June Favourites!

Hey folk! I hope you're having a wonderful weekend and enjoying your time off, I'm doing a new type of post today- a monthly favourites. I cannot believe how quickly June has flown by, but now I've reached the summer holidays I couldn't be happier. Without further ado, here's some of things I've been loving this month! 

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation 

I bought this foundation a week or so ago, but it's already become a solid favourite of mine. It's perfect for summer as it's extremely light but that really hasn't affected the coverage. As usual with the Bourjois foundations they feel like they're really healthy for your skin. 

Max Factor Lipstick in Mulberry 

This is the most pathetically un-summery colour of lipstick I own, but I love it a lot and it's definitely one of the prettiest colours of lipstick I've ever seen. I haven't tried much of the Max Factor range for some reason, so this was a complete impulse buy earlier in the year- but the formula is nice and creamy so I will almost certainly pick up some more of these in the future!

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'On and On Bronze'

My absolute holy grail product, I can't remember any other way to do eye makeup than using this as a base. It's the most gorgeous creamy gold colour and it sets beautifully, as well as adding depth to my eyes. They're incredibly cheap too, so I cannot think of a reason to not buy these!

'X' by Ed Sheeran 

Three words; oh, my, god. It's not really a surprise that I adore this new album, particularly after how much I loved +. Ed Sheeran is without a doubt one of the best voices in Britain just now and I really really really love everything about 'X.' I now absolutely cannot wait to see him in July and October!

22 Jump Street 

I reviewed this film on Friday which I'll link here x. but I really really enjoyed 22 Jump Street. I think Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill make one of the funniest duos in cinema today, and the plot (while being a little ridiculous) is really really entertaining. Plus there's usually a little bit of topless Tatum, which is all a girl can hope for in life.

Suits

I cannot recommend this show enough, I have male and female friends who adore it as much as I do. It's a show about a law firm in New York and how Mike Ross- a brilliant college dropout with an eidetic memory, on the run from a drug deal gone bad ends up working for Harvey Specter at said law firm. There are some really kickass female characters and it's both really funny, and incredibly touching at times. I've watch all 3 and a half series in less than 6 weeks so if that doesn't prove it's excellence- what will?

There's my June Favourites, feel free to comment below with what you guys are loving and until next time, enjoy your week!

FILM FRIDAY- '22 Jump Street' Review

Evening everyone, I'd like to congratulate you all on making it to the end of another week- I hope you're all enjoying that 'Friday Feeling.' My FF post for today is a review of 22 Jump Street, the much awaited sequel to 21 Jump Street- the comedic success starring Channing Tatum and Jonah Hill that was released back in 2012. Comedy sequels are a notoriously hideous film genre, and while this film was never going to be a cinematic wonder- I really feared that it would be truly horrendous. 

However, while this film is not as good as the first film (which is really brilliant) it is a genuinely funny film, and it also boasts by far the funniest scene of the whole series. It's saving grace is that it pokes fun at the usual comedy sequels- that are well known for recycling the jokes and themes of the first film (need I remind anyone of The Hangover 2?)- with the end credits being a hilarious, if slightly lengthy, walk through possible themes of future sequels, up to a possible 49 Jump Street. 

The premise for this film is that after their success in 21 Jump Street, Schmit and Jenko are given actual police undercover work- which they mess up within approximately 3 minutes. This gives us our first truly funny moment, as Tatum attempts to use a foreign accent that only creates the impression that he's been kicked in the nuts/is suffering from laryngitis. 

The headquarters of 21 Jump Street have been moved across the road (hence the new title) and the Captain is as angry, and slightly insane as always. He sends them back to 'what they're good at' and promptly the pair are shipped off to college to investigate a drug crisis. Jenko soon becomes a sorrority football jock while Schmit is stuck in the drama and art areas- hence the predicted breakdown of their relationship. 

I mentioned earlier that the funniest scene of the franchise takes place in this film, and it truly is hilarious. Schmit starts a relationship with a girl called Maya at the college, who eventually turns out to be the Captain's daughter. The scene where Captain figures this out is hilarious enough in itself- but when Jenko eventually finds out back at the headquarters and goes insane, running around high-fiving the staff and generally finding the concept pretty darn funny- is absolutely side-splitting. I'd recommend the cinema ticket just to see that little side plot played out. 

Overall, the concept of the film isn't shocking, and the humour is generally well played out. The partnership of Hill and Tatum is undeniably what makes this film work, and their antics are just as funny now as they were 2 years ago. It's not the best sequel I've ever seen, but it definitely didn't dive bomb, and '22 Jump Street' has some genuinely hilarious moments. There's also a cameo from Dave Franco again (yes ladies. yes.)

Plot- 3/5

Characters- 5/5

Overall- 3/5

Until next time!

  

June Music Favourites!

Hi folks! I'm sorry this week has been a little erratic for uploading, but I have been surviving my last week of school! As of today I am free for a full seven and a half weeks. SEVEN. Disappointingly the weather isn't exactly Californian sun, but I'm making do. June has been a pretty packed month but there's been a lot of music loves that I've enjoyed- so here we go! 

Let Me In // Grouplove

*

Black Widow // Iggy Azalea ft Rita Ora
*

Runaway // Ed Sheeran 
*

Don't Stop // 5SOS

*

Tee Shirt // Birdy 

*

Nitrous // Nick Mulvey 

*

Changing of the Seasons // Two Door Cinema Club 

*

Us // Regina Spektor 

*

Dark Blue // Jack's Mannequin 

*

Promise // Ben Howard 

I'll have a Film Friday post for you tomorrow, although I'm yet to actually see TFIOS, which is an absolute travesty. I'll also have my June Favourites up at the weekend and after that my summer reading, TV watching and movie seeing will really begin. 

Exciting times.

MINI HAUL- Paperchase, Boots+More!

Afternoon guys, I hope you had a lovely weekend so far. After work on Saturday I headed into town and picked up a few little things as a wee treat to myself! Paperchase had a 50% off sale on which was guaranteed to pull me in, so I picked up a couple of things from there along with a few cards I needed. I'd also finished my current foundation this week so I went in and picked up a couple of things in Boots. Here's a look at what I got!

Bourjois Happy Light Foundation (£11.99) 

I was in desperate need of a new foundation and since there was a 2 for £14 offer on at Boots, this seemed like a great choice. The Happy Light formula is one of the newest in the Bourjois range and in general they do excellent foundations. I've only used it a few times but I'll stick a review up once I've got a proper idea of how great/bad it is!

Ted (£5)

Bit of an impulse buy, I was in serious need of a laugh and I thought I'd pick up a comedy to cheer me up! Ted has had some really good reviews so I wanted to give this a try!

 Paperchase Travel Stickers (£1.75)

 Another total impulse buy (can you see a theme emerging here?) I figured these would be useful (read: unnecessary but pretty) for sticking on my letters to my pen pal. I would never have bought these if there hadn't been a 50% sale on in Paperchase. Excuses, excuses..

Bourjois Mega Liner (£7.99)

Once again I was in need of a new liquid felt tip liner, and this is actually brilliant. I used to always use the Collection version of this, but the Bourjois one has really won me over. I'm going to do a review on this soon but if you're looking for a new felt tip liner- this is perfect.

Paperchase Dragonfly Appliqué Journal (£4.50) 

I really really didn't need this. Like really 100% didn't need it. But how pretty is it? I adore making notes and lists and absolutely everything associated with stationary, hence my Paperchase obsession. Now I just need to come up with some notes and ideas to write down!

There you have it, just a mini haul for you guys to see! I hope you like stuff like this and I'm sorry it's been so long since my last post, I've had a long, long week. Until next time, have a wonderful time!

Summer Reads

Evening folks, I hope you've all had a lovely day and have enjoyed the sun wherever you are. A combination of the more summer-y weather and seeing EssieButton's video here x. have given me the inspiration for a little post about my latest purchases in the book department! 

The Goldfish by Donna Tartt

It begins with a boy. Theo Decker, a thirteen-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. Bewildered by his strange new home on Park Avenue, disturbed by schoolmates who don't know how to talk to him, and tormented above all by his unbearable longing for his mother, he clings to one thing that reminds him of her: a small, mysteriously captivating painting that ultimately draws Theo into the underworld of art. As an adult, Theo moves silkily between the drawing rooms of the rich and the dusty labyrinth of an antiques store where he works. He is alienated and in love-and at the center of a narrowing, ever more dangerous circle. The Goldfinch is a novel of shocking narrative energy and power. It combines unforgettably vivid characters, mesmerizing language, and breathtaking suspense, while plumbing with a philosopher's calm the deepest mysteries of love, identity, and art. It is a beautiful, stay-up-all-night and tell-all-your-friends triumph, an old-fashioned story of loss and obsession, survival and self-invention, and the ruthless machinations of fate.

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alie Saenz 

Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell 

Two misfits.

One extraordinary love.

Eleanor... Red hair, wrong clothes. Standing behind him until he turns his head. Lying beside him until he wakes up. Making everyone else seem drabber and flatter and never good enough...Eleanor.

Park... He knows she'll love a song before he plays it for her. He laughs at her jokes before she ever gets to the punch line. There's a place on his chest, just below his throat, that makes her want to keep promises...Park. Set over the course of one school year, this is the story of two star-crossed sixteen-year-olds—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion 

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn 

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

There you have it! I'll have reviews for all of these as and when you have I have finished them. I'm seeing 22 Jump Street on Friday so I might stick up a review then- but until next time, enjoy your week!

UNBOXING; June 2014 Glossybox!

Evening folks, you'll notice over the next few weeks that my posts tend to be timed around World Cup matches.. what can I say, if there's football on, I'll be watching it! I received an email on Friday telling me that my Glossybox for this month had been dispatched- and sure enough it arrived today! Let's have a look and see what's inside.. 

So Susan Cosmetics; Concealer Quad (£20)

Glossybox says- 'Formulated with virgin marula oil, this compact quad can be used to cover minor blemishes and imperfections. Its lightweight formula makes it ideal for summer. To create a flawless looking complexion, use the quad as an all-in-one contouring kit.
I say- This seems pretty similar to the Benefit Bo-ing concealers, and while they are a completely different formula type to the likes of the Nars or Collection concealers, these seem great for spots/patches on your skin. Additionally, the white works great as a inner-eye/brow bone highlight.

nailgirls 3-in-1 base/topcoat/nail strengthener 10ml (15ml value- £13.50)

 Glossybox says- 'This new longer lasting top coat combines the perfect base and nail hardener in one easy to use product.'
I say- As far as top coats go, this is pretty great, I tested it on my nail and it dried quickly, shiny and very smooth. I ran out of topcoat just last week so this is great. I'm sure it doesn't justify £14 for the full size product, but I'm pleased to have it none-the-less! 

got2be Rise n' Shine Soufflé (£4.07) 

Glossybox says- 'Create stand-out styles with textured volume and silky shine without weighing your hair down thanks to this innovative multi-benefit styling product. The jasmine infused fragrance provides the ultimate finish for unforgettable hair.'

I say- I'm not a huge fan of wearing my hair up, and it's really too long for doing anything 'stand-out' in terms of volume. However, I tried this product out on my extremely frizzy post-school hair (it's been roasting here today and my hair did not react well) and it's just a decent job of calming it down and holding it there. 

Teeez Trend Cosmetics Beautiful Flat Stiff Brush (19 euros/£15.18) 

Glossybox says- 'This premium quality brush allows you to apply powder and cream shadow with ease. A make-up brush essential for your kit.'
I say- This photo really doesn't do this brush justice. The handle is absolutely gorgeous, with a copper/rose gold half, and a patterned bit at the bottom with a variety of crazy things including flamingo's and lips. The brush seems great too, especially for compacting eye-shadow onto my lids, but I feel it could be used for concealer too. I really love this!

Roger&Gallet Fleur de Figuier discovery ritual (Eau Fraiche £32 for 100ml, Body Lotion £13 for 200ml, Shower Cream £9.50 for 200ml)

Glossybox says- 'Created by renowned perfumer Francis Kurkdijan, these fruit-floral and fig inspired scents allow your senses to take a break reminiscent of a walk through a Mediterranean garden. 

I say- In terms of the 'bonus sample' expected in a Glossybox, this is actually pretty good. I've not tried the two lotion type products, but the fragrance is lovely. Although I did prefer the mini version of 'Ghost' perfume provided last month. 

Price paid- £10+P&P = £13.25

Box total (excluding Roger&Gallet products) = £48.25 

Saving = £35

I've only been subscribed to Glossybox for two months, but this was infinitely better than last months Superdrug special. If any of these products turn out to be especially amazing then I will review them. Until tomorrow, have a wonderful Monday!

Lip Product Addict Tag!

Hey folks! Sorry about my absence yesterday, it was a busy, busy Saturday! Today's post is the Lip Product Addict tag, and as many of you know- I'm a huge, huge lip product junkie! So here's my answers! 

1. Favourite balm/treatment?
Nivea SOS, Nivea Caramel Cream Butter, Body Shop Chocolate Balm

Despite my 3 choices, I didn't used to use a lot of lip treatments, outwith the usual Carmex and Vaseline (both of which are brilliant!) However, the Nivea SOS is the best treatment for seriously chapped lips, it smells minty and it'll clear your lips right up. I do however tend to prefer a lip butter, for daily use, and the Body Shop+Nivea versions smell unbelievable. If you love sweet things, these are for you!

2. Best eye-catching red?
Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet in 'Hot Pepper' and Effect 3D in 'Rouge Electric'

It's not a total coincidence that both of these products are from Bourjois, maybe they do just do the perfect red-since I also adore their Colour Boost Lip Crayon in Red Island, especially paired with the gloss above. I love a red lip and for me, Bourjois are the best.

3. Best drugstore and luxury?

Rimmel Moisture Renew in 'As You Want Victoria' and YSL Golden Gloss in '02 Golden Praline' 

 I love the Moisture Renew's from Rimmel and this colour is my go-to lipstick to be honest. Whilst I love a red lipstick, this bright pink is great, and I've almost finished it- which is insane considering the variety of lipsticks I own! I cannot recommend this enough!

I don't own a vast amount of high-end lipsticks but I do love YSL, and this lipgloss is my go to nude gloss. Despite the slightly garish gold glitter, it actually doesn't look particularly glittery on the lip. Instead, it creates a subtle sheen and always makes my lips look huge.

4. Best MAC lipstick?
Viva Glam I

Shockingly, I've only ever owned one MAC lipstick and I lost it in May, however I did truly love it- and it was a really beautiful red. I may well re-purchase this soon as I'm missing it more and more!

5. The most disappointing product?
Soap and Glory Sexy Motherpucker Gloss Stick in 'Fushia-ristic' and MUA Luxe in 'Atomic'

These products are disappointing in two very different ways. The S+G gloss sticks are actually fab, and some of my favourite products! However, this particular shade was nothing short of raved about, and when I purchased it with high-hopes, I was extremely let down by the lack of colour pay-off on my lips. Perhaps it's just too light a tone for my lips but on me, this looks like a pale, pale pink lip butter- similar to the Vaseline Rosy Lips. However the MUA Luxe product is one that I just really really wanted to work. The packaging makes it look high-end, despite MUA products costing, in general, less than a fiver. There is amazing colour pay off on these, but these dry like paint on your lips and crack instantly. Perhaps with a balm..? I shall keep persevering! 

6. Liner - yes or no?

NO. For me, it's just never been necessary, but I may find myself investing in some soon as I am beginning to wish for bigger lips! I really want the Invisible Liner from Lipstick Queen!

7. Best gloss?
Loreal Rouge Caresse in 'Juliet'

I love this line of lip gloss/lacquers (it's a lacquer, but I'm allowed to cheat..) and Juliet is my favourite shade. A dark pink that stays put for hours and won't budge- and although I still can't figure out exactly what the scent is, these smell amazing!

8. Something extra!
Revlon Lip Butters

These are pretty much adored by anybody who loves makeup, and it's for a good reason. I actually have another two shades in an old handbag somewhere, but these two pictured are 'Tutti Frutti, a coral orange, and Wild Watermelon, which isn't as pink as it appears in this picture, but is more red-toned. For a natural looking lip colour, these can't be beaten! 

I'm not tagging anybody specifically in this post- but if you've done the Lip Addict Tag then feel free to link it below! See you guys soon! 

FILM FRIDAY; 'Edge of Tomorrow'

Hello again folks, it's time for another Film Friday post. Last Saturday I went with my family to see the latest Tom Cruise blockbuster- 'Edge of Tomorrow'. 

The concept is something of Ground-hog Day meets Mission Impossible. Cruise, who plays a PR officer called William Cage in the US army as the human race faces a war against an alien invasion, is forced into the field of battle by a General (played by the same actor who plays Mad Eye Moody in Harry Potter). Cage is soon killed as the alien army slaughter the army on the French beaches, despite there appearing to be no way of them knowing that the humans planned to attacks. However before Cruise dies, he kills an 'alpha' who bleeds over him- giving him the power to live the day over and over again. 

After some faffing about by Cruise, including some comic moments and several more brutal deaths- he finds Rita, a young woman who has been plastered as the face of the war after her involvement in the humans most recent victory at Verdun. It turns out the Rita was given the same powers as Cruise in Verdun, but lost them when she was given a blood transfusion. Cage and the 'Angel of Verdun' work together to locate the Omega- the brain of the alien army, and attempt to kill it. 

I wasn't expecting much from this film but it was actually really quite good. Cruise returns to form as a really good Blockbuster star and Emily Blunt is gorgeous and extremely kick-ass as Rita. I freaking love an action film and as they go, this was pretty good. It's nearly impossible for non-franchise action films to be successful these days, and with 8/10 on imdb it's clearly been successful.  The concept is brilliant, and while it's not going to go down as a classic, you really should see this film if it's something you seem interested in! 

Have a lovely Friday! I'm off to watch the World Cup! 

30 Day Challenge; Day Thirty- Ten Years Time

Afternoon guys, it's the final post in my 30 Day Challenge x. and it's all about where I see myself in 10 years time. 

In all honesty, my lack of career plans are a bit of an issue in the whole '10 Years Time' plan, but since I'll be 26, I'd like to think I'll have a house of my own and have graduated university, I can only see myself living in Scotland but I'd love to spend a year in Spain or South America to improve my Spanish. Hopefully I'll have a degree in history and politics and be looking to start a career. I'm not entirely sure what my plans would be after that, especially since I can only imagine how bad the unemployment situation will be then, but that's all an adventure to come, right?  

Equally, while I can't imagine myself having a family of my own, it would be nice to have met the person I want to spend the rest of my life with, and to have kept in touch with my friends and family members that I love just now. It's  bizarre thinking of having a child or children of my own, but it's something I would love to do some time in the future. We'll have to wait and see! 

Maybe I'll still be running this blog. Who knows, maybe this blog will be exactly what I'm doing. We'll go with that, in ten years time I'll be part of the next generation of bloggers. That'd be fun eh? In all honesty that seems like a very very very fun career, but on the other hand, something steady would be great too. As long as I love what I'm doing, I really don't mind what it is! 

Hopefully you can all come along for the ride. I've had a lot of fun doing this challenge and I'll hopefully be continuing to post daily. As such there will be a Film Friday post going up later! Until then, enjoy your Friday! 

30 Day Challenge; Day Twenty-Nine- Favourite Marvel Film

Afternoon everyone, today's post in my 30 Day Challenge x. is about my favourite marvel film. I've seen the vast majority of the recent Marvel films, and whilst I love them all- especially the Captain America films, my ultimate favourite absolutely has to be 'The Avengers' 

I suppose this makes perfect sense, since it's a collection of all my favourite characters put together in one place. But the plot line is wonderful, I loved seeing Loki as the true villain, in his element. And I especially loved how the characters interacted with each other, particularly Nat and Clint, and Bruce and Tony. 

For those who haven't seen the films, having read the comics is not necessary, as if you watch each bit of franchise in order, you should be fine. Equally, having read or followed the comics is amazing because there are subtle throwbacks I the films, both to other films and the comics. 

In my opinion, Marvel has blown DC out of the water in recent years, and the coming films are somethjng I'm extremely excited about. Here's to a thousand more Stan Lee cameos. Tomorrow is the last day of my Challenge, but until then- have a lovely day!