Weekly Wishes #2

 1) This Works Dream Team// 2) Floral Laser Cut Satchel Bag//3) Lush H'Suan Wen Hen Hair Moisturizer// 4) Makeup Revolution "Make Me Tonight"// 5) ASOS Rabbit Slippers//6)Wakey Wakey Travel Mug//7) Body Shop Vanilla Brulee Eua de toilette

Just a few things that I've seen lately I think are extremely cute, useful or smell nice!

1) I've been wanting to try products from This Works for ages and at this time of year they bring out the most adorable miniature gift sets! The perfect opportunity to try new products at the fraction of the price! 

2) I'm a bit bored of my current bags... I say bags, I mean my two bags that I use. I wouldn't mind getting a couple of little satchels for when I don't need to be carrying around a big handbag.

3) My hair has been feeling extremely dry lately, I don't know if it's the cold weather or something else but I've good things about Lush hair masks. I am so am tempted to try one of these out!

4) I love Makeup Revolution, I've got a few of their lipsticks, which I don't use every day but I love wearing them and for only £1 I don't really mind that they're not part of my every day makeup. I'm really loving their darker berry shades for winter!

5) I think these may be the cutest slippers ever!

6) I've been after a travel cup for ages but always been hesitant as I'm not sure if I'd get much use out of it but they do have some really nice ones for Christmas gifts!

7) Vanilla just smells amazing and therefore this one is pretty self explanatory!

What are you wishing for? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x

NYC Blush Review

 On first glance this blush seems a pretty pink that would add a flush of colour and would be great for a natural glow. Well, I admit I was slightly disappointed with this product and it is, sadly, isn't what I'd usually look for in a blush. 

This blush by NYC retails at £2.99 and is available in Superdrug. I tested out the shade 649 Prospect Park Rose. It's a very pale pinky shade with some subtle shimmer running through it. 

PROS

Perfect for no makeup makeup days 

This blush is very wearable and would be great for someone who is starting to experiment with makeup. As the colour isn't hugely pigmented it's perfect for those are scared of being too heavy handed and bold with their blush. The colour is very natural and just adds a little bit of colour to the cheeks.

I love the little brush that comes with this product

  I don't know if its just me but I love when a product comes with a brush I just think cute!

Highlight

Although for reasons I state below I don't think I'd wear this much myself, I can actually maybe see myself using it as a highlighter instead, I think the shimmer of the product would look really nice on the top of the cheekbones.

CONS

Pigmentation

This product is not as pigmented as I'd like a blush to be, although I'd like to try the other colours in the range to see if this is the case with all of them.

Cheap packaging

 I hate packaging of this blush, like really hate. It feels so cheap and plastic and like it may snap. I know obviously you get what you pay for, but, Makeup Revolution blushers, for example, are cheaper and the quality of the packaging is far better!

Waste of time and money product?

Looking at the photo I don't think this product does any thing for my complexion, yes it gives a little bit of glow but it's just nothing special. Maybe this product would look a bit better in the summer when I have a tan?

Overall, this blush is nothing spectacular but for the price you can't really complain too much! If you're starting out in makeup this would be a good alternative to a more a expensive pigmented blush as it would be good to experiment with!

Have you tried anything from the brand NYC? Let me know your thoughts in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x  

This review was for Beauty Product Testing 

Gossimar Wings Review*

"Gossimar Wings is an online jewellery boutique specializing in statement jewellery, including necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings.Based in the UK and founded in 2012. Gossimar Wings brings statement jewellery at affordable prices, and has been seen on many celebrity clients."

Now that winter has well and truly come around, I've dug out my cosy jumpers and have attempting to find ways to accessorize them and add a bit of colour. An easy way to transform a winter outfit is by simply adding some statement jewelery, this can quickly complete an outfit! While I usually prefer more delicate jewellery I think statement pieces effortlessly can change a boring dull wintery outfit to something girly, classy and perfect for this season.

The jewellery shown is from an online boutique called "Gossimar Wings",  many celebrities are wearing their pieces (you can see on there Facebook page here!), however despite the high quality and popularity among celebs they offer a wide range of affordable pieces and something to suit everyone!

The necklace I'm wearing is the Lyanna necklace, although it's big (obviously because it's statement jewellery!) I feel that the pink keeps it looking classy and not too "in your face". In the past something that has scared me away from statement jewelery is that it would look tacky and too bold but I think this necklace looks gorgeous! The Lyanna necklace is also available in white and blue which is amazing as I think its a simple, yet beautiful and very wearable design!

The bracelet I'm wearing is the Starlight bracelet, think it looks gorgeous paired with the necklace or on its own! I'm loving with the rope detail which makes it very easy to wear, it doesn't get in the way when you're wearing it which maybe you'd expect from statement jewellery. This piece is also available in a few different colours so if pink isn't for you there are other choices! I must admit it is something I love about Gossimar Wings, a lot of the products are available in different colours which means if you like a design you can choose the colour you think you'd get the most wear out of or have all the colours to go with different outfits!

Personally, I think the pieces they offer are extremely versatile and well worth the money! You'll have to try them out for yourselves to see if you agree! I definitely think this would also look great for an evening look, simply paired with a little black dress it would perfect for a Christmas do or night out. If you're struggling to think of what to get maybe your mum, sister or friend for Christmas I think a piece from Gossimar wings would make a lovely present! They're affordable but amazing quality and I'd love to receive one of these on Christmas day! I'm definitely going to be purchasing some more jewelerry for Gossimar Wings very soon, I've got my eye on the Frozen necklace, Sienna bracelet and the Anais necklace!

Have you bought anything from Gossimar Wings? Are you a fan of statement jewellery? Let me know what you think in the comments or @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x

W7 eyeliner*

I sometimes wonder if the battle to find the perfect eyeliner will ever come to end. While I've loved the Collection felt tip liners for a few years now, just recently, I don't know if they've changed the formula  but I've been finding they are drying up far too quickly! With not much success of finding another felt tip liner I like, I've started experimenting with liquid liners. While I've always thought of them as messy, I think that I've reached the eyeliner skill level where I should be able to use it with a bit more success than my early makeup days!

*Enter W7 Paint the line eyeliner into my life!* I've recently been trying out this eyeliner from W7, I've only been using it a couple of weeks but I honestly can say I am extremely impressed! One thing I was amazed at was its staying power, I was surprised to look in the mirror and see it was still looking pretty good after many hour whereas normally I find liquid liners can go a bit... crumbly and flakey (not a good look!). Also you can see for yourself from the image how black and opaque it is, its the best I'm yet to try!

At only £4.95 this is an incredible eyeliner and has definitely crept its way into my every day makeup! I would also say that it lives up to being waterproof, although it's extremely easy to remove (when you are intending to!). This eyeliner may not be as good as high end brands but if you're looking for an affordable eyeliner that won't disappoint then I would definitely say give this one a go.

The only tiny weeny problem I have with this product is it is a little stingy when I first apply it on my sensitive skin. However, after it's dried its completely fine and doesn't leave redness when I remove it. I think it may just be the time of year and my skin being more sensitive but it definitely hasn't put me off using it and hasn't caused my eczema to return!

Have you tried any makeup from W7? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x

The Pressures of Blogging

 At the beginning of this year I started blogging as something I thought would be fun to do in my spare time around University. It was so thrilling to see my page views creep up as unknown people visited my blog. I viewed blogging as a tool that would help me new gain new skills in a relaxed way and that maybe I'd eventually earn the exciting privileges that other bloggers get.

But Ive got to admit I can't help but feel that some of the fun is taken out of blogging by the pressure to be better than others. It is a community but everyone is competing and although it is supportive, can we really all achieve the dream? And I guess everyone's dream is different but it seems like everyone has a blog they want the world to see, but that's just a problem there is with the ever growing social media use and people wanting to find ways to express themselves.

I wish I had more time for blogging, because, I know if I did the improvements I could make would be spectacular (that sounded way more big headed than intended)! However,  my university work comes first and it always has, but sadly my blog does suffer because of this. I don't have the time to be posting everyday and I definitely cannot afford a big fancy camera at the moment!

I absolutely adore blogging, however, I think sometimes it good to take a step back. I have to admit I have felt the blogging pressure lately, I want my people to read what I write and I want others to know my opinion.While the pressure is there to post constantly and gain high volumes of traffic, you need to reflect and remember why you started blogging and not take it too seriously and hopefully *fingers crossed* good things will come in time without the worry!

At the end of the day, writing is something I'm extremely passionate about, doing it full time an incredible lifestyle, but that doesn't necessarily have to be blogging. I aim to put my skills I have learnt and continue to learn from blogging to good use in a career setting. Starting a blog has reminded me how much I love to write and the thrill it gives me and has given me a new direction for the future.

Do you feel the blogging pressure? How do you deal with the competition in the blogging world? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons 

Hayley x

First Impressions: W7 Makeup*

"W7 Make Up, the inspiration of two entrepreneurial young men from West London was created in 2002. Their aim – that every woman should have access to an extensive range of high quality cosmetics at an affordable price – is now well on the way to becoming a reality."

I hadn't really heard much about this brand until lately, and I'm a bit saddened if I'm honest, because I was missing out on something amazing! If you haven't heard of W7, they have a gorgeous range of makeup, accessories and skincare all at incredibly affordable prices. While looking through their products you might spot what looks like some cheeky dupes! Their "Absolute mascara" packaging reminds me of Benefit's "They're real"! (I may have to try this and see if the formula and brush is a dupe too!).

I'll be reviewing all these individual items, but I was far too excited and wanted to show you what I got, so here is a sneak peak! I have got three products from the range all which have undeniably lovely packaging, bright but not too tacky and cheap looking!

Africa Bronzer - This bronzer is lovely and it's completely perfect for my pale skin, its two toned and got a blush shade and a light bronzing shade. You'll have to wait for the review to see it all its glory!

Paint the Line Eyeliner - I've only worn this once but I've got to say so far I'm very impressed with its staying power and how black and opaque it is. I'll report back soon on how this eyeliner compares to others I've tried. I'm constantly on the lookout for a new affordable eyeliner which ticks all the boxes, could this be the one?!

Butter kiss lipstick in "Candy Coral" - I didn't think I was going to like this by colour the packaging; I thought it would be too bright for me and not suit my pale skin.  But oh I was so wrong, it’s the perfect peach pink colour and the most lovely buttery glide on texture but still stays in place. I really want to try some of the reds in this lipstick; the berry and deep shades would be for this season!

And I'm afraid that's all I'm saying for now! Keep your eyes peeled for the full product reviews and more about W7 makeup!

Have you ever tried anything from W7? Check out their website here. Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons which review you want to see most!

Hayley x 

October Summary

October has whizzed by and been an extremely hectic month! With University back in full swing and my dissertation begging for attention, the days and weeks have flown by! Alongside lectures and my dissertation, I've been working on the creation of a new beauty, fashion and healthy lifestyle society at Uni. This society has already enabled me to meet lots of lovely new people and can't wait for all the events we've got planned! Also, I'm very happy to announce, I've adding the finishing touches to my new blog design before I reveal it to you all! By the time this post is published you will have probably seen it and all its loveliness!

During October, I was lucky enough to win two giveaways one from Fashion Union
and Em Sheldon (@emshelx), and another with Cosmo on Campus! Both were lovely prizes and I felt so lucky as I never win anything. Plus, who doesn't love a good parcel?! This links me perfectly onto my next point, I ordered a fair bit from Make up Revolution at the beginning of October. Over the last few months I have heard a lot about the brand and couldn't wait to try a few products, and let me say the products did not disappoint! If you're looking to try something I definitely recommend the eye shadows, I've been using them every single day since they arrived!

Something I got way too excited over this month was the launch of the Lush Christmas and Halloween collection. I love Lush all year round but when they bring out the festive stuff I just can't contain my excitement and I know it's the time of year to start having lots of lovely baths again! I couldn't resist but pick up a few more things this week before the Halloween products are taken out of stores (haul to follow!) and I can't wait to have a lovely relaxing soak in the bath.

Even though I've been busy this month I've had some valuable chances to relax. This week I went to an afternoon tea for a friend's birthday which was absolutely lovely! The week before I also went to a spa evening ran by Neals Yard Remedies consultants which was a great experience, I may have been naughty and spent a bit of money, but I can't wait to try their products! Having time off to chill has really helped this month and I'm hoping if I treat myself to more me time and hopefully it will mean I'll procrastinate less when I actually am meant to be doing work!

My goals this month were to be healthier, crack on with my dissertation and set up my society. I'm happy to say that I've been a bit healthier, got a good understanding of the direction my dissertation is going in and have nearly officially set up my society at University! All in all I've been really enjoying Autumn, despite all the rain here! There have been rare afternoons of sunshine where I've enjoyed strolls and getting some fresh air and de-stressing! Now it's getting darker in the evenings I'm really going to miss my late afternoon walks around the park near my house *sad face*.

November is sure to be another busy month, I'm struggling to comprehend how another year has nearly passed by! In November most of time will be spent doing coursework and my dissertation. However, I'm really looking forward to my Dad and sister coming down to see me and seeing Passenger with my sister (eeeeeeeeek).

Did you do anything exciting this month? What are your goals for November? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @_bowsandbuttons

Hayley x