Just Simply Me; Take Two - The Real Me

Just Simply Me: Take Two

The Real Me

 

 

 

 

Welcome back, it's been a little over seven months since I last visited my blog and oh boy how fast that time has gone! I promised myself when I first started this blog on the 6th May 2016 that this blog was going to be like therapy for me, I guess you could say a no holds barred this is me take it or leave it type of approach. After spending half my life shying away from ever truly being open and honest with even those closest to me I thought this would be my one way ticket to finding who I'd lost along the way but as we know life isn't ever that simple. Don't get me wrong I loved my blog from the minute I typed my first word but I think I knew deep down from the start that I'd never truly be able to engross myself in it knowing that my façade could only last so long.

 

This is possibly one of the scariest things I've ever even contemplated doing in my whole life but as I sit here at almost 1am on a Tuesday night (now Wednesday morning) I think I'm finally ready to give my all to the hobby that I've found a great love in.

 

I guess you could say it all started when I first started Secondary school in September 2008. I went through the whole big fish small pond to little fish big pond terror with hope that my Secondary school years would be the ones that defined me and made me who I am as a person (I guess looking back in a round-about way they did just not in the way I was ever expecting). I went from a tiny local Primary school with one class of roughly 30 students per year, where everyone knew each other to a large Secondary school of several classes per year, filled with so many unfamiliar faces. To say it was a shock to the system would be an understatement!

 

Don't get me wrong my first 2-3 years of Secondary school probably were the best of my life, I suppose that's what made it even worse when the bullying began. Growing up I'd always been shy, I suppose what the type of person that would've been picked out as an easy target. I had pale skin, freckles and ginger hair (which I now appreciate more than I did back then). Adding all that together I guess I should've seen it coming. It started off with an argument in my close group of friends with one individual turning others against me, with my confidence shattered I had never felt more lost in my life.

 

Apparently life's cruel game wasn't done with me then though as those few individuals were removed from my life only for a few other individuals to take their place. If it wasn't a whisper here or a snigger there, it was outright insults to my face. Little did I know from that point that I'd never truly be the same again.

 

I can't pinpoint the exact time when my panic attacks started but I'm guessing it was sometime around the last two years of my Secondary education. People around me were looking forward to their college choices, their job prospects or even what they were going to wear to the upcoming prom the following year when all I could feel was an overwhelming sense of dread and the burdening feeling of simply not belonging.

 

Back when I first started having my panic attacks I had no idea what they were, there was no Zoella to share her experiences and there was no one I knew to turn to that would truly understand (at that point I didn't understand myself so why would others. That was my reasoning anyway). I felt like I was dying, I knew what was happening almost every school morning wasn't right with buttons being ripped off my school shirt in the panic to get air into my lungs, followed by the overwhelming dizziness and fear of dying, but I just didn't know at the time how to ask for help or who to turn to.

 

My attendance at school went from bad to worse, I had the school threatening to take my parents to court, my family (not my family members that lived with me, I'm talking about Auntie's etc) slating me telling me that I just wanted to skive, that I didn't care what stress I was causing my parents and I then had the all-encompassing guilt I felt that I wasn't the 'normal child' my parents wanted me to be, that I wasn't the 'normal child' that I so desperately wanted to be. Those couple of years were probably the lowest of my life, I couldn't see a way out and I'd almost resigned myself to living a life safe in the embrace of the familiar warmth and embrace of my four walls (be that the solitude of my bedroom or the company of my closest family in our living room).

 

It took me a long time but halfway through what has now been charted as 'the worst two years of my life', after countless expensive therapy sessions, even more back and forth threatening meetings with my school and yet more run-ins with those who 'didn't understand' an answer came to me. The doctors finally gave me the answers and hope I'd been craving. Being diagnosed with Anxiety probably sounds terrible to most but to me it was the glimmer of hope in the darkest days. I finally had a name for what I'd been going through, I wasn't dying and there was something that could be done about it.

 

I was referred for CBT (Cognitive behavioural therapy) and my life began to have meaning again. I'm not going to say I was miraculously cured and that since then it's been all sunshine and rainbows because neither of those statements would be true but I will say that CBT helped me more than I'd ever dreamt of. I'd been sceptical to say the least at first having had anxiety become my new 'normal' but after my first couple of terrifyingly nerve-wracking sessions I could begin to notice a difference in myself. I was even able to get a couple of GCSE's (which at the beginning of my ,journey (oh so cliché), had seemed impossible. Yes I didn't return to normal lessons instead having lessons a couple of times a week with a teaching assistant but I worked my butt off and was able to achieve what I once saw as unachievable.

 

Yes I didn't get to go to prom and I missed out on so many life experiences with my friends but I can't say that I look back on those years with any particular bitterness (I have some towards my school for what I was put through by not only the pupils but the teaching staff too but hey allow me to be a little angry). I guess what doesn't kill you can really make you stronger sometimes. Yes I'm never going to be cured of my anxiety (I'm now 19 going on 20 in less than a month eek!) but I now know that I'm not alone and that what happens to me in that second isn't going to kill me and it won't last forever.

 

Wow that was some heavy stuff I'm sorry once again that I've been away so long now but now that you know me a little better I hope you'll stick by me as I see were my hobby can take me once again. I promise not all my posts will be this heavy-hitting but I wanted to show the real me and to let anyone else out there that's struggling know that there is help out there and there is also now a lot of people that can relate. Mental health is no longer such a taboo subject and that's the way I hope it stays as I'm certainly no longer ashamed so you shouldn't be too.

 

If you've made it this far then congratulations you win the medal for being most patient with me thank you.

 

 

Many thanks

Caitlin xo

 

 

P.S if you ever need to talk I'd be more than happy to help people, I'dve really appreciated a friendly, non-judgemental when I was going through it all so it'd be nice to think that I could be that for someone

 

 

My Charity Shop Haul

My Charity Shop Haul

 

There's nothing I love more than trawling charity shops. It may seem weird to be a girl that not only enjoys designer brands but also enjoys peoples unwanted items but that's just who I am. I feel like everything in a charity shop has its own story. I love the fact that not only are you getting an item that's unique to you but you're also helping the charity at the same time and everyone knows that I certainly don't need an excuse to shop (but I kind of feel like this gives me one). So I couldn't resist when my mum mentioned visiting some in my local area a couple of weekends ago and these were my finds.

 

My Vase Selection

 

 

The collection of three vases: These caught my eye as soon as I walked into the shop as my mind immediately sprung to ways of displaying my makeup brushes as I'd got tired of my recent layout. Not only are these vases rather heavy and made of thick glass but they were also only £1.50 each making them a complete bargain.

 

The floral vase: Once again this vase caught my eye with ideas of storing my larger makeup brushes in. I loved the unique print on the vase and the fact that it'd just fit perfectly with the décor in my beauty room. It was also a steal at only £3!

 

My Crockery Selection

 

 

The mini cup and saucer: As soon as I saw this on the shelf in one of the charity shops I knew I had to buy it. The details on both the cup and saucer were just so intricate and lovely that it drew me in. Picking them up I realised just how delicate they were, they were almost reminiscent of an old fairy tea party playset I had when I was younger so it took me right back to my childhood days of tea parties and make-believe. The fact that the set was bone china and still only cost £1 amazed me.

 

The little pixie tumbler: I have to admit that this is one of my stranger buys from a charity shop as I literally have no idea what its use is going to be but I just couldn't walk away from it. Once again the fairyland type theme of this tiny tumbler brought me back to my childhood and took me to a happy place. This is an item that I still have no idea what to do with it but at the same time I can't bear to part with it. This item was also a steal at £1.

 

My Delicate Glassware Selection

 

 

My little mini bird vase: This was an item that my mum actually came across and brought to my attention as she knew I'd love it. The detailing and delicacy of the tiny little vase was just so cute that I found myself reaching for my purse once again. It was an item that I told myself I simply had to have and I still don't regret buying it as it's found a lovely little home in my growing collection (aka obsession) of little knick-knacks. The little vase of joy cost £2.50.

 

The even smaller mini vase (I'm great at describing things right haha): This was another little glassware item that I was immediately drawn to and it is also another item which I'm not sure of what use it's going to have. Once again the detail of this item was what draw me to it, that and the fact that it just looked so cute sitting on the shelf. I picked this up for £2.50 as well.

 

My Little Knick-Knack Selection 

 

 

The little red detailed candle holder: I picked out this item as (if you've read some of my previous blogs you would've noticed) I love adding little tea lights to my pictures and I'm always on the look out for unique little holders. Unfortunately there was only one on its own which I was a little disappointed in as I loved it so much that I'd loved to have been able to purchase several but nevertheless I was very pleased with this purchase. You may even see it making some appearances in future blog posts. This cost me a rather cheap 50p.

 

My little mini china pig: Once again I do not know where my head was at when purchasing this item but my only guess has to be that it was just too cute to leave. I have no idea where this cute mini pig is going to live or what I'm going to do with it but I felt compelled to buy it anyway. I still don't regret buying it though especially as it only set me back 50p.

 

Mini glass egg: I brought this to be a background display in pictures for my blog post. It looks so cute in real life with a little lion etched into it that I was a little disappointed that it didn't pick up better on camera. Nevertheless I'll still find a use for this cute object even if it just is for it's original intention of being a paperweight. This was once again very cheap at 50p.

 

My Ring Selection 

 

 

The little mini detailed flower ring: Although you can't see it in the picture this little ring has the cute detail of linked up little flowers. I love stackable rings and thumb rings and I thought this little ring could be used for either. Once again I couldn't believe how cheap it was at 50p.

 

The owl ring: I was drawn to this ring as I love any jewellery to do with owls and whilst I have a vast collection of owl earrings and necklaces I don't think I've ever owned an owl ring so I just had to buy it. Even better was the fact that it actually fit me perfectly too and was a steal at £1.50.

 

I hope you enjoyed my little charity shop haul and expect many more to come in the future as I continue my love of trawling the little treasures that they hold.

 

Many Thanks

Caitlin xo

 

 

 

 





My Perfume Collection Part Two

My Perfume Collection Part Two

 

Firstly I'd like to start this post with an apology. I'm extremely sorry that this post has come to you over a week late but the circumstances were unavoidable as there's been a few dramas in my life recently. I sincerely hope you accept my apology and take my assurance that my posts will go back to being regular from this point onwards.

 

Now on with my rambling I go....

 

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium

 

What the websites say: Discover Black Opium, the new eau de toilette by YSL. The hedonistic black coffee note of the original Black Opium scent is transformed into an ultra-luminous green coffee accord with a heart of jasmine tea on a sensual base of sensual patchouli, white woods and musk. Black Opium eau de toilette comes dressed in a glittering bottle of deepest pink diamond-dust finish for rock edge and modern glamour, with a radiant rose gold glass heart for soft femininity.

 

My verdict: Personally this is the first scent I've ever tried of YSL's and I wasn't disappointed. I first decided to try it after reading the mixed reviews on the perfume that were splashed all over the internet. I was curious to which side I'd be on. I went in with a non-biased opinion having no previous affinity to the brand and was pleasantly surprised by the scent that greeted me so much so that all sensibility and thoughts on price etc went out of my head and I bought it on the spot. I have since repurchased the perfume and will continue to do so.

 

Ed Hardy Villain For Women 

 

 

What the websites say: Playfully splashing in the sea waters, she tempts you in with succulent lickable fruits with their sweet juiciness and vibrant colour. Ed Hardy Villain For Women is overpowering, yet astoundingly feminine like the petals of delicate flowers. The strength of her hold on you is uncontrollable as if bound by roots and woods. Lost in her world of the deep blue sea, yet still enchanted with her kisses as sweet and addicting as crème brulee.

 

My verdict: Despite the rather creepy and garish description of this perfume I actually rather like it. It's the kind of perfume that smells slightly different to me every time I smell it. I find that some of the notes are more predominant at times making this a very interesting perfume to own. I feel like I pick up a new note every time I spray this (and I'm certainly no perfume expert). I have to admit though that if I had actually read the description before purchasing the perfume I probably would've been put off. It holds great value for money and has seemed to have lasted and held its own in my collection.

 

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Lil' Angel

 

 

What the websites say: Gwen Stefani launches new Harajuku dolls in autumn 2010 named Wicked Style this time, dedicated to the wild fashion of Tokyo streets, especially Takeshita-Dori. Every girl has a "wicked style" on her own, expressed by cheerful coloured hair, clothes and super cute shoes.

Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Lil' Angel is a sparkling floral fragrance, made from plum, champagne, bergamot, pomelo, lotus, rose leaves, water lily, sateen wood, amber and musk. Lil' Angel follows the gothic fashion, with dark makeup and clothes.

 

My verdict: I was first drawn to this collection by their bottles. The packaging was unlike anything I'd ever seen before and I loved the style and concept of the fragrance range. This one stood out in the range for me as I absolutely fell in love with the fragrance. I've used this perfume sparingly overtime as I didn't want it to run out knowing that it now seems rather hard to get hold of. I wish that I'd brought more of the collection back when I first brought it. I'm going to continue to keep this in my collection and use it sparingly in the hope that I'll never run out (I know it'll eventually happen no matter how careful I am. I'm in denial right now though okay haha)

 

Britney Spears Cosmic Radiance  

 

 

What the websites say: Cosmic Radiance was a completely new perfume which arrived on the market in 2011, in a flacon with the same design as the previous year's Radiance. Created of black and glittery transparent surfaces reminiscent of gems, a small dose of elegance and femininity is added by the pink colour on the neck of the bottle.

Cosmic Radiance is inspired by a star which twinkles brighter than all the other stars- a star of distant galaxy, far away from this world. The composition of Britney's new cosmic glow begins with strong and optimistic citruses, with a refreshing, glittery red bouquet opening its fragrant petals in the very heart of the composition. The base notes twinkle and add warmth with amber, soft vanilla and creamy sandalwood.

 

My verdict: I was drawn to this perfume a few years ago in duty free on my way back from France. I'd previously tried Curious from Britney Spears and really liked it. So with that and the fact that it was a rather cheap buy in duty free I grabbed myself a bottle. I was once again very happy with the perfume inside as well as the simple design of the bottle. It's not a perfume that I regularly reach for but it's the type of fragrance that reminds me of holidays and happy times. In fact smelling it for this blog post has once again cemented its affection and place in my perfume collection and I'm sure it will get a lot more use from now on. 

 

If you've made it this far thank you once again for your support and this concludes my perfume collection (for now anyway as it seems to be ever-growing)

 

Many Thanks

Caitlin xo

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Shoeaholics Haul

Shoeaholics Haul

 

I was browsing the internet recently for a new website to feed my obsession of collecting designer shoes. After a lot of searching I came across a website called Shoeaholics which seemed eerily appropriate for me. Browsing the site I was extremely pleased to find that I'd not only stumbled across a website stocking my favourite brand of shoe (Carvela Kurt Geiger) but a site that also gave extremely good discounts on my favourite brands.

 

Needless to say I couldn't resist picking myself up a few pairs of shoes whilst browsing. These were my top picks.

 

 Carvela Kurt Geiger Maisy

 

RRP: £80  Websites price: £19
Shoeaholics Carvela Kurt Geiger Bronze Maisy Shoes

This was a pair that I was intrigued by as I don't think I've ever owned a pair of bronze shoes like these in my life. When they arrived I wasn't disappointed with them in the slightest. They're every bit as unique as I thought they'd be. I'm not the best at walking in heels and I love my comfort so these shoes were to me the perfect alterative for nights out or special occasions. I also love the fact that these shoes look different colours in different lights.

 

Ugg Australia Taya Constellation

 

RRP: £95 Websites price: £49
Ugg Australia Taya Constellation Shoes Grey

I've been obsessed with plimsoll/trainers recently, especially ones that are a little different from the norm. These caught my eyes as for 1 I didn't even know that Ugg Australia did trainers and 2 I liked the fact that they were different from any other pair I'd ever come across. Not only does the suede add some class to them but I love the fact that the Swarovski crystals catch the light. I also love the fact that the shoes are fleece lined on the inside in parts. These definitely make a welcome addition to my trainer collection.

Carvela Kurt Geiger Milo

 

I haven't linked these shoes as they're no longer on the website. These shoes ooze class and sophistication. They can be used to dress up any outfit whilst still being an incredibly comfortable pair of shoes. These were probably my favourite purchase out of them all as they'd go with most outfits I wear.

Shoeaholics Website

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored (as much as I'd love it to be haha) and prices are all correct at the time of publishing.

Many Thanks
Caitlin xo




 

 

My Perfume Collection Part One

My Perfume Collection Part One

I've decided to split this blog into two halves with the next one following next Monday 23rd May. This will include a selection of my favourite perfumes from my own personal collection, including what the websites say about them and my verdict.

Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede

What the website says: The essence of charm. Peonies in voluptuous bloom, exquisitely fragile. Flirtatious with the juicy bite of red apple and the opulence of jasmine, rose and gillyflower. Mingling with the sensuality of soft, blush suede, luxurious and seductive.

My Verdict: This perfume may be the most expensive in my collection but it also happens to be one of my all time favourites. This is largely down to the help I received in the Jo Malone store when I first went looking for a fragrance that suited me. Not only did they really listen to and take into account my preferences but they also managed to match me to a perfume that I continuously get compliments on and have continued to repurchase again and again. The price tag is well worth it as it also happens to be one of my longest lasting perfumes too.

Victoria Beckham Intimately Beckham

What the websites say: Enter the luxurious world of Victoria Beckham with the beautifully floral scent of Intimately. The romantic aroma of fresh flowers dominates this fragrance, with top notes of citrusy bergamot and pure rose petals giving way to sweet tuberose and lily. This beautiful floral bouquet slowly opens up to muskier tones of sandalwood and smooth vanilla, offering a sense of seductive elegance which lingers on your skin.

My verdict: This perfume was brought as a gift for me and I'd never considered purchasing this before being gifted it. But now I've had it in my collection for about a year I'd say it's definitely grown on me. Whilst it's not a perfume I'd reach for daily, it's the kind of scent I'd reach for if I was fancying switching up my scent a bit. The price is very reasonable and the product is very good value for money. I'd class this as more of a clean and fresh summer scent than an all season perfume but each to their own.

DKNY Be Delicious

What the websites say: DKNY Be Delicious is a fresh, sophisticated fragrance from the heart of New York City. Be Delicious opens up with crisp and edgy top notes including American apple, crisp green cucumber and sparkling grapefruit. The middle notes are sweet and sinful with magnolia, tuberose. white muguet, rose and violet. In the base, sandalwood and white amber round out the scent with an innocent and sexy appeal.

My verdict: Once again this perfume was gifted to me. Having never tried a DKNY fragrance before I was pleasantly surprised with this one. It's unlike any other perfume I've ever owned as you can really smell the apple tones in it, but at the same time it's not too overpowering. Despite the high price tag I'd once again say the fragrance is well worth the money as it's long lasting and offers different layers of scent that couldn't be emulated elsewhere.

Beyoncé Heat Rush  

What the websites say: Beyoncé Heat Rush shines, sparkles and excites the moment it touches the skin. Surrounded by a luminous fragrant aura, the woman who wears it feels instantly effervescent and alive. Sensual and bright, the scent lights up a room just as Beyoncé captivates with her presence.

Top notes: Passion fruit, blood orange and Brazilian Cherry.

Heart: Yellow tiger orchid, mango blossom and orange hibiscus.

Base notes: Teakwood, honey amber and a mush accord that is inspired by the sunsets in Brazil.

My verdict: Despite the overly-dramatic description the websites give of this fragrance underneath all the bravado this is actually a brilliant fragrance. This happens to be my all time favourite celebrity fragrance and you get brilliant value for your money. This fragrance is up there in my all time favourites alongside Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede. This is the perfume I wear everyday as I don't worry about it running out due to the fact that it is so reasonably priced to repurchase. It's yet another fragrance that I get compliments on when I wear it.

And that concludes the first part of my perfume collection. If you enjoyed this post please check back next Monday 23rd May for my second part.

Many thanks

Caitlin xo 

Book Series Review: Paige Toon's The Jessie Jefferson Series

Book Series Review

 

The Jessie Jefferson Series

 

The Jessie Jefferson Series is a YA (Young Adult) series of two books (Book 1 being: The Accidental Life Of Jessie Jefferson and Book 2 being : I Knew You Were Trouble) documenting a teenage girls journey of self-discovery splitting her time between the bright lights of L.A and her small hometown of Maidenhead in England. Watch her journey of self discovery as she struggles to choose between the tug of her hometown Maidenhead, where she's lived all her life and the exciting sun, sea, fun and adventure of her life in L.A.

 

Both books are easy-reads that'll leave you lost in the world of teenage life, boys, family struggles and good times. These books are follow up's of Paige Toon's adult 'Johnny Be Good' series, although you do not have to read them before this series as all the information that's relevant to Jessie's story is in the books. However the 'Johnny Be Good' series is yet another series I'd recommend because I enjoyed the two books and extra e-book from start to finish.

 

 

 

My Overall Verdict:

 

The Jessie Jefferson Series was a series that I just couldn't get enough of, finishing each book within a couple of days. They were both easy reads that you find yourself being quickly engrossed in. I was so disappointed after I'd finished both books, leaving me wanting more...... I wanted to know what happens next in the journey of Jessie Jefferson so you can imagine my excitement when I came to the end of the second book (I Knew You Were Trouble) to find in the Acknowledgements section that Paige Toon was planning to get started on her third book in the series. I loved the series I even trawled her website for a release date (Which I found!!!! Do you sense my excitement?!). The release date for the third book which has been titled 'All About The Hype' has been revealed as the 28th July and you can bet that I'll be purchasing it the day it comes out, in fact I might even start a countdown on my phone (no lie I actually might!).

 

Many thanks

Caitlin xo 



My Top Ten Holy Grail Makeup Items

My Top Ten Holy Grail Makeup Items

I am a self-confessed makeup hoarder and like to change up what I use as often as possible to give me room to try the latest products and trends out there, however I can also be a creature of habit and the following ten products are the products I find myself reaching for time and time again.

Mac Fix +

Mac fix + is one of those products that you either love it or you hate it and I just happen to be a massive fan of it. I find the functionality brilliant, with me myself using it in several different ways. I use it to dampen my makeup blending sponges, I use it to change eyeshadows from a matte to a more wet look and I also use it to hydrate my face on days when it's really needed. I've repurchased this product time and time again and thus far haven't found anything to replace it in my affections.

Benefit Rollerlash

I was very sceptical of this product when it first came out as I'd previously given into the hype of Benefit's They're Real mascara and didn't get on with it at all. So I was reluctant to buy this product to say the least. Never the less I was drawn to the Benefit counter whilst shopping one day and managed to try it then. Needless to say I haven't looked back since. It's one of those products that does everything it says on the tin not only lengthening my lashes but giving them a lovely curl too.

Mac Studio Fix

Mac Studio Fix is the powder that I find myself reaching for time and time again. Not only do I use it on it's own on 'good skin days' I also use it to set my makeup on 'bad skin days'. Not only does it set my makeup in place without drying my combination skin, it also gives me that extra little bit of coverage on days where I'm feeling a little less skin confident.

Benefit Brow Zings

As you can see from the picture my Benefit Brow Zings is well loved. I've often struggled with knowing what to do with my brows and I find that this product is so simple and effective to use that even brow phobics can use it. Not only has it lasted me several years (being the first brow product I ever owned), it's also seen me through my many hair colour changes. The fact that I've been able to keep using it throughout proves to me that this product was always worth it's hype.

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer

Bourjois Chocolate Bronzer is once again a product that I've now had for a couple of years (although sadly I've now hit the pan and should probably purchase a new one). I find it to be one of the only high street bronzers that isn't too orange toned or too shimmery. I use it for both contouring and adding that bit of colour on particularly pale days (almost every day for me as I'm very light skinned). Although in recent months I gave in and brought the Hoola bronzer and have been using that I still find myself drawn back to my trusty Bourjois bronzer every time.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Self-Made Palette

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Self-Made palette is a palette that I trawled the internet for as it seemed to be sold out everywhere. Now I've owned this palette for several months I now know why. No matter how much I try to stop using it for fear of running out I find myself being drawn to it every single time. Not only does it have a wide range of colours and textures but it also holds my favourite eyeshadow I've ever used, which is the shade Pink Champagne. This palette is definitely for those who prefer shimmer shades to matte as it only holds two true matte colours but I find this palette suits me perfectly and it was well worth the search.

Benefit Cheekathon 

Benefit's cheekathon is a product that I literally counted down the days until it was released and since owning it I haven't been disappointed. Not only is the packaging lovely, the functionality of the product is brilliant too. It holds many of the blushers that I've always wanted to try from Benefit but couldn't justify the price tag for buying them separately so this was a brilliant alternative for me. The colours are lovely and I've found myself trying new styles thanks to this palette.

Revlon Colorstay and Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealers

I've paired these two products together as I find them very similar. Personally I think the Revlon Colorstay concealer is a brilliant dupe for the Urban Decay Naked Skin concealer, although there's nothing like owning the real thing. Not only do both concealers offer brilliant coverage but they're also excellent for brightening the under eye area.

Mac Brave Lipstick

Mac's Brave Lipstick is a lipstick that I've got to admit that I'm slightly obsessed with. Not only is the colour lovely but I also find the lipstick quite hydrating (which is rare for me as I suffer with very dry lips). No matter how much I try to use other products and not be so predictable I can't help but reach for this shade time and time again. It has well and truly earned and cemented itself in my all time favourite lipsticks.

If you've made it to the end congratulations as I know I've waffled on. Thanks for reading and don't forget to follow me on my social media sites connected to the blog.

Many thanks

Caitlin xo