Today I was on an absolute mission, after hearing good reviews about the collection contour palette I decided to head into town and pick one up for myself to keep up with the current trend of the chiseled, defined face. My local boots counter doesn't have a collection stand, and in superdrug they are currently £2.97 and there were none left! Still having my heart set on a getting a decent contour palette with the perfect ashy brown I browsed around and came across this little beauty. My bestfriend uses it and raves about it, so for £6 I picked it up and immediately rushed home to give it a whirl.
THE GOOD
Firstly, the price. Barry M is probably one of the most affordable brands on the highstreet even though they are predominately known for their amazing nail colours they also know a thing or two when it comes to other beauty items. I think £6 is a brilliant price, especially when it comes to a product which features three of the main face products. The bronzer/contour colours are also spot on, the contour colour is ash brown but you can apply it without looking like you've smeared mud over your face. The bronzer colour is red toned enough without making you look like a tangerine and would look lovely on a day where you just want that slightly sun kissed look. I also like the fact that they have included a little illustrated 'how to' (even though a mirror would have been fab!) to help the people who are just starting out with contouring. I also like that the little pots are big enough to put a brush in, it annoys me way too much when i can't get the product onto the whole brush unless i scrunch it all together but this one I am able to get as much (or as little) all over my wilko's blusher brush.
THE BAD
I really dislike the packaging, it feels flimsy, and cheap. I feel like that the first time i drop this beauty it will just end up being a big bronzery powdery mess which will be hell to clean up which isn't great if you are someone who travels a lot, or takes their makeup on the go. Also as mentioned up there I dislike that it lacks a mirror, I feel that this would have benefited greatly from one because I like to get close up when contouring so I can see if it has been blended in well enough. My final dislike about this product is the highlighter, I wont lie i'm a shimmer type girl when it comes to the highlighter step. I feel that this would be a great browbone and inner eye corner highlight but not a cheek highlight. I'm going to keep pursuing it as I have only tried it once so I will get back to you on that at a further date!
Overall, I do really like this product as this very early on stage. It gives me a defined face without looking like i've put in too much effort. I'm definitely glad I picked this up and will enjoy using it in the future!
-Tasha
So round 2-3 hours ago I had just finished getting my first ever tattoo! This was the main thing I was looking forward to all summer as It was my birthday present from both my parents but I wasn't able to get it due to my summer job! But last week I was finally able to book my appointment and psych myself up for the pain! £50 later and now I have a small dainty moon and sun on each arm.
THE RESEARCH // DESIGN & STUDIO
For a little over a year now I decided that the design I really wanted was a sun and moon. So I googled around to see what inspiration I could gather, or if there were any designs that really stuck out to me as I had no clue where I wanted it, or how. I stumbled across on the image below* on Google images and decided that this was exactly what I wanted, and where I wanted it. If not a little lower on the arm. So armed with an image of what I wanted I asked around with my friends who have tattoos to get an idea of where the best place was. Most people recommended Kustom Kulture including my sister so I decided to go and have a browse myself. I got my idea quoted by the lovely reception lady which was around £50 (which I do have to admit I thought was a bit steep, But then took ink and equipment into account). I decided to go and browse other places as well just to see what they could offer, but my gut said to go with the place most people recommended. Back to last week, I rang up and booked my place for the 8/9/15 at 11:30.
THE DAY // PAIN, AND SERVICE
The day of the tattoo I woke up, and I wont lie I was categorically sh****ng myself. Mainly because the night before my family were telling me how much it hurt and that my mum would much rather go through childbirth instead of a tattoo again. I woke up and had something to eat and something sugary to drink as most people do recommend this and the tattooist will usually ask you if you have (and if you haven't they will either supply you with, or make you go out). I then also bought a drink to take with me just incase I felt faint. I also took with me my ID, and a print out again just to the artist can remind themselves of what your having done incase you haven't had a full blown consultation. The artist will make you fill out necessary forms either whilst they are transferring the design onto transfers or setting up. The tattooist I had was really good, she allowed me to look at the different areas of my arm I could have it as I didn't want it right down on the wrist, but also gave me advice on where it would look the best. The pain? Honestly, It didn't bother me one bit. It burnt a bit, and I can definitely imagine it getting uncomfortable after a long time but It doesn't hurt like people say it does. I'd rather go through tattoo's than B12 injections again that's for sure! The tattoo altogether took about 5 minutes per wrist and then she wrapped me up and talked me through aftercare and then I was done!
TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS (LIKE ME!)
1) Even if the tattoo you want done is small, definitely go in to your chosen studio to have it quoted, and possibly make an appointment!
2) If you're worried about what pain it could be, start off small and dainty! My mums first ever tattoo was a small rose on her hip just so she could test the pain.
3) Have food before going, and have something sugary! This will keep your blood sugar up and will make you feel so much better during your tattoo sitting especially if it is a long one!
4) Do a lot of research before you get it done, remember this is something that is on your body forever! And sometimes even cover ups wont do a great job of covering up a crappy tat.
5) Take the tattooists advice, and even ask them to advise you where they think is best. For example, my sister was adamant she wanted hers dead in the middle of her lower back, but after some advice from the artist she realized that it would look better on the side!
-Tasha x
*sorry if you own the image and don't want it up here, feel free to message me and I will take it down!
So seeing as many people will be embarking on their new university adventures in around a month or so I thought I would do a little series of posts called 'The Uni Files' to help many freshers with most things to do with uni life, from cooking to decorating your new room. As I was in this position in just under a year ago I thought it would be ideal to share my own experiences as a way to help calm many nerves in which some people are feeling. This is going to be my final post of this series as it will finalize everything off. Here are a few tips to help you have a (hopefully) smooth move in day and settle those final nerves you have.
//PACKING
In the days counting down to your move in day, double check your packing. If you're missing anything add it in. And if there are things you may not need, chuck em' (like do you really need 5 different trinket boxes because they look pretty?!). This will help you when it comes to unpacking as you don't want to waste valuable socializing time with your new flatmates because you're stuck unpacking 10 different types of hairspray. Also, if you have a long way to travel it will help you have a comfy ride, having your knees up to your chin gets a little boring after the 50th mile.
//OUTFIT
This one sounds a bit stupid, but again with comfort whilst on long journeys it will help if you are wearing something which you are free to move about in and feel comfortable in because you will be doing a lot of unpacking. Also, wear something that shows off your personality, or something which gets people talking. Example outfit, leggings, comfy t-shirt (maybe with an interesting slogan on?) and some trainers.
//ICEBREAKERS
This one will sound really lame and make you feel like you are back in primary school, but think of some questions to ask your fellow flatmates and not just the bog-standard "where are you from?" "what are you studying" etc, something really outside the box. One of my flatmates loved doing would you rather's and he was known for it by the end of the year!
//EXPLORE YOUR SURROUNDINGS
If you have a bit of free time in-between all the unpacking, or you just want to get out of the craziness for a while go for a 5 minute walk around your living quarters. For example, if you're living on campus go have a look where all your classes are. It will make you feel prepared and more at ease.
//IT'S OKAY TO HAVE A TEAR
When I got to Uni, I thought i'd be over the moon to finally have my independence, but considering i'm not really a crier, I balled my eyes out when I saw my parents car pull away because I realized that I would have to look after myself. But after a quick phone call to my friend and a pep talk from her I pulled myself together and went to socialize with my flatties!
Most of all, remember everyone else is in the same boat on this day and some people may not speak to you straight away. Don't take it personally. Most of the socializing begins once the drinks start flowing anyway!
-Tasha
