My Back to School Beauty Kit

Hey Guys!

For most people in the UK back to school is this week (seriously, where did the summer go?) and we're all busy filling our bags and pencil cases with the equipment we need. This year I decided I definitely needed to bring a couple of beauty essentials (not my whole makeup drawer of course, but the most important 'touch up' bits) so I don't get caught out after sport, hot weather or the typical British rain. 

My cute cat bag was a bargain at £3 from Primark and is the perfect size to fit all of my products in. My beauty must-haves for school that are in this bag are:

1. Hand-Cream and a Nail file- These two are essential for keeping hands hydrated and sorting out any hang nails, both of mine come from a wild-rose gift set from The Body Shop, but any kind will do.

2. Mascara- Mascara is great for making the eyes look wide awake and is an essential for touch ups during the day. I use Lancome's Hypnose Doll Eyes which is a personal favourite.

3. Clear Mascara- I have particularly unruly brows, so a clear mascara is a must have to keep them in check. This MUA one is as good as any other I've tried and is only £1!

4. Black Liquid Eyeliner- If I need to go somewhere with friends after school, or need to instantly refresh my makeup, a black liquid liner is indispensable, this one from Eyelure isn't my favourite, but it's compact size means it fits neatly in the bag.

5. Brown pencil eyeliner- This serves the same purpose as the liquid liner but can also be smudged out to give more of an eye shadow effect.

6. Lip-Balm- Keeping my lips hydrated is essential.

7. Mini Dry Shampoo- If I didn't have time to wash my hair, or it's looking a bit lackluster after PE, dry shampoo is perfect to refresh it and give a bit of volume.

8. Concealer- Perfect for covering up under eye circles and any spots that might pop up throughout the day.

9. Pocket Mirror- I'm always needing to check my makeup during school, so a mirror is an essential for me.

10. Mini Pack of wipes- Perfect for cleaning up makeup mistakes.

11. Hand Sanitizer- School isn't always the cleanest of places so I use hand-sanitizer for cleaning my hands before or after lunch, or just during the day whenever I feel like I need to.

Hope those of you going back to school have a great year!

Penny

xox

Back to School Clothes Wishlist

Hey Guys!

When school starts in September I'll be in Sixth Form and therefore allowed to wear my own clothes as oppose to the unflattering, boring uniform that has been obligatory for all of my previous school years. Whilst this sounds like it'll make going to school a lot more comfortable it also has the potential to be extremely stressful in the mornings, so below I've created a little 'capsule wardrobe'/wishlist of smart-casual pieces that are suitable to wearing at a school with a fairly relaxed dress-code.

The clothes I've chosen are mainly autumn/winter pieces with a fairly muted colour scheme, but many of them can be mixed and matched to create a variety of simple, comfortable yet stylish outfits for school.

1. I've picked two pairs of my favourite River Island 'Amelie' skinny jeans in black and dark blue which are £30 each- not too bad for good quality staple pieces that you can wear with many different tops in all seasons.

2. A good pair of basic 'go with everything' flats are essential for school and the gold detailing on this £28 pair from Miss Selfridge adds some extra interest to the shoes.

3. This simple black blazer from H&M is super affordable at £14.99 and versatile, perfect for dressing up a variety of different outfits.

4. The lace shoulder panels on this simple white shirt from Forever 21(£18.75) make something that could be boring a little more stylish and interesting.

5. Skater skirts are great for school because they're comfortable and flattering, these black and maroon ones, both from River Island and both under £20, would go with a variety of tops and are suitable for all seasons.

6. A denim jacket is great for layering with skirts and dresses when the weather gets colder, and this one from H&M is a bargain at £24.99

7. This Minnie Print top which is £18.75 from Forever 21 is perfect for making a fairly formal outfit that little bit more casual.

8. A leather jacket is another layering staple and this faux leather biker jacket from H&M is a steal at £29.99

9. A simple long sleeve, slouchy top is perfect for pairing with skirts and jeans and this cream one from River Island (£14) is a great basic to own.

10. Ankle boots are great all year round and these black ones from New Look are stylish and reasonably priced at £19.99.

11. A simple T-Shirt style dress is both flattering and practical, this burgundy one from New Look is only £12.99.

12. A cardigan is an essential in Britain where the weather can turn at any moment! This one from Topshop, although not the cheapest at £38, is extremely versatile because of its colour and style.

Happy Back to School Shopping!

Penny

XoX

Back To School Wishlist

Hey Guys!

One of my favorite things about back to school (aside from catching up with everyone after summer of course) is buying new stationary and equipment to start the school year with. I know to most people stationary is not exactly the most exciting thing, but some of you out there will definetely love shopping for back to school equipment as much as I do- so I've made a little wishlist of my favourite finds which are pretty, practical and great value!

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Happy Shopping!

Penny

xox