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

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My Everyday Spring Makeup Look!

The days are warmer, the sun is brighter and the brown and grey shades that consume winter are now overthrown by bright, beautiful colours. Spring is now on our doorstep and as soon as a vivid blue canvas and glowing sunshine is all I can see from my window, the coats are traded for jackets, the boots for trainers and my winter smokey eyes for this, colourful and fresh makeup look! 

FACE

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer in Fair

Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Peach Glow

Sleek MakeUp Face Contour Kit in Light

No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder in Coral Flush

EYES

No7 Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio in Organza (Middle Shade)

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara in Black

LIPS

Carmex Moisturising Lip Balm

Nude Lip Gloss

I always like to keep my makeup simple but bright in the spring/summer months. For my skin, I love to dust a little extra highlighter just lightly all over my face to give it a glistening quality. Also, I use a lot more highlighter on my brow bone than in winter to really open my eyes up. I tend to opt for a lighter dusting of pressed powder over my face in spring to aid a 'dewy' complexion. Apart from these little extras, my facial makeup remains the same through the months, contouring, highlighting my cheek bones and applying blusher as normal! 

For my eyes, the gorgeous shimmery lilac shade from the No7 Organza Trio is my best friend. It is such a pretty pastel purple colour that just screams spring! It also suits my fair complexion and really compliments my hazel eyes too! This year, my trusty kohl eyeliner has swapped for a felt tip liner. I much prefer this liner look as it creates a much thinner, subtle line to not overpower the beautiful eyeshadow but add a delicate accent to my top lash line. A simple flick wings out the edge of the liner helping to emphasise the shape of my eye. A mascara to give long, fluttery lashes is all that's left to complete this simple eye look. 

Finally, the lips is the most simplistic element of the whole look. Of course, a bright, pretty lip colour is just as perfect a compliment for a spring day yet, on an everyday basis, you can't go wrong with a shimmery, pink-toned lip gloss. Lip glosses are definitely my go-to lip products, their shine helping promote the desired 'dewy' look and how easy they are to just touch-up out on a spring walk or picnic! Another must for the springtime is applying plenty  of lip balm to keep your lips hydrated under the drying sun. 

What I love most about this everyday look is the transition it takes from the everyday winter looks I have sported from the last few months. Autumn and winter are all about bold lips, dark eyes and subtle blushed cheeks. This March, and the summery months that follow, will be all about turning this upside down, with glistening glosses, pretty pastel shadows and an all over sun-kissed glow. The sun could not be more welcomed from me this year! 

What winter staples are you excited to swap as the temperatures begin to creep up the scale? 

- Becca x

*prices in order of products listed above*

FACE

- RRP £4.19

- RRP £3.99

- RRP £6.49

- RRP £8.00

EYES

- RRP £9.50

- RRP £6.00

- RRP £7.99

LIPS

- RRP £2.69

- Nude Lip Gloss bought as part of set!

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Fave Five: August 2014

I did quite a bit of shopping this month and bought some new things that I have absolutely loved. This is quite a beauty-heavy Fave Five as I've discovered/re-discovered some gems this month! So, let's get started!

I have had quite a few big changes in my life recently. I have begun not 1, but 2 part-time jobs to raise funds to support my university life and studies. This has meant my weeks have become far busier and are moving along much quicker than I thought. This has been quite overwhelming and stressful at times but also enjoyable at others and it's exciting to think I'm now starting a completely new chapter of my life.

Superdrug Face Masks

The first product to feature in this month's Fave Five is something I have not used for a while but I am so happy to have re-discovered over the current period where 'me time' isn't exactly abundant. Face masks are one of the best ways to pamper yourself and relax while also making your skin look and feel great. I picked up a selection of the Superdrug face mask packets like the two pictured above. These are cheap and easy to apply and have left my skin soothed, as well as given me a chance to take a break and relax. You can find different masks that seek to achieve different goals, such as de-stressing or even anti-ageing. Each are packed with vitamins and extracts to help you put your feet up for a bit and give your skin the pampering it deserves! If I ever need a little break, I will definitely reach for these again and, even better, check Superdrug for these are always on little offers!

Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious

My second favourite I have actually already reviewed in a blog post on it's own, and that is the Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious. It, of course, deserved a mention in this Fave Five for there has probably only been collectively 4 days in the entire month when I haven't actually used it! I used my previous mascara the other day as I was in a rush and the difference is so incredible, it made me love it even more. My lashes are not only long and fluttery but also look so much fuller than before. I think I probably spend the most time out of all my make-up on my lashes as they can add so much to an eye look. This mascara effortlessly lengthens and thickens my lashes - very noticeably as well as I've received many compliments! What's more, thanks to the waterproof formula that I picked up (it is also available as standard, non-waterproof mascara), it stays all day, not smudging below my eyes or losing it's amazing look. I would really recommend this to anyone who is searching for that perfect mascara to primarily lengthen their lashes but also add a touch of volume for a price not too over-budget for the great quality!

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms

Next is another product by Revlon and one that I didn't intend on buying but, am so glad I have now! My mum was on the search for some new lipsticks and we stumbled upon the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm. Like a pen, these lip colours are easy to apply and have a wide variety of vivid and beautiful colours. The effect is much deeper and vibrant compared to the Colorburst Lip Butters which I also own and are perfect for a quick and easy bright lip look that lasts well. I first wore this on a night out with my friends and was surprised to see how well it stayed put the whole night. The two colours I picked up were Flirtatious, a bright and deep red, and Whimsical, a glittery purple. Both shades are glamorous and glittery, although I find the glitter a lot more prominent in the purple shade. I adore the richness of both the colours and, now that I am adventuring into different lip colours rather than staying in the comfort zone of my lip balms and nude lip glosses, I am so excited to continue wearing both these gorgeous lipsticks. Another bonus is the balm aspect makes sure my lips don't become dry over the course of the day!

Collection 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner

Some of you might be surprised to read that, although I am a self-confessed beauty and make-up fanatic, I have always stayed clear of liquid eye liner. On an everyday basis, I sport khol pencil liner and have been too scared to attempt liquid eye liner. Constant complaints of the difficulty is what essentially put me off liquid eye liner, as I didn't want to spend hours trying to get both 'wings' to match. When on holiday, however, I didn't take any make-up apart from mascara and pressed powder and so, borrowed the eye liner that Hannah had brought. She had been using the Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner. I was surprised at how quickly I got the hang of applying this liner that is basically a felt tip pen, and the similarity to my familiar pencil liner. I purchased it myself when we got back and, even though I wasn't too adventurous on holiday, I have attempted a few different looks over this past month and have actually really enjoyed using it (something I never thought I would say about a liquid eye liner!). I haven't myself worn it for 24 hours to test that aspect of it, but it does stay put all day and looks really nice on the eye. I would definitely recommend this to rookies like myself and one of the best parts is the price at only £2.99!

Finally is a music feature and something I'm sure most of you are already aware of! I have been a fan of Ed Sheeran for absolutely ages and am in love with his voice and style of music. I was so excited to hear his new album X and must admit it has been constantly playing over the past month. I just love the feel good and happy vibes his music has given to my summer and how his wonderful songs have accompanied the good times I've spent with friends. My favourite songs are Don't, Thinking Out Loud and Bloodstream but, every single track is amazing and truly boasts the talent of Ed Sheeran. If you haven't given his album a listen, it's a definite must and you might end up obsessing like I have been the last month!

That's all this month! What have you loved through August? I hope you all had a wonderful and memorable summer!

- Becca x

Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (For 15ml Packet)
Revlon Lash Potion Waterproof Mascara by Grow Luscious - RRP £9.99
Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm - RRP £7.99
Collection Extreme 24 Hour Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99 
X By Ed Sheeran - RRP £8.99/£10.99 (For Deluxe Edition) on iTunes or RRP £8.99/£12.99 (For Deluxe Edition) as Physical Copy

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Fave Five: April 2014

'Fave Five' is a new series of blog posts which I will be starting on Beccaful. Hopefully I will be able to update this as a little extra each month with my favourite five products, foods, films, songs - anything! - of the month. So, without further ado, here we go with the month of April. Enjoy!

Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer 

This concealer was probably one of the most talked about for it's amazing coverage and exceptional price and so, I was eager to purchase it when I first started wearing concealer last year. Although I didn't 'discover' this concealer this month, it was one of the products I repurchased and I was quick to remember why I loved it. As a person who doesn't wear foundation, I have high expectations of concealer to banish the dark circles under my eyes that I am, admittedly, self-concious about, as well as any blemishes without the need for an excessive amount of product. What I have found with this concealer is a little goes a long way and it is so easily blend-able. It would personally say this product is more suitable for dark circles and redness over use for blemishes and spots but I don't tend to suffer too greatly with spots and so think this is perfectly suited to me. What's more, with my very pale complexion, I am often fearful of skin products appearing too dark or 'orange' for my fair skin tone. Yet, using this product in it's lightest tone, No.1 Fair, it blends easily into my skin, masking my insecurities without the drawing attention to the wearing of concealer. I would also support its bold statements of being 'long lasting' and have found it particularly durable as I have started going on nights out a lot more often. I could probably write an entire essay on this concealer but I'll leave here: Collection's Lasting Perfection Concealer is possibly the best on the high-street and I would encourage anyone in need of a new concealer to purchase this one!

Hollister Tidelands Beach Body Mist

This is the first of two products featured in this post that I purchased in New York. I was torn on buying this body mist but I am so glad I did. I should probably admit that I am not very adventurous fragrance-wise. I don't tend to wear perfume and feel much happier applying a body mist in the morning. This scent is so fresh and beautiful. It's not overly floral or heavy - it's light but lasts without coming across too overpowering. There were so many to chose from but I'm so glad I picked this. Compared to the others, which came across quite sweet, I absolutely adored the pretty and flowery scent of Tidelands Beach. I also love how long it lasts - only a few sprays and you're set; it hardly looks like I've used it and I've had it 2 months! On top of this, the bottle is really nice and big so it will last me a long time. All in all, although it's not as powerful as a perfume, this beautiful scent from Hollister is definitely perfect for this summer and has got me so many compliments from friends. I love it!

EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm

This is the second product I have featured that I purchased while in America. I was drawn to buying this product not only because I needed a new lip balm but also the ease of its application. I love the packaging of this product and the twist it puts on ordinary lip balm. The ball-like shape makes the product so easy to apply to your lips and, as for the product itself, smooth and non-sticky are perfect adjectives. The concept differs from competing lip balms such as Vaseline, with the requirement to use your finger to apply the product from a pot to your lips omitted - something I personally love. With a choice of other 'flavours' including Sweet Mint and Lemon Drop, Strawberry Sorbet appeared an obvious choice to me - admittedly also for the pretty pink colour of the packaging. For me, the flavour is sweet and delicious and a bonus on top of the other advantages of this product, but it could be considered a flavour you either love or hate (I have friends on both sides of the fence). The only disappointing aspect is the fact this American product is more expensive to purchase here in the UK compared to the prices available in America! This being said, I would definitely love to repurchase this product which has been a life saver for my lips this month. 

Real Techniques Powder Brush

After using the same powder brush since I started using make-up, I thought it was time to treat myself to a new one and so purchased the Real Techniques Powder Brush. I'd seen a lot of praise not only for this brush but also for Real Techniques as a brand and was excited to be apart of the hype. I am very pleased with this brush, it feels so soft on the skin and powder is applied evenly without looking 'cakey' or thick. It feels luxurious on your skin and is amazing quality for the price it can be purchased. This brush does everything it says on the tin and the quality guarantees its durability and use day-after-day. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new powder brush!  

Cadbury Creme Egg

Finally, I felt this April edition of Fave Five would be incomplete without acknowledging Easter and so, the final item to make the cut is Cadbury's Creme Eggs! When these little eggs start to fill supermarket shelves, it's clear Easter is on its way and absolutely love them! Sweet, sticky and sickly, they bring back memories of Easter Egg hunts and will always be my favourite treats at Easter time. Yum!

That's all the items featured this month! I hope you enjoyed reading about what I've been loving and the reasons that you should try them too! I'm really excited to start this series and share with you what my favourites will be during the month of May.

- Becca x

Collection Lasting Perfection Ultimate Wear Concealer - RRP £4.19
Hollister Tidelands Beach Body Mist - RRP $6 (Purchased in Hollister in America) / £12 (For
250ml)
EOS Strawberry Sorbet Lip Balm - RRP $4.59 (Purchased in American CVS) / £5.99 (Available online)
Real Techniques Powder Brush - RRP £12.99 

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