My Obsessions: Brandy Melville!

If you watch any American, teenage beauty "gurus" on YouTube, then you'll have most likely heard of the store that is "Brandy Melville". The clothing store sells cute, Californian-style clothing. The unique selling point of the products is that they are all "one size fits all" excluding their pants of course.  This means that the clothes have a slouchy and comfortable feel to them and tend to look different and unique on everyone.

A taste of some of their clothes

They carry an amazing range of clothing from pretty floral skirts to slouchy knits, and an awesome range of graphic tees. They even have "Mean Girls" inspired slogans, yes that's right! Their clothing is also reasonably priced as you can see from the prices above. The priciest items would be the knitwear. It's all really good quality stuff, you definitely get what you pay for. The tops are so soft and comfortable and the same goes for everything else. They also offer a great range of jewellery, all very inexpensive. However, the quality of their jewellery is not great and tends to break easily. 

The only thing that is a bit of a nuisance is that it's pretty difficult to get a hold of. Of course, this depends where you live. They have very limited locations across the USA and there are locations in Europe also. This can be a bonus in some aspects because it makes it more exclusive, thus less people having the same clothes as you (something I hate!).  See here for a full list of their locations. 

I have been to both their Munich and Paris locations, and the stores are just adorable! They completely embody the brand. They also have a website which you can check out here. They do deliver internationally as far as I know, but I have heard a few horror stories about their shipping and delivery so bear that in mind and do your research before making an order!

Review + Swatches | NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 'French Fries'

I hope you're all doing well and maybe you're getting some sunshine wherever you may be. Unfortunately for me, as I type this, I can hear the sound of rain pounding against my window (okay, pounding is an exaggeration). Ah, how I long for Summer sunshine...

 Anyway...

Today I am bringing you a product from the brand NYX, which isn't the most talked about brand in the blogging world, especially over on this side of the pond. However, they are quite famous for their "Jumbo Eye Pencils". Their most famous shade from the range is the colour "Milk" (read my review here). This shade "French Fries" is also gorgeous.

'French Fries' is a copper brown bronze shade that make a perfect base for eyeshadow, especially if you're after that bronze smokey eye look. It comes in the typical jumbo eye pencil packaging, which isn't really to my taste. It's very simple and white but it isn't entirely sturdy or very pretty (I know, I'm shallow when it comes to packaging!). Also a tip is to be careful when putting on the cap and take care not to push it too far down as it can squish the tip of the pencil. I speak from experience!

The shade is long lasting and can be blended if desired. The pigmentation is very impressive. As you can see from the swatch below, it only takes one swipe to get a prominent bronze colour. The shade also contains some shimmer, but not so much that it is sparkly. 

Overall, this is a great item to have in your makeup stash as it's inexpensive and has a number of uses. It's also long lasting and good quality. A downfall is that it is a difficult item to track down if you live in the UK/Ireland but checkout the links below to see where to buy them. 

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil are available here for €5.75

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 'French Fries' available here for £4.50

Mini Primark Haul!

I've been seeing lots of Primark hauls around lately and thought I needed to make a trip to the land of bargains myself. Primark is actually called Penneys here in Ireland, just incase you get a bit confused! 

Most of my shopping recently is Summer oriented. I'm off to France for 3 weeks from the 1st of June and then I head to Florida straight after that so I'm doing my Summer shopping now and getting all those essentials, but I'm also trying to save aaaagh! Anyway, on with what I bought. 

I firstly headed to the swimwear section of the store, as Penneys always carry tons of swimsuits, all well priced. I don't know about you, but I find it very difficult to justify purchasing super expensive swimsuits (which most seem to be!). This bright floral two-piece caught my eye and at just €5 for both the top and the bottoms, I knew I had to have it. I then went to the accessories, to take a look at their bags on offer. As I'll be doing lots of activities in France (it's an exchange type of trip) I need a bag I can carry a lot in. I went for this denim acid-wash backpack (€10) because it's cute, a perfect size and will go with any outfit.

Of course, I couldn't leave the store without checking out some of their makeup. Penneys carries the best range of essence makeup I've ever seen, their nail range in particular is amazing! I decided to try out this nail art stampy set (€3.50) because it looked interesting and, as you probably know, I do have a love for nail art! Unfortunately, after trying the set out, it doesn't really work. Maybe it's just me doing something wrong, but the designs didn't come out on my nails. I wouldn't recommend it. 

I would, however, recommend the XXL Shine gel-look topcoat. A friend recommended this to me and, as I did need a new topcoat, I decided to pick it up. It adds a gorgeous shine to the nails and does have a gel-look effect. I will say that it can cause nail polish to peel, if you tend to try and pick polish off. Otherwise, it prevents chipping and is overall a great topcoat. I can't remember the exact price but it's somewhere around the €2 mark.

The last item I picked up is the HASK Argan oil hair treatment. I have seen this floating around the web, with pretty good reviews. I'm always looking for products to add shine and prevent split ends so I thought I'd give it a go. Also, at €2.50, it's a much more affordable alternative to the likes of Moroccan Oil. I haven't really had a proper go with this product yet but look out for a review of this soon.

I hope you enjoyed seeing a few bits I picked up in Primark/Penneys. I only bought these items a few days ago so they should all still be available in-store! 

Have you bought any bargains in Primark recently?

Summer Beach Wishlist!

Summer is right around the corner, and that means barbecues, beach days and pool days. Of course for all these new activities, it's the perfect excuse to go shopping, right? Here are a few things I consider to be essential for those days spent relaxing on the beach or lounging pool side.

Of course, the most important item for anything involving water, is a swimsuit. I love this bikini from Figleaves. They carry a great range of swimwear for whatever shape you may be or swimsuit preferences you may have. They are also holding a competition entitled "Pin To Win" where you could be in the chance to win a £150 holiday collection. Click here for more information.

What I love most about this swimsuit is the pink string detailing at the sides of both the top and bottoms parts of the bikini. It's very unique and there's something very stylish about the look. I also love the colour scheme. The black is simple but the pink adds a gorgeous pop of colour.

Bikini Top- £20/€25.64
Bikini Bottom- £15/€19.23
Both available here.

Now onto styling your swimsuit. I love all of these items and they are all must-haves for the beach.

1. High Waisted Shorts

I've mentioned numerous times how much I love high-waisted shorts. They're especially great to pair with a swimsuit as they cover the tummy area and don't leave too much exposed compared to low rise shorts.

Bambi & Manson Shorts range from £55-70 available here

2. Summer Hat

Trilby hats are huge this season. They add a touch of trendiness to an outfit and also protect your hair and face from the sun. Perfect for hot days on the beach!

Vans trilby £25/€29.75 available here

3. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a very important item for sunny days as they protect your eyes. That's why investing in a  good pair of sunglasses is a good idea. Of course Ray-Ban are the go-to brand when it comes to sunglasses. They carry a great range and I love this pair- they're lightweight and versatile and a nice change from the typical Wayfarer style.

Ray-Ban Sunglasses available here 

4. Gladiator Sandals

Gladiator sandals are the perfect Summer shoe. They go with everything and allow feet to breathe too. I love these as they are gold, which compliments a tan and is a really versatile colour.

Schuh Gladiator Sandals €45 available here

5. Backpack

Hobo-style rucksacks are the perfect luggage item for Summer. They carry everything (within reason!) and add a laid back, cool vibe to any outfit. I especially love this one as it mixes leather and aztec print.

Brandy Melville Backpack $55 available here

6. BB Cream

On a hot Summers day, you don't want to wear a heavy foundation. It's important to have a lightweight base with sun protection. BB creams are perfect as they add colour to the face as well as blurring imperfections. This particular BB cream also contains SPF 30 which is amazing!

Maybelline 8-in-1 BB Cream £7.99/€11.95 available here

 7. Waterproof Mascara

If you're swimming, you don't want to have to worry about panda eyes! The way to solve this problem is with a waterproof mascara so you can still open up your eyes, without the mess.

Maybelline Colossal Volume Waterproof mascara £7.99/€9.94 available here.

8. Lip Balm

The sun is great, but it does tend to dry out the lips. To stop this from happening it's important to wear a lip balm with SPF in it. Carmex are famous for their lip balms and this one is Cherry flavoured- all the more reason to get it!

Carmex Cherry lip balm £2.69/€4.35 available here

9. Waterproof Concealer

If you have a few blemishes or dark circles that need covering up, a waterpoof concealer is essential.

NYX Waterproof Concealer $5 available here

Those are the items on my Summer wishlist for beach or pool days! What items are you lusting after for this Summer season?

Disclaimer: This is a PR Collaboration. All opinions are my own and are 100% honest, as always.

How I Style: Skater/Circle Skirts

Skater skirts (or circle skirts) are everywhere lately and are a staple fashion item for Spring and Summer this year. They're one of my favourite clothing items for this season and I know I'll be wearing them all the time when the weather (hopefully) warms up! 

Skater skirts can be worn multiple ways. They're also super flattering and suit any body shape so don't worry if you feel not all trends work with your shape, as this one is pretty universal. I'm going to show you two looks, on how I style skater skirts. One is for casual occasions and the other for slightly dressier occasions.

• Casual 

This is the perfect look if you're going shopping, to the pool, meeting with friends- really any casual occasion. It's comfortable and stylish so it ticks all the boxes! I decided to go with a light wash denim skater skirt (€25 River Island) as it's super versatile, and can be worn with numerous pieces. I paired it with this simple cropped tee (£8 Topshop) which is a staple piece for Summer. To finish the look pop on some crotchet Toms (€58 Schuh) and a tan fringe bag (€45 River Island) to carry around all your essentials.

• Dressy

This look is perfect for a night out, whether it be to a party or just out to dinner with family or friends. I adore this lace circle skirt from Topshop (€38) as it can be dressed up or down and adds a touch of femininity to any look. This embellished top (£39 Miss Selfridge) is stunningly detailed and instantly glams up the ensemble. Top of the look with some killer wedges (£80 Topshop) and some rings to add a pop of colour to the outfit (£2.50 Misbehave) and you're good to go!

I hope you like these looks and let me know how you style skater/circle skirts!

Would You Rather? Beauty Edition

If you're a YouTube fanatic like me, you'll have heard of the "Would You Rather" beauty tag. It's been going around for quite a while now but I've recently seen it creep back up into the blogosphere. I love tags, so I thought I'd give it a go.

Image: weheartit and edited by me

1. Would you rather lose all your mascaras, eye liners, lipsticks and lip glosses or all your palettes and eye shadows?

I would definitely rather lose all my palettes and eye shadows. As much as I love my Naked palettes and experimenting with eye shadow, I don't wear it all that much. However, I don't think I could live without my mascaras and lip products!

2. Would you rather chop off all your hair or never be able to cut it again?

I love my long hair but I don't think I could last never cutting it again- I mean imagine all those split ends? I'd have to chop it all off and maybe wear hair extensions, or go for a daring Miley Cyrus look? Not quite sure I could pull that one off though.

3. Would you rather have a coral cheek or a pink cheek?

Coral is one of my favourite colours for cheeks and lips, especially for Summer time so I think I'd have to go with that. Also I couldn't leave behind my beloved TropiCoral kit from Benefit now could I?

4. If you had €1000 to spend, would you rather buy makeup or clothes?

100% I would spend it on clothes. As much as I love makeup, I'm always looking at new clothing pieces. Clothing lasts a much longer than makeup products too, so it would make a lot more sense to spend it on clothes. Ah, if only.

5. Would you rather apply lipstick as eyeliner, or eyeliner as lipstick?

I would much rather apply eyeliner as lipstick. Pink eye isn't really a look I'm going for, so I wouldn't even like to imagine what applying lipstick as eyeliner would be like. Eyeliner also comes in a much broader range of shades, so I'm sure I could find something that wouldn't look too bad on the lips- a nice plum maybe?

6. Would you rather only shop at MAC or Sephora?

Unfortunately, I don't have the luxury of having a Sephora near me, and by near me I mean there is not one in my country! However, if I did, I would definitely choose to shop there. MAC is a great makeup brand but it's quite pricey and I would much rather have the choice of many brands than of only one.

7. Would you rather only use one eye shadow or one lip colour for the rest of your life?

This one is a little tricky but I think I'd go for one eye shadow. This is because I am much more into lip colours than eye colours, and I don't wear eye shadow very often anyway. I'd probably choose a neutral colour with a bit of sparkle, to go with everything.

8. Would you rather wear Winter clothes in Summer or Summer clothes in Winter?

If I lived in a place that actually got hot Summers, I would choose the latter. However, because I live in Ireland where it rarely gets any way warm, I would have to say wear Winter clothes in Summer mostly because I often have to. I do much prefer wearing Summer clothes though.

9. Would you rather have dark nails or bright nails all year round?

I'd have to go with bright nails. They're more fun and happy looking!

10. Would you rather give up your favourite lip product or your favourite eye product?

My favourite eye product because I have a lot more favourite lip products than eye products. Simple as.

11. Would you rather only be able to wear your hair in a ponytail or a messy bun?

Ponytail. Simply because I mostly wear my hair in a ponytail anyway. Also it can be styled lots of different ways- low, mid, high, straight, sleek, curly, wavy etc..

12. Would you rather never be able to paint your nails again or never use lipgloss?

This is a tough one. As much as I love lipgloss, I'd have to say I'd rather never use it again. I love nail polish and nail art way too much! I can still wear lip balm and lip stick so I'm sure I'd survive!

13. Would you rather shave your eyebrows and have none at all or sharpie them in everyday?

I think it's pretty obvious that I'd prefer to sharpie them in everyday. Obviously, neither option is a good look but I'd rather have some sort of eyebrows than none at all.

14. Would you rather live without makeup or nail polish?

As I've previously stated, I love nail polish. However, I love makeup a little more and makeup is much more of a necessity than nail polish.

Let me know what you'd choose in the comments, or let me know if you've done this tag yourself! 

Current Wishlist!

There are always so many things we want, but don't really need. Also our bank balance doesn't really allow it. When you can't have something, why not make a list about it? That way we can at least pretend we have some of these things...right? I love reading these posts, so here are a list of things I've been lusting after, some for longer than others.

1. Clarisonic Mia 2

I have been eyeing the Clarisonic for such a long time. There have been mixed reviews about the product, but the majority have claimed it does wonders for their skin. I suffer from combination-oily, sensitive skin that is prone to breakouts and feel that this product could really improve my skin. The only thing that is holding me back is the hefty price tag but hopefully I'll get to pick it up when I visit America this Summer. 

Clarisonic Mia 2- €140

Clarisonic full size- €175 - both available here.

2. Wildfox Tee

I have mentioned before that I am in love with all things Wildfox. There clothing is beyond comfy and all their slogans are sassy and clever (did I seriously just say sassy?!). I have been lusting after this "Shopping is my cardio" tee recently- it's just fabulous! 

€64.72 available here

3. Nars Orgasm Blush/ Laguna Bronzer duo

Another cult product. Nars Orgasm blush and Laguna bronzer are raved about in the world of beauty. As they are quite pricey products, the more economical thing to do would be to get the duo, right?... I think it's gone too far when I'm saying that buying high end makeup can be "economical". Regardless, I still need this blush/bronzer duo!

$41 available here

4. Yurbuds Sport Earphones

I've been doing my best to work out as much as I can but I always have to listen to some tunes while working out! It keeps me going. The only problem is my earphones keep falling out, so I've been researching some sport earphones. The best seem to be "Yurbuds". Again, I'll probably end up getting these across the pond as the shipping rates to Ireland are crazy!

$29.99 available here

5. Bambi & Manson Shorts

If you're looking for some unique and gorgeous high-waisted shorts, you need to check out Bambi & Manson. They make their own handmade shorts with gorgeous designs, think bows, studs, galaxy and so much more. The problem is, as their shorts are so sought after, they only release batches of Limited Edition shorts that sell out in minutes. They are working on their own-brand denim at the mo which means lots more shorts- yipee! 

Shorts range from £55-£70 available here

They're the items I've been lusting after recently. What items are on your wishlist?

Review + Swatches | Benefit Go Tropicoral Lip & Cheek Kit

I hope you're all doing well and getting all set for Summer! One thing that's fun about Summer is the excuse to wear brighter makeup and experiment a little. One of my favourite colours to wear on my lips and cheeks is coral as it's bright, but not too bright. Benefit have come up with the perfect kit to create a gorgeous coral look and it comes in the form of their "Go Tropicoral" lip & cheek kit. 

This kit is one of three kits in Benefit's lip & cheek kit range. The other two being "Feelin' Dandy" and "Sugarlicious". This kit is based around their infamous blush, "Coralista". The kit comes with a mini (3g) version of blush, along with their signature blush brush. It also comes with a mini (4ml) high beam and Cha Cha Tint. I have pictured their mini "bene tint" as my sister and I swapped but it did originally contain a Cha Cha Tint. The final beauty product in this set is a mini (6.5ml) Coralista lip gloss. The kit is complete with a small handbook of tips and tricks which instructs you on how to use the kit.

This kit is perfect for travel as all the products are miniature and it contains everything you need to brighten up your makeup. The tint can be used on your lips or cheeks as a long-lasting stain. One of my personal favourite Benefit products is their "HighBeam" highlighter. It provides a gorgeous sheen to your face. I love to apply it to my cheekbones or my brow-bone as it gives a gorgeous glow that looks especially great in the Summer time.

The final two products are the corresponding "Coralista" blush and lip gloss. The blush is one of Benefits bestsellers and is always raved about, and for good reason too. It is a shimmery coral that isn't too bright and adds a gorgeous, natural flush to the face. The gloss is a great size to pop in your handbag and sheers out to give a pretty pop of colour to the lips. It's not as bright as the swatch below once applied- don't worry! It also smells yummy and fruity which is always a bonus!

Swatches from top-bottom: Coralista lip gloss// Coralista blush//Benetint//High Beam

Overall, this is a great kit and perfect for the Summer time. All the products are great quality and none of them disappoint. If you want to try out a few products from Benefit, this is a great and more affordable way of doing so rather than purchasing each product individually. 

Benefit Go Tropicoral Lip & Cheek Kit: €35 available from Brown Thomas & Debenhams as well as Benefit counters nation wide.

Fun Ways to Get Fit!

It's that time of year again. When everyone seems crazy about working out and dieting to get that bikini body. Because of this it may cause negative thoughts but there's no need for that. Whether you believe it or not, getting fit can actually be fun. You just have to go about it the right way (and incase you're worried-no crazy diets are involved!).

The key to having fun whilst getting fit is by doing something you enjoy. It may seem obvious but often we overlook this. Joining a spinning class because it seems like a tough workout isn't going to help you too much if you despise going because chances are you'll stop going after the first few sessions, or use every possible excuse not to go. If you do something you enjoy, you'll actually want to attend the class or session. 

Here are a few ideas of ways to get fit and have fun doing it. Running will not be included as the majority of people dislike it but if it's your thing then all the power to you! A lot of local gyms will have these classes available.

• Zumba

Zumba is a fusion of Latin and International music dance class. You don't need to have any previous dance experience to take part. I have recently started Zumba and I love it! It's so much fun and I genuinely enjoy doing it. I would definitely recommend giving it a try if typical exercise classes aren't your thing. Check out www.zumba.com to find a Zumba class near you.

• Yoga

Yoga is a great way to tone up your body. I also started it this year and enjoyed it though found it boring at times as it's quite a slow exercise. It can be pretty tough so don't underestimate it! However, it is suited to all age ranges and exercise ability. Check out this website for more information on local yoga classes in Ireland.

• Cycling

When I say cycling, I don't necessarily mean spinning classes in a gym. Also, no spandex shorts are involved here either! Cycling could mean having a cycle down to your local shop to pick up some bread or even just a nice cycle around your area on a sunny day.

• Pilates

Pilates works by strengthening the core muscles of the body and improves support to your joints & spinal stability. Pilates exercises focus on strengthening the central core 'deep abdominal, pelvic floor and lower back muscles', which allows more balanced and controlled body movement.

• Piloxing

Piloxing is a mixture of pilates and boxing and is the latest celebrity-loved Hollywood craze. It's great for muscle toning and is also fat burning. Sounds exciting, eh?

• Aquafit

This is great for people who aren't crazy about doing lots of sweating in a busy gym. Instead, hit the pool and take part in some moderate exercise. Don't worry if you're not a swimmer- you can still take part.

I hope this has helped you realise there are so many other ways to get fit other than running or boring days at the gym. The most important thing is to find something that you love to do whether that be joining a sports team or even something crazy like roller-blading! There are so many options, it's up to you to look into them!

Being Confident in Your Own Skin!

Confidence is a tricky trait. It's difficult to get right. You want to be confident enough without seeming cocky, but you still want enough confidence so that you're not shy. It's also a thing that varies with age. When you're a little tot, I feel it's a lot easier to be confident. You don't really have a care in the world, and certainly don't think about others opinions of yourself. Then the teenage years come along and for most people, their confidence crashes. Suddenly you value everyone else's opinions so much more than your own. 

Image Source: Tumblr

 The reason I've decided to talk about confidence is because even though everyone is always saying "be confident", there are so many things that seemed to be trying to knock our confidence. Image is a huge factor. "Am I too fat/too thin?", "I love this dress, but will my friends think its weird", these are just a number of things that run through our minds very frequently.

 Also, even though my blog is partially based on this, what about makeup? Makeup is a wonderful thing of course but it definitely plays with confidence. Some people can't go outside the door without makeup on because they simply don't feel confident without it. I'm not super condfident with my skin, as I have teenage skin. So it's sensitive and red sometimes and also blemish-prone. I'm lucky enough to not have severe acne but I'm still not 100% confident going completely bare-faced. Recently, I was on a school outdoor overnight trip so I ended up having to go completely makeup-free. It was completely refreshing and made me realise I didn't need makeup all of the time to feel confident. Honestly, the only person who notices and cares is yourself. It made me a lot more comfortable in my own skin. What I'm saying is that even though I love wearing makeup I think it's good to go a day in between wearing no makeup, or very little. Just so that makeup doesn't become something that's essential for you to feel confident.

Image Source: Google Images

That's just a tip I have to boost confidence. Remember that the person who cares the most about your appearance or whatever else, is yourself. If you're wearing no makeup, I guarantee you no one will notice it in a negative way and if they do, then who needs them? The same with anything confidence related. If you want to go for that main role in your school show, or the big promotion at work, then go for it!

The only person stopping you, is you. 

Summer Fashion Essentials 2013

Summer is right around the corner, and we all know what that means- a perfect excuse to go shopping! It's time to trade in your winter boots for some sandals and your heavy jumpers for a few crop tops. To help not break the bank, I've narrowed it down to a few essential pieces that everyone should have in their Summer wardrobe. 

♡  High-Waisted Shorts

Left-Right: MissGuided €32.41 //ASOS €39.39

Shorts are an obvious staple piece for Summer, and high-waisted are even better. They are super flattering as they hide any lumps and bumps and keep that tummy in, not to mention they're extremely versatile. 

♡  Crop Tops

Left-Right: Topshop £28//American Apparel €24

Crop tops are a huge trend this season, and are perfect for those hot Summer days (which we don't get a lot of, *sigh*). They can be worn poolside as a swimsuit coverup and are also great paired with anything high waisted if you aren't comfortable with baring your tummy.

♡  Skater Skirts

Left-Right: Topshop £16// River Island €25

Skater, or circle skirts, are huge this year and are my favourite style of skirt. They're flirty and fun and also high-waisted making them super flattering as they accentuate the waist and skim over the tummy and hips. They are available in numerous patterns, colours and textures so whatever your style, you'll be sure to find a skater skirt for you.

♡  Gladiator Sandals

Left-Right: ASOS €59.09//Forever 21 €26.90

Gladiator sandals are a reoccurring staple in my Summer wardrobe. The reason being is that they're comfortable, stylish and can be paired with anything- what more could you want in a shoe?

♡  Summer Dress

Left-Right: ismodo.com €38//Motel €47.50

This is an obvious choice but I thought I'd state it anyway. The Summer dress is an essential item as you're guaranteed to wear it. Getting a dress that is suitable for numerous occasions is key. Choose a dress you can wear to a barbecue, the beach and even a party to save a few bob. 

♡ Swimwear

Left: Bikini €7 Lace Kimono €17 both from Penneys/Primark // Top-Bottom: ASOS bottoms €21.01 top €23.63// River Island Fullsuit peplum €40

Again, another obvious essential. The main tip here is to choose swimwear that is right for you. If you don't feel too confident in a bikini, try a full suit or a tankini. Another great option is high waisted bikini as it hides the tummy and gives that retro Marilyn Monroe vibe.