5 hidden gems you should only buy from Primark

Primark definitely has some hidden gems among all the tatty clothes that will fall apart as soon as you wash them.
Now don't get me wrong, some things are worth buying from quality retailers because they will serve you well and be well worth the money you spend. But other simple, small things that are everyday items are just not worth spending loads of money on.

Here are my top 5:

1. Socks and knickers.

Now I'm not talking about your fancy lingerie here. I'm talking about good old fashioned, comfy cotton knickers for everyday wear. Primark do them in cute designs that are seriously cheap and actually surprisingly comfy. As with everything in Primark take their sizing with a pinch of salt. And as for socks, there is literally no point in spending loads of money when Primark does some really nice ones for next to nothing. As a student, conserving your drinking money has to be the top priority.

2. Vest Tops

Topshop charges like £12 for two vest tops. That would probably buy you a vest top in every colour in Primark. And owning all the colours wins everytime. Also they fit well, are surprisingly flattering and mine have so far lasted well.

3. Pyjamas

Seems like madness to me to waste money on stuff nobody ever sees. Again I'm not talking about slinky, sexy stuff for the bedroom but comfy, snuggly everyday stuff. And I am seriously impressed with their range. I was admiring a pair of PJ bottoms that cost £22 in Boux Avenue and found an almost identical pair in Primark for £6. Need I say more?

4. Hair Ties

I've mentioned this before but Primarks hair ties are seriously good. They are strong, yet stretchy enough to control my crazy hair. You can buy them in almost every colour, including nice neutral ones and they cost like £1 for a pack of about 50. Which is great cos I lose them constantly so no point spending proper money on them.

5. Candles

I bloody love candles but some of them are so expensive. I've recently discovered that Primark does some for like 80p and they have such yummy flavours like this Vanilla and Coconut one. I plan to invest in a few more so I can continue to relax in my room with them and not break the bank.

Outfit of the week

So I've decided to try something new this week and share with you an outfit that I have been wearing.

I absolutely love this dress and I wear it a lot, as its so relaxed and comfy. Also the loose fit hides any bloating. YAY!

This look is perfect for warmer Autumn days like we've been having lately but I will still be wearing it when it gets a bit colder but maybe with a big parker jacket instead.

I love this monochrome, slightly grunge look as its literally effortlessly elegant (I got ready in 15min this morning).

The boots and scarf add an autumnal feel and provide a bit of colour. I am in love with these boots at the moment and I'm wearing them with 98% of my outfits. They are just so bloody comfy and perfect.

The cardigan is something I've had since about 2007 (I'm that cool) and I've only recently rediscovered how awesome it is. It goes with everything and is great for layering and I plan on wearing it a lot more.


Dress- Topshop but old (Similar one here)
Scarf- Newlook but again old
Cardigan -Newlook (also old but similar one here)
Boots- Joe Browns £44.95
Lipstick- Clinique So Sweet £17.50

My new Autumn/Winter Lipsticks

Here are the three new lipsticks I've invested in for Autumn/Winter 2014. Best bit was I bought all three of these using my Boots points, so they were essentially free! How I love getting stuff for nothing. And I'm sure you guys are gonna love my make up free, just woke up face and bedhair. Enjoy that.

1. Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Rose Nu £21.50

I've struggled forever to find a nude lip colour that actually suits me and I've come to the conclusion that it's because my natural lip colour is quite pink so brown shades look weird me on me. I'm literally in love with this colour as its such a subtle pink you can wear it everywhere. Also its so silky and nourishing yet barely there. Its such a classy, timeless colour and instantly makes you look more polished and out together. So far I've worn it out for dinner, out shopping and to lectures. Still loving it!

2. Clinique Long Last Lipstick in So Sweet £17.50

I love Clinique make up as I think it gives you the quality of designer brands but at a slightly more affordable price. This is a lovely soft red and the warm colour makes it perfect for Autumn/Winter but it's still toned down enough to wear in the daytime which is a massive plus. I've worn it to lectures a few times and got several compliments on it.

3. Rimmel Lasting Finish in Starry Eyed £4.99

This is a different shade to what I would normally go for as with my olive skin I tend to buy a lot of red lipstick. I've been following this vampy lipstick trend for a while now and have recently found myself pinning quite a few on Pinterest  so I've decided to take the plunge and have gone for this warm, wine coloured one. The price is incredible and the colour lasts a long time and it's clearly perfect for the long dark nights ahead. Probably more of a night time lipstick (unless you're brave) and I wore it out last week. Only problem is its a bit drying but as it only cost a fiver I am not complaining. 

5 Dresses that I want right now

Just going to put it out there that I really really love dresses. They are an effortless way to look pretty and feminine with minimal effort and I'm all about things being easy. In the Autumn I like to layer my dresses with tights, knits and ankle boots to beat the chill. Here are five dresses that I am currently trying not to splurge all my student loan on. 

Loving the dark, Autumnal colours with delicate prints on these pieces. I reckon all 5 of these would look great with knee high boots and a leather jacket which keeps the look practical and stylish.

1. Topshop skater dress £34 2. River Island Kimono dress £35 3. H&M Textured Bodycon Dress £24.99 4. ASOS Swing Dress £28 5. Joules Floral Wrap Dress £69.95