#25 Travel Essentials

Afternooooon

Today I am going to share with you my 'Travel Essentials' as I am heading off to Champagny tomorrow with the family. We often drive when we are holidaying in France and it is one bloody long drive. I must admit though, it can be quite nice as we get to see areas of the country that we wouldn't if we were to fly. 

So here are my essentials when it comes to travelling (from left to right):

1.  I definitely need to start moisturizing my hands a lot more than I already do, as usually the only time they get any is when I'm moisturizing other parts of my body. When I'm bored on long journeys I'm always looking for something to do (if I'm not sleeping) and whacking a bit of moisturizer out usually makes me feel a lot fresher and GOOD for actually showing my hands some lovin'. 

2. I am usually a bit of a sleeper when it comes to travelling, which means I am never looking my best if we ever stop at a service station for food etc. SO (although I do usually have a small make up bag in my handbag), Collection 2000's Illuminating Touch Concealer is key product for me. It's perfect at giving your skin a little bit of radiance and making you look more awake before you leave the 'comfort' of your car to face people in the real world.

3. When I'm not wearing lipstick I can't get enough of  lip balm, especially when I'm sat around not really doing anything too exciting for hours on end. This lip balm is from Primark (but don't let that put you off), it's quite thick which I really like and also has a slight pinkish tone to it. The thick texture means the product is really moisturizing, and the colour is also nice as again, it makes you feel more alive and awake. The one thing I would say about this though, is that it doesn't really smell like cherry as the package suggests, but that's the only negative thing I have to say about it. 

4. Now I know some people aren't keen on reading whilst in a car, which I can relate too. However sometimes I don't find it too bad in short periods and it's definitely a good way to distract yourself from counting down the minutes. I feel like I never have enough time to read whilst I'm living normal everyday life, so I like to make the most of my free time whilst on holiday. 

5.  Perfume is a must for me on a long drive and Cinema smells AMAZING. If you haven't tried it you NEED to get  your hands on it and I am sure that you will just fall in love. 

6. And who can last a long journey without a bit of music? I would be lost without my iPhone/iPod and oh so booooreeed. I usually spend most car journeys listening to my music, so it would feel like the end of the world for me if I forgot my headphones or something STUPID.

ALSO:  FINALLY as I have mentioned already, I like to sleep a lot during car journeys SO I usually like to bring a pillow/cushion and a blanket along with me for the ride, so that I can at least try and get comfortable! 

So that is all for now, hopefully I'll have internet whilst I am away so if I have time I can get some posts in about snow, snowboarding and what a (hopefully) wonderful time I am having! 

Becmo xo 

#24 Clinique's 3-step skin care

Helllllllllllo

AGAIN it has taken me SO long to get round to writing a new post. I have so much I want to write about too! I think I'll do a few separate posts though so I don't go into blog OVERLOAD and you don't have stupid amounts to read through! 

A few weeks ago (probably more like a couple of months ago actually) I bought some small samples of Clinique's 3 step plan after a consultation with one of the women working at the counter. I thought that I had quite oily skin, however she pointed out that I actually have quite a few dry patches, which obviously weren't a fan of my previous skin care routine.

My Mum uses Clinique and has for years, but I wasn't sure if it'd be worth the price or not. BUT I was actually really happy with the results! I've definitely found that my completion is a lot clearer, and my skin tone more even. The biggest change though has been to the smoothness of my skin. I am in LOVE with this moisturizer. It is the most expensive of all three products, however I would definitely repurchase it. The only product I wasn't too keen on was step 2, the clarifying lotion. I found that it dried my skin out quite a lot, so I haven't used it too much. I didn't buy that in the full size when I went back a few weeks after as I hadn't finished with the previous bottle. I've now started using it less regularly to see if it helps, and I have found that my skin hasn't dried out this time, but I'm still not sure whether I am sold on it or not.

I also purchased Clinique's super-balanced foundation in shade alabaster. At first I really loved this foundation and I am now onto my second bottle. More recently though I haven't been such a fan. I feel as though it sits on the surface of my skin a little too much, rather than blending in. Saying this though other times I really enjoy wearing it. It definitely gives a much better finish on days when my skin isn't too dry. It has medium coverage but can easily be built up, and the colour is really nice. I really like the finish too, I feel as though it highlights the right areas of my face, and leaves a nice glowy finish. This foundation is also meant to work with the natural colours of your skin tone and to give a more balanced overall tone once used (hence it's name) which it does do, which is always a good thing! However, I'm not to fond of the fact that it doesn't have a pump (which goes the same for the moisturizer) as it is a bit annoying when you're trying to get the right amount of product out of the pot, and particularly hard when there is little product left...

Luckily when I went to purchase these products in full size there was a free gift promotion. Being an idiot I've left most of the items at uni so I will have to write about them when I get back in a couple of weeks. I have used the lip balm/stick/shine a lot though, as well as the blusher and mascara, but more of that later.

SO YEAH if you haven't given Clinique a go I really recommend it! Every time that I have been the women have been so lovely at the counter too which is a bonus. 

Becmo xo

#23 Recent Purchases

HOLA

This weekend I ventured into town with Sophie with the aim of doing some work in Starbucks. Although we did manage to get this work done, we did also get a little sidetracked by the shops...

Although I do love my Clinique foundation, I wanted to purchase a cheaper one for those days when I'm not really doing a lot and don't want to use an expensive foundation. As I had a No.7 voucher I decided to have a little look through what they have on offer. I was so impressed with their 'Foundation Match Made Service'. They use a device to take two photographs of two ares of your face, which then suggests the perfect foundation shade for your skin tone. It was so quick and easy to do and the match was perfect. The foundation I initially considered purchasing (No.7 Instant Radiance) was sold out in my shade, so I purchased their Stay Perfect Liquid Foundation in shade Cool Ivory. I've used it a couple of times since and I'm really impressed with it! The texture is quite think and gives good coverage when built up. It leaves the skin looking radiant which I much prefer rather than a matte finish. Best of all, it lasts. I went to London yesterday and didn't touch up my foundation once despite having applied it ridonkulously early, and rushing around everywhere. So I am very impressed and think I will be using it more regularly than first planned. 

I also picked up this soft, peachy blusher from Boots. I like the No.17 blushes as they are very pigmented so you don't need a lot of product, and they are so affordable. However the colour range on offer isn't very vast. 

I envy anyone who has nice, pearly white nashers - so I decided to invest in some teeth whitener. I am yet to try this product, however will review it once I've had time to test it out. I hope that it does make a difference but I am always a bit sceptical about products like this.

This (Collection 2000) concealer is amazing. I never used to care much about concealers - at least I didn't think I did. However on a night out last weekend I lost mine (for the second time in two weeks, hopefully I've learnt my lesson now) and I was hating my make-up routine without it. I find that this concealer does need a couple of coats in order to give good coverage, but it gives a really nice illuminated finish. I use this as a highlighter as well as to cover any redness/spots. 

So that is all for now. I am FINALLY getting my haircut tomorrow (it's been six months since I last went to a hairdressers which is awful) and am dreading how much they are going to have to cut off - although it will be SO nice to have fresh ends once more! 

Becmo xo

#22 Films

Afternoon lovelies

This semester I have a new module on my timetable called 'Cultural Influences'. I've only had one seminar/lecture on this subject so far however I am already finding it very interesting. I'm a bit of a lover of history and all of that, therefore this is right up my street. 

Each week I'll be attending a screening of a film related to my work focus for that week. This week it was Charlie Chaplin's 'Modern Times'. I am a fan of black and white films and usually really enjoy them, however I hadn't watched any silent movies (which this film is) until now. At first I thought it would get a little boring, however I actually found it quite entertaining! 

'Modern Times' also introduced me to the world's first 'It Girl', Pauletter Goddard. I think you'll all agree that she is absolutely beautiful! Throughout the age of silent movies she was a huge star, however when audio was introduced sadly her fame faded due to her high pitched (and slightly annoying - I can imagine) voice. Nice little fact for you there... Haha.  

I also saw 'Les Misérables' last night. I wasn't sure what to expect as I wasn't familiar with the plot, only that it was based somewhat around the French Revolution. There is so much hype around this film so I wasn't sure that it would live up to expectations. It takes a bit of time to get used to all the singing and it definitely isn't to everyone's tastes, however I enjoyed it. I found that it did get a bit boring in places however it wouldn't be long until I was drawn back in again. I felt quite emotional in places and I must confess that a tear or two was let loose at the end... Oh dear. 

I also really want to see 'Django Unchained' so will hopefully watch that later this evening. 

What films have you guys seen recently that you've really enjoyed?

Becmo xo  

#21 New Year - Resolutions

Hello Hello Hello 

As you may have noticed my attempt to keep up to date with my blog didn't go so well which I am really annoyed with myself about. Therefore, this year I am going to try extra extra EXTRA hard to write more regularly. I'd like to think that this time next year I will be able to look back though this blog and be proud of what I have achieved. 

I've just finished reading Zoella's blog post '2012 Flashback' and it's really inspired me to look back over the last year and see how much has changed. Although this year has flown by a lot has changed since this time last year and it's really interesting to think about. 

As well as the usual New Years Resolutions (to FINALLY stop sucking my thumb and to be healthier and all that) I have a few more resolutions that I really hope I manage to stick to during 2013 and continue even once the year is over. I always think that I will regret not doing things yet I still don't do them, which to me seems pretty silly really. Therefore I really want to take up more opportunities this year and go out and do more, rather than just waiting for things to come my way. I'd hate to grow up and look back over my life only to regret not doing certain things. Furthermore I'd like to make note of specific things that do happen to me throughout the year so that when I do look back I will remember more. I have an awful memory and hate the thought of not remembering a lot as I get older. I look back to days when I was at school and even now I find it hard to remember some things which is awful. I'm not going to commit to writing a diary as I always find them a bit awkward to write and I know I wont keep up with it. However through a 'Memories Jar' and scrap books I hope to keep note of what I've been up to and the happenings of 2013. 

That's all I have for you right now. I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and are having a great start to the New Year.

Becmo xo

#20 Back to Uni Haul

FINALLY I have found time to shut myself away in my room and get blogging.

I've decided to do a 'haul' style post as since being back at university I seem to have gone a bit overboard with the spending considering I have no money... Hopefully writing this post will shock me into learning to say 'NO' when faced with temptation (fingers crossed). 

I bought these beauties last weekend as I really wanted some new shoes to wear to my freshers ball. They didn't have any size 5s but luckily a 6 fitted perfectly - which was a shock as I have quite a small size 5 foot. I don't have any other creamy/beige shoes so these are a much needed addition to my wardrobe and at only £19.99 I would have been stupid to resist. 

I really like the shape of peplum tops, however as my hips/thighs are the widest part of my body I wasn't sure whether I would like the shape of them on me. However, I tried on my friend's a while ago and quite liked it so thought I would invest in one. I wanted to get one in black and one in burgundy but sadly they only had my size in the black. Originally I liked the material of the ones in Topshop HOWEVER in New Look they are nearly identical and half the price at £9.99, so I bought it from there instead.

I can't get enough of studs at the moment, so when I found this beauty in Primark I had to purchase it. I THINK it was £8 which is so good for a clutch bag. Since buying this I have also seen a really nice one in Matalan which is very similar at also £8 (I think). 

I'd been looking for a burgundy hoody for a while and originally planned to get one from Primark in the men's section, however they never had any XSs. Although I love lounging about and being lazy I'm  never too willing to spend money on 'comfy' clothes, but there is just something about this colour that I really love. I bought this hoody from New Look for around £14.99 (minus student discount). I've basically lived in it ever since, but one thing I must say is that it has already started going a bit bobbly which I HATE. Other than that, I love it.

This item I don't feel so guilty about as my parents bought it for me when they dropped me off back at uni. I found it in the New Look sale, but I cant remember how much it was. I really like the colour and pattern of this blouse as I don't own anything similar to it.

I also really like the shape of this blouse as it is longer at the back. 

As I have an obsession with studs I picked this up in Primark for £8. I wanted to get a jumper that I really like as it's getting stupidly cold (which I hate). I really like teaming this with a white blouse underneath.  

This blouse was also from Primark at £12. I didn't purchase it at first but when I went into the store a few days later I couldn't help myself. I wasn't sure of the pattern at first (koala bears) however they are cute and from far away you can't make out what they are anyway. I've really liked wearing this with a high waisted black skirt (also from Primark) and red lippy. 

Furthermore, the studs were obviously a huge YES for me. 

These cropped jeans are one of my most recent purchases. They were a huge bargain at only £12 in the Matalan sale (half price). I am worried that as I got a size 10 that they look a little more like ankle swingers than cropped jeans... and I am yet to wear them. I really liked the zips along the back at the bottom of the legs in particular. I'm undecided on whether I should keep them or take them back, but as they were so cheap I feel as though I might as well keep them?

This is another top that I found in the New Look sale, I think it was £5. I am a lover of anything black, white or grey (boring I know) so this stood out to me. What I really like about this is the material of the back of the top and the fact that it is longer than the front. It makes it a little more exciting than simply a black t-shirt.

I've wanted Converse for such a long time but never taken the plunge to get them as they are quite pricey. Recently my local shopping centre had a 'Student Lock In' where most shops offered 20% student discount, so I thought I would take advantage of it and finally get some! Originally I wanted black, however I was debating between black and white for a long time. I think that I made the right decision getting this colour though and can't wait to make good use of them! I did find that they rubbed a lot to start with but they are getting a lot better now which makes me HAPPY. 

Recently I have been brave and started wearing lipstick both during the day and on nights out. I had a red that was pretty awful so I thought that whilst it is 3 for 2 in boots I would try out Kate Moss' new range for Rimmel. I really like this shade as it's not too dark and not too bright so can work during the day or night. I can't wait to wear it!

I love perfume but it is always so expensive so rarely purchase it. So when the sales assistant told me that it was half price at £14 I couldn't resist. 

FINALLY I bought these the other day whilst in Boots and they only came to £4 due to the 3 for 2 offer which is a bargain. I really like this glitter topcoat as, as well as silver it also has blue glitter within it. Also, as I like wearing quite dull outfits I like wearing bright nail varnish to give it a kick of colour. Therefore I really liked this pinky/red. I'm not much of a fan of pink nails, and wish that this colour was a slightly more reddish tone but it looks good with the glitter over it. I also thought it was time to invest in a clear nail varnish as I am always chipping my nails, so hopefully this will help.

SO finally that is all of it. The fact that I am poor and have bought all of this in the past few weeks does make me think that I should stop... or slow down a little. BUT SHOPPING IS SO GOOD. 

I will be back soon :) 

Becmo xo

#19

HELLO HELLO HELLO 

It has been a ridonkulously long time since I last posted anything which is a massive thumbs down from me. I've just been really busy with moving back to uni and such HOWEVER now I am more settled I will make sure that I get back into the swing of things. Siobhan, is visiting tomorrow but once I have some time to myself I will make sure that I get blogging! 

Before I go however, I must tell you all to go and see Taken 2 and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I saw them both this evening and they were both amazin'. I had high hopes for Taken 2 anyway, however I was impressed with The Perks of Being a Wallflower as I wasn't sure whether I'd enjoy it or not.

That is all for now, but I WILL be back soon I promise! 

Becmo xo