Origins Event: Meeting Tanya Burr

Yesterday was such an amazing day for me as I finally got to meet the very lovely Tanya Burr. Myself and my sister were fortunate enough to win V.I.P tickets along with 49 others to attend an Origins event hosted by John Lewis. It was a rooftop event and although the sun didn't manage to stick it out for the day, it was a really beautiful event. They laid fake grass down and had cute little beach huts where you can buy Tanya's favourite origins products or grab an apple, strawberry and ginger juice! Yummy!

We were one of the first in the queue so they put us up in the lift and as we walked outside their were people taking pictures and waiters offered juices and natural granola bar snacks. First, we had a skin consultation where an Origins representative would ask what our daily skin regime is like and if we consider our skin oily, sensitive or dry. I got to try the Ginzing face scrub which smells lovely and also the Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask which smells like apricots and is super moisturising.

After our skin consultation we snapped a few photos in the selfie booth and then had a look at the view from the roof!

I then went to one of the little huts to purchase some products, I picked up the Ginzing scrub and the Drink Up Intensive Overnight mask I was recommended but the kind lady that gave me the skin consultation and they gave me a free copy of her book Love, Tanya! I thought it was really cool that you get a free copy of the book with any purchase.

Soon Tanya was introduced and the Origins general manager spoke to her for a little while about Tanya's favourite products and she gave us her top 5 tips for beautiful skin, some where drink lots of water and always take your makeup off. Classic rules any beauty guru will know!

And then it was time to meet Tanya! She signed the copy of her book I got with my purchases and had a little chat with me, unfortunately she was feeling poorly so her manager was quick to get her a lemon detox drink. She mentioned her new products coming out and she told me the packaging would be changing and she's going for a completely new look. (She also said I was the first she told about it, inside scoop!) I tried to ask what kind of products she was bringing out but I understood she may want to keep it a surprise, I did ask if she was thinking about doing foundation as I know she does love a good Armani or NARS foundation. She said she's not doing foundation YET and I told her she must do pale shades when she eventually does as I can never find one pale enough when I'm skipped the fake tan during the winter. I then snapped a few selfies with her and wished her the best for her upcoming wedding to Jim Chapman!

It was so exciting finally getting to meet her as she was the one who really got me into makeup. I have always loved experimenting but I never ventured out and tried different looks and I find whatever she recommends I'll usually go to the shop and buy it and LOVE it! She is my ultimate beauty inspiration and it was lovely getting to meet her in person.

While I waited for my sister to meet Tanya, I bumped into Dom, the gleam manager. Those of you who watch her vlogs will have seen him before a few times. He was really nice so we just stood and had a chat. He told me about the Louise Live tour that is happening soon but unfortunately the London tickets are already sold out even though I would love to go! 

After Cara had spoken with Tanya we decided we couldn't wait any longer for food and went to leave for a Wagamamas, upon leaving the Origins representatives gave us a cute little origins bag which had a few samples in it! 

It really was a fabulous little evening and we went home on such a high that we got to meet our beauty inspiration!

Katie

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Drugstore Favourites Under £10

There are always going to be those few bargain drugstore products that you repurchase again and again because you know the colour suits you, its good value for money and you get those beauty points every time you repurchase!

I love drugstore makeup, its so cheap, the quality is good and there's always a shop nearby. I don't have to worry about waiting for a trip to London or to the airport for a SpaceNK shop or Charlotte Tilbury counter where I would end up buying the cheapest product. I can just pop to the nearest high street or shopping mall and grab all I need!

Below are a few of my favourite drugstore items!

The Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation is my ultimate favourite foundation. Nothing makes my skin feel plumper and more refreshed! I use it in the shade Ivory on my pale days. On the days I wear fake tan I use True Ivory as it is slightly darker with an orange tone that doesn't leave me looking cakey.

My second favourite definitely has to be the Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint. When I take a break from wearing acrylics I like to opt for a Gel paint as it is much more stronger and longer lasting that your everyday nail polish. The Barry M Gel Paint is quite thick and gloopy but doesn't go streaky while applying. My favourite shade of this is 'Pomegranate' but I have 'Sugar Apple' and 'Mango' on my wishlist!

My favourite drugstore mascara is Maybellines The Falsies and it has been a favourite for a good 5 years. This is an everyday wear mascara for me that I can always depend on! I get long fluttery eyelashes with every use and it doesn't try out quickly!

My last favourite is Soap & Glorys Flake Away Body Scrub. This stuff is just the best, it leaves my skin feeling silky soft and I have repurchased this about 5 times. You get 300ml in one of their large pots of this and it lasts for ages. It has the fruity Soap & Glory scent that everybody loves, its good enough to eat! Though I wouldn't recommend it! It contains Grapeseed and Almond oils which is super softening for your skin and the scrub is made from grit salt. It is very chunky and rough so wouldn't recommend using it on your neck or armpits unless you want an uncomfortable rash but it is perfect for using on dry legs! 

These are all my favourite drugstore products which  are all under £10 and I would repurchase them again and again! What are your favourites?

Katie

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Motivational Monday

The main reason I write motivational Monday posts is to have a reminder each week to myself to be grateful for something and to keep me going when things seem crappy. I list the things I'm happy for  this week too as it would be so easy to write 100 things that happened that I'm angry about. People find it easier to see the bad in things rather than the great, if I list these once a week I'm sure it will get stuck in my head one day to always look on the bright side of life *whistles*.

This week I want to remind myself and others that no matter how many times you may fail or get rejected, always get back on the horse and try again.

A  quote I really like is "If someone tells you no, you're asking the wrong person"

This means to always strive for what you desire no matter how disheartening rejection may be and not to give up. 

My biggest motivation is my mum. The one who's always on the other end of the phone when I cry from the stress of  life and encourages me to get on with it. She supports me every day and I'm very grateful to her.

This week I'm happy for:-

1. Taking dogs for a walk at 7pm and it still be baking hot!

2. A lazy sunday with Dean  spent watching films

3. Winning V.I.P tickets to meet Tanya Burr next Wednesday! :D

4. Positive feedback from a job interview

5. How my cat meows in reply to almost anything you say

Hope you all have a lovely week!

Katie

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The Blusher Tag

I saw this tag on 'A Life With Frills' blog and I thought I'd give this a go. I do love blusher and wish I was a bit more daring with the shades I choose but anyway I thought I'd tag some other bloggers to do it too.

What colour blush suits you the most?

Pink shades suit me the most, like a dusty rose or mauve based shade.

Pressed, cream or loose?

Pressed is definitely the easiest to use I find but I do like using loose too for a bit more colour and blendability.

Favourite shimmery blush?

My favourite shimmery blush is Benefit's Coralista I have been using this since I was 16 and love the coral/pink shade. However, I never use the brush that comes in the little cardboard box and find the packaging quite rubbish but I guess that means they invest more in the actual product so I can't complain.

Favourite matte blush?

I have really been loving Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Seductive Pink this is the perfect matte blush that gives a healthy glow.

Favourite cream blush?

All of Topshops cream blushers are lovely I especially liked the shade 'Flush'. I actually lost this a while ago but it gave such a beautiful dewy look and it is an orange blusher which is perfect for summer holidays. I will repurchase this again one day...

Favourite drugstore blush?

This has got to be MUAs blusher in Marshmallow, this blusher is only £1! This electric pink shade is perfect for evenings and is highly pigmented. People might think it's quite a risky blusher as it is so bright but it works really well on a brush applicator.

Favourite MAC blush?

I don't actually own any MAC blushes! YET :(

Biggest blush disappointment?

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher- mentioned before in a post you can read here- this blusher was just overall crap! No pigmentation whatsoever and very difficult application.

Best blush packaging?

The best packaging I have found is Sleek's Blusher. I have the shade Rose Gold which is a beautiful shimmery colour. the packaging is plain black and is a compact. I have dropped it a few times and it hasn't broken which  makes it a real winner for me.

What's on your blush wishlist?

NARS Angelika

NARS Deepthroat

MAC Well Dressed

Holy grail blush?

Max Factor Creme Puff Blush in Seductive Pink. As mentioned above, I wear this everyday and it is the colour perfect for my skin tone.

I tag Kim form Londonstagraam,  Alice from Always,Alice x and Katy from Drugstore Junkie, if they haven't already done it that is!

Katie

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Summer Glow Makeup Look

For ages I have been wanting to a makeup tutorial type post because I love doing makeup so much but I rarely get the chance to do other people's. So when me and my sister had a BBQ to go to this weekend we took advantage of the opportunity and the lovely summer weather to create a fresh summer glow. Here is how I created this look below.

I started off by applying Garniers illuminating light lotion to Cara's face. This moisturiser is brilliant to use when creating a 'glowing' look as it has built in light reflecting pearls. It is also fast absorbing so you can apply primer straight over the top. 
I used Benefit's The POREfessional to minimise pores and create a soft blendable base for Rimmel's Wake me Up Foundation in the shade 'Classic Beige' to go over. I used the real techniques face blender brush to apply the foundation and kept buffing it in circular motions to eliminate any streaks or patches and make the base look flawless. Then I used the Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer to cover any dark spots or blemishes and a the collection concealer to brighten under the eyes. Along with the concealer I applied Benefit's High Beam by dotting it along the cheekbones, down the bridge of Cara's nose and on her cupid's bow, I blended this all in using a beauty blender. 
I then went onto contouring using Soleil Tan De Chanel which is a brilliant bronzing makeup base. I used a real techniques face blender brush for this too as it just has the right shape to get into the hollows of the cheeks. The easiest way to contour, I find, is sucking your cheeks in like a fish to pinpoint exactly where the dark shade needs to go. I also applied this base under the jawline and on the temples in the shape of the number 3.
I then set this all with Rimmel's  Stay Matte Powder using a large powder brush.

To add more colour and definition to her eyebrows I used Urban Decay's Naked Basics Palette eyeshadow in 'Faint'. Using an angled brush I gently applied this eyeshadow in strokes to create a more defined and arched look and also filled in gaps. I always like to use Brow This Way Styling Gel to keep them in place while maintaining thickness.

As Cara has quite small eyelids we thought it would be better to go for one block colour, I used Maybelline's Colour Tattoo in the shade 'Pink Gold' for a dewy and shimmery look without being too heavy on the eyes, I applied this with my ring finger and simply blended it using a MAC 217 brush.
To keep the eyes simple I applied a very thin layer of eyeliner along her top lash line using Revlon Colourstay Liquid Eye Pen and then applied Lancome's Grandoise mascara for long fluttery eyelashes. I have raved about this mascara in a previous post you can read here. It is honestly the best mascara I have ever used and people always comment on how long it makes your lashes look.

For the cheeks we went for Max Factor's Creme Puff Blush in the shade 'Seductive Pink' for a slight pink glow and using a Real Techniques Contouring Brush I applied some of NARS' Laguna Bronzer into the hollows of her cheeks for a more defined cheekbone. To add extra golden glow I finished off with Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Brick in Copper Diamond. This was part of the Christmas collection so you can't buy it any more. But this gave such a gorgeous, bright, summer glow to Cara's face.

We finished off the whole look with L'Oreal's Colour Riche Extraordinaire in 'Molto Mauve'. This is a pink/nude creamy lip gloss, I wouldn't say it is very Mauve but it does have some dark tone to it. The colour just suited the look and eyeshadow perfectly, it's very simple and I didn't want anything to be dramatic and to just really let the golden glow speak for itself.


Below are some pictures I took and some from the BBQ later during the day.

Katie 

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Motivational Monday

Today, I want to remember those around me who encourage me, support me, love me and just generally make me smile. 

This saying is always being thrown about, to surround yourself with people who help your being. 

We shouldn't just think about what we can do for others, sometimes we need to think about what they can do for us. There's no point in wasting your life being surrounded by negative people who constantly bring you down or are a bad influence on you or burden you with their own problems. We must seek out those who promote self-esteem, those who will put you on a pedestal when you are lacking self confidence, those who support your crazy decisions and don't criticise.

I'm so fortunate to have a family that are there to support me in all I do, a boyfriend that always makes me laugh and teaches me not to take life too seriously and crazy friends that are always a phone call or text away , whether it's to bitch about something or to go out and satisfy my need of wine.

This week I am happy for:-

1.  One too many cocktails with my girl friends

2.  Getting drunk on a Tuesday night

3. Beautiful sunny weather for a BBQ

4. My cats cuddling nicely on the bed instead of fighting

5. Managing to stay up past 11 some nights and still make it through the next day

What are you happy for?

Katie

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My Teenage Makeup

I remember being around the age of 14 when I started experimenting with makeup. In school I would buy the cheapest thing going and it always ended up being the worst. Around that time I was going for colours that didn't suit my skin tone, over-applied eyeliner and used so much sickly sweet perfume I was offending people's nostrils. Nowadays I'd like to think I have my makeup collection sorted and have more of an idea on what colours suit me. 

However, it's nice to reminisce so here's what my teenage self would use when applying makeup after school hidden away from the teachers to go hang out at the bus stops with friends. Cringe.

Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse
I wasn't really one to know how to use foundation properly or even apply it right so Maybelline's Dream Matte Mousse was the go-to base. I particularly remember buying it in the shade 'Nude' and it had a slight yellow tinge to it. The colour did not suit me at all and I had that very obvious line on my jaw showing just how terrible the colour match was. The consistency of the mousse was very cakey however drying on my skin, I definitely will never repurchase one of these little pots.

Bourjois Bronzing Powder
I still see some beauty bloggers raving about the Bourjois Bronzing Powder and I cannot understand why. I remember rubbing my brush against the palette with so much force trying to get some colour onto it. It's honestly terrible. Yes it does smell like chocolate but why do I went my face to smell like something I eat? I remember instantly getting fed up with this and giving it to a friend who begged me for it. Waste not want not.

Bourjois Blusher
I remember buying my first Bourjois Blusher in the shade 'Rose Eclait'. I had never bought a blusher before and during the big Bourjois craze I decided to go for the little pink pot. This product, like the bronzer, was still is terrible quality and the product just wouldn't go onto my brush. So after lots of hassle with the bronzer and blusher I would head out of the house completely yellow in my dream matte mousse. 

(slaps face)

Rimmel Max Volume Flash Mascara
For mascara I always opted for Rimmel's Max Volume Flash. I remember this mascara being particularly good for volumising my lashes and must've bought about 20 of these between the ages of 14 and 17. I had completely forgotten about it until I decided to write this post and had to cast my mind back. It makes me want to go to my nearest boots at lunchtime and buy one! The brush is very big and bristly so when it dries out it does go a horrible shape and you know you definitely have to throw it away but it is cheap so I will definitely use this again.

Rimmel Soft Khol Eye Pencil
Although I never went near eyeshadow as it was just too scary to me, I did think for some reason that eyeliner was the safer option and to just apply as much as humanly possible. This was before I mastered the impossible art of applying liquid eyeliner so I would just put Rimmel's Soft Khol Eye Pencil on my lower lash line and leave it at that. I cringe to remember it.

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy Perfume
Lastly, I would spray half a bottle of perfume before heading out the door. I used to be obsessed with Britney Spears' Midnight Fantasy which I remember being extremely fruity and particularly sweet. Everytime I smell this perfume now it takes me back to spending all day at the park drinking cans of relentless and getting super hyper. I also remember having really dark brown hair with a massive side fringe and bright pink skinny jeans.

So there's some of my teenage beauty blunders it makes me want to go through my old myspace and laugh at myself!!

Katie 

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4 Staple Lip Products Every Girl Should Own!

I love to switch up my lip colour now and again but there are always those few that you will constantly find yourself whipping out of the make up collection because you know you love them. Below are the lip products that I always find myself going back to because they're everyday colours and so versatile.


I have mentioned the Revlon Lip Butter in the colour Pink Truffle before in a previous post because I actually am obsessed with this lip butter! I use this every day at work. It is the ultimate YLBB (your lips but better, FYI) product and goes with any make up whether it be a smoky eye or contoured face plus it's super moisturising. I would recommend this to everyone.

Under Pink Truffle I usually use Rimmel's lip liner in Addiction to give a bit of extra shape and volume to my lips. The colour doesn't really work well on its own, I have tried before using just the lip liner  but it looks like I am suffering from hypothermia. It is good however to use under a nude shade.

Every beauty addict will probably have a MAC Ruby Woo lipstick in their collection. I finally got my own at Christmas when my boyfriend treated me to it! It is the staple red lipstick. It suits every skin tone and is a matte shade which I love. I always find myself reaching for this when getting ready on a night out or even if I'm feeling cheeky I'll wear it to work. I don't usually apply lip liner when wearing red lipstick but I am quite clumsy and so scared that I'll smudge it or end up looking like a clown, I do want to make it my mission to apply bright colours flawlessly.

Another lipstick I have been loving is Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Volupte Shine in 07 Rose Infinite. The colour is quite similar to the Revlon Lip Butter but this is definitely more of an indulgent lip product. I also got this for Christmas from my boyfriend who went beauty mad on me. Its a very warm colour perfect for Autumn/Winter and is very sheer. I love using it if I'm going for the Kylie Jenner look.



Swatches Below in order I have mentioned them in...

What are your go to lip shades?

Katie 

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My Bath Essentials

I do love a good bath. It's amazing to come in at the end of the day from work, run the hot water and throw in a bath bomb and just let the stress float away. Add a glass of wine to the equation and I don't think there is anything better. As I am quite an anxious person, these stress relieving baths before a night out or in the morning really do me a world of good and put me in the best of moods.
Below are some of my bath essentials I use, these do change from time to time but I have been using these products a lot in the last few months.

First off, I always light a candle in the bath just for the ambience and to get the spa-like feel. I got this one in Primark recently, its coconut and vanilla scented which reminds me of the smells of holiday. If it's night time I'll light a few small ones and place them around the bathroom and turn the light off to properly relax and unwind.

I love the use the Radox Sleep Easy if I'm having a bath before bed time. It helps to unwind and the Chamomile and Jasmine scent is really soothing. I tend not to pick up a bottle of bubble bath and usually opt for a Lush bubble bar, but this bottle was for just £1 in Tesco and thought it would be nice to have one on the side for the evening. It's also not drying on the skin which I find with some bottled bubble baths.

I also love using Soap & Glory's Flake Away for a good scrub once my skin has had a good soak. Exfoliating is always important but I only use it twice a week to get rid of dead skin cells. This one just smells amazing and many beauty bloggers RAVE about this product and its number 1 in their best sellers!

I always use a hair conditioning mask in the bath too as they are difficult to use in the shower as I leave them on for about 15 minutes. I always change what hair mask I use when they run out so this time I opted for the John Frieda Frizz Ease. I have a lot of the hair products from the Frizz Ease range as I suffer terribly from frizzy hair and it is nice to use products all from the same range with the same scent. This product does overuse packing as the container is quite chunky and the pot inside that holds the product is definitely smaller than the outside product. But all in all this product does work!

I am still using my Lush Hot Toddy shower gel, I bought 2 of these in the Boxing Day sales and as its getting to summer now the scent is quite inappropriate as it is very festive but it reminds me of Christmas and I just love the cinnamon, glittery bubbles it makes. However, I do want to repurchase Happy Hippy for a fresher summer scent.


Last but not least is my Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner. We use conditioner on our hair to make it silky and soft so why don't we do that on our bodies as well? That's exactly why Lush made this product. It's ingredients include cocoa butter, cupuacu butter, almond oil and argan oils all of which are known for their nourishing properties and is lightly rose scented. I like to use it for shaving as its a good replacement for gel or foam products.

I then love to stick my Ipad on the side with Netflix loaded (with the towel in case of any accidental splashes). I have just finished binge watching Orange is the New Black which I thought was hilarious and I'm now onto Suits. I'm usually not keen on programmes about lawyers or crime but I really liked Suits from the Pilot and so I have a new series to binge watch, yay!

My top tip is to make sure you grab a beverage for your bath, it could be a glass of Cabernet sauvignon or a cup of tea and just sink into the bubbles and relax!

What are your bath essentials?

Happy Bathing!

Katie

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