Review: Benefit Gimme Brow

Hello lovelies! 

I haven't done a beauty post in a while so I thought I'd write about a recent purchase of mine, Benefit's "Gimme Brow" brow gel. I'd seen several bloggers rave about this and I thought I'd give it a try. 

This "brow-volumising fibre gel" can be used on its own to create the "my face but better" look, or on top of brow powder to keep it in place... And as someone who always struggled with patchiness towards the end of the day, I'm extremely impressed! 

There are two shades of this product, light/medium and medium/deep. I feel like it might be better to have a more varied range as not everybody's natural brow colour will fall into these categories. I bought light/medium (it was a no-brainer, really, seeing as I'm a blonde). 

Aside from the product, I like the simple packaging. Also, how nice is the bag?! 

I took some photos to see the difference:

 Without "Gimme Brow"

 With "Gimme Brow" on its own

With "Gimme Brow" on top of "Naked 2" from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette

Aside from the very natural finish that you get from this product, I love the fact that you only need a tiny amount to achieve a good result on each brow, meaning that it will last you a long time before having to buy a replacement, which makes the £18.50 price tag more justifiable. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this, if you've bought it, or if I've persuaded you to go out and get one of these yourself! Let me know!

Lots of love,

Fliss xx

Shopping: Online vs In-Store

Hello lovelies! 

Like a lot of my blog posts, today's topic has come from a spot of daydreaming. I was having my breakfast and was in my own little world when an advert came on the television promoting an online women's clothing brand. This got me thinking about the pros and cons of online/in-store shopping (and not just for clothes) and I decided I should write a post about it. 

Disclaimer: These are my own personal opinions/experiences. I'm definitely not saying that you should only shop in-store or only shop online because they both have their uses! 

Let's start with clothing. Personally, I prefer to shop in-store. The reason for this is because my body will not co-operate with any old item. For example, I have an extremely curvy back and so jeans from most places will have an irritating gap at the back... Needless to say I can't just buy jeans online because there's no guarantee that they'll be a comfortable fit. The one store I have found (so far) that sells well-fitting jeans is Primark. And of course I have to go in-store and try them on just to double check that they're right. Comfy and inexpensive? Count me in! 

The other reason I have for shopping in-store is that my figure in general can be frustrating at times to clothe. I have what is commonly known as an hourglass figure - big in the boob department, a comparatively smaller waist and relatively wide hips (as well as a sizeable behind). And although there is nothing wrong with being this shape (or any shape for that matter - love your body!), it does make clothes shopping a tad difficult. Let's think about a shirt/blouse - they're a flattering fit but in order to avoid an embarrassing incident of button-pinging and boob-flashing I sometimes need to buy a size 12-14 (depending on the store). Most tops will fit my waist at a size 10 but to accommodate the chest area I need to go up a size or two. Therefore it is impossible to buy a form-fitting top online as there is no way of knowing which size will fit me the best. The same goes for dresses - I tend to steer clear of bodycon styles as I know they will most likely cling to me in all the wrong places so my preferred style is a skater dress - fitted at the waist and flaring out at the hips. I find this style flattering as it shows off my figure the way I intend (mind you, if you're not wearing tights with one you'll need to be careful of the wind - I've had many awkward experiences with poorly-timed gusts!). 

For things such as books or CDs/DVDs (yes, I still buy them!), it's a case of whichever is more convenient. I do quite like going to bookshops because I enjoy the atmosphere of them and like other bookworms I love the smell of actual paperback books (does that sound weird?), although my Kindle comes in very handy. However, I do like to use websites such as Amazon (other sites are available of course) if I can't find a book in-store. Also, they give you the option of gift-wrapping the book if it's for someone else (the lazy girl in me loves this feature...)! It's the same with CDs and DVDs - while I love physical copies, if it's hard to find I can normally rely on websites to point me in the right direction. 

Online shopping is also very helpful if you don't have easy access to a high street or if you simply don't have the time (or energy - let's face it, traipsing from store to store when it's pouring with rain isn't fun for anyone) and you can do it from the comfort of your sofa/bed/soft-furnishing of your choice... What's not to like about that?

The other great thing about online shopping, though, is that you can refine your search to save trawling through an entire website to find one item - or walking round a whole store to find something. You can specify size, colour, price, style... It's so easy! I tend to look online for something first and then if I might need to see it in the flesh I can then go in-store and see for myself. See, told you they both have their uses! 

I hope this post isn't too boring or lengthy/bulky! I just thought it would be good to share my views on this issue. What do you guys think?

Lots of love! 

Fliss xx

University: A Transformation

*Peeks out from behind pillow/duvet/other method of defence* 

Before we get started, I have been away for FAR too long and I am SO sorry! My New Year's resolution to be more organised has been successful in some parts but not so much in others, and my university assignments had to take priority. 

But now all my assessments are out the way and I'm freeeeeeeeeeee! So, without further ado, I feel like I can now talk about the difference in me that university has made.

Before I go any further, I am well aware that university is not for everyone and I am in no way telling you that this is your only choice. It's highly likely that some of the changes I've noticed in me would have happened regardless of whether I'd attended uni or not, and instead are down to becoming an adult and being able to see things differently. 

Okay, now that's clear, here are a few things I've noticed within myself that have changed:

1) I think the biggest change in me is that I'm a lot more confident. Perhaps that is because of the amazing group of friends that I have around me who will support me no matter what (and I would do the same for them)!

2) This is kind of similar to the last point but in a way it's also different. I've become so much more independent since I've moved away from home, not only because I've had to learn how to live by myself, which makes you REALLY appreciate all that your parents did for you while you were living under their roof (and annoying the living daylights out of them at times - sorry Mum and Dad!), but also because I live in London, which is a huuuuuge city and so finding out how to get somewhere takes time and practice (I can now name a few Underground lines just by the station, go me! Buses, on the other hand, are a work in progress...). Even walking around becomes a skill - I now can't get rid of my 'London pace', so whenever I go home to Sheppey, where everything is much smaller, I end up nearly halving my journey because I can't help but walk so fast! And of course there's the personal safety factor - traffic in London is ridiculously heavy all the time so you always have to have your wits about you and be careful when crossing roads etc. Aside from that, it's crucial to be careful when walking around places late at night, or in dodgy areas (or both, but stick to safer, well-lit areas if you can) and even in daylight remember to look out for yourself and your friends to avoid putting yourself in danger. 

Okay, parental lecture over...

3) I just feel happier in general. Again, that's largely due to my super-duper friends, but I feel more self-assured and a lot more positive about life than I did this time last year. I have a more 'can-do' attitude and although I have down days (let's face it, who doesn't?), for the most part I have a lot to smile about! 

That's pretty much all I have to say right now, so I'll wrap this up. I just thought I'd share these ponderings and see what you guys think! 


Lots of love,

Fliss xx

The Theory of Everything

Hello lovelies!

So yesterday my lovely boyfriend took me to see The Theory of Everything, and there's really only one word to describe it: AMAZING.

I'd wanted to see the film as soon as I heard about it, but if you haven't seen it and don't know what it's about, I'll try and give you a brief overview...

The film is a biopic of Professor Stephen Hawking's life, starting with his days as a PhD student at Cambridge University in the early 1960s and ending with his visit to Buckingham Palace. Based on the real Jane Wilde Hawking's memoir, Travelling to Infinity: My Life with Stephen, it tells the story of how Stephen (played by Eddie Redmayne) and his wife Jane (played by Felicity Jones) dealt with the heartbreaking news that he had developed motor neurone disease and was given a prognosis of just two years. They do not let these huge obstacles defeat them and go on to get married and have three children, and Stephen continues to study the concept of time and gains many awards for his work. Help arrives in the form of the church choir leader, Jonathan, who also provides an intriguing sub-plot in which we learn that he lost his wife to leukemia and is happy to help Jane out, which consequently results in a love-triangle situation and some doubts concerning Timothy, the youngest of the Hawkings' children. Eventually, Jane decides that she can't do it on her own any more, and enlists the help of Elaine, who also contributes to the romantic sub-plot. We later see not only the deterioration of Stephen's physical abilities, but also the deterioration of his relationship with Jane, although thankfully there is no bitterness between them. 

Both Redmayne and Jones act incredibly well in this film. I am no critic, but I think Redmayne's portrayal of Stephen is perfect; it wasn't over- or under-acted in any way and he certainly threw himself into the role to get it just right. This is particularly evident in the scene when he falls and is taken to hospital, just before being diagnosed. I also think that Jones does an excellent job of reminding us that while dealing with motor neurone disease is unbelievably hard for Stephen, it also takes its toll on Jane, who fights as many day-to-day battles as her husband. 

I'm not going to lie: I cried when I watched the film. A lot. So you MUST take tissues with you if you're going to see it. I'm quite an emotional person but even my other half admitted he welled up on one occasion (and although he can be quite a soppy person - not that I'm complaining - he doesn't cry easily)! 

On a side note, I think it's incredible that Professor Hawking has achieved so much, both before and after his diagnosis, and in terms of scientific and personal achievements, and I believe he is a true inspiration to us all. 

Overall, the film strikes just the right balance in terms of the attention given to the academic and personal highs and lows of Stephen's life, and it certainly deserves the numerous award nominations. I can confidently say that it is a must-see film! 

Let me know if you like this style of post and if you'd like to see more of them in the future! 

Lots of love, 


Fliss xx

The Liebster Award...

Hello lovelies!

So my gorgeous friend Evan nominated me for the Liebster Award, an award for up-and-coming bloggers to nominate and promote each other. Thank you Evan!

I nominate two very lovely ladies:

Meg
Pasha

And an even lovelier male friend from home...

Cameron

So, on with the questions!

1. What's your favourite movie/TV series?

For those days when I'm in the mood for girly entertainment, I turn straight to Made in Chelsea! However, my somewhat nerdy/geeky guilty pleasures are How I Met Your Mother and The Big Bang Theory (to the point where the latter seems to be the only programme I've watched for the last 3 weeks... Oh, and Friends!)

2. Do you love reading? If yes, what is your favourite book?

Like Evan, I study English Literature so it would be really inconvenient if I didn't like reading! My favourite book is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.

3. How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Confident, loyal, calm, musical, bubbly.

4. Who's your favourite band/artist?

My favourite bands are McBusted, The Vamps and 5 Seconds of Summer. My favourite artists are Ella Henderson and George Ezra.

5. If you could have 3 wishes, what would they be?

1 - To do well in university and get either a 2:1 or a First degree.
2 - To try not to overthink things as much as I currently do.
3 - I don't know exactly what I want to do when I'm older, but I hope that I end up in a job that makes me very happy!

6. If you could have a superpower, what would it be?

I always tend to go for inivisibility... I'm not sure why, I just think it would be great fun!

7. What's your all-time favourite food?

PASTA!!

8. Where's your favourite place to shop?

Lately I've been to H&M a lot more, but I do love Primark and New Look! I also love Superdrug and Boots for beauty bits!

9. What's your favourite colour?

Purple, but lately I've been having a phase where I'm obsessed with mint green (as you may be able to tell by the theme of my blog...Haha).

10. What is your future plan?

Once I've finished university I'd like to be in a job and support myself, and then start a family.

11. Who do you admire most?

This really is hard... I admire each member of McBusted because of the way they have overcome some particularly tough obstacles in their lives, especially Tom, Matt and Dougie. I also admire both of my grandmothers because they did a wonderful job raising their families even after losing their husbands far too soon.

I'd like my nominees to answer the above questions. Good luck!

Lots of love,

Fliss xx

Happy New Year!

Hello lovelies! 

First of all, I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas (I certainly did!) and I would like to wish you all a Happy New Year! 

I can't believe it's 2015 now... In the words of John Lennon and Yoko Ono: "Another year over, and a new one just begun". With this in mind, I thought I'd have a little bit of a reflection on 2014 and some forward thinking for the upcoming 12 months.

A lot happened in 2014 - I turned 18, I finished my A-Levels and got into university, I went to New York and I've moved to London (two of my favourite cities in the world), I saw my favourite band live... There were many highlights (as well as some not-so-great moments, but let's not dwell on those). I managed to start and end the year in a relationship (albeit with two different people), I've grown closer with my friends from home and also met new people who I'm pretty sure will be friends for life! 

I think over the last year I've grown as a person - I've become more confident and less concerned about others' opinions of me (although I still have a way to go) but going to university and adjusting to living away from home has definitely helped me become more mature and independent, as well as appreciating my family and friends a lot more. 

As for 2015, I have plenty to look forward to - I have three concerts coming up (McBusted - again haha - in April, The Vamps in May and 5 Seconds of Summer in June) and I've got plans to move into student accommodation for my second (and hopefully third) year with some of my friends. I'll also be spending time with old and newer friends (as well as working hard at university, of course...)! 

In terms of New Year's Resolutions, I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself because I never manage to stick to them, so I've only really got one:

Be more organised - whether that be in terms of maintaining this blog (which I've got better at, admittedly, but I'm still not updating as often as I feel that I should be), or in terms of organising my personal life, I feel like if I plan things out rather than letting them pile up I'll be much better off. Not only will I be more productive, but I'll also be able to give myself time to relax and socialise with friends, which everyone needs from time to time.

I've rambled a bit, haven't I? Oops...

Wishing you all the best for 2015! 

Lots of love, 

Fliss xx

A Weekend with Ben

Hello lovelies!

As I reported in my last post, my friend Ben came down to see me a couple of weeks ago and it was so lovely to see him again! 

I'll give you a brief description of our situation... Basically, our mums were pregnant at around the same time (Ben is 3 months older than me) and as we'd grown up our mothers swapped stories via a mutual source, Ben's auntie (who I call my auntie but we're not related, if that makes any sense?). Anyway, we'd essentially grown up together without actually meeting each other. Fast-forward to 2012 and it was Ben's cousin's wedding (my "cousin" but again, not related) and we met for the first time and we hit it off right away (in that he's just as crazy as I am... In the nicest way possible haha). We talked on Facebook a lot and Skyped quite a bit, but never saw each other in the flesh again until I moved to London for uni and we finally got to meet up again! 

Okay, I'll get on with the exciting stuff now. I decided that as we really only had a day to do stuff, I'd become Ben's tour guide and I tried to cram in as much as I could, so we did all the cheesy stuff: Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace... And it was so much fun! 

Here are some photos from the day:

First up: A walk from Piccadilly Circus to Leicester Square and its amazing Christmas market!

I had a crepe and Ben had a Belgian waffle, both with Nutella and strawberries - heaven! (The strawberries count as the healthy bit, right...?)

We also managed to win some Minions... How cute are they?!

Next stop: Trafalgar Square, complete with multiple floating Santas and Yodas...

 Then we went to Buckingham Palace, where we saw a newlywed couple having some photos taken - such a lovely idea (and they both looked amazing!)... We also got some spectacular views:

Lastly, we went to Covent Garden and had a wander around... We even discovered Santa and his reindeer made completely out of Lego!!

I had a fantastic weekend with Ben, we had so much to catch up on and I had great fun exploring my new home like a tourist with him! We're trying to meet up more regularly from now on! 

I hope you enjoyed having a little nosey at what I've been up to recently (I certainly enjoyed writing it)... My next post will of course be all about Christmas! 

See you soon!

Lots of love, 

Fliss xx