November Favourites

Olympea

It takes something to make me stray away from my beloved Bronze Goddess but this month, Olympea has done it for me. I've loved this from the moment I smelt it and have really been enjoying wearing it. I work in a perfume shop and so smell alot alot of perfumes and there was just something about this one that really appealed to me, and all my colleagues too, from the moment it came out.

It is branded as a fresh oriental fragrance with notes of green mandarin, salty vanilla and sandalwood. The blend of notes makes the fragrance both sweet and strong at the same time. For me, I prefer to wear it as an evening scent or for a nice occasion more than as an everyday fragrance.

When it comes to Paco Rabanne I have normally found the staying power to be very good as the fragrances usually have in common the fact they are quite strong and musky, Olympea being no exception. It lingers on me a for long time and is one of those fragrances that you can smell on your clothes the next day.

If you're a light floral fragrance kinda gal, and something like Daisy is your dream (ayy, see what I did there?) this might not be for you but if you're after something a bit different, give it a sniff (that sounds a bit weird)... give it a try!

MAC Sumptuous Olive Eye Shadow

I took somewhat of a splurge/plunge (splunge? maybe not) early this month and bought myself my first MAC eyes shadow BUT not only that, I bought myself a coloured eye-shadow, as in an actual colour that isn't a neutral #girlgonewild. I am definitely a neutrals girl when it comes eye shadow but as I was taking the plunge I wanted something a bit different and had been eyeing up this colour for yonks.

As the name suggests, this eye-shadow is a really lovely olive colour that is not too much but still adds a lovely wash of colour to the lid. It can be used quite nicely on it's own for a quick effortless look or works really nicely in a smokey eye; I've been using it as a base and then building it up with my Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay.

I can't say too much about MAC eye-shadows on the whole, as this is my first one, but so far so good. What I like about this particular shadow is that it blends easily but also its not too pigmented. It gives off enough pigment but is not too much. I never really feel at risk of overdoing it when using this shadow, which is good for me as I was/still am a bit wary of colour. It's a good place to start with coloured eye-shadows if you're a neutrals gal like me.

ASOS Oversized Shirt

I'm all over this shirt; the print, the colour, the fit... everythannng. I've worn it so much since I got it, probs too much, but oh well. It's such a versatile piece. It's long but not too long, so it's still okay to wear with jeans. I love to style it up with my ripped jeans and healed boots in the day time; it has just the right amount of oversized-ness which gives it that effortless vibe which I just love. It's so easy to chuck on the morning but still makes you look put together.

I've also been styling it up as a throw on over shirt thing which I've been loving as well. As shown here, I've been styling it up with a skirt and crop top a lot to, both in the day with tights and a jacket thrown over to add a pop of interest but also on nights out. As it's been getting chillier, I've been loving throwing it over a LBD; I feel like it just makes my evening outfits that little bit more me.

H&M Pine Candle

Okay, so I might have been a bit of keen bean on the Christmas front, but I like to think I've done it on the sly with this pine scented candle. The smell of Christmas trees is literally one of my favourite things about Christmas, like seriously, if you ever lose me around this festive period, I'll probably be nestled inside the tree just taking all the pine-y goodness in. So yeah, in order to avoid standing in a tree, I picked up this candle from H & M home and I was not disappointed; it smells divine. I was pleasently surprised by the give off it has too, the scent really fills my room. I was also slightly influenced to buy it because of the marble print too, not going to lie (much current, such trend). 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone

I really haven't had as much time as I would have liked to read this month, what with Uni deadlines an all, but when I have had the chance I've been reading this book by Laini Taylor and I've been loving it. I love the fantasy genre any-who but this book has brought something new to it for me and I'll definitely be reading the next two books for sure. I just love the world Laini Taylor has created  and I found myself not being able to put the book down, and it wasn't in the name of procrastination either. I don't want to say too much as I don't want to ruin it, but if you like fantasy, and fancy stepping into another world for a bit like the blue haired art student protagonist Karou, I'd definitely recommend it.

Post-Modern Jukebox



When Christmas roles around, I just seem to be all about the Jazz. There just seems to be something inherently festive about it. It makes me feel very nostalgic and warm and fuzzy. So yeah, anyway, when I discovered this modern jazz channel, which covers popular songs but puts a jazzy spin on them, I was hooked. I can't believe I hadn't heard of it before. It features many amazing vocalists and an incredible band who just do very creative covers of songs. It might not be everyone's cup of tea but if it sounds like your thing, definitely check it out!

Matt Corby

I was lucky enough to see this fine specimen of a human live last week and it was heavenly. He's been a favourite artist of mine for years now but I decided to include him in this months favourites as I finally got to see him live. It was honestly one of the most chilled gigs I've ever been too, it had such a good atmosphere. Having seen him live I'm still not wholly convinced he's not actually an angel. If an angel could sing, I'm pretty sure that's what they would sound like. I could go on and on *(and on) but I'll try and refrain myself, but seriously check him out if you haven't already.

American Horror Story

Last but not least AHS has returned and it's back with a bang... and a very creepy haunted hotel... and lady gaga as a vampire. It remains one of my favourite shows; I just love the concept of each series being it's own complete narrative and the fact it has (mostly) the same cast each season playing different parts. It's just so good. I was sceptical about this season at first because of the lack of the queen that is Jessica Lange and I know there's been mixed opinions of Gaga but I actually think she's great and fits her role really well. I feel like this season is still yet evolving and unfolding but so far good, or so far so creepy. The second season still remains my favourite with the first season closely followed but this is shaping up to be up there.

What are your November Favourites?

Thanks for reading,
Kelly T x

A Whole Lotta' Soap and Glory

So the other day when I sauntered into Boots to pick up some make-up that had run out, (all at once as well- why does that always happen??) I found myself automatically walking over to the Soap and Glory stand. Whilst I love trying new brands and new products, I find myself always going back to the Soap and Glory products as I know I love them. So yeah, today's post is a little bit of a brand lovin' one I guess, as going through my make-up stash and the stuff I use on a daily basis, I realised how much of it is actually from Soap and Glory and how many of their products are my holy grail products that I can't go a day without. As a brand,I thought it deserved this honorary mention and I thought I'd share a few of my favourite products with you from one of my favourite brands.

As a drug-store brand it is on the more pricey side but in my opinion, you get what you pay for and in Boots with a 3 for 2 deal, it works out much cheaper and your bank account will thank you for it. If you aren't familiar with the brand I'd say a lot of their stuff is around the £10 mark, so still not too bad really for the great quality. All around it's a great brand both for make-up and their skincare (which I'd recommend checking out too if you haven't already... their stuff smells divine). Their packaging is cool too, interesting and quirky without being tacky. So yeah, onto the products.

Supercat Liquid Eye-Liner

I use this eye-liner everyday without fail and have repurchased it a looot of times. I've tried other ones but for me nothing compares to it.

I'm a fan of 'felt tip' liners on the whole as they're just so quick and easy to use but what I like about this particular one is the formula. I've tried other felt tip liners such as a very similar one from Collection but I found it to be too watery and the liner transferred onto the lid after a while which did my nut in. I don't have that problem with the Supercat liner, it dries really quickly and does not budge all day until the end of the night when I remove all my makeup.

This liner comes in a £6 and I get it in the colour Carbon Black.

Archery Brow Tint and Pencil

This is, again, something I use daily in my make-up routine. What I love about it is how easy it is to use and how well it actually works at doing my eyebrows and framing my face. It's double sided and can be used separately if wanted which I have done before, but for the best results I use the tint to outline the shape and then follow with the pencil to fill in my brows.

The pencil is waxy so almost eliminates the risk of making the brows too dark and fake looking; you can still get a natural looking brow with this product which is what I personally prefer. I've not used anything else to do my brows since I started using this, I'm not sure I could now. It's a light enough formula to be able to perfect any mishaps but it still stays on, like the eye-liner, until I remove my make-up at night.

This product comes in at £10 and I use the colour Brownie Points, although there is a lighter colour available too.

Kick Ass Concealer Kit

I repurchased this nifty little concealer trio in a 3 for 2 deal the other day and am so glad I did. I've had this a couple of times now and it remains one of my favourite concealers period. I particularly like the 'under the eye' concealer and find it really brightens and covers the 'ol dark circles after one too many glasses of wine and late nights thinking I look cool doing the robot in the club (I don't).

The blemish concealer is good too but it's not the best at covering redness. I'm not sure it replaces my Collection Lasting Perfection concealer as my fave for covering pesky blemishes as I'd say that has more coverage than the one in this kit.

At first I dismissed the setting powder in the kit to be like a free brush that comes with a product that doesn't really get used, however, after trying it I realised how good it actually is. I notice the difference in my skin after using it. It perfects it in a way that mattifies the skin yet gives it this lovely glow at the same time.

This concealer comes in at £10 and I use have it in 'light'.

One Heck Of A Blot Powder



This powder does exactly what it says on the tin.Literally. It claims to be 'a super translucent mattifying powder' and indeed it is. What I absolutely love about this powder is the velvety finish it gives. It makes you feel like you're not wearing anything on the skin but still manages to keep the skin matte without looking at all cakey.

 When I apply this in the morning my skin stays shine free near enough all day, however if I did need to touch up, it comes with a sponge and a generous mirror too which is a bonus.

This powder comes in at £12 and in my opinion it is totally worth it.

Suitable for all skin types.

Solar Powder Bronzer



I used to use this bronzer years ago and for some reason have only just repurchased it now. I'm glad I did because it's reminded me how good it actually is. What I love about it is how natural it is for a bronzer; for me it never really gets to that point where you've applied too much and it never looks orangey on the skin. It gives a really natural, subtle bronzed look that makes it great for everyday use.

It's branded as a 2-in-1 bronzer and highlighter duo but I prefer to just swirl it all together personally, as I don't find the highlighter to be that glowy. I still reach for my trusty NARS Laguna for a more defined look if that's what I'm going for, as this bronzer is a light shade so is not the best for defining and contouring the face.

It comes in at £11 and like the powder, has a generous sized mirror which makes it good for on the go.

Peach Party Blush 

I tend to reach for this shimmer brick when I want a more fancy make-up look and find this really just finishes the look off and makes my skin look dewy and full of life. I love peach toned products and was delighted when I received this as a gift. 

It has darker and lighter shades within the shimmer brick, so you can either use the lighter shade a highlight which works well or just swirl it all together and pop it on the apples of the cheeks for a sun-kissed glowy look. 

It's on the pricey side for a blush at £11 but you get a lot of product and as it is so shimmery, you don't need  to apply a lot at all, so it will last you a long time. Also, as there's different shades it kinda makes it a multi-purpose product that could even be used as an eye shadow if you wish.

Have you tried any of these products?

Thanks for reading,
Kelly T x

Use Your 'And'

I've come to end of my first year at university recently and whilst I have absolutely loved it and have changed and grown so much as a person this year, as I take these steps into 'adulthood' (I hate calling it that but I couldn't think of how else to say it... the future? but then how can you step into the future when it's not there? but yeah, that's going off topic) there is something I find myself struggling with more and more. Moving to Uni I feel I can finally say I'm living for myself, starting to become the person I want to be, but with that comes the ultimate question (that leads one heck of an existential crisis) of what am I going to do with my life? What am I going to be? 

This has led to me struggling with the idea of being one thing, of being stuck in a box. It's an incredibly daunting thing knowing and deciding what you want to do with your life, with your future. I think half of me knows and understands that the future isn't one coherent thing, that nothing I do will set it in stone, not my degree or anything else yet the other (irrational) half of me thinks that it can't hurt to work hard to determine my future is one I'm gonna enjoy, to help future me out by acting now. 

For me, a problem I am having is that I have so many different passions that I'd love to pursue; I'm always thinking what if? I just don't know which basket to put all my eggs in and where to focus my energy and passion. This is something that constantly plays on my mind. I don't know why but I had it in my mind that my degree is going to set in stone which area I'm going to go into, like it was caging me in in a way which I realise now is not the case.

 I'm currently majoring in Media and Cultural studies and am really enjoying it, yet my passion for writing has continued to grow and flourish this year (I took it as a minor subject for first year and absolutely loved it). Moreover, at the same time I also love and have grown up with theatre and  there's not much more I love than singing my heart out. I've had this impression from a young age that I needed to pick one thing and stick to it and that this one thing will define me and determine my future (maybe I just played too much Sims or something). This thought has always terrified me but I'd always just put it to the back of my mind when I was younger, however now it's getting to the point where I really need to take it into serious consideration and I feel like I am in a bit of a pickle. I really did feel like I was at a crossroads earlier this year and I still somewhat do now... truth is I think I always will.

Yet something that has really helped me is this campaign from Venus which invites and encourages you to 'Use Your And', something I fully support. 

I know I'm a bit late on this but in case you haven't seen it, I encourage you to do so because it has helped me so much recently (I'm not sponsored, I just thoroughly love when companies actually make something worthwhile) . It reminded me that you don't have to be just one thing, you can be and do whatever you want. Only you define you, and that definition can be whatever you want and how many different things you want. 

I've always been a firm believer that hard work and perseverance pays off and as cringey and cliché as it is, I believe if you work incredibly hard and want it enough you can achieve anything... Y'know obviously within moderation. If you work incredibly hard to turn yourself into a dinosaur it may not happen, but hey, if that's what you truly want then give it a go. To me, and I'm sure to many people, trying your absolute best, even if you fail, is far better than not trying at all.

It's incredibly daunting and almost soul crushing (I'm not even being dramatic...) when someone tells you that you won't achieve your goals, your dreams. It's even more soul crushing when someone (if not all of society) tells you that your area of study, whether that be Theatre, English, Media or whatever, is a hard area to get into and that you'll never get a job with that. And maybe they're right, but you know what, they'll definitely be right if you let what they say stop you from trying. You can never be fully certain that trying will get you there, will get you that job or the life you've always dreamed of, but it'll get you a damn sight further then if you don't try at all.

So, in an attempt to use my 'and' and to make my blog an honest reflection of me and to make my passion filter through into my posts, whilst I will still of course be posting beauty and fashion content ,I have decided to make my blog more than just one thing and have created 'Alternative Tuesdays'. On Tuesdays I will be posting something a little bit different, whether that be a poem or a short story or maybe a song cover. The reason I make my blog is because I thoroughly enjoy doing it and think it will be fun for me to do this and will hopefully be enjoyable for you too. Stay tuned if you're interested, but if not that's completely cool too.

Finally (pat on the back if you've made it this far), if you're in the same position as me at the moment, no matter what stage of your life you are at, don't be afraid to 'use your and' . Life is too short to not do what we want with it. Live your life, don't just experience it. I know it's a scary and daunting thing but none of us are alone in this. I, along with many many other people I'm sure, have no idea what we're doing with our lives really, but isn't that the fun of it?

A sea of opportunities await you- embrace them.
Embrace every aspect of who you are.

Thanks for reading,

Kelly T x

OOTD: Oh I'm feeling fine, we've made it to the coastline.

Hi guys! I thought I' d share with you some snaps from my lovely weekend off/away along with this outfit for today's post.

Hope you enjoy!

Khaki Trench: Zacro via ASOS

Navy Pinafore Dress: Boohoo (this is a new purchase and I love it)

Stripy tee: Topshop

Black Boots: Public Desire (Aria Boots)

Watch: Olivia Burton

Choker: This was a gift but I believe it's from Topshop

Face of the day

Face

Georgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation in Shade 4

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in 1 (Light)

Bourjois Healthy Balance Powder in 53 (Beige Clair)

NARS Laguna Bronzer

Max Factor Miracle Touch Creme Blush in Soft Pink

Makeup Revolution Baked Highlighter in Golden Lights

Eyes

Soap and Glory Archery in Brownie Points

Soap and Glory Supercat Liquid Liner

Makeup Revolution Iconic Pro Palette (Dawn, Fade and Too Grey) 

Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara

Lips

Maybelline Colour Sensational Lipstick in 338 (Midnight Plum)

Now onto the snaps:

 Thanks for reading,

Kelly T x