January Favourites

The first month of 2015 has brought with it a few new products that I've really been enjoying using.  Although I am doing a January favourites it does not necessarily mean that I'll continually do a monthly favourites each month I'll only do them when I generally have found new things that I want to share :)

*Makeup*

No.7 Lash Impact Mascara, I rarely find a mascara that I find actually works for me doing the whole lengthening, volumising non clumpy malarkey but I've actually been pleasantly surprised by this mascara and I've found it to do all of the above and the end result is fluttery lashes.

 

 

Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eye shadow in On-in-On bronze, this is a great everyday eye shadow that applies easily and can either act as a base or is pretty on its own. I've done a review on this product HERE.

 

 

There's no kidding that I do love my eyeliner however, I'm forever trying to perfect the 'perfect cat flick' if such a thing does actually exist.  If like me you don't fancy forking out on a gel eyeliner I'd recommend the Collection Fast Stroke Black Liquid Eyeliner as the applicator glides on the liner and it lasts all day without flaking. 

 

*Skincare*

 

At the end of this month I've discovered the skincare range Waitrose have launched simply called 'Pure'. Out of the products in the range I've tried I'm impressed the most by the skincare oil which has Vitamin E in it and almond extracts.  The oil is a serum formula and not greasy and I find that putting it on at night waking up the next day my skin is lovely and soft. 



 

 

 

* Project Life Scrapbook*



 

I decided that one of my new year resolutions for 2015 was to start a scrapbook and document activities and things I get up to during the year so that I can have a keepsake and something nice to look back on.  I decided to use the brand Project Life from Hobby craft  for my scrapbook and I've been really impressed.  You can choose the scrapbook you like and the dividers as well as any cards you want to place next to your pictures.  It gives a really creative yet professional look as apposed to a flat thin scrapbook.

 

*Food*

 

In an attempt to eat more healthy I've discovered that I really like dried fruit a particular kind you can buy in ASDA.  I think part of the reason is because it comes in a bag and is naturally sweet therefore it tricks my brain into thinking I'm having something sugary.  In particular I like dried Apple and Pear.   Although in saying that I have had too many a bowl of chips!

 

 

*Perfume*

 

I popped into Jo Malone with my mum last week and sprayed some of their Blackberry and Bay Perfume and gosh the scent is so fresh but quite sweet so I intend to go back and buy a small bottle next time I'm passing.

 

 

Leave me a comment below of the things you've discovered this month!

 

 

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

 



 



 



 





University?! Q&A

As a second year university student studying History and Journalism, I'm pretty well established in university life in terms of knowing what to expect and how university life works.  However, I'm well aware that other people who are thinking about going to university have pressing questions, my younger brother being one, therefore I want to answer in true honesty the most asked questions and perhaps questions people don't want to ask about university.  If you find any of my advice useful please leave a comment and on the contrary, if you have a burning question regarding uni leave it below in the comments and I as sure to my word will reply! :)

 

*Why bother going to University?*

 

University is the progression from school onto higher education where you study a particular course for 4-5 years and graduate not only with a degree but armed with essential life experience and skills.  Many people feel attracted to going to university by the 'student life' mainly being the long holidays, parties to ridiculous hour o'clock, clubbing and spending a student loan.  However, as well as all this the main reason you are at university is to study and in the end graduate with a degree in your chosen subject/field.  If you have a subject/field that interests you, by all means research the university courses that are offered and apply to uni.  On the other hand, if uni isn't your bag its certainly not the only way to becoming successful.  Apprenticeships, entrepreneurs and undertaking jobs can be just as fulfilling and good experience as uni.

 

 

*Do I have to go to freshers week to make friends?*

 

Roughly 80% of students love fresher's week which is the week at the end of September before university begins.  Its a week of clubbing, parties, ceilidh's, clubs and societies and of course free pizza and booze.   However, if your the odd 20% like me who isn't able in anyway to participate in fresher's week do not fear you will still make friends.  Of course fresher's week is useful to meet people through activities such as speed meetings etc., but the majority of people you meet you never really stay friends with and most people stoat about drunk.  The way I met most of my uni friends was through classes and sitting in lectures and another way to meet like minded people is through joining a club or society. 

 

 

* How do I find out how to get to each building for my classes?*

 

Most universities have a campus map available online whereby you can navigate and find your way from building to building.  Top tip, arrive half an hour early on campus before your class and have a look at the maps dotted around campus to find the specific building you are looking for.  Once you have found the building and if you struggle trying to navigate which room the particular class is being held on ask someone! People at uni are only too friendly to help :)

 

 

Hope you liked this university Q&A part 1 insightful and useful part 2 will follow shortly.  Leave your comments below and subscribe to my blog!

 

 

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

4 Step Evening Skincare Routine that won't break the bank

Until recently I've never really had a skincare routine in any shape or form apart from washing my face and slapping on some moisturiser as a base for my makeup.  However, I've recently discovered that having a skincare routine doesn't have to include 10 different products each at ridiculous prices but rather a stripped back simple skincare routine can be achieved by a few products at friendly prices.  In this post I'm going to show you the products I use in the evenings before I go to bed and talk you through my routine, if you can call it that it's so simple and easy but really effective!

 

*Removing Makeup*

 

If I've been out all day usually when I come home my makeup has sunk southwards and is looking rather cakey.  To remove my eye makeup I use simple's eye makeup remover which has a consistency similar to a moisturiser.  Dabbing some of the product onto a cotton pad I sweep it gently over my eyes and all that flaked eyeliner and mascara is gone. For my face makeup, I use a L'Oreal facial wash which is of a gel like consistency, I lather this onto my face and wash with a flannel.

 

 

*Face Mask Time*

 

 

I tend to use a facemask twice a week to clean my pores ( gross) and remove any impurities.  I tend to use a mixture of facemasks but I really like the peel off masks you can buy in boots, the manuka honey one is really good and only £1.  Lately, I've been using the deep cleansing face mask from simple that has seaweed extract in it, it's a white creamy consistency that doesn't really apply like any other facemask.  Being honest its OK nothing worth raving about so I plan to head to Boots and buy an new one. 

*Face Oil*

 

After leaving my facemask on for 15 minutes and washing it off I've started to use a face oil, brace yourselves....... bought from Waitrose of all places! I'm pleasantly surprised, I originally bought it for the sake of buying but its been working a treat.  The oil is from the range at Waitrose called 'Pure' and is more of a serum so not greasy at all.  It is infused with sweet almond oil and Vitamin E and is suitable for sensitive skin and the best part is that its only £2.99! I rub this into my skin and neck with my hands and my skin drinks it up and is left feeling baby soft the next morning.

 

 

*Moisturiser*

 

To finish things off and add an extra kick of hydration especially in the winter I apply some moisturiser, the moisturiser from the Waitrose Pure Skincare range and just like the oil I'm super impressed.  Then I head to bed!

 

 

Hope you found this rather stripped back evening skincare routine interesting and informative that you don't have to break the bank or buy a whack of skincare products to take care of your skin.  Links to all the products mentioned are linked below, please feel free to leave a comment and share this post with your friends!

 

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

 

http://www.waitrose.com/shop/DisplayProductFlyout?productId=334249

http://www.waitrose.com/home/inspiration/pure-beauty.html

http://www.boots.com/en/Simple-Kind-To-Eyes-Eye-Make-Up-Remover-125ml_8295/

http://www.chemistdirect.co.uk/l-apos-oreal-skin-perfection-purifying-gel-wash/prd-uks?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=Shopping%20%7C%20Beauty%20%7C%20Products%20%7C%20Skin%20Care&utm_content=sSrQYRj01%7Cdc_pcrid_40550903251

www.boots.com/en/Simple-Kind-To-Skin-Deep-Cleansing-Face-Mask-75ml_861120/

Top 2 Old School Gentlemen

The term 'gentleman' seems to be the type of guy many of us ladies are searching for in the 21st Century.  If only the modern day man was a replica of a Disney prince, riding in on horseback and sweeping us off to a castle.  Unfortunately, this is not likely to happen ( but never say never, eh?) However, I want to share some of my favourite gentlemen characters from films! They both happen to  both be typically TDH, that's tall, dark and handsome! and are gentlemen as they both care for their ladies in a respectful loyal manner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables- Actor Jonathon Crombie

 

 Gilbert Blythe was the character who pursued the eccentric Anne from the first moment he laid eyes on her in their school days.  However, Anne's feeling towards Gilbert were not mutual, however, their relationship changes when Gilbert is near to dying and Anne suddenly realises that she loves him.  Therefore Gilbert's, persistence pays off!

2) Joe Bradly from Roman Holiday - Actor Gregory Peck

Joe Badly is an American newspaper man who pretends to be ignorant when he meets the princess ( Audrey Hepburn) in order to publish an exclusive story.  However, the plan falls in its face when he falls in love with the princess.

If you liked this post please leave a comment below! Oh and I'd recommend you watch these films!

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

Mixed Haul -Clothing, Makeup, Cards and Bathbombs!

Today I hit the shops and did a bit of damage to the old purse.....oops! So naturally I thought that I'd share with the blog what I bought.  If you enjoy seeing what I bought please leave me a comment below and follow my blog!

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

*Paperchase*

 

Since beginning my project life scrapbook, I've seen that a lot of other scrapbookers ( yeah that's not a word) have made use of the postcards Paperchase sell to stick next to a picture and make their scrapbook look a bit more arty.  So I popped in today and bought these Postcards which I think will be cute in the scrapbook 



*Lush*

 

I don't know anyone who can possibly go into the kingdom of Lush and not pick up a bathbomb or two!  I picked up the Twilight bath bomb which smells of calming lavender and has a malty kinda scent coming through it as well.  Perfect to pop in a bath before bed for a guaranteed good nights sleep.  I also bought this small Christmas bathbomb which was half price and although I don't know the name it is basically the scent of Christmas with a cinnamon, orange scent.





*Beauty*

 

Onto the makeup and both these products I bought in Superdrug because I'm really into the whole bronzed eyes and pink lips these days.  It'll be a perfect makeup look for when we get into the Spring.  The Maybelline Colour Tattoo in the shade on in on bronze is the perfect buttery long lasting eyeshadow formula without being too glittery.  The Revlon Lip Butter in the shade   is a beautiful baby pink colour that is nourishing on the lips and lighter than a lipstick which makes it perfect for everyday use.



 

 

*Clothing*

 

Since I'm starting back at uni next week I want clothes that are comfortable and cosy for sitting in cold lecture halls.  I headed into my holy grail highstreet shop H&M and bought this black sweater which I think is perfect to throw on with jeans for an everyday casual look





 

On the theme of cosy, this large oversized knitted jumper is the ultimate jumper that basically feels as though you have cut a hole in your duvet and fired it on over your head.  Super soft and again perfect for uni!

Throughout the winter I've been living in my parka's, but for coming into the Spring in a few months time I found this light weight kaki jacket  complete with a hood.  I bought this jacket in the winter sale in New Look for only £20 which I think is a bargain for a jacket.  I know I'll get a lot of wear out of it.

Finally, but by no means least these blue acid wash rinsed high waisted jeans from H&M.  Since buying a pair of grey washed high waisted jeans in September, I find that wearing regular waisted jeans is not the same.  High waisted are much comfier and skinny jeans I feel make my legs feel

much warmer especially in the winter.



Ingredients for the Ultimate Pamper Night

A pamper night is the perfect opportunity to have some downtime and some well earned TLC after a hard day at work/uni/college.  Most of the blog posts I've read about pamper nights include products that aren't budget friendly so I'm going to share with you the things I use when I decide to have a pamper night for you to try on your own or with your girlfriends, pamper nights are the best!

  

* Simple Facemask*

 

* A Lush bath product*

 

*Soap and Glory Sugar crush Scrub*

 

*Soap and Glory Moisturiser*

 

*Barry M Nail polish*

 

* Mug of Hot Chocolate*

 

*Toast and Nutella*

 

*Hot Water Bottle*

 

*Cosy PJs*

 

*Book*

 

 

Let me know down in the comments what your essential pampering product is?

 

 

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

 



Winter Wonderland

Tuesday 13th January saw the first snow of the year for Scotland ( and the winter!) It was only a small layer resembling a dusting of icing sugar, but it was enough to make me smile being a lover of snow and all.  Today however, there's been a significant snowfall which has left everything looking like Narnia, a true winter wonderland.  My dog is LOVING the snow and is the perfect excuse for me to wrap up warm and play in the snow.  I love it how when it snows it feels like we are inside a snow globe, the cars can't go anywhere and all anyone wants to do is get wrapped up warm and indulge in hot chocolates.

Is it snowing where you are? Let me know in a comment and please remember to follow my blog!

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

Review: Maybelline Colour Tattoo Eyeshadow- On and On Bronze

 

 

 





 

I'm pretty late to jump on the band wagon of the Maybelline Colour Tattoo's, I realise the hype of these eye shadows has been floating around for ages but finally on Saturday when I was noisying around Superdrug I swatched one of the eye shadows in the bronze shade and decided to buy it.  The colour tattoo formula is super creamy and great for blending, its perfect to reach for on a daily basis as it applies great on your finger.  As well as being in a tub which is perfect for travelling, the eyeshadow lasts all day and has super pigmentation.  So if your after a pretty bronze eye shadow this is definetly a product I would recommend for under £5!

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

Being Yourself

Looking out from the inside its easy to see others as confident, their life is perfect kinda people and as a result we start looking and often comparing ourselves against them which results in us feeling bad about ourselves.  In some sad cases, some people have nothing they like about themselves but in most cases there are many things that if we tap into, we discover that we do like about ourselves.  It could be a talent such as for singing or drawing or being smart or having a caring nature, to name just a few.  Far to often we concentrate too much on our flaws, "I'm clumsy", "my teeth are yellow", "I have a spot on my chin", etc.  However, often the things we hate about ourselves are not visible to others, instead others may notice something good about us that we haven't discovered yet because we are blinded by constantly focusing on our imperfections.  At the end of the day, no one is perfect the matter what you may think about someone, if someone's amazingly attractive they may have a horrible personality, the people that act overly confident may be putting on an act because they feel insecure.  The message of this post as rambly as it has been, is to try to be happy with who you are and to embrace the feeling of insecurity and not knowing what/ who to be.  Everyone's in the same boat and as long as we all stay true to who we are and start to ditch the worry of what others think of us we will be much happier.  People will respect you for being who you are and if some don't, it just shows how immature they are.

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx


Feel free to leave your response to this post below, do you agree with what I've said? I always read any comments left :)

Creating a Box Full of Scrapbook Materials

 

 

Following on from a previous blog post talking about how one of my New Years' resolutions is to scrapbook my year, in preparation for my Scrapbook arriving next week ( Yayy!!) I've collected some bits and pieces that I want to put in it throughout the year to embellish my photographs and make it look more quirky and  creative.  So I've allocated a box, I got mine from TK Max, to store everything in it for my scrapbook.  Some of the things in the box include....

* Fancy printed paper - Paperchase*

*Different patterned/ coloured washi tape- Paperchase*

*Ribbons and Bows that I've collected off Christmas presents*

* Pictures and Slogans that I've cut out from magazines mainly Company Magazine*

*Wrapping Paper*

*Old Birthday Cards with cool designs*

* Book Marks*

* Napkins/ Tickets of where I've been so far this year*

* A pack of scrap card bought from Paperchase*

* Cellotape*

* Coloured paper*

*Scissors*

*paints*

 

 

I plan to keep adding to the box things that I gather throughout the year like travel tickets, theatre tickets festival tickets etc.as I think these things make a scrapbook more memorable.  If you like this post or feel inspired to start your own scrapbook please leave a comment down below, I would really appreciate it!

 

 

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

 

HUGE Soap and Glory Haul

 

I am a massive fan of Soap and Glory, from their eye conic sugary pink packaging and their body butters to their bronzers the brand is amazing! I think Soap and Glory offer a the ultimate products to pamper yourself in the comfort of your home.  So today I've decided to write a post on all the products I have from them and believe me, there are many!! Enjoy! Oh and if you fancy checking out the video montage I made I've linked the video on my YT Channel at the bottom!

*Shower Gels*

 

Clean on Me:- The original scent of Soap and Glory and the first shower gel I tried, smells of yummy marshmallows

 

 

Orangeasm:-  With a naught name, this citric zesty smelling shower gel of oranges instantly refreshes and makes you feel awake and ready for the day ahead

 

 

Whipped Clean:- More of a shower butter to gel, smells of almond and vanilla and infused with cocoa and shea butter to make your skin silky soft

 

 

 

*Body Butters

 

 

The Righteous Butter:-  Again like the clean on me shower gel, this body butter is scented with the original scent of Soap and glory, with aloe Vera and softening Shea butter, it creates a creamy consistency and absorbs into the skin leaving it soft and moisturised.

 

 

Butter Yourself Moisture Lotion:- This is probably my one of my favourite products from Lush mostly because of the smell....it reminds me of holidays because it smells of more exotic fruits like mango and watermelon.  It even has jungle pomelo essence in it!

 

 

*Body Scrubs*

 

 

The Scrub of Your Life:-   This is a perfect everyday scrub, as it comes in a tube so its easy to open in a quick shower day, it smells of the same scent as the clean on me shower gel mentioned above, and when squeezed has small pink beads that when rubbed onto skin leave it feeling super soft.

 

 

 

Sugar Crush Body Scrub:-  Another fruity based scent this scrub smells of sweet lime and is a brown sugar based consistency and unlike the Scrub of Your Life comes in a tub rather than in a tube.

 

 

*Hand and Foot Creams*



 

 

Hand food:-   A marshmallow scented hand cream with aloe Vera to soothe cracked dry hands, perfect for this time of the year to replenish moisture into your hands.

 

 

 

Heels Genius:-  Heels genius comes in a tube and is a aqua blue colour and has that clinical smell to it that most foot creams have.  The best thing to do is to soak your feet in this foot cream and then put on fluffy bed socks overnight to wake up to baby soft feet. 

 

 

 

 

 

*Makeup*

 

Solar Powder Bronzer:-  A lot of the beauty guru's out there have been banging on about this bronzer from S&G for a long time and no wonder...its a perfect bronzing colour and doesn't look orange at all.  You can swirl both tones of the bronzer together and it creates the perfect conture for your cheekbones.

 

 

Sexy Mother Pucker Lip-gloss :- This lip-gloss instantly makes your lips look bigger and fuller, I have it in the colour nude which makes it the perfect everyday lip-gloss

 

 

Thick and Fast Mascara:-  If you want super volume in your lashes this is the mascara for you,  it has quite a big wand and I find my lashes aren't as clumpy using this mascara compared to some others.

 

Off Your Face Wipes:-  These face wipes are great for taking off makeup or for a freshen up, they are infused with peach and geojuice extracts which makes them smell super refreshing

 

 

Has this ginormous Soap and Glory Haul made you want to go out and buy any of the products mentioned above? Please check out my YT video linked below and leave me a comment on this post!


Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO0hhlDjgJ4

Scrapbooking for 2015!

In the age of Facebook and Instagram, I think its quite easy to be sucked into the whole online world and not actually bother to print photographs and put them in an album.  I for one am very guilty of this and so I made a new years resolution revolving around this problem to start a scrapbook.  I was inspired by blogger and Youtuber Lily Pebbles after seeing her scrapbook and watching her video of how to and how she started a scrapbook.  The provider she uses is Hobbycraft which supplies a brand called Project Life which sells the albums, cards, stickers, polypockets and all the other materials to start a scrapbook.  Being at uni, I want to have a creative hobby that is relaxing and enjoyable at the same time and I think that scrapbooking is a great excuse to get those pictures printed and have some down time from the internet. 

Let me know, would you be interested in starting a scrapbook?

Gingerbread Snaps Beauty xx

Everyday Easy and Quick Makeup Routine

January....that long cold depressing month where the mornings are dark and the rain seems to never stop.  Everyone at some point in the month is returning back to school, college, uni or work and the last thing anyone wants to think about is spending ages at the mirror putting a face of makeup on when they could have an extra half an hour in bed. This is a makeup routine I use daily when I'm rushing off into town or off to uni, its simple and most importantly quick so your makeup still looks pretty but you gain an extra 15 min in bed.  Result!

 

 

* The Makeup*

 

When it comes to the makeup, substitute the makeup I use for the makeup you use, unless you want to go out and try some of the makeup I've used. On an everday basis I've got into the way of just wearing concealer so its a light on my skin but conceals any spots and blemishes I may have, but feel free to add a foundation to this makeup look if you prefer!

 

 

*Concealer* :- Collection Lasting Perfection 1

*Powder* :- Rimmel Stay Matte Powder Transparent

*Bronzer* :- Soap and Glory Solar Powder

*Blusher* :- L'Oreal blush in shade Rosewood

*Mascara* :- No.7  Lash Impact Intense Volume Mascara

*Lipbalm*:- Soap and Glory A Great Kisser

 

 

 

*The Method of putting it on your face*

 

1) Use your hands to blend your concealer into your skin once you have dotted it on certain areas that need concealed.

 

2) Use a face brush to brush on lightly a layer of powder to set your concealer in place and prevent it from budging during the day.  Translucent powder is best as it doesn't add any colour

 

3) Using a blush brush, conture your cheeks using your bronzer and sweep it on your temples to give a warm healthy glow.  With another brush, apply blusher on cheeks.

 

4) Slick on a layer of mascara on top lashes and lightly on lower lashes to bring attention and widen out your eyes.

 

5) Finally, dab some lip balm on your lips to keep hydrated and your done!

 

 

This is a really simple yet effective makeup look that I think looks like you've put in more effort than you actually have, a perfect everyday look!

 

Gingerbread Snaps xx



Gingerbread Snaps Beauty! - Hello!

Welcome readers to my little place on the internet!.....my old blog was getting rather boring so what better opportunity than to create a new blog for the new year!  As a university student, I like to write down things and have a creative outlet outside of uni life, so I'm hoping this blog will satisfy this interest and perhaps even gather a small audience!

 

I hope to write a mixture of things including beauty, fashion and lifestyle blogs and anything else that comes to interest me.  Hope you like reading my blog and the future posts to come!


Gingerbread Snaps xx