A Stroll in the Spring-Time Sun

I have been super busy since the middle of last week so have hardly had a chance to catch my breath! As my lovely friend Zocia was down yesterday I spent the day with her, so I've only had today to get my mountains of homework done. However, I was getting so frustrated and de-motivated that my flatmate Lucy and I decided to make the most of the beautiful sunshine (while we have some!) and go for a stroll to regain some energy. It did wonders, and I took a few snaps along the way.

Lovely Lucy

It's amazing how a lovely walk in the sun can make you feel!! There's nothing like it. I hope it lasts and that you've been enjoying the beautiful weather too!

Wendy xxx

February Favourites 2014: Beauty and Random

After my alternative February Favourites post earlier this week, I thought I’d post about the other things I’ve loved in February as well!

Nail Art

In general, I’ve always loved painting my nails as I find it super relaxing, and a great way of winding down and helping my brain de-stress. Having been given a nail tool kit for Christmas, I experimented with my nail polish quite a lot in February (including Valentine’s) and I want to keep going with it as I get so many compliments when I’ve tried something new and striking. I had a few of the girls from my course round on Saturday for a Ladies’ Night between main projects at school, and painting nails was a big part of it!

Nailtiques Protein Formula 2

I first started using this in July last year after seeing Lucia's beautiful nails in preparation for her wedding. Basically, this stuff is amazing if you have nails that chip or peel easily, or are thin and soft. My nails have never been so strong and healthy. The instructions state that when you start using this, you add a coat every day for a week before removing, then repeat this routine until your nails are noticeably stronger. I only needed to do that for 1 week before I noticed a big difference, and I haven’t stopped using it since! I generally only use this as a base coat now, so keep it topped up, but on the occasion where I can’t wear a colour on my nails (for a role), I’ll do the routine and my nails almost get a new lease of life! I realised last month that I hadn’t included it in a Favourites post yet, so I just had to this time! It really is fantastic, plus it’s always cut price on Beauty Bay.

Urban Decay NAKED 2 Palette

I got this for Christmas, and although it’s not the most recent release in the NAKED Palette range, it definitely has my favourite range of shadow-shades, especially for complimenting my very blue eyes. You are most likely to have already read about this palette tonnes of times by now so I won’t go into detail about it, but in case you haven’t bought one of the NAKED Palettes, the quality and pigmentation of these shadows are great and every shade in NAKED 2 is gorgeous!

Real Techniques brushes

Another Christmas gift and another thing that near enough everyone will have read all the raving reviews about! I was so, so happy to be given this as I’ve always used the odd brush here and there from my sister’s or mum’s random collections, and after reading about how incredible these brushes were, I knew this brand was the way to go. They are amazing. Again, I won’t go into much detail, but I can say that they’re strong, soft and do a fantastic job of helping to create the flawless make-up look that most of us strive for. My favourites are the Buffing Brush, Contour Brush and the Brow Brush.

Pink Martini – New Amsterdam

This song is one of the things we warm up to in Movement class at school. Even though the warm-up itself is gruelling and lasts about 45 minutes, this song has become a favourite of quite a few of us at DSL as it gets stuck in your head very easily! It’s beautiful; have a listen.

taken from Google Images

Ella Enchanted

One Saturday night in February, my housemate Lucy and I had the house to ourselves, so we popped onto Netflix and came across this film. Ever the Disney/fairytale fan, it wasn’t hard for Lucy to convince me that I would love it, and *surprise surprise* she wasn’t lying! It’s awesome!! Young Anne Hathaway is Ella, who was given the gift of obedience as a baby from her Fairy Godmother, and basically, throughout a magical land of ogres, giants and dwarves etc, the story is of her trying to break away from the ‘gift’ and become her own person. It’s soooo good, and if you are a big fan of Disney and princesses and fairytales and love, then you will like this film. (I sometimes think I won’t ever grow up…)

So those are my other favourites for February. What are yours? Have a good March, everyone!

Wendy xxx

February Favourites 2014

This is going to be a slightly different Monthly Favourites post. I did start writing about my beauty and random faves for February and then stopped and thought about what I’ve really treasured this month. So I’ve postponed my beauty/random favourites for another time and I’d like to use this post to share with you all the things that have really touched me, made me feel thankful, or have just made me think or act in a different (and better) way.

Ranald

Now, desperately trying to not sound morbid while writing this, I want to start with my dear friend, Ranald, who sadly passed away at the beginning of February. Ranald was a close friend of the family and I grew up with him. He was a great inspiration to me, in more ways than one:

Ranald unfortunately battled a number of different kinds of cancer. He’d be given the all clear for one, but another one would come along somewhere else soon after. For most people, it would be enough to make them just give up and wallow in sorrow. But not Ranald. While people around him were struggling to cope with his illness, he always stayed positive and basically said “why should I be so special to not get it, when millions of others do?” He took such a practical view on it. I believe his mental strength is what made him survive for so long, and if I am ever in a position like that, I want to remember the view that Ranald took and try to apply it to myself.

Also, while I was growing up, he and his wonderful wife Kay were always so, so supportive of me performing. They always encouraged me to perform; they’d donate money to things I’d be saving up for; and help to arrange things like fundraising concerts for them (e.g. for things like Scottish Youth Theatre). They are part of the reason that I am doing what I am doing today and I am so thankful for them and the support they have given me over the years.

As well as this, Ranald was just a great person. He was absolutely hilarious and was actually a bit of a local celebrity in my small hometown and the surrounding area (there were apparently roughly 1000 people at his funeral). He was always there for anyone who needed him, never judgemental, kind, generous, great with kids (he and my niece Aria bonded over their mutual love for Doctor Who)… There are not enough positive words to describe him. He was a wonderful, wonderful man.

Ranald will be greatly missed and although I have been very upset throughout this month, I am happy that he is no longer in pain and he is now in a better place.

Ranald and Kay with Aria at her Christening

Shakespeare Comedy

This term at school we did our Shakespeare Comedy block, following on from our Serious in January. I have absolutely loved this block and I am seriously going to miss rehearsing, the cast, the director… everything about it. I was in the Comedy of Errors, which is one of the earliest plays/comedies Shakespeare wrote, and I’d never read the play or knew really anything about it, so was excited to get stuck in. When I found out I’d be playing multiple roles, I was really happy as I hadn’t tackled that yet and really wanted to show that I could be versatile in my making my characters very contrasting. If you know the play, I was cast as Adriana in one scene, crazy Dr Pinch in another and then Aemilia (the Abbess) towards the end. I had an absolutely fantastic time with them and I am overwhelmed with how well they were received. The feedback I got from students and staff alike is probably the best I’ve had so far on this course, so I feel so thankful that I am on this course doing what I love, and seem to be doing well thus far! I feel that I’ve become closer to many friends that I didn’t know so well before, for which I’m also thankful, as this month (as you’ve just read) I really needed the support!

As Adriana (to explain the hair, we set the play in 1969!)

My Mum

I am very close to my mum, as you may have read in My Family or Inspirational Women posts earlier last year. But this month has once again really made me appreciate just how incredible that woman is. She is such a support for my family, her friends and work colleagues, and is truly my biggest inspiration in life. She is such an amazing woman, and I can’t describe how thankful I am to have her as my mother.

How gorgeous is my mum?!

This Blog Post

On Being Kinder Than Necessary

By Sailor Jennie

I’ve been following Sailor Jenny’s blog since I joined the blogosphere in February last year. She is such an inspirational person and if you’re not already, please go and have a look at her blog and follow! This blog post about being Kinder Than Necessary really touched me and became a point in February which I want to remember. Jennie wrote about how important it is to be kind even in the hardest situations, when you may really not want to, but actually need to. I’ve already tried to start applying this to many situations I’ve been in, as life is just too short to dwell on the bad stuff – something I’ve really come to appreciate this month. Thank you, Jennie, for teaching me this. Xxx

So those are my alternative February Favourites. I’ll post about beauty/random faves in the next couple of weeks, but I think at least now and again it’s important to remember - among all the materialistic pleasures of make-up and clothes etc - the things in life that really make you happy.

Thank you for reading.

Wendy xxx

Beauty Wish List: Spring 2014

I've not done a Beauty Wish List before, and as I've been finding more and more products that I want but, alas, cannot afford, I thought I would console myself by writing about them, in the hope that the Beauty Fairy might come along and drop them by me one day!

1. Tanya Burr Lips and Nails Collection
To be honest, I'd like pretty much anything from YouTube Beauty sensation Tanya Burr's new collection, but the things that have taken my particular interest are a few of her polishes: Peaches and Cream (in the photo), Little Duck, Mini Marshmallows, Bright and Early and Mischief Managed.

2. The Body Shop Coconut Eau de Toilette
Coconut is one of my favourite scents, and after they discontinued the coconut oil spray stuff they had a few years ago, I've been waiting for something as delicious as that one smelled to replace it!

3. Elizabeth Arden 8-Hour Cream
This has been on my list for a whiiile. At this time of year, my lips get so, so chapped and my skin can get very dry, and after hearing over and over again how incredible this stuff is, I need to get my hands on it!

4. The Body Shop Banana Conditioner
Another scent I love is banana! I've battled with Soap and Glory Glad Hair Day conditioner, and I think it smells divinely like bananas (I don't know if it's meant to!) but unfortunately it just doesn't agree with my hair, so I've been wanting to find a banana conditioner that smells just as good and manages my mane!

5. Stila 24-Hour Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
Ever on the search for the perfect long-wear eyeliner for my oily lids, I've read many good reviews about this, so think it's about time I give it a try!

6. Urban Decay Eye Primer
Something which will be an old favourite for many, but I've never had the privilege of using! As I've just mentioned, my eyelids can become oily, so wearing shadow with no base isn't only a problem for pigmentation, but after a few hours, it has usually slid around so much that it looks like I'm not wearing any at all! I neeeed this in my life. Not want. Need. (Oh dear...)


Have you tried any of these things? Would you recommend them or are they a disappointment? What are your Beauty Wants for Spring?

Wendy xxx

My Amazing Weekend #2

It was almost a whole year ago when I did my first Amazing Weekend post, and honestly I wasn’t planning on writing another, but after this weekend, I just have to. I feel so thankful today that I feel I must put it into writing!

*WARNING* This is going to be a very soppy post! :)

Basically, a couple of weeks ago I got some bad news about a close family friend who I’ve known basically my whole life. It was very difficult and emotional for me not being at home with my family, or being able to go to the funeral on Friday and all the while having tonnes of work to do for school.

However, coincidentally, one of my absolute best friends, Lucia – who, incidentally, featured in My Amazing Weekend #1 and currently lives in Cyprus with her husband – came over to the UK this weekend and her first port of call was with me! I feel so honoured that she wanted to use a whole quarter of her trip to come and stay with me in London as she has plans to see so many people this week, and even moreso that she came to see me first. It couldn’t have been better timing as, after an especially tear-filled Friday, this weekend has been filled with laughter, catch-ups and junk food.

She arrived on Saturday night and although her flight was unfortunately delayed by over an hour she made it safely to Ealing, I met her at the tube station and we proceeded to head home for a spaghetti bolognese dinner and catch-up.

Yesterday we had a fairly early start and a relaxed morning getting ready together and chatting, after which we went into town to do a bit of shopping and met up with 2 of her friends/bridesmaids, Rose and Cat. We headed to Bond Street and managed to get a couple of things on Lucia’s extensive shopping list (shopping in Cyprus is apparently so much more expensive, it’s just not worth it!), then headed to Waterloo to meet the girls for some grub. We went to Vapiano, which I’d not been to before, and had a beautiful Italian lunch. Lucia was so lovely and treated me, and the food was just stunning (I had the Pesto con Spinaci Pizza if you check out the menu here), affordable and the ambiance was great (with basil pots on every table!). I certainly hope to go there again.

We followed lunch with a coffee at Pret a Manger, then said goodbye to Rose and Cat, who both had other evening engagements. So we headed back to Bond Street to find Lucia some new make-up. I had a great time checking out all the stands without spending a penny! Lucia opted for some NARS Sheer Matte foundation in Monte Blanc, some NARS Pro Prime Multi-Protective primer and Benefit They’re Real mascara (an old favourite). I’ll make sure to get her opinion on the NARS products once she’s had a chance to try them out properly! We headed home and had a lovely chilled out evening, with lots of junk food and nail-painting, then fell asleep in front of Silver Linings Playbook (one of my favourite films).

I dropped Lucia off at the station on my way to school this morning, and although I was very sad to see her go, I’d had such a great weekend and felt so much love for her, I just couldn’t help but feel happy!

Thank you so much Lucia for cheering me up and making this weekend wonderful! xxx

Bride and Maid-of-Honour on Lucia's Big Day last August

                                                                                          

So that was my weekend; how was yours? Tell me about your besties! I can’t wait for My Amazing Weekend #3, whenever it may come!

Wendy xxx

Valentine's Nails!

I've just spent the last half-hour doing my nails all pretty and Valentine's-inspired! So I thought I would share it with you :) Unfortunately my camera has died (waaaa) so the photo has been taken on my pants phone-camera. (I've also just noticed that I have nail varnish all over my thumb, woops!)

Check out my Instagram here.

Base coat: Nailtiques Protein Formula 2
Block colour: Barry M "Matte White"
Love-hearts: Max Factor Nailfinity in "Red Passion"
Dots: Barry M "Bright Pink"
Top coat: Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat

Have a lovely Valentine's Day everyone!

xxx

January Favourites 2014

My, did January fly! I can't believe it has come and gone in what feels like a matter of seconds. Since starting back on the 2nd Jan, I have been a very busy bee at school and feel like a big Wendy-shaped sponge soaking up tonnes of info and absolutely loving it. My Drama School really is AWESOME. Anyway, after Christmas and December shopping, I have quite a few favourites to share with you, so let’s get started!

Seche Vite

First on the list is an old favourite of many bloggers and YouTubers alike: the amazing Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat. Like I say, for fans of beauty blogs and YouTube channels, this is old news and a long-time Holy Grail nail-product, but after requesting one for Christmas, this is my first time using it. And I don’t actually know how on earth I managed without this for so long!! I’m one of those people who has their nails painted all the time, and I re-do them every 2-4 days. Usually, I’ll do them just before bed to wind down (painting nails is so relaxing!), but of course that isn’t great when you’re about to get under the duvet, risking spoiling your bed sheets and – more importantly – your nails!! It dries so incredibly fast (rock-hard within a few minutes), and leaves your nails feeling so strong and shiny. I love this stuff and hope to never be without it ever again!

Nails Inc polishes

Staying on the subject of nails, I got a whopping 14 Nails Inc polishes from my sister for Christmas, bringing my collection to 32 (all from gifts!). I have been working my way through them and realised that they are definitely my number 1, favourite nail brand. Every single colour I have is wearable, its formula is fantastic making it last for ages before chipping, and most of the time I only need to use 1 coat as it is so pigmented, ultimately meaning that the bottle will last longer!

<< Here are 3 of my favourites Nails Inc. polishes: (l-r) King Edward Street,Trafalgar Crescent and Brompton Place.

L’Oréal Micellar Water

I only learnt about Micellar Water a few months ago from reading about Bioderma, which, at the time, was not available to buy in the UK. Recently, brands like B. (at Superdrug) and Garnier have brought out dupes for this hyped-about cleanser, so I picked up the L’Oréal version from Superdrug a few weeks ago. Basically, I really, really like it! It cleanses my skin without feeling like it’s attacking my pores (like many non-rinse cleansers do), it removes most of my make-up thoroughly and it leaves my skin feeling soft and clean without feeling dry. The only downside is that it seriously struggles to remove my waterproof mascara, but I’ll just continue to use my trusty make-up wipes for that!

Soap and Glory Pulp Fiction

This was another gift at Christmas. This is by far the best body-scrub I have ever used. It smells lovely and fruity; its super-thick formula means that it almost clings to your skin so it won’t be wasted by slipping down the plughole before you’ve got the benefit of it; and as I have naturally oily skin (on my body as well as my face) I really like how it hasn’t got any overbearing oils in it but still manages to moisturise. My skin feels lovely, soft and fresh after use. I highly recommend!

Lee Stafford Breaking Hair Treatment
I generally use this about twice a week, and I think it has done wonders for my hair! When I was given it, I thought it was a leave-in conditioner but it’s actually a treatment that you leave on your hair for 5 minutes after your shampoo, before rinsing off and applying your conditioner. My hair naturally gets split-ends quite easily, so I always use tonnes of conditioner and a bit of  serum in attempt to avoid getting so many so quickly. But even without tonnes of conditioner and serum, this stuff makes my hair look and feel like I’ve just come back from a cut and blow-dry at the hairdresser’s! I see no split-ends, like they’ve been cut off or actually repaired, and the rest of my hair is soft and shiny. Really impressed.

Disney’s Frozen

If you’ve read many of my past posts, you’ll probably already know that I, like many, am a big fan Disney. I saw Frozen a couple of weeks ago, and have been pretty much obsessed ever since. I listen to the soundtrack on YouTube every morning before school, then I sing the songs all day, then listen to it even more when I come home! I can’t wait until the DVD comes out (supposedly in March/April) as I hate not being able to afford to go to the cinema to see it every day!

(Taken from Google Images)

Shakespeare!

I have learnt so much Shakespeare at school this month.
I posted about how much I was getting into Shakespeare just from reading a few of his plays almost a year ago (read the post here), and now I’ve actually been taught a tonne about him, I love him even more! The man was a GENIUS. Now I am starting to fully understand why his plays are so incredible and put on so much. I have just finished working on and performing in Macbeth (of course one of his best-known tragedies) where I played the infamous Lady Macbeth in a couple of scenes, the role of which I would love to play fully in my future professional career. Apparently, another film-version of Macbeth is to be released this year, so I’m excited to see that. I started work on The Comedy of Errors this past week, and am already having a great time with it! Looking forward to seeing how the whole thing will turn out. And to magnificently top all of the Shakespeare-ness off, 2 weeks ago I got up at 4.20am (on a Saturday!) and made the journey to the Barbican Theatre for 6am to wait in queue for 4.5 hours to get a £10-ticket for the matinee (and penultimate) performance of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Richard II, starring David Tennant. Well… words cannot describe how much I enjoyed it, but to give you an idea of how good it was, once it finished and the applause started, I was so overwhelmed, I automatically rose to my feet and burst into tears. The company was incredible and David was OUTSTANDING. I am so glad I managed to see it; it was well-worth the effort!

Here's a great modern version of Brush Up Your Shakespeare from Kiss Me Kate (by Cole Porter).

So those are my favourites from throughout January. What were yours? Have a wonderful February, everyone! :)

Wendy xxx

My Top 5 Perfumes

I have 5 perfumes that I really love and repurchase (when I can afford it… Hello Boots points!). I don’t really have a particular order as I tend to go through phases, but in general my faves are floral and sweet (I think!).  I don't have perfumes that I will only wear in Spring/Summer or Autumn/Winter like I know many people do, but just generally wear whichever depending on the mood I'm in day-to-day! Unfortunately, as it was a 2006 Limited Edition, a favourite that I can’t include in this list is Ghost’s Summer Flirt. So if anyone can recommend a perfume which smells similar to it and available to buy right now, pleeease tell me as I loved it!

(All official descriptions are taken from official websites and www.theperfumeshop.com.)

Armani Diamonds (eau de parfum)

I first smelled this perfume on my flatmate a few years ago and it was love at first sniff! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a bottle and now I am so worried of running out (and not being able to afford a new bottle yet) that I generally save it for special occasions. Although, I would wear this every day if I could! It’s so beautiful.

“…a surprising gourmand fragrance to give a stone a flavour and to a woman a self-confident and audacious feeling… A fragrance that reflects the sparkle, strength, brilliance and sexiness of the Emporio Armani woman.”

Heart notes Rose, lily of the valley, patchouli, freesia

Top notes Lychee, raspberry

Base notes Vetiver, amber, vanilla

Scent Floral Oriental

Feel Charismatic, Confident, Elegant

Beyoncé Heat (eau de parfum)
I’m not just a fan of this because I'm such a fan of Beyoncé (although, that is a plus!). Again, I smelled this on someone else (a work colleague) and loved it straight away. I first got my hands on a bottle a few years ago and even today it is still my everyday perfume of choice. It starts off fresh and floral but develops into a beautifully feminine, much sweeter scent. I already have another bottle waiting for when I finish my current one!

“…a captivating fragrance that unleashes a spirited fire within. It is a unique expression of a woman's powerful sensuality: sexy, elegant yet feminine with an air of mystery, this fragrance reflects a self-assured woman, who is not afraid to desire and to be desired.”

Top Notes A radiant floral bouquet of Red Vanilla Orchid, Magnolia and Neroli, balanced with a kiss of luscious blush Peach.

Heart Notes A sensual combination of Almond Macaroon, Honeysuckle Nectar and Crème de Musk.

Base Notes A warm and sexy dry-down of giant Sequoia Milkwood, Tonka Bean and Amber.

Scent Floral

Feel Seductive

Gwen Stefani Music (eau de toilette)

To me, this one smells really fresh and fruity, and to be honest, I haven’t repurchased this in a long time (mainly due to lack of funds, although I’ve recently found some bargains online). Now I’ve run out however, I actually miss it a bit. It would be a nice everyday alternative to Heat I think.

“Tough, with an attitude! Always looking to make someone laugh, charismatic Music has no qualms telling it like it is! Styling in a smocked sailor outfit and black lace-up boxing boot, Music grooves to the soundtrack of life.”

Heart Notes Sweetpea, Jasmine Sambac, Honeysuckle.

Top Notes Sparkling Pear, clementine.

Base Notes Sleek Woods, Vanilla, Skin Musk.

Scent Floral

Feel Sparkling, Yummy, Juicy.

Nina Ricci Nina (eau de toilette)

Again, I think this smells very fruity (but in a different way), and it is very sweet. I have had many compliments on this scent when wearing it! I actually ran out a couple of years ago and haven’t been able to repurchase it (as the price tag is a little steep for my bank balance), but thankfully I got another bottle Christmas 2012 which I still haven't finished. For an eau de toilette, a little spritz of this lasts surprisingly long.

“A modern fairy tale for all young women searching for surprise and fantasy: the perfect opportunity for enchantment and seductive femininity.”

Heart notes Red Toffee Apple, Praline, Vanilla

Top notes Lemon, Lime

Base notes Wood Accord, White Cedar, Cotton Musk

Scent Floral

Feel Enchanting, Feminine, Seductive

Cacharel Amor Amor (eau de toilette)

Surprise, surprise; another scent I first smelled on someone else (a friend at SYT, many years ago!). Again, it is a very sweet everyday fragrance. This one is especially good for days when I know I won’t get the chance to re-spritz as the scent lingers all day, especially on clothes: sometimes even after washing! Plus this one is a bit kinder to my purse so I am more likely to repurchase this (and it seems to be on offer quite a lot too!).

“The atmosphere is electric as your glances meet. Amor Amor is the trigger: do you dare unleash the passion? Sensual vanilla and jasmin mingle with sparkling blackcurrant; let the scent wrap around you both. Instant attraction, instant desire, instant Amor.”

Heart Notes Mandarin, Black Currant, Melati Blossom, Lily Of The Valley, White Musk, Grey Amber

Scent Floral

Feel Individual, Modern, Passionate

So these are my top 5 perfumes. What are yours? Can you recommend any you think I might like? I did try a couple of Marc Jacobs perfumes recently that I really liked (Lola and Daisy I think) so may see if I can get one of them at some point. And again, if anyone knows where I can get some Ghost Summer Flirt or a very similar fragrance, please let me know!

Wendy xxx

My 2013 Favourites

I wanted to write my 2013 Favourites before it got too far into January to be relevant anymore! It’s a bit of everything really: beauty, bath, film, food, etc. And as I am forever on a budget (either being a student or ruthlessly saving for something), you’ll notice that none of these things would be considered high-end; mostly just every-day, high-street brands. I’m not including anything that I bought in December/was given for Christmas as I don’t think that I’ve had them long enough for them to count as favourites for the whole year! I’m not going to go into detail about a lot of these things if I think they speak for themselves or they’re so ‘old news’ that everyone knows everything about them already.

Make-Up & Nails

Foundation: Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation (100 Ivory)

Concealer: Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer (Fair)

Bronzer: Dr. Pierre Ricaud Bronzing Powder

Blusher: N.Y.C. Mosaic Face Powder in (Peach Glow) - As you can see, my blusher has been through the wars so it's all broken up, but I love love love this shade. I think it's more suited to Spring/Summer, but I've been wearing it throughout Winter too and it works well with more eye make-up too! Really flattering shade.

Mascara: Maybelline Rocket Mascara

Eye-Shadow: Maybelline 24h Tattoo Eye Shadow in (On and on Bronze)

Eyeliner: I have struggled to find eyeliner which I have really gelled with in 2013. I have been using quite a few this past year, including The Body Shop Liquid Eyeliner, L’Oréal Super Liner Perfect Slim, 2True by Superdrug Waterproof Effortless Eyeliner and Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner, and none of these have wowed me. These are, of course, all high-street brands and I think that, as I have such oily skin so need to go for a liner which is very waterproof, it would be worth spending more and trying out some more expensive liners. Going on recent reviews that I’ve read, in 2014 I’d like to try Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner and Soap & Glory SUPERCAT Eyeliner Pen (which, at just £6, is still very affordable).

Lips: Seventeen Lip Crayon (Superstar)

Nails: Nailtiques Protein Formula 2

Bath & Skincare

Shampoo & Conditioner: TRESemmé Cleanse and Replenish: Deep Cleansing Shampoo & Conditioner

Body Wash: Original Source Mint & Tea Tree Shower Gel

Deodorant: Nivea Invisible For Black & White 48h Anti-Perspirant - Perfect for me. I perspire a lot for no reason, and this stuff really works. Plus it's great as I have to wear black everyday for school and doesn't leave white marks, and equally when I wear white or pastel-coloured tops, it doesn't leave horrible yellow staining under the arms. It's taken me a long time to find a deodorant I'm happy with, so I'm sticking to this. Must have been through at least 10 of these now!

Cleanser: Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore and Shine Daily Scrub

Toner: Simple Soothing Facial Toner

Moisturiser: Re-Gen Cream - Really good for skin prone to scarring. I use this on my face, but it's for anywhere on the body. It sinks in a matter of minutes, ready for make-up to go on top, and leaves my skin feeling soft but not clogged up (which I do NOT want when it's so oily already!).

Hands: Soap & Glory Hand Food

Food & Drink

Food: Tesco Sweet & Salty Popcorn - SOOO moreish!

Drink: Maltesers Malty Hot Chocolate - This stuff is amazing.It's not sickly sweet like many hot chocolates and tastes just like Maltesers! Perfect for before bed. I always have a bag of this in my cupboard.

Film, TV & Books

Film: Disney’s Tangled

TV: Honestly, I don’t watch much TV (somehow!); I always have programmes that I come back to every year and watch avidly. So to mention at least one, I think The Great British Bake Off has tipped it for me this year. I love this show. I think Sue and Mel (who are the presenters, if you don’t watch) are hilarious; the show is informative and educational; and the competition aspect can suck you in like nothing else! This year’s competition was the best so far! Loved it.

Book: I have fallen by the way-side in terms of reading, this past year. Having a really sociable summer (from April) and then starting as a student on a crazy-intensive course has meant that finding and reading a good book just hasn’t been on my mind. This is something I’d like to remedy in 2014, however, as I do think reading books is important, so I really want to try and find some good books to get back into reading again! However, if going off the beginning of the year when I was ‘still reading’, my favourite book of 2013 would have to be The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Steven Chbosky. If you’ve not read it, read it now!!

So those are my favourite things of 2013. I hope you enjoyed reading; what were your 2013 Favourites?

Wendy xxx

What I got for Christmas 2013 (slightly late!)

Happy New Year! I have thoroughly enjoyed reading some “What I got for Christmas” posts recently (especially as inspiration for my birthday in a couple of months!) so I thought that for my first post of 2014 I would join in and share with you what I was very lucky to get this year.

Having started reading beauty blogs and watching beauty YouTube videos at the end of 2012/beginning of 2013, my Christmas wish-list this year was rather full of many things I’d seen/read about throughout the year but could never justify spending the money on! So I’m sure you’ll recognise a lot of these things and they may even be old news to you, but I feel thoroughly spoiled and so grateful that my wonderful family have managed to get so much of my somewhat ambitious list (and more)! My sister, Louise, is a whizz at finding things cut-price. Incredible.

Please don’t find this post to be showing off in anyway; I’m just super excited about all of these things!

Nails

Seche Vite

Something I’ve been reading about and wanting for ages, but with an RRP of £10.95 could never afford! I now understand what all the hype is about as it really does dry your nails super-quick and leaves them feeling rock-hard.

Nails Inc Polishes

My collection of Nails Inc polishes has been growing and growing every Christmas for the past 5 years or so: I’ve never actually bought a polish myself and yet my collection now totals 32?! My sister is amazing. I like all the colours in my new lot.

Nailtiques Formula 2 Protein Nail-Treatment

I got this stuff off Beauty Bay back in July/August after seeing how amazing my best friend Lucia’s nails looked in the lead up to her wedding following the use of this treatment. I cannot thank her enough for her recommendation as it is wonderful and my nails feel strong and healthy and stay chip-free! I now only need to use it as a base coat as my nails are in such good condition I don’t need such intensive treatment anymore, and as I was almost finished my bottle, Santa was kind enough to supply me with another. ;)

Nail Tool Kit

As I said, I’ve been watching tonnes of beauty videos over the past 13/14 months and these included many nail art tutorials. I love doing my nails as it really relaxes me, no matter what frame of mind I’m in, so I asked for some tools to have a go at some of the designs I’d seen… I did not expect to get this fantastic set! I am yet to use any of these as I haven’t had time, but I thoroughly look forward to it! I should have some time this weekend. I may even post some of my attempts on my Instagram.

Bath and Beauty

Soap & Glory products

I can rarely afford to splash out on Soap & Glory things, even if they are in the 3for2 offer at Boots, so I love that my niece gave me some more Hand Food, Heel Genius foot cream, Pulp Fiction body scrub and Flake Away body polish. I’m yet to use the latter 2, but I already loved the Hand Food and have found the Heel Genius to be fantastic in my pedicures!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

I have wanted a Naked Palette for soooo long, but (as I’m sure you all know) they each come with a RRP of almost £40 which made them completely over my budget! You can’t imagine my excitement and astonishment to be given my favourite of the 3 palettes. I have used it and the shadows are just lovely, though I still store the palette in its box for fear of damaging it!

Real Techniques brushes

Another thing raved about on YouTube and the Blogosphere. I’ve never had my own proper brushes before; I always just used ones that my mum or Louise didn’t use (or did use but left lying about!), so I’m so happy to have these finally! I was lucky enough to be given both the Core Collection and the Starter Kit. They’re so soft and I can definitely see the difference that using good brushes can make!

Scholl Express Pedi

Before Christmas I played Cinderella in a panto with school which we toured around schools in Ealing. It was a great experience but as I was in rags and bear feet for most of the show, it meant my feet were quite a state by the end of it (dry skin, blisters, scabs, etc – yuck!) So I asked for something which may help with these problems, and I tell you, this thing is amazing!! It pretty much sands the dead skin off your feet, smoothing it out and leaving them feeling awesome. Finished off with the Soap & Glory Heel Genius and left in cotton socks overnight, my feet feel wonderful the next day!

Lee Stafford Argan Oil Miracle Heat Defence Spray

I I haven’t tried this yet but of course I have heard incredible things about Argan Oil for your hair and this is a product that Zoella recommended in her Hair Care Routine video, so thought I’d request it on the off-chance I’d get it!

Lee Stafford Breaking Hair Treatment

I didn’t ask for this, but Oh. My. Goodness. This stuff is incredible. After using this, my hair feels so strong, and once it’s dry, it literally feels like I’ve been for a cut and blow-dry. For anyone with problem hair or just can’t afford to go to the hairdresser often so have split-ends, I hiiighly recommend this. I can’t praise it enough.

Shoes

Clarks Boots

These "Orinoco Jazz" boots were in the sale, from £89.99 down to £69.99 (before Christmas) which – for quality, leather boots – I think is pretty reasonable. They are so sophisticated-looking and very comfortable. So happy with these.

Converse

Love these! I haven’t actually worn these out yet as it’s been raining everyday I’ve left the house (yay!), but I look forward to the momentous day when I finally can.

Nike Trainers

My old running shoes were pretty grotty, with a hole around the toe-area on each, and once white, they were a horrible grubby grey. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have chosen these myself because of the colours, but I've found that I actually love these bright, cheery trainers!

So those are the main things I got for Christmas! I hope you enjoyed reading and if you have any posts on what you got, let me know!

Wendy xxx