Although I am a huge lover of highend makeup, it's no secret you can often find some amazing steals in shops such as Boots or Superdrug, that really rival my favourite high end products, for only a fraction of the price. Here are few of my favourites that will become essentials in your collection, just as they are in mine.

L'Oreal True Match Foundation

My all time favourite foundation, therefore definitely one of the best products in the drugstore market, has to be L'Oreal's true match foundation. They offer it in an impressive range of shades, and it honestly is the perfect foundation for me, super easy to blend with buildable coverage. At only a tenner it's such a steal too.

Makeup Revolution Iconic Lights Contour Palette

A well loved product of mine, as you can totally tell by the cracked lid and 2 shades that I have hit pan on! It includes 8 shades, 4 highlight and 4 for contour. I find the contour shade third on the left perfect for my skin tone, while I use the second shade a little with it in the summer too. The other two brozing shades I also like to use as eyeshadows too, as the pans are massive and I have recently fallen in love with using bronzer as eyeshadow in the crease. I then use all the highlighters as they are all really wearable.

L'Oreal True Match Highlight

Another of my favourite L'Oreal products, their liquid highlight is definitely one to rival Benefit's High Beam, a real all time favourite of mine. For the amount of product you get compared to Benefit's highlighter, it's a true no brainer - it provides a gorgeous champagne-pink toned highight for a fraction of the price.

Maybelline Lash Sensational

My all time favourite mascara is Benefit's Roller Lash, and its high street alternative is definitely Maybelline's Lash Sensational mascara. There was huge hype around this product when it came out but it has really died down now so I really suggest you go back and try it out again when you next need a new mascara, as it has to be a firm favourite of mine.

NYX Lid Lingerie

NYX's Lip Lingeries are a classic, but a product that is often overlooked (by myself, included), is their Lid Lingeries, liquid eyeshadow. I have actually recently rediscovered this one, as I hadn't used it for ages, but the shade Rose Pearl is truly stunning all over the lid with some matte pink / mauve eyeshadows in the crease.

Real Techniques Brushes

Rather a makeup tool than a makeup product, Real Techniques' brushes are my absolute favourite brushes, and are really affordable for the quality. Of course, they have their more luxurious bold metals collection which I can only swoon over, but their face and eye brushes from the core collection are an essential of mine, and need to be yours too if you don't own them already. I really want to expand my collection of high end brushes but Real Techniques do their job perfectly.

In only a couple of weeks time now I will be heading to New York, which feels so surreal to type. I have been dreaming of visiting New York since I was nine (not exaggerating), and I don't think it will feel real until I'm there, and probably not even then! Of course most of the time, we plan to visit the major attractions and explore the streets of New York, but I'd be kidding if I said I wasn't very excited for their selection of beauty products on offer too.

What with stores such as Sephora and Ulta that simply don't exist in the UK, and the largest store in the world, Macy's, boasting a fabulous make-up selection, I think I'm going to be more than spoilt for choice, but I thought I'd round up a few items I definitely want to look out for when I'm there.

Anastasia Beverely Hills - Modern Renaissance Palette

I have been dreaming of this palette for what seems like forever, just longing for the day it will finally be mine! Everyone who owns it calls it their all time favourite palette, so I really want to see what the hype is about. I actually swatched it in the Sephora store in France, but it works out so much cheaper buying it in the US (I end up saving at least £15 depending on exchange rates) so I have just about managed to wait until then. You can bet this will be the first thing I purchase as I have no doubts about it!

Colourpop Lipsticks -

I have always wanted to try colourpop lipsticks but since the shipping works out more than the actual products, I have never been able to justify it. I will definitely be hitting up the Ulta store one day to make sure I pick up at least one - at only $6.50 I can't ressist!

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer -

Another crazily hyped up product, but I actually could really do with a new concealer so I figured I may as well wait until I can get my hands on the ever raved about one from Tarte! I am in a serious need of a new concealer (my old one just ran out) so this isn't just a nice addition to my makeup collection but a necessary one too.

Becca Highlighter -

I actually own hardly any powder highlights and realise it's something I have a real gap in my collection for! The Becca ones look absolutely stunning, yet I've heard so many horror stories about their packaging I'm still not fully decided yet. However they do offer the most gorgeous shades so I am sure I would fine one perfect for my skin tone! The ABH Amrezy highlighter is another one I have my eye on though.

Stila Liquid Glitter & Glow Eyeshadow -

I absolutely love Stila's liquid lipsticks, and their liquid eyeshadows are definitely something I have been after for a really long time - the shade Rose Gold Retro is one of my favourites! I have swatched these in Marks & Spencer before and they look lovely, but since they work out a fair bit cheaper in the US, I've just managed to hang on for a while until getting one!

I've been going to see The Vamps since their very first proper tour in 2014, and therefore through my years of blogging, seem to have written a fair few concert reviews of them (for all my shows but the fanfest, which for some reason I never wrote a post about). For this year's Night & Day tour, I went to the last night of their tour, in Manchester, making it the seventh time I've been to see them.

My view this time was a little different though - the past three times I have been to see them in Manchester Arena, I have either had Wow Pit tickets (standing right at the front of the stage), or done a meet and greet with seats in the best blocks, but this year I decided to go for the cheaper tickets, which still gave me a good view in Block 108 row C. I had actually sat in the exact same seats for The Script a few months earlier, so I knew the view was decent, straight across to the stage.


Of course, this was a little different, what with being so close to The Vamps usually, but with their long stage that extends out they came close quite often. Unlike most bands, The Vamps have not one, not two, but a mighty four support acts (I'm not so sure why one band would need so much support).

The best of the bunch was probably HRVY, with his catchy song Personal. We were also treated (I use that word loosely) by No Hope Club (last night of tour means prank night, and I have to say the new name for New Hope Club needs to stick) and Jacob Satorious, who managed to earn my award of world's worst support act, which is quite the feat after The Tide on the other Vamps' tours, so well done Jacob.


The Vamps came on at around 9pm, Brad, of course, bursting on like a ball of energy to a newer song Staying Up. It's a collaboration with DJ Matoma, therefore not one of my favourite songs of theirs, but I got well into the set by the time the next song, classic Last Night started. I loved that they played so many of their old hits such as Can We Dance and Wild Heart throughout the set, as they have always been my favourites.


The band also played some new songs, such as Just My Type, which will be on their latest album, the Day edition of Night & Day, coming this July. It certainly made the new album sound promising and worth a listen when it comes out.

A highlight definitely for me was Conor Maynard's appearance on the stage when he performed with The Vamps a cover sing-off, similar to the ones he does on his YouTube channel. He only performed at the Manchester and London nights and it was such a treat, especially since he was such a good support act for them on the 2016 tour.


Another thing different about the Manchester date, which Brad, James and Connor claimed they didn't know was going to happen, was drummer Tristan's performance - he got off from the drums and performed his track 'Come Grind With Me', off his version of the Night & Day album. Certainly not my cup of tea, but the crowd went crazy and you can tell he really enjoyed doing it.


The most touching moment of the whole night was their tribute to Manchester with a cover of One Last Time, which Brad performed on the piano. It was really moving that they did that, and definitely made me tear up more than a little.


Overall, seeing The Vamps for my seventh time was definitely fun, it didn't seem to be as exciting as their previous tours, with a lack of exciting graphics and video sequences, but saying that it could just be because I had worse seats this time. The Vamps are always amazing live and that's why I have gone to see them time and time again. I feel like their new direction of music isn't really for me, but they played so much old music on tour it didn't really matter.

It feels like an awfully long time since I have sat down and blogged, even though my last post was actually only a week and a half ago! Last week I have had mock exams at college and feel like I haven't stopped since once I had finished those on Tuesday I had to start my art final piece! College can be super stressful sometimes, I think that goes without saying!

So today I decided to take it old school and answer some tag questions - I went for the '30 Beauty Questions' tag as it sounded fun to share some more about me with you all and I really feel like a chatty post today, so get ready for a long one! I would love to read your answers to some of the questions too in the comments, or if you have done the tag on your blog please share your post!


1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

Of course, my first Boots makeup haul consisted of a concealer, powder and clear mascara from Seventeen (RIP) along with an eyeshadow from Natural collection.

2. Describe your perfect mascara, have you found one that fits your specifications?

I love a curling mascara, Benefit's Roller Lash is definitely one of my faves.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from your foundation?

I think it depends on the day and how much makeup I want to wear, so generally a medium, buildable coverage is a go to.

4. Favourite high-end makeup brand?

Definitely a tough one! I have to say Urban Decay, their palettes are insane.

5. What cosmetics brands have you always wanted to try but still haven't?

Tarte is one I have wanted to try for a really long time, as with Morphe and Colourpop.


6. Favourite drugstore brand?

I love L'Oreal makeup if I'm looking in Boots or Superdrug, some of my favourite base products are L'Oreal.

7. Do you wear false eyelashes?

No, I never have, I honestly can't be bothered really and I'm worried if I did it wrong I would ruin my eyeshadow, so really not worth it.

8. What sort of makeup can't you leave the house without?

If I want to wear at least a little makeup outside the house, I will be making sure it is some kind of brow product, and right now a bit of contour powder. Concealer if I am having a bad skin day too.

 9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

Definitely my MAC lipstick in Velvet Teddy, although I do love the Urban Decay Naked Heat palette too.


10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you pick up an item here or there or like to pick up lots all at once?

I try not to too often, I actually haven't in what feels like ages since I'm waiting until I visit New York at the end of this month. Usually, I pick up a few at a time to make the most of 3 for 2 offers.

11. Do you have a 'beauty budget' or do you spend freely?

Generally, I spend freely, but only because I'll have months when I will buy loads, then months where I will buy absolutely nothing, so it evens out.

12. Do you utilise coupons, reward system and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

Of course! I have reward cards for Superdrug, Boots and Debenhams, and I almost have £15 on my Boots one, saving up for something nice! I also hardly ever buy more expensive items like MAC lipsticks until there are discounts in places like Debenhams or at the airport.

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

Lipstick, undoubtedly, just can't get enough.

14. Is there a brand you absolutely can't stand?

I don't own products from any brands I don't like, but there are brands I wouldn't choose to buy from, since half of the money is just paying for the name.

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics such as parabens or sulphates?

Not really, I should probably look into that more.

16. Do you have a favourite place to shop for makeup? 

Places like Debenhams and Selfridges are my favourite to browse around, although Boots is always a good bet. Outside of the UK, Sephora is an absolute heaven.

17. Do you like to try different skincare products or stick to a routine?

I stick to a routine that I've had for the longest time now, as I know what works best for my skin.

18. Favourite bath and body brand?

LUSH comes straight to mind, but I also love Soap And Glory.


19. If you could only buy from one brand, which would you choose?

I think I'd actually go for MAC, as I think I could easily make a full face from their products, plus I would miss their lipsticks way too much.

20. Which brand do you think has the best packaging?

Too Faced for definite, especially their recent natural collection, the lipsticks are gorgeous.

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

I'm actually not sure, probably someone like Gigi Hadid or Selena Gomez.

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

Not particularly, unless you class a community of beauty bloggers on Twitter one, which I suppose it is.


23. 5 Favourite Beauty Gurus?

I presume this is on YouTube, which I don't watch a lot of religiously anymore so I can't name 5, but I've learnt a lot from Rachel Leary and Hannah Renée.

24. Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?

I have never really used them, I suppose I'd prefer separate products as I hardly use blush anyway, especially not a blush colourful enough to be used as lipstick too.

25. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I wouldn't like to think so!


26. Do you use a makeup base/primer for the eyes?

I just use concealer and set it with some powder, I know I should probably get a specific eye primer but I'd rather spend that money on another lipstick! I have a NYX glitter primer though which I use for more extravagant eye looks.

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

Not really any, I have really long, thick hair so it's not really necessary to use a lot of product, sometimes dry shampoo to add volume but that's about it.

28. What do you apply first, foundation or concealer?

Foundation of course, like any sensible person should!

29. Have you ever considered taking makeup classes?

Nope, I feel like that's become a bit obsolete nowadays with YouTube at your fingertips, for free.

30. What do you love about makeup?

I love how much of a creative outlet it can be, the fact that it's more than just a boost of confidence but a real hobby.

I am always checking out new Spotify playlists and the like to find more music to listen to - I am so guilty of discovering an amazing song and then playing it way too much to the point I can't listen to them anymore! Today I thought I would share five songs I am obsessed with this month, even if I have possibly already overplayed them too much!

Kiwi - Harry Styles

Since I went to see Harry Styles this month (seriously take me back), of course I have been listening to his music again a lot (although when am I not?). I was blown away with Kiwi live, definitely my highlight of the whole show, so I have listened to it loads ever since.

Paradise - George Ezra

I happened upon listening to George Ezra's new album on Spotify one night and was immediately very impressed - the whole album is full of amazing tracks, not one skippable track on there! The first track, Pretty Shining People is one of my favourites, as is his latest single Paradise which is SO catchy and an incredible tune, I get a little too into dancing to the chorus every time... I'm even more excited about it now as I am going to be seeing him in my hometown with my friends this summer - and I can tell Paradise will be insane live.

Youngblood - 5 Seconds Of Summer

I can tell I am going to be absolutely obsessed with 5 Seconds Of Summer's third album when it is released in June as I really love their latest releases, both the first single Want You Back and now early-released album track Youngblood. I am so excited that they are back on the scene - this song is so amazing and they really are my music taste summed up!

Turn - The Wombats

I also really love the song Turn by The Wombats at the moment - I'm pretty sure it's a new one of theirs, I think I found it on some Spotify playlist? It's more of a chilled track and I just love the guitar riffs throughout. I actually like their new song Cheetah Tongue too so I have a feeling I am going to have to listen to their latest album properly soon.

Hard Times - Paramore

Hard Times became my 'summer song' last year so it hopped back out onto my playlist again when we got the slightest bit of sun a few days ago. It's just such an uplifting song (it's the first song of my happy playlist for a reason), and I honestly have no idea how I'm not bored of it still as I've been listening to it for almost a year now! Hard Times must just be one of those songs that never gets too overplayed for me - which is such a gem as that happens to nearly every song I listen to.

My life will never be complete until the UK finally gets a Sephora - it seems every other country has this store I prefer to refer to as a beauty heaven. Not only does it boast an amazing range of brands you can't get easily over here, Anastasia Beverly Hills, Huda Beauty, even Tarte in the US, I was really impressed with their own Sephora Collection range.


When I was in France, I visited the Sephora in Lyon, where the whole of their ground floor was packed full of Sephora collection products. I couldn't resist picking up at least something to try from this huge range, so I settled on one of the Sephora Collection Color Lip Last Lipsticks. I mentioned this in my Sephora first impressions post, but now after I have had a good try of this lipstick, I decided it definitely deserves its own full-blown review.


I picked up the shade 04 'brown is back!', a really flattering brown nude. It's a bit darker than cult classic MAC's Velvet Teddy, but along the same spectrum, so still super wearable for every day. Sephora boasts a whole range of shades, and there's definitely still a few I would like to try out.


What really impressed me was how long lasting it is. They call them 'Longue Temps' lipsticks in France, so I presumed they were supposed to last a while, and they certainly do. Sephora claim they have '10 hour wear', and I'm not exactly sure whether they live up to that bold claim or not, but they do last a lot longer than your average lipstick.

With a long-lasting, matte lipstick, it would be expected that it would be a little drying, and I have to admit that it can be, but keeping your lips hydrated with a clear lip balm throughout the day will solve this problem while keeping the colour lasting.


The packaging is sleek and slim, making the lipstick bullet smaller and rounder than others, which I find makes the application even easier. Unfortunately for us lot in the UK, they aren't the easiest of lipsticks to get our hands on, but if you ever happen to be making an order on Sephora or on holiday where there is one, I would definitely recommend picking a shade up to try. For €12, or $14 in the US, they are amazing quality for the price - I am making sure to get another when I am in New York next month!

If you asked any of my friends who I have been obsessed with over the past eight years, they would straight away say Harry Styles. I loved him throughout One Direction, and ended up absolutely loving his solo music too. So, of course, I was going to get tickets to his tour, at my nearest location of Manchester!

I was so pleased, after I hadn't managed to get tickets for his first, smaller tour, that he added more dates in 2018, including Manchester Arena, rather than the much smaller apollo of the first tour, meaning I managed to get tickets this time - in block 114, somewhere I had always wanted to sit in the arena, as I've always figured the view would be good of both the stage and if an artist has a B-Stage.

Heading straight to the merch stand, I picked up his photobook, full of lovely polaroids from while he has been on tour and behind the scenes of the Kiwi video, and the Treat People With Kindness hair ties. I had to pick these up as I thought it was so lovely that all the profits of them went to a local charity - you can find where for each location here - and I have been wearing them as wristbands everyday since.


Being a Monday night, I wasn't sure if the arena would fill up quite as much as it would on, say a Saturday, but why did I doubt the fact it would be completely full. It's HARRY STYLES. The arena was pretty much full by the time the support act Mabel came on at 8pm. Every time she would mention Harry Styles was coming up next I would almost be in tears, having that realisation that I was finally seeing him live. The last time I saw him was in October 2015, on One Direction's last tour, and it had been a long wait to see him again.

Harry came onto the stage at just after 9pm, after a little cartoon of him playing with a Rubiks cube played on the screens (I still haven't quite figured out the significance of this). He began the setlist with Only Angel, in my opinion the perfect way to begin with its intro I can only describe as 'heavenly'. As the screen lifted up to reveal Harry and his band on the stage, I was definitely crying as I was shouting WE GOT PINK! HE'S WEARING A PINK SUIT! in absolute joy. Wondering what sort of suit he would be wearing was definitely part of the fun, and I was overjoyed at the fact he chose pink for Manchester.

*possibly my personal favourite photo I took...

Of course he played all the songs off the album, including my personal favourite Carolina. I also loved watching him play guitar for more accoustic tracks, including those he sang on the B-Stage, Sweet Creature and One Direction track If I Could Fly. I love that he brought back some One Direction classics, Stockholm Syndrome has always been an all time favourite of mine so I was super excited about that and you can't go wrong with a bit of What Makes You Beautiful!


He also performed a couple of new songs, Medicine and Anna, which were amazing - I can tell his next solo album is going to be just as amazing. An emotional moment was his cover of Ariana Grande's Just A Little Bit Of Your Heart, which he actually wrote, and felt really poignant being in Manchester arena. A bunch of fans held up signs in tribute which was really heart-warming and emotional.


He performed the masterpiece Sign Of The Times before going off to prepare for the encore, which sadly meant we were heading to the end of the show. I really think he did save the best until last, as the last song, Kiwi was actually the highlight of my whole night. I had always thought it would be amazing live from my very first listen, and still exceeded all my expectations. The people stood next to me left right at the beginning leaving me with loads of room, so I jumped and danced around as crazy as I could the whole time, singing from the top of my lungs, having the time of my life. It was a truly incredible moment and I never wanted it to end.


It was definitely one of my favourite concerts ever and I can't wait to see Harry Styles again on his next tour. And the one after that. And you'll definitely find me at the one after that, too.