Girly Shopping Day In Bath

Very recently myself and one of my closest friends ventured into Bath City Centre for a girly shopping day. I was very excited, as it had been a while since I went into town with anyone and also a little while since I had been shopping. The main reason we went in was for my friend, but I managed to pick a few bits and pieces here and there. Frist stop was Frankie & Bennies, I love this restaurant the Italian food with the feel of New York is a brilliant concept. I opted for the Louisiana Wrap; it is a mixture of chicken, salad and the wonderful Louisiana hot sauce. Just delicious! 

After eating we ventured into town and the first stop was Jolly’s, or to you and me House of Fraser, the department store is like a Tardis, never ending and with many wonderful things to look at!  We found ourselves at the MAC department and my friend went to town on bits she needed to repurchase. As she was testing some products I wandered around to see if there was anything that caught my eye. I needed to repurchase my Studio Fix Powder so I quickly snatched that up and I then found myself at the eyeshadows. They are beautiful. 

The main thing I had wanted to get was the quad eyeshadow palette as they only coats £5.00! Which I think is an absolute bargain. It means that I can slowly build up the palette and create a eyeshadow quad that I can take with me wherever I go due to its slimness. I purchased one eyeshadow in the colour ‘Cranberry’ as I do not have a colour like this; the eyeshadow is a beautiful dark purple/pink colour and provides a lovely pop of colour to the eyes. 

We then moved onto Primark, again I only purchased a few things, which you can see in a Primark Haul here. It was a lovely day and I love going into Bath City Centre because it is such a beautiful place. The architecture is incredible and very inspiring for a budding writer such as myself! 

ShannonKims 

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A Once in a Lifetime Experience

Last Friday posed the day for the Eclipse, the moment when the moon would be perfectly aliened in front of the Sun and I was one of the many people excited to see it. I made sure to set my alarm 10 minutes before the event was supposed to happen to ensure I would be in the perfect place to see it. At 9:20am my alarm went off and I opened my blinds, being on the top floor in my Uni housing I was very lucky to be able to sit at my desk and watch as the events unfolded. 

The next eclipse would not be until 2090 and the idea that I may never see one again was what urged me out of my bed. I had my camera, phone and sunglasses at the ready! When I got to the window it was happening earlier than anticipated for Bath. It was still quite an amazing sight though and I was fortunate enough to see it, as only and hour and a half away my parents were unable to see this wonderful thing due to the horrendous cloud coverage. In bath, although it was slightly cloudy, the eclipse still managed to peek through the clouds and more importantly they were pictured by my camera and phone meaning I could send the photos to my parents. 

By 9:30 it was covered, although not completely because the event not being a total eclipse. This also meant it did not go dark, but it was still a wonderful sight. This may seem as a cliché post but I wanted to share and remember an experience I might not get again! 

Did you see the event?

ShannonKims

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Lip Liner Saviour!

My favourite lip routine has changed since I have found the L’Oreal Lip liner Couture in the colour Bois de Rose, the colour is very beautiful; reminding me of the Kylie Jenner look, it has rose undertones and is perfect for everyday use. I use the liner to fill in all of my lips, this way the colour last for hours without smudging and when lipstick fades the liner is still there. 

The liner is extremely creamy and glides effortlessly onto the lips, it does not feel like it is causing my lips to drag or crack. It also keeps my lips moisturised throughout the day as I have the tendency to get extremely dry lips causing lipstick to set into the cracks. I have yet to try any other colour in the range but I would love to see how they live up to this colour! 

What is your favourite lip liner? 

ShannonKims

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Let's Contour and Highlight - Seventeen

The craze of contour and highlighting palettes has slowly started to hit the drugstore shops hard in the US, but the speed at which they are coming to the UK is ridiculously show. However, one brand that were quick on the march of getting their contour palette out there was ‘Seventeen’; they are the sister brand of No7 and slightly cheaper. The palette is called the ‘Define and Conquer Contour kit’. 

Although it doesn’t say on packaging my one is in the shade fair, and I’m pretty sure there is one up from this, however, I am unsure what the name of this one was. The packaging is sleek and reminds me of the elf packaging, it would be perfect for travelling, as it doesn’t take up much room. The products themselves are super pigmented so you do not need to be heavy handed with your brush.

Personally I like to use the Real Techniques contour brush from the Bold Metals collection. I use a dabbing motion to apply the contour colour onto the brush and then make sure to tap any excess product off. The powder to me doesn’t seem chalky at all and glides seamlessly across my cheekbones, it blends out lovely and doesn’t leave any harsh lines. 

The highlighter colour is equally as lovely, each product has a very creamy texture allowing the brush to glide beautifully with the product on the face. I like to use the highlighting powder under my eyes to brighten, down my nose and then finally on my forehead and chin. I was slightly surprise that the highlighter has no shimmer in it, but I love that it doesn’t, it means it brightens the face without making me look like a disco ball. 

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this product. At only £5.99 it is definitely worth the price and it has been a current regular in my make up routine. 

What is your favourite contour kit? 

ShannonKims 

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A Black and White Themed Primark Haul

Everyone loves a good Primark haul and for me they are my favourite blog posts to read and also my favourite youtube videos to watch. I recently became inspired by some of the items from Zoella’s Primark haul and therefore wanted to find some of my own pieces. I don’t shop in Primark as much as I used to due to my Uni budget (and also because I prefer make up over clothes) but I thought I would allow myself a few little treats. 

The first thing I picked up was a regular t-shirt; I wanted something simple and plain to match with a pair of high waisted jeans. The colour is a beautiful light pink with coral writing. It is French theme so completely fits with my personality and cost only £4.00. On this trip I also purchased a pair of light blue dolly shoes and for only £4.00 they are extremely comfortable. I also thought they would be an excellent way to add a pop of colour to my wardrobe as the majority of it’s very dark. I also purchased a set of three necklaces, each is very dainty and I love the look of these with almost any outfit and only cost me £3.00. 

The next item of clothing I purchased was an off the shoulder top, it has black and white strips and it perfect with a pair of high waisted shorts and also jeans. I also purchased a blue and white-stripped jumper; it has a chiffon back that adds another dimension to the jumper and cute detailing on the sleeves, and cost only £5.00.

My favourite item I purchased was a monochrome dress. I love this dress as it has chiffon sleeves and two different black and white patterns. It comes with a small black belt that brings the dress in at the waist. The dress is also extremely lightweight and comfortable. I like to match it with a pair of black ankle boots and it brings the look together. It’s also the most expensive item I bought at £13.00, but still an absolute bargain!

The theme of the majority of my items seem to have been black and white, it was not something that I intended to do but I have to say I love how it happened. The final item was in the sale and it’s this beautiful cardigan that has black and white thread inter-woven. It was on sale for only £5.00 and I think it will be brilliant in the spring as it’s a very lightweight material. 

ShannonKims

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Make Up Brush Collection: Eyes

As with my face make up brushes I have quite a few brushes for the eyes. Unlike the face brushes I have a variety of eye brushes from a variety of different brands. I have a mixture of Real Techniques, Jane Iredale and also a few from MAC and one from Urban Decay. 

The four brushes I use to pack colour onto the eyelids. The first came in the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, and is duo ended. I only use the shorter of the two sides and this is when I want to make a colour really pop in the centre of my eyelid. The next two brushes are from Real Techniques, in the Niks Picks collection. Unfortunately, the name has rubbed off on the first, but is brilliant for adding colour all over the eyelid and is super soft. The next is the Angled Shadow Brush and I like to use this in the inner corner and also to highlight the brow bone. The final is from MAC and it is the 287SE, it is a duo fibre brush so leaves the eye looking very natural. 

Next I have three blending brushes. The first is from Jane Iredale and I use this when I want to create a transition colour in the crease of the eyelid. The next is the MAC 286SE, it’s a very soft blending brush and I like to use it with extremely dark colours in the outer part of the eye. The third brush is also from MAC and is the 217 and is my favourite eye brush. It blends seamlessly into the crease and I use it everyday. 

 The final two brushes for eyeshadow are ones I use to apply a dark shade into the outer part of my eye. They both come in the form of a dome brush and are brilliant at creating a sharp look. They are from the Real Techniques Bold Metals range and also Jane Iredale. 

The last two brushes in my collection are Angled Liner/ Brow brushes. The first is from Jane Iredale and I use it to apply my Brow Zings by Benefit. I love the way this brush makes my eyebrows look very natural and does not cake them in product. The final brush is from Real Techniques and I use this with my MAC Fluidline to create a precise line along the lashes. 

What is your favourite eye brush?

ShannonKims 

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Make Up Brush Collection: Face

I love make up brushes. There is no need for me to deny it and because of this I thought a brush collection would be the perfect blog post. I am going to split this post into two and separate the face brushes from the eye brushes. 

The difference in applying your make up with a brush than with your hands is drastic. You can create different looks with different brushes, some can give you a fuller coverage look and others can create a more natural look. The majority of my brushes are Real Techniques, with a few MAC brushes here and there. 

Real Techniques brushes are so affordable and also of good quality. I feel that if I want to buy a make up brush I will automatically navigate to this brand to find the perfect one I need. MAC is also slowly becoming another favourite of mine, however, they’re a lot more expensive but the quality is impeccable. 

All of my face brushes apart from one are Real Techniques. 

I have four brushes that I specifically love to use for foundation; these are the Expert Face Brush, the Buffing Brush and finally the Cheek `brush. All create a full coverage look but my favourite at the moment is the ‘Cheek Brush’ although it suggests using it for blusher or bronzer, I prefer to use it for my foundation. The other two brushes are extremely dense, and although I like them sometimes I think they do not give as good of effect as the Cheek Brush. It moves easier and glides across my face for a flawless look. The final brush I like to use for foundation is my MAC 187SE brush, I use this with my MAC Studio Fix Foundation as I feel it gives the best result. 

Next are two powder brushes, the ‘Powder Brush; and then also the ‘Duo-Fibre Brush’. The Duo-Fibre brush creates a natural look for a causal look. The ‘Powder Brush’ is something I use everyday and I love the effect it creates, I will use this brush with my MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation and it creates the most flawless look. 

Next onto blusher and bronzer, there are two sets of brushes I like to use and some create a more defined look. I have two of the ‘Blush Brushes’ that I use for both blush and bronzer; they create a lovely look due to the shape and texture. Then the next two brushes are from the Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection and they are the 301 which is a contour brush and then the 300 which is a blush brush. I like to use the 300 with highlighters under my eyes and along the tops of my check bones and then the contour brush is one of my new favourites it create definition on the face and is just an all round lovely brush. 

Stay Tuned for my eye brushes very soon! 

What is your favourite brush? 

ShannonKims 

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MAC Viva Glam II Lipstick Review

I recently purchased this lipstick a couple of weeks ago, as I wanted to find the perfect nude colour that didn’t make my lips look non-existent. The lipstick has hints of brown undertones making the lipstick very chic and timeless. It’s perfect during the day, for a toned down look, as the lipstick adds something extra to the face. 

I have always been slightly afraid of nude lipsticks as I feel I am more suited to dark colours, such as reds and dark pinks. However, on application of this lipstick I instantly knew it was for me. It is super creamy and glides effortlessly across my lips. I love how it feels and also how it makes any make up look better. 

MAC Viva Glam II is fast becoming my current favourite lipstick!

What is your current favourite nude lipstick? 

ShannonKims 

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Birchbox March 2015

My first two Birchboxes of the year were brilliant, and I was extremely happy with the majority of products I have received in each. Therefore, I had high expectations for March. Opening the packaging I was pleasantly welcomed by the vibrant patterns, both eye catching and delightfully beautiful the box topped last months, which had been very dull and slightly disappointing on opening, though the contents were anything but. 

The bright packaging didn’t stop my disappointment unfortunately. The first two boxes I received contained little pouches that held the products. It meant there was more to open and felt like you had just received a present. I was sad this did not have a pouch as it meant the products were easy to be seen. The second thing that caught my attention was nothing was full sized, every item was travel sized.  

Firstly, the many leaflets that comes with the box. For starters we see Birchbox warming us for the next box and with the hint of Laura Mercier I can say I’m already excited. Next is a 20% off voucher for Habitat, honestly I have never heard of them before so I’m unsure if I will use it but I will certainly have a look on their website. Next are the trusty little postcards I have received in every box, titled ‘Do try this at home’ and coloured as the paint samples they are beautiful little things. 

Onto the products...

The first thing that catches my eye is the Benefit Roller Lash. For this box you had the opportunity to pick which benefit Sample you wanted to try. Unfortunately I missed this opportunity, as I expected an email to state where to select which sample I wanted, but this does not seem to be the case. Therefore, I am slightly disappointed in this sample as I have tried it before and it is not my favourite mascara from Benefit. However, I do love travel-sized mascaras, as they are perfect to take away with me when I am on a weekend break. 

Next is a sample of the Catherine Malandrino Perfume. I’ve never heard of this brand before but I love the black chic packaging. The perfume is sweet but not too overpowering, which I like as I hate perfumes that are too floral and overpowering everything. 

I also received a Lord & Berry Kohl-liner, this sample is extremely small and I think I may have trouble holding onto it to create a steady line and therefore may use on my waterline only. 

For skincare I received the Whish Body Butter, the scent is lovely and the product claims to moisturise, firms and also purifies. This is a lot of things to claim to do, so I am excited to use this product. 

The final thing I am most excited for and it is the Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. This product is an intensive, super-conditioning, pre-shampoo treatment for all hair types. I have never tried anything from this brand before, but I have read many good reviews on it. 

The final two items in the box are a small notepad from habitat that will fit perfectly inside a small purse. And then a sample of a new novel by Penny Vincenzi call ‘A Perfect Heritage’ I am a book worm through and through so I love the idea of testing a book before you read it. 

Overall, I am a bit disappointed in this month’s Birchbox due to all the wonderful items I previously received. I think that this month has slacked slightly in the product department, and the notepad and book sampler have replaced what could have been two lovely beauty items. A box that looked so promising has not lived up to its expectations so unfortunately the lively lid covered up for the disappointment inside. 

I look forward to April’s box! 

ShannonKims

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Secret Beauty Product

Sudocream has been a regular product in my make up bag for many months now; this is because of its multiple uses. Most people believe it is just for nappy rash but it can be used for many different things as well. One of my favourite ways to use Sudocream is as an over night regenerative mask, it both moisturises and nourishes my skin throughout the night, leaving it fresh in the morning. I can go through stages where my skin can appear extremely dry in places and to prevent this from happening I apply a generous amount to my face. If however, I have one particular dry patch I will apply a small amount of Sudocream to the area and it will soon disappear. 

Another good use for sudocream is to mix it with your current foundation and this creates a tinted moisturiser. It is brilliant for the warmer weather and for the days when you do not want to wear a lot of make up. It creates the perfect base, nothing to heavy or cakey. 

Do you use Sudocream? Is so how and why? 

ShannonKims 

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Not Your Best Real Techniques

The prospect of the new Real Techniques Bold Metals brushes had the entire beauty blogging world in a spin, and at the new expensive prices should have made the quality impeccable. I have three of the brushes, the contour brush being my favourite by far. One brush I bought was the 201 brush, which is a short blending brush. I was extremely excited to receive it as I don’t have one like this in my collection. It’s small enough to create a harsh crease in the contour of the eye and is perfect with a black colour to create definition.

Whilst the idea of this brush is brilliant I am not impressed with it. The brush is extremely rough and hurts as I apply it to my eyelids. For brushes that were supposed to be luxurious I am really disappointed, the tip is very sharp and the bristles are not as soft as I expected. The shape and look, however, is beautiful, very eye-catching and very difficult to turn away from. But I would suggest to anyone to invest in the MAC 217 brush instead; it’s only slightly more expensive and definitely worth it.

Thought I love my contour and blush brush, this is wish I hadn’t purchased. But have you purchased? If so what do you think?

ShannonKims

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Coat of the Month

I love it when I receive a new coat, the figure hugging texture combined with the bold colour, reflects against my skin tone and hair colour. Then it breaks. It left me feeling gutted and truly disheartened as I had only had it for a couple of months! Taking it back to F&F at Tesco’s they could only give me £12, as it is last season’s design and had been put in the sale. Luckily, a few coats were still on sale and I managed to find this beauty in amongst the mess. It's an a-lined, duo colour coat that is figure flattering as well as being extremely warm and comforting. 

The coat has three quarter sleeves so in the winter months it’s important to wear a jumper or a thick cardigan underneath. I couldn’t believe I could find a coat like this in F&F and also for the price that I was able to get it for. The sale price came down to £15.00 so I only had to pay £3.00 for the coat, which was an absolute bargain!! 

As the spring months are slowly creeping towards us I also feel this coat will be perfect in the warmer weather due to its lightweight texture and shorter sleeves. The coat is also perfect as it goes with many different outfits. I love to match it with a pair of black or white high waisted jeans and a pair of ankle boots, or I will style it with a beautiful dark coloured dress and a pair of heeled booties. The coat is also set off perfectly with a dark red lipstick. 

ShannonKims 

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Urban Decay Naked On The Run Palette Review

I received this palette a couple of months ago as a gift from my mum. The palette is the perfect way to have everything you need for your face except foundation, concealer, powder etc. Starting the palette off is the eyeshadows, which look extremely promising and very beautiful. I believe some of the shades are exclusive colours. However, some of the shades I am very disappointed in due to the pigmentation, I had expected them to be just as pigmented as the naked 3 and Basics palettes. They are however extremely pigmented when I use MAC’s Fix+ on my eyeshadow brushes, but I am disappointed I have to do this in order for the eyeshadows to be a the colour I want. 

Below the eyeshadows are a bronzer and blusher, I love to use the bronzer for contouring as it blends out seamlessly and doesn’t leave any harsh dark patches in the contours on my cheeks. The blush although looks to be very pink, is an very subtle and light coloured blusher that is perfect on the apple of my cheeks. Next to the blush and the bronzer there is a slightly larger eyeshadow that can be used as a highlighting colour. 

Above the eyeshadows there is a eye liner and also a mascara, the eyeliner claims to be  24 hours and is in the colour Stag, which has hints of bronze and gold glitter that makes the eyes pop and shine. I have a review on the perversion mascara, which you can read here. The final thing in the kit is the naked Lipgloss in the colour Sesso, the lipgloss looks perfect over the top of any nude lipstick and also on it's own. Honestly I would have preferred if the kit contained a lipstick, as this is just what I opt for. The palette is visually beautiful and contains a very big mirror on the inside, which is also a plus for whenever I go travelling a need a mirror on the go. 

Have you tried this palette before, if so what was your favourite part of it? 

ShannonKims 

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