WHERE HAVE I BEEN?

Long time, no speak. I know, where on earth have I been? Well, since my last post in August, my account has many half-written posts and has had very little attention from me. The primary reason for this is the whirlwind adventure that is University!

On the 13th of September, I ventured off to begin my University life, moving into halls on campus and beginning the degree to kickstart the whole of my life. It was very overwhelming to begin with and, having had a very difficult time in my personal life in the week approaching leaving, I was petrified to leave home and tackle this new life. I was very lucky to have found a handful of people both from my flat and on my course on Facebook prior to leaving, settling my nerves, and I knew they would greet me with open arms as I arrived on that first day. In first meeting these wonderful people, I couldn't quite believe how lucky I really had been.

I share a flat for my first year, with seven other students, each doing a range of different courses and, although I am yet to actually converse with one girl, the others couldn't be more amazing. I live with some of the loveliest, kindest and fun people I have ever met and our constant antics and adventures have really sparked a light across the whole first few months. Living with people who share my sense of humour and passion for excitement has really livened the whole experience. I know I am constantly surrounded by a group of people who would support and help me in a heartbeat. I couldn't praise them all enough for making me feel so welcome and loved in a place that was, I'm sure, pretty scary for us all. And, with plans to move in with two of these amazing people next year, I know we will all remain friends for life, even if we aren't just walls apart. 

I've also made some of the best friends in my courses (as I'm doing a combined degree), who are all so amazing and have made the last few months so enjoyable. A few of the people I was speaking with on Facebook before actually attending University have become some of the best friends I could ask for. From girly nights painting our nails with one girl on my course, Sarah, who has become such a close friend, to spending lazy days with our favourites songs on repeat with my best friend, Luke - creating the most incredible memories without even trying just goes to show how wonderful each person I have in my life right now is. I am very grateful that they are all looking out for me and making me laugh until my stomach hurts. 

So, yes, I have definitely been slacking when it comes to this blog. But, these last few months have been some of the best of my life so far and I would't have changed a second. Now, I am dedicated to reviving Beccaful and pursuing my passion for writing once again. 

So here's to the new people in my life, and my fresh start. 

I'm ready to restart this journey and hope you'll accompany me along the way.

~ Becca ~

New Product Review: Batiste Styling Shield My Locks Heat and Shine Spray

When I first found out that Batiste, famous for their range of dry shampoo, was releasing a selection of hair styling products, I was keen to explore the collection and hopefully discover a gem. As my previous heat protection spray was harbouring its last few drops, I thought the new Batiste Styling Shield My Locks Heat and Shine Spray would be perfect to try and maybe even become a new staple. As someone who does rather regularly straighten and style their hair, I was excited to see how many check boxes this would tick and whether it would live up to my expectations from such a well-known haircare brand. If you are in search of a new hair protectant or are just wanting some feedback on the products before spending your pennies, I hope this review is helpful!

To start, the packaging is so pretty! The shimmering finish of a gorgeous bright pink plays background to vibrant orange detailing. It definitely grabbed my attention and stands out on the shelf. What's more, the size is perfect to squeeze into a cupboard, designed in a tube without the large nozzles like many other sprays, while also giving you a lot of product for your money.

What I found the most intriguing about this product was the formula and way in which the product is used. Most other heat defence sprays come in a liquid formula, sprayed onto the hair as a mist before styling. However, the consistency of this product is similar to that of a hairspray or even the dry shampoo! I wasn't sure how I felt about this aerosol format and how easy it would be to cover the hair completely. I found the best way to use this is by sectioning hair and spraying all over, as you would a hairspray, being careful to cover your eyes! This ensures that each section is covered and no where has been missed, as the product comes out quite quickly when sprayed and it can be difficult to judge. I think in comparison to other products with the traditional 'nozzle', there doesn't seem to be such a difference in ease of application. One way that I find this product differs from others is that, once applied, your hair isn't left slightly damp with the product, therefore there is no need to wait before applying any heat and you don't hear that awful singeing sound when you start to style it! Once styled, your hair still feels soft, not stiff or tacky, as though your hair is full of product. In terms of shine, coming from someone with rather frizzy natural locks, I would say your hair does look as though it has a gleam to it, definitely not life-changing but I couldn't deny it does add that little extra sheen after styling. Considering the price, the finish of this product is very nice and, despite the hairspray-like consistency, your hair remains soft and sleek.

On the back of the bottle, it is explained that this product can in fact be used on dry hair too, to add extra shine. This has proved to be my favourite way to use this product. My natural hair is wavy and quite often on the frizzy side. A spritz of this product has been perfect for taming odd fly-aways as well as those days when my waves are too frizzy to resemble a style! This spray really helps smooth out and define the waves in my hair, without my hair left feeling crispy or damp. What's more, it really does add a nice shine when used in this fashion, much more noticeable than when used before styling I would say. My only wish is that it had a more pleasant and appealing scent!

Overall, I think Batiste has done well in not only presenting but formulating this product to add a new concept to hair styling. I am very much a fan of the difference from the usual heat defence products that grace the shelves. What I credit this product most for is the ability to multitask as a quick frizz-fix, and I don't leave the house most days without a quick spritz to add definition and shine. I would definitely recommend to the girls like me, who long for sleek and shiny hair for an incredible price tag!

What are your favourite hair styling products?

- Becca x

Batiste Styling Shield My Locks Heat and Shine Spray - RRP £4.49 (for 200ml)

♡

Fave Five: June & July 2015

I have had a rather busy last few months. What with work, going on holiday, my friends all coming home for the summer from University and other adventures. As well as me, myself, preparing to adventure off in September to start Uni. Amongst the chaos, I have found time to squeeze in a few shopping trips and have really loved some new products recently. So, let's get started!

My first favourite is the prettiest, summery coral shade of nail polish, that has brightened my nails over the law few months! I had a vision of a summery, peachy pink nail look to rock as the days got warmer and my outfits got brighter. I purchased this colour from the Barry M Speedy Quick Dry collection in the colour In a Heart Beat and I think I have worn it the most out of all the varnishes I have ever owned! It has the complete package for me, with both speed and quality. The Quick Dry formula makes it easy to pop on during a lazy summer evening or even in the morning before you hit the shops or the beach. I often find with this style of varnish that they can be quite thin or streaky but this, with two coats, is good quality and lasts well on the nails too! Barry M have such an affordable range of these polishes and I know that if I love the others as much as this one, I'll never have bare nails again!

Secondly, is a repurchase of a product I have had in my collection for several months now; I find that this time of the year, however, is where it can really shows off what it does best and have made it a staple in my shower routine. I will start off by saying that I am a huge fan of the I Love... collection anyway, if you have read this Fave Five, you will remember I raved about their body butter too! This Shower Smoothie is another product that I think really deserves a mention! This product is almost the combination of a shower gel and a body scrub, infused with the delicious scent of Mango and Papaya, which is fresh and fruity. Being this almost hybrid of both a cream and scrub means that the formula is really creamy yet still has beads to exfoliate your skin. This is perfect for sensitive skin or people like myself who don't like to use harsh products on their skin. I have particularly loved this product as we have crept into summer; I have had my legs and arms on show and this leaves them perfectly soft and with a light scent too. I think this is an amazing, lighter alternative to a sugar or salt scrub for the summer and know I will continue to use and love this product, even into the winter months I'm sure!

Next is a fragrance I have been reaching for most of these summery days. Ted Baker released a new range of body products not too long ago and I fell in love with the design and the scent. With separate pink and turquoise-green themed lines in the range, the packaging for all products is so sophisticated and gorgeous, looking a lot more high-end than the price! I purchased the Body Spray from the pink line which has been the perfect scent for my summer so far. It's quite a light fragrance with a strong sense of dusty floral undertones. As fragrances are probably the hardest things to actually explain, it is described on the bottle with this: "This fragranced body spray entwines the soft floral notes of jasmine and neroli, whilst the base of patchouli, sandalwood and musk completes the scent". I first fell in love with the sophisticated design, a pretty, light pink bottle with rose gold detailing, and now have loved wearing this not only during the day but on evenings out too. My only wish is that the fragrance hung longer on the skin than it does, but for the incredible price, I definitely can't complain!

My forth favourite is a item I stumbled upon almost by accident but has been such an amazing addition to my makeup collection. I picked up this Bronze Glow Mosaic in Sunkissed from Collection as it came free in a promotion at Boots. I thought this product was right up my street on a first glimpse, being a shimmer, golden powder to give a gorgeous glow. I was, however, worried that I might overkill the shimmer in adding this to my makeup routine - I sport shimmery eyeshadows with pretty much every look I do! This being said, I found this perfect for those hot days where you just want a little dust of makeup to enhance your skin. When applied with a big fluffy brush and a soft hand, this gives a lovely shimmery glow, without looking cakey or overly-bronzed - perfect for a pale complexion like mine. What's more, this product I have found perfect to double up as an eyeshadow too! Each of the shimmery colours that make up the mosaic are gorgeous, golden colours to wash over the lid for an easy and quick gold-eye look. They are surprisingly pigmented and last well on the lids too. It was definitely fate this product fell into my hands and it is an amazing multi-use product at an affordable price that would be perfect for adding to a beginners makeup kit!

Finally, is a set of earrings that are, again, a beautiful accompaniment to the summer season. I found these in Accessorize and knew they were a must-have. The cute deigns mean the daisy detail hangs from behind the ear rather than in front. I fell in love with how quirky but dainty these little earrings are and know they will really compliment any summer outfit. The shape and style also means they aren't big and chunky for a petite face like mine too, while still making a statement.

That's all my favourites to complete this Fave Five, each and every one holding a drop of summer sunshine! What are you summer must-haves so far?

- Becca x

Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Nail Varnish in In a Heart Beat - RRP £3.99
I Love... Mango and Papaya Shower Smoothie - RRP £2.99 (for 200ml)
Ted Baker Pink Body Spray - RRP £7.00 (for 150ml)
Collection Bronze Glow Mosaic Powder in Sunkissed - RRP £2.99
Gold Daisy Ear Jacket Earrings - RRP £5.00

♡

Little Black Playsuit | Holiday Outfit of the Night

Black Floral-Printed Playsuit | Boohoo.com

~ Playsuit Link ~

Black Strappy Vest (Worn Underneath) | M&S

~ Vest Link ~

Limit Floral Strap Watch | Limit at Argos

~ Watch Link ~ 

Brown, Double Buckle Sandals | BHS

~ No Longer Available ~

This is the second of two blog posts to show you my two favourite outfits that I wore while away on my incredible holiday to the beautiful island of Majorca. This outfit is a dressy yet relaxed appoach to an LBD, taking on an exotic and 'holiday' vibe to accompany the lush weather and beautiful scenery. 

I found this playsuit on Boohoo.com, a website I always look to for affordable fashion pieces! I instantly fell in love with the pattern, a bright array of gorgeous, exotic flowers. I think the design is very bright and summery, perfect to compliment any skin tone as well as bringing beautiful colour across the outfit. Set against a black background, this is the perfect combination for a summery night-out look. The material is slightly textured too, which adds further depth and makes it appear more dressy than just a simply, jersey material, again adding a more sophisticated feel. The top half is styled with a wrap-around front, something I wasn't feeling quite brave enough to sport. I simply slipped a plain, black vest on underneath to give myself a little more coverage, however, the style of the front is really flattering if you are more comfortable than I am with this style. The synched-in waist allows attention to flatter your figure and, while the shorts are a little on the the shorter side, they definitely don't reach the point of being inappropriate and, for someone petite like myself, really aid in giving the appearance of longer legs. I chose not to style this piece with a necklace as I wanted to keep the statement upon the playsuit and its bright and colourful pattern. Nonetheless, I do think a small pendant, worn with the original, lower neckline would really bring attention to the wrap-around front and definitely compliment the outfit! I know this would flatter so many shapes and the general idea of a playsuit seems a lot more fun than a dress, while still keeping the aspect of glamour. 

I chose to pair this with a pair of brown gladiator sandals. Sticking with a subtle colour, I chose to keep the emphasis on the playsuit itself, and with the beautiful weather we had while away, this simple pair of sandals aided the 'holiday' feel of the outfit and helped to keep it further towards the casual side for an evening meal.

I knew the second I pulled this playsuit from the packaging, when it arrived at my door, that this would be such an amazing outfit to support the beautiful sunshine, not only in Majorca but back home too, on the days where the same old LBD just wouldn't cut it! Have you thought about switching up your style and rocking a playsuit for a night out instead?

Thank you for reading, click here for Part 1!

- Becca x

♡

Poolside Chic | Holiday Outfit of the Day

Black Bow Straw Sun Hat | H&M

~ Hat Link ~

Brown, Half-Frame, Round Sunglasses | New Look

~ Sunglasses Link ~

Blue Printed Playsuit | Primark

~ Playsuit Link ~

Turquoise Printed Bikini (Worn Underneath) | Debenhams 

~ Bikini Top Link ~

~ Bikini Bottoms Link ~

Brown, Double Buckle Sandals | BHS

~ No Longer Available ~

I had the most wonderful time on my recent family holiday to the gorgeous island of Majorca. I wanted to share two of my favourite outfits that I sported away in the beautiful sunshine, the first being this poolside playsuit combo I am in love with! 

Whilst holiday shopping during the weeks that approached my holiday, I was in search for a stylish cover-up that could easily be slipped on and off by the pool or on trips to the beach. I picked up this playsuit from Primark for the amazing price of £5! However, the incredible price tag of this product isn't the only reason I fell completely and utterly in love with this summertime staple. The material is really lightweight and loose, perfectly suited to the hot weather we had while away. I doesn't cling to your figure, except for the elasticated waistline which is very flattering, and is easy to drape over a bikini or swimwear whilst out and about. I also find it the perfect length short-wise, not too long but covers you up! I may venture back to Primark to pick up a couple more of these playsuits! They had a lovely range of patterns and colours and the design is not only perfect to slip on and off on holiday but also just on a day out in town at home!

I styled this outfit with my poolside necessities of a straw hat and some sunglasses. I searched from shop to shop to find a simplistic straw hat that didn't swamp my little head. I found this round hat, styled with a black bow, in H&M that was the perfect size for me; big enough to keep me shaded but still a suitable size for my petite size! What's more, it came in sizes Small, Medium and Large, depending on the size of your head, making it suitable for all. Teamed with my large, round sunnies, I felt these accessories added a glamorous touch to a simple outfit.

I wore this outfit all throughout my holiday and know I will continue to sport these items back here in the UK too! I couldn't recommend each product enough for a hot, summer holiday on both style and practicality and definitely suggest popping your head into the shops listed to see if anything takes your fancy!

Thank you for reading and stay tuned for Part 2!

- Becca x

♡

My Holiday Makeup Bag 2015

*Products listed from left to right as shown above*

****

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara in Black

Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush

Sleek MakeUp Blush in Rose Gold

Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in Whimsical

No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil in Brown

Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious Waterproof Mascara in Black

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow

Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer in Ivory

Real Techniques Cheek Brush

****

As I am soon to be venturing off on a lush summer holiday and have been preparing myself over the last few weeks, I thought, to get myself even more excited, I would share what cosmetic products will be travelling with me for the evenings when I want to look a little more glamorous for dinner. 

First of all, I will be taking all my makeup in this adorable Beauty Bag from Zoella Beauty (mentioned in my last Fave Five!). This is the perfect size to fit not only my makeup products but my brushes too and the washable, plastic material makes it even better and more durable for travel. As you can probably see, I have been quite reserved with my choices for this holiday, my bag not carrying an abundance of the same products. Even here in the UK, where the weather isn't exactly off-the-scale scorching, I still find wearing a lot of face makeup quite uncomfortable out in the summer heat and find it just doesn't last on my skin. With this in mind, my facial makeup routine will most probably consist of a dusting of pressed powder and some blusher to add colour and shimmer to my complexion. For these I have chosen the Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder and the gorgeous Sleek MakeUp Blush in Rose Gold, the perfect shimmery, golden coral shade. The blusher I have included I have absolutely fallen in love with! It gives my cheeks a beautiful, healthy glow, adding shimmer to suit any occasion. If you visit Boots or Superdrug, have a little look at this shade, it's so pretty! I've also slotted in my Sleek MakeUp Contour Kit, mainly for the gorgeous highlighter to add a beautiful glow to my complexion, but also if I want to bronze myself up for a summer evening by the pool. I have also included the Rimmel London Wake Me Up Concealer, which I am not actually the biggest fan of, but purchased due to the fact my holy grail Collection Lasting Perfection concealer was out of stock every time I visited Boots or Superdrug! It is quite a light coverage concealer, alot better suited for summer weather, so it'll be coming with me just in case I want a little more coverage than just my powder. 

In terms of eyes, I have kept my selection very simple. You'll probably notice I haven't included any eyeshadows, which is very unlike me! I know that in the hot weather, any eyeshadow will just slide off my eyes and, as much as I love adding a splash of colour to my makeup with my eyeshadows, I don't want purple and pink powders half way down my face! I've stuck to just a brown eyeliner - I'm taking the No7 Stay Perfect Amazing Eyes Pencil. I most probably won't wear this everyday but I'll smudge it across the top lash line for a more dramatic look some days - a quick, easy way to give my eyes a bit more depth. In terms of mascara, I'm taking my favourite mascara at the moment, the Maybellline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara as it makes my lashes so long and fluttery, perfect to compliment a subtle and simple makeup look for my evenings. I know that this will primarily be my go-to mascara on the trip but I am also packing a waterproof mascara - the Revlon Lash Potion By Grow Luscious Mascara - just in case.

My makeup this holiday will be all about the lips! With such simplistic eye and face makeup, I want to add a more glamorous feel with bright and colourful lips to compliment any outfit. If you know me, you'll know I stick to nude lips on an everyday basis. Both the lipsticks I have chosen will push me to be more daring with my lip colour and dress up any look. First is the Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake. What I love about this product is it keeps your lips hydrated but it's also really buildable, perfect for someone like myself who isn't used to seeing strong colours on the lips. This bright, 'Barbie' pink is the perfect holiday colour and will give a lovely sheen to the lips too. I have also chosen the Revlon Colorburst Laquer Balm in Whimsical, a shimmery fuchsia shade. This is a really glamorous shade and compliments my complexion really nicely too. I know it will add a pop of colour to my simple makeup and always makes me feel confident and pretty when it's on my lips!

Finally, the brushes I will be taking with me are all, to no surprise, by Real Techniques. The Real Techniques Powder Brush is just amazing at applying soft and even powder across your face, perfect for building, depending on how much coverage you want. I know this will be the best brush for applying my powder on holiday as well as blending out blusher and bronzer. My other brushes are the Real Techniques Duo-Fibre Face Brush and the Real Techniques Cheek Brush, both of which are from the Nic's Picks Collection (Read a full review here!). I will use both for either bronzer or blusher application; the Duo-Fibre Face Brush giving a lighter touch and the Cheek Brush for a more defined and dramatic look, all depending on how I'm feeling! 

All in all, my holiday makeup bag doesn't look like that of the average 'makeup fanatic', but I know I love each and every product I will be taking and I won't have to worry about spending so long on getting ready and enjoy soaking up the sun! 

Are you off on holiday this year?

- Becca x

*prices listed in order of products above*

- RRP £10.99

- RRP £6.49

- RRP £7.99

- RRP £7.99

- RRP £29.99 (for whole 5 brush set including 'Cheek Brush')

- RRP £4.49

- RRP £7.99

- RRP £7.50

- RRP £9.99

- RRP £3.99

- RRP £5.49

♡

Smock Dress and Sunnies | Outfit of the Day

Blue Floral Patterned Smock Dress | H&M 

~ Dress Link ~

White Ballerina Pumps | BHS

~ Shoes Link ~

Brown, Half-Frame, Round Sunglasses | New Look

~ Sunglasses Link ~

Limit Floral Strap Watch | Limit at Argos

~ Watch Link ~

NYC In A Minute Quick Dry Nail Polish in Rain Drop | Superdrug 

~ Nail Varnish Link ~

With clear, blue skies and sunshine to accompany an official welcome to June in style, my family and I held our first BBQ of the year with the company of my grandparents. I got all dressed up in my spring outfit for the day and thought I would share what fashion pieces I put together on such a gorgeous day.

I purchased this smock dress from H&M not too long ago, but the weather has been a little too windy to wear such a fluttery outfit. Printed with white little flowers all over and T-shirt-style sleeves, to emphasise a causal feel to the outfit, this fitted perfectly for a relaxed day with my family, yet giving more of a pretty feel to the outfit without going too over-the-top. If you have a petite figure like me, the idea of a smock dress might seem strange - I know I always thought they would appear too big for my shape. However, I find the design of the waist line, positioned slightly above that of my own, seeks to make your legs appear long and flatter your small figure without clinging to it like a skater dress might. I wish I had tried this style before!

Teamed with cute ballerina pumps, easy to slip on and off for a day in the garden, and a pair of big, round glasses, a glamorous, summery outfit was shaped perfectly to fit the more causal occasion. I fell in love with these sunglasses from New Look. I have quite a challenge finding glasses that don't swamp my small face. With the half-framed designed, there isn't a big chunky frame to cover my face and what's more, the way the corners appear to flick upwards really suits the shape of my face, emphasising my cheekbones and framing it perfectly. This vintage look was also incredibly affordable at only £4.99!

This outfit is definitely a salute to spring and summer and I know each element will become a staple for my wardrobe as the months roll on to summer. Thanks for reading!

- Becca x

♡