APRIL FAVOURITES

Hello!

It's been a while since my last monthly favourite's post, and since I've had a lot of favourite's for April I thought it was a good time to post them-especially as we've just started May. Also, this will be my 2nd April Favourite's post since I started my blog!

I haven't been loving many beauty items as I haven't really discovered many, however I have discovered new foods, and hobbies!

1. Barry M Nail Varnish in "Huckleberry"

I'm a massive fan of the "Hi-shine" Barry M range anyway, however this colour attracts me to them so much more. Huckleberry is a very subtle, sky blue which is perfect for Spring time. I've worn this constantly ever-since I got it because it goes with everything as it's so subtle, but also dries incredibly quickly, and only requires one coat because of the thick, but not gloopy, consistency. This is a must have for Spring!
 

2. Seventeen "Stay time long wear" Primer

I've never been a massive fan of primer because I never thought it worked, and was always a waste of time. However, after using my Urban Decay primer on my eyes and realizing how good it is, I thought it'd be a good idea to get a primer for my face as my make-up comes off in the heat! Anyway, I opted for a cheap one to test out, and I'm surprisingly really liking this one. It's not incredibly sticky, but enough to keep the make-up on, it also helps my make-up stay on for a lot longer than it used too. As this was cheap it obviously isn't amazing, but for something so inexpensive I'm really liking using this.
 

3. Model CO Fibre Lashxtend mascara

 My last beauty favourite was discovered after receiving it from Glamour magazine, and it's a fibre mascara. I first thought this was an everyday, normal mascara, however it's not. Fibre mascaras contain tiny fibres in the mascara fluid, so when you apply this on top of normal mascara the fibres transfer onto your lashes, and lengthen them out. This makes a massive, noticeable difference to my eyes, and I will definitely be making investments in other mascaras.
  

4. Dumbbells

 These are an odd thing to have in a favourites post, however I've been really into eating healthily and exercise at the minute, and recently found these dumbbells in my house. After some research I found some exercises I could do with these, and I've been loving it! After a workout with dumbbells I immediately feel a difference, but also feel a lot better about myself. Dumbbells are pretty expensive, however going down to a local gym may be more worthwhile.

5. Sushi

As you can see this packet is currently empty as I've eaten it, but I didn't have any other sushi to show! Anyway, carrying on with the 'being healthy' regime, I've been eating a lot more sushi lately. I've always liked sushi, however I'm eating it more than ever, and loving it more than ever! After eating some I feel incredibly refreshed and energized, as well as lively because of how healthy sushi is. I don't prefer any particular sushi brand over another because sushi is all the same, however I much prefer fish filled sushi to vegetable (I've said sushi way too much).

6. Prestat Red Velvet truffles

These red velvet truffles are the nicest tasting truffles ever. Words cannot describe how much I love these, they are so incredibly delicious. Red velvet truffles consist of an icing encased in milk chocolate, and dusted with crushed raspberries. I thought these would be unbearably sweet, however the light dust of raspberries really helps sharpen out the sweetness, and add some fruity-ness that really changes the whole truffle. Unfortunately, these are £11.50 per pack for 6 truffles, however every penny is worth it if you're a chocolate lover like me.

7. Scrunchies

My last favourite's for April are Scrunchies. These have been making their way into fashion a lot more recently, and I've been loving them. These 2 particular ones are from American Apparel and were £6 each which is reasonable for a very good quality velvet scrunchie, anyway, I love these because they're incredibly handy for tying up hair in emergencies, or in general. As they're so big, they add a lot of volume and lift to your hair which is what I need because my hair is quite fine. Also, they look extremely cute, and also look nice on your wrist as an accessory, but also necessity!

A DAY OUT IN LONDON: AFTERNOON TEA AND JEAN PAUL GAULTIER VIEWING

Hello!

Yesterday I went out to London with my; Step-mother, Stepsister, Aunty, and friend Jennifer. We first met and did some brief shopping and nosing around, then went for a unique style afternoon tea, and after that we had tickets to go to a Jean Paul Gaultier fashion showing room! The day was so lovely, and a very memorable trip.

When we arrived in London we first went to Oxford Street and had a nose around a few shops. I wanted to check out AA because I love everything in there, and thankfully came out with 2 scrunchies for my hair which is what I wanted. They're both velvet, but one is black, and the other a pale lilac/pink. I love them soo much, but they did however cost £6 each!

After a mooch around we went out for our Afternoon Tea at a place called "BRGR" in London Soho. This afternoon tea wasn't your traditional tea & scones tea, it was almost like an American Diner style afternoon tea, however the food was served in small portions and all on one dinner tray:

 We got our food placed on a very 60's style tray with checkered grease paper which adds to the theme of American Diner, and it's the small touches like that which make a place so special. Anyway, for mains there was a small portion of fries, and a selection 3 burgers; one was Lobster, one was Chicken, and one Beef-these were all so lovely, but the Lobster was my favourite as it was the most refreshing. For dessert there was a mini brownie, doughnut (which we can't see), cheesecake with a raspberry coulis on top, and a vanilla milkshake. I loved all the desserts, but they were incredibly filling even though the meal was only small!

After lunch we then went on to the Jean Paul Gaultier show room, which was phenomenal. I was so thankful to have the opportunity to look at some of his pieces up close, and really take in all the detail and effort.

JPG is a French Haute Couture and Pret-A-Porter fashion designer, he not only does garments, but also fragrances which are famous for being in the shape of a body.

Walking into his showroom was amazing, the first thing we saw was this:

Which explained everything about the World of JPG, his background, and about what the exhibition will contain which was useful to know, however I didn't read it all, I mostly scanned it.

As you walk in there were multiple rooms showcasing his different collections, the first collection was this one:

I'm unsure as to what this collection was called, but it contained religious, Egyptian style designs? The dress at the front has a blue panel which contained a photo of what I think was a lady holding a baby/cherub, but I'm not 100% sure because I cannot remember everything as there was so much to take in!

We then carried on into the main, biggest room containing  all these collections (as well as a few more):

In this room there were collections such as a;
Denim style:

JPG modified everyday clothing into denim clothes, and made everything more extravagant and unique then they would be in shops.

Camouflage/Army style:

As you can see, the first dress was worn by Sarah Jessica Parker at the MTV awards, it was mind-blowing to think that I was that close to an original JPG dress worn by such an iconic person.

High-Tech/Punk range:

I found the High-Tech dress so interesting, and especially unique considering it was made from recyclable and old materials, yet he made the outfit still look wearable and designer!

We then carried on walking around the show rooms, and we came across a lot of individual framed pictures of: celebrities oil painted, designs, and his clothes being modeled.

The photo on the far left in the middle is my favourite photo ever. I love the way the model angles her body to look so irregular and abnormal, especially in a simple black dress outlining all the curves, and positioning of her body.

As we carried on more, and more beautiful, and wacky collections were in sight, including this one:

 In the photo on the right, the things above the model's head is their hair. I couldn't believe that their hair was used to create such weird sculptures and shapes! The piece on the left is a boudoir style outfit which looks like something Dita Vonteese would wear with the very revealing, lace body.

 Tribute To Africa Collection:

 I personally wouldn't wear the wedding gown for my wedding-it's a tad non-traditional, however it definitely stands out in the unique side. Just by first glance you can see how much detail and effort has been put in to the gown, and it certainly looks 140 hours worth of work with all the layers on the skirt, and bead/chains on the top to fit and make a bodess. The face-mask dress is incredibly creepy, but also very creative as well! It looks like a face that would be on a totem pole in a tribe, which may be where some inspiration came from.

Random Pieces:

One of my most favourite pieces of the show was the leopard style dress. The leopard is made out of extremely tiny beads all hand-sewn on to form the illusion that a fabric was used to make it. In photo's the dress doesn't look so impressive, but in person it's breath-taking at the amount of tiny detail put in to the dress which would take someone years to do! The first outfit looks quite zombie-like and almost as if a dress has been shredded to pieces, and the last is a very vamped up army style 2 piece, and makes army clothing look fashionable.

 In one room there was a theater bit that you could watch some JPG runway shows, and as the chairs were so stylish, and designer I couldn't not have my photo taken in one. 

When you leave the show there's a bit outside that Jean Paul Gaultier himself has signed, and also left 'The Frog!' written as he is known as the 'French Frog' because he's French, and French people are known for eating frog legs.

Details:

These are from a pirate style dress, and you can see how many tiny, individual beads are sewn on, and how every inch of the dress is covered in minor details to make the piece a one-off thing that couldn't be re-creacted by anyone.

I admire JPG and all his pieces for being so innovative, and something that only someone with a very creative, and special mind could create.

MY BATHTIME ESSENTIALS

Hello!

Recently I've been suffering with bloggers block and cannot think of anything to write about, until Saturday morning when I started running a bath and thought 'How could I make this into a blog post?' and after a little discussion with myself, I decided I would write about my bath essentials!

Whenever I have a bath I like to use these products the most before, after, and in my bath.

Hair

I am currently obsessed with the Macadamia Oil shampoo and conditioner, and they have easily become my favourite hair duo. The shampoo leaves my hair looking fresh and healthy which is everything I want, especially as I have previously used a lot of heat on my hair, and dye it so sometimes it can look quite limp, but the shampoo vanishes my split ends and brightens my hair nicely. I only use the conditioner on the ends of my hair otherwise my hair becomes very slippy and hard to handle, but it gives my ends a very silky feel and a lovely shine.

Body

I got these 2 body washes for Christmas which is why they look full, but I have used both of them before and immediately fell in love with the scent of them both. The Strawberries & Cream wash smell is very powerful, and the scent stays on my skin all day which is a plus. Also, it doubles up as a body wash and bath mixture, and comes in a very big container so will last me a long time. However, it's not the best for dry skin, where as the Snow Fairy wash is. Snow Fairy is very good at moisturizing the skin, as well as washing it, and leaving a very sweet scent behind, but it is limited edition so I have to be rational when I use it.

After bath care

Espa isn't the most affordable brand for everyone, especially as both of these 200ml bottles cost £22.50, however every penny is worth it. The first thing I like to use is the Cleansing Milk on my face and neck as it's very good for dry and sensitive skin which is exactly my skin type, and can also be used to take off makeup as it's a gentle milk, so wouldn't be harsh on sensitive facial areas. After using this my skin feels very hydrated and soft because of the sweet almond and soya beans to moisturize, whilst the marshmallow, rose, geranium and chamomile soothe and soften my skin as well as leaving a lovely scent.

The Floral Spafresh is for toning the skin and leaving it ready for applying moisturizer and makeup, but also gives a very refreshed feel, and as though my skin as been fixed and repaired-this is because the rose damascena hydrates the skin for moisturizer, and rose geranium soothes and protects while neroli rejuvenates for a smooth finish.

After the bath my body feels very dry-even if I have been using a moisturizing bath lotion, but this vanishes any feeling of dry and cracked skin which is exactly what I need. When applying this you only need a little bit as it goes a long way, but as a 50ml tub I have a feeling it will run out quicker then I expect! The body souffle smells of rose, sandalwood, and vanilla which I admit isn't a fragrance that sounds very enticing, but it is.

Relaxation

The ultimate bath relaxation product is candles, you can't have a bath without candles-it just doesn't work! I used a range of lovely smelling candles to let off a nice aroma in the room, I'm not sure where these candles are from but they all smell delightful. I always get scared the candles will fall into the bath or fall off the bath, but you just have to be weary that you're surrounded by a potential fire hazard and place the candles in a sturdy place otherwise things will go terribly wrong, and you will most definitely not be relaxed.

Whenever I have a bath I always need something to occupy me otherwise I get extremely bored, so I like to take a book or magazine in there with me. I've been taking in The Fault In Our Stars recently as that's what I'm reading, and it keeps me in the bath for an extra unnecessary 10 minutes, but that means I am extra clean and replenished. I sometimes make the mistake of putting my hand in the water then touching my book again leaving me with a partially wet book, oops.

The worst thing is having a dry throat when you're in the bath because that means you have to get out, get a drink, then get back into a possible cold bath which is something I dislike a lot. So, I take up some kind of flavoured tea with me as it's more exciting then English tea, but still leaves you relaxed and humble. Also, when the bath starts to get cold I have a sip of my hot drink and my body feels warmer again so I can stay in the bath longer.

My last relaxation product is bath bombs or bath melts, a bath isn't a bath without some sort of in-bath product. I finally used my Melting Marshmallow Moment bath bomb, which was incredibly relaxing, and a delight to use. My skin felt really clean and clear after lying in the lilac water for around 20 minutes, as well as smelling very delicious and sweet. The great thing about this is that I don't have to use all of it in one go, I only used half in my bath meaning I can use the other half another time, and didn't have to waste it all in one sitting!

Those are a few of my bathtime essentials that I think all baths should consist of.

JANUARY FAVOURITES

Hello!

I've been liking quite a few things in January, not so much makeup and beauty items, but a range of foods, drinks, soaps and accessories.

1. Mac Vanilla Pigment

Although I got this pigment in November for my birthday, I've only just started using it, and honestly it's the best beauty product I've ever used. If you didn't know, this is a very iridescent white pigment which most people use as a highlighter (including me), and by applying this along: the nose, inner eye corners, brow bone, cupids bow, and cheekbones it really transforms the shape of your face. This adds a beautiful shimmer to your face, without looking too tacky and over-powering, it also looks gorgeous in the sun light as your best features are shown.

2. Jacksons Sencha Green Tea with Lemon

Last week I was ill with a very annoying cold, and apparently this tea was meant to help. In all honesty, it didn't help very much, but I did find a new love for it. The taste is quite odd and not something I would usually like, but I surprisingly did like it a lot! I can't say too much about this because it's just tea, but after having it for a week on end, it's one of my favourite tea flavours.

3. Flappy Bird Iphone game

 This Iphone game has tested my anger very well, and leaves me feeling very frustrated after playing. The game is very simple, you tap a bird to make it fly, but you have to guide it through some tubes without hitting them because if you do, then you die. It's hard to explain but it leaves me entertained for hours, as well as annoyed. If you do have a phone that supports the app, please get it and you will understand what I, and the nation have been going through.

4. The Devil Wears Prada DVD

 Even though this is a 2 film collection, I am obsessed with The Devil Wears Prada film, the whole concept of the movie makes me so happy, and is almost like my dream life. The movie is basically about an ordinary, plain women who looks for a job which every girl dreams of having without realizing how good it is, however she gets the very special job in the huge fashion company, this then changes her whole attitude towards life and becomes a very fashionable women herself. Her friends then leave her after her attitude sucks, but she eventually realizes the job isn't right for her and leaves. Whilst all this is going on, she is also involved in multiple love situations. In short, watch the film.

5. Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer 

For the past few months I have been using 17's instant glow bronzer which was ok, but I had been after this one for a while, and finally got it last week-best decision ever made. The 17 one was way too orange, and very hard to blend in where as this one gives a subtle bronzed tone without looking too tacky, or splodgy. 'Delice de Poudre' claims to smell of chocolate, I personally can't smell the chocolate however everyone else can. Anyway, this is my favourite bronzer I've ever tried, and is perfect for that sun-kissed look.

6. Lush Bath Bombs

I'm more of a shower person, and have only recently discovered how much I love baths. Over the past week I've loved having baths with Lush bath bombs, or bath bombs in general, it's so relaxing and is a great time waster. This bath bomb is called Melting Marshmallow Moment, I clearly haven't used it yet but the juicy candy smell is very enticing. The bath bomb which I have used is called Honey Bee, it left my bath smelling of a sweet caramel and honey, and my skin as smooth as ever. I really recommend Lush bath bombs, or anything from Lush as it's very affordable, and does great things for your body.

7. Rings

The last thing I have been loving recently is rings. I have 3 midi rings, and 1 full ring which I am constantly wearing as a set. Eversince I got these I have not taken them off due to the feeling that my hands were glamorous, and designer. Most people ask me if my midi rings get annoying, but half the time I don't even notice I have them on because they're so comfy which is odd to say the least about a ring, however it's true, most the time I'm oblivious to the fact my rings are only half way down my hand!

These favourites were quite random and varied, but oh well, they are what I have been loving throughout January.

BIRTHDAY WISHLIST

Hello!

As it's not too long away since my birthday, I thought I'd do a wishlist on what I want and hope for. Bare in mind the probability of me getting all of these items/products is quite small so don't think I'm spoilt or anything, haha. 

Also, I haven't included everything I want because I would be here for ages describing them etc, these are just a few things.

Excuse the prices of some of the items, I am aware this all comes down to quite a lot of money!

1. Sleek Blusher in Lace

 The first thing on my Birthday Wishlist is a trio blush set from Sleek in the colour 'Lace'. I've actually wanted this set for a long time ever since I heard Zoella mention it in a video, and I've never got round to getting it, so hopes up I can get it for my birthday! The first colour in the trio is a peachy/coral, the second is a sheer light pink, and the third is a pink/peach. All of these colours look to be wearable and of very good quality.

2. Topshop blusher in Flush

 Another blusher I've heard Zoella mention (notice the theme?) is the Topshop cream blushers, and I particularly like the look of this one. I don't own a cream blush so it's best not to ask for something too expensive as I may not like it, so I think this is the perfect starter cream blush in a lovely colour, and good consistency.

3. Michael Kors Camille Chronograph Glitz Watch

2 Words, Michael Kors. This watch is absolutely gorgeous, it stood out for me on the website so I knew it was the one, but it is quite pricey at $295 (£182). However, if you set aside the pricing and focus on the main aspects of the watch you notice how flawless it really is. I love the diamante encrusted watch face rim, with the white face and gold detailing, it all works so well and is truly a masterpiece.

4. Velvet T-bar shoes

 These shoes appear to have made an appearance recently on the shelves, and they aren't everyones cup of tea, however I really like them and think they're so cute and edgy. They aren't the most versatile shoes for Autumn/Winter, but when the weather isn't too rough these would look perfect with some cute socks and jeans. Also, for £32 they look very good quality, and £32 is pretty cheap for a pair of shoes from Topshop!

5. Deep red fluffy sweater 

Recently I've been loving the reddy tones that Autumn fashion is bringing us, and I think this sweater is perfect for the seasons fashion. I don't usually wear things like this, and want to change up my wardrobe abit, and this sweater is perfect for doing that. Also, it looks incredibly warm and comfortable which pleases me.

6. Nike Air max 1 Libertys

 I currently own a pair of Nike Air Max's, and they're honestly the comfiest things ever, so I've been wanting a new pair for a while and I saw these ones on someones instagram, and was immediately drawn to them. The floral pattern is so cute and sweet but not babyish, and these would look so cute all year round being versatile trainers. For £145 I would expect them to last a long time, and the Air Max's I have at the moment have so I assume they will which is a plus side.

7. Stripy calf high socks

 I know these are stereotypical American style socks, but I really do love these. American Apparel do these socks in multiple colours, but these are my favourite because they are so simple yet edgy and that's what is great about everything from American Apparel. Also, for only $8 (£4.95) you can't go wrong really!

8. Pink Crushed Velvet Shorts

 Personally, I really really love these shorts, not everyone would because the colour is quite Barbie like which may put people off, but the colour is what attracts me to these shorts the most. When I last went to Topshop I saw a berry coloured pair of these shorts and I loved those a lot, then I saw this pair on the website and fell in love immediately. These are more of a summer staple clothing piece, but I would be happy to wear them all year round.

9. Ted Baker Ikon bag 

 Ted Baker has always been one of my favourite brands, the style and appearance of all their items really appeal to me, just like this bag. I love bows, pink, and bags, what more could I ask for? This bag ticks all the boxes! I need a small sort type bag to take out, because I currently lug around my school bag which resorts in me tipping out my school stuff instead which is usually a hassle, so I think this bag is a must have for me.

10. Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick in 01

 The last product is probably something I will be able to get before my birthday, but anyway I really love this bright red shade, and I think it's a great all-year-round colour, but looks especially good in this season. I have done a review on the Kate Moss lipsticks, and know they work particularly well, so getting this certainly wouldn't be a waste of money.

Once again, I don't expect all of these items because it would add up to quite a high price just for my birthday, but I shall have it all one day...maybe!