As an almost 25-year-old woman living alone in a little new build house, with a little dog, in a little place called Wednesbury, a lot has changed since I lasted posted on here.

So, what has happened and where are we now?

I graduated from University in 2018 with a degree in Fashion Journalism and moved to London to enrol on the most incredible internship at Fabulous Magazine for The Sun. (I know what you’re thinking but I learned a lot and met some truly incredible people that I now call my lifelong friends). After assisting on celebrity photoshoots and running around London collecting and dropping off PR samples from huge fashion houses, I moved back home to start a career and build an ‘adult’ life for myself.

Within 2 weeks, I had bagged myself a full-time copywriting role in a Birmingham based agency and was, of course, over the moon. All of my uni friends were still celebrating the end of an era and here I was kitting out my new pencil case with the finest inky pens ready for my next chapter of grown-up life. It’s safe to say this was an experience, and any of my lovely colleagues I worked alongside will know exactly what I mean (but this is a positive space so I’ll move on!). On a brighter note, my managers become best friends, my co-workers became family – we were all so close, and some of us still are. Tough environments really do create friendships for life.

Fast forward 4 years and we’ve landed in the present day, where I work in Tech from my spare bedroom/office/dressing room/safe space and spend 5 days a week working on digital marketing and content creation. When I do go into the office on a Tuesday, I am forever grateful for the gorgeous 18th century converted church I get to work in, as it really is breathtaking.

I’ve been living in my own home for 16 months, I’ve been a dog-mum for about a year, I’ve been a girlfriend for 248 days and a Marketeer for half a decade, and it’s safe to say I’ve never been happier.

So, that’s where I am now. But where am I going next?

You will have to stay tuned for my 5-year plan… (which hopefully includes a big rock…).

Totally kidding. 🙄

Of course I didn’t hunt down a NYX stand the moment I came into my first months wages.. absolutely not, no. When I knew I just had a few more days until my hard work had paid off in my new employment, I thought there was no better way to celebrate than to have a full wish list at the ready. My list practically evaporated when I saw the NYX stand literally glowing in the centre of a local Boots store (Merry Hill, for you Midlanders) and I grabbed whatever I felt I needed in my life. Of course I needed a pastel pink eye liner.. dur.

Vivid Brights Eyeliner

This colour is something else. I just want to own everything in this pastel pink shade, I need to own everything in this pastel pink shade. However, this actual product didn’t impress me once I had it on my face. The formula is super drying and cracks as soon as the product has settled on your skin. The pigmentation is intense (positive), and I’m yet to spot anything similar for such an affordable price, £5.50, so I will continue to work with it. Also, this isn’t going to be an everyday product for most people so these downfalls may be pushed aside for an epic festival or girly night time look. I picked up a light pink shade in the colour ‘Petal’, but they do have a bright and bold variety in the collection.

Tinted Brow Mascara 

IN LOVE. I have the shade ‘Chocolate‘ and have recently made this my go to product. If i’m just popping to the shop or spending my day travelling, I put a tinted moisturiser on with this brow product and I’m out the door. It’s so simple, and affordable too at £5.50. The packaging describes the aftermath perfectly, as it fills in all your sparse areas without looking unnatural or uneven.

Stay Matt but not flat Liquid Foundation

Meh. This foundation claims to be full coverage but I definitely had to build it up a little more than I would have liked to. The formula isn’t fantastic, and feels kind of ‘cheap’ on my face. You know those brands that you just don’t expect fantastic results from in the ‘bases’ category? Well that’s what it felt like. Then again, after a while I completely forgot I had product on my face, confirming it’s super lightweight and comfortable to wear once set. I definitely think I have to test out this foundation again with different primers, and maybe cut the powder from the routine, but for now I’m not reaching for it first. The shade I picked up (Creamy Natural) matches perfectly to my skin tone, I have a talent in doing this you know.. I never fail. However, I don’t want to label this as a ‘disappointing foundation’ because I know that I need to be stubborn in finding complimenting products to work along side it. Again, this foundation is super cheap at £6.00, therefore not complaining.

Above & Beyond Full Coverage

The small tub says “Full Coverage”, and I do definitely half agree with that! The concealer covers my blemishes when applied directly onto them, but then when blended out to avoid harsh lines and obvious patches it does fade a considerable amount. I have contemplated applying it underneath my foundation without dabbing out the excess product but am still to attempt this technique (If you have any suggestions or tips for me to try out please recommend them in the comments below). I have been loving it to sculpt out my eyebrows however, and to correct any redness near my nose and under my eyes. The consistently changes for me, in the pot it’s fairly bouncy, then on the brush its a little more oily, and once applied to the face it’s slightly drying. Strange huh? At £5.50 this concealer (in the shade CJ02 Fair) is a tad pricier than my Holy grail Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer, and personally wouldn’t repurchase it for a second time.

If you have any NYX recommendations then please do let me know! I’m having way too much fun browsing and testing out an unfamiliar brand (and potentially splurging on way too much makeup in general). I love to hear your feedback and compare opinions.

Also, there is a newly installed NYX stand at Bentley Bridge and Wolverhampton Boots if you are local to the Walsall area. I know I have readers back home that have been waiting a while to get their hands on some pieces. GO CRAZY!

Thank you so much for reading,

Chloé x

 

So I had the most incredible birthday back in The Midlands and I couldn’t be more grateful for everything I received. Thank you all so much!

I celebrated my birthday with food, shopping, facials, a hair revamp and obviously more food. Perfect right? I managed to get all my family together on the same night (even my little unsociable brother, crazy) and spent my time taking in everybody’s conversation and it was just magical.

So without rambling too much more, here is the beauty addition to this haul – part one of three.

Revolution Palette

Isn’t this just so beautiful?! My good friend Molly kindly gifted me this, along with the MUA nail varnish and lipstick (thanks doll <3) . I’m yet to trial this beauty but I can already tell how much I’m going to love it, the shades are right up my street as I stick to as many neutrals as I possibly can. This particular palette is called ‘Redemption Palette Iconic 3’ and it reminds me a lot of the Urban Decay Naked 3 for sure. There’s seven super shimmery shades, two with subtle highlighted tones and three completely matte shadows.

Ciaté Nail Varnish

This adorable nude / pink shade is called Maybe Baby 148 and I couldn’t be more in love. Funny story, I actually threw this polish away without realizing so went shopping and brought a similar shade as I knew I wanted to add the perfect nude to my collection. Later snapped a photo to the present giver and her reply was “where’s my nail varnish?!” so of course she had me digging in the huge outdoor bins with a pair of rubber gloves! Shout out to Safia haha. Thank you my darling.

I’ve only heard excellent things about this nail company and cannot wait to try it out (once the current nude has fully worn off oops ..)

Models Own Nail Varnish

As I do have this varnish on, I can write a mini review. First off, the colour is stunning, the shade is Midsummer Mauve and I knew I’d be addicted as soon as I spotted it at the counter. However, the ‘gel effect’ that is meant to be given isn’t very obvious at all and the lasting power isn’t fabulous – it chipped the very day of application. I applied this varnish at a photo shoot around 10:30AM, by the time I was doing my night time routine.. chipped! The brush is so so nice to apply it with though, I must admit it was super quick and easy, not to mention rather enjoyable.

Kiko Long Lasting Stick

This claims to have 8 hours of no transfer pigmentation and I can confirm that this is true. I have been given so many compliments on this product and it’s crazy because I literally slick it over my lids, dab it in a little to soften any harsh lines and head out the door. I grabbed the shade 07 and it’s the most stunning champagne colour with plenty of shimmer. I’ve been ending my days around midnight recently and it’s still been in place to the point where i’m remorseful that it will be wiped away soon. Highly recommend!

Kiko Face Make Up Fixer

I picked this up as I was advised to test out more Kiko products and thought this was a good buy for £8.60. I have used this a few times and noticed a longer lasting makeup look throughout my busy schedule but I just find it really odd to spray onto my face. It doesn’t smell too pleasant, however I’m not utterly offended by the scent as it lasts a minute or so and then evaporates. The texture of the spray is also peculiar as it’s more of a mist, rather than a wet spray, and I know this is a good aspect but the concept is still a little strange to me after the Urban Decay Setting Spray. I also had a whole week without breakouts and now have received a handful of hefty blemishes but I’m not pointing the blame yet, as I’ve tested out a few new products recently.

Revlon Ultra Volume Mascara

On my first trial of this, I absolutely hated it and was just thankful I got it through promotion at £6 in Boots. Now, a week on, I looooooove the stuff. I’m presuming it’s because I didn’t curl my lashes before hand, and that will always set back your mascara as a whole. To sum up, love it, recommend, 4 stars from me. ****

Revolution Ultra Sculpt Blush Makeup Brush

I brought this purposely for the Revolution Golden Sugar Blush palette that I absolutely adore but couldn’t find a brush in my collection that was compact enough to fit into the pan and not pick up another shade from the side! I found the perfect one. I must say this is so visually pleasing, the rose gold finish and crystal white fibers are very Instagram friendly. The brush itself is insanely soft and so easy to use to apply product. No hairs have fallen out of the base but I am yet to wash it, so i’ll keep you posted if this occurs. Also for a whole £8.99, it’s so worth it.

MUA Nail Varnish

Another nail varnish! I think my friends are trying to tell me I need to scrub up better. This bold summer shade in ‘Bright Coral’ is perfect for the tanned hands and beautiful sunset kind of days. I can imagine myself on holiday at the pool side drinking a cocktail with this varnish on, it reminds me of abroad and makes me want to book a flight to the Maldives (if only).

Revolution Lipstick 

Lastly, but not least, I have my final gift! It’s more pink in real life, and named ‘Devine’. I would have never picked this up for myself and have definitely surprised myself when I applied it and genuinely liked how it sat on my lips. Typically I would stay clear of pink products, but have been really feeling it lately so grateful to have oftener this beauty. It has a glossy finish and isn’t highly pigmented at all, but I like that! It adds a super petty ‘girl next door’ vibe to your look which everyone admires.

The products that weren’t gifted by friends, were picked by myself during a shopping trip with my insane partner. Which is why I have included some prices. So thank you George! I appreciate everything you do for me and am grateful / surprised you put up with me for the entire day in and out the same shop multiple times.. HE HE. I haven’t researched the other product prices out of respect for my lovely present givers, and I hope you all understand this. ❤

Speak to you soon,

Love Chlo x