TV Series and Book Recommendation - You by Caroline Kepnes

I wasn't planning on doing very many blog posts about books and TV shows, but I just had to share this recommendation with you all. Keep reading for the tea...

The TV Series

The series just recently landed on Netflix, and I've already binged the entire thing! My favorite thing about this show is the casting, OMG the casting! It was absolutely perfect, and I loved Penn Badgley as Jo. Beck was also perfect, as was Dr. Nicky and Peach. Seriously, amazing job.

Other than that, I liked the additions the series introduced, and I'm SUPER happy season 2 got approved already! I can't wait to continue with the show.

The Book

I have to say - the book and show are kind of separate in my mind. The book gave me quite different vibes. I read it about a year ago and fell in love with Beck and Jo. I strongly, strongly recommend picking up the book if you enjoyed the show. It's a wild ride and it firmly cemented Caroline Kepnes as one of my favorite authors - after 1 book! Insane!

Which one to pick up first?

I read the book first, but my boyfriend is only now reading it after enjoying the show. In this case, I really don't think it matters which one you pick up first. But I really do recommend giving both a try because they're amazing!

I hope you take a chance and watch this show, or even pick up the book!

I'd love to know - what's your favorite book?

Makeup Items I'm No Longer Buying

Since I'm doing a no buy this month, I've decided to take an in-depth look at the makeup items I buy. I've found some of them are things I've been taught to need and want. Whereas in reality, I don't use them at all. 

With that in mind, here are the makeup products I will no longer be buying.

Nail polish

I've been getting permanent nail polish manicures or gel nails for a few years now and I just don't see a need to keep buying regular nail polish. I need maybe 2-3 shades for my toes, but that's it. Totally unnecessary to keep buying more!

Primer

I've pretty much stopped wearing foundation, and I've never really used primer. This Smashbox one in particular was an impulse purchase I convinced myself I 'needed'.

Foundation

I've noticed recently my skin looks SO much better without foundation, so I've just been using concealer and a bit of translucent powder. I'll still wear foundation for special occasions, as I have a lot of it. Not buying anything new until I use the ones I have.

Bronzer

I don't know if it's just me, but I honestly don't know how to apply bronzer. I much prefer a fresh-faced look with only blusher on the cheeks. So not buying these anymore either!

Eyeshadows

I have extremely hooded eyes. I never used to wear eye shadow when I was younger, but then I kind of fell into the hole of 'oooh, look how pretty', just like this Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons palette. Did I need it? No. Is it pretty? Yes. Does that mean I have to spend my hard-earned money? Definitely not.

Eyeliner

By this I mean pencil liners - I don't think I've used one for years, but they still make their way into my collection somehow. Time to stop buying them!

I hope this helped you see that not all products out there are necessary.

What is one makeup product you don't see yourself buying, ever?

Best Perfumes of 2018

As I look back on 2018, I've noticed these fragrances are the ones I've been wearing almost exclusively the past year. I wanted to share some of my favorite 2018 scents with you!

Here we go...

Acqua di Gioia by Giorgio Armani EDP, £70

The first green fragrance I've ever liked! Probably because it's quite sweet, lol. Lemon, mint, jasmine and sugar... Sign me right up. Perfect for a spring/summer day and when you want to feel really sexy but crisp/fresh at the same time. A long-time favorite (this is my 2nd bottle).

Pink Sugar by Aquolina EDT, 14€

A must-have for my perfume wardrobe. Probably my cheapest fragrance but it gets the most compliments... go figure. Almost burnt, sickly sweet caramel, but it's oh so delicious! Makes me feel like a wrapped up bar of candy!

My Burberry Blush by Burberry EDP, 59€

Fresh and spicy powdery rose. Sexy in an understated way. Can you tell I like really sexy scents, haha? This one is the classiest of them all. Good for office wear. I like the addition of lemon and apple in this one. Very special.

Olympéa by Paco Rabanne EDP, £53

My boyfriend and I fell for the hype with this one, but I've been wearing it loads since I got it, especially in the colder months. It's sexy and cozy at the same time. Good longevity with moderate sillage. It's a weird salty vanilla with some white florals, which is basically everything I love and want in a fragrance. I think when I repurchase, I'll go for a flanker.

Scandal by Jean Paul Gaultier EDP, £56

Hands-down my favorite perfume of 2018. I bought it because of the bottle and fell in love with the honey-white floral seduction of the juice. Sexy, strong, a sillage monster... Everything I've been looking for. I can't wait to try the flankers.

Narciso Poudrée by Narciso Rodriguez EDP, £63

Powder in a bottle. If you don't like powdery scents you need to run far far away, but I've discovered a new love for these scents in the past year. It makes me feel so comfortable and safe. I also smell jasmine, rose and vanilla. I think it's sexy in a boudoir, lingerie-wearing way. Long-lasting. Moderate sillage.

There you go, those are my favorite and most worn fragrances of 2018.

What was your favorite perfume of the past year?

Project 10 Pan for January 2019

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I'm starting my journey with a Project 10 Pan. I'm so excited - I've never done this before, but it looks like so much fun. I've compiled 10 products I'd really like to use up this month. I'm going to keep them close by so I remember to reach for them, and hopefully finish all of them by the end of January.

Here they are in more detail...

Colourpop No Filter Concealer, shade Light 20, $6 (currently on sale for $4.20!)

I've been enjoying using this product. For the price, it's really a no brainer. It has good coverage, a nice applicator and the shade is perfect for me. I do wish the packaging was a bit better because I'm struggling to get the last drops out. But I look forward to using it up this month nonetheless.

Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Satin, shade Birthday Suit, $8 (currently on sale for $4.80)

One of the most perfect blushes out there! I've already hit pan on this, and I'm planning on using it up this month completely. It's a gorgeous muted brown/pink shade that looks great with my complexion. The formula itself is strange, feels almost creamy to the touch, but transforms to a powder on the skin.

YSL Shocking Eyeliner, 31€

Meh, I'm not a huge fan of this eyeliner, so I'm looking forward to being done with it. It smudges quite easily, but the black is very intense - I don't know why it doesn't look good on my eyes (which are very hooded).

Giorgio Armani Si EDT,  £69

An absolutely lovely floral/sweet fragrance - actually my favorite out of the three Si perfumes I have. I only have a couple of drops left but I've been saving it like it's unicorn tears or something. Time to empty this bottle!

REN Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial, 41€

I have been using this for a couple of months and it reminds me of Good Genes by Sunday Riley. It's less expensive than that product so I automatically gave it bonus points in my head! It does feel like a facial - my skin is so much better in the morning when I use this. 

Afrodita Lavender Relaxing Moments Oil Shower Gel, around 2€

This is such a lovely product! I love finding gems like this... It has a calming lavender scent and doesn't irritate my skin in the slightest. It leaves it looking supple and soft. I'm already halfway through it and will probably run out by the end of the month.

 Maybelline Total Temptation Mascara, 11€

I'm so embarrassed about the state of this mascara... It just has the kind of packaging that rubs off (which is a pet peeve of mine). I'd say I have another 5-10 uses from this one and then it can go. It's alright. Nothing to write home about.

Hydraluron Moisture Jelly, $25

I've had this for a while now, so I really have to use it up. Initially I was very excited to use Indeed Labs, but this moisturizer hasn't impressed me as much as I'd hoped it would. I'm interested to try more products from the line. This one isn't bad enough to declutter, but I'm not super excited about using it.

Avene Hydrating Serum, $38

I bought this after HelloOctober recommended it on her Youtube channel. It's very hydrating but feels too light for the wintertime. Still, it's a good moisturizer to put on under makeup. I'm about halfway done with this too, and I would recommend it!

Kérastase Balancing Shampoo, £26 in a set with the conditioner

I got this from my hairstylist. He recommended it since I have thin hair that gets greasy at the roots and is quite dry on the ends. It's been lasting incredibly well (I've had it for months, and I'm not using it sparingly). My hair is sooooo silky after I use this!

That's it! I'll do an update post at the end of this month and show you my empties. Hopefully I can make my way through these! I'm excited to move on in 2019, haha.

What is the first beauty product you've used up this year?