How to Scrap a Bad Mood

21 May 2015

Find the cause.
Getting right the the source will help shift the heavy cloud hanging over your head. It may take some time, especially if this attitude has been brewing over some time, but finding that connection ends in positive results. The reason can vary, from a person to an experience - figure out what's really bothering you and get as far away from it as possible.
Treat yourself.
To me, any food is a treat. There's absolutely nothing wrong with eating chocolate in every form until the endorphins kick in the lift the sorrow. Indulging in a whole series on Netflix or gobbling multiple tubs of Ben & Jerry's is good for the mental health system and a great start and shifting the negative thoughts. I've also found that herbal tea really comforts my rough spells.
Music.
I have never come across another human being that doesn't enjoy listening to music. It's unnatural not to be drawn to at least one genre or album - there are so many! Finding a pre-made playlist on Spotify or 8tracks is an easy way for me to get out of a poor mood. Avoiding the slow mixed made for break-ups and down days will only aid your mind into plunging into an ever deeper sad state.
Phone a friend.
Socialization will help to lift spirits. Talk out your feelings with someone you really trust and get everything off your chest. Or rather, entertain yourself with a gossip session and catch-up chat on anything and everything going on in the world.
Make yourself laugh.
I'm usually doing this by falling up the stairs on running into a wall. But there are plenty of site, from BuzzFeed to Tumblr that have pages dedicated to bringing a smile. Spending some quality time flicking through Vines is a great way to lift the crummy spirits and create a lighthearted atmosphere.
Get busy!
Distraction is key. An empty mind can quickly fill with lousy thoughts and over-thinking which only increases a bad mood. Find a hobby, whether artistic or academic to really take your mind away from whatever is bringing you down. Throw all your energy into a time-consuming task and the hours will fly by.

Real Techniques Brush Crush

18 May 2015

After hearing so much about these brushes and this brand - I decided to take the plunge and invest in a few. I have seen plenty of beauty and blog posts praising the fantastic value of each and every set, so after my research, I dipped into my savings account and follow the crowd. The brushes I bought were the pointed foundation brush, contour brush, detailer brush, silicone liner brush, buffing brush and the shading brush. The first thing I noticed after unwrapping these brushes was how soft they were, as well as how stable and sturdy they were. With a many brushes I have used in the past, the prickle my skin, making it very difficult to apply lighter make up like powder or bronzer. I have also found with a lot of wooden and metal brushes, they feel quite flimsy which usually means they're going to snap - one of the most frustrating things in the world. After a fortnight of using these brushes every day, they blend make-up amazingly well and don't create a mess due to the soft bristles. A quality I love in the brushes is that they wash and dry really well, including the silicone liner brush. I often find that foundation and powder brushes are never the same once they have been washed, but these brushes perfectly went back to normal after leaving them to air dry overnight. I would definitely recommend obtain at least one set of Real Techniques' brushes are the are wonderful value for money and work just as well, if not better than many of the high brand sets.

Low Cost Stores to Love

16 May 2015

H&M
From it's first UK store opening in 1976, H&M has become a multinational retail success. The Swedish brand is now a world-wide triumph, providing fantastic fashion for men, women, teenagers and children. H&M offered affordable clothing for all ages which is exactly what makes it a commercial success. Rather than spending an unnatural amount of spending money on a real leather jacket from an exclusive high street or even designer store; H&M can offered reasonably prices faux or real leather jackets of the same quality - and in many different styles and colours. H&M is a great place to shop for building a wadrobe. The basic items of clothing are available all year-round in contrast to the seasonal-wear. H&M also collaborates with huge designers and celebrities to give it's shoppers the best of the high fashion experience. From Beyoncé to Madonna, and Versace and Alexander Wang, H&M are the first to ring in the stylish season.
Primark
Primark is known for it's low prices. Selling lines for both men and women, the shop earned it's popularity for inexpensive items and enormous ranges. Like H&M, Primark is one of the best places to built a basic wardrobe. Everyday essentials like t-shirts, cardigans, knitted jumpers and t-shirts are featured in their stores all year-round and always at amazing prices. Primark is especially popular amoung the younger generation, as it's labels are designed for all ages - including their super-popular line, Atmosphere. Primark are also noted for their colossal stores, always having plenty in stock, alongside plenty of queues.
TK Maxx
TK Maxx has become one of my favourite stores. I'm constantly blogging about anything I find in there, as it's a fanchise full of weird and wonderful things. Avoiding shopping in their city centre stores are incredibly difficult, but I always end up finding something. Founded in 1976, TK or TJ Maxx's number one priority is selling high labels at low prices. As well is being incredibly active in charity work, TK is full of one-off pieces that can brighten up any closet. It takes real determination and motivation to fish through the hundreds of clothing rails across the county, but finding one item at a reasonable price is worth the adventure.
Boohoo.com
Originating in Manchester in 2006, boohoo.com has become a casual online fashion destination worldwide. As an online store, they feature a wide range of clothing for guys and girls, both in-season wear to match the trends on the runway but also everday clothing needs and the wardrobe tools to build your own personal style. The great thing about Boohoo.com being an online-only site is the contant new additions to their lines. Everything they have is available 24/7 and it's my go-to store for online shopping. The excellent delivery service gives boohoo.com the great name today!

Leather Jacket Loving

11 May 2015

A basic leather jacket is a must-have and fashion hack all in one. They come in plenty of different colours, styles and sizes but sometimes basic is best. Not everyone is comfortable with real leather, but faux can also be inexpensive and be of high quality. There are many reasons why a leather jacket is a closet essential, for both genders. They’re excellent for layering; especially during this time of year. Leather is generally a thicker and insulating fabric, so they’re key in during this season in the UK, when the weather never really decided what it wants to do. Getting a size that is a little larger can be great for layering and can make a more comfortable fit. Real leather and high quality faux doesn't stretch, so wearing too many items underneath can be uncomfortable. Buying a larger sizes allows room to move and extra comfort. However, there are cropped leather jackets that are designed for the summertime, buying these in your regular size such ensure for a stylish fit. Leather brings plenty of texture to an outfit which can help the overall look seem more exciting. The fabric contrasts well with many other fabrics, including the more common denim, cotton and jersey. Yet, lace or velvet paired with fabric create a unique look and an interesting blend.

These jackets were designed to look ‘edgy’ and cool, and they still can. Many chose to buy leather jackets because they can be paired with nearly everything, making them one of the best fashion hacks since skinny jeans. Throwing a leather jacket over a more formal dress can create a mix between casual and proper pieces and is an easy ready-to-go look. As leather jackets come in so many colours and styles, you can never have too many. Some chose to buy a brighter colour rather than the standard black or brown to add a pop of colour of their favourite LBD. Styling a leather jacket is trouble-free and always looks effortless.
Jacket - Miss Selfridge 

GOSH Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Review

8 May 2015

This review is coming from someone who know absolutely nothing about primers. I didn't start wearing foundation until I was around 17 because I was either too lazy or didn't really need it. But as I grow older, I use it almost everyday just to help my skin look even and smooth. GOSH's Velvet Touch Foundation Primer is my first ever primer buy and caught my eye simply because I appreciate the brand. GOSH Cosmetics is a brand I have relied on for a while, as they have a marvellous range of products at a high quality for a high street prices. As this was my first primer, I decided it's better be safe than sorry. 
I started using this primer at the beginning of April, and since then I use it every single day. The best way to describe it is 'velvety' as the texture is smooth without becoming oily and shiny - the opposite of what I wanted. I apply the primer using my fingers before applying any make-up to help it reach the full potential as the perfect base. The serum fills in any lines and pores I have on my skin, which helps create the flawless look with my foundation. My pores are much more visible just beneath my eyes, so I tend to use a little more primer there. What makes this primer the ideal base is that it doesn't take away from the colour of my foundation which I know can be common with high street brands. If anything, it enhances my skin tone and helps the foundation and powder blend a lot better. The Velvet Touch isn't difficult to remove and is perfume and preservative free, making it suitable for most skin types.
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