5 Ways To Balance Your Academics and Life

Being a student isn't easy - you're expected to do countless pieces of homework and constantly be revising whilst also having other hobbies, maintaining a social life, perhaps working or volunteering, amongst many other things. As exams are quickly approaching, it can become easy to solely focus on working and neglect other aspects of your life, but with these tips I'll hopefully help you gain a balance in all aspects of your life.

Be Organised and Plan in Advanced
The best way to gain a balance between college and everything else going on in life is to be organised and plan ahead of schedule. For example, if you know that you're going out with friends next weekend, rather than cancelling to focus on work, instead just ensure that you take the time earlier in the week to get everything done. Likewise, if you have a test coming up, it perhaps isn't best to organise a shopping trip with your friends and instead wait until the weekend after. Although this isn't always possible if you have spontaneous plans or unexpected events, for the most part, you can ensure you gain a balance between college and life by organising your time. It may also be effective to make a revision timetable, so you can clearly tell when you should be working and when is the time that is for you to enjoy, as well as using a diary to see what you have upcoming.

Don't Give Up Everything for College
Balance is key - college is supposed to be an enjoyable 2 years spent making friends and enjoying yourself, so you shouldn't give this up to solely focus on work. Not only won't you be enjoying your time free from responsibilities while you can, but focusing entirely on college work will lead to you being incredibly stressed. Whether it's a hobby, club, sports team or just going out with your friends, don't think that this has to be neglected to focus on college. I'm not saying that college isn't important - because we both know it really is - but at the same time you should try and effectively manage it alongside your other commitments. However, if you find it getting too much then perhaps streamline this list, e.g. just maintain one or two hobbies to stop you from getting overwhelmed with commitments whilst still doing what you enjoy.

Making Sacrifices
It's inevitable that you will have to give up some things and admit to yourself that you won't have as much free time as you used to. For example, I've started staying in the library til 5pm - it's just an extra hour but I find that I'm so much more productive than if this hour was spent at home. This clearly shows how just a small sacrifice of an hour after college can have benefits and will be worth it in the long run. You may have to skip out on the odd social event, or give up your lunch hour for a revision session, but these are such short-term sacrifices that will really make a difference.

Give Yourself Breaks and Time Off
It's easy to fall into the habit of working 24 7 and really focusing on your studies, but overworking yourself is never the answer and you don't want to burn out right before exams begin. As I'm writing this post, I'm actually having my Friday night completely off from college work after working extremely hard and exhausting myself throughout the week. It's definitely a well-earned night off, but this also applies to having small breaks in between chunks of work and revision to keep you motivated. You shouldn't feel guilty for taking breaks, as they're well deserved, but at the same time remember that you shouldn't use this as a method of procrastination or give yourself a break without actually accomplishing any work.

Remember It's Only Temporary
If you're in the same situation as me where A Levels are just around the corner, then remember that all of this hard work is only for the next few months. Sure it may be incredibly difficult and exhausting right now, but the hard work will be worth it in the end and then you'll have the entire summer to chill out and relax.

I hope that this post was useful, especially if any of you are currently doing your GCSEs and A Levels (which I wish you the best of luck with over the next few months!) Thanks as always for reading this post and I'll see you as usual with a new one next Sunday!

Love from Daisy x
A Face Full of First Impressions - Testing New Makeup Products

I definitely tend to stay within my comfort zone when it comes to makeup, using the same products on a daily basis as I know they work well for me. However, I've lately been wanting to experiment more and try out new makeup products, as this is something I enjoy doing and also cause I thought you guys would enjoy hearing some new recommendations. I decided to try out a face full of first impressions to see what I think of these new makeup products, so I hope you enjoy this post!

The Makeup Revolution Fast Base Foundation Stick is definitely their hottest new launch, with everyone going crazy for these foundation sticks, both due to the gorgeous nude and rose gold packaging and cause of the insane reviews. As someone who doesn't usually fair well with heavier base products that may cling to every dry patch and blemish, I was naturally quite hesitant and didn't think this product would work for me, but gave it a try nonetheless.

Makeup Revoluton Fast Base Foundation Stick

I have to say that, after only trying it once, I really am impressed. Although the shade that I picked up (F7) is probably a bit too dark for me, it still gives a gorgeous finish and I love how this foundation looked on my skin. I was expecting it to be very stiff and difficult to manoeuvre but I was pleasantly surprised that it's extremely creamy and blendable. This is definitely a high coverage product, although I guess you could apply it more sparingly than I did, making it perfect for evening makeup looks. I'll definitely be trying this out more in the future but so far I'm pleasantly surprised and think I may have actually fallen in love with it!

I didn't have a new concealer to try, as there's seriously no beating my Catrice holy-grail one, and so I jumped straight onto bronzer, opting for the Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer. I'm a huge bronzer aficionado and I have to say that this is one of my favourites that I've ever tried. It's not at all orange or cakey on the skin, and it builds really nicely so you can tailor the finish to a subtle bronze or a heavier look. It definitely leaves the skin with a radiant, sunkissed glow and is still noticeable despite wearing a foundation darker than I normally would, so this was definitely a success.

Up next was another product that I bought in New York, being the Milani Baked Blush in Rosa Romantica. As someone who quite often opts for all-matte, highly pigmented blushers, this was definitely on the opposite side of the spectrum but I loved it nonetheless. This is essentially a blusher and highlighter in one, as it leaves the cheeks with a gorgeous sheen and really illuminates the face, whilst also adding a subtle pastel flush that doesn't detract from the rest of my makeup. I definitely think this will be a go-to product for me especially as we start to move into spring.

Primark 3 in 1 Brow Pencil

Eyebrows are something that I never experiment with, and I pretty much stick with the same pencil that I know matches for me. However, I decided to pick up the Primark 3-in-1 Brow Pencil in Taupe, as I just couldn't resist the extremely affordable prices. A lot of people have hailed the pencil side of this to be a dupe for the ABH Brow Whiz and have loved it, and I definitely share this passion as it's perfect for precisely filling in my brows, being pigmented and really easy to apply. The powder applicator is also great for filling in any sparse areas, and I can see myself reaching for that more when I'm in a rush, and the spoolie is a nice addition that also makes this a travel-friendly brow kit that I'll definitely continue to use and love.

I hardly wear eyeshadow on a daily basis due to not having time to create a full-on eye look of a morning, but I decided that I'd experiment with my new Tartelette Flirt Eyeshadow Palette as I've been dying to use this since I first bought it in New York last month. Wow, are these eyeshadows pigmented! You seriously only need the smallest amount, so there's no need to be heavy-handed, but they apply beautifully and are also incredibly creamy and blendable. The shades all compliment each other very nicely, being perfect for creating a neutral or frosted berry eye look, and I'll definitely be up for doing an in-depth review of this palette if it's something you'd like to see in the future.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

As someone who finds that my mascara always smudges under my eyes, I've lately been opting for waterproof formulas instead and the latest addition to my collection was the Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara. This has been popular amongst bloggers for years now but I'd never actually gotten around to trying it, but my first impression is that I really like it. It definitely doesn't budge off my lashes once I've applied it, adding a considerable amount of volume and also staying curled all day, giving a very feminine, flirty look. I'm definitely excited to give this a proper try, but so far my only issue is that it's incredibly difficult to remove when it transfers onto my eyelid - something I can't really complain about since it's doing its job of being waterproof.

A Face Full of First Impressions - Testing New Makeup ProductsI finished off my makeup by popping on a bit of lipgloss and was good to go. I really like how the finished makeup look turned out, and although it's probably a bit more makeup than I'd wear on a day-to-day basis, I do think that it's really pretty and I was pleasantly surprised by all of the products. As I said earlier, I'll definitely write follow-up posts or detailed reviews on any of them if that's something you'd like to see, so make sure you let me know! 

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post, as I definitely enjoyed testing out the new products and writing it, and if you've tried any of these out then I'd love to know your thoughts down in the comments. Thanks for reading and I'll see you next Sunday with another new post!

Love from Daisy x

It's been a long time coming, but I'm finally bringing you my New York haul! I've been working on this post for quite some time but I've been too busy to fully photograph everything until now, but if you're nosy like me and want to know everything I bought while I was away then this post is definitely for you. There's a range of clothing and makeup bits so make sure you keep reading to see what purchases I made whilst in New York!

C L O T H I N G


My main aim for shopping in New York was to buy a variety of clothes, particularly things that I couldn't get here in the UK. However, I soon realised that a lot of the shops aren't really suited to my style and are geared towards that beachy, Hollister-esque look that definitely doesn't match the weather in England. However, I managed to come across some absolute gems in H&M and Old Navy, and I'm really pleased with the items that I managed to find.

H&M Grey Checked Cropped Trousers

One of the main things I was looking for whilst in New York was a fashionable pair of trousers that I could style with trainers, as this is definitely a gap in my wardrobe as someone who practically lives in skirts. I had my eye on these gorgeous ones throughout the trip and finally managed to find them in my size on the last day, and I'm incredibly glad I bought them. They're a very flattering fit and I love the cropped detail to show my ankles (although I have turned them up more to really accentuate this). The hint of mustard running through definitely adds some interest, but their majorly monochrome colour means I'll be able to style them with a variety of outfits. I actually couldn't resist and have already worn these trousers before writing this post, and I have to say that I really do love them!


H&M Light Blue Patterned Trousers



I was definitely on a roll when it came to buying trousers, as I also spotted this gorgeous pair of blue ones in H&M and knew that I had to have them. Pale blue is definitely a staple shade for me in the spring and summer, and I can imagine that these trousers will be perfect for the transitional months paired with a cute blouse or top. Yet again they're really comfortable and have a slight crop which makes them flattering around the ankles, and I definitely think it makes a nice change from wearing otherwise darker alternatives of pants and jeans.


H&M Pale Blue Suede Trainers

If you haven't already gathered then this is by far my favourite colour, so it's no surprise that I absolutely fell in love when I spotted these trainers. I'm not usually one to gravitate towards suede trainers as my walk to and from college is quite muddy and they'll easily get wrecked, but this was a compromise I was willing to make as I adore these trainers. They're really comfortable to wear and I reckon they'll look nice paired with jeans or even a cute dress in the warmer months. The icing on top of the cake was getting to the till and finding out they were reduced from $25 to $7 - I mean you seriously can't turn them down for that price!


Old Navy Cropped Flare Ankle Jeans


Anyone who knows me will know that I've been in a bit of a rut with jeans for the past year or so. I hardly ever wear them as I just don't feel like they're very flattering on me, and so I usually opt for a skirt or dress instead. However, I think I may have finally found the pair of jeans that changes it all. They're a really flattering shape, being quite fitted on the upper leg and then going into a more fashionable flare at the ankle, which is also cropped. This definitely isn't a style I'd normally opt for but I fell in love with them when trying them on and really think that they'll become a staple in my wardrobe. I picked these up in a size 0, which was a super helpful option for someone like me who often finds jeans are just slightly too baggy in their fit.


Old Navy Boho Tassel-Tie Swing Blouse

A cute blouse is definitely a staple of mine in the spring months, and Zara is usually my go-to for fulfilling this quota, but I spotted this one amidst the array of blouses in Old Navy and liked it a lot more than I originally expected. There's no surprise that I was drawn in by the blue and white floral pattern, as my entire spring wardrobe pretty much comprises of those two colours! It's very loose and flowing yet still has a flattering fit, and I love the detail of the tassel tie that screams boho vibes. I'll definitely be reaching for this when the weather gets hotter, as it's such a lightweight yet pretty option that I can't wait to style.

I also bought a leopard print belt in the sale for around $2-3 dollars, as I've loved experimenting with accessories and jewellery lately, but sadly I've been unable to find this anywhere since I've got home, hence why it isn't photographed. Hopefully I'll find it soon, as it really was an adorable belt that'd add a funky edge to an otherwise basic outfit.


M A K E U P


There are no real gaps in my makeup collection, so my main aim for buying cosmetics in New York was to choose brands that aren't available in the UK or are perhaps harder to get without paying extortionate shipping prices. CVS was definitely well-visited and both myself and my mum spent quite some time browsing the drugstore makeup, and I also made a couple of high-end purchases from Sephora, although opting for the travel sizes as I'd rather try a variety of things than just spend my money on one expensive item.

Tarte Tartelette Flirt Eyeshadow Palette


Tarte's a brand that I've never tried anything from before, but after gazing adoringly at all of their makeup in Sephora, I knew I had to pick up something. I'm a sucker for a pretty eyeshadow palette and really adored this one when I saw it. It has the perfect mixture of neutral, everyday brown shades and gorgeous frosted powders that'll look beautiful on the lid, containing all of the essentials you could want from an eyeshadow palette. I can definitely see this being a travel favourite of mine, as it seems like such a versatile palette with crazy pigmentation too, and I'll definitely report back once I've used it more with an in-depth review.


Tarte Hampton's Weekender Contour Palette


Continuing my newfound love of Tarte, I also picked up this contour palette as yet another makeup staple that'll be great for travelling. The perks of having a contour trio is that you can easily create a coordinated look and guarantee all of your face products compliment eachother nicely, and I definitely think this dusky rose blusher will look beautiful combined with the warm-toned bronzer. Although the highlighter is a bit darker than what I'd normally go for, it swatches beautfully and I can't wait to try all of them out, as I really have high hopes for these products. You can guarantee that you'll be seeing more of these on my blog if I fall in love with them, so keep your eyes peeled for that.


Physician's Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer


If anyone was to ask me what my favourite makeup product was, it'd hands-down be bronzer, and I go through them like nobody's business. The Murumuru Butter Bronzer was a product I've heard raved about non-stop on Youtube and so knew I had to pick one up when I was in New York, making the most of trying out brands that we don't have in the UK. I'm really excited to try this, as it doesn't look too orange or shimmery on the skin, and I'm hoping it'll give me the natural, sunkissed glow that I desire.


Milani Baked Blush in Rosa Romantica


These beautiful baked blushers are yet another product that we can't get in England, yet I hear people talk about them non-stop. Although it was hard to make a decision on which shade to buy (as much as I love CVS, it's a pain not being able to swatch any of the products!), I chose this one as it's like nothing else I own. This almost peach pastel shade has gold shimmer running through it and is perfect for providing a radiant glow to the cheeks whilst simultaneously lighting up the face. As someone who quite often opts for a matte blusher, this is definitely a step away from my comfort zone but I really am in love with how it looks once applied.



I hope you enjoyed this blog post and hearing about all of my purchases from New York. As always, thanks for the continual support on my blog, I really appreciate it! Thanks for reading and I'll see you next Sunday with another new post!

Love from Daisy x 

When deciding what post to write this week, I decided that it was about time to update you on a few of the things that I've been loving lately, as it's been some time since I last did this. There's been quite a few new discoveries and things that I haven't yet mentioned on my blog, including clothing, skincare and lifestyle items. So I really hope you enjoy reading this post and hearing about my current favourites!

MAKEUP - I'm definitely due for a shuffle round in my makeup collection, as I've found myself stuck in a routine of using the exact same products on a daily basis that work well for me, and I definitely have products that have become neglected recently. However, a new addition to my collection that I've recently been loving is the Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Highlight in 'Hefty Highlight', which gives a very luminous glow to the skin. Although I was worried this would be slightly too pink-toned, it actually gives a gorgeous sheen and is really easy to work with due to being a cream product.

CLOTHING - skirts and dresses are definitely my go-to outfit choices, but lately I've been experimenting with trousers a bit more. This started with my Zara striped detailed leggings which I featured in my 'Week in the Life of Outfits' post and have loved wearing since, as they're incredibly comfortable and easy to style whilst still looking trendy. This has also prompted me to buy quite a few pairs of trousers and wide-legged jumpsuits that I can't wait to wear as we get closer to spring. I have some haul blog posts coming up soon so make sure you keep an eye open to get a glimpse of these.

SKINCARE - although it's not been long of using these products, I definitely wanted to mention my new discovery of the Organic Young skincare products in this post. I'd already had my eye on these products for quite a while after Molly from 'Beauty Spectrum' mentioned them, and was lucky enough to be contacted by The Green People to receive some items. These all-organic products are aimed at teenage skin, particularly the prevention of blemishes, and so you can understand why I was interested in trying them out. I'll definitely be putting them to the test over the next few weeks and will report back with an in-depth review once I've fully trialled them.

HAIR - I definitely suffer from hair that can get quite dry and frizzy at the ends, especially if I've used heat on it. However, I've seen massive improvements in this lately after using the Argan Oil Heat Defence Spray, which has honestly done wonders for my hair. Not only is this great for protecting my hair whenever I curl it, but it's also protected the ends from becoming damaged and broken, and instead feels a lot more nourished and silky. It absorbs into the hair quickly and doesn't leave any grease or residue, so I'd highly recommend this, especially if you have long hair like me.

MUSIC - I have a love-hate relationship with Spotify but lately, I've been using it constantly. I've definitely been using it to discover artists that I wouldn't normally listen to, including Aquilo and Tim Schou amongst many others that I've been loving lately. I've also been playing the 'Into The Woods' soundtrack frequently, as I've fallen in love with quite a few of the songs after being cast as Cinderella in our production for this year's Lipa show. My wireless earphones have also been a lifesaver when it comes to listening to music, being so much more convenient than normal earphones.

MOVIES AND TV - after watching it twice on the cinema, The Greatest Showman has perhaps made it onto my list of favourite films. I seriously can't get over how phenomenal this movie is, and it was definitely up my street as a huge fan of musicals. I'd highly recommend watching this as I can guarantee you'll fall in love with it like I have, and don't let people trick you into thinking that it's a stereotypical girls film as it's definitely suited to everyone. I've also been loving watching Friends lately, which I started while I was in New York and have been watching a couple of episodes since whenever I get the chance. Although I've not watched much as I've been so busy with college, the episodes I have seen are all absolutely hilarious and I've really became hooked on the series.

I hope you enjoyed hearing all of the things that I've been loving lately, and I'd love to know down in the comments what your favourites have been recently. Thank you very much for reading this post and I'll see you again next week with another new one!

Love from Daisy x