30 day blogger challenge: my 5 favourite films

In no particular order here’s  some of my faves! 

Obviously the First one has to be White chicks!  

 I can literally watch this every time it’s on TV. Which is probably once every 2 weeks knowing what English telly is like. It never gets old! 

Second-Labyrinth!  

 Again another ill never get bored of. I know the whole film word for word, including the songs.  I even saved the soundtrack on spotify to listen to on the way to work. 🙊 Too much? Okay I’ll say no more on that. 

Third- Napoleon Dynamite!  

 No one I know gets it but I laughed the whole way through! I love it. Oh And I’d totally vote for Pedro #justsaying 

Fourth- Father of the bride! 

 Again another that never gets boring. Frank or Fronk as he pronounced, was my fave character.

Last but not least- Drop dead Fred!  

  My best friend & I would have sleepovers when we were young and watch this every week without fail! And I’m happy to say my 10 year old loves it just as much as I do! 

What’s your favourite film? Let me know in the comments. 

Hope you enjoyed 🙂 

Sam x 

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30 day blogger challenge: my make up brushes

  
I never realised just how important make up brushes were until about a year ago. 

I’d always used my hands and a sponge applicator until I discovered the real techniques brushes on the pixiwoo channel. They literally changed my life. And I’m not exaggerating. It’s amazing how those tiny wooden sticks with fluff on the end can completely transform the way you apply your make up.

 I went on a bit of a mad one a while ago buying brushes in all different shapes and sizes and by different brands, high street & high end until I finally learned how to use them and what each one was for. It was an expensive mistake put it that way. As a lot of them I don’t even use. 
I’ll go through my favourites just to show how many from my collection I actually use regularly to hopefully give you an idea of what not to waste money on if you only wanted to invest in maybe one or two.

I have a mixture of brands from high end to high street: Real techniques, Mac, Sigma, Royal & Langnickel, Bare minerals, Lancôme, Illamasqua, Japonesque etc. And I used to be a firm believer in ‘buy cheap buy twice’ but to be completely honest with experience it isn’t necessary to spend a lot. 

 My Real techniques collection 

My ‘couldn’t live without’ brush has to be the real techniques buffing brush. (5th from right) 

I use it every day to buff in my foundation, it gives nice even coverage but can also be used to apply blush/bronzer/powder.

The expert face brush is a close second. (4th from right) I use this on the days where I need extra coverage. 

The sculpting brush (far right) is perfect for those that are new to contouring. But I personally prefer the actual contouring brush (3rd from right) it’s just a matter of preference. 

The stippling brush (second from right) is good for achieving that ‘airbrushed’ look. I use it on a night out where I sometimes wear a bit more make up. It’s also nice to apply cream products (cream blush or highlighter) 

  Mac contouring brush & real techniques sculpting brush. 

I do use my Mac contouring brush occasionally, it gives a more precise contour (if you like the really chiselled cheekbone look then this is for you) but I’d say it’s probably best for a make up artists kit rather than an everyday make up brush. So In my opinion don’t bother, it is on the pricey side too at just under £40.

 Eyes  L-r Sigma blending e25, Mac 239,253,212 & royal & langnickel bc445

The Mac 253 & 212 push liner brushes are my favourite for lining. I can’t apply liner to save my life wether it be from a pot,liquid liner, cake etc but these little lovelies make my life easier. The push liner gives a nice soft line for daytime when used with black or brown eyeshadow, also a perfect look for older ladies as it’s less harsh than a dark black liquid or pencil liner. 

The Mac 239 is again one I use every day, perfect for packing colour onto the lid. But it isn’t an essential. There are many more that will do the same but it was a brush I THOUGHT I needed months ago. 

The sigma e25 & R&L bc445 are my favourites for blending. Blending used to be something that was hit and miss for me but these brushes literally do all the hard work for me. So id definitely recommend them, they are reasonably priced too. I picked up the R&L brush at the Olympia beauty show for less than £6. And the sigma was less than £10 although customs charged me £14 for the set I purchased 😬 

Crown & karla brushes are on my wish list but if you’ve tried them let me know your recommendations! 

So they were my brushes! Hope you enjoyed! 

Do you have any favourite brushes that you can’t live without? Let me know in the comments! 

Tomorrow’s post is my favourite mascaras. 

Sam 🙂 x

30 day blogger challenge: things that stress me out

As I pre warned you yesterday this could be a long one. 

I’ll add things as I think of them. 

Driving! 

People who can’t drive, people who think they can drive, people who are on their phones whilst driving, people driving, just driving in general really.

No one on the road is my friend. 

Lateness! 

I didn’t take 2 hours to get ready to wait for you for another 2 hours. Respect my time! 😬

Know it alls! 

We all know them but it’s the ones that go on even when you 100% know they are talking crap that really get my goat. 

Shopping! 

Especially for make up. You go to a shop knowing exactly what for. You walk over and notice there’s one left. You can’t believe your luck! Until you open it and some evil little troll decided to try before they buy.

My eyebrows! 

You know those days when your eyebrows won’t cooperate with each other? That’s mine everyday! It started with an ‘on the phone plucking eyebrows’ incident which as a girl, we all know will end in tears. It resulted in 2 non matching brows and they haven’t matched since. That was 2 years ago! 

Ever heard of the ‘eyebrows should be sisters not twins’ saying? Yep, well mine aren’t even related! 

And it stresses me out Every.Single. Day! 

Tomorrows topic is my make up brush collection. Which ones I rate and hate in my collection. 

Sam 🙂 xx

August empties/ favourites

Here’s my first empties post!

In my entire life I don’t think I’ve ever used up an entire product before getting bored half way through and buying something different. But I’m on a spending ban enforced by myself in an attempt to try and use up the products I already own. (I did start last week but an unexpected trip to Tk Maxx set me back)

My first is:

Mac prep & prime fix+ (£17)

It’s quickly become one of my ‘can’t live without’ products. I now use it literally every single day. It had been in my kit for a while and I just assumed it was a setting spray hence the name ‘fix’ BUT I did some googling and discovered some uses that make up artists swear by. And they’ve changed my life! Okay maybe not my life exactly but my usual make up routine. Heres how I use fix+ :

Spritz some onto your face before or after your chosen moisturiser for an extra moisture boost (or both if your skins really suffering)

Spritz onto your foundation brush to help your foundation glide on more smoothly  

Spritz onto the face after applying foundation and concealer & allow to dry before applying powder to keep your make up in place longer

Spray onto your eyeshadow brush before applying your chosen eyeshadow to really make the colour ‘pop’ and intensify the colour

Use it to thin cream or compact foundation for a more sheer coverage (decant product, never spray into the compact)

I’ll definitely be repurchasing, it’s been a godsend for my usually dry skin. I would certainly recommend trying it if you haven’t already.

Have you tried any of the above tips or have any of your own to add?

Urban decay: Naked skin foundation in shade 2.0 (£27)

I allowed the consultant at the UD counter to match me up for this foundation. Which I should have known would be a mistake as no make up counter assistant ever selects the right shade for me wherever I go (#annoying ) however, it was okay to use on nights out as I go a little darker for evening make up.

So! Coverage was okay, I normally like something a little thicker so the liquid consistency took a little getting used to but it’s buildable which was good for me. I apply it with the real techniques buffing brush, allow to dry for a few minutes then use a beauty blender to add extra coverage where needed. And voila! ‘Naked’ skin that looks flawless and even, without the cakey look that some other foundations can give when they lie and say their product is buildable 😬

I will purchase this again after the spending ban 😉 but a lighter shade that will suit my pale complexion.

Stila stay all day 10 in 1 beauty balm (HD illuminating beauty balm spf 30 £26 duty free)

I purchased this on my flight to Cuba a few months ago. I used it whilst on holiday and it gave a lovely glow with a subtle hint of colour. I don’t usually leave the house without make up at home but this gave me the confidence to go foundation free so that’s definitely something that impressed me.

However now I’m home and tan-less I can no longer wear it alone & team it with my normal foundation on those days where your skin needs a little pick me up.

It would be lovely for a make up artists kit as it’s perfect under foundation for a nice dewy, slightly illuminated effect (similar to Mac strobe cream)

Will I repurchase? If I can find it again yes! I haven’t seen it anywhere since 😦 So if anyone knows where I can pick one up please let me know! As id definitely like to add it to my holiday make up bag.

Embryolisse lait-creme concentré 30ml (£13 boots.com)

What can I say, it’s amazing stuff, it instantly smooths my normally dry slightly flakey skin, and creates a smooth canvas for me to apply my make up. It also doubles as a primer (and has many other uses such as cleanser, make up remover, repairing mask, after shave cream, baby care product) My make up stays put all day without looking dry and it works great on my make up clients too as it stops shine on oiler/combination skins so it’s a win-win situation. Although the packaging was a bit pants as its a metal tube, so even when you squeeze a little out it still floods the cap.

Have you tried it? Let me know why you thought in the comments

I have already repurchased the larger-gold limited edition tube from boots.com £20 (pre spending ban!) the tube has been updated on the larger tube so no mess with that one.

George under eye concealer (Asda £4.50)

This baby Rivals the YSL touché éclat for me. NO LIE! And at £4.50 it’s a total bargain. There’s no reason for you not to try it. I use it after my correcting concealer to brighten my eye area and it can also be used for highlighting. A little really does go a long way and it does exactly what it says on the tube. I can’t remember what made me buy it as id never normally pick up a supermarket own brand (make up snobbery I know, I’m not proud of it) but I’m so glad I did. I can honestly say I love this product and I can see this being one of my make up bag staples.

September 30 day challenge.

In an attempt to blog more regularly I’ve created my own little September 30 day challenge. The posts will be short and sweet but I hope you guys will be able to get to know me a little better.

So if there’s anything you’d like to know or see here leave a comment for me 🙂

Sam x

Being ‘perfectly polished’

I’m throwing myself in at the deep end and going with the flow so to speak so This particular post might not make much sense but stay with me. Good things come to those who wait & all that jazz. 
I had a thought, an epiphany some might say. That seeing as I spend half my life on social media watching make up tutorials and the other half in M.A.C that I should try and do something with it.Which brings me here.
I’m not going to sit here & pretend that I’m a really interesting person. (Far from it)

Moi, yes I’m pants at selfies!

But I do buy some pretty good stuff! Well sometimes.
I have an old skool laptop, an iphone 6 and an obsession with make up & nails. So lets see how far we get as I’m not quite sure where/how/why/what im doing with this at present or how to work it. I don’t have a clue what tags are! But I’m hoping things will fall into place. (When all else fails wing it right?)

So, to begin my blogging journey here’s a ’10 things about me’ section so you can get to know me a little before I bore the hell out of you on a weekly basis
1. I’m from Essex! Make of that what you will. Yes I’m probably a bit stupid, with an annoying cockney accent & huge make up obsession- minus the orange tan, fake boobs & big bouncy blow dry. (only because I can’t afford them)

2. I’m a Nail technician, beauty therapist & aspiring make up artist. Although you wouldn’t think it to look at me. No I wasn’t born with it,and yes it is Maybelline.

3. I have a 10 year old daughter.And I have no idea how I’ve managed to keep another person other than myself alive for that long either.

4. The amount I’ve spent this year on make up I could probably put a deposit on another house. (I wont tell if you wont)

5. I’m turning 30 next month. Lets say no more on that

6. I have an obsessively clean, tidy husband who I drive crazy with my make up & nail varnish collections. Basically he’s going bald and I think I’m the reason

7. I’m scared of little flying bugs- Flies, moths, butterflies, flying ants, wasps. I flap around like an idiot if one even breathes on me. Moths always go for the throat! Why is that?

8. The taste of cucumber makes me gag, don’t ask why. I don’t know why I felt it relevant to tell you either but I needed a number 8

9. I need a pair of Louboutins to complete my life. Can’t take over the world in Primarni flip flops can I?

10. Hmmm, one of the most embarrassing moments of my life so far? Falling down a flight of stairs at a posh wedding of people I hardly knew. Landing at the bottom, arse up, dress around my waist, g-string on full view and no vodka in my system to blame it on. Not one of my finest moments I must admit.

So that’s a little bit of me to get us started.

I have some swatches coming up very soon of All that jazz cocktails collection nail lacquer. AND the new Urban decay smoky palette shall be in my possession very soon, For which I cannot contain my excitement!

Be there or be square! Xx