I'VE MOVED TO LONDON!!

Welcome back! That's not just a welcome for the people reading my blog but also to myself as I'm aware I've been MIA on the blogging scene lately. They say that the biggest life changes are 1. Moving House 2.Changing jobs and 3. Divorce, I've just done two of those changes all in one month! New City, New job, New College. And it's taken me about a month to finally sit down if I'm being honest (hence the lack of blogging). London is a hectic, fast-paced and lively city but it is filled with so much creativity and I'm thrilled to finally be here. I always post about makeup & fashion but I thought I'd write something more personal to celebrate the fact I hit 10,000 views this month! Thank you so much to everyone who ever reads this blog & supports me <3

Wandering around Regents Park

Smashbox Studio Store Stratford

Smashbox Studio Store

Beginning of September Smashbox opened their FIRST ever free standing studio store. Now this is a very big deal, I mean the first store in the freaking world! Before LA, before New York or even Dubai it's here in London. When I got the call offering me the job I was literally over the moon, when I joined the brand a year and a half ago, I only dreamed of getting an opportunity like this. Smashbox embodies everything I stand for with makeup, being creative, inclusive and just having fun with it really. The best part of working in the store for me is the team, it's so inspiring to be working around such talented makeup artists, I've only been there three weeks and I already feel like my makeup skills have improved so so much. If you're ever in London I 100% recommend checking the store out, not only is it beautiful with incredible products but we have a selfie light! So I waved goodbye to my lovely little counter in Bristol (you will be missed) and hello Stratford.

The Stratford team love a good selfie!

Getting to do the models makeup for Cosmo Fash Fest UK has been a huge highlight

The Fashion Retail Academy

After careful consideration I decided to finally get back into my studies this year. After dropping out of university in 2014 I hit rock bottom, I had no job and no idea what I wanted to do, subtly had a mid-life crisis at age 18. I was so wrapped up in the idea of going to uni, then getting a job, like that perfect life plan which gets drilled into you at College, wish I could go back and shake myself! The Fashion Retail Academy was founded by Sir Philip Green and is pretty unique, offering one year industry based courses specialising in Fashion. I went to see it in March and instantly felt like this was the right thing for me. I'm studying Fashion marketing & business because I love fashion but lets be real, I'm never going to be a designer! We cover a range of topics like, Marketing, PR, Digital, Visual Merchandising and Retail Management. Already i'm enjoying it so much and pleasantly suprised about how many opportunities the course offers, we've already had lectures from brands like Victoria's Secret, Topshop, MAC and the X-Factor styling team. 

Biking around Battersea park

So that's just a snippet of all the things going on in my life atm! Yes I'm always tired and no I don't have a lot of money but I honestly wouldn't have it any other way. Now that's enough of me rambling on about my life I can get back into beauty blogging now.

Thanks for reading, dolls.

Sadie xoxo

Ultimate Summer favourites

I've recently been really focused on creating makeup looks, whether its a celebrity or the season I seem to be obsessed with finding inspiration for new ones. Which means I've been trying out a lot more products... then it dawned on me, I've been so set on the makeup pictures that I've barely reviewed any products! Although I adore all the products I use I thought it would be better to go into more detail and hopefully help someone make a decision whether to buy a product or not. I mean who just buys a product impulsively these days? We want to feel like we're spending our money wisely and with all the amazing beauty blogs out there why wouldn't you read all the info? Here's the products I've been using the most over the summer.

1. Anastasia Beverly Hills Glow Kit- Gleam

I know, I know I'm a walking cliché! Anastasia Beverly Hills brought out their first highlighter kit and I get slightly weak at the knees. Me and half of the females on instagram. But it's for a very good reason as these kits are BEAUTIFUL! Probably my best makeup buy in a long time. Features four highly pigmented and buttery highlighters that glide on so smooth for a glow that even the moon would be jealous of. There are a few different colour glow kits but I opted for the more pink version 'Gleam' simply because most of my highlighters are gold and I wanted something different. 100% recommend this to any highlight fanatic and considering how little product you actually need, they're great value for the money.
Beautybay.co.uk - £39

2. Smashbox Be Legendary lipsticks

So back in April Smashbox launched 36 new lipstick shades, which was completely overwhelming as I loved so many of the colours it made deciding which one to wear everyday so difficult! (I do work for Smashbox but all opinions are my own). If you want a lipstick that lasts all day and has incredible colour pay off, these will definitely be for you. The pigment is crazy, the matte ones just don't budge and the cream ones give a beautiful lasting sheen. The colour range is amazing I'm confident there;s a colour in there for everyone ranging from edgy Greys to subtle nudes. The colours I have been wearing most are Famous, Audition,  Safe Word, Pinch Me and Fireball.
Smashbox in Boots- £17.50

3. Loreal 'Miss Hippie' Mascara

I've never purchased a Loreal mascara I didn't like, so I didn't think twice about trying out the new Miss Hippie Mascara featuring a chunky wand promising to give lots of volume. The mascara trend coming into fashion now is huge messy lashes which were worn in the 60's (hence the name). This mascara does exactly that and more. It really lifts lashes and gives them a sexy deep black colour. I noticed the difference from the first coat I put on, hardly needing a second. I honestly don't think I'll change mascara for a very long time now, this is the one that gets the most compliments and people asking what I'm wearing which is always a good sign!

Loreal- £7.99

4. Make up forever HD foundation stick

This is the perfect summer foundation! It's in a creamy stick from so glides on so smooth and blends into skin seamlessly given you a natural dewy finish. What's great is you can adjust the coverage making it easy to transition makeup from day to night. If you like something flawless and full coverage without feeling like your skin is caked up then this is the one for you.
Debenhams- £29

5. Cocoa Brown 1 hour tan

I am a complete tan fanatic, I've tried so many different brands and had so many tan disasters (my colleagues could tell you some awful stories, like this one time when I forgot to tan one arm!) and I could never find the ultimate fake tan and just when I was about to give up and accept the pale life forever I found this gem. Brought on a whim as i'ts only £6 in Primark and I liked the packaging I didn't expect much but I was completely surprised! It has a beautiful airy mousse consistency that blend really easy into your skin, dries quickly and develops fast. As the name implies it will be ready to wash off in an hour if you like a light tan but the longer you wait the richer the colour is, making it accessible for every skin tone. I obviously leave it overnight and it is honestly such a dark beautiful colour. Had barely any disasters and it lasts the good part of a week! Couldn't recommend this enough!
Super drug or Primark- £6

6. Smashbox photo filter powder foundation

 I have to admit I used to really hate powder, I guess because I have dry skin and was scared I'd end up looking like a desiccated coconut. However during the summer months and because my skincare routine has improved my dryness I have found myself getting oily! Introducing my new love of mattifying powders! This Smashbox one makes skin look flawless, literally reduces pores and almost blurs skin almost like an instagram filter for your face (who doesn't want that right? I'll take Valencia please). All whilst keeping it matte and in place all day. I now find myself using a light dusting to set makeup everyday and I really feel it's improved my base routine. People with oily skin will adore this product.
Smashbox in Boots-£29