What I Got for Christmas 2014

I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and got lots of lovely gifts! I know a lot of people (including myself) love knowing what people got for Christmas so this is what today's blogpost is for. I am in no way bragging about my gifts, I'm just simply writing this for those of you who are genuinely interested in reading that type of thing. Most of the things I asked for, I also mainly asked for money to contribute towards a gift that I wanted to buy myself.

Yves Saint Laurent Perfume

I knew I wanted this when I smelt it in a magazine! It just has a really sophisticated, gorgeous scent and the bottle is so pretty as well.

My Life in Pictures: Lincoln Christmas Market, London & Winter Wonderland 2014

I go to university in Lincoln and every year they put on a really amazing Christmas market just up the hill. I love going to it as it always puts me in the most Christmassy mood. A few weeks after this, I also wen to London as it is my favourite place at Christmas time so I was so excited to visit it. We also visited Winter Wonderland as I have always wanted to go. Here are some pictures!

Lincoln Christmas Market

End of Year Favourites

It's nearly the end of 2014 and I am going to be going through my final favourites. Some of these favourites I have loved all year round and some are new discoveries. There will be a mixture of beauty, make-up, clothes and random bits, so sit back and enjoy the read.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

This is a new product which I decided to try out because it was on offer. Previous to this I always used make-up wipes to remove my make-up but found that these didn't really do the job properly and I would always wake up with black under my eyes (not a great look!) I love this so much, it doesn't sting my skin or eyes, it removes your make-up really quickly and actually does it properly! Another bonus is that its a big bottle so it lasts for quite some time.

October Favourites 2014

First of all, I would just to say I'm so sorry that is late and so sorry for the lack of posts recently. Uni work has hit me hard this term but I will try balance it out more, promise! As you read by the title, this is going to be my October favourites post, here are all the products that I have not stopped using or wearing last month.

Soap & Glory Eyebrow 

 

 

I literally lived by this last month. It's double sides so one size is a mini brush that brushes your eyebrow and the other side is the pencil. the tip of the pencil is very fine and makes it really easy to apply, another thing I love it about it is that I don't have to worry about sharpening it. It gives my eyebrows a really natural look. It's also super handy that you have the brush on the other side as that makes it so much easier to tame and shape the brow. I've been using this product every day for over a month now and there's still no sign of it running out!

University Room Tour 2014

First of all, I am so so sorry that I haven't blogged in what feels like forever. I've been meaning to do this post for quite a while now but as I only moved in 2 weeks ago, I've been adding bits to my bedroom and I think I am finally happy with it, for now anyway.

 

Cream Eyeshadow Crazy

Over the last few years, I have kept my eye makeup very simple only adding mascara and eyeliner however, over the past few months I have discovered the beauty of eyeshadows and there is no going back. I'm going to be talking about three eyeshadows that I'm loving at the moment and hopefully this  may inspire some of you to branch out and become a little bit more adventurous with your eye make-up.

A Home Haul

I am going back to University very soon and moving into a new home. Therefore, I thought it was only appropriate that I buy lots of nice things to put into my new room and try to make it feel really homely. I got bits from two shops, Urban Outfitters and B&M, which are at totally different sides of the price spectrum but they both do lovely home things. For my new bedroom, I am trying to go for a vintage/Cath Kidston look which includes lots of pastel colours (mainly pink).

'Makeup Rumours' Review - Lipsticks

Makeup Rumours is a website that sells all sorts of make-up ranging from eye, nail and lip products. The great thing about this site is that most items they sell are either £1 or £1.50 so you could basically renew your whole make-up for the small price of £10. I'm all for a bargain so I decided to try out some of these products and review them. I bought lots of bits but today I will be talking about lipsticks. Below are the four different colours that I tried.

The lipsticks on the websites are separated into different categories such as reds, pinks, brights and nudes. I don't often wear bright lipsticks so my first instinct was to look at the nudes and I picked two from this section. In general, I would like to say that all of the lipsticks are easy to apply and long-lasting, I wore each of these on several different occasions and even though I had to touch it up after eating, most of the time, the product remained in place and did not fade or smudge. Some others things I enjoyed are that the lipsticks did not dry out my lips and were very easy to remove at the end of the day and did not leave a stain.

OTTD - The Perfect Playsuit

I've been making a very conscious effort recently to buy clothes that don't just make me look okay but really flatter my figure. I think this playsuit does just this. I find that a lot of playsuits are either too short, or too tight therefore they either show my bum or too much of my legs. I feel like this playsuit is the perfect length and the lace detail at the bottom not only adds interest but flatters.

Playsuit - Topshop SALE £25

I really like the colour of this, I think it's an absolutely perfect piece for the the end of the summer season. The lace detail also carries on around the top of the arms and the playsuit has an arched back adding further detail. As you can see I have chosen to play with the black lace detail and add black shoes and a black clutch bag.

What's in my make-up bag?

In this post, I'm going to be going through the items that I have in my every day make-up bag. Some of the items that I will be talking about, I have been using religiously for years and others, I have only just purchased recently. Nevertheless, I will be giving my thoughts on the products.

First of all, I have the Ted Baker make up bag (that's it above!) I bought it from House of Fraser over a year ago and I think it's really pretty, I adore all the Ted Baker make-up bags. Also, it's a really good size, I can fit lots in there and don't have any trouble getting it in my hand bag. Another thing I love about this make-up bag is that it's hard wearing, this bag has been with me in many places and hasn't changed shape or been damaged in any way.

FACE

1. Nivea Pure & Natural Soothing Day Cream
I like to apply this cream just before I begin to do my make-up. It really moisturises my skin but doesn't make it oily, which is why I love it so much. It also smells lovely and is a decent make-up bag size.

2. MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation (Click here for a full review)
I've written a full review on this foundation which I have linked above however, I will say I adore this foundation, it's got the perfect coverage, it's very easy to apply and it's long lasting!

3. Collection 2000 Concealer
I initially bought this product because I saw bloggers raving about it. I must admit this is probably the best concealer that I have used to date. It gives great coverage and definitely covers my dark circles. The coverage doesn't last all day so I usually have to re-apply it midday, however, this is still a great product.

4. Rimmel London Professional Eyebrow Pencil
I have only recently started filling in my eyebrows so trying new eyebrow pencils is experimental for me. I haven't had this long but I do like this product, it seems to do the job, it's easy to apply and lasts well through out the day. It also makes my eyebrows look pretty natural and I like the little eyebrow brush you get with it.

July Favourites 2014

Sorry this favourites is awfully late, but better late than never right? Here are the things that I have been loving in the month of July.

Topshop Pineapple Dress

I bought this dress last month and I have really enjoyed it wearing. I think it really suits my figure and I love all the bright colours on it and the cutout detail. Additionally, this dress is very versatile and I have worn it both on a night out and during the day.

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Mosturiser

I initially bought this item because I'm very impatient and lazy when it comes to moisturising so I was really looking for something quick and easy. I have been loving using this item, it's so easy to apply and it literally dries in seconds so there is no waiting around for your moisturiser to sink it. I also think it smells really really nice!

MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation - Is It Worth the Price?

I know a lot of people use the MAC foundations and have done for a while (I am rather late on the bandwagon) however, this review is mostly aimed at those who have used drugstore foundations for most of their life and are looking for reasons to justify the swap over to a slightly more expensive piece of make up. The foundation that I bought was the Mac Studio Fix Fluid Foundation in the colour NC25.

Birthday gifts & London Shopping Haul

It was my birthday recently so I got some lovely gifts and also, one of my presents was a trip to London which was obviously a good opportunity to do some shopping and buy myself even more things.

Starting with one of my favourite things I bought and that was the Olivia Burton watch.
  

I've been after this watch for a while but there aren't that many places that sell them so I thought London would be the perfect place to get them. I originally wanted this watch with a black strap however, after trying on a few I decided the brown strap looked better with my skin tone. I just think it's really pretty and simple at the same time & in comparison to the Michael Kors watches it was a bargain at just £75!

June Favourites

In the month of June I have been loving a range of things from music, to clothes, to tea, to perfume.

1. X - Ed Sheeran

I have always had a soft spot for Ed Sheeran so I was very excited to hear he was releasing an album. I immediately fell in love with it when I heard and it is basically all I have been listening to this month. My two favourites on the album are Thinking Out Loud and I'm Mess.

Outfit of the Day - A Casual Wednesday

I've bought a few things in the Topshop sale (which is amazing this year btw) and I am particularly loving this top. The weather wasn't really great today so I paired it with black jeans however, I know that as the weather gets warmer I'll be able to style it with skirts & shorts as well.

I paired the outfit with white jelly shoes just to add a bit of difference and colour. I went very simple with my jewellery just wearing my pandora rings and a watch and silver earrings.

Here is the final look! I wore my hair down and natural and had some very simple make up on.

Top: Topshop

Jeans: Topshop Leigh Jeans

Shoes: Juju Jelly Shoes from Office

Watch: Freedom at Topshop

Rings: Pandora

Anastasiya X

Staying Happy!

I am writing this blog post today to not only encourage you to stay happy but also to remind myself to stay happy no matter what.

I think it's very easy to get caught up in day to day stresses which ruin your mood. If you come across a situation that makes you unhappy or just have one of those days where everything seems rubbish, you have to step back and look at the bigger picture. Remind yourself of everything that is good in your life, for example in mine, I'm healthy, I have a roof over my head, I have a job, I have great friends, I go to university. This may seem really simple but we easily forget these things when faced with a situation that's actually tiny but seems like a massive deal to us at the time.

If you are going through a hard time you've got to remember that you won't always feel like this, that with every day that passes things will get better. Surround yourselves with friends and family as that will take your mind off the negatives - I find that being alone only leads to more over thinking which subsequently leads to more negative thoughts.

You can also do other things such as indulging yourself in hobbies, trying something new and just basically finding things to keep yourself busy. Another great way to get rid of all your negative thoughts is exercise, I think exercise is said to release positive hormones which then puts you in good spirits & aside from that you'll feel really good about toning your body.

I think the most important thing to remember is that you don't need to rely on anybody else to make you happy, it is YOUR choice whether you're happy or not, so just remember that and remember that life is too short to be anything but that.

Anastasiya X

Tenerife 2014 - Holiday pictures

I went on holiday to Tenerife, Costa Adeje for a week. Our hotel was lush, the weather was lush and we also visited some really nice places like a huge water park (Siam Park) and the zoo (Loro Parque). Here are some pics!

Quick Hair Tutorial - The Messy Bun

Everybody has their own way of doing a bun so I thought I would show how I do it. If you're really quite average at doing your hair and just want an easy way then this is definitely it. All you need is lots of hair clips and a few hair bobbles (depending on how thick your hair is)

Step 1. Just brush through you hair, make sure you get all your nots out. If your hair is wet or damp, make sure you dry it properly as it won't be as messy if its wet. Once your hair is all brushed, scrape it back into a high pony tail.

Summer Look - My three favourite outfits!

I am always blogging about clothes I've purchased so, I thought I would put together some summer outfits from my favourite things I have bought.

1. I love the colours in this outfit! The top is so bright and colourful and I've paired it with black denim shorts and white jelly shoes.

Top: New Look Shorts: Topshop Shoes: Office

My Summer Wish List

1. Topshop Pineapple Print Bikini 2. Marc Jacobs Watch 3. Topshop Monochrome Heart Gingham Shirt 4. Topshop Tile Leigh Jeans 5. Zara Coat with Zips 6. Vivienne Westwood Necklace

Above are a few items that I am in love with and I am dying to get. It's my birthday this summer as well so this is a kind of a reminder for me as my birthday wish list as well.

Let me know some of the things on your wish list!

Anastasiya X

May Favourites 2014

It's that time again, a new month and a new favourites post. There's a mixture of things I've been loving this month from beauty products to clothes to films and tv programmes and I'm going to share them all with you right now.

Starting off with beauty products, I have been loving the Maybelline Brow Drama brow mascara.

I haven't used any products on my eyebrows before however, I wanted to try something on them. I was looking for a product that gives my eyebrows a nice tint and shapes them but one that also makes them look natural. I am very happy with this product, it's easy to apply and goes on well and lasts all day. Additionally, it gives me that natural look I was going for and you don't have to apply a lot of it.

Summer/Holiday Haul

It's finally getting to that time where all exams are over and it's time to relax for summer and look forward to your holiday. I'm going on holiday soon and I went shopping, here are the results!

H&M dress - £14.99

I am a big fan of dresses, they're an all in one outfit and I just think they're very elegant and for my figure, they're probably the most flattering. I love the flowery pattern on this and also the shape. It was also a bargain!

April Favourites

This post is going to be a bunch of random things as well as beauty and fashion items that I have been loving this month.

I have been totally addicted to the game 2048 on my phone. It's basically all about matching the same numbers to eventually make the number 2048. It doesn't sound very exciting, you'll just have to take my word for it and download it and see for yourselves.

I have been loving the Garnier Summerbody Mosturising Lotion. After trying a proper fake tan I found that it dried out my skin and made it go a bit funny so I opted for this lotion. It comes out in a really nice colour and smells lush. It's also really easy to apply and moisturises your skin in the process! Another bonus is that it's currently half price in Boots so grab it while you can!

Haul: Primark, Nike Store, New look, Topshop & River Island

I haven't bought a lot in the last few months but I have finally found a stable job and I've got a bit of money to spend so I decided to buy a few things for summer. Some of the things I have been eyeing up for a while so I'm glad to finally have them.

 PRIMARK

Leopard print black pumps

I really like these for many reasons. I love the style and the print a lot. I also think they're going to be very versatile therefore I'll be able to wear them with a lot of different outfits. They are also a really good price.

University Advice

This blogpost is for those who are thinking of or are heading to University this year or in the future. I'm writing this because I wish I would have read something like this before setting off for uni. I'm going to give you guys some tips to survive your first year and hopefully help you get the most out of it. I'm going to talk about a few main topics which involve uni life.

Money

I would definitely 100% advise saving. I went to uni with hardly any savings and I definitely regret that. I would also recommend (with caution) for you to open some sort of student account that has an overdraft. I and a lot of my friends have the Santander account, you get an overdraft of £1,500 and you have a year after you graduate to pay it off. Although, I don't recommend going to far into & use it only if you really have no other option because once you're in it, you'll find it hard to get out. Another good thing about the Santander account is that you get a free railcard for 3 years which is really useful especially if you're going to be travelling home during term time. 

Mini Haul: Boots, Superdrug, Primark & Body Shop

Over the last week I've bought quite a few new bits and pieces that I thought I would share with you all. The first product that I bought was a shirt which I LOVE and it's from Primark.

Coachella 2014 - my favourite looks!

Every year we have Coachella and every year I want to go more and more purely because it looks amazing but also because everyone is dressed AMAZING. I have totally fallen in love with some of the Coachella outfits this year so I thought I would share my favourites with you all.

1. Selena Gomez

I absolutely adore this outfit. It's so simple as she's just wearing shorts and a top but the patterned dress on top just gives it such a beautiful, elegant look. Topped of with the hat, Selena looks flawless.

2. Kendall & Kylie Jenner

                                  

Shorts are definitely a must have for every festival and both Kendall and Kylie have paired their shoes with really cute tops which are casually but with the use of accessories they have made their outfits both look glamours and festival like.

3. Vanessa Hudgens

Vanessa Hudgens is no doubt THE QUEEN of Coachella. Every single year her outfits look amazing. I absolutely love the colours, the style and the shapes of these outfits and I just love he whole look in general. Also, love the hat which a lot of people have been pairing with their outfits at Coachella this year.

4. Beyonce

As usual, Queen B looks amazing. Pairing a simple pair of denim shorts with a top. Classic but amazing.

So basically, I just really want to go to Coachella and every one looks amazing there. Let me know some of your favourite Coachella looks. 

Anastasiya X