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Friday, 23 December 2016

My First Blogger Event @ The Gallery at Upchurch Jewellers

I was invited to my first ever blogger event a couple of weeks ago at The Gallery at Upchurch Jewellers in Colchester. It was a very small affair and was just for the shop to showcase their collections. I ended up coming out with a gorgeous Caravelle watch as I was gifted a £50 voucher by the lovely guys at The Gallery...whoops! 

Anyway, I thought I'd share some snaps that I took during the night. If you're after any new jewellery and you're in the Essex area I'd highly recommend The Gallery. They offer a really personal service and stock brands such as Caravelle, Thomas Sabo and Daisy. Also, their Christmas decorations were totally on point!



The gorgeous NatashaTodd and I



I cannot believe I have finally been to my first Blogger event. I had an absolute blast and it was a pleasure to meet other bloggers including the beautiful Natasha ToddAimee-Jade from Bella La Moda, and Debs from BangOnStyle. Oh, and I'm now the proud owner of my first grown-up watch which I am madly in love with - Merry Christmas to Me!  

Monday, 5 December 2016

How I Keep My Skin Spot Free...

If I do say so myself I have pretty alright skin (aside from uneven skin tone), and unless its that time of the month I really don't get many spots, and even when I do it's only the odd one here and there. I really thank my Mum for my skin as she has amazing skin and it's really inspired me to take good care of mine so I look just as good when I turn 50!


Here's me braving it in a picture with no makeup on my skin!

I recently invested in the Pixi Glow Tonic as everyone seems to rave about it, and I really wanted to see what it was about. It's an acid toner which aims to perfect skin tone and texture to give you a healthy glow. Since it contains no alcohol it is suitable for all skin types, even those of you who have sensitive skin will be ok to use this product. A few people said that this dried out their skin, but I really haven't found this with my skin, perhaps because I generally moisturise straight after. The glycolic in the formula essentially gets rid of any dead skin cells and therefore leaves your skin feeling super smooth and clean. Also, I really have noticed a small difference in the glowy-ness and also the evenness of my skin tone.

After I use the Pixi Glow Tonic, I either apply my Body Shop Vitamin E Overnight Serum in Oil all over and then a small amount of my Simple moisturiser, or I will slather on my Body Shop Vitamin E Sink In Moisture Sleeping Mask. Both leave my skin so hydrated in the morning and having hydrated skin means you are much less likely to get spots. I try to explain this to my boyfriend who doesn't moisturise his face all the time, but moisturising will not give you spots (if you are using the right cream), and having oily skin does not mean you shouldn't add extra moisture with moisturiser! In fact, having dry skin can cause spots.
In the morning I only use my Simple Face Moisturiser underneath my makeup and this keeps my skin pretty fresh and hydrated throughout the day.

Since sticking to this routine I have barely had a single spot, and if I have it's been nowhere near as fat as others. If I can recommend one product from this it would have to be the Pixi Glow Tonic though!

Monday, 28 November 2016

Christmas Gift Guide: For Him

BOYS. Can we all agree they are the hardest people to buy for? Us girls are happy with most things, and if you're really stuck, give us a Debenhams Gift Card and we are sorted. As for boys, I personally feel like they are ten times more fussy, and never actually express what they want, aside from things you can't buy them for Christmas...e.g. a car, or a less annoying girlfriend (no? ok, perhaps just me that gets requests like that...). Here are a few ideas for what you can get the men in your life for Christmas. 




1) Superdry Wallet - £29.99
On the more affordable side this wallet comes is beautifully packaged in a reuseable tin and has plenty of space for notes and cards. 

2) UE BOOM 2 Bluetooth Wireless Speaker - £84.95
Bluetooth speakers seem to be all the rage at the moment and this is one on the more affordable side of things. It has amazing reviews and would be perfect for any music lover. It's also waterproof so bring on the shower singing!

3) Tom Ford Noir Intense - £92.00
I bought this for my boyfriend this year for Christmas and it is possibly the nicest, and most unique fragrance I've ever smelt. It is so gorgeous, with a pretty floral undertone, but in a masculine way. As far as fragrances go it is pretty pricey, but you really only need one spray to be able to smell it, so it'll last a long time.

4Beats by Dr. Dre Studio 2.0 Over-Ear Noise Cancelling Headphones  - £129.00
What man doesn't want a set of Beats headphones? Even I want a set because they look so handy to have for the gym, with these ones being wireless, and you don't have to worry about little ear pieces falling out whilst you're running. These ones are on sale for a pretty decent price so if you're a bargain hunter like me, then snap these up!

Isn't a Burberry scarf just all sorts of goals? I think it can really pull an outfit together and there's just something so sophisticated and suave about them. If you have a man in your life who is really into his fashion then I'm sure this would go down a treat.

6) Daniel Wellington Watch - £199.00
As a girl, I've always wanted a Daniel Wellington watch. They're such a timeless piece since they aren't a super fashionable item they will just never go out of fashion. Perfect for the working men in your life. There are always good discounts going around for these DW watches so make sure you shop around!

Friday, 25 November 2016

Friction-Free Shaving Review


Is anyone else really bad at buying new razors, or is it just me? I generally wait until the blades are cutting me before I buy a new razor, but I was reading up on how bad it is to use a razor for too long, and decided to invest in a Friction-Free Shaving subscription after seeing many bloggers talk about it.
With packages starting at £3 a month, you can get sent a razor, along with four heads, which should be changed weekly to optimize your shaving experience. Every month you will be sent four new heads, for the subscription cost of £3. I personally went for the "Samantha" razor, which was £7, and it is the most beautiful razor I have ever owned. The heads have 5 blades which means you get a really quick and close shave, which makes shaving your legs just a tiny bit less tedious.
If you feel that one month you don't need a new set of 4 razor heads sent to you, then you can postpone your order for another month which is great! I think this is such a fabulous idea and I really recommend it to those of you who, like me, are very lazy when it comes to buying new razors. They really should be changed regularly and this is a great way to know that your razor will always be at its best.

Have you tried Friction-Free Shaving?

Monday, 21 November 2016

Christmas Gift Guide: For Her

So my second Christmas gift guide is here for you guys! Today's gift guide is all gifts 'for her', starting from as little as £11 all the way to £285.




Mermaid Blanket £23.00

I believe I was a mermaid in a past life so naturally I am very drawn to anything mermaid-y. These blankets are the perfect Christmas gift for any other mermaid lover, and even those who aren't. It's perfect for snuggling down on the sofa with a hot chocolate and a film in the Winter months.


The perfect gift for someone who loves to be organised. With a whole page a day, split into a 'to-do' list, a timetable, and a general notes section, you can say goodbye to having all your plans written in different places. With an "objectives" box at the bottom, it's also a good incentive to stay positive and try to accomplish something every single day. 

The Lean Machines: Eat Well, Move Better and Feel Awesome - £11.89


If you're after a gift for a fitness fanatic or a gym newbie, this book is perfect. I love the recipes in this book, and knowing that they're healthy makes them so much more fun to make. It's full of awesome and uplifting life tips and inspiration, as well as workout advice, making it a good all rounder for those interested in health and fitness.


If you know a makeup enthusiast who is all over the marble blogger trend, then this will be an amazing gift. It's super expensive for what it is (in my opinion), but you do get 5 exclusive shades, one being a nude powder, one a strobing powder, two blushes and a bronzer. The packaging is to die for, and Hourglass products are such high quality, I guarantee anyone who receives this at Christmas will be over the moon. 


Michael Kors Rhea Zip Black Small Backpack - £285.00

For those of you on a slightly larger budget, this rucksack is the way to go. Michael Kors are really having a moment currently, and I think this bag is so versatile. It can be dressed up or down and used for many purposes, and I think it looks so sophisticated. I've had this rucksack on my wishlist for ages now and I think I will eventually take the plunge and buy it for my 21st. 



Bon Bon is a sweet and extremely girly scent, but in quite a soft way. It is one of my all time favourite perfumes and this gift set would make the most incredible gift. It comes with a 50ml perfume, a 50ml body lotion and a 50ml shower gel. It's on the more pricey side of perfume gift sets but is one that is well worth the price. Let's take a moment for the packaging please...

*Brb whilst I go buy all these things for myself...*


Monday, 14 November 2016

Autumn Inspired Everyday Makeup



Aloha! I was feeling super Autumnal with the recent temperature drop, so I thought I'd share my 'go-to' Autumn Makeup Look with you guys. It's quite a lot of makeup for an everyday look, but if I am not going to the gym it's a look I love to go for!



The burnt tones of the Zoeva Cocoa Blend Palette are my absolute favourite for this time of year, with Warm Notes being the shade I put all across my lid. I used Freshly Toasted through my crease and also on the outer corners. Everything else is pretty self-explanatory I won't lie.


What's your favourite Autumn makeup product?



Friday, 11 November 2016

Update: Getting Back Into The Swing of Things...



Starting back at University has been a massively hard transition after the four months off for Summer, and I've found it super hard balancing everything I have to do at the moment. Naturally, I thought I would write a blog post to let you all know what's going on in my life.


So firstly with all the Uni stuff! My dissertation work has begun, and this is a way bigger project than I ever imagined it would be. Not only this, but I also have two assignments already, which is crazy, and I'm also trying to actually do all my reading this year which is proving to be a challenge. I've also become President of my University's newly founded Makeup Society, which is a hell of a lot of work, trying to organise events, socials and fundraising. At the moment we are doing lots of fundraising for a charity called Look Good Feel Better, and we are hoping to raise £1000 by the end of the academic year!


Aside from University tasks, I also have my part-time job to add into the works, and I am taking up extra hours at the moment to try and save some more money for my Summer, and also with Christmas coming up it's sort of essential to have a bit extra. Although I have my part-time job I am also looking for a part-time internship to do during the week, as I truly have no idea what I want to do when I finish University, and I believe that getting more work experience will help me decide.

So anyway, apologies if my blog becomes a bit...sporadic at the moment. I am trying to keep up with two posts a week; Monday and Friday, but it is going to be a massive struggle so please bare with me, it's a huge adjustment from having absolutely nothing to do to having all of this to juggle. 

Let me know in the comments what's going on in your life at the moment!

Monday, 7 November 2016

Christmas Gift Guide: For 'The Disney Lover'

I find Christmas Gift Shopping incredibly stressful when someone hasn't told me specifically what they would like, and so I thought I would put together a little series of Gift Guides for those of you who are like me. Yes, this one is a little more specific, but something which I think will be helpful to more than one of you who may have friends, family, or a partner who is super into Disney, like I am. Let's start at the more pricey end of things.

Bags & Accessories

Kate Spade make the most beautiful handbags and card holders, which I have been lusting after for many a year. Not too long ago they released a collection featured around Minnie Mouse, and these two are my absolute favourite pieces from the collection. Perhaps a little different in price, but for those of you who don't have a small budget, the bag would be eternally appreciated by any Disney Lover.




KATE SPADE NEW YORK FOR MINNIE MOUSE CARD CASE - £55.00



Clothing
 
Lazy Oaf recently came out with this amazing Disney clothing collection, and I am so in love. It is fairly expensive, but it is a pricey brand anyway, and the addition of the Disney name hasn't really bumped up the prices too much. All the clothing is very edgy looking and unique. 


PJ's & Loungewear

If you're after gifts that are on the more affordable side of things, then Pyjamas and Loungewear is definitely the way to go, (also, for any men reading...just would like to say that cute loungewear is the key to a woman's heart...). Both of these sets are from ASOS and are both things I've had saved on my wishlist for a while now! 




Others

If you're after a cheeky Secret Santa present, or just a little Stocking-Filler for a Disney-Lover, then these socks are super cute. Yes, "£5 for one pair of socks", I hear you cry, but they are adorable and who doesn't like a good old pun?! Also, this phone case is amazing, and has major Kate Spade vibes, and I am in love with this Nemo Mug!




Finding Nemo Mug - £10.95

I hope that this is helpful to some of you guys, if not, perhaps it's helpful to anyone in my life who reads my blog posts *hint hint, wink wink*. Let me know down below which you'd love to receive!

Monday, 31 October 2016

October '17 Favourites


Firstly, Happy Halloween guys! I'm so excited to get dressed up tonight and go out, I love that I can go crazy with makeup and not be judged. 

October has been a pretty dull month, as the only thing that's really happened is starting back at University, which simply means less time for blogging, and more work to be done. However, since the drop of Student Finance I have discovered a few new favourites for this month, and I thought I would share them with you. 


1) Morphe 9B Blush Palette
Morphe is absolutely slayin' in the palette department at the moment, and this blush palette is no exception. There are a wide variety of shades, with some being more pink toned and some more coral, and then there is the random red shade which I cannot see myself ever wearing. Some of the blush shades are matte and some have a slight shimmer to them, and honestly aside from the red I love them all! They blend seamlessly into the skin and look super natural. I am hoping to get a post up about this palette ASAP, with lots of swatches for you guys.

2) Sigma E40 Tapered Blending Brush
I ordered two brushes from Sigma one night when I was a little merry, and I do not have buyers regret one bit! This is the brush I always see Jaclyn Hill use and her eyeshadow is as perfect as it gets, so I ordered it in hopes my makeup will one day be as perfect as hers. It is honestly the best blending brush I have ever used, and makes my eyeshadow so flawless. I love using it to apply my transition shade!

3) Colourpop Ultra Matte in Limbo
90's brown lip anyone? This is my absolute favourite lip colour of the month. Its super autumnal with a proper old school vibe and I love it. I don't find the Colourpop Liquid Lipsticks to be too drying either so this is perfect. Check out the swatch I did in this post. It's also an amazing dupe for Kylie's True Brown K, but at a much more affordable price.

4) Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Game Face
Who doesn't love a burnt copper eyeshadow with hella sparkle?! It's my favourite autumn colour for eyeshadow and these Colourpop shadows are the most pigmented and super blendable eyeshadows I have ever used in my life. They glide on the eyes and stay there for so long! To check out a swatch click here.

5) Body Shop Vitamin E Face Oil
My skin went through a really dry patch at the end of summer and it's now super glowy and moisturised, and I put it all down to this bad boy. I apply it before I go to bed under my normal moisturiser and when I wake up in the morning my skin is so soft, and my makeup applies so much nicer. I seriously recommend buying this for those of you who have dry skin, as it replenishes your skin and just makes it look super healthy. You can get 40% off orders until tomorrow with the code 14672!

6) My Protein CLA Capsules
If you'd have told me two years ago that I'd have been making an order on My Protein I literally would have laughed in your face. But I've got so into health and fitness recently (still partial to a whole 36 pack of Jaffa Cakes though don't worry!) and was researching good supplements to take to increase your metabolism. I have a super slow metabolism and suffer really badly from bloating, and CLA appeared to be the answer to both of those problems. Firstly I tried the CLA Capsules from Cute Nutrition,  which I got on so well with, but they charge so much for delivery so I decided to try the My Protein ones this time. They really do stop me from feeling so bloated after eating, I cannot comment on whether they have sped up my metabolism yet, but just for the fact I am not bloating so much I will continue to take these. 

Let me know in the comments what you have been loving this month!

Friday, 21 October 2016

Places I Want To Visit By The End of 2017


I always find that if I write things in a blog post I am ten times more likely to do them, and that's why I am sharing with you guys 5 places I really want to visit by the end of 2017. (Here's to saving up more money than I could ever earn in a year...)

1) Budapest
Almost all of my Uni friends have been to Budapest and have said how beautiful and how cheap it is. I'm keen to visit the thermal baths and also see the castle at night as it looks stunning. If anyone has any blog posts on their trip to Budapest please link me up, inspiration would be lovely so I can plan how much money I need to save.

2) Amsterdam
Amsterdam is just somewhere you need to visit once in your life, and I think going when I'm 21 is the perfect time. I genuinely am interested in going to Anne Frank's house, and there's something about strolling along the canal in Spring that is really appealing to me. I'm not a massive cyclist, but I think Amsterdam would, be a perfect place to explore by bike, and this is something I am super keen to do. 

3) New York
I've always wanted to live in New York, I think it's from the Ugly Betty days...it just looked like such a fun place to live - a better version of London if you will. I refuse to go to New York when I have no money so perhaps I'll have to save this trip for when I've finished my studies. 

4) Disneyland Paris
Can we all appreciate that my first email address was "disneylover_daena", and I have never been to Disneyland?! Madness. I'm not a fan of rides, but I just want to go to meet the characters and I just think the whole experience will be magical so I'm determined to go for my 21st. If anyone has any recommendations or tips on how to make the trip slightly cheaper please holla at me because it's looking like £300 for three nights which kills me a little inside...

5) Edinburgh
For somewhere a little closer to home I really want to visit Edinburgh. It's just one of those cities that really appeals to me, from the shops to the scenery and the history, I just want to see it all. It's surprisingly expensive though so I think this trip will have to be pushed behind Disney.

Where would you love to visit?! Let me know in the comments! 

Monday, 17 October 2016

Lip Colours I Reach For On A Night Out

Choosing a lip colour is a task in itself for me because I've built up quite the lipstick collection and have more than any human could possibly need. However, there are four that I reach for on a night out, and I thought I would share them with you incase you needed any inspiration!


Whirl, Sephora, Lingering Kiss, Chilly Chili

1) MAC Whirl
A pinky-brown toned nude with a matte finish. Perfect paired with a smokey eye, or even just flawless skin and falsies for a more natural look.

2) Sephora Matte Lip Cream - 01
A bold classic red with a matte finish. A beautiful statement lip colour, and as it is a liquid lipstick it lasts well during a night on the town.

3) MAC Lingering Kiss
A dark berry colour with a matte finish. Another statement lip colour which makes any night-out look a little more edgy. Also dark enough to leave behind a beautiful stain.

4) Colourpop Ultra Matte in Chilly Chili
This is such a unique, bold colour which really makes a statement. I love using this with a more minimal look to make the lips the centre of attention. It's more of an Autumn/Winter shade, but paired with the right outfit can look beautiful. 

What colours do you reach for when you go 'out-out'? 

Monday, 3 October 2016

Colourpop Haul + GIVEAWAY

Hello, hello, I apologise for my absence last week but I went back home for the week and left my camera in Essex...well done Daena! Also, welcome to the new website. I decided to leave 'daenabe' to one side and begin a new era with 'daenalouise', which is my name so I figured I won't regret it in years to come.

Today I'm coming at you with a cheeky Colourpop Haul which I was super excited about. I have been lusting after a tonne of Colourpop items for the past year or so, after trying one of the Ultra Matte's, and I finally took the plunge and ordered some things. I'll also be giving away my favourite of the Ultra Matte Lipsticks as I ordered two! Details will be at the bottom of the post, but let's start with what I bought.

  


The first things I new I wanted more of was the Ultra Matte Lipstick's, and I ordered the shades Tulle and Limbo. Tulle is a dark berry toned nude...I really don't know how to describe it as it is such a unique colour, but it is the most perfect colour for this time of year. It's definitely my new favourite Autumn colour! As for Limbo its a very dark chocolatey brown, which I ordered because I have been lusting after Kylie's Lip Kit in True Brown, and this shade is pretty similar but at around £4, it's far cheaper. The formula of these is super thin but highly pigmented at the same time, and definitely not too drying on the lips. I do find that after eating they can smudge around a little, but reapplying after eating is natural anyway, right?!

Tulle, Limbo & Frick N' Frack
L to R: Tulle, Limbo, Frick N' Frack
I also wanted to try out one of the Ultra Satin Lipstick's, and I ordered the shade Frick N' Frack, which is my perfect dark nude shade. It is more on the pinky-brown/terracotta side of nudes rather than the more natural side, but I adore it. It's super comfortable on the lips and dries down to a satin finish *duh*. 




I'd heard so many amazing things about the Super Shock Shadows, so I picked up three! The first was Kathleen Lights, which is a beautiful bright copper shade with a pearlised finish. I also grabbed Game Face which is a slightly darker version of Kathleen lights really, with a more metallic finish. It's the perfect Autumn eye colour (I am in LOVE). I couldn't resist buying the shade Rex, which is not my usual eyeshadow colour, but since it has the same name as my beloved doggy, I had to buy it. It's a gorgeous black with multiple glitters running though it, which appear blue and purple. I think it'll be gorgeous on a night out with a pale nude lip. I absolutely adore the texture of these shadows, and upon first swatch I was extremely impressed, as not only are they super pigmented, but they have a strange crème powder formula which means that you don't get as much fall out, and the shadows are super buttery. 


Game Face
Kathleen Lights
Rex 
Rex, Game Face, Kathleen Lights
The final two things I picked up were the Brow Gel in Black N' Brown and the Ultra Shock Highlighter in Wisp. I have been after a dupe for my Anastasia Dip Brow Pomade for a while now as it is slightly pricey, and I thought I'd give this a go. It is a little bit more creamy which may mean it's a little harsher on the brows, but I am dying to give this a go and I will report back! As for Wisp, it is gorgeous. It's intense, buttery, blends easily, and is decently pigmented. What more do you want from your highlighter?!



Below is the entry form for the giveaway, where I will be giving one of you guys an Ultra Matte Lipstick in Tulle! I ordered two so thought that rather saving it for my stash I'd let one of you guys have it, since it isn't the easiest thing to get hold of in the UK. The only essential requirement to enter the giveaway is that you follow me on Twitter, and this is to ensure I can contact you if you win. If you want extra entries you can follow me on Bloglovin' and Instagram! The winner will be chosen at random and contacted when the competition closes on Monday 10th October. Good Luck guys! UK ONLY!



Saturday, 1 October 2016

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Thursday, 22 September 2016

What I Eat In A Day #1

Before I begin...no pretty food photos ahead, so if that's what you like I'm sorry!


 Breakfast: Cute Nutrition Meal Replacement Shake with a Green Tea
Not going to lie, I am not a fan of this shake. I used to use the PHD Nutrition Meal Replacement Shake and it was honestly so much nicer taste wise, but they changed their formula so I decided to switch it up and try out Cute Nutrition. Everyone I've spoken to loves it so maybe I just picked a dud flavour? I use almond milk with it too so maybe that makes it taste funky...


Lunch: Alpro Vanilla Yoghurt with Granola
I know this isn't the most 'lunchy' option but I needed to use up my yoghurt by today and didn't want to throw it out. This Nice & Nobbly Granola is my actual fave as it's not got too much dried fruit and other bits added to it. This generally really fills me up for the afternoon.


Snack: KIND Maple Glazed Pecan & Sea Salt
These guys are pretty high in calories, nuts always are, but they are so tasty and rather filling too. I had this after I finished my 4 hour shift at work before I headed to the gym and it actually kept me fuelled for my workout!


Dinner: Red Onion & Goats Cheese Tart with Brown Rice
These tarts are actually such a god send! Just shove them in the oven for half hour and bish bash bosh they're done. I am a lover of cheese so these are perfect, probably not the healthiest option but I opted for brown rice to accompany to compensate.

Post-Dinner Snack: Mini Twister with a Peppermint Tea
I went to the gym before dinner so wanted something sweet to treat myself. These mini twisters are only around 50 calories so perfect after all the hard work at the gym. I always have a peppermint tea before I go to bed as it really helps with your digestive system and I find it reduces my bloating when I wake up.

That's it for my first What I Eat In A Day post, i'll try to improve my photography for the next one, I promise!


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Monday, 19 September 2016

My Fitness Wishlist #1

Buying new gym or workout gear always makes me super motivated and I feel like I push myself so much harder during my workouts if I am wearing a new outfit! Is that just me?! Here's a list of things I have been lusting after for the gym.



1) All The Right Places Pant II - £118.00

I'm waiting till I win the lottery to bite the bullet and buy these bad boys. I blame TheAnnaEdit for my new found love for LuluLemon, and my bank account really did not need to find this website!

Possibly the most beautiful Sports Bra I have ever seen! I cannot imagine it gives a hell of a lot of support, but when I finally get the stomach I want, this would be perfect to rock in the gym with some high waisted leggings.

How hilarious is this top? Perhaps I need to work on my glutes a lot more before I can buy this though...

I never really hear anyone talking about Fitbit's, but I am really intrigued to have one and in particular use it whilst I am working out. I find it really hard to track my calories and it would be really handy to be able to view it all through one device without any hard work on my part. 

I guess a black hoodie is nothing special, but I love the mesh detail on this hoodie, and I am always looking for new ways to make my workout gear a bit more fashionable.

HOW CUTE ARE THESE?! These leggings are perfect for Autumn/Winter, although I do feel they might be hard to match up with my other bits in my workout wardrobe...


Are you lusting after any new fitness gear? I'd love to know what!



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