Best Makeup Brush Brands For Beauty On A Budget

It’s a common misconception in the makeup world that for your makeup to look completely flawless you need to have a brush collection that costs the earth. Sure, it’s not going to help if you’re using a £2.99 brush that has bristles that resemble a porcupine though..

However, with that being said I’ve decided to let you in on my little secret. I’m going to tell you about my favourite brushes that are affordable, and guaranteed to make your makeup look photo ready. Read on to find out more…

Superdrug Studio Brushes

At first I was a bit sceptical about these brushes. I’d had a really bad brush from Superdrug before (granted it was £2.99), but I was concerned that these would be just as bad. But for £4.99 per brush I decided it was worth the risk. Not only are these brushes super soft, a great size so they’re easily transported, but they also come in some really cool colours. Plus, they’re on offer right now for buy one, get another half price. What’s not to like?

Wilko Luxury Range

I know what you’re thinking. Wilko do makeup brushes?! I was just as surprised as you are when I found them tucked away in the cosmetics section. Don’t let the brand fool you though because I LOVE these brushes. The short hair stippling brush is my go to brush for applying liquid foundations. It’s the softest brush I’ve ever encountered and they’re just firm enough to make applying my urban decay all nighter foundation a dream. Their brushes are between £3 – £5, and I promise you, you won’t regret it.

Real Techniques

A lot of you will have already heard about this brand and will have seen their brushes used quite frequently by beauty bloggers. Before purchasing my first Real Techniques brush I read a lot of mixed reviews so I wasn’t 100% sure what to expect from them. After some serious uming and ahing I took the plunge and ordered a blush brush. Once I received it and tested it out I loved it so much that I went back and bought highlight and concealer brushes. They’re ridiculously soft and perfect for easy makeup application. Slightly more expensive at around £10 per brush on average, but they’re worth it.

So now you know my top affordable makeup brushes! What do you think? What’s your favourite makeup brush to use? Let me know in the comments!

Urban Decay Flushed, Has Contouring Ever Been So Easy?

Prior to a year ago I’d never even heard of contouring, let alone thought that I’d actually be able to do it. I’d watched hundreds of videos on youtube of people carefully highlighting their cheekbones and bronzing their cheeks. At first I was in total admiration of their ability to literally paint their face to any shape they want. Then I just thought. How in the hell am I going to be able to do that? Or afford all the separate products?

I’d accepted that it was one of those makeup obsessions that I’d just have to sob and stare longingly at people more capable than me. Then one day when I was scrolling through youtube checking out reviews for the latest beauty buys, I stumbled across a video for the Urban Decay Naked Flushed kit. A fabulous all in one palette complete with bronzer, blush and highlighter. The fact it was all included for a mere £23 got my attention. So I watched on. From the tutorial it looked incredibly simple, just brush on the bronzer, then blush just above, then highlighter above the blush. I couldn’t believe how simple it looked. So I headed over to the Urban Decay website, used my student discount (thank you so much Unidays) and waited for my little package to arrive.

Once it arrived I could hardly wait to try it out. I was worried that the only reason it looked so easy in the video was because it was being used by someone actually talented in the art of makeup application. Armed with brushes in hand and my self doubt niggling away, I decided to give it a go. Just a quick sweep on the hollow of my cheek with the bronzer, a slide across my cheeks with the blush and a streak of highlighter on my cheekbones, polished off with a little bit on my nose. I was expecting to look like a rookie clown at a children’s party, however I was super impressed at my first try. I’ll admit, my blending wasn’t 100%, but I didn’t look like the streaky mess I thought I would.

Satisfied I looked presentable enough to go out, I decided to put it to the test and see how it held up all day. After a full day of uni everything still looked perfectly in place and my highlighter was still sparkling away.

The palette is affordable, compact so it’s easily fit in your handbag and comes in some seriously gorgeous shades. (Mine’s STREAK). Contouring has never been so easy!

 

VIDEO: Five Years In Paris

Check out the video for my Paris trip below:

Day One: Five Years in Paris

For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to visit Paris. It’s the city of fashion, food and romance, aka my three favourite things. So you can imagine how excited I was when my boyfriend picked it as the place that we’d spend our 5th year anniversary. After dreaming about the city for years I was worried that it wouldn’t be all that I imagined it to be. But it’s safe to say that Paris didn’t let me down.

Delays, Delays, Delays

Our first day didn’t get off to the best start. First of all our train to the airport was delayed by half an hour. So we ended up basically running from the train station to the airport gates (luckily there were barely any queues at security), only to discover that our flight was delayed too! It really seemed that our day wasn’t going in our favour. After about an hour long wait in some reaaaally uncomfortable seats at Birmingham Airport it was finally time to board. The flight itself only took an hour and 20 minutes, but Air France still looked after us and we enjoyed a croissant and cup of tea above the clouds. Before we knew it the flight was over and we were landing at the Charles De Gaulle Airport in France. I’m going to be honest here, my first impressions of Paris were not good ones. We had to get the metro from the Airport and let’s just say, the scenery we passed resembled the dreary Birmingham landscape we’d just left behind… At this point I was thinking this can’t be it can it? This can’t be the city of dreamers and poets? Feeling a little disappointed and with our arms aching from lugging around our suitcases, we alighted at Saint Michel station and headed to our hotel. After what seemed like hours of walking and getting lost several times, we finally found it tucked away on an idyllic Parisian side street. We checked in, in record time and ditched our bags as we were both itching to explore the city.

The Epitome of Gothic

To our surprise, the moment we exited the hotel and glanced to our right we saw the Notre Dame Cathedral glinting at us in the afternoon sunshine. In our confusion and rush to ditch our bags we had completely missed it! With it’s turrets soaring above us, intricate architecture that appeared like it was from another world and fearsome gargoyles standing watch, it practically begged us to come inside. The interior was more spectacular than I’d ever imagined, it felt like I’d stepped inside a gothic novel, as magnificent chandeliers cast an ethereal glow across the path before me. People prayed in the pews and you could hear a pin drop. It was surprising to see what I thought was now a huge tourist destination being used for its original purpose and still being respected as such.

Lost In The City of Love

After our tour around Notre Dame cathedral we breaked for a quick bite to eat at the HD Diner (we both just really wanted a burger), and set off again for the Champs-Elysees Christmas market. Being a big Christmas lover I was particularly excited about this part, as I’d heard so many magical things about the Market. Because we were sick of public transport we decided to brave the walk (all 3 miles of it), but we were so glad we did because it gave us the most incredible views of the city. On our way there we passed the grande Louvre Museum and even witnessed the Eiffel Tower sparkle, which was a wondrous moment in itself! Although we’d walked in the right direction we’d still managed to get a bit lost again, so we thought it would be the most strategic option to hop on The Big Wheel at Place de la Concorde and see how far we had left to walk from high up. We paid our fair (10eu each) and slipped into one of the pods that promised to glide us above the city. However, just as we were about to depart on our romantic trip a solo traveller was bundled into the pod with us (aka the most annoying man on the planet, but I’ll get to that). Our pod began to ascend into the sky and almost instantly we spotted the Christmas Market, we were right next to it! Satisfied we’d located ourselves we sat back to enjoy the journey. Well, we tried to. Every time the wheel stopped the guy that was in our pod got up and walked around, so we were shaking an awful lot, perched around 70 metres above the ground. Not my idea of a nice romantic time if you ask me. When we reached the top however, not even the man with ants in his pants could ruin our time. The city seemed to sparkle before our eyes. For miles we could see the twinkling lights all over the city, and in that moment I think I understood why people fell in love with Paris.

The Magical Christmas Market

Our little sky trip was over in a blink of an eye and we skipped off to the magical land of the Christmas Market. As soon as the breathtaking lights of the Champs-Elysees came into view, I was sold. Lights like twinkling stars lit up the trees, whilst vendors from all over the world sold their wares to tourists and locals alike. I was already in love with this place. As we walked through, attempting to admire each and every vendor (it was quite difficult, there were so many!), the smell of warm crepes covered in chocolate filled the air. It took every ounce of my willpower to deny myself one of those crepes, but I still felt full to bursting from dinner, so I had to restrain myself. We weaved through the crowds hand in hand and even managed to stumble onto Santa’s grotto where animals, from foxes, to dinosaurs (not real ones of course) were singing Christmas carols. We definitely were swept away by the magic of this place. The market was over too soon and it was time for our long walk home. But with the beautiful city enveloping us, I can’t say we minded all too much.

 

The Secret Vintage of Leamington Spa

I am a girl suffering from a major case of wanderlust, the only problem is I’m a poor student, therefore I can’t afford to travel as much as I’d like and I’m forced to remain on the isle of my birth. Due to my emaciated wallet I have made it my mission to seek out the weird and wonderful right here in my home country, which is what led myself and my boyfriend, Dave to Leamington Spa one typically windy spring day.

Prior to my trip when I thought of Leamington Spa my mind instantly pictured an attractive street, lined with regency style white washed main stream shops. I thought there had to be more to this elegant Georgian town, as it felt to me all at once incredibly chic, yet there was an old feeling underlying it, almost like an old set of bones with newly polished skin. So I decided to traipse all around it in search for the most charming vintage spots.

Blighty Bazaar

Fresh off the bus and ready to start our adventure we decided to make our way over to Blighty Bazaar. The website boasted a whole bevy of things, from handmade garments to vintage memorabilia, so neither of us really knew what to expect before we walked through those standard shop glass doors. What awaited us upon stepping inside was a feast for the old soul residing within me. Countless number of stalls were set up throughout, some boasting clothing from the fashionable 1960’s, suitcases from World War 2, then around the corner pop culture items from the 1990’s. It almost felt as though every corner we turned we stepped into a different time period, Leamington Spa’s own little time machine.

Blighty Bazaar has since closed down. 😦 

Rosie’s Vintage Tea Shop

After spending an obscene amount of the morning winding around the vintage labyrinth, the clock struck one and we had grown rather hungry. Just a short jaunt away we stumbled across Rosie’s Vintage Tea Shop, a quaint little tea room with walls the colour of an ice cream parlour counter. We were greeted by smiling waitresses in little floral aprons and showed to a table for two. An extensive menu of loose teas sat upon the lace cloth, we could travel the world right from the delicate little china cups, with teas from Japan, Russia to South Africa. The tea room felt like the 1940’s and modern Parisian style mixed together in a harmonious cocktail, with the tasteful walls lined with vintage crockery and postcard wallpaper that appeared to be fresh out of a Parisian boutique. We could have easily been sat in a French café in the 40’s. However, one quick look out the window shook us out of our reverie and reminded us of the location, and the task we had came here to fulfil.

Click here to take a look at Rosie’s Vintage Tea Shop’s website.

Berylune

With our stomachs satisfied we continued our little quest. The next place was hard to miss, it’s daffodil yellow painted front stuck out amongst the surrounding whites and creams, it’s sunshine face beckoning us inside. It was a squeeze to enter, given that the shop is literally no more than ten feet wide and there were already a few patrons browsing. Selling everything from homeware, to modern crafts we couldn’t help but be charmed by the pint-sized store. Despite it’s tiny size, we found ourselves gazing for ages at the little objects perched on the shelves. A rainbow of 1960’s corded telephones lined one wall, colours ranging all across the spectrum, in another corner typewriters sat on wooden crates, reborn as shelving units. It was a truly magical store that combined modern day style with the key staples of the vintage era.

Click here to view the incredible products Berylune has to offer!

The Stagey Fox

The last place on our list was quite a wonderfully strange one indeed. Foxes embellished every object within the store, cushions, t-shirts, stationary, you name it, it had a fox on it. Old jazz music fluttered from the speakers as we ambled around taking in the unusual sights. Toward the back of the store it appeared to transform into what felt like a theatre dressing room, old posters of well loved musicals and plays and the smell of cinnamon lingered throughout the air. The shop felt all at once homely, yet entirely surreal boasting such an unusual bevy of items, it was hard for us not to love this place.

Click here to find out more about The Stagey Fox.

Originally posted on my writing blog 06/04/2016

 

REVIEW: NYX Setting Spray Matte Finish

I’m one of those girls that suffers from a horrible case of the dreaded lunchtime shine. I’ll put my makeup on in the morning and it’ll look great until about 12pm, when I’ll start to get really shiny around my t-zone. I’ve tried everything: setting powders, blotting paper and nothing works! A friend of mine recommended I try setting spray, so I thought why the heck not? I’ve already exhausted every other option, what have I got to lose?

I picked up the NYX setting spray in matte, because I don’t really like a dewy finish… I’m shiny enough already! I was really excited to use this product because I absolutely adore NYX lipsticks, so I was expecting big things.

It comes in a little bottle and at first I thought it was quite expensive for such a small size but a little goes a long way. I applied my foundation and then sprayed a light layer evenly over my face (it comes out like a mist but be careful not to hold it too close, you’ll end up soaking yourself and removing most your makeup in the process). I then applied a layer of matte powder on top, then a final spray to set my makeup in place.

My first impression of the spray was good, it felt a little bit tight on my skin but it gave my foundation a professional style finish which I was really pleased with. I put my makeup on at around 6:30am and headed off to work, excited to see how the spray would hold up.

Everything was looking great until LUNCHTIME, when shine started to appear around my t-zone. Granted it wasn’t as much as I usually got without the product, but I was still disappointed that it was there at all. On the plus side, prior to my using the spray, my makeup used to move around and flake throughout the day, but the spray seemed to minimise that a lot.

I tried the spray again the following day when I wasn’t in work and it actually held my makeup on all day without any shine. So I don’t know whether it’s the air-con in the office, staring at a screen all day, or the general day to day work stresses that made the spray ineffective.

The skinny of it? Great if you’re not planning on being in an office all day. I’m still undecided though, it may just be because the spray doesn’t react well to the foundation I use. I’m still looking for that perfect product that stops me looking like glow lamp at midday.

Has it worked for you guys? Or is there a product you can recommend that does it better? Let me know!

Top 7 Alternative Fashion Brands You Need In Your Life

Is your wardrobe lacking that killer edge? Are you searching for the perfect alternative brand that speaks to your soul? Well look no further, I’ve created the ultimate list of my favourite alternative fashion brands for all you gorgeous ghouls out there!

Featuring dresses fit for a gothic goddess, shoes with eye watering platforms and so much more. Keep on reading to find your next obsession.

Killstar

If it’s dresses to die for you’re after, Killstar’s your brand. Recently they’ve even teamed up with the king of darkness Marilyn Manson, to create a collection that’s unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Don’t believe me? Take a look at this!

Click here to have a look for yourself on the Killstar site.

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This Saturday 15th Oct; KILLSTAR x MARILYN MANSON Collab Launch. | SHOP KILLSTAR.com We Ship Worldwide! 🌙

A post shared by KILLSTAR (@killstar) on Oct 11, 2016 at 1:16pm PDT

Disturbia

Disturbia produces clothing for the outcasts that embrace standing out from the crowd. Featuring clothing adorned with harsh truths, dresses fit for a gothic goddess, and an overall ‘fuck the world’ attitude, it’s easy to see why Disturbia made my list.”Disturbia aren’t turning heads, we’re rolling ’em.”

Click here to see what it’s all about on the Disturbia site.

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🎃 Everyday is Halloween. Salem, Mercy and Luna dresses out now: www.disturbia.co.uk #disturbiaclothing

A post shared by DISTURBIA (@disturbia) on Oct 6, 2016 at 10:05am PDT

TUK

Any alternative girl out there knows that a good pair of creepers complete any outfit, and no-one makes creepers better than TUK. Selling everything from velvet, to creepers covered in adorable prints (yup, they do Hello Kitty ones). You’ll find yourself unable to choose! Best to just buy several pairs if you ask me.

Click here to find the creepers of your dreams on the TUK site!

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You can never go wrong with a couple of classics!👌 Today's #tukoftheday @lunesolis does #humpday right in our Black Leather Viva Mondo Creepers! Tap the link in bio to grab yours ✔

A post shared by T.U.K. Footwear (Official) (@tuk_footwear) on Sep 28, 2016 at 2:16pm PDT

Iron Fist

One of my personal favourite brands ever, is Iron Fist. I’ve lost count of the amount of items I own from them, skirts displaying an iridescent mermaid spine, dresses boasting cute care bears and jaw dropping shoes that’ll make you ache with desire. Need I say more?

Click here see why Iron fist is one of my favourite brands!

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No flesh. So fresh. ☠Wishbone Long Sleeve Midi Dress☠ Coming Soon! Stay tuned. #ironfistclothing #shopoholic #deadcute #ghoulboss

A post shared by Iron Fist Clothing (UK) (@ironfist_uk) on Oct 16, 2016 at 11:21am PDT

Hell Bunny

Combining incredible gothic prints with the rockabilly fashion, Hell Bunny is everything you could possibly want in a fashion brand. Imagine a full circle 50’s style skirt with creepy zombies? Where Hell Bunny truly shine is with their coats, I own their Sarah Jane one and I cannot begin to explain how fabulous it is.

Click here to see more from Hell Bunny!

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Miss Muffet Blouse is finally on our website! 🕸sizes XS to 4XL, grab one while you can😘 www.hellbunny.com 🕸 #hellbunny #hellbunnyhalloween2016 #alternative #rockabilly #missbetsyrose #pinup

A post shared by Hell Bunny – Shop Halloween (@hellbunnyofficial) on Oct 26, 2016 at 8:27am PDT

Demonia

If you love footwear with a sinister edge, Demonia is the brand you’ve been waiting for. I’m talking about boots with eye watering platforms, Mary-Janes with a saucy twist and heels fit for any witch. Peeked your interest? Demonia don’t have their own personal online shop but you can get them from the amazing Alternative Footwear website.

Click here to see the full range of Demonia shoes on the Alternative Footwear site.

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🚨NEW STYLE ALERT🚨 #Demonia Ranger-105 coming in hot this #ShoesdayTuesday 📢📢📢 This 4" chunky heeled ankle boot w/ white embroidered spider web 🕸 and back metal spider charm 🕷 and metal 🤘 side zipper in #VeganLeather is in stock mid August and available in sizes 6-12! ♥️💀 Tag your fav company to buy #DemoniaShoes from below! #DemoniaCult #ShowYourDemonia ——————————————– #DemoniaBoots #GothBoots #GothShoes #AnkleBoots #AnkleBooties #VeganBoots #GothGoth #GothGirl #GothGuy #GothStyle #GothFashion #DarkFashion #AltStyle #AltFashion #GrungeStyle #GrungeFashion #GrungeGirl #ImWalkingIntoSpiderWebsLeaveAMEssageAndIllCallYouBack #chunkyheels #StreetStyle #JapaneseStreetStyle

A post shared by Demonia Shoes (@demonia.shoes) on Aug 2, 2016 at 9:24am PDT

Banned

Calling all vintage vixxens! Banned Apparel create the most gorgeous vintage inspired clothing. You’ll find the perfect swing dress embellished with scary skulls, not to mention their eye catching cardigans featuring the coolest creepy designs. If it were up to me I’d own one in every design!

Click here to buy from Attitude Clothing!

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Our Delusion Cardigan is available over at @beserk ☄★ #gothic #goth #black #allblackeverything #bats #witch #nugoth #swag #instafashion #womensfashion #ladiesfashion #fashion #style #moonchild #bannedapparel #black #allblackeverything #moonchild #swag #gothgirl #witch

A post shared by Banned Apparel (@bannedapparel) on Jul 7, 2016 at 11:38am PDT

So there’s my top 7 alternative fashion brands you need in your life! Have you heard of any of them? Have you found your next obsession? Let me know what you think in the comments!

Something Different: Alice Takes A Trip Clothing

In a world full of mass produced clothing, it can be hard to find an item that is truly ‘you’. Sure, you can buy yet another black t-shirt with the same old slogan everyone’s wearing, but why don’t you try something a little different? Look no further than super cool fashion brand, Alice takes a trip. Founded by sister duo Claire and Lauren Middleton, the pair produce drool worthy clothing that’s inspired by art, music and the Sheffield street culture. Think bold prints, dresses adorned with adorable kitty cats, peter pan collars to die for and so much more.

Scroll on to see what’s got the crazy cat lady in me screaming for more, and which style goddess is wearing Alice takes a trip!

This jumper and T-shirt combo has me on cloud nine…

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMfKs3YDPZR/?taken-by=alicetakesatrip

I’ll take 10 please!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMB_0FRDC0G/?taken-by=alicetakesatrip

The crazy cat lady in me is screaming out for these prints!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLbMn0djCa_/?taken-by=alicetakesatrip

This dress is out of this world, literally.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLEOiVijzcL/?taken-by=alicetakesatrip

I’ve definitely got my eye on the Dead Cute Sweetie tee.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BKasimAAFjb/?taken-by=alicetakesatrip

Even style goddess Luanna Perez is in on the hype!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ_Fut7gZrQ/?taken-by=alicetakesatrip

 

I know I’m obsessed with Alice takes a trip clothing, but what do you guys think? Will their cat tee’s be making your Christmas wish list? Let me know in the comments!

Click here to check out the Alice Takes A Trip store.

5 Reasons To Love Radioactive Unicorn

I have a habit of collecting nail polishes. Whether it be matte, gel, or shimmer finish, I’ve got it. But there’s one type of nail polish that seems to awaken my inner magpie. GLITTER. I’m a true girly girl in the sense that if ever I glimpse something shiny or sparkly, I want it. So when I discovered the incredible nail polish brand, Radioactive Unicorn, it’s safe to say I was in heaven.

Radioactive Unicorn have already stolen my heart, but read on to learn all about how they could steal yours too.

5 – GLITTER, GLITTER, GLITTER

In my book, that’s reason enough as to why you should be hopping on over to their website and indulging yourself. The polishes are crazy pigmented and contain a hearty helping of glitter in each bottle. It’s hard to believe that it’s not actually magic!

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Satan is super kawaii!!! Back at 7! #nails #nailpolish #nobasicbitches #blackholo #holographicnails

A post shared by radioactive unicorn (@official_radioactive_unicorn) on Sep 24, 2016 at 4:53am PDT

4 – They’re Cruelty Free

Yup, you heard it. No unicorns (or any other critters) were harmed during the creation of these beautiful polishes. So you animal lovers like me, can sparkle like a princess without the guilty conscience. How is animal testing still allowed anyway?!

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The perfect pumpkin spice, remember it isn't going to be around forever! Www.radioactive-unicorn.myshopify.com #nails #nailpolish #pumpkinspice #chromenails #autumnnails

A post shared by radioactive unicorn (@official_radioactive_unicorn) on Oct 26, 2016 at 9:27am PDT

3 – They’re Handmade

Each bottle of Radioactive Unicorn is made by hand! The incredibly talented lady creates these mystical potions for “the strange and the whimsical”, and is dedicated to creating new, beautiful shades that are guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. However, because they are handmade the quantities are limited and sell out REALLY quickly. Stay tuned on their instagram page for details on restocking.

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My whole life is a dark room is having its last hurrah at 7! Don't miss it www.radioactive-unicorn.myshopify.com

A post shared by radioactive unicorn (@official_radioactive_unicorn) on Oct 29, 2016 at 10:15am PDT

2 – There Are Themes

When there’s a specific season like Halloween or Christmas, they create an entire new range of shades exclusive for that season! Halloween 2016 brought us shades inspired by Beetlejuice; my personal favourite shade being ‘I Myself Am Strange and Unusual’ a stunning sparkly blue/purple shade which has to be seen to believed. Also, coming soon is The Nightmare Before Christmas collection. Be warned though, some shades only stay around for a specific season, so once they’re gone, poof! They’re gone!

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So while I squirrel away and pack orders. Here's a peek at out Halloween collection 2016. "BEETLE JUICE" set includes a flakie a holographic a jelly slime a black and a COLOURSHIFT HOLOGRAPHIC! It's just too much I cannot cope! I've got full detailed swatches I'll be sharing with you guys later today but for now. Enjoy Thank you to the fantastic @2coatsandimdone for our amazing swatches as per x

A post shared by radioactive unicorn (@official_radioactive_unicorn) on Sep 12, 2016 at 4:53am PDT

1 – You Won’t Find Shades Like It Anywhere Else

You won’t find these shades on the shelves of your local Superdrug, they’re much more exclusive than that. Sold only on their website for UK customers, you’ll be dealing with the brand directly, which adds a personal level you don’t get from your average drug store. You won’t find highly pigmented, ultra sparkly nail polishes anywhere but Radioactive Unicorn.

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Our amazing eternal slumber swatches by our bae Gemma. It's so so difficult to get the colour shift in a picture but she did it! Available let online now www.radioactive-unicorn.myshopify.com

A post shared by radioactive unicorn (@official_radioactive_unicorn) on Sep 11, 2016 at 4:33am PDT

So there you have my top 5 reasons to love Radioactive Unicorn! I personally can’t wait for their next restock so I can treat myself to some new shades. What do you think? Does Radioactive Unicorn sound like the nail polish of your dreams? Let me know in the comments!

Check out Radioactive Unicorn’s shop and treat yourself! 

Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation Review

For as long as I can remember I’ve been searching for the perfect foundation. One that doesn’t go shiny after a few hours of wear and that covers all of my imperfections effortlessly. Up until last week I didn’t think such a foundation existed, I’d searched high and low for the magical potion that would transform my blotchy face into a flawless canvas. Then I found it. The Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation.

My first impression was that the bottle was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, I mean look at it! As you can see its design definitely appeals to the Gothic goddess residing within me. Also, the bottle has an airless pump so you don’t have to worry about any of the precious formula getting stuck up a tube. Result.

After I spent a good 10 minutes gushing at the bottle alone, I thought it was time to take this baby for a test drive and after watching thousands of youtube reviews, I had high hopes.

Initially I thought that I would be a disaster at applying liquid foundation, I genuinely had nightmares about being a streaky mess, But this foundation is so easy to blend! I just dotted it around my face and used my Stippler brush to apply it (I got it from Wilko for £5 and it’s Ah-mazing). Within moments my face was covered completely and it only took one pump! I love the formula as well, with a full coverage foundation I was expecting it to feel quite heavy but it couldn’t be more opposite, it actually feels weightless on your skin, I could barely tell I was wearing any! At this point I was incredibly impressed, but it still had the true test of my day at uni to get through.

With every single foundation I’ve used in the past by lunch time I’ve become a shiny mess and had to resort to blotting paper and extra powder to try and salvage my face. However, with Urban Decay All Nighter I was still looking flawless by 12pm, so everything was looking sunny side up.

As the day wore on my foundation stayed looking fresh and fabulous. I wore it from 11am until 8pm and with any other product I’ve used in the past by this point I’d be shiny as hell and I would have blotted off pretty much every inch of it. The only thing I will say though is if I were wearing this foundation for any longer than 9 hours I would have topped up with a little bit of powder around t-zone, as it was only just starting to look a bit shiny. But after 9 hours of wear and the shine monster only cropping its ugly head then, I’m super impressed.

I’m now officially converted over to the Urban Decay side.