HELLO WORLD!

My name is Steph, and I'm 24 from Yorkshire!

I used to blog a couple of years ago, but I just didn't have the time to commit to it as much as I would have liked. I have kept all of my previous posts, but I am going to be making more effort to create better content this time around. 

I have decided to start blogging again, as it is something that I really enjoy and I have a bit more time on my hands since finishing University with a BA (Hons) Events Management degree.

I got engaged at Christmas last year to my wonderful fiance who I have been with for 6 and a half years.

This blog is going to be a mixture of things really, and everything that I am passionate about. This includes make up, skin care, home ware and maybe even a bit of wedding planning info.

Thanks for reading!

Steph xo

Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Here in the UK, mother's day is just around the corner, so I thought that I would put together a little list of what I think are great gifts around at the moment. 

For mummy's who love to cook; 

Amazon are doing some great deals on at the moment with free UK delivery! 

This stoneware heart dish is so cute, and perfect for mums that love to cook! 

Priced at £45 you can buy it here 

For mum's who are house proud; 

Yankee Candles are my all time favourite candles! and I recently picked up the Yankee Candle in Mandarin Cranberry and it has filled my whole house with the most gorgeous scent and it is lasting forever! 

Yankee Candle offer a huge variety of sizes, scents and designs for every budget, and you can pick up the large jar like I have above for £20 here. 

For mum's who smell nice; 

Perfume always makes a great gift and I know my mum would love a bottle of perfume every year. At the moment Amazon is running a huge 60% off on selected perfume from Vivienne Westwood to Vera Wang to Jimmy Choo. 

There is a perfume for every budget and to view this amazing offer, you can click here . 

For beauty loving mummy's;

YSL has also just come out with a brand new beauty gift set called the 'Babydoll Mascara - Eyes Wide Open' set, which includes; a full size Baby doll mascara and a free travel size Top Secrets Pro Eye Make up remover, and a free mini Forever Youth Liberator eye cream. 

Priced at £24.50 you can find it at any House of Fraser store or online

For mum's who like their tea; 

Next have some great mugs sets and this set of 6 Maisie Stacking Mugs would make an ideal present, as they not only look adorable but they don't take up a lot of space either! 

They cost £14, and you can buy them in store or online here

For the creative mummy's

I've always turned to Vistaprint when I have been feeling creative and unable to think of a good present. Whether that's a calendar, or a custom phone case, I think that they offer a great choice of personalised gifts. 

For the range of different gifts available visit their online store here

For mum's who love pretty things; 

I've always used Moonpig for custom cards, however I stumbled across the flower section of their website when browsing the other day. I had never realised how truly beautiful the flower arrangements on their website are, and they can be delivered right to your mum's door. 

They cater for all different budgets and can be found here. 

If your mum is one of those mums who will say that she doesn't want anything when you ask, so it therefore doesn't help you in the slightest when your stuck and trying to find her the perfect gift, ... then I hope that this gift guide has given you some idea's or at least some inspiration as to what to buy her. 

Steph xoxo

My MAC Palette

Hi guys ... 

This is one of them posts that I LOVE reading on other people's blogs, so I thought I would try it myself! 

I've had a few individual MAC eyeshadows before and always wished I could have a MAC eyeshadow palette .... so when I went to New York last October I jumped at the chance - especially as the make up is slightly cheaper over there!

Each eyeshadow pan is $10, the large/single pro palette is $8 and the pro palette eye shadow insert x15 is $2. 

In the UK each eyeshadow pan is £10, the large/single pro palette is £14 and the pro palette eye shadow insert x15 is £6.50. 

I decided to go for the single palette with 15 eyeshadows over the duo one that has 30 shadows, because I liked the idea of being able to see the eyeshadows without having to open it up, and as the other one is duo it doesn't have the clear plastic at one side (obviously).

Please excuse the mess - I tried to clean it as best I could, but it is used every day and is extremely loved!


So as you can see I have two missing - this irritates my OCD on a daily basis. I just haven't been able to find two other perfect shades that I want . On my way back to the UK when I was in JFK Airport I came across Shroom and Soft Brown in the MAC store there, however they didn't have them in the pan forms. I still bought them and use them everyday I just haven't gotten around to de-potting them yet.

Onto the shadows ...
(left to right, top to bottom)
sketch, espresso, shadowy lady, haux, wedge
retrospeck, all that glitters, satin taupe, malt, omega
mythology, gleam, naked lunch


As you can see, I think I have a good mixture of matte and satin/frost shades and they are obviously neutral colours!
I sat down with a make up artist in MAC in Times Square and I told him the shades I definitely wanted, and he helped me pick out the rest according to my skin tone and eye color!
the only ones that I am not so crazy over and have had difficulty using them would be mythology and gleam on the bottom row - I'm going to continue using them but for now they aren't my favourites.

which are your fav MAC eyeshadows?
any recommendations for the final two shades?
Thanks for reading,
Steph xoxo 

Clinique 3-Step Skin Care ...

Hi guys, 

So last week, I finally caved and went into Boots where I had a consultation for the Clinique 3 step skincare system. 

I sat down with a lovely lady and we discussed my skin in a lot of detail, and we finally came to the conclusion that I have dry combination skin, which is type 2. 

Their skincare is slightly on the pricey side, so I decided to buy the introduction kit to see how my skin reacts to it - after all there would be nothing worse than spending £60+ and then my skin disagreeing with it. 

The type 2 trial size box includes a 50ml liquid facial soap, a 100ml clarifying lotion and a 30ml dramatically different moisturing lotion. 

The whole idea behind the 3 step is simple... 3 steps, 3 items, 3 minutes. 

The consultation at Clinique also included a step by step of how to use the products... 

Every morning and night use the liquid facial soap, then wash off and dry your face. Next, use a small amount of the clarifying lotion on a cotton ball, all over your face in a sweeping upwards motion.  

Finally use a small amount of the moisturiser all over your face and neck. 

The idea of the moisturiser being the smallest product, is that once you have applied the 2 products beforehand, you don't need a lot of the moisturiser as it just soaks into your skin and doesn't sit on top. 

"It's easy with the 3-Step Skin Care Introduction Kit. Just 3 minutes, morning and night, to see clear, smooth, radiant skin in about two weeks. Cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise" - Boots 

It's only been a week so I can't give you a full detailed review yet, however so far so good. My skin has broken out slightly since I started using this - but I was warned this would happen as my skin is 'having a clear out' so to say, so I've been told to keep at it for 2 weeks minimum. 

You can buy the introduction kit from Boots here . However I would recommend going into Boots or anywhere that sells Clinique for a consultation prior to buying, unless you know your skin type perfectly of course!

I'll let you know how I get on in a couple of weeks - but I would love to know if any of you guys use Clinique? 

Steph xoxo 

So ...

I know that I have slacked recently with blogging - especially for my Scheduled September posts .... 

I'm so sorry! 

I have had the craziest couple of weeks of my life & I'm not going to make up any excuses, but you all know I recently got a new full time job, and I've been trying to sort out things for my New York trip & I've had a few family issues etc. So it's fair to say that I have been really busy!

I took the time out to write this post purely because I feel so guilty that I haven't kept up to my schedule with my posts!

I'm going to be back on top form after New York & I will have some amazing exciting haul posts for you! 

Again, I am so sorry & thank you for all of your patience. 

Steph xoxo 

TAG - 40 Beauty Questions!

Hi guys!
So, I've just started my new job (YAY!); hence why there is a delay in posts - as I'm doing pretty intense training for 5 weeks, but I still love to blog & want to blog!
I LOVE tags. I love reading them, I love watching them on YouTube, and I love doing them myself!
So , as you've probably read from the title of this post; I'm going to be taking part in a HUGE tag today, and I tag all of you, so make sure you let me know when you've done it, so I can go take a look and be nosy! :) 



SKINCARE -
How many times do you wash your face daily?
Twice, but I am lazier on a night.


What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo) 
Combination - Oily. 

What is your current facial wash?
I'm not using a facial wash but I use the Bare Minerals cleanser twice a day? 

Do you exfoliate? 
Yes.. 

What brand do you use?
I use a St Tropez body exfoliator and a Clean & Clear one for my face. 

What moisturizer do you use?
The new L'Oreal Skin Perfection correcting day moisturiser. (See last post for a full review!) 

Do you have freckles? 
Yes, but only on my body and my nose (especially when i've been in the sun!)

Do you use eye cream? 
Yeah! I use the L'Oreal Awakening & Correcting eye cream! 

Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
No, I've been luckily enough never to had acne. 

Did you ever have to use Pro-activ? 
No, I've never had to use it.

MAKE-UP
What foundation do you use? 
At the moment it's Boujois Healthy Mix! 

How about concealer? 
A mixture between Collection Lasting Perfection and Rimmels Wake Me Up. 

Do you know your undertone color?
I think I'm fairly neutral but I have pink undertones and not yellow. 

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
I love them! Any chance I have, I will wear them! 

Did you know that you are supposed to change your mascara every 3 months? 
Yes, but my mascara never lasts 3 months anyway! 

What brand of mascara do you use?
Maybelline's Rocket mascara at the moment; its amazing! 

Sephora or MAC? 
I'm not American, so we don't have Sephora! So i'm going to say MAC obviously. 

Do you have a MAC Pro-card? 
Not yet ;)

What makeup tools do you use in make up application? 
Brushes! and a beauty blender. 

Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes? 
Yes, either a MAC paint pot, Soap and Glory's It's About Prime or Too Faced Shadow Insurance. It depends on the make up look. Too Faced primer is the best for a heavy smoky eye; but it's pricey so I don't like using it everyday.

For the face? 
Yes. Because I have combination-oily skin, I have to wear primer. I use Rimmel's Fix & Perfect, the new Benefit Porefessional or the new L'Oreal Skin Perfection Magic Touch Instant Blur. 

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
I can't choose one; I have too many! All That Glitters from MAC?

Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner? 
I actually use Gel the most, or pencil occasionally but my eyes don't like liquid eyeliner!

How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil? 
Not very often, because I don't wear it that much. 

What do you think of pigment eyeshadows? 
I do like them but I tend to reach for them the least because of how messy they are! MAC vanilla is an amazing pigment though! 

Do you use mineral makeup? 
Nope; i'm not a huge fan to be honest. I used to use the Bare Minerals foundation but it's not enough coverage for me. 

What is your favorite lipstick?
I have a few but I love MAC Cut a Caper and Creme Cup. 

How about lipgloss? 
MAC underage is gorgeous. 

What is your favorite blush to use? 
MAC pink swoon is gorgeous.

Do you buy your makeup on ebay? 
Nope, not because I don't like too - i've just never searched for any. 

Do you like drugstore makeup? 
Yes, I enjoy mixing it up between drugstore and high end. Plus I can't afford to have a make up bag of all high end products! 

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets) 
No, I'm not sure if we have them in the UK?! If we do, someone let me know! 

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes? 
Yeah ... I really want to do a MAC Pro class too! 

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?
No, I always make sure I have enough time to do my make up. 

Name a makeup crime that you hate? 
Oh that's hard! There's a few; badly blended eye shadow, over plucked eyebrows, bad fake eyelash applications, too much lip liner etc!. 

Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones? 
I'm more of a neutral's kinda girl. but I love bright lips! 

Which celebrity always has great make up?
I've always LOVED Kim Kardashian's make up, but I also like Blake Likely's neutral look. So complete opposites but both gorgeous! 

If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item, what would you use? 
Either concealer or mascara! 

Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Not unless I'm just driving someone to pick someone up etc. and I don't have to leave the car!

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on? 
I guess so, but like every other woman thinks - i prefer myself with some on. 

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?
Oh that's too hard. There isn't just one... Every brand is best at a few products i think. E.g MAC is good for brushes, eye shadows, lipsticks/glosses and blushers but I don't like their skincare, foundations or mascara's. 

What do you think of Makeup?? 
I adore it. It's fun, and exciting and it's like art I guess.



Hope you guys enjoyed this  little  hugee tag!
I tag all of you! 
Steph xoxo

Liebster Award

Hi guys! 

So I've been tagged by Katja from 365shades.blogspot.co.uk (her blog is awesome, go and have a look!) to do the Liebster Award. I'd never heard of this before, so I'm excited to give it a go, as it's a way for bloggers with less than 200 followers to be discovered and to integrate into the blogging community! 

The rules:

1. Mention the blogger who tagged you & then each person must post 11 things about themselves.

2. Answer the questions that the tagger set for you plus create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer.

3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.

4. Go to their page and tell them.

5. No tag backs!

11 facts about me

1. I'm British

2. I used to play the piano but gave it up when I got to high school

3. I have performed on The West End in London

4. I can understand French and Spanish but I'm not fluent enough to speak back

5. I have a little bow tattoo on the back of my neck

6. I'm obsessed and addicted to YouTube

7. I'm a crazy TV addict & Pretty Little Liars, The Kardashians, The Vampire Diaries and Revenge are my all time favourite shows but I've only just started watching Heroes on Netflix and I'm becoming addicted

8. I know it's a little bit mental but i'm slightly obsessed with Kim Kardashian; her beauty, her lifestyle, her handbags - ahhhh!

9. I love food but i'm extremely picky - no Chinese or Indian please; i love italian

10. I'd someday love to make videos on YouTube but i'm too shy ... for now. 

11. A makeup/beauty room is a dream of mine & it's in the near future! *excitedly squeals*. 

Now for the questions .... 

Katja's questions:
1. What's your favourite blog?I love Laura at buynowbloglater for fashion etc. and Jen at thebeautyguide for beauty! 

2. Do you have a favorite vlog or youtuber?

I really love Tanya Burr and Fleur De Force

3. What's your favourite Makeup brand?

Hmmmm, i can't choose just one! for drugstore it'd be Rimmel and a bit more expensive would be MAC or Illamasqua! 

4. Do you have a hair care product to recommend?

The L'Oreal EverRiche Nourishing Intense Mask is AMAZING! 

5. Do you prefer nude or red lips?

Nude

6. Is there a eyeshadow palette you couldn't live without?

Yes! The Naked, Naked 2 and Naked Basics are all awesome! I can't choose. 

7. Essie or OPI?

Essie; purely because OPI is so expensive here in the UK!

8. Do you have a secret beauty tip to tell?

If you wash your face with your cleanser and warm water at night and in the morning - splash it a couple of times afterwards with cold water and it makes your face feel more refreshed and glowy ! 

Also - blend your foundation with your brush first and then a damp beauty blender to make your skin look extra flawless

9. What's your favourite highlighter?

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle. 

10. If you had to decide: would you prefer to use bronzer or blush for the rest of your life?

I love bronzers more but in terms of practicality i'd say blush!

11. What's your favorite lipstick brand?

Ooooo thats hard! I'll say MAC purely because I have the most MAC lipsticks and they are so good! 

"Liebster is German and means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome"

Therefore, I tag .... 

Amy at curlsandthecity

Danielle at peacelovefashionnnn

Sophie at sophrebecca

Rebecka at rebeckasrambling

Boo at bloomingbooboo

Kerry at talkboutique

Cathy at cathyloveee

Emily at myveryownworldofstyle

Laura at laurathinksabout

Rosie at missrosieapple

Claire at xtouchofbeautyx

Steph's Questions ... 

1. What's on your wishlist at the moment?
2. If you could only choose 2 beauty related items to use, what would they be?
3. Whats your favourite beauty look this summer?
4. In the celebrity world; whose beauty, wardrobe, lifestyle etc. would you love to have?
5. Favourite accessorie?
6. What is your favourite drugstore make up brand and your favourite high end brand?
7. If you were given £2000 to spend on beauty or fashion, what would you get?
8. Favourite beauty item?
9. Up, straight, wavy or curly hair?
10. Favourite item of clothing?
11. Summer or winter?

Don't forget to comment back here, if you have done this so I can go and take a look :)
Steph xoxo