favourites

April Favourites

Hollie EdmeadesLeave a comment

I really wanted to write another favourites post this month, my January favourites feels like it was only yesterday (that’s my excuse for having missed February and March anyway) and a few things really stood out to me this month. Keep reading for a little bit of beauty, a little bit of practical fashion and a quick ‘just to let you know I’ve been back at the gym’ moment.

VIEVE

I did a not-so-little order from VIEVE this month and I’m so glad I did. I was good and held off on ordering the Sunset Blushes as soon as they launched but I finally gave in this month. I ordered the shade Piazza and I haven’t put it down since, so clearly the lesson here is to never have self control and buy the makeup – agreed?

Sunset Blush in Piazza ~ £23
Eye Wand in Mahogany ~ £21
Modern Matte Lipstick in Comin’ In Haute ~ £19

The newest launch from VIEVE is their Eye Wands, I was looking forward to these arriving but I didn’t realise how much of a staple they would become for me. They’re so blendable and really are a one-and-done product, I’ve been using the shades Camel and Mahogany either together or alone all over the lid in the mornings before work. They also don’t fade in the slightest, I use Mahogany as a faux liner quite often and it sticks around all day.

Finally, I just had to add another shade of the Modern Matte Lipsticks to my order. The shade Comin’ In Haute is a deep peach that walks the line really well between not being too warm or too cool. My thoughts on the formula haven’t changed: still super moisturising and the perfect balance between comfort and longevity. I’m also still in love with Vieve and Power Suit and wearing them all the time!

Read more about VIEVE

VIEVE: My New Muse

Jamie Genevieve has fast become my favourite makeup artist to follow. Her talent is undeniable but the thing that draws me in is the love she has for what she does. So of course when I heard she was launching her very own brand I…

Keep reading

Wandavision

I’m not the most insane Marvel fan in the world, I saw Infinity War and End Game but I’m not going to pretend I followed it all… However, I had heard such good things about Wandavision that I thought I would at least enjoy watching it even if I didn’t understand all of the Easter eggs! I had so much fun watching this and totally captivated by Wanda and Vision in their fairytale at the beginning which meant I was super invested once it all started to go off the rails. The whole cast was amazing and the writing was incredible – I full on cried at the end! I was so enjoyable to watch and made me really intrigued to see what they’re going to do next with Wanda.

Clarkes Kaylin85 T-Bar Black Leather heels ~ £75

New shoes

New shoes are always exciting but these are a real stand out because since I bought these I have barely worn anything else since. I have been trying to find some comfortable but not frumpy-looking heels for work for the longest time until I finally looked on Clarkes and found what I was looking for.

These t-bar shoes were just the height I was looking for and the heel looked good and chunky. More importantly, I couldn’t think of many outfits I couldn’t wear them with so I was sold. I actually picked these up on Very as I wanted black leather and Clarkes only had suede, so relieved I checked Very first otherwise I think I would still be looking for something! I’m so happy I took the plunge on these, they were worth every penny and are so comfortable for walking around the office. I have been walking in recently so I just pop these in the top of my bag and switch out my trainers when I arrive. A practical favourite that really doesn’t seem exiting but I’m thrilled with these!

Being more active

The gyms opening up again got me motivated to get more active again and I’ve definitely been doing more exercise. I went back to the gym in the middle of the month and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. I’m a bit rubbish in the gym, I don’t usually know what to do with myself and I want to be doing more than I can but I find the weights quite intimidating! Despite this, on my visits since lockdown I was often doing more than I had done before which was a really good feeling. I also worked out a little routine for myself that gives me a much better chance at a successful session: 10 minutes of interval cardio, around 30 minutes of strength training and a good 10 minute yoga-style vinyasa stretch to finish off.

However, the way I have been most active is in walking to work. Since returning to the office I have walked almost everyday, it’s a nice 20 minutes through the park and gives me a nice start to the day. I don’t really need to leave much earlier than normal and I often have a nice hot drink and a podcast to keep me company. I have been loving re-listening to Power Corrupts and have been enjoying British Scandal, they’re are both super interesting shows. On the other end of the spectrum re-listening to My Dad Wrote A Porno is one of the best ways to start my day, even if I do look like a nutter howling with laughter at on my own at 8am!

I love talking about things I like that it makes me take stock of what I’ve been getting the most use out of. Have you got any favourites from the past month?

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living for this eye makeup👀 inspired by @jamiegenevieve finally got my hair did 💇🏻‍♀️ i’m straight up obsessed with this lip colour😍 it lasted through a takeaway too, i think it might be magic💄 two words: skin. dew. ✨✨ @vievemuse 🤍NEW BLOG POST🤍

January Favourites

Hollie EdmeadesLeave a comment

I love a favourites post. So many products and trends get spoken about online so I feel like a favourites post is the best way to see what people really love, not just what they tried once and liked at the time. This is unlikely to be a monthly thing because I wouldn’t want to force it, but when I have that epiphany and things naturally stand out as something I’ve been loving that’s when I know a favourites is overdue. I hope you like these kinds of posts as much as I do, and keep on reading to see what I’ve been loving this month.

VIEVE

My VIEVE collection

I did a whole post on VIEVE if you’d like to read my in depth thoughts on the brand, but spoiler alert: I love it. I think the standout product for me are the Modern Matte Lipsticks but I’m always surprised at how often I use the Essentials Palette. It’s just so versatile and even a super quick everyday eye looks finished and curated even when I only use two shades. VIEVE have just announced that they are releasing some blushes next month and I’m both insanely excited and terrified for my bank account.

Nabla Cupid’s Arrow Liners

Nabla Cupid’s Arrow Eyeliner

I’ve needed new pencil eyeliners for a long time so when I heard about the Cupid’s Arrow range from Nabla I thought “why not?”. I bought the shades arrow 2 (brown) and arrow 4 (black) and I really like them, they’re a perfect balance between creamy and long lasting, They are some of the softest pencil liners I have ever used but seem to last a long time in my waterline and certainly don’t make me look like a panda by the end of the day. I’ve heard good things about Nabla so I’d like to try out some more things from the brand soon!

Monki High Neck Jumper

Monki High Neck Jumper, Hollister Check Trousers

This is not a new piece in my wardrobe but one I’ve been reaching for again and again this month. I’ve been actually getting up and dressed virtually everyday working from home this month, I wrote a whole post about this recently if you want to know my how I got on, and this Monki jumper has been a staple for me. I am obsessed with the colour, it’s that perfect neutral tone that doesn’t wash me out which is such a blessing! It also goes with everything: I can wear it with all of my skirts and trousers as well as under little pinafore dresses. Kind of a sneak attack favourite and not something I ever thought I would be gushing over when I bought it, a practical purchase that has turned into something I don’t want to be without – the dream!

6 Minute Diary

6 Minute Diary

I found the 6 minute diary on Amazon whilst looking for some kind of gratitude diary. I should start by saying that I am not into manifesting or The Secret, I just can’t get on board with it but I do love the first part of that philosophy which says that thinking positively is a helpful habit. I don’t believe that thinking about my dream house or car or career will make it happen, but I do believe that thinking about it will make me happier than dwelling on the negative would. When I saw the 6 minute diary I thought it would be a great aid, particularly as you use it first thing the morning and last thing at night meaning that I should start and end my day on a positive note, no matter how lockdowny my day has been. The diary definitely forces me to think of the good rather than the bad, which during lockdown can easier said than done!

The Mandalorian

The Mandalorian on Disney+

I’ve been watching The Mandalorian with my boyfriend via Teleparty (previously Netflix Party) over these past few weeks and I had no idea how much I was going to like this show. I have seen all the start wars films but I’m still not super knowledgable on it so I wasn’t sure how much I would like The Mandalorian, but there’s so much to love about it. The show looks amazing visually and I always get lost in the episodes which is so important for me. The writing is also fantastic, it never feels convoluted and I’m never questioning the decisions made by the characters. The casting and acting is superb, and Baby Yoda is a genuinely incredible addition to my life. I felt like such a basic bitch when I fell in love with him but I actually cannot contain myself when he is on screen, I make these weird squeaks and I gasp anytime something mildly perilous happens near him. My boyfriend actually sent me a stuffed Baby Yoda and he sits on my desk when I work from home, he’s just so cute. I’m nearly done with season 2 and I’m actually getting a bit sad about it 😦 clearly I could go on and on, so yeah it’s a favourite!

My blog

I’m really enjoying getting back into writing again, it’s undoubtedly giving me something to do and occupy myself with which is welcome right now! I’ve always said to myself that my blog is something that is there for me when I need it, I try to not feel guilty when I don’t post on it for months because I started it for me so if I haven’t got time to write I’m not going to force myself! But at the moment I am making time for it and loving it.

I hope you enjoyed that post (which mainly ended up being about Baby Yoda, no regrets) and if you did it would be great if you stuck around and subscribed and followed my Instagram – I’m trying to do some reels and it’s going…. interestingly..? Also if you have anything you’ve been loving this month definitely let me know!

Top 5 Makeup Products

Bethany Wilson1 Comment

First up, a little introduction from me: I’ve been chatting with Beth from Being Beth about collaborating on a guest post for a couple of weeks and I’ve been super excited to share this ever since. Beth also has a Beauty/Fashion/Lifestyle blog (which you can find here) so if you like my posts I think you’ll like hers too! I’ve also done a guest post on her blog so make sure you hop over there and give that a read. I hope you love Beth’s post as much as I do.

Over the years I have accumulated a range of makeup essentials which has grown and grown so it’s about time I narrowed this down to my top 5! When it comes to buying makeup, I attempt to limit myself to products I know I will regularly use, and also, I try not to spend too much money by buying products that are more affordable and worth the money.

MAC In Extreme Dimension Mascara

MAC Extra Dimension Mascara

Over the festive period, I decided to treat myself to the MAC advent calendar and it did not disappoint! I received a mini product of this mascara and it’s incredible so now this is my go-to mascara which I use daily it provides volume, lengthens, and adds an amazing curl to your lashes which is always an essential in my makeup bag.

Morphe 35B Colour Burst Palette

Morphe 35B Colour Burst Palette

Eyeshadow palettes are one of those things I can’t help but buy so many palettes and so little space to store them, so I attempt to limit myself to only buying palettes that I see as essential. This Colour Burst palette is essential throughout the past few years, I have loved to experiment with my makeup looks and different styles of makeup, so this palette was perfect to add a pop of colour into everyday looks.

Unfortunately, just as I was searching for the link to this palette, I’ve discovered it is no longer being sold however Morphe sells a range of beautiful palettes that are perfect for making powerful everyday makeup looks.

Over on my blog I’ve written a full review of this palette so definitely check it out if you are interested!

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Following on from the last product have you ever created a lovely eyeshadow look in the morning and by the afternoon it is not as good as it was in the morning? This product is incredible applying this primer as a base before applying your eyeshadow is a real game-changer. I know this is more on the expensive side but it’s definitely worth the money. I tend to use this product more on days when I know I have either a content creating day, a long day out the house, or just when I’ve put a lot of effort and time into my eyeshadow.

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner

Let’s talk eyeliner! Every had the bad day where your eyeliner just does not want to work out – pretty much most days for me! Over the years I have used a range of eyeliners and constant removal can be harsh on your eyelids especially if you have sensitive skin, so I went on a search for an eyeliner that will last all day but also easily removed without causing any pain. I’ve been using the Soap & Glory Eyeliner for 3 years now and it’s the best one I’ve used its easy to apply, not harsh on the skin, and gives a long-lasting finish.

MAC Del Rio lipstick

MAC Del Rio Satin Lipstick

Lipstick has the power to bring a whole makeup look together plus it helps give you a massive confidence boost so for me this Satin Lipstick from MAC is essential. The shade ‘Del Rio’ is the perfect balance between a nude and also a slight splash of colour to add to any makeup look or even your go-to outfit. This lipstick is extremely moisturising which I always love in a lipstick as over the years I’ve had a lot of products which end up drying out your lips and it completely ruins the overall finish, however, this one leaves your lips feeling soft and is long wearing with only little touch-ups needed throughout the day.

Thank you so much for reading. I have loved working with Hollie to make this guest post, this is something both of us have never done before and we have really got to know each other over the last couple of weeks. Make sure to check out Hollie’s post over on my blog! 

Also follow my Instagram @beingbeth_  for regular updates throughout the week and subscribe to my blog Being Beth if you would like to see more posts like this all based on lifestyle, fashion, and beauty.

I hope you have a lovely rest of your week.

Beth x

My 2020 Favourites

Hollie Edmeades1 Comment

It feels like I’ve broadened my horizons over this last year. I think I’ve shaken it up in many areas including but not limited to my makeup routine, my skin care routine (see: actually trying to have one and my clothing. A lot of these came quite late in the year but they’ve made such an impact that I couldn’t not mention them. This is a bit of an eclectic post, featuring single products and longer term changes, thoughts on last year and what I hope to continue for 2021, but I hope there is something in here for everyone.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless filter

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter

I’ve heard so many influencers and makeup artists talk about Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter but it was only after seeing Jamie Genevieve use it that I realised how much I needed it. The reason it’s a must-have for me? I haven’t worn foundation since I started using this product. It is not a foundation substitute, there is no coverage it just has a very light tint that evens out your skin tone a little and makes you look glowy. I love it because it wears so nicely throughout the day and gives my cheek products something to hold onto so they stay on for longer – I always feel like they fade so quickly without some kind of base to hang onto! Bottom line: it’s worth the price tag for me.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Ritz

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Ritz

I’ve loved Ritz since the day I got it. It’s such a low maintenance but high impact product that makes getting ready in the morning so much easier. This product has given me an answer to that question I ask myself every morning I haven’t quite engaged my brain: “What am I going to do with my eyes today?”. It’s quick and easy to apply and goes with almost everything. I can also layer it on to get something really impactful or add just a touch on a no-makeup makeup day. See my full review on Ritz and Colourpop as a whole here.

My fringe

So I technically got my fringe cut in at the very end of 2019 but I feel like she’s really come into her own in 2020 (it might sound odd that I refer to my fringe as a separate entity but if you saw what she looks like when I wake up in the morning you would be doing the same). Having a fringe totally changes the way my face looks, and I know that’s not groundbreaking but it’s interesting when it’s your face! I also feel like just wetting and blowdrying it in the morning makes me look so put together, equally if it’s greasy af then I can look a shambles! I kept trimming during the first lockdown but by June I was almost ready to let her go, but she’s had a resurgence and I’m loving it.

Skincare

Trying to have an actual skincare routine has totally changed my skin. I’ve tried to do a little bit more research last year into what makes a good skincare routine and the thing that has really stuck for me is double cleansing. Any day I wear makeup I use an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to try and get all of the makeup off. I’ve also been experimenting with active ingredients like AHAs and BHAs as well as Vitamin C, but I’m still working on getting the balance right. I have a long way to go in this area but I’m excited to learn more this year, my skincare wishlist is long!

My attitude towards clothes

My style has changed every year since I was about 18. It’s partially trend lead but also depends on who I’m seeing on my Instagram feed and what I’m doing at the time. This year I swung away from the super girly stuff and looked for different structures and silhouettes, I dabbled in the puffy sleeve and I don’t think I’ve worn skinny jeans all year (certainly a positive change). Where do I stand now? At the moment comfort is King but feeling good in what I wear is Queen, and sometimes she wears the trousers (pun not intended but definitely appreciated). A great example of that compromise is one of my typical work outfits: a skirt, jumper and boots with a chunky heel – comfortable but I feel confident.

Getting stuck in in the kitchen

Lemon Cheesecake

I’ve tried to do more in the kitchen over the last year but the lockdown in March really got me into cooking and baking. I’ve made curries, pizzas, chillis and pastry dishes as well as baked cakes, brownies, more cookies than I can count (not more than I can eat of course) and have a pretty good bread recipe in my repertoire. One of my favourite bakes has been these amazing lemon and blueberry oat bars, they’re similar to flapjacks but are light and flluffy. They’re not too bad for you in the grand scheme of things but still taste amazing with a cup of tea in the morning!

One of the main things I love baking and cooking for is when I’m feeling in a bit of a funk. It gives me something to busy myself with, it’s enjoyable, it feels productive and I (usually) get something tasty at the end of it. I’m writing this with a stomach full of homemade pizza and a slice of lemon cheesecake in my hands, so all in all a very positive change and something I want to continue to work on this year.

Exercise

I’ve always had an inconsistent exercise routine. I suppose routine is a strong word for going to the gym 4 times a week for a month, then not at all for 6 weeks, then everyday for 3 weeks, then not at all, the- you get the picture…

When lockdown hit I started running again with the help of Couch to 5K – which I cannot recommend enough as a side note! I’ve done it twice now and think it’s the best thing to get you running from a standing start. My mum and I did the programme and vowed to continue once it was done – long story short we haven’t… But we’re going again now! The best way for me to sum up running for me is that although I might not love it whilst I’m going, I almost always feel better when I come back than when I left. I was also really looking forward to getting into some classes at the gym this year but that clearly won’t be happening for a while yet.

I would also love to get into yoga and I’m going to try again this year (she says optimistically less than a week into 2021). My main issue is that I’m entirely inflexible and therefore pretty rubbish at yoga. Additionally, getting more flexible and better at yoga is a slow process so it’s hard to see the changes. This all explains why I’ve never done it for longer than a week or two in the past! I tried a few times to get into it in 2020 and it never stuck, but hopefully the fact that I will be working from home for the foreseeable future will give me time to really give it a go. Place your bets as to whether or not I’ll be saying exactly the same thing next year…

Is there anything you loved in 2020? Or any changes that you’re hoping to carry forward into the New Year?

The Palette Tag

Hollie EdmeadesLeave a comment

I don’t have hundreds of eyeshadow palettes, don’t get me wrong I still have too many! Because of this I find it quite hard to answer the question “what is your favourite palette?”. I saw this tag on Youtube and LOVED the idea so I wanted to write about it myself because I’m not ready to hear my voice on a recording/see how awkward I am on camera yet! With that being said, keep reading to see some of my favourite colourful powders.

Newest Palette

Colourpop In a Tance Palette

My newest eyeshadow palette is the In A Trance palette from Colourpop. I just did my first ever order from there and I’m really excited to try everything out! I have taken this one for a little spin already and, based on first impressions, I like it! I’m gonna need to find a way to wear these shades everyday.

Oldest Palette

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Believe it or not, I STILL have the OG Naked palette in my drawers. It’s one of the first ‘proper’ makeup products I ever got! Safe to say I haven’t touched it in a while, I think it’s more an artefact than a makeup product now, maybe she’ll be worth a fortune one day…

Most Expensive Palette

Tartelette In Bloom Palette

There’s not a massive amount of variety in the prices of my eyeshadow palettes, most of them sit around the £40 mark, but I think when I bought the Tartlette in bloom palette it was a little more pricey than the rest. Although the prices may have changed now so the most expensive I own might be one of my ABH palettes instead? So either one of those two!

Most Inexpensive Palette

Revolution Reloaded Newtrals 2 Palette

To be honest, I totally forgot I owned this palette. I was really surprised to find the Revolution Reloaded Newtrals 2 palette at the back of my drawers. This palette was only £4 when a bought it and looks incredibly similar to the Modern Renaissance by ABH. I haven’t used this one in a while now but I remember quite liking the formula.

Most Everyday Palette

NYX Ultimate Shadow Palette

I own a fair few ‘everyday’ palettes, but the NYX Ultimate palette is probably the most ‘everyday’ palette I own, it’s neutral but nice and versatile too. I can get lots of really nice daytime and evening looks from this palette, which also makes it the perfect travel palette.

Most Colourful Palette

Morphe x James Charles Artistry Palette

My Morphe x James Charles Artistry palette has to be the most colourful palette I own. This palette is great to have on hand, it’s not got the most cohesive colour story but that it isn’t necessarily it’s main selling point. For me, it’s purpose is for it to have everything you need when you need it rather than to inspire you in and of itself. I always know it’s there when I need something bright.

Smallest Eyeshadow Palette

Naked Basics Palette

My smallest palette is definitely my Naked Basics palette. I don’t really use this one a lot but it is a good one for travel and super easy to store. Because of that I can’t imagine that I’ll get rid of it any time soon, it’s not exactly getting in the way or taking up space!

Best Memory

Morphe x Jaclyn Hill Palette

I think my Morphe x Jaclyn Hill palette has the best memory attached to it. I remember opening this one on Christmas Day a few years ago around the time that it first came out and I was so incredibly excited! This is first palette that I got crazy excited about when I was starting to learn a little more about make up. The formula of these shades is still phenomenal, I really need to use it more than I do because it’s just so good!

Most Worth the Hype

ABH Soft Glam Palette

I think the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam palette is totally worth the hype. I find the formula has great colour pay off but still easy to work with, and the shimmers are super metallic making this a great all rounder.

Least Worth the Hype

Tartelette In Bloom Palette

I think the Tarlette in Bloom palette is.. okay..? I really liked it when I first got it and still think the softer neutrals are nice. But the darker colours are nigh on impossible blend and the colour pay off is meh at best. I think it’s fine, but I never reach for it anymore.

Favourite Palette from a Favourite Brand

ABH Soft Glam Palette

Anastasia has one of the best eyeshadow formulas I have tried and the Soft Glam palette has my favourite colour story of all their palettes. I hate to repeat myself but I don’t have the biggest collection in the world and I wanted to be honest! I love my Modern Renaissance as well but I just feel like the Soft Glam stepped it up a notch with the blendability of the mattes and the amazing shimmers.

Most Used Palette

ABH Modern Renaissance Palette

Purely because of how long I’ve had it, the ABH Modern Renaissance is my most used palette. It was my go-to for such a long time and even if it has been displaced I still find myself picking it up fairly often.

What’s next on my Wishlist?

Melt Cosmetics Gemini Palette

This one wasn’t in the original tag but I thought I would add an extra category! (I know, who do I think I am?). The next palette on my Wishlist is the Melt Gemini palette. I’ve seen one girl I follow talk about it relentlessly and the formula looks insane. I also recently found out that it is stocked on Beauty Bay and I am actually a Gemini. I feel like its written in the stars, an inevitable purchase. The only thing holding me back (other than spending the money!) is I’m not sure if I’ll use it enough..? Like I say though, I think it might be inevitable especially because I’ve just graduated so it might just accidentally fall into my basket as a graduation present to myself. Rereading this, I’ve written so much about this palette that I can see how excited I am and how desperately I’m trying to talk myself out of buying it! Wish me luck…

I hope you enjoyed my take on the palette tag, I really enjoyed writing this one. I’m getting more into makeup again recently and I’m loving it!

Follow me on Instagram @hollieedmeadesblog

My Skincare Routine 2020

Hollie EdmeadesLeave a comment

Since we’ve been in lockdown I’ve taken the opportunity to spend some more time over my skincare in the morning and the evening so I thought I’d share what I’ve been doing. For some context, the general purpose of my evening skincare to repair and nourish my skin and the purpose of my morning skincare to prepare it for makeup and make it nice and glowy. As for my skin type, I have pretty normal skin that can sometimes be a bit sensitive. My skin isn’t prone to break outs (she says with a second head currently growing on her cheek) but if I do get spots they tend to be around my chin which I believe are mostly down to hormones and diet (*cough* stop eating chocolate *cough*). I also have a fringe which means I do get some lumps, bumps and general texture on my forehead but no one sees that so I’m not too worried about it!

Evening

To take my makeup off I’ve been loving using my Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm recently. I’ve only started using it regularly over the past month or so (hello lockdown!) since I’ve been home and had access to my bathroom to do my skincare but I am totally converted! I used to use micellar water and I do still like it for a quick and easy makeup removal but the Clinique balm literally melts the makeup off my skin and leaves it feeling clean but not tight. I also remove the oily residue of the balm with my Face Halo and I really think it makes all the difference. Face Halos are made of microfibres and can actually be used to take off makeup without any other cleanser, just water! I do love the Face Halo for that too (you can read more about it in my review post here!) but using it with an oil based cleanser means I can remove my makeup without scrubbing my skin too hard. Equally, I’ve used the balm without my Face Halo before and as nicely as it removes my makeup I definitely feel like that oil residue stays on my skin. So all in all, an oil based cleanser is definitely my favourite for removing makeup but I definitely like to take it all of with a Face Halo!

For my double cleanse I’m currently using the Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, again removed with a Face Halo. I’ve only started double cleansing recently and I’m definitely a convert, I don’t think my skin has ever felt this clean! I definitely like this cleanser but I’m not sure if I would buy it again. I’ve just bought The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser and I’m looking forward to trying that soon! The best thing I can say about the Glossier Cleanser is that it cleans my skin and (as far as I can tell) hasn’t broken me out, which might not sound like high praise but that’s exactly what I want from a cleanser!

Next I tone with the Botanics All Bright Cleansing Toner on my reusable cotton pads I got from amazon. I like it, it’s okay, I’ll be honest I bought it because it was pink and looked nice and wasn’t too expensive! I’ve learnt a little more (emphasis on little!) about skincare recently and the main thing I’ve learnt is that alcohol is generally not good for your skin and after closer inspection I saw that alcohol is the first ingredient on the back of the toner bottle. For that reason I don’t think I’ll be repurchasing and next on my list is the Glossier Solution or the Pixie Glow Tonic so fingers crossed I can try those soon.

After toner I slather my skin in Glossier’s Super Bounce serum. It’s so nice and moisturising but extremely light on the skin and sinks in so nicely. After toner my skin can tend to feel a bit tight (most likely due to the alcohol in it!) so I love using this serum afterwards to make my skin feel hydrated again. Because I have fairly normal skin when given the choice between moisturising or oil control I always go for moisturising because the last thing I want to do is suck all the moisture from my skin and dehydrate it! Like I said, I do think this is a really lovely serum but I might try a different one before I repurchase it.

Next up in my routine is eye cream and I’m currently working my way through my Clinique All About Eyes eye cream. Again, I do really like this one but so long as eye cream is nice and moisturising I’m not too fussy about it! With all that in mind, I don’t think I’ll repurchase this one as I think I’d like to try something different when I finish it.

For my night time moisturiser I’m using up a sample size of Glossier’s Priming Moisturiser in Rich. I do really like this moisturiser because I find that it sinks in pretty quickly and is nice and moisturising. The only thing I’m not loving is the perfumey smell although it hasn’t irritated my skin as far as I can tell, it’s just personal preference! Pretty similar story here as well: I do like it but probably won’t repurchase.

I am looking to add some AHA/BHA acids to my evening skincare to deal with the texture on my forehead and cheekbones but I’m planning to do some research before putting too many acids on my skin. I would definitely like to try The Ordinary’s AHA 30% + 5% BHA Peeling Solution when it comes back in stock!

Morning

I tend not to do a full cleanse in the morning, usually just wash my face with water in the shower or run a damp Face Halo over my skin.

Next I pop on my Glossier Super Glow Serum. Another Glossier product that I’ve been really liking, Super Glow is a vitamin C serum that gives your skin a nice glow. It’s also not too potent so doesn’t irritate my skin which is great! I haven’t really used enough of this to consider repurchasing and will probably do some more research into vitamin C serums before I do.

I’m still using my Nivea eye cream, it has a nice pinky colour to counteract dark circles so it’s great for tired puffy eyes in the morning. Equally great for puffy skin is the L’Oreal Hydra Genius moisturiser, so nice and cooling in the summer! I’m not going to be repurchasing these products because they are not cruelty free so I’ll be finding some alternatives when the time comes!

I’m on the hunt for a great sun cream for under makeup but until then I’m using up a garnier sun cream. It’s super important to use sun cream everyday and especially after putting active ingredients like vitamin C on your skin. Like I say I’m just using this one up and have my eye on the Kao Biore Watery Essence Sunscreen to try next.

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My Lockdown Watchlist

Hollie Edmeades2 Comments

I’ve been at home with my family since the lockdown was enforced in the UK so we’ve had a lot of time for TV! I thought I’d share the things we’ve watched and whether we would recommend.

The Handmaid’s Tale

My mum and I sat and watched the first season of The Handmaid’s Tale during the first week or so of the lockdown and we definitely had some thoughts about it! Firstly, I’m not sure if ‘enjoyed’ is the right word for it because the whole premise of the story is certainly quite bleak, but it was definitely intriguing and we couldn’t wait to watch the next ones. The story was fascinating and we couldn’t wait to see how it would unravel as we watched on. As well as the story I thought the casting was fantastic and the acting was incredible (Elisabeth Moss is an icon). Every aspect seemed so brilliantly thought out, all the way down to the costume and set design, everything seemed to fit together perfectly to assist the storyline. Like I said it took us around 10 days to watch the whole season because although I usually binge TV I’m actually really happy that we had some breathing time between the episodes to let everything settle and digest. Bottom line is, if you find those dystopian storylines intriguing like we do then I think it’s definitely worth a watch!

Quiz cast and first look trailer from new ITV drama | TV ...

Quiz

I LOVED this show. Quiz is a dramatic retelling of the coughing scandal on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire where a couple coughed their way to the top prize of one million pounds. It was super quirky and the balance was hit perfectly between being a drama but also very lighthearted and entertaining. The three part mini series follows the launch of the show, a recreation of the show where the coughing took place and their trial afterwards. It was just so fab, definitely one of my favourite dramas I’ve watched in a while. Also it’s worth noting that Michael Sheen is literally flawless as Chris Tarrant, I kept forgetting that it wasn’t actually Chris Tarrant!

Back to the Future Movie Review (1985) | Roger Ebert

Back To The Future

I only saw Back To The Future for the first time last week. I know. And it was so much fun I couldn’t believe I hadn’t seen it sooner! Such a great film and definitely one that lives up to the hype. Such a funny, crazy film and I now understand why when people found I hadn’t seen it before their jaws would hit the floor! Personally one of my favourite parts that showed how 80s the film is was Doc being absolutely fascinated by a video camera.

Peaky Blinders

We’ve been watching Peaky Blinders as a family in the evenings and I think its safe to say we’re all hooked! So far we’ve seen seasons 1-3 of the 1920s gangster drama and have really enjoyed how intense the plot lines are. The season finales are always really exciting and it’s nice that the seasons aren’t too long so we don’t have to wait forever for the storylines to play out. I know we’re a little late to the party on this one but I’m glad we finally got there!

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Knives Out

I actually went to the cinema with my boyfriend to see Knives Out at the end of last year but after telling my parents how much I enjoyed it we decided to sit and watch it one evening. I think it’s fair to say that my parents felt it lived up to the hype I’d been giving it and for me it was just as enjoyable to watch the second time round! A classic murder mystery with a twist, it’s the characters that really make this film stand out for me. The cast was phenomenal and everyone was fantastic in their role, particularly Daniel Craig as the somewhat unpredictable detective and Ana de Armas the kind nurse who cannot tell a lie. Although the first time watching it is definitely the best (the twists are brilliant!) I still loved it just as much and had a new appreciation for it the second time round.

The Nest looks like BBC's most exciting drama of 2020 so ...

The Nest

I feel like everyone has been watching The Nest recently, and with good reason! Another incredible BBC drama, the nest follows a wealthy couple trying to have a baby and a chance encounter with an 18 year old girl just out of care who later offers to be their surrogate. As the couple uncover more about this girls background they realise that all is not what it seemed and they grapple with who she is and the future of their unborn child. The story was totally gripping and we couldn’t wait to see the end, definitely something to watch if you want to make the hours fly by!

Beauty Favourites

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I’ve been really getting into makeup again recently and have really enjoyed trying out some new things with the products I already have. In wearing makeup nearly everyday again my favourite products have really stuck out and so I thought I’d write about them and talk about what I’ve been loving recently.

Rimmel’s Lasting Finish foundation

I’ve been gravitating towards this foundation so much recently, partially because it’s the foundation that matches me best at the moment, but I’ve still been really liking how it looks! I’ve been enjoying wearing this foundation on an everyday basis, concentrating the medium coverage formula in the centre of my face and blending outwards. Because this matches me pretty well currently (my pale pale face currently suits the shade 103 – True Ivory) I can quickly slap it on in the morning without worrying about it looking streaky. Like I said, I find this to be a solid medium coverage that covers most of my redness but still lets my skin peak through. All in all, a solid option, especially for that quick application in the mornings.

Too Faced Born This Way concealer

I love this concealer. I use it every time I wear makeup, without fail! This concealer is a little more expensive, but because of the super high coverage I only use a tiny amount under my eyes, a little mark on my chin and nose to brighten my face and on any little breakouts so it lasts for such a long time. I currently use the shade Snow which is a pretty good match right now but would be too light if I really packed it on and will definitely be too light for when I (hopefully) get a tan this summer. Like I said, the coverage is crazy good and although there is a little creasing throughout the day its totally natural and normal so doesn’t bother me and is something I see with every concealer I wear under my eyes.

MAC’s Velvet Teddy

Potentially the definition of a classic, this lipstick has been raved about for as long as I can remember – I think it’s one of the first high end products I ever got! I cracked it out again recently and was reminded exactly why it’s a cult classic. The perfect pinky nude matte lipstick, it strikes a great balance between being comfortable and has decent lasting power and even when it does start to fade it does so naturally without becoming patchy.

ABH Modern Renaissance

There’s a reason we were all obsessed with it when it launched! I’ve fallen back in love with my Modern Renaissance palette this month both for my everyday makeup and for those (admittedly rare) occasions that I head out in the evening. My favourite shade for quick makeup in the morning is Buon Fresco, the lilac colour in the palette. I just put it all over my lid and in my crease, add a little of Vermeer, the cooler toned shimmer, in my inner corner and I’m all done! If I have a little extra time I like taking Cyprus Umber, a really nice brown with hints of purple, and running it along my lash line for a faux wing.

L’oreal Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum

I just had to sneak a hair favourite in because I’ve been loving this product so much recently. This Frizz Killer Serum is the newest addition to the Dream Lengths range and honestly whenever they add something new to this range it immediately peaks my interest. I religiously use the hair cream and now the frizz serum when I get out of the shower and I think they really help my hair to be much less frizzy and fluffy. I have wondered if maybe the combination does weigh my hair down a little but to be honest it doesn’t bother me and I’ll compromise a little volume for less frizzy hair!

Glossier Super Glow Serum

Back to our regularly scheduled beauty favourites, I’ve been really liking the Glossier Super Glow serum lately. I got it for Christmas and have used it almost every morning since. I’m not super well versed in what I should and shouldn’t be using in my skincare routine but I’ve heard that vitamin C serums are supposed to make your skin nice and glowy so I thought I would try one. To be honest my skin has looked a little dead recently but I think that’s a combination of a slightly sub-par diet (university student right here), assignments and dissertation work (again, university) and the corona virus stress is not helping (the most important year of my life so far AND a seemingly unstoppable virus? I think not). All in all not the best! But having said that I think my skin has been looking better overall since I’ve been using the super bounce serum.

If I lost all my makeup, what would I repurchase?

Hollie Edmeades1 Comment

I’m always trying to find great products to use but when I comes to pinpointing my favourites sometimes I struggle. So I thought I’d look at it a different way and ask myself, if I lost all of my makeup, which products would I immediately repurchase? It’s basically just a different way of looking at my favourite products but not just talking about what I’m loving right now but what I couldn’t go without. So I’ve gone through all of my makeup and picked out my absolute favourite products.

Face products: liquid

The first thing that came to mind was my It Cosmetics CC cream. I LOVE this stuff I used it all summer because its so nice and lightweight but really packs a punch with the coverage. I can guarantee that when this runs out I’m definitely buying another one!

A more recent purchase but definitely a fast favourite is the Too Faced Born This Way concealer. This is probably the most high coverage concealer I have ever used but its not cakey or dry and it sits really nicely under my eyes all day.

My personal favourite liquid bronzer is the Maybelline Eraser Eye concealer, I just buy it in a deeper shade than I would need for a concealer! This totally does the job and because its a concealer it blends out really well on top of any foundation I’ve tried, however Maybelline are not a cruelty free brand. Although this is a good, inexpensive product I will try and find an alternative when it runs out.

The Glossier Cloud Paints are such lovely products and I would definitely want to get another one if I lost it! I use the colour dusk which is a nice pinky bronze shade that blends really nicely into my bronzer whilst still giving a nice flush. Less is more with this product so even though it’s not the cheapest the price-per-wear is pretty good!

Face products: powder

I think my favourite bronzer has got to be Benefit’s Hoola bronzer, it’s a classic for a reason and is a perfect balance of not being too warm or too cool toned. I would 100% rebuy this, but Benefit do test their products on animals so I would like to find something I love just as much that’s cruelty free.

I’m not super picky with highlighters, anything light and champagney ticks the box for me. If I did lose all my makeup I think I would have a look round the high street to try and find a good one, but a classic and one I’ve had for years is The Balm’s Mary Lou-Manizer so if I had to rebuy one I already have then I think that would be the one!

Eyes

The eyeshadow palette I would buy again in a heartbeat is the James Charles x Morphe Artistry Palette. It has almost all the colours I’ll need and has such a great formula. maybe I’d buy the smaller version that he released if I lost my current version but without a doubt I’d need it back! I did a bit of digging and although Morphe state on their website that they are cruelty free, they are not certified as such. Another colourful option I would consider is the BPerfect Stacey Marie Carnival XL Pro Palette which I’ve heard so many amazing things about.

I would also definitely look into getting a smaller, neutral palette that was more travel-friendly and I could use on an everyday basis. I have a Beauty Bay palette with a big mirror that is unfortunately discontinued, however they do stock other similar palettes like this one that I would definitely consider buying were I to lose the one I currently have.

The best eyeliner I’ve ever tried is the NYX Epic Ink eyeliner and I would buy it again in a second. It is often compared to the Kat Von D (now KVD Vegan Beauty) Tattoo Liner, but I tried that recently and find that it dries up when I’m applying it and I constantly have to stop and try and shake the product down. Maybe I got a dudd product, but either way I’ll be sticking with NYX for now!

My favourite mascara ever was unfortunately discontinued (moment of silence for the L’oreal false lash sculpt mascara please) and I’ve tried a few since then to try and find a great one. I think the best I’ve tried is the Essence Lash Princess mascara not only because it performs brilliantly but because it’s so inexpensive, it makes me unwilling to buy another pricey mascara again!

Lips

My favourite lip liners I own are probably by Mac. However, whether or not they’re much better than the cheaper high street brands? I’m not too sure so I’d probably go to my local boots and pick up a nice pinky nude, a red and maybe a more browny nude too and not feel guilty about the price!

My go-to nude lipstick has to be Charlotte Tilbury’s Bitch Perfect and I would certainly notice if it went missing. I would love to buy it again, however I’d again be tempted to check out the high street and see if I could find anything I liked just as much. Spending over £20 on a lipstick definitely hurts but I wouldn’t rule it out!

I would also definitely want to pick up a nice pink shade and probably a red, you never know when you’ll need one! My favourite pink of the moment is the Nars Velvet Lip Glide in the shade Playpen. Not only is the colour of this gorgeous but the formula is so lovely and not drying at all. However, again I believe Nars test on animals which is a shame and I would love to find something similar from a cruelty free brand. The red I always have on hand is Revlon’s Moisture Renew Lipstick in the shade In Love With Ginger. It’s a really vibrant, fiery red and I’d definitely want to get something similar to it again.

The Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb really is worth the hype, its so shiny and non-sticky but it is a little on the pricey side. On the other hand, the NYX Butter Glosses are amazing and super inexpensive. They’re definitely not as glittery but they’re very shiny and not sticky in the slightest. If I need to take one out with me then I always choose NYX because that way I don’t have to panic about losing it! It’d definitely be a toss up, I’d probably want to get one of each!

As for the categories I didn’t mention, I don’t really use liquid highlighter very often so I wouldn’t necessarily repurchase the Revolution one I currently own. I’m a lover of blush but I think it’s pretty hard to mess up a blush as they don’t need to be very pigmented so I’d probably wander to my local boots and pick a cheap one up rather than desperately needing to repurchase one I already own!

In terms of face powder and eyeliner pencils, I do use them both almost every time I wear makeup but I’m not hugely fussy with eyeliners and I don’t think I’ve ever even gone through a whole pot of translucent powder! I think for both of these I would look at what was on the market at the time and try and find something inexpensive but I would prioritise their quality. For powder I’d want something non-cakey and light on the skin and for eyeliner I’d want it to be pigmented and stay in my waterline all day without running down my face.

To find cruelty free products I have consulted Free the Bunnies and My Beauty Bunny‘s lists of cruelty free brands and did some googling where I could.

My Festive Favourites

Hollie EdmeadesLeave a comment

Happy 1st December! I’ve seen so many people do some form of Blogmas and this year I wanted to get involved. Basically, I’m just going to try and post way more often this month in the run up to Christmas to get us in the festive mood. I thought it would be a nice challenge for myself and be interesting for me to see how much I actually can write about in such a short space of time! And what better way to start than by talking all about my favourite things about the festive season.

Allll the festive music

Some people hate this about Christmas, but I love hearing Christmas music in all the shops this time of year! Christmas music puts me in such a good mood so why wouldn’t I want to hear it everywhere? I’ll never get tired of hearing Michael Bublé everywhere I go this December!

Cute Christmas Films

I’ve already been to see Last Christmas (Emelia Clarke, Emma Thompson and a George Michael soundtrack? Yes please!) and it was so cute! I had such Faith in it (sorry I had to) after seeing the trailers and it did not disappoint. Next on my list to watch are the Grinch and my favourite festive film ever, Love Actually.

Cozy vibes every evening

The only positive of living in a freezing cold student house: snuggling down under blankets for warmth! Getting cozy with candles, blankets and a nice hot drink is bliss after being outside in the freezing cold, maybe even whilst watching a nice Christmas film..? Sounds perfect to me.

The “it’s Christmas” line

We all use this excuse for everything and anything this time of year, and I’m all for it. Chocolate? Its Christmas. Wine? Its Christmas. Going out for dinner when you’ve got plenty of food in the fridge? Its Christmas. Buying unnecessary new things? Its Christmas! It really is the most wonderful time of the year.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my favourite things about this time of year and that you’re as excited for the next month as I am! If you did enjoy this post then I’d really appreciate it if you could like and share it and subscribe to my blog so you don’t miss a thing!

Hollie x