February Favorites!

Hi everyone,

It's the last day of February tomorrow and I cannot believe it! At the end of every month I do a favorites and I haven't been loving too much this month so this post might be a little shorter than usual. Anyway, Enjoy!

Makeup

Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Blonde - I bought this near the end of January and I have used it everyday that I wear makeup since. It gives my brows a lot of shape but giving them a little extra colour too.

Zoella Sweet Mint Lip  Balm - This was Christmas limited edition only, so I am sorry you can't get hold of this anymore but this has been my go-to lip balm this month. It is so moisturizing and It gives a really nice glossy look to my lips.

Natural Collection Blush in Peach Melba - Believe it or not, this was one of my first ever makeup products but I could never apply blush at the time. Since discovering the Collection Speedy blush, I completely forgot about this one, but when the Collection one broke, I all of a sudden went back to this. I absolutely love the colour of this, especially for spring and it just adds such a natural flush to the cheeks.

Skincare/ Body Care

Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean Cleansing Milk - This has been the only stand out skincare product for me this month because it has replaced my Liz Earle cleanse and polish. The Liz Earle cleanse and polish only lasted me 6 weeks and I was so annoyed about that so I tried to find an alternative cleanser. This Soap and Glory one I think could be even better. It is so creamy and it doesn't dry out my skin. Since I have quit sensitive skin most cleansers can make my skin feel tight or I can have a reaction to the cleanser but this doesn't. It removes makeup so easily and it makes my skin feel so soft.

Hair Care

Colab Dry Shampoo - Everyone knows that I live and breath this stuff. I honestly don't know what my hair would be without this. It is such an amazing dry shampoo and from the drugstore! I have been through so many of these and I will continue to do so.

Fashion

Michael Kors Wristlet - I got this for Christmas and I love it so so so much. I love to use this when I go shopping or even if I'm going out and might need a bit of money. My favorite bit about this, is that I can keep my phone in here too.

Random

Zoella Room Diffuser - The scent of Zoe's product is probably one of my all time favorites and because this has the same scent, I knew I would love it. I do think it is a bit over priced but I really enjoyed using this and I love the bottle the product comes in too.

Paper Mate InkJoy Pens - These have to be my favorite biros ever! For school these are my favorite, they write so easily and now I have them in lots of fun colours for revision. I know it's a bit random but I love these pens a lot!

Cadburys Chocolate and Orange Brownie Cakes - If you think that they sound amazing just wait until you try some. They have to be my favorite chocolate ever. I am a super brownie obsessed girl and chocolate orange is my favorite flavor of chocolate so what more could I ask for? I have been eating a very unhealthy amount of these this month so they had to be featured.

Music/TV

Michael Jackson Number Ones Album - In case you didn't know, Michael Jackson is my favorite singer and I bought his number one album at the start of the month. I have been obsessed with it. My favoirte songs from the album are, Billie Jean, Dirty Diana and The Way You Make Me Feel.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what you have loved this month. Have a great day!

Grace xx

Things I Wish Were Different About School...

Hi everyone,

For today's post I wanted to do something quit relaxed and chatty, which is something I don't do enough of on my blog. Anyway, BlossomOfHope requested I do this topic so thanks to her for the idea. Today's post is going to be a list of things I wish were different about school. I am going to keep it as realistic as possible as I don't really want to get my hope up on any of these. Enjoy!

1. Better Toilets

I can imagine most students/ pupils think this too. School toilets are so disgusting, there is graffiti everywhere, everyone forgets to flush the toilet and the cubicle you always go in, is the one that never had and toilet roll. Don't you think?

2. Own Clothes

I hate school uniform, in general. Most people say it makes the school look neat and you should represent your school, but what about representing our individuality and differences. Obviously some clothes are either too "Flashy" or "inappropriate" but with a sensible dress code I can image students would work so much harder in school. Being in the comfort of your own clothes makes all the difference. When I'm in my school uniform, I feel uncomfortable which then makes me distracted whereas I wouldn't have that problem if I got to wear my own clothes. I think a lot of people would agree with me on this one. Do you?

3. Good Food

My dad actually has a very strong opinion about this as well as myself. I think most schools now only provide you with healthy food to promote healthy living. But do kids really eat this? Majority of students/ pupils meals at lunch go to waste because they don't want what the school provides because it is too healthy. A student/ pupil should be able to eat what they want healthy or not but because schools are all about healthy eating, some students/ pupils actually starve and skip lunch.

4. Interesting Lessons

I don't know about you but I feel like most schools lack in this. I know the whole point of school is to learn lots and develop information but why can' we do it in a interesting way. Everyone is different but I like practical lessons, I like researching things, writing down my own notes, displaying them nicely in my book. Most of my lessons at school though are just ones where the teachers talk and talk and talk and then makes us write it all down. I find this to be very unhelpful and I then lack in an understanding of the subject. 

5. Tests

I wish that when we do tests we don't feel pressured. My school is so pressurizing and if you don't reach there super high standard you are seen as stupid. For me, if I do bad in a test I would want to do better next time but if a teacher told me they were dissapointed in me with my results I wouldn't want to try hard for a test ever again. I wish that tests could be something we don't spend all night revising, something we feel relaxed doing and something we will feel proud we did in.

I hope you enjoyed this post, it was something a little different but I still really hope you enjoyed! Have a great day!
Grace xx

#AdviceWithGrace - Why I Wear Makeup?

Hi everyone,

Today's post is another post in my series of advice. I am super happy that you all enjoyed my first #AdviceWithGrace and I hope you all keep enjoying them. For today's post I am going to be talking more about makeup and reasons why you should wear it/ not wear it. Enjoy!

Wearing it for the Right Reasons

This is key because if your only wearing makeup to fit in or look like everyone else then you will not be happy. Makeup is not a mask and it's not a ticket to popularity so if your only wearing it to please someone or get attention then just stop. When it comes to applying makeup just think to yourself...

Why do I wear makeup?

Why should I have makeup on today?

Am I going to be happy with makeup on today?

Do I enjoy putting on makeup?

By asking yourself this you are able to tell whether your intentions are right. If you are wearing makeup for the wrong reasons I suggest that you just stop and think.

Wear Makeup for yourself

You put makeup on your face for you, not a friend, not a teacher, not a family member and not for the cutest guy in school. If you think the best way to impress someone is by pilling on loads of makeup, you couldn't be more far away from the truth. You should be wearing makeup because it makes you feel girly or it gives you confidence or you enjoy applying you makeup or you could just love experimenting. All of them reasons are the right ones but don't let them get too out of hand.

Don't Rely on it

Makeup isn't a helping hand, it's not a stepping stone and it's not a bonus point. If your wearing makeup to feel confident then that's great, but if you feel like you have to wear makeup every single day to be a confident, normal person then that's not okay. You can't put all of your confidence and happiness down to makeup, you should feel confident in every way whether you are bare face or wearing makeup.

Think about you age

I know that I am not really the best person to be talking about this because I am only 13 but age does matter. If you are 11 and you are caking your face with makeup on a regular basis, you are only going to make it worse in the future. If you are younger (like myself) think about more light products instead of heavy products. When you are young you have amazing skin, the best skin you will ever have, so don't loose that too quickly by wearing makeup everyday.

Makeup is not to cover

I feel like a lot of people forget about this, makeup is not to cover it is to enhance. Of coarse everyone wears makeup for different reasons but you shouldn't be using it to cover. For instance, lets say you have dark circles, highlight under them to enhance your under eyes, contour your face to enhance your bone structure. if you are using makeup to cover then you are using it like a mask. Masks don't make all your problems go away, neither does makeup

Why I wear makeup

I am 13, I am not going to lie, I am young to be wearing makeup but in case you didn't know I suffer with very bad acne. Since was a early starter in puberty, I got all the stuff that came with it. Acne was part of that and it just kept on getting worse. My skin is also sensitive which means a lot of the products that normal people use, make my skin react in a different way. I wear makeup because I love wearing it. I love putting on my makeup and seeing were it takes me. Trying out new products and new looks, honestly excites me. Saying that, I don't wear makeup to school. School for me is a learning environment, not a "I need to look good" event. I might not be the most confident person in school but I don't feel the need to put makeup on to feel myself. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know whether you enjoyed it or even benefited you. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Hot Or Not Wednesday - L'Oreal Infallible Matte Max Lipstick

Hi everyone,

It's Wednesday, which means another hot or not! If you read my haul that went up the other day (linked here) you will know that I bought a few things from L'Oreal. Since the L'Oreal infallible matte max lipsticks had just been released, I wanted to pick one up and give you a mini review before you consider buying it. Enjoy!

Price:
The original price of this is £6.99, which I think is pretty good because you get the product and an applicator in one with sturdy packaging.

First impression:
When I first applied it, I thought it was very easy to apply and it felt like nothing on my lips.

Packaging:
I really like the packaging! I like how the colour of the lip colour is displayed on the out side and it is not too big either. It is very sleek and looks very high end when really it isn't

How do you use it?
When you open the product you just dip the taped sponge into the product held in the lid and put it straight onto your lips like any other lipstick.

What does it do?
This is meant to be a super matte lip colour and if you have a few shades you can also create an ombre lip.

Which are my favorites?
Since I only have one shade I can't really give a fair answer but this was the only nude colour I could find but they also had some pinks, reds and maybe a purple.

What are the negatives?
- Not as long lasting as others
- Quit drying

What are the positives?
- Affordable
- Easy to apply
- Shades to suit everyone
- Super matte finish
- Light weight
- Pigmented

Would I recommend it? And to who?
I would recommend this to everyone. If you like matte lips and you can find a shade you like, then why not? They are super easy to apply so even a beginner could use this.

Hot or Not?
Hot! There is another shade I have my eye which I will probably pick up soon, but I love this product. I think it is so perfect for on the go and even though it might not last through a meal, for everyday it works great.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Comment below whether this would be something you would try. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Fashion Staples for all Year Round

Hi everyone,

It feels like forever since I did a fashion post and I really miss them, so today I am bringing you another fashion post. I find myself reaching for certain pieces whenever I am on the go or the items I know are going to be comfortable. That's why today I am going to share with you my fashion staples for all year round and I think everyone needs in there wardrobe. If you enjoyed this post let me know in the comments and I might do a spring edition.

Leather Jacket:

If you don't have a leather jacket please tell me how. Honestly I do not know what I would wear if I didn't have a leather jacket. With almost every single outfit, a leather jacket just completes it. Mine is from Miss Selfridge but every high street brand at least sells one style of leather jacket. They can completely transform an outfit and since they come in so many different colours and styles, you are likely to find one that suits you. If you do invest in a leather jacket it is almost guaranteed, as long as you don't grow, to last you years and years. I have had that black one in the first image for a good 2 years and it is still going strong. Leather jackets is one of those pieces that will never go out of trend.

Skinny Jeans:
I love love love skinny jeans. My favorite ones are the Topshop Joni Jeans but I know not everyone likes them. Skinny jeans are just piece whether you are dressing up or down. Depending on what flatters you, you have the choice of high waist, low waist, mid-rise, rolled up, ripped the list is endless. When it comes to skinny jeans, I feel like it is an item of clothing you can really invest in because you are likely to get your moneys worth. I now have four pairs of Joni jeans and they might cost £36-38 each but I can confidently say I have had my moneys worth out of all pairs. Skinny jeans flatter all body types whether you are tall, short, curvy, petite, big bum, little bum, little waist, muscular legs, anything and everything.

Watch:

To be honest, I am not a jewelry person but I adore my watch. I feel like a really beautiful watch can just be the perfect accessory to an outfit. Both high street and high end sell beautiful watches but paying good money for a high end watch is worth it because it is one of them pieces that will last you a lifetime. Watches again are always in trend and there are so many colours and sizes, your perfect watch is just waiting for you. They can also make great gifts for guys and girls.

Comfy hoodie:
When it comes to being comfortable a hoodie is always the answer. I have an embarrassing amount of sweatshirt/hoodies and they are all just so amazing. On a lazy day I wear a pair of leggings and a hoodie and it is the comfiest thing. Even if you are going out, throw on a leather jacket and some boots and you have a super casual outfit. If you want a super good place to get hoodies from, I would highly recommend Pink, Victoria Secret and even thought they might cost that little bit more, it is so worth it!

Joggers:

Again, another lazy day essential! I wear joggers more when I am having a day around the house, but if you want to wear them out, feel free. Joggers to me are just the most comfortable fashion pieces ever! Again Pink do some amazing pairs but H&M and New Look do some great affordable ones too. I usually wear joggers with a vest top or a T-Shirt and then if I get cold I will just throw on a hoodie.

Cross Body Bag:
I think a cross body bag is so much more sensible then a massive tote bag. Obviously if you need a lot of space a tote bag is the sensible option but on a day to day basis a cross body is all you need. I am now starting to grow a little collection of cross body bags but the one in the picture is a very small one from Michael Kors. In a cross body bag you would just keep your day to day essentials, for me that is purse, bit of makeup and hand sanitizer but it depends on your preference. Primark actually have some really nice ones at the moment and there are so many colours and styles you could get the possibilities are endless.

Good Quality Trainers:

Trainers to me are the stairway to comfort. Especially for a long day you don't want to feel uncomfortable or restricted in anyway. I think Nike do the best trainers and they can range from £50-£100 but they are so worth it. My favorite pair of trainers are my personalized Huaraches from Nike but as an individual, you should really spend some time testing and trialing trainers to find your perfect pair. Everyone is different so finding ones that best fit you are important. Trainers can pretty much be warn with anything, skirts, jeans, dresses, leggings, shorts and even though trainers are more for sports, there is no harm in being comfy.

I hope you enjoyed this post, comment below what your fashion staples are as I would really be interested to know. Have a great day!

Grace xx

Makeup,Skincare and Clothing Haul

Hi everyone,

Since this week was half term I decided I would go on a few shopping trips and obviously, I bought a few things. Today thought I would share them with you. Enjoy!

From Boots...

I did a little bit of damage in Boots but I am super excited with everything I bought. I firstly bought the Seventeen Define and Conquer Contour Kit, this was £6.99. I had seen this on Zoe's Boots haul and as soon as she opened it, I immediately wanted it. I loved how it had a huge mirror and I thought the two shades would also make a super simple eye shadow duo. So far I am really liking it and I am super happy I bought it. 

After browsing a few more makeup counters I saw that L'Oreal had a 3 for 2 offer on and since there were a few products I wanted to try, I decided to take advantage of the offer. I bought the True Match Foundation because I have heard so much about it and I have started wearing foundation more regularly recently. Not going to lie, I did just guess the shade but I tried it today and it matches me really well. Another foundation I picked up from L'Oreal was the Infallible 24-hour Matte foundation. Again I have heard a lot about it and I really wanted to give it a go. I actually have quit oily skin so I thought this foundation would be good for the summer. Since it was 3 for 2, the final product I picked up was something I hadn't seen on the L'Oreal stand before, it was the Infallible Matte Max Lipstick. I got mine in the shade Silenco and it is a lovely nude shade. I am not going to say too much about it because I think I am going to do a hot or not on it on Wednesday.

Superdrug Next..

I only bought one thing from Superdrug but I am really enjoying it. Since I am trying to improve my skin I did a little research on good products and this one kept popping up. It is the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit face wash and this was on offer for £3.25 so I thought I would try it out. So far it is working super nicely and I am slightly obsessed with the scent of this.

Primark Beauty..

When I was in Primark I cam across a few new products that I had seen on their instagram but not in store yet. They had a new brush collection in rose gold packaging which just looks beautiful but the two brushes I wanted most were not there so instead I got the eyebrow brush fr £1. It is double ended and on one side is a spoolie and the other side just has a slanted brow brush. They are surprisingly good quality and I am going to have to buy more. Second thing from Primark Beauty was a Facial Cleansing Pad which was £1.50 and I am not actually going to use this for cleansing but I am actually going to use this to clean my makeup brushes. I have used it a few times and it ha really helped to deep clean my brushes.

My mum surprised me with ...

More Calvins!!! As an early Christmas present my mum bought me the white bralets and pants from Calvin Klein but then I wake up this morning and turns out she bought me the grey bralets and more white bottoms. I am honestly so grateful for these and I was not expecting them at all. Calvin Klein underwear is probably my favorite, the quality is so good and they are the comfiest things ever! I would highly recommend them even if they do have a steep price tag.

I made a cheeky Boohoo order...

Since I am going to Florida in less than six weeks (EKKKKKKK!) I thought it was about time I buy some simple basics. Since Boohoo is so affordable and they had a code for £1.99 next day delivery, I just couldn't say no. I got a Slash Neck Crop Top in black which only cost £4, and this is super tight fitting and I think it's super flattering. The next two things I got were both swing vest crop tops, one in black and one in white. Again, these where both £4 each and they are super light weight and comfortable.

I hope you enjoyed this post! Let me know what you have bought recently. Have a great day!

Grace xx

#AdviceWithGrace - How to Keep Organised

Hi everyone,

I don't know about you but I find it so hard to find tips that work for staying organised. For me, a lot of them just crash and burn after the first day but along the way I have found a handful that work. Not all are featured in this post because it would be far too long, but if you o want to see a part two let me know in the comments. I know not all of these will work for everyone but I hope it can at least help one of you. I am quit a organised person naturally so I find keeping organised easy but if you don't, I hope this comes into some use!

This is also the first post of my new series, #AdviceWithGrace *I know creative name right?* anyway this series just gives me the chance to help a lot of you about all sorts of different topics. Feel free to contact me about any certain topic you would like me to cover. Topics like relationships, school, revision, fitness and confidence will all be covered under this series. I am hoping to post one of these a week so make sure you request plenty of topics!

1. The Cute Stationary/Homeware 

I am very guilty of this. Most people find keeping organised the perfect excuse to buy some new and fresh stationary or homeware to help maintain it. I find that buying something like a diary or colorful pens or sticky notes or planner or notebook or pin board can really make all the difference. They don't have to cost a lot as some of the best things come with the cheapest price tags. Places I would recommend buying from is Home Bargains, Staples, Asda and WH Smiths.

2. Stop Over Thinking

Just Do It!!! If you over think all the things you need to do you will just put yourself off doing it in general. Just make a list of the things you need to do and do it. Don't spend 20 minutes procrastinating because you won't get it done.

3. Dedicate One Day

I find this super useful. For me Saturday is the day I do all my jobs. I tidy my room, I take new pictures for my blog, I do my homework and I also write up some blog posts. If you dedicate one day a week to get all your jobs done, you then won't have to think about anything you need to get done for the rest of the week. 

4. Get a Diary or Make a Timetable

I have both of these both adapted to the way I like it. My diary I use for any blog posts that need to be up, any appointments, exams, just pretty much everything that includes me. This way I don't miss anything and I have plenty of time to prepare it in. For the timetable, I use this around exam time because then I am able to fit in time. On my timetable I would have school, revision, homework, dance and break this way I have time for everything.

5. Music!

Honestly music is probably one of the best tips I have ever used for staying organised. When I need to get things done I just choose a playlist and listen to it the whole time. It makes the time go so much quicker as to doing it in silence. I listen to music a lot more than the average person but it does honestly help me and I think a lot of people don't actually think it would help. But It Does!

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you would like to see a part two and I will do that for you. Also let me know if you are excited for this new series. Have a great day!

Grace xx

Updated Everyday Makeup Look: Spring Edition!

Hi everyone,

On Instagram a few days ago I asked whether you wanted to see a makeup tutorial on the selfie I posted and a lot of you wanted to see it. I have been wearing this makeup a lot recently and I am using a few new products too. Enjoy!

Starting off with primer, since it is spring my skin tends to become a bit more oily then usual so to control that the Freedom Pro Mattify Base is the perfect product. Before my foundation, I actually like to spot conceal first so that my main spots don't show through the foundation. To cover my spots I use the Seventeen Stay Time Concealer and just blend. Now to even out my skin and add a bit of a glow, I use the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation and I like to blend that out with my fingers. To brighten up my face I use the Rimmel Wake Me Up concealer under my eyes, down the bridge of my nose and my chin. To then set everything I use my Rimmel Stay Matte Powder all around my face on a big fluffy brush. Since recently, I have been using blush a lot more I then use the Natural Collection blush in Peach Melba but I only apply the smallest bit because it is super pigmented. To shape my face a little more I take a eye shadow from the Freedom Secret Rose palette to contour my cheek bones. I then blend it out to make it look super natural. Finally for my face makeup I like to highlight with the shade Nighttime Glow out of the Sephora Wishes Come True Palette.

Onto eyes, I like to prime my eyes with the Mac Painterly Paint Pot to just even out my eyelids. Keeping the look super simple I take my Tanya Burr Hollywood Eye Palette and take the shade Nude Delight all across the lid, inner corners and brow bone. For the crease I use the shade bookworm and I blend that into my crease. To finish off my eyes I use the Benefit They're Real mascara on my top and bottom lashes to just make my eyes look bigger. 

I only use one product on my eyebrows but I comb them through first to get my desired shape. I then just go in with the Maybelline Brow Drama in Dark Blonde and this gives them the filled in look but in a super quick and natural way.

Finally for lips, I usually switch this up, but at the moment I like to use Mac's Lipstick in Kinda Sexy and then in the centre I use Avon's Lipstick in Passionate Petal. I find that this combo is super natural and because the Avon Lipstick is too light on it's own it makes my lips look a lot more 3D paired with Kinda Sexy.

I hope you enjoyed this chatty makeup look. I hope you are all having a great week. Have a great day!
Grace xx

2016 Empties #1

Hi everyone

Today's post is something I haven't done in about half a year, which is insane because these are some of my favorite posts to read. As you can see by the title it is an empties post. If you are not familiar with these posts, they are basically me telling you products I have ran out of and a mini review of each one. Enjoy!

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish

Opinion: I really loved this product and I am so sad it has ran out. I find it super expensive but it does work wonders. This was featured in my January Favorites (linked here) but it only lasted me about a month and it was a 100ml so it does run out fast.

Rate out of ten: I would give it a 9/10 just because the product is amazing, but the price tag for how long it lasts is a little steep.

Would I repurchase it? Yes but not anytime soon.

Soap and Glory Hand Food

Opinion: This has been my daily hand cream for school since the start of the school year (September) and I still don't get bored of it. I love the scent of Soap and Glory products and the formulation of the hand cream is just as amazing as the scent.

Rate out of ten: 8/10 Just because I find it takes a while to sink in and it can leave my hands a bit greasy for a while too.

Would I repurchase it? Yes but I already have a few tubes of it from Christmas gift sets.

Zoella Candy Cream Body Lotion

Opinion: Honestly, this is my favorite product from Zoella's whole range - apart from the adorable makeup bags, just because it has done wonders for my skin. This is so much better than the original one and I find that nothing compares to it.

Rate out of ten: I would give it a 9/10 because it can sometimes become streaky on my skin and not sink in evenly.

Would I repurchase it? Yes but I have a lot of body moisturizers to get through first!

The Body Shop Mango Body Butter

Opinion: I have hd this for so long but only recently have I started using it. The formulation is thin but it is very weightless on the skin. It also makes my skin feel soft for a few days so I don't actually have to moisturize everyday.

Rate out of ten: 7/10 I like it but I have found better ones.

Would I repurchase it? Yes but not soon.

Simple Kind To Skin Light Moisturizer

Opinion: This has been my daily moisturizer since I can remember. I love how "Simple" (get it!) the product is and it just does the job perfectly for me.

Rate out of ten: This is my favorite moisturizer so a 9/10 just because I do believe there is something better for me but because this is super affordable and does the job, I don't need anything else.

Would I repurchase it? Yes I already have because I can't live without it!

I hope you enjoyed this post! Hopefully I will be doing more empties posts this year but let me know what else you would like to see. Have a great day!
Grace xx

School Appropriate Makeup Look

Hi everyone,

I know that when I started to get to the awkward teenage stage that all I wanted to do was to cover my whole face in makeup to hide everything. Don't! Today I want to share with you a makeup look that would look perfect for a school day that is super fast but also very natural looking as well. I do apologize that not all of these products are drugstore but there are obviously alternatives. If you do want some drugstore alternatives the link is here to my Drugstore Dupes post, which does include both high-end products in the post. Enjoy!

Face:
I know primer works for some and not others, so that's why I didn't include it, but if you want to start with a primer feel free to do that step first. Wearing foundation to school I think is not needed because you don't need to cover parts of your face that doesn't need covering. This is also meant to be a fast makeup look so we are best skipping foundation. For concealer, I would recommend the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer for under the eyes and the Seventeen Stay Time Concealer for any blemishes. Both concealers are super affordable and blend super easily but also giving good coverage at the same time. To set the concealer I would recommend the Rimmel Stay Matte, if you have dry skin this might cake up so use an alternative, but any oiliness can be powdered with this one.

Eyes:
Moving straight onto eye shadow. No one is going to appreciate a perfect brown, smokey eye or winged liner so save the time. A cream pencil for the eyes is the perfect fast but awakening product for the eyes. The NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk is my favorite but any white eye pencil will do. Just apply that into the inner corners, up to the eyelid and blend, blend, blend. This will really brighten up your whole face and make it look a lot more radiant. You cannot forget mascara so coat your lashes with your favorite one to finish the eyes. My favorite is the They're Real by Benefit but the choice is yours.

Lips:
To finish off the entire look apply a tinted lip balm. Mine, of choice is the Benefit Posie Balm because I love the coral tint it gives my lips.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know whether you wear makeup to school and whether you like this chatty tutorial sort of post. Have a great day!
Grace xx

Drugstore Dupes

Hi everyone,

Just in case you didn't know, I have actually been super ill the last week and I have struggled to be inspired this week for blog posts. Saying that, now I am getting better and I am going to be writing lots of new and fresh posts ready for spring.  Anyway, today's post is going to be something I have never done before and that's a dupe post. Since receiving a few high end things for Christmas I have found drugstore alternatives so I hope this post comes into some use. This post will also be in two parts because some are dupes by colour but not formula and vise versa.

Dupes in terms of.......

Applicator

Benefit's They're Real Mascara VS Collection Divine Lash

As you can see by the first image the two wands are almost identical. The collection one is slightly thicker and had shorter bristles but apart from that they are similar. The thing I find that makes these mascaras so different is the formula. The Benefit mascara is super black and almost wet whereas the Collection one is super dry and a dark grey colour. This might be the case only because it's the waterproof formula. I think if this was the original formula and not the waterproof, it could possibly be an even better dupe. Both anyway are great mascaras and I think that they are both amazing!

Colour

Mac Lipstick in Kinda Sexy VS Maybelline Lipstick in Iced Caramel

If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that both of these lipsticks are some of my favorites. As you can see by the second image, the colours are very similar. Because Kinda Sexy is matte and Iced Caramel is more creamy, Kinda Sexy is more pigmented. Saying that, the formulas are different but the colours are exactly the same. If you love the shade Kinda Sexy but want a glossy formula opt for Iced Caramel.

Mac Velvet Teddy VS Mua Lip Lacquer in Tranquility

I know Velvet Teddy is a super popular shade and that's why I decided to include this dupe. I know it's not perfect but if you are thinking about purchasing Velvet Teddy, maybe try Tranquility first. Both are matte which is super good but the applicators are very different. The Mac lipstick is in a standard lipstick bullet shape whereas MUA lip lacquer almost looks like a lip gloss in the packaging. In terms of colour, Tranquility is a bit lighter and has more of an orange tone but believe it or not, it actually oxidizes on the lips making it darker, a lot more like Velvet Teddy.

Benefit's Bene tint  VS Rimmel Lip Stain in Kiss Me

I love both of these product but I never noticed how similar they really were. They are both a very muted red shade. The problem with these two products being identical is because Bene tint is a cheek and lip stain but Kiss Me is only a lip stain. I guess you could use it on your cheeks but it might work as well. Apart from that both are very much the same. I know in the swatches that Kiss Me looks very sheer but I think that Bene tint is a lot more sheer on the lips.

Formulas

Benefit Balms VS MUA Sweet Sheen Lip Balm

The price difference between these two product are insane and they are so similar. Obviously the shades couldn't be more different but both formulas are so creamy and both have a very balm-like texture but with a sheen of colour too. MUA do have a larger range shade but I find the Benefit packaging more sturdy and luxurious looking.

I really hope that all of you enjoyed this post. Let me know if you agree with me in the comments. Have a great day!
Grace xx