April Favourites!

Hey guys!

Another month has gone by, yet again... so fast!  This month has been great but it's also been stressful with my deadlines. Spring and Summer are finally here, the sun has been glorious recently which just makes everywhere seem so much brighter and nicer.

Without further ado it's time for my April favourites!

Skirt - Boohoo.com, Nike trainers, Buddha of Suburbia, Aveeno cream,
MAC Velvet Teddy, Benefit Cosmetics Rollerlash Mascara,
Benefit Cosmetics High Beam.

The Buddha of Surbubia
I LOVE this book. I had to read it for my Post Colonialism module. I think what I like most about this book is the humour that comes with it. Although it deals with serious issues such as race, class, ethnicity etc, the writer Hanif Kureishi really does a brilliant job tackling these issues whilst making the plot comical such as Hairy back's Great Dane incident... and the complete madness of someones death (I couldn't stop chuckling at this - not the death because no death is funny, but what killed the character and how bizarre and far fetched this is!). If you get the chance to read this, please do. It is such a good book and nothing like the writer's other novels!

Nike trainers

I bought these for running and the gym, I figured that if I was to buy brand new gear, I would take fitness seriously. It's definitely working. These trainers were pricey, but they look and feel amazing on! It's such a bright colour which I love. They're so light it feels like I don't even have anything on my feet. I've received loads of compliments with these too, even when I'm dripping with sweat.




Skirt -Boohoo.com


Kayne got me this skirt for my 21st from Boohoo.com. It's super pretty, flattering to the legs and buttocks and it's just such a lovely fit. It's very true to size which is something important to me. I hate controlling our bodies based on a number - some places you can be a size 10, some places three times bigger. I wish we didn't have numbers because everybody is beautiful!  But I should stop ranting and get back to the post. But yeah, this skirt is definitely one I will be wearing a lot in the summer, it's great with camis, turtle necks, tights, no tights and you can dress it up or dress it down. I will definitely be getting more skirts like this from boohoo.com in future! PS - Good call Kayne :)


MAC - Velvet Teddy

I've been trying to get this lipstick for ages. But it's always been sold out, however one dreary Sunday after work, my prayers were finally answered! This shade, I believe has been made famous by Kylie Jenner. Despite whether she has had cosmetic enhancement on her lips or not, her lips look amazing with this shade on! It certainly compliments anyones lips. It's a dark nude/matte. It makes my skin look so tanned when I wear this shade. I will definitely do a blog post purely dedicated to this and my other MAC lipstick -Faux.  I love the name too 'Velvet Teddy' the names are so cool!


Benefit Cosmetics Rollerlash Mascara

I've ranted and raved about this product to pretty much everyone. I've already done a review on this on my blog in the last month. This is an aaaammmaaaazzzziiinnggggg product, it really lengthens your lashes. It makes them curl up so naturally, it doesn't feel heavy on your eyes... it's just 10000% a winner. I could go on further about this product, but you guys can read my review on it from a couple weeks ago <3 Benefit really have knocked it out the park with this product, hands down.


Aveeno Moisturising Cream.

I have really sensitive skin, so I have to be careful about what products I use on my face. Whenever I get a bad bout of dry skin or anything like that, I just pop this on a couple times and it clears up wonderfully. It has Colloidal Oatmeal in it, which is what I think makes it work so well. It smells like flapjack and porridge too which is a massive bonus, so your skin will look and smell fabulous! It's from Boots and not expensive, it's a good price for what you get! So if you have sensitive and/or dry skin, this will be great for you!



Benefit Cosmetics High Beam 

Again, another gift from Kayne for my birthday. I've wanted to try this out for some time and now I have it, I love it. It looks like nail polish, even the applicator makes you think it is nail polish. But it is a god send, it's like a pinky/pearl highlighter - probably the worst description of it ever...
I always put highlighter under my brows for a greater arch finish, but with this it is a new level of definition. My arch and brow bone look amazing! I also put it on my cheek bones and it gives added definition. I've also received so many compliments whilst wearing this. So if any of you get the chance to try High Beam out, I seriously would! It's bloody brilliant.

So, that's it for my monthly favourites! I hope you enjoyed reading, apologies on the length of it. If you have any questions about any of my favourites, feel free to pop a comment down below! Share the blog around, leave any comments, give it a +1! Thanks for reading! I'll write again soon.

Katie x 

EOS Lipbalm review

Hey guys!

So it's just a quick post today as I am crraaaaazzzzyy busy these next few days. I have deadlines galore right now and it's my birthday this weekend as I keep reminding everyone! I want to give a quick review on the EOS Lipbalm. I've wanted to try this product for a long time now, but it was one of those products that unless I see it at a counter in the UK and I can spare a few pound for it then I will get it. They are currently selling them at Topshop, I saw them at the till area, I was umming ahhing about whether to purchase one, but since it's the middle of deadlines I decided, why the hell not? It was £7.00 which is pretty pricey for some lip balm, considering you can get other brands for a couple of pounds. But it is all organic product so it has benefits! 

What I really like about EOS is their quirky design, it's like a little egg. The colours are also b-e-a-u-t-iful! They're all really vibrant or pastel colours, which I really like. It's compact and light, so it's perfect for travelling. EOS also has different scents, I

chose Summer fruits to go with this mini heatwave England seems to be having at the moment. It smells soo good, I really want to eat it! It is super easy to go on to the lips because of the design of the lip balm. It does have a waxy kind of feel once it's on your lips, but that's something I like because then I know it's on there (plus my lips smell great) but I found that it stays on even when I eat or drink something which is a massive bonus as it means I won't need to constantly re-apply it. They all come out clear on your lips too.

The only thing I do not like about it, is the price. I felt like I was buying it at the time more for the brand of the lip balm rather than the actual product itself (but that opinion has completely changed) and like I said at the beginning, £7.00 is pricey for lip balm. But other than that, I don't have any qualms with it. It's nice, simple yet quirky and fabulous! 

Thanks for reading,

Katie x 

Stay positive, regret nothing.

Hey guys!

This is just a pretty simple post today I'm afraid. I've been working on my assignments as it's really starting to creep up on me now. I have A LOT to do... Last night and this morning, I was really worried, stressed and panicky. I was so worried about my time management because I work all day Saturday and Sunday, we still have texts to read for my course, attend seminars and lectures, my 21st is NEXT WEEKEND (eek) so I won't be doing University work on my birthday, I'll be celebrating naturally. Everything just kind of got to me all at once because I thought I was doing so so well managing my time.  

What I want to know is, what's your best ways of helping you manage time, how do you work around your deadlines etc alongside other commitments you may have, what is your favourite method to help you de-stress? Is it by talking, doing Yoga, pampering yourself? Leave it in the comments below, it might be a good springboard for other readers going through deadlines, traumatic times in their life, anything at all!

For me, it's finding little quotes on the internet. Although, it's a good way of procrastinating, when I see the quotes, I really get a good kickstart like "Yeah, I can do this!" I have quotes all over my room at University "The World Is Your Oyster", "Work Hard, Be Humble", "Try & Fail, Don't Fail To Try", "Be The Best Version Of You"... The list could go on. I just find they're my best motivation and it just reminds me that life isn't all doom and gloom, there's happiness everywhere when you look hard enough. Even in more difficult situations surrounding my family or friendship circles, I always find a quote to make me feel better. From my favourite writers, films to tumblr posts...  

I just had a little thought and I needed to write this down, I know everyone has their off days no matter what the situation or circumstances may be. All I can say is that there IS light at the end of every tunnel!

Here's a little snippet of my favourite quotes that I've posted on Instagram many times!

Katie x 

'Rollerlash' Mascara: Is It Really The Holy Grail Of All Mascara's?

Hey guys!

So there has been a bit of a surge in the beauty world about Benefit Cosmetic's latest mascara 'Rollerlash'. Now, I've been wanting to try this mascara for a while but my finances have been bad recently (if you're a student you'll feel my pain here) so I've just had to follow the hashtag on Instagram and admire lashes that way... Which is pretty sad actually. But Hallejuah! Student loan AND pay day from work rolled in together, which could only mean one thing.... At last! It was time to buy Rollerlash!

I have been a loyal user of Benefit's 'They're Real!' mascara for at least two or three years. Let's be honest, who doesn't love this mascara? I've always found it to be fab on my lashes, I have quite long lashes anyway so this just intensified EVERYTHING.  ***Little tip - IF you want your lashes to be longer, and have a natural curl, just pop a tiny bit of vaseline on them every night for about three months. I did this about seven years ago and I've never had to do it again! Oh, and try avoid using curlers!***  However, 'They're Real!' the last couple of times I purchased it, it just didn't do the same thing for me anymore, I found that it clumped my lashes and it would dry up really fast no matter what I did to try avoid it drying up. It really saddened me that it happened! But it is still one of my favourite mascaras EVER.

My lashes with 'They're Real!'

My lashes with 'Rollerlash' Excuse the brows, I had a little nap and messed them up!

 Alas, I think I have found a new favourite for the time being, and that is 'Rollerlash' as you can see form the photos ^^^^ 'Rollerlash' just really lengthens and curls my lashes instantly. It feels so light on my lashes too, I don't know how to describe it, but they don't feel heavy or thick. They feel natural, beautiful and light. I can see what all the fuss is about with this mascara. I was, however - hoping to find some flaw in the product just because I've seen people say it is the 'Holy Grail' of mascara, but I am yet to find a flaw. The packaging is beautiful, the actual mascara is amazing, the brush is so soft against your lashes (I hate it when they feel rough and like they're tugging). It's only £19.50 too so it's actually a really good price considering the quality of the product. All in all, this is a bloody great mascara and I am absolutely in love, sorry 'They're Real!' I think I've found another....

I hope you guys enjoyed this blog post today! I'll be sure to post again ASAP! Thanks for reading. 

Katie x

'Kick Ass Concealer': The Queen of all concealers!

Hey guys!

One thing I'm extremely conscious about is my dark circles under my eyes. Some days, they are horrendous, a really deep violent shade of purple (it's horrible to put up with) but somedays they're a blue undertone which is easier to deal with. I've tried God knows how many different concealers and only a couple have worked - Soap&Glory 'Kick Ass Concealer' and my MAC concealer. Because MAC is fairly expensive, I'm going to tell you about 'Kick Ass Concealer' in this blog post, this is my everyday concealer and it works absolute wonders. If you follow me on instagram (@lifebeautylove_km) there is a post on there showing the wonders this product can do! It comes in a small compact case and it's super light, so it's perfect for travelling!  I love Soap&Glory product names that is one reason why I got the concealer to begin with. To me, 'Kick Ass' means serious business and my dark circles is a serious business haha. 

'Kick Ass Concealer'

 When my dark circles go from this: 

The circles get me really down some days :(

To this:  

YAY! The concealer kicked my dark circles ass! ;)

It is clear to see why this product is so good for me and why it is my number one all time best concealer... EVER. I'm yet to find one that does as good a job (barring the MAC concealer I briefly spoke about at the top). There are three simple steps to follow when using 'Kick Ass' and instructions are on the back of the compact case and on the side, so you'll always know what you're doing! It's a creamy kind of texture, which personally I love, I find that liquid concealers can sometimes just absorb into your skin and go patchy. You can use either a concealer brush or your fingers (preferably your ring finger) I have found that both work as good as each other but obviously it is down to personal preference. Once step one and two have been completed on your dark circles and any spots or 'imperfections' you may feel like you have, it's onto step three; the setting powder. This is also a gift from God, it holds the concealer in place for a good 12 hours I've found at least. I know this because my job involves me working from 9.30am to 6pm at night if not more, so I get ready round 7.30am and don't take my makeup off til around 9pm at night and by that point it's still in tact. The setting powder is pretty self explanatory, it's in the name. 

So if you're wanting to try a new concealer or you have dark circles like me then I really recommend you give this one a try. It's amazing. It cancels out all your undertones and blends in so well to your skin. The shade I have is 'light' and I would say that I don't have pale skin, so be cautious when you're buying this product and try get a sample or try it out with a tester on your hand before you buy! It lasts a relatively long time too, I think I purchase one every 4 months if not longer and I use it pretty much every single day of the week. So you definitely get your moneys worth from it. Just be cautious not to drop it though because the setting powder will crumble, the amount of times in the last couple years that I've dropped it and my heart has stopped - the same kind of feeling when you drop your phone face down and you feel like the end of the world is near... 

So, there you have it, my number one concealer. I'm going to do a couple fashion posts soon (basically when I get paid, my student loan comes in and I'm out my overdraft so I can FINALLY buy some new clothes) so be patient with me on that one. If you guys have anything in particular you'd like me to write about then let me know in the comments below and any feedback is much appreciated! In the next couple of weeks, I will be updating the page and make it a bit more presentable. ALSO - my deadlines are fast approaching so during the end of April/start of May there will be a little bit of silence on my blog I'm afraid but I will still post pictures daily on my Instagram account so follow me on there for regular updates. Thanks for reading guys, I hope you enjoyed it.

Katie x