Elle

I'm a bookworm and proud. Before I made my YouTube channel private, I made a video defending the Twilight books (or rather all books) using the collection to argue my case that if a book gets someone to read, don't shame them for reading it. I stick by that absolutely. Any reading is beneficial to a person's development, especially when that person is a child. I've been putting off writing this post for a while because quite frankly choosing my favourite books through the years is like choosing a favourite child and it's far too difficult. Therefore, please note that not all of my favourite books will be in here. So maybe you're looking for some holiday reading material, inspiration for books to read to younger children or just fancy reading a nice, wholesome blog post. Here is my life through books. 0-4 Years (1999-2004)   My parents and grandparents always made sure that I read or was read to every day once or twice minimum and some of my favourite memo...

Hello! I thought I would compile a little collection of the beauty things that I haven't mentioned on here at all this year but I have become absolutely addicted to throughout the year (although most of these are from rather recently, particularly as I received the M&S Beauty Advent Calendar which was fantastic value for money.  I apologise for the poor picture quality - I always end up taking pictures in the dark because I'm clever  Collab Dry Shampoo - despite the world's love affair with Batiste, I have never really liked it and its white, powdery mess; I am a fan of the Bed Head dry shampoo but at around £11 a can, it's a pricey affair. However, this year, I discovered this wonderful product that actually works and never builds up in your hair - plus, I buy it for around £1.99. I might do a similar post but for hair care in the New Year so keep an eye out for that.  Formula Beauty (M&S) Ultimate Sleep Cream - this was a beauty advent calend...

Before I start I wanted to thank all my readers for their support this year - I hope you had a lovely Christmas yesterday if you celebrate the occasion and if not I hope you're just having a great week. I was drying my hair the other day and began to reflect on 2016  (my hair is very thick - I have a long time to think) eventually coming to the conclusion it has been one of the biggest years of my life so far. Exams I might make another post about exams because although they did dominate a lot of my year, I don't want to make this all about that period... I probably should try and forget it. I learnt a lot in the academic year 2015/16. I remember in 2013 in Spanish writing my examination year (2016) at the top of my coursework and thinking the time would never come, and, to an extent even in Year 11, I didn't really take it in that GCSEs were happening, it was all a bit surreal. Perhaps a good comparison would be Christmas when you were little. You build i...

If you haven't heard of this product, can you really call yourself a beauty junkie? NYX has been a mythical brand sworn by by bloggers across the pond now for years - with only those Brits inquisitive enough to order online sampling some of the joys.  HOWEVER, recently, Boots introduced NYX to some stores across the UK and on my trip to Meadowhall this morning, I was greeted by a sprawling NYX stand. Internally, I was crying. I didn't have the time nor the dedicated money to spend as I was only passing through to buy sun cream; nonetheless I couldn't resist picking up one of the much boasted Soft Matte Lip Creams to try out.  Although I was incredibly excited (my life is thrilling indeed) I won't lie, I was expecting to be disappointed. Often, products can be overhyped online and in reality, they aren't as great as you expected... Unfortunately for my bank account, I'll probably be purchasing more of these.  I picked up the shade Sydney as I hadn't really se...

I feel as though this blog has been significantly neglected and shall be for the foreseeable future due to mild chaos in the current period of my life.  I thought I would write a quick post on some of the things that I have been enjoying this month for you on this lovely Friday night at midnight (spooky) and then wake up at 6:30 in the morning to get to work - yippee!  Air Wick Wax Melts (Summer Delights) - I don't trust myself with candles in my room on account of my ridiculous clumsiness, therefore the idea of a wax melter is highly appealing. This one in particular has a really subtle scent that still fills the room. In addition (and I accept no responsibility for accidents caused by this) by dipping your finger in to the warm wax, waiting 5 seconds for it to dry and then peeling it off, a certain sense of reminiscence from the primary school art lessons of covering your hands in PVA and peeling it off becomes apparent.  Garnier Pure Active Micellar Water - yes, I'm a ...

I have to admit, I am overly excited by this product(s). Jack Wills are well known for their amazing quality clothing and accessories but also do very well with their cosmetic ranges at Christmas time in Boots. Last year, I bought a few friends various Jack Wills products and it went down a hit!   When both fashion and beauty come together in this gift set, it's enough to make a girl (young or old) drool -  it's definitely one for the Christmas list! First of all, let's take a moment to appreciate this back pack. Everything comes in this super convenient bag that would be perfect for school, work or shopping! Everything seems very sturdy, it fits folders in nicely and is comfortable to wear. Plus, it looks incredibly cute yet sophisticated with the classic Jack Wills logo and tartan print.  Front left: water bottle, body polisher, Hope Cove Body Butter, Lotion, Wash and Scrub Inside the rucksack are 4 full size products from the Jack Wills body range in t...

Hello So this post was going to be in video format and then hey ho, my throat went funny and when I solved this, my camera battery was flat! I apologise for the sporadic posts, I have been very very busy recently! Nonetheless, yesterday I turned 16 (such a big number oh my word!) and thought that I would share with you a few presents that I got (although thanks to online shopping not arriving, some haven't come yet haha). I thought that this amount of presents would make a tolerable post as I got my main present (my iPad, which makes a common appearance in videos) back in August and many people gave me money or vouchers. Quick disclaimer: I am not bragging about the presents I received, I am overwhelmingly grateful for anybody that bought me a present/ money, gave me a card or said 'happy birthday'. I know many people are not as lucky as my family to be in a comfortable financial state but I'm simply posting this as I love reading/ watching these!  Any links wi...

Hello all, hope everybody is enjoying the summer! As many of you may know, I am exceptionally pale (which I still cannot find the reason for as the rest of my family tan easily) and after spending a fortnight lying n a beach I will still only have the smallest tan ever - forget tanning in the UK, I'll just burn. But Elle, I hear you say, just fake it? My problems is, even the 'no streaks' fake tans that I have tried have gone streaky, clearly due to user error but I simply cannot apply the stuff - even gradual tan body lotions. UNTIL NOW I don't think I can rave enough about this product. The St.Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower Lotion (that's a mouthful) is so easy and quick to use; just hop in the shower, apply the lotion (with the shower off) and wait 3 minutes (I clean my teeth or take off my make up) then rinse off! Despite using this about 9 times so far, I have still never experienced streaks and my tan is still very natural looking. It also leaves your ...

Hello Just a very quick review I thought to post. I have been loving this product for a couple of months now and was pleasantly surprised by its performance.  A one second nail varnish remover seemed highly unlikely and I was extremely skeptical. However, since purchasing this around Easter, I have found it absolutely amazing. It does exactly as it says, it removes even glittery nail varnish quickly, it is portable, there is no need for cotton wool and it smells amazing (I think it is raspberry and vanilla).  Particularly if you are going on holiday this summer, I would highly recommend it.  To use, simply put your nail/finger in the spinge and twist it for probably 3 seconds (to be completely honest, with one coat of nail varnish, 1 second would do it) and voilà!  Apparently, the stuff was used by models at London Fashion Week and with the speed and ease, I'm not surprised. Although it could just me diet related, my nails have also been looking hea...

Hello everyone!  Today I thought I would review a product that I bought yesterday because I have heard mixed reviews about it. I was excited to try this product, I generally don't fill in my eyebrows because I naturally have blonde hair and dark eyebrows. However, I have been using the Maybelline transparent brow gel for a couple of months and have been really enjoying it so decided to give a coloured option a go. So, yesterday I picked up the Rimmel Brow This Way in the colour Dark Brown.   The applicator is different to Maybelline's spherical spoolie, looking more like a mascara wand. Although I found it slightly harder to apply, there wasn't a drastic difference and despite being a beginner to eyebrows, I found it easy to make both even and natural   I do have to apologise for the state of my make up, hair etc. I took the photos 13 hours after initially applying my make up (I had only just applied the Brow This Way). Also, this was my first time applyi...

https://youtu.be/mSAUEt-uriY A review in video form! Hope you enjoy, comment and subscribe :) Have a lovely day, Elle xxx

Oh mi oh my! Well this is exciting stuff! I have been a massive fan of the original Benefit Push Up Liner and think it makes the application of gel eyeliner so much faster and easier. So, when I checked my emails the other morning to see the new coloured collection had been released, I was too excited for something as meaningless as eyeliner. I have the shade Beyond Purple as I have green eyes and the two colours are well known to compliment each other. I don't know if my black eyeliner has dried up slightly to give this effect but I  have found that the formula is easier to apply to the eyelid than my original Push Up Liner (which I also love!) The tip of the eyeliner is flexible but doesn't bend too much and makes application easier than using a brush or felt tip eyeliner and achieving the seemingly impossible even eyeliner flick is far easier and so fast - in fact I had to leave the house ASAP when my eyeliner arrived so I definitely had to test the ease and s...

Over the past few weeks I have become a little obsessed with the Revlon lip butters. I have four shades to show you today: - Tutti Frutti (015) an orange colour - lovely  for spring/summer but not too bright -Pink Truffle (001) - a gorgeous brown -toned nude. -Berry Smoothie (050) - pink - berry colour with a little bit of glitter -Cotton Candy (045) - pale pink. I have been wearing this for school for a subtle bit of colour and to protect my lips. Firstly, I'll give a quick review before I show the swatches. I was extremely surprised at how pigmented these were. I expected them to be more like tinted lip balms (despite the Colourburst advertising - duh!) but instead I found them more like a lip stick in terms of pigmentation. The only shade I haven't worn loads is Tutti -Frutti, however, I did buy this for spring/summer so it's not that I don't like the shade. Secondly, they are wonderfully moisturising, even after the colour has gone they feel so nourishi...

Although not the cheapest eye shadow palette out there, the Naked 3 palette is beautiful. Something that really grabs my attention about it is that it is so unique - there are very few dupes available in the shades the palette provides.  All I've been wearing (eye shadow wise) recently has been created with this gorgeous set of eye shadows. The palette is rose - hued neutrals and as a massive fan of rose gold, this palette is perfect for me! The palette is very versatile, it can be used for subtle day looks or all out night looks and consists of 12 shades, 3 matte (Strange, Limit and Nooner) and the other are shimmery - although Buzz and Blackheart are very glittery. I love how the colours are so pigmented and easy to apply that regardless of your make up ability, they look flawless and all of them compliment each other so nicely without looking too similar to each other. Also, when applying, they can be easily built up and they aren't powdery s...

This product is one of few that I have used for a very long time. Whenever I try a new product, I just end up returning to it as I can safely say it is the best of its kind I have ever used. The product claims to: -Target Pores: reduce the look of pores and banish shine for up to 10 hours -Smooth Skin: velvety soft formula visibly smooths fine lines -Illuminate Skin: with exclusive Optic Light Diffusing Technology -2 Ways to Wear - alone or under foundation for extra coverage. This product is brilliant for all skin types as far as I can tell (over the time I have used it, my skin has gone from oily to dry to sensitive) and it can be used on any skin tone as it is colourless. For me, this product is brilliant as it reduces shine, blurs and evens skin tone (it works brilliantly on my freckles). It leaves your skin feeling velvety and smooth but still is very lightweight, I really love how when I put this on and then blend in concealer it is so effortless.  Generally...

This post is on yet another somewhat mundane issue - hairspray. There are so many brands to chose from and so many prices too! After going on holiday and forgetting hairspray (I have a fringe so use it daily to stop it looking funny) I picked up some VO5 Ultimate Hold as my usual Bed Head Masterpiece is quite pricey. So I thought I would put them to the test in a battle of skinted vs. minted. Bed Head Masterpiece Massive Shine Hairspray (340ml) and the Mini version  (79ml) VO5 Ultimate Hold Hairspray (400ml) Value for money: The Bed Head Masterpiece is considerably more at RRP £14.95 and has 60 ml less product than the Ultimate Hold (£3.29). However, one can of Masterpiece has now lasted me four months as you hardly have to use any. Also, it is much cheaper online at around £7.00. When I use the VO5 hairspray, I find I have to use a lot more for the same hold which makes the hair look like straw. However, you could buy many more cans of the VO5 for the price....

Benefit make - up is some of the best there is. Their products tend to do what they claim and I own quite a few of them. However, Benefit costs a little more than average drugstore products, with most of their products £15 +. Yet, one thing Benefit do well is amazing, value for money gift sets. The Box o' Blushes is one. Firstly, the packaging is gorgeous. The tin the blushes come in is so cute and could be left out when you aren't using it. The downside is that it you cannot remove each product from the tin so it may be a little excessive if travelling.  The set features six of Benefit's best selling box o' powders (clockwise: Dandelion, Bella Bamba, Sugarbomb, Hoola, Coralista and Rockateur) as well as a brush and the Watt's Up! highlighter. Unfortunately, my photography doesn't do the products justice but the colours are beautiful! I did try to swatch them but it was difficult to show their true colours.  Dandelion - for people with pa...