As you will know if you follow me on my other social medias, it was my school's prom on Friday and whilst I tried to film as much as possible of my whole experience, I didn't get much chance to film my makeup. Therefore, I thought I would write a brief blogpost for you to show those of you who are interested what makeup products I used on the night!
L'oreal true match foundation
Mac fix plus
Mac prep and prime
Collection lasting perfection
Rimmel wake me up
Rimmel stay matte
Benefit hoola
no7 loose powder
Sleek solstice palette
Soap and glory brow archery
Naked 2
Maybelline brow drama
Collection fast stroke
Red cherry 523 lash
Benefit roller lash
Mac brave
Hello everyone, today I thought I'd do a brief first impressions of the sleek solstice highlighting palette as I picked it up yesterday and have been dying to try it out and share my experience!
Packaging
The highlighters
Top left, Ecliptic // Top right, Hemisphere // Bottom left, Subsolar Bottom right, Equinox |
Within the palette there are four highlighters ranging from pink to copper. Ecliptic (top left) is a cream formula, whilst the other three highlighters are powder formulas. Whilst I found all four to be very well pigmented, I noticed that the cream formula gave off slightly less pigment but this would give a more natural look and could easily be built up. My personal favourite is hemisphere, and I like to use this on the top of my cheekbones and down my nose. Subsolar is also great for highlighting the cupid's bow! I've also found the highlighters to be very long lasting and give off a very natural glow!
Value for money
Overall I think this palette is great value for money, retailing at £9.99, meaning you're essentially only paying £2.50 for each highlight and you're also getting a brush and large mirror. I would definite recommend trying out this palette before investing in something more expensive as I honestly think this palette is on par if not better than some high end highlighters I've tried!
Conclusion
To conclude, I'm very happy with my purchase of this palette, and would definitely recommend it to others. Here's a quick pro/con list of the palette:
Pros:
+ Very well pigmented
+ Good variety of shades
+ Large mirror ideal for travelling
+ Good quality brush included
+ Long lasting
Cons:
- Outer packaging can easily look dirty from fingerprints
- Cream formula (Hemisphere) is slightly less pigmented than the other shades
I hope you all enjoyed this brief review of the Sleek solstice palette, and if you're interested in purchasing it, there is a link here.
Jess
xox
MUA undress your skin highlighter
Bourjois healthy mix serum - vanilla
Collection lasting perfection concealer - 1
Rimmel wake me up concealer - 2
Benefit high beam
Rimmel clear complexion - transparent
Maybelline baby skin - original
Rimmel stay matte - 04 sandstorm
Sleek rose gold blush
Benefit hoola bronzer
Rimmel exaggerate lip liner - 063 eastend snob
MAC lipstick - brave
Maybelline baby lips - peach punch
Tanya burr eyeshadow palette - hollywood eyes
Maybelline big eyes liner
Benefit rollerlash
Maybelline lash sensational
Soap and glory brow archery - brownie points
Benefit they're real push up liner
Seventeen clear definition brow mascara
Makeup bag - Maggs London
Since I've been blogging for almost three years I thought it was about time I share some of the things I've learnt with those of you who are new to blogging or are thinking about starting a blog!
1. Don't get hung up on the numbers
When you first start your blog it's easy to get obsessed on the numbers; page views, comments, followers. After a while you'll soon realise these things don't really matter. In my opinion, it's more important that you enjoy making the content you create and that even if you only have a small audience, they are engaged! Focus on your content, and the numbers will follow.
2. Find your theme
Before you start your blog it's important to have an idea on what kind of content you want to create. If you're not sure, my advice would be to choose something you're passionate about. Whether it's photography, beauty, fashion, or something else entirely, in the first few months of your blog it's important to have a consistent theme as this is what will attract people to your blog. After all, if someone visits your blog to read a beauty review but the rest of your blog is based around cars they're less likely to follow your blog as the rest of your posts don't interest them. Bit of a random example, but hopefully I made my point clear!
After a few months, you can expand your blog and incorporate more topics once you have established a loyal following. For example, on my blog I now do beauty, photography, and lifestyle. Obviously, you can post whatever you like since it is your blog, but if you're interested in growing your blog, try and stick to some sort of theme.
3. Invest in a good template
If you're not very experienced in HTML and coding, you may want to consider investing in a good template for your blog, as this is one of the first things your reader will see. Whilst your content is the most important aspect, reading it off a pretty blog is always much more satisfying!
You don't have to spent a fortune to get a nice template. There are hundreds of free templates online or if you're using blogger there is also a template option where you can alter fonts, backgrounds etc. Alternatively, if you want to spend some money on your blog you can buy a template off of sites such as Etsy. In my experience, I've always found it more beneficial to buy a template as they're usually more professional-looking and well coded. You don't even have to spend lots; I got my blog template on Etsy for £3!
4. Create a timetable for your blog
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credit: careergirldaily |
When your blog is just starting out, consistency is key! You should try and establish a timetable for when you plan to post, but make sure it is realistic! Take into account your other commitments and make sure you have to the time to maintain your blog, as it will take up a lot of your time if you're committed to it.
If you don't have the time to write a post three times a week, you can take advantage of the schedule feature on blogger and bulk-write lots of post and schedule them to go up whenever you like. This is especially good if you have a holiday coming up and can't guarantee you'll have an internet connection to post when you're there!
5. Spent time on the photos
Make sure you're including photos in your posts; These are one of the first things that your reader will see! Even if you can't afford to own a DSLR camera and are using your phone, make sure you're taking photos in good-lighting and with a clean background! If you're using your phone, take advantage of the apps to edit your photos to improve clarity, brightness, and sharpness to improve quality. It's also important to make sure your photos are large and will attract the reader's attention. Even if you can't take photos yourself, you could always find photos online - just make sure you credit whoever's photo it is!
So those are a few of my top tips for any newbie bloggers out there! Hopefully this helped you and good luck with your blog!
Jess
Hello everyone, today I thought I'd kick start my summer of blogging by talking you through some of my current beauty favourites! Now that it's finally getting warmer, it's time to put away the dark lipsticks and pull out the bronzers! I'm going to start off with some of my favourite eye-products:
Red Cherry #523 Lashes
I only really discovered false lashes late last year and even then I was a bit apprehensive about applying them successfully...However, these lashes are very natural and really easy to apply. They're also really affordable at just over £3 on falseeyelashes.co.uk which is where I get all of my lashes from! I use duo eyelash glue and a set of tweezers and pop these bad boys on within five minutes!
Tanya Burr Hollywood Eyes Palette
I picked up this palette a few months ago and I am still loving it now! There is such a good range of shades in this palette that it's really easy to create either a simple nude or golden eye look. I'm also so impressed by how pigmented the eyeshadows are and the fact there is also a mirror, making it great for travelling! My favourite shade from the palette is gold coin.
Benefit High Beam
Benefit They're Real! Push-up Liner
I received this eyeliner in a mini-set at Christmas and didn't actually touch it for a few months because I'm so attached to my Collection fast stroke! However, after a few months curiosity sunk in and I had to give it a try! I love how easy this eyeliner is to apply as the nib is angled and the product is like a gel, making it very long lasting. The only downside is it's near-impossible to get off without the They're Real! remover!
Mac Brave
Despite the fact I only own two, Mac lipsticks have quickly become one of my favourites! I picked up this shade because it is the perfect pink nude for summer and the satin formula means it sits really nicely on my lips and doesn't dry them out! Another bonus of the formula being somewhere between matte and a cremesheen is that it is really pigmented and also long lasting!
Benefit Hoola
With the sun finally deciding to make an appearance in England, that means it's time to start bringing the bronzers out! Hoola is one of my favourite bronzers as the matte formula gives a really natural look and unlike others I tried it doesn't leave you looking orange. The bronzer is also really easy to build up on if you want a more intense look and the brush is actually the perfect size to fit the hollow of my cheek!
So there you have it, a few of my current beauty favourites! Expect to see posts more regularly now as I've finally finished school and actually have free time!
Jess
*pssst...this post is a little different to usual but I thought I'd go diary-style for once and just have a chat about my day, hope you don't mind!*

Do you ever have those days where everything just goes right and it's perfect? That's the kind of day I've had today so I wanted to write about it.
So the day started at roughly 8am, when I woke up. I didn't set an alarm or anything, my body just likes to wake me up nice and early every. single. day. even when I could lie-in...Nonetheless I didn't have to be out of the house until 11:45 so this gave me plenty of time to get ready. (By get ready, I mean I spent another 2 hours in bed on Netflix and then crawled into the shower)
By 11am I was up and ready after having a cup of tea and getting a good caffeine-boost, but I was feeling a bit anxious. At 12pm I was due to go and have a job interview and trial-shift and a local cafe. I'm not really sure why I was so worried since I knew the owner's well - and was pretty skilled at the art of washing up - but you know how anxiety can be sometimes, so I was having a bit of a mini internal meltdown on the way there.
When I arrived I was a few minutes early (because I hate being late!) and I immediately wondered why I was so nervous in the first place! It was fine, everyone was lovely, and I didn't feel stressed at all. At the end of my 4 hour shift I left with £15 and the promise they'd be in touch soon because they definitely wanted me back :) All I did was serve ice cream and do so much washing up my hands wrinkled up into raisins, my ideal job!
The day then got better when I got home and after having another cup of tea and putting my feet up, we went to the beach. I've said this before, but I absolutely love going to the beach, it is so calming and instantly relaxes me. After walking along the beach, camera in hand, and completely tiring out Tilly (our dog) we ventured home,where I curled up on the sofa with a fluffy blanket and started writing this post.
So yeah, that's a little summary of my day. I know I don't usually make posts like this but I just felt like writing about my day today since I don't really find time to keep a journal anymore, but still want to remember special days. Today has been a good day, how was yours?
Jess
So the day started at roughly 8am, when I woke up. I didn't set an alarm or anything, my body just likes to wake me up nice and early every. single. day. even when I could lie-in...Nonetheless I didn't have to be out of the house until 11:45 so this gave me plenty of time to get ready. (By get ready, I mean I spent another 2 hours in bed on Netflix and then crawled into the shower)
By 11am I was up and ready after having a cup of tea and getting a good caffeine-boost, but I was feeling a bit anxious. At 12pm I was due to go and have a job interview and trial-shift and a local cafe. I'm not really sure why I was so worried since I knew the owner's well - and was pretty skilled at the art of washing up - but you know how anxiety can be sometimes, so I was having a bit of a mini internal meltdown on the way there.
When I arrived I was a few minutes early (because I hate being late!) and I immediately wondered why I was so nervous in the first place! It was fine, everyone was lovely, and I didn't feel stressed at all. At the end of my 4 hour shift I left with £15 and the promise they'd be in touch soon because they definitely wanted me back :) All I did was serve ice cream and do so much washing up my hands wrinkled up into raisins, my ideal job!
The day then got better when I got home and after having another cup of tea and putting my feet up, we went to the beach. I've said this before, but I absolutely love going to the beach, it is so calming and instantly relaxes me. After walking along the beach, camera in hand, and completely tiring out Tilly (our dog) we ventured home,where I curled up on the sofa with a fluffy blanket and started writing this post.
So yeah, that's a little summary of my day. I know I don't usually make posts like this but I just felt like writing about my day today since I don't really find time to keep a journal anymore, but still want to remember special days. Today has been a good day, how was yours?
Jess
I go through phases, a bit like the moon. I can go for days without leaving the house and feel perfectly content with my lack of human contact. Yet, other times I just want to be out with other people. After four days without leaving the house, I decided it was probably time to move transition into my next phase and actually socialise with, you know, real people.
This morning, my family and I took a trip to a local woodland area thing (I don't know it's actual scientific name, okay?) and I took the opportunity to take some pictures and actually appreciate the wildlife.
Despite being a confessed introvert, I enjoy the outdoors. Granted, more the nature than having to actually socialise, but I like the smell of the grass, the hum of the birds, and the crack of twigs beneath my waaay too muddy converse.
The main point of this post is, whether you're an introvert like me, or an extrovert, take the time to actually appreciate the nature, because I think it's pretty freaking cool (despite the fact my converse needed a well-deserved trip in the washing machine afterwards!)
:)
Jess
xox
Hello everyone! As you will probably know if you've been following me or my blog for a while, I'm a self confessed bookworm! Therefore, I've read my fair share of books in my past 15 years of existence, so I thought I'd make a quick post to share with you some of my favourite books! In no particular order:
I'll Give You The Sun - Jandy Nelson
Finding Sky - Joss Stirling
To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
Harry Potter - JK Rowling (no specific book, the whole series in general!)
The Sky is Everywhere - Jandy Nelson
Fangirl - Rainbow Rowell
A Work In Progress - Connor Franta
Eleanor & Park - Rainbow Rowell
The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion
Love, Rosie - Cecilia Ahern
All The Bright Places - Jennifer Niven
Me Before You - Jojo Moyes
Girl Online - Zoe Sugg
The Miniaturist - Jessie Burton
All I Know Now - Carrie Hope Fletcher
Looking For Alaska - John Green
Those are just a few of my favourites; I could go on, but we'd be here all day! I hope this gave you some ideas on what to read next if you're looking for a new book to pick up. Leave a comment down below letting me know what some of your favourite books are, I'm always looking for something new to read!
Jess
xox
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Source: Tumblr |
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1. Start revising early
Giving yourself plenty of time to revise means you aren't struggling to cram months worth of information into in one night.
2. Keep everything you need in one area
Notebooks, pens, textbooks, snacks, the whole lot!
3. Have a clean workspace
What is it they say? Tidy room, tidy mind? Something like that!
4. Use your revision guides
6. Take regular breaks
Research the pomodoro technique: 20 minutes of work and then a 5 minute break.
7. Use colour
8. Create a timetable
The website Get revising is great for this!
9. Set goals
10. Snacks
11. Listen to relaxing music
Try out the 'Intense studying' playlist on spotify.
12. Flash cards & Mind maps
13. Past papers
14. Writing up old notes
15. Apps
Gojimo
Quizlet
Get revising
The student room
MyGCSEScience
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If you want any more information about any of these tips and ideas feel free to watch my video or leave a comment down below!
Jess
x
Rainy days
Disney films
Blogging
Sleepovers
Pizza
Cups of tea
Cute books
Sunsets
Autumn
Fluffy socks
Music
Internet friends
Real life friends
Friends the TV show
Fairy lights
The beach
YouTube
Vlogging
Travelling
Making memories
Taking photos
Summer
Getting tanned
Adventures
Long car journeys
Sleeping
My bed
Cheesy films
Late night talks
Nature walks
Early mornings
Coffee shops
Drawing
Boys who smell nice ;)
Creating something new
Feeling productive
New shoes
Going somewhere new
Hello everyone! Since it's been quite a while since I've done a review post, I thought I'd write about the Benefit real sexy steal set I received for Christmas!
The set contains minis of the They're Real! Mascara, Push-up liner, and remover.
They're Real! Mascara
They're Real! Push-up Liner
At first, I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the shape of the applicator on this gel liner, but now that I've tried it out, it's actually one of my favourite parts about the product! The applicator makes it really easy to apply your liner evenly and create the perfect wing! However, unfortunately I'm not a big fan of the actual formula as I feel it crumbles off very quickly and isn't very long-lasting, which is disappointing.
They're Real! Remover
The remover is a great way to remove otherwise-stubborn mascara, which is a pain to remove with normal makeup remover! It is a really thick, creamy consistency which removes the mascara well, but I feel like you would need a lot to get the job done effectively!
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So that is my little review of the Benefit set I received for Christmas! I hope you enjoyed this post and I will see you very soon
Jess
My Goals:
Read 100 books
I naturally read a lot anyway, so this year I want to push myself further and aim to read 100 books. That means reading a new book roughly every 3.5 days, which is no mean feat! However, I'm determined to do it.
Write and draw more
In September 2014 I started writing a rough journal and it really helped me organise my thoughts and feel less stressed. This is something I want to continue in 2016, aiming to write every day. I'd also like to sketch more.
Blog more
Since starting my YouTube channel last January my blog became less of a priority. I've ending up spending many more hours editing, filming and uploading to YouTube than I have writing on this blog! Whilst most of my freetime is now spent on YouTube, my blog is still important to me so I want to invest more time into it.
5k on YouTube
This is a very big (and maybe slightly unrealistic) goal but I've always been told to dream big. I currently am yet to hit 1k (but I'm pretty close!) but my hope for the end of 2016 is that I will have hit 5k.
Save up for a macbook
I've always wanted a Macbook but have never had one because they're far too expensive and I never manage to keep all of my saved up money for too long! However, if I manage to buy a Macbook with my own money I will feel I've achieved it and it will also help me to improve my YouTube and school work.
Get a job
This links to the above point but in order to buy what I'd like I need to get a job in order to get some money! Since I leave school earlier this year and have a three month summer, this will be an ideal time to get one.
Be more positive
During winter I often find it a lot harder to stay positive/happy so that's why one of my goal is to aim to have a more positive outlook on life.
Revise
This is a goal I don't really want to do, but it needs to be done! I'll be taking my GCSE's in Summer and I want to achieve the best grades possible, so it looks like I'm going to have to do a lot of revising!
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Those are all of my goals so far for 2016. Let me know what some of your goals are too. Happy new year!
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