I just love makeup at this time of year, the colours, sparkles, reds, deep berries and dark smoky eyes. Everything screams Winter and festive, I mean, just looking at this picture I get some serious party vibes. Throughout the year generally my base remains pretty consistent. Primer, foundation, concealer and powder all stay very similar month in, month out, even in the Summer months I tend to opt for a medium buildable coverage with serious staying power. But my eyes, lips and cheeks are a completely different story. I've pulled together a few of my picks for this season that are sure to glam up any Winter/Christmas Party look.
December Beauty Haul
Tis officially the season to treat yo' self and after trying somewhat successfully to be good and save money, I caved when Black Friday hit. There's only so many emails, offers and discounts that a girl can resist. But you know what the best part is? None of these things were actually bought in the sales.
My First Christmas in Manchester
A couple of months ago I took the big step of finally moving out of my parents house and into rented accommodation. (Bonus points if you recognise the Jack Whitehall reference there). And though I will be spending actual Christmas Day and the various other days surrounding it with my family and loved ones, this will be my first ever festive season living entirely away from home, not just at university. And with this comes changes, new experiences, new purchases and of course new wish lists. So as part of the Debenhams Win Your Wishlist Competition, I thought I'd share a few of the things I will be doing this year and a few things on my wishlist to make my new apartment a home away from home.
Bat Those Lashes!*
For those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you'll be more than aware of my love for false lashes, not just on nights out but for day to day life as well. To cut a long story short, I went through a phase of picking off my mascara, unfortunately ruining my natural lashes in the process. Fast forward a few months and here I am, a 22 year old with a serious lash addiction.
My Night Out Essentials
I'm a sucker for a night out. There, I said it. As much as I love a good night in complete with takeaway curry and a good film or two, as soon as I get that "you coming out?" text, I'm straight in the shower and throwing back a rum and coke. Whether it's a case of FOMO or just being a weak ass bitch, I just can't resist getting dolled up, having a good old dance and doing one two many shots of vodka. And since moving from my tiny little hometown with one nightclub to Manchester, I've loved going out and trying out all the different clubs and bars, as well as really switching up my look. It's almost as if I have an alter ego some nights. Seriously, last weekend I was 26 year old Isla from London who'd been married for 6 years. Don't ask. So why not share with you some of my recent night out essentials...
Life Updates | Big Changes
As I write this I am currently a week into a new job, new flat and essentially, a whole new life. The last month have involved some huge changes for me, in both work and my personal life and though I would normally be posting about baking, makeup, homeware or lifestyle, I thought it would be nice to take a break from all that and give you an update on me. It might also help to explain why I've been so slack with blogging lately. (Though I hope that will all change from now on.)
Debenhams Christmas in July Show
I love Christmas. Like, a lot. And though we may only be coming to the end of August, there's nothing more exciting to me than the idea of seeing all the A/W and Christmas releases in the middle of July and this is exactly what happened at the latest Debenhams Press Show. I was flattered again to be invited down to London by Vanessa and the rest of the team to another beautiful event held in a stunning townhouse in Fitzroy Square, full of fashion, accessories, homeware, gifts and my personal favourite, makeup.
Summer Homeware Haul with Ocean
Over the last month I was lucky enough to be asked to get involved with Ocean's Summer Homeware Haul, a project aimed at bringing a little needed TLC to homes over the Summer months. This season has brought with it a whole load of new trends, prints and accessories perfect for sprucing up any living space and since moving back in with my parents after living at university for three years, it was about time I injected a little more life into my unloved bedroom. As all my walls and furniture are white, I find it really easy to switch up the overall look of my bedroom by just switching up a few of the accessories I have dotted around and I decided to go from pink Spring florals to more of a bright Summer look with mismatched prints and loads of colour.
Send Me Nudes
Let's face it, for some of us, these are the only kinds of nudes we really want to be receiving. From pale peachy pinks, to dark dusty mauves, browns and everything in between, there's a shade for everyone, even if you wouldn't necessarily deem it a nude. For this post I've rounded up pretty much every remotely close to nude shade that I could find in all sorts of formulas and finishes, to really give you an idea of just what options you have and this isn't even a fraction of what's out there. For me, a nude lip is an absolute staple in my makeup collection. It's a look that can take you from subtle daytime to a sultry night look when paired with something like an intense smoky eye and long lashes. They're understated, chic and subtle or slightly more bold, whatever takes your fancy.
You're so Too Faced!
Of all the high end beauty brands, one that never fails to let me down and keeps me coming back, is Too Faced. After seeing countless beauty bloggers and vloggers using their makeup and being desperate to try out some of their products, I managed to grab a few while Stateside in December 2014 and have not looked back since. Especially now they're so easily accessible from Debenhams, the Too Faced website and a few other places. They're a brand that are instantly eye catching from the get go with packaging on point and the product to match. I never feel like I'm getting less than what I've paid for and let's me honest, they make pretty adorable additions to any makeup bag.
Debenhams AW16 Home & Fashion Press Show
A Trip Down Coconut Lane (+ 20% off code)
As a way of treating myself after my latest university hand in, I picked up a few new bits from one of my favourite websites, Coconut Lane. Coconut Lane is a bloggers dream, marble, rose gold, unicorns and all things pretty. The two pieces of jewellery I spoke about in my last post are my most worn accessories, in the day and on nights out and I've had so many compliments and questions on them. After a quick look on the website and a browse of all the new products they had, I was very eager to pick up a couple of new bracelets, as well as some of the other bits they stock, that I thought I'd share with you today as well as a discount code that will give you 20% off everything on their website!
Huge Beauty Haul
As most of you will know I was lucky enough to attend the Debenhams SS16 Beauty Press Show last month in London and after looking at all the latest releases I couldn't help but treat myself to a few (ok more than a few) new purchases. I did some serious damage to my student loan, in fact it's times like these when I'm glad that I don't live in the city as I know I'd soon be well into my overdraft. A fair few of these are products that I was introduced to at the event and just couldn't wait to get my hands on afterwards, as well as a couple I'd been lusting after. Part of the reason for waiting so long before writing up this post was that I wanted to give as many of these a try as possible, so I could give a proper opinion of them as opposed to just a first impression. Not to mention I finish uni in a week so life is pretty manic right now. (I don't want to enter the real world yet, I'm not ready.)
Rose Gold Prettiness with JewelleryBox.co.uk
Jewellery has never been a huge part of my day to day style, I own dozens of necklaces and a few pairs of earrings but it's something that I never reach for on a daily basis. Mostly it's just a case of forgetting and having to quickly rush out the door or never knowing quite how to work a statement necklace. But recently I've found myself getting into small, more dainty bits of jewellery that can transition easily from day to night, particularly of the rose gold variety. I was recently contacted by the people over at JewelleryBox.co.uk (who sent me the loveliest email, I should add) asking if I would like to try some of their products and after a quick glance at their website and some of their really delicate looking rose gold pieces, I just couldn't resist!
Simple Eton Mess Inspired Cupcakes
I have a confession. This post did not go as planned, like really not as planned. I was originally going to make two different types of cupcake and they were going to be amazing with loads of Eton Mess, crushed meringue, strawberries, the absolute works. But me being me, I managed to mess up the Eton Mess. Of all the things to mess up, I messed up the one thing that is just three or four different ingredients thrown together. Long story short I forgot that strawberries are essentially water and if you stir too much, the cream you spent ages whipping into stiff peaks will start to go runny and no amount of stirring, icing sugar or meringue will help, in fact it just makes it worse. What I ended up with was a pink, runny, tubby custard looking mess. So instead, have a super simple Eton Mess inspired recipe. Inspired being the key word here.
22 Things I've Learned in 22 Years
Today I am officially 22 years old. The days of being 21 are behind me (though I wish I could have stayed 21 for just a little bit longer). And I feel different. I do actually feel older, not old but like I am actually growing up. I have watched myself change drastically over the last four years or so, not just in the way I look but also in the way I am as a person. I've seen my confidence fluctuate, my ambitions, motivation, worries, etc.. all change. And I am still changing. With every new person I meet, every new experience, I find out a little bit more about who I am as a person.
Debenhams SS16 Beauty Press Show
"On Wednesdays We Wear Pink"
It's officially Spring here in the UK and though that would normally bring to mind images of bunny rabbits, daffodils and sunshine, it appears that we have been blessed with nothing but rain, hail and storms. I guess there's a reason they call them April Showers! But just because the world around me isn't exactly screaming Spring, doesn't mean my makeup can't and for me no other colour gets as much wear at this time of year as a good old pink. Whether it be on my lips, eyes, cheeks or nails, pink for me just screams Spring. It's the perfect transition shade between the Winter reds and Summer corals and there really is a pink for everyone, whether you want to go full on bubblegum Barbie, pastel or muted baby pink.
The False Lashes Showdown
I'm a serial false lash wearer. I've tried to go without but I just can't, my real lashes just look terrible in comparison. And as a serial lash wearer, I am constantly on the hunt for a good set of lashes at a reasonable price, I want something that adds volume and length while still looking somewhat "natural" or as natural as they can look while still being ridiculously long. Hopefully those of you who wear lashes or are looking into trying falsies will find this helpful and maybe discover some new ones to try. All are high street prices, I've seen gorgeous lashes for £25 but would I really spend that much on something I might just rip off drunk at the end of the night and drop in my cheesy chips? No, not really.
En Taupe Of The World with Zoeva
I would apologise for that terrible pun but I'm really not sorry. If someone had said the word taupe to me this time last year, I'd have no idea what they were talking about. I certainly wouldn't have imagined it would be a colour and a colour I would seriously grow to love. (Seriously, I want my bridesmaids in taupe dresses and as I type this I currently have taupe nails). So no palette currently speaks to me more than the Zoeva En Taupe eyeshadow palette.
Spring 2016 Beauty Wishlist
Being on a spending ban is hard, like, really hard. My bank balance is finally feeling the pinch of all those nights out I've been on recently, V Festival tickets, rent, petrol and train tickets. (There may have also been half a dozen or so new dresses...) I don't remember the last time I bought a beauty product and that is a big deal for me. I even found myself refraining from buying a new Collection Lasting Perfection concealer, that's how desperate the situation is for me right now. So what better way to help me resist spending than my compiling a huge list of new bits and pieces I want to try out. (Please note the sarcasm). Seriously, it took every ounce of my being to not buy anything here.
Step Into Spring with Essie
Firstly let me apologise profusely for not having a new post up in two weeks. This last month or so have been incredibly hectic and stressful for me, a culmination of personal things and being behind on university work have left blogging at the bottom of my to do list. Being on a huge (and very real) spending ban also doesn't help when there's just so many new products and things I wan to try. Nonetheless I am back and filled with new ideas for content and motivated to get going. So as we're officially into March and stepping into Spring (though my frozen car at 7am would say otherwise) I thought I'd share a few of my favourite Springtime Essie nail colours with you. Cue an array of pretty pastel shades.
Matte About Too Faced
Oh I do love a punny title, don't you? Now, I don't know what's happened to me but in the last few months I have officially become an eyeshadow addict. Lip products and blushers used to be my absolute jam but now I find myself drawn to eyeshadows and palettes more than ever before and as a result of this my collection has expanded massively. (Sorry not sorry bank balance). Experimenting with different colours and styles has become a daily occurrence (I still haven't quite picked up the courage to try anything garishly bright, maybe one day!) But one thing I had found lacking from my array of shades was a good selection of mattes.
The Body Shop Lovin'
Printing Memories with Cheerz*
Choosing Happy
Treat Yourself This Valentine's*
If you read my previous post about Valentine's Day, you'll have hopefully picked up a few ideas on how to spend the day whether it be with a boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, wife, friends, dog, cat or alone. In this post I thought I'd give you a few gift ideas for you to either treat yourself or someone else you love. Because we all like to be treated once in a while, god knows we deserve it.
Valentine's Day Ideas + Thornton's Giveaway*
With Valentine's Day fast approaching, for a lot of us it's time to start thinking about how and with who we're going to be spending the day. I can't go on any social network or website without being reminded of the impending occasion. Personally, I'll be wining and dining with my best friend followed by an evening on snuggling with the dog. Whether you're spending it alone, with friends, pets or indeed a loved one, here's just a few ideas for how you can spend your day. Though I'll be honest, a lot of these ideas are aimed at my fellow singletons. I also have a great giveaway at the end of this post with thanks to the lovely people over at Thornton's.
4 Mac Lip Combinations
For me, nowhere quite does a lip combo like Mac. Yes, there are incredible lipsticks and liners out there from dozens of high end and drugstore brands but as my first ever expensive purchase, Mac will always have that special place in my heart. They're the liners I reach for on a daily basis and my lipsticks that see the most use. In fact, whenever I visit a store or counter I can almost guarantee you that the first place I will go is the lipsticks. And I'l leave with 15 different swatches up and down my arms and hands. In this post I've pulled together four of my liners and lipsticks that I think make a perfect pair.
Are you a Narsissist?
The Benefit Mascara Showdown
Irresistible Me Extensions Review*
Boxing Day Lush Haul
Starting My Mac Palette
Stila Liquid Lipstick Lowdown
My Weight Loss Journey
Introducing NYX Cosmetics
For the new year I've decided to start a new series of sorts on the blog, taking a different brand and solely focusing on everything I own from them, what worked for me and what didn't. I personally find these posts hugely helpful when I'm feeling a little spendy or want to dip my toe into a brand but have no idea where to start and after posing the question on Twitter, I had a really positive response! For today's post I'll be looking at NYX Cosmetics, the hugely popular American brand that we are now lucky enough to have over here in the UK. I'm not entirely sure how accessible NYX was before they launched on Feel Unique, Very, Selfridges and Boots but whenever I'd been on their website they barely had any stock or recent products so now I feel positively spoilt for choice! I'm going to talk you through four of the different bits I've tried and hopefully give you a few ideas as to what might work for you.
Rose Gold Everything with Coconut Lane | + 20% Off
If you're anything like me, then your obsession for anything and everything rose gold is still going strong. Everything just looks better on a rose gold or copper finish and it's a much prettier alternative to regular gold or silver. (Or at least, I think it is) So when I was contacted by the lovely people at Coconut Lane and asked if I wanted to try out some of their products to share with my readers, I was delighted to find they had a couple of gorgeous rose gold pieces among their selection of phone cases, prints and jewellery. They've even supplied me with a discount code for you all, that I'll leave at the bottom of this post!
Becca x Jaclyn Hill | Champagne Pop | Review
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Megan, 23, Manchester
Currently working as a Junior Graphic Designer for boohoo. Foodie, zombie lover and lipstick hoarder.
Get in touch:
meganbiggin@hotmail.co.uk
Blog Archive
Powered by Blogger.
Labels
2015
2016
2017
alchemy oils
anastasia beverly hils
ardell
aw16
baking
barry m
bath
beauty
beauty. homeware
becca
benefit
birthday
blog photography lifestyle
blogger event
blogging
blusher
bourjois
brand focus
bras
bronzer
candles
champagne pop
cheerz
china glaze
chocolate
christmas
coconut lane
contour
cox & cox
cupcakes
debenhams
discount
drugstore
embroidery
essie
etsy
events
everyday
exercise
eyelashes
eyelure
eyeshadow
eylure
false lashes
fashion
favourite blogs
favourites
featured
festive
first impressions
florida
food
fotd
foundation
gift guide
gifts
girls
giveaway
goals
hair
hair care
hair extensions
halloween
happy
haul
health
highlight
highlighter
hobbycraft
holiday
home
homeware
illuminator
interior
irresistible me
jaclyn hill
jeffree star
jewellery
kat von d
kiko
life
lifestyle
lip liner
lipstick
liquid lipstick
list
lorac
loreal
love life
lush
mac
makeup
makeup forever
makeup geek
mascara
maybelline
me
memories
men
monthly favourites
nail polish
nails
nars
narsissist
new releases
night out
nyx
oil
orly
palette
perfume
personal
phonecase
photo diary
photography
photos
presents
press show
pressed powder
primark
primer
problems
questions
red cherry
reflecting
relationships
relaxing
review
rimmel
romance
rose gold
setting spray
shoes
single
skincare
sleek
soap and glory
spring
ss16
stila
summer
tag
tarte
the balm
the body shop
things to do
tips
too face
too faced
top 5
travel
tricks
tv shows
underwear
university
update
urban decay
valentines day
violet voss
winter
wishlist
work
zoeva