Beauty: Rimmel Wonder'fully Real Mascara Review

I received a complimentary Rimmel VoxBox from Influenster which contained a number of lovely beauty products. I've tested them out quite a bit before composing my thoughts into a review. For this review I'd like to focus on the Rimmel Wonderfully Real Mascara that I received.

Film Review: Zootopia

Image credit: comingsoon.net

Sleek MakeUp Highlighter & Blush

On a recent shopping trip I was looking for some new make up (now there's a surprise) and I came across the new Sleek MakeUp counter in my local Boots store. I spent quite a lot of time testing out all their different products and I landed on their Highlighting Palette section and could not resist making a sneaky purchase. Check them out.

April Outfit Post

I thought I would create a new outfit post each month so I can show off some of the clothes I have been gathering over the past few weeks. Surprisingly, I haven't gone that crazy in the shopping department this month (yet) so for April I have a few of my favourite outfits and I have styled them a little differently too.

Outfit Post: Missguided stylin'

I got some great things from Missguided, and I was so excited by everything that I thought I would do an outfit post to show you all what I got. Some of the things I actually have no idea where I am going to wear them yet, but it will give me a great excuse to go places, right? Hopefully, when the weather picks up a bit I'll be able to wear these out. So, check out my new outfits and let me know what you think of them.

Sisterhood of the World Bloggers

The lovely Tania from TaniaMichele tagged me in the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers tag, and I am so excited by this, I feel like I haven't done a tag in forever (well I haven't that's why). You can read Tania's post here and see the answers she has given to her own set of questions which is very interesting, as I love finding out those little things about people that you wouldn't necessarily know! It's such a fun way to interact more! So, I'm going to answer the questions that Tania has given me (hopefully you'd like to know the answers), and then I'll tag some more of you beauties with my own set of questions that you'd like to answer and pass on etc. So, here goes!

Film Review: The Transporter Refueled

Image credit: screenrant.com

The Transporter Refueled (2015) is the fourth film in The Transporter film franchise and it is the first one without Jason Statham playing lead role as Frank Martin. Instead, we have Ed Skrein playing the lead role, and I was quite surprised by how much I actually enjoyed this film because it must have been hard for Skrein knowing he had to fill the shoes of the previous actor.

So, the plot of this film follows Frank as he ends up escorting four young women around as they are looking for revenge against their former employer, a sinister Russian kingpin. Frank takes the contract from former prostitute Anna, who along with her accomplices, steals from a bank and kidnaps Frank Senior in order for him to comply with carrying on with their mission for revenge. During the film, Anna and her accomplices begin to rob the friends of the Russian Kingpin, Karasov, in order to frame his friends against him. And of course, throughout there are scenes of epic fighting as you'd expect from a Transporter film.

I tried to watch this film without comparing Skrein to Statham because I know I love Statham in The Transporter films and it would be unfair to completely write the film off because of this. However, Skrein seemed to have the rough British accent down, and as I was watching it I almost forgot there are previous Transporter films. So, with this in mind I thoroughly enjoyed this film, and when asked what I thought about it afterwards I seemed to keep saying "it's not bad, actually". So, if you are a little unsure of watching it because Statham isn't in it, like I was, then I'd say to give it a chance and you'll probably be surprised!

I would rate this film 7 out of 10. Have you seen this film yet, and what did you think?

Looking Back At My Stressful Year With Blog And Personal Goals For 2016

As I look back and try to review my year, I feel that 2015 has been one of the most stressful and emotional years I have had to date. Here are a few main things that have troubled me over the last year...

Film Review: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part Two

Image credit: http://zrockr.com

First of all, I haven't read the books to this series (although I really wish I did before I watched any of the films), but I have been a fan since The Hunger Games films franchise began.
I was so excited to watch 'part two' of Mockingjay, especially after how the first part ended. But, I must admit I was left a little disappointed when I left the cinema because I thought there was going to be more of a 'BANG' when it ended, but it seemed to reflect a fairy tale, as in it was too "happily ever after" for my liking, but I am aware that is entirely my opinion.

However, I am also glad that I could see how the rest of Mockingjay unfolded, and what was going to happen to the rest of the characters, and it answered some of my questions such as; was Peeta going to be alright? What will happen to Snow? What was Katniss going to do?

The special effects and graphics were great (I didn't expect any less) and I was given a fright by some awful looking monsters in the film - I was not expecting that. As I mentioned, normally I would have liked to have read the books first so I could also compare them to the film, so I am a little sorry I cannot do that in this case. Nevertheless, I liked the film and I thought it was pretty good, but I suppose my expectations got the better of me, and the year-long wait must have left me a little disappointed when I finally got to see it. Also, I could add that I was a little tired and watched it on a later showing, so that could also be my reasoning for how I felt when I left the cinema.

All in all, it was a good film, especially a good and happy ending to such a huge film franchise. I would rate this film 7 out of 10.

Have you seen Mockingjay Part Two yet, and what did you think?

The Halloween Edit: Nails, Make Up and Films

One thing I really love about Halloween is people's spirit, whether it's making an effort to dress up, buying/making Halloween inspired food, watching scary movies or carving pumpkins. It's a lot like Christmas nowadays, and I really love that so many people get involved, whether old or young, and in any small or big way possible.

First of all, I have seen some really great make up looks floating around various social media sites, and I am in absolute awe in some of the creativity of some bloggers. I wish I have some of the talent that so many of you have, but I have done a little experiment of my own, in trying to create some Halloween inspired nails. As shown in the image above, I think I did pretty well and have received some good responses from people and I am very pleased about them. I think with a little more practice I might try doing some more designs in the future. I'd recommend trying the pattern on my little finger because it is really simple to create, and you could even do it in red so it looks more like blood.

Next, in preparation for my Halloween plans, I have purchased some more of my favourite lashes the Eylure No. 83 volume lashes. Eylure create some amazing lashes, and they last absolutely ages, so there is no problem with them on a night out. They have a new limited edition princess collection out, that have sparkles on them, so I am quite keen to get my hands on some of them too. Also, I am a big fan of dark red and plum lipsticks, and they go perfectly with the spooky Autumn season. The two pictured above are Rimmel's Kate Moss lipstick #30 and Bourjois' Rouge Edition Velvet lipstick #14 which are both divine dark plum shades, and are very long lasting so also perfect for a night out. My only debate will be deciding which one to wear out!

Top: Rimmel, Bottom: Bourjois

I am not really a big fan of horror movies, because they're scary, but I can handle watching some especially if I am not alone. So I have decided to compose a small 'Halloween films to watch' list. I am going out in the evening, but will be sure to cram in some scary films during the day before I go out. Here are some of my film suggestions:

1. Any of the Saw films (pick any one, the first few are the better ones in my opinion)
2. Dawn of the Dead (a must if you love zombies)
3. Halloween (could possibly be an obvious one)
4. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974 - I always find older films scarier)
5. Sleepy Hollow (two words: Johnny Depp)
6. The Nightmare Before Christmas (you can watch this at Halloween and Christmas!)
7. Shaun of the Dead (actually one of my favourite films)

How are you going to be spending your Halloween this year? Do you have any further suggestions on make up looks, or films to watch?

P.S. A big thank you to my lovely friend who designed and created my Halloween themed post header. Just look at how cute the pumpkin Mickey Mouse is!

Film Review: Maze Runner The Scorch Trials

Image credit: http://www.foxmovies.com

I finally got round to watching the second installment of the Maze Runner trilogy, and I must admit The Scorch Trials was far from disappointing, so it was well worth the wait for me. There is exciting non-stop action throughout the entire film, and it even made me jump quite a lot which I was not expecting. I much agree with the movie tagline 'the maze was just the beginning'.

As Thomas and the gang escaped from yet again another institution that turned out to be under control of the mysterious 'WICKD' organisation, they soon found themselves in danger from virus-infected beings called 'cranks' as well as running for their lives from WICKD . However, it was the cranks that mostly made me jump, as they would appear out of the darkness from nowhere and run crazily after the gang. I felt myself hold my breath on so many occasions when the cranks were chasing everyone in fear of what might happen, and I must add that they were pretty scary looking too.

There is not really any dull or slow moments during this film, it is quite fast-paced and full of action, as Thomas and the gang head towards the mountains to find the 'Right Hand', a group of resistance fighters who could possible help them fight WICKD. Of course, along the way they are met with many obstacles, until they finally join forces with the Right Hand, but all is not that smooth in a twist of events at the end. It is safe to say I was not expecting what Theresa did at the end, and I was even a little shocked, but it only excites me further to see what happens in the final installment of the trilogy. If you enjoyed the first film, then I have no doubt that you will enjoy The Scorch Trials and would recommend a watch to anyone.
I would rate this film 4 out of 5.

Have you seen this film, and what do you think?

Make Up Revolution Review: Cover and Conceal Palette

I bought this Make Up Revolution Cover & Conceal Palette (£5.99 from Superdrug) a few weeks ago, and have been using it nearly everyday to try and make my mind up as to what I actually think of it, so I can write a better review for you.

My October Goals 2015

I had a quick look back over my goals that I had set for myself in September, and I must admit that my goals for October are probably going to be along the same lines. Although I feel as I have made some headway towards my previous goals, I still have not fully completed any but don't worry I am well on my way. So here are my new and improved goals for October this year.

1. Get a job
Still the most important thing on my list is getting myself a job. I am very proud of myself in the fact that I spent the entire previous month applying for various jobs and graduate schemes. Now, this may sound like a total failure to some of you because I have not exactly landed myself a job yet, but I cannot stress enough how long application processes are. However, I have got onto the next stages of a few interview processes which I am more than pleased about, and it is basically a waiting game for now. I have also got myself a temporary Christmas position, which doesn't sound a lot either, but it will keep me going and give me the money I more than need for Christmas this year. I will be sure to keep you updated on the particular goal since it is my top priority right now.

2. Relax more 
Okay, this goal is partly related to my job hunting, because I find myself becoming a lot more stressed since I graduated at the end of September. As the days pass by, I feel as though it becomes a lot more crucial for me to find employment because the next thing you know Christmas will be on the doorstep, and I'll need money for that. But, among all the madness of looking for job I have realised how important it is for me to just relax once in a while. I wake up everyday, get myself organised and apply for different job positions or schemes, so when it gets to the evening I can just sit back and watch TV or a film, and write on my blog because there is not much more I can do until the next day. So, I am going to try to make myself relax a lot more, and try not to stress myself out so much.

3. Enhance my blog
I feel a lot more comfortable in the blogging world now, even after only four months of being a blogger. I want to enhance my blog by making it a little bit more organised, instead of it looking at bit random and out of place at times. So, I definitely need to start planning my posts a lot more by writing stuff down, and maybe even try to come up with a better theme. I really enjoy writing blog posts about beauty, and I am thoroughly enjoying writing film reviews at the moment too, so these a probably going to be my main priority. However, I have thought more about advertising my blog. I would really like to reach a wider audience and make some blogging friends, but I am always a bit apprehensive when it comes to advertising my blog on social media sites. Don't worry though, I am working on this and slowly building myself up to start enhancing my blog.

I have tried to keep my October goals shorter and a little bit more attainable, and mostly because these are my top priorities at the moment. I think that once I earn some income I will be able to all the other things I want to do, such as socialising and shopping sprees. It is hard at the moment to not do the things I want, but at the end of the day they all involve money, and I am focusing all my energy in trying to get my foot on the career ladder.

What do you think of my goals, and what are yours?

Film Review: Cinderella

Image source: www.followingthenerd.com

Wow! What a spectacular adaption of one of the best-known and loved fairy tales. At first I was not quite sure what I was expecting, as I thought maybe they would significantly change or enhance certain aspects of the fairy tale. But, I could not have been more wrong since the director (Kenneth Branagh) brilliantly captured the magic of Cinderella from the beginning.

Ella (Lily James) is a pure beauty, even when dressed to suit her nickname 'cinders' or 'cinderella'. The nickname, as given to her by her horrible step-sisters Drisella and Anastasia, also played their role brilliantly because I actually found myself beginning to feel hate towards them whilst watching the film. Particularly, Ella's step-mother Lady Tremaine (Cate Blanchett) was superb in her role, and so very cruel that you could almost feel her intentions for Ella. I found that the story line matched that of the earlier animated Disney Cinderella just with real life actors, but sadly the animals (Jaq, Gus and Lucifer) did not talk.

Also, the graphics were spectacular in that they really brought to life the fairy tale aspect of the film. From the fairy godmother (Helena Bonham Carter) creating the glass slippers to turning the pumpkin into Ella's carriage for the ball it was truly magically to watch. Now, I could be a little biased because I am a fan of Disney fairy tales in particular, but I would certainly recommend a watch if this is your sort of thing because I guarantee you will adore this version just as much as the animated original. Not to mention that the Prince (Richard Madden) was a joy to watch during the film, so there's an added bonus for you! It is truly an enchanting take on Cinderella, full of excitement, ups and downs, and of course a happily ever after.
I would rate this film 4 out of 5.

Have you seen this film yet, and what do you think?

LUSH Product Review

A while ago, I purchased the Dragon's Egg bath bomb and the Mint Julips lip scrub when I popped into the Birmingham Lush store. I was very excited to use both of these products and to share my review with you.

First off, is the Dragon's Egg bath bomb (£3.50) that I was eagerly waiting to use for a while after I bought it, but I thought I would save it for an occasion when I really needed a bath bomb in my life. This was my first experience in using a bath bomb from Lush, and I must admit that I was not entirely impressed with this specific product. As soon as I put it in my hot bath, it immediately started fizzing and spinning around releasing white foam, and then eventually the orange-y egg colour in the middle began to spill. Next came the crackling sounds near the end, and then that was that.

It left my bath a nice bright orange colour, but I feel like that was all it did. I mean it did smell nice, but nothing out of the ordinary... I think the shower gels and soaps I use seem to smell better and last a lot longer. Overall, I felt like I was just sitting in orange-coloured water and that was it. So, safe to say that I perhaps won't be buying this bath bomb again, but I am still very much interested in trying other bath bombs from Lush because I have seen some really great reviews. So, if you could recommend any to me then I would really appreciate it.

Lastly, the lip scrub that is literally saving my lips as the colder weather is approaching. I chose the Mint Julips scrub because I absolutely love the taste and smell of mint (why I love mojitos so much). I am exceptionally impressed with this product because it really has become a holy grail product in my bag. When my lips are becoming quite dry (all the time with this weather), I simply rub a small amount onto my lips with a tiny scrubbing motion and then lick it off (yes it is edible) et voila, smooth skin is revealed on my lips. Then, I simply put on some lip balm to keep my lips nice and soft. I definitely would recommend this product, and it comes in two more flavours as well; bubblegum and popcorn. Priced at £5.50 and a little really does go a long way, so definitely worth the money!

What are your Lush product must-haves?

Graduation - I did it!

I had my graduation on 23rd September, a week has flown by already! It was such a surreal and busy day, and I haven't really had chance to reflect on it since. I was really nervous on the build-up to graduation, including on the day, but as soon as I walked off the stage with my degree certificate in my hand I felt a huge weight lifted and began to breathe normally again. I had finally done it, I had my certificate and was now an official History graduate. Phew!
I am extremely proud of myself and I could see that all my family were too, it was such a happy day and I could not stop smiling. Of course, I could not stop smiling since my mother was very "snap happy" with the camera, but I couldn't blame her it was an event you'd want to document. I think some of the pictures my mother took were better than the professional photo I had taken... nevertheless you need that official photograph holding the scroll, don't you?

Also, I organised a small graduation meal with my friends to celebrate us all finally graduating. We went for a meal at Miller and Carter, it is an amazing steakhouse that does delicious steak if you have never heard of it and I would certainly recommend a visit if steak is your thing. It was a lovely meal, and was just really nice to catch up with everyone because we hadn't really seen each other since we finished university near the end of May. I wish my friends all the best for the future, and I certainly look forward to when we meet up again and can talk about all the exciting things that we have been up to!

Now, this is the part where it finally hits me that I have graduated (and no longer a student) and need to figure out my next step in life. I need to get a move on and start my career, which is proving to be a little difficult because I cannot decide what it is I want to do exactly. I am sure something will come my way eventually, but until then I will probably be frantically applying for every job possible as the pressure seems to be cracking down. Hopefully I will have some good news to share with you soon regarding this. Wish me luck!

Thank you for reading!

Film Review: Terminator Genisys

Photo credit: www.theterminatorfans.com

It took me a while, but I finally got around to watching the new Terminator: Genisys film, and it is safe to say that I was actually impressed. When I heard they were adding another film onto the Terminator franchise I was a little skeptical at first because this would be the fifth film in the franchise, and sometimes this can go either way in terms of good and bad. Although, when I found out that Emilia Clarke would be playing as Sarah Connor in this film I was actually a little more excited to see it because I am a massive fan of Game of Thrones, a series in which she stars.

First of all, I thought the graphics were incredible, and the special effects were a lot better than the first Terminator films (as you would imagine). This film is full of explosive action with guns and brutal fight scenes, a real signature with the Terminator franchise. At the beginning of the film I was a little confused as I was lost trying to get my head around what was actually going on. But once I figured out that this Terminator was based along a fractured timeline everything fell into place, and I began to enjoy the film even more.

I think Clarke did a really good job of the portrayal of Sarah Connor's character and really got behind the emotional side of her character, but she was also kick-ass when it came to the action scenes. I think Arnold Schwarzenegger fit straight back into his role as the Terminator brilliantly, and I even found some scenes very humorous, particularly at the beginning when he was trying to smile. Most of all, I loved that the director explored the deeper connection between Sarah Connor and the Terminator, and I thought the fact that Connor had nicknamed him "pops" was the sweetest thing. Because of this connection, the scene near the end had me holding my breath as it was very emotional (trying not to spoil it here). Also, I think Jai Courtney's portrayal of John Connor was brilliant, and he brought a great masculine energy towards the character. Of course, he looked pretty good in all the fight scenes too (I may be a little biased here).

I would definitely recommend a watch to anyone, especially if you are a fan of the Terminator franchise. Of course, I still prefer the first film and Judgement Day, but this comes a close third and is still a very enjoyable watch. I think I will be watching this film again in the near future, and I hope I enjoy it just as much as the first time I saw it.

I would rate this film 3 out of 5.
Have you seen this film and what are your views?

Film Review: Maggie

Photo credit: thingstodo.austin360.com

First of all, quite a few people had told me how great they thought this film was, and how they had seen it multiple times which was what made me inclined to watch this film in the first place. So, the other night I decided to watch Maggie, but I hate to inform you that I actually fell asleep, and I had to finish this film in two sittings. Now this might tell you something about I felt about the film because I tend to love watching films and if they have my attention I don't normally fall asleep.

I thought the concept behind the film was pretty good, but I think it lacked a certain "umpf" because it was not that exciting to watch. It was a very dull film, shot with grey skies and no happy emotions. Arnold Schwarzenegger's character did not seem to speak much, although I did think his portrayal of his connection with his daughter (played by Abigail Breslin) was very good. Next, Breslin's character was infected with a virus that would eventually turn her into a zombie, and she acted some very good scenes where the virus had begun to take effect, and I was certainly left wide-eyed during the scene with the fox (if you know, you know).

So, generally I have no specific complaints with the actors in the film, as I think they portrayed the story line brilliantly, and definitely made you feel the connection between the characters. I thought the special effects in Maggie were brilliant as well because I found Breslin's wound to be particularly gruesome, and her change looked very realistic. However, I stick by the fact that I just found it to be a little bit too boring, without any fiercely exciting scenes as you would expect in a zombie-related film. Also, the film was little too slow-moving which is probably why I fell asleep halfway through. I am not sure that I would be in a rush to watch Maggie again in the near future, but I would definitely recommend you to watch it and come up with your own opinion. I don't think you will be let down by the graphics and the story line, so that's a plus!

I would rate this film 2.5 out of 5.
Have you seen this film and what you do think of it?

Michael McIntyre Show!

If you know me, then you will know that I am a very big fan of Michael McIntyre! I bought my tickets for the Happy and Glorious 2015 tour back at the beginning of June 2014 (fan pre-sale), which also shows how much of a fan I am. So, on Saturday evening, the night was finally here for me and my mom to go and see Michael McIntyre in Birmingham, and I was so so excited.

I think we had pretty good seats, and a good view of the stage, although Michael looked really tiny in the distance so I mostly watched him on the large screens above the stage. Both me and my mom laughed all the way through the show and our cheeks hurts afterwards. The highlight of the show for me definitely had to be when Michael pulled up his trousers to show us his large calves as part of his act, but he couldn't get his trousers down back over his calves again and he was laughing at himself which only made you laugh even more!

We also saw Michael McIntyre on his last tour (Live and laughing) in 2012, so I was super happy that we got to see him again. Of course, I will be looking forward to his next tour! So for now, I'll leave you of selfie of me and my mom whilst we were laughing at ourselves trying to take a 'beer selfie'.

Are you a fan of Michael McIntyre too or have you seen his shows?

Nip+Fab review

Photo courtesy of www.nipandfab.com

I became a little bit addicted with the Nip and Fab products after reading many great reviews (especially the glycolic pads) on various blogs and websites. After reading these reviews I noticed in my local Boots they had a 1/3 off all Nip and Fab products, fantastic! They are more well-known now thanks to ambassadors such as Kylie Jenner and Lindsay Lohan, who also swear by the products. I have tried a tested most of the glycolic range for quite a while now, so I thought I would share my views like many others already have, instead of posting after only one use (which doesn't always say much).

My first purchases were the glycolic pads, overnight serum, and the glycolic scrub. The pads last me a month using one a night after I have removed all my make up, they get rid of the excess and leave my skin feeling super clean. Also, the glycolic overnight serum works wonder overnight, and dramatically decreases the sizes of spots by the next morning, however I have found it to be a little drying of my skin and a bit sticky if I put on just before I go to bed. Usually I put it on and wait for it to soak in then use a moisturiser, or the Nip+Fab Deep Cleansing Fix for a deep cleanse overnight (this also works wonders) and I wake up with super soft skin, just try not to smother too much on or your face will feel a little greasy.

The glycolic scrub is one that I have purchased again and again because of how kind the scrub is to my skin. It has little tiny scrubbing microbeads that exfoliate and leaves you with a fresh face feeling and doesn't scratch my skin like I have found with other scrubs. Similarly, the glycolic foaming cleanser is another that I use on alternate mornings because the foaming technique really gets into my pores and leaves my skin smooth and clean. Next, the glycolic mask, which you apply to dry skin and leave on for around ten minutes, helps to clear up my skin. However, at first I was a bit uncomfortable with it because it burned my skin slightly and left me with a red face, but it did help cleanse and dry up my oily skin. Usually, I'd put it on in the evening then wash off with a cloth, and apply the deep cleansing fix on my face before I go to bed, and I'd wake up with smooth skin and no redness.

My all time favourite products

I think I got a little bit addicted to the Nip+Fab glycolic range especially, and I as using all the products at once on my face throughout the day then found my skin was not improving it was actually getting worse. Since then, I only use a couple products at most in a day, such as the scrub or cleanser in the morning and the deep cleanse in the evening and found my skin has calmed down a lot more. I would recommend anyone to use this range, especially when there's a '3 for 2' or '1/3 off' offer on (most likely in Boots or online), but just don't go too overboard like I did!