Monday, 8 February 2016

Children's Mental Health Week Contacts

This post is evidently very different to what I normally post about but I thought it was important to address this topic. I originally wrote this as a status on Facebook but have decided to post on my blog in the hope of reaching some more people. 

This week is Children's Mental Health Week so it's time to raise awareness and also promote organisations that may be able to help with any issues...even the small ones that other people may see as 'petty'. No issue that makes you unhappy is 'petty', regardless of what other people say. It's important to promote that support is there for those who need it so I've decided to put together a list of contacts for under 18s suffering with a mental illness as well as for parents/carers that may need guidance or support as well.

A child's mental health not only affects them, but those around them which is why it's important to know that help is there for everyone if they need it. 0808 168 9144 is a freephone helpline number that is for parents/guardians and offers support and guidance on their children's mental health. This hotline is being run by https://www.place2be.org.uk/ for Children's Mental Health Week. 
Other helplines for parents/carers include:
0808 802 5544 (http://www.youngminds.org.uk)
0808 800 2222 (http://www.familylives.org.uk) 
0808 800 5000 (https://www.nspcc.org.uk)
All the phone numbers listed are free to call from mobile and landline.

If you are a child who needs support, or knows someone who needs it, here are some helpful contacts:
0800 1111 (https://www.childline.org.uk) Childline also offer an online chat via their website if you'd prefer not to call.
0300 304 7000 (http://www.sane.org.uk) 6pm-11pm daily.
General advice on medication for mental illnesses: http://www.headmeds.org.uk/

I hope that these contacts and websites have been beneficial to a few people. It's important that you get support when you need it but also remember it's important to make an appointment with a GP if you think you may be suffering with a mental illness. The sooner you make an appointment, the sooner you can be on the way to recovery. Mental illnesses are real illnesses and aren't just a feeling that you can push to one side which is the view that a lot of people have, hence why it's so important to promote not only contacts to help, but also to promote the issues themselves.

Sunday, 31 January 2016

January Beauty Favourites 2016

It's been a long time since I last posted and so much has happened between now and then! (Happy really belated New Year!) I can not believe that Christmas was like 5 weeks ago, where has that time gone?! I tried out so many new products in January that I either got for Christmas or have picked up through the month so I thought I'd put them all in a favourites post. Enjoy! 

Box of January Favourites




Decleor Phytopeel Exfoliating Cream (£27.50): I went to a spa a few weeks ago for a facial and this was one of the products used on me. This is such a good exfoliator which should be used once or twice a week. I use it on a Sunday evening and then during the week I use my Clarins exfoliator. My skin really feels refreshed after using this and I would definitely recommend it if you've got sensitive skin.



Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream (£42): Okay, first thing's first, IT'S PINK! Clarins recently changed the formula from this and it's now pink which basically means it's amazing anyway, but this cream has really hydrated my skin.

Clarins Lip & Contour Balm (£31): This lip balm is really hydrating and I love the liquid-type texture of the cream. I often have chapped and dry lips, so I find that putting this balm on just before I go to bed really gives them that extra help for some shine and hydration.



Elegant Touch Brush On Nail Glue (£3.09) & Primark Nails (£1): A friend recommended the Primark nails to me and I thought I'd give them a go over the weekend seeing as they literally only cost a pound. The verdict? These nails are hella good. Despite the fact that I'm a first timer at putting nails on so I don't really know how to apply the glue, they've lasted so well. One of the nails fell off due to my lack of glue on there, so in the emergency I had to buy some more glue whilst I was out. I bought the Elegant Touch brush on glue purely due to the ease of it and it's so good and really strong! 



Model's Own Blending Sponges (£7.99): I have a huge aversion to using brushes for foundation as I find they make it look quite streaky unless I use a buffing brush so these sponges are a more in budget alternative for the popular 'Beauty Blender' that you've probably heard of. These sponges really work in the foundation/concealer and make it look natural. I still do tend to use my Real Techniques Buffing Brush (£9.99) to buff after using the sponge though. 





bareMinerals Complete Coverage Serum Concealer (£22): Once again, I'm so fair skinned which means it can be hard to find a perfect colour match from brands like Rimmel or Maybelline so I gave bareMinerals a go and the colour match is perfect and blends so well into my foundation, also covering up dark circles so well.




Benefit Moisture Face Cream (£29.50 - 48.2g): my pot is the tester size as it came out of my Benefit Advent Calendar, but when it's empty I'll definitely be buying the larger pots. My skin can get really dry, especially in the winter, and this cream makes my skin so smooth and moisturised, it's perfect. 

Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips (£7.99): these strips are a bit on the pricey side considering you only get 6 in a pack but honestly they're worth the money and you only have to use them once a week. As gross as it sounds, they really pull out all the grime and dirt from your pores and remove blackheads so easily by acting like a magnet. 





Clarins Fix' Make Up (£23): this is a setting spray for makeup and it really makes my makeup last a long time, especially if I've paired it with my Rimmel Primer (£5.99).







Clarins One-Step Exfoliating Cleanser (£20.50): As mentioned earlier on, I use this during the week, usually every other day and use my Decleor exfoliator at the weekend. The Clarins one has orange extract in and is so refreshing to use, leaving my skin really soft as well. It's so quick to apply and then wash off so it's perfect if you're particularly lazy like me!




MAC Matte Lipstick in MEHR (£15.50): I was looking for a fairly neutral yet not completely nude lipstick shade so popped into MAC for some advice. The woman was so helpful and found this shade which is perfect for me as I'm so fair skinned too. I've been wearing this pretty much every day I go out and absolutely love it! It's also extremely long lasting and can actually last for hours.
I hope you enjoyed reading this and that you've seen some products you might be interested in! Let me know if you buy or already have any of the products mentioned and how you're getting on with them! Have a lovely week x

Saturday, 19 December 2015

Last Minute Christmas Gifts for Her

So, somehow, Christmas has literally just sneaked up on us all this year with just 6 days to go! I'm sure there are still some of you out there who are in need of presents to buy so I've put together a list of gift ideas for women. The majority of these websites do next day delivery, or alternatively you can collect in store. I hope you find something suitable! Enjoy!

- Champneys Spa Treatments - Prices Vary

**The Clarins last date for delivery for Christmas is by 1pm on Sunday 20th December**

Have an amazing Christmas everyone!

Monday, 23 November 2015

Men's Winter Fashion 2015

Hi! This is a post I've been really excited about for a while as it's the first time I've put outfits together and photographed them myself. I'd like to thank Tom for being my model for this post and also for letting me rummage through his clothes to find outfits! I'm going to link similar items of clothing next to the outfits but they'll be from different shops, with different prices, just to give you guys a bit of a variety of choice.

The blue parka coat in a few of these outfits is similar to this one from Pull & Bear (£79.99), but check out my men's coat/jacket post for more options. The shoes in all of these outfits are a tan/sandy colour to work in harmony with the colours of the leaves in Autumn time. If you'd like to buy a pair similar, check out these: ALDO (Kayci Boots £33.74 in the sale), ASOS (Plimsolls £20)Burton (High Tops £38.50). I've also paired simple black jeans with each outfit which should be easy to find at local stores.


 For this outfit, I incorporated blues which are a highly popular colour for this season this year. The t shirt is a speckled white pattern and is a couple of shades lighter than the coat to give it a sense of texture. Any blue t shirt with white detailing will give a similar look. 

Get The Look Shirts: 



To create this look, I paired a red and white button up shirt with a grey Christmas patterned jumper to create a layered look, but any grey jumper will look just as great. Adding a coat will also add to the layering effect. Reds are also very current this season so stock up on reds, blues and greys!

Get The Look Jumpers:

So, this time I got rid of the jumper and Tom wore just the red and white shirt. I love how shirts look as they can be worn as both casual wear AND for smarter occasions. You can dress up this shirt by wearing some plain black trousers or you can dress it down and pair it with jeans, which is what I did in this instance.

Get The Look Shirts:
Boohoo Bird Print (£12)
Topman Burgundy Polka Dot Shirt (£26)
Topman Paint Print (£28)
Hugo Boss Floral Shirt (£85)



This outfit incorporates the grey/white colour themes I mentioned earlier on. The white contrasts with the blue coat to create a more Wintery look. I also love how the beige shoes compliment the outfit. The t shirt is a simple white shirt with a grey pattern which can be found in a lot of places. 

Shirts:
I hope you've enjoyed this post and that you've got some inspiration of fashion
trends/colours for the Winter. Have a lovely week!

Tuesday, 3 November 2015

Women's Jackets & Coats for AW15

A few weeks ago I did a men's coats and jackets post for AW15 so I thought it was only right to do a women's post. There are so many cute shawl/blanket wrap types of jackets around at the moment as well as a ton of cute coats too.


12. Next Pink Boucle Coat - £75.00

13. Next Fabric Mix Jacket - £85.00



I hope you've found a coat or jacket that you like. I'm currently working on a men's and women's AW15 fashion post so look out for that in a few week's time! Have a great week and half term if it's that time for you!

Tuesday, 27 October 2015

7 Last Minute Halloween Outfit Ideas!

Halloween is in just four days and if you need an outfit but have completely forgotten, you've come to the right place. Here are a few costume ideas that you can probably make with things straight from your own wardrobe. 



1. Mean Girls - this would be great if a group of you and your friends are going to a halloween party together and want a group outfit.. All you need to do is wear a pink shirt with either a tartan skirt or black leather skirt. You could also use another type of skirt if you don't have the previous ones listed. Don't forget the heels and small shoulder
handbag!



2. Lumberjack - all you need for this costume is a plaid shirt/flannel shirt, jeans, boots and maybe a beanie hat. Braces could be used, or dungarees too. Use either brown or black lace up type boots for a better effect. If you have one, or know where you could get one last minute, use a toy axe for the finishing touch.






3. Wednesday Addams - use a blouse with a white collar or black cardigan with a white blouse and wear a skirt to create this outfit. A black dress would also work just as well. Wear black tights with black shoes and wear your hair in two side braids to complete the look. 




4. Sandy from Grease (before AND after) - for the before look, pair a white dress and white trainers with a pastel coloured cardigan. Clip the top half of your hair back and leave your fringe down (if possible). To create the after costume, use black leggings (leather or wet look is best) with an off the shoulder black top or black vest top. Wear a chunky black belt, red heeled shoes or red pumps and have a leather jacket at hand too.




5. Danny from Grease - a white t-shirt, leather jacket, black trousers with white socks and black leather shoes is all it takes to look just like Danny Zuko on Halloween. Slick your hair back and try and leave out one bit for the curl he has at the front of his hair in the movie. Also from Grease, a group of you could all wear this look to create the 'T-Birds' outfit as a whole.




6. Rosie The Riveter - this is an icon a lot of people have seen, even if they don't know what she's called. All you need for this look is  a blue denim top and a bandana to tie around your head. For hair, check out this tutorial which shows you how to achieve the make up and hair look. 





7. Ghost - last but not least, the simplest outfit yet of literally just throwing a white sheet over you and cutting out some eye holes. Now you have no excuse not to dress up!





So, here was a few costume ideas if you're in need of a halloween costume, 
or just a fancy dress outfit. I hope this helped - I'd love to see if 
you've created any of these looks!

Monday, 19 October 2015

PROPERCORN Review

PROPERCORN have been my favourite popcorn brand for a long time, ever since I popped (excuse the pun) my first bag open at Liverpool Street Station a couple of years ago. PROPERCORN is stocked in all main supermarkets and is really good value - around 80p a pack depending where you buy it from.
The members of staff at the company are extremely friendly and the company's main aim is to keep the customer happy which I adore in a brand. I was lucky enough to be sent a huge box of 6 packs by PROPERCORN and I was over the moon! 

One of the things I particularly like about PROPERCORN is that it's an innovative brand with different types of popcorn that wouldn't usually be found on supermarket shelves. The only fault with their product is that it isn't produced in a bag bigger than 90g and how is a girl expected to have a movie night with only 90g of popcorn?! 

The flavours in the box were; Lightly Sea Salted, Sweet & Salty, Sweet Coconut & Vanilla, Fiery Worcester Sauce & Sun Dried Tomato, Sour Cream & Black Pepper and Smooth Peanut & Almond. I unfortunately can't eat the peanut & almond pack due to an allergy, but every other single flavour they've produced is incredible. I tried Sour Cream & Black Pepper for the first time earlier on and it has more of a kick to it than I anticipated but it's so good! The Fiery Worcester Sauce is probably my least favourite purely because I don't deal with hot and spicy flavours too well but if you love spice, you'll absolutely love this flavour of popcorn.


My favourite type of popcorn from PROPERCORN is between Sweet & Salty, and Lightly Sea Salted. Although they're the classics, I think they're the best because of how simple they are, but don't get me wrong I'm still totally in love with the more exotic flavours too. If you've never tried this brand of popcorn before, please go to the supermarket RIGHT NOW and try some (I promise you won't regret it, cross my heart).

Thank you again to PROPERCORN for sending me this box of goodies and I hope that for those of you who haven't tried it before, you get to experience the beautiful new world of popcorn. 
Have a great week!

Monday, 28 September 2015

Men's Jackets & Coats for AW15

If any of you guys are looking for a coat for this Autumn/Winter, you've come to the right place. I've done a ton of scouting online and have found 10 coats that I think are perfect for this season this year. The coats will be listed in ascending price order.

Obey Mercer Coaches Jacket

2. F&F Short Parka - £35






Next Bomber with Borg Collar



11. Next Sand Mac - £90


13. Obey Trekker Jacket - £120

14. Obey Hillman Parka - £140 


I hope you found something that you like and I'd love to know if you buy anything from the choices above! Have a great week. 

Tuesday, 22 September 2015

Pink Parcel September Review

Hey everyone! This post is definitely one for the girls, so boys if you aren't interested in a monthly subscription box for periods, I'd close your browser now. I've been using the monthly subscription company Pink Parcel for about a year now and I've loved every single package I've received. This month, they have changed the look and the general products in the box, adding more goodies to cheer you up when it's that time of the month...


When received in the post, the parcel comes in a black packet which saves potential awkwardness with your postman, which is great. No awkward exchanges with him knowing all your business - the parcels also fit through 94% of letterboxes, but it's just unfortunate that mine is in that 6% that doesn't, which kind of sucks but I'll get over it. The package only costs £12.99 per month and is filled with a ton of goodies to get you through that awful week each month - the goodies include chocolate, 
tea and of course some makeup!






First, on the goodies side of things is Bubble T Shower Jelly (£4) which smells absolutely incredible with it's summer fruits scent. Also in the box is a Bourjois Mascara (£7.99), Halo Make Up Remover Pads (£1.50), Doisy & Dam Date and Himalayan Pink Salt Chocolate (£1.75) - this is the yummiest chocolate EVER, LipGlam Lip Balm (£9.99), Arrow Pendant Necklace (£5), Novus Persian Pomegranate Tea and last but not least, a £25 (!) voucher for Hello Fresh







Pink Parcel have got a new addition to the package and it is a SASS Purifying Cleanser (£7) for...down there. The total worth of all the products is over £60, not including the cost of all the hygiene products such as pads/tampons etc. so you really are getting a lot for your money. The website gives a variety of pads and tampons for you to choose from and you get a really good amount of them, maybe a few too many, but at least you'll always be prepared. The pads/tampons come in boxes and also in a small bag which is perfect to keep in a handbag when you're out and about. 

I would seriously recommend subscribing to Pink Parcel as it makes that time of the month a lot more enjoyable, even setting your subscription so you receive them every two or three months is still really worth it and that's what I've been doing for the past year as I don't necessarily need them every month. I genuinely love every product I've received this month especially and I can't wait to wear my new make up and jewellery. Make sure to let me know if you are going to subscribe and if you already are, let me know how you're finding it! Have a lovely week!

Monday, 14 September 2015

10 Favourite Lipsticks of 2015!

So, I know the year isn't exactly over yet but I've been extremely into wearing lipsticks this year and I wanted to share with you the ones that have been my staple. There's a mixture of nudes and bold colours so there's something for everything! I have also swatched all of this lippies and I'll leave a picture at the bottom of the post! 

1. Models Own Colour Lip-Stix in 'Purple Pleasure' (£4.99) - anyone who knows me will know that this purple lipstick is my statement lippy. It goes everywhere with me and is my go-to colour. I have three of the other colours from this range but the purple is by far my favourite! When I use this lipstick, I pair it with my MAC Lip Pencil in the Shade 'Heroine'. 
2. NYX Chunky Dunk in 'Pink Bikini' ($6.00) - this shade is a subtle pink colour and gives a really lovely glossy finish. This is the other lipstick that is always with me and I tend to use it if I want a more natural looking lip colour. I bought this whilst in America so I'm not sure if it's available anywhere in the UK! 
3. REVLON Matte Colourburst in '210/Unapologetic' (£7.99) - this is a really bold red/pink colour and I find this really difficult to pair with an outfit as the colours tend to clash sometimes, but when I do find an outfit that this will go with (mainly a black outfit), I work this lippie!
4. Clarins Rouge Eclat in '05/Pink Berry' (£19.50) - this dark red/pink is perfect for the winter time and I found myself mainly wearing this in January/February time but I'm so excited to start wearing it again this Autumn. 
5. MAC Frost in 'New York Apple' (£15.50) - this lipstick was very much my holiday lipstick as I bought it whilst in New York in May. Whilst I adore the pearly red colour, I find that it bleeds very easily so if you were to use this lipstick I would definitely buy a lip liner to go with it. 
6. MAC Lustre in 'Politely Pink' (£15.50) - this pearlescent beigey pink is perfect if you prefer nude shades to bolds. It adds a really lovely touch to natural make up and doesn't bleed at all.
7. Rimmel Matte Apocalips in '505/Burning Lava' (£6.49) - the bold red of this makes me feel so fierce when I'm wearing it, you have no idea. I feel like every girl needs a bold red in her make up bag and this one is mine!
8. MAC Lustre in 'VIVA GLAM V' (£15.50) - this browny nude shade is so lovely when it hits the light as it shimmers and looks so beautiful! 
9. MAC Cremesheen in 'Crosswires' (£15.50)  - I also bought this when I was in New York and it's an amazing coral colour which I find really compliments my skin tone. It's yet again quite a bold colour but really looks amazing when it's on.
10. MAC Lustre in 'Lustering' (£15.50) - this is a beautiful pink colour and whilst it looks pretty bold in the tube, when it's on isn't as threatening as it looks. 
Swatch of the 10 lipsticks
(in order of the listing)





I hope you've found a few lipsticks that you might be interested in purchasing! I'd love to find out which ones you liked. Don't forget that my voucher code 'STYLEBLOG' for To Die For Swimwear is only valid for two more weeks! Thank you for reading, have a lovely week.




Wednesday, 9 September 2015

10 Toothpaste Life Hacks!

So, there's actually a ton of ways that toothpaste (yes, toothpaste) can be used other than for cleaning your teeth. These toothpaste hacks include removing stains, cleaning and polishing. Make sure to use non-gel toothpaste for each of these hacks!


  1. Removing scuffs from leather/patent shoes: Just squirt a pea-sized amount onto the scuffed area of the shoe and rub it in circular motions with a soft cloth, then wipe away with a damp cloth when done.
  2. Getting rid of small scratches on phone screen: As done before, put a small dab of toothpaste onto a cloth and rub the scratch for a few minutes, applying a small amount of pressure. Once done, wipe away with a clean cloth. (This is subjective to how deep the scratch is!)
  3. Polishing jewellery/diamonds: Use an old toothbrush to gently brush some toothpaste onto the jewellery to create a shine, then wipe away afterwards.
  4. Preventing fogging on bathroom mirrors: Coat some toothpaste onto the mirror and then wipe clean before showering/bathing to prevent it from getting all foggy.
  5. Polishing/Shining metal and silverware: To remove fingerprints or just give a general shine, use a soft cloth to apply toothpaste in circular motions onto chrome like metal in bathrooms and kitchens.
  6. Removing crayon from walls: If a child has drawn crayon all over your walls, just use the previous methods of applying toothpaste and then wiping away, this time with a damp cloth.
  7. Removing ink or makeup from clothing: Put toothpaste on the clothing item and vigorously rub the fabric together, it may take a few attempts to entirely remove the stain and may not work depending on the fabric and the ink, but it's definitely worth a try!
  8. Getting rid of pimples or spots: This may cause potential irritation if you have sensitive skin, so if that's the case I would give this one a miss. But if not, apply toothpaste by dabbing it on the spot and leave it overnight to dry on the skin. By the morning, it will have dehydrated the spot causing it to be easily removed! When you wake up, wash your face thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any excess toothpaste.
  9. Easily removing watermarks from wooden tables: Using a soft cloth, rub on toothpaste to the watermark and then wipe away with a damp cloth, letting it dry before making sure to apply furniture polish.
  10. Cleaning the rubber trims on shoes: After scrubbing the rubber trims and soles of the shoes, wipe with a damp cloth.  
I hope some of these toothpaste life hacks help you out in a time of need.
I hope you have a lovely week!

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

Exciting Collab with To Die For Swimwear!

School time is nearly here which means it's time for all the teenagers in the world to become miserable again, but saving me from sinking into the deep pit of sadness is To Die For Swimwear.

To Die For have been absolutely incredible and have given me my very own voucher code for their website specifically for all you lovely people to use! The voucher code will only be valid until the 28th September so make sure to steal this code quickly! The voucher code you need to use is 'STLYEBLOG'.  Free shipping will be given at the checkout when the code is used which will give you a saving of around £10 (the bikinis are shipped from Stockholm, Sweden).

To Die For is a company who create high quality, stunning bikinis for all of you who are on the hunt for a new favourite brand. They've been featured in magazines such as Cosmopolitan, which has further increased their success as a company. The bikinis designed and sold by To Die For are innovative and creative and a must have in anyone's wardrobe. Their Kenzi collection is insanely beautiful and is not one to miss out on! 

Another thing I adore about To Die For is that they "believe in healthy, not skinny". Before casting their models, they ensure they're eating properly, so as to not follow in the footsteps of supermodels who are literally starving themselves to be accepted in the modelling industry. To Die For donates money to international foundations for eating disorders, a further push to change the outlook of society upon not only models, but all people. 

I'm extremely excited to be able to share the collaboration with To Die For as they're a company I've adored for a long time! I hope many of you take advantage of this unique voucher code and I hope you all have a lovely week, despite school starting back up again (good luck)!

Monday, 24 August 2015

Favourite TCAs 2015 Fashion!

The annual Teen Choice Awards were recently held on the 16th August, which calls for outfit critique time! Below, I'm going to choose my favourite outfits from this year's awards and show which celebs slayed! 

Emma Roberts




Emma Roberts was turning heads on the TCAs blue carpet this year and was wearing a Peter Pilotto Kara Dress, with her entire outfit racking up a total of around $7,400 (ouch!). Her subtle choice of jewellery provided a very elegant overall look. The body con style of the dress perfectly complimented the actress' figure, with the Stuart Weitzman 'Nudist Sandals' completing the look.






Rita Ora





This popstar chose to wear a red suit...a bold and risky move if you ask me, but she totally pulled it off. Rita paired her $700 blazer with a pair of Ottavia trousers and some Versace platformed sandals. Her mildly dyed pink hair complimented the red, making her stand out on the blue carpet. One thing I would change is the colour of her shoes - maybe a black pair would have really made the red POP!





Pretty Little Liars Cast (Yes, all of them!)

So, I was going to go into depth on just a couple of the PLL cast, but they all look so amazing so why not highlight them all! Whilst they all looked absolutely incredible whilst collecting the award of Choice TV Show: Drama, can we just give a moment of silence for how stunning Shay Mitchell looks in that Versace dress?! *Love Heart Eye Emoji*!! Tyler Blackburn also looks super cool in that burgundy suit of his! Go PLL!

I hope you all enjoyed your weekend and the couple of days' sunshine we had!