Benefit The Bronze of Champions

I love a good baragin buy, although If there's one brand I don't mind spending a little bit more on it's benefit! In particular I'm a huge fan of their little make up kits, so when I saw their 'All star kits' last year, I knew I needed Bronze of Champions in my life.
The kit includes rather generous minis of; Watts Up Highlighter, Hoola Bronzer, Thanks a Latte Powder Eyeshadow, Bikini-Tini Cream Eyeshadow, They're Real Mascara and a Hoola Lipgloss. For £26.50, you get six products to try, working out at about £4.40 each.

The thing I love most about this little set is that minus a few basics, you've got enough to make over your whole face. The kit iself is smaller than a book making it ideal to just throw in your suitcase before a hoilday. Alternatively four of the products can be taken out of the kit and placed in your make up bag, and the two powders could be easily deported. Personally, I rarely finish make up products so sets like these are great for me as I get to try six new products for the price of one.

Having put all of these products to the test I'm happy to announce there isn't one rubbish product in the box! So figured I'd give you a guys a summary on each product the set has to offer:
Watts Up Highlighter (£24.50/fullsize) - I love using this highlighter to add a subtle glow to the tops of my cheek bones, although I've found against my pale skin the trick is to really blend! What I love about this most is that unlike other highlighters I've tried this stuff is still around hours later!
Hoola Bronzer (£23.50/fullsize) - This matt bronzer is lovely for contouring, I also love that the brush included with this feels pretty soft! I tend to use this to apply the bronzer as my bigger brushes cause an awful mess, although I imagine this wouldn't be an issue with the full sized product.
Thanks a Latte Powder Eyeshadow (£15.50/full size) and Bikini-Tini Cream Eyeshadow (£15.50/fullsize) - I love using this combination to create a really simple yet glam eye look. I simply apply Bikini-Tini all over the lid then add Thanks a Latte to the crease. It lasts all day too, even without a primer!
They're Real Mascara (£19.50/fullsize) - This is my all time favourite mascara so I'm happy to have a back up. They're real just leaves the lashes looking great and lasts until you take it off.
 Hoola Lipgloss (£14.50) - This nude lipgloss has such a lovely formula, not only does it feel lovely on the lips - Its not sticky!

Overall I think this little kit is a great product, and look forward to trying more in the range! What do you think of The bronze of Champions?

Contour Wars!

Last year I really got into contouring, so figured today I would show you guys my three favourite products. For reference I have pretty pale skin, so hopefully this post will be of some use to those who struggle with bronzers!

Sleek Face Form in Fair (£9.99/Superdrug)

Sleek's Face Form palette is probably one of the most talked about contouring products on the high street. The Palette comes in four shades; fair, light, medium and dark. I own the fair palette which comes complete with a contour shade, rose gold blusher and a highlight. The shades themselves are very pigmented so a light hand is recommended here!

The Good: Not only is this compact palette perfect for beginners, offering users a matching blush and highlight shade, It is also amazing for travelling containing everything you need for a well contoured face in one palette along with a very handy mirror. The packaging also feels really sturdy for the price point. This is also pretty cheap, coming in at around £3.33 for each shade. 

The Bad: If your simply looking for a contour shade this palette probably isn't ideal as it contains two other products, meaning you get less product than you would if you simply brought a bronzer. It's quite pigmented meaning it can be harder to work with, and at times a little orangery if applied too heavily.

The Bottom Line: This is a really lovely product, but as mentioned it does have its issues..provided you use a light hand and don't mind a little blending this is a steal at under a tenner!
Best for: Anyone looking for a combination of products at a low price point. 

Soap & Glory Solar Powder (£11.00/Boots)

There's no denying Soap & Glory caused quite a stir when they released their make up line back in 2011. It took me a while to try the products, although I haven't looked back since trying this bronzer last year. Complete with two sides, S&G Solar Powder allows users to create three different shades - although personally I just always blend them both together. 

The Good: This bronzer is easily to blend and looks great on pale skin, if that's not enough owners have the option of three shades for the price of one powder! (on the above picture bottom-top: the right side, left side and both together) There is also a good amount of product (I've been using mine since last summer and there's not much of a dent). Its also worth noting that this has a mirror which is always handy! It's also the only one I've fully reviewed here.

The Bad: At £11, this is pricier than my other favourites (Although look out for deals at Boots!). This also comes in cardboard packaging which isn't ideal, although mine is holding up pretty well!

The Bottom Line: Despite the minor issues, I'd recommend that anyone with pale skin gave this bronzer a go. I honestly think its worth the money and its lasted so well!

Best for: Any pale girls looking to spend a little bit more for a good quality bronzer which will last ages!

Dainty Doll Cream Blush in '003' (Price varies)
The blogging world went mad when Dainty Doll started to pop up on popular discount sites, being pale myself I ended up with quite a few products including this cream blush! I discovered this was lovely for a light contouring and have loved it ever since!
The Good: As this is cream formula it blends effortlessly into the skin and is really natural looking, Perfect for the really pale among us. This also comes in sturdy packaging complete with a mirror.
The Bad: Because Dainty Doll is slowly disappearing this can be hard to get hold of, although above I have linked an Ebay listing were its under £5 with P&P! I'm also shocked at how quickly the writing on the front of this faded, considering the high RRP.
The Bottom Line: This is just a perfect shade for anyone who is finding other contour shades way too dark for them, the formula is also pretty much faultless - Its just a shame these wont be around forever!
Best for: Any pale girls perhaps a little too scared to try a pigmented bronzer, this is a wonderful stepping stone!

Finally here are all of my favourites swacthed so you can get an idea of what they look like beside each other! (Bottom -Top : Sleek Face Form, Soap & Glory Solar Powder and Dainty Doll Cream Blush) 
What is your favourite contour shade?

Current favourite lip product..

If there is one lip product I've been loving lately it's this liquid lipstick from Loreal. I picked up Molto Mauve on a whim last month and have been sporting it ever since! The product itself comes in this rather expensive looking  packaging complete with labels on the side and bottom to demonstrate the shade inside which I think is a lovely idea especially for someone with as many lip products as I have! 

Application with this beauty is made really easy with a lip gloss like applicator, unlike some other pigmented lip products this liquid lipstick doesn't cling to dry areas or take a million coats to look even. Instead users are left with a perfect shade in one swipe. Molto Mauve is pretty much a slightly darker 'my lips but better shade', I adore the look of it on my lips and despite being really natural looking you can definitely tell you have something on because of the beautiful glossy finish it delivers. Despite this finish this product isn't sticky on the lips at all, in fact it feels very nourishing and i love the feel of it on.

Overall I love this product, while i personally wouldn't label it as a 'liquid lipstick' It acts brilliantly as a pigmented lipgloss, meaning you would have to top it up throughout the day. Its not the cheapest product on the block at £8.99 but in my opinion its just worth it for the look and feel of the product itself (Plus theres always some sort of offer on the highstreet!)

Bourjois Java Rice Power

 Most powders on the high street offer users a 'mattified' look, meaning I'm always torn between wanting fresh and glowy looking skin, and trying to keep my make up in place all day. So when I heard about this universal illuminating loose powder I knew I had to try it! Bourjois Java Rice Powder comes in a sturdy feeling plastic container, once open, users simply have to twist the top layer of plastic revealing holes to release the powder. This holes act as a filter enabling you to control how much product you spill meaning mess is minimised, In fact I'd say in the eight months I've had this product I've only had one unfortunate incident which was my clumsy fault! 

I simply swirl my powder brush in this and apply directly to the face. While I've read some use this as a subtle highlighter I've found that this just isn't enough for me and I love using it as an allover face powder. At first I was sceptical that such a glittery looking product would leave me looking like a disco ball, although to be honest this barely shows up on your face and instead you are left with a healthy glow to this skin which stays put for the rest of the day.

Hopefully you can see this above (swatched heavily with my finger!). Have you ever tried an illuminating powder before? 

Three Favourite Necklaces..

In my early teenage years I went through a stage of absolutely adoring jewelry, in fact you would rarely see me without it, although as I've gotten older I've gotten to the stage were I rarely bother.. well up until last month! I dont know what happened but I suddenly am a massive fan of necklaces, and today I figured I'd share with you guys my favourite three.
This first Primark triangle necklace was the one which kick started the obsession, It wasn't too over the top like most of the designs in the store. Instead it stood out to be because it was extremely wearable and a mere second later it was in my basket of joy!

I just love the simplicity of this tube necklace from H&M, I don't know what it is but It was one of those things I had to have. This necklace was available in two colours, sliver and gold. Although  after much deliberation I went for the goldy shade as I liked the look of it more. This necklace just goes with everything, and I just cant get enough of it - Worth every single penny!

This final one was the cheapest and most delicate of the three. I originally had the bracelet version of this necklace which earned me so many compliments, so when I discovered there was a necklace too it had to be mine! This is just a great addition to those more laid back outfits that just need a little something extra. Plus its was an amazing find at just £1.50!

So there you have it my three favourite bargain necklaces! Which is your favourite? 

Things to do this summer..

(Source)

I've spent the day packing up the last of the things and wishing everyone goodbye which means first year at university is pretty much over and the prospect of a four month long summer is upon me. Having such a long time off seems pretty odd to me since I've pretty much worked my arse off this year and I'm honestly proud of what I've managed to achieve in such a sort space of time. I knew my degree wouldn't be a doss, but at times I don't think that was half of the struggle and it was probably my own thought for taking on too much too soon. Within a couple of weeks of starting my program I started work experience at a local firm, on top of learning to be an adult - which apparently isn't as easy as it sounds. I've already finished my lectures, coursework and and exams meaning there's already a huge gap in my life which i want to fill throughout my summer. So without further waffle - here's what I want to do this summer.

Gain more experience or volunteer  - Perhaps contradictory to the first paragraph, although this is something I'm pretty much determined to do during the summer! I know it will take me a grand total of a week before I begin to get bored and since I'll be moving back home during the summer, I'll be in the financial position to work for free which is something I can pretty much guarantee ever will happen again. So I'm determined to give up some of my time either to volunteer or to gain more work experience to figure out what exactly it is that I want to do. 

Visit different cities -  Minus the odd open day and moving to a different city for Uni, I cant say I've ever explored too many others. Which is why I will be taking full advantage of the people I have met both from my course and in my halls and making them give me the grand tour. I'm really looking forward to seeing new places, and of course seeing everyone again!

Take a little holiday - This one is kind of similar to the above, although I'm aiming to become a little more touristy. Myself and a few friends have booked a 4 night holiday just before the kids finish school really cheaply, although we're only going about 45 minutes up the road we're all still really excited for our little sea side get away. 

Discover more cheap days out - When I'm at home I live in London which doesn't exactly provide me with a whole host of cheap days out, although I'm hoping to be more savvy this summer which means swapping eating out for picnics and expense days out with some free alternatives.

Invest my money - Hopefully in being more savvy with my days out I'll be able to save some money for a new camera! I'm also planning on walking pretty much everywhere which should help towards this since bus fare can be pretty pricey!

Read for enjoyment - Other than when I had a little time off for Christmas, I haven't voluntarily picked up a book since this time last year! I already have a load on my list, so cant wait to get started!

Blog more - Spending my time in halls has meant that I've not had too much free time on my hands, and when I do I normally spend it sleeping or socialising! I've really missed blogging frequently and hope to do it a lot more over the coming months.

Start reading up on next years modules - If I'm honest this is probably the thing I'm least likely to do although a girl can dream! I really want to start next year with some background knowelege which is why I'll be looking at whats to come before the start of my second year.

So there you have it, my plan for the summer! What have you guys got planned?

Empties #2

I'm officially moving out of halls in just a week meaning I'm trying to get rid of a few unnecessary bits I have floating around before i start the dull task of packing! I found these five beauties and figured I'd share mt thoughts on them with you guys as i actually enjoyed each and everyone of them! 

St Ives Blemish Fighting Scrub - In my opinion St Ives sell the best scrubs on the high street, making this my 'holy grail' facial scrub. Its pretty much the only one I bother with since I find others way too gentle. I posted a review about this around two years ago here and I still feel the same way. As normal I will be picking this up again.

Soap & Glory Foam Call - I got this in a gift set during the boxing day sales, Like everything Soap & Glory sell, It had a lovely scent to it and lathered nicely. The only thing I did dislike about it was the fact that it didnt have a pump like other S&G shower gels which lead to me using more of the product. Although looking at the Boots website it appears it normally does so maybe that is just because I got mine within a gift set. So, Will I be picking this up again? Probably not, as lovely as it was I'm only likely to pick up any shower gels from this range if they have a good deal on as they are pretty pricey.

Vo5 Heat Protect Styling Spray - When it comes to heat protection I tend to pick up whatever is on offer although this was nice, and I would buy again.

Bourjois healthy mix foundation - I rarely finish make up products although I seemed to have finished this one pretty quickly! I loved the shade of this foundation as I felt that it was well suited to my pale skin. I also really liked the dewy finish to it. Providing that I somehow finish all of the other foundations I have on the go I'd love to buy this again, however at the moment it just doesn't seem sensible. 

Soap & Glory Peaches & Clean - I really love this cleanser and find myself going back to it every Christmas after getting the big Soap & Glory gift set. I just does a wonderful job at leaving my skin clean and fresh. I will buy this again once I've finished the products I have on the go.