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

♡

Fave Five: March 2015

It's been a long time since I shared my Fave Five of the month! The main reason for this is a complete lack of time with all the overtime I had done at work over most of both February and March, leaving little time for both shopping for new things to try and to sit down and write about them! I have, however, discovered some new favourites that have been staples for me over the month of March which I can't wait to share!

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen

To start is a makeup must-have that I can't seem to live a day without! The Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen is a jet-black liner that glides on for the perfect flick or just to add a little definition to your lash line. I had always been a khol eyeliner person and was scared to stray away from what I knew. I first purchased the Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner to get some practice in but found it dried up too quickly from my everyday use. I had heard good reviews of the Soap & Glory version, both online and from friends, so decided to purchase it, hoping for the best. I couldn't be more impressed with the quality of this liner, especially considering it's incredible price. The intensity of the colour has not faded in the months I've had it and the nip allows for both thin, subtle liner looks as well as the more dramatic cat flicks. If anyone is looking for an all-day-lasting felt tip liner that also boasts an easy applicator and highstreet price tag, this is definitely the liner to try!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Secondly, another beauty fave, is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. When this first came out, it seemed to be all everyone was using. I'm quite lazy when it comes to taking off makeup and always reach for my makeup wipes for a quick fix rather than taking the time to use a cleanser. For me, this cleansing water seemed like a perfect compromise, with it's promise to quickly dissolve makeup, aiding my desire for speed, yet the gentle and soothing ingredients not irritating my skin. This water, soaked up on a cotton wool pad, sweeps away your makeup quickly and easily without feeling harsh or heavy on the skin. I have used cleansers before that feel as though your skin is still clogged even after washing your face; I love the fresh feeling this leaves my skin with. The only thing I find tricky with this product is determining how much to apply to a cotton wool pad - too much leaves the water dripping down your face yet, not enough just doesn't work. Apart from this, I would recommend this to anyone trying to break the habit of reaching for makeup wipes in the evening. It's cheap, easy and perfect for all ages and skin types, making sure your skin is cared for after a long day.

The third product to add to this month's Fave Five is a fashion item. For a while now, black jeans have been the staple in my wardrobe that I can't live without. As my Next jeans began to fade in colour and loose their shape, I fled to the highstreet to find a replacement. High-waisted jeans were all over the shops, something I had never considered when first shopping. I tried on a pair from New Look and instantly fell in love with the fit and style. I was apprehensive at first to try this new style because I have a small waist and was scared it would make me look out of proportion. It did the complete opposite, complimenting my waist completely while also making my legs look longer. What's more, it's made me more adventurous with my wardrobe, daring to wear the pretty little crop tops (particularly helpful at the moment as 'crop tops' seem to dominate each and every high street shop!) and tucking in collared shirts for a different look. I can't wait to team these jeans with all my summer tops as the months become warmer!

Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara

The Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara is my forth favourite from March. When it comes to mascara, my ultimate aim is long, fluttery lashes opposed to full and voluminous lashes that most mascara boast to achieve. When this mascara first hit the shelves, it seemed everyone was buying and loving it. The idea sounded really promising, separating your lashes to make them look fuller as well as lusciously long. Since I was given this product to try last month, I have used it every single day in my makeup routine. My preferences lie with plastic applicators anyway but, I love the arched shape of the wand that lifts and grips my lashes perfectly. Honestly, I'm not really sure if the flatter side with shorter bristles of the wand actually does anything for my lashes, so I stick with the long bristles on the other side. I find it does separate my lashes really well and achieves the beautifully long lashes that I desire. The formula is also easily buildable too, without clumping after applying a second coat. If you are after thick lashes with lots of volume, this probably isn't the product for you but, to get the perfect fluttery lashes to compliment any look, I highly recommend you give this a try!

My final favourite is very much linked to the beautiful sunshine that is starting to make an appearance here in the UK. For a week in March, my brother and I took a week off work to relax and take a break from our everyday, busy lives.We decided one day to dust off a map in one of our cupboards and plan a walk. The weather was absolutely perfect and we set out on a 2 hour adventure across the countryside. It was such a change from how we normally spend time together, it gave us a chance to just chat and enjoy each others company. We ended the wonderful walk with lunch at a little cafe, the best conclusion to one of the best days of the year so far! My brother and I get on like a house on fire and we love being able to spend time together on the days when we aren't working. It was so nice to do something out of the ordinary and I know we will both explore further afield on walks together as the months roll from spring into summer.

That's my top five favourites of March! Have you tried any of these products and loved just as much as I have?

- Becca x

P.S. Apologies for the fact this post has only just reached my blog. As my friends returned from University for the Easter Holidays, the days I would spend on my blog were spent meeting up for coffee or shopping with friends I haven't seen for months. With lots of posts and topics planned out, I'll start sorting my schedule out again! 

Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen Carbon Black Extreme - RRP £6.00
Collection Extreme 24hr Felt Tip Liner - RRP £2.99
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water - RRP £4.99 (for 400ml)
New Look High-waisted Black Disco Jeans - RRP £19.99
Maybelline Lash Sensational Lash Multiplying Mascara - RRP £7.99

♡

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!

♡

Mini Haul | H&M, Superdrug, Boots & Boohoo.com

Earlier this week, I was in the mood for a little shopping spree and so my friend Katie and I embarked on a little adventure across town and I thought I'd share some of the little purchases I picked up! I love watching hauls and reading about splurges people have made, I find it a great way to open my eyes up to some of the gems in the shops that I might not have seen myself, while also getting peoples opinions and recommendations. So, here we go!

My first purchase was something I saw a few weeks before and I just knew I couldn't leave it in the store. Second from the left is the newest, retro addition to my wardrobe from H&M. This grey, cosy sweater is covered in pastel dinosaurs doing all sorts of things like roller-skating and skateboarding. It is possibly the best print I have ever seen! I can see myself cuddled up in this sweater on what will most probably be an everyday basis. I LOVE it! 

We next ventured to Superdrug where we stocked up on face masks. From my last post, you will know I love to use face masks as often as I can for a little pamper. The range of face masks at Superdrug is so varied and, being on a 3-for-2 offer as well, it was far too tempting. I picked up 2 of my favourite, the Detoxifying Dead Sea Mineral Mask, as well as some newbies like the White Chocolate Mousse Mask and a couple of Sheet Masks too, something I am yet to try. I can't wait to give my skin a little treat with these masks and all 6 only set me back about £4.50!

We finally moved to Boots, where my first purchases were boring things like moisturiser, after which I got to move on to some little treats for myself! As I am starting to take much better care of my hair, I thought it was about time I swapped my old and well-loved teenage hairbrush for a new, much larger brush for my growing hair! I picked up a Boots own-brand large, oval brush that is the perfect size and shape for what I wanted. It doesn't feel cheap either considering it isn't a branded item! It glides through my hair easily, without tugging on any tangles, leaving it soft.

Moving towards the makeup aisles led to my next few purchases. Whenever I go out, be it for drinks with friends, hitting a night club or a house party, I love to do sparkly and dark smokey eyes. I feel like it's so different from my everyday looks and is really glamorous for these types of occasions. The eyeshadow trio I had previously used I received in a set a good couple of years ago and was starting to look a touch sorry for itself. I found this gorgeous quad 01 Grey and Night by Bourjois Paris (far left picture). It has three perfect shades for a dark yet subtle smokey eye as well as an amazing glitter in the centre to dazzle the most special of occasions. I know I will get a lot of use from this and am so glad to have it in my makeup bag! Following this gem, I was on the hunt for a bright orange shade to begin sporting on my nails as we roll into the spring. I found a couple from Rimmel London and Barry M, but they were all too overpowering and neon. I found a beautiful, soft orange-toned coral with a subtle shimmer by Natural Collection. The shade Antique Coral screams spring and, as the sun starts to make an appearance, I know it will be the perfect colour to welcome it. I haven't yet used it and I'm not sure what to expect as it was on the cheaper side but nonetheless, I'm excited to try it! As Natural Collection was on an offer, I also picked up a Juicy Lips Gloss in Turkish Delight, another one of their products. I have glided this natural darker pink shade over my lips almost everyday before work as it looks so natural and suits every shade I wear on my eyes. It's a subtle way to complete a look and suits my fair skin.

To finish up this mini haul is a little purchase made before my shopping spree from Boohoo.com, that I thought I would just add at the end. Every summer, a pair of converse-style white pumps seem to be permanently glued to my feet. I have been on the search for a new pair ever since my last pair fell apart last summer. After trying many shops on the high street, I turned to Boohoo, where I found just the shoes to fit the bill. As soon as any sunny day comes along, I guarantee I'll be wearing these!

That's everything I've spent my money on over this little shopping spree. I am really pleased with everything I picked up, as well as glad to have had a girly afternoon doing some retail therapy! Have you fallen in love with any new products or purchases recently?

- Becca x

Grey Dinosaur Sweater - RRP £14.99
Superdrug Face Masks - RRP 99p (for 15ml packet)
Superdrug Sheet Masks - RRP £1.29 (for 1 sheet mask)
Boots Essentials Large Oval Hairbrush - RRP £5.49
Bourjois Paris Eyeshadow Quad in 01 Grey and Night - RRP £7.99
Natural Collection Nail Colour in Antique Coral - RRP £1.99
Natural Collection Juicy Lips Gloss in Turkish Delight - RRP £1.99
Boohoo Cady Canvas Lace Up Trainer in White - RRP £12.00

♡

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 

♡