Beauty review: Nyx matte lip creams

Well hello to you my reader chums! 

Liquid lipsticks have taken the beauty world by storm over the past year with brands high street to high end taking their own spin on the trend. After finally jumping on the hype, I picked up two of Nyx's matte lip creams and haven't gone back. Liquid lipsticks have become my new love and I'd love to try out various other options to see how they compare.

Nyx matte lip creams in Cannes and Stockholm

Packaging 

Nyx products always have quite sleek, professional-looking packaging, keeping to a monochrome style. These products aren't any different with a handbag sized tube and doe foot applicator. The size of the applicator is perfect to get to every part of the lips and holds enough product to build up the colour.

Lipstick shade names

The range of Nyx matte lip creams all have the names of cities around the world, a truly charismatic touch. The two I have are 'Cannes' and 'Stockholm', two cities I've never visited but renowned for their sophistic flair, something the colours certainly convey.

Nyx matte lip creams in Cannes and Stockholm

Nyx matte lip creams in Cannes and Stockholm

Lip creams scent 

 One of the first things I noticed about the product was its scent. The smell reminds me of a subtle vanilla and cupcake blend, yet not too overpowering whatsoever.

Formulation and consistency of the lip creams

When it comes to the formulation of these lip products, I was pleasantly surprised. Before trying, I thought it would be rather drying on the lips, yet it turned out to be the complete opposite. Upon application, the consistency is very creamy and soft on the lips, it doesn't feel like a matte lipstick at all. Once the liquid formulation has set, the consistency is rather light as if no product is on the lips nor dries out the lips.

Nyx matte lip creams in Cannes and Stockholm swatches

Pigmentation 

Another favourite feature is the pigmentation of these lip products. With one swatch, the colour pay off is thick and coats the lips well, needing about two coats to get the full pigment. I'm seriously impressed by the pigmentation because even though it's a liquid formulation, it covers as well as a typical creamy, matte lipstick.

Lipstick lasting power 

Liquid lipsticks are known for their brilliant lasting power and Nyx's are no exception. After layering and the lipstick set, this product doesn't budge through drinking and eating. After having dinner, it may need a reapplication in the centre of the lips from natural wear, yet ultimately the product clings well to the lips and has endless lasting power.

As you can tell, these liquid lipsticks have become my new favourite go-to products! Long-lasting power, super pigmentation, creamy consistency and sleek packaging, what more could you wish for in a lipstick?

I hope you enjoyed this Nyx review! Have you tried these lip products?

Thank you for reading <3



Summer look book - Rome edition

Well hello to you my reader chums! With the scorching summer sunshine, blue skies and sophisticated edge, when in Rome, I put together some of my favourite outfits to wear. As I only went for 3 days, I planned in advance my everyday choices which made it easier to get ready before leaving the hotel! Pinafores and dunagrees became my best friend because not only were they comfortable and easy to slip on but looked stylish at the same time! The weather was very humid and the outfits I chose seemed to be the perfect choice - light, airy and pretty for all my photo memories.

Here's my Rome edition, summer look book: 

Rome summer lookbook

Rome summer lookbook

Outfit No.1
Pinafore - Primark
White T-shirt - New Look
Sandals - New Look
Sunglasses - Primark


Rome summer lookbook

Rome summer lookbook

Outfit No.2

Dungarees - New Look
Striped top - TopShop
Sandals - New Look
Bag - Primark


Rome summer lookbook
Rome summer lookbook

Outfit No.3

Daisy playsuit - Primark
Sandals - Primark

I hope you enjoyed this summer lookbook, Rome edition post. What's your go to summer outfit?

Thank you for reading <3

The Rome Diaries ❤️

Well hello to you my reader chums! 

Stunning sights, gelato galore, scrumptious dishes, historic significance and heart warming culture, what an exceptional city Rome is! Ever since I can remember, I've always dreamt of visiting the Italian lands, delving into the history, tasting their delicious culinary wonders and soaking up the cosy character it holds.

Last week, my twin sister Maria and I ventured out onto our Rome adventure and discovered all the hidden beauties, here's what we got up to:

Wednesday 17th August - Day 1:

After a stay in an airport hotel, we left around 4.00am for our 6.40am flight from London Gatwick to Rome. Upon arrival in Rome for 10.10am, our transfer took us to our hotel, Gregorio VII Luxury Suites and we were so amazed with its contemporary flair. Prior to the trip, I booked us 'skip the line' tickets for the Vatican at 2pm. We then freshened up and were ready for the Vatican City!

The Rome diaries
Maria and I

Once collecting our tickets, we took our time walking around the numerous astounding Vatican museums, including the awe inspiring Sistine Chapel and Raphael rooms. I was utterly impressed with the intricate detail on all the ceiling artwork, religious paintings and many artefacts we discovered; too incredible for words.

St Peters Basillica entrance

After the Vatican Museums, we made our way back to the remarkable St Peters Square and took a few photos at the location! I was blown away by the vast size and the striking buildings its surrounded with. My favourite part was St Peters Basilica, the church found in this square - As soon as we entered, I was mesmerised with its high ceilings, detailed artwork, statues and magnificent interior; the whole church is stunning. No picture is able to justify the beauty, it's one of those places in life where you're at awe with everything you're witnessing.

St Peters Square

St Peters Square

St. Peter's Basilica

St Peter's Basilica exterior

St. Peter's Basilica interior

St Peter's Basilica interior

LemonGrass gelato

Gelato garlore

The first day meant our first taste of the scrumptious Italian cuisine. Half way through our sight seeing, we popped into a gelato shop and tasted the esteemed Italian ice cream; it certainly didn't disappoint. Once walking round every aspect of the Vatican we wished to see, we found a nearby restaurant and enjoyed our first meal; spaghetti Bolognese, veggie pizza and bread; absolutely charming.

Thursday 18th August - Day 2:

The second day was when we explored the main centre of Rome, visiting the likes of the Colloseum, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona and Parthenon; my favourite day of the three. On that morning we hoped on a bus from our hotel to Piazza Venezia, one of Rome's main city areas. We found a breakfast eatery and enjoyed a couple of delicious pastries before looking around the area. Our first stop was Altar of the Fatherland, a distinctive palace like structure which stands in the middle of the square.

Altar of the Fatherland

We had a good old venture around, taking pictures and admiring the surrounding views from the highest points!

Altar of the Fatherland

Then, it was time to visit the incredible Colloseum, a sight I've wanted to see for the longest time! We got our tickets and walked on over - I couldn't believe my eyes when the significant structure stood in front of me; it was captivating. I loved looking around and learning about the history behind such a renowned location.

Colosseum

Colosseum exterior

Colosseum interior

Me and Maria inside the Colosseum

Colosseum interior

Colosseum interior

Colosseum

Me outside the Colosseum

Arch of Costantinus

Next to the Colosseum was the Arch of Constantine, the largest Roman triumphal arch. Initially it reminded me of the Arc de Triomphe in France and a similar version I saw when visiting Barcelona. Nevertheless, the sight was wonderful and what truly amazes me is how well the structure has been preserved over time. Afterwards, we went for a spot of late lunch and I tasted my first ever authentic Italian lasagne! Safe to say the dish was gone in 10 minutes, I enjoyed it that much.

Trevi fountain

Aside from the Colloseum, one of my other favourite spots had to be the Trevi Fountain. When I first laid my eyes on the sensational structure, I couldn't believe it. Despite the mass of tourists, the pouring water sound echoed, creating a calm vibe in this location; it was stunning. We returned here quite a few times afterwards as we both loved it so much. To keep with tradition, we threw a coin in and made a wish (fingers crossed if it comes true.)


Trevi fountain

Me and Maria at the Trevi Fountain

Piazza Navona

Another area I wanted to visit beforehand was Piazza Navona as I'd read many beautiful things. The calm yet heart warming buzz in the air, cosy eateries, stalls and astounding architecture made for a delightful evening location. We stopped for dinner here in a classic Italian eatery where I opted for the most yummy pizza! I actually ate the entire thing and we even went for gelato afterwards, the best way to complete a sightseeing day.

Piazza Navona best restaurant

Me with the best pizza ever!

Piazza Navona

Piazza Navona

Pantheon

On our nightly stroll back to the bus, we came across the Pantheon! It looked gorgeous under the night sky with the surrounding outdoor lights shining through. We found out on our birthday, 21st June aka the summer solstice, an event is put on where the change of the sun gives a beautiful light show through the Pantheon.

Friday 19th August - Day 3:

For our third and final day, we aimed to do a little bit of shopping, soak up the last bit of sightseeing we hadn't done and taste our final heavenly dishes. We bought tickets for a hop on hop off bus tour, to take us round the entire city and explain all about Rome's fine history! It was an opportunity for us to absorb a last look at the entire location and get off at points we weren't able to see yet.

Spanish steps

One of the spots I'd been dying to see was the famous Spanish Steps, located in Piazza di Spagna, an area filled with high end stores and amazing buildings. I'm glad we were able to finally come across this beauty because in person the Spanish Steps and square look even more magnificent.

Piazza di spagna

Fountain below the Spanish Steps.

Circo Massimo

Another part we hadn't visited was Circus Maximus, an ancient Roman chariot stadium. The bus stopped off here so we were able to admire the historic site from afar.

Al Picchio restaurant in Rome

For our last supper, we discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant, tucked away by the Trevi Fountain. Al Picchio had been running since the 1930s and served up the tastiest food I've ever had, I would highly recommend!! We shared bruschetta and mozerella balls for starters and I chose pesto pasta for mains. I can't even describe to you how moreish this dish was; absolute heaven. I wish pesto pasta tasted that scrummy in England!

Al Picchio restaurant in Rome

Maria and I in our favourite restaurant.

Nutella and cinammon gelato

On our final day we had gelato twice ( I mean when in Rome..), the first was in a little gelaterria nestled away from the hustle and bustle of the Trevi Fountain. I got Nutella and Cinnamon; it was truly the best ice cream I'd had on the entire trip ( pictured above). We also had more gelato after our last supper in a place located right next to the Trevi Fountain, bon appetite!

Saturday 20th August - Day 4:

Ciao Roma - It was time for our 6am flight to the English soils once more, here's to our next adventure! 

Flying home

I hope you enjoyed an overlook of our Rome trip! Have you ever visited?

Thank you for reading <3



Sunday thoughts: Adventures

Well hello to you my reader chums!

Cobbled streets, captivating coastlines, striking buildings, charismatic villages and exotic cultures, adventures open up the mind and feed the soul with many different experiences. The world is packed of exciting new opportunities, scenery and cultures, it'll be crazy to miss out on exploring them. I'm lucky enough to have already visited Barcelona and Gran Canaria this year with a trip to Rome planned in the next few days; a city I've been dreaming about since I was only small.

Adventure was the best way to learn


Whether it's heading to your nearest woodland track, cycling along the coast, going on a safari or parasailing off a boat, experiences and fun filled moments are what make life remarkable. In the future, when you look back at all those years before, you'll remember the exceptional times you dived into the ocean, cry laughed with your pals on a speed boat or hiked up the mountain, so now is the time to embrace every opportunity that comes your way.

Adventures are forever


Stories. One thing my best friends always say is 'think of all the stories we'll make'. This in itself is the reason I adore spontaneous moments, trips and seeing new places. I can be stuck on Pinterest for hours, scrolling at the endless travel images, stunning cities and girly holiday pictures; yet being there myself, breathing in the fresh sea air, soaking up sunshine or delicious cuisine, is my idea of heaven.

With all this in mind, here's 5 reasons why to plan you next adventure:

  1. Escape the everyday worries - When escaping to a new location, seeing the glorious views and ambiance, the last thing on your mind will be the unanswered emails, household chores or any other daily worries you may have; those struggles become a little less important.
  2. New cultures - You can see, taste and talk to many different walks of lives on adventures. Try unusual cuisine, witness their mannerisms and experience a different lifestyle.
  3. Stories - Whether this adventure is with your best friends, boyfriend, family or sister, it's a time to create the randomest of moments which will become some of your best stories to tell of your travels.
  4. Stepping out of your comfort zone - If you've read my blog for a while, you'd know I suffer from anxiety. By exploring the locations and doing crazy things I never thought I would, like parasailing, has in turn helped my confidence and slowly overcome my anxiety. It's allowed me to step out my comfort zone and believe I can conquer anything I put my mind to.
  5. Have fun - Feeling a bit bored of the typical routine everyday? Then planning a trip near or far wherever it may be will give you that motivation with something to be excited for. 
I hope you enjoyed this Sunday thoughts style post. Where is your next adventure?

Thank you for reading <3

Summer makeup look ❤️

Well hello to you my reader chums! Beach days, BBQs, picnics and adventures, summer is the time to let your hair down and embrace the incredible sunshine. When the weather is at its warmest, the last thing you want to be worrying about makeup, layering it up or ensuring it looks good. In the heat, it's likely to melt off so I find the lighter weight the better, giving you the added coverage you desire without caking up the skin.

Here's a look at all the products I use:


Must have summer makeup products
For an everyday look in summer time, I use these products as a basis, either adding to them for an evening out, only wearing the bare essentials or simply naked skin for beach days with a lick of mascara; it varies.
Must have summer makeup products
Base
L'oreal's Infallible primer - To keep the shine at bay in the scorching heat, I find a face primer to be my best friend especially my favourite L'oreal one. With the matte finish it achieves, not only does makeup cling to the skin but it miraculously prevents any oiliness from coming through; a must for sweat proof makeup.
Maybelline's BB cream - I'm a top fan of BB creams and will rave about them all day long! My favourite has to be Maybelline's 'Dream Fresh' because it offers the lightest coverage, dewy finish and has the important SPF factor, a necessity when the sun is at its brightest. I love how it gives a bit of something to the skin without feeling heavy or looking too over the top.
Rimmel's Wake me up concealer - This is the best concealer for everyday use especially in summer time as even though the coverage is buildable, the consistency is very light so doesn't feel like too much product on the skin when applied. I especially love it's brightening power, giving some oomph to your under eye bags.
Rimmel's Stay Matte powder - The holy grail of face powders, I can't finish off my base without dusting this all over the skin. It helps keep the skin matte ands that extra bit of coverage to the light base.
Contour and highlight
Sleek's face form palette in 'Light'- I tend to keep contour quite subtle in the summer months, to look more like a bronzed glow instead of full on chiselled cheek bones. Even though this palette is perfect for achieving both types of makeup looks, I've been loving it for a subtle contour and overall bronze as I find the bronzer to be the perfect colour.
Benefit's high beam - The sun is bright and so is my highlight! 'Highbeam' is a cream consistency, ideal for applying in this weather as it leaves a dewy, natural finish that when hits the light looks incredible.
Eyes
Maybelline's Lash sensational mascara - On super summer days, I apply a couple of coats of mascara to open up the eyes; very simple indeed. As an eye shadow lover, I do also wear a variety of different shades in the summer time just not in this look!
Lips
Nyx's matte lip cream in 'Stockholm' - With a quick easy makeup look, comes a natural, beautiful lip. I opted for my favourite product at the minute, Nyx's 'Stockholm' matte lip cream. The colour is a dusky pink, brown, it's consistency is ultra creamy yet sets completely matte and wears extremely well; the best option for a summers day.  
Final look:
Summer makeup look

I hope you enjoyed this summer make up look! What are your go to products?

Thank you for reading <3



July favourites

Well hello to you my reader chums! August has arrived, which means more sunshine, summer days, longer nights and the best fun-filled, spontaneous moments. With new adventures and hope for the month ahead, I can't wait to see what August brings. July swept by like the speed of the wind and since then I've found a few new favourite products I adore.

If you're looking for the best neutral eye shadow palette or the hairbrush of dreams, here are my July favourites.

July favourites

July favourites

Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette

Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette

If you saw my recent review of this palette, you'd know it's quickly become a current obsession. The queen of all neutral palettes, its shadows consist of golds, bronzes, pink shimmers, olive tones and pops of colour; a perfect blend. The sweet scent makes it a dream worthy product for any chocoholic out there and with the blend-ability, pigmentation plus the rich texture of the shadows taken into a count, you certainly won't be disappointed adding this beauty to your collection.

Nyx matte lip cream in 'Stockholm'

Nyx Cosmetics matte lip cream in 'Stockholm'

Joining the hype of liquid lipsticks at the minute, Nyx's matte lip creams definitely live up to the exceptional standard. With the creamy texture not drying on the lips, pigmented colours, easy application and long lasting wear, it has everything needed for the perfect everyday use. 'Stockholm' is a dusky pink, brown I love to wear when going for a natural look because the shade is designed for quick application and versatile for a variety of makeup styles.

Nyx jumbo eye pencil in Cashmere

Nyx Cosmetics jumbo eye pencil in 'Cashmere'

As an eye shadow lover, when a Nyx stand hit my local Boots, I had to pick up their much loved eye pencils. When I saw the shade 'Cashmere', I knew it was something I'd use a lot for golden eyes. The product is rather dense and takes a bit of tugging to blend it out onto the eye, yet sets quite quickly and leaves a gorgeous subtle gold shimmer. It's not as creamy as expected however the pigmentation is lovely for a base and prevents eye shadows on top from creasing easily.

Tangle teezer

Tangle Teezer

Sea breezes, summer winds and Britain's typical rain showers, a hair brush is definitely an essential to always have with you. A new purchase and one I've been obsessed with at the minute is my purple Tangle Teezer. It's compact for the handbag, has a stunning design and most importantly gets tangles out seamlessly, I don't know what I did before I had this beauty; a complete life changer to my hair routine!

Zoella bath latte bath milk

Zoella's Bath Latte

After the launch of Zoella's third beauty range and getting my hands on the new products, it wasn't long until I fell in love with the sweet scent! One of my top favourite products from the collection is the 'Bath Latte'. Not only does it create endless bubbles but leaves the addictive almondy scent lingering on the skin after a bath. I find by running about a sixth of the product under warm water will give you enough bubbles for a truly long, relaxing bath. For a look at the entire range, I wrote a review here.

I hope you enjoyed my July favourites post. Which products have you been loving this month?

Thank you for reading <3