God Bless The Contrast Dresser

Apologies if I have been somewhat absent from social media recently, I’m usually always on Twitter (@sar4helizabeth) so I definitely felt disconnected from the world!

I’ve not long come back from a holiday to Spain where we were visiting family which was so great. Before I went I toyed with the idea of doing a get ready with me post in the style of ‘Pack with Me’ but decided against it. As I currently live with my parents I didn’t feel like it was my place to advertise when our house would be empty.

Despite this I wanted to be able to share something from my trip with you as it was too good an opportunity to pass up – and let’s face it, you’re probably all so bored of my furry white backgrounds at the moment!

The majority of my previous posts have been beauty related so I’m coming at you today with a fashion related post. All of the items featured (or very similar) will be listed below as always.

My style is ever changing but at the moment I’m a big fan of contrast dressing, that is to say I’ll pair together totally opposite styles to create my outfit. I'm not even sure if there's a real 'fashion world' term for what I do but either way I'm clueless. This outfit below was one of my go to looks during my holiday (WARNING: extreme paleness about to hit you now).

- Yes, I am legit picking a lemon off the tree -

The pretty, girly nature of this blouse was completely contrasted with the grungy style of my bag and sandals as well as my watch. This totally demonstrates my personality as I'm lovely whilst also having a fierce and sassy side to me.

I love ‘contrast dressing’ (not to be confused with cross dressing as I keep very nearly typing!) as it brings an unexpected twist to a seemingly boring and predictable fashion choice. 

I really enjoyed taking the photography aspect of this post. A massive shout out to my brother for allowing me to boss him around to get the exact shots I wanted! 

I hope you liked this post as it was something a little bit different from usual.

See you soon, 

S x 

Products Mentioned: 

Top: 

http://www.stradivarius.com/gb/clothing/blouses/print-shirt-with-frill-detail-c1695501p7568515.html?categoryNav=1695501&colorId=001

Shorts (in white): 

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0395307003.html

Shorts (similar): 

http://www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0296933001.html

Sandals (similar):

http://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/clearance/womens-shoes-boots/sandals/ar677/womens-cross-strap-slider?w=STYLE_JUMP

Bag (similar):

http://www.riverisland.com/women/bags--purses/cross-body-bags/black-quilted-chain-handbag-684682
Watch: 
http://www.thewatchhut.co.uk/skagen/ladies-skagen-gitte-refined-watch-skw2293-skw2293.html
Princess Tiara Ring: 
http://www.pandora.net/en-gb/products/rings/190880cz
Tiffany Mini Double Heart Tag Pendant:
http://www.tiffany.co.uk/jewelry/necklaces-pendants/return-to-tiffany-mini-double-heart-tag-pendant-22309307?&fromGrid=1&search_params=p+1-n+10000-c+287465-s+5-r+-t+-ni+1-x+-lr+-hr+-ri+-mi+-pp+32628+46&search=0&origin=browse&searchkeyword=&trackpdp=bg&fromcid=287465&trackgridpos=515

Preparing For University

This time three years ago I was awaiting my A Level results which would determine which university I went to, if any, so I can 100% empathise with any of you who are currently in this position. 

University will be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it is also OK to accept that you're a little daunted by the thought of it all. It's such a big step starting a new chapter in your education without factoring in having to make friends and potentially moving to a new place. 

As soon as you find out your results you'll be wondering how on earth you can get ready. I honestly believe that in order to prepare properly for the workload of university life, organisation is key. 

In my head I think I'm the Queen of organisation but in reality I'm pretty lazy at putting it into practice. My first year of university was spent with me stumbling through my course blind, never knowing what work was due in and on what dates. It would come to the day before 
when I would realise I had a deadline, meaning I had countless all-nighters. I soon learned 
that this 'technique' wasn't going to cut the mustard.

After the three years I spent at uni I've gathered a few tips that would have been useful to know before I started, so being the super kind person I am I'm going to share them with you...

"Buy your stationary in advance"

When you get to uni you'll be so wrapped up with Freshers activities you won't even think about getting stationary until you need it. There's nothing more embarrassing that turning up for your first lecture without even having a pen with you. You don't have to get anything expensive - have a look in your local supermarket or Poundland before resorting to WHSmith.

Once you've bought your stationary sort out your pencil case so you'll always be prepared. In my first term of uni I had a pencil case filled with so much stationary - pens, pencils, rubbers, felt tips, highlighters etc. But by the end of uni all I would take to lectures was a couple of pens and some highlighters, you really don't need loads. 

"Buy your books from Amazon"

Once you get your book lists get onto Amazon to buy the books you'll need in advance - don't pay the prices of top book shops because this will be an expensive shopping trip. Sure, the library will stock these books but when it comes to exams/assignments there's no way they'll be enough for everyone on the course. 

You don't need to buy every single book on the list but I would definitely suggest buying the main text for each module - especially if it seems like it will be beneficial throughout your entire course and potentially into your career. 

Now I've finished uni I'm selling my unwanted textbooks on Amazon so you're able to get some money back when they're no longer needed. 10 points for guessing what course I've just graduated from! 

"Get a diary and use it!"

I cannot stress this enough. At the start of the year look through all your module outlines and put your important due dates into your diary. Put your deadlines in a different colour pen to your day to day pen or highlight them so it stands out. Now I'm preparing to start my new job my diary looks a little bit different to how it did when I was at uni, but the way I organise it is still the same. 

Another idea is to get a wall calendar so you can see in advance that you have deadlines coming up. A simple alternative is to write a list of your deadlines in order of when they appear.

"Keep your notes together"

Put all your work into folders so that when the time comes for exams and assignments you know where to find all your important information. Do this straight away after you get home - don't fall into the trap of 'I'll just keep the loose paper in my notepad and file it away later'. After every year I was at uni I would be stuck with a mountain of paper to sort through because I was too lazy to file it away earlier.

"Just do you"

Whilst it's great to do work with your friends, don't getting concerned if their way of working is different to yours. In my friendship group at uni three of us would do all our work at the very last minute (I'm talking the day before!) whilst the ever organised Katy would be starting all her assignments weeks in advance. 

It's important to remember to stick to how you know you work best rather than trying to mould yourself to someone else's work style. You'll get it finished on time so be proud of yourself when you do, even if it's later than everyone else!

Uni is an amazing experience and if you work hard and stay organised you'll reap the benefits later on it life. And if you're all about the partying, just think, the more organised you are the more time you'll have for hitting those tequilas! 

Good luck for next week, I hope you get the results you've worked so hard for.

S x

July Favourites

Before I started my own blog I was -and still am- an avid reader of blogs, in particular beauty/fashion focused bloggers. One of my favourite blog posts to read are monthly favourites where people discuss the things they’ve been obsessing over for that month.

When I started considering doing a blog I knew 100% that monthly favourites would be a feature I would include. So without any more waffling on, here is my very first monthly favourites post – my July favourites!

--------- SKINCARE ---------

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life

During July I have been practising my tanning routine in the hope that I will be able to leave the house without my pasty legs. With tanning comes a responsibility to exfoliate properly, something I never gave too much thought to before, only exfoliating when I remembered.

I’ve been using Soap & Glory’s The Scrub of Your Life which smells INCREDIBLE. It’s really gentle whilst still exfoliating your skin evenly and to a good standard. 

As you can tell I’ve nearly finished the whole tube and I’ll definitely be re-purchasing.

Kiehl’s Washable Cleansing Milk // Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturising Serum Concentrate

This favourite is a bit of a two in one as I’ve been using these products together. After I finished uni I was sick of my skin being in a constant stressed and angry looking state so I went to Selfridges to splurge on some luxury skin care.

The man I spoke to at the Kiehl’s concession was amazing and so knowledgeable, he made the whole experience really eye-opening for me. He started off by working out exactly what type of skin I have by taking swabs from my forehead and cheeks. This made sure that the products he was recommending to me were suitable for my skin type.

I eventually settled with the cleansing milk and the serum which I have been using together. As I mentioned, these are more expensive products than those you can pick up from Boots or Superdrug like Simple or Nivea, but they have worked wonders for me. My skin is noticeably clearer and if I do get a spot it’s gone within a couple of days compared to before when I would have a spot for a least a week before it would leave.

--------- BEAUTY ---------

Michael Kors Coral Eau De Parfum

This perfume is the perfect summer scent as it is fresh and fruity whilst remaining very feminine and classy. It also contains sandalwood which is one of my favourite scents so this perfume was always going to be a winner for me.

It is also eau de parfum which is really important to me as it means that the scent lasts longer and I don’t need to keep reapplying, something that is annoying during the summer months.

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge

This sponge is incredible. Before buying this I had tried a beauty blender from Primark and loved the concept but hated the quality of it, which is not surprising considering it was so cheap.

I was in the queue to Boots when I saw this at the counter and decided to give it a go and I’m so glad I did. The shape of it is the same as the classic beauty blender but it also has a flat part which is so useful for getting into those nooks and crannies on your face.

As with any beauty blender this should always be used damp to give that beautiful dewy effect but it can also be used dry if you want to create a matte finish. This product is especially amazing for setting concealer under the eyes – a real staple item.

I only bought the one to test it out but now I love it, the pack of four is a much better deal so I will link both in the products list so you can opt for whichever you prefer. The only annoying thing about this product is that make up does stain it so no matter how much you wash it you'll never get it back to its original condition, as you can see from mine!

--------- FASHION ---------

Guess Delaney Petite Tote with Crossbody Strap

I’ve been totally obsessing over this Guess crossbody bag this month. I bought this bag last summer when I went on a Royal Caribbean cruise and I’ve loved it ever since. As it is floral print, it is a very seasonal bag so I hadn’t been using it during Autumn and Winter and forgot about it during Spring to be honest! Since I found this bag in my cupboard I’ve been wearing it to death.

This bag comes in a variety of colours and patterns but I opted for this pretty pastel floral pattern. I’ve done some research and I’m not sure if this exact style is available anywhere anymore but I’ve linked some similar bags in the product list that you can always find at the end of the post.

--------- MUSIC ---------

As I have Spotify I’m always discovering new songs to love so this section of my July favourites is very likely to continue throughout the months.

Rock Bottom by Hailee Steinfeld ft. DNCE

Just go and listen to this if you haven’t already. It’s very catchy but it still has a bit of a grungey side to it I would say, it’s not annoyingly ‘poppy’ like some songs are.

Say It by Flume ft. Tove Lo

I’ve loved Tove Lo ever since Talking Body so hearing her feature in Flume’s song Say It was very welcomed by me. This is a very summer appropriate song as it is chilled out whilst still having a cool vibe to it.

*** 

Hopefully I've given you some new things to try out during the month of August based on what I was loving in July! 

S x 

Products Mentioned:

SKINCARE:

Soap & Glory Scrub of Your Life:

http://www.boots.com/en/Soap-and-Glory-Scrub-of-your-life-200ml_1829989/

Kiehl’s Washable Cleansing Milk:

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/collection/apothecary-originals/washable-cleansing-milk/3700194711641.html

Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturising Serum Concentrate:

http://www.kiehls.co.uk/skin-care/category/serums/hydro-plumping-re-texturizing-serum-concentrate/3605970619527.html?cgid=face-serums#start=8&cgid=face-serums

BEAUTY:

Michael Kors Coral Eau De Parfum:

http://www.houseoffraser.co.uk/Michael+Kors+Coral+Eau+de+Parfum+Spray+50ml/242095360,default,pd.html

Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge:

http://www.boots.com/en/Real-Techniques-Miracle-Complexion-Sponge_1389470/

Real Techniques 4 Miracle Complexion Sponges:

http://www.boots.com/en/Real-Techniques-4-Miracle-Complexion-Sponges_1876406/?cm_mmc=bmm-_-google-_-PLAs-_-Boots%20Shopping%20-%20Category%20-%20Health%20and%20Pharmacy

FASHION:

Ted Baker Top Handle Floral Tote Bag:

http://www.asos.com/ted-baker/ted-baker-top-handle-floral-tote-bag/prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=6399822&clr=Paleblue&SearchQuery=floral+crossbody&pgesize=36&pge=0&totalstyles=39&gridsize=3&gridrow=3&gridcolumn=2

Guess Isabeau Small Floral Handbag:

http://www.guess.eu/en/Catalog/View/HWISAFP6436

MUSIC
Rock Bottom by Hailee Steinfeld ft. DNCE:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liwCttfeJ7E

Say It by Flume ft. Tove Lo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hZe5K1DN4ec

Mini Make Up Haul

Ever since finishing Uni in May and moving back home, I've inevitably found myself with a LOT of free time. 

To try and cure the boredom I've rekindled my love for YouTube, discovering new channels and YouTubers to watch. Watching bomb make up tutorials are my favourites which is how I've found myself in my current mess of a situation - I can't stop spending money on make up. 

I've been getting so spendy on make up it's ridiculous. Every time a YouTuber uses a product I automatically need it in my life to be able to continue living (obviously). My Pinterest (sar4helizabeth) is dedicated to the products I want and I have so many  notes in my phone telling me what I need to buy next. 

As ever, I will of course put links at the end of the post so you can buy anything I've mentioned here. So without further ado, here are the make up pieces I've recently acquired... 

1. Kiko Supergloss - 103 & 112

These two babies are my newest purchase and I'm in love. In Birmingham we're lucky enough to have a new Kiko store. When I was shopping yesterday I couldn't help but spot the 'SALE 70% OFF' signs and what do you know? All of a sudden I was in there. 

My attention was drawn to these lip glosses when I watched a Holly Boon make up tutorial on YouTube; go and check her out if you haven't already. 


These lip glosses are originally £4.90 each but I got them for £2.40 so naturally had to buy more than one. 


The colours I picked up are quite similar but 103 has a browner undertone whereas 112 is more on the pink side. I used 112 when I went out last night and absolutely loved how it looked on and it didn't feel sticky either! 


If you're thinking of shopping at Kiko - the also have an online store - make sure you sign up to their reward scheme as there are good discounts for once you reach a certain number of points. 

2. MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural - Give Me Sun




I've been using this as a bronzer and it's sooo nice. The formula is really lovely and gives your skin such a warm look, as if your tan is natural. I would definitely recommend applying this with a gentle hand as it's very pigmented which I discovered the first time I used it when I ended up with a brown streak down my cheek. 

It is very pricey for what it is in my opinion, but so far it seems as though it will last a long time.

3. Mary- Lou Manizer Highlighter 

After watching countless YouTube tutorials where people used this product I knew I needed it but I didn't think I would ever be able to get it. Then one day I walked into Superdrug and was greeted with a The Balm concession stand. I literally pushed my way through a small crowd to grab one of these highlighters. 

It's such a flattering colour and gives your skin that perfect 'my highlight is POPPIN' look that we are all so desperate to achieve.

4. MAC Cremesheen Glass - Boy Bait 

I have always wanted to try the MAC Cremesheen lip glosses and this shade was perfect for me. You'll soon learn that I like to play my lip colour safe and stick with nudes and pinks as I feel like that's what suits me the most. This colour is so flattering and wearable for day or night. 

For the price you pay I wouldn't say it's any different to any other lip gloss I own or even my favourite one, but I'm still glad I own it. 

5. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer - Fair


(Please excuse the state of this concealer - I left it in the sun and the label has worn away!) I love this concealer and it's so so affordable. I got the shade 15/Fair which is lighter than my skin tone. I use this under my eyes, down my nose and on my Cupid's bow to add a natural highlight, which I can then amplify with my highlighter later on. This product is really creamy and the coverage is really good. 

To get the most out of this concealer I make sure to set it. As translucent powder is not yet something I own I just use my pressed powder which I break up using the end of a make up brush to make it loose - such a DIY Queen! 

6. Benefit Sun Beam Golden Bronze Complexion Highlighter

When I went to benefit to test out their new brow range, I was sat by all their tester products that they show people. I instantly reached for their sun beam highlighter after my friend Katie had shown me her Benefit High Beam highlighter  

I loved the colour of the Sun Beam highlighter as it is golden which is unlike any other highlighter I've seen/owned. It's amazing how little product you need to use to create such a beautiful look. 
This highlighter is such a staple in my make up routine now because even if I want to use a different highlighter, I'll put this one on first to intensify the look of the second one. 

7. W7 Lengthening Mascara 

When I recently went to the Cheshire Oaks Designer outlet (look out for a haul post soon!) there was a discounted make up shop selling all the usual drugstore products for cheaper than normal. I was excited when I noticed their w7 section, products which are ridiculously cheap and raved about but quite hard to get hold of. I picked up their mascara for £1.99 which is such an insane price! 

This mascara has a 'no fuss' wand which I like as it makes your lashes look more natural and not clumpy like the thicker mascara wands do. The label boasts 'thickening' qualities but I wouldn't say it thickens lashes at all so if you're looking for that I wouldn't recommend this mascara. But it definitely suits what I want for a day look.

7. NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick - Corset & Push Up

As I mentioned in my disappointing products post (have a look if you haven't already!) Boots have recently started stocking NYX products which is an absolute dream. 

The NYX stand at my local Boots is unfortunately very small so the full range is not available. I've been wanting to try their lingerie liquid lipsticks but they were one of the things that weren't stocked. However, (thank God for small mercies) I recently stumbled across a huge Boots store in central Birmingham that has the largest NYX section ever so I was able to get my lingerie fix! 

I picked up two of these in the shades Covet and Push Up. These are really pigmented and quite a thick formula so a little goes a long way. 

When I first used these I was so disappointed because they're very drying and seem to fall into any cracks on your lips. Whenever I do my lips I apply lip liner all over my lips to form a base and I found that these liquid lipsticks were incredible, they're still quite dry but nowhere near as bad as when you use them alone. 

8. Glowcomotion 

I picked up the highly recommended glowcomotion highlighter - I know you're probably getting annoyed at my highlighter obsession! 

This was another Cheshire Oaks bargain - it was only £3.99 and the quality is amazing.

Compared to the Mary-Lou it's more of a browner shade in the pan but I'd say the colour on the skin is very similar so a good alternative if you're wanting to spend less money. 




It's not until I did this post that I realised how many lip glosses/ liquid lipsticks I've bought recently oops...


S x

Products mentioned:

Kiko Supergloss - 103: 

http://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-gb/make-up/lips/lip-glosses/Supergloss/p-KM00202002

Kiko Supergloss - 112: 

http://www.kikocosmetics.com/en-gb/make-up/lips/lip-glosses/Supergloss/p-KM00202002

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish Natural - Give Me Sun: 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13849/30734/Products/Makeup/Face/Powder/Mineralize-Skinfinish-Natural#/shade/Give_Me_Sun%21

The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter: 

http://www.superdrug.com/The-Balm/The-Balm-Mary-lou-manizer-Highlighter-shadow-shimmer/p/950457?singleResultSearchPage=true

MAC Cremesheen Glass - Boy Bait: 

http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/product/13853/4384/Products/Makeup/Lips/Lipgloss/Cremesheen-Glass#BVRRWidgetID

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer: 

http://www.boots.com/en/Maybelline-Fit-Me-Concealer_1279343/

Benefit Sun Beam Golden Bronze Complexion Highlighter:

 https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/uk/en-gb/product/sun-beam

W7 Lengthening Mascara:  

https://www.w7cosmetics.co.uk/collections/mascara/products/mascara-lengthening-black

NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick - Corset: 

http://www.boots.com/en/NYX-Lip-Lingerie-Lipstick_1822563/

NYX Lip Lingerie Liquid Lipstick - Push Up: 

http://www.boots.com/en/NYX-Lip-Lingerie-Lipstick_1822563/

Glowcomotion: 

https://www.w7cosmetics.co.uk/products/glowcomotion