What I've been upto this week

So, this week has been a bit of a crazy one to say the least. I've been doing a few fun things, so I thought I'd keep it short and sweet, and let you take a look for yourself at what I've been up to as a Student at Sunderland University. Here you go.

(L-R) 

Was introduced to Glossybox.

Had a Starbucks.

Got Acrylic nails with Lauren. 

Night out in Sunderland with the girls. 

Fancy dress.

Watched a film in bed.

Got bored of my nail colour so repainted them. 

Cocktails at Life Of Riley.

Ordered a platter to myself.

Have you been upto anything exciting this week?

Glossybox Discovery

After a quick chat with a friend, I was told about a website I would soon fall in love with. Although she never made it sound very appealing by saying 'It's like a little box of testers' I was soon to find out, it was infact completely the opposite, it was actually a perfect box of treats! After being told all the deets, I was on the website in no time, checking out what this 'box' was all about. 

10 minutes later, I had signed up, and my Glossybox had been dispatched, and was on its way. It was almost too pretty to open when it arrived. All packaged neatly wrapped in a little bow, for a split second I thought it would look better if i didn't open it, but then who was I kidding, I paid £10 for all this, I had to know what was inside.

For £10, I couldn't really complain after receiving Essie nail varnish, Dermalogica face wash, and a few other little treats. I was very impressed!  

Why not take a look on the website for yourself http://www.glossybox.co.uk/ you might not be able to refuse 5 luxurious beauty treats wrapped in a beautiful box for only £10.

Acrylic Nails

Ever since I discovered nail polish, I've developed a bit of an obsession. I can't bare for my nails to have no colour on them, and don't even get me started on chipped nails! The only negative thing I would say about normal polishes is that the colour never lasts as long as you would like it to, unless you are willing to paint about 6 coats, but I know I certainly do not have the patience for that! I've tried all of the tricks, paining a lighter colour underneath first, putting on a base coat, top coats, painting underneath the nail, you name it, yet guaranteed my colour will last no longer than two days... if I'm lucky!

I soon discovered Acrylic nails! Although, they aren't as cheap, they look a lot nicer than your average home manicure. Acrylics range from £15 - £25 usually, depending on where you go to get them done, so it's best to have a look around to get a good price! I'd happily pay £20 for a full set of Acrylics, and then usually another £15 to get them re filled a few weeks after.

For me, as many times as I tell myself I won't get acrylics, I ALWAYS go back and get them done, but let's be honest, you'r nails always look nice when someone else has done them! Although they may leave you nails paper thin afterwards, they are natural looking (if you don't go for a Katie Price length) long lasting, and most importantly, don't chip! After spending roughly 30 mins in the nail salon, you are left with a full set of fresh, non chipped nails.

Although Acrylics look nice, they are not the most healthy option for your nails, leaving them dry, thin and cracked after the extensions have been removed. A new product called Shellac, I've recently tried out is brilliant! A gel nail varnish, dried using UV light, 2 coats of varnish are set on your nails, giving them a healthy shine. 

And costing a cheeky £20, why not treat yourself to a set of healthy Shellacs!

Cartier Craze

After an unhealthy browse through Kylie Jenner's Instagram page, I noticed she wore these gorgeous Cartier bracelets often, and I instantly wanted one. Not because I wanted to be like her (lets be honest we wouldn't refuse her life for a day or two) but because 1, they are amazing, and 2, what girl doesn't like jewellery?! So, after a long browse on the internet, I finally found some replicas which I could afford. Unfortunately my student loan won't quite stretch to me paying over £1,000 for a bangle.

After ordering them, I realised that the only main difference was that the 'Cartier' name wasn't engraved on the inside, and also it wasn't real gold, but apart from that, for £15, it was a damn good match.

The bracelets come with a mini screwdriver, as it fastens with two little screws at the side. Sounds annoying I know, but great for a night out, allowing you not to worry about loosing it!


With various colours to choose from, you are spoilt for choice, but we all know gold goes great with a tan. Perfect summer buy!

Summer Shopping

With my holiday to Ibiza just two months to go, I found it appropriate to have an internet browse at some holiday outfits. With many summer clothes from last year still in my wardrobe, I don't need anymore, but for now, I'm just having a look. I'm loving pastel colours this summer, and you can find some cute outfits in all the high street shops. A favourite of mine has to be River Island, It's not that often that I leave there without having purchased something. They currently have a great selection of summer things to choose from. Whilst looking, I found a few things that I'll definitely be getting for my holiday. Here they are...

Nail Art

After a cheeky trip to the nail salon for a full set of purple acrylics, I've already started thinking about the next design I want, and I'm feeling a summery set. Having tried before to do my own nail art, failing miserably as I have no patience what so ever, I've come to the conclusion it's best to leave it to the professionals. 

Here are a few designs I came across, and am loving for a summery look. I'm feeling the pastel ones or bright speckled set for Holiday, so may have to delay them for now, but the galaxy ones instantly caught my eye, are are perfect for a night time look too!





Which designs are your favourite?

Nail Art by razzie101 featuring a nail care

Nail care
etsy.com

I'm Loving...Pretty Pastels

So, what a better way to step into summer than with some cute pastel pieces in your wardrobe? I know what you're thinking, 'I've got too many clothes already'. Well feat not, Primark has upped its game, and is selling some fab pastel outfits this season, so head on down, there's no excuses for a cheap bargain! 

Here are a few pieces I found, and put together a few of my favourites. I love the Givenchy bag, if only my student loan could help me, but unfortunately it can't, so I'll have to dream for now. 

Being possibly one of the palest people in the whole of Sunderland, I've found that some of these lighter pastel shades work on my skin tone, which is a damn good job as I defiantly don't have the patience to be applying fake tan every day! These colours work really well for a cute and casual day time look, yet also work for a girly night look also. 

If only my student loan stretched a little further I'd definitely be buying all of these pieces.

Which ones would you buy?

Pretty Pastels by razzie101 featuring stella & dot

H M h m

$23 - hm.com

Uniqlo shirt

uniqlo.com

Joie

joie.com

A|Wear floral jeans

$53 - awear.com

Givenchy leather handbag

lindelepalais.com

Miss Selfridge enameled jewelry

missselfridge.com

Stella dot

stelladot.com

My Make-Up Must Haves

So, I thought I'd put together a few of my favourite make-up must haves. I have to admit, I have far too many products I don't use anymore in my make-up bag, so it's probably time for a clear out, but then again, you can never have too many make up products can you?! When it comes to make-up, I definitely stick to the rule 'less is more' especially for a day time look. I'm not going to lie, through the make-up experimenting stages back in school, I have definately more than once brought the wrong shade of foundation, making me look like I'd used a foundation I should ideally of used after being on holiday for two weeks in Egypt. Anyway, lesson learnt!

The bright red lipstick, I'd choose for a night out. Worn with a simple black top and skirt, this lovely MAC lipstick adds a bit of colour, great for a sophisticated look. Personally, I find Rimmel products amazing. Firstly they are affordable, and you can't argue with a bargain! Secondly, they do some great products for natural effortless day time look, perfect if you'r in a rush. I can definitely rely on the 'Stay Matte' fact powder (second left) to cover up the dark rings under my eyes when rushing off to uni after a night out. It's a must have, and you can't go wrong for £6.00

When applying make-up, brushes are essential. I used to forever buy new brushes until I was surprised with a beautiful 12 piece MAC set for Christmas. They are the amazing! 

(L-R) MAC, Rimmel, Boots, Rimmel, Rimmel, Vaseline, Jack Wills, MAC

So, these are my make-up must haves, what are your favourite make-up products?

Summer Essentials

Summer isn't far away now, and it's time to get them cute cut offs on, pasty legs out, and flaunt that fab figure! Although the weathers been dim lately, there's no excuse to dress a little summery in some bright colours. Here are some of my summer essentials, perfect for a cute, casual day time look, whether you are going abroad, out for the day, or just want a cute summer outfit.

1. Topshop vest. Perfect for adding a bit of colour to your outfit. After all, it's summer and everyone wants to show off that glowing tan (most likely from the bottle, but if it's natural looking who cares?!) with a bright top. 

2. A cute, summer bag, perfect for all your essentials. This Louis Vuitton number is perfect for summer, and can be teamed up with any out fit of your choice. Replicas cam be found in many places if you can't afford the real thing, (Let's be honest, half the time who can even tell if it's real?) 

3. The denim cut off's, an essential for every girls wardrobe, whether its summer or winter, these go with everything, and are perfect for day to night look.

4. Arm Candy. Every girl loves a bit of jewellery, and what better way to step into summer than with some gold statement bracelets. 

5. Marvellous Manicure. Nothing says summer than a brightly painted fresh pair of nails. This red colour is perfect for showing off your tan. 

6. Casual, cool & comfortable. These white Converse are great for comfort. Save the sandals for the beach and step out in style in a pair of white converse. White is the perfect fresh summer colour. If you are worried about getting a white pair dirty, you can buy many cool colours and prints to jazz up your outfit that little bit more.

Previous Article Work

Whilst looking back through my old college work, I came across one of my final pieces written for my college magazine 'Banter'. I completed this piece not long after returning from the trip, in order to share my experience with others. I know what you're thinking... 'People write articles like this all the time' well, yes, thats correct, they do, but if it has a positive outcome, and gives someone that extra boost to travel the world then wheres the harm, theres nothing wrong with a little encouragement. Below is my finished piece. I would definitely recommend charity work abroad and traveling in general to students. Its a great way to enhance your knowledge of other cultures, help out those less fortunate, and generally have a great time!

Nails Nails Nails

Nail Varnishes are definitely a weakness of mine. I have one in practically every colour, not to mention plenty of nail glitter, which may I add, is a nightmare to get off, yet I still never learn! All the different brands, MAC, OPI, Barry M, you name it. Here is my ever growing collection, which I have recenty had to move them all into a bigger make-up bag. Not good I know. I often ask myself, Maybe I should cut down?... But then again, maybe not.

My colour collection so far - definitely room for more!

A Few of my favourites.

- Sally Hansen GEM Crush (08 Glitz Gal)

Pros - Perfect for that night out to add a bit of sparkle.

Cons - A nightmare to take off!

- MAC (Quiet Time A32)

Pros - Perfect day time colour for a casual look.

Cons - Requires a few coats. 

- Barry M (303 Bright Purple)

Pros - Bright colour, perfect for a day or night look

Cons - Slightly stains nails, so apply an undercoat first.

My First Blog Post

So... Here Goes.

After many months of telling myself I would start a fashion and beauty blog, I have finally done it. Although the main contents of my blog will consist of fashion and beauty, I will also be writing about Student style, as well as fashion and beauty products I like, and the ones I can't wait to get my hands on and try out!

I love trying out new products, and recommending them to friends and family. With a ridiculous amount of make-up, nail varnishes, and other products, I will write about the products I own, and love, the ones I'm not too keen on, and the ones perfect for each season.

I hope you enjoy my thoughts, reviews, and pictures on all things student, fashion and beauty related.