HELLO 2017

Hello all,

As the new year approaches and 2016 draws to a close, I have been doing some serious relaxing and reflecting, because believe me it's been a stressful and hectic year. (thank-you A-levels)

For starters I've been thinking about all the exciting, and not so exciting things that have happened this year for me. This mainly consisted of me looking through my camera roll and reminiscing on all the fun stuff I've done, cos I take pictures of literally everything - who needs a diary when we have modern technology?!

Obviously, in a year you can cram in lots and lots of things, both good and bad, and let's be honest, for the world as a whole it's been pretty bad, but I can think of some pretty good things that have happened this year.
One thing that was super awesome for me was prom! It was overall such a fun night - my makeup went according to plan and my dress was only £10, so I saved money and had good eyebrows? What more could a girl ask for.
Another embarrassingly admitable accomplishment for me this year was owning my first beauty blender - believe me it's changed my life.
Some other fun things consist of getting a new job, getting some new qualifications, climbing MOUNT SNOWDON (it was awesome and totally worth it for the pictures) and learning to drive and also thank the Lord for Shawn Mendes' new album and for blessing me with the honour of seeing him live- that made my year.
These amongst many more make up my 2016, so it's safe to say it was pretty alright for me.

At the start of 2016, I made some new years resolutions (as many of us earthlings do) and I surprised even myself as I actually kept them - well one.
I have now been a vegetarian for a whole year! It's hard - but totally worth it! Plus feels great to say I've actually stuck to a resolution.

As for 2017, I've already decided on my resolutions - which I intend to keep as best as possible.

Like many others suffering from the-post-christmas-belly-blob in 2017, I'm going to be a regular at the gym - I even bought new trainers! Although I haven't actually got the membership yet..... I fully intend on sorting that out as soon as possible - cos this girl wants abs.

I also intend on being more active on my instagram account (@ForeverFern_) as I love creating makeup looks and posting them on there, and also more active on this blog as well, however forgive me if I'm not perfect - I'm an abnormally busy seventeen year old.

In addition, I want to make myself a more positive person. I recently saw something on tumblr which really got me thinking and made me think "Hey, that's what I wanna do" Basically it consists of replacing "I'm sorry" with 'Thankyou" for example instead of "sorry I'm late" you say "Thankyou for waiting" because believe me I say sorry waaaayyyy too much for no reason, hopefully this makes me more positive!

I also really want to keep a diary, but I have no spare time so, instead I thought I'd start scrapbooking all the fun and exciting things I do next year. It can help me remember what I've done easier and also give me an excuse to have a pretty scrapbook!

Of course I have some boring ones, but I think they're pretty important to mention: Passing my driving test, Passing my AS levels (fingers,toes, eyes EVERYTHING crossed) and also being happy! what a cliche but it's important!!

I hope you all have an amazing new year and I hope you've all had a fantastic 2016! Let me know your favourite parts and if you have any new years resolutions!

Thanks again, Happy new year - see you in 2017!

Fern :) 

OCTOBER FAVOURITES

Hello all,

This year is going so fast, I've said this every month for the last 3 months but its true - IT'S A FACT - the year is almost over! October was a very exciting month for me, as it was my birthday! I also went to the Radio 1 teen awards and saw Shawn Mendes (real tears guys...real tears) So obviously that was one of my favourite things to happen this month! So lets get on with the favourites! 

Morphe 35P Pallet
oh.my.god. If you follow my insta (@foreverfern_) then you'll know I've been lusting over this pallet for the longest time and now I finally have it all to myself! It's a plumby/purple tone pallet which is perfect for my green eyes. (make them girls POP) The shadows are SO pigmented and creamy and amazing! I have been using this like crazy this past month!

Pro Beauty Blender

As you know, I love using makeup sponges for my foundation and other such things, and I have been loving the Pro beauty blender. I think it's a bit smoother at applying foundation PLUS it's black so it doesn't look AS dirty as the pink one, however, it's still pretty dirty. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills - Clear Brow Gel

I love eyebrows, and I love ABH, so when my sister bought me this for my birthday I was SO HAPPY! It's like literal glue for your brows, they will not go anywhere with this baby on them. (ps I'm happy with this picture can we appreciate plz) 

UE BOOM 2 

Also for my birthday, I received this awesome portable speaker from my family! I love to 'crank the tunes' as the kids say, and this speaker is amazing. I've literally used this everyday when doing school work or just in general, it also waterproof, so its shower proof! (not that I ever would i get too stressed lol) 

Joss Sterling - Shaken
If you know me, and you know my blog then you know I love Joss Sterling. I finally got my hands on her newest book and I couldn't be more happy! It's so amazing, it has the right level of comedy, romance, drama and action it' all around amazing! I loved reading this book!

Thankyou for reading I hope you enjoyed! Let me know your faves from October! Enjoy November (aka christmas)

Thanks again

Fern :) 

HOW TO HELP GET CLEARER SKIN - IN DEPTH SKIN CARE ROUTINE

Hello all,

As the cold winter months roll in, not only our bank accounts begin to suffer but our poor skin does too. I have always struggled with my skin, so believe me when I say it's not as easy as just 'washing your face' to get rid of oil, dryness and acne. So if you want to fight those pugnacious spots then keep on reading. 

Over the last several years, I have been searching for the perfect skin care routine, as I've suffered with acne and extremely oily skin since I hit the oh so wonderful stage of puberty (deffo not a girls best friend) However now, I have a pretty stable routine and little tips and tricks to help keep my skin clear! Even if you don't have oily skin and you suffer with dry skin, I'm sure there's deffo something here that can help you! 

Quick disclaimer that this routine may not work for everyone, and its definitely not full-proof - I am no qualified dermatologist, everything I say is either leaned from experience or what I myself have been told by one. Acne is a natural thing and it is very hard to stop completely! Don't let anyone ever let you feel bad about your skin because I guarantee if they don't have skin problems in their teens, they will get it later in life. Either that or they are a robot.  

First things first you want to have a good makeup remover. I highly recommend you use a water-type remover, such as my personal favourite Garnier micellar water. (or any kind that suits you, i know No7 do a good one) This one is especially good as it comes in so many different types, to fit every skin type. However, I simply use the original one. 

These are so much better for your skin compared to makeup wipes, as they don't tug on your skin, they cleans it as the same time and they never leave it feeling raw. Also they do a really really good job of getting your makeup off - which is vital! 

Next up you want to use a face scrub/wash that works for you. This may take a while to find, through the method of trail and improvement. 

There are many out there that I love but all of them are by the brand 'Clean and clear' as they do a line of 'advantage oil free' face products. These are my ride or die products as if I go even a single day without using it, I'll wake up with enough oil on my face to make an oil-rig millions. 

This one is my current favourite (Oil control cream wash) however I like to change it for another once it runs out, just in case my skin becomes 'immune.' Believe me. It happens. 

I like to use this twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This keeps your face fresh and clean, as it helps to get the bacteria and the gross stuff off your face. 

Next you want to use a cleaner. This step isn't vital if you use the micellar water which has a cleaner in anyway. However I always use this as it gets LITERALLY everything off your skin - in a good way. This one is the Clean and Clear Deep cleansing lotion for sensitive skin. 

Finally in my everyday routine I use a moisturiser. This one is the Neutrogena Norwegian formula deep comfort balm. I use this one as it is thin, however can be applied in layers to make it thicker, making it good for all skin types. It's also very soothing and makes your skin sooo soft.
Moisturisers are a must, for both oily and dry skin and there's so many different types it's important to know which one is right for you.

There are 2 types of moisturiser: water based and oil based. A clear way to tell the difference is the colour. Water based and the white, typical moisturisers, whereas the oil based ones look a clear-yellowy colour, like vaseline. 

If you suffer from really really dry skin (like crispy) then the oil based is the best - however i think this is only available from doctors or over the counter. I once had this when I had horribly dry skin as a result to acne medication (lol the irony - try to make it better and makes it worse) and that's what the doctor prescribed me! 

However if you have oily skin then a thin water based moisturiser is for you! 

If you suffer from what i like to call 'pop-up spots' (which are spots that literally pop up randomly, whether it be around your period or just whenever) this Neutrogena Visibly clear rapid clear treatment is perfect. It's magic in a tube. It clears spots in around 4 hours, so it's perfect to put on over night and be cleared up in the morning! 

Another way to treat your skin is to occasionally use a face mask. This one is the Good things 5-minute facial and it makes your skin feel fresh and SOO soft! 

One more vital part of my routine is Tetrasyl acne tablets. These were prescribed to me by the doctor and cannot be purchased without a prescription. These have made all the difference and after years of trying creams, serums and other things that wrecked my skin, these are the best thing to ever happen to my skin - so if you suffer from acne i highly recommend going to visit your GP! 

Another KEY TIP for keeping your skin clear is makeup! Now, we all know that makeup doesn't help your skin, as it can block your pores and stop the fresh air from getting into your skin. So one tip is to give your face a day off every now and then - soak up some fresh air, get some vitamin D! 

Another tip is to aways wear SUNCREAM on your face if it's hot. I know you want a tan but suncream doesn't stop the tan but bad rays from the sun which can cause dry skin, irritation and cancer. 

FINAL TIP from me is when you use concealer, if it's in a tube with an applicator, always put the product on the back of your hand before applying to a spot. This stops the spread of infection back into the tube and still allows you to cover your acne!

Thankyou for reading, I hope this post helped you in some way! Let me know if it has and what your favourite skin care products are!

Thanks again,

Fern :) 

SEPTEMBER FAVES

Hello all,

Ahhh its October! As we are well and truly into the month now (apologies for my late post, my camera has been playing up and A-levels allow no free time) I can barely remember what happened in September. School now takes up the majority of my life, PLUS I'm starting a new job on top of that and all the extra curricular enrichments I take part in...Stress levels are at an all time high. However, the things I've been loving the last month have totally helped the stress, because who doesn't get stress relief from gorgeous eyeshadow and Shawn Mendes?

Makeup evolution Pro Fix setting spray.

Towards the start of the month, I was noticing a serious issue with my makeup, and it was that it was literally dripping off my face about 2 hours after putting it on, which on the grand scale of things, is not long at all! SO I decided to try out this setting spray, and it's a miracle worker! (only £5 so I can drench myself everyday) It really keeps your makeup on all day and leaves your face feeling refreshed! 

Nars lipstick - Hot Voodoo

This lipstick was a must-haver from TKMAXX and honestly this picture does not do it justice (my insta post does - shameless self advertisement) it's the most gorgeous bronzy gold colour and is perfect for the Autumn season! 

BhCosmetics - togo pallet
When ordering some other things online (like the next thing I will be talking about) I got this little wonder free! It's crazy pigmented and the colours are gorgeous! I've been totally obsessed with the white highlight shade as well as the cranberry colour, they blend amazingly! I totally adore this little pallet!

BhCosmetics X Shaanxo pallet
OH MY GOD. I have no words for this pallet. The lipstciks and eyeshadows are so pigmented, so creamy and blendable and so pretty! I have literally been using this non stop, and created so many different looks with it! I LOVE Shaaanxo on youtube, she's one of my main inspirations so to have her pallet and be in love with it is even better! Just look at those shimmer shades!!!

Shawn Mendes - Illuminate 
No words can even describe this album. I'm honestly so in love with the songs and the vibe that the album has, it's so relaxed and chill, such an easy listen but at the same time the songs have deeper meanings and you can literally feel the emotion in his voice, so so amazingly talented. I haven't stopped listening to it since I got it! 100% recommend!

Thank you for reading I hope you enjoyed! I hop you all have a wonderful October (well whats left of it) let me know your September faves!

Thanks again

Fern :) 

PRODUCTS I'VE USED UP / REVIEW

Hello all,

So today I have a post that I've seen a lot of people do recently, and it's always been a popular one on youtube. I personally love watching and reading them so I thought I'd give it a go! 

I use a lot of products on a day to day basis, whether they be make up, skin care or just other stuff in general, and eventually all that stuff runs out! So I thought I'd share the products I've used up and whether or not I would re-purchase them! 

L'oreal True Match is one of the only drugstore foundations that is actually pale enough for me, so it's always been a part of my collection. This is the second bottle I've used up and believe me it's completely drained! (even though the edges of the bottle are still covered) This foundation has an amazing build-able coverage, which doesn't look cakey, making it perfect for my skin which is uneven and has random red spots. 

I will be 100% re purchasing this, as it's not only amazing but only £12. 

Next is the Rimmel 'brow this way.' I have already used two tubes of this but sadly I don't think I will be re-purchasing another! As I've used it up, I've noticed that it's actually doing nothing for me. My brows last and look exactly the same with and without it. Also this one dried up before I could use it all! Don't get me wrong, the colour is nice, and it's alright when I don't want to fill my brows in, buuut that's a very rare occasion. I think I will have to have a look around more for a brow gel that works for me! 

This Collection Lasting perfection concealer is a very highly raved about product, and for all the right reasons. I have honestly used at least 6 of these bad boys up fully and as you can see from the picture they are truly well loved! It's the perfect coverage, doesn't look cakey, perfect colour for me and it blends out amazingly and lasts all day! (as the name suggests) I will 105% be re-purchasing this concealer, however I normally wait till it's on offer, as it can go from £4.19 to under £3!

If you've been reading my blog for a while you'll know how much I love this mascara! It is the Maybelline 'the falsies' volume extreme. It's so black and makes your eyelashes literally look like falsies. The wand is also curved, you you get a really nice curl to your lashes as well as covering the entire lash in mascara. I will deffo re-purchase this and I think it's about £6.99. 

As well as the mascara, I have always loved Rimmel Stay Matte powder, it was the first ever powder I ever had, because at the time everyone on youtube loved it! It's inexpensive (£3.99) and does make your face matte and foundation last. However recently I've noticed that it makes my face look really furry, as thought it gets stuck to all my peach fluff and accentuates it and believe me it's not cute! Therefore this time I think I'll try a new powder (from the drugstore) and see how they play out!

I've always wanted white teeth, and I just have a thing about having clean and fresh teeth. This toothpaste is amazing! It makes you mouth feel so fresh and clean! Personally, I think Colgate is the best toothpaste brand for that reason. As for whitening my teeth, I can't honestly tell you if it works because I wasn't keeping track! I would LOVE to re-purchase this product however it's sooo expensive! (like £4 a tube) so if it's ever on offer, I'll get on the bandwagon again! Until then my friend...

Next up is my favourite makeup remover of all time! It is the one and only Garnier Micellar cleansing water. I love this one the most over the others I've tried, as it literally gets your makeup off in seconds AND you get so much in a bottle! I also find you don't have to pull on your skin or frantically rub it to get the makeup off, just a gentile wipe and boom. makeup free. I will deffo be re-purchasing this as it lasts for such a long time!

Finally, I've used up all of my Andrew Barton SOS help me hair treatment. This is amazing for split ends or dead hair as it literally brings so much life back to your hair. I love this and will be re-purchasing! 

Thankyou so much for reading, I hope you enjoyed! Let me know if you love any of these products!

Thanks again 

Fern :) 

AUGUST FAVES

Hello all,

Ahh Summer is almost over! (officially over on the 21st September) And I'm so excited for autumn and winter, my two favourite seasons because who doesn't love wearing big jumpers and dark lipstick. 

Anyway the last month has been a good one for me, I've finally completed a lifegurading course! Also my friend and I went to London and saw the Lion King, which was really good! I was also lucky enough to visit Wales, which was really beautiful! But all the happiness is gonna change when school starts again in 2 days for me! UGH A-levels! 

I have a few bits and bobs I've been totally obsessed with this month so, lets get going!  

Johnson Makeup-remover wipes

I have been extremely lazy this past month, and when it comes to the time of day when I want to be rid of my makeup from that day, I've been reaching for wipes instead of my usual micellar water. These particular wipes get my makeup off really fast, and they save the effort of putting the remover on a cotton wool pad, then wiping one eye, then repeat. I just use one wipe for my whole face and boom. Makeup gone! 

The balm - Mary-lou Manizer. 

This highlighter. Major heart eye emoji. If you follow me on instagram (@foreverfern_) then you'll know I've been loving this! I bought it whilst in London, and I've been obsessing with it ever since. It's the perfect golden colour without being too gold, if that makes sense? The pigmentation is amazing! Literally the perfect glow for anyone and everyone. 

MAC lipstick - plumb dandy, Essence lipstick 

So I've been obsessing with dark lips this last month, even though it's not officially autumn, I've still been loving them. These two are both gorgeous colours and have been my go-to lips when I'm out and about! 

Jenny Han - The summer I turned pretty.

I LOVE THIS BOOK! My sister recommended it to me and oh my I love it! There's 3 in the series and it's a very typical girl book but it's so sweet and amazing! I read this trilogy in literally 3 days, a book a day. Perfect summer read! 

Joss Sterling - Summer Shadows
Oh. My.God. This book. It's the sixth (and final *cries) book in the savant series by Joss sterling. I mentioned these books in my Favourite books post. (the first in the series is called 'Finding Sky' ) I kid you not I am heart broken that this is the last book. The tears are real.
This book had me gripped the whole way through, I loved the characters so much! Reading this then lead me to re-read the entire series again...and I'll most likely read them many more times! If you want a book series thats the best in the world you gotta read these. You just gotta.

Shawn Mendes - Mercy

I have 0 words. This song guys omg. If you know me then you know I love shawn and his music, he's crazy talented it must be magic. I swear that boy knows some voodoo stuff cos his voice is like a charm, it's just amazing. (can you tell I'm obsessed) ANYWAY, this song is one that's going to be on his newest album (September 23rd people - be prepared) and it's honestly amazing. I bought it then literally listened to it at least 20 times. It's ones of those songs you have to listen to a lot of times, because it's just that good. You can really hear the passion in his voice and ugh it's so good! 

Aero hot chocolate
I normally don't have drinks like hot chocolate at home, because we're such a typical British tea drinking family but recently I've been loving this hot chocolate. One day I just had a sudden craving for hot chocolate and boom. Now I'm crazy about it. (As I sit here writing this I'm sipping away at my hot chocolate) If you want a tip about hot chocolate, always, ALWAYS add a bit of cold milk. Makes all the difference!

Thankyou so much for reading I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what you've been loving in August and what you're looking forward to next month!

Thanks again,

Fern :) 

HIGH END MAKEUP THAT'S WORTH THE MONEY

Hello all,

As you may know, I love a good bargain (it's no secret) and I love to get the most out of my money, however there are some high-end makeup products that I would gladly splash that extra bit of cash on as the quality is so good and worth the extra money. 

Don't get me wrong, I love drugstore makeup and believe that most of it is just as good as your higher end makeup, likewise I do believe that some high-end makeup is not that great! 

So, the products I mention in this post are the ones I believe to be 100% worth your money, and you will not be disappointed! 

First up is my one true love, combining the perfect mix of eyeshadow and chocolate, Too faced really know the way to my heart with their Chocolate bar pallet. 

This costs £39, so it's quite pricey, however it's utter perfection. The colours are all so pretty as well as super pigmented, and you can literally create so many different looks from simple everyday ones to really dramatic. This has to be my favourite pallet I own, and it's lasted me so long as I haven't even hit pan yet! 

This pallet is 101% worth the money and needs to be a staple in your collection. 

Next up are MAC lipsticks. The two I have are the shades 'Angel' and 'Plumb dandy' and I love them! They're so creamy and so pigmented, also the shade range of lipsticks MAC do is crazy, there are so many so there's deffo a colour for everyone, and at £15.50 each I think they're so worth the money. The size of the bullet (the lipstick bit) is really big as well, so they will last you a long time! 

Up next is (I apologise for the very horrible picture of my very well loved beauty blender) the famous Beauty Blender. I have raved about this sponge so many times, like so many others it's no surprise I would include it. 

The beauty blender is so amazing for blending foundation, concealer and whatever products you wish to use it with, it makes your foundation look flawless without getting cakey, and even though there are so many cheaper dupes, I personally think the beauty blender is the best and the most squishy! This little gift from God costs £16 (from boots and beauty bay) and will not let you down!

At the slightly more pricey £23.50, we have Dallas bronzer by Benefit.
We've all heard of the infamous 'Hoola' however for me, Dallas is the way to go.
As I have very fair skin, it's hard to find a drugstore bronzer that isn't too warm or muddy, but Dallas is perfect. It's right in the middle of warm and cool, with slightly pinky undertones which make it perfect for bronzing my vampire skin, also if you had darker/ more tanned skin it would be a really pretty blush!
It's also very pigmented, lasts all day, comes with the amazing little brush and the pan size is really deep, making it, or any of the other benefit box bronzers/blushes, perfect for those who want a staple product they can use and keep using. (perfect for those just starting out with makeup or want something that does the job)

My absolute ride or die is up next; if you want brows that last all day, come rain or shine, and guarantee to get peoples heads turning and them thinking "Damn, that's some fleeky brows' then you gotta have Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Brow pommade.
This beauty is £15 and no joke is worth the money and so much more. I've used mine everyday for over a year and I still haven't hit the bottom, and believe me I don't go light on the brows.
The pigmentation is amazing, it lasts all day (waterproof included - tried and tested by yours truly) and you won't run out 1 week after buying it, making it a staple in my makeup collection.

Up next is the amazing Mary-lou Manizer by The balm cosmetics.

It's no secret that this highlight is beautiful, as it's so highly raved about within the beauty world and I shall say it again: It's AMAZING! The colour is the perfect gold, as it's not too warm or too cool, it's the right neutral gold to suit every skin tone. Also it's so pigmented and not chalky or pasty at all! 

This costs £17.50, and I know some people say it's drugstore, as you can get it in Superdrug, however the prices are not, what I would say, drugstore friendly, however it's deffo worth the money! 

Following the highlighter theme I've got going, my next worthy high end product is MAC mineralised skinfinish highlighter in Soft and Gentle, which sells for £24.

I love this product, as the glow it gives is amazing, it's not too in yo face but it's still popping. (10/10 for english there) It's a beautiful warm gold shade but still doesn't look too dark on your skin. Again it's very pigmented and blends beautifully, so it never looks harsh! An amazing product for those who want a staple highlighter that will last you a long time, as the pan is a good size and also raised. 

(Can you tell I'm highlighter obsessed) Up next is the one and only Champagne Pop by Becca X Jaclyn Hill, and good Lord it is the glow of the Gods. If you wanna glow and be seen from the moon you need this. This is a very luxurious product, as it's not cheap, at £32 a piece you gotta want it, and for me it's totally worth it. (and not just because it's by my queen Jaclyn)
The pigmentation is crazy, it's just mad good. Also the colour is gorgeous and the PERFECT champagne colour, unlike anything I've ever tried before. It is a lot of money, but I honestly think it's worth it.

Next is pallet perfection. I swear the God's and Goddesses that are Tarte cosmetics heard my prayers and made this pallet, it's utter perfection. It is the Tartlette amazonian clay matte pallet, and costs £33.

With this pallet you have 12 amazing cool-tone matte shades, that are super pigmented, super buttery, creamy and super blendable. 

The pallet is amazing as it has your everyday browns as well as darker browns and the most gorgeous pink/purples, perfect for you green or brown eyed babes out there. 

This is another one of my go-to pallets, and I 100% recommend it, deffo worth the money, I mean look at the size of that mirror! 

Last but by no means least, we have the contour King from Anastasia Beverly hills. This is the Contour Kit in Light-Medium, and it costs £39.

This pallet is honestly perfect for everyone, as they have 3 different tones, light to medium, medium tan and tan to dark (I think that's right) so the bronzing shades are catered to suit the skin tone. For example the light one has mainly cool tone ashy contour shades, perfect for that chizzeled look. 

All the powders are so pigmented and blend so easily, making it next to impossible to look muddy, like some drugstore bronzers do. Also it has the amazing highlighting shades as well as the shimmer shade, putting all your necessities in one place! 

Thankyou very much for reading I hope you enjoyed! Let me know what your favourite high-end products are and why you love them! 

Thanks again!

Fern :)