Amsterdam OOTD // Weekend Edition

Hello lovelies,

Since being back at university I haven't been blogging. Not because I don't want too but I've actually become head of fashion & beauty for the university magazine, meaning that I've been up to my eyeballs in writing and editing articles... Alongside a mountain of work! But, I've started a module all about blogging and I remembered just how much I missed my blog so what better way to restart than to post my first outfit of the day (OOTD) post from my trip to Amsterdam. 

I spent the weekend in Amsterdam for my boyfriends birthday (giving him the lovely job of taking millions of photos of me) and thought I'd take snaps of what I was wearing as lately I've been really into wearing and trying new looks. I'll do my best to link the original items but alternatives might be in place as I do a lot of my shopping in vintage shops here in Leicester. 

Enjoy!

Day 1- From airport to Amsterdam

Finding something comfortable but stylish for your first day can be a bit of a mission but culottes are perfect! They can be dressed up but also dressed down so I decided to pair them with some Stan Smiths and an oversized washed out denim jacket.

Culottes 

Adidas Stan Smiths 

Denim jacket (Similar) 

Day 2 - Red accents

Red has swiftly become my all time favourite colour and this beanie I found in Bershka Amsterdam adds a pop of colour to a relatively monochrome outfit. I've also been loving my denim skirt and find pairing it with an oversized hoodie can keep you warm as well as comfy. Not sure you've noticed yet but comfort for me is key!

Denim skirt 

Beanie

Adidas Stan Smiths 

Belt 

Hoodie 

 Day 3 - Oversized everything

T-shirt dresses and band tee's have been in all summer and have been coming into the colder months as a layering option. I found pairing this dress with another oversized item of clothing worked really well. The jacket is an old school vintage Nike waterproof that adds some colour to the outfit. Every person in the world seems to own a pair of Vans and I don't blame them. These shoes are go with every single outfit ever and are super comfortable! 

T-shirt dress (similar)

Nike waterproof (vintage shop)

Vans  

I used the same bag throughout the trip but unfortunately I brought it so long ago and abroad that I have no idea where you could find it from! If any of you know any designs similar please comment below I'd love to be able to find an alternative! 

Love B x

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Urban Decay Naked 2 // Review

Hello lovelies!

I've been meaning to do this post for a crazy long time but just never got round to it! I was originally going to do a first impressions, but after using this palette constantly for the past six months I thought I'd switch it up and do a full review!

I've always had so much love for Urban Decay and was desperate to get my hands on one of their palette's. I opted for the 'Naked 2' which is available HERE for £39.50. It comes with 12 shades that includes both matte and shimmer finishes. It also has a doubled ended brush called 'Good Karma shadow/crease' and is exclusive to this palette. I absolutely love this brush and actually use it all the time!

Swatches 1.

Swatches 2.

From the swatches its already quite clear to see that they are really pigmented and from the photo above I only swiped the shade once. On top of this they blend beautifully. I find I use a fluffy brush to blend out and only have to use a small amount of colour. I've already been using this palette for about half a year and haven't touched pan on any of the shades yet! Amazing.

 The only colour I find a bit pointless in this palette is the first shade called 'Foxy'. It's a banana type shade which I love but it just doesn't show up much on my skin tone. However, saying this I do find this one to be really good for a matte base colour or if you want a more natural look on your eyes.

My absolute favourite colour in the palette has got to be 'Chopper'. It's a beautiful sparkly copper colour and I always find myself going back to this shade and doing an orangey/copper look.

This palette is so versatile. With such a range of different colours I can do smokey eyes, copper eyes and even some purple. I definitely recommend this if you're new to makeup as a kind of beginning high end palette because it's so easy to apply and doesn't leave a lot of fall under the eyes.

I can't wait to get my hands on some more Urban Decay make-up. Let me know in the comments your favourite palette at the moment!

Love B x

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University tips // Managing time!

Hello lovelies,

This is my last university tips blog post and will be all about how to manage your time when away at university. If you haven't seen my other two posts about preparation and saving money then please go check them out!  *PREPPING AND SAVING MONEY*

When you head of to university managing your time can be quite stressful. You have to study, make time for yourself, socialise and sleep. So, here are a few tips on how to help and mainly how to focus on your studies.

1. Avoid distractions

University is just full of distractions but be strong and try to stay away if you know you have things that have to be done. The best way to do this is to use your university facilities such as going to the library or a classroom. By setting up in a quieter environment you can focus way better!

2. Make a schedule 

When you have tonnes to do I find making a schedule for the week breaks everything up much easier and it doesn't seem so daunting. You can then start crossing things off as you do them and that shows you actual progress which can often be motivating.

3. Give yourself some me time

Even when you have loads to do you need to give yourself some time to either be alone or socialise and see your friends. By doing this it allows you to have a breather and relax for a bit. As important as studying and stuff is it's so important to give yourself some time off. Your body will thank you!

4. Prep and plan

Don't leave things till the last minute!!! By prepping and planning you give yourself some time to overlook everything that needs doing and also reduces stress massively. Planning can help you write down any ideas and really boost your motivation.

5. Prioritise 

Make sure you separate what needs to be done and what you want to be done. By prioritising things you can get the most important things done first. I normally prioritised by using the dates things needing doing so that everything was done in time. 

Again, even if you aren't going to university you can always use these tips to manage your time if you are at school or college. Make sure you go check out all of my other university tip blog posts here and here and good luck for anyone going away to university!

Love B x

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Skincare // Nivea face range

Hello lovelies,

Exam season is finally over and done with and now I actually have some spare time to start blogging again. As someone who struggles with acne and finds it difficult to come across products that don't set my skin off I thought I'd kick off with a skincare post! (Basically telling you how much I friggin' love Nivea atm)

I've always used Nivea since I was a teen because it was the only brand that didn't make my face breakout into a billion spots. Ever since I've loved trying out their new products so I thought I'd round up every Nivea product I use daily and talk through how amazing I've found them to be.

Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover - £3.89
If you're like me and you wear waterproof mascara then this ones for you! I absolutely swear by this eye make-up remover. I hardly have to use any product to remove my mascara and it doesn't take a whole lot of rubbing either. Not only does it leave your eyelids squeaky clean but it also doesn't leave that horrible greasy feel some removers do.

Nivea Daily Essentials Sensitive Cleansing Milk - £3.69
Sometimes if I'm only wearing light makeup I prefer using this cleansing milk over micellar water because it isn't as harsh on my skin. I massage this into my skin like a moisturiser using my finger tips and then wipe off with a large cotton pad. It removes my make-up really well and also leaves my skin feeling hydrated.

Nivea Purifying Gel Face Wash - £3.59
For the past 7 or so years I have tried many different face washes and I've never found one I have loved and re-purchased. But that has all changed. This face is really good at targeting blackheads and purifying the skin. I find using this both in the morning and at night leaves my skin feeling healthy and clean.

Nivea Regenerating Night Cream - £4.05
This night cream is intense. It has a very thick consistency which I personally love. I find when I massage this into my skin before bed I wake up with my skin feeling so soft. I would definitely recomment this if your skin is in need of a smoothness boost!

Nivea Lip Care Essential - £1.65
This lip balm is one I have been repurchasing for years! It has a gorgeous scent and doesn't feel too heavy on the lips. It hydrates my lips and leaves them super soft. Especially in the colder months. Its simple uncoloured balm means it is perfect to just chuck in my bag.

Overall I have been loving using the Nivea skincare range and can't wait to get my hands on some of their other products.

I hope you all are loving the new blog theme and layout and any comments below would be greatly appreciated. Feels so good to be blogging again!

Love B x

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Gettin' my glow on // Honey bronze

Hello lovelies,

Like any twenty-year-old girl I absolutely love having a tan but as much as I'd love to hop abroad a catch a real one that just isn't possible. This is where the trusty bottle of fake tan comes out but to be honest I've just never found one that leaves me with a glowing tan. That was until I saw the Honey Bronze range from The Body Shop...

 With the sun finally making an appearance and The Body Shop having a 3 for 2 offer I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to get my glow on and try out some of their products. I picked up the Shimmering Dry Oil, the Honey Bronze Drops Of Sun and the Highlighting Dome.

1. Shimmering Dry Oil - £18

Now this product isn't to be confused with your bog standard fake tan because it doesn't give you that kind of intensity. Instead the oil leaves you with a more of a sun kissed shimmery tan which is a lot more subtle but much more realistic looking. I much prefer this instead of my normal tan because it leaves my skin feeling hydrated but doesn't leave a greasy feel like most oil based products do. Even though it is quite pricey I've found a little goes a long way so I reckon this product will last me quite a while and will be perfect to apply over a real tan in the summer!

2. Drops Of Sun - £12

This product can be mixed into anything... but preferably in moisturiser or foundation to give you a golden glow. I find this is perfect to use on my face after I've applied my shimmering dry oil so that my face actually matches the rest of my body! One of the things I love the most about this product is that it is shimmer free. I find a lot of bronzed face products contain shimmer which I find on me makes me look totally OTT but this one leaves me looking glowy as hell! Again this product will last me forever because one drop is more than enough.

3. Highlighting Dome - £9

I just couldn't resist yet another highlighter! I'm obsessed. The shade of this highlighter is 01 and reminds me of Mac Soft and Gentle but in a cream version (heaven I know). The shape of this product is perfect because I can just swipe the tops of my cheek bones so easily and it leaves a shimmery highlight. I also find this product to be easy to blend and for only £9 I've definitely been getting my moneys worth.

I can't wait to try more of The Body Shop's products as I've only just got into shopping there but I'm sure I'll be writing up another review on their stuff soon! I hope you enjoyed this post and I'd love to see some of your comments below<3

Love B x

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