MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder

What's this? A makeup review?

When it comes to makeup, I'm actually not much of a MAC girl, but recently I was in Selfridges with some friends and I was looking a little shiny, so I decided to pick this up for a touch-up before going out for dinner. 

This powder comes in the classic black MAC compact with a handy little powder puff and mirror. The packaging also clicks closed, which is great for keeping it secure if you want to just throw it in your bag to touch-up during the day.

This powder is described on the MAC website as "micro-fine, sheer and silky" and comes in 13 shades. I selected shade NC15 as a total guess and it's a good match and not too yellow. I tend to go the whole hog when it comes to face makeup and this powder works really well for setting everything down and locking in my foundation. I have quite oily skin but this wears well throughout the day (usually about 4 hours which is about the most I get from any powder really!) and doesn't separate or look cakey after reapplication. Coverage is very light, so if you're looking for something just to control shine and even out skintone, then this is one for you. I suggest starting with a concealer for blemish-covering because this unfortunately ain't going to get it done. It blends beautifully when applied with a brush and I'd say that for me, the shade is spot on. 

For my first MAC face product I'm pretty pleased! I wouldn't exactly rush out and repurchase if I ran out but I would definitely advise everyone to try it out for themselves!

Have you tried this powder? Let me know what you think?

MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder available here for £20.50

Yankee Candle Chocolate Layer Cake Review

Another day, another candle review! I told you, I really do have a problem.

This candle was one I ummed and ahhed about buying because it's only available in the large jar size which is £19.99. I normally only buy the little wax tarts, or, if I'm feelin' fancy, one of the small jars but in my local Yankee store I was informed that it's limited edition and I knew I'd regret not picking it up!

This is described on the Yankee Candle website as "The scrumptious layering of cocoa and chocolate mousse" and I couldn't agree more. I was worried that when burning this would be seriously sickening but it's actually so subtle and lovely. It makes my whole living room smell like dessert! I have nothing more to add on the actual scent as it does smell exactly like chocolate cake. The thing I love most about this candle is that it lingers, all throughout the day it's been sitting on my coffee table unlit and I still get a little whiff of chocolate every now and again which is so pleasant when I'm sat working on my laptop.

Chocolate Layer Cake is available here for £19.99

Will you be indulging in this scent? Let me know what you think if you do!

N x

Black Milk "Pulp Horror" Collection

L-R What a Mess, Free Spirit and Wicked Web

I'm usually quite reasonable when it comes to new launches, I usually only buy one to try and then see if I want to spend more later, by which point something else has come along and has caught my attention.

However, there is nothing that can make me say "Shut up and take my money!" faster than a new Black Milk launch and their new Halloween "Pulp Horror" collection was no exception.

I normally only buy one piece from Black Milk at a time but as I found myself with a little extra cash I decided to indulge and I chose three, including two limited pieces.

The first piece I chose was the "What A Mess" reversible skater dress, which is a permanent part of the collection with a blood-splattered bathroom tile print. This dress can either be worn with a high neck and a low back, or vice versa. Personally I prefer to have my back covered but I like that I have the choice.

A close up of the Free Spirit print. How cute?!

The second item I chose was the "Free Spirit" reversible skater dress which was only on sale for 48hrs after the collection launched so I'm really pleased I managed to grab one! (Not like I sat waiting for the website to re-open on launch day or anything...) I absolutely love the cute ghost print on this and I definitely wouldn't save this as a "just for Halloween" dress. You can bet I'll definitely be pairing this up with a Christmas jumper come December! Well, Scrooge was visited by the Ghost of Christmas Past after all!

The last thing I got was the "Wicked Web Silver Cheerleader Skirt" which was a limited edition item. This has a matching crop top but as you could not get me in a crop top if you paid me, I opted for the skirt on it's own. I was really pleasantly surprised with just how much material is in this skirt, it's so heavy! I wore it yesterday with just a plain t-shirt and some ankle boots and it was so comfortable and stretchy, a good going-out for dinner outfit!

The Wicked Web print up close. It's so intricate!

I was a little apprehensive at first about ordering from Australia but at the time, the exchange rate was excellent so everything was really reasonable and their clothing is such fab quality, I can't fault the price I paid. Secondly, I used the free shipping option and didn't even have to pay customs (I actually wouldn't have minded because of the free shipping!) The sizing is pretty spot on, I order a size XL as I'm a UK 18-20 and that's fine for me (the leggings tend to roll a little but that's just my figure) so i would say if you're a fan then definitely try some of their stuff out!

Do you have a Black Milk collection? What have you got in the past?

Yankee Candle Ghostly Treats Review

I thought I'd kick off my little blog with my complete obsession over all that is Yankee Candle. Seriously, it's becoming a real problem. Combine that with my love of Halloween and I felt like I was on to a winner.

This year's Halloween offerings involve three scents : Candy Corn, Witches Brew and Ghostly Treats. I completely fell for the packaging of Ghostly Treats, and as I had a voucher, decided to go for the largest size this scent offers, which is the medium jar. Upon lighting this little beauty I realised it smelled awfully familiar, and it turns out the "new" scent is just a repackaged favourite of mine which is Fireside Treats. As there's no price difference and the ghosts are cute I don't mind.

This glorious toasted marshmallow scent is definitely for those of you who like a sweeter fragrance but it's not overpowering and is mixed with a lovely smokey undertone which makes it feel very cosy on a rainy October evening. Firm favourite and a definite repurchase of the original!

Ghostly Treats Medium Jar available now for £16.99

N x

"You" by Caroline Kepnes

I thought I might try my hand at a book review today!

Last night I finished what I think, is the first full length novel by Caroline Kepnes. This is described as a "romantic thriller" but I don't think it is romantic in the slightest! The novel is written in second person, which in itself is strange, and is from the perspective of bookstore manager Joe. When Guinevere Beck makes her way into his store he is smitten and he makes it his mission to be with her. Unfortunately, his mission involves stalking her, with sinister consequences. 

I absolutely loved this book. It's dark, gripping and sometimes actually pretty funny. I have a weird interest in the mindsets of people like Joe and it was so interesting to see how his mind worked. What I also loved, was his sense of normalcy at times. In the midst of an act that one may find completely twisted, it appears completely normal and rational from his point of view. I found myself unintentionally skipping whole paragraphs because I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen.

I really would recommend this if you love a good thriller, let me know what you think if you read it too!

You by Caroline Kepnes available in physical and Kindle

N x

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