2015

It is a brand new year, I'm turning 18 at the end of November and I want to be more productive. 

2014 was a busy year in terms of my education: I did all of my GCSE exams in May-June which I received the results for in August (this is part of the reason I want to improve in 2015); I took part in NCS ((National Citizen Service) I'm counting this as part of my education because it was a learning curve for me, I learnt a lot about myself and my abilities that I've not really explored); I started college(!),this was a big jump from GCSE and definitely made realise which friends I want to keep in my life for the long run and finally, my family and I hosted a French exchange student for a week in December.
          Back to the GCSEs thing; I got good results, I'm not denying that but I know that if I'd tried harder, I would have been able to possibly get straight A*s but I didn't because I didn't try. I just sailed on through, I was very lucky that I was able to do this because I know people who revised so much for the exams and got similar results to me but I also know people who did the same as me and got better results. For my AS courses, I've had to step up the effort I put in to work and revision because I know that if I don't, I will fail. However, it is easier because I am only doing four subjects and these are all of my own choice (there is one subject that I know I will drop at the end of this year as it isn't what I expected it to be but I don't regret taking it).
          Looking forward, I have a trip to France, staying with my exchange partner's family and a trip to Berlin for history (I'm going to get my Mum to teach me some basic German to help me get by, if that doesn't work, I could always try French, right?). I am very excited about these trips because we are flying to both of them and I really like flying but haven't been on a plane for years; I am also going with my 'travel buddy' to France, this is one of my closest friends who I have been on all my trips to Europe with. We went to Italy (skiing) in 2012 and France twice 2013 & 2014. She isn't joining me in going to Berlin as she doesn't do history (she prefers geography, like, seriously?!) and I know this sounds really soppy but I think it will be really strange without her. 
          As for new years resolutions, I only really have one and that is to drink a glass of water last thing before I go to bed and when I wake up. I read somewhere that this is good for you but I can't remember why. I'm also keeping an eye on what I'm eating. I'm not going on a diet or cutting things out but just being more aware of what I'm eating and when I eat. At college, there are two days in the week I have a free 'study' period first thing and our lessons are two hours long so I always get tempted to eat, even when I'm not hungry. I think it's mostly out of boredom but today, I made a concious effort not to eat until I was actually hungry.  
          I also want to to more blogging this year. I was thinking of doing a weekly diary like summing up what I've done and feelings, that sort of thing. I don't know if anyone actually cares but I'm doing it mainly for myself and keeping memories. I might also upload a regular photo or take a photo of myself on a regular basis (everyday perhaps or weekly) and put them all together in a video at the end of the year.

Anyhow, I hope anyone that has read this has taken something away from it, I don't know what that would be but I'm hopeful:) 

:*

Books, books, books...

I need to get more into books. I love reading but never make time for it and I am going to try and make an effort to. I have so many books on the go but am no where near finishing because I start new books that I just feel like reading. I think it may be becoming a bit of a problem...
Yesterday, I watched the last episode of this series of Call the Midwife and it motivated me to start reading the book it is based on which was just standing on my book shelf waiting to be read. Also, I can't resist book shops, they are just brilliant. I have to stop myself from going into 'The Works' for fear of spending more money on books when I have a pile waiting to be read at home.
I'm not to fond of buying books on-line or eBooks although I do have some on my tablet as I got given a Google Play voucher for Christmas it I felt it was the best thing for me to spend it on. I do like eBooks but I prefer the feeling of holding a book in my hands (although it is hard to do when lying down).
Some of their books I have on the go are 'Call the Midwife' - Jennifer Worth, 'Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban' - JK Rowling, 'The Fault in our Stars' - John Green, 'It's not rocket science' - Ben Miller (all physical books), 'Les Misérables' - Victor Hugo and 'Uglies' - Scott Westerfeld (all eBooks). I have also purchased 'An Offer You Can't Refuse' - Jill Mansell and 'Billy and Me' - Giovanna Fletcher on my tablet, waiting to be read. Both of those books I bought on recommendation from Carrie Hope Fletcher in one of her many videos on books. I have previously read TFioS and wanted to re-read it to see if I missed anything the first time I read it. I wanted to read the book of 'Les Misérables' (or 'The Brick' as it's known because of its length and in a single book it would be rather huge for a book) for a while, so that I can compare the film and West End production to what Victor Hugo originally wrote. I hope to one day read it in its intended language, French.
I will make more time to read books, I am certain of it. I need to stop being an internet addict and do some revision for my exams and use reading as my break rather than YouTube videos as they can lead me into a downwards spiral and I never get back to doing revision. Reading is the way forward in my opinion, not enough people read for fun, at school, they have to have 'BookFest' which is basically reading week and make people read in form time and all they do is complain.

Would anyone like to see a review of any of these books? Or any other books? Leave a comment below of any books you would like to see my opinion on and I will tell you if I have read it or not. They could all be in one blog post if they aren't very long but if it's long enough it will have its own blog post. Toodles:)

MAC goodies!

I have wanted to get some MAC lipstick for years and a couple of weeks ago, I made my first MAC purchase in Harrods, in London. I didn't take any photos as I was too eager to use them but I restrained myself this time and have saved them to write a blog post about, just for you! (the first products were a Paintpot in Vintage Selection and a lipstick in Fanfare for anyone that's interested).

I went in to the MAC shop in Nottingham with the intention of buying another lipstick and an eye shadow, but what I came out with was very different. I did buy a lipstick in See Sheer (lustre) but I also got an eye shadow quad.

See Sheer (Lustre finish)

I asked one of the assistants in the shop as I was having trouble deciding between a few colours so she suggested one which I really liked and, I had purposely not worn eye shadow, she applied the first colour (satin taupe) to my eye lid and it looked really nice on its own. To better it, she added a dark brown (embark) to the outer corners and crease then a light matte brown (wedge) to blend them together and finished with a pale colour (shroom) in the inner corners and as a highlight on my brow bone. It was lovely! I was initially only going to get Satin Taupe but my Mum offered to pay for the quad palette as a late Christmas prezzie so I could get all four and attempt to recreate the look myself. Thanks Mum!

Clockwise from top left - Satin Taupe, Shroom, Wedge and
Embark

Mascara is L'Oreal False Lash Flutter midnight blacks

Favourite Beauty Products

          Since I wrote the last favourite makeup blog post, I have completely changed my favourite makeup products... This time I know a few of them will be my favourites forever, no matter how many products I try, I will always love them. There aren't any photos on this blog post because I need to use the camera which I can't do at this moment, so it's a bit of a review without pictures. (photos will come soon) I am also going to include some other products that I have been loving.
          First of all it is the Maybelline gel eye-liners. I started using the black one because that is what I was used to and I was having much look finding a decent liquid liner so I thought I'd try gels. Wow. They are incredible. So smooth and go on really easily. I don't have any eye-liner brushes (I'm planning to get some soon though) so I use the brush which came with it which I don't think is too bad - you can get a thick or thin line and even though it isn't an angled or pointed brush you can still do a good flick with it which I like to do with the black. More recently, I picked up the brown one. It is shimmery, compared to the black one which is matte with no shimmer or anything, but that's okay with me. I don't tend to do a flick with this one but I do take it under my eye slightly and blend any that I have left on the brush on the lower lash line to 'frame' my eyes. The brown brings out my blue eyes (or so I've been told) which I like to do as they are the part of my face I like the most.
          I don't tend to go for black pencil eye-liner so I go for brown. My favourite one is Rimmel Soft kohl kajal in 011 sable brown. It is easy to put on the waterline as it is soft and is good for smudging as well. I wear this when I don't have much time or don't want to wear much makeup. I loves it!
           I pair the eye-liner with Maxfactor Eye Brightening mascara. It is tonally coloured so that it enhances certain eye colours so you have to get the one which is right for your eye colour. I obviously use the blue one. It takes a bit of work to build up the layers to look fuller and longer but if you are willing to do that, it looks great. You can just put a little bit on if you are going for a more natural look and it looks like natural eyelashes with just a little bit of enhancement, it's brilliant.If I have to do my make up quickly I will always reach for this because I know what I'm doing with it and if I need to take my makeup off easily at the end of the day, I know this won't be a problem.
          What can I say about Collection Lasting Perfection concealer? It is a miracle! I had been looking for a good concealer for ages as I don't really like wearing foundation and tend to find I don't need to. This concealer was just what I needed because It is perfect for under the eyes and covering up any blemishes or spots I have on that particular day. It stays on all day. This is important for me as I am at school all day and don't have the opportunity to re-apply makeup. It really makes your skin look perfect.
          I team the concealer with Rimmel Stay Matte powder. I switch between 001 - transparent and 005 - beige depending on how I'm feeling (don't ask). It is really good at keeping the shine away and smells really good to. I take a lot of notice of the way something smells. Can't be dealing with bad smells on my face.
          My go to blusher is Sleek's blush in rose gold. This one is a dupe of Nars - Orgasm and is lovely. It adds a flush of pink to the chicks which isn't Barbie pink but a nice subtle glint. It catches the light nicely and really enhances the cheek. It was only a recent purchase but |I have used it every time I have worn makeup since. I really like Sleek blushers (I also have Flamingo) they are so pigmented and look so pretty. With the darker shades you have to be really careful taht you don't make ourself look like a clown which is a mistake I've made in the past!
          For me, picking a favourite lipstick is very difficult. I flit between so many different ones. But, at the moment, I have been reaching for the Revlon Lip Butter in 050 - Berry smoothie. It just adds a bit of an enhancement to my natural lip colour, therefore, I can get away with it for school. It is moisturising as are all the lip butters - I also own one in 015 Tutti Frutti - I love these lip products so much.
          Recently I went in to The Body Shop for the first time in years. Oh how I have been missing out! I went in to have a look at the body mists. I spent a good amount of time smelling all the fragrances, I think my nose had given up by the end of it. I settled on the Amazonian wild lily body mist. I am more in to floral scents at the minute and this one is perfect. If you ever get the chance, I recommend you go and check out The Body Shop body mists.
          This is very random but a great tip if anyone is looking to banish pesky spots Sudocrem is the way forward. I have been using it for ages and it dries up spots quickly and efficiently without any scarring afterwards. Brilliant!

Rescue Dogs...

          During my summer holidays, I have been helping out at an animal rescue called Second Chance Rescue Kennels. It is a rescue centre for animals but they mainly have dogs of all sizes and ages up for adoption as well as a few cats. It is such a good rescue and the work they do is brilliant, getting dogs back into health and grooming them before they go to a 'forever home' which has been checked out and seen that it is suitable.  There should be more rescues like this across the country or even world. Dogs can't look after themselves, they need a bit of a helping hand from some generous humans who are willing to be patient and give them the help they need. I spent a few days helping out cleaning out kennels; picking up poop; preparing food; transporting things around like cans of dog food etc. My muscles were complaining because I like to avoid physical exertion at much as I possibly can and over these few days I had been carrying around a lot of heavy things and moving around more than I usually would.
          Any way, this blog post isn't about that, it's about the dogs themselves. In order to clean out the kennels you have to go in them with the dogs and at first I was scared, but once you get over the barking (which they are only doing to get attention as they don't get much one to one) they are some of the nicest animals. Ever. All they want is a fuss and a bit of a cuddle which I don't really understand. This is because for them to end up there, they mustn't have had the best life before then to end up there which was at the hand of a human. Be it they are ex breeding/puppy farm where they've never seen the light of day and don't know how to act at all, they've never seen grass or toys or other dogs that aren't their siblings or they've simply been abandoned and the dog warden has dropped them of to stop them being put down and sent to rainbow bridge, they just want a love from you, a human, who they don't know from another human apart from your smell (you tend to smell similar to the other people there because you are all working with and smell like dogs) and I find it astonishing how dogs are just so loving if brought up correctly. Everyone gives certain breeds of dog a bad reputation but it's not their fault, it's the owners. A dog isn't born with any nastiness inside of it it is all down to how they are brought up. Unfortunately, there are a couple of dogs who have been at Second Chance a long time and just end up being resident and one of them is always there with his ball, ready to play or cuddle, to be honest I don't think people realise, he is up for adoption because he isn't in one of the kennels or the outside pen because he won't go anywhere when the gates are opened. Whenever I go, whether it is to volunteer or just go and donate something (my Mum and I would love to bring at least one of them home but my Dad said we can't :'( ) I always make sure I give each and every dog a bit of attention, I do have my favourites, obviously, but all the dogs want is a little bit of attention.
          The only way dogs are able to get your attention from a distance is by barking. This scares some people but when you get up close they stick their noses through the bars and if you hold your hand out they will sniff and lick you which is a sign of affection from a dog. (they do have hand sanitizer to be hygienic) 
          
          I am, without a doubt, a dog person, when someone asks there is no hesitation, my automatic answer is 'dog'.
         
           Sorry this post is a little down and that but I really wanted to write a blog post about it. 

          I hope someone takes something from it and maybe think about volunteering at your local animal charity. 

Twitter & Instagram - @Lexii_Brentnall

Favourite makeup products

This post is going to be about my top makeup products. I thought that, I only use a few products on a daily basis and I thought I'd write a blog post about them...

The first one is my favourite liquid foundation which is 17 Miracle Matte foundation in soft ivory. I like this foundation because it is the perfect colour for my skin tone and doesn't feel 'heavy' on my skin. I apply it with a big powder brush as the foundation brush in my brush set doesn't do a very good job because it doesn't rub it in it just puts it on my skin and there are lines so I prefer a powder brush.

 This is my favourite powder foundation. Sometimes, I don't feel like wearing my liquid foundation for various reasons and I wear this if my skin doesn't look too good because I like to think that I have quite good skin and I only get bad spots when I don't clean my face properly and that isn't too often.  I dont tend to go out to events, just school and seeing friends so I don't wear much makeup any way.

 My favourite eye shadow product is MUA Heaven and Earth eye shadow palette. It is a primarily brown palette but with a couple of pale colours. I like this palette because my eyes are a greyish/blue colour and the browns bring out the colour better. They are also good to wear everyday and I can wear the paler colours to school as we aren't allowed to wear much make up to school. I sometimes go for adventurous colours like bright blue and purple but sometimes I just play safe with these browns.

My favourite pencil eyeliner is Rimmel London Scandaleyes waterproof kohl kajal eyeliner in 001 black. I like this eyeliner because it won't come off until you use makeup remover because it is amazing, the only bad thing about this is if you go wrong you cant get it off and have to adapt the eyeliner to look nice. I'm not too good at putting pencil liner on so I usually go wrong and then get mad at myself.

This is my favourite liquid eyeliner. It is Collection 2000 extreme 24 hour felt tip liner in 1 Black. I love this eyeliner because it goes on very easily and I am better at putting liquid eyeliner on than pencil but I'm not amazing at it so I like an eyeliner that goes on well. I do use this eyeliner a lot but a couple of times I have worn it , it came off when i rubbed my eye when it says 'extreme 24 hour' so that disappointed me a little, but I still love it. 

My favourite mascara is Collection 2000 Skylash in 1 Black. I love this mascara because it gives my lashes really good coverage and isn't clumpy. I like the wand because it is plastic and has a funny shape which puts the mascara on really well.

The first lipstick is MAC Mattene lipstick in Poise. This is quite an old lipstick but it is still really nice.  It is a matte pale pink colour which is really nice and I can get away with it for school because it isnt too bright. It keeps my lips hydrated and smooth, I wear this one a lot.

This is the final product. It is Rimmel London's Moisture renew lipstick on 620 coral queen. This lipstick is right up my street because it is a bit orangey and I like wearing oranges on my lips. It also has pinky tones in it aswell so thats cool. It is really soft and smooth on the lips and gives good colour.

Please comment...

Favourite YouTubers

Hello there to anyone that is reading my new blog and welcome, I hope you like my blogs. This one's is a bit long.

This blog is going to be about my obsession with YouTube. I always end up watching YouTube videos late into the night, but the thing is, I always watch the same few YouTubers all the time and I have watched most of them at least once but the accounts I watch are funny and interesting and I see or laugh at something new each time. This blog post could have been much longer but I decided that I'd cut it down to my top two girls and top two boys:)

The first YouTuber I'm going to explain my love for is Zoe from Zoella280390. I just love all of her videos. She makes beauty and fashion videos such as 'What's in my bag' and 'Hauls'. I like watching the haul videos because she often does Primark hauls and,as Primark doesn't have a website, it allows her viewers  to see what Primark has in store at a certain time of the year. One of Zoe's hauls provoked me to go to Primark and TopShop to buy some items as she showed them on one of her videos and rated them highly.

Zoe also has a vlog channel called 'MoreZoella'. This channel features vlogs (video blogs) on certain, interesting and funny days in her life. Often, they feature my other favourite YouTubers as she is good friends with them and when they 'get together' they make the funniest videos.

The next YouTuber is Louise from SprinkleOfGlitter. Like Zoe, she does some beauty videos but she also does lifestyle and family videos as she has a baby girl that features in her videos sometimes. Her opening line is “Aloha Sprinklerinos” which I think is very clever and it’s a fun way to introduce her videos. Her videos can often be hilarious and I have watched many of her videos numerous times and whenever I am not feeling so cheery, her videos cheer me up. Louise also does quite a few videos with Zoe as they are the closest of friends and in the videos they do together, the bloopers they get are sooo funny and they often add them in at the end of the video for their viewers to have a bit of a giggle at and show their real personalities because sometimes in videos you can't show the full extent of your personality because the video limits you to what you talk about but with bloopers and vlogs you can express your true personality as you want people to like you for who you are and not for anything else.

The next YouTuber I’m going to rave about it Alfie from PointlessBlog. Alfie makes ‘tag’ videos, that’s the only way I can describe them and videos on random topics. His videos include ‘Truth or Dare’, ‘The friendship tag’ and ‘Ask PointlessBlog’. His videos are sometimes funny and sometimes serious but enjoyable all the same. I like him because his videos are entertaining and sometimes interactive such as his recent Christmas one where at the end there was four different coloured presents and when you clicked on one, it sent you to another Christmassy themed video as like a Christmas present to his viewers, I don’t know if it’s just me but I think that’s quite cool. He has an opening line, like Louise which is “What’s up guys?” and he spreads his hands out either side of his face which I think is a cool touch. 
He has a vlogging channel called 'PointlessBlogTv' which has vlogs of his life on. They often contain footage of Zoe, Louise and Marcus (next YouTuber I'm going to talk about) which makes them funny as they always get up to weird stuff and mess around having fun.

Marcus Butler from MarcusButlerTv is another of my favourite YouTubers. He does videos similar to Alfie. He always starts his videos with “Heeeellloooooooooo” what is quite amusing and ends with a “byyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee” in the same tone of voice which I like as it gives the video a bit of symmetry, this might just be me being a bit geeky but oh well. Marcus often does collaborations and his ones with Alfie are the funniest as they get on like a house on fire and have lots of inside jokes. 'The Friendship Tag' <-- this video is the friendship tag video they did and it explains one or maybe two of their inside jokes and shows just how well they get on. I’m going to admit I do think that they are both good looking;) 

If you are looking for something else to do other than scrolling through Facebook and/or Twitter watch these guys on YouTube becasue in my opinion, they are some of the best videos I have found on YouTube, so far.

That is the end of this particular blog. I have a few ideas of what else I can blog about such as make up reviews and other beauty related stuff. Please comment and tell me what you think xxx 

Twitter - @Lexii_Brentnall

Instagram - @Lexii_Brentnall