Skincare Wishlist #1

Pixi Glow Tonic

I know nothing about skincare. And by nothing I mean I know that the three steps to a standard routine is cleanse, tone and moisturise. What can I say, Caroline Hirons would be ashamed at my lack of knowledge. Talking of Caroline, I remember reading her post on this toner ages ago and well if it is good enough for the queen of skincare it's definitely good enough for my chops.

Clinique Take the day off cleanser

I've heard a lot of good reviews about this stuff. I've never actually tried a balm cleanser, I tend to use my trusty Bioderma or a cream cleanser, so I'm intrigued to try this to see whether I prefer it.

Hydralauron

So this is probably the smallest serum I have ever seen. I remember seeing an opened box in boots one time and actually gasping that the full-sized serum is actually smaller than something sample-sized. That aside, it must be incredible stuff as it always pops up in people's skincare routines on YouTube.

Origins Drink up intensive overnight mask

I've wanted to try origins skincare for so long now and I have heard so many good reviews on this mask. I have combination skin at the moment but in the winter my skin is very dry. This may just be my savior come winter.

Origins Ginzing Moisturiser

I really need to try this moisturiser. I think it will be perfect for fresh and awake skin for summer. Origins look out.

Are there any skincare items you're lusting over lately?

Goals for June

Can we all just take a moment to sit in amazement that it's already June? Okay moment over. Looking back at the month of May I can honestly say that it hasn't been the best of months for me. I've had so many exams and have lived a very stressful life for what seems like forever. The month of May aside, I thought I'd set myself a few goals for June in order to have a more positive and happy month in June. So without further a do..

Getting Healthy

I know this is one of the main goals everyone has at the beginning of the year and admittedly it was one of mine but unfortunately I'm not one of those gals who can't eat anything when they're stressed instead I comfort eat (damn you domino's and your student discount). For the first two weeks in August I'm jetting off on holiday to Greece with my family and it's the ultimate relaxing holiday which means beaches which means bikini's which means a whole lot of toning up is needed. So, in a bid to get my beach bod on I'm going to start eating more healthily and doing more exercise over the next nine weeks. Don't get me wrong, I'll still have the odd treat, this isn't going to be one of those fad diets where all I devour are slim fast milkshakes - no thanks, I just want to be more healthy in what I eat and get into a fitness routine that works for me. I'll keep you updated on that one (if you never hear from me again I've gone into hiding with endless tubs of ice cream).

Finish exams

You may know that during the month of May I sat nine of the ten exams I have this year and I can honestly say it has been a very stressful time and I may even cry with joy when it's all over. On 12th June I shall be sitting my last exam which is typically a Maths exam (talk about going out with a bang). Oh and whilst we're on the subject of typical, the day after my last exam I have to go in to sixth form and start next year's work, JOY. And yes that is a Friday and yes they really are making us go in. Number for child line anyone?

Save Save Save

I'm one of these people who saves for ages and then has hardly anything to show for it. It seems like I've been saving for weeks and I currently have about 28p in my purse. My bestie and I  are going to London in July and we're trying to save so we can have a good old splurge on Oxford Street. As you can tell from my thrifty 28p purse, it isn't going all that well.

Get Tidy

I am probably the messiest and most unorganised person you'll ever meet. I've recently moved rooms in my house and there's just piles of stuff in every corner of the room. I'm making it my mission in June to tidy my room and get more organised. What's that phrase, clear space makes for a clear mind?

Sort Wardrobes out

This kind of carries on from my previous point about being more tidy. My wardrobes are overflowing with so many things that either don't fit me anymore or I simply don't wear. Time to follow Lily's Spring Cleaning video  and get those wardrobes clear. Ebay I'm coming for ya.

Do you have any goals for June?

Life Lately #1

Cheeky little selfie on Easter Sunday.

So shall we just skip the apologies for my absence? Yes? Ok I'm  fine with that. Life lately has been pretty hectic; I've had lots of mocks and revision for exams, with the addition of  a pile of homework that's as tall as the Empire State building. Hence my reason for not posting. I've also finally had my room decorated which means all my camera equipment is packed away in a box somewhere in my living room. Anyway, life problems aside, I decided to start a new series on this blog called 'Life Lately.' Although I have a love for beauty, I want this blog to be one that covers a whole spectrum of topics; from the latest beauty purchases to my latest Mary Berry inspired bakes in the kitchen. I also thought it would be a good way for you to get to know me a bit more rather than just my opinions concerning makeup. So here goes...

Being an A level student I am constantly working. Wait, let me rephrase that...being an A level student means I constantly have work to do (whether it gets done or not is another story.) A couple of weeks ago I had mock week which meant a week of highlighting just how much I don't know. Thanks to the wonderful Michael Gove (he's not wonderful in the slightest) we no longer sit January exams meaning there's no chance to resit...thanks Michael, thanks a bunch. I have three weeks until my first exam *insert sick-faced emoji here* and I just cannot believe how quick this year has gone. Am I really having to sit exams again? sigh.

Anyway, I shan't bore you with my hatred for both Mr Gove and A levels, instead I'll bore you with the details of my Easter weekend. The last couple of days I've have chocolate for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Don't judge me I know you've all done the same. On Sunday we had my grandparents over for lunch and it was really nice to just spend the day with family. We had a lovely meal and rounded the day off with a game of scrabble accompanied by tea and hot cross buns....we know how to live.

In other news, I'm having my hair cut on Wednesday. For those of you that don't know, I only have my hair cut about once a year and even then I only have a couple of inches trimmed off the ends. However, lately I've been getting very bored with my hair and want a change so on Wednesday I'm going to have a few inches cut off and have a fringe put in. Given my previous experiences with fringes (apart from when I was little and it looked cute) this is more than likely going to look awful but I can always pin it back if I don't like it.

Not the most exciting of posts - more likely the most boring - but I wanted to write about things other than beauty. If you've made it to the end of this post then give yourselves a jolly good pat on the back from me.
Would you be interested in seeing a post on my room when it's all finished? I know room tours are popular on YouTube but I thought I could show you a few snippets from my new room as well as a few storage/bedroom decor ideas? Let me know what you think.

Hope you've all had a lovely Easter weekend.

Topshop Wishlist #1

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I've been perusing the 'New In' section on the Topshop website A LOT lately, and I've been lusting after so many pretty items. I have wanted gingham print trousers and a skirt for SO LONG and these two from Topshop are super cute. Seeing as we're heading in to Spring, these hot pink cigarette trousers are the perfect addition to brighten up your wardrobe. Oh and let's not forget those adorable heart-print slipper-style shoes. 

What have you been loving lately?
Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

Ps: I've made a few Avon purchases recently, would you be interested in seeing a haul?
PPS:if you have less than 200 followers and haven't been nominated for the Liebster Award let me know! x

Non-beauty February favourites

In my previous post I threw in some self-praise for doing a mid-week post and then I didn't blog for ageeees, fail. Nevertheless, I am back with a favourites post inspired by all the things I've been loving throughout the month of February that aren't beauty related. 

The App

This month I've been trying to get a lot more organised (which clearly hasn't been reflected in my blog) and so I downloaded Wunderlist. Wunderlist allows you to organise your tasks, in addition to creating to-do lists. You can separate your lists under various categories such as work and personal, as well as allowing you to create your own categories. It's been super handy to note down any ideas I have for blog post etc. 

The TV Show

Silk is back people *does a cringey dance move* - I don't think anybody understands my love for this show. For those of you who don't watch silk, it basically revolves around a set of barristers in London; in particular Martha Costello who is played by Maxine Peake. Each week Martha takes on a different case. As well as providing a story of the case Martha undertakes, Silk also follows the life of Martha herself, showing her to be a very independent and sassy woman. Let's get this clear - I want (need) to be Martha Costello.

The Film

This month I watched Captain Phillips with Tom Hanks and Barkhad Abdi. The film is based on the true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the hijacking of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama - the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years. The film does drag a little, but it keeps you on the edge of your seat. Needless to say that Tom Hanks' performance was utterly moving, and well worthy of an oscar (I'm still bitter he isn't nominated.) Having said that, Barkhad Abdi who plays Muse, the leader of the hijacking crew is nominated for an Oscar in supporting-role and he is completely deserving of it. His performance was outstanding. The fact that the film is up for best picture says it all...I highly recommend giving it a watch.

The Album

This month I discovered Alex Winston after hearing Velvet Elvis on an advert. After some searching, I found her on spotify and gave her King Con album a listen. It is now my new favourite album. Her voice is so unique and her songs are really up-beat..perfect to have a little dance to. Some of my favourite songs from the album include Fire Ant, Velvet Elvis, Locomotive and Host. Her single 101 Vultures is also my new favourite song - it's always on repeat. 

What have you been loving throughout February? Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

PS: would you be interested in fashion posts? I'm thinking of doing a haul post and maybe a few fashion-inspired posts soon? I also want to start a baking series on my blog...thoughts?

Handbag beauty essentials

Look at me doing a mid-week post..impressed? I thought I'd show you my top things beauty-related to take in my makeup bag to touch-up throughout the day.

Lipstick/ Lip balm

Now, if you're a huge lipstick lover like me, you'll know that having a lipstick (or three) in your makeup bag is essential. I try and limit the amount of beauty products I take out with me but I always end up having about five lipsticks rolling around the bottom of my bag (anyone else share this problem?). Lately I've just been sticking my carmex in my bag and my lipstick that I'm wearing that day. 

Hand Cream

I always make sure I have my Soap and Glory Hand Food hand cream on me. Especially in these winter months my hands get so dry and the non-greasy formula doesn't leave your hands feeling sticky..winner. The gorgeous fruity scent combined with the pocket size tube makes this perfect for your handbag.

Powder/ Powder brush

I always take my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder and a little Eco Tools brush with me so I can touch-up throughout the day. My skin type on the whole is dry, however I've noticed that lately I've been getting a little oily around my nose. This translucent powder just takes away any shine without being cakey and heavy on the skin.

Perfume/ body spray

I always keep a body spray or sample size of perfume with me just to freshen up throughout the day..because why wouldn't you want to smell nice? If you only have full sized perfumes you can buy a Travalo which allows you to pour your perfume from a full sized bottle into a friendly, travel-sized bottle that you can easily keep in your bag.

Mirror

I keep a mirror with me so that I can see what I'm doing when I re-apply my lipstick or powder (don't worry I'm not that vain that I stare at myself all day). It's also really handy to have in case one of your friends has a makeup emergency.

What are your handbag beauty essentials?

January Favourites

First of all, where the heck did January go? Time really does fly by. Anyway, enough of sounding like an old woman, here are a few things I've been loving throughout January..

Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm, Umberto Giannini eyeliner
 and Rimmel Stay Matte powder.

Forever 21 necklace, Urban Outfitters watch.

1) Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in the shade Elusive

I only bought this last week but I'm already in love with it. The smooth consistency and matte formulation, along with the super pretty pink shade, makes this my go-to every-day lipstick.

2) Umberto Giannini Eyeliner

I got a pack of these eyeliners at Christmas back in 2012, and I've been using them every day since. The fine nib allows me to create either a super fine line to make my upper lashes appear fuller, or pursue with a full-on winged out look. The colour is a deep, intense black, and they last pretty much all day. Big thumbs up from moi.

3) Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in Translucent 

I love this powder. It's super good for touch-ups throughout the day. It comes in a range of shades but I opted for translucent. This just means that it sets all my makeup in place without adding extra coverage, meaning this will let you stay well clear of cakey makeup (no one wants that look, am I right?).

4) Cheetah Necklace from Forever 21

This was one of my Christmas presents off my best friend, Kim. Before Christmas we were roaming around Forever 21, and I happened to spot this. However, for some reason or another I didn't end up getting it. Kim had obviously made a mental note of my love for this necklace, as there it was a couple of weeks later wrapped up in Christmas paper. (Thanks Kim, bonus friendship points for remembering).

5) Black watch from Urban Outfitters

This was another Christmas present that I received off my brother (the amount of times I've mentioned Christmas clearly has no reflection on the fact I miss December..). I had wanted a black thin-strapped watch for ageeees and so I was super happy to receive this on Christmas morning.

What have been your favourites this month?

Haulin'

So it looks like apologising for the lack of posts is going to be a recurring theme on this blog. I aim to post every weekend but last week I was swamped with school work and revision, and I found barely enough time to sleep let alone blog (sorrrrrry). After a busy and stressful week, I was in need of a little pick-me-up, and a spot of retail therapy did just that. After wandering the aisles in Boots and scanning the shelves in The Body Shop, I picked up a few bits that I wanted, and thought I'd share them with y'all.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation, The Body Shop Honey Bronzer,
The Body Shop Vitamin C Serum, Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm 

The Body Shop Body Butters; Grapefruit (left) and Brazil nut (right)

Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm in the shade Elusive

L'Oreal True Match Foundation £9.99

I have heard so many good reviews about this foundation, which is supposedly a dupe for the MAC's Studio Fix. I haven't tried this foundation out yet, but I've got high hopes for this one.

The Body Shop Honey Bronzer £13.00

I have wanted to try this for so long, but every time I went into The Body Shop they didn't have the shade I wanted. When I wandered into my local store yesterday, I saw that they had the the shade 01; this combined with the fact that it was the last one in stock, made me take it as a sign of fate and I headed straight to the counter.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Serum £14.00

Now this little guy has been repurchased countless times and is certainly no stranger to my skincare stash. The consistency is so smooth and silky and this combined with the magical vitamin C extract makes for a glowy and hydrated complexion. It's beautiful as a primer for under foundation, and just as beautiful for those no-makeup days where you still want your skin to be radiant. 

Revlon ColourBurst Matte Balm £7.99

Another matte lipstick? shocker. I had been waiting for these to come out for weeks after seeing them appear on other beauty blogs in December and now I'm finally the owner of one in the shade elusive. Elusive is a really pretty pink shade, lovely for natural makeup days. I had my doubts that the matte range might be a little drying on the lips, but the consistency is smooth and creamy, making the lipstick hydrating and long-lasting. The crayon-like design makes for a precise and easy application. I love this already, and I will definitely be picking up some more shades!

The Body Shop Body Butters £13.00

Although the body butters are normally £13.00, they currently have a sale in-store and online so they were just £5.00 each (bargain). I love these body butters so much, they're not greasy or sticky, they're thick and (as the name would suggest) buttery, almost having a balm-like consistency that when rubbed into the skin, melts into moisturising goodness.

Have you tried any of these  products, what are your thoughts?

PS: I've been lacking inspiration with regards to posts for this blog, so if you have any suggestions then please let me know. Although my blog mainly revolves around beauty, I'd like it to be more of a lifestyle blog, so I was thinking about maybe doing some recipe posts on baking? What would you like to see?

Hope you're all having a lovely weekend.

My top 5 drugstore lipsticks

For my first beauty inspired post I thought I'd stay faithful to my beloved lipstick obsession and share with you my favourite lipsticks from the drugstore. 

Revlon Lip butter in the shade Raspberry Pie

Maybelline Superstay 14hr Lipstick in the shade Ultimate Blush

Rimmel lasting finish matte lipstick in the shade 107 Wine

MUA lipstick in the shade 2

Revlon Super lustrous lipstick in the shade Cherries in the Snow

Revlon Lip butter in the shade Raspberry Pie

Although Raspberry Pie is a gorgeous berry shade, it's quite a bright fuchsia pink and this combined with the buttery, smooth consistency means it's one you can sport all year round. I do find that applying a lip balm before hand, makes the application even smoother, and the colour even more intense. After hearing so many beauty bloggers rave about these things, I had to try it for myself, and I can officially say I am on the Revlon Lip butter bandwagon.

Maybelline Superstay 14hr Lipstick in the shade Ultimate Blush

This was my go-to liptsick last summer. Not only is the colour a lovely pink-toned coral, but when Maybelline says it lasts 14 hours, they're not joking, the lasting power of these lipsticks is ah-mazing (bonus) and because they're from the drugstore they're super affordable (double bonus). With over 10 different shades to choose from, the colour range is great too.

Rimmel lasting finish matte lipstick in the shade 107 Wine

When it comes to lipstick, I definitely prefer bolder colours and a matte finish, so this one from Rimmel fits the bill perfectly. The shade 107 Wine is my go-to autumn/winter shade as it's (as the name would suggest) a gorgeous deep winey, berry colour. I also own 111 Kiss of Life, which is a bright red, which I normally pair with a super plain outfit to make it really stand out. I cannot rave about these lipsticks enough, they are definitely my number one favourite drugstore lipsticks.

MUA lipstick in the shade 2

What I love about this lipstick is you can wear it really sheer or build the colour up to a bright pink shade; but what I love even more is the £1 price tag. Yes, you heard me right, they cost a whopping 100 pennies. They apply really smoothly and the have a semi-matte finish. However, I have noticed that when the lipstick fully dries, it settles to a complete matte finish, which as you know, is right up my street. The only thing I would say about these lipsticks is that after a while they can become a bit drying, but for £1 you can hardly complain.

Revlon Super lustrous lipstick in the shade Cherries in the Snow

I love this shade so much, it is a super pretty raspberry red. Although I prefer a matte bold lip, I really love the shiny, glossy finish this lipstick gives. Surprisingly these lipsticks last quite a long time, even if I'm not wearing a lip liner with it.

What are your favourite drugstore lipsticks?

And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Day

Instead of blurting out a massive apology for not posting on this blog in a loooong time,(whoops!) I thought I'd make an effort to do one last post before the year is over (can we just take a moment to ask ourselves where this year has gone) and what better post to do than to show you what Christmas is like in the Bargiacchi household. Instead of rambling on about how much glorious food I devoured yesterday and boring you all to tears, I've inserted a few snippets of yesterday's festivities. 

 Christmas outfit and nails with a side order of awkward posing.

 

Yum!

Because no household is complete without Christmas decorations..

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas yesterday, I was certainly spoiled. Enjoy the rest of your holiday relaxing and eating the leftovers...I'll be living off turkey BLT's for the next month.

PS:I will try my best to post more next year!