Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette // Review

I’m definitely super delayed on this review (aren’t I always?) but it’s finally here and I can’t wait to share my views with you on the Modern Renaissance Palette by Anastasia Beverly Hills! This is my first purchase from ABH and I can tell you, it’s not failed me. This palette is gorgeous, at first I thought I wouldn’t ever use the pink/red toned shades as much as the more natural ones but I actually use them more. 

I especially love this palette for glam night time looks, the pink/red tones are so beautiful to create such dramatic and vibrant looks with. I have blue eyes and these shades compliment them so much. However, my favourite thing about this palette is the consistency and pigment. I’ve been a big lover of Too Faced shadows for some time now but the creaminess of these shades have blown me away, they’re so bendable and easy to work with. No wonder this palette has been praised so much! 

Since they are so pigmented you only have to apply a small amount at a time and continue to build the shade for your chosen look. This palette will last me such a long time because of that, therefore the price of it is totally worth it. I’ve been using this palette so often now that it’s completely replaced my love for the Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette. 

I’ve loved this palette so much and changing brand has definitely encouraged me to this a bit more. Let me know some recommendations of eye shadow palettes for me to pick up and try out for you guys! 

Twitter @bbbethan 

Instagram @bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Slimming World Syn Free Pancakes

I’m a huge fan of Slimming World and I always go back to it when I want to lose a few pounds, but I especially love these syn free pancakes from Slimming World and I always return to them even when I’m not dieting. They’re quick and easy and I find that they’re so delicious, so I thought I would share them with you guys since they are so simple.

This recipe allows you to make two pancakes. If you want to make more than this simply add the extra ingredients.

Step 1: Mix 6 tbsp of sweetener and 1 egg together.

Step 2: when you begin to see soft peaks forming, begin to mix in 1 tsp of vanilla essence.

Step 3: Apply fry light to a pan on a medium/hot heat.

Step 4: Evenly distribute the mix into a pan, I like to use half at a time to make thick pancakes. Leave each side on the pan for around minutes each.

Step 5: Add your favourite fruit, Nutella, yoghurt and enjoy!

If you’re following my recipe let me know how it goes, did you enjoy them?!

Social media:

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Things To Do Before I Turn 25

I’m only 4 years away from turning 25 which isn’t really that long. A lot can change and happen in 4 years but I still want to make them some of the best years of my life. I’m not crazy adventurous and I’m probably the least spontaneous person ever because I like to be so organised and plan things. This doesn’t mean that I can’t plan to do some incredible things before I reach 25 years old. So, I thought I would share them with you. 

• I failed my driving test in 2015 and never had the money to resist (student life, eh?). My theory test then ran out and life got in the way and I’ve never returned to it. Driving is something I’ve always wanted to do and although I don’t have any rush to do this, I now am at that age when I know it’s something I want to do before I reach 25. 
• Finish education. I’m soon to start my master’s degree and after that, I don’t really think I want to do a PhD. This is probably the most realistic aspiration right now and I’m okay with that.  Coming soon.. Bethan Davies MA. 
• Visit more of the UK. I was born and raised in Wales and I’ve not even seen a small portion of the country at all. I want to see more of where I’m from and learn more about the history of this lovely country. 
• I would like to experience what it’s like to live alone before I eventually settle down. By alone I mean completely alone with no flatmates. This might seem weird to some but to me, this is just something I feel that all adults should have the opportunity to experience as it can open up a whole world of independence and a way to gain general life skills. 
• Buy something expensive. A car? A piece of jewellery? I don’t know. I do know though, I want to purchase something out of my own money that is expensive but has meaning and a purpose. I don’t want to spend thousands of pounds on a Chanel bag (or do I?!) but I’d like to have something that I can look at and know what it resembles. 

There we have some of the major things I want to do before I reach 25. Perhaps some are a little extreme or not doable but I’ll spend some time trying to make these happen. If I only pick two or three of the list I’ll be happy. 

Twitter: @_bbbethan 

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Real Techniques Flawless Base Collection

I’m an avid fan of the Real Techniques brushes and I have been since I started purchasing brushes. They’re incredible for the pricing and I find that they can be used for multiple different things. Although each brush is labled for specific techniques they are in fact so useful and can be used in so many different ways. I love using the sculpting brush for foundation! 

I picked up the Flawless Base Collection in Boots when it was on sale for 50% off. It comes with the brush holder and 4 individual brushes. The contour brush, the detail brush, the buffing brush and the square foundation brush. 

The only brush I was concerned about was the square foundation brush. It just seemed like an oddly shaped brush and I didn’t know what I would ever use it for. However after having a play around with it I realised that it could be perfect for applying primer to specific placing or even to apply concealed under the eyes or even eyeshadow primer to the kids. It’s actually a very useful brush and a lot of others have probably been confused to how this brush is at all useful. 

The buffing brush has been my favourite to use. I find that my base just looks perfect when I’ve blended my foundation and concealer in. If I happen to have any pimples or imperfections I love to use the detail brush to add concealer to more precise areas and around my eye area. These are brilliant brushes that just make the base look effortlessly beautiful. 

The final brush is actually one I already own and it’s incredible. The contour brush is outstanding and I could never imagine applying contour without this brush. It applies so evenly and blends incredibly, creating a flawless and cut contour. 

These brushes are honestly some of the best affordable brushes I’ve ever used. They don’t shred, they’re easy to clean and they last an extremely long time as long as they’re cared for. 

I’ve got my eye on few more of these wonderful sets and I highly recommend them! 

Twitter: @_bbbethan 

Instagram: @_bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

I’m a little (or a lot) delayed on my review on of the Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette. However, it’s here! I’ll tell you in advance.. it’s a good one. I’ve been using this palette since April as I received it from Matt’s parents for my 21st birthday, so I’ve been testing it for some time now. I can honestly say, that I’m totally in love with this palette. It is the perfect summer palette and I just feel that it has so many options for you to create a perfect look and try new shades that you may never have tried before.

This gorgeous palette comes with 18 shades and has a total of 17.1g of product (1.5g per pot), which is quite a lot and I should expect so since it is priced at £39 in Debenhams. I can’t deny and say that this palette isn’t good because it is, as are all the other palette’s that I own from Too Faced.

These shades can be used in so many different ways too. They can be used both wet, dry and also to create a beautiful highlight on the face or body. However, the most incredible thing about this palette is the scent. Oh my god! I can’t even tell you how amazing it is to open up a palette and get the most gorgeous peachy, summery scent.

The palette has a variety of shades from peachy pinks, bronze, purples, greens and soft natural shades. You literally have a whole palette to create so many different looks.

My favourite look with this palette is to use the ‘white peach’ all across the lid. I then go in with ‘georgia’ through the crease and topping that with ‘puree’ and on the lid packing on ‘luscious’ in the inner corner and part of my lid and then on the otter part, using ‘caramelized’ on the outer part to create a bronze smokey look. This is gorgeous for those glam nights out, top with a winged liner and lots of mascara and you’re good to go. For inner corner highlight, I use ‘nectar’ to really make it pop.

I also love to use ‘peaches N cream’ in the crease, then adding ‘candid peach’ to darken the outer v of the crease. Packing ‘bellini’ all over the lid and wetting ‘charmed, I’m sure’ to create a soft brown liner. For inner corner highlight, I use ‘nectar’.

Such gorgeous colours and you can even changes these by using ‘bless her heart’ which is a gorgeous green shade or even ‘delectable’ which is a dark purple. Ideal for those summer nights out and glam looks.

This palette is outstanding and I can’t fault the consistency, the formula is without a doubt my favourite of all shadows I’ve ever used. They’re just so incredibly pigmented and I think I’ll always go back to Too Faced for eye shadows.

I can’t fault this palette and 100% recommend it to everybody. Regardless of your skin tone, these shades would suit everybody. There is such a wide selection and it’s beautiful.

Twitter: _bbbethan

Instagram: _bbbbethan

With love, Beth x

Makeup Starter Kit For School

Soon enough some of you will be heading back to school, college or univeristy and looking for some new beauty products to help going back a little more bareable. In school I wasn’t a huge makeup fan and I would rather those few extra minutes in bed instead but now I couldn’t imagine leaving the house without it, especially my brows. If you’re just starting out with makeup or looking for some affordable but worth buying products then continue to read.

I know that a lot of schools don’t accept students wearing too much makeup, if any at all. However, if your school does allow some makeup I totally recommend these prodcuts and especially as a starting ground for makeup. I wouldn’t ever imagine going to school with a smokey eye or a bold lip so these products won’t help you to achieve a glam look at all. In fact, they’ll allow you to continue to look like yourself but a little more dewy and fresh.

Those early mornings are a killer, I know it. I totally recommend starting with a concealer and the Collection Lasting Perfection concealer is a great product to cover those under eyes and pimples. Foundation isn’t always necessary, of course it’s a preference but if you’re looking for something quick and easy to blend. This concealer is an absolute dream and I 100% recommend it. It’s also small enough to fit into a small makeup bag and slot right into your bag if you fancy touching up throughout the day.

Like I said before, I can’t imagine many people wanting to head off for a long day in school with a smokey eye or even just sitting down at 7am to blend away. However, a coat of mascara can really help to widen the eyes and make you look more awake. One of my favourites is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, this really helps to lengthen the lashes too. Along with this, a nude eyeliner on the lower water line really does help to brighten and widen the eyes and I totally recommend the Rimmel eyeliners.

To finish this simple and school friendly look, a lip balm. It’s as simple as that. No need to pop out your favourite red shade, you’re in school not a club. You also want to be comfortable throughout the day, what’s worse than seeing a red lipstick bleed across your mouth? Yuck. 

If you’re soon heading back to school don’t feel as though you need to act any different because you’re heading into a new school year. Makeup doesn’t determine your worth. Good luck for the new academic year! 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

 

Top 10 Makeup Brushes

Out of all the beauty tools, I own to help me do my makeup I always manage to go back to my trusty and loved brushes and sponges that I swear by. I’ve seen this post travelling around and I absolutely love it! I think it’s fantastic to see the variety of brushes that people love and rely on and I thought I would share with you guys a few of my favourites. 

#1 Real Techniques Bold Metals Brush in 301. I love to use this to apply contour, bronzer as well as to add powder under my eyes. The shape of this brush really helps to get a really nice, sculpted look but as well to evenly distribute powder under my eyes to set my concealer and make it last longer. 

#2 Real Techniques Bold Metals Brush in 203. I use this brush to blend away eyeshadow. I also like to use it to add darker shades to the outer v of my eye. It’s also incredibly soft which I love for my eyes. 

#3 Real Techniques Bold Metals in 200. I like to use this brush generally to apply concealer under my eyes and even to blend around blemishes. It’s also brilliant to apply a base colour to my lids after applying an eye primer. 

#4 Real Techniques Contour Brush. This brush is from the original face collection and oh my god. I bloody love this brush, in fact it’s probably my favourite out of all the brushes I’ve mentioned. It creates a beautiful contour and because the tip gradually becomes smaller it really helps to make a precise line. I also love this brush for setting my base with powder and applying highlight to the high points of my face. I can imagine it would be good for blush as well.

#5 BH Cosmetics brush in 110. I love this brush to add bronzer and it really helps to create a natural and gorgeous looking dimension to my face. 

#6 BH Cosmetics brush in 109. This is a duo-fiber brush and I love to use this to buff in my base and to really make my makeup look flawless. 

#7 Morphe Brushes. I got these next two in a set (check it out here on beautybay.co.uk) for £20 but my favourites are a medium sized fluffy brush. I use this for bronzer and I always love how natural it looks. 

#8 Morphe Brushes. This is a fan brush which is also from the same set and I just love how it applies highlight. It really does help to make it really precise. 

#9 Morphe Brushes in B39. I love this brush, it’s a fluffy blender brush and I use this to apply crease colours and blend them away. It’s so fluffy that it blends like a dream. 

#10 Spectrum brush in C06. This is such a large fluffy brush, ideal for blending away product. You can also use this to apply lid colours. It’s incredibly soft and really changes the way your eyeshadow looks. 

There we have my 10 favourite brushes! Let me know some of yours, I never say no to trying some new brushes. 

Twitter: _bbbethan 

Instagram: _bbbbethan 

With love, Beth x 

What To Take To University

University is the most fun but nerving experience. Especially if you’ve ever lived alone it’s more than likely going to worry you for weeks. What do you need to take? Well by now I can assume you’ve read years worth of Freshers week guides and shopping lists. However, take it from a recent graduate and soon to be masters student, you don’t need to take everything including the kitchen sink to last you through your degree. Here’s my list of things to pack and purchase to be prepared for you time as a newly found fresher.

Remember before you begin o pack check your accommodation for the appliances that they supply, you don’t want to turn up on moving day and find all 8 of you have a kettle and toaster. Not necessary and a waste of money especially since a lot of the time you’ll be provided this in the communicable areas. 

Reminder: YOU CAN PURCHASE THESE THINGS ONLINE AND IN STORE WHEN YOU ARRIVE. You’re not moving to the middle of the sea. Get the basics and buy what you need. 

Kitchen: 

The most important and worrying for me was to know what to pack kitchen wise. It’s hard to prepare for every single meal you’ll ever make for the whole year. I’ll continue to repeat this, so just take the basics. 

• 4 pieces of cutlery. 
• 2 dishes. 
• 2 plates. 
• 2 glasses. 
• 2 mugs. 
• Culinder. 
• Bottle opener. 
• 2 sharp cutting knives. 
• chopping board. 
• Baking tray. 
• 2 sauce pans. 
• 1 frying pan or wok. Both are useful but can be used. No need for both.
• Tin opener.

These things will get you buy for several weeks and anything extra buy from amazon or your local wilko. 

Personal items: 

If you don’t need too, don’t take everything. You honestly don’t need to take every book you’ve ever read or ever film you may watch eventually. 

• Computer/laptop 
• Printer – isn’t necessary as the universities have their own, although it is useful.
• 2.5 weeks worth of clothes. You don’t need more than that, washing machines are a wonderful invention. 
• Lots and lots of underwear – I bought extra because you lose these in washing machines, things get old and tear. Buy them whilst you have the money. 
• 4 towels – again, useful. 
• Medication.
• Glasses (if needed). 
• Makeup and other beauty tools (straighteners, hair drier, tooth brush). 
• Photo graphs. They’re nice to make a room feel a little more comforting. 
• Posters – walls look lonely. 

Anything necessary you see fit. Again, you don’t need to take your whole bedroom. 

Other: 

• Duvet 
• Pillows 
• Bedding x 3
• Bath mat. 
• Some books. 
• A TV may come in use with an console if wanted but remember, you have to pay for your own TV License (see your accommodation pack for more information).
• Stationary – you will need this! A lot of it. I totally recommend the wilko budget brand, don’t break the bank. You will run through a lot and lose plenty. 

I totally recommend doing a food shop when you arrrive instead of buying before you set off. We don’t live in the Stone Age, there will be supermarkets available. 

TOP 5 TV SERIES

I’ve surprised myself by not ever posting and sharing my favourite TV shows… I’ve been blogging for nearly a year and I’ve never shared these with you?! WEIRD.

I’m guilty of spending hours of my life binge watching TV series and eating snacks.. more than once a week and I don’t feel bad about it if I’m honest. I find it is such a relaxing thing to do and I’ll always do this when I’m at my most stressed or in the mood to procrastinate. I definitely have my go to shows that I always lean towards more than others and I thought I would share with you guys some of my favourite shows and maybe give you some new TV to watch. Here we go! I hope you guys enjoy. 

#1 One Tree Hill has always been a favourite and I love going back to watch it when I’m feeling down. I especially enjoy seasons 4-9, not really sure why I just enjoy those seasons more than others. I love the story lines and how different each character are in comparison to each other. 

#2 Gossip Girl is almost everybody’s favourite, who doesn’t love a bit of Chuck and Blair lovin’? I know I do! I really enjoy watching the fun relationship between Chuck and Blair and especially the drama they go through.

#3 The Vampire Diaries has been one of my favourites for so long and now it’s finished forever I haven’t really known what to do with myself. It’s so dramatic.. (can you see the theme of my faves?) and I love the little myths and story behind each character. I bloody love me some Salvator brothers. 

#4 Brooklyn Nine-Nine is so bloody good and funny! It’s incredibly easy to watch and I continue to enjoy each episode regardless of how many times I’ve seen it. 

#5 F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Who doesn’t love this show?! I KNOW I DOOOO! Matt and I watch this show on repeat and I find it’s the best thing to watch when I’m sleepy and it always manages to cheer me up. 

All of these shows, but F.R.I.E.N.D.S are on Netflix and I couldn’t be without my subscription to Netflix. Let me know some of your faves so I can give them a watch. 

With love, Beth x