MAC Mineralize Eyeshadows

With Christmas being everywhere and the Halloween holidays this week (heck the clocks have even went back) I thought it was time for me to start thinking (not buying, thinking) about what I should buy my friends and family as presents. There's always so much choice and its hard to pick out what they would absolutely love, I've even taken to Polyvore to create ideas - something I still haven't got to grips with yet! One of my friends is MAC obsessed (though who isn't?) and I thought this eyeshadow was a cute little something something for a stocking filler. 

This is the MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow Quad in Golden Hours and as soon as I saw it I knew my friend would love it, any makeup that's neutral and perfect for daily use is just her cup of tea - so you can see why four nude eyeshadows and MAC ones at that seemed ideal as a pressie. Now I did buy this online so I expected it to be slightly larger than what it is but nevertheless its still a lovely product!

As I said theres 4 nude shades, one cream, one orange-y toned, a lighter brown and a darker brown eyeshadow and depending on how you feel you can have a simple wash of colour throughout the day and a darker brown smokey eye at night - all without having to bring half of your makeup collection (maybe thats just me) and its ever so handy to pop in the makeup bag. Upon first swatch these eyeshadows are super pigmented with a slight shimmer and although I'm not the biggest shimmer fan they're gorgeous! I'm even tempted to buy myself one....

These mineralize eyeshadow quads were originally a part of the Fantasy of Flowers Collection released earlier this year but when the collection was released I didn't pay any attention to the eyeshadows and they received barely any hype when they deserve it. I always find in MAC collections the lipsticks and blushes get all the loving (and I'm guilty of it too). This quad in the newer MAC packaging and I'm not sure whether I love it or miss the older version, I know a lot of bloggers prefer the newer version as you can see the product that you're reaching for - who knows maybe it'll grow on me. All in all, its a lovely product and I can't wait to see my friends reaction when she unwraps it :) I always want to apologize (as a side note) for my blogging being a bit awol this month but Novembers going to be much better, promise!

  Thanks for reading, Jenny xo
P.S Have you given any thought towards Christmas presents yet? Or let me know what MAC eyeshadows you can't live without?

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A/W Essentials: Lip Care

With the change in the weather: Autumns finally here! Ankle boots, ten layers of clothing, hot chocolates and berry lips here we come! Can you tell I'm excited? One of the best things about Autumn though is that no one can judge if you have a massive collection small handful of lip balms and butters at the bottom of your handbag - they're an A/W essential. This post was sort of inspired by Sundays #bbloggers chat, you'll know what I mean if you got involved and the theme was 'A/W essentials' and lip care is definitely up there with a good moisturiser so I thought I'd share a few of my favourites!

You may notice a bit of a theme throughout this post, except for one lip balm maybe two they're all scented... I think it makes all the difference having something smell good on your lips as well as keeping them soft and moisturized. My most used is probably Babylips in 'Cherry Me' which I just swipe on whilst doing my makeup and for top ups throughout the day - it smells incredible and leaves my lips feeling great.

My second most used Babylips is 'Hydrate Me' which works just as well but doesn't have a scent... the only thing about these two is the packaging. Its good and bad. Apart from the distinctly coloured tubes once you take the lid off to apply they look very plain, not the nicest. My friend actually bought me the third pink Babylips from America and I much prefer the packaging because the words are actually on the bullet and you just remove the lid each time which is a lot easier. The fourth offering I use is just a simple 'little blue tin balm' from Superdrug which I bought when I couldn't find the similar Vaseline tin (thats the absolute best I've found for my lips) and it works ok I guess, not the best but it still protects them a little from the cold winter weather and it wasn't too expensive so I'll let it slide.

The fifth and sixth lip balms/butters I want to mention are from The Body Shop (which I love). One is the Born Lippy Balm in Strawberry and I must confess I bought this for the sole reason that it smelt like Rowntree's Strawberry jelly, unfortunately it doesn't taste like it which is a bit of a let down but its still good to smell every once in a while and it keeps my lips in tip top condition. The last is the only lip butter I've mentioned - the Body Shop butter in Coconut and this was something free I put in my basket through the summer for the sole purpose of it smelt more summery than my usual lip balms and I'd heard good things about The Body Shop's lip balms/butters and well, I haven't been dissappointed - they're amazing! All of these balms mentioned are no more than £3 and for such an inexpensive cost I can justify a handful at the bottom of my bag - definitely worth picking up a few for A/W!

Thanks for reading, Jenny xo
P.s what lip balms/butters are your must haves for Autumn and Winter?

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Top 5: Autumn Lips

We're well into October now and the truth is until a few days ago it didn't even feel like Autumn was here yet, the days were mild, there was barely any rain and the sun was splitting the trees - not exactly your typical Autumn weather & its only been these past two or three days that its been dull and miserable and somehow I found myself rummaging through my collection for the excuse to wear anything berry or purple toned since before it had been too bright! These are my top 5 lipsticks for A/W at the minute :) 

1.  Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm - Sultry. This is probably my most worn lip crayon and I think its because its not too berry-ish, more of a browny plum colour on my pale skin, its more of a transitional piece from the sunny Autumn days to the typical dull weather days when a darker lip is needed. Ive featured this in favourites before and for good reason, its not at all drying (even though its matte) and lasts so long! (even after eating) Plus its the easiest to apply/touch up when on the go!

2. MAC Rebel. Its such a bloggers favourite, I remember reading about it all last year but never got round to purchasing it myself - just admiring from a far but over the summer I picked it up so I would be more than prepared for AW and its such a gorgeous colour that looks a lot scarier in the bullet than when its actually applied and I can't wait to wear it to death over the next few months.

3, Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick - 107. Another favourite of well... everyone but before I started reading blogs I loved this little gem, its budget friendly, a gorgeous colour and again not too drying for being matte. I know a lot of people aren't too keen on matte but I love it, I never have to worry about it budging throughout the day! And if you don't have this in your collection yet, you need it!

4. Revlon Lip Butter - Macaroon. The Revlon Lip Butters are an option I always find myself reaching for when I'm feeling lazy or just popping to Tescos or something, I don't want anything too bold but I want a pop of colour so I don't look too washed out and Macaroon is such a lovely shade. Its more of a pinky/berry and its slightly shimmery so a nice change from all the matte.

5. Rimmel Apocalips - Galaxy. These lipstick/lipgloss hybrids were all the rage not too long ago but there were only two I fell in love, one of them being Galaxy, the purple offering in the collection. It has a doe foot applicator and upon application is ten times more glossy than all of the other lipsticks I've mentioned but after a few minutes it dries and gives a lovely purple coat - not too dark. The only thing is it smells a bit odd & fades to leave an all over stain eventually but if you can get past the smell then its lovely.  

Thanks for reading, Jenny xo
P.s what lipsticks are you going to be wearing to death throughout AW14?

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Update: September Spending Ban

At the start of September I posted about doing a spending ban (link here) and a whole month later, it's over so I thought I'd fill everyone in on the tortures of seeing pretty AW clothes and knowing that I can't buy any of them! In fact I didn't think too many people would be interested in reading this sort of thing but it turned out to be my second most read post (thanks everyone) so I knew I'd have to have a follow up post & here we are :) 

I do try and save as much money as I can usually, I don't splurge out all the time but I wanted to see if I could stick it out and save that little bit more and its worked... my bank balance is a lot happier than what it would have been if I went shopping with my student loan. & it means I won't be struggling at all when Christmas swings around in 73 days, I just counted it out - thats absolute madness!

I'd say the Spending Ban was pretty successful, apart from the odd night out with friends from Uni and a meal or two with some school friends I barely spent anything & most importantly avoided Debenhams, Boots and Superdrug like the plague - I didn't need to see all the pretty releases as well, that would have left me with absolutely no will power. It is possible (although hard at times, sales are torture!) and now that my Spending Ban is over I've been much better at weighing up whether I really need something or I just want it. I've bought a few bits and pieces clothes wise but they're staples, an eyeliner, lipliner and mascara and that's my lot beauty wise - I'm surprised at myself!

I do have a hefty wishlist though and I'm debating on whether to buy myself an iphone or not - I've been wanting one for years but my phone at the minute has finally died and I might as well splurge on this as it'll be used so much. Also I've to work out travelling expenses because I start my placement soon yay and that means a 3 hour train journey per day :l Halloween plans, birthdays (because everyone I know is born in October-December) and start thinking about Christmas gifts for everyone as well.

All together I'm proud of myself for sticking it out and can now reel in the impulse buying that I probably didn't need to do before so the spending ban was a success! and I might do another one at some point but we'll see. Have any of you tried a spending ban? or thinking of doing one, let me know how it was/goes?

Thanks for reading, Jenny xo        

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Tag: 10 Books

I didn't know there was such a tag as this until the lovely Kenzie at behindhazeleyes nominated me, she's absolutely lovely and you should definitely have a peek at her blog :) This I think is one of the best tags I've seen floating around the blogosphere & trust me I've done/seen my fair few. I might be slightly biased just because I absolutely love reading when I've the time (except when travelling, then I just feel a tad sick)  - beyond nerdy I know, so I thought I'd do this. 

The rules are simply to mention ten books that had the greatest impact on you or have made you feel like you wouldn't be the person you are today without reading them and then tag a few others to do the tag themselves. 

I'm not going to order these in any particular order but: 

1. Harry Potter, do I even need to give a reason? They are probably the most enjoyable set of books I have ever had the chance to read & books I associate with growing up and my teenage years, right from the Philosphers Stone to the Deathly Hallows, I've grown with them and I'm so attached to all of the characters, J.K Rowling is amazing.

2. The Fault In Our Stars - John Green. I know there was a lot of love and hype surrounding the movie that was released not too long ago but I much preferred reading the book as I feel so much gets left out. John Green tells the story of two teenagers battling with cancer, its filled with teenage angst and of course some romance but it doesn't have the ending you expect and honestly it was refreshing to read something a little different.

3. The Hunger Games Trilogy - Suzanne Collins. I'm counting these as one! I think I read all three books in like a week I got so into them, I'd already seen the first movie and whilst waiting for catching fire to be released I thought I may as well read the others and well I got carried away. I absolutely love all three of these and the movies are amazing as well, I think Jennifer Lawrence plays a massive part in my love for them but still. The books are gripping, exciting and don't differ too much from the movies so I can't fault them.  

4. The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald. This was a book I was read for English Lit at school and at first glance the language was not my thing at all but when I actually studied the book I grew to love it and all Gatsby's and Nick's quirky sayings. Its ten times better than the film and I definitely recommend reading it at some point. Its set back in the roaring 20's and I love that era in history so it makes it even better.  

5. Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen. I haven't read too many classics but I'm slowly working my way through them, Wuthering Heights is sitting on my bookshelf to be read next but I've finally finished Pride and Prejudice and if you can get past the old English, its wonderful, I love the relationship between Elizabeth and Mr Darcy and its probably of thee most famous romance novels ever and for good reason. 

6. The Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger. Another book I read in school and this is set from a teeangers perspective too, with everything going wrong in his life. It reflects the downward spiral of Holden's life, his mentality and his lack of  belonging to anywhere - which a lot of teenagers can relate to at some point and the book has become an iconic book for teenage angst and rebellion with JD Salinger wording it perfectly.   

7. One Day - David Nicholls. Whilst reading this book it was awfully emotionally, the film does not do it justice in the slightest and I cried out my eyes out at that, so picture that but ten times worse. You get so emotionally attached when reading and this book follows the ups and downs of their relationship until the end, which is closer to real life circumstances and more people can relate to it.    

8. Alice In Wonderland. A childhood read that I absolutely love, I always liked the idea of being Alice and transported to Wonderland (which is to put it politely, bonkers) and I've read it countless times over the years, enjoying it more each time.   

9. The Perks of being a Wallflower. Again there was a lot of hype surrounding this book but I finally gave in and read it and surprisingly really enjoyed it as well.  

10. The Maze Runner - James Dashner. This is the book I'm reading at the moment because its released (on Friday I think) and I'm seeing it this week so I wanted to finish it off which I should do over the weekend. I can't seem to put it down and although some phrases at the beginning were a bit weird I've grown used to them and I can't wait to read the second and third in the series. It's so good!

Anyways thats my top ten books, I hope you enjoyed that. If you've read any let me know what you've thought of them or if you can think of any books to add to my 'to read' list, leave me a comment, I love getting new recommendations! I also tag anyone reading this to give it a go, if you do please leave me the links in the comments so I can have a read at those too :)

Thanks for reading, Jenny xo  

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Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

Being a student and all that I try to keep the splurging to a minimum but when I saw the Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation on a blog sale a while back (and in my incredibly pale shade) I knew I'd be silly not to purchase it and boy am I glad I did. There was so much hype surrounding this as thee full coverage foundation and for the days I'm having troublesome skin or I know I'll not be able to touch up through the day as such, this is my go to, its full coverage & fool proof!  

the quicker my cameras fixed the better, these grainy images are stressing me 

If you've read my blog you'll know I'm as pale as can be, its not really the best thing and therefore when buying foundation I'm always faced with the dilemma of 'Is the palest shade pale enough?'. Luckily Estee Lauder are on the ball and this is the perfect shade for me, if anything its slightly paler than my summer skin tone but I think for the quickly approaching winter months it'll be just what I need. I have the shade '1C0 Shell' which is for those with pinky undertones but theres an excellent range of shades for those with pink, yellow and neutral undertones, catering for everyone.

This is probably the fullest coverage foundation I've ever used and I was worried about it being too thick or cakey but this isn't the case at all, when applied to the skin it feels so lightweight, the only thing is it dries so quickly so your best bet is applying it in sections and blending it in as quickly as you can, I use my Real Techniques buffing brush or my Real Techniques expert face brush, both work wonderfully and the finish is amazing - it looks natural, radiant and covers all blemishes that I'm trying to hide, everything that I need and want in a foundation.

 Its classed as 'stay in place makeup and can last up to 15 hours', now normally with claims like this I'm a bit sceptical but on a trip during the summer I applied it at 5am and it lasted until 10pm that night and all I'd done was lightly powder once through the afternoon and it still looked flawless, I was seriously impressed, no other foundations have managed to last that long on me! Before using this however I actually make sure I exfoliate or moisturise as I had read reviews saying it could be drying but I haven't experienced this at all and I couldn't praise the foundation enough. It also looks gorgeous, the gold packaging and glass bottle makes it look sleek & sophisticated and with an SPF of 10 it could come in handy throughout the summer months, if you like the full face look all year round. 

The only downside is it doesn't have a pump, so you sort of have to pour it out which can be quite wasteful but the MAC foundation pump apparantly fits the bottle so I might just have to purchase one to make life easier but when this runs out I will definitely repurchase, its well worth its price tag. I love it! 

Thanks for reading, Jenny xo 

P.s what're your thoughts on the Double Wear foundation, have you tried it? 

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My 100th Blog Post!

It's crazy to think that this is my 100th post on Jenny's Everyday Life! At the start of January this year when I first started blogging I really hadn't got to grips with the whole thing, I wasn't sure what content I'd post, when I'd post and probably the most important thing, natural lighting, what a lost cause I was, but now eight months down the line I sort of know what I'm doing and posts aren't too few and far between, thank goodness. I've loved having blogging as a hobby & creative outlet to share my interests, I now have a proper blogging schedule and I'm posting (content that I'm proud of, quality over quantity any day) maybe two, three times a week, which isn't too bad for having a social life on the side.

Its definitely been a positive experience so far, I've talked to people all over the world, improved my writing skills and photography, gained a new found confidence and had tonnes of fun along the way. It's amazing looking back at some of my early posts and seeing how much my writing/photography has changed in such a short space of time. Also I know its been said time and time again but the beauty blogging community is oh so welcoming and I've felt right at home especially on a Sunday night on twitter during the #bbloggers chat, something I didn't know about in the beginning.... and well, I was seriously missing out! 

I spend a heck of a lot of time prepping for posts whether it be photos or content (you'd think I'd have it down to a tee by now but no) and I'm constantly trying to better my little piece of the internet, long train journeys and free wifi are key. Over the months I've tried blogging everyday for a month, a spending ban and taking little breaks away and coming back as inspired as ever and I've loved them all. I do try to incorporate a little bit of lifestyle into my blog as well so that I can look back on it in another eight months - I haven't done any OOTD posts just yet or ventured into the scary world of Youtube but who knows what the next eight months will bring. 

I also just want to add, real quick, (I have a tendency to ramble, I'm sorry) a massive thank you to everybody who regularly reads my blog or comments - they make my day and its so nice to hear feedback. Also thank you if you follow my blog via Bloglovin', GFC, or even my twitter, if you'd have asked me back at the start of the year how many followers I'd have I'd have said 50 max, not close to 600 so thank you :) I've loved the past seven/eight months and can't wait until I reach my 200th blog post, 300th, 400th, you get the picture :) Its been such a lovely experience so far and I hope to make plenty of new friends and have a few more wonderful experiences by then. Also please let me know what sort of thinks you like/dislike/suggestions on my blog and I can work towards these too!

Thanks for sticking with me & thanks for reading, Jenny xo
P.s don't hesitate to leave comments or talk to me on twitter, I love talking to new people :)

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