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Tuesday 30 August 2016

Is NYX a fix? | NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

I'm probably the only blogger on the planet who on first impressions was disappointed with NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams right? I've had several people recommend the NYX brand to me and seen various beauty bloggers also raving about it so when they opened a NYX section in my local Boots, I was really excited to try out their products.

Firstly, I couldn't believe how many shades of lip creams there were and how many gorgeous colours to choose from! I spent a long time oohing and arring before I finally decided on two colours - Addis Ababa and Milan.


NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

When I got home I did what any girl would and went to try them on. As you can see above they are quite clearly two different shades according to the colour on the bottle but the doe foot applicators looked pretty much identical.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

Giving them the benefit of the doubt I thought I'd swatch them on my hand but as you can see again they look the same.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

The final test was of course to try them on my lips but again, they look like the same colour! It seems to me that Adis Ababa is the true colour out of the two, being a strong and vibrant pink with blue undertones. Milan however I expected to be more of a nude pink like the bottle would suggest but it comes out almost identical to the other shade.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

I'm never one to whinge and I'm not the sort of person to be nit picky but I honestly feel really disappointed in NYX products. Annoyingly, I swatched loads of colours whilst in Boots and was only going to buy one - Adis Ababa but at the last minute I grabbed the Milan shade, trusting that it would be the same colour as the bottle like all the other colours I had tried. It would appear  I was wrong and now I have two of the same colour.

Being my first impression of the brand, I can't help but wonder is NYX a fix? Is it hyped up to be something it's not? Or is Milan just a bad shade? I'll give them their dues, their prices are really affordable and they have a great selection on the market but if their colours aren't true to form then what's the point?

Anyway that's my little ranty review over. I feel a bit bad posting this as I don't like to slate brands but I just wanted to make people aware and say that if in doubt- swatch it!!

What are your feelings on NYX products?


Friday 26 August 2016

I had a facelift!? | Chinup Mask Review

Chinup Mask Review

As the title of this post would suggest, I had a face lift of sorts recently. Thankfully it was totally pain free and non-surgical too!

I thought it would be more interesting for you to watch me review the Chinup mask and also slightly comical for you as I've never looked more ridiculous in my life wearing a big old strap under my chin.

Click the video below to watch me try out the 30 minute face lift and see the results:




Would you try Chinup for yourself?



Tuesday 23 August 2016

The Snug Summer Menu


The Snug at the Grafton is a much-loved bar and restaurant of mine. Recently they launched a new menu for summer which got my ears pricked and my taste buds awake so I had to go investigate! The new lunch menu and mains include superfood leaves to Flat Iron Steak, juicy homemade burgers, new sharing platters and more. The Snug's fabulous cocktail menu also had some fabulous summer drinks on offer and with over ten years of experience, they know what they're talking about! Chris and I opted for the Hendrick's Summer Garden to kick things off with. I've become a true gin drinker since attending a gin masterclass at the snug last year (which you can read here) and this cocktail certainly didn't disappoint. The refreshing flavours of elderflower, cucumber, cranberry, mint and apple tasted like summer in a glass.


So onto the food...This season the team at The Snug have pulled together a new range of dishes which take inspiration from across the Atlantic with American style dishes, as well as a range of more unique offerings. Chris and I went for dinner and were soon swooning over the six different signature burgers to choose from. The new Devil Burger features Bloody Mary Salsa, Red Chillis, Jalapenos, Red Onion and chilli sauce. Meanwhile the Texan Ranger features BBQ sauce, Monterey Jack Cheese, Black Bean and Onion Rings and these were the two we picked.


Meanwhile we were enjoying our cocktails which are 2 for 1 during happy hour - result! Our next round had to be another gin cocktail and our waiter recommended the Cucumber & Elderflower Gin-Jito...


This cocktail was awesome! I mean firstly the glass is just awesome but more importantly it was incredibly refreshing and delicious to drink - perfect for a summers day. Whilst we waited for our food to be prepared we had a chance to relax and take in our surroundings.





The vibe of The Snug at the Grafton is similar to that of the Lensfield Road venue with its stylish eclectic decor and calming blue tones that make you feel right at home. It's a great venue for a date night, girls night, drinks with friends or a spot of lunch when you're mid shopping spree or in between lectures. It caters for everyone from the student, to businessman, office workers to busy mums.


Not all the cocktails are alcoholic too. You can indulge in a mocktail which I can assure you are just as much of a treat and you won't feel like you're missing out whatsoever! 


Anyway back to the summer menu. When our burgers arrived, they were huge! Each burger was packed to the brim with ingredients to give you a taste sensation.

Chris chose the Devil Burger, being a huge lover of hot food. The bloody Mary salsa knocked his socks off, it really is a scorcher but equally was delicious too.


My Texan Ranger burger was missing the black bean element as they'd run out but was substituted with pulled pork which certainly wasn't a disappointment. The burger had a real texan flavour and tasted just like it had been barbecued to perfection. For a side I went for the triple cooked chips and they were so naughty but sooo nice! I loved the presentation too with the cup to serve my chips. Yum yum!


After feeling thoroughly stuffed and satisfied, we decided on another round of cocktails because - why not? It's date night after all! Plus we needed something to wash down our incredibly filling food.


To our delight we realised we'd come on quiz night and decided to stay on and take part, even calling a couple of friends to join us. Named Lets Get Quizzical, we really got into it and actually ended up winning! We were all so shocked but equally delighted and have put a date in the diary to return and spend our winnings on many a cocktail. Yippee!!


I really enjoyed reviewing The Snug's summer menu and would definitely recommend checking it out before it changes. We would have tried dessert as they sounded heavenly but we were just so full! I can see us conquering those on our next visit.


Have you been to The Snug?


Friday 19 August 2016

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book | Review

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

Crafting is my therapy but sometimes I don't have the time or inclination to get my supplies out and create - especially after a long day at work.

To keep my crafting bug at bay I've recently been getting into mindful colouring books so when Modern Books contacted me to review Georgie Woolridge's latest book I couldn't say no!

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

The beautiful drawings in the book are inspired by Georgie's travels around the globe, with a huge variety of animals to choose from. I love that each drawing has an adjacent page to tell you some information on the animal you're colouring so it's informative as well as fun. You never know when you'll need to practice your knowledge on a red-eyed tree frog! 

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book by Georgie Woolridge

My main point to make on this book is the drawings are easy to colour which is what you want from a mindful colouring book. Stunning drawings as they are, some colouring books have extremely intricate detail which is hard to fill in and actually fill me with dread as it becomes a chore rather than enjoyment. Georgie's book however has the perfect balance of proportioned pattern and detail. I get lost in the colouring, so much so that my concentration appears in the form of  my tongue poking out! You can tell I'm engrossed in something when that happens..

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

Colouring in these images really makes the drawings come to life on the page and you can't help but step back and look at your handy work. I feel like a kid again and can't help but show Chris what I've coloured to which he responds with "ahhh very good" lol!

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

Creative or not, this book is the perfect escape from our hectic lives and make for a great way to unwind. Colouring is incredibly therapeutic and a great way to switch off from the stresses and worries of day to day life.

Animals: A Mindful Colouring Book Review

There are a further two books in the series called Birds and Waterlife which I can't wait to try and Georgie also has a website showcasing more of her dreamy work which you can also buy.

Have you tried out mindful colouring?





Tuesday 16 August 2016

How to Stack & Style Jewellery


I'm back with another video for you today on how I stack and style jewellery!

Layering pieces together is a trend that has been around for a while and I personally love it so I thought I'd show you what I like to piece together with some tips and tricks on where to source your jewellery too!

Click the video below to see how I style my jewellery:


Also don't forget to check the description box for exclusive discount codes for one of the brands mentioned.

Do you stack and layer your jewellery?


Tuesday 2 August 2016

Bohemia | Festival Fashion

how to look bohemian at a festival

how to look bohemian at a festival


bohemian festival fashion

how to look bohemian at a festival

bohemian festival fashion

how to look bohemian at a festival

Festival outfit style
Boots - New Look
Bracelets - Boho Betty*
Bag - Vintage
Rings - Pimkie

You know when you find an outfit that you just love and want to wear all the time? This is one of those outfits for me but unfortunately I don't have many upcoming occasions where this would be suitable! Nevertheless it was perfect for the Secret Garden Party teamed with a hella load of glitter and sequins on my face.

I've had this embellished smock dress for a while and love the flowy sleeves for a bohemian festival vibe. Teamed with some leather tan boots, bag and jewellery, you're good to go as the dress does the rest. It's effortlessly stylish and super comfy which is what you want if you're a little curvier and aren't so confident about baring flesh at a festival. 

Have you been embracing festival fashion this year?


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