26 June 2015

Things I Wish I'd Known Before University.

Hi!

It's ben a while, apologies for that! I really thought I would've gotten back into the swing of writing quicker, but I appear to constantly overestimate my coping abilities! Basically, my incredible Dad had a heart attack and it knocked me off my stride, and when I'm knocked off that incredibly tentative hold on my stride, it takes me a while to get back onto it. Apparently, over 2 months. He's doing really well now, so we're back in a happy place, and that's all that matters :). 

I thought that, with final exams ending (yay for anybody doing exams, you're almost free!) that now would be a good time to chat about University/College. Moving onto the next step of education is a big change, one that I wish I'd been more prepared for to be honest. The secondary school I went to was very big on further education, as a school should be, but it didn't really make me aware of what a massive change that education would be. Going from a strict timetable to having control over my own time and freedom was a massive change, not one I dealt with well if I'm being honest. I made the mistake of thinking 'freedom' meant 'FUN ALL THE TIME WOOOO!' and that was a bad move. Bad, bad move. So here are some things I wish I'd known before I got into thousands of pounds of debt. YAY ADULTHOOD.

Don't be pressured into it.
As I mention earlier, my school was very big on pushing Uni onto us, which is understandable, but they never really mentioned any other options. And, to be honest, any other options were sort of sneered at. I went to a relatively posh school (or at least, it thought it was. And so did some of the other schools haha) and in our Careers class we were told to essentially, pick something we wanted to do for the rest of our lives at 16 years old. We were let loose with a shit-ton of prospectus's from different uni's and told to have a read. If you have no desire to go to university, don't feel you have to. Take your time! If you want to go, but not yet, take some time out. I've mentioned before that I struggled with illness when I was in my last year of school, and I wish I had taken the time to get better before jumping straight into such an intense change.

Prepare yourself.
So, if you do decide to go to Uni, you'll probably pick a subject you're pretty good at like I did. Problem is, so did about 400 other people. It can be a massive change, going from being one of the best in a small class, to being just one among hundreds. Don't get overwhelmed, everyone will be feeling the same way. Even if there always is that one smug bell-end at the front of the class asking all the questions you couldn't think of. And it will be hard. I went to Uni thinking it would be a party with friends, WRONG. I mean, yeah, that's definitely part of the fun, but the work that I thought was difficult at A Level stage was quickly transformed into HOLY CRAP WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?! Which was a hard adjustment. Don't go in thinking it's party-time 24/7. It won't be. It's more like, party 10%, panic over assessments 65%, sleep 25%. Unless you're cooler than me, or y'know, some sort of magical unicorn that can do it all.

Learn how to Time Manage.
OH MY DAYS. This was my absolute biggest downfall. I suck at time management (I hear your shocked gasps. I know, it's my most well-kept secret). University is all about looking after yourself. This won't be like High School where the teacher will run after you looking for your homework. No. That shit is all on you baby. If you miss it, tough shit, that's your own responsibility. And this is a tough life lesson, but it's going to help you when you are released into the big, bad world. Don't be fooled into thinking free time means 'PARTTAAYYYY' it doesn't. It means, do the readings for the next class because they WILL ask you, and they WILL make you answer, and they WILL shame you if you haven't done the work. You're paying massive amounts to go to Uni, you may as well attempt to do the work. Which means make a timetable or something. Learn how to balance the fun with the work, otherwise you will struggle the entire time. A life lesson I had to learn the very hard way.
An accurate representation of my Uni life.

Get Involved.
Don't be scared to put yourself out there, nearly everyone is in the same boat as you! Most Uni's have a club fair, where all the clubs show up and basically try to convince you to join. If you played any sport at school, check and see if they have a club at your uni, or even if you didn't play but wanted to, go check them out. They usually run fresher nights, you can go and see what they're all about. If it doesn't work out, that's fine, at least you know you tried! I played hockey at Uni and I had some of my best times there, and had some of my proudest memories. Even if it's not sport, there are so many clubs out there to join. My personal regret is not joining Drama Club, I wish I had been brave enough! If you're not a club person, get involved with the people in your classes and your halls. Make an effort to get to know them. I was struggling with my own issues and turned down invites from people I wish I'd gotten to know better, but I was too stuck in my head to go out and try something new. Try something new, you might make the friends you'll have for a lifetime.

Get to know your Uni Student Services.
If you are having a hard time adjusting, or struggling with some issues, there is usually a Student Service that is there to help you. Honestly, I wish I'd known about mine sooner, it would've saved me so much panic and stress. Within the services there is usually a Financial Advice, Counselling, Assessment Help and all sorts of other services. You can use them to basically act as an in-between for you and the University. I relied heavily on mine when I was going through my worst patch, and they made everything a little easier for me. I knew that they would help me when I was stuck. My advice would be, don't leave it to the last minute, get to know them as soon as you start struggling, it'll make it easier for you in the long-run. 

Have Fun! (In Moderation).
I know I said earlier that it'll be work 65% and sleep the rest, but when you are having fun, make it count! Don't be afraid to try new things and do something that you never thought you'd do. Uni is a fantastic chance to make memories that'll last a lifetime and take pictures that'll haunt and embarrass you forever. Definitely, do your work, but try and take the time to relax. I wish I had taken more time to have fun and done more in my last years of uni, I spent so long stressing and worrying, I forgot how to have fun without feeling anxious. Uni is when you will meet the best friends you'll have for the rest of your life, and it's the last chance you have to act like a kid before the world will harshly tell you to grow up. Take all the opportunities you can with both hands.

And as a gift, have a few of my HORRIFICALLY embarrassing Uni photos. I wish I could go back in time and tell baby Becca to stop doing that weird thing with her face. Anyway, enjoy! 

I wish someone had told me that posing with your bottle of alcohol does not make you a 'badass', it makes you look like a jackass. Sigh
Why Becca!? WHY?

My 21st and our very stylish final year house.
Obviously not all uni experiences will be the same as mine, I had a particularly bad one because I was dealing with my own issues, but I think these golden rules will apply to everyone. I hope you found, or find them helpful! If you have any tips for surviving uni, drop them down below and share the knowledge. 

I'll leave it there for tonight. I know I have been a bad blogger, but I'll try get back into the swing of things and chat to you soon. In the meantime, you can find me on Twitter or Facebook (links on the sidebar, I'd love to see you there!) OR, you can find me on the love of my life Instagram which you can find HERE. I am always on there. The word 'obsessed' has been used more than once, and not in a flattering way. 

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo

P.S. The irony of me telling you that University isn't a 24/7 party and then posting those terrible pictures isn't lost on me. Apparently the study sessions in the library didn't inspire the fun photos haha.
01 April 2015

Spring Lips: Orange and Coral Edition

Hi!

So I know it's been a bit, I took a week off for myself just to chill. Running the blog and working can sometimes get a little bit much to keep up with! But I'm back and, despite what the weather is trying to tell me, I am breaking into the spring makeup. It may be stormy, the rain may be lashing down and it may be cold as frig, but I will have my bright lipsticks! So I have rescued my poor colourful lipsticks from their neglected place at the back of the drawers. YOU'RE FREEEEE! 

This edition will cover some of my favourite orange and coral bright lipsticks so prepare yourself for pictures of beautiful lipsticks!

Orange can be a fairly hard colour to work with so I have a range of sheerer colours, up to the more vivid colours but if you're fearless, go for it! Topshop has some really gorgeous vivid, bright oranges in their makeup range and they are beautiful. 

We'll start with the lipsticks first:

(In order of the swatches left to right)
Sleek True Colour Lipstick in Heartbreaker- £4.99
Makeup Revolution Amazing Lipstick in Bliss (I think, curse my need to peel all the labels off everything!)- £1.00 (srsly)
Makeup Revolution Amazing Lipstick in Divine (I think.) -£1.00
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Carnival Spirit- £7.99
Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in Coral Tonic- £6.99
Maybelline Vivid Colour Sensational Lipstick in Shocking Coral- £6.99

The highstreet has a really great range of lovely bright lipsticks in time for the Spring/Summer season. Maybelline in particular always has some fabulously bright colours. Their Vivid Sensational range is one of my absolute favourites! If you want to go for one to start you off with the bright colours, the Revlon lipstick is a lovely sheer wash of colour that you can build up when you're feeling a bit braver.

To the rest!

(Again, in order of the swatches left to right)
Barry M Loudmouth Lipgloss in Show Off- £3.99
Bourjois Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Orange Punch-£7.99
Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Temper- £16.50 (purchased in sale for £5.00 because I am not P.Diddy and I'm not paying 16.50 for a lipgloss, are you insane?!)(I mean, I totally would if I didn't have to pay rent as well.)
Barry M Gelly Lips in Sigma Coral- £4.99
Maybelline Colour Sensational Elixir Lipgloss in Mandarin Rapture- £6.99
Revlon Colourstay Lip Stain in Cannes Crush- £7.99

Barry M have a really lovely range of bright lip colours out at the minute and I am particularly in love with the Gelly Lips range. I'll pop at in-depth review up soon, but spoiler alert! they are kind of awesome. Again, if you're looking to brighten up your lip wardrobe, but don't want to go too crazy with colour, the Bourjois Colour Boost crayon gives a really lovely wash of colour with out being too intense.

There you have it! Some of my current favourites for Spring and Summer. It may look like Winter outside, but my face WILL look like it's ready for a day at the beach! I hope this is helpful and I'd love to know any of your favourite bright lip colours. I'll pop up the next instalment of this next week, so if orange isn't your thing, you can look forward to a pink/purple edition! 

I'll leave it there for tonight, don't forget to follow me on Instagram and Like my Facebook page to keep up with blog posts and all sorts of shenanigans! (By shenanigans, I mean selfies. And makeup pictures.) Also, let me know what you're favourite bright lipstick is, I'm always on the hunt for more! I hope you're all well and I will chat to you soon.

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo
20 March 2015

Review: Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette 'Run Boy Run'

Whaddup! 

I felt like mixing up my greeting, just the kinda wacky person I am. I hope you all had/have/are having a fabulous day! Allow me to make it better by encouraging to spend all the money on makeup. You're welcome.

Makeup Revloution are a fairly new brand on the market that really picked up interest towards the end of last year. Being an eyeshadow addict (it is a real and sometimes concerning habit) I was immediately sold on the palettes that retail for £6.00 (£6.00!!). The Salvation palette's come with 18 eyeshadows, 12 of which are shimmer and 6 are matte and there are 7 in the range to choose from. I have the one I'm chatting about today and one other that I'll talk about at a later date. 

This is the Makeup Revolution Salvation Palette in Run Boy Run. First up, let's chat packaging. The palette is a remarkably sturdy plastic case, which is even better considering the price. Compared to the Makeup Academy palette packaging, a brand that is incredibly similarly priced, for an extra £2.00 you get a full sized mirror and a palette you can be confident in knowing probably won't break the first time you drop it. 
As you can see there are 12 shimmer shades, ranging from the more delicate neutral to the more bold colours (forever in love with that cranberry shade) and 6 matte shades. As with a lot of palettes, the shimmer shades are a good deal more pigmented than the mattes. Not that the mattes are bad, I was actually pleasantly surprised by how pigmented they are.


 The swatches show the top row, down to the bottom row of matte shades. As you can hopefully tell, these are incredibly pigmented, this is just one swipe of each shade. The only ones that don't show up very well for me are the palest in the palette, but that's more down to my ghost-like complexion rather than a problem with the pigmentation! The bottom row of shimmers might actually be my favourite row of eyeshadow from any palette, ever. They are so beautiful. The red shade actually makes me happy inside. If you want to start experimenting with red eyeshadow, I'd definitely recommend this palette just for this eyeshadow. The colour would compliment all eye colours, but especially blue and green eyes, that bottom row would just make your eyes pop! The matte shades, like I said, don't pack quite the same punch, but given the quality of the other shadows, it would be exceptionally difficult. They are a little bit chalky, but nothing awful. They take a little bit of building up for a more concentrated dose of colour, but they are super for using as transition shades or for a little bit of definition. They are a wonderful addition to the palette, I'm always happy to see more matte shades, it allows for a bit more variation in looks. 
This is the palette in natural daylight and it is glorious. I could happily use it everyday. It does also come with a long eyeshadow applicator, but it was one of those rubbery things and I fairly promptly lost it. I'm also almost nearly certain it came with a plastic sheet of the names of the eyeshadows, buuuttt I also lost that. Winner! 
Overall, it's a beautiful palette that won't break the bank. If you're looking to introduce a little bit of colours to your neutrals, I couldn't recommend it more. If you're interested in purchasing, you can get it from Superdrug, or on the website here. I'd really recommend checking out the rest of their products, they have some absolute gems! I'm a huge fan of the £1 (£1!!) lipsticks.

I'll leave it there for tonight. If you've used any products from Makeup Revolution, let me know what your favourites are down below, or you can find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. I'm thinking of running a competition on Instagram soon, so definitely pop by and give it a follow to find out when it's on! You can find me here. I hope you're all well.

Be kind and be happy, 
Becca xo
18 March 2015

How to Deal with a Bad Day

Hi!

So, I had a bad day on Monday, like, a really bad day. Everything and anything that could go wrong, did go wrong and it was terrible. I was unpleasant to be around, and there may have been angry tears involved. It was joyful. Everyone has Bad Days, and they suck, but over time I have developed some basic tricks to pep myself back up, because Bad Days need to be nipped quickly, because I want to avoid Down Days as much as possible! (You can read about a Down Day here.)

Here are my (very regularly) trialled and tested methods for dealing with a bad day;

Talk/Rant to someone
I did A LOT of this, but I find it is the most effective way to deal. If you're bottling up all your emotions and keeping them to yourself, the bad feelings will just spiral further and further. Talking to someone helps you work out your emotions, why you feel the way you do. Internalising just keeps your thoughts in that constant negative cycle. This is absolutely always my first step if I'm having a Bad Day, it just means that I don't feel quite so alone in it!

Figure out the problem
What's gone wrong? Is it work, a friend, a family member, your phone acting like a little bitch, you've forgotten to record an episode of your current favourite TV show? If you're having a Bad Day, the best thing to do is get to the root to it. With a Bad Day things can spiral off and everything feels like it's going wrong, but often there is a key event that has caused you to feel this way. Get to the source of the problem and try to figure out how to fix it. 

Try to move on
This is the part I always find difficult. I am incredibly stubborn and hold onto things like a mofo. Like, once something bad happens, it gets engrained in my head and the little voice I am training to shut up, just keeps reminding me. I could forget for a moment and be laughing away, and that little voice will pipe up and be like 'HEY, don't forget that really shitty thing that happened!' aaaaaannnd that's the fun ruined. Holding onto the bad thing and letting it bring you down will only keep the Bad Day cycle going, so try to let it go. The next few steps will help with that!

Find a Distraction
Dance Party. Always a Dance Party. 
Any excuse to link that song. (I swear I like more music, I just think this is one of the best songs ever. Ever.)
For reals though, try and find something to keep your mind off it. I find a film, a book or, most often, a dance party, helps take my mind off whatever is bugging me. It always take a moment to get into it because you can't help but hold on to the bad, but if you let yourself just relax, doing something you like will always be the best distraction.

Find something that makes you laugh
Seriously, getting a good giggle will automatically make whatever shit has gone down not seem quite so bad. I laugh at/with my fiancรฉ on the regular and, even if I'm feeling particularly grumpy, it always makes me feel better. Pop on a film, read a book, or chat to someone you know will make you laugh so hard your head feels like it'll pop off. But in a good way!

Chocolate
I'm fairly sure this needs no explanation. Chocolate is a miracle drug. 

Remember all the good things that happened
If you're having a bad day, it's so easy to focus only on all the bad stuff, try to take a moment to remember anything good that happened. Even if it was only one good thing, just remember that, even on a day when everything went wrong, one thing went right!
Bad Day's will happen, because life is an unpredictable minx. Try to take them with a pinch of salt, because not all days will be bad. It's understandable to get wrapped up in a Bad Day and get yourself into a negative train of thought, but the best thing to do for yourself and everyone else, is to try and get it out of your system. It's hard, but it'll be totally worth it when you stop hating everyone haha. 

I'll leave it there for tonight, sorry for the delay in posting. Like I said, I had a really bad day and it takes me a little longer to get myself pepped up again! Let me know your tips and tricks for getting over a Bad Day, I'd love to add them to my list. You can hit me up below, or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I'd love to see you there! I hope you all had an awesome day, and I'll chat to you soon.

Be kind and be happy, 
Becca xo
13 March 2015

25 Facts About Me!

Hi!

I'll be real with you, I was going to post about the Makeup Academy Undress Me palettes but as I was editing the photos I realised that I, like a bellend, had forgotten to take all the pictures. I am such a smooth blogger. Super smooth. So I thought instead we could get to know each other a little better, assuming of course that you want to get to know me! Also, I've already told you an alarming amount about me, why not add to the list?!

Here goes;

1. I have 2 sisters, 1 older and 1 younger (middle child syndrome is definitely a thing) and a very lovely Mum and Dad. And also an INSANE dog.  
Deceptively cute.
 I also have a second family (my boy's lovely lot) with a Mum, Dad and 2 sisters. Sadly, we lost his twin brother in 2008 and his sister in September but they are forever in our hearts.  We also have 10 nephews and nieces who I love and adore. 

2. I am originally from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland but I moved to England with my boy just over a year ago.

3. Speaking of my boy, I have been in a relationship for 9 years, 10 years this May. I have spent a decade with him. A DECADE. I do like him a lot. We got engaged Christmas 2014 and it was wonderful. 
4. Ever since I was little I have been in love with films and have always wanted to act. I used to make my little sister (the older sister was far too cool to hang out with us, there were books to be read!) re-enact the entirety of The Lion King, in which I acted all the best characters and she always had to be the bad guys. Always. Poor pet!

5. 90's music is, and always will be, my absolute favourite. Nothing will be better. It is cheesy and amazing. Backstreet Boys are life. 

6. My first proper crush was John Smith in Pocahontas. You can imagine my disappointment when I realised it was Mel Gibson. I mean, that was fine once upon a time, but he's a bit of a trainwreck now. Hilariously, he is the complete opposite of my type! Flynn Rider in Tangled though... 
Let's be honest, Disney princes in general. I blame them for my high standards in men. 
7. My favourite programme on right now is The Originals. I have no words for how much I love that show. I know it's supposed to be a 'teen' show, and vampires are 'so overdone' but I JUST DON'T CARE. I am so involved. Also, Game of Thrones because IT IS AMAZING.

8. Corresponding nicely with that, my ultimate TV crush at the minute is Elijah (Daniel Gillies). HOLY SHITBALLS. THAT JAW. 
Seriously?!
9. My all-time crush is Johnny Depp. I have been in love with that man since I was 11. Cannot say how disappointed with his mid-life crisis; the movie choices are terrible. Having said this, I am a very dedicated person. Once I love a person, I really love that person. Like, hardcore. And I am known to get a teeny, weeny, little bit obsessive. James McAvoy and Tom Hiddleston are featuring high on the list. I sound so creepy. Swear I'm not. (Maybe a little) (But in a good way!)
I mean, COME ON.
10. I am a feminist, which is something I say without shame or feeling like I need to qualify in any way. I love men (as is evidenced by the majority of my 'facts' being about men I am in love with) but I am a firm believer that all genders should be equal. 

11. I am also 110% pro the LGBT community. I am pretty much in favour of everyone being given equal rights and everyone getting to do what they want, regardless of how they identify.

12. I have quite bad social anxiety, by which I mean I am VERY BAD with crowds and people in general. I have learnt how to deal with it quite well, but any social changes (new people, having to talk on the phone to people I don't know) makes me very nervous to the point of trying to not have a panic attack. It's so good I have a job where I never have to talk to people on the phone! (I say that with full sarcasm, that is literally 75% of my job).

13. I love writing, I am forever plotting and re-plotting books and scripts. My life aim (and it's a big one) is to write a book, or, even better, a script. I love the thought of seeing something I wrote on screen. 

14. I am a panicker. I do not do well with deadlines, they make me indescribably nervous. Hence my very sporadic posting! I am getting a little better though, at least, I think so haha.

15. My absolute, all time favourite time of year is Winter. October-December are the best months!

16. I love, LOVE horror films. Like, all horror films, especially the really bad, cheesy American remakes. They are so bad they make me happy.

17. I am not a morning person. I am beyond the opposite of a morning person. I am a bed person.
18. I am a massive crybaby. I will, and have been known to, cry at everything. Including adverts on TV. I just have a lot of feelings! (10 points to Gryffindor if you get that reference)

19. My ultimate pet hate is rude people. Also, people who talk/use their phones in the cinema, but I guess it falls into the same category, because only rude toolbags use their phone in the cinema. FACT.

20. I am forever trying to see the good in people. I have been told frequently that I do this to a fault, but I'd rather see the good than the bad!

21. My favourite place to be is the beach. I could happily spend all day sitting beside the sea, I think it's so peaceful.

22. I have been considering starting a YouTube channel since the OG days of 2007/8 but keep putting it off. Largely because I hate the sound of my accent. I have been a hardcore YouTube fan for a very long .time. My all-time forever favourite is communitychannel. You should watch her immediately. You are welcome.

23. Trying to think of my all-time favourite films might actually cause me an aneurysm BUT I can give my current top films. At the minute it is Shaun of the Dead (always in the top 10), Sunset Boulevard, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Rebel Without A CauseEdward Scissorhands and The Guest. Just know, I nearly died coming up with that list. I am v.dedicated.

24. My favourite thing to do when I am home alone is dance party it out. Spotify on, volume up, and dance party my ass off. The only thing that ruins it are the smug Spotify ads that know they are ruining my dance party and taunt me by saying if only I upgraded to Premium. Bastards. This is a current (always) favourite! 

25. Let's end on a weird one! I only like numbers that are multiples of 5, I dunno why, I think I just like the symmetry. Like I said, I do have a touch of an obsessive personality. Everything has be be right where it should be or I'll not be a happy bunny. I PROMISE I'M FUN.

Alright, I'll leave it there for tonight! Let me know any interesting, or not interesting, facts about you. Do you share any of my obsessions? You can hit me up down below in the comments, or find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, my links can all be found on the side. I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo

And here's a flashback song because, like I said, 90's music is THE BEST. And this is a classic.

09 March 2015

#DearMe: A Letter to 11 year old Me

Hi!

So there's this hashtag business floating around on the interwebs in honour of International Women's Day, which was yesterday (never let it be said I do things on time). Basically, the idea is to give your younger self the advice and wisdom that you have now. Then if there are any younger people reading or watching, hopefully they can take away something helpful!

Now, I was an awkward, pale, embarrassed, scared and sad 11 year old. Which, I am aware, is a very depressing description of a child. I had started High School and I was having a shitty time. Like, really shitty. I was pretty badly bullied when I was 11 so I just sort of, stopped going to school. I'd make myself physically ill just so I wouldn't have to go. And then one day my Dad- who would ask me every single day if I was okay, to which I would lie and say I was fine and then cry all night- said that enough was enough. He marched into school and basically told my teachers that they were a bunch of assholes. It was terrifying and it was amazing. And that was when I knew that if everything got too much, my family would always take care of me. 
I don't have many pictures of me at that age, because I hated the way I looked, and I couldn't stand my face in photos. I still have moments like that, and I still only like photos of me if I'm the one taking them, but I'm working on it!
So this is me, obviously just out of bed, and my adorable puppy Axl (after Axl Rose, obviously. Best dog ever). I have no makeup on and it is only around this age, that I'll start thinking that there is something wrong with my rosy cheeks/face/head. 
 Here goes.

Hi Me! 
First of all, I know, the bob was a bad idea, but we've learned a valuable life lesson here! Curly hair+ Round face= ANY HAIRCUT EXCEPT A BOB. Sure, you look a little moon-face at the minute, but don't worry, it'll grow out in no time. And then you'll know; not all hairdressers are right. If you don't want to do it, don't do it! There's another life lesson for you. Don't be afraid to say no if you don't want to do something! Don't think that just because everyone else is doing something that you have to as well. Only do what you want to do. Also, in the future, there'll be straighteners that'll do miracles for that stupid bit of curly hair at the front. It'll be a game-changer!

I know you're having a hard time in school, and I know it feels like you have no friends but please know it will get better. When you grow up, you'll learn that people will say horrible things all the time, which sucks, but it's how you react to them that'll change everything. If someone says something about your round face, or rosy cheeks, or calls you fat, don't let that form how you think about yourself. Whatever that person thinks of you is their own deal, and whatever they think is irrelevant to how you feel about yourself. This is something we're still struggling with, but we're getting better! 

People will seem really shitty at the minute, but when you get older, you'll meet the best friends in the world, people who share your humour, your love of makeup and your terrible taste in 90's music (N*Sync and Backstreet Boys FO' LIFE). The person bullying you is struggling with their own shit, don't let this make you scared of everyone. Don't be afraid of people and please talk to someone! I know it's scary but it'll make a world of difference. Don't worry so much about what other people think of you. I know this is so much easier said than done, but don't be afraid of being you! You'll spend a lot of time trying to make ourselves smaller and quieter, just to fit in with everyone else. Don't do this! Be unashamed in who you are and what you love! Please don't waste your time not being true to yourself and not doing what you love. Trust me, just going for it now and grabbing life and all it's opportunities by the hand will make everything so much more exciting. It'll be scary, but that's life. If you aren't scared, you're not living!

Alright 11 year old Me, you'll have our first crush around this time. It will be all-consuming and it will end BADLY. This will not be the first time a crush will not go your way, but please don't let it make you scared, because when you're 16, you'll meet the nicest boy. He will be tall and handsome and the biggest goof in the world. He will make you laugh and he will make you happy. And one Christmas, he'll tie a beautiful ring to the top of the Christmas tree and he'll make you happier than you ever thought possible. All those terrible, never-ending crushes will lead to this one, imperfectly perfect boy. 

Keep on with the film loving, that'll keep you going through a lot of stuff coming our way. No matter what, even if you're falling apart, those new and old film favourites will make everything a little bit easier. And it'll help you find a dream! I mean, it's an unrealistic dream, but it's something we're working on, and that's all that matters!

I know you're sad now. And I'll be honest with you, that sadness is something you will struggle with your entire life. But it will get better. Not today, but soon. You'll have your down days and there will be massive leaps backwards, but on the days when you wake up with a smile, those days will be totally worth all the bad days. You will live for those days. And soon, you'll have days, weeks, even months like that. You'll learn to live with it and manage it and soon the fake smile will become a real one. You'll learn to laugh again and it'll be awesome.
Love,
25 year old You. xx

P.S. When you're older you'll discover makeup and it will be the beginning of a lifelong love that will drain your bank account. But you will love it nonetheless! And you'll find a way to deal with the rosy cheeks, pinky promise. 
See? Rosy head= gone. Magic
Alright! I'll leave it there for tonight, let me know if you have any advice you wish you could pass on to your younger selves. Drop me a comment down below or find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! I hope you're all well and I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo
05 March 2015

February Favourites!

Hi!

The belated February Favourites is here! SCREW YOU ENGLISH WEATHER, I WIN! This is the month in which I realised I have a full-blown, uncontrollable addiction to makeup shopping. Oh dear. Let's look at all the stuff I have been loving and trying to smear all over my face. In one go. Here come the pictures!
I liked a lot of stuff this month, so let's get started with the eyes!
L to R; Topshop Wax and Wane, MAC Blue Brown Pigment, Barry M Starry-Eyed Palette
Let's chat first about my never-ending love for eyeshadows, shall we? As you already know, I got the Lorac Pro Palette 2, back in January, and you can read my review of it and check out the swatches right HERE, and it has become pretty much my go-to for all of February. I am especially in love with the matte shades which I am using to blend out pretty much every makeup look. A new addition to the collection is the Barry M Starry-Eyed Palette. I'll admit to being a little bit of a snob when it comes to drugstore brands, but this palette has been such a pleasant surprise! I posted about it on my Instagram a while ago, which you can check out HERE, and I've been using it since! I also posted about the GLORY that is the MAC Blue Brown Pigment. Guys, this might be one of the most beautiful things of all time. Like, ALL TIME. The duo reflects are out of this world, I've already told my loved ones that I want to be buried with it. A fairly new addition is the Topshop Chameleon Eyeshadow in Wax and Wane. I bought this when my sister was over visiting at the end of February and I cannot stop looking at it. It is gorgeous and has most gorgeous sheen and the multi-facets are just beautiful. 
 Onto face products I've been loving! Since I bought the Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Kit it has not left my makeup table. It is such a great product, especially for my Caspar skin. I had struggled to find a good contour that was easily available in the UK (unfortunately my NYX Taupe Blush has seen better days) and this has got such a lovely cool tone. It does look a little darker in the pan than what comes out but the quality was really impressive for the price. I would say do use a light hand and blend out well, but if you've been looking for a contour, then this might be for you! The other face products are the Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray, which has quickly become an absolute essential for me. This just guarantees that my rosy cheeks are held at bay for a little while longer! The other favourite is the MAC Prolongwear Concealer and mine is in NC15, and this is definitely worth the hype. The pump is very temperamental, there is definitely more of a scent than my other concealers, but the product is SO GOOD. I have always had creasing under my eyes and this is the first one I've ever used that isn't totally destroyed after 10 minutes, for that alone, it's love. I could probably have gone a shade lighter (Caspar for life) but it does a great job hiding my dark circles. 
L to R; MAC Rebel, Topshop Armour, MAC Hang Up, Revlon Matte Colourburst Balm in Shameless and Sultry.
 These were the lipsticks I was loving in February, all are new additions (I know, I have a problem!) except MAC Rebel, which was a Christmas present from my lovely sister. It is a gorgeous red-purple, which can appear more one or the other, depending on your skin-tone. On me it tends more towards purple, which is even more perfect because purple lipsticks are my favourite! Which you can also see with my Revlon Colourburst Balm in Shameless. I has lusted over this for SO LONG, and then one fateful day I found it in Boot's and it has been love ever since. The other MAC lipstick I am loving is Hang Up, which is a much darker red than it is showing up in this photo which is so disappointing. It has a slight brown undertone that I am especially happy about because I am discovering a new obsession with brown lipsticks at the minute. It's like the 90's are happening all over again! This brown obsession is where Topshop Armour and Revlon Matte Colourburst Balm in Sultry. The Topshop lipstick is a glorious metallic brown affair which I would normally run a mile from, but for some reason I am in love. The Revlon Balm is a more red-brown than it is showing in the pictures (SO ANNOYING) and it has become my go-to 'neutral' shade (I don't go very neutral. Ever). 
 And finally, film of the month is the UNBELIEVABLE The Guest. I already have a review of this up which you can read right HERE. When my sister was here I made her watch this (wasn't too hard, it has Dan Stevens in it. She literally SWOONED at him. SWOONED.) and I remembered how amazing this show is. It is batshit insane in the best way. Everyone should watch this immediately. Especially since Dan Steven's is now going to be the new Beast in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast! Fall in love with him before everyone else and then you can be a total hipster about it. Top life tip!

Alright, I have rambled on for long enough so I'll leave it there for tonight. Let me know all your February Favourites, or if you've tried any of these products, let me know your thoughts on them! You can hit me up below or find my on InstagramFacebook or Twitter. I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo
02 March 2015

Foundation Smackdown: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation vs. L'oreal Infallible

Hi!

I keep meaning to blog more and put up some more film posts, but it appears that as soon as I finish work the only thing I can do is sleep. And Instagram. Ultimate achiever! This was also meant to be a February Favourites post, but due to English weather not being able to tell that it is now meant to be Spring instead of Winter, it's too bloody dark to take photos. Oh life. So instead let's talk about one of my never-ending struggles: the search for the PERFECT foundation. And apologies in advance for the unbelievably crap photos!

Since I first ventured into the terrifying world of foundations when I was 14, smearing my mum's 3-shades-too-dark-for-me foundation allllll over my face, I have struggled with finding 'The One'. I have alternated between the too dark to the 'holy shit, it's Caspar' shades. Top Tip: just because you have rosy cheeks and pale skin, DO NOT think that the palest foundation of life will help you solve the problem. It won't. It'll make everything worse. Much worse. There are so many options out there, foundations for oily skin, dry skin, normal skin. Then there's the Matte foundations, or the Dewy foundations, or the What The Hell Does This Do foundation. I have tried them all. Well, not literally them all because that would be insane. (I am trying though...)

Most of my Foundation adventures are within the drugstore range because I am yet to be confident enough in an expensive foundation to want to spend money on it. I mean, what if I hate it?! I'll have spent £27 on a foundation I HATE, and I can't deal with that pressure. Although, Nars Sheer Glow is looking mighty fine...

SO, let's compare two foundations that claim to do the same thing: last all freaking day. 
My main desire in a foundation, is longevity. As I've said before I have rosy cheeks (like, super rosy) and all I want in life is a foundation that hides them all day and makes me look like an Instagram makeup artist. Is that so much to ask? (yes)
When I saw these, it seemed too good to be true, two drugstore foundations that could cover the rosiness for longer than an hour?! I was in. I've been using them both for about 1/2 months, and now it's time to discuss.

First off, neither of these foundations last all day. I am slowly and painfully coming to the realisation that this is just not something that is destined to happen for me. The L'oreal Infallible does last a considerably longer time than the Rimmel Lasting Finish, which is funny since the Rimmel one actually claims to last an hour longer. I don't know if it's just that it doesn't agree with my skin type, but it rubs off my nose so easily and leaves me looking a bit Rudolph for my liking. The L'oreal does fade, but not quite to the same extent. In terms of coverage and application, both look remarkably similar and offer the same decent amount of coverage, but the L'oreal Infalliable seems to buff into the skin better. With the Rimmel Lasting Finish, it seems to cling to every tiny hair on my face, and I have never thought I even had a particularly hairy face until I used this foundation. Which is funny, because that is the exact problem I had with the first packaging of the L'oreal Infallible, which I once bought about 5 years ago in a totally different bottle. I actually hated that foundation; it clung to my skin in the worst way and oxidised horribly, but about 2 years ago, L'oreal rebranded and changed the formula to give us the Infallible we have today. I really love this foundation for my skin type, it sits nicely on the skin without feeling too heavy, it's more easily buildable than the Rimmel Lasting Finish, which could look a little cakey. 

With any foundation, as I've said, it very much depends on your skin type. A foundation I hate, could be your holy grail and vice versa. I think mine might be a little dry for the Rimmel Lasting Finish so the L'oreal Infallible works well for me because it sits comfortably on top of the skin, rather than clinging to it. Colour wise, they are both a good match, but I'd say the L'oreal Infallible just takes it for me because the L'oreal colour match range is actually pretty fabulous for pale skin and matches my pink undertone. Rimmel can be a little shade too dark and yellow for me, but this is definitely one of the better matches. 

If you're interested in these foundations, you can get them in Boots or Superdrug, the L'oreal Infallible retails for £9.99, and the Rimmel Lasting Finish goes for £7.99. 

I'll leave it there for tonight, I hope you enjoyed this surprisingly long post about stuff you smear on your face. If you have any Holy Grail foundations, please let me know, I am open to all options! You can hit me up below, or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, all the links are on the side, I'd love to see you there! I hope you're all well, and I'll see you soon.

Be happy and be be kind,
Becca xo
26 February 2015

What a 'Down Day' feels like.

Fair warning, this is not a happy post. And I'm pretty sure it'll be 75% incoherent because my brain appears to be broken. 

So yesterday I was gonna post a blog about makeup, but I was in a foul mood so I thought I'd do it today but it appears the mood is staying with me, and I don't want to do anything. Which is just fabulous. I thought about posting a 'How to Deal' type thing, but truth be told, I'm not dealing very well at all. Instead, I thought it might be a good idea to give you an insight into what a 'Down Day' feels like to someone with depression.

If you've been on this blog for a while (aka, I've harassed you on Facebook to read my stuff), then you'll know depression is something I've struggled with for a long time. I have gotten, after a few years practice, a decent handle on how to manage it. Okay, decent-ish. My Down Days are much more spread out than they used to be, but every once-in-a-while, a really bad one will sneak up on me and hit me like a frigging train. It's more of a struggle for me on a daily basis to see the good in myself, but on a Down Day it's impossible. The fact that I've even managed to type something is mindblowing to me, because days like this are impossible to do anything productive on. Like, this is taking a physical toll on me to type. My brain aches. To be clear, I am not asking for sympathy, nor do I want it. I am simply telling you what a day like this feels like, so if anyone you know suffers from depression, you'll understand how they feel. All cases, of course, are different, but hopefully this will help give an idea.

A Down Day for me, generally starts right away. I'll wake up and just feel  it in my bones that I am going to struggle. Getting out of bed is the first hurdle of the day. It feels nearly impossible, but I am a grown up and I can't bring myself to ring work and say; 'Yo, I can't come in, I feel really fucking sad'. So it's off to the bathroom to wash my face. By this stage, I am keenly aware of the black cloud looming, washing my face is exhausting. I can feel my limbs ache and my head pulse. But I carry on. I get ready for work: makeup, dress, pack my bag. The whole while I am aware of the pit in my heart and the dread in my stomach. I feel like I have physically forgotten how to smile. I feel the strangest mixture of intense sadness, but at the same time, I feel like I feel nothing at all. It is the weirdest combination. I spend the day swinging between wanting to cry, and not feeling anything at all. I get to work and the automatic smile comes to my face. This is something I've gotten very practiced at over time. Because I never want people to feel awkward or scare people off, I put on a smile. I convince myself that if I smile enough, I'll feel better. It rarely works, but I can hope. I talk to people, and laugh and joke, but I feel as if I'm watching someone else, because I sure as fuck am not laughing on the inside. My face hurts from smiling, I'm pretty sure it's because fake smiling is so much more effort. I feel bad for not being more involved but I can't bring myself to do anything more. Every time a customer comes in I feel the ache on my cheeks as I hitch the same stupid fake smile on. Working in retail, feeling like shit, is the worst possible combination. By 2pm, the exhaustion is taking a physical toll, my arms and legs feel like they might stop working any second, my back aches and my face hurts. I go for lunch and sit in a daze, mindlessly flicking through social media, instantly forgetting what I just looked at as soon as the screen swipes up. I am alone, and I don't have to fake smile. But at the same time, I am very aware that I am alone, and this is the great contradiction of a Down Day. I want to be alone, more than anything. But at the same time, I am absolutely terrified of being by myself, because it's when I'm by myself, with my head, that I am most aware of the black cloud. Lunch ends and I prepare myself to go back up, I feel the dread like a weight in my stomach, but as soon as I hit the door back onto the floor, the smile hitches it's way back onto my cheeks. 4pm hits and it's time to go home, and still, not once does a real smile make it onto my face. I couldn't tell you a single thing that happened today, but I do know I made it home. 

When I get home, I want to try and cheer myself up, but listening to music, or watching videos actually irritates me. And sitting in silence means I can hear the voice. So I'll take being irritated over the voice, but now I'm annoyed and sad. Depression is a terrible contradiction. 

Actually taking the time, to be able to type, is a huge step forward for me. At my worst, I lost all interest in anything. I couldn't do a damn thing. I would just lie there, in an exhausted daze, dreaming about all the things I wanted to do, but just couldn't bring myself to actually do. This is one of the worst part of my Down Days; I'll daydream about all the stuff I want to do, all the things I want to achieve, and after it's all said and done, there is this tiny, pervasive voice telling me to just give up. And you can ignore it for a while, but eventually that tiny voice becomes a roaring din and that's when the hope leaves. 

It's now 6:38 for me and I am beyond exhausted. I ache and my head and heart hurt and I don't know why. Nothing bad happened today or yesterday, but still this cloud reigns. And that is why this feeling is so difficult to deal with. I need a reason to feel like this, and I don't have one, and it's shit. I used to try all the self-help crap to make myself feel better, but the fact remains. Depression is an illness, and largely there is no rhyme or reason to why I feel this way, so making myself feel worse because I don't feel better is only going to make a shit day even shittier. On Down Days, the only thing that keeps me going, that keeps my head above water, is knowing that tomorrow the cloud might be smaller. Tomorrow could be better. 

I'll leave it there for tonight, because frankly, I feel like I've run a marathon. I hope this has help give at least, a small insight into what a Down Day feels like, or has given some element of support or something. If you have any questions, you can hit me up below, or on any of my social media. I hope you're all well. If you're having a Down Day, please don't give up. We can get through until tomorrow. Tomorrow might be better, and that's enough for me and I hope it's enough for you. I'll leave you with one of my absolute favourite quotes of all time, it's one I whip out to convince me to carry on to the next day:
Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo
23 February 2015

Highstreet Hits: Makeup Academy Baked Trio

Hi!

My sister was visiting us over the weekend, and it was lovely, but I am now VERY SLEEPY. So it'll be a quick one tonight. A good one, but a quick one. 

I remember when Makeup Academy makeup launched, the promise of great quality makeup for unbelievable prices was too much for me and I immediately bought everything I could. I am yet to grasp that just because makeup is cheap, doesn't mean I have to buy everything. I am forever spending the equivalent of an expensive item and lots of cheaper things. Please tell me I am not the only one that does this?!

Fortunately, the Baked Trio eyeshadows are fabulous and worth every penny. Even if that wasn't actually a lot of pennies to begin with. 
L to R; Smoke Screen, Chocolate Box, Innocence, Passion, Pink Sorbet
I have got all of the available shades and one (Passion) which appears to have now been discontinued. The palettes are mostly neutral colours, excluding Smoke Screen and Passion, the former is perfect for a dark smokey eye, whilst Passion is great for a pop of colour. My personal favourites are the 3 neutral palettes, which is unusual for me because I normally prefer something a little bolder. 
L to R; Chocolate Box, Innocence, Pink Sorbet
With flash
Natural Light
As you can see, mine are well-used and adored, they are pretty much my go-to if I can't figure out what shade I want to pop on. I can put them on and know that they will look fabulous and I know they will go on without ruining my face. There is a little fall-out, but nothing that makes me want to claw my face off รก la old school Urban Decay.
The pigmentation of the palettes is unbelievable, especially when you consider the price. These retail for only £2.50, which is utter madness. And the colours are beautiful; they are shimmery, creamy and they go on wonderfully. If you aren't fussed on shimmery eyeshadows, it goes without saying, these won't be your thing. However, if you are of the shimmer persuasion, you will LOVE these. I am particularly happy with the darkest shade in the Innocence palette, which is a lovely dupe for Mac's Satin Taupe, and it is gorgeous! If you feel like these might be something you would like, you can pick them up in Superdrug OR you can get them online right here. The new packaging is slightly different to mine, but the eyeshadows are still as lovely. Promise!

I will leave it there for tonight! Let me know what you think of Makeup Academy, are you a fan, or is there another Highstreet brand that has your heart? Drop me a comment below, or hit me up on my FacebookTwitter or my Instagram (which is pretty much the love of my life right now). I hope you're all well and I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo








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