I'm moving house!

So today I shall be moving from one area of Cardiff to another.

I currently live in Roath, which is a popular student/residential area of Cardiff with lots of life and atmosphere. I will be moving to the Heath area of Cardiff which sadly has less character in my opinion but thankfully doesn't have as many students. Plus I can go back to my old Dr. (Which I hope is still there!) who was lovely compared to the one I see on City Road, who is a little patronizing. I will be living with 3 Professionals whilst I'll still be a part time student and working. 

So you may have noticed the lack of posts recently, this is due to my move. I have packed up all my makeup and have left the newest purchases at my parents house for safe keepings. These includes YSL Kiss and Blush, W7 pallets, Soap and Glory skincare some Ciate nail polishes and a whole lot of Yankee Candles! I have also started working in a local bar in town for extra money which is so fun, feels like I'm on a night out but I get to earn money for it!

So please bare with for the next week or two then expect a whole lot of blogging!

Smashbox Santigold The Santigolden Age Collection Overview with Makeup Look!

I thought I'd take the time to write a post about Smashbox amazing new collaboration with Santigold called The Santigolden Age Collection for Summer 2014. It is inspired by Santigold's love for the Mayan calender and bold bright colours.

The collection consists of;
x1 Pack of double nail sticker strips £10
x2 Double ended eyeliners £16 each
x1 Lipstick ring £39
X2 Lipglosses in the new Be Legendary formula £15
x2 Eyeshadow pallets £25 each

I was excited about this collection when it was first revealed and fell in love with the green pallet, Earth As We Know It from the word go, the pigments are creamy smooth and easy to blend, and easy to turn into a lovely natural summer look with a green pop of colour.

Here are some of my favourites...

Lipglosses are in the new Be Legendary formula, no more sticky lips with this ultra smooth lightweight texture and high shine, and they even have an amazing colour pay off and staying power. I'm not one for lipglosses but when these were released I have not stopped wearing them!

For use in the water line and as a base for eyeshadows and more obviously to line the upper and lower lids the eyeliners are bold in colour, containing one gold colour teamed up with a blue, Azurite is never wrong / El Dorado and a cool toned minty green teamed with a bold yellow, Yellow Dwarf / Green Martian is a perfect way to add some colour to a look if you're just starting using eye makeup. Fool proof and easy to apply with it's creamy formula it can even be teamed up with the eyeliners!

Do pop in to your local Smashbox counter to see this collection before it's gone! It's made with such artistic care and the pigments are amazing, it's great if you're starting off experimenting with eye makeup or a collector for Limited Edition makeup lines. I work at the Cardiff Boots Queen Street branch so do come in for a demo of these fantastic products.

Here's my look using the Lipgloss, Hot Lava, mixed with the lipstick from the Ring, Still Kickin, Earth As We Know it Pallet on the eyes. Other makeup seen; 24 HR Eyeshadow Primer, Studio Skin in 1.2, Brow Tech Trio in Dark Brown,  Radiance Blush Rush, Onyx Eyeliner, and a Full Exposure mascara.

Views on this collection are my own and not those of Smashbox Cosmetics. This is not a sponsored post.

Look of the day #3

Here's a look I did last week for a date with the boyfriend to bowling and a meal.
Quite natural but I decided to use Adore Delano (But toned down a little!) as inspiration to do a light cut crease with a bold liner with a bright pink lip.
I decided to use my new W7 In The Buff pallet and their Honey Queen Blush / Bronzer. Reviews for those coming up in the next few weeks!

I could have taken the crease much darker in depth but I decided not to as it wasn't a night time look I was aiming for!

Products used:

Primer: Smashbox original PhotoFinish.

Foundation: Smashbox Studio Fix in 1.2 

Blusher: W7 Honey Queen, NARS Gina

Eyes: W7 In The Buff pallet, Pixi Gel Liner Onyx, Pixi Large Lash Mascara Black NARS Larger Than Life Eyeliner in Via Vaneto

Eyebrows: Guerlain Ecrin Scourcils Eyebrow Kit

Lips: Benefit Lollitint with Smashbox Lipgloss Melondrama

Collection Mardi Gras Lip Balms Review!

I picked these up a week ago in Porthcawl Boots while they were on offer and they are perfect for the summer. I don't really like to wear matte lipsticks and heavy colours in the summer so something like this is perfect to pop on your lips to keep them hydrated and add some sheen to a natural look.

There are currently Limited Edition 3 flavours, all translucent despite their coloured look!
Orange, Strawberry and Green Apple, all scented to mimic their names.

Price: £1.99

Time trialed: 1 week.

Guerlain Météorites Blossom Écrin Sourcils Eyebrow Kit Review + Swatches!

I cannot live without eyebrow products. Even if I pop to the shop I have to do my eyebrows above anything else. Looking back at old college pictures of my eyebrows has made me cautious about how they look at all times! So when it comes to eyebrow products I like to mix and match and see what is out there.

So being a big Guerlain fan, I bought their Ecrin Scourcils Eyebrow Kit in a heartbeat. 

It contains 4 shades, 3 brow and 1 highlight, with a small thin angled brush and brow brush. It also includes a large mirror, which is fantastic because it is not a small dainty mirror where you have to struggle to move your hand and still see.

Time trialed: 1 Month.

Price: £31.50

Pixi Flawless Finishing Powder Review!

I think once or twice a month I will do a review of a Pixi by Petra / Pixi Beauty review. I literally own the majority of their collection, this is due to me being a makeup artist in their Cardiff counter in Boots from 2011 - 2012 when they sadly got discontinued, but I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of working for such a loving brand. I loved their products and I still continue to purchase their makeup now! These reviews will be absolutely my own opinion, as these products are mostly repurchases of ones I had been given at my time at Pixi, or purchased after they were pulled from Boots directly from the Pixi store in Carnaby Street. 

Now on to the review!

Today I will be reviewing a product that is essential for the summer, which is a translucent powder. Great for topping up makeup, absorbing oil, finishing the makeup, and helping it stay on the skin longer. This finishing powder is a little special as it has some illuminating shimmery tones in it.

Time used: 3 years.
Price: £16.50

 This powder comes with a handy sponge in a secret compartment for top ups during the day.

A Guide to; University

I feel almost a little contradicting doing this post considering I'll finish university when I'm half way to 50...

But I've just finished my first year in my new course in university, and having been in university 3 years in total I think it's necessary to write what I've learnt so far, then laugh at the fact I'm probably not adhering to anything I've written.

So this is my guide to university, from a girl who's done university twice.

Read on if you'd like to see my take on how to try and get it right!