Happy Nearly-New Year!

Hello gorgeous, 

I don't know about you, but I personally love this time of year!

All of the good things seem to snowball together into one big ball of happiness; Christmas, New Year, my birthday, Valentines Day. They all go so fast but bring so many fun times!

And as cheesy as it sounds, I think I love new year most of all (not for the parties as I don't really drink), because it holds a promise of a new beginning.

So I thought today I would share with you my new years resolutions.

1. Get healthy!

I'm sure this is on 99.99% of peoples new year resolution lists and to be honest it is a reoccurring resolution for me, so no explanation is really needed! 

2. Save!

I have recently decided that the whole Uni thing may not be for me... So this has quickly cut down my plans to move out of home and into halls, however I am still determined to move out by this time next year. So save save save!

3. Look to the future!

I have a *very very bad* habit of thinking things like "oh I'll revise for that test tomorrow" or "ah don't worry that course-work can wait until you get back tonight". This resolution is to try and prevent that thinking and make me think what will happen if I fail that test, or if I don't hand in that course-work.

4. Be positive!

I think everyone should have this resolution if I'm being honest, to stop the last resolution I mentioned taking over. I do want to look to the future but at the same time, I'm 17 and I need to remember not to get too negative thinking about the future. Just like every other person out there needs to learn to find at least one positive to take away from a situation.

I think that's everything my lovelies! 

What are your resolutions for the new year?

Do you even believe in new year resolutions?

If you fancy reading more blog posts from me in 2013 then by all means pop your email in the box up there and get notifications when I post...

Have a great new year honey!

Lots and lots of love, Beth xoxoxo.

p.s. have you got twitter? mines @LookLifeBeauty 

if you have a blog tweet me it and I promise to give it a read :) 

top 5 fave Christmas "things"!

Hello lovelies!

I have been a poorly girl the past few days, however (ever one to look on the bright-side) all this being snuggled under a blanket at home has make me feel insanely Christmassy.

So, this post has no real point... at all! But I just thought I'd share with you my top 5 favourite things about Christmas :).

The Nativity Play!

I absolutely love going to see little school nativity plays, this year is Ember's (my little sister) first one and she is going to be a beautiful little angel :). I think it's a mix of the adorable child acting, the cute costumes and beautiful Christmas story that just makes my heart melt into a Christmassy mess. This year however, I am a completely heartbroken big sister, I will be in Ireland when Ember does her play, so I've made Mum promise to record every second! 

Christmas Films! 

There's really no explanation needed for this favourite, who doesn't have a few films that they have to watch snuggled up with the fam on the cold winter nights. For me, they are definitely Jingle All The Way, a classic from childhood, the same can be said for Muppet Christmas Carol. Love Actually on the other hand, is a new Christmas obsession for me, only started this as a tradition a few years ago but has quickly become a big part of Christmas Eve.

Starbucks/Costa!

For me, Christmas officially starts when I can walk into either Starbucks or Costa (I'm not fussy!) and  get a Peppermint Hot Chocolate or Honey Comb Hot Chocolate. 

Christmas Trees! 

Much like Kevin in Home Alone (comment if you get the reference ;)), Christmas isn't right without a Christmas tree. Not only is it where all the presents go and the fam sits around in their jim-jams in the morning, it's a family activity to put all the decorations on. Which brings me onto my next favourite...

Decorations!

Now, our tree (as you can see above!) never really has a theme as such, never really looks like an amazing amount of time has gone into it nor is it ever colour coordinated. But each decoration is loved and has been collected over the years and because of that it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling when I look over at it :). 

What are your favourite things about Christmas time?

I'd love to know!

See you next time, keep warm and snuggly beautiful;

Beth xoxo.

p.s. Follow me on Twitter if you fancy? @LookLifeBeauty

I try not to be a negative 'nana but...

Hello sweetie!

blergh horrid :(!

I try not to put negative posts up on this little blog baby I'm making here (weird image I know!), but I brought a product recently that I hate. No nicer way to say it, I hate it. 

The Maybelline "Fit Me" foundation.

Now, I am very picky when it comes to foundations and it usually means weeks of reading reviews (not all in one go.. that would be bad) and testing it out repeatedly in the shop. But a few weeks ago I was in Boots on my break from work, and I thought, well that foundation looks pretty, why not?!

I shall tell you why not, my skin has only recently got back to normal after using this foundation twice, yes I'll repeat that, twice.

The first time I used it, I was thought it was nice, nice coverage, nice colour. But it didn't last well throughout the day, and when I was taking my make-up off, it hurt, really really stung. Stupidly I thought it could have been something else and so gave my skin a break for a few days and tried again, exact same reaction but worse.

It's been all red and blotchy for want of a better description. I don't usually have sensitive skin, dry yes but not sensitive. 

Anyway, I'll keep this a short post seen as I don't really have anything productive to say..

Have you tried this foundation? 
Is it just my skin it didn't agree with?
Leave it in the comments below or tell me about it on twitter @LookLifeBeauty
Lots and lots of love, Beth xoxo

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Hello sweetheart!

This past year I have been very very impressed with Revlon's lip products (with the exception of their lip stain, bit of a let down), and I thought it was about time to mention my new love.

Although I only have two of these products at the moment (Honey and Crush), my collection will soon be expanding, just as soon as pay day rolls round again!

I am absolutely in love with them, but to be honest when I first brought one I was dubious about how long they would stay on my lips. So I did a bit of an experiment and turns out a blooming long time for a product that basically acts like a really really pigmented lip balm.

The pigmentation is amazing, and it smells like mint which is always a plus!

They are perfect for all times of year, A/W because they are super hydrating and S/S because you can either build them up for a more intense colour, or just leave them as a sheer wash of colour.

HONEY <3 

CRUSH <3 (my fave)

pretty pink with shimmers

deep vampy plum

oooooh so pretty!

Anyway, I lalalalalove them and 100% recommend them!

Ridiculously good price, and amazing value for the high-street!

Hope you enjoyed this post gorgeous; 

chat to me @LookLifeBeauty

or give this blog a lil' subscribe if you'd like to see more

lots and lots of love, Beth xoxo.

p.s. what do you think of this product? I'd love to know :). 

nail of the week!

Hello you gorgeous human being!

Today's post is something a little different, my solution to never knowing how long to try a nail varnish out for before it's okay to give it a review. 

I did a little thinking, and discussed it with my mum, and we decided that to know if you really like a nail varnish/it's worth liking, you should wear attempt to wear it for a week. Then you can see if you still like the colour and if it lasts.

So that's what I did! 

The first nail varnish I picked for this, was Essie's To Buy Or Not To Buy, the website describes it as "a lavender with shimmer". I can't really put it better than that myself to be honest!

nails just after painting!

Just a teensy point, I am aware that I don't have th nicest nails in the world, but I did only stop biting them (I had since I can remember) about two months ago... So sorry!

These pictures really don't do justice to the pretty blue shimmer when your nails catch the light with this varnish. Needless to say, I love the colour. 

These pictures are from 6 days after applying the varnish (I used BarryM's topcoat when first applying, love love love this product absolute must have!). You can see that the colour faded slightly, more so at the tips of the nail. But generally it was perfect! I loved the colour just as much after a week of wearing it (longer than I have ever gone before with just one colour!) and I would highly recommend this.

However as it is my first Essie nail varnish, I will be buying some more, very very soon!

I hoped you like this little post lovelies, more should be coming, I had a lot of fun trying to stick it out with one colour for a week!

If you did like this post give it a little follow, or alternatively chat to me on twitter; @LookLifeBeauty

Ramblings of a Mad Lady...

Well, I am knackered and currently using this blog as a handy little excuse to avoid college work for as long as humanly possible...

If you don't know, I'm a second year college student and at the moment I am not happy about that little fact.

Just in case you're reading this and you are at secondary school (/whatever the last stage of compulsory education is where you are), don't take this post to mean that college is a horrible evil thing. It's not! 

It is however- hard work
                    exhausting
                    more effort than expected

I'm studying my A Levels; psychology, history and law. I love law, it is by far the most interesting subject I have ever taken, but psychology and history? Horrible! Just not for me I think. It might have something to do with the fact that I have taken law as a Btec, which basically means I get my end grade by doing coursework, no exams. Whereas with the other subjects I have big scary exams and I'm supposed to show a stranger everything I've learnt in a year!

College is getting me down a lot at the moment, the only thing that is really keeping me going back is the fact that if I wasn't, what would I do? I have a job but it's only part time and not exactly what I want to be doing forever! 

At secondary school I was a straight B student, B's in everything (and an unexpected A in maths). But since then, I have slipped a considerable amount. As sad disheartened as this makes me, it concerns me more than anything. I'm concerned that I just wont try anymore.

Bit of a weird blog this, but I suppose I just wanted to say that, if you are in the same situation as me; going to college/school/uni and just not being happy with the lessons or workload or people... Stick it out! You're not the only one. 

I'll leave you with the thought that keeps me relatively sane, when you're old and thinking back on your life, you will not be thinking "oh, I could have done better at *insert subject here* when I was *insert age here*...". So why stress about it now?! I know it's easier said than done, trust me, but you should just know that now isn't forever.

Lots and lots of love, Beth xoxoxoxo
p.s if you liked this post, please please please give this blog a follow, add a little cheeriness into my day to counteract all the sad school work!
p.p.s. if that isn't your cup of tea why not chat to me on twitter? @looklifebeauty if you give it a follow you'll still get updates from me when I feel like posting
p.p.p.s how are you today? comment below, I'd be very interested to know!
p.p.p.p.s how many "p.s"s are too many? Hmmmm I think I may have the answer to that one...
                      

I Heart Fall Tag!

I'm sure you've seen this tag all around YouTube  and as I've encountered a teensy bit of a problem with the post I was planning on getting done today, I figured I'd move this tag to the Blog world!

So, I won't start rambling already, autumn is my favorite season so I'm sure I'll be rambling a lot, lets just get into it :).

1. Favorite Fall lip product?
I honestly couldn't choose just one product, so I have it narrowed down to three... Yes yes I know that is still two more than I should have chosen but trust me I could easily pick ten! 
The first product that I think is an absolute necessity for this time of year, is my trusty Mint Carmex! For me, any moisturizing lip product is a must-have, and even though I've been loving the Balmi range (click here if you're interested in seeing my review...), when the days get shorter and chillier, I just love the tingly mint flavor of Carmex.
Linked in with this category is my second product, the Lush Bubblegum Lip Scrub. This is a new purchase for me, I've been looking for a lip scrub for a while and oh my goodness! It smells like candy floss, works amazingly and just, wow, buy it or at least go and smell it!
Thirdly is actually a lipstick, again a new product for me, the Rimmel Kate Matte Lipstick (specifically in 107). Using all of these products at once just creates the most perfect Fall lip, the shade I've been using the most (107), comes out a gorgeous berry colour and I highly highly reccomend! 


2. Favorite Fall Nail Polish?
This might seen like a bit of a lame answer, but I've been biting my nails since I was about four, and it's only in the past month that I've managed to stop. So at the minute I'm just using clear nail varnish (so I don't get too ahead of myself!) to make them look all shiny and pretty!


3. Favorite Starbucks Fall Drink?Oooh, again this has to be more than one answer, for the beginning of Fall, I adore the Pumpkin Spice Late, however once Fall begins turning into Winter, I can't resist the Peppermint Hot Chocolate. 



4. Favorite Fall Candle?

This is without a doubt Yankee Candles Cinnamon Stick, it's not to everyone's taste (my mum hates it), but I just think it smells like Halloween and dark nights and snuggles under the blanket. Cheesy but very very true!

5. Favorite Fall Scarf or accessory
This just has to be my amazing fur cat ear beanie from TopShop. Personally I'm a sucker for cutesy items, and when I tried this on in the shop, I no longer cared about the price tag. Admittedly it has caused some awkward moments walking through the town I live in at 1am with furry cat ears, but the warmth is certainly worth it!


6. Haunted house, haunted hay ride, or haunted corn maze?

Hmmmm, we don't really have any of these things in the UK for Halloween, it's really not as big a deal as in the USA. But I would have to say, theoretically, haunted house, because I love the idea of Alton Towers Fright Nights. 

7. Favorite Halloween movie?Either, Scary Movie (yes, yes I know it's not scary but it's blinking hilarious!) or Nightmare Before Christmas, because you can watch it from October 1st up to Christmas!


8. Favorite candy to eat on Halloween?I'm not really a sweet's kind of girl, but it would probably be the "Cadbury Screme Eggs", I love the Creme Eggs and any excuse to eat them when it's not Easter I'll take!


9. What are you dressing up as for Halloween?!
Unfortunately this Halloween I couldn't dress up, as I was working (at Boots) for an Advantage Card Event. However I usually just go for the standard creepy witch or vampire, because the make-up takes about five minutes and all you really need is black clothing, and either a hat or some teeth!

10. What is your Favorite thing about Fall?
The fact that it's almost Winter!!!!!

So guys, that's my I <3 Fall tag, 
I know (for me at least) it feels closer to winter, but please feel free to do this tag, link it in the comments below and I'll be sure to read/watch them all!
Lots and lots of love, wrap up warm honey;
Beth xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

First Impressions Count! --MUA Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit

Hello you gorgeous thing!

Today's blog post is one, funnily enough, about first impressions on products.
I'm considering making a few of these as we all make snap decisions the first time we try out products and I thought it would be a nice idea to document those decisions and follow up after giving them a fair trial to compare.

The first product in this (perhaps) mini-series is an MUA product.
Personally I love love love love MUA, and as of today (I got back from the shops earlier today, so these are going to be very immediate first impressions..) my local Superdrug gained a little MUA stand. In the past there have been the odd product lying on a rather miscellaneous shelf near all the cheap make-up, but now it has its very own stand! Even though it's only one of the small turning stand by itself, this still excites me very much.

So much so that I brought quite a few things but this post will be focusing on the most unusual addition to my make-up bag; the Pro-Brow Ultimate Eyebrow Kit.
This is quite an unusual product for me because it's my first eye-brow type product (not including good ol' tweezers of course!).

Any-hoo, this cutesy little product comes with mini tweezers, which (for the approx. 10 seconds I used them) seem pretty good, a teeny angled brush, three different shades of powder, a gel/cream and a mirror (as it comes as a little compact).

From what I can gather from the back of the product, the idea is to shape your brows with the tweezers and then use the brush to fill them in, then use the gel for "instant precision" *I would have thought just to help it stay but hey-ho what do I know!*and finally use the palest shade to highlight the brow bone.

---10 minute intermission while I take piccies and try out the product---

Okay then, that was easier than I expected considering I was an eyebrow filling in virgin 10 minutes ago!
I do like this product, filling in your eyebrows makes a huge difference to your make-up, I had no idea. However it does upset my waste-not want-not side to know that there is a shade that I'll never use. As my eyebrows are almost black and so I have to use the darkest shade, the medium shade is going to go untouched.

That's pretty much all I can say as this is only based on first impressions, but it is cute and handy, as it's in a compact, and for £3.00 I can hardly grumble!

So, have you tried this product?
Do you like it?
Would you like more of these "first impressions" posts?
Let me know by commenting or tweet me @looklifebeauty
Love you lots and lots like jelly-tots :)


Beth xoxoxo

Barmy about Balmi!

Hello my lovelies!
How are you today?

the cute, ball-like lip balm that fits snug as a bug on your keys :)

Just a little review for you today, much in line with the change of weather happening before our very eyes!

As I'm sure you know, unless you've been living in a cave (...actually, especially if you live in a cave!) that autumn is very much upon us and winter fast on it's tail. And while if you know me at all, you'll know how unbelievably excited I am about this, it does bring sad news for one part of the anatomy. The lips.


Although they are soon to be blessed with the wonders of hot chocolate and Christmas kisses, they will suffer from the chilly weather!

I recently invested in the product "Balmi" from Boots, in Strawberry.
I'll be honest, I mainly brought this product because I thought the name was adorable and I was feeling like a bit of a change (I'm normally faithful to my dear Carmex). But boy oh boy I'm glad I decided to switch it up.

It tastes and smells gorgeous, and a feature that I first thought was cheesy and rather unnecessary has turned out to be very helpful; the key chain. Now, when I first realised that was what the small bit of string was for, my first thought was "why on Earth would you need that? who is reaching for their keys and suddenly thinks oh my gosh I need lip-balm(!)". Well, I apologise greatly makers of Balmi, it is very convenient! You always have your keys, and I used to take my Carmex with me in my make-up bag, which I'm not sure about you, but I don't always have that with me.

Unfortunately though, I do have one, and only one, complaint about this product. Although on first thought the fact that the bottom (which connects to your keys) pops out can be seen as an advantage, you get every single bit of product out of it. And the sheer amount of product alone is something to be credited. This does provide a massive downside, if you're bag is full of useless items that you in no way need in your life, like mine, and you often find yourself scratching around in the bottom off it (wading through the useless crap) for your keys, you grab them and pull them out, guess what happens to the Balmi? The bit of string and the end come out fine, the balm however (now somewhat exposed as the bottom is in your hand) is left rolling around free.

Having said all of this, the balm itself, along with smelling yummy, is super moisturising, without being a touch on the greasy side like some lip balms. It goes on amazingly under lipsticks without effecting their staying power.

Overall I would give this cutesy little product a big ol' thumbs up, I highly highly recommend it, especially if you suffer from dry lips as it really is a must-have product for this winter.

That's all from me today folks,
Love you lots and lots, Beth :) xoxoxoxoxo.
p.s. follow me on twitter to hear about my not-so-exciting life!- @LookLifeBeauty
mwah!!

F.O.T.D. and chit chat :)

Hello darling!

Well, if you're in England I'm sure you'll know it's been an awful day, weather-wise. This has made me immensely excited. Much to my friends annoyance as they've been moaning about their hair etc, and I've been giggling with glee at how much it feels like Christmas time :D.

Anyway, that's what has inspired today's blog, I only ever really wear bolder lips during the winter months. So, today when I woke up to the sound of rain and my Dad telling me to wrap up warm, I knew it was time to whack out the bolds!

Also, as it has been colder lately, I've switched to a foundation with more coverage; today it was the Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hour foundation (in 303 true nude). Sticking with the good old Collection 2000 Lasting Perfection concealer (in 2 light), as I have quite a few blemishes lately, I think changing my foundation has freaked out my skin :(.

On my eyes I just have Natural Collection eyeshadows, from the duo Mocha/Latte. Latte all over the lid and Mocha on the outer corner blended in. I also have two more Boots faves on my lashes: the No7 Excuisite Curl mascara on to make them pretty, and the Natural Collection WaterGuard mascara just over the top because of all the rain.

Finally, the area that feels most winter-y to me by far, is the lips. I am wearing a Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in Plumfull (440). On its own this is a rather dark purple with red undertones, however as I was at college today, I felt it needed toning down a tiny bit, so over the top I have on a Revlon Colourburst Lipgloss in Sizzle (046), which is a very orangey-red to bring out the red, rather than purple tones.
*Just a little side note, the Revlon Lipstick in 046 matches perfectly with the Topshop Lipstick Infrared which I wore together yesterday :).

The one time of the year a 17 year old can be a teddy...
ILOVEWINTER!!

Hope you liked this blog post!
Love you lots and lots like Jelly Tots :)
Beth, xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
p.s. you can now follow me on Twitter if you fancy it :D @LookLifeBeauty








chatty chatty chatty :)

Sorry, sorry, sorry, sorry! I told a lil' porky pie and didn't start blogging again when I said I would. But now I am back at college so I shall try to get into more of a routine with this!

Now that's over and done with, this is going to be a bit of a chatty-blog to try and get back into the swing of it.

As I may have mentioned in a previous blog (lately there has been a lot of writing blog posts and then deleting them because they suck...) I have got a job, whoop whoop! At Boots, it's lovely, for once I am not broke :).

I have also just started my second year of college, currently I am doing two A Levels, and a Btec. If you're not in England/at college that probably means nothing to you! But the subjects are Psychology, History and Law :). Last year I also did English, but we are only allowed to carry on three subjects and English didn't make the cut.

*moment of cheesiness coming right now, you have been warned*

To be honest, I've been a bit out of this whole blogging malarkey recently, didn't really see the point in it. I adore reading blogs, I have for years, and I only made this blog because I figured it would be something to do. But then I started thinking "well what's the point if no one is reading it?" but now I understand that this is something I should do for me, not anyone else.

If, by any freak of nature you are reading this, and you're considering writing a blog, do it. I'm glad I have and I regret stopping for so long.

There are thousands of blogs out there and the chances of mine being one that anyone sees/actually enjoys are very slim. But the chances of this being something I can be proud of are significantly higher.

Any-hoo...

This is only a tiny blog, a micro-blog if you will (hehe images of micro pigs in my head now... eeek cuties).

So I shall go before this turns even more ramble-y...

I love you lots!
Cheerio, Beth xoxoxoxo




p.s. here are some cute piccies...

my baby Lola sleeping...

watching Momma work...

baby Lola and old man Ruben chillin'...

Sorry!

Today is a day of mass apologies.I've been gone for over a month and to be honest I have no big dramatic reason, but I do have a few little excuses...
I got a job!
I started my university applications!
I went to Poland!
I went to Bournemouth!
I (ended an old and...) started a new relationship!

So, it's been busy and blogging just kind of got lost somewhere in the mix. But I've got a sudden surge of energy (maybe something to do with the 3 cans of Red Bull...) so I'm going to do a big ol' batch of blogs.

Coming up there should be:
July Favourites
What I Did In Poland
Everyday Make-up
My Make-up Wish List
and a more in depth update on everything that's been happening :)
Probably not in that order, that's more there so that I have to actually write them!

I shall be posting again here very very soon!
Lots and lots of love, Beth xxx

7 days catch-up!

Hello there dear!

How are you doing? :)

This is my catch-up blog for the 7 things in 7 days post (thanks to Sprinkle of Glitter). Okay then I can feel this is going to be depressing if I've done none of them...

1. Organise

This has been done to some extent, I still have outstanding work to do for college... But it's now all in pretty piles on my floor...

2. Exercise

Well, just to make myself sound a little bit better, I'd just like to point out that I did say I wasn't going to predict miracles with this one! I have walked the doggies a lot more, so in my eyes I think I'm classing this one as a win, a little bit is better than nothing :).

3. Read

Not going to lie, this I have sort of, kind of, not really, but a little bit, done. I brought a new book the day after I posted the last blog, a book that I'd seen in a haul video, The Polaroid Book. Yes I am well aware that there is no reading involved in looking at pretty polaroid pictures, but I've got a new book that I lalalalalove so I'm going to say it counts ;).

4. Smart Shopping

I have only brought two things these past 7 days, both not needed, but both in celebration... I got a job! I had an interview on Wednesday, and I now have a proper weekend job. So I spoilt myself a little bit... *The book I just mentioned I'm not including in this, as it was a present from my lovely mother for the job and because I'm off to Poland for a few days next week and so I needed a new book for the plane.* I'm sorry, I know it's bad but they were both lip products, I know I know it's awful after everything I said about "Smart Shopping"... In my defence, they're soooo pretty! And technically they match so it's just good sense that if you get one you have to get the other... There will be a separate blog post on them soon to give you more info :)!

5. Stop with the snacks

I am happy to say that this little task was a full success! Healthy eating is definitely the way forward!

6. Charity trip

Done and done! Yaaaaay :).

7. Catch Ups

All done, it was blooming lovely and to be honest one of the bestest things to do when life is a bit meh, getting an old friend's advice and having a good ol' chat :).

So, that's the whole list (mostly) completed! Rather proud to be honest, seems like such little achievements but it's better than nothing!

Now, I've suddenly gone really really sad and "meh" so I'm off to have a loooong shower *that did say "bath" until I remembered the bath is broken, sad times) and look through my book of pretty pictures :).

Cheerio m'dear! Lots and lots of love, Beth xoxo

Joining in with Sprinkle Of Glitter's 7 things for 7 days

Hey there honey,

Louise, the gorgeous genius behind these posts!
 http://sprinkleofglitter.blogspot.co.uk/

Like many other bloggers, I am going to be joining in with Sprinkle Of Glitter's "7 things for 7 days" posts.
If by some freak of nature you haven't seen these posts, they're linked above, definitely check them out and join in :).
It's basically just a list of 7 things to do over 7 days (or however long you fancy!) to motivate yourself into sticking with a goal. For someone as useless as me with sticking to one objective, let alone 7, publishing them onto the internet might give me a good kick up the bottom!
Here goes...



1. Organise-
I have zero organisational skills, whether it's home or college. And because of where I am in life at the minute, I'm meant to be organising open days for uni, massive amounts of coursework and preparations for next year. So, this week I'm going to start getting everything organised. I'm sitting just surrounded by papers that I have no idea what subject they are for, but not for long!

2. Exercise-
Much like Louise, I'm not going to be unrealistic and claim that I'll get amazingly fit within the next week. But I can promise to do a little bit more, I can sense that this will be a reoccurring item on these lists. This week (what's left of it) I will do more running, take the dogs out on longer walks and generally not be such a lazy bum!

3. Read-
The subjects that I'm doing at college, do mean that I have to do a stupid amount of reading. So much so that I have stopped reading for pleasure. So this week I want to just start a new book for fun, I have lots and lots lined up, all waiting. I shall pick one tonight and start reading!

4. Smart Shopping-
I do love shopping, and I'll admit when I first wrote this list, item no.4 was "Stop Shopping". However that is just not going to happen... I know, I know that's awful but baby steps people, baby steps. I've changed it to "Smart Shopping", just so that I shop for things that I know I will use a lot, that I've researched first (make-up etc.), clothes that I know I will wear and things that are worth the money!

5. Stop With The Snacks-
This links in with no.2 on my list, I'm not expecting to turn into a size 8 over night, I'm not an idiot that will never happen! But just feeling healthier in myself would suit me just fine. I'm not going to ask for the stars and start a diet, I hate the things, too many restrictions. However I do know that the meals that I eat (as a vegetarian) are pretty darn healthy. So just stopping snacking so blooming much would make me feel a lot better!

6. Charity Trip-
Again, linked in with no.1, I've recently had a clear out of my clothes and lots of them went to charity. Giving things to charity hardly makes me Mother Theresa, but it does make me feel like I'm doing some good! I'm aiming this week, to do the same with all my old books and surely lugging those up to the shops will count as some exercise ;)!

7. Catch Ups-
There's a few of my friends that I've lost touch with, so this is a nice goal for this week. Just catch up with a few of them, I miss them rather a lot and just a cuppa coffee and a chat, I know will make me feel a lot happier. Short 'n' sweet!

If you like the idea of this do pop over to Louise's blog and join in...

Lots and lots of love, Beth xoxoxo

my evening of procrastination

Hello honey pie!
This is going to be a uber uber speedy blog today, as I'm meant to be writing about the Irish Home Rule Movement, ahh procrastination is amazing isn't it!
So here it is, my mini blog of procrastination, where I tell you how to procrastinate like a pro!

what my evening has consisted of...

Today I've been on a college outing of sorts, as I do a Law Btec along with my A Levels, I have to actually spend some time in a court, so that's what we did. I'll tell you something, it is sooooo dull. Don't get me wrong I love Law, but court is so horrid, telly is mean and makes you think it'll be all exciting. Take it from me, telly lies!
When I got home, I felt I'd really earned a bit of a treat, so that's exactly what I got.
I've had a shower, used up all the lovely bath products my mum had laying around (shhh...), and then started my own little pampering sesh from the comfort of my bed!

Firstly I used Johnson's face care dreamy skin night face wipes- ooft they are lush! After that had got rid of all the yucky make-up off my face, I used Simple moisturising facial wash, followed by the purifying cleansing lotion. So my face was as smooth as a ickle baba's bottom!

Then comes the loooovely bit, Superdrug's own Cooling Face Mask, it smells like you want to eat it, provided of course that you like cucumbers. And that's how I'm sitting now, typing this up on my pink net book, staring blankly at a book about the Irish Home Rule Movement, I can honestly say I know nothing of Ireland apart from Dublin and Guinness. Ooooh I have no hope of getting any work done tonight...

But, if you're in the same situation as me at the moment, tell yourself what I constantly tell myself. If you don't make yourself relaxed and at ease, you'll never be able to do any work anyway, you'll be too tense and stressed out for anything to get done to the standard it should be!

I think that's what I'll tell my History teacher when she asks for this work in... "Sorry Miss I couldn't do the work, I was far too tense and I ran out of face masks!". I'm sure she'll understand ;).

That's it from me folks, just nipping in to say don't procrastinate! Unless you have a totally valid excuse like me...
Lots and lots of love! Beth xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

review of Herbal Essences hair mask

Hello darling,

*I'm writing this post on the same day as my last one (the Johnson's review), I'm on fire! So proud right now :D*

Why does everyone do an introduction saying "this blog is going to be about..." when it's right there in the title? Hmmm... Sorry little random tangent there :).
This is a review of one of the Herbal Essences hair masks, specifically "Hello Hydration" ;) hope you enjoy!

you can see where I've scooped out the product...
looks a bit gross but you can see it's been loved!

The whole reason I brought this hair mask was because recently I've killed my hair with quite a lot of dye. You can read more about the whole horrific ordeal if you like, I wrote a blog post (a hair raising experience) on it. Back to the point, basically after this my hair was horrible and dry so some definite TLC was needed.

I didn't pick this product myself, I had been complaining about the state of my hair to my Dad and he very very kindly brought this back for me from Co-Op I think. I don't think it is a product I'd of gone to if I had been shopping myself, nothing against the brand or anything, just that it smells like coconut which would immediately put me right off.

Just the slightest smell of coconut normally makes me feel physically ill, not a very nice sentence to be telling you, but true. Saying that though, I do think that this product smells in-bloomin'-credible. So if you've been avoiding it because you don't like coconut, give it a sniff next time you walk past it, if I'm wrong then sorry, no money wasted, but if you agree, buybuybuy!

Okay then, onto the actual product and if it's any good. In a word, yes! My hair was, as I'm sure you can imagine, so dry it would've been a relief to go to the Sahara. I know this isn't gonna sound like a good thing, and trust me at first I didn't think it was, but now my hair gets icky and greasy. Which, although not exactly a plus, does mean that my hair is producing good cleaning stuff and isn't as dry! I'm not saying that this product made my hair go greasy immediately. I just mean that instead of washing it, and it being just horrid and straw-like until I washed and conditioned the crap out of it again, it actually has the ability to get greasy if I don't wash it say, every two days. 

It seems a bit premature to give this product all of the credit, however in the past my hair has taken a helluva lot longer to get back to this condition, and the only thing that I've done any differently has been this wonderful little hair mask.

As it's a hair mask, and not just a conditioner, it's usually suggested to only use it say, once a week, so that your hair doesn't get overly greasy. I do agree with this and recommend not doing it too often, if your hair is just naturally dry. On the other hand, if, like me, you're after a hair mask because you've dyed your hair a lot, or use a lot of heat on it (basically just if you need a little burst of treatment to get it back into a regular condition...) then just use it as much as you feel necessary. Personally at the moment I'm using it with every wash, however mostly concentrating on the lengths and ends, rather than the roots and not using an actual conditioner. Soon though I will be moving to just using it once a week, once I can be sure that my hair will stay in this condition.

Regardless of this though, I do recommend this product to everyone out there. I know there are other products in this range for other hair problems, like split ends and one for making your hair smoother, so whatever your hair care nightmare (oooh rhymes!) is, I'm sure you'll be able to find something.

Just a little side-note, I've tried to find this product to link it for you, however I can't find the right one; "Hello Hydration". But I've seen this product in supermarkets and drugstores such as Boots and Superdrug, so if you fancy it, I'd just keep your eyes peeled :).

I think that's everything!
I do hope you've found this helpful, sorry I couldn't link it but shhh loads of places sell Herbal Essences so it shouldn't be hard to get hold of.
Love you lots and lots like jelly tots! Beth, xoxo

review of Johnson's exfoliating wash

Hello gorgeous!

As promised, here is a beauty-type blog post again! *yayayayayayayayayay the crowd goes wild!*

A review of a product that I brought about 3 months ago and have been trying out for a blooming long time, Johnson's face care, gentle exfoliating wash. 

Now, first impressions of this product weren't good I'll be honest, I hated it. It's advertised as "gentle" and I'm pretty sure the way they adapted a regular exfoliating wash to be marketed as "gentle" was make the formula itself a bit more cream-y and reduce the size of the exfoliating beads, the beads really are tiny, they do seem like they won't work. When I first used it, for the first 2 weeks roughly, it just hurt like a naughty word and felt like I was rubbing sand on my face, not something I've ever associated with being "gentle" I'm sure you'll agree.

Although it doesn't seem like it, after the first few weeks I did grow to love this product. I'm not sure why on earth it hurt that much to start off with, maybe I just didn't use enough water with it, or my skin had to adapt to it, but it has become one of my favourite products. It works wonders protecting against spots, I tend to get them when I don't use a powerful enough wash, however since I've used this product I've hardly had any break-outs. &since it stopped hurting, it does leave your face feeling moisturised, not stripped like some harsher products.

I do recommend the hell out of this product, it does pretty much everything you'd want in an exfoliating wash. Seen as in Boots it's only £3.09 you really can't go wrong. 

However, if you have super sensitive skin, then I would say maybe don't go for this, by all means don't be put off by Johnson's altogether, it is an amazing brand. Personally my skin isn't that sensitive, and it did really hurt to begin with, when using this specific product. If you fancy giving it ago though and think that your skin won't be too damaged by it, then do, it's hardly a massive expense spared if it doesn't work out for you!

That's everything I think! Hope you found this helpful honey :)

Lots and lots of love, Beth xoxo

my little list for a happier you :')

Hello m'dear,

This is the second blog that I'm writing today, it's been a blooming awful day. One of those where nothing bad has really happened, everyone around me has just been a bit blergh, and so now I'm a bit blergh...
Anyway, I had begun to write a "What's In My Make-up Bag" type blog, but I was rambling far far too much and it wasn't going very well. So lets scrap that idea.
So here goes the second attempt, sorry this isn't even a little bit planned but here's my top tips for keeping yourself a little tiny bit happier when you've had a bit of an iffy day....

1.Get the kettle on love!
Okay, so the first thing on my list of "making myself happy" activities (oh god this sounds like a very very different post now, I mean in a completely PG way...) is quite simply get a warm drink. Be it coffee, tea, hot chocolate, one of those weird teas that my parents like that smell like candles *herbal tea, that's the word, I feel silly for not remembering that now...*. I'm not sure how scientifically true it is, I think it was some girly magazine that I read it in, but it said that if your body is physically warm when you're on a date with someone (like if you go and get coffee, ya see where I'm going with this theory?) then you're more likely to connect with them, because you'll associate the physical warmth with warmth towards them! So, my theory, and it does work for me, is that if I'm sad, I'll get myself all toasty warm, and then all the bag negative thoughts don't seem so bad! Very British but a good cuppa tea really does help!

2. Chill!
Second on my list, mainly useful if you've had a horrible day at work/school/anywhere outside of the house where you've had to get all (or partially) dolled up, is just a good old fashioned face mask. My personal favourites are Superdrug's own Mud Masks, they come in tube-full amounts rather than little packets which I do love! A brilliant excuse to scrape your hair back, take off all your make-up with your fave cleanser, get into some joggers and a hoodie and listen to soothing music (or in my case Kill The Director by The Wombats on repeat :D). There's nothing more satisfying than not caring how you look and laying on the sofa in joggers.

3. Hey there pretty lady!
Right then, completely contradicting myself here but, here's an alternative if you don't want to look like you've made no effort and slob around for a few hours. This tends to work for me if I'm just about getting over an illness; get all dolled up! You don't have to go out, you don't have to be doing for someone special, just make yourself look as gorgeous as you want to. Try out that bright pink lipstick you've been dying to but have been a bit scared how it will look, if it looks horrific you're only inside the house, who's going to know? ;)

4. I'll make the popcorn!
This is now back to the whole slobbing around idea, it is a very obvious one, Disney/cheesy/girly/funny/just plain bad movies (or telly of course), whatever floats your boat. My personal favourites are Jeremy Kyle, Hercules, Hancock, Breakfast Club and Clueless. This one doesn't really need to be said to be honest, but I figured for the sake of being thorough I should include it!

5. Run girl run!
Next is for more of a, not wanting to wallow, wanting to give that nasty sadness a kick up the bottom! And the item on my list for that kind of mood is short, sweet and simple, get on your joggers (gosh that seems to be my answer to everything, I don't wear them that often I promise!) and go for a ickle run. Not one so massive that you want to sleep straight after and ache in the morning, just one big enough to get your endorphins jumping about your body and make up for the fact that you've been a slob and laid on the sofa with a face mask on watching crappy films...

6. Tidy room, tidy mind!
Along the whole, kicking sadness in the behind train of thought, one thing that helps me a helluva lot is just tidying up my room, sorting out my bag, cleaning out old make-up, taking stuff to charity, selling it on Ebay. Basically get rid of all your old junk, clear out negativity from your room and it will go from your mind :). Cheesy but true.

7. Happy happy people!
I'm really sorry, this blog was meant to be finished and posted last night when I started it, however quite conveniently Louise (Sprinkleofglitter) and Zoe (Zoella), both Youtubers and bloggers, did a Blogtv so I got a little distracted. However it does provide quite a good little link to my next suggestion. Surround yourself by people that make you happy be it people on telly, YouTube, friends, family. Anyone who makes you smile, for me that's my best friend, my Mum and Dad, and lots of different YouTubers :D! Very specifically for this, it only works for me if they aren't pushy people that will try to cheer you up, it needs to be those people that automatically make you smile.

8. Window shopper!
Now this one depends very much on you, it does involve a shopping trip. I'm hardly the richest girl out there, I would say I am certainly broke for the vast majority of my life, however I find great joy in window shopping. *If you don't please do just skip to the next paragraph!* For me, wandering around clothes shops, book shops, make-up shops, jewellery shops, having no intention of buying anything is fine. I'm not saying go and take away the shop assistants time asking questions when you have no intention of buying a product or item. But strolling around Boots swatching pretty new colours or walking around Waterstones reading the back of 10000 books, is a really really calming activity. I know some people would get saddened by this because they aren't going to buy any of the pretty or interesting things, but I prefer to think of it was forward planning for a time when I actually do have money! This also works just as well if you've already completed the other tips on this list and you're laying in bed with a laptop, no make-up on, and just making wish-lists on Ebay and Topshop...

9. Soak in the scenery!
Kind of connected to no.5 on this list, go for a walk. I'm sure this will get your endorphins pumping a little bit but that's not the point, the point is to clear your head. It's all very well doing every other item on this list, they will help cheer you up. But there's nothing like going for a walk, when you're in the mood of just blergh and you don't know why, a walk is just the thing to put everything into perspective.

10. So long Mr Rut, I won't be seeing you any time soon!
This final tip is one that works wonders for me every time, and one that I'm doing right now in fact. I've been in a bit of a rut lately, so I started this blog. This tip is just to start something new, doesn't have to be skydiving or skiing. Could be re-painting your room, making a collage from bits of magazines (that is awfully fun...), learning to bake, starting a blog. Do something, I'm clearly not knocking the idea of mooching around in your scruffiest clothes (as several of these tips have shown), but when you're done doing that, do something new.

Well then chick, I do hope at least one of these has helped you, if you've got any little tips I'd be very very keen to hear them! I do now have a Twitter for this blog (@LookLifeBeauty) so tweet me, leave a comment :)

lots and lots of love, keep smiling xoxoxoxoxox

p.s. I will do a beauty type post soon, promise :)