Favourite Mascaras of the Past Month

I like I'm sure most other girls, LOVE having big, beautiful lashes. I have naturally long black lashes which does make it easier to be a tad nicer to mascaras. I honestly don't think I've found a mascara that I haven't like, lucky me, but at the same time, I go for mascaras that tend to give more volume over length. 

This past month or so, I have been addicted to two mascaras and these are;

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Flex Mascara 

&

Max Factor Eye Brightening Mascara for Green Eyes

Basically, I use the Rimmel Scandal Eyes Flex first in order to get the volume I desire. What I love about this mascara is that no matter how many time you apply, it will never go clumpy - which is a big no no for me - but I'm so happy to say this doesn't do that! 

I then apply the Max Factor Eye brightening mascara on top - this is because I don't want that much length, though it does add a bit - but the main reason is because I want this mascara to be the outer layer because of the ruby flecks that are in it. The flecks are what help to enhance your eye colour and each mascara has different coloured flecks for the different eye colours. So when I apply this last, it adds a coat of the ruby flecks onto the outer layer of mascara therefore reflecting the light. If i had of applied it first then the Rimmel mascara, i would've just covered them and it wouldn't have done anything. 

Overall I really like this combo and I intend to stick to it until I find a new love! They're also a really good price and won't break the bank - so to speak - and overall are great products! 

:)

Book Review - Defiance by C.J Redwine

Instead of learning to dance and sew within the walls of Baalboden, Rachel Adams learns to track and hunt. When Rachel's father fails to return from a mission and is declared dead, the cities commander sets Rachel a new protector, Logan - her fathers apprentice and the boy she declared her love too. With the fierce belief her father's survival, Rachel decided to escape and find him herself. 

Rachel and Logan battle their way through the Wasteland, stalked by a monster that can't be killed and an army of  assassins out for blood. They discover romance, heartbreak and a truth that will incite a war decades in the making. 

I first heard of this book by Rachel over at Booktastic Reviews and I was instantly intrigued. It sounded like something I've never read before though it did kind of remind me of Angelfall by Susan Ee which I have also done a review (if you want to read you can click here) 

After reading a few chapters, I was instantly drawn in, I loved so many things about it. The first thing was the writing style - I love how C.J alternated each chapter between Rachel and Logan and we were able to see from both of their points of view. 

I loved the relationship that was shown between Rachel and Logan - you can tell from the beginning that there's some underlying tension which you recently find out a bit later which just made everything understandable. 

Rachel as a lead character is awesome. She is only 16 but yet she's so strong, confident and has a backbone - in other words, she speaks her mind and doesn't care what anyone thinks. She is so loyal to those she loves and will do whatever it takes to make sure they're safe - which is why she goes after her father. I will say though that she does have quite drastic mood changes which makes you step back and think "waow, calm the f*** down girl" It did annoy me quite a bit.

Logan is also amazingggg - he's extremely smart, strong and courageous. Throughout the book he goes through so much and you find out a bit about his past which gives you a huge insight into why he hates the Commander so bad, and you can't help but cheer him on throughout the challenges he faces during the book. He was Jared's apprentice (Rachel's father) so he is trained to be a tracker and he also is incredibly smart and can make incredible gadgets which help throughout their journey. 

The other charactes such as Oliver - Rachel's friend/adopted grandfather is also involved a lot and you get a good insight into his relationship with Rachel and also Logan which is really good.

The bad thing about this book is that, you don't get any detail of where this takes place, yes it's in Baalboden, but where in the world is that - and you don't get any idea of the time frame of in what year this takes place which annoyed me. Though considering that there is no high tech gadgets/technology apart from what Logan makes - no one has an idea of what it is - I'd guess the book is placed in the 20th Century and even the dress sense and the language used suggests that it was in a different/older time.

Overall, I really liked this book - it was different and definitely not something that I would usually read which is the main reason I wanted to read it. I will definitely be purchasing the second book :) If you want something different to read, I would definitely purchase this book.

First Impression - Nivea Express Hydration Primer

So I was in the boyfriend's house watching TV when I an advertisment came on about the new Nivea Primer - I was instantly intrigued as I love finding new primer that will make my make-up last as long as I need it to. 

I bout it from Savers when it was on sale for an amazing £3.49 for 50ml - which I thought was a total bargain! They have two types, one for normal and combination skin and one for dry and sensitive skin - I got the normal and combination one.

Initially when I read the package, I immediately had good expectations as it stated "moisturises and provides a smooth base for effective make-up application with effective hydrators" Some more information about the product;

NIVEA PHILOSOPHY 

 Nivea uses ingredients inspired by nature to create high performance products that work in perfect harmony with your skin - to help you look and feel your most beautiful 

NIVEA Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer enriched with Vitamins & natural Lotus Extract;

• Provides an even and smooth base for effective make-up application and helps your make-up stay put
• Absorbs instantly thanks to it's light texture
• Uses an effective hydrator for long lasting moisturisation and a soft skin feeling 

I also really like the packaging - it's simple and clean which I really like :)

Time for the Results! :)

My initial thought when I first applied it was that it was very light weight, which I liked because it didn't feel heavy or thick on my skin, and it also absorbed really well into my skin and didn't leave any kind of greasy residue.

After 2.5 hours - I first applied this with my make-up at 11.30am as I was getting ready to head into town, by the time 1.30pm came, I decided to have a wee check in the toilets to see how my make-up was doing. I was really impressed - not one bit had budged or worn off! I was really impressed because it was pretty warm and walking around the shops etc I was getting a tad sweaty, gross I know but it happens, and none of my make-up had smeared off!

After 4.5 hours - When I was leaving town, I decided again to run to the loo and check my make-up, I did notice a bit of my make-up had came off around my nose, granted I had been rubbing it etc. so that was pretty acceptable, but overall my make-up was still looking good!

After a total of 7 hours - Once I got home and changed into comfy clothes etc. I had another look at my make-up and overall, I am super impressed! Only the make-up around had came off during the whole day and that was mostly because I was rubbing it! 

Overall, I really love this product. Not only did it keep my skin hydrated without looking shiny or oily and it also made my make-up last! And for the price it was an absolute bargain. I would highly recommend this product, and because it has two different types, it's suitable for everyone! :)

College Update

So if you have been reading my blog etc. then you'll know that I recently got accepted into an NVQ Level 2 in Beauty Therapy and I just wanted to do a quick update on how my first week went.

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My first week, unfortunately wasn't based around my course. Instead, it was an Employability week which helps to develop your team work skills and all the other skills employers want, you even get a certificate as it is an actual qualification which is cool.

So basically, we were split into groups, I was with four other girls, whom of which are really nice, and we had to find a solution to a problem. We were then given the task to come up with a make-up look which to go with a certain fashion trend - the look could be literally anything, and it had to be in a powerpoint which we then had to present to the class. A winner was chosen, and they now have to present their powerpoint to the board of the college, scary bickies. 

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The actually beauty course is starting this coming week so I'm SUPER excited. Overall I really like my classmates and tutors so, fingers crossed it all goes well

:)

Book Review - Elegy (Watersong Series) by Amanda Hocking

Gemma now holds the key to breaking the siren curse and the stakes have never been higher. She finally has the chance to have a future with the people she loves, and a romance with Alex is close enough to touch... but not if Penn has anything to say about it.

Penn is more determined than ever to have Daniel for her own and destroy Gemma and Harper along the way

Elegy is the Final book in the Watersong series, and I can definitely say, it did not disappoint! The main plot of the book is great. There is a lot of adrenaline and excitement throughout the entire book which kept me glued to the pages and dying to find out what happened next! 

The general storied revolved mostly around how to break the curse, but with the time slowly running out, I did wonder why they didn't come up with a plan of attack and kill the sirens? Granted they wouldn't know what that would do Gemma but still... they could've at least got rid of Penn - she's going after Daniel after all. 

The characters are also amazing - you see a lot more of Liv who turned up at the end of Tidal and you get a real understand of what a crazy/power hungry girl she is - which really peeved me off, I didn't like her. Lydia is also in it a lot more which I really liked - she's querky and fun and generally a nice girl. 

Harper and Gemma are their usual selves - trying to find a way to break the curse and juggle their social lives at the same time.

Alex is in this book a lot more which I loved - he's awesome not to mention the fact he's a hunk now ;) but him and Gemma work together to get their relationship back on track and you can;t help but root for them. 

Daniel is in it a lot also, but he is a bit aloof - mostly because of Penn but still, I begged him throughout the book to talk to Harper, but it didn't happen for a while which caused a bad reaction. 

The other characters were also really involved and had a big part within this book - helping Gemma and Harper along their journey.

Overall, I can't reall say much more, this book is just a great finale to the series and I guarantee if you read it, you will love it :)

Book Review - Tidal (Watersong Series #3) by Amanda Hocking

Gemma and Harper are facing the fight of their lives - Gemma has been cursed with extraordinary powers that have a terrifying dark side - but she's finally found what she needs... a way to break the curse and become human again. Though finding a way to do so will be her greatest challenge yet - and making matters worse - Penn has her sights on Daniel - the boy Harper loves - and Penn always gets what she wants. 

Tidal is amazing. There is so much that happens throughout the book and you discover and learn so much more about the characters and even new characters are brought in. 

Gemma and Harper are literally working their butts off trying to find a way to break the curse, as is Marcy and Daniel. They know that they're running out of time - in some way, shape or form and are trying everything they can to save Gemma. They even get the help of Marcy's friend Lydia (if you have read Forgotten Lyrics, the short ebook from Amanda, then you'll know who she is) she helps to share her knowledge of what she knows about sirens and the possible ways to kill them or break the curse - both of which are pretty helpful. 

The plot of this book is really captivating - mostly because you know they're racing against time and eventually something will have to happen to either lengthen it, or shorten it and you can;t help but want to know which. It's fast paced and really well written - like Wake and Lullaby, the POV changes throughout the book (which I love) but what really surprised me and made this book a whole lot more exciting was that Gemma finds herself and unlikely ally... but I'm not going to say who, you're going to have to read it ;)

Gemma has been maturing over the books which I love - over the short space of time she has accepted what has happened to her and at times, even enjoyed it - but she knows that eventually, she will meet her fate and she's ready to accept whatever that may be. 

Harper has also grown a lot and isn't being as motherly as she has been - which takes a lot for her - but she can see the change in Gemma and knows that she won't be able to fight her battles for her much longer - which is tough, but she knows that's what has to be done.

Daniel is helping Gemma and Harper the best he can - he's being surportive and researching on the curse - but overall he knows he just has to be there for Harper - even she needs someone to lean on, but with Penn's growing interest in him, things change. 

Alex isn't as involved in this book, mostly because of what Gemma done at the end of Lullaby - but you do see him from time to time and get a general understanding of what's going on with him which is good. 

The other characters were also really well developed and had a good part within the book :)

Overall this is a really good book and continues on really well from Lullaby which I like and so far I would highly recommend this series :)

Book Review - Watersong Series (Wake and Lullaby) by Amanda Hocking

The first book in the Watersong series in Wake. I was immediately drawn to this book because of the cover and also the blurb. I've never before read a book which was about any mythical water creatures such as sirens so it was very different and I was very interested. 

Penn, Lexi and Thea = Dangerous, Gorgeous and Fearless, these are the type of girls you envy and hate. They're new in town for the summer and have caught everyone's attention, but Gemma has caught theirs. Gemma is smart, carefree, pretty and falling in love with the boy next door, Alex, so when she takes a late night swim and runs into Penn and her friends she knows she's in trouble, what makes it worse it that she wakes in the morning on the beach , sore all over, with no recollection of what happened, but she's knows something has changed, and not something good. 

I loved this book. The writing style was amazing and I loved how Amanda had written it in a certain way that you got a view point from each of the characters throughout - it's not very often that a book would be written from all different perspectives so I really liked that. The overall plot was really good - it was fast paced and kept me 100% interested.

The characters were also amazinggggg. Gemma is smart, funny, kind and overall a great lead (ish) character. Harper, Gemma's sister is also great. She's mature, wise and funny - granted she is a bit over-protective of her baby sister but that's suspected considering the circumstances. Alex - the boy next door and Gemma's boyfriend - is funny and kind and very well suited for Gemma - he helps her when she needs it and doesn't ask any questions and then there's Daniel. Oh mummy - he's strong, funny, sarcastic, gorgeous and a real handy man. He help's Gemma and Harper throughout this book and becomes a real part of Harpers life with no questions asked, he'll do anything he can to help. 

Penn, Lexi and Thea are also great considering their meant to be the bad guys. They're strong, dangerous and drop dead gorgeous. They can make anyone do anything that they want and they aren't afraid to do whatever it takes to get Gemma to join them. The other side characters, like Gemma and Harpers Dad and their friend Marcy are also really well developed and play a big part throughout the book.
Overall a really good read!

Lullaby is the second book in the Watersong Series. Lullaby continues on about a week or two after Wake ends which I like because it helps you to keep track of the time in which things are happening. Lullaby is also more from Harpers POV which I also really like because you get to learn a lot more about her, and Daniel for that matter.

Gemma has no other choice to but run away with sirens - after she has inherited their gifts and is continuously getting stronger in her abilities - she doesn't think she has any other option. But Harper won;t give up on finding her - her and Alex work together to try and get her back - but she also recieves the help of Daniel - she has always been the strong one who everyone else depends on - but can she let herself depend on Daniel?

For me personally, I liked Lullaby over Wake. Mostly because it was from Harpers POV the majority of the time, which I liked. She was sort of in the background in Wake and you never really got a good idea of what her personality was like, other than protective and more mature than she should be. Then Daniel's there, stirring feeling that he shouldn't, he wants her to depend on him, but she's always been so busy being the dependent on everyone else and looking after everyone else.
The plot was also extremely fast paced - there was a build up were you knew something was going to happen but you just didn't know what, and that kept me glued to the book - I literally couldn't put it down. I liked how Amanda kept the main role switching throughout the book and I liked how the main characters had a more prominent role. I also liked how Harper, Alex and Daniel were struggling to understand the concept of sirens so began to dive straight into any books they could find to help them - I don't know why I liked this, I just felt as though I was apart of the team encouraging them to find something and cheering them on when they did. There was also a lot more blood and gore than I had expected there to be, considering it's a romantic mythological book - I was really surprised - but in a good way.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I couldn't wait to read the next one!