NOTD: Models Own Bows

It may not look like it, but I would go as far to say that this is probably the most difficult nail design I've done, due to the fiddly technique it takes with the brush to get the triangular bow shape. But saying that, I'm pleased with how this turned out.  It's not my best, but it's definitely not my worst. I used Models Own Utopia as a base colour, Models Own Pink Blush for the bows, and the Models Own and Wah Nail Art Pen to outline the bows. This is such a cute and fun nail design, and I'll be trying it with other colours sometime soon I'm sure, maybe a pink and a blue?

I'm spending today revising for my Media Studies A2 exam tomorrow, and like a complete and utter idiot I've left basically all my revision to do today. I can see a big fail coming in August. I just can't wait for these exams to be over, my last one is Wednesday, and then its freedom! If you have exams, then I hope they're all going well! Also, I'm compiling a reading list for the Summer, do any of you have any recommendations?

Review: Maybelline New York Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting

I recently won this cream blush in a giveaway over on Rachael's blog. As I mentioned in my previous post about the prizes I won, before actually winning the giveaway I had seen a review on an American blog. I searched far and wide on the internet for this little beauty. Unfortunately, I had absolutely no luck, as this product seems to currently only be available on the other side of the Atlantic ocean. Before this, I had never tried a cream blush before. This is mainly due to the bright pigmentation of the product in the palette scaring me off. However, after trying this hot pink with a hint of coral shade, I can say that the product blends out to reveal a more subtle shade of pink (hallelujah!).

Claims: "Feels lightweight like a powder, yet melts into the skin like a cream".

Texture: I agree with the product claims. The texture is silky smooth, and blends easily on the skin. Described as a "bouncy" blush, the product in the pan is gel-like, and is easily build-able whether you want a natural or a bold finish to your make-up.

Application: I used my finger to apply the product, which I believe gives the best finish. I however haven't tried a brush with the product, as I don't think it would work with the formula of the blush.

Packaging: I have to admit, it was the packaging that really enticed me to want to try this product in the first place. I love the dome like shape, which coincides with the presentation of the product itself, and the font gives the packaging a fun image. The size of the packaging is also compact enough to carry around in your make-up bag.

Lasting Power: This is the only negative I have about this product. After applying at around 8am in the morning, the product only lasted visibly well for around four hours of wear after sealing with a powder. I'm unsure if this is due to my skin type (combination skin), as it can tend to be quite oily and therefore may be the reason for the lack of lasting power.

Overall, I really like this product. I especially love the texture, and I'm definitely planning on trying out some more cream blushes as I love the dewy effect they leave on the skin. I wish the lasting power was better, but I'm willing to forget about this. If only this product was available in the UK, maybe soon Maybelline? If it was I'd be straight down to Superdrug to purchase some other shades!

USA Goodies - I won my first giveaway!

I'm not making this post in any way to boast that I won a giveaway, but I just had to share the lovely prizes I won from the giveaway over on Rachael's blog Green Finch and Linnet Bird. I was so thrilled to win my first giveaway, and especially this one. How awesome is it that all these goodies are from America? I recieved a Peach Bellini scented candle from Bath and Bodyworks, a Wet and Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Sweet As Candy, an EOS Lipbalm in Summer Fruits, and a Maybelline New York Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting.

Bath and Bodyworks Slatkin & Co Candle in Peach Bellini
I'm actually in love with the scent of this candle, it's beautiful. If I'm honest, I have sat for at least five minutes sniffing it. I'm not weird at all am I? I wouldn't actually label myself as a 'candle person' (whatever one of those is) but I may have been converted. I'm still yet to light this up, but when I do I'm sure it will make my bedroom smell absolutely divine.

Wet 'n' Wild Eyeshadow Trio in Sweet As Candy
For an inexperienced eyeshadow user like me, this is a great 'eyeshadow for dummies' kind of product. When I do take the plunge and wear eyeshadow, I always go for natural colour's so the shades in this trio are just perfect. I'll probably do a more in-depth review about this product (how often do I say that?). Unfortunately as far as I know this is only available in the US of A. But, if you find a link, do share!

EOS (Evolution of smooth) Lip Balm in Summer Fruit
I love this Lip Balm, it's totally unique to any I've seen before. People are always a bit surprised when I wack this out of my bag and start rubbing it on my lips, but I can't blame them, it is pretty weird looking! The shape is actually great for application though, and it's far more hygienic than dipping your finger into a pot (eww bacteria!). The packaging also claims that is it 100% natural, and 95% organic, what a bonus.

Maybelline New York Bouncy Blush in Pink Frosting
I was so thrilled to win this cream blush. I'm not lying when I say that a couple of weeks before winning the giveaway I was actually searching far and wide across the internet, well with the help of Google of course, to find somewhere I could buy this but with no luck. I just love the look of this product, the texture is so lovely as well. I'm going to do a more in depth review of this product in the near future.

Just a final massive thank you to Rachael for her generosity, you should all go and check out her lovely blog. I'm pretty sure she already knows how much I love this prize after the emails I sent her gushing over how excited I was, I was like a little girl at Christmas. Who doesn't love free stuff?

#2 Week (and a bit) in Photos - Jubilee and The Maccabees

Models Own Collection | Last Day of School Jubilee Theme | Last Day Messages
BBQ in the Rain | Body Shop Goodies | Peanut Butter, Chocolate Spread and Banana on Toast
Body Shop Foot Soak | The Maccabees Tickets | Me and Allie ready for an 18th Party
Malibu and Cola | Lost my Fake Tan Virginity | More and Glamour Magazine with Benefit Free Gift

Wow, can you believe I've posted consecutively for two days? Must be a record breaker! I'll admit, as it says in the title, this is a week and a bit in photos. But, I haven't posted about 'life' in a while so I thought I'd include a few photos out of the week period. Last Friday, I finished school forever. Well, saying that I could be back in September to do Year 14, but I've applied to go to college instead for a year which I think I'd much rather prefer! Fingers crossed for me guys, please. The day was Jubilee themed, as you can see in the photo of me and my mate Becca sporting Umbrella hats, Union Jack Flags, and the Queen and Prince Philip masks. I won't lie, they scared me so much, they were SO freaky, especially when your friends decide to chase you around the house in them. It's not my birthday until July 7th which I'll be in Poland for, but Allie surprised me with tickets to go and see The Maccabees at Alexandra Palace on Friday. They were honestly amazing, it was their biggest headline show to date and it was pretty mental in there. I also lost my fake tan virginity, and i'm loving being bronzed rather than looking like Caspa the ghost all the time. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm officially a fake tan convert.

So, I hope you all had a lovely week (and a bit?). Two more exams to go, and then the Summer begins! I'm getting majorly excited for June 24th, as I was lucky enough to get tickets to Radio 1 Hackney Weekend, so it will be off to LDN once again. It's a shame the train tickets have gone up by £7.00! I could be spending that on other crap I don't really need. Hope you're all lovely and well.

A Trip to London Town - Featuring The Diner

A couple of weeks ago, I embarked on an adventure to London with my best friend Allie. Originally, I had turned down the idea due to upcoming exams, but after having a pretty stressful time I thought I deserved a bit of fun and time away from the small market town I live in. The main intention of the day was to spend a load of money I didn't really have (and definitely don't have now) and to end up at The Diner for dinner. We started off at Westfields shopping center in Stratford, where we raided Pinkberry for chocolate flavoured frozen yoghurt treats. What a healthy breakfast. I went for the chocolate flavoured yoghurt with toppings of peanut butter crunch, brownie bites, and strawberries. Allie went for the healthier option as you can see.

After having a look around the shops, we decided to go to the other Westfields shopping Center in Shepard's Bush to check out the Models Own Bottleshop, with me being a Models Own obsessed freak and all. Unfortunately the tubes were all messed up so we couldn't actually get to Shepards Bush which I was really quite gutted about. Instead, we took a detour to Leicester Square and ended up in M&M's World which was naturally full of tourists buying highly overpriced M&M themed merchandise from underwear, tea-towels, cushions, to footballs, and a wall literally filled from floor to ceiling of a rainbow of M&M's. 

After the strange experience of M&M's World, we took the tube over to Covent Garden to search for The Diner. We ended up taking the long way round, but eventually discovered the American themed restaurant. It was everything I'd hoped it to be, the decor, the atmosphere, and the food was all amazing, and the milkshakes were just DIVINE! I went for the tradtional strawberry flavour, but there were other flavours like Pistachio, Banana, and even an option to add peanut butter to the shake for a small extra charge. 

Food wise, I chose the BBQ Chicken Burger, and shared a portion of fries with Allie who went for Pancakes and syrup. Prices were actually a lot cheaper than I imagined they would be. I've been back since, and I'm sure I'll be back once again! The food was served in authentic American diner baskets which I thought was a really nice touch.

So, that was my day in London doing touristy things. Most of the time I only really go to London to go to gigs, so it was nice to be a tourist for the day. I was back in London on Friday to see The Maccabees at Alexandra Palace, a lovely early birthday present from Allie. They were amazing live, but I'm still feeling the pain from being pushed around and punched in the face a couple of times (ouch!). I have two exams left and then I'm possibly free from Sixth Form, seeing as I've now applied for college instead of going to year 14 next year. Hopefully I get a place, I think I need a fresh start like a lot of my friends are getting this year.