A Little University Update!

Hello lovelies!

It feels like it has been ages since I have spoken to you all on here! :( University life is so busy, even if I do spend a lot of time in bed, that finding time to blog is very difficult right now. But I am missing it so thought I would do a little update on what has been  happening whilst I have been here.

I have been at Greenwich for over a week now, and trust me it feels like a lot longer. The place is stunning, it is old fashioned with its cobbles and Hogwarts style buildings, my university buildings are actually used in films apparently, like Pirates of the Caribbean and the new Les Miserables film. It is also right on the River Thames with Canary Wharf opposite so there are some lovely views.

I can't comment on my course yet as I have only had one lecture and one tutorial, which have been based on getting to know each other. I am studying a BA Honours in Events Management, and in the programme my courses are Introduction to the Events Industry, Experience Design for Events, International Events and Festivals and Professional Practice (based on work experience etc.) 

I am so excited to get going with it though, I have been passionate about events for a long time now and hope I am going to be good at it, even if I will struggle with essay and report writing! 

Another great thing that has happened whilst being in Greenwich is that I managed to get myself a job! I wanted to get a job that is related to my course and interests, so am now working at the O2 Arena (how exciting!) I start of selling programmes on event days and nights, I am really excited, I think the place will have a good vibe to it and be fun to work in. Plus it will hopefully open doors to work there in other sections because of my choice of degree! :)

University life so far has been really fun, if anyone is considering going and wants to know more then I could give writing a full post a go! My flat mates are all really lovely, we get on so well with each other and are always laughing. Plus I have a met a fab group of girls who are studying the same course as me.

I hope you have enjoyed reading some of the brilliant guest posts that have been up recently. I hope to get back to blogging soon :) 

Thank you to everyone who has tweeted me and been lovely whilst I have been quiet! 

You can tweet me @elliesteadman1 and if you are interested in writing a blog post please email me at elliegracex@live.com

I hope you are all well and enjoying uni life if you have just started too!

University!

Hi lovelies!

I moved into my student halls today in Greenwich and am now officially a university student!!!

I can't believe it and love it so far, it was really sad saying goodbye to family but I have met some lovely people already. Its 2am and I know I won't be able to sleep for ages but right now I don't really care.

I am sorry that I will be a bit quiet for a while as I settle in and get into routine, but I have a few guest posts lined up, which I am really excited for you to all see. If you would like to guest post for me please email me at elliegracex@live.com! I would love some more of you to help me out please.

I will be keeping you all updated through twitter @elliesteadman1 and will try to blog more when I am settled and used to everything. 

Speak soon!

Haul | Primark September 2012

Hi lovelies!

I have made a video.

It is awful, it is stretched, the quality is bad, I don't know how to fix any of this..

Make sure to change the setting to 720pHD to see it better :)

If you can't watch the embedded version the link is below! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4-1E7gEX_U Again, I am sorry it is rubbish, but I gave it a go! Let me know what you think :)

Review | TOWIE Love Addict and Platinum VIP

Hi lovelies!

At the end of July I attended the TOWIE Beauty and Fragrance Event in London, which you can read about here. Being an Essex girl myself I had a great time and was very gratedful to receive samples of the latest fragrances that TOWIE Beauty have released. I really loved the scent of Dazzle, the previous female fragrance, it was sweet with a hint of vanilla so right up my street!

Love Addict* is the new female fragrance fronted by Sam Faiers, who helped to put together the scent and design. I do actually quite like the bottle of the perfume, it is very fun and feminine. It does look slightly cheap, but to be fair you are paying a great deal less than you would for other brands so it is not a problem. The actual scent is completely different to what you would expect and very different from the Dazzle fragrance.

Satisfy your obsession with LOVE ADDICT, a sexy and seductive new female fragrance to attract and ignite that love addiction! This fragrance has a woody oriental accord opening with notes of lemon anise and raisin on a floral heart to keep the passion alive! 100% TOWIE LOVE!

When I first sprayed this I really did not like it, I found it quite strong and very woody. I let it settle and my mind changed. It is completely different to the sweet scents I love, but it is actually really lovely. It is not overpowering and has notes of raisin and lemon that are noticeable. It is very long lasting too!

Platinum VIP* is the male fragrance, fronted by Arg who was also involved in creating the scent and bottle.

This bottle was incredibly difficult to photograph because of it being completely mirrored! I like the bottle, it is fun and compact, so would be great for men to travel with. 

Being a Platinum VIP is all about making sure you are part of the exciting, exclusive and trendy lifestyle! Make sure you are part of this with Platinum VIP fragrance. A fruity oriental accord opening with bright citrus accords of lemon, ozone, mandarin, pepper and cardamom perfect for any night out!

I have no idea what half of the notes are from the description. I am not clued up on male fragrances, I like anything from the Topman own branded fragrance to Chanel for men. I really like the scent of Platinum VIP! It seems to be aimed at the younger male, but I have tested it on all different ages and everyone has said they would wear it. It does have a slightly fruity scent, but it is balanced out by the other notes of pepper.

You can pick up Love Addict here and Platinum VIP here for less than £20 for 100ml, a great bargain!

TOWIE Beauty also has a range of cosmetics and accessories coming out, which I really hope I am able to get my hands on, because from what I saw at the event it all looked really promising!

Would you try a fragrance by TOWIE Beauty?

I am holding a mini giveaway to win an Essie polish here.

Review | Essie A Crewed Interest

Hi lovelies!

Sorry for my quietness recently, I have been so busy getting ready for moving to University on Saturday and seeing some friends for the last time in a while, scary stuff! The other night I discovered by browsing on Fragrance Direct that they were selling Essie polishes for £1.99 each. I have never tried an Essie polish before and was not going to spend over £6 to buy them, so I may have accidently purchased 10 bottles, I am a sucker for a hyped up product.

 Some of the polishes from Fragrance Direct website have the thinner brush and some have the thicker brush. I do not know much about Essie but from what I have heard the range sold in UK drugstores is a diffusion line, so some of the polishes I have bought come from that, which is why there is a difference in the brush size. I love the bottles, they look so cute lined up together.

This brush is thick and easy to cover the whole nail in two strokes. I found the formula to be slightly streaky and not as opaque as I wanted, but after applying three coats and a top coat it was fine. A Crewed Interest is a gorgeous creamy peach colour, perfect for the last few days of sunshine we may have. It is similar to Barry M Peach Melba, which is a favourite of mine!

It lasted pretty well considering I have been at work and packing up my room. It started to chip after the third day, but that is usually the time I want to change the colour anyway. I love the creamy colour and shiny finish. It is elegant and flattering even on my pale skin tone. I was impressed with the wear, especially considering I had three coats on, however it was fairly streaky and I would have been disappointed if I had paid full price for it.

Have you tried any of the Essie range?

Review | eBay Blush Palette

Hi lovelies, 

I have wanted to expand my collection of blushes for a while now, but being on a budget now I am a student I did not want to pay a lot. I am still learning the shades that suit my pale skin and the best way for me to wear blusher so I recently purchased this 10 shade palette from an eBay seller in China. 

Some people may be funny about buying make up online from another country, but I thought this was a bargain price and by the time I put blusher on there are so many other layers of make up on my skin that I don't think it would do much harm!

I ordered the palette on the 24th August and it arrived this morning, packaged very securely to stop damage. I love the palette design. The matte black case looks like it should be more expensive and it clips shut easily. I like how they blushers are laid out as well. There is a variety of different shades to play around with. The top row is also a lot more shimmery than the bottom row. 

There are a variety of shades that are all different and very lovely to look at. Some of them look quite scary in the pan but transfer onto the skin much calmer so they are easier to apply. I am fairly pale skinned but I think I will be able to work with all of the blush shades in some way, some of them are also suitable for highlighting and some for contouring as well. 

(Top Row)

(Bottom Row)

The blushers are actually surprisingly good quality. They are creamy to touch and quite pigmented. Some are  stronger than others but they are all very build-able and easy to work with. I am impressed with the palette considering it cost about £3.50 and think it is a good idea for anyone looking to expand their collection or start wearing blusher!

I purchased the palette from the link below, the seller sells all sorts so it is worth a look!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/310378316024?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649#ht_5719wt_1046

Have you purchased any make up from eBay?

OOTD #2- I think this might be it for us. ♫

Hi lovelies,

I went to one of my best friends 19th birthday party last night, I was in a big rush but attempted to capture some outfit pictures. My camera memory card arrived yesterday but I have yet to test it, so I am sorry for the rubbish and seriously unflattering pictures!

Sheer Studded Collar Shirt- Primark

Disco Pants- River Island

Studded Slippers- Primark

I was slightly gothic last night! I love studs, as you probably all know by now, and love this sheer spot shirt from Primark with the studded collar. I wore it with a plain white strap top underneath, I do not have a figure that needs flaunting! I wore my River Island tube/disco pants, which are incredibly comfy and the black studded slippers from Primark.

I am tempted to film a haul video tomorrow as I have collected a lot of things lately in preparation for my move to university on Saturday! Scary stuff.

My Essie giveaway ends on Friday, you can enter here! 

Advertising is also avaliable on my blog from £2 a month, please email me if you are interested :) 

Are you a fan of the stud trend at the moment?

Review | DGJ Organics Hangover Hair Luxury Shampoo and Intensive Gloss Treatment

Hi lovelies

I was recently sent some samples from the DGJ Organics range. I am always on the look out for new haircare products to try in the effort to tame my hair and condition the dry ends. There has recently been a lot of talk about sulphate free shampoo and conditioner and the benefits they have for your hair. I have really wanted to try a chemical free hair care brand so was very happy to receive the Hangover Hair samples.

The company is fronted by Daniel Galvin Junior, a celebrity hairdresser. He has developed his own organic range of products that are free from chemicals, sulphates and parabens. Only natural cleansing agents and essential oils are used to make this products. The luxury shampoo and intensive conditioning treatment are aimed at reviving dull, tired and stressed hair. This is literally a description of my hair if you chuck in the words frizzy, chaotic and a mess.

The Hangover Hair Luxury Shampoo* contains lavender and essential oils to revive hair. 

Transform tired and dull hair into glossy tresses that look and smell fabulous. Hangover Hair is the perfect remedy for your hung-over locks that have been through a hard day’s work and a long night partying. 

I admit I was quite overpowered by the smell of lavender as it has never been one of my favourite scents, but from using this I have actually grown to really like it. It is a very soothing scent that calms me down mentally as well as cleansing my hair. The shampoo lathers up well considering it is free from the chemicals that force other products to do the job! It leaves my hair feeling very clean and not weighed down. I like the way the lavender scent lingers in your hair and my hair feeling very soft. 

The Hangover Hair Repair Intensive Conditioning Repair and Gloss Treatement* has a more subtle scent of lavender that is not as strong as the shampoo. 

DGJ Organics Hair Repair & Gloss Treatment for hair that looks really hung-over use this 2in1 intensive treatment to provide that extra moisture shot it so desperately needs.

As this is an intensive conditioning treatment it works best the longer you leave it on, with the recommended time being 20 minutes. If your hair is kept warm whilst the conditioning treatment is on then the effects will be better as well. I like to wash my hair with the shampoo and then apply the intensive treatment whilst I have a hot bath, and then wash it out afterwards. Using this treatment leaves my hair feeling incredibly soft and lightweight, with a lot more volume than usual as well! My hair looks shinier and healthy too.

I usually just purchase whatever shampoo and conditioner is on offer or something around the £2-3 mark, but I would be willing to pay the extra for the DGJ Organics luxury products! 

The shampoo and intensive treatment are £5.99 each and can be purchased here.

Would you be interested in a luxury hair care product free from the nasty chemicals?