Monday 27 January 2014

J'adore My Dior Palette

Dior's five shade eye shadow '634 Golden Flower' Palette retails for £40. 


Can You Spot Me? Haha. 
Dior is a favourite of mine, in regards to higher end make-up, it feels and looks expensive (as it should at that price!). I received this Winter limited edition palette from my mum and dad for Christmas, and I died upon opening it (figuratively, not literally...). The sheer beauty of the packaging, as it comes in a little velvet pouch took my breath away. I know a tad dramatic but I do have a strange obsession for pretty packaging. The product inside did not disappoint either, the colours are spectacular, with shimmer galore they remind me of old Hollywood glamour, yet the shades can be manipulated into every day use, or for a more full on night time affair just add the centre shade of unadulterated golden glitter. 


The Pale Pink Does Not Show Up Well When Swatched.
 It is easy to create a complete eye look using only this tiny palette, perfect for travel or your handbag, it even comes with two miniature sponge tip applicators too, super duper handy for on the go. The palest shade is a perfect brow and inner corner highlight, while I use the natural pink colour all over my lid, with the lighter brown shimmer on the outer corner of my eyelid, and then the darker brown on my crease, and as an eyeliner on my waterline. It all really brings together a subtle and sophisticated neutral look, but with a touch of the gold glitter layered over the lid, instantly it's spot on for a night out. 


Day Make-Up.

It's Difficult to Not Scrunch Your Eyelids Up!

The eye shadows themselves wear very well throughout the day, and last for many hours. However my one issue with the palette is the golden glitter shade can cause a little fallout onto the rest of the face, not to the point where I could be a part of the Cullen clan though, so it did not bother me too much, as I do not mind a little shimmer. 

All in all, a beautiful addition to any eye shadow lovers collection in my opinion, and I hope to continue building up my Dior stash over the years, slow and steady. 

Have you got your hands on any Dior must-haves, or do you avoid the high end brand? Let me know in the comments below... 

Saturday 25 January 2014

Ring A Ring O'Roses...

Trilogy's Rosapene Night Cream - the full size of 60 ml costs £28.50, my size of 25 ml costs around £11.99.
Ickle little pot

Not completely rubbed in.
Sturdy product packaging.
 .










I received this night cream in my You Beauty advent calendar from my mum (a wonderful early Christmas present!). So, I have been using this cream nightly for just under two months now, and have used roughly half the small pot, so it certainly lasts a lengthy period despite being small in product size. The glass packaging makes it feel luxurious, yet substantial enough for travelling, and does not lead me to worry about it breaking in my luggage. The cream itself is a nighttime delight, although the scent is a little potent for me, as I am not a fan of rose scents, but I attempt to look past it. I thoroughly enjoy the silky smoothness it creates, while the product also repairs and rejuvenates your skin over night. One slight issue some may find with this cream is there is a certain heaviness to the product that oily skin types may not appreciate, however I do not mind a touch of a heavier product during my nighttime routine. I may not repurchase this specific Trilogy product again due to the scent, however I love the product and will certainly test out other Trilogy products in the future.

What is your favourite night cream, or which do you advise to stay away from? Let me know in the comments below... 

Monday 20 January 2014

Liebster Award!

I am honored to be nominated for the Liebster Award so early on in my blogging days, but I am so grateful to Ekta from http://theotherekta.blogspot.in/ for choosing me. The award is basically a platform for new bloggers to be discovered and gives the opportunity for them interact with each other, getting to know one another on a possibly more personal level, rather than just reading their reviews or informative posts.

Every blogger nominated in turn nominates eleven fellow bloggers with less than two-hundred followers, to answer a series of questions they create for them. It’s a little bit of fun with a lovely thought behind it.

My Questions From Ekta:

1.   Who or what inspired you to write and share a part of your world online?
I fell in love with YouTube, and the beauty vlogging community first, with many of the girls having blogs I began to read and read and read beauty and lifestyle blogs a lot, this nudged me to start my own, as I increasingly became interested in make-up and beauty, I thought it would be a fun hobby to share my opinions on products too.

2. You have time/patience for 1 make-up product. You grab...?
If I am dashing out the door, late for university, I cannot leave the flat without my concealer, no doubt about it, forget the rest (if need be). It gives me more confidence to be seen in public and not have the feeling of “I want to wear a paper bag over my head”!

3. Favorite genre of books?
I enjoy a book that makes you cry. The cathartic release of a drama draws me in.

4. Are you an introvert or extrovert?
An introvert, I like to think I have quiet confidence, but I am most definitely the listener in the majority of my every day life, and I am content being that person.

5. Favorite book or book series?
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult, or The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I told you I like to cry and get lost in the story…

6. How much water do you drink every day? Honestly.
Zero glasses a day on average. I am terrible at the ‘eight glasses a day’ rule, I do not enjoy the taste of water, I would much prefer a juice or an ice-tea or a fizzy drink. People always seem horrified to learn of my dislike for water, but I just do not crave a glass of water - apologies if that offends you.  

7. Best gift you ever gave...
Oh gosh I have no idea, I’m not aware of the ‘best’ gift I’ve ever given someone, but this Christmas I did find a poster (in one of EssieButton’s Vlogs) that was perfect for my mum. It said “this is not a bloody hotel” on it, which was absolutely spot on for her, because she uses that phrase often. She laughed and loved it, which made the ordering and carrying it to the Middle East all worthwhile.

8. What or who makes you instantly happy?
Cadbury’s dairy milk caramel chocolate makes me happy, and watching YouTube videos of laughing babies or cute puppies makes me happy too.  Oh and my family and friends, they’re alright too ;)

9. Current style icon?
I will say Emma Watson, I think she’s chic and sophisticated, but also adds an edgy flavour to her style. However, I also really admire fictional character Silver’s boho grace from the now ended 90210, heck all the girls in 90210 were stunningly dressed, props to the designer.

10. On a scale from "Allergic" to "Rehab", how much do you love Nutella? The level just above allergic. I hate Nutella, because of the hazelnuts in it, I think it tastes vile. Chocolate spread without nuts in it is delicious though.

11. What is the meaning of life? (Sorry, I'm an over thinker, perpetually stuck in an existential crisis.)
In my humble opinion to learn, to love, and to experience as many of our hopes and dreams as possible, is the only purpose we can attempt to fulfill, enjoy every minute, you are here, so enjoy it. Also try to make a difference, even if it is a minute one (:

My Eleven Questions For All You Wonderful People:

1.  What is your favourite childhood memory?
      2. Your celebrity crush (female and male)?
      3. Your least favourite beauty related scent?
      4.  If you could only use one make-up brand for life which would it be?
      5.  What is your favourite nail polish name?
      6.What is your favourite part of your body?
      7. What is at the top of your beauty wish list at the moment?
      8. What is one thing on your bucket list (things to do before you ‘kick the bucket’) that you have already ticked off?
      9. Whose blog is your go-to blog for great posts?
    10. What are your opinions on twerking?
    11. What is an interesting fact you know?


The Bloggers I Wish To Tag: 

Jenny - northern-beauty.blogspot.ca
Stephanie - Stephanie1702.blogspot.com
Abi – beautyplusbooks.blogspot.co.uk
Charlene – tartanmouth.blogspot.com
India- touchscreensandbeautyqueens.wordpress.com
Lucy – apotofvintageplease.blogspot.co.uk
Jenny – fashion--geek.blogspot.co.uk
Layne – eleventhnotebook.com
The sist3rs – thesist3rs.blogspot.com
Hannah – hannahrosalieswords.blogspot.co.uk
Holly - littlemisswheely.blogspot.com

Thursday 16 January 2014

ASOS AND BOOHOO HAUL!

Both Asos and Boohoo have HUGE mid-season sales on at the moment, and how could a girl deny herself a few cheeky purchases when they were up to 75% off the original price? This girl certainly couldn't.

My Asos Bits And Pieces 
Let's begin with the elephant in the room...Natalie why on earth did you order pink and purple candy striped  (intentionally) ripped jeans? Well in truth I did not take much time reading reviews and such when choosing my items, I was a bit gung-ho when splashing the cash on these bad-boys. I believed I was ordering pale denim blue and cream striped jeans, but alas I either went slightly colour blind for a second or the image on the website was not true to the actual clothing. However I like to try and see the positive, and since I would never ever have chosen the ASOS Elgin Skinny Jeans in Acid Wash Stripe with Rips - Multi / UK 10 (£11) for myself, maybe it's a good thing, and they will make an interesting alternative for Spring time.  

I got lucky with the Mango Metal Applique Sunglasses - Black / One Size (£12.50), I had very little faith that I would keep them due to the fact you cannot try them on when buying online which is a little sketchy when it comes to glasses, but I love them, I think they suit my face shape, and I was in dire need for a new pair. I think I'm being a tad optimistic about the UK weather perhaps though.

I couldn't resist the River Island Pug T-Shirt - Beige print / UK 10 (£13.50). I have been watching video after video of puppies (more specifically boxer and pug pups) on YouTube recently, and I desperately want a dog but the flat I live in won't allow pets, so on the T-shirt be it! It's long enough to cover my bum so perfect for comfy legging days, as well as being super duper adorable. 

I adore the A Question Of Organic Girls In Da Hood T-Shirt With 3/4 Length Sleeve - White / S (£20) . I watched all the Mary-Kate and Ashley films when I was younger (and still occasionally do...) so mini M & A with #girlsindahood attached is right up my street. It has quite a tumblr vibe, which I appreciate.  While the actual T-shirt style is perfect too, the half sleeves can be turned up for a cooler look or just relaxed as it is, and the slightly scooped neckline displaying the collarbone is so pretty and simple in my opinion. #Love. 

The Motel Penny Smock Dress In Paisley Print - Vintage paisley / XS (£28) is so soft, and the print is so eye catching, I can see myself dressing it up or down depending on the occasion. The purple, blues and green compliment each other so well, and I can't wait to get a tonne of wear out of this piece. 
Boohoo Paisley
Motel Penny Paisley
Boohoo Butterfly
Boohoo enabled to further my dress addiction. I have a problem, I cannot shop without purchasing at least two if not three dresses. It's seriousBoohoo is cheap and cheerful, so the quality isn't as great as items you can get on Asos but for injecting a bit of colour and spice into your wardrobe the clothes are fantastic.

Boohoo. Asos. Boohoo. 
 The Ellis Butterfly Button Detail Smock Dress (10, navy) (£10) was rather static and stuck to my body in an unflattering manner when I initially tried it on. However when trying it on again it seems to have settled down, and hangs nicely. The large butterfly print is sweet without being too cutesy, and it has pretty gold button detailing on the back, at the base of a small V neck (in the back). So overall a charming number.

The Becky Short Sleeve Paisley Smock Dress (10, teal) (£15) has a short mullet skirt; longer in the back, shorter in the front. It gives me the vibe of modern afternoon tea, not that I often go for afternoon tea, maybe I'll have to start. The print is vibrant yet subtle and appears more sophisticated than my other purchases. 

Last but not least I snagged some Aveline Ombre Skinny Jeans (10, denim-blue) (£15). Ombre jeans, what more can I say? plain, simple, effective. 


Ombre. Pugs. M-K and Ash. Candy stripes.  
 Have you splurged recently? Let me know in the comments so I don't feel alone...







Sunday 12 January 2014

UGANDA SUMMER 2014!

Hello everyone, a slightly more 'random' posting today. I am travelling to Uganda in July this summer for one whole month to help build playgrounds for the underprivileged children over there. This is just a post to let you know a little bit about the charitable organisation I am going with and what I will be doing over there. If you have any spare change or are able to donate anything at all, that would be hugely appreciated, and I would personally like to thank you for giving to the children of Uganda.


The charity is called East African Playgrounds. East African Playgrounds is an organisation which builds playgrounds for the underprivileged children in Uganda. Without playtime children do not get access to the proper childhood memories that the majority of us had growing up, and I cannot imagine living without those joyful memories. These children need the facilities EAP provide as a charity to develop fully, and enjoy their time as children while they still can. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this, spread the word, and donate (if you can!) - Any questions, post away below :) 

It is super duper easy to donate at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/NatalieWheeler 

Love Natalie xx 

Saturday 11 January 2014

Nipple Balm For Lips!

Dr. Lipp's Original Nipple Balm for Lips - Retailing at £11.50

Firstly I think the packaging is so pretty, the grey and pink compliment each other incredibly well. It shouldn't matter what the packaging looks like but when it is aesthetically pleasing it does draw me in (don't judge a book by its cover, I know!). The product itself lives up to the packaging (and the price tag). It has helped my lips recover from the cold, and I do not go a day without it now. It is a 100% natural, colourless, odourless and tasteless balm which appeals to me due to the fact lip balm can leave an unpleasant taste in my mouth on occasion. I have been using the balm prior to going to sleep, but the possibilities seems endless with this product. You can apply it before putting on lipstick, or on by itself- it does leave a lovely shine, if you are going for a natural make-up look. It also is not solely a lip product, as the name suggests. It can be used on any dry patches of skin, for example cuticles, feet, elbows, nipples...


All in all it is a great product to keep on your bedside table or in your handbag, with the ability to combat a multitude of dry skin issues, it is a wonderful winter companion.

Which lip balm champions over your chapped lips? Let me know in the comments below. 

Monday 6 January 2014

Loafer Love For You!

Rimmel's I Love Lasting Finish Nail Polish in '405 Loafer Love For You!' - Retailing at £2.99.


I'm a real fan of Rimmel nail polish, and this is a recent addition to my collection. I picked it up when splurging on a few different ones in Boots before Christmas. I thought it would be Winter-time appropriate whilst still being slightly different to the typical reds and golds, I am used to wearing this time of year. Especially now the festive period is behind us but the cold months are still upon us; it fits in nicely with the rainy weather at least! It is a vibrant yet darker blue, which took two coats to perfect, I had applied a base coat prior to the blue polish to prevent the polish staining my nails, but neglected putting on a top coat, and I am glad to say it is still chip-free two days later. I will certainly get some use out of this polish, it certainly doesn't make me blue ;) 


What's your favourite nail polish? drop me a comment below with any great polish colours or polish names (I'm a sucker for a clever nail polish name!) xx 

Sunday 5 January 2014

'The Boyfriend'

The ‘Mahogany Teakwood’ Bath and Bodyworks three wick candle, retailing at $20. 


My flat-mate and I have dubbed this candle ‘the boyfriend’ due to its scent, and make reference to it on a much too regular basis. It is unhealthy how much I adore this candle. I can just sit there with my nose buried in the jar, sniffing away. It smells like a chiseled, rugged male Abercrombie & Fitch model is lounging in his boxers on the sofa watching television in your living room – too much, too weird? I kid you not. Even prior to being lit the scent lingers, and is powerful enough to fill the whole room, without being too overpowering. I enjoy testing out different scents, and candles, but this is one I may have to repurchase immediately once it burns out. It is definitely a firm favourite.


Have you tried out any Bath and Bodyworks candles?  Let me know any stunning scents worth sniffing out, in the comments x 

Wednesday 1 January 2014

New Years Resolutions 2014


I wish I was entering this year with a more positive mind regarding my resolutions but how often do they remain after a few measly weeks? 

Yet here I am beginning a list, because who knows, this year could be the year! 

1. Cook more (aka eat less ready made meals, put the cook books to good use, and experiment with more flavours more often). 

2. Eat less chocolate (aka do not buy a super size bar of Cadbury's caramel chocolate every time you are in Tesco's at 9 o'clock at night...especially when the sole purpose of going to Tesco's was to buy chocolate). 

3. Put myself out there more (aka go out clubbing or socializing in general more...haha it's a hard life).

4. Try to stay organised, and on top of life! (aka the least likely to remain accomplished, and yet the most useful, and important! From chores, to essays, to my YouTube subscriptions. I would love to be able to juggle life to the best of my ability, rather than letting things slip and get me stressed, because we know the most crucial parts are the ones that get forgotten - the essays, the healthy eating...). 

5. Save money, spend less. (aka do not splurge. Take note of things I need or want, and treat myself once a month... also keep finances organised, and understand where money is being spent). 

I am fully aware I will not follow these rules religiously, and there will be hiccups along the way, but hopefully (fingers crossed) this list will be the first of many (I do love a good list) to motivate me to achieve these little changes that could impact my life in 2014 for the better!