If you follow me on Twitter then you'll be well aware that I've been completing an Extended Project Qualification over the course of the year, alongside my A-Levels. I've been updating everyone on my progress over the past few months as the deadline became closer, and quite a few of my readers also took part in my primary research, as the topic was centred around blogging. My final deadline was on Thursday and I was relieved to have it all finished, and so I definitely wanted to document the achievement and talk about my experiences in more detail. Whether you're considering doing an EPQ yourself or just want to hear about my blogging-related project, then make sure you keep reading.


WHAT IS AN EXTENDED PROJECT QUALIFICATION?

The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) is essentially an extra qualification, where you choose a subject of interest and research it to an undergraduate level standard. As part of the project, you have to complete a dissertation and presentation, as well as a logbook documenting your progress. 

EPQ was recommended to me at my college enrollment interview and I was told that it's highly respected by universities, so I definitely wanted to give it a go. The lessons were once a week, meaning it required a lot of independent research and responsibility, but I also saw it as the perfect opportunity to develop my interest and passion in a chosen subject, which for me was blogging. 


WHAT WAS THE TOPIC OF MY EPQ?

When I started EPQ, I was told to choose a topic that I'm passionate about and will enjoy researching, as it's a lot of work to do for a subject that you aren't even interested in. I decided to focus mine on blogging, which is evidently a huge part of my life and has been for over 3 years now, so I knew that I had a keen interest in the topic. 

The question that I based my project around was: 'Does writing a blog both physically and mentally benefit teenagers in their educational development?' I found this to be a perfect choice as my project largely centred around blogging and school - two things that I'm actively involved in and have a lot of knowledge about. Also, the choice to focus specifically on educational development meant that I could use some of my mum's university resources, as she's currently doing a degree in Children and Young People's Learning and Development.

One of the main parts of my EPQ was undertaking primary research, which I did by carrying out questionnaires and online interviews on bloggers. Quite a few of my readers got involved in this, which I was honestly so thankful for and it really helped with my project. It was great to be able to work with close friends in collecting my research, discussing a topic we're all passionate about, and I also discovered many new bloggers through my primary research. I wanted to specifically thank Kate, Erin, Hannah, Kate and Shannon for taking part in the online interviews, as I appreciate it very much!

I also had to complete my secondary research, which definitely dragged out over months but I found it interesting, as it was centred around the impacts of blogging. Once both of these were completed, I channelled my efforts into the write-up and presentation, as well as filling in the log book to document my planning process, evaluations and modifications throughout.


MY THOUGHTS ON THE PROCESS - HOW I FOUND IT

I'll be honest, completing EPQ was probably one of the most stressful things I've ever done. This was my first time conducting a project of this scale and it required a lot of time and effort, as well as it being difficult to balance with my A-Level subjects. There was a point when I considered dropping the project as I was worried that it wouldn't be done in time or good enough, but I powered through and I'm very glad that I kept going, as I'm proud of the completed project.

This aside, I'd definitely say that I enjoyed my EPQ experience. It enabled me to write about a topic that I'm very passionate about and I learnt a lot about blogging whilst completing it. I also developed lots of skills and gained confidence in my writing abilities, all of which will be useful as I progress onto University and have to complete regular assignments.


ADVICE FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING DOING EPQ

If you've read this post and you're currently doing your EPQ, or you're considering taking it, my biggest piece of advice would be to not leave everything until later on. I spent months on secondary research and organising my primary research, meaning actually conducting it and completing the write-up was very rushed, most of which being in the Easter holidays. This wasn't ideal and caused a lot of stress, so I'd highly recommend starting your write-up sooner. Even if you're encouraged in class not to start it, just drafting a few things in the early stages will make it much more manageable later on.

My other biggest piece of advice is to choose a topic that you're passionate about. As my EPQ was based around blogging and it's clearly a hobby that I love, my motivation to work on my project was definitely increased. The research never felt like a chore, as I had a genuine interest in what I was reading, and it also meant that I could increase my expertise in an area that I'm fond of.




I hope that this post was helpful for anyone taking EPQ, and if you have any questions about it then let me know in the comments or on Twitter, as I'd be more than happy to help. Thanks for reading this post, and as usual I'll see you next Sunday with a new one!

Love from Daisy x

Tanya Burr is one of the most popular beauty bloggers around, and I've been reading her blog and watching her videos for quite some time now. As soon as she announced her cosmetics line a few years back I knew that it'd be worth testing, so I'd tried a couple of her products and really liked them. When these two gorgeous palettes were released this Christmas, I instantly fell in love with them and knew that I had to feature them on my blog. Although it's been quite some time since they were brought out, I wanted to thoroughly test them out, and now it's time to share all of my thoughts with you!


BEAUTIFULLY DEFINED PALETTE


I've finally found the perfect palette for creating glowing, illuminated makeup - the Beautifully Defined Palette. This beautiful set contains three eyeshadows, a powder highlighter, a powder bronzer and a liquid highlighter, all of which work extremely well together. I've been loving testing all of these products to create a radiant makeup look, and the high-quality, creamy formulation of all the powders makes them really nice to apply as well.

Caramel Kiss is a shimmery, medium-toned bronzer that I've been gravitating towards on a regular basis. It's the perfect shade for adding some warmth to my face, much like a natural tan, and the subtle shimmer adds a gorgeous glow that makes it a very flattering product. The highlighter, Champagne Shimmer, is definitely more of a subtle product, so if you're looking for a beautiful illumination yet don't want something as bold as Mary Lou Manizer, this product will definitely be for you.

The liquid highlighter in the shade Beaming is the first product of this type I've ever tried, and so far I really like it. I've been applying this golden-toned highlighter to the high points of my face and it blends really nicely, creating a gorgeous warm glow. It can also be mixed in with your foundation to create an overall radiant appearance, which I'll definitely have to try.

This palette also comes with three eyeshadows which are very complimentary for blue and green eyes, and look lovely when applied together. Silk Pyjamas is a pale copper shade that looks beautiful when packed onto the eyelid, and its high-shimmer finish definitely draws attention to the eye. Cuddle Me is an auburn, warm-toned brown, and its matte finish means it's perfect for using in the crease of the eye. Baking Brownies is a rich, deep-brown that has a golden shimmer running through it, being ideal for the outer eye if you're creating a more dramatic look, or to define the lashline.


BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE PALETTE


This second palette is equally as beautiful, containing a powder blusher, powder highlighter and lipgloss that I've been reaching for regularly. The cardboard packaging definitely feels sturdier than you'd expect and the magnetic fastening makes it secure, so this product would definitely be ideal for travelling. All of the products look lovely applied in conjunction, creating a very sweet and pretty makeup look that I think will be flattering on a variety of skin tones. 

The powder blusher is a gorgeous dusky rose shade that I find myself reaching for regularly, as it's the perfect shade for achieving a natural flush. I think it's particularly nice for the winter months but will look beautiful all year round, and the subtle shimmer also adds a nice glow to the cheeks. The highlighter is a soft champagne shade that adds a radiant light to the cheekbones without being too bold, making it ideal for everyday application.

The lipgloss is in the shade Afternoon Tea and is the perfect daytime lip colour. Although it's not as pigmented as you'd expect from the tube, the sheer coral pink shade is absolutely gorgeous and looks flattering on the lips. It has a high-shine appearance, which is aided by the hint of gold shimmer running through it, and it doesn't feel sticky or stiff on the lips, and so I've been reaching for it often.


I hope you liked hearing my thoughts on these Tanya Burr Cosmetics products, and if you've tried any of them then I'd love to know what you thought down in the comments. Thank you very much for reading this post and I'll see you next Sunday with a new one!

Love from Daisy x

With exam season being literally right around the corner for many students, now is a time of frantic revision and last-minute cramming of any topics you don't already know. However, it can be easy to lose steam at this point and be exhausted from all of your previous revision, which is exactly the opposite of what you want. I think that I've mastered my methods of being productive and working efficiently, and so I have some vital tips to share that'll hopefully help you get over the final hurdle of revision.

REMOVE ANY DISTRACTIONS 
The first step to being productive is having complete focus on the work that you're doing. I know it can be tempting to check your phone every few minutes to see if you're missing out on anything, but it breaks your concentration and often ends in scrolling through social media for hours with no progress on your work. I've found that the best method for me is to put my phone on 'do not disturb' mode, that way my notifications will be waiting for me when I have a study break but I'm not distracted by my phone lighting up every few minutes.


FIND A PRODUCTIVE PLACE TO WORK
I often find that the place that I'm working in will dictate my mindset and so directly affect whether I'm feeling productive or not. In general, I find that a silent area of the library is the best place for me to be when working, as I can get in the zone and fully focus on the task at hand. Although I'm guilty of doing a lot of my homework whilst comfy in my living room, there's often too many distractions and noise throughout the house that stops me from working. Ideally, you want to be somewhere comfortable and with lots of space, yet free from any distractions or interruptions.


MAKE A TO-DO LIST
If you're going to be productive and hopefully get a lot of work completed, it's important to see what tasks you have to do in a clear format. By creating a to-do list before I begin, I can clearly see what tasks are important and higher priority, and what other things you need to do. Not only is it incredibly satisfying to check something off the list when you've completed it, but it also ensures that you won't 
completely forget an important homework that you need to do.


ORGANISE YOUR TIME EFFICIENTLY
I'll be honest, I'm the type of person who gets consumed in one task and will focus on it for hours, only to realise that I have a handful of other things that also need doing. For this reason, I'd recommend organising your time and deciding what tasks you'll dedicate your day to. For example, a typical evening might consist of doing a piece of homework for an hour, some wider reading and then revision after tea. The number of tasks that you take on and how much time you dedicate to each will vary depending on your personal preferences and how much you have to do, but organising your time in this way ensures that you won't dedicate all of your time solely to one task and disregard any others.


GET IN A PRODUCTIVE MINDSET
In order to work efficiently, you have to be in the right mindset. Although this isn't easy to achieve, there are many things you can do to enhance your mood and feel motivated to study. Having a good sleep and filling breakfast will instantly give you a positive start to the day, or a morning shower may be helpful to leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Alternatively, some motivational music and something else may be all it takes to get your mind in gear and ready to work.


GIVE YOURSELF BREAKS AND REWARDS
Your mind won't be able to focus if you try and work constantly, so it's important to give yourself regular breaks. Also, after all of the hard work that you've done, you should treat yourself and allow for some time off. When doing long days of revision or work, I often have some chocolate and diet coke to treat myself halfway, as well as listening to music or podcasts in the background of working later on. Not only does this make the final stretch of studying much more enjoyable, but it's also a great reward for all of the hard work you've already put in.



I hope that these tips were useful, and if you have any exams or important deadlines coming up then I wish you the best of luck! Thank you very much for reading this post, and I'll see you again next Sunday with a new one.

Love from Daisy x
Origins Radiance Ready Skincare

Origins are a renowned, high-end skincare brand, and so I've always been eager to try their products. As a teenager with blemish-prone, often dull-looking skin, it's really important for me to try and find the best possible products to leave my complexion clear and with a radiant glow. I've heard nothing but amazing reviews of all of Origins' products over the years, particularly their Ginzing range, and since they use all natural ingredients I was certain that they'd be beneficial for my skin. I've been trying out these products for a few months now, so I thought it was about time to update you with all of my thoughts and opinions.

GINZING REFRESHING SCRUB CLEANSER

Origins Ginzing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

A lot of the facial scrubs that I've tried in the past have either been too harsh and left my skin feeling completely stripped, or been ineffective and acted more like a cleanser. This product is the perfect middle-ground, having a multi-functional formula that enables it to remove any traces of makeup whilst still unclogging pores. The scent, which is a natural blend of grapefruit, lemon and spearmint, is very uplifting and adds to the refreshing feel of the product. After using it, my skin not only looks brighter and revitalised but it also feels amazing, so I've loved using this scrub on a regular basis.


GINZING ENERGY BOOSTING MOISTURISER

Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser

Although my skin is blemish-prone, I do tend to get dry and dehydrated patches of skin, particularly around my nose and jaw. This product has been ideal for leaving my skin feeling radiant and hydrated, without creating the greasy texture that many moisturisers leave behind. Its lightweight, gel-like consistency means my face doesn't feel weighed down by a heavy formula, and the zesty scent smells gorgeous and refreshing on the skin. I tend to notice a difference after applying this moisturiser, as my skin feels incredibly refreshed and rejuvenated, creating a desirable glow that injects some life back into my otherwise dull complexion.


ORIGINAL SKIN RENEWAL SERUM WITH WILLOWHERB

Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb

This serum is marketed towards 'quarter-life crisis skin' as Origins have called it, where your skin is feeling dull and lacklustre with enlarged pores and lacking any glow. Although I'm too young to regularly require a serum in my skincare routine, I've used this product occasionally and really liked it. The natural ingredients all target a different area, from the willowherb restoring glow to the Persian silk tree extract helping your skin to de-stress. This product is incredibly fresh-feeling and light on the skin, making it suitable for all skin types, and it's definitely a product that I'll continue to use every now and again.


ORIGINAL SKIN RETEXTURISING MASK WITH ROSE CLAY

Origins Original Skin Retexturising Mask with Rose Clay

I've never properly gotten into using face masks, so this product was a first for me. With its 2-in-1 formula, this mask claims to thoroughly cleanse the complexion whilst also giving it a gentle polish. I've been using this a couple of times a week, leaving it on for 10-15 minutes for the clay formula to harden. When washing it off, I use wet fingertips to ensure that the jojoba beads can be fully activated and assist in exfoliating my skin. My face definitely feels refreshed and healthier after using this product, with an apparent glow being restored, making this a gentle yet effect mask that I've absolutely loved using.


I hope these mini-reviews were helpful and that they've inspired you to try some of these wonderful products. I'd love to know down in the comments if you've used any Origins skincare products, or if you haven't then which product that I've featured would you most like to try. Thank you for reading this post and I'll be back again next Sunday, so I'll see you then!

Love from Daisy, x

I haven't written a monthly favourites post in quite some time - possibly over a year at this point - but I thought that it was about time to change that. I stopped doing them as I found it to be quite repetitive, with the same products being featured on a monthly basis, and so I was running out of things to say. However, there have been many different things that I've been loving this month, a number of which I haven't mentioned on my blog, so I hope you like hearing about all of my favourites from March!


BEAUTY AND ACCESSORIES

Seventeen Easy On The Eyes Palette in Birthday Suit - Although I don't usually have plenty of spare time in the mornings before college, but when I do I often enjoy playing around with different eyeshadow looks. This palette is one that I gravitate towards on a regular basis, as it's extremely easy to wear. All of the shades complement each other nicely and I find that these particular colours make my blue eyes pop. I also love their pigmented application and the ease with which they blend out, making this an all-around great palette.

Rimmel Volume Shake Mascara - I was lucky enough to be sent this mascara by Rimmel, and it arrived just at the right time as my previous mascara was reaching its end. I've been using this product on a daily basis ever since and it has definitely impressed me. One coat gives a very defined look with some volume, but this can be built upon to create more volume. I haven't fully tested out the shaking element of the product yet, but this is a very exciting and promising attribute, and if it works it'll be revolutionary for mascaras.

Rimmel Kate Moss Sculpting Palette in Coral Glow - I'm naturally a very pale person and often look washed out, so adding some colour back into my face is an important part of my makeup routine. I absolutely love this palette, with the bronzer being my personal favourite. It's perfect for adding a tanned shimmer to my face, looking sunkissed without being too bold, and the blusher is also great for injecting a pop of coral into my cheeks and bringing my face to life. The highlighter is fairly subtle but is ideal for creating a natural champagne-tinted glow on your cheekbones.

Superdrug Killer Volume Dry Shampoo - As far as dry shampoos go, I rely on them on a regular basis and have tried many different ones, but I always find myself returning back to Batiste. However, I've recently rediscovered this product, which is from Superdrug's own brand, and I've been quite enjoying it. If volume is what you're looking for, then this dry shampoo certainly won't disappoint you. It's definitely not the easiest to style your hair afterwards, as it's almost unmovable from the intense grip of the dry shampoo, but it makes my hair big like I've never seen it before, so I've been enjoying using this on the final day before washing my hair.

Primark Choker Necklaces - Chokers definitely seem to be the 'in' fashion accessory at the moment so I couldn't resist but to buy a fair share of them over the past few months. They're the perfect way to add some interest to an outfit and can completely transform a look. I've been experimenting with many different ones and even layering them to create a trendy and slightly edgy look. Since Primark are offering packs of assorted chokers at such an affordable price, you definitely need to pick some up!



BOOKS

Caraval by Stephanie Garber - I'll be honest, I haven't been reading as much as I'd like lately. I have numerous books to read in preparation for my English Literature coursework, and I've also started my wider reading by picking up novels to assist with The Duchess of Malfi and A Streetcar Named Desire - but this means less time for reading my own picks. However, I did get around to reading Caraval by Stephanie Garber and I loved it, as it was the perfect injection of fast-paced fantasy that I needed amongst the swarm of classic novels.


MISCELLANEOUS

For A Moment, I Was Lost by Amber Run - I've mentioned before that I'm quite a big Amber Run fan, and so I've been listening to their newest album a lot since its release in February. Over the past month, I've had this on constantly in the background of homework and I've definitely fallen in love with their new songs. My favourites are definitely Perfect, Insomniac and Haze, but I honestly love the entire album.

Twin Peaks - When looking for a new TV series to start in March, I decided to embrace my inner Bastille fangirl, and watch Twin Peaks. Since Dan's a fan of it and they have a song entitled Laura Palmer, I knew that the show is a huge influence on their music and so I was eager to watch it. I definitely wouldn't have predicted that's it would be my cup of tea, but I'm fully engrossed in the storyline at this point and have fallen in love with the 90s vibe and mystery elements.

Life in Kateish - As a blogger myself, I'm always on the lookout for other blogs to read, and I have to say that stumbling upon Life in Kateish was an amazing discovery. Kate's blog is a huge inspiration of mine, as I love her photography style and it's clear how much effort she puts into each post. We've also been chatting a lot on Twitter and she's a lovely person, so it's been great to both make an amazing friend and find a blog that I love! We've been talking about possibly meeting up over the summer, and I definitely hope that this happens! I'd definitely urge you to check out her blog, which you can find here.

Trebor Mighties Sugar-Free Mints - This is quite a random favourite to include, but I'd be lying to you if I said I haven't been obsessed with these mints lately. I'm always on the hunt for chewing gum or mints, and these ones are perfect as they're sugar-free. Also, they're not too strong or harsh like some mint-flavoured products can be, and they feel much more soothing to eat.

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my favourite products over the past month, especially since it's been so long since I last did one of these posts. Make sure to let me know if you'd like monthly favourites to become a regular thing on my blog, and I'd also love to know what beauty items or books you've been obsessed with recently. Thanks for reading and I'll see you again next Sunday!

Love from Daisy x