Review: How to be a Woman

I love books, I always have, when I was little I remember my mum taking me to Waterstone's when they'd have a 3 for 2 on, and I'd have read all three of those books by the next day! I read every Harry Potter book in about two days as well, but as I got older and my life got busier, I honestly had so little time to read, and this really upset me.

While in 6th form, not only was I doing my A levels but I had a part-time job and did some volunteering so I really had no time to enjoy a good book, and the last year has been so hectic as I was just starting out at uni and finding my feet. But I swore I'd get back into reading as much as possible, and I started with a book I had been looking to read for ages, Caitlin Moran's, 'How to be a Woman'.

I have always considered myself a feminist, (and frequently enjoy having a rant about it) and I love a good autobiography, so I had been told by a few people that this was right up my street, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. I was worried that it may be a little reminiscent of my sociology days (which I didn't enjoy!) but it is funny, honest and covers every topic I believe needs to be discussed.

There are so many issues raised in this book, that I believe need to be addressed for young women. I am fortunate to have a mother and a circle of friends who discuss everything pretty openly, but as a society we are very bad at discussing what matters. While reading it, I did think to myself that although I've always believed in equal rights, I don't think I am a feminist, I just think that everyone should be granted the same privileges and rights as everyone else, whether they are a woman or man, no matter what age, and no matter what their background. I was raised to believe this was the case, and I hope everyone else will start teaching their children this soon, as there are still so many ignorant people in this world.

In it there are touchy areas that she covers, but yet, she does it with such humor, that at times I really wondered why I hadn't thought like that before, and that her point was so Obvious!

This book is so funny, that at times I forgot I was reading about feminism, and I wish I had read it in 6th form so maybe I would've had more interesting things to base my sociological arguments on in exams! Although there were many fantastic points made throughout the entire book, one quote really sticks with me, even three days after finishing: "Feminism is 'Everyone being polite to each other.'"

I think this is a mantra we should all follow. Can't wait to read her second book now!

A match made in hair heaven

I love a good beauty product, but Im definitely not big into 'Hair care Products'. I'm not really sure why, I've just never really focused too much attention on them, and have just used whatever is at hand in the shower when washing it, as well as applying some basic heat protection before drying or styling, but lately I've noticed that my hair is quite dry and damaged, and I have a lot of split ends, so I decided it was time to look into different conditioning treatments.

The first product I noticed that has made such an amazing difference to my hair, and it was completely by accident, was VO5 nourish me truly shampoo and conditioner. I got this last September from my mum, when I went to uni in a box full of "Essentials" (That came in so useful!) but I didn't use it until April, because I had others to use first.
Now, for a 500ml bottle these cost £3.59 each in boots, which I feel is a bit pricey, but Mum got them for £1 each in Pound land. Good old pound shops! however, They are worth it, and I will definitely have to buy them again!
There isn't an amazing smell to rave about or anything, but the shampoo and conditioner have definitely improved my hair since I started using them.

After I had been using these for a while I decided to look for a leave in treatment for my hair, and I cam across the Tresemme "Split Remedy" leave in treatment. Just apply a little bit to the ends of your hair straight after washing, and that's it! I have been using this about three weeks and I can definitely notice a massive difference to my hair's health.

I would definitely recommend both these products, and although they aren't made to be used together, they have the perfect complementary qualities that have done wonders for my hair.

Elegant Touch Pre-glued false nails. Review

False Nails in O'natural x-short. Elegant Touch available at boots and Superdrug.

I don't wear false nails very often, because I like my nails painted as I've said before, but last weekend I went home, and I was going out with friends and had forgotten to bring home any nail varnish, so went out and bought false nails.

These were a completely accidental purchase, as I thought I was picking up the unglued ones, but I am so very glad I made that mistake.
These nails are amazing. when I originally saw that they were pre-glued when I got them home I was debating whether or not to try them or to just try and return but I'm so glad I gave them a chance. The Major difference for me is how the glue on these doesn't damage your nails.
the glue on them doesn't dry hard like regular nail glue, allowing for slight movement, which also means that if you bang them a few times they don't fall off as easily, which is good as I am majorly clumsy!

To put this is in Perspective I first put them on Saturday night, and I didn't remove them until Thursday evening, and that was only so that I could have Green Nails for St. Patrick's Day!

one downside: if one or two do fall off, you cant stick them back on temporarily like you can other false nails, as the glue starts to lose its stickiness, But I don't think this is a major downside to be honest!

Topshop Makeup Shopping Spree.

Lipstick in 'Innocent'-Lipstick and eyeliner- Bag- Swatches- Cute box.

Took a little trip into Newcastle on Sunday with Melody for a days shopping, and then a cheeky little Nando's of course!
While browsing in Topshop I had a look at the makeup stand, after having heard very good reviews of it from lots of people. I wanted some new Lipstick and Some brown Eyeliner, and bought an eyeliner Kohl in 'Saddle', and a lipstick in 'Innocent'.
I find Topshop to be overpriced a lot of the time, so naturally was expecting the makeup to follow suit, however, was pleasantly surprised to find that they are all extremely reasonably priced, with the Lipstick costing  £8.00 and the Eyeliner costing £4.00
I love this lipstick. I was a bit unsure of the colour at first, and felt it was a bit bright as it comes out very pink when its on, and slightly reminded me of a Barbie, but I warmed to it and now I absolutely love it. Its very moisturising, and doesn't dry out your lips, and the pigmentation is good.
The eyeliner I also love, its not as brown as I was hoping for, but more of a bronze colour, but I still like the colour, it applies nicely, and smudges really well.
The packaging of Topshop makeup is so cute, and I love how simple it is, yet it still manages to look quirky. it does mark really easily though, just had the lipstick in bag at uni for two hours and already marks on it. Oh well, I am just clumsy like that!

Soap & Glory "thick & fast" mascara: Review

I am a massive fan of Soap & Glory Products and I have been using their Products for a long time, I swear by their body scrubs and they make my all-time favourite Lip-gloss. Therefore, when my March issue of ELLE came through my letterbox and it contained a free soap and glory mascara I was very excited to try it out.

First major thing I love about it is the brush. I really dislike the rubber brushes on most new mascaras, and I tend to stay well clear of them, so when I realised this was one of the mascara brushes I love using I got a bit over excited (Lame, I know!)

I love the consistency of the mascara, it is runny enough that you are able to apply several coats easily, but yet, It doesnt cause my eyelashes to clump together. It is a lovely deep black and I have no negative points about the mascara itself.

However, I did find the packaging disappointing as I love looking at soap & glory packaging because I find it quirky and nice to look at, but this is a small packaging so not much room for any of the usual stuff on it I suppose.

Usually retails at £10 but free with March issue of Elle. I would definitely pay £10 for this though!

Golden Globes Fashion

After watching the Golden globes last night, I was lusting after many of the dresses, and many of the men of course. (Hello, Adam Levine, and George Clooney!)

Salma Hayek in Gucci.

I love this Gucci Dress, and totally wish I could carry it off myself! the beading is so stunning, and yet the dress seems simple as she didnt overdo on the accessories. shes also giving me serious hair envy! 

Reese Witherspoon in Zac Posen

Reese looks stunning, as she always does. I love the sheer simplicity of the dress, and just the diamond cuff accessory. the red sets off her skin tone and blonde hair amazingly.

Michelle Williams in Jason Wu

No roundup of beautifully dressed people would be complete without Michelle. she is so elegantly beautiful, and this dress is so demure. absolutely stunning.

I found it impossible to decide between my two favourite dresses however, and so they get joint honours.

Zooey Deschanel in Prada

I shouldnt like this dress because its everything I usually hate, but I love it, and I think Zooey carries it off incredibly! I'm not sure how I feel about her hair though. i think theres too much fringe for her face.

Helen Mirren in Badgely Mischka

I think this dress is amazing, and helen mirren looks fantastic in it. If i still manage to look this good at her age I will be happy. she has picked a dress that flatters her in every way possible. That silver waistband is a gorgeous accent on the dress as well. 

However, my absolute worst dress of the night has to be:

Angelina Jolie in Versace.

This red and white versace dress is absolutely Hideous, and I feel it does nothing for her. Shes far too pale to wear white, and I really dont like the Slit at the leg. Definitely the worst for me.

Madame Milly french manicure kit: review

A very wise Aunty bought me this kit for christmas! Exactly what I had been looking for. I had never heard of this make so I had no expectations at all good or bad, which can only be a good thing.

I love this kit. Only have used it once but so far I love it. Comes with a nail file cuticle sticks base and top coats and the pink and white polishes. It also has nail stencils to help with the white tips but I don't use those because I'm not their biggest fan.

The polishes dry very quickly which I think is important in a kit like this that has stages so that you aren't waiting around for ages for it to dry.

This is the finished result done for going out on boxing night.

overall, I am highly impressed with this product! one of the nails has chipped slightly but that is my own doing, the nail varnish is very good quality and I would try and find more of these products.