i won the leibster AND the versatile blogger award!

Helloooo! Well, considering I've only been blogging around a month, I was super excited when I saw I'd been nominated for this by the wonderful Rachael over at '5'1, is the new 6'2'.
I'll be honest, I was (and still am) sliiiightly confused about exactly what it is, but nevertheless, I'm incredibly proud to get it, it makes me feel like what I'm saying is actually getting somewhere. So, let me get on with it, time for you to get to know me better!

So, here is the Leibster award, and how it works!
- Each person must post 11 things about themselves
- Answer the questions the nominator made for you and also create 11 more questions for the blogs you nominate
- Choose 11 people and link them to your post
- Go to their page and tell them.
- No tag backs! - Easy - enjoy!

And here's the versatile award:
- If you are nominated, you've been awarded the Versatile Blogger award.
- Thank the person who gave you this award.
- Include a link to their blog.
- Next, select 15 blogs/bloggers that you've recently discovered or follow regularly.
- Nominate those 15 bloggers for the Versatile Blogger Award with a link to their blog.
- Finally, tell  7 things about yourself.

Here are my 11 questions from Rachael:

1. Why do you blog? I blog because I have always wanted to get what I have to say out there! Originally, I did it so I could get a bit of experience in Journalism before starting a course at University, but now I've really gotten into it, it's something I'm quite serious about, it has changed my career prospects and it just makes me super happy.
2. Hair care or make-up if you had to pick one? I'm going to have to say make-up! I can deal with my hair not looking it's best (just about!) but I love trying out new make-up.
3. If you could pick any city for a night out which and why? I would love to try Manchester one night! I've never been but I know so many people who say so many good things about it.
4. Heels or Flats and why? (I know which I am! *cough* heels *cough*) Heels! I'd love to wear heels all the time. They're so prettyyyy. 
5. Your BIGGEST annoyance about blogging? Not being able to think of anything decent to blog! Or getting an idea, starting it and then realising that what you're saying is just completely pointless. 
6. Craziest drunk act? I don't think I really have anything! I'm quite a sensible junk, I'm quite a funny drunk rather than a 'crazy act' drunk.
7. Can you speak any other languages, if so, what? If not, do you want to? I can speak German and French, to an extent. That was going on 3 years ago though haha.
8. Would you ever sky dive? (I have a strange curiosity about this hehe) No way. No. Not at all. No... No. 
9. Favourite phrase/quote and why? Treat people how you wish to be treated. I think it's incredibly important, if you respect someone, they'll respect you. If they don't respect you, they're not worth your time. 
10. What's your dream job? My dream job would be to work in theatre. I did Performing Arts and Music at college, but as much as I'd love to do it, a dream is all it is to me. 
11. Have you read an erotic novel - if yes, which and why? (Don't you ladies lie to me!) Well I've read the 50 Shade series! That's all though. I started reading it before the 'hype'. My friend recommended it to me, but didn't exactly say what it was about, cheeky!

My 11 questions to my nominees are:

1. What is your must-have item of make-up?
2. Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
3. What's your favourite food? Sushi, Mexican, etc..?
4. What made you start blogging?
5. When you walk into a make-up store, what's the first stall you find yourself going towards?
6. Name your three favourite blogs. 
7. What's your favourite season?
8. If you could choose anywhere in the world, where would you live?
9. How independent do you think you are? 
10. If you were an animal, what would you be and why?
11. What's on your christmas list this year?

The 11 blogs I'm nominating for the Leibster award are also nominated for the Versatile award!

Here are the blogs I've chosen:

1. http://bangonstyle.blogspot.co.uk/
2. http://x-couturegirl-x.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://styleitwithme.blogspot.co.uk/
4. http://whatkimmididnext.blogspot.co.uk/
5. http://nelipott.blogspot.co.uk/
6. http://whatlaradidnext.blogspot.co.uk/
7. http://kimberley-xxx.blogspot.co.uk/
8. http://whattaylorbuys.blogspot.co.uk/
9. http://beccatalksbeauty.blogspot.co.uk/
10. http://chloeryanmakeupartist.blogspot.co.uk/
11. http://britishbeautygeek.blogspot.co.uk/

Four more people need the Versatile award, and you guys are...

1. http://clothesdrawer.blogspot.co.uk/
2. http://happyrebekah.blogspot.co.uk/
3. http://ilikecrayonsxo.blogspot.co.uk/
4. http://www.wakeupbuttercup.com/

As if you hadn't heard enough about me, I have to tell you 7 more things about me, apparently! 

1. I am addicted to cats. Literally. 
2. I'm a sucker for Come Dine With Me, I'm actually watching it now.
3. I wasn't very fashion aware until I started this blog, even now I need help!
4. I carved my first ever pumpkin last night, it was a cat hahaha.
5. I volunteer in a charity shop and I LOVE it. Such a good laugh.
6. Sandwiches are my fave food eveeeeer.
7. My favourite films are the Harry Potter series! 

If I've nominated you, and you complete this, link me to it so I can find out more about you!! 

So, that's taken me probably an hour to do, and I'm desperate for a shower! 

Thank you so much for the nomination, I really hope that you guys like my blog and I'm getting somewhere with it! 

perfect presents for the ladies!

Hello lovelies! I'm really sorry that it's been a few days, but I've been struggling lately to get any ideas for posts. I don't have any money to buy new products and anything I do have, I'm saving for birthday/christmas presents, so I thought this would be the perfect post!
This post is going to be specifically on ladies presents, but one for the guys will be coming along soon!

1. I don't think you can go wrong with Lush products. Recently these have come very much into the limelight, even outdoing the popular Body Shop brand and I certainly think these would make a fab present. I personally wouldn't buy anything for the face or any masks as you never know if your friend/family member is going to react to any ingredients, and you don't want your present to be at blame, so I'd play it safely. I think the Rub Rub Rub Shower Scrub product would be really good for a smallish present, for a sister, or a friend. It's affordable at £7.95 and it's quite a big tub! I would also buy their Bubblegum Lip Scrub for maybe a younger sibling as a lovely stocking filler. It's fun, sweet and edible (always a plus!). I've used this product and was very, very impressed by it. It left my lips tingling, soft and smooth.

2. This Gorgio Armani Miniature Female Fragrance Gift Set is an amazing buy and is definitely on my Christmas list! I like miniature fragrance sets, because there's always at least one you like in it, but you then have so many to choose from and I'm sure you get a lot for your money. At £24.99 I'd buy this for my Mum, Aunt or a good friend. Of course with it being designer, it has a lot more wow factor than if you gave someone four Ted Baker fragrances (not that there's anything wrong with them! I think they smell lovely) and it will definitely seem like you put a lot of thought and effort into the gift (which of course you did, didn't you!) .
3. As a cheaper gift for your girls, why not treat them to some all-time great Rom-Coms! I chose The Notebook which is on Amazon for £3.69, but I'm sure you can find it elsewhere for cheaper! I picked this one because I've never seen it, but I'm sure other films such as PS, I Love You, or Dear John would go down a treat too. Everyone loves a Rom-Com, whether they admit to it or not and I really think this would be such a cute present. You can even sit and watch it together with some chocolates and a nice mug of hot choc!

4. Finally, I'm a big lover of small trinkets and I think this Bistro Bleu Heart Chalkboard for £8.00 is super sweet. You could even open it and leave a sweet message, especially if you're giving this as a gift to a girlfriend!



So like I said, there's one for the guys coming soon! I'm struggling finding any, boyfriends and dads are so difficult, aren't they?! So, if you have any ideas, leave me a comment and let me know! Help out all the other bloggers you lovely people.

what's on my face #02

This was actually my face last night, but nevertheless, it's my face!
I'm super embarrassed to say, this was in the cinema toilets :( But it was the only place I could get good lighting for my photo!

Anyway, the make up I'm wearing is:
MUA Primer £4
MAC Mineralize Foundation in NW20 £24
Stay Matte Pressed Powder in 100 Transparent £3.99
No7 Brown Eyeshadow I got this in a set last Christmas so have no idea what shade it is or anything. The link takes you to a similar set I have.
Maybelline Volume Express ColossalSmokey Mascara £7.99
Maybelline Volume Express Cat Eyes Mascara £7.99
Maybelline One by One Mascara £8.49
Eyebrow Pencil is from the gift set given with the Eyeshadow.
Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in Kiss of Life £5.49







As I've already reviewed most products in my previous 'what's on my face' review which you can find here. I'll only review the foundation.

I purchased this on my trip to New York in February. I was in a massive rush, but I was so desperate to buy my first ever MAC foundation that I ran in (or should I say squeezed myself through, it was so busy!) and went straight to a random stall, hoping it was one that hosted the Studio Fix foundation as I'd heard good reviews for that. Sadly, I couldn't find it but I came across this, swatched it on my hand and made sure the shade was alright (I wish I checked properly) and asked one of the gorgeous model/store assistants to get the foundation for me.
I didn't use it until I got home, and on my first application I was so unhappy with it, it seemed very oily, and was a little too dark for my skin tone and came a bit orange. I put it to the back of my make up box hoping that it would magically transform overnight.
I got it out for the first time yesterday and gave it another go, shook it up well, and I feel a little better about it now! Although it's still fairly oily, it kind of forces me to use less of it which obviously has better effects on my skin! Every cloud and all that!

In some super exciting news, my new shoes came!

How beautiful are they! They are so, so shiny, I can literally see my own face in them (which is good, I'd rather see mine than someone elses!!!!)
They are very, very comfy as well. I'm glad the front of the shoe is curved as recently, the sole on my Creepers has split in half, and I was scared it would happen to these, too, but let's hope not!


Give me your ideas on how you'd wear my new shoes!

Calling all beauty and fashion bloggers!

Today, I'm looking to find a new item of make up or facial cleansers, masks, anything from the high street.
So, if you have any must-have items, or have been seriously impressed by a certain product, please comment below! There's no other person I can trust more than you guys, so go on, please let me know :).

The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Needless to say, this is the best film I've watched all year.
It has you laughing, crying, loved up, angry. You really empathise with the characters.

Now the big question is, was I watching Sam or Hermionie?
Emma Watson has found herself portraying a completely different character to the most well known 'geek', and she does a damn good job of it. There was one part only where I found myself thinking I could see a bit of Hermionie in her, but that was for a split second.

Emma has matured into such an outstanding actress considering her far than average upbringing.

I can't wait so see what else she has to come .

Love, Hayley xxx

my wishlist #1

1. DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense 30ml £35

After getting Golden Delicious last Christmas, I fell in love with the DKNY fragrances. I really want to try this, surely a higher concentrated perfume is going to last longer?

2. Silver Flatform Shoes - River Island. On Sale at £8 

Literally just purchased these and I want to cry with happiness! They're absolutely gorgeous. I'm not too sure what to wear them with yet, so any suggestions would be so appreciated!

3. Dark Grey Dip Hem Maxi Skirt - River Island £15

I think I'm starting to like these now that the 'craze' is coming to an end. I don't think it'd suit me, but hey, it's a wishlist, right?

4. Essie Nail Colour - Boots Shade: Dive Bar £7.99

So, so expensive for a nail varnish, but tat colour is so gorgeous! If you know where I can get this kind of shade but a cheaper version, I'd so appreciate it.

5. Stargazer Print Chunky Platform Heels - New Look £29.99

These are officially on my Christmas list. I love the heel on them, I think if it was just a normal straight heel, I probably wouldn't be as attracted as I am. Love these though, hope I get them!


If you do wishlists, leave me a link in my comments, I'd love to check them out and get some ideas for myself! 

avon moroccan argan oil

After buying this product, I will never use any other treatment again!
When flicking through the avon brochure half-heartedly, I came across this, introductory price of £2.50 and I just had to try it!
After bleaching, toning, dying, just being an awful person to my hair over the last three years, I decided it definitely needed some TLC after repaying me with frizziness, dryness and general bad behaviour.
I was so nervous about using an oil on my hair, I was scared it would leave it greasy in the morning, but I was so wrong!
After a shower, I towel dried my hair slightly, so it was still damp and rubbed two pumps of the oil into the palm of my hand. I rubbed them together and started running my hands through my hair, massaging it in but avoiding the roots. It smells gorgeous! Sweet and like holidays!
When I woke in the morning, I was so eager to see the results that I immediately went to style my hair. Usually I have such a pain brushing it in a morning, but my brush glided through it, it was so soft, it felt in such good condition.
I haven't stopped using it since buying it. It doesn't last as long as I hoped, but it's worth it!

Today, I received another Avon hair product that I'm yet to try. I'll definitely update you as soon as though!

Do you have any treatments that you swear by? I'd love to try more out. 

what's your favourite liquid liner?

Usually, I'm not really very adventurous when it comes to liquid eyeliner, I thought it all does the same thing and I never have a problem with how long it stays or anything, so I just stick to what I know, which is usually Collection 2000 Fast Stroke Liquid Eyeliner. Cheap, leaves an alright colour, and I really like the applicator.

I recently decided to purchase the Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner. I was so disappointed at first, I found it difficult to apply, awkward, I didn't know how much to put onto the brush, I was having a right mare! I carried on using it and after a week or so, I couldn't find a better eyeliner! It applies smoothly, quickly and I find I can create the best cat flicks with it that I could with any other liquid liner.

I think the only downfall is the price, at £7.99 I find it's quite steep for a small pot, but it does seem to last forever, so only time will tell if it's really worthwhile!

Do you have any favourite liquid liners? I'd love to try out some more if you do!

kate moss matte collection

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to convince my boyfriend into buying me the new Kate Moss matte collection she recently released for Rimmel. After a long while, I finally decided to buy shade 111 - Kiss Of Life. I did find it difficult to find a shade I really wanted as I didn't see there was that many to choose from (however this could be all my local store stocks, I may find more elsewhere) but nevertheless, I was happy with my choice and couldn't wait to try it!

As soon as I got home I put it on. It applied easily and felt lovely when it was on, not sticky, but also not too dry - which I expected.

At this time I wasn't really seeing how long it lasted as I was having dinner and a shower soon after, but today I wore it to work and I was surprised at how long it lasted. When I felt a need to reapply it, I removed what I was wearing and noticed it stained my lips more than other lipsticks I've tried, but it also slightly spread out a little, but I was in a rush and just quickly reapplied it. I did find myself conscious of it drying up and occasionally thought I felt it do a little, but maybe it just takes some getting used too. 

It also smelt and tasted gorgeous. After hours of thinking what the scent actually was, we finally came to the conclusion it was watermelon! Lovely and fresh. 

Overall, I'm really happy with this product! I will definitely consider buying more shades from her range, hopefully she'll bring out more soon. Here's a picture of how it looked at the beginning of the day.

Have you tried it? What did you think?

justin timberlake

I've been a huge fan of JT for quite some time now, but I recently put his Future Sex Love Sound album back on to my iPod and it is potentially the best thing I have ever done. I just had to do a post to see if anyone else feels the same as me, or am I stuck in the noughties?!
His music gets me in such a party mood, and compared to todays RnB is so much better. He just sounds so innocent.
As well as his music, his performance in Friends with Benefits it's my absolute fave! He literally makes the film for me.


So, is it just me or are you guys infatuated by the wonderful JT too? Do you feel the same about anyone else?

my 5 empties #1

I wish I had a better camera so these images looked much better, but bare with me!

1. No7 Creme Touch Face Powder £8.50

2. Barry M Nail Paint £2.99

3. Maybelline The Falsies Black Drama Mascara

4. Simple Soothing Facial Toner £2.99

5. Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation £6.99

1. This No7 was such a good buy! It applies really well with the aid of a large brush and smooths out my complexion. It lasts well and also keeps it's colour good. When I was getting to the end of this product, I started to use another powder and used this as a highlighter.. sort of! By flattening out the brush into a line, I'd put the end of it into the powder and apply it onto my cheekbone/above blusher/bronzer whilst still in the line. It looked really good as it was slightly paler than my other powder. 

I hope that made sense! 

2. Anyone that knows me will know I am a massive nail varnish fan! I love Barry M because it's affordable and has lovely colours. To me, it being long lasting doesn't matter so much as I tend to change ever few days. I love this shade, it's not one I would usually go for but I will definitely be buying it again when going for a more natural, nude look.

3. I love the whole range of mascaras by Maybelline, but this was probably the first one I bought and I loved it ever since. It creates both volume and length really well in only a few applications, but it also grabs every lash creating a much fuller look. 

4. To me, this Simple skin care range are the best, high street brand out at the moment, I use most of their items, but sadly not this anymore! This toner makes your skin feel smooth and clean as well as looking fresh and even. I'm currently using a Garnier toner at the moment, so let's see what this is like and whether I should return to this one.

5. After using this foundation for around 2 years, my skin started to work against it, and it just didn't sit properly on me, it didn't look right. I've used many more since then but no foundations have worked as well as this one. It's a perfect shade for me and gives the best coverage. It feels light and it smells gorgeous!

I'm sad to see these go, but what are your opinions on these? Do you have any good alternatives? Let me know!

regina spektor

Firstly, I'm so sorry I've not been here in a very long time! It's been a very busy week with work and birthdays etc, so my blog had to take a back seat I'm afraid.

Lately, I've not listened to anything but the wonderful Regina Spektor! I'm aware she's been on the music scene for a number of years now with some of her bigger hits, such as 'Fidelity' and 'Samson', being released in 2006. She recently brought out her sixth album 'What we Saw from the Cheap Seats' which includes latest single 'Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)'.

Her voice is gorgeous, soft, with a beautiful tone. She slightly reminds me of Sia with the slightly breathy sound and 'different' pronunciation in some songs.

I definitely feel as though the indie-chick flick '500 Days of Summer' played a large part in her success. It features one of her most famous songs 'Us' and slightly lesser known 'Hero' (which is definitely a personal favourite of mine!). You can find a tracklist for the movie here.

I'm very much looking forward to getting her albums and looking around the internet for anymore hidden wonders!

this years xfactor finalists.

Hello lovelies, sorry it's been a while! I've had so many post ideas and not enough time!
Finally found myself a coffee break and thought there's no better time than now.

So, the competition this year is incredible. The quality and standards of the contestants is higher than I've seen so far with there being so much diversity between the artists in each category, every member of the public can find at least one performer that they find themselves wanting to hear more of.
Here's a little but about my favourite categories!

The girls are brilliant this year, Tulisa must have had such a hard time! As a Sheffield girl myself, I find it difficult not to love Lucy Spraggan, however, I'm not sure she's right for the competition. I feel she's going to struggle through the live shows as she's not going to be able to keep up vocally with other contestants such as Ella with a strong, meaningful voice and Jade with the unique tone yet well formed vocal range.
Hopefully she'll pull through! Even if she doesn't, I'm positive she's going to get through life with music.

I think I've slightly fallen in love with Jahmene. He's so adorable and when you see such a huge voice come from him, it's just incredible. Rylan is also quite a character! Beside his eccentric personality and awkward reactions, he has surprisingly good voice. His audition at judge's houses was so unexpected. I can't see him winning the competition, but I don't think we'll see shut of him so soon! Personally, I'm not a fan of James. He's really good, has an amazing voice but I just can't find myself feeling like I want to hear more from him. Maybe my perception will change through the show.

The over 28's category are much better this year. Gary has actually put people through for their talent rather than for television humour. Melanie is currently the most annoying person in the competition. She shouts the lyrics to her songs and it just sounds awful. How she made it through and Christopher Maloney didn't is beyond me. Besides her, the other two acts, Kye and Carolynne are very impressive and I'm sure we are going to see some very surprising things from these!


As for the bands, I find it very difficult to like any of them, simply through personal preference, I'm just not a fan of bands/groups/duos and overlapping harmonies, but of course I wish them the best. I don't think another band is going to win this year but let's see if my opinions can be changed!


What do you guys think? Who's your favourite contestant and who's record do you think you'll be buying this Christmas?

Take care! x

what's on my face

Okay, so I've seen a few people do this and I thought it would be a fun thing to do! Sorry for the awful quality picture though, I was made for behind the camera!

So lets start from the top!
Press 'Read More' below to find out :).