The Pre-Year Abroad Haul - Beauty (Part One)

If you've been reading my blog recently, I've mentioned a few times that I'm moving to Germany on Friday for my year abroad. If you're reading this as a friend, however, you'll know I mention it all the darn time. I definitely have mixed feelings about the big move - excitement, nerves, insecurity, it's all a little bit unknown right now but whether I like it or not, it is happening. To distract myself a little, I've been throwing myself into the packing and shopping side of things and boy has it been great. Thinking ahead, I won't be able to get hold of certain products and brands abroad in Germany so I've been using this as an excuse to stock up. Here are the beauty products I've purchased recently to pop straight into my suitcase..






My all-time favourite foundation, I can't live without this so naturally I bought two.

2. Colour WOW Root Cover-up - Platinum

As I won't be able to go my hairdresser in the UK until Christmas, it's going to be a while before my hair is re-highlighted. This little beauty of a product is a great way to extend your highlights by using the powder to mimic the look of fresh highlights. 


Another cute travel size, this is a great addition to my Germany skincare stash. If you'd like more information about my skincare routine, check out my recent post here. 

4. Clarins Daily Energizer Cream

As you know from My Updated Skincare Routine post, I'm a big fan of Clarins and I used a recent 10% off Debenhams promotion to persuade me to buy this moisturiser. So far, so good. I'll write an in-depth review once I've tested it a few more times.

5. Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector - 01

This little lip wonder came in the Clarins '5 minute makeover set' and is moisturizing, plumping and glossy. 


A new purchase! Granted, I'm not convinced I'll never peruse a Mac store in Germany but this new lipstick simply had to be mine. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, I'll be posting a pre-year abroad fashion haul shortly!

xxx

My New Uni Bag & High Street Favourites

It's that time of year again, time to invest in new bits and bobs for the new year of high school, sixth form or university. Pencil cases used to be my obsession when I was younger but now I'm at university, it's satchels that make my eyes widen and my purse lighter. This year I wanted a new bag to take with me to Germany and it was this gorgeous Topshop black and oxblood satchel that earned its way into my suitcase. It's a great size, beautiful autumnal colours and a steal at £30 (not including student discount - score!). Expect to see this in a few OOTD's in Germany (if I can persuade a friend to become my photographer!).

Here's a photo of my new BFF - Bag Friend Forever - and a few other bags that almost made the cut. Unfortunately I couldn't find this bag on the Topshop website but keep your eyes peeled to find it in-store.



My last uni bag was from River Island, quite similar to this grey one but as much as I loved it, the structured style was never going to fit in my suitcase. They last well, are highly complement-worthy and so chic. 


For most students, the under £25 price tag of this stunning tote is the key selling point but I'm also loving the pastel pink shade that will just about go with everything. Win-win.



Pink Satchel Pocket Tote Bag | New Look

3. Miss Selfridge Burgundy Tote - £31.50 (sale price)

Miss Selfridge are currently offering a 30% off everything deal on their website - need I say more? It's so Mulberry. 


I hope you enjoyed this post and are getting excited for the new school / uni season. If you;re a fan of these totes or you'd like to read a post about university tips, please leave a comment!

xxx

Autumn Makeup Shakeup

As the weather's changing and temperatures are dropping (in the UK anyway), it's time to start talking about little transitional changes to your makeup that can really make a difference and transform your look. 


Dark nail polish

Although it can be second-nature for girls to jump straight to the autumnal berry colours once September hits, don't forget about navy and emerald shades! Recently I've been loving the Estee Lauder matte nail polish in Diva Moment. This inky almost-black colour is very flattering on pale as well as tanned skin tones and the matte finish adds an interesting element to the look. If matte isn't your thing, however, there are plenty of high-shine top coats to add a glossy effect that makes it look a little more put-together. 

Peachy glow

Step away from the bronzer, ladies, it's time to embrace the blusher. Once your holiday glow starts to fade and the weather gets colder, turn to a pearly blusher to achieve a natural looking flush. The Clarins Illuminating Cheek Colour in Soft Peach has a beautiful subtle shimmer, meaning you have to apply a few layers to see a difference but that makes it easier to control and harder to get wrong. I love it. This one came in a set called the Clarins '5 minute makeover' and includes a mini mascara, instant lip perfector and a BB cream.

Berry eyeshadow

Determined to find a cheaper alternative to Mac's 'Cranberry', I came across this beauty in Sephora, which is called no. 35 Hold me Tight. Pair it with minimal eyeliner and a good mascara and it's beginning to look a lot like.. September. 



Lengthy Lashes

Speaking of mascara, I've been enjoying this mini 'Be Long' mascara from Clarins that takes your lashes to the next level. I wouldn't rate this product for curling or thickening the lashes but in terms of definition and length, it's a thumbs up from me. 

Bold lipstick

Before you reach for Russian Roulette, Ruby Woo or Rebel, take a look at this Topshop stunner Fast Lane that gives even MAC a run for its money. Fast Lane is a gorgeous berry tone that combined with a strong lip liner is long lasting and bold. Though a tad on the drying side, you really can't argue with the £8 price point. 

What are your favourite Autumn Winter makeup products?

xxx

Flying visit to the French Riviera - Nice & Cannes

Before I jet off to Germany next month, my boyfriend and I went on a little city break to the Cรดte D'Azur last week. On the first day, we arrived in Nice after a painfully early flight but still managed to capture some gorgeous photos, climb to the top of a castle - with a waterfall! - and eventually check into our hotel. We stayed at the Beau Rivage Hotel which I would thoroughly recommend for its location, great staff and lovely rooms. It's also very close to Massena square which is full of restaurants, bars and shops.







On day two we headed to Cannes for celebrity-spotting and macaroon-sampling. Unfortunately we didn't see any famous people as they were probably at the Yacht exhibition that was taking place / on their Yachts / busy doing famous people things. We did have some macaroons though and they were truly heaven. Once back in Nice, we quickly got ready for dinner and had a lovely meal at a restaurant called Le Siecle. 







On our final day we hit the Promenade de Anglais and luckily my boyfriend is a fellow shopping fan and doesn't mind being taken to Sephora, Mac, Zara and naturally, L'Occitane. Afterwards we decided to take a cyclo tour around the beach front and backstreets which is a great way to explore the city without the hassle of walking! 




I hope you enjoyed this travel post! There will be many more to come once I start my year abroad in Germany!


xxx

The A/W Edit

The month of September marks many things: the end of summer, going back to school and colder weather. But looking on the bright side, it also means it's time to get those coats out of storage and start talking Autumn Winter fashion! Last year I wrote a post called 'A/W Essentials' - side-note my blog is now one year old! - and I thought it was time to publish a revised post showing a collection of my favourite pieces and trends for A/W 2015. Unfortunately I won't be buying these particular items as I'm moving abroad to Germany next month with limited luggage (I already own quite a few clothes) but I'll be certainly be doing some shopping while I'm out there - watch this space!

1. The Furry Coat


The stylish way to walk from A to B. This beautiful Miss Selfridge pale blue pea coat is the perfect foundation for any A/W wardrobe. It will go with everything!

2. The Statement Coat


Though a more difficult print to work with, Topshop's cord floral coat will certainly turn heads and look amazing with the classic autumnal colours such as burgundy, grey and maroon. 

3. The Shift Dress


I spotted this little beauty of a dress in Miss Selfridge yesterday and fell in love, especially when I found out it's only £39. Snap it up before it's sold out. 

4. The Floral Skirt 


Party season is coming up and how cute would this gold floral jacquard skirt by River Island look with a black lace cami top. Someone send me this to Germany please?


5. The Kooky Tee


River Island never fails to impress me with their pretty T-shirts and this one is no exception. It's not too dissimilar to the one I posted about last year; eyelashes are a recurring theme here which might explain my obsession with Lulu Guiness...

6. The 'Go-with-everything' Blazer

I recently bought one of these waterfall blazers from New Look in a grey floral print; they're flattering, lightweight and affordable. What's not to love?


7. The Pretty Blouse

Image 8 of COMBINED LACE BLOUSE from Zara


Finally, a white blouse is a staple piece for any wardrobe and I love the collar on this Zara long-sleeved lace top. Dressed up or down, you really can't go wrong. 


What's on your fashion wish list for Autumn Winter?

xxx