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I Have Started YOUTUBE

Hi lovely’s,

After putting it off for the longest time I have decided to start a YouTube channel! I have received a few messages off of you guys asking for this type of thing for a while now. My YouTube will feature lifestyle, beauty and fashion videos, very similar to my blog. I will be uploading videos such as hauls, vlogs and QnA’s. I have always had a massive love for sharing my passions with others and I think this will be a more beneficial and fun way to interact with you (a fab way to get to know me better too!). It would mean the absolute world to me if you could give my channel ‘Courtney Kirk’ a subscribe and I hope to see you all over on my channel.

Thankyou so much for reading

Courtney x

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My Everyday Makeup Routine!

Hi lovely’s, I’ve been away for a while as I’ve been busy with university but it’s summer and I’m back! 🙂 Today I’m going to share with you my everyday makeup routine. I frequently get asked what products I use so I’ve decided just to do a whole post on all of my essentials.

Base

Mac strobe cream (£25) – I love this product used as a primer for a lovely dewy base ready for your foundation and it gives it a stunning glow! (I also use this cream on no makeup days like before the gym to get rid of the look of fatigue and make my skin appear more healthy)

Fenty Beauty Foundation in the shade 290 (£27) –  I’ve ranted and raved about how much I LOVE this foundation before on my previous review of it. lets just say I’m not looking for a new foundation anytime soon. I apply this with a buffing brush or beauty blender depending on how much coverage I want that day.

Revolution conceal and define (£4)  –  I use the shade banana and it honestly works wonders. So cheap and SO CHEERFUL:) which we live for. I blend it in with a damp beauty blender applying it under my eyes, bridge of nose and forehead. Perfect amount of coverage and brightening.

Laura Mercier translucent setting powder (£30) – I use this powder to bake where I applied concealer. So I dab it on lightly with a dry beauty blender then leave it for about 30 seconds before brushing it off with a blending brush.

Cheeks

M•A•C Mineralize Skinfinish in Give Me Sun (£25.50) – This is the perfect coloured bronzer for myself. If you adore warm tones then this is the one for you too. I apply this with a big real techniques bronzing brush to my cheekbones, sides of my forehead and chin (kinda like a 3 shape on each side of my face). This adds a nice wash of colour and defines my chubby cheeks more haha. I also will take some of this bronzer on a eyeshadow brush and wash it over my eyelid and particularly in the crease to give it some colour.

The Balm Hot Mama Blush (£17.50) – I’ve used this branded blush’s for years now and they’ve never failed to amaze me the pigment is stunning and leaves a me looking nice n Rosie. I just apply this with a brush just above where I put the bronzer.

M•A•C Mineralise Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle (£25.50) – This has been my favourite highlight for years now. I use an angled highlighting brush from real techniques and apply it above where I placed the blush on my cheeks, the sides of my forehead, my inner eye, brow bone and the top of my nose. I like my highlight to POP so I use quite a lot. Gotta see ur reflection in it.

Eyes

Collection Lash Surge Mascara ( £4.99 ) – I have pretty small eyelashes and my eyes don’t respond well to lash extensions so finding a really good mascara is important for me. I picked this one up as it wasn’t expensive and I was in a rush. However I LOVE IT. I’ve never found a mascara at this price which lengthens my lashes without them appearing clumpy or ‘spider leggy’ if you get what I mean haha. I usually apply 2 layers of this to my top lashes and light comb through my bottom with the excess.

Lips

M•A•C lipliner in Spice (£14) – i love the creamy consistency of this liner it just glides on! I apply this around my lips, preparing them for the lipstick that I am going to apply.

Kylie Cosmetics Liquid Lip In Exposed ($29) – I have been a loyal customer when it comes to this shade. In my opinion nothing beats this as my perfect nude. Not to mention the amazing formula which lasts all night! I apply this on my lips inside of where I applied the lip liner.

Kiko Milano 3D hydra lip gloss in 20 chestnut (£8) – I don’t usually wear a lip gloss all of the time as it so much effort:( however when I do this is my go to gloss. It matches perfectly with the liquid lip I use and gives the smooth wet look apposed to a glittery finish.

That’s all for my everyday makeup routine!! Hope you enjoyed reading about what I stick on my face most of the time. Maybe in the future I’ll do a full video tutorial so that it’s easier to follow:-)

Thanks so much for reading!

Courtney x

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Get The Look : Out on the Town Outfits

Back again with another get the look post as I got some messages from readers who really enjoyed it and were interested in a ‘night out’ version. So that’s exactly what I’m going to do! Whether you are going for a fancy dinner or a night out with the girls then I’ve got you covered.

The first outfit is a super cute clubbing outfit I’d say you can dress it up or down with heels or your favourite pair of trainers. The top is what I like to call a milk maid style due to its puffy sleeves and corset detailing. I purchased this top from pretty little thing in a size 6 and I couldn’t of been happier with how it looked on. It’s a dupe for one of the more expensive house of CB tops. With it being a white shade it’s easy to pair with anything so you could wear it with jeans or as I’ve done a skirt. I also bought my mini skirt from Pretty Little thing in a size 8 and I definitely think that this skirt is true to size because of the lace detailing up the sides. Which btw can become a bit challenging on a night out so make sure you’ve got your bestie on set to help fix it! The snake skin detailing of the skirt really brings together the outfit and makes it a showstopper.

Image of me wearing a slake skin skirt and a white milk maid top
Milk maid top and Snakeskin skirt : outfit 1

Another outfit to help turn heads at the dinner table and have your date begging for another are these beautiful vinyl black trousers which I purchased from Oh Polly in a size 8. They help accentuate all of your curves and hold you in at the right places. I paired them with a stunning blue silk tie crop top which I also got from Oh Polly in a size 8. This is the statement piece of the outfit it’s definitely a head turner! I wore this with a pair of pink River Island court heels in a size 5 (which make me feel like legally blonde!!) alongside a litre pink fluffy bag to add some fun and textures to the outfit.

Image of me in a blue silk crop top and a vinyl pair of trousers
Blue silk and black vinyl : outfit 2

I hope these outfits helped give you some ideas of what you want to wear on your date with your special someone or that night out where your tryna forget your old someone!!

Thanks for reading,

Courtney X

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Boujee on a Budget : Raver Edition

Are you feeling pretty poor but wanna dance the night away? then I’ve got a few tips for you! Recently I attended a night out in Sub Club called ‘Trance Classics’. Which by the title I knew there was going to be a captivating night on the cards. I had packed soooo many outfits but still didn’t feel any of them were the right vibe for the event. One which was a snake pint crop top and another was a checker print skirt (not what i was feeling that night)

I then took a trip to Primark in hopes to find something impressing and rave-like. After wandering past all of the winter clothes and all of the funky accessories I managed to bag myself a whole outfit minus the shoes for £13. I toddled over to the men’s section where I found a long black Scarface tee with a picture of Al Pacino on the front which I got in a size large for an over sized look and this retailed for £8. I thought it was the  perfect fit for the style I was going for (for reference I’m usually a women’s size 6 or 8). I then paired this with a pair of size XS black cycling shorts which I bought for £2. To hold the look together and accentuate my waist I found a Neon Green/Yellow seatbelt belt for £3. The belt was a way for me to add colour to the outfit and make it POP. I was amazed when i got to the counter and the cashier told me the outfit was less than £20.

Image of me in the outfit I described above. Black top, shorts and a neon green belt.
Raving on a budget

I’d recommend Primark to anyone who is on a budget and needs to put together a quick outfit. I got so many compliments on this outfit and felt so comfortable the whole night.

Thanks For Reading.

Courtney X

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Get the look: Casual Outfit Ideas

One of my daily struggles is getting out of bed for university in the morning but if I know there is a lovely outfit waiting for me to slip it on, it makes me feel a whole lot more motivated.

One of my favourite go to outfits for when I want to look put together easily is made up of my light washed straight leg jeans from Topshop in a size 6. These look very similar to the mom jeans however due to the shape of my body a size 8 in mom jeans are too big but a size 6 are to small. So I think ill stick to the Straight leg jeans! Along with my cropped neon green long sleeved turtleneck top from top shop in a size 8. This top is a perfect statement piece to the outfits and complements the denim jeans. This look paired with my gold and white Nike TN’s and either a cropped jacket or a long blazer type coat is fab for a quick and edgy look.

Image of me in the first outfit I described as a neon turtleneck and straight leg jeans
Neon is a vibe with denim

Another speedy and stylish look is wearing a long turtleneck body suit or top which is a basic colour like black or white. I wear a white one I got from Pretty Little Thing in a size 8. With this I’d wear my skinny ripped Jamie jeans from top shop in a size 8 with an over sized Tee. To add some character to the outfit I recommend wearing a tee which is themed or has a cool print\logo on it to really make that the statement piece! I’d then top off the look with my caramel coloured Nike Air Force.

Image of me in the second outfit I described as a turtleneck paired with ripped jeans and a tee shirt over top
Turtle neck and funky tee combo

I hope these outfit ideas have helped spice up your everyday looks like I try my best to.

Thanks for reading,

Courtney X

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My Skincare Routine!

Today I am going to be spilling some of my skincare secrets to help achieve radiant and clear skin that’s as soft as a babies bum. My skin is combination/oily so I do breakout every so often, however the products I am going to tell you about have really helped calm these breakouts down and make them a lot more manageable. I have been using this exact routine now for about 4 months and have noticed a positive difference. Alongside the products I mention its also very important to drink plenty of water and have a healthy diet especially if you are going through a bad breakout. I drink way more water than I used to and I’m sure that’s helped my skin along the way.

Exfoliation/Cleansing

To cleanse and gently exfoliate my face I use the Kiehl’s ‘Blue herbal blemish cleanser’ which is a salicylic acid blemish treatment with frankincense and ginger root. Its aimed to combat breakouts and deeply cleanses your pores removing any dirt and oil. I bought this from the Keihl’s store for £19.50, which is quite pricey but definitely worth it in the long run. Its a really gentle formula as it doesn’t contain any micro-beads for a harsh exfoliation so it applies very smoothly and leaves your face feeling incredibly soft.

Image of facial cleansing wash
Kiehl’s Blue Herbal Blemish Cleanser Treatment

how to use : I wet my face with lukewarm water and apply a pea sized amount to my hands. I then massage it into my face using little circular motions avoiding my eyes. I do this twice a day, once in the morning and last before I go to bed.

Get That Hydration

Exfoliating can be very drying on the skin so after I have cleansed and dried my face I will take my FAVOURITE serum, which has changed my life! I use the Kiehl’s ‘Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing serum Concentrate’ which aims to plump skin and inject it with rehydration. I purchased a 75ml bottle of this for £54. I know that is very very expensive for a skincare product. I had never used a serum before this but always liked the idea of it as this one reaches 10 layers deep into your skin to really fill it with hydration making it appear radiant. Whereas some moisturisers etc just lie on top of your skin and maybe only reach the first layer. I noticed after the first application the lovely moisture this serum gives to my skin.

Image of Serum concentrate
Kiehl’s Hydro-Plumping Re-Texturizing Serum Concentrate

How to apply: I take a pea sized amount on my fingertips and using a dabbing motion i will press this into my skin gently.

 

Feel the moisture

For moisturizer I swear by the Simple ‘Purifying Cleansing Lotion’. Its easy to purchase from most places and reasonably priced. I’ve been using this Lotion  for many years now and can’t recommend it enough, it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. I got mine from Boots for £3.80 and it lasts so long.

Image of moisturiing cleansing lotion
Simple Purifying Cleansing Lotion

How to apply: I take as much as I feel i need and just evenly massage it into my face.

 

Face Mask Fun

I will use a face mask between 2-3 times a week depending on how bad my skin is that week. my favourite face mask at the moment is the Lush ‘ Mask of Magnaminty face and body mask‘. This is a peppermint mask (smells like mint choc chip ice cream) and helps fight breakouts. I bought this for £7.95 for 125g which has lasted me quite a while so far. I would definitely recommend this product as it not only helps your skin feel amazing but its also a fun thing to do when your bored haha! the colour of it is bright green too so if you want to look like a the grinch or my personal favourite Elphaba from wicked then GO FOR IT!

Image of Face mask
Lush Mask of Magnaminty

How to apply : I apply a generous layer over my face, avoiding my eyes. leaving it on for 5-10 minutes then washing it off with lukewarm water. (I apply moisturiser once taking the mask off just to re hydrate my face)

 

Hope these tips helped !:)

Thanks for Reading,

Courtney xx

 

 

 

 

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Everyday Makeup Routine

So this was really requested and I was going to make a video on it which I still might do in the future, however for now I’ll just stick to my lil blog. This isn’t what I wear every single day as it can be quite heavy on the skin and I try to cut back on wearing makeup everyday. This is my go to look though if I decide to make myself look nice for university or a day out.

Image of me in my everyday makeup
Every day makeup

I start by applying my simple light moisturiser and then I go straight into foundation using Maybelline Fit Me in the shade 220, I don’t use primer and I feel the ones I’ve tried don’t work and have just been a waste of that dolla! After which I use my revolution concealer in the shade banana or C5 under my eyes on my chin, nose and forehead. This stuff could cover life mistakes past relationships, it’s that good! I then blend all this out with a real techniques Beauty sponge! Which is amazing. After I’ve blended my life away I bake using my Laura Mercier translucent powder (which is really expensive and I wish i could find a cheaper alternative). I bake under my eyes, nose and forehead for about a minute. Once I’ve wiped all the excess powder away I BRONZE BABYYY using Mac ‘give me sun‘ this bronzer has a perfect warm undertone, is definitely recommend it if your naturally tanned or use fake tan! I’ll then apply my two faced ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara and my Mac highlight in ‘soft & gentle’, this is my favourite highlight ever!!! To finish off the look I apply my Mac lip liner in ‘spice’ paired with my Kylie lip Kit in exposed for that perfect nude lip. If I’m feeling a bit experimental and I’m looking for that POP I’ll use my kiko gloss over the top in the shade 09 soft coral. This is a commitment especially if your eating and have to top up every 2 secs but totally worth it!

I know this was a lot of products and quite a few are expensive to in the future I hope to make a drugstore version of this or maybe even a ‘drugstore Glam’ post.

Thanks for reading,

Courtney X

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Music of the Moment

So if you didn’t already know… Ariana Grande released her fourth album a few days ago. The album is called ‘thank u, next’ which was recorded over the tumultuous months that Grande’s life was falling apart, she creates the album in an effort to cope, heal, let go and grieve.

The album contains songs such as the stunning ‘ghostin’ which is rumoured to be about how she felt in her relationship with Pete Davidson and that in fact she was still in love with Mac Miller during this time. With lyrics such as ” Though I wish he was here instead /don’t want that living in Your head” really spills how Ari was feeling and the love she still holds for ex Mac Miller. A fan asked on Twitter what the song was about and Ari replied “It’s about feeling badly for the person you’re with because you love somebody else.” This is where she admits that the person she was in love with was Mac and that she should of been ghostin her ex fiancé Davidson as she was not as invested with her heart as she should’ve been.

Of course the album features singles such as ‘7 Rings’ and ‘thank u, next’ but the singer recently tweeted that her next single from the album will in fact be ‘break up with your girlfriend, I’m bored’. This song went straight to number one on the Apple Music charts and the music video for it has incredible visuals. The song itself is rumoured not to be about Ariana wanting to steal someone else’s boyfriend but instead take the girl out of the relationship (who is herself) as she prefers how she is when she isn’t in a relationship.

Over all I think this might be my favourite Ariana Grande album so far.

Thanks for reading!

Courtney x

Here is an image of the album and 7 out of the 12 songs on it.
‘Thank u, Next’ the album
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Urban Decay ‘All Nighter Full Coverage Long-Wear’ Liquid Foundation: A review

Purchase and Packaging

I recently ran out of my favourite Rihanna Fenty foundation and wanted to try something new.  So today I am going to review the Urban Decay ‘all nighter full coverage long-wear’ foundation. I purchased mine for £29.50 at Debenhams and got the shade 7.0, in store this colour looked perfect with my tan which is Bondi sans tan in ‘Ultra Dark’. The packaging is silver and stunning with the cracked detail at the front having your chosen shade of foundation peaking through with the classic UD initials at the centre of the bottle. It also comes with a pump which makes the application less messy and saves a lot of product.

img_0264
Here is a picture of the bottle.

Application and Wear

I applied the foundation with a Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge which gave it really airbrushed appearance and used two pumps that created a full coverage look over my whole face. The product does have quite a strong scent of the typical ‘foundation smell’ which doesn’t bother me in the slightest. The foundation claims to be full coverage with a modern matte finish and perfect for all-night affairs. I applied the product at 9am and took it off around 7pm, It lasted throughout the whole day however it did fall into my smile lines and forehead lines (which I never knew I had lol). Also when it comes to the shade of the foundation, at first it looks perfect however after applied it begins to oxidize and turns a bit orange. to fix this issue I had to apply more powder to defuse the colour, I use the Laura Mercier translucent setting powder. so if you have combination to oily skin (I wouldn’t recommend for dry skin as it may cling to dry spots on your face) then this could be the perfect foundation for you. This will be my GO TO foundation for nights out!

img_0344
Me wearing the foundation in the shade 7.0.

 

Thanks for reading, Courtney x

 

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Oh Polly or Oh No? : A review

Oh Polly is an online fashion store famous for its satin dresses and stunning models. The brand offers a variety of goods such as swimwear, dresses, Two piece sets and many more.

I recently purchased the ‘ AHEAD OF THE CURVE, Underwired Satin Mini Dress in Neon Green’. I got this dress in a size 8 and its very much true to size. With the material of the dress being satin its very figure hugging and not see through what so ever. It also has a curved cup bust which is underwired, this helps enhance what your mamma gave ya! I paired this dress with some strappy nude heels and think its perfect for a night out on the town.

Image of me wearing the neon green stain dress.
Me in the ‘AHEAD OF THE CURVE’ satin mini dress in neon green.

Craving a vinyl dress,  I purchased the ‘BUCKLE UP, Plunge Halter Neck Vinyl Mini Dress in Navy’. This dress features a deep plunging neckline, adjustable halterneck strap and is extremely figure hugging. I was worried that the dress may feel uncomfortable on however it has a soft interior lining which makes it perfect for dancing all night long! I got this dress in a size 8 although because of the material if you are between sizes or  then I’d recommend sizing up on their vinyl items. I really love this dress you will definitely be the talk of the town!

Image of me in the navy vinyl dress.
Me in the ‘BUCKLE UP halter neck, navy vinyl mini dress’

If you want to be an ice queen in suede this winter then I’ve got the outfit for you! ‘TIME 2 BUCKLE DOWN BELTED SUEDE TWO PIECE SET IN PASTEL BLUE’ from Oh Polly is a stunning fit on the body with both the top and skirt featuring an ornate gold belt which can be adjusted to create dramatic curves. I purchased a size 8 and it fits perfectly. The piece comes with a bralette-style crop top and high wasted mini skirt. This paired with a big white fluffy coat in these winter months is A LOOK!

Image of me in the pastel blue, suede two piece
Me in the ‘TIME 2 BUCKLE DOWN suede two piece in pastel blue’

I think it’s safe to say it’s a HELL YEAH! from me Oh Polly.

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