When it comes to buying new makeup, one of the first things I think about other than when I can start playing around with it all is writing up a blog post about it. Given that my student loan came in a few weeks ago and it was freshers week, I thought that I would treat myself a little since I know I won't get that luxury for the rest of the year at university. Well not until I get myself a good paying part time job!

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Gold Obsession Lipstick in Nude Gold -

I had already picked up a new foundation and a new concealer, which were the two main things that I was running low on in my makeup collection but since I was taking full advantage of the 3 for 2 deal, I needed something else. That was when the woman recommended this lipstick. She told me that each shade has little gold pigments and its not until you try it on that you can definitely tell, and boy does it look good! 

This collection also has a shade for every occasion which I am beyond obsessed with because I have seen countless of collections in my time where there just isn't enough choice. The shades provided in this collection are Nude Gold, Pink Gold, Plum Gold, Pure Gold and Rouge Gold. They all sound so enticing! I am definitely contemplating getting the Plum, Rouge and Pure Gold soon because how incredible will they be for the upcoming seasons?

The consistency is also fabulous, but you expected me to say that, right? The lipsticks are enriched with Omega-3 oils and Vitamin E which prevents your lips from drying, which a lot of lipsticks have a habit of doing. The shade is also definitely a sheen rather than matte and has the most incredible colour payoff. I would 10/10 recommend!

Kiko Long Lasting 8 Hour No-Transfer Eyeshadow Stick - 

Now I truly believe that me and this product were brought together by destiny and I will tell you why. I was finishing my browsing in the shop, fully content with the new lipstick I picked up and was ready to hit the checkout when I was suddenly drawn to a little stand right in front of the checkout which had discounted products on. I then thought that there would be no harm in looking before I pay for my lipstick, plus there was a queue building anyway, so a little browse was better than standing in a queue. I then saw the eyeshadow sticks and was very intrigued because I have a Laura Geller one myself and still love it to this day. Then what do you know! My shade is the first shade I pick up and I feel like I have had my first encounter of true love. I swatched it on my hand and was completely mesmerised. I then tried out the other shades but none of them came close to this one.

I absolutely adore this eyeshadow stick because there is nothing to not like about it. It has a creamy and blendable consistency which is definitely what you should be looking for, especially with eye products as you don't want to be tugging on your delicate skin. It also lasts for what seems like forever and does not budge once you put it on your eyes. I still have a little bit of the swatch on my hand even though I did it on Saturday, and I promise you all, I have had several showers since then and wash my hands more than the average person. I bought the shade 05 Rosy Brown and its the most dazzling taupe colour when it reflects off light, which also looks incredible under your lash line if you don't want to go to town and put it on top of your eyelids. 

Kiko Gossamer Emotion Creamy Lipstick -

The last thing left to review is a lipstick with the coolest packaging I have ever seen. First of all, it looks so sleek and modern looking, if that makes any sense? It sort of reminds me of some device you would see in a robotic action film. You then also have to press down the gold logo which is actually a button at the top for the bottom of the lipstick to pop out, in which you then just pull from the lid. Doctor Who has a sonic screwdriver, Sarah Jane has a sonic lipstick.. I will have the sonic lipstick 2.0.

I picked the shade 103 Powder Pink simply because like the eyeshadow stick, I was drawn to it more than any of the others that I swatched on my hand. I absolutely love nude lipsticks and have an endless collection, but whats a few more right? Another one of my favourite aspects of this lipstick is the fact that it smells like VANILLA!! Well it does to me anyway. When I'm doing my makeup, I sit there smelling the lipstick longer than it takes me to actually put it on.

The consistency is very creamy, which makes sense given that its stated in the title, and has a gorgeous subtle shimmery finish. I would 110% recommend these lipsticks to any lipstick fanatic.

Summer 2016 has definitely been one to remember. I have accomplished many things that I didn't think I would have done for a while. This includes doing a summer work placement in SPAIN, visiting a monument that I have been dreaming about seeing with my own eyes for the longest time, and starting the process of becoming an independent young adult. I even did my first ever big food shop today to stock up my flat cupboard (all eight of us get our own cupboard). I also applied for my student bank account and applied to the local health centre last week. There's still a lot that I need to do but I can safely say that I have made a great starting point in this new chapter of my life.

I love reflecting back to good times in my life and the summer of 2016 is one that I know I will go back to, which is the main reason why I wrote this blog post. So much happened! So lets break it down..

Obviously you all know that I started my summer in Spain doing a work placement at two hotels which were ran by a lovely little family. The work placement was originally intended to be 10 weeks but instead I only stayed for four. The reason being without going into too much detail was just that it was not what I expected. There were many reasons for my departure and once the majority of people in our group had dropped out and went home, I didn't see myself staying there for much longer. 

However, that's not to say I had a terrible experience because I absolutely adored the town and the time I spent with the towns locals whom I began to create many bonds and friendships with. These memories are ones I will not forget anytime soon. I also miss the ice cream terribly. I had never tasted anything like it! Each scoop was heaven in a cup. I can definitely see myself returning one day, the town was just beautiful.

Boy was I glad to get home though and see my family. I returned home just in time for birthday season in my family. We celebrated the birthday's of my little brother Joseph, my sister Ellie, my Dad and my older brother Dan. I tried a New York style vanilla cheesecake when we went for a meal on Dan's birthday and I can honestly say that it was the BEST cheesecake I have ever had.

To end the Summer the right way, there was only one option, which was to do something I have had on my bucket list for ages. Visit Alnwick Castle!!! I have a full blog post about the day here if you want to give it a read to find out what we got up to that day.

It was also guaranteed that I wouldn't be able to resist the gift shop and boy did I do a little damage to my purse, bit it was worth it. In the end I got myself an Alnwick Castle bookmark and postcard which is a tradition I have whenever I go to any historical monument. I then also bought my mum the most gorgeous candle holder and my dad the cutest vintage inspired football mug. My nana and grandad also kindly bought me a Harry Potter inspired Platform 9 3/4 sign that I was admiring for a very long time. I just knew straight away it would fit in perfectly with my room decor. I'm still contemplating however whether I should keep it as a permanent home furnishing or make it a special little decoration when I decorate my room for Autumn and Halloween.

Finally, I apologise for the excessive length of this post but I just couldn't narrow down the photos anymore than I have. However, if you compare it to the amount that I had taken that day, I would say that I did a pretty good job. I hope you enjoyed this post. It's definitely going to be one that I will enjoy looking back on to remember what a fantastic day out it was.