Weekend wind-up: Anastasia contour kit, ASOS jumpsuit, tidying up and Matthew Herbert concert

Unfortunately it is getting to the end of the Summer holidays and I can't believe where it's gone! Here's a run down of what I've been up to.

ASOS

I recently saw this jumpsuit and fell in love, I still haven't taken the plunge but it might just happen this week. It's from River Island on ASOS and have culotte style shorts. You can buy it here. I really like the back swell as it has spaghetti cross and shoulder strappy- very pretty!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour palette

I bought this from Sephora when I placed another order to replace my broken Becca highlighter. I have been playing with this and I really love it. The highlighter on the top right is really pretty with a hint of shimmer. This is a great palette as it has a bit of everything, pale shades, highlights, bronzer, contour.

The life changing magic of tidying

I've seen this book appear on a few youtube and blogs recently and though I would give it a read. I try to keep my tiny London flat as tidy as I can but I have so much stuff and find it hard to throw things out- let's hope that this changes my thinking and I can live a minimlistic life! (Hmm)

Matthew Herbert concert at the Southbank

I went to see Matthew Herbert at Queen Elizabeth Hall because my boyfriend was playing in the horn section. He performed house music from his new album The Shakes. There were two new singers Ade Omotayo and Rahel Debebe-Dessalegne. I was really surprised how good this was. I didn't really know what to expect but it was amazing, the audience were all up dancing and it has a great vibe. It was a fusion on dance/house music with a jazz/pop mix. Ade Omotayo was incredible, he used to sing with Any Winehouse. I definitely recommend checking him out.

What have you been up to?
Thanks for reading
Katherine
xxx

Sephora Haul and first impressions part two

Now as you may have seen from my Sephora Haul post here, I nearly cried when the Becca x Jacyln Hill highlighter arrived broken in the post. Sephora did refund me after quite a lot of pestering but for some reason they couldn't send me a new one. So, this let me me placing another order and you can't just get one thing from Sephora- right?

So I bought:

Too Faced Hangover replenishing face primer

Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering skin perfector in Champagne pop

Becca Shimmering skin perfector in Opal

Kevyn Aucoin creamy glow duo no.4 Sculpting medium/Candlelight

Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour kit in light to medium

(Click on links to take you straight to the products)

First impressions

Too Faced Hangover replenishing face primer

I have seen a lot of hype over this primer so I thought I would give it a try. I really like that it has a pump on the end. It is much less messy, especially because this primer is quite watery. It is 100% Silicone free and has coconut water, electrolytes and probiotics. It has a similar texture to a very light moisturiser which I quite like. I will let you know my thoughts when I have given it a good test.

The Becca Shimmering skin perfectors

Left to right: Champagne pop blended, Opal Blended, Champagne pop, Opal

Here are the swatches side by side of the two Becca highlighters. I have to say they were worth the hassle and wait. They are beautiful. Shimmery but not glittery. I would say that they aren't the most subtle highlighters but they can be applied with a lighter hand to give a more daytime look. The Champagne pop is a white golden shade and the Opal is more of a dark golden shade. I'm sure you will see these appearing in a favourites post soon!

Kevyn Aucoin Creamy glow Duo

Next up is the Kevyn Aucoin Creamy glow duo no.4 in Sculpting medium/ Candlelight. I was drawn to this little compact because it is a cream product. I already have the sculpting powder in powder form and I really like it. I was going to get the highlighter of Candlelight in powder form but I decided to try this as I already have millions of powder highlights. First impressions I really like the swatches. The bronzing shade is beautiful and the highlighter is a lovely white gold shade that is subtle but gorgeous on the skin. My only disappointment is the size of this product. The bronzer is about 1.5cm x 2cm- it's tiny! I think you could only use this with your finger. The highlighter is a bit better but for the cost I expected it to be a lot bigger. 

Anastasia Beverley Hills Contour Kit

Did I need this? Probably not but isn't it beautiful. On first swatch they are very creamy for a powder with slightly less colour that I was expecting. There is a lovely mix in here. I particularly like the highlighter shade (top right) and the contour (Bottom, middle). I am going to have a play with this and let you know what I think.

Keep reading for fuller reviews soon

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

My new kitchen: Before, during and after!

Now first things first, sorry this has taken so long to put up but I had to wait ages for the plinths to be back in stock. It was so nearly finished but I wanted to wait and show you the end result and I have to say I am super pleased with the end result.

I bought my kitchen units and had it all fitted by Wickes. They come round free of charge and take measurements and design your kitchen on special software so you can see what it is going to look like. Originally, I was going to keep my tumble dryer which annoyingly doesn't come integrated without a vent (Stupid!) But after seeing this design I decided to get a washer/dryer so all of the appliances would be integrated and look super sleek. After designing the kitchen and paying a deposit  it was around five weeks until the kitchen transformation began.

I bought all of the appliances from ao.com as they worked out a lot cheaper and you can choose when they will be deliver right up to the room of your choice.

The whole process took nine days spread over two weeks except for the plinths being delayed it was very quick. This is something that is really important when you live in a tiny flat in London because this room is not only my kitchen but the living room/dining room too! The boxes were all delivered on the Thursday before work began on the Monday. I stuck down a floor protector (blue) as we wanted to keep the original flooring as it runs throughout the flat. Saying this- Wickes covered the kitchen area too to protect the floor whilst they were working.

Here is the journey day by day:

Day 0: Stuck down the floor protector and starting clearing the kitchen

Day 1: Ripping it all out!

Day 2&3: Plastering and electrics

Day 4: Assembling the units

Day 5:

Day 6: Appliances in!

Day 7:

Day 8: Painting (Done ourselves)

Day 9: Finished with Plinths!

I am so pleased with the end result. I have so much more storage space and the units now go right to the end of the wall. What do you think?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

My perfect pamper routine

I do love a good pamper night in. Book at the ready, a hot bubbly bath and of course a glass of fizz!

Here are my current favourites for the perfect pamper.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

Whilst the bath is running, I start by taking off my make up with a Micellar water and then cleanse my face with the Oskia Cleansing Gel. This is a lovely red gel that hydrates your skin whilst removing the last traces of makeup. The perfect start to my evening.

Charlotte Tibury's Goddess skin clay mask

I then use this mask and keep it on for around 20-30 minutes whilst I have a long soak. I'm sure you have heard me rave about this already, but if you haven't you can read my full review here.

The body shop Fuji green tea

For my bath, I have been loving this green tea which you put into the little tea strainer and swirl around your bath. It smells really relaxing and helps me to forget about any worries and troubles from the day.

Aromatic Foaming bath from Neals Yard

Because I love bubbles, I compliment this with the aromatherapy blend of lavender, spanish marjoram and geranium essential oils foaming bath. The scent really goes well with the green tea and leaves your bath bubbly and smelling good enough to eat! (Don't!)

Lush bubble bars

If I want to have an even bubblier bath, I will always go for a lush bubble bar/bath bomb. This is one I have left over from a couple of months ago but there are so many great ones to choose from. I particularly like Granny takes a dip and the comforter.

Ole Henriksen Pure truth youth activating oil

When I can prise myself out of the bath, I take off my face mask using a damp muslin cloth and apply this oil overnight. It really brightens your skin and leaves it feeling nourished and glowing.

...Of course you can't have a pamper without chocolates! Here I have a trio of Ferrero Rocher!

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Weekend wind-up: Sephora Haul, joining a sport's team, looking at holidays and enjoying the warm weather

It's been quite a busy week here, I have been working on a course this week and it's been pretty tiring. Saying that- it hasn't stopped me from spending too much time trawling the internet for holidays and new ventures.

Sephora Haul

Oooops! I recently went to France and I was quite disappointed that the Sephora's in Europe do not stock a lot of the items that I had on my shopping list. When will Sephora make it to the UK! There will be an online haul coming your way including purchases from Becca, Tarte and Marc Jacobs.

Joining a sport's team

I have been finding myself looking through various websites to find somewhere to join a sports team. I cycle to work but I'm not really a fan of going to the gym. I much prefer playing netball, tennis etc with friends and having a competitive element to sport. I think it would be a great way of making new friends and getting fit at the same time. I found some good information here. It allows you to put in your postcode to find teams or partners in your area. Do you know of anywhere good in London to join a team sport? Do you already take part in something fun and exciting?

Looking at holidays

As the summer is coming to a close, I am starting to feel a bit sad that I haven't got another holiday to look forward to. I have seen a few nice places in Greece, Morocco and Croatia. Have you got any recommendations? Did you go anywhere that you would recommend this summer?

Enjoying the warm weather

Even though I have been working on a course, I have been thoroughly enjoying my time out in the sunshine, it really does cheer you up and keeps the French tan going a bit longer! I really don't want to start wearing coats again just yet. Please let it keep going a bit longer sunshine!

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

The TARTE Full Face of Gorgeous Color Collection

Being a UK beauty blogger has it's benefits we have Boots, Superdrug, Charlotte Tilbury but there are definitely some brands that are sadly missing. One of these is Tarte. I haven't really tried many tarte products as it isn't easy to get hold of here in the UK so I decided to get the Full Face of Gorgeous Color collection from Sephora to give me a little taster of all things Tarte!

This was limited edition and is now unfortunately out of stock but in the pretty set you get:

Apple of my eye Amazonian clay eye shadow quad 

Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in fearless $28

Lights, camera, splashes waterproof mascara $10 for mini $21 full-size

Lip Surgence lipgloss in fearless $19

Amazonian clay bronzer in Park Ave Princess $30

You can buy most of these items separately (click on links above) but this set was $49 with a $120 value- a great way of trying out the products on a budget.

Apple of my eye Amazonian clay eye shadow quad 

This is a little quad palette with the eyeshadows: Golden delicious, Caramel, Gala, Honeycrisp. On first swatch these eyeshadows are very pigmented, especially the matte shades. This is a lovely little quad for travelling with as it contains your perfect brown smoky eye. I would use the 2nd shade all over the lid, the 4th shade in the crease, 3rd shade along the lash line and the 1st shade in the inner corner. On first impression I really like these shadows and would like to try one of the full palettes. Do you have any recommendations?

Amazonian clay 12-hour blush in fearless

There are 15 shades in the 12-hour Amazonian clay blush collection and the one featured in this set is fearless. This works out around £19 in the UK which I think is rather expensive considering the Mac ones are £18.50 and the Nars blushes £23. I do really like this blush but I'm not sure if it is worth the price tag. I think you can get a lot of brilliant budget blushes now, particularly the Max Factor creme puff blushes for only £8.99 and they are on 3 for 2 at boots. I will keep testing it out and let you know my thoughts.

Lip Surgence lipgloss in fearless

Now don't get me wrong, I do love lip glosses but I'm definitely more of a lipstick girl. This gloss is in the colour fearless (the same as the blush). This is a pretty pinky, glittery shade that would look lovely on bare lips or over a lipstick. It is a little sticky for my liking but it has a good shine and a good, flat applicator for applying the gloss. 

Amazonian clay bronzer in Park Ave Princess

This is actually a waterproof shimmery bronzer. It also comes in a matte version here, which I would probably prefer but this one is very pretty. I would use this on days where I can't be bothered to highlight, bronze and blush and use this to do all three. It is very shimmery but blended out can give you a lovely summer glow. I definitely think it is more of a summer bronzer but it is a lovely golden colour which is very pigmented. Have you tried the matte version? What do you think?

Overall, I'm impressed and would like to try a few more things for taste- particularly the bronzers and shadows

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Sephora Haul!

As you may have seen from my France post, I did visit Sephora whilst I was there but there were a few brands that I couldn't get my hands on so I placed an online Sephora Haul when I got back to the UK.

I bought:

First Aid beauty Ultra repair cream

Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette

Too Faced Born this way foundation in Porcelain

Sephora Eye Shadow Pencils in Taupe, Khaki and Dark Taupe

I will be doing full reviews of anything I love/hate so keep posted!

First Aid beauty Ultra repair cream

You can actually but this in the UK swell but I thought I would buy it here as I was making an order. I quite fancied trying a new moisturiser. When I saw this one it instantly drew me in as it is targeted at dry skin. I will ket you know how I get on with it. You can buy it here in the US and here in the UK.

Marc Jacobs Lolita Palette

I have been swooning over this for a long time now and on first impressions I am very pleased. The packaging is soon slim and great for travelling. The eye shadows are very pigmented and are even better than this swatch in real life. The colours change slightly in the light and have a lovely pink iridescent shimmer to them. If you have change to swatch this- I would definitely go and have a look. Again it can be purchased from Sephora online US here.

Too Faced Born this way foundation

I've watched the shade porcelain here and some other foundations next to it to give you an idea of shade here. Porcelain is the lightest one so if you are very pale you may struggle here. There are 12 shades to choose from. Again stay posted for a full review coming soon. You can buy it here.

Sephora Eye Shadow Pencils in Taupe, Khaki and Dark Taupe

I already had one of these and I really like it. It's affordable, lasts all day without budging and the colours are very beautiful. Pictured here are Taupe (top), Khaki (Middle) and Dark Taupe (Bottom). I can already say these are just as good as a lot of high end eyeshadow crayons and definitely worth a try. There are 31 to choose from! You can broke other shades/ buy here.

I also bought the  Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin perfecto in Champagne pop but unfortunately  it was broken (Sad cry!) I've contacted Sephora and hopefully there will be no problem sending me a new one....QUICK!

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Meet Freddar Dawg at Byron

Now I have to say that I am quite partial to a burger or two so when I recently visited Byron and saw that they had a limited edition Freddar Dawg, I knew I had to try it.
This is half burger/ half hot dog. Inside a lovely brioche textured roll you get a hamburger chopped into two, freddar cheese, streaky bacon, pickles, onion, lettuce, mustard and Byron sauce for £10.95. I have to say that this is one of the tastiest burgers I have had. The Byron sauce was delicious and the meat was very tender. I got fries to go with it but there were lots of different options included skin on chips and onion rings. They are even doing a Banoffee milkshake to go with it! yummmmm!

If you are by a Byron before 31st August, I definitely recommend you trying this out. 

Have you been anywhere delicious recently?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Weekend Wind-up: Etsy prints, zig zag cushions, new favourite coffee and Tom Ford Swooning

I have now increased my blog posts to include Sundays, where I would like to share with you what I have been up to over the week. This might include purchases, new favourites, places I've been, new finds and things that I am starting to drool over!

New prints from Etsy

There will be a new kitchen before and after post shortly and as part of this I have added a few finishing touches to the room. I found these prints on Etsy and framed them with the Ikea Ribba frames for £6 (depending on size). I really like them and have a few others in a collection of four on the opposite wall. These prints are handmade by Flatowl and come in a variety of different prints and sizes for around £10. Click here for all of the variations and link to where you can purchase them.

New Cortado coffee pods for my Dolce Gusto machine

These are a new discovery for me and I can't stop drinking them! They are Espresso Macchiato drinks with added milk. They're quite similar to an americano/lungo pods but they have the milk already added which makes it a lot quicker and easier. I have this in a regular mug about 3/4 full and you can get 16 pods/drinks for £3.99 here.

Zig zag cushions from next

These have been added to my already too large collection of cushions! I got these from Next about a month ago and I love them! I have them mixed with cream, mauve cushions and they blend really nicely together. I couldn't find these online but they may still be in store.

Tom Ford Swooning 

I have been drooling over this Eye colour Quad palette in Cognac Sable here. I haven't tried any eye shadows from Tom Ford so I might have to go and swatch these in store. It is so expensive at £64 so I think I might have to hold out. Have you tried these? What do you think? Worth the investment?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

The Clarins Aquatic treasures Summer bronzer

Now let's just take a moment to admire this beautiful bronzer. The packaging and imprint is swoon worthy. I recently saw this in store but it had sold out, luckily it is still available online here with free postage to the UK and 3 free samples- not bad eh? I would be quick though as this is sold out almost everywhere now as it is a Summer limited edition.

This Bronzer is separated into four sections- all matte without any shimmer (My favourite!) It is just the right colour. Not too warm, not too cool toned. I have used this to keep my tan alive over the areas of the face which would normally get a tan (Top of forehead, nose, tops of cheeks). You can use a smaller brush to separate the colours or use a big fluffy powder brush to swirl all the colours together. Pictured here left to right are the different sections of the bronzer: Top left section, top right, bottom right, mixed together.

 This really is a beautiful bronzer that will suit nearly any skin tone. I really like that you can alter this bronzer depending on your skin tone/ tan.

I really, really like this bronzer, it is so pigmented, you only need the slightest amount of product and it lasts really well. This is definitely my favourite bronzer that I have found this year and it will last for ages!

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

The Naked Smoky palette: 4 different eye looks

Today I would like to show you four different eye looks that I have been wearing using the Naked Smoky Palette. In my last post I did a review so I thought it was time to put it into action and show you what I have recreated. I am not a trained make up artist but I love to experiment with different looks and combinations. 

Look 1 (Top Left)

Thirteen all over the lid

Combust through the crease

Whiskey through the corner

High on the inner corner

Soap and Glory Black liner

Look 2 (Top Right)

Combust all over the lid

Radar through the crease

Dagger through crease and corner

Whiskey on outer corner

Soap and Glory black liner

Look 3 (Bottom Left)

Combust all over the lid

Smoulder through the crease and along the lash line

Slanted on outer corner

Thirteen on inner corner

Look 4 (Bottom Right)

Dirty sweet all over the lid

Radar through the crease

Armour on outer corner

Thirteen in centre of lid

Which is your favourite?

Here are the colours for reference:

High, Dirtysweet, Radar, Armor, Slanted, Dagger

Black market, smoulder, password, whiskey, combust, thirteen

Thanks for reading 

Katherine

xxx

A Review: The New Naked Smoky Palette

Here it is, the fourth Naked palette, the Naked Smoky from Urban Decay. There are 12 shades to choose from in this palette and they are all wearable. Firstly on the left there are 6 shimmery shades (High, Dirtysweet, Radar, Armor, Slanter & Dagger. Next to these are two in between shades that have a hint of shimmer running through (Black Market and Smoulder) and then the 4 matte shades on 

the right (Password, Whiskey, Combust and Thirteen). As always, the shadows are very blendable with great colour pigmentation and staying power. There can be a little fall out but nothing to complain about. So far my favourite shades are Dirty Sweet and Combust.

I already have the other palettes so I did question whether I needed this palette, but being a beauty lover I knew I had to add it to my collection. This is a very versatile palette which covers a real range of looks from your everyday neutral matte right through to brown, grey, purple smokey eyes. I absolutely LOVE the packaging of this palette. I have found that each time a palette comes out it improves in quality and appearance. I was lucky enough to get mine with a £10 off code for feel unique which made it a bargain at just £28! 

The six shimmery shades: High, Dirtysweet, Radar, Armor, Slanter & Dagger

Black Market, Smoulder, Password, Whiskey, Combust and Thirteen

In my next post I am going to be testing this palette out to create four smoky eye looks- please see Thursday's post for more!

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Current favourites

I am a little bit late this month to do a July favourites- I don't know where the time has gone! So here are my current favourites. I've just got back from a lovely two weeks away and these are the products that I have been using the whole time I've been away and have to say I love!

1. The body shop Mojito body butter. 
As you may have seen from a previous post here, I absolutely adore this scent. It was perfect whilst I was away on holiday for moisturising, preserving my tan  and it's fresh, zesty scent was perfect for the hot summer days.
2. Mac Lipstick in Mehr
This was a Lily Pebbles recommendation and I have to say I love it- see below for a swatch. It is the perfect pinky nude which is great everyday but can also double up for night time when you are travelling light.
3. Charlotte Tilbury- Norman Parkinson collaboration Dreamy glow highlighter
Again, I go on and on about how much I love Charlotte Tilbury but this has been on my cheeks constantly since I bought it. It adds the perfect glow for summer without being too shimmery. I have a full review of it here.
4. The new Chanel chance fragrance in Eau Vive
I have been a trusty Chanel eau Tendre fan for a long time now but when this was released I had to go and have a sniff! I think I actually prefer this one. It has a slightly more fruity, summer scent, maybe a little younger than the Eau Tendre and I really like it. Definitely one to try out if you are a Chanel Chance kinda girl.
5. Charlotte tilbury Goddess skin clay mask

Mac Mehr lipstick, Eyeshadow in Chopper,
Charlotte tilbury highlighter

Again, I have raved about this in a review here. This is one of the best masks I have ever used. I suffer with dry skin and it gives me an instant hydration boost and leaves my skin feeling so soft without drying it out at all.
6. Urban decay eyeshadow in Chopper
As you can see from the swatch, it is so glittery and pretty! It lasts all day with the Nars eyeshadow primer and looks great on it's own or with other shadows. It was a great choice for holiday wear as I could pack light and knew it would still be there at the end of the night.

What are your current favourites?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Family holiday in Normandy

I have just got back from a lovely and a much needed two weeks away in Normandy, France. I went away with my family and we we stayed at Le Columbier near Pont L'Eveque. We have always been on camping holidays since I was little and it is so much more fun when you can explore the surrounding areas and have lots of barbecues, strolls around french markets and of course- sunbathe!
1. The Food
As you can see from the photos, the patisseries were to die for. Not good for your waist line but utterly delicious! We ate paella and lots of fresh fish- it's always a treat visiting the ginormous Leclerc supermarket, I could wonder around for hours!
2. The scenery
We visited lots of beautiful towns around Pont L'Eveque including Hon Fleur, Liseaux and Deauville. The flower arrangements were beautiful everywhere we went- it's a shame it isn't like this in London!
3. The Campsite
We have been to Le Columbier before- it is great for families as there is a Creperie, pool, shower/toilet facilities, wifi (not the best but fine for emails etc), and a fun little barn for kids to hang out in with a pool table, sofas and even a piano. You can bring your own tent/ caravan or rent a tent all equipped.
4. The shopping
You can't forget the shopping! I obviously went to Sephora and the pharmacy to get the much needed bioderma (Watch this space for a sephora haul!) I also picked up some lovely clothing pieces from Promod and some plates/ mugs for my new kitchen. I also found a new make of dolce gusto pods in nesquik- a true tribute to being a kid again.

A lovely restful holiday with some much needed sunshine
Have you been anywhere nice this summer?

thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

Current ASOS wish list

Here are a few things that I would like to buy from ASOS, I find it very easy to find a lot of things I like. These are all currently saved in my wish list:

1. Oasis Floral Longline Kimono (SALE) £18
2. ASOS Smart Front Bar Detail Backpack £28
3. ASOS MAKE MY DAY Flat Shoes £18
4. River Island Tie Neck Shift Dress In Scarf Print £50
5. ASOS Mac With Zip Detail £75
6. Y.A.S Mirsa Sleeveless Top £45
7. ASOS Peg Trousers in Aztec Festival Print £30
8. Olivia Burton Big Dial Grey & Gold Watch £80

Is there something you have seen that you really want? Feeling spendy?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx

What's in my travel wash bag?

As you may have seen from my last post, I am currently away on holiday and I thought I would share with you what's in my travel wash bag. I am away for two weeks and if you want to see what is in my make up bag click here.

Theses are my travel essentials:
Toothbrush
Colgate toothpaste
The body shop mojito body butter
The body shop mojito shower gel
The body shop cranberry hand cream (Christmas edition)
Marc Jacobs Daisy delight Limited edition EDT Spray 50ml
Venus Snap travel razor (Not my favourite but I'm trying to use it up!)
Boots Camomile and Lemon shampoo
Boots Camomile and Lemon Conditioner
Sephora triple action cleansing water (Decanted into small bottle for travelling)
Boots baby cotton pads
Cotton buds
plasters

What else do you like to travel with?

Thanks for reading

Katherine

xxx