Whaddup! 

Hi!

So, I had a bad day on Monday, like, a really bad day. Everything and anything that could go wrong, did go wrong and it was terrible. I was unpleasant to be around, and there may have been angry tears involved. It was joyful. Everyone has Bad Days, and they suck, but over time I have developed some basic tricks to pep myself back up, because Bad Days need to be nipped quickly, because I want to avoid Down Days as much as possible! (You can read about a Down Day here.)

Here are my (very regularly) trialled and tested methods for dealing with a bad day;

Talk/Rant to someone
I did A LOT of this, but I find it is the most effective way to deal. If you're bottling up all your emotions and keeping them to yourself, the bad feelings will just spiral further and further. Talking to someone helps you work out your emotions, why you feel the way you do. Internalising just keeps your thoughts in that constant negative cycle. This is absolutely always my first step if I'm having a Bad Day, it just means that I don't feel quite so alone in it!

Figure out the problem
What's gone wrong? Is it work, a friend, a family member, your phone acting like a little bitch, you've forgotten to record an episode of your current favourite TV show? If you're having a Bad Day, the best thing to do is get to the root to it. With a Bad Day things can spiral off and everything feels like it's going wrong, but often there is a key event that has caused you to feel this way. Get to the source of the problem and try to figure out how to fix it. 

Try to move on
This is the part I always find difficult. I am incredibly stubborn and hold onto things like a mofo. Like, once something bad happens, it gets engrained in my head and the little voice I am training to shut up, just keeps reminding me. I could forget for a moment and be laughing away, and that little voice will pipe up and be like 'HEY, don't forget that really shitty thing that happened!' aaaaaannnd that's the fun ruined. Holding onto the bad thing and letting it bring you down will only keep the Bad Day cycle going, so try to let it go. The next few steps will help with that!

Find a Distraction
Dance Party. Always a Dance Party. 
Any excuse to link that song. (I swear I like more music, I just think this is one of the best songs ever. Ever.)
For reals though, try and find something to keep your mind off it. I find a film, a book or, most often, a dance party, helps take my mind off whatever is bugging me. It always take a moment to get into it because you can't help but hold on to the bad, but if you let yourself just relax, doing something you like will always be the best distraction.

Find something that makes you laugh
Seriously, getting a good giggle will automatically make whatever shit has gone down not seem quite so bad. I laugh at/with my fiancé on the regular and, even if I'm feeling particularly grumpy, it always makes me feel better. Pop on a film, read a book, or chat to someone you know will make you laugh so hard your head feels like it'll pop off. But in a good way!

Chocolate
I'm fairly sure this needs no explanation. Chocolate is a miracle drug. 

Remember all the good things that happened
If you're having a bad day, it's so easy to focus only on all the bad stuff, try to take a moment to remember anything good that happened. Even if it was only one good thing, just remember that, even on a day when everything went wrong, one thing went right!
Bad Day's will happen, because life is an unpredictable minx. Try to take them with a pinch of salt, because not all days will be bad. It's understandable to get wrapped up in a Bad Day and get yourself into a negative train of thought, but the best thing to do for yourself and everyone else, is to try and get it out of your system. It's hard, but it'll be totally worth it when you stop hating everyone haha. 

I'll leave it there for tonight, sorry for the delay in posting. Like I said, I had a really bad day and it takes me a little longer to get myself pepped up again! Let me know your tips and tricks for getting over a Bad Day, I'd love to add them to my list. You can hit me up below, or find me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, I'd love to see you there! I hope you all had an awesome day, and I'll chat to you soon.

Be kind and be happy, 
Becca xo

Hi!

I'll be real with you, I was going to post about the Makeup Academy Undress Me palettes but as I was editing the photos I realised that I, like a bellend, had forgotten to take all the pictures. I am such a smooth blogger. Super smooth. So I thought instead we could get to know each other a little better, assuming of course that you want to get to know me! Also, I've already told you an alarming amount about me, why not add to the list?!

Here goes;

1. I have 2 sisters, 1 older and 1 younger (middle child syndrome is definitely a thing) and a very lovely Mum and Dad. And also an INSANE dog.  

Deceptively cute.

 I also have a second family (my boy's lovely lot) with a Mum, Dad and 2 sisters. Sadly, we lost his twin brother in 2008 and his sister in September but they are forever in our hearts.  We also have 10 nephews and nieces who I love and adore. 

2. I am originally from County Tyrone in Northern Ireland but I moved to England with my boy just over a year ago.

3. Speaking of my boy, I have been in a relationship for 9 years, 10 years this May. I have spent a decade with him. A DECADE. I do like him a lot. We got engaged Christmas 2014 and it was wonderful. 
4. Ever since I was little I have been in love with films and have always wanted to act. I used to make my little sister (the older sister was far too cool to hang out with us, there were books to be read!) re-enact the entirety of The Lion King, in which I acted all the best characters and she always had to be the bad guys. Always. Poor pet!

5. 90's music is, and always will be, my absolute favourite. Nothing will be better. It is cheesy and amazing. Backstreet Boys are life. 

6. My first proper crush was John Smith in Pocahontas. You can imagine my disappointment when I realised it was Mel Gibson. I mean, that was fine once upon a time, but he's a bit of a trainwreck now. Hilariously, he is the complete opposite of my type! Flynn Rider in Tangled though... 
Let's be honest, Disney princes in general. I blame them for my high standards in men. 
7. My favourite programme on right now is The Originals. I have no words for how much I love that show. I know it's supposed to be a 'teen' show, and vampires are 'so overdone' but I JUST DON'T CARE. I am so involved. Also, Game of Thrones because IT IS AMAZING.

8. Corresponding nicely with that, my ultimate TV crush at the minute is Elijah (Daniel Gillies). HOLY SHITBALLS. THAT JAW. 

Seriously?!

9. My all-time crush is Johnny Depp. I have been in love with that man since I was 11. Cannot say how disappointed with his mid-life crisis; the movie choices are terrible. Having said this, I am a very dedicated person. Once I love a person, I really love that person. Like, hardcore. And I am known to get a teeny, weeny, little bit obsessive. James McAvoy and Tom Hiddleston are featuring high on the list. I sound so creepy. Swear I'm not. (Maybe a little) (But in a good way!)

I mean, COME ON.

10. I am a feminist, which is something I say without shame or feeling like I need to qualify in any way. I love men (as is evidenced by the majority of my 'facts' being about men I am in love with) but I am a firm believer that all genders should be equal. 

11. I am also 110% pro the LGBT community. I am pretty much in favour of everyone being given equal rights and everyone getting to do what they want, regardless of how they identify.

12. I have quite bad social anxiety, by which I mean I am VERY BAD with crowds and people in general. I have learnt how to deal with it quite well, but any social changes (new people, having to talk on the phone to people I don't know) makes me very nervous to the point of trying to not have a panic attack. It's so good I have a job where I never have to talk to people on the phone! (I say that with full sarcasm, that is literally 75% of my job).

13. I love writing, I am forever plotting and re-plotting books and scripts. My life aim (and it's a big one) is to write a book, or, even better, a script. I love the thought of seeing something I wrote on screen. 

14. I am a panicker. I do not do well with deadlines, they make me indescribably nervous. Hence my very sporadic posting! I am getting a little better though, at least, I think so haha.

15. My absolute, all time favourite time of year is Winter. October-December are the best months!

16. I love, LOVE horror films. Like, all horror films, especially the really bad, cheesy American remakes. They are so bad they make me happy.

17. I am not a morning person. I am beyond the opposite of a morning person. I am a bed person.
18. I am a massive crybaby. I will, and have been known to, cry at everything. Including adverts on TV. I just have a lot of feelings! (10 points to Gryffindor if you get that reference)

19. My ultimate pet hate is rude people. Also, people who talk/use their phones in the cinema, but I guess it falls into the same category, because only rude toolbags use their phone in the cinema. FACT.

20. I am forever trying to see the good in people. I have been told frequently that I do this to a fault, but I'd rather see the good than the bad!

21. My favourite place to be is the beach. I could happily spend all day sitting beside the sea, I think it's so peaceful.

22. I have been considering starting a YouTube channel since the OG days of 2007/8 but keep putting it off. Largely because I hate the sound of my accent. I have been a hardcore YouTube fan for a very long .time. My all-time forever favourite is communitychannel. You should watch her immediately. You are welcome.

23. Trying to think of my all-time favourite films might actually cause me an aneurysm BUT I can give my current top films. At the minute it is Shaun of the Dead (always in the top 10), Sunset Boulevard, Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Rebel Without A Cause, Edward Scissorhands and The Guest. Just know, I nearly died coming up with that list. I am v.dedicated.

24. My favourite thing to do when I am home alone is dance party it out. Spotify on, volume up, and dance party my ass off. The only thing that ruins it are the smug Spotify ads that know they are ruining my dance party and taunt me by saying if only I upgraded to Premium. Bastards. This is a current (always) favourite! 

25. Let's end on a weird one! I only like numbers that are multiples of 5, I dunno why, I think I just like the symmetry. Like I said, I do have a touch of an obsessive personality. Everything has be be right where it should be or I'll not be a happy bunny. I PROMISE I'M FUN.

Alright, I'll leave it there for tonight! Let me know any interesting, or not interesting, facts about you. Do you share any of my obsessions? You can hit me up down below in the comments, or find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, my links can all be found on the side. I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo

And here's a flashback song because, like I said, 90's music is THE BEST. And this is a classic.

Hi!

So there's this hashtag business floating around on the interwebs in honour of International Women's Day, which was yesterday (never let it be said I do things on time). Basically, the idea is to give your younger self the advice and wisdom that you have now. Then if there are any younger people reading or watching, hopefully they can take away something helpful!

Now, I was an awkward, pale, embarrassed, scared and sad 11 year old. Which, I am aware, is a very depressing description of a child. I had started High School and I was having a shitty time. Like, really shitty. I was pretty badly bullied when I was 11 so I just sort of, stopped going to school. I'd make myself physically ill just so I wouldn't have to go. And then one day my Dad- who would ask me every single day if I was okay, to which I would lie and say I was fine and then cry all night- said that enough was enough. He marched into school and basically told my teachers that they were a bunch of assholes. It was terrifying and it was amazing. And that was when I knew that if everything got too much, my family would always take care of me. 
I don't have many pictures of me at that age, because I hated the way I looked, and I couldn't stand my face in photos. I still have moments like that, and I still only like photos of me if I'm the one taking them, but I'm working on it!
So this is me, obviously just out of bed, and my adorable puppy Axl (after Axl Rose, obviously. Best dog ever). I have no makeup on and it is only around this age, that I'll start thinking that there is something wrong with my rosy cheeks/face/head. 
 Here goes.

Hi Me! 
First of all, I know, the bob was a bad idea, but we've learned a valuable life lesson here! Curly hair+ Round face= ANY HAIRCUT EXCEPT A BOB. Sure, you look a little moon-face at the minute, but don't worry, it'll grow out in no time. And then you'll know; not all hairdressers are right. If you don't want to do it, don't do it! There's another life lesson for you. Don't be afraid to say no if you don't want to do something! Don't think that just because everyone else is doing something that you have to as well. Only do what you want to do. Also, in the future, there'll be straighteners that'll do miracles for that stupid bit of curly hair at the front. It'll be a game-changer!

I know you're having a hard time in school, and I know it feels like you have no friends but please know it will get better. When you grow up, you'll learn that people will say horrible things all the time, which sucks, but it's how you react to them that'll change everything. If someone says something about your round face, or rosy cheeks, or calls you fat, don't let that form how you think about yourself. Whatever that person thinks of you is their own deal, and whatever they think is irrelevant to how you feel about yourself. This is something we're still struggling with, but we're getting better! 

People will seem really shitty at the minute, but when you get older, you'll meet the best friends in the world, people who share your humour, your love of makeup and your terrible taste in 90's music (N*Sync and Backstreet Boys FO' LIFE). The person bullying you is struggling with their own shit, don't let this make you scared of everyone. Don't be afraid of people and please talk to someone! I know it's scary but it'll make a world of difference. Don't worry so much about what other people think of you. I know this is so much easier said than done, but don't be afraid of being you! You'll spend a lot of time trying to make ourselves smaller and quieter, just to fit in with everyone else. Don't do this! Be unashamed in who you are and what you love! Please don't waste your time not being true to yourself and not doing what you love. Trust me, just going for it now and grabbing life and all it's opportunities by the hand will make everything so much more exciting. It'll be scary, but that's life. If you aren't scared, you're not living!

Alright 11 year old Me, you'll have our first crush around this time. It will be all-consuming and it will end BADLY. This will not be the first time a crush will not go your way, but please don't let it make you scared, because when you're 16, you'll meet the nicest boy. He will be tall and handsome and the biggest goof in the world. He will make you laugh and he will make you happy. And one Christmas, he'll tie a beautiful ring to the top of the Christmas tree and he'll make you happier than you ever thought possible. All those terrible, never-ending crushes will lead to this one, imperfectly perfect boy. 

Keep on with the film loving, that'll keep you going through a lot of stuff coming our way. No matter what, even if you're falling apart, those new and old film favourites will make everything a little bit easier. And it'll help you find a dream! I mean, it's an unrealistic dream, but it's something we're working on, and that's all that matters!

I know you're sad now. And I'll be honest with you, that sadness is something you will struggle with your entire life. But it will get better. Not today, but soon. You'll have your down days and there will be massive leaps backwards, but on the days when you wake up with a smile, those days will be totally worth all the bad days. You will live for those days. And soon, you'll have days, weeks, even months like that. You'll learn to live with it and manage it and soon the fake smile will become a real one. You'll learn to laugh again and it'll be awesome.
Love,
25 year old You. xx

P.S. When you're older you'll discover makeup and it will be the beginning of a lifelong love that will drain your bank account. But you will love it nonetheless! And you'll find a way to deal with the rosy cheeks, pinky promise. 

See? Rosy head= gone. Magic

Alright! I'll leave it there for tonight, let me know if you have any advice you wish you could pass on to your younger selves. Drop me a comment down below or find me on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram! I hope you're all well and I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo

Hi!

The belated February Favourites is here! SCREW YOU ENGLISH WEATHER, I WIN! This is the month in which I realised I have a full-blown, uncontrollable addiction to makeup shopping. Oh dear. Let's look at all the stuff I have been loving and trying to smear all over my face. In one go. Here come the pictures!
I liked a lot of stuff this month, so let's get started with the eyes!

L to R; Topshop Wax and Wane, MAC Blue Brown Pigment, Barry M Starry-Eyed Palette

L to R; MAC Rebel, Topshop Armour, MAC Hang Up, Revlon Matte Colourburst Balm in Shameless and Sultry.

 And finally, film of the month is the UNBELIEVABLE The Guest. I already have a review of this up which you can read right HERE. When my sister was here I made her watch this (wasn't too hard, it has Dan Stevens in it. She literally SWOONED at him. SWOONED.) and I remembered how amazing this show is. It is batshit insane in the best way. Everyone should watch this immediately. Especially since Dan Steven's is now going to be the new Beast in the live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast! Fall in love with him before everyone else and then you can be a total hipster about it. Top life tip!

Alright, I have rambled on for long enough so I'll leave it there for tonight. Let me know all your February Favourites, or if you've tried any of these products, let me know your thoughts on them! You can hit me up below or find my on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter. I will chat to you soon!

Be happy and be kind,
Becca xo

Hi!

I keep meaning to blog more and put up some more film posts, but it appears that as soon as I finish work the only thing I can do is sleep. And Instagram. Ultimate achiever! This was also meant to be a February Favourites post, but due to English weather not being able to tell that it is now meant to be Spring instead of Winter, it's too bloody dark to take photos. Oh life. So instead let's talk about one of my never-ending struggles: the search for the PERFECT foundation. And apologies in advance for the unbelievably crap photos!

Since I first ventured into the terrifying world of foundations when I was 14, smearing my mum's 3-shades-too-dark-for-me foundation allllll over my face, I have struggled with finding 'The One'. I have alternated between the too dark to the 'holy shit, it's Caspar' shades. Top Tip: just because you have rosy cheeks and pale skin, DO NOT think that the palest foundation of life will help you solve the problem. It won't. It'll make everything worse. Much worse. There are so many options out there, foundations for oily skin, dry skin, normal skin. Then there's the Matte foundations, or the Dewy foundations, or the What The Hell Does This Do foundation. I have tried them all. Well, not literally them all because that would be insane. (I am trying though...)

Most of my Foundation adventures are within the drugstore range because I am yet to be confident enough in an expensive foundation to want to spend money on it. I mean, what if I hate it?! I'll have spent £27 on a foundation I HATE, and I can't deal with that pressure. Although, Nars Sheer Glow is looking mighty fine...

SO, let's compare two foundations that claim to do the same thing: last all freaking day. 
My main desire in a foundation, is longevity. As I've said before I have rosy cheeks (like, super rosy) and all I want in life is a foundation that hides them all day and makes me look like an Instagram makeup artist. Is that so much to ask? (yes)
When I saw these, it seemed too good to be true, two drugstore foundations that could cover the rosiness for longer than an hour?! I was in. I've been using them both for about 1/2 months, and now it's time to discuss.

First off, neither of these foundations last all day. I am slowly and painfully coming to the realisation that this is just not something that is destined to happen for me. The L'oreal Infallible does last a considerably longer time than the Rimmel Lasting Finish, which is funny since the Rimmel one actually claims to last an hour longer. I don't know if it's just that it doesn't agree with my skin type, but it rubs off my nose so easily and leaves me looking a bit Rudolph for my liking. The L'oreal does fade, but not quite to the same extent. In terms of coverage and application, both look remarkably similar and offer the same decent amount of coverage, but the L'oreal Infalliable seems to buff into the skin better. With the Rimmel Lasting Finish, it seems to cling to every tiny hair on my face, and I have never thought I even had a particularly hairy face until I used this foundation. Which is funny, because that is the exact problem I had with the first packaging of the L'oreal Infallible, which I once bought about 5 years ago in a totally different bottle. I actually hated that foundation; it clung to my skin in the worst way and oxidised horribly, but about 2 years ago, L'oreal rebranded and changed the formula to give us the Infallible we have today. I really love this foundation for my skin type, it sits nicely on the skin without feeling too heavy, it's more easily buildable than the Rimmel Lasting Finish, which could look a little cakey. 

With any foundation, as I've said, it very much depends on your skin type. A foundation I hate, could be your holy grail and vice versa. I think mine might be a little dry for the Rimmel Lasting Finish so the L'oreal Infallible works well for me because it sits comfortably on top of the skin, rather than clinging to it. Colour wise, they are both a good match, but I'd say the L'oreal Infallible just takes it for me because the L'oreal colour match range is actually pretty fabulous for pale skin and matches my pink undertone. Rimmel can be a little shade too dark and yellow for me, but this is definitely one of the better matches. 

If you're interested in these foundations, you can get them in Boots or Superdrug, the L'oreal Infallible retails for £9.99, and the Rimmel Lasting Finish goes for £7.99. 

I'll leave it there for tonight, I hope you enjoyed this surprisingly long post about stuff you smear on your face. If you have any Holy Grail foundations, please let me know, I am open to all options! You can hit me up below, or on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, all the links are on the side, I'd love to see you there! I hope you're all well, and I'll see you soon.

Be happy and be be kind,
Becca xo