This Summer

Summer boasts itself as one of the best times of the year for almost anybody. And why not? The beautiful weather, the time spent with family and friends having picnics or down the beach, the ice cream, the barbecues. Above all, however, it's a break. Of course not everyone will experience the weeks free from education children do, we do all get a bit of freedom. An escape from the day-to-day life that almost consumes our ability to experience the little wonders of the world. Whether you've got the whole 6 weeks of summer to enjoy, a week holiday away with your family or simply a chance to sit in the park on your lunch break, summer brings new opportunities each year and a new chance to be free. Above all, that's why I love it.

But I find myself in a different and rather odd position this year. It's mid-June and my summer has already begun thanks to the conclusion of my exams and those of my friends. Yet this year, for the first time since aged about 4, I have no school to look forward to or to draw my summer to a close in September. I have no uniformity to follow in my life. No structure. So, this summer is much different to any before and I plan to make it one I'll never forget.

This summer my friends and I will spend together before setting off to not only different parts of the country for University, but even different parts of the world on gap year experiences. I know this won't be a 'goodbye' to all my friends when summer is over, but I may well be for some, or at least until the next summer rolls around when I, myself, will be starting preparations for heading to Uni after a year break. So, with our last taste of freedom from education, this summer I'll be making unforgettable memories with friends. Whether it's partying, clubbing or pubbing or even just sitting in the park or down the beach, enjoying each others company, I can't wait to spend it with all the friends I love and am so grateful to have them.

Another first for me this summer will be my holiday which, for the first time won't be with my family, but with my best friend. While all the other British teenagers (including many of my friends) jet off to Greece or Ibiza, my best friend and I will be lying in the comfort of our tent, camping for a few days, and I'm so excited! Apart from our camp-site, nothing is really planned which is even more exciting. Being spontaneous is one of the best things to do and something I really can't wait to do more of over the coming months.  

Finally, this summer I want to break out of old habits and move away from my comfort zone. It's so easy to stick to what you know and never step away from this because you're happy that way. Of course I'm happy in my little comfort zone but I have no idea what I'm missing because I'm not out there experiencing it. There's a little quote that I'm going to try and employ in my life and everything I do a bit more now: "When's the last time you did something for the first time?" As cliché as it sounds, I have changed so much since last summer, my confidence constantly growing. So, I'm not going to hold myself back this year. I don't want my shy and reserved nature to hold me back, because this summer will be different so, why not?

All-in-all, I hope the warm weather and freedom this summer brings sparks new opportunities and I can't wait for them all to begin. I also just want to add that Alfie's (PointlessBlog) Video has inspired me to note down 25 things I want to do this summer and not only share them in my own little notebook, but also here on Beccaful digitally. Now, I haven't decided if all my 25 things will be shared on here, but some of the most fun and best activities will be!

I hope you're looking forward to this summer as much as I am. It's easy to sit inside and enjoy your break watching Youtube videos or chatting on Facebook but I encourage each and every one of you that reads this to go out and try something new. Whether it's on your own or with all your friends, like I said, you never know what you're missing out on until you try it! Hope you all have a wonderful and well-deserved summer break!

- Becca x

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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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Review: Simple Light Moisturiser

I must have been about 13 years old when I starting using my very first moisturiser. It wasn't even because my friends at school encouraged me but simply because I loved watching my Mum pamper herself with her moisturiser each night. The Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser was the first I ever invested in so, I was keen to revisit it after receiving this little bottle in a set for Christmas. 

The moisturiser I had previously been using was the one that my Mum also used for herself - Ponds Hydro Nourishing Cream. I'd tried different brands including Olay and Nivea but the Ponds moisturiser was thick, creamy and really made my skin feel soft. It was very different to go from these qualities, to those of the Simple Light Moisturiser. 

One of the first things I found when applying the Simple moisturiser is that the consistency is very loose and thin. At first, I assumed that this meant the need for even more product to be used at any one time, to match the thick consistency I had found with Ponds. Yet, I have found a little goes a long way with this moisturiser - very useful to make the most out of the little bottle I have! What's more, it absorbs into your skin really quickly. I have found this particularly helpful in the mornings when I'm getting ready, not having to wait around for my face to almost 'dry' before applying my make-up. The vitamins and lack of perfumes and colours that Simple boasts in all their products is another reason why I love this moisturiser. When applying it to your skin, it feels cool and clean, almost healthy, which makes me so much happier putting it on, knowing nothing harsh in the ingredients will damage my skin.

Overall, I love the Simple collection and this moisturiser so much. I'm so glad I revisited this and will definitely be repurchasing. I think it's a much better moisturiser to use during the day rather than the night for its lighter qualities but leaves my skin so soft and hydrated, there's not much to fault! I'd particularly recommend if you have sensitive skin or if your looking for your very first moisturiser.

- Becca x

Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser - RRP £3.99 (For 125ml) 

Ponds Hydro Nourishing Cream - RRP £3.49 (For 50ml)

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Hello Autumn!

As much as I love summer, I look forward to the months that will follow, with autumn as a season that never ceases to excite me. Although a time often forgotten and under-appreciated, as many are overwhelmed with the anticipation of Christmas, snow and the general winter bliss the later months of the year provide, autumn holds a different perspective and opens up a variety of opportunities and excitement that's unique to only these few months. So, how can you not love it?

One of my favourite things that autumn brings, is the palette that paints the season rich and deep colours. These colours are focused with the darkened landscape that hosts crisp, golden leaves, luxuriously red and velvet flowers and rooted greens of the grass. I find it wonderful that the portrayal of these seasonal tones can occur in a variety of ways, my personal favourites, of course, being the more individual demonstrations in the form of make-up, clothes and accessories.

The fall is a rather specific period, with a contrast in many ways to it's neighbouring seasons. Yet, you can take various elements from either side of the spectrum to incorporate into this time of the year. One of the most exciting elements for many is the arrival of warm, cosy jumpers. As you progress into the months of October and November, the chill that clings to the air is combated by the long sleeves and snug body of a fluffy, winter jumper, who's appearance was much awaited. Nothing is better, I think, than slipping into your favourite, comfortable sweater after a busy day, facing not only the problems of school or work but the decreasing temperature at this time of the year that, as we all know, can sway to put you not in the best of moods. Another wardrobe staple that I'm more than keen to feature this autumn is scarves. Scarves are the perfect accessory to not only keep you feeling warm, but add a new dimension to an outfit. A splash of purple or blue over a seemingly dull outfit can go a long way and it's even better knowing the benefits don't stop there, with scarves (and maybe even gloves if you're feeling the cold!) keeping the effects of the elements at bay.

Although a rather minor aspect of this interesting time, experimenting with new colours, looks and techniques for a powerful and warm make-up style to suit the season is something I always look forward too, also. Autumn is a time of darker tones and embracing a much more glamorous side to your look. Away from the bright and vibrant opportunities the summer possessed, hushed tones of purple, gold and bronze establish a luxurious side to the make-up worn in this period. A personal favourite and go-to autumn look of mine, uses a combination of golden browns that, teamed with brown eye-liner and dramatic, long eyelashes, defines the very nature of a warm yet glamorous season, that can be completed in no time at all.

I am very much looking forward to the up-coming months and the fantastic occasions that they will present. With an open-mind and anticipation for new challenges and opportunities, I hope your autumn will bring as much to you as I know it can offer.

-Becca x

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