Happiness & Motivation // BeautieCollected

Just like everyone else, I struggle with being motivated. I think it's just in our nature to have days where you feel discouraged and you just need to sit back and take a second to think and evaluate everything you're doing and what you want to achieve. Usually if you're not motivated, there's a part of you that just isn't happy with how things are, you may feel like you need to change some things or just simply take a break and switch things up. Either way, we've all been there, and sometimes it's hard to get yourself out of the ditch, especially if it's dug too deep.

I thought about posting this for a while but part of me has just put it off as it's definitely a very wordy post, which I apologize in advance for. But when I wrote this, for my english coursework, I felt a lot of relief and as if I was able to express something I've wanted to express for a while. That's why I want to share it. It's a a blog post style piece about being happy and finding motivation in things you do, as you'll see in the post there is one man in particular that has helped me feel a lot happier and just feel good and positive about life... Mod Sun. I cannot recommend his music enough (my favourite at the mo is Free Love and Howlin' at the moon *wink wink*) It's not everyone's cup of tea but it's done wonderful things for me!!

Sorry for the ramble but I hope you enjoy!!

Happiness & Motivation

What it all means...

Happiness…What is it? Happiness is one of the hardest things to define as you cannot pin point what is guaranteed to make an individual happy. Not only is happiness something that has such a vast and uncertain criteria area, it is also something which can be triggered by different things for different people. Triggers apply to many things, both positively and negatively. To gain happiness, one must experience a ‘positive trigger’ which will encourage the feeling of satisfaction and delight within the person. However, if somebody was to experience a ‘negative trigger’ they would experience feelings quite different from those felt and expressed through happiness.

From this, it is clear to see that perspective plays a key role in how a person feels and what triggers they receive. This can be easily linked to the “glass half full, glass half empty” debate. Primarily, everything you feel and experience in life is due to your perspective on a situation. If you are to fall in love with someone, those emotions and that situation carries forward because you have allowed yourself to feel it. If you were to turn your head away from love, you wouldn’t feel the same things as previously stated.

All of these things lead closely into the topic of motivation. Motivation is a reason as to why we act or behave in a certain way, this can be mentally or towards a physical thing. Motivation is commonly noted with regards to exercise, work, cleaning and other tasks which may not be all that pleasant for us to partake in. Motivation comes in many forms and again, like happiness is different for almost everyone. An example of motivation is; If you clean the whole of your room, you are able to have a friend over/go out and see a friend. This ‘reward’ will allow you to see the benefit of doing a chore which you may not find too appealing at first. Again, the same can apply to exercise; if you lose 5lbs you can buy that dress you wanted. Motivation is essentially incentives to aid the process of a certain task, and these incentives usually give people a positive trigger as 9 times out of 10 the incentive is something you’d happy with.

“It’s hard to be motivated when you’re unhappy…”

Something that commonly makes being motivated a hard thing for many people is being unhappy. If you are unhappy, it is unlikely that you will be looking for the positivity in all situations while you are surrounded by negative thoughts and feelings. This is common among college and university students, this is why procrastination plays a key role in many students lives and the reason for many overdue essays. Overall, negative thoughts are always powering as it is easy to picture everything that could go wrong in a situation, rather than thinking about all the positive aspects.

“No matter the amount of negativity you’re presented with, 5 minutes from now could be the best moment of your life.” – MOD SUN

This quote from MOD SUN really captures the importance of happiness and how you shouldn’t wallow in the negatives or self-pity, as you never know what is right around the corner from you. Within 5 minutes, the worse day of your life could turn into the best at the drop of a hat, and especially if you’re in a negative mind set you are unlikely to see the positive as a genuinely good situation. This quote reminds you what is really important in life; being present in the here and now and not worrying about what has happened or what will happen.

Happiness and positivity all aid your motivation. The happier you are, the more likely you are to sit and work on something that you need to get done, as you are in a more focussed mind set. Negative attitudes and thoughts are the fastest things to slow you down and reduce your motivation and effort to a minimum, this is because you always put negative thoughts right at the front of your mind as they are most likely to cause worry and a distraction from what ultimately matters. Negative thoughts also make you doubt yourself and others around you and make you question yourself and those you surround yourself with. In some situations it can make you question things such as; “Will I ever be happy?” and other questions that shouldn’t really be bothering you.

“Happiness is a choice.” – Shay Carl

Shay Carl is a very strong advocate for a happy, healthy lifestyle. He is a strong believer than happiness is a choice, and that you choose what you want to believe in the world when it comes to positivity and negativity. If you choose to allow negative thoughts in and overrun you, chances are you will live an unhappy and inconsistent life regarding your outlook and your moods. However, if you were to choose a happier outlook on life and as Shay said, choose to not let the outside influences of the world affect your mood, you will live a happier life as it will be the way you want to live, not dependant on others in the world and around you.

An important aspect of this quote is also that it implies you should split the positives from the negatives. You should keep the positive thoughts and experiences in your mind and revisit them often, and the negative thoughts you should just release and tell yourself “I don’t need this negative influence in my life. Happiness is my choice” – Something this simple can make you feel in control a heck of a lot more than you were before! Which can be the first step of the rest of your life. Just by switching up your attitude and outlook on life, you can open so many more doors for yourself whether it’s opportunities or just emotionally.


“The secret to life is hidden behind the word cliché,” – Shay Carl

Shay Carl also lives by the idea that there is no real ‘secret’ when it comes to your life, it’s just about how you live it. One thing he believes if that cliché’s are the answer to almost everything. Happiness, according to some, is a cliché in itself. How do you find true happiness? Although it may be a cliché and it can seem almost irrelevant to some, it is a basic principle and foundation for a positive, confident life or relationship. Without happiness in our everyday lives, things would be a lot more negative in terms of a collective society, rather than just an individual. Happiness can make or break a person, it’s just a matter of where, when and how. Negativity can try to run your life, but really… that’s your job.

Take Care!

- Katie x

Hello... Flawless? // BeautieCollected

I recently splurged on the purchase of the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation from Benefit. I'd read some rave reviews here in the blogging world, but also some with negative views. I thought the only way I would find out my view is to try it myself!

I got colour matched at the counter and they have a pretty decent range of colours, they have a collection of yellow and pink undertones which will match to a variety of skin tones well. I am in the shade Ivory "I'm pure 4 sure"

On application I use around 3/4 - 1 pump and dot it over my face evenly, which I blend in with a duo fibre stippling brush as it leaves a lighter finish and doesn't make the product feel cakey. Once everything is blended, at first glance it leaves my skin looking smooth and practically flawless, and feels almost weightless. 

Once I'd gone out and ran some errands and just general day to day life, the coverage was still there and my skin still looked smooth and evenly toned. However, after 7+ hours of wear, it did start to congregate into fine lines and leave a close up appearance of powdery, cakey-ness. I hadn't reapplied powder or any products throughout the day either.

This foundation is on my Top 3, but I'd prefer it for more shorter wearing and casual use. Rather than replying on the quality for a long day for an important event! Let me know your thoughts on this foundation and what your all time favourite is!

Take care!

- Katie x

Updated Skincare // BeautieCollected

One of the very first posts I made was a skincare routine. Now although there are still a couple of products which remain the same, there are the odd few that have changed and altered to fit with my current skin type. For those wondering I have dry to combination skin, the dry patches being mostly on my cheeks and forehead.

To remove my makeup I still use a Micellar water, this is the Garnier branded one and it works just as well as the others I have tried. I glides the makeup off your skin without an excessive need to rub and tug at the skin. It is also very good and effective at taking off eye makeup, especially mascara and some waterproof products.

As for rinsing and clearing my skin, I like to use a gentle scrub and a wash to both exfoliate and deep clean my skin on a daily basis, more so because I am acne prone! The scrub I have been using is by Neutrogena and it's the Tangerine and Lime Pore & Shine Scrub, it's gentle enough to use daily but still works as a scrub!

Then I follow this up by using a daily wash to clean my face once more. I use the Neutrogena Tangerine and Lime pore and shine daily wash. This foams well and works perfectly in conjunction with the scrub shown before. It leaves my skin feeling clean and soft and is the perfect start and end to any day!

In the mornings to moisturise I use the Simple Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser. Because of all the products I use on my face during the day, the last thing I want to feel is heavy and weighed down with moisturiser. This has the perfect formulation to keep my skin hydrated all day but feels very weightless and non-existent on the skin.

If I am applying makeup, I will put on the Nivea Express Hydration Primer, this helps smooth out my skin and create the perfect base and forms a light barrier between the skin and my makeup products, but it doesn't interfere with the application of products.

As a final (and lazy) step, if I am staying over somewhere that I am unable to carry all these products or complete my full routine, I just quickly use one or two of the Johnson's Face Care wipes. They take off all makeup very well and are a good alternative if you're having a lazy day!

Overall, I highly rate all these products and would definitely recommend that you check these out and even try them for yourself! They are all also very affordable so they won't break the bank.

Take Care!

- Katie x

Welcome Back Haul // BeautieCollected

Well, well, well... I guess I tried and failed the first time around, but I'm back!! I'm sorry again that the gaps have been so big and unexpected. I'm trying my best now I know I have definitely got some spare time to get motivated and start to blog again. I thought what better way to settle into the game than with a quick little haul. 

It was my birthday towards the end of June and on top of getting paid, I had some money to spend, so it's safe to say I definitely splurged this week.

I ran out of my face wash, and I took this opportunity to delve into some new products and give them a try. The one I have decided to try is the Neutrogena Visibly Clear Tangerine and Lime range, and so far so good! It leaves my skin feeling smooth and soft but not totally deprived of moisture. I definitely recommend you give it a try if you're on the market for a new skincare system.

I took a quick visit to Hollister, mainly because my friend was on the hunt for some clothes, but I thought I would try their body sprays. They all smell phenomenal, the one I bought is called Solana Beach and it smells very refreshing and it lasts all day!

Then of course, Lush came into the mix. (From left to right) I bought Dragon Egg, Twilight and Sex Bomb. I also got the You've been mangoed bath melt, however I've already used that right up! I've never tried these ones although they are highly raved about. So I will let you know how I feel about them!

I've needed a sugar scrub for the longest time. Even though the new Zoella range has come out and it includes one, this one from Boots was cheaper and I really like it so far. It's from their Extracts range and it's just a basic Mango sugar scrub. It feels so delicate yet scrubs very well, however it does leave a slight residue so it may be an idea to just rinse twice afterwards!

Then this is where the splurge begins! I went on a makeup binge and thought I'd just bite the bullet and try out some well raved favorites of almost every beauty blogger and vlogger ever! However, I did need new ones of all of these so it was a good opportunity. This is the Benefit Erase Paste concealer. I'm in the lightest shade and at the counter the girl put it on me and it works wonders for under eye circles! Highly recommend this one! 

At the counter to balance out my eyes she tried a little eyeliner. She asked me about colours and how I felt about trying something new. I was open to it and she tried the purple They're Real Push-Up Liner and I loved it! The colour isn't too bright but bright enough for you to notice, and it glides on so smooth.

Following that, she applied the They're Real mascara and I was pleasantly surprised about how it made my lashes look. it separates but makes them look unbelievable! A must try on anyone's list!

I have no excuse for this, other than I wanted to try it! This is the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation. I haven't tried this yet but I will report back ASAP!

Another impulse buy! This is the Zoella Fizz Bar, I was just on a run of bath products and I thought, why not!

For my new concealer I bought a concealer brush, this is from So Eco and it's just a domed concealer brush, then I bought an angled brush for my brows!

Finally I bought the No7 Stippling brush for my foundation, and I'm yet to see how well this works!!

So there we have it, my week of splurging shared with you all! If you have tried any of these let me know what you think and let me know any other products I should try!

Till next time! Take Care

- Katie x

Healthy Breakfast Smoothie // BeautieCollected

So with summer rapidly approaching, it seems like it is the universal time for everyone to start their healthy eating kick and fitness routines. By the title of this post you can probably tell... I have too! With the weather getting better, ever so slightly, it is perfect motivation to start adapting my lifestyle to be healthier. With that being said; lets get into the post!

I splurged on a blender when I got paid this month, because I know if anything, smoothies will be the one thing that keeps me in check. I bought the Blend-Active blender, which I can do a review on in the coming weeks if that is something you'd be interested in, it has been my holy grail item for the past week and it's made healthy eating a lot more exciting and easy!

For breakfast most mornings I've been enjoying making a smoothie, not only is it filling because of the frozen fruits, but it also is a perfect way to kick start your five a day and to help you feel energised. Now I'm no nutritionist, but I can definitely say that since I've been having smoothies, I've felt so much more motivated and brighter.

Now onto the things you will need;

• Blender
• A bottle to drink your smoothie from, unless your blender doubles as this
• weighing scales
• Small bowls or anything to weigh your ingredients in
• Water - I prefer filtered but its totally up to you
• 100g Natural yoghurt
• 100g frozen Peach
• 100g frozen Pineapple
• 1 Banana

If you aren't a fan of these fruits then by all means switch them for some you do like, however be mindful of the combinations you make, some can end up very sour!

Step 1: You'll want to measure out your ingredients, using your scales measure out 100g of any frozen fruit you have, for this I used Peach and Pineapple which I got from a can and froze myself!You'll also want to weigh out your yoghurt, you can use greek yoghurt if you want, but this natural yoghurt works just as well for me. You can also quickly tear up a banana since it doesn't need measuring.

Step 2: Preparing to blend. Once you have measured out your ingredients you can go ahead and throw them into your blender, this includes all the fruit and the yoghurt. To top it off, add some water. You can gage this on how watery you want it to be, I usually add small amounts because it's easier to add than take away!

Step 3: Blend! Pop the lid onto your blender and blend this all together till it's smooth in consistency and all the chunks of fruit are gone! Add little bits of water if your blender struggles with the fruit, it gives it a bit more help.

Step 4: Enjoy! If your blender doubles as a drinking bottle then just exchange the lids and you're good to go, or pour it into a glass or a tumbler and you're ready to enjoy your smoothie.

This is probably my favourite recipe to date as it's creamy and smooth and very filling! I usually make this around 8-9am and drink it throughout the morning and definitely keeps me going till lunch time!

If you try this out definitely let me know how it goes and if you enjoy it! You can tweet me pictures to @BeautieCBlog with the hashtag #BeautieSmoothie (use it on instagram too and I'll have a nosey!)

Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoy the smoothie!

Until next time, Take care,

Katie x

MIA: Where Have I Been?! // BeautieCollected

Why hello everyone! It feels very strange to be sat back behind the keyboard doing other that 140 character tweets or extensive English coursework. I'm sure the first thing you're wondering, if anything at all, is "You haven't posted since January, where have you been?!"

To cut a long story very short, I've had the most hectic few months I could have ever imagined. Not only with college and work being where I spend 99.9% of my time, but with preparation for exams and coursework deadlines getting ever so close, I thought it was best I took a break. I will admit, I did have a lack of inspiration when it came to what to write and putting effort into my blog and all the little things that needed to be done. Therefore I feel it was easier to pass it off as "needing a break", however I didn't want to be posting rushed and boring posts that nobody was really going to enjoy reading. 

Although.. I AM BACK! I have 4 more exams which will be finished over the next 2-3 weeks and after that I am absolutely free for 3 months! This means I can put a lot more effort and time into my blog and hopefully make it something I continually enjoy, rather than it developing into a chore. Posts will still be slightly sparse whilst I get back into the rhythm of prep and posting, but you can expect at least one post a week from now on! How exciting!

That brings me to my next point; What do you guys want to see on my blog? I know everyone asks this and gets either no reply or the standard "makeup" "fashion" etc. However, along with the genre of posts, I'm wondering if there is any specific posts you would like me to do? I am really getting into lifestyle and health lately, so you can definitely expect some healthy eating posts and things that have worked for me. If you have any suggestions feel free to leave them in the comments below or tweet me @BeautieCBlog

Thank you to those of you that have stuck by my blog and I hope you're as excited as I am for new posts!

Until next time, Take Care,

Katie x

"New Year, New Me" // BeautieCollected

Hello everyone! It's been a while since I posted, and as it is the new year I thought what better way to start posting to my blog again than to do a "resolutions" type post. 

The phrase "New year, new me" is one of which I never use as I personally feel that just because the clock strikes midnight and it's a new year, doesn't mean you can just change at the drop of a hat. It's something that takes time, and if you really want it, you'll get there. Also "changing" is the worst word to use to describe it, as you can't really change who you are, it's more like growing to be a better person in whatever aspect it is you want to improve yourself on!

With that being said, I'm going to tell you my resolutions for 2015 and things I hope to accomplish by the end of the year!

• Lose Weight: Now I know this is a cliché and almost every man and his dog makes this resolution, which is fair enough however there isn't many people that stick to it, and it's one of the most common resolutions to be broken. I'm doing it personally because I need to. It will aid me in more ways that one to lose some weight and just overall become a lot more healthier with my food intake etc. So with this resolution in mind, in the close future I am hoping to post some lifestyle posts about how I'm doing and things that work for me, you can expect these to come towards the end of February as I need a bit of time to figure out what does work!
• Post More: I'm ideally wanting to get back into the swing of posting twice a week on my blog. It's going to be hard for a while as I have a lot of coursework and exam prep happening really soon. However by April I'm hoping to be on a 2 posts a week routine, sticking to the beauty and lifestyle theme I'm already on!
• Be Active: This kind of links with my first resolution of getting healthier and losing weight. I want to become more active, even if it's just meeting up with friends for a couple of hours, going out for a walk or a bike ride. Something to get me out of the house in my spare time, as right now, there isn't much of that happening!
• Learn to Drive: I'm turning 17 this year and one thing I really want to do by the end of this year is have driving lessons and *fingers crossed* pass my test! The fact I'll legally be allowed to drive a car scares me, but there is also that element where I just want to jump in and do it!
• Grow My Hair: Just before Christmas, I had my hair cut from being hip length to above my collarbones...yes I know, I almost cried. My hair was so damaged though so it needed a bit of life putting back into it. I know it's going to take more than a year to get it back to that length, however I'm hoping for it to be past my shoulders by this time next year!
• Pass My AS Levels: I'm currently studying A Levels and obviously one of my goals is to pass these to be able to go on to A2 and then make the jump from college to university in 2016!

So those are all of my resolutions I can think of just now. If I have any more I'll be sure to make a part two, if it's worth it! Let me know some of your new year's resolutions!

Take Care!

- Katie x