Halloween How To: | Dripping Blood Nails!

It's been a long time since I actually did something for Halloween. Gone are the days where i'd throw on my witch costume and go trick or treating, sigh! Instead of just wasting the opportunity to do something festive every year, I always do some pumpkin carving and baking! However, this year I also opted to paint my nails a little creepy and Halloween-y so I thought i'd share those with you today.

First of all, i'm not taking the credit for this design- I was inspired by sophdoesnails on YouTube, click here to take you to the video. She has some other nail art tutorials, beauty and fashion videos which I also love to watch!

For this look you're going to need:
-Base coat
-Top coat

-Red nail varnish

-White nail varnish
-A straw or you could use a cotton bud with the cotton removed.

1. First of all, you will need to prep the nails doing your usual nail-care routine and apply your base coat.

2. Next you will need to paint your middle and ring finger with the white nail varnish. I used this cheap one from a manicure kit, so I did two coats.

3. Whilst you're waiting for the first coat of white to dry, paint the rest of your nails using a red. I used a classic red but you could go for a darker shade, it might look more realistic too.

4. Once the second coat of white is dry, take the red that you used for your other nails and put a few drops onto some paper. Dip in the end of your straw and blow at the other end onto the white nail. The red I used was a gel nail varnish so was a little thicker than a standard polish, this made it a little harder to use the blowing technique. Instead, I used the straw as a dotting tool and dotted red in places to make it look splattered. I felt I was able to have more control using this technique, therefore there was less mess to clean up!

5. Once I was happy with the way they looked, I took a cotton bud with some nail varnish remover to remove any nail varnish that got onto my skin around the nail.

6. Finally, to finish off the design and to make it last longer, apply a top coat. I still don't have a top coat so I used my base coat instead.

And there you have it, blood splattered/dripping nails for Halloween!

I know this is last minute, but you've still got time before tomorrow to do this so let me know if you do!


Happy Halloween!

Stay safe and have fun!

♥   ♥   ♥

Currently Loving | October Favourites

I'm going to be a typical blogger and highlight how fast this month has gone. Seriously where has October gone? Christmas is creeping up on us and I couldn't be more excited. Myself and Pastel Blasts Beauty have decided to share with you some of the things we've been loving this month, click here to take you straight to her blog and see what she's been loving during the month of October.

I think i'll start with makeup today, both are actually Rimmel products- just putting it out there that this isn't sponsored, haha! I picked up both these products on a deal in Boots, probably something like 2 for £10 which is a bargain! 

I had heard lots about the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation and I saw that it had been reformulated, claiming to have a pore blurring effect. This sounded perfect for me as I have quite large open pores around my nose so I was hoping this would minimise the appearance of them. It definitely does! This foundation is also very light and natural so is ideal for everyday wear. I also found it's super easy to blend so is perfect for when i'm in a rush in the mornings.

The next product that I've been loving is the Rimmel Kate Moss Matte Lipstick in 107. So many beauty bloggers rave about this so I thought i'd give it a go. I expected it to be a darker berry shade, however I find it's more pink on my lips. I have recently been really enjoying wearing it though as it lasts a good while on my lips with liner. I also feel this would be perfect for those experimenting with darker lip options, this is very wearable so give it a whirl!

Next up is nails, i'm sure you will have seen this nail varnish on my blog before. It's the Rimmel Lycra Pro Nail Varnish in Hypnotise- the perfect shade for Autumn/Winter! I love wearing this on my nails, you can see my review here. Whenever I take this off, almost every time I want to put it back on! I think this would look pretty with a glitter on top and would look especially great during the Christmas/Party Season.

Now onto skincare. My first product is something I've rediscovered this month, it's the Soap and Glory Hot Cloth Pore Cleanser. I used to love this and I think I stopped using it as I was coming to the end of the tube. Recently I heard that this was a good dupe of the Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish which is something I've been wanting to try for a while, I decided i'd pick this up and give it another try. First of all, I love the calming scent which works well with a hot muslin cloth, it's relaxing and feels like a real treat at the end of the day. This has been repackaged and renamed but I will be going back to pick this up, it is now called The Ultimelt Deep Purifying Hot Cloth Cleanser.

The second product in skincare is the Garnier Fresh Essentials Moisturiser. I decided to try this as it was on offer on Feel Unique and it looks very similar to another Garnier moisturiser that I love. I think I may have already mentioned this in a previous post but I can't decide which I love more. They're both super hydrating and light on the skin, however I think this may sink in a little quicker. If you're looking for a new moisturiser to keep your skin soft and hydrated during the colder months, i'd definitely recommend this! It's roughly around £2 to £3 and I believe you can pick it up in supermarkets like Tesco and Asda.

For fashion, it had to be these pointed boots from Dorothy Perkins. These have been my go-to everyday as they're comfortable and look great. I'm quite short and so are my legs so I feel like the point elongates them, is that a thing? Haha! I've worn these so much already and there is hardly any signs of wear so I can tell these are going to last me a good while, yay!

Does a series count as a lifestyle favourite? My brother recently got Amazon Prime so I've sneakily been using his account to watch Parks and Recreation, he probably knows but we'll pretend he doesn't- haha! I had heard lots about this series, saying it's a must watch- it is! Amy Poehler is hilarious as Leslie, I love her!

I don't want to attempt to describe it as quite frankly I don't want to ruin it, but i'm sure a quick Google search will entice you! I'm gutted as only three series are on Amazon Prime at the moment, lets hope they add more!

Last but certainly not least, YouTubers! Seeing as it's been Vlogtober, there have been quite a lot of daily vlogs to watch. There have been a couple that have stood out to me, Diary Of A Spendaholic and Lily Melrose. Both very different, but I love so go check them out. In terms of general videos, I've been loving Laura Black(she's hilarious and absolutely stunning!) and Gem Lo Valentine(She is also beautiful and I love her style!) If you'd like to check them out then click on each of their names to take you straight to their channels!

And that's a wrap of what I've been loving this October. Be sure to check out Pastel Blasts Beauty and see what she's been loving this month too!

WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN LOVING?

♥   ♥   ♥

Currently Lusting Over | Autumn Fashion Wishlist

Autumn fashion is my favourite! I love the warm colours and layering. There have been quite a few pieces that I've been lusting over recently, I may have to cave and get them! They'll last me through the winter too, so why not!?

1. When Autumn is in full swing, there is nothing I love more than throwing on a jumper, jeans and a dark lip. I love the camel trend and this Funnel Neck Jumper from Topshop is a perfect neutral to rock this Autumn! I'm also a lover of stripes, all year round! Usually I opt for a striped t-shirt but it can get a bit nippy for that so this Liquorice Striped Jumper, again from Topshop is ideal! Can you tell that i'm loving the turtle/roll necks at the moment?

2. These seem to be the 'it' skirt at the moment. It's likely you either own one or want one, i'm of course the latter as I've included it within my wish list. Another trend I love is the 70s trend, i'd definitely be channeling the 70s wearing this Tan Button Front from New Look. I must go in to try this on and to see whether the style actually suits me, please!

3. It's possible that I've already included these jeans in a wish list. I'm still yet to try a pair of Topshop jeans, just because i'm such a cheapskate. I mean, why would I spend nearly £40 on a pair of jeans when I can get very similar in Primark for a tenner. I actually find the Primark jeans good quality, for what you pay for but the Topshop ones are probably much better! I love these Blue-Black Joni Jeans, they're the perfect in-between for when you're not sure whether to wear bright blue or black jeans.

4. I love the sleeveless jackets/duster coats we're seeing a lot of at the moment. I think they make a casual outfit look so chic! I'm not sure whether I want a dark grey or khaki one yet but I found this gorgeous one from Miss Selfridge. I really like the wrap front style on this one too!

5. Ankle boots are possibly my favourite style of shoe, I love how you can pair them with pretty much anything! They're practical, comfy and look good- well, at least I think so anyway! I probably don't need another pair, but I would like another. I don't have a pair of tan ankle boots, yet...
I love these Leather Ankle Boots from ASOS, the tan colour makes them ideal for this time of year as well as summer!

6. I'm in need of a new bag. I love my black tote from Zara and it's served me well for two years, I would be happy to take another if it was still sold! I've never really shopped much at Dorothy Perkins before, however I was told that they have lots of lovely things in at the moment so I decided to check out their website. I found this Black Landscape Tote which is similar to my Zara bag, however that was more long where as this is wide or landscape rather. I think this would be a nice change!

7. Another year, another tartan scarf. I love scarfs, to keep me warm and too add a little something to a basic monochrome outfit. I actually don't have the classic red tartan scarf so I thought this year, i'll pick one up. While browsing online I found this one being sold on eBay, although I do believe they sell similar in Primark so I may just pick one up there instead. I think tartan is perfect during Autumn/Winter.

And that's all for now, well hopefully otherwise my bank balance won't look too healthy!

WHAT IS ON YOUR CURRENT WISH LIST?
Let me know!

♥   ♥   ♥

What I love about Autumn | The Autumn Edit

Hello!

Seeing as it feels like we're well into Autumn, I thought i'd do an Autumn Edit including what I like to bring out of my wardrobe this season and what I love about the Autumn.

As much as I love summer, I love it when the Autumn starts to creep in! I love getting out the warmer clothes and simply just the colours throughout the Autumnal months!
Definitely on the top of my list is a good pair of Chelsea boots, they pretty much go with everything, not to mention they're cute and so comfortable!
This year I bought ones with small cleated soles so they'd last me throughout the cold and rainy months and walking back and forth college. If i'm honest I can't remember exactly where these are from as they're from a catalogue my mum got sent and they were just £15 with the discount code!

A staple for most female and male in fact is a leather jacket. I love leather jackets for layering especially, they're so easy to throw on and again pretty much go with everything and can dress down a smart outfit, perfect for the daytime! Mine is actually from Matalan and was in the sale for £20, I think it looks a lot more expensive!

Last in terms of clothing is scarfs, I love scarfs! I think a patterned scarf brings an outfit to life and I especially love a tartan and dog tooth in the Autumn/Winter, although i'm still on the hunt for a dog tooth one! The tartan scarf I have is not your classic red or green tartan, this one is pink and grey! I love it and it was only £5 in Primark and it's like a blanket. 

For makeup I love a bold purple or red lip, yet i'm not brave enough to pull off the solid purple or red lip. Instead I opt for this berry colour that's not as scary as it looks in the bullet. I love how it looks on the lip as it isn't too strong, so I've actually got the balls to wear it out! I'm building up the courage to try and rock a dark red lip this Autumn/Winter. 

Bronze eyes are a must for Autumn in my opinion! They definitely reflect the Autumnal colours and I think most skin tones can pull them off. I love matte bases with shimmer going through the crease as it looks so shimmery and pretty when the light catches it! 

I love it when the nights start to draw in and get a little colder as it means putting your comfiest PJ's on, grabbing a cup of tea or hot chocolate and snuggling up on the sofa with a blanket, the fire on and endless amounts of TV and films! 

Halloween and Bonfire Night are on the horizon and I for one can't wait! Although I rarely do anything for Halloween, I love carving a pumpkin and handing out sweet treats to the little ones usually dressed as a classic Witch or Vampire. It's more likely that i'll do something for Bonfire Night, I love wrapping up warm and heading out with friends or family to see the local fireworks display, oh so pretty!

I just love the colours that Autumn has to offer- orange, yellows, reds and browns! The leaves look so lovely and I love incorporating the colours into my wardrobe, mustard and burgundy are my favourites during this time of the year!  

Lastly but certainly not least, the build up to Christmas! It's going to come around quickly and go again so I love to make the most of it by starting my Christmas Shopping early, whipping out the festive PJamas and begging my mum to put the Christmas decorations up- sadly i'm never successful with this as they don't usually go up til around the second week of December, damn it!

And that's a wrap on what I love about Autumn, what do you love or in fact don't like about Autumn?
I'd love to hear, so comment below and let me know!

That's all for now, until next time...

Amy X

Sources: here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.