Saturday 27 June 2015

Battle of the Benefit Mascaras

In my May favourites post, I mentioned one of my favourites was Benefit They're Real. Since that has run out, I decided to try out the new Roller Lash mascara; and I LOVE it. Here's what I think. 


This mascara is great at separating the lashes and adding both length and volume. It stays in place all day without smudging and to top it all off it is easy to remove with regular makeup remover. The wand on this mascara is a plastic one, which I initially didn't like but I have grown to enjoy it. 

Before buying this mascara, I had a look online and saw many people comparing before and after use and I was very impressed. Being a fan of the They're Real mascara, I had high hopes for this product, and it did not disappoint. The wand on this is a rubber/silicon one which grips the lashes really easily. This mascara adds a whole load of length and curl to the lashes without being clumpy. I just love it. 

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I hope this helps. Let me know which one is your favourite, I love them both!

Charlie xx

Friday 29 May 2015

May Favourites

We are fast approaching the end of the month so it is time for me to share my MONTHLY FAVOURITES.


1. KREAFUNK 'aGroove' Speaker (Blue)- I picked this up in a Museum in Stockholm when I was there at Easter. The bluetooth speaker connect directly to your phone and I have used it so much while revising and doing work. I love how compact it is and easy to move around anywhere with you. 

2. Spotify - Along with the speakers I have been enjoying creating and listening to playlists on Spotify. I particularly love listening to the Hozier album, James Bay's album, as well as Joe Sugg's 'Coachella 15' Playlist. I only have the free version at the moment but am thinking about upgrading. Is it worth it? 

3. Daniel Wellington 'Sheffield Lady' - I got this from my grandparents for my 18th birthday back in December. I got the Rose Gold Sheffield Lady watch; it is very versatile as it is perfect for both casual and smart outfits. 

4. Benefit They're Real! Mascara - I wear this mascara on a daily basis and it is only now that it is on its last legs that I have realised how much I love it. Definitely considering repurchasing it but would also like to try the Roller Lash Mascara. Which is better?

5. Nivea Fruity Shine (Watermelon) - This lip balm is great at keeping chapped lips away but also adds a sheer wash of colour and shine. It's great!

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What have you been loving this month? 

Charlie xx

Sunday 10 May 2015

MAC Russian Red Lipstick

MAC are well known for their lipsticks (understatement of the century). The three most popular red lipsticks from MAC are Lady Danger, Ruby Woo and Russian Red. While I was at their airport on my way to Stockholm last month I decided to pick up Russian Red. It is a matte finish and is a little darker than the other reds. 

Russian Red Matte Lipstick
Russian Red is a classic red, perfect for pale skinned girls. It reminds me of a Hollywood glamour red that goes with everything. An all round great lipstick which will remain in my collection for years to come. It glides easily over the lips for a flawless matte finish. Although a matte finish, I do not find it dries out the lips which is perfect.

I also have the Brave Red lipstick in my collection which is actually very similar to this but in a cremation formula. 

See the full range of MAC lipsticks here.
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Whats your favourite MAC lipstick?
Charlie xx

P.S. Sorry for the lack of post recently. I have been studying for my A Level exams. I hope to post more regularly when my exams have finished :)

Friday 10 April 2015

Stockholm Photo Diary // Easter 2015

Over the long Easter weekend, I went to Stockholm with my family for a short city break. Here are some pictures I took while I was away. 





Outfit:
Jeans // H&M
Jumper // New Look
Hat // Primark
Coat // Mango
Trainers // Nike Roshe Run 
Bag // New Look

Makeup:
Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation // 101 Classic Ivory
Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer // 10 Ivory
Rimmel Stay Matte Powder // 01 Transparent
Soap&Glory Solar Powder Bronzer
Soap&Glory Brow Archery / Brownie Points
Benefit They're Real! Mascara
Nivea Fruity Shine // Watermelon



Cinnamon Bun :) 






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I hope you all had a great Easter break.

Charlie xx

Saturday 21 March 2015

Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Foundation

The Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude foundation was launched last month. Since then, I've been trying out this fluid-touch foundation to see if it really 'evens and perfects the skin with complete, natural looking coverage'.


Shade 10 Ivoire
So here are my thoughts:
This is the lightest, silkiest liquid foundation that I’ve ever put on my face so I had a hard time getting used to it. First of all, the concept of a dropper is new to me, so my foundation routine took a little longer than usual to begin with (but this applicator is the reason it gives such a natural looking finish). I started off by applying it with a Real Techniques buffing brush but ended up using my fingers to give a more natural, streak-free finish. 

This foundation is a medium coverage (but build-able) and is good at hiding any redness. The finish is almost matte, which is what I like. However,  I found any dry patches of my skin looked flakier and the foundation stuck to these problem areas; so it won't be replacing my Rimmel Match Perfection foundation just yet. Despite this, with a little more moisturising, I think the foundation is perfect for a more natural, light weight makeup look in spring and summer. 

Find it in Boots and Superdrug for just £8.99. 

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Let me know your thoughts on this foundation, and enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Charlie xx


Friday 27 February 2015

Homemade Granola Recipe

Serving suggestion here.

Ingredients:
300g oats
150g mixed seeds (I used the Omega Sprinkle from Holland and Barrett)
50g flaked almonds
50g coconut flakes
50g raisins
2 tbs honey
100ml maple syrup
1sp vanilla extract

Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 150C/ gas mark 2.
2. Mix all the ingredients (except the coconut and dried fruit) in a large bowl.
3. Tip the granola mix onto a baking sheet (you may need more than one) and spread evenly.
4. Bake for 10/15 minutes. 
5. Add the coconut and dried fruit. Bake for a further 10/15 minutes.


Serve with milk or yogurt. 
Can be stored in an airtight container for up to a month. 


Note: this recipe can be altered however you like. Add more fruit, less seeds/nuts. Whatever you prefer. 

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Charlie xx

Friday 6 February 2015

'REVOLUTION' Ankle Boots // ASOS

Instagram: @charliefwilliamson


Colour: 
Black

Price: 
£21 
(reduced from £35)

The Details: 
Textured, leather-look upper
Lace-up closure
Metal Eyelets
Almond shaped toe
Chunky platform
Block heel

My Thoughts:
Super comfortable; despite 5cm heel.
Perfect for everyday wear.
Easy to dress up or dress down.
Lace tightly; good for narrow feet.

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Charlie xx

Sunday 25 January 2015

A Healthy Way To Start The Day

If you read my New Years Resolutions post, you will know I want to be healthier this year. Not that I eat that badly, but I want to think more about what I am eating and feel generally happier with my body. 

With this in mind, I have started by tackling breakfast; the most important meal of the day. Instead of  just having toast or skipping breakfast, I have started having granola with yoghurt (and sometimes a little bit of honey or some fruit), delicious

Breakfast: Granola with Yoghurt and Honey. Coffee.

I have discovered Rude Health 'The Ultimate' granola which is the perfect mix of oats/spelt/barley and nuts (almonds and hazelnuts). This granola doesn't contain any fruit and therefore has a low sugar level compared to most granolas. I like to have my granola with plain yoghurt; any type will do really, just whatever you prefer. 

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Charlie xx

Saturday 3 January 2015

Lush Haul

Lush products are some of my favourite bath and shower products out there. When they had a 50% off sale after Christmas I went a bit crazy, so I thought I would share with you what I got. 




1. Christmas Hedgehog // Bubble Bar (£1.65)
'Soften skin and prickly moods this festive season. Crumble under running water for mounds of bubbles and a moisturising soak.'









2. Dashing Santa // Bath Bomb (£1.45)
'The citrus essential oils in this satsuma-scented bath bomb will put a spring in your step. Drop into the water and watch Santa fly.'






3. Melting Snowman // Bath Melt (£1.10)
'Melt away festive fatigue with this cocoa butter bath melt. Drop into your bath water to soften up.'










4. Yog Nog // Soap (£2.00)
'Give skin a drink of soap made with soya yoghurt and a fudgy blend of festive spices. Lather on, then put on your Christmas knits.'




5. Blue Skies and Fluffy White Clouds // Bubble Bar (£2.35)
'Patchouli and frankincense give it an exotic, hypnotic fragrance that helps you relax. This melts into your bathwater, turning the water sky-blue dotted with foam clouds.'



6. So White // Bath Bomb (£1.75)
'This brings a crisp, fresh aroma of a juicy apple to your tub. Pop it in the bath and watch it fizz, releasing softening baking soda and the uplifting oils of bergamot and neroli.'




7. Sakura // Bath Bomb (£1.75)
'Noriko, one of our product inventors, hails from Japan and this beautiful Bath Bomb represents what it’s like to be in a park while the breeze blows through the blossoms in the trees.'




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Charlie xx