Everything Erin

Without a doubt, Netflix is definitely going to be our saviour over the next few weeks while we're all in isolation. Over the past few months I have discovered some new shows while also rewatching some old favourites so today I'll be sharing my much-loved recommendations with you.

The Good Place

If you are in need of an uplifting, feel good comedy, The Good Place is the perfect answer. Starring Kristen Bell as the lovable lead Eleanor Shellstrop, the series follows four individuals who end up trying to better themselves through learning philosophy and ethics. Each of the characters have such likeable and unique personalities and it truly is a heartwarming show. The series really stands out because of its numerous plot twists that you never see coming and its fast-paced nature. The writers could have dragged out one episode into an entire season but they have so much content they don't need to! This keeps the storyline really interesting the entire series, it never drags at all.

Outnumbered

The classic British sitcom Outnumbered, about the lives of the Brockman parents and their three unruly kids has always been one of my favourite shows. The fact that a lot of it is improvised adds to the amazing comedic value; sometimes you just can't believe the things the children come out with! I have watched some episodes countless times because it will never get old for me, the situations the family find themselves in are hilarious. 

Derry Girls

Derry Girls has very quickly become one of my all time favourite TV series and I can't rave about it enough. The series focuses on four girls from Derry and one 'wee English fella' and their lives growing up through The Troubles in Northern Ireland in the 1990s. The first season is on Netflix but the second is currently only on All 4. With only six episodes in each (why are British series always so short?!), the series is very quick to get through so I've already watched it through twice since January! I imagine I will watch it many more times until I can recite every word because I cannot get enough; all the characters are really likeable and it is just so hilarious.

The Stranger

Moving on from comedies which are my usual choice of TV series, I have also found a couple of dramas that I have really enjoyed on Netflix. The first being The Stranger which has found itself in Netflix's top 10 for many weeks now - no wonder why! It is based on the Harlan Coben novel, but has a Northern English setting instead of American which makes it feel a little more realistic to me, being able to recognise a couple of the Manchester locations! 'The Stranger' causes havoc by revealing people's secrets and causing more harm than good. It's super interesting with a great cast, and really gripping - I would have to keep watching the next episode because I HAD to find out what happened next!

Safe

Safe is an adaptation from another novel by The Stranger's author, so of course that was my next watch. You can see the similarities between Safe and The Stranger, as they are both part detective-investigation, part man's loved one (wife or daughter) goes missing and he keeps putting himself in grave danger to find her because he thinks he knows better than the cops. I actually think I prefered this one slightly more, there were a few more comedic moments and I warmed to the characters a bit more. There also seems to be less loose ends in this one, because The Stranger is often criticised for some of its storylines just being a distraction to the main event. In Safe, the threads are tied together much better.  

Next In Fashion

Next In Fashion is my sort of reality show - it's a competition of fashion designers from all around the world competing for $250,000, hosted by Alexa Chung and Tan France. The presenters are so likeable which definitely helps because a few of the contestants can be a little... irritating. The show features some inevitable drama which feels pretty manufactured, but this aside the show is really inspiring and creative which is really enjoyable. 

Dead To Me

This is one that I am halfway through watching so I can't give a full review, but it centres around the life of Christina Applegate's character, a mum who is trying to solve the mystery of her husband's death in a hit and run crash. This sounds quite serious, however it is made quite comedic by her angry personality and the fact she has made friends with Judy who seems to be hiding a shady secret. I can't wait to watch it all unravel!

EG x 

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 A few years ago I wrote up a MAC lipstick collection, and it will come as no surprise that it has grown even more since then. I enjoy purchasing lipstick from the same brand because this ensures that I don't end up with two lipsticks that are pretty much the same, just in different packaging. For me, that one brand I tend to stick to is MAC. MAC lipsticks are my all time favourite - they have such a huge variety of shades and finishes so there is something for everyone.

While I have a quite a few MAC lipsticks to choose from now, I always find myself gravitating towards the same three shades. They are all of their matte formula, which is perhaps coincidental, perhaps not. I tend to prefer matte lipsticks anyway because they last longer, and MAC's mattes are so comfortable and longwearing. The formula is a real winner, so any MAC matte that you find will be a great lipstick. But which are my favourite three?

Velvet Teddy

Velvet Teddy is a cult classic lipstick and definitely one of MAC's most famous. You can tell simply by looking at mine that it's not only my most worn MAC lipstick, but my most worn lipstick ever, because there is only a tiny bit left! I can't believe I have nearly finished a whole lipstick! I think that is really testament to how good the lipstick is.

Velvet Teddy deserves all the hype it gets. It is the perfect brown toned nude that suits any occasion or any eye-look or outfit. It's super flattering and is that perfect, not too light or too dark shade. Therefore will take you through every season, not feeling out of place in either a spring or autumnal makeup look. If you're going to buy any MAC lipstick, this is the one you need.

Taupe

Taupe is another shade of the 'nude' variety, and yet is somehow totally different to Velvet Teddy, thus it is worth having both shades in your collection. Don't let its name fool you, because 'Taupe' doesn't explain the shade at all! Hearing 'Taupe', you would expect maybe a cool toned shade, but it is in fact the total opposite.

Taupe's red undertones make the shade unique to any other lipstick I've seen. It's the perfect lipstick if you don't want something as bold as a red lipstick, but still sort of want a red lipstick, if you get what I mean! Because of this, it looks perfect with warm toned eyeshadow. Therefore, it does feel more autumnal, but being a nude shade you can get away with it all year round.

Whirl

Whirl is my favourite dark nude shade. It's like an amplified Velvet Teddy; it's the more bold and daring sister. This is one of my most worn MAC lipsticks because it is my favourite when I want something a bit darker - it is probably a more evening lipstick.

With the other two shades, longevity is less important, but being a darker shade, it is important to me that the lipstick lasts and fades evenly. MAC's formula ensures that Whirl looks amazing even when you've eaten, and your lips don't look a mess by the end of the night. Therefore, Whirl has become my go-to vampy lip option, and a favourite MAC lipstick.


I can't recommend these three lipsticks enough! What lipstick is the most worn in your collection?

EG x

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Until the world was hit with all this dystopian craziness, I was at uni and working part-time at New Look, where I would always feel inspired by the new styles that come in every week. A great way of spending time while social distancing could be giving your wardrobe a much-needed spring clean. So, thanks to online shopping, I've rounded up my favourite spring pieces from New Look to fill a couple of gaps that your wardobe overhaul has left you with, ready for the new season.

New Look currently have a great collection of graphic t-shirts, which are perfect for that spring-summer transition, especially because of how effortless and comfortable they are. I especially love the ones with floral motifs for this season, or their 'bee' kind slogans because they are cute and uplifting.


Midi skirts still aren't going anywhere this season and I am incredibly happy about that! They are so easy to style, perhaps with one of those graphic tees, and you really are spoilt for choice. My favourites are any that have a ditsy floral print, but I also love the pleated style too.

I am also loving the light and breezy shirts New Look have in their spring collection. I recently purchased this blue stripy, short-sleeved shirt because it reminded me of an outfit once worn by Kristen Bell's character Eleanor Shellstrop in The Good Place that I was totally obsessed with. I don't own anything in my wardrobe like it and it looks so easy to style with a pair of jeans for an effortless casual look.


I recently picked up a pair of khaki jeans from New Look and I am absolutely obsessed with them. They are the perfect alternative to denim jeans and are also perfectly paired with a denim jacket. This pair have a tapered leg which is both comfortable and flattering.


Tea dresses are also a huge trend this year and New Look are nailing them perfectly. This trend is perfect for the spring and summer season because they can be worn for any occasion. Like the skirts, I am absolutely loving these in a floral print because this just feels so on-brand for spring.

While it feels like right now, all we're going to be wearing is loungewear (which I have also included in the edit!) inside, this spring edit does make me excited for when it's all over. Looking forward to being able to get out and wear midi skirts is definitely keeping me going!

EG x

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Having been a fan of The 1975 for years, I was very excited to be finally seeing them in concert at Manchester Arena, on 28th February 2020. Especially exciting, I had the best seats that I'd ever had in the arena, Block 102, closest to the stage, Row A. The setlist planned to feature plenty of songs off their most recent album and even some from their early EP, with exclusive tracks that have not yet been released too.

After The 1975 intro, the band entered the stage with a new release, People. It's not my favourite song of theirs but it definitely got the whole crowd going. The early section of the setlist was a highlight for me because it featured some of my favourite songs of theirs in succession. TOOTIME, Me & You Together Song, Sincerity is Scary and then my all-time favourite, It's Not Living (if it's not with you) were all as incredible live as I expected.


One obvious thing to mention about the show, which I am sure you can tell from all my photos, is how amazing the visuals are. The use of lighting and imagery during the set can be best described as 'aesthetic', but there are other incredible elements worth mentioning too. I always love the use of the travelator during Sincerity Is Scary, while during Lostmyhead it somehow looks like Matty is inside the big screen which is so clever.

Although The 1975's new album, which the tour was initially intended to promote, has been pushed back to release in April, the band still played plenty of new songs. The Birthday Party, their latest single, was released a week before the Manchester concert, while If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know) will also be on the new album.


The 1975 change up their setlist a little bit at every concert, which is exciting because you never know exactly what you're going to hear. At Manchester, they played early single Girls for the first time on this tour which I absolutely loved. It seemed thought out that it was followed by new song 'Guys', about the friendship of their band.


Of course, I also have to mention Matty's stage presence which gave us some hilarious moments - I mean the whole situation of him being on crutches (a sprained ankle) and still trying to dance around as much as usual was really funny, as was him swinging the mic wire around but accidently knocking the whole mic stand over.


The show ended with an incredible encore including an old favourite, Chocolate which I think was the first song of theirs I ever listened to, an energetic performance of Give Yourself a Try and finally one of my all-time favourites, The Sound. It truly was the perfect one to end on, and I was very very excited to hear that guitar solo live.

The set lasted for two hours, beginning at quarter to nine and ending at quarter to eleven, which I think is really impressive for a band who only have three albums to their name - especially because there were plenty more songs they could have added to that setlist!

EG x

Too Faced's Melted Matte liquid lipsticks are some of one of my all time favourite products, but when I decided it was time for a new lipstick a few weeks ago, I ended up opting for a more recent addition to their peach collection.

The 'Peach Kiss Moisture Matte Long Wear lipstick' is basically everything it says on the tin - there's practically no need for a review because it's title explains exactly what it is! This is a lipstick that is as hydrating and moisturising as a cream lipstick, but as long lasting as a matte lipstick, with that flattering finish. This sounds like the perfect combination, right, hydrating and matte? It sort of sounds too good to be true!

But, somehow, Too Faced have managed to get the formula absolutely spot on with this one. I prefer matte lipsticks over a cream finish because of how long they last - I just don't have time to keep topping my lipstick up every couple of hours! However, this lipstick combines that longevity with a gorgeous moisturising feel. Upon applying, it almost feels like it shouldn't be matte, but it really is!


As an added bonus, because Too Faced really do go above and beyond, the peach scent of the lipstick is seriously TO DIE FOR. Having tried many of Too Faced's products, in the past I've been impressed by their chocolate scented bronzer, or gingerbread scented eyeshadows, but this scent has really taken it to the next level. I thought the bullet might smell a bit peachy at best; yet I can actually still smell the peach on my lips themselves hours after applying it.

Too Faced's added touches like this are what makes their products worth it. I mean, look at the logo and tiny peaches embossed into the lipstick itself! You truly are getting what you pay for with these lipsticks, down to the pretty yet very durable packaging.


The shade I ended up choosing is called 'Undercover Lover'. Too Faced have created a huge range of shades in this lipstick formula, from barely there nudes all the way to deep berries. Because I had never tried the Peach Kiss lipsticks before, I chose a classic rosy-brown to ensure I would be trying out one that I could get lots of use out of. I definitely chose the right shade, this is an everyday essential that I have been using non-stop the past couple of weeks. Now I know how much I love the formula, there is a few more shades I am dying to try out!

I genuinely believe that Too Faced are one of the very best brands for lipstick right now. They have really nailed it every time with me so far and there aren't many formulas I prefer, if any. I know for certain that they are definitely worth the price - usually about £19, which is pricier than some but I promise you, you'll end up using it a lot more!

EG x

 

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The Script are one of my favourite bands to see live, so I was very excited to have tickets to the Manchester date of their Sunsets and Full Moons tour in Manchester, on 22nd February 2020. I was seeing them for the fourth time (please appreciate my pun on their song For The First Time), but I think this made me even more excited because I knew how much exuberance they bring to the arena.

This was my third time seeing them in Manchester Arena (the other time was in Blackpool when I actually hugged Danny!) and I had the best seats yet, in block 114. I found out these were really good seats because it was about equidistent to the main stage and their B Stage, providning a great view for the entire concert.

The support act of the Sunsets and Full Moons tour was singer Becky Hill. I discovered I actually knew quite a few of her songs - the perks of working in a clothes shop that constantly plays pop music! Even if you didn't know them all, you would have been living under a rock if you hadn't heard her smash hit single Wish You Well, a song that was huge last year. Her talent really impressed me, she had a great voice and warmed up the crowd well.


The Script's set began just after half 8 and ended at about half 10, so they were on for a full two hour set, which is really impressive. Six albums down, they definitely had a big enough back catalogue to fill the time! They began the set with their new album's first track, Something Unreal. And it really was, something unreal! I was really hoping they would begin with that from the first time I ever heard it, it is the perfect song to get the crowd up on their feet.

They carried on with hit singles such as Superheroes and Rain. The visuals of the concert really impressed me, the moon above them as they began looked incredible. A favourite moment of mine was their mashup of one of my favourite songs of theirs, Good Ol' Days, and the song Jump Around. It was something different and really fun - especially the electric buzz when Danny goes into the crowd!


The Script always do something a bit different with their shows, including calling up the ex of an audience member during the song Nothing, and even performing a couple of songs within the crowd. In the block opposite me, 103, the band had a whole set up to perform Run Through Walls and Never Seen Anything Quite Like You; they'd even got a keyboard in there!

However, it was the B stage moment that was the highlight for me. Here they played some incredible songs including all time favourite Script song, Science & Faith, the classic The Man Who Can't Be Moved. Yet I was most excited for the final B Stage track, Millionaires, that had never featured on a setlist before until this tour, despite it featuring on their 2012 album #3. I had been hoping they would add it to the setlist one day and finally my wish was granted; it was every bit as good as I had expected.


After the B Stage, the band returned to the main stage for a few more tracks including new song Hot Summer Nights, which is definitely becoming a fan favourite, and arguably their most famous song, Hall Of Fame. We then had a quick pause before the encore, which comprised of Sunsets & Full Moons' first single, The Last Time, and early hits Breakeven and For The First Time. They really finished the show with a bang!

As I mentioned earlier, they were on stage for two hours, and how they sustain that night after night, especially with some of the notes Danny hits, is honestly insane. As always, they performed an unforgettable show.


There's still a few nights left in The Script's tour, and also a few summer shows so make sure to check them out. If you are unable to go, I suggest checking out their Instagram stories because they often live stream the gig. They are a band I cannot recommend seeing live enough, and I am sure I'll be seeing them many more times to come!

EG x

I recently made a second visit to Covent Garden's Glossier Pop-up shop - which, by the way, has extended its opening to the rest of 2020, hooray! I was very glad to read this news because was still many products I wanted to try. Like my first visit, I again limited my spending to two products; after all, I am a student on a budget! I opted for one skincare product and one item of makeup, both products that really caught my eye.

Milky Oil Makeup Remover

The first product I decided to pick up is their makeup remover, Milky Oil. While I had originally considered purchasing their much raved about cleanser, right now I am still really enjoying my cleanser from The Ordinary, so decided I would try Glossier's when that one runs out.


I ended up choosing the makeup remover because I often find it difficult effectively removing eye and brow makeup without it just smudging all over my face. But Milky Oil has changed the game; if it's one thing, it definitely is effective. By squeezing a tiny amount onto a cotton pad and holding it up against your eye, everything comes off straight away. A little goes a long way with this product so it's going to last a really long time. It is worth paying a bit more than something you could find in Superdrug because you would probably have to repurchase that several times before one of these runs out.

The only thing I must say is it does leave a little bit of an oily residue. I only use it on my eyes / brows, and follow it up with cleanser, so it doesn't bother me too much, but it is something to bear in mind if you have oily skin.

Nite Shine

Nite Shine is Glossier's liquid highlighter is a product from their 'Glossier Play' range, which I suppose could be best described as its slightly more fun and colourful range of products. Glossier describe them as 'dialled-up beauty extras', so basically non-essentials, but exciting products to have in your collection.


I am definitely very excited to own Nite Shine, which I got in its palest shade, Pale Pearl, a really pretty champagne tone. The bottle opens to reveal a little applicator which has been designed SO WELL, because it makes sure the perfect amount of highlighter ends up on your face - you don't end up wasting too much product, or accidently looking as shiny as a glitter ball.

It is super easy to blend and provides a really natural, long-lasting glow. I think it gives the effect that you have put way more effort into your makeup than you actually have, making my skin look like I'm wearing foundation even when I'm not. I used to love liquid highlight a few years ago but sort of fell out with it when Colourpop's supershock highlight entered my life, but now, thanks to Glossier, I have certainly rekindled my love. This has to be my favourite Glossier product I have tried yet as I have been using it almost daily and could not recommend it more.


The London pop-up is a must visit if you are ever in Covent Garden; I know I'll be back again soon because I still have a few products on my wishlist! What is your favourite Glossier product?

EG x