Rimmel Wake Me Up - Best Drugstore Foundation?

Howdy gang,

How are you? Good, fabulous. I'm fine thank you. Today on Chloesparkles I bring you a little review on a highly talked about foundation; the Rimmel Wake Me Up Foundation Anti-Fatigue Effect + Radiant Glow SPF 15. Blimey what a title, try saying that with a bag of crisps in your mouth.

I watch a lot of beauty YouTube videos, and this foundation was cropping up a lot in tutorials and hauls, so I thought I'd give it a go myself. I have to be honest, it really is amazing. I was quite surprised because I'd had foundations before from Clinique, No7 etc and I must say that they beat all of the ones I've tried before hands down. 

It's really smooth and makes your skin feel hydrated, some foundations can make your skin feel dry but this really doesn't. It blends in really well with a good coverage; I put on one pumps worth for day-to-day but if I'm going out for a wild party or whatever I'll slap on two for good measure, and it makes your skin look fab. I usually feel like I have to put a powder on top of my foundation to make it even and not too oily but this foundation gives you the perfect amount of dewy-ness.

Overall I really recommend this, it'll change your life. Well, it'll definitely help you with your foundation choices.

Tip-top Tip: This foundation is priced in Boots for £8.99. But I got it from ASDA for £4.98! They only do three shades, Classic Beige (my shade), True Ivory and Ivory; but if that's one of yours, winner winner chicken dinner!

Ta-ra!

x

How To Love Yourself

Right folks, back onto the life stuff today. Today I bring you a topic that I know a lot of girls, and boys don't forget, have issues with. Being confident, not only about your body but your mind too. So here are my thoughts:

Don't like the way you look?

Have you got a nose that's slightly on the large side? Are you a heavier weight than you'd like to be? Do you have freckles that you don't like? Everybody has some kind of issue like that. I bet even Cheryl Cole hates the mole in her belly button (I'm just guessing). The truth of the matter is that no-one is perfect. You are you, you're stuck in that body and you've got to learn to love it. Look in the mirror and tell yourself the things you like about yourself. Don't be modest, if you think you are darn sexy then you think that girlfriend! Or boyfriend. Whatever. I'll level with you; I personally used to hate my stretch marks. But now I just pretend that they're mermaid scales and I'm okay about it.

Don't think you're clever enough?

What's clever anyway? Everyone is good at different things. I personally am quite good at things like maths and music, but ask me about geography like what the capital of Switzerland and I'll say 'S'. Everyone has their strengths. If you are struggling at school, it's probably not in every single subject. Maybe you find writing really hard or can't pick up a new language, but you're awesome at drawing. That's okay! Just focus on what you're good at and the rest will fall into place. 

You're going to be you forever.

Sorry kids, but you're stuck being Fred or Joan forever. And there ain't nothing you can do about it. So you might as well like the person that you are and just enjoy life. YOLO!

Pretend you're confident even if you don't feel it.

Do you walk around looking all sad and mopey with your head down? Well next time you go out, stand up straight and smile. It's amazing what a difference it makes.

LOVE YOURSELF

Take it from me. You're groovy. And you should love yourself as much as everyone else loves you.

So that's it. Love yourself and the world will love you. Or some other cheesy quote.

Chloe
x

Motivational picture for today:

Maizie loves herself. And so should you.

Top 5 Beauty Products Under £5

Hello lovely people,

After all of the seriousness of yesterday's post, I thought it would be nice to do a little beauty post today. I'm a sucker for a beauty bargain and so I love finding low-cost beauty products that do the job. So today I have for you my top 5 products for under £5; though actually they are all under £4, but that just didn't go with the title. So forget that part. ;-) All of the prices are from the Boots website as of today.

Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection Concealer - £3.99

 Everyone needs this concealer in their make-up bag. I've seen so many people rave about it, and when I tried it I had to agree it's the best one I've ever tried by far. My shade is Medium 3 and it's perfect. I use it mainly on my dark circles around my eyes and it really helps! And it's a bargain!

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil - £2.99

I've been using the Rimmel Soft Kohl eyeliners since I first started using make-up and I've never looked back! I always end up re-purchasing the same one. The one in the picture is shade 011 Sable Brown and I really love using it with some natural eyeshadows.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Mono Blush - £3.99

I really love these Rimmel blushers. They are really pigmented and you really don't need a lot on your brush. This shade is 050 Live Pink and it's a lovely bright pink with gold shimmer.

Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm - £3.69

I am really fussy with lip balm as I have the most chapped lips in the world and I'd never found anything that really worked until I tried Burt's Bees. It really does work, making your lips luscious and soft.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Body Lotion - £3.99

If you need an all-round body lotion, this is great. It has quite a strong smell which some people might not like, I imagine it's a bit of a love/hate (it's kind of like chocolatey mint) but I personally like it. The bottle lasts for ages and you only need a little bit to be super-soft. It's not greasy and sinks in really well.

Well there you have it, my top 5 under £4. But that's a stupid title.

I think I might do another life type post soon. Let me know what you think of my blog, I'd really love some feedback.

Love, Chloe

x

What I've Learned About Being Happy

Okay, a bit of a different one today. I started my blog with the idea of just writing about beauty things, with the odd bit of my hilarity thrown in. But I've been thinking about my blog a lot and the things that I want to tell people about. So I've decided to put a bit of "life" stuff in, especially with the life experience I've gained recently.

When you're younger, you are brought up with the idea that there is going to be a happily ever after. You're told story after story, fairytale after fairytale about a life that yes, has problems, but then everything works out fine and it's all happy and jolly. And that's great; it's what kids should be told, and for some people I guess it's what happens.

But for some people, there are twists and turns throughout life and sometimes you don't quite get the happy ever after where everything is perfect. I'm not saying that life is terrible and nothing ever gets better; just that we can't expect our whole lives to be perfect and work out just the way we want them to.

The last year has been the most difficult of my life, and I'm sure that I won't have another year like it. Well I blooming hope not anyway. It's been very hard. 

But, the positive that I can see about what I've experienced is that I can now appreciate things I didn't before, I can see things in a different light and I have learned a lot about myself. So here are some of my thoughts:

Don't be afraid to let people know you're hurting.

People go through really rubbish things. We all do at some point in our lives. So when that happens, you need to talk about it; if that's what helps you. And don't be afraid to feel that way; it's okay. You can't be happy all the time, especially if something bad has happened. If you're finding something difficult or have a problem, talk to someone you trust and tell them how you're feeling. You can be surprised at how people react. Some people are absolutely fantastic and will listen to you whinge for hours and will still love you to bits. It's those people I appreciate.

Be yourself.

I have a very diverse range of friends, all with different interests and hobbies. As we've gotten older, we're becoming unafraid to do what we want to do, even if it's not 'normal'. When I first went to university, I was very intimidated by the amount some people drank and 'went out'. I tried to conform to this and go out and get drunk, but the truth of the matter is that I'm an absolute lightweight and get very anxious when I've had alcohol. And what I've learned now is that that's okay. I don't have to go out and get drunk if I want to. In fact I'm pretty much the same sober as I am drunk (still completely hilarious and bantastic). And, it's okay if I'd rather stay in of a night and write my blog, or do some of my sewing (it's a hexagonal, pink, patchwork quilt. It's amazeballs), or go to the cinema with my buddies (as I did tonight). So be yourself; there's only one you, and you're ace in my humble opinion.

Do what you enjoy.

YOLO (you only live once) has pretty much become my catchphrase this past year. Because it's true, you do only live once. Unless, you know, you're a cat. But anyway, what I've learned is that there is absolutely no point forcing yourself to do things you don't want to do if it makes you unhappy. Instead, you should appreciate the little things that really do make you happy. When I'm having a down day, I have a look at my nail varnish collection. I think about how much I appreciate that I have these nail varnishes as they are a luxury that some people don't have. So I'll try and relax and paint my nails, then chill out and watch one of my favourite TV programmes. It's what I enjoy; you might like something else, but that's what I like to do. And that's okay. 

Surround yourself with the people who appreciate you.

Sometimes it can take something traumatic or difficult to happen for you to be able to see who is really supportive of you and who loves you. Obviously people have their own lives and things are happening for them which might mean they cannot concentrate on you. But, there will be people, who I have, that will be there for you 100%. If someone cannot be bothered with you, or who says something nasty about you, you do not need them. Appreciate those who have the time for you and who have your back. You might be surprised.

Some practical ways to be happy:

• Look at pictures of cute cats or smiling lambs (see below). That'll cheer anyone up on a down day.
• Allow yourself to be happy. If you keep telling yourself how sad you are, you'll be sad. (I'm working on this too)
• Drink camomile tea. It's pretty mingy, I just had a cup, but I feel all relaxed and calm now. They should call it calmomile tea. Ha ha ha.
• Put on your snuggliest jammies and snuggle up in bed with a snuggly teddy bear or any other snuggly things (snuggly. Just wanted to say it again) and just relaaaaaax. Watch some silly TV with some silly people on and just laugh.
• Make yourself feel pretty; it's amazing what a bit of make-up can do. I'm not saying you're ugly, I'm just saying that by making yourself feel like you look good, it'll show in your mood.
• Think about the best things in your life. Appreciate them.

Well that was all a bit serious wasn't it? I'll end with some pictures below to cheer you up.

Thank you, and goodnight.

Chloe x

How can this not make you smile?

Want to cheer up? Try and make your dog look like Mary (as in Jesus' mom)

Lols.

Lesson learned; always hug a hedgehog.

Sorry if you've already seen a cat dressed as a mushroom today.

Go on little ducky!!!

And now you should look like this!

I'm back! And a quick review of L'oreal Skin Perfection Solution

Hello gang!!!!

Long time no blog! It's all been a bit cray-cray in my life, but from discussion with some of my buddies over the past few days, I decided I'm going to start again! So I'm back, with a new look and some groovy stuff to share with you.

Just to give you an update in my life, here are some major changes:
1. I changed to a middle parting. Wild.
2. I now eat sweet potatoes
3. I'm in my last year of uni. ARGH!

Haven't you missed this face?

So there you go, there's my life updates. Now onto the juicy stuff. Although I haven't been blogging myself, I've still been reading a lot of blogs and watching YouTube videos, so the beauty obsession is still very much alive.

I thought for my first post back I would share with you a product that has LITERALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. I didn't believe that such a product could exist. Tati from GlamLifeGuru off of YouTube came over to the UK, tried this product and then recommended it. I saw it for something like a third off in Boots and thought, you know what, I'm-a give it a go. And I did. It is, my friends...the L'oreal Paris, NEW (very important) Skin Perfection, 3 in 1 Purifying Micellar Solution (so all in all...a cleanser) I think that's rather a wordy and posh name considering it's just really clever water.

The holy grail of cleansers

That's sounds like a bad thing but it's really not; it's clever in that it removes all of your make-up in just a few seconds. Even stubborn eye-makeup that's all over the place after you're a bit sozzled on a night out. Just pop a bit onto some cotton pads, hold it on your eyes for a few seconds and it comes off like magic. And it's like water because it doesn't sting; L'Oreal, no tears!! 

Apparently it's a great dupe for Bioderma, which is great because Bioderma is blooming expensive. I've just had a ganders on the Boots website, and it's currently a third off and is priced at £3.33. So there you are kids, go nuts. 

I shall blog again soon! Follow me on Bloglovin', I have like no followers at the moment and it makes me feel like a right loner.

Ta-ra!
x

This or That Tag

Hey gang! I've been tagged by the lovely Beaut Chic to do the This and That tag, so I'm very excited to do this! Here it is:

Makeup

1. Blush or Bronzer? Blusher, because you get to have more of a choice of colour :-)

2. Lipstick or Lipgloss? Lipstick! Though I do like a good gloss.

3. Eyeliner or Mascara? Mascara all the way, can't leave the house without it

4.  Foundation or Concealer? Ohhh can I have both? Foundation, more coverage

5. Neutral or Colour Eyeshadow? Neutral, I'm not a crazy-colour gal.

6. Pressed or Loose Shadow? Never tried loose so I'll have to say pressed.

7. Brush or Sponge? My brushes are my babies. So brushes.

Nails

1. OPI or Chine Glaze? Don't hate me. I haven't tried either. IT'S ON MY TO-DO LIST

2. Long or Short Nails? Loooong. I'm a teacher and the children always comment on 'Miss French's pretty long nails...are they real Miss French?" Yes kids, they are.

3. Acrylic or Natural? Natural fo sho. I had acrylic and it absolutely ruined my nails, they've only just recovered poor things

4. Bright or Dark Polish? Can I have pastels instead? They are my favourite.

5. Design or No Design? I currently have green with hot pink spots. So a design :-)

Body

1. Perfume or Body Sprays? Perfume. Using Elle by YSL at the moment, so lovely

2. Lotions or Body Butters? Body butter, I have dry skin and they work super well

3. Body Wash or Soap? Body wash, soap is very drying

4. Lush or Other Bath Company? Lushhhhh! Because it's lush. See what I did?

Fashion

1. Jeans or Sweat Pants? Sweat pants if I can get away with it. 

2. Long or Short Sleeves? Long, my bingo wings are terrible. I'm working on it

3. Dresses or Skirts? Dresses :)

4. Stripes or Plaid? Oooh...stripes

5. Flip Flops or Sandals? Flip flops. It's just a brilliant word

6. Scarves or Hats? I love a good scarf but I do look groovy in hats

7. Studs or Dangle Earrings? Dangly though I don't own that many

8. Necklaces or Bracelets? Necklace :-)

9. Heels or Flats? Flats. I'm such a bad fashionista, but I'm pretty tall so not that bothered. Heels are made to be ornaments.

10. Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots? Cowboy boots! So cute!

11. Jacket or Hoodie? Hoodie. Why am I such a lazy bum

12. Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe? Forever 21, only one I've seen in England!

13. Abercrombie or Hollister? Hollister. My pink t-shirt I've worn a million times is still so soft.

14. Saks 5th Ave or Nordstrums? I'M BRITISH

Hair

1. Curly or Straight? Curly-wurly

2. Bun or Ponytail? I like a good bun. It's in one now.

3. Bobby Pins or Butterfly clips? Bobby pins. £1 from Primark.

4. Hairspray or Gel? Hairspray

5. Long or Short? I wish it was blooming long, I've been growing it for 9 years

6. Light or Dark? Dark

7. Side Swept or Front Bangs? Side swept, I look silly with a fringe

8. Up or Down? Up if I mean business or I'm working hard, down if I'm being pretty

Random

1. Rain or Shine? Shine if I'm outside, rain if I'm inside

2. Summer or Winter? Summer apart from flies

3. Fall or Spring? Spring

4. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla yum yum

5. East or West Coast? I'M BRITISH!!! AND I'M FROM THE MIDLANDS!

There you are everybody. Don't think I was especially good at that but there you are.

I tag:

http://mascara-and-maltesers.blogspot.co.uk/

http://thebellelavieproject.blogspot.co.uk/

What's In My Glossybox? - June 2013

Hi everyone!

Sorry I haven't posted in a while, I've had so much going on, I've been really poorly and been on school placement. But at least I'm getting closer to being a teacher!

My glossybox came unexpectedly this morning so that really cheered me up! It's the summer edition, so I expected the packaging to be a little bit summery. It wasn't, but it's the products that matter and I am very happy with what I got! So here's what I got and my opinions:

Picture of the box!

Normal packaging :)

First product is the 'Q' Body Spray. I'd never heard of Q so it was nice to have something I'd never heard of. This was a full-sized product (100ml) and normally costs £2.29, so not too expensive. It is described as being a 'seductive blend of Rose and Bergamot. Sophisticated, rich and timeless'. That is a bit OTT I reckon, it's just a nice smell, not too overpowering. Probably wouldn't buy it again as it isn't a fragrance that makes me think WOW but it's been nice to try.

 This product is the Nuxe 'Huile Prodigieuse', and it is as difficult to say as it is to spell. It's a face body and hair oil, and it is a really lovely colour, shimmery and gold. It is quite hard to apply, however, as the description in the glossybox brochure says to spray it but this little bottle doesn't come with a spray mechanism so that baffled me for a start! It is nice though, I think I'll use it when I go for a night out just for a bit of sparkle. It's normally quite pricey at £34.00 for 100ml but I'll make this bottle last.

I'm excited by this! I've never tried anything by Paul Mitchell, but I've heard good things. In the glossybox I got a 'Full Circle Leave-In Treatment' and an 'Ultimate Wave' texture gel. They are normally £14.95 for 200ml and £11.95 for 150ml respectively; I don't think that's too bad as that's quite a large bottle. I'm yet to try this so I'll give feedback on it when I've tried it!

To be honest, this Monu SPF Moisturiser was a bit 'meh' for me. Nothing very exciting. It doesn't smell that nice and while it is quite moisturising I think there's a lot better moisturisers out there.

I love this Figs and Rouge Lip Balm! I got it in Coco-Rose, and it is really lovely. This is also full size at 12.5ml (it's normally £5.00). It's a lovely clear/pink colour, I tried to swatch it but as it's quite a clear pink it didn't come up great. It's not too gloopy, goes on well and tastes okay! I have debatedly the worst lips ever for being dry so it was nice to have a balm that works and allows me to have some colour!

And that's it from my Glossybox! Hope you enjoyed. If you have a glossybox, tell me what you got that's different or what you thought about the products!

Chloe
xxx