♥ Best of the bases?

No 7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream | Rimmel Stay Matte Primer | Benefit Porefessional | Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream

The first in my collection is a brand new addition. I picked it up because I wanted to see if spending a little bit more would mean I could get away with using only a BB cream on the hotter days or day's when I feel like make up isn't needed. I got the 'Fair' one because I always tend to go for the lighter option, just in case. I'm pretty sure Boots do quite a wide range of their No 7 BB creams - they have an option for oily skin - so it's likely that there's one to suit any skin type. This one costs £13.50 but there are a lot of money off vouchers floating around for No 7! The woman that served me even gave me a voucher before I had even purchased it so she saved me £3! 

Next up is my Rimmel Stay Matte Primer... I haven't really used this too much because it feels like a moisturiser. I do apply it when I feel like my skin is getting a bit dry and I only really apply it to my t zone to create a smoother base for my problem area! At £5.99 it's worth it if you're young or new to using a base, but I don't think I'll repurchase this one!

Benefit Porefessional is a definite bloggers favourite. It's a wonder product that makes skin incredibly soft and creates a really flawless base for your make up. It does have a hefty price tag though, so for the while the retail size that costs £24.50 is a little bit too far out of my price range! This is the second sample size I've managed to get my hands on and I really do love this!

Finally, my trusty Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream. This is another offering that comes with a few options. There are three in the range and I have the one for oily skin and it's in light! It does come in two shades which is really good but I do think the 'light' option is already quite dark! I use this product day in, day out and will definitely repurchase! It claims to have eight different functions but i would say that it definitely conceals redness and helps protect against the appearance of blemishes. I suffer with quite blotchy skin so a little bit of this really does help give my skin an even colour. It's a fabulous little product and very worth £7!

Have you got a base that you couldn't live without?

Em x

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♥ The Sunday Post #6

It's a really strange feeling knowing that my first year at university is coming to an end. By Tuesday I will have handed in all my work for the second semester and it'll all be over and done with. Luckily, I'm sticking around in Cornwall until the end of June so I only have to get through two months back in full time work in Birmingham. Also, I've bagged myself a job for a brilliant little online website that will put a few pennies into my pocket to get through the next month of freedom. I plan to spend the time I have left in Cornwall doing touristy things and hopefully the weather picks up again so we can spend days on the beach, paddle boarding and cliff jumping! As happy as I am to finally be getting some time to myself it's going to be really surreal coming back in September. I'm moving into a cute little house in Falmouth with four of my best friends and it's going to be a completely different experience to this year. There's so much to look forward though and it is all really exciting!

Are any of you lovely readers heading off to university in September? 

Em x

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♥ How To: Stay Motivated

Whether it's school, college, university or work that you have to struggle with day in, day out, it can all get a little too much. In my first year at Falmouth University there have been plenty of times when I have wanted to scream over the people I'm around, living with or working with and it's hard to pull yourself out of bed everyday and carry on. It is, however, essential that you do carry on working towards the end of your little journey - at school it's gcse's, then a-levels and then onto your degree. For those of you who work your journey might just be surviving the week.. But we all struggle and feel less motivated then we should at certain points.

I think it's really important to remember that in the end the struggle will be worth it. Whether you're working towards the end of school or the end of your degree it becomes about the next step on from then and that should be really exciting. There's always something bigger and better to work towards. I also believe that if you lack confidence or interest you shouldn't let that get in the way. My course has involved a lot of reading I don't have much interest in this year, and although you do have to take everything in it's nice to know you will have the freedom to create your own ideal course and have a choice on what to study in depth, later on. There will always be subjects or modules or work tasks that you won't enjoy doing so set yourself times and periods to get the work completed. I always get the work I enjoy least out of the way first so I'm not dreading doing it for an extended period time.

With my experience of first year coming to and end, I think that first year really is just about finding your academic strengths and weaknesses and finding your feet. The modules have all been mandatory and pretty dull. In February we chose our choices for the modules we do next year and although there are modules that are compulsory every year and each semester, choosing the modules that you are interested in and think will be easier to get to grips with is great.

To top it off, living in halls has made it really easy to stay motivated as everybody is in the same boat when it comes to the end of the semester. Everyone revises or works together in the library or in kitchens and it's good to have someone next to you who's doing the same subject so you can get varied ideas or opinions from people who are learning the same things as you.

If you're off to uni in September, you'll soon learn all of this! I would just say when it comes to January and May, put your head down and get everything handed in on time!

Aaaaand if you're still in the middle of exams or have deadlines still like I do, I wrote this post on how to keep calm at the end of term and this post on how to stay organised!

Em x

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♥ What I Wear: Face

L'Oreal True Match Foundation | Real Techniques Foundation Brush | Maybelline Dream Pure BB Cream | E45 Lotion | Mac Moisturecover Concealer | Real Techniques Detailer | Rimmel Scandaleyes Lycra | Scandaleyes Retro Glam | Real Techniques Powder Brush | elf HD Powder | elf Shimmer Lip Gloss | Rimmel Glam Eyes Liner

First up, I get my skin ready with a tiny bit of E45 all over, then I apply my BB cream on my t zone and forehead. Then I hide blemishes and dark circles with my Mac Moisturecover (Shade NW30). For foundation the True Match liquid from L'Oreal (in Rose Vanilla) is my saviour at the moment - buildable cover and one pump is more than enough product! Then for my eyes I use the green, lycra Scandaleyes mascara as it's drying out and is a good base coat for my lashes, I top this up with a thick coat of Retro Glam, the wand really separates the lashes - it's definitely my favourite mascara! My eye liner is winged, as ever with my favourite liner ever. Glam Eyes from Rimmel doesn't have a stiff brush like some liquid liners and I just find it works really well and stays put all day. I finish my everyday look with elf's HD powder - it's the first translucent (white) powder I've bought and it's really good! I then put a little of elf's Shimmer Gloss in 'Dream' on my lips and I'm good to go for the whole day!

And the end result: 

Do you use any of these products on your face day in, day out? Let me know your make up bag must-have! 

Em x

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♥ The Sunday Post #5

The weather this week really has been incredible. Living by the seaside meant that I spent a load of time on the beach and getting my tan ready for my summer holiday to Bali in a few weeks. I'm getting really excited to see such a beautiful country with one of my best friends and it's somewhere I never expected I'd get to visit! But now, the end of my first year at university is a few days away and I'm terrified! I'm super stressed trying to get all my assignments sorted out and I'm beginning to wish that my course did mean exams - I'd rather sit down for a few hours and have it over and done with, rather than working for hours on end to format documents correctly and bother with referencing! Hopefully I'll get everything done on time (I don't really have much choice!) and be free to enjoy June in Cornwall! I hope that you're all having a good weekend and you're giving yourself some time out from uni/college assignments and/or exam revision! Don't forget about this post for organisation skills and this post for helping with the exam stress of the end of the academic year! Also, you can bag a sample size Porefessional with the June issue of Elle magazine, which is definitely worth a purchase!

Em x

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♥ Five (completely different) Books!

Reading always has and always will be a massive passion of mine. It's led me to do a degree in Creative Writing because I'm that passionate about the ways in which a few simple words within a book can change a persons opinion or outlook on life. I always end up crying and wanting the stories I get dragged into to last forever - even though we all know that's not possible for the most part. For my first book post I've devised a list of these five books currently on my book shelf, that are all completely different, to give you an idea of something different or interesting to read over summer while you have the chance!

American Psycho - Bret Easton Ellis
It's really hard to believe that Ellis was only 21 when his first novel (Less Than Zero) was published. He's written some fantastic novels and American Psycho really is the pick of the bunch. Vivid descriptions of Patrick Bateman's fantastic lifestyle for the rich and the infamous really show how unstable the doomed characters are. It's a gruesome read but it paints a clear picture of America and its drug riddled rich folk! This one may be a bleak murder tale but it does provide some laugh out loud moments!

Boy Meets Boy - David Levithan
This isn't the first David Levithan book that I've fell head over heels in love with. It's incredible. Following the relationship of Paul and Noah he writes a touching tale of falling in love. Books by David Levithan (not forgetting his collaboration with John Green on Will Grayson, Will Grayson) are touching stories about being young and different and sometimes unsure of who you are. They're all laugh out loud reads and moving as anything!

Staying Strong - Demi Lovato
Demi Lovato has been an idol of mine since I was about twelve years old. She's struggled with addiction, self harm and after stints in rehab and a diagnosis of bipolar disorder the 21 year old has written this fabulous book to help others on their journey through life. Each day is a new lesson and goal and it never fails to make me proud of getting through life with a mental illness. I'd try to convince anyone who does struggle with any sort of illness to purchase this book - it really does help convince you that there are ways to stay strong through any hard times!

Fight Club - Chuck Palahniuk
This is definitely one for the boys, but Chuck Palahniuck is one of my favourite authors. The way he composes a story and brings it all together is incredible and there's nothing like the opening of this book to draw somebody in. It's as phenomenal as the film and if you've seen the movie you have to read the book... And then pick up a copy of every other novel the guys written!

Eleanor and Park - Rainbow Rowell
Super girly and cute. A great summer read. This story is one about two opposites that fall in love after being thrown together on the school bus every day. It's touching and charming, funny and sad all in one and is a nice light read about first love and the troubles and tragedies it can cause.

Whats the one book you're desperate to read this summer?

Em x

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♥ Wishlist Purchase: Real Techniques Core Collection

In April, I posted this wishlist. I changed up a few of the things I bought but these brushes were something I'd been lusting after forever so I couldn't not buy them! I got them off Amazon for £14.65 (I then applied NUS student discount which meant I paid less than £14!) these brushes retail for around £21 in Boots so buying them online is what I would recommend. It sucks to not be building up points on my advantage card, but paying almost ten pounds less for them makes up for it!

I've only used the foundation and powder brush so far and they're both incredible. Used with my new L'oreal True Match liquid foundation it makes my skin look flawless. I feel like using brushes would mean product would be lost within the brush but that's not the case at all. It's the exact same result with the power brush too, it's super soft and holds just enough powder to create a lovely matte finish.

I'm sure these brushes have different functions to what's described on the box and I'm so excited to build up my collection and have a nice set of make up brushes! Next up it

What's your favourite Real Techniques brush?

Em x

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♥ The Sunday Post #4

My Sundays are usually spent a little hungover and eating more than I should. I feel I tend to miss home a lot more while lazing about on a Sunday. There's no Mum to look after me, no Daddy to take me to the pub to watch the football and no best friend to watch bad romcoms with. Not having a Sunday Roast is definitely the breaking point. Anyway, this week I've over spent (again!) and I have some nice little products to show you all. I'm also due a few things in the post which I can't wait to post about! Remember those Real Techniques brushes I put in this wishlist? Finally bought them! I'm still in the midst of deadlines and tons of essay work so although this blog is an excellent way to procrastinate I really need to get some work done today! Hope you're all well!


Em x

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♥ L'oreal Micellar Water: Review

Micellar solutions were the in thing when i started this blog in March and I rushed out to buy one to figure out what all the fuss had been about. I was not disappointed! This 3-in-1 solution from L'oreal Paris has changed my cleansing routine and is by far the best make up remover I've ever used. Coming in at £4.99 without any offers applied in Boots (although the offer that I bought this with in march is still running), it is a pricey alternative to other face washes or wipes available from high street brands, but this neat little product ties in cleanser, make up remover and toner all into one bottle. For best results, dampen a cotton wool pad with a little of the solution and hold over eyes or lips for a moment before gently wiping away. For the most part this gets most make up off in one swipe but I imagine if you have super heavy eye make up it might take a little more effort. It's so gentle on the skin and doesn't irritate the eye area so it is superb for anyone who does suffer with quite sensitive skin. This product really is a little miracle worker and I use it every single day!

Em x

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♥ Keeping Calm Through Exam Period!

May means exams and coursework deadlines. All I've seen on twitter is masses of people worried about exam revision and dissertation deadlines, so I though I'd add to my Organisation Skills post with a few of my ideas on how to stay calm throughout the busy time that is the end of the academic year.

Revision Plans
Planning what days and times to revise is crucial. When I was in school I would usually start revision a month before the exam and work towards getting all the syllabus into my head and then sitting down with past papers a few weeks before the exam day. I think it's really really important to do this when you have GCSE's or A Levels to worry about. You'll get to May and realise you have four exams in the same week and you will not be able to cram revision in for every subject at the last minute. The Study Planner shown in my photo is from Paperchase and is a really handy tool to highlight what you have to do and set yourself out mini deadlines.

Essay Plans
I've never done well with exams, so I chose to do a degree that was solely based on 'coursework'. This means instead of having exams to revise for at the end of the semester, I have essays or creative pieces for three modules to hand in - this means almost 10,000 words of academic/creative work. It seems really daunting when you have five essays all due in within a week and my approach is the same as it was with revision. Start a month before the deadline day and start by picking questions you think you know a little about and are interested in. When you've decided on which question to do you can make an essay plan. A 2500 word essay will typically have a 250 words in both the introduction and conclusion, then four or five strong points within the main body compromising of about 500 words each. To get your ideas for the essay do some further reading on the topic and note down any books or websites used so you can add them to the bibliography. These books may also be used as references. I use an app called ReferenceMe to help me to do this. I can scan the bar code of books with my iPad camera and it creates the reference! It's super handy and saves a load of time. When you've written the essay, read back each paragraph and check over footnotes and references and make sure you're relating back to the question!

Time Out
Universities have libraries that are open 24/7 which is really handy if you feel you'd work better in the silence of the night (you'd be surprised how many people do all nighters in them!). It can be hard to get your work done when you're in halls and there's always something going on so it's really good to be strict with yourself. Take a morning to go and work for a few hours and get big chunks done in one go so you're not struggling with essays and revision every single day. Take five minute breaks to have a cigarette or get a cup of coffee and then go back to your computer and do a solid slot of writing or revision. When you've had enough - go home, eat, shower and sleep. Make time for yourself and do something you enjoy, even if it's just watching Made In Chelsea with the girls in the evening.

Exam Day/Deadline Day
It's the night before D-Day and you don't feel prepared? Have a nice long shower, curl up with a movie and have revision cards to flick through. Double check anything you're unsure of but don't stay up until 3am doing so. It's so important to get a good nights sleep and to be prepared for the morning. Make sure you have everything packed and ready so you're not rushing around. With hand in deadlines you can hand in work before the deadline. They'll also be specific times to hand in work and the academic office could be really busy at 10:30am, and there's always that risk you wont be seen by the deadline of 10:45, so try and hand in work prior to deadline day. It might not be possible in some cases, but when it is possible - do it!
If you're sat in the exam hall, don't stress out. The only thing you can do now is your best. Double check questions and have a bottle of water and spare pens.


These are just my ideas on how revision/essay writing works best for me. I always start with the module or essay that I feel will be the easiest to get through - because at least then it's less to worry about when deadlines are nearing and you start to panic a little more about time management. I wish you all the very best if you're at school, college or university and are stressing out about exams or essays. Try and keep calm and do your very best - it's all you can do and I'm sure you'll be fine! Good luck, guys!

Em x

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♥ The Sunday Post #3

Bank Holiday weekends are a blessing. Three days to completely recuperate, reorganise and chill out. After going out last night - and myself and my best friends getting very drunk - today will be spent hydrating myself and reading Light by Eva Figes again as I have two pieces of work to hand in at the end of the month based on the book. Luckily enough it's a light read!

Life's not been very kind to me lately so I've been splashing out and treating myself a bit more than I should. This week I'm going to attempt to get an April Favourites post up, another school/uni feature: how to cope with exams and deadlines, and a review or two!

Sorry for being so slow, but the end of the academic year is nearing and it's a super stressful time. Hope you're all well and coping better than I am!

Em x

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