The perfect primer; Drugstore edition

Before I begin, I would just like to say my skin type is oily. I love a mattifing primer that makes my foundation last twice as long. That ticks a big box in my book! So it you have anything but oily or combination skin, unfortunately I can't guarantee that these will work in the same way as they do for me! 

First off, before you all start to wonder the reasons as to why I've decided to talk about drugstore primers rather than high-end ones it is because in the last few months I have been trying out quite a few drugstore ones and luckily enough I have found some really good ones that I thought I'd share with you guys! So I have yet to find more high end primers that I love other than my Porefessional by Benefit! (Can I just say I absolutely love that one! But I'll save that ramble for another post when I find something to compare it to!)

The two that I will be talking about today are the Bourjois Happy Light Base Serum Matte primer and the Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro primer! They are both under £10 and in my opinion both worth every penny! 

I must say there are only slight differences between the two as they are both equally as matifing as one another! However the consistency between the two is definitely an aspect which separates them from one another. The Bourjois one is a pinky/peachy colour and is definitely more of a lighter consistency than the Rimmel one, which is white and more of a thicker moisturiser-like consistency. The reason for this might be because it promises to do a lot. On the front of the Rimmel tube it states that it smoothes, resurfaces, brightens, mattifies and protects! I agree with most of the above apart from the brightens and protects part, as I haven't seen these for myself, and I don't really see how or what this product is protecting my face from! Whereas the Bourjois one only states that it mattifies and minimises the appearance of pores, which is something I have definitely seen it do! Both of these primers are great bases that prep my skin for my foundation to have a smooth area to sit on, whilst also make it glide on like a dream! But the real question is, which one makes my foundation last the longest? And I have to say it was a tough decision,  but after much deliberation and weeks of trying, testing and comparing between them both I have to give it to Bourjois as it is honestly the one I found myself reaching for on a daily basis. It made my foundation last up to 6 hours and over! It is light and refreshing and has a lovely floral scent to it, so if you're sensitive to smells, or you just don't like your products smelling, this might be one to steer clear of! (Although I have found that Bourjois and their products as a brand in general all have distinctive smells about them!)

What are your favourite drugstore or high-street primers? I am always on the look out to try new ones, so let me know if you have any recommendations! 

Stay safe, stay lovely! 

AA

My newest H&M purchase!

My love for H&M is becoming slightly worrying!

From their clothes, to their shoes, my obsession has now moved onto their bags! Earlier this week, I popped in, for no particular reason! (Rookie mistake!) I literally had 10 minutes to spare before work so I decided to spend it in H&M! 

I had been in need of a new 'everyday' bag for a long time now, even though my zara one is still in its perfect condition, I just feel like that one isn't everyday appropriate! Anyone feel like that after owning something for a while? (For those of you who are interested, my zara bag is a black suede hand bag, that has a gold chain for a strap! It's has two compartments, which I consider relatively small to medium size, that fits just the right amount for dinner or a trip to the movies! Don't get me wrong this is definitely still one of my prized possessions, which I don't intend to stop using! Especially after costing £80! 

Rambling over! Here is my new beauty that only cost £34.99! 

I love absolutely everything about it! It was definitely a love at first sight purchase!  

However the shape of it has to be my favourite thing about it! It is a tote/phantom-like bag! Similar to the celine bags! And almost a dupe of the Michael Kors Selma bag! (Unfortunately I don't have that sort of money, let alone that sort of money to be spending on a bag! Maybe in the future! One can only wish!) 

The majority of the bag is black with gold detailing! It has a hint of the colour grey/dark cream on the sides of it, which I think makes the bag that little bit more special! It has a strap, which I find handy and do wear depending on where I'm going! It is a type of bag which I feel is very versatile and will definitely go with near enough everything, and that is wearable during all seasons! It is a great size! Not too big but not too small! Some might not think of it is an everyday bag, but I'm not a big fan of casual bags, so this is just right for me, as it is the best of both worlds! 

Have you been loving anything from H&M recently? And do you have a favourite bag?

P.S I know I always say this, but please trust me when I say blogging on a regular basis will be happening! I pinky promise! I've had a lot of things put into perspective recently, and I've decided after not having one of the best years of my life, that I'm going to make the most of this year! I have bought a diary to help me along the way, and make sure I make to do lists, and actually keep to them! I have also decided I want to get into a healthy regime and start exercising weekly! I have lots of New Years resolutions in place! I just really hope I stick to them! (Fingers crossed)

Do you guys have any New Years resolutions or plans for the new year? I would love to hear about them! 

Stay safe, stay lovely! 

AA 

Honesty, updates and some news!

First off, I would like to apologise for my absence! Once again I have been super busy and just haven't been able to balance things in my life right now. But I'm trying my best to improve on this, so please bare with my while I get the hang of it. In return for being away (for what feels like years) I do have some exciting news to share with you al! So I really do hope this makes up for it! Even in the slightest bit. (Drum roll please!) I AM GOING TO AMERICA!!! (New York to be precise!) *does an embarrasing happy/crazy dance* And I hope you guys will come along on this incredible journey with me! 

Disclaimer: I got the second picture (which is a beautiful one may I just add) off of Google by simply typing in 'New York'. It is not mine, therefore I do not take any credit for it.

But yes, I have been planning this trip for a while now, and only a week ago did I finally pluck up the courage and book my ticket! I will be going on the 27th of January and I will be staying there for 2 whole weeks! (Where I will be shopping every minute of everyday! Slight exaggeration, but you know what I mean!) So I am flying will Delta airlines, which is an American airline, which I haven't flown with before! If any of you have, please let me know how your experience was! I have no idea on what to expect! I'll put my hands and admit, I am very apprehensive, anxious and nervous as this will be my first ever independent holiday, where I will be traveling all alone. This will also be the first time I will be travelling on an airplane for more than 3 hours! It is triple the amount I'm used to, so that is also something I have mixed feelings about! (I'm officially an independent lady! Can I get a woo hoo?) For some unknown reason I've starting scaring myself and imagining endless awful scenarios that could occur, such as getting on the wrong flight or even worse, missing it. Fingers crossed none of those happen though! And that I do end up getting there in one piece! (Can I just say watching home alone, definitely doesn't help either!) And for those of you who might be wondering if I will be spending this holiday alone, rest assure I will be staying at my aunties house who luckily for me, lives in New York, so don't worry guys! And for any of the curious and nosey people out there (like myself) I would like to confirm I did buy my ticket myself and all the money I will be spending out there I have and still am saving myself! So, I must say I am feeling pretty proud of myself! And very, very excited! (Yes I am counting the days! I've even downloaded the countdown app! Only 50 more days to go!) Finally this gap year isn't feeling so pointless and wasted after all! 

I'll be honest with you all, I haven't been feeling very positive lately. This month my energy levels have been pretty low, and I just haven't been in the best of moods, to do anything really. Which is probably another reason I haven't blogged in a while, but I finally have something to look forward to, and I am very, very thankful. I've decided to stop moping around and appreciate life a bit more than I was doing beforehand. It really is nice to be honest and have you guys to talk to! 

But yes, I did stop blogging for a while but I am definitely back, and my blog is 100% up and running! I am on a mission to make a regular schedule, where I post weekly or twice a week! Just bare with me! And I will get there. I promise. 

Stay safe, stay lovely! 

AA