Sunday 31 July 2016

Small review on The Sleek Highlighting Palette.

Hey guys,

So I recently bought the 'SOLSTICE' palette from Sleek, and I thought I would write a little review, maybe even throw in some swatches for you.

So I saw this floating around some blogs and decided I should give it a try. From what I saw, I couldn't be disappointed. The palette is £9.99 from the drugstore, I got mine from boots. I did want it quite a while ago, but they had sold out until now. I guess I'm not the only one who's curious.

This palette comes in a reflective gold casing. This looks amazing and I'm sure the future me will love getting photos for this post. However it is only plastic which is disappointing. I just would've preferred some sort of metal or something. The look of the palette makes it look more 'high end' in my opinion but the feel doesn't.



The product also comes with a tiny brush, which I also don't love. It's okay to apply the product but it is scratchy and personally I wouldn't use this sort of shape to apply the product. I guess it does the job but they could include a slightly better brush.

With flash.
Without flash.

The actual product has four shades, Ecliptic (which is the only cream highlight), Hemisphere, Subsolar, and Equinox. I love the names, like I adore them. And I must say, they are really pigmented. They really catch the light and do their job haha. Although I do think, up close, they just look like glitter on the skin. If you're into that, great! Personally, I don't mind it, but do take it into consideration.

The cream highlighter is amazing. It doesn't 'reflect' as much as the powders but it blends extremely well into the skin. This is great under one of the others, any really, they all work together. I use the shade 'Subsolar' most as it works well in the corner of my eyes. However I haven't really tried them all in the different ways yet.

I do recommend this palette. It is stunning and for only £9.99, it's worth it. I guess it may work for some and not others, but you should try it. They also have another version (I can't remember the name) which are based more on browns which may suit other people. But definitely try this out - its SO PRETTY!






I love you all and I hope you have a smashing week. I will be back on Thursday with another Beauties on Fire post.

Adios amigos!xo

Saturday 30 July 2016

Summer Styles: Beauties on Fire!

Hey guys,

So first of all, I know this is two days late. And basically, I just wasn't having the best few days and I definitely wasn't in a good frame of mind. I would hate to have that affect my posts. I thought I would leave it until today, although I am still a bit down - hence why this is going up late. However, I have been to see Finding Dory with my best friend and her boyfriend which was so nice. That helped my mood a hell of a lot so thank you guys!

This weeks theme is 'Summer Styles' as you can tell by the title. I did my makeup for the cinema so that I could take some photos when I got home and do my post with that look. (Fun fact, I did blue eyeshadow to match Dory haha!) Obviously, that plan didn't work out, so instead I am just going to give you some encouragement.

Encouragement for what? - you say? Well...

I know a fair few people who hate their body. Who don't like to show their arms, legs... stomach etc. And I can relate. But now, I don't feel like that as much. Well not in this summer heat anyway. There have been times where I don't leave my house with my arms uncovered or I will normally only wear skirts or dresses with tights. But recently I have adapted. I will wear what I need to wear in this heat, without wanting acceptance from anyone else. I don't want you guys to feel you cant wear what you want - especially in this heat - without feeling judged. Sure I wont wear a crop top because I don't feel I have the body but if you are confident enough, you could.

You shouldn't feel ashamed to be yourself. Show your arms, legs or whatever - I mean don't get too carried away but you understand I'm sure.

As for a summer look I just add more colour to my makeup look. For instance, I'd add little white dots of liquid liner to my eyes or use a bold colour on the lips/eyes. This is when I actually wear makeup in the summer as it just never wants to stay on my face. Personally I normally skip makeup on really hot days and I like to go natural but if you don't just add that colour to your look.



I hope this post helps in some way, whether you wear what the hell you want or just add colour to your summer make up. Maybe even just entertain you, either way I hope you all are enjoying these posts from the collab. Hopefully I will be more on schedule next week!

Also please check out Elisabeth's post HERE, and you will also see all the other ladies' posts! spread that love!


Adios amigos!xo

Add caption

Monday 25 July 2016

My First Time Giving Blood!

Hey guys,

This week is quite a different post, I am going to tell you about my first time giving blood. This will probably be a shorter post than normal as not a lot happened haha.

When I was born my mum needed some extra blood in order to live. So I've always said that I will give some back, I guess to repay them.
Although I don't think I was so fond of the idea when I was little because of the 'needles', I only had bad experiences with from the dentist. But as I got older I didn't mind as much.

As soon as I was 17, I asked my mum to sort it all out as it's quite an adult job. In my mind anyway. So I got registered, and got an appointment for the 21st of July. The week before, leading up to the appointment I wasn't scared or worried really. I guess I was ready to do it. You could say 'curious' of the unknown. Meaning, I wasn't completely ready to do it, I still had my concerns in a way. I didn't know how I would react to the needle, or the process.

Moving on. On the day, I was quite excited. I knew I was doing something that would help someone else out, maybe even let their mum live too. However I was still unsure as to how I would react to the whole process.

When I got there, I handed my form, sat with my drink and waited for my name to be called. They have to make sure you know the procedure, I guess that was more because it was my first time... They take a sample from your finger to make sure you are okay to give blood. They test for iron or something I'm not completely sure what it was. Then I get sent to another seating area and wait until they come to collect me again. This time to actually get some blood taken out of my body. At this point I was quite nervous, again just because I had no idea what to expect.

The chairs that you sit in are like a bigger versions of a car seat, and I must say the little pillow is so, so comfortable. I could've stayed there a lot longer. I'll be honest, when she was preparing my skin for the needle (cleaning it), my heart started beating a little bit quicker. I just didn't look. I wouldn't say it hurt - even though I did whisper 'ouch' to my mum afterwards. It wasn't half as bad as I thought it was going to be. If you've had a needle at the dentist, they hurt like hell. This didn't. As my mum put it, 'it is just uncomfortable'. Which I agree with. When I looked at the whole thing going on my arm, it felt so unreal. Because as children, we never think these things will come as quick as they do.
I did feel like I couldn't move for a while, like if I did, the needle would move. As it went on though, it was a breeze.

Afterwards, I didn't feel any different, which is odd because I was expecting to feel something. Dizzy maybe, but nothing. They make sure you have a drink and something to eat before you go (which I certainly didn't mind, free biscuits? Yes please!) but I didn't even feel like I needed that. I felt absolutely fine.

I recommend you guys (if you're old enough) to book an appointment. Help someone out. It's not even that bad, I promise you. You will feel so great about yourself afterwards. Here's a photo and a quote which I think relates quite well to the whole experience.


Adios amigos!xo

Thursday 21 July 2016

Classic Beauty: Beauties on Fire!

Hey guys,

I hope you hadn't forgot about this huge collaboration, because this is quite exciting! On twitter you've all been voting for your first theme of the posts, this week is classic beauty. Which I even voted for myself haha. Before I get into the post, make sure to check out Elisabeth's post HERE, and check out the link-up at the bottom of the page. There you will see everyone else's take on this theme and make sure to leave lovely comments:).

So, when I think of 'Classic beauty' I think of two woman. The first one being Audrey Hepburn, because well... she's absolutely stunning. The second lady is Allyn Ann McLerie, I know her from the film Calamity Jane. Which is an all time favourite film of mine. She plays the character Katie Brown and she is also so beautiful. Both of these woman wear similar makeup so this is what I was aiming for with mine. Enjoy!



The makeup:

For the eyes I did a simple look. I used the shade 'Vow' from the Makeup Revolution 'Affirmation' palette all over the lid for a base and to also set the concealer I put on before hand. This shade is perfect for my skin tone but you could use what ever you have that is similar. I then just took the shade 'Time' and blended that from the outer corners and into the crease - only slightly. I wanted the eyes to be basic as this seemed to be what the ladies did at that time. I decided not to bring the shadow down as this would only intensify the look which is the opposite of what we want.  I also included some liquid liner (Soap & Glory Super Cat eyeliner) as I noticed they do actually sometimes have some with their look. However it is only a small wing, don't go too crazy with this. Their eyes appear more larger this way which I think was intentional. Although, obviously you can do a larger wing if you prefer. To match, I used a white pencil liner for the waterline which will also make the eyes appear bigger.
To finish I used the Maybelline Lash sensational waterproof mascara as this is my favourite but try and use one that makes the lashes appear longer or you could even add some fake lashes as both women have longer lashes.

For the eyebrows I used the Soap & Glory Archery Brow Tint & Precision Shaping Pencil and made sure to really have a defined arch as I noticed this was a popular brow shape in around the 50's. I also tried to have more bushy brows so you could use a brow mascara/gel to help with this.

For the face makeup I used the Maybelline FIT Me Foundation in shade 115. For me this isn't as a high coverage as I would've liked but you can always use whatever you have in your collection. I used the Rimmel Match Perfection concealer for under the eyes and on any high points of my face. Then for powder I used the Rimmel Stay Matte, mainly where I used the concealer but I also focused on my T-zone as I do typically have oily skin.
To contour I used the Maybelline Master Sculpt Powder. Only, I do wish that I had also done my jawline as both the ladies (especially Audrey Hepburn) have quite defined jawlines. But again, you can always just do with what you are comfortable doing. If you want, you could also add some highlight, I used a tiny amount of the Barry M Illuminating Strobing Cream as it is still quite subtle.
You can also always add some blusher, I didn't just because I don't think the shade I own, suits me all that well so I decided to skip this step.
- I didn't use a primer as I wasn't wearing this out on the day (I had no where to go) so don't forget your primer!:)

Finally, the bold lip. I used Maybelline's Colour sensational in shade 547 - Pleasure Me Red. This is a gorgeous, moisturising red and I think it suits this theme very well. I did also use a simple red lip liner to make sure that the lipstick didn't bleed. Also please note that this lipstick does transfer. If you prefer a long lasting lip product I suggest a liquid lipstick - I personally prefer this but I don't have a red liquid lipstick.

For the Hair:

I tried this several times, I will include the picture where it worked best below. I had freshly washed hair and I dryed it upside down so that I had a lot of volume. If your feel you don't have enough, you can use dry shampoo or tease your hair with a little hairspray and you're good to go. Then I made sure I had a slightly side parting and slowly brought my hair to a bun, in the middle of my head. I then loosened the top so that it was more of a pin-up style. The other style didn't quite look as well as this one, but you can always experiment and take more time on it.


That's all for this post, I hope it was interesting and actually made some sense for you guys. I haven't really done anything like this before so it was quite new to me. I hope you guys enjoyed it!
If you decide to recreate this look or create your own based on Audrey Hepburn or Allyn Ann McLerie, then please leave a link in the comments so I can see. If it is easier you can also tweet me (@hardwick_katie) I love you all.

Adios amigos!xo


Sunday 17 July 2016

My thoughts on Pokemon Go!

Hey guys,

Unless you live under a rock, you will have heard of the new game 'Pokémon Go' that has taken the world by storm. I am just going to give my thoughts on the app, so sit and enjoy my little ramble - unless you are sick of hearing about it, then you are excused.

Initially when I heard about it, when it was only available in America, I didn't know what to think. I guess I was excited, I saw all the screen shots and memes of the game and thought it looked great.

I was surprised of how many people already started loving it. Just because, if someone was playing an 'old-school' game, sadly it would probably end in them being told they're 'sad' or something along those lines. So I'm glad that this game has come back with a great reputation and that people are enjoying it.

I used to play Pokémon on the Nintendo 64, but I had no idea as to what I was doing. I guess I did get it the more I played and I gave it a good go. I enjoyed it and I guess that's all that matters. So to be honest, this was why I was excited to play again - and maybe have an idea how to play this time!

I'm pretty sure the background tune was on the old game but I cant be 100% sure as it has been a while since I played haha. I just love how it brings all those memories back and I'm sure for a hard core player, they're loving it even more.

I don't get how people can complain about the game. Sure, it is only making us more addicted to technology (which is probably my only problem with the game) but by including the technology that this generation is already addicted to, it is making us go out, get fresh air and even walk a fair bit. Which I think is a great way to use technology.

Also, the community is all so welcoming. As you can probably tell, I am still quite clueless of the teams and other elements like that but there has been so many people that have helped me and given me tips. All over the world people are being nice to each other, giving help and advice, and accepting of any age that is joining in. I feel like with all the hate that is in the world right now, we could use this sort of kindness among us. I saw a post on Facebook explaining that, in America, there were pizzas being sold cheap in a park where a lot of people go looking for Pokémon. Because it was such a big park, it was a suitable spot for the homeless to be and settle down for the night. These people looking for the Pokémon paid for the pizza and handed them out to the homeless while still playing the game. So that just shows how kind these people can be.

I see these groups of people around the streets interacting and befriending one another, just because of this game. To me, I'm glad that they're, getting out the house and socialising. Sure, they could be doing other productive things but social skills are just as important. You can't disagree.

Overall, I think the game is great. just overall amazing. I really like how in the evening the game changes to more of a night time effect, I think that's cool. The thing I dislike about it, is that recently, these past two days it hasn't been working fully. The servers were down all day yesterday. Then today the game just keeps crashing and you have to start the app up again. I think this may be because of all the people playing and hopefully the producers can get it fixed - SOON! I hope some people aren't just playing it because 'It's a craze', because you don't have to play at the end of the day. If you don't like it, its fine! But, you know...if you love it, May you catch them all!



That's all for this post. I hope you found my thoughts some what interesting, please leave a nice comment saying if you are addicted or confused as to why we are all playing. I would love to hear your thoughts too! I love you all, have a nice week (catching Pokémon :) )

Adios amigos!xo

Sunday 10 July 2016

6 iPhone hacks you all NEED to know!

Hey guys,

So this weeks post isn't going to be beauty related, purely because of the huge collaboration I am doing. I feel like I will be doing more beauty looks with that. I don't want to just have a beauty blog. As much as I love beauty and makeup I also love to catch up with you guys and just talk about recent events. However I may do a beauty look next week haha.

I thought I would do something a little different today and give you lovely people some iPhone hacks, which you may or may not know already. If you don't own an apple product, I'm sorry! you can always tell you're friends what you find out to help them though. I'm all about that positivity.
Onto the hacks!

1. The phone sizes are increasing by the model now, as there are the iPhone 6(s) plus etc. So if you find it hard to reach the top apps or a feature towards the top of the screen, if you just gently tap the home button twice it will bring all the apps or features towards the bottom so you can press them easier. To be honest this is a bit pointless, but I guess if you are really comfortable in bed and are only using on hand to control your phone, it could be handy.

2. I don't know about you but there are so many times when I need to charge my phone before I go out. However sometimes I don't have an hour to wait for it to charge. So to make your phone charge quicker, put it on airplane mode. You can turn your wifi back on if you need to but this does slow it down. I only found this out recently and I must say, it is useful.

3. Siri is also very useful. While we all know what 0 divided by 0 is (if you don't, find out immediately) you can also ask Siri other things. the first one being to roll a dice. If you are playing a board game but have misplaced the dice you can ask her and she will give you two numbers. If you only need one just take the first number and you're good to go. Honestly this is quite great.

4. Siri will also flip a coin for you. Which is handy because I personally find trouble doing the whole fancy 'flip and catch'. I always drop it. I guess this is easier.

5. I wish I had known this when I was revising for my exams or in math class. the calculator is pretty standard, but if you rotate your phone it will make it a scientific calculator. I never knew about this until today and I hope this helps one of you guys!

6. Also related to this, if you go on your compass app, it can also be used as a spirit level. Which is helpful for a lot of things. I know I wouldn't go out and buy one and if i was living in my own house I would use this to help me make sure the pictures on the wall are straight or something along those lines. I think this one is really cool.



That's all for this post, I hope you have learned something new from this.
If you have any more hacks that aren't included, feel free to leave them in the comments so we can all learn from each other. I love you guys.

Adios amigos!xo

Thursday 7 July 2016

Beauties on Fire!?

Hey guys,

As you know this isn't my usual uploading day (for any new readers, welcome! I post on Sundays) but from now on, I will be posting during the week for this HUGE collab - as well as the usual Sunday post. This is so, so exciting! There are lots many lovely ladies involved and I am excited to get to know them and their blogs.
Beauties on Fire is the collaboration name we all decided on. And I love the name. Each week there will be a twitter poll which you can see on Elisabeth's profile or mine, because I will retweet. In that poll will be suggestions for the following theme of post. Such as Summer or Ocean. We will then all create a look based on this theme. So I may switch between the fashion and makeup looks depending on which idea I think will fit better for the theme. I hope that makes sense to you all.
Be sure to vote in this weeks poll! - @hardwick_katie or @eandnblog.

Elisabeth is the amazing lady who thought of the idea and organised the whole thing. So be sure to check her post HERE where she explains the whole thing a lot better than I have!

Anyway this is basically an introductory post for the collab just so that you guys can get excited about this and meet everyone through links. Lets get started!

1.) Tell us a little about your blog and why you decided to start blogging.

Well, my first post was in August 2014. So its almost two, aww! I don't even remember why I started blogging. I think I either really wanted to talk about the ALS ice bucket challenge, and someone recommended blogging or I experimented. I can't even remember!
My blog is called 'Welcome to this, not sure what it is' because when I was setting it up, I had no idea what I was doing and just wrote something that could be replaced if needed. It basically reflects myself as I never know what I'm doing. I would love to have a proper name but I have no idea as to what it could be, let me know any suggestions you have in the comments!

To me, my blog is a relaxed place I can be myself. I Don't feel like I am being judged by anyone and I like that. Its my little safe corner of the internet.

2.) How long have you been blogging?

Nearly two years, as I have mentioned. Gosh,it has gone very quick! it doesn't feel like I have been doing it for this long, and I don't see myself stopping any time soon! :)

3.) Do you consider yourself a fashion blogger, beauty blogger, or both?

I'd say I'm definitely more of a beauty blogger as I mention makeup in a fair few posts. But I have also done a post on a favourite outfit a while back. However, I am also lifestyle, I like to update you guys on things going on in my life (because, why not?).

4.) List 3 things you love to do besides blogging.
  • Play my Xbox - a lot of the time...
  • Experiment with makeup, I love to do tattoos on myself! Even if they don't look real haha.
  • Shop. I shouldn't shop as much as I do, because I don't have a job. I get pocket money though so I get to buy new and exciting makeup!
  • (Adding a little extra for you lovelies) Art. I love to draw, paint and be creative.

5.) What style of makeup do you enjoy the most: Natural, Trendy, Glamorous? Show us some of your best looks...you can create a small collage for this (this collage can be used to show readers your beauty style). Also, what is one beauty product you can’t live without and why.

Well, to be honest, it depends on my mood. Most of the time I will keep it relatively natural with a wing, but I do like to go all out sometimes. I recently bought a purple lipstick which is cool and I have yet to wear out the house. I'd either say I couldn't live without lip balm because I always feel my lips are dry even if they aren't. If not that, then mascara because you can wear this on its own without anything else and it will still look normal. Here are a few of my looks I have done:







I hope you guys are as thrilled as we all are about this. Be sure to read everyone else's post and get involved! Click on the link at the start of the post to go to Elisabeth's post and connect with everyone. I love you all.

Adios amigos!xo







Monday 4 July 2016

The Midnight Sparkle Walk & June Favourites.

Hey guys,

So I planned to write a favourites post as I haven't done one since March, but last night I participated in the Ashgate Hospice Midnight Sparkle Walk. I have been trying to decide on what to focus on, I even asked on twitter but it was 50/50.I literally got two votes, so it didn't help. Anyhow I thought I would mention, quite briefly, and include photos to then go onto the favourites. So enjoy:).

So basically the Sparkle Walk is to raise money and awareness for Ashgate Hospice. Which if you don't know is an 'independent registered charity that provides care to patients across North Derbyshire at the hospice, in the community and at Chesterfield Royal Hospital'. It basically makes people who are devastatingly, in the later stages of cancer, be comfortable for as long as they can be. Whether it be in the hospice or at home. Which, obviously is a nice thing to be available.

I did this so that I could be one of the many making a difference. I haven't really done any voluntary or charity work, even though I would love to. So by doing this 10k walk and getting sponsorships, I was able to contribute to the final total. Which is good enough for me. I am super proud of myself and everyone who also took part. Obviously I am no where near fit enough for this sort of distance - and I must say, I complained a lot when we got to the last push - but still, I did it! I think being with friends helps a lot because you just talk as you walk, so it's not as bad.

I think I will just include the photo's now and get onto the favourites, otherwise this will be way too long.










UV tunnel was pretty awesome...


 Finish!!


The first thing I want to mention as a favourite is a beverage. Yes a beverage.
I don't actually think many people know that I love drinks like cloudy lemonade, bitter lemon or any 'fizzy lemon' drinks. But I do, absolutely love them. I don't have them often, I mainly just reach for Pepsi or Coke. But when shopping with my mum I saw 'St. Helier, sparkling lemon beverage'. And oh my good god, it is just beautiful. I do think that it is slightly more lemony than other drinks and is probably why I love it so much.

The next favourite is a show. In my March favourites I mentioned The Big Bang Theory, this is still a favourite and I watch it most (if not every) night. However i also really love Dhama & Gregg. This is hilarious. I know this is more of an older show but it is good. I don't even want to ruin it, just go watch it.

Recently I bought 'Spy'. Which, in my opinion is amazing. My mum didn't really rate the film that much but I bloody adore it! Melissa Mccarthy and Miranda Hart are two of my favourite actresses, so I had very high expectations. Even though I teared up at a certain part, it is still hilarious. It is definitely a fab comedy, it had me laughing out loud several times.

My favourite songs have been:
Ariana Grande - Greedy
Margaret - Cool Me Down
Adele - Send My Love (To Your New Lover)
Ariana Grande - Into You
The 1975 - A Change Of Heart
Meghan Trainer's Album - Thank you

There are many others, but these are the ones that i have listened to the most recently. I just love them. I like to take my time doing my makeup and normally have Spotify on, so these are the songs that I go for first. I love how they are easy to sing along to, good 'getting ready' songs.

My favourite YouTubers at the minute are Velvet Ghost, Becca Rose and KathleenLights. I have only recently become obsessed with Kathleen Lights, but I love her. Well I adore all of them but you get it. definitely go check them out!


Finally, for makeup, my ultimate favourite item has to be the Makeup Revolutions 'Flawless' Palette. I love this. Every single time I apply makeup, it will be with this palette, either this or another one of their palettes. But each shadow is so, so beautiful. I think there is a fair few looks you could do with this palette and all would look stunning. I also really love the Barry M illuminating strobing cream in Iced Bronze. This is also gorgeous. It is still quite subtle yet you can see it. Which is why I adore it, because I don't want to look too shiny! I do recommend these products as they are really affordable yet great quality. Although I could do with some new brushes (mainly eye sets) so if any of you guys know of any good ones, please let me know. I also really love coloured eyeliner, for the waterline. I only have white, silver and blue. The blue is my favourite, just because it adds that pop. You should all try it!




I think I will leave it there because otherwise it is going to be extremely long, and we all know that's not me haha! I hope you all have an amazing week.

Adios amigos!xo