And Where Have You Been?!

Hi Guys!
I haven't written a blog for a while now, and there was me thinking i'd just got into the swing of things! I've been quite busy finishing up uni for this semester and getting some last minute things done in Plymouth because i am off home to Bournemouth tomorrow! I am so excited and have so many things planned. I can't wait to catch up with my girls and chill out and will deffo be hitting the town! Then on the day after boxing day my amaze-balls boyfriend will be coming to visit over new years so i am looking forward to that on tender hooks! I've been getting lots of things i want to show you recently, presents from my boyfriend and presents from my dad, all for crimbo of course! I think i'm going to wait until after Christmas though because obviously i'll be getting things then aswell so i will do a haul then! I haven't done a haul yet so i'm quite excited! I'll be putting some information on this blog but the main haul will be on my YouTube channel so don't forget to check that out. I hope you are all feeling very Christmassy and are putting on the Christmas pounds like i am HAHA! Speak to you soon!

xXx

YouTube Alert!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFCnC7nOw3U

Check it out :)

xXx

My Everyday Make-up and Perfume.

Bonjour! 


I've had such a busy day in uni today, 9-5! Finally. Not that i liked going in that early and coming out that late but i was starting to think my hard earned student loan was going to waste! Anyway i came back and made a YouTube video of my OOTD ...check it out...
Then i thought lets update the blog :) So for you delight and pleasure, this is my everyday makeup routine..in pictures.


Step 1.

The first thing i do before i put any makeup on, be it first thing in the morning or if i'm re-applying half way through the day it cleanse and moisturise my skin.  I think it's so important as a first step as it sets your skin up for the rest of the make-up which will ultimately create a more flawless finish. The face wipes i use are by Skin Therapy and i got them from Sainsburys for £2.50. This is one of the cheaper brands and i haven't actually seen them in boots yet but they are amazing. They smell so good and as soon as i use them i can feel how much cleaner and softer my skin is. Next i use Nivea Soft Moisturising Cream. This was around £3 from Boots. I've heard mixed reviews about this moisturiser but I've never had anything but good results. I have quite combination skin and i don't find it makes me oily and definitely targets dry patches (as all good moisturisers should). 


Step 2. 

After i have prepared my face i use 17 Even Tone Correcting Stick (£3.89, Boots). Now don't be scared...it is blue. I had this to any redness i have on my face, normally around spots and my nose. The blue helps to counter act the redness. Make sure this is blended well! Next i mix together Dior Forever Fluid in 030 (£26 House of Fraser) and 17 Skin Perfecting Shine Free Foundation in Natural (£3.69 Boots). The reason i blend the two together is because obviously the Dior Foundation is a lot more expensive and very good quality and i feel it creates a nice, flawless finish, however, i did get a too darker shade so i bought a cheap (but good) foundation from 17 to make the colour a bit more suited to my skin tone. I think sometimes you do have to blend foundations because not everybody is going to be one of the 5 or 6 shades available. Next i use Laura Geller The Real Deal Concealer in Medium (I don't know how much it is, stole it off mum) It says medium but it's really not and has a very creamy light consistency. I then set my face with 17 Pressed Power in Delicate Beige (£3.99 Boots). Amazing powder, really does what it says on the tin, without being cakey. 


Step 3. 

 After the base of my makeup i then apply a small amount of bronzer lightly around my face and down onto my neck and chest if i feel i need it (hitting pan, OH NO!!!) For this i use Rimmel Natural Bronzer  in 025 Sun Glow (£5.59, Boots). I like this bronzer because i feel it gives a really nice natural, sun kissed colour and it isn't too orange. Deffo try it. Next i use the 17 Instant Glow Highlight and Bronze (£3.59, Boots). I use the bronze side to contour just below the cheek bones, temples and down my nose, just to define my features and give a healthy glow, then the highlighter side on the top of my cheek bones. I love this product because i couldn't find an affordable brand that did anything like this until i stumbled across it (when i wasn't even planning on buying anything, that always happens doesn't it!). Finally for face, i use Laura Geller Blush 'n' Brighten in Berry (£20, QVC). I LOVE THIS! It's such a nice flush of colour in a peachy pink and it has a gold iridescence which catches the sun and is flattering on any skin tone. 


Step 4.

For eyes I start with The Body Shop Eye Colour 29 (was £8.00, now discontinued). Isn't it annoying when you find a great colour and they stop making it?! And i'm running out?! I wash this mushroom colour all over the lid of my eye. It has a subtle shimmer, but not much. Next in the crease i apply Natural Collection Eyeshadow in Milk Chocolate (£1.99). I love Natural Collection eye shadows. They are so affordable and are great dupes for more expensive brands. It's a light fawn/taupe colour and has a nice matte finish. After this is apply Laura Geller Eyeliner in Caffe Mocha (£17, QVC). I have only recently switched to this eyeliner as it's brown and i normally wore black. However, i am so glad i did. Brown is a much nicer colour, i feel, for blue eyes. It really brings them out and isn't too harsh for an everyday look. I then use Rimmel Flash Eyeliner in Flash Black (£5.29, Boots) on my top eye lid. I really like a winged eyeliner look as i have quite small eyes and it's nice to accentuate them (sexy). Finally for eyes i use Collection 2000 Pump Up the Volume Loud Lash Mascara in black (£4.99, Boots). This is one you have to stick with. I keep coming back to this one because i don't want to give up on it. When i first started using it it was very liquidy and made my eyelashes a bit "spidery" as mum said, but now its dried up a bit it's better, not one i will be re-purchasing though. Sorry! If i', going out at night and i want a darker eye look i use Bourjois Smokey Eyes Pallet in 09 Lady Vert de Gris (£7.99, Boots). This trio offers 3 colours which i think are perfect for any sensual, smokey eye. 

Step 5.

For the lips i first use The Body Shop Born Lippy Lip Balm in Watermelon (£2.00 The Body Shop). Not only is this super moisturising, but it tastes amazing! So good for your lips, not sticky and a good price. Do try. On top of this i apply Bourjois Effect 3D Les Nudes in 33 Brun Poetic (£6.99, Boots). I personally like this because i love nudes and it tastes great and has a nice shimmer to it without being tacky. It also lasts well. Finally on the lips i apply a small dabbing off Collection 2000 Cream Puff Lip Cream  in Powder Puff (£2.99, Tescos). Now, I sooooo wanted to like this because despite the picture, it is such a nice nude. Unfortunately it is so dry and i find it doesn't transfer very well. It is does that annoying thing were you look like you have rabies because it's like all the white stuff in the corner of you lips. Not good when your puckering up. However, if my lips are in the right condition it's alright. 


Step 6. 

After allllllllllllllllllll of this the last step is perfume. These two are my favourite scents right now, even though there are many out there that i like. On the left we have Dior Pure Poison (30ml, £39, House of Fraser). I like to use this at night time as it's more mysterious smelling and sexy. I find it's quite a dark, powerful smell. Oooooo. On the right is Next One Spirit (30ml £6, Next). This is the fragrance i spritz on as i'm running out the door, most days. it's light, fresh and girly and definitely something i will be re-purchasing. 


OMG, that is a long blog! I do apologise.  If you made it down this far, I hope you enjoyed it and it's given you some ideas of products to buy for yourself for an everyday make-up look. Don't forget crimbo is coming up and a lot of this will make great Christmas presents. 

xXx

Cupcakes NOM!

Hey guys!
Now, i'm not in any way, shape or form a professional....but check these babies out!!! Not to brag but i think that are pretty darn attractive, and they were scrumptious too!

Basically, me and my friend that i live with at uni were a bit bored today, i know what you must be thinking..she's always bored, does she not go to uni or something? Trust me I'm not happy about paying over 3 grand a year but yet i still have time to bake cupcakes on a Wednesday afternoon, but i was very happy with how these turned out. I know there are hundreds of tried and tested recipes out there on't t'internet but this was pure guess work or the lazy mans cook book, i say. Basic ingredients; butter, sugar, flour, eggs and vanilla extract then butter cream frosting which consists of; icing sugar, butter and vanilla extract. We then lovingly decorated (LOL getting my Nigella on) with chocolate sprinkles and marshmallows on the top. Oh and i'll let you into another little secret....there's jam in the middle of them!!! I know, i like to be daring with my baking.


We got a bit messy with the flour *naughtyyy* and they do look like they've been made by a child but at the end of the day we had fun and they tasted great! Give them a go :) Pretttyyyyy!

xXx

First YouTube video! eeeee!!

I am very excited to announce that i have just uploaded my first ever YouTube video. I can't understand why i'm so excited about this but i am, YIPEEE!! So head on over and check it out :) subscribe and leave comments too! 

http://www.youtube.com/user/BecciUpshall

xXx

My Fav Nail Varnishes

Morn'in all!


Again it's a horrible, grey, rainy day in Plymouth so i thought i would do a quick blog about my 'can't live without' nail varnishes. They vary in price and quality but these are the few that i reach for all the time. 

On the left we have George Yard by Nails Inc London

On the right we have Hans Crescent by Nails Inc London

• Both polishes are £11, a bit pricey for a nail varnish compared to some of the others in this blog, however, you really do get what you pay for which is a long lasting, nice consistency and good quality polish.
•  These two last for well into two weeks of wearing and glide on to your nails effortlessly. 
• They have a good sized fan brush which almost hugs your nails which makes applying really easy. 
• They come in 10ml bottles so you get a good amount, but honestly you don't need many coats because of the quality so they really do last a long time.
• George Yard is a really pretty, high pigmented, gold shimmer polish. When i first saw this i was a bit nervous about how glittery it was but the glitter is extremely fine and when it's on the nail it looks more metallic than glittery. Great for the festive season.
• Hans Crescent is more of a peachy colour than it looks in the photo (a bit orange) and is more something i would personally wear in summer. That being said, i am very into painting one nail on each hand different at the moment and this looks really nice paired with a taupe colour. 

On the left we have Big Smoke by Topshop

In the middle we have Poison Ivy by Topshop

On the right we have Ruthless by Topshop 

• All of these polishes were £5 which i think is a greatly affordable price for the quality that they are.
• Topshop states that these polishes are fast drying, long wearing and have a glossy finish. For this i can definitely vouch that they do. 
• My only issue with these polishes is that they don't last as long as some of the more expensive brands and you do have to apply more than one coat but, for the  amazing colours that Topshop supply, i really do not care.
• They come in 8ml bottles which i think is a generous size for the price.
• Big Smoke, at first glance i thought this colour was a pale taupe colour and a really nice nude. However, when it's applied it is more of a lilac, grey colour which is beautiful for those 'barely there' days when you want to look more natural. Also i do a lot of placement in schools and this colour is great for that.
• Poison Ivy, is my favourite colour this season. It's that deep green that seems to be everywhere at the moment and has a high pigment, dazzling shine in it. This is really appropriate for Christmas. *ooooo Christmas!* 
• Ruthless, this is the ultimate find for me. At the moment i am OBSESSED with the dark wine, burgundy colours. If i had my way everything in my wardrobe would be this colour. It's funny how something such as a nail varnish can make your mood change but when i wear this polish i feel daring and sexy (LOL) and it goes with almost everything in my wardrobe. 

On the left we have Cherry by H&M

In the middle we have Grey by Barry M

On the right we have Thrill of Brazil by O.P.I

• Cherry, is such an amazing colour for winter. It's a lighter shade of that burgundy colour i love and is a bit more pinky but i think that's really nice for all year round, kind of a raspberry colour. Now here comes the best bit....it was £1.99!!!! Now H&M are known for coming out with some cracking bargains but this is amazing. It comes in a 7ml bottle so very generous for the price. It has a really nice brush that doesn't shed all over your nail and i found that it was quite long lasting. Must have.
• Grey, although this is a colour i reach for often, it is purely for the colour and nothing else. Barry M let me down on this one :( *boo hoo* I love Barry M Nail Paints normally but this one i find having to put like 500 coats on and then it chips off really easily. It was £2.99 for a 10ml bottle which is extremely good but in some ways i do feel that your getting what you paid for. Sorry Barry, great colour, not the best finish.
• Thrill of Brazil, i love this polish and i'm sad i only have a mini size of 3.75ml because it's nearly run out :( I stole this from mother so i'm not sure how much she paid for it because it was only a mini but I've seen full sizes floating about for around £10. This is definitely at the higher end of the price range but i think it is absolutely worth it. I know you can find some exceptions where price isn't everything but in this case you really do get an amazing quality polish. I love it's matte finish and it lasts me a long time and has real staying power. Again this is a colour i would wear all year round!

I hope you have enjoyed this blog, that was a few of my ultimate polishes that i reach for regularly. They are from varying price ranges so there is something for everyone and i find a lot of cheaper brands do amazing dupes for more expensive ones so there's no need to break the bank, however, be weary that sometimes you do get what you pay for and you may end up picking something up that doesn't last long and doesn't have a nice finish, apart from the few exceptions. If i had to pick a favourite right now i would say anything from Topshop. 

Have a nice day! 

xXx

Chelsea Boots

Hello Darlings,


I know I only did my first post today but I thought I would get the ball rolling with one of my staple fashion pieces! These are my new babies and i wear them with everything because they are SO versatile. The one. The only, Chelsea Boots. I feel that for winter these are such a good buy and even though I wear them with leggins or jeans I have also put them with tights and skirts or shorts.   

  

Now these ones are from Dorothy Perkins and they were £35. Personally I think they are great value for money because they are real leather and super comfortable. I prefer these specific ones more to some of the others out there because i like the creased effect on the front. Like many of us, i'm sure, I hate the size of my feet and I feel this effect means they don't look like flippers as some of the others I've tried on have been very stiff and smooth on the front. Another plus to these boots is the price. Being a student I can't always afford the best, most expensive pair, as much as i would like to, so for all you other students wanting a pair of Chelsea boots i think these could be for you. 


Other Chelsea boots i have seen and fallen in love with are the ABE Ultimate Chelsea Boots from Topshop which are being sold for £65, good for if your looking at the higher end of the high streets stores and have abit more to spend. All the rest i have seen have all been around the same price as mine so about £30-£35 so have a look around. If anybody knows of any cheaper feel free to comment below. 


                            x X x


                                                                                                 

First Blog

Well Hello!
It's a horrible, grey rainy day and one of the rare occasions that i have no work, oh how i love paying for uni then not having anything to do, so i thought..i'm going to start a blog! I have been an avid YouTube watcher for years and some of my most watched channels always mention blogs, so i went through some of there's and was quite excited! Here comes the issue of what to write in a first blog, so i thought I would tell you a bit about myself, not in a vein way. My name is Becci Upshall and i'm 19 from Dorset. I'm currently studying in my second year of a BEd Primary course at UCP Marjon's in Plymouth in the slim hopes that people will one day trust me to educate their children. I have a some what tolerable boyfriend, Nathan. I love him really.  People always say about hobbies and i feel somewhat insufficient when i draw a blank on the hobbies front but i guess blogging and the eventual YouTube video will be my new hobby :) Oh and the standard chilling with my friends and boyfriend and going out. Something I would call more of a lifestyle than a hobbie is my overwhelming addiction to shopping. Being a student my funds do NOT support this addiction which is very upsetting but i get by....just. 
With this being said the basis of my blogs will be about fashion and beauty and my general thoughts and feelings. I aim to write reviews on products and clothes, do some outfit of the days and my makeup routine and share some interesting bits of my life, which at the moment isn't very interesting and consists of watching back to back supernatural (mmmm Jenson Ackles) the rest i will leave up to you to request anything you want to see! 


I feel this is enough rambling from me, you'll notice a trend i'm sure. Watch this space..
BecciLou xo