Sunday 30 November 2014

The 1989 tag


It's safe to say I'm a massive Taylor Swift fan. She's relatable, her music is mindblowing, and she's the perfect inspiration to many. When I saw this tag I knew it was one I had to take part in myself as 1989 has quickly become one of my all-time favourite records. I also must apologise for the format of this post as I'm writing it on my iPad - Blogger, please enhance your app. 

1. WELCOME TO NEW YORK 
If you could live in any city, which would it be and why? 
At the minute I'm very happy living in Nottingham, although I'd like to eventually move to the city centre, instead of living in the outskirts. It's always been a dream of mine to live in London, but as I've grown older I've realised that it'll never be possible. It's very expensive, and moving there would probably ruin the magic of the city for me. Visiting makes me happy, but I can imagine moving there would be a nightmare. 

2. BLANK SPACE 
What is something that everyone thinks is true about you but is actually false? 
Probably that I'm either boring or stuck up. I'm a shy person, and unless someone speaks to me the chances of me talking to them first is very slim (unless it's a part of my job, of course). I think this gives off the wrong impression of me, but it takes me a while to fully trust and open up to someone. 3. STYLE What is one item in your closet that makes you feel unstoppable? I love fit and flare dresses as they complement my figure. I'm definitely a dress girl 

4. OUT OF THE WOODS 
What is one thing that you’re afraid of? 
I'm scared of a number of things. Spiders is quite a big one. My dad's old house was full of gigantic ones, and I'd always cry and shake if I saw one. I'm also scared of getting ill, unfamiliar places, the dark, death, people... Oh every bloody thing! I'm a wimp. 

5. ALL YOU HAD TO DO WAS STAY 
Who is someone you wish was still in your life? 
A couple of years ago I realised that people don't stick around forever. Your best friends who you once thought were everything to you will possibly end up leaving. But as time goes on you realise that those who have stayed have remained for a reason. Right now I'm lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible people. I have two close friends, and I'd rather have those two, who I know I can rely on for absolutely anything, than lots of random people who are never there for me. We don't see each other as often as we'd all like, but it know they're always only a phone call or text away. 

6. SHAKE IT OFF 
What is something you have had to shake off? 
Self depreciation. I'm my own worst critic, and although over time it's got me to where I am now, I've had to realise that I am good enough. When I first started working as a real journalist I found it hard to believe in myself. It took me a good few months before I realised I was there for a reason, and that I was actually decent. Now I'm much more confident in my abilities and I think it shows. It also helps that I'm in an office full of bright sparks! 

7. I WISH YOU WOULD 
What is something you’d like to happen right now? 
I'm currently on a mission to lose weight. I'm the biggest I've ever been so I've gone back to using the Weightwatchers plan. I understand it isn't a lifestyle change, but for me it does work as it makes understanding calories and nutritional information much easier. Hopefully I'll drop a couple of dress sizes and start to feel confident again. 

8. BAD BLOOD 
Have you ever had someone stab you in the back? 
In terms of the song Bad Blood, I always associate it with my ex. He stabbed me in the back in ways I didn't think were possible. I think he meant it in a harmless way, and I don't think he was being malicious at all. Maybe he didn't understand the extent of his actions, but it's something I'll never forgive or forget. 

9. WILDEST DREAMS 
What would you like to be remembered for? 
Being nice. I think it's a trait that's often looked down on. You only have to look at Taylor Swift for this. She's genuinely a nice person, and in this day and age people can't understand that. They think she's manipulative. People don't seem to trust people who are nice which I think is ridiculous. There's nothing wrong with putting other people before yourself and being a caring, loyal human being. 

10. HOW YOU GET THE GIRL 
What is your favourite pick-up line? 
I love so many of them. I don't use any, and I hope no one uses them on me, but I find them hilarious. 

11. THIS LOVE 
What is something you got back that you never thought you would? 
Happiness. For the first time in a long time I'm very content with where I am, and who I am. I used to think happiness was a destination and when you reached it, it'd remain forever. I now know that isn't true, but I've realised when you're going through a rough patch that it's a part of life, and I've come to appreciate that too. 

12. I KNOW PLACES 
Where is one place you always feel safe? 
When I'm with my friends, when I'm with my family, and when I'm working. I don't have a safe place, it's people who make me feel safe. 

13. CLEAN 
What is an important lesson you have learned in life, and how did you learn it? 
I think I answered that in question 11. Life isn't easy, and you have to take the good with the bad. I've definitely grown up a lot in the past few months. This year has been a strange one but I've learnt an awful lot and I'm incredibly grateful for all the crap I went through with my ex. He taught me that no guy is worth crying over. Trust me, there's plenty more of them out there. It'd be silly if we stuck with one who wasn't good enough for us our entire life. 

Have you taken this tag? Leave your post as comment below. _________________________________________________________________________________ Twitter|Facebook|BlogLovin|Instagram

Saturday 22 November 2014

Top five Christmas nail polishes


The Christmas party season is just around the corner, so it's time to don a figure-flattering dress, a smoky eye, a red lip and of course, a festive nail polish. I scoured through my collection and found five different nail polishes that I think are perfect for your talons at this time of year. A couple of them are sparkly (so a bit annoying to remove) but they're that stunning I think it can be overlooked.

From left to right:
Models Own Diamond Luxe in Carat Coral* - £5.00: a beautiful deep glossy coral
Models Own Hed Kandi! in Bora Bora* - £5.00: Packed full of golden shimmer
Models Own Disco Pants in Studio 54* - £5.00: A metallic bright pink
Rimmel London Space Dust Nail Polish in Aurora - £3.99: A glittery rose gold shade
KIKO Cosmetics Satin Nail Lacquer in 447* - £5.90: A deep burgundy colour

What's your favourite festive nail polish shade?
*PR Sample
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Saturday 15 November 2014

Current beauty favourites - November 2014


It's been a while since I've published a favourites post. And since we're halfway through November, I thought a monthly favourites wouldn't be very apt. So instead, here's my current favourites. Now I'm working I seem to have got into a routine with my products. So these are used every single day, without fail.

After needing a new powder for a while, I decided to invest in this one by MAC. And needless to say, I'm very glad I did. It's pricey but it's most definitely worth it. It adds extra coverage to the skin without looking cakey and ensures make up lasts well throughout the day. The packaging is also nifty as it comes with a decent sized mirror and a powder puff.

Despite having a large collection of bronzer, I've never been very good when it comes to application. I decided to invest in this one from the Body Shop after reading some many incredible reviews. I bought it in the palest shade (because my skin colour resembles a ghost) and I can't sing its praises enough. It's wonderful for contouring and injecting a healthy glow into the skin.

This past month I've gone a bit blusher crazy. I've bought a lot, but this one has remained a firm favourite. It's nicely pigmented and applies onto the skin beautifully - it almost melts and blends perfectly. The colour itself is stunning and perfect for winter. It isn't extremely pink, but instead has a rose-toned glow that perks up the cheekbones nicely.

One day I just decided it was about time I invested in a decent moisturiser. I'm a skin care addict, so I've tried a lot. But this one by Origins remained prominent in my head, and for good reason too. It's hydrating yet lightweight and wakes the skin up in the morning. The best thing though? The smell. Oh it's delicious. It's like oranges. Seriously, have a whiff.

Estee Lauder's Double Wear was one of my first high-end foundation purchases. I've bought countless bottles of the stuff and despite trying lots of new foundations, I always come back to this one. I work long days so I need something that's long lasting, and this one doesn't budge. It's also medium-full coverage and applies nice and evenly. I can't fault it.

I'm addicted to honey at the moment. Everything I use - shampoo, condition, lip balm, shower gel - is honey-scented. I bought this on a whim while I was in London and I'm so glad I did. It's now used up and ready to be repurchased. It's basically a bubble belt but it's silky soft and smells delicious. I got around six baths out of it, so it makes it affordable.

Once again another product I bought while thinking, 'Jemma you have money, buy a few luxuries you've always wanted'. Woodwinked has been on my must-buy list for a very long time. Ever since I saw Tanya Burr use it a few years ago. It's a stunning golden-shade that blends coppery, meaning there's no need to pop anything in the crease. It also looks gorgeous underneath the lashline. 

I didn't buy into this when it first came out for whatever reason. But when I was sent it, it was love at first use. I have combination skin which means I get really oily in some areas, but very dry and dehydrated in others. It's a nasty balance and can be hard to counteract. This serum is extremely hydrating but doesn't add moisture meaning it's perfect for my skin type.

I received a mini sample of this when I bought the moisturiser and although I've never really been a fan of eye cream, I can't go a morning without using this. Despite getting my nine-hours sleep at night, my eyes still look tired in a morning. I pop this on and it instantly perks them it. It's a miracle worker and I'll definitely be purchasing the full size come pay-day.

My sister bought me this as a graduation present. It's a fragrance that I've wanted for around four years so when I unwrapped it, I shed a little tear. It's the most delightful fragrance you'll ever smell in your life. It's long lasting on the skin and I think I've made it my 'signature scent'. Or at least I hope. I know I won't be able to be without it now. 

What products are you loving at the minute?
*PR Sample
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Friday 7 November 2014

Maxfactor Gel Shine Lacquer review and swatches


L-R Twinkling Pink, Vivid Vermillion and Patent Poppy
Hello! Wow, it's been a while. I will hopefully be writing a post explaining why I'm not as active any more soon, however I just wanted to get a beauty-related post up. Sadly my SD card has gone to heaven so I haven't been able to take any photos, but I did manage to find these beauties on my laptop. In fact, I'm surprised I haven't blogged about them yet as I absolutely adore them.

Maxfactor is a brand that I haven't really explored. I used their mascara when I was first starting out with make up and I like their FaceFinity foundation, but other than that I'm yet to delve further. And these nail polishes were a great place to start. The Gel Shine Lacquers* have been available for a good few months now and there is nine shades in the range in total, each retailing for £6.99.

The 'modern glamour' collection, created by Pat McGrath, has been inspired by decades and gives off high shine and intense colour than lasts. In fact when it comes to longevity these really can't be faulted. They come with a special two-fold patented plasticiser which adds flexibility to the formula, giving off a strong resistant film which maximises the impact on the nail.

I received the shades Twinkling Pink, Vivid Vermillion and Patent Poppy which were perfect shades throughout the summer. Their high pigment meant only two coats were needed. I now however have my eyes on Sparkling Berry and Sheen Merlot which are deep purple shades that I know will become winter staples. At less than £7 these nail polishes are affordable and of such exceptional quality.

Have you tried these nail polishes before?
*PR Sample
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