The 6 Best Things About Shopping Online

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I do alot of my shopping online. Like, alot. 
Living in a place where my options are seriously limited I have learnt from a young age that the internet is the greatest place to have a good browse and spend up!
So I thought I'd put together some of my favourite things about shopping online.

1. Options - SO Many Options
I live on the Isle Of Wight so when I say my options are limited..... I am NOT kidding! I have to get a boat if I even want to pop to Primark which is a bit of an effort (and expensive) when you just want some cute pjs and cheap shoes.
 I'd say 90% of the clothing I buy is from online, same goes for alot of my make-up too - I can browse any store I want and find everything I cannot get hold of here in my home town. 

2. Comfort 
This has got to be everyone's favourite perk of online shopping. You can do it from the very comfort of your own home.
 Yes I am one of those girls who sits braless on my sofa drinking tea and flicking through 500 pages of the ASOS sale! I've even been known to order things whilst walking to work.... the joys of 3G eh?!
Better than carrying a million shopping bags and being stuck behind slow walkers right? 

3. Voucher Codes = God Send
One of my ultimate number one tip-top tips for the internet. Always search for a voucher code before purchasing anything.
 I literally don't buy anything without quickly seeing if I can save money on it before hand. The amount of money I have saved over the years from doing this is insane - I don't understand people who don't do it!
In what shop can you walk up to the counter, go to purchase something and before popping your card in ask... 'can I save money on this?' NONE!
 Voucher Bin -  http://www.voucherbin.co.uk is awesome for this - even if it's just 10% off or free postage, it all helps!  Just search the site you're shopping on or want to shop on in the search bar and all the current codes will come up for you!
 You can also look through categories, of my favourite to look in is Health & Beauty (obviously), if I'm after a certain product I like to shop around for the best code and then buy it from that particular site, such an easy way to save money on something you were going to buy anyway, make sure you check it out!

4. Individuality/Personal Style
Being on a tiny island it's not uncommon to see people with alot of the same stuff. Nowadays, yes, it's alot less than when I was younger as so many people do use the web but with only one decent fashion store in my town I see ALOT of people wearing the same popular garment/ensemble. 
The internet is an amazing place to find bits that no-one else will, there are so many sites (especially for fashion) it's so much easier to rock your own style and buy things (hopefully) others won't.

5. Bargains - the endless amount of bargains!
Where else are you going to find a top for £2 or a dress that used to be £45 down to £7? I LOVE bargains and I basically live on the sale section of websites! 
All that good topshop sale stuff is NEVER in store, so having the website there to browse through is amazeballs right? (Until it's sold out but you don't find that out until you click on it.... damn you!) 
eBay, ASOS, Brandalley - you can get some serious savings all from a few clicks of a mouse!

6. Who doesn't love getting post?
Last but not least ..... post! 
Getting that parcel you've been waiting for pop through your letterbox is the best right? As long as it comes on time! (*cough*ASOS Premier looking at you *cough*) 
Yes sometimes we may have to send things back if they don't fit but most places now do free returns (I HATE places that don't offer that!).
But for thing like make-up and other beauty products I cannot explain my excitement when they arrive!

What are your favourite things about shopping online!?

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Another 10 Annoying Retail Customers

After hearing that you guys totally related to my previous post "10 Annoying Retail Customers" I decided to go and ahead and do another one... because lets face it - the amount of annoying customers is never-ending.

1. Customers that smell
It's funny how they are always the ones who always seem to buy everything BUT deodrant/body spray/soap so it's not like they can't afford it. I do wonder sometimes how and why they have never been told. #youstinky

2. Customers that invade your personal space
Look I'm all up for helping you in your quest for finding "that thing on TV" but please, please keep your god damn distance. You don't need to stand so close, or touch my arm/hand - back off.

3. Customers that try to pull a fast one
Look I know I'm blonde but I am definitely not stupid and trying to return something in the completely opposite condition as to when you bought it is just NOT going to happen. Shoes with mud on the bottom, dresses that smell like detergent.... I've seen it all. Not to mention people who try and get more money back than what they paid for it... just no. Now keep your used item you sucker!

4. Customers that steal things
One of my greatest pet peeves - those god damn shoplifters. I hate you and your five fingered discount.

5. Customers that refuse your help
One of the most frustrating things is seeing a customer who looks lost asking them "Can I help?" them refusing the help and then watching for the next 20 minutes as they carry on  looking round on the definite search for something. 
I know this store like the back of my hand, just ask me.

6. Customers that say "Wake up/Cheer up/It can't be that bad."
There is nothing wrong with standing/sitting at work and daydreaming about what you're going to have for dinner that night. I was FINE until you decided to make an annoying little remark... be gone.

7. Customers that let their kids run around like crazy
This ain't no playpen. Kids are fun but not when they are running round playing silly buggers in the middle of the store, tripping over old ladys and knocking over things! Keep them under control!

8. Customers that ask "Do you work here?"
No I literally wear this uniform and name badge for fun.

9. Customers that ask "Does "insert completely different store that I don't work in" sell it?"
I DON'T KNOW I DON'T WORK THERE!

10. Customers that blame you for something that is totally out of your hands
Power cut, technical difficulties, manager being ill, other customers - yes they are all my fault, please express your extreme anger at me.

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All images found on google images.

The 40 Beauty Questions Tag

So I was casually scrolling through video after video on YouTube the other night (a regular occurrence with me) and I came across this from beautybaby44 and it is the - 40 Beauty Questions Tag! 
Obviously right now I don't do YouTube videos.... I really would love too as I love watching them but I just don't think I am confident enough and not sure I ever will be for it so I thought I'd settled for writing it in a blog post!
(I'm not sure if there is actually 40 questions I just copied the ones from beautybaby44 video!)

 

How many times do you wash your face daily?

Well I give my face a quick wash every morning in the shower but every evening I use Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish to get off all my make-up and clean my face properly.
What skin type do you have? (dry,oily,combo)
I used to have quite normal skin but over the last couple of years its grown more towards the oily side so a bit of a combination really.
What is your current facial wash?
Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish, haven't found anything else that gets off ALL of my make-up with ease and makes my face feel fresh as a daisy. It is the best.
Do you exfoliate?
Yes. Face & Body.
What brand do you use?
 I use a Soap & Glory's Scrub Your Nose In It once or twice a week on my face and their Breakfast Scrub every other day on my body (it smells amazing!)

What moisturiser do you use?
I never really used to use one (face wise) - because I am naughty and I thought it was making my skin more oily but recently have been using Nivea's Soft Moisturising cream and I am in love! It smells amazing and leaves my face feeling so soft and smooth, it is my new obsession! 
Do you have freckles?
I do indeed - my Mum is a redhead so it was inevitable, I have pretty fair skin but my natural hair is quite dark but lots of freckles when the sun comes out - I don't really mind though.

Do you use eye cream?
Nope - does that sound bad? .... maybe I should buy some?
Do you or did you have acne prone skin?
No, I have been very very lucky with my skin and have only got/get the odd spot now and again, I am very grateful for that.
Did you ever have to use Pro-activ?
No. That only came out in the UK a few years ago aswell (clearly this is a US tag), I have been lucky enough not to ever have to use anything like tht.

What foundation do you use?
On a day-to-day basis I wear L'oreal True Match foundation in the shade N4 but on a night out and for more important occassions I mix this with Mac's Studio Sculpt foundation (which is amazing if you love full coverage), I also really like Rimmel's Wake Me Up foundation for a basic daytime look.

How about concealer?
I normally use Maybelline's Super Stay 24H Concealer which is great for my ugly bags under my eyes (I swear I am always tired!) I also recently purchased the blog/youtube-famous Lasting Perfection Concealer from Collection (Formally Collection 2000... when did this change!!?!) which I am also really liking!
Do you know your undertone color?
I'd say I am a neutral as I do have a mix of both warm and cool tones in my skin.

What do you think of fake eyelashes?
LOVE. I have seriously short crap lashes (I use two, sometimes three mascaras everyday) so wearing fake lashes makes me feel so much better about myself andhow my make-up looks! My favourite ones are 107's by eylure, they are my goto lashes, the suit my eye shape (as I also have super small eyes), are easy to put on and normally last all night!

Did you know that you are suppose to change your mascara every 3 months?
Yes I did actually. When I was younger my Mum used to always have "Body Shop Parties" 
round our house ... who remembers them? And I'll always remember the host telling us all that after 3 months your mascara has enough bacteria in it to kill a rat - that is something that has stuck with me ever since.
What brand of mascara do you use?
The brand is always changing and I normally use more than one! I can tell you my current top 3 - Maxfactor's Masterpiece Max, Benefit's they're Real and Rimmel's Lash Accelrator Endless all in black.
Sephora or MAC?
Well I'm from the UK so we don't actually have Sephora but I have been to both stores and think I would choose Sephora for sure - more choice.
Do you have a MAC Pro-card?
Nope, The closest Mac store/counter to me is in Bournemouth I think and if not then it's London so I can't say I go there alot. If I ever want anything by mac I will purchase it online and I google the swatches to check the shade etc if I need to.

What makeup tools do you use in make up application?
Mainly just brushes. The brushes I use on a daily basis are my amazing Real Techniques brushes (my favourite and the best make-up investment I've ever made I think) and some Elf mineral brushes! I also use eyelash curlers - couldn't live without those badboys!
Do you use make-up base/primer for the eyes?
When I am using eyeshadow, which is normally only when I am going on a night out then I just use the Urban Decay Shadow Primer Potion.
For the face?
Yes, I always use a primer. My favourites are the Benefit Porefessional and Smashbox Photo Finish but at the moment I using the Seventeen Photo Flawless primer which is a great dupe for now. (while I am poor) I have also just started using the skin protector primer from ARK Skincare which I am loving in this hot weather - review coming soon!

What is your favorite eyeshadow (color or shade)?
Hands down my Urban Decay Naked Palette. I'm not one to be wearing crazy colours on my eyelids, I think it just looks horredous on me, so I live for the naked palette. I haven't used anything else for eyeshadow since I got this for Christmas - I adore it.
Do you use pencil or liquid eyeliner?
Well I like to use a khol pencil normally like Soap & Glory's eyeliner or Maybelline's Master Drama Khloe Liner but I have just purchased the Seventeen Make Your Mark precision eyeliner pen which is like a felt tip pen and I am loving it. Really wasn't sure that I would but it is great.
How often do you poke your eyes with an eyeliner pencil?
Haha not very often but mascara... that's a different story! It always seems to happen when I have done all my other make-up fine and I am more or less done and I poke myself in the eye really hard with my mascara brush, my eyes water and GAME OVER.
What do you think of pigment eyeshadows?
Never use them - too messy for my liking.
Do you use mineral makeup?
I do own a few bits but it isn't something I reach for, I like really full coverage stuff like liquid foundations and pressed bronzers.

What is your favorite lipstick?
I'm not just going to give one, because I can't pick! But my fav lines of lipsticks is probably Rimmel's Kate Moss collection (and Rimmel in general), Mac lipsticks (although I can't really afford them!) and Barry M.
How about lipgloss?
If you've read my blog before you have probably seen me rave about these and that is the Barry M lipglosses - they are a personal fav of mine and I could rave about them for hours - especially the scents! Also a new favourite which you've probably also seen me rave about is the Rimmel Apocalips. (Check out my previous post to find out all about them!)
What is your favorite blush to use?
I'm not really a blush user to be fair, I'm more of a highlight and bronzer only girl! I do love my Victoria's Secret Powder in All Or Nothing though (check out my Colours Of The Rainbow Tag) not sure wheather I can count that as a blush though. 
Do you buy your makeup on ebay?

Not really know, I have bought things in the past from chap discount stores on there but sometimes you have to question if they are authentic. 

Do you like drugstore makeup?
I love it.

Do you go to CCO's? (cosmetic company outlets)

Not really no, I live on an island do nothing like that really available here. I shop at Fragrance Direct etc though - does that count?

Did you ever consider taking make-up classes?

Yeah still considering putting myself on a course.

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I can be yes but I think I do it so much that I could easily do it without even looking now! The only bit I am worse at is mascara, how do I get it all over my eyelid seriously?! 

Name a makeup crime that you hate?

Foundation lines around the chin and OTT blush/bronzer.
Do you like colorful shades of makeup (lipstick,eyeshadow) or neutral ones?
Lipsticks - I like both, I wear both! But for eyeshadows I like to stick with netural colours.

Which celebrity always has great make up?
The Kardashian's make-up always looks flawless, I love Kim's smokey eye look. I also love the subtle, minimal make-up that the girls on Pretty Little Liars wear - they are gorgeous.   
If you could leave the house using just ONE make up item,what would you use?Mascara, like I said my eyes are small and my lashes are short so this is easiest thing to change my face with one product. 
 Could you ever leave the house without any makeup on?
Yes, although when I do I normally wear my glasses to hide a bit haha, I look so young without make-up on.

Do you think you look good even without any makeup on?

Like I said I look really young without make-up on, I'm lucky with my skin but I'm just not a fan of myself with no make-up on at all but I'm not ashamed of it.

In your opinion, what is the BEST makeup line?

I'll give you my top 4 - Two drugstore and two higher end. Rimmel, Barry M, Benefit & Mac. 

What do you think of Makeup? 

For me I think it a great thing to make yourself feel a bit better and maybe a bit more confident. It is a great way to express yourself and feel unique - I love having an interest in it and it is kind of a hobby, I could think of alot worse things to spend my money on.                  

I hope you all enjoyed this tag and guess what - I TAG YOU to do this post!!!

30 Day Snap #26 - Brush Love & A Sad Day

Returned home from work today to find these beauties waiting for me (Thank you Mr. Postman!) 
Been wanting these 4 for so so long (so far I only have the core collection and that is NOT enough!) and finally splashed out (yes I'm tight) and bought these Real Techniques brushes from feelunique.com.
I ordered  the Powder Brush, the Stippling Brush, the Blush Brush & the Expert Face Brush.
Now...I know they are all going to be amazing so I'm not going to bore you with a post about them because there is already hundreds out there but I thought they would be perfect for today's 30 Day Snap!

Had a really bad day today, one of my little doggies had to be put down so I'm very sad this evening :-( He was 13 and I know it was the best thing for him but I can't help but feel heartbroken, I've grown up with that little guy!


Catch up here, Days - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25.

My Make-up Storage

About a year or so ago my make-up collection was probably about 4 times the size of what it is now, but after a few extremely brutal clearouts I have finally got it down to just the stuff I love and use.
What was the point in me holding onto a lipgloss (or 10) that I've had for 7 years and never use? Or foundations I hate but kept anyway? Or mascaras that are definitely out of date? There wasn't one!
 I still buy more make-up at least a couple of times a month and it's not like I'm short of anything but it is so nice to have condensed it down and finally have it in a tidy and organised fashion!  
I said on twitter than once I hit 100 GFC followers on here (thank you to everyone single person who has taken the time to follow) I would do this post so here it is - a guided tour around my make-up storage/ my dresser!
 I'm not going to bore you with what is in every drawer but if anyone would like that then please let me know in the comments below or via twitter @KirstieLouiseS (p.s.All the acrylic drawers are from Muji.)

A - My Revlon light-up make-up mirror, the current hair oils that I am using which are Liz Earle's Botanical Shine Nourishing Hair Oil & Lee Stafford's Argan Oil & a vanilla candle from Tesco.

B - Photo frame which I actually won in a raffle and I love it to pieces and a studded hairband from Primark. (Photo in the photo frame is one I took in LA of the Beverly Hills sign.)

C - Cotton wool pad jar is actually a sweet jar from Laura Ashley which I got in the sales at Christmas & my Urban Decay Naked palette which is by far one of the best make-up purchases ever, I swear by it.

D - My powders & foundations which include Mac Studio Sculpt Foundation & Rimmel Wake Me up Foundation. 
 I use L'Oreal True Match daily but if I am going on a night out then I always use my Mac Studio Sculpt as the coverage is amazing but I don't like to use it for boring things like going to town/popping out as I think it's a waste of an expensive product and would rather save it!

E - The back holders are full of my brushes which are mostly by elf and range from eyeshadows brushes to stippler brushes and fluffy powder brushers. Then the front left is full of correctors, concealers and fixing products such as a the urban decay eyeshadow primer from the naked palette and elf's mist and set spray. Front right is full of tools and extra little things that I may need such as nail scissors, a spare travalo, nail files, perfume tester, eyelash glue and my amazing Jemma Kidd tweezers.

F - This drawer is full of bronzers, blushes and highlighters. I don't wear blushes that must but still own a few and I love buying new bronzers all the time. A few of my favourites in this drawer are Mac mineralize skin finish natural in Give Me Sun!, St. Tropez Bronzing Brick and Maxfactor Bronzing powders in 01 Golden & 02 Bronze. 

G - On the top of these drawers I keep a lot of my rings in a dish and also have a stone from the shipwreck beach in Zante, Greece where I went last year. (Google it, it is incredible and I had to take a memento with me!) I also have an American quarter as a little memory from when I went travelling.

H - These have to be my favourite drawers and ones that I use the most. I have an addiction to buying lipsticks and other lip products and condensing my collection of these was definitely the most tricky!
 From top to bottom we have ..... Favourite and most used lipglosses, Red lipsticks and products, nude and light pink shade lipsticks, dark and bright pink shade lipsticks and the bottom drawer is full of extra eye shadows (even though I mainly just use my naked palette), mascaras and eyeliners.
(With having a large collection of lipglosses and lipsticks I actually have an extra tin of them in a separate drawer but thought I wouldn't bore you with a photo!)

I keep all my day-to-day make-up (if you're interested I did a post about it here.) together in my DASH Make-up bag which I got from the store in New York as I like to have it all together rather than picking it out from different drawers every morning.

I would love to know what you thought of this post and how you store your make-up collection, leave your comments below!