OOTD | welcome to the new age

jacket- marks and spencer

top- topshop

leggings- topshop

boots- linzi

Firstly I know these pictures are awful and I look like a really unattractive and awkward idiot, I was mid laugh and my Nan was awful at taking pictures so this was all we could do! I will be getting a tripod I think so I can attempt to do it myself! :)

I went shopping, again, yesterday and was dragged into M&S by my Nan. She was browsing the sale section when I spotted this cameo army style jacket. I was pretty shocked to find something like this in M&S to be honest. I think it's a love or hate piece but I really like it. It's a size too big but I like oversized jackets so it's okay. It was £15 reduced from £60, which is a huge bargain! It's really well made so I'm pretty chuffed to have found it. 

Review | Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Setting sprays are a make up product that I think can be a game changer. If you work long hours like me or just have trouble with make up staying in place then a setting spray may work wonders for you. If I spend time on my make up then I want it to last a long as I need it too, especially if I am doing something special.

Urban Decay have joined with Skindinavia, a brand known for their setting sprays, to create All Nighter. An oil and paraben free formula which also has temperature control technology. The formula is a weightless mist that you spritz onto your finished make up in an X and T formation, it claims to protect your make up from the elements that might affect it during the day like wind, rain and heat. I love the simple and sleek bottle. 

I put All Nighter to the test on a 12hour shift at work. My shifts include standing in really cold temperatures for ages, then walking up and down lots of stairs inside the arena, so I think this was a good test! When you apply this you barely notice it because it is so light weight. It's gentle and refreshing too apply.

This definitely works and lives up to the claims. After a long shift my make up still looks exactly the same as it did at the start and there was no need for retouching. Impressive stuff! If the weather has been really awful then I might need to sort out a bit of shine but considering what I would usually need to do this is a huge improvement. 

In my opinion this is an investment if you need something extra for days you need your make up to last longer. I will be purchasing a bottle when mine runs out, although I think its set to last a very long time!

Urban Decay All Nighter* costs £19.50 from lookfantastic. 

Have you ever used a setting spray?

Click here to enter my Birthday Giveway!

Review | Soap & Glory Hand Food

Only recently have I started to properly take care of my nails and hands, oh how I wish I had started sooner! I have had several mini tubes of Hand Food in all my handbags for a while now and recently got myself a big tube to keep by my bed. I am in love. It smells divine, with the tradtional Soap & Glory scent that most people adore. It is incredibly moisturising but lightweight. It sinks into skin so quickly, doesn't leave any greasy residue and leaves your hands feeling seriously soft. 

There is no excuse by now to not have tried and fallen in love with this stuff! If you haven't then go and get yourself some now.  It is the only hand cream I have ever used, which means I don't have anything to compare it too but I don't need another one! 

A large tube of Hand Food costs £5 from Boots and is pretty much always on 3 for 2!

Are you a fan?

Click here to enter my Birthday Giveway! 

CLOSED- Happy Birthday Ellie's Ramblings- Giveaway!

It's my blogs birthday!

A year ago today I published my blog and I can't believe how quickly it has gone :)

I say it a lot but I just love writing my blog, it feels like its been so much longer than a year, but in a good way! I think I have come a long way and have worked hard to improve it and get better at my writing.

I am so lucky to have met so many lovely bloggers too that have been an incredible support and I really feel like I can trust and call friends. Whenever someone tells me they like my blog it makes my day so much better, it sounds cliche but it really does mean so much to me.

So much has happened in my life in one year, it really has flipped upside down but blogging is something that keeps me constant and gives me something to focus on. If you are a follower than thank you so much! From the bottom of my heart I am so grateful that you have taken the time to follow me and read all my ramblings!

As a mini thank you and celebration you can win my current obsession! Rimmel Apocolips! 

You can win three shades of your choice!

To enter just complete the form below, it is open til midnight on the 7th of March!

It is international too so wherever you are you have a chance to win.

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review | Chocoholics

Valentines came and I was obviously drowning in gifts and cards. . .

Well yeah, I wasn't but I was sent this really lovely box of chocolates* from Chocoholics to try out, and I saved them until Valentines day so I had a little treat.

I love the packaging with the 'Bloggers Collection' ribbon. I will definitely be keeping it! The box of chocolates came with a description of each chocolate. There were six inside and every one of them was devoured by me and my Nan. They really were delicious and made a lovely treat for Valentines. My absolute favourite was the Butterscotch Cupcake, cake and chocolate, what's not too like?!

My Nan has already created a wishlist of what she wants to order and considering how reasonably priced it is for the quality I don't think it will be long before I am eating more cupcake chocolates.

Did you get anything nice for Valentines Day?

*Pr Sample

Meet my February Advertisers

I'm Sophie, a 20 year old fashion student determined to keep up her fashion and beauty addictions on a student budget! fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogging take up my spare time - that's when i'm not online window shopping. I've got a softspot for Cath Kidston, floral prints and boybands.

Sophie is one of the loveliest girls I have met through blogging, she is such a great girl and I have been reading her blog and following her on Twitter for a while now. She is so much like me with Cath Kidston, boyband and window shopping addicitons!

www.sophiellafashion.blogspot.co.uk

www.facebook.com/sophielouisewfashbeaulife 

@sophielouisew_

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Come and check out my blog for beauty reviews, make up looks and lots of nail art!

I have only recently discovered Sarah's blog but I am so glad I did! Allure Cube has really great pictures that draw me into Sarah's posts. Sarah posts about products I have wanted to try myself and gives honest and clear reviews, I always end up with a bigger wishlist after reading her blog. 

www.allurecube.blogspot.co.uk/

@allurecube

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Originally Made For are High Street Fashion Retailers based in Nuneaton, we offer Ladie's and Men's  High Street fashionable clothing suitable for all ages and sizes at affordable prices. We aim to source garments at the lowest possible price, to provide you with affordable and good value clothing. Clothes we offer were 'Originally Made For' ASOS, Topshop, Republic, New Look to name a few!

I am so glad to have found Originally Made For! It is run by two really lovely people, who provide excellent customer service and are great to chat to on Twitter. Pieces on the Originally Made For ASOS boutique are really reasonably priced and there is something for everyone, they cover all trends and have stock from well know high street stores but at even fairer prices. 

http://marketplace.asos.com/boutique/originally-made-for

https://www.facebook.com/originallymadefor
@OriginallyMade4

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I'm Emily, I currently work with children in a Pre-School but I'd love to work in the children's ward at a hospital. I love anything pink, sparkly & sweet! My blog is about Beauty, Fashion & Lifestyle. I've been blogging for over a year and I love it. I love how a blog comment can brighten my day! I blog about anything from product reviews, OOTD's, what I've bought and wishlists!
www.egtx3.blogspot.co.uk/
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I've always loved to write and as an  English student what I write about isn't glamourous. What did I want to write about? Makeup- and 'Beads of Jade' was born. A place where I can natter about make up to my hearts content. I will review any brand, from Illamasqua to 17 and chuck in lifestyle posts too. I've had some training in skincare, haircare and beauty and share the bits of knowledge I've picked up along the way! 

www.beadsof-jade.blogspot.co.uk

If you would like to advertise on Ellie's Ramblings click here for more information.

Review | Skinetica

I tend to be fairly lucky on the skin front with spots and do not get them that frequently. However when I do I tend to get a cluster of them that form together and take a while to budge,  usually brought on my hormones or stress. It's a vicious cycle because the stress of having spots causes more spots and they become really difficult to get rid of. When Skinetica asked if I wanted to try out their anti blemish lotion I was going through a break out and was so excited to try this skin clearing product. 

Skinetica is packaged in a clinical looking white 100ml bottle. I like the basic packaging as it is to the point and states what it is does, hot to use it and the ingredients. It is small enough to travel with as well, which is always a plus. To apply Skinetica you flip up the lid, soak a cotton pad and wipe it across your face. Skinetica is effective for 12 hours so applying this in the morning and evening would be most effective. I apply the lotion after I have cleansed my skin, I then leave it to dry, which only takes a couple of seconds, and then I apply a moisturiser as the alcohol can make my skin quite dry. 

The only ingredients in Skinetica are Purified Water, Ethyl Alcohol, Fragrance and Quaternary Ammonium Chloride. I was glad to see minimal ingredients and nothing harmful to skin included. The lotion is a clear liquid that has a fresh scent that isn't too strong and does not linger.

So does it work? For me it has worked wonders! I don't think this prevents spots but it definitely calms and clears them once they have appeared. Because of this I have only been using Skinetica when I have noticed spots appearing, I think if I used it daily it might not be as effective. After applying this any redness disappears within a few hours and overall spots disappear a lot quicker than they would do without it. It also leaves my skin feeling free of any last bit of dirt or oil. I would definitely recommend using a moisturiser after because the ingredients can make my skin feel dry. 

Skinetica* costs £9.99 which includes postage but discounts are available if you bulk buy. Something I will definitely be doing once my bottle runs out. 

*PR Sample

John Greed Valentines Blogger Challenge

So it's almost that time of year again, Valentines Day. I don't really have an opinion on Valentines, but if you are in a relationship it gives you the chance to have a lovely time together and hopefully get a few nice gifts. Last year I had the most perfect Valentines but this year I'm single and on my own! *cue the violins*

However there is hope! The jewellery company John Greed are running a competition for bloggers where you could win your wishlist of items from their website. To enter you have to pick a minimum of four items from their website with a limit of £250 and create a mood board and explain why you picked those items.

The winner will win their wishlist and four runners up will win a £25 John Greed voucher.

1) I love Pandora jewellery and have a charm bracelet that I would love to add too with this Star Clip Charm. I have one charm at one end of my bracelet but not at the other end so the point has kind of been defeated. I love this clip, stars are my favourite print right now, so this would be perfect. £35

2) I have been after a pair of Daisy Stud Earrings for years and these are gorgeous. They are silver and gold plated which make them luxurious to me, how I'd love to own something with gold in! They would be perfect for the spring/summer weather we will hopefully get soon. £39

3) Continuing my Pandora love, I really want to start collecting their rings that are designed to be stacked. I love the design of this Silver Heart Ring. It is gorgeous enough to be worn alone but would look great stacked up with another ring, (check out number 4). £35

4) I think birthstone rings are lovely and can be sentimental. However I would love to own the Moonstone June Birthstone Ring, June was my Mum's birthday. I would love to own this and I think the colours are gorgeous. £40

5) My final pick is the Thomas Sabo Freshwater Pearl Bracelet, my Nan would absolutely love this and I'd love the chance to treat her too it. Peals are such a classic design too that will always look lovely. £79

What do you think of my picks? 

Instagram Week #7

I had a fairly boring week snuggled up under duvets and watching lots of films. Its too cold for me to go outside and do anything so The Sims and Sky+ have been my friends. I went and saw Les Mis again this week with my Nan, I love it and really recommend you go and see it if you haven't! Take tissues though.

I decided to start Pancake Day early | The best tshirt ever? | Giveaway collecting!

I went for the third time and sobbed again | Easter has arrived | I live in this scarf

Primark have made me love them even more | Caramel Hot Chocolate is perfect | Nothing beats a carvery 

Review | Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara

If you are like me then mascara is the one product you could not live without, your desert island essential! I don't mind my lashes, (that's a big compliment for me to say about myself) they are fairly dark and long anyway, but I am always looking to add more length and volume.   

The micro-fibre formula and lash-catching brush extend every lash longer than ever. Instantly lashes appear up to 99% longer, almost endless! Perfect separation. No clumps! With Grow Lash Complex and Fibers. Ingredients including procapil, keratin and antioxidants. 

Procapil is a natural ingredient that fights ageing of the hair follicle, strengthens the root and stops hair loss. Too much science for me! It basically claims to help your natural lashes grow. I can't say it does that as I haven't noticed a difference in my lashes, but for sparser lashes it may help. 

The neon yellow tube with black lid will definitely stand out in your collection. The packaging is standard and does the job. The wand is plastic and gets thinner at the end so you can reach the corners and get every lash. This combs through lashes well and helps to seperate, the length of the wand makes it easy to get every lash.

The formula is fairly wet but easy to work with. It definitely lengthens my lashes, and it is very black too, which I love. It doesn't add volume, it was obvious that it wouldn't but I think my lashes look too thin. I like it, but I'm not blown away by it. It ends up smudging a bit under my eyes, clumps together and I feel like I am pulling at my lashes slightly too much when I remove it.  

I do really like it but I wouldn't go back and buy it because I think I can get better results from other drug store mascaras. It's a shame as I pretty much love every other Rimmel product. (I own 6 Apocalips!)

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Endless Mascara* costs £7.99 and will be at Rimmel counters from Feb 20th.

Have you ever tried a Rimmel mascara?

*PR Sample

It's okay not to be okay..

From Tumblr.

I have wanted to write this for a while now to explain what has been going on in my life the past couple of weeks. Not just to tell you all but so I can get my head a bit clearer by writing it out and trying to deal with it. 

The past few months have been incredibly difficult, if you've been reading for a while or are a twitter follower you may know that my Mum died at the end of October. It's only a few months but I've really not coped well and feel like my hearts been ripped out. We didn't have a typical mum/daughter relationship and she was not overly 'mumsy'. But she was mine and she was the best I could've ever wished for. I cry myself to sleep at night when I realise I have to go through another day without her. I feel numb all the time and in all honesty I think I'm suffering from depression.  

I had a month off Uni because I needed to arrange the funeral and it took time to get the forms you need(because she died suddenly and was young etc). I went back for a week before Christmas but felt out of place so came home early. Everyone said stick Uni out but I couldn't and last week I "interrupted my studies". I need time to decide if its right for me, right now my head is not in the place for studying. I can go back and do my first year from the start in September but I don't know. 

I have a part time job and can work when I want, apart from that I spend every day sitting inside feeling low and watching tv. I'm so sorry for sounding depressive and I don't want people to think bad of me or that I'm attention seeking, but in six months I've lost so much and had bad things repeatedly happen to me and I'm trying to admit to myself that I'm not okay because before I'd convinced myself I was. 

I don't really talk to anybody about how I feel because it's scary to admit it when you feel like this. I don't want to be a burden on anybody else's life.  I've been really worried about posting this but I've learnt everyone has crap in their lives and you should never judge someone because as much as they can seem okay, you never know what they've been through in their life. 

A good thing is I have time to focus on blogging!