Author: Dreadfully Kelly

Kent based award nominated/published blogger & content creator. Lover of girl power, affordable beauty and indie brands. A little bit obsessed with heavy blush and the power of the right red lipstick.

UNICORN COSMETICS PEACH SPONGE LAUNCH PARTY!

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Tell me you had the time of your life, without telling me you had the time of your life…

I’ll go first! 🍑

I had the absolutely pleasure of attending the Unicorn Cosmetics Peach Sponge Launch Party at Little Fant Farm and honestly, I made a new core memory!

The weather was absolutely scorching too which made for a beautiful day in a stunning location, surrounding by the best people!

The UC Team are some of the best people I have ever met and made us all feel so welcome. I’m so over the moon to have met them all as well as the talented creators I had the honour of attending with!

The food was incredible with delights such as a buffet style afternoon tea and the most AMAZING cocktail sausages I have ever eaten. I don’t know how they did it but I’m pretty sure no others will ever compare now for the rest of my life.

From giant garden games to constantly flowing peach inspired cocktails, the team thought of absolutely everything and I feel so lucky to have been invited. What an absolute dream come true it was to be surrounded by some of the most talented creators in the business!

Thank you so much for having me Unicorn Cosmetics!

That Peach Sponge is groundbreaking, you heard it here first 😉 🍑

BONDI SANDS SKINCARE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Bondi Sands are obviously known for their iconic tanning range, but did you know they also dabble in skincare?

I was very kindly sent a selection of products that have been a really great introduction to the brand.

So let’s jump in!

Bondi Babe Clay Mask £11.99

The Bondi Babe purifying clay mask detoxifies skin for a clearer complexion.

It’s enriched with Blue Spirulina Extract, Bentonite Clay and Matcha to reduce redness and draw out impurities so you’re left with firm and glowing skin!

Thirsty Skin Hyaluronic Acid Serum £8.99

Hyaluronic Acid will forever be one of my favourite skincare essentials so the Thirsty Skin Serum was always going to be a winner!

Designed to intensely hydrate your skin and lock in moisture for plump and perky skin.

It has a surprisingly tacky finish which also makes it a great primer.

We love to see a multipurpose product 👏🏻

Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser £10.99

I’m ashamed to say that as a self confessed oily gal I actually used to avoid moisturisers. YIKES!

Ignorance certainly isn’t always bliss guys!

The Sweet Dreams Night Moisturiser is a super nourishing treat that provides up to 72 hours of hydration. So if you want plump, perky skin, this one is for you as it is enriched with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Wild Hibiscus Flower and Algae for all of the moisture you could ever want.

I’m so pleased that I’ve had the opportunity to tests out these beauties by Bondi Sands and will definitely be looking to get my hands on some more of their products!

TESTING BRIDAL MAKEUP – MAKEUP REVOLUTION

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

I’m getting married in less than three months so let’s test out some products I think would be perfect for my wedding day!

I’ve always known the sort of vibe I wanted which I would say is in part traditional bridal, however, I want a red lip and that is non negotiable…

…and so the search for the perfect hue began!

Stiletto is a fabulous shade, a gorgeous deep red that just screams ‘Hollywood Starlet’.

The slightly darker tone of ‘Stiletto’ will have you feeling like the main character on your wedding day (as you should!). The ultimate goal right?

Revolution Pro New Neutral Satin Matte Lipstick £6

Revolution Pro New Neutral Lip Liner £5

For just £11 you can purchase the lipstick and liner, which are a creamy, pigmented dream with nourishing properties. Also, can we just take about that packaging? Luxury on a budget is totally my vibe!

Lipstick aside, I love few things more than a good blush. Pair that with my ever growing infatuation with cream, liquid or balm formulas and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a Hydra Bright Cream Blush review!

I chose shade ‘Peach’ which is the perfect mix of subtle and statement. The gold undertones reflect the light to create a luminous glow that is just ideal for bridal makeup and I am such a fan already!

The formula is infused with Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E & Shea Butter so combines skincare goodness with a flawless, dewy finish and I am all about that life.

Revolution Pro Hydra Bright Cream Blush £6

The True Love Eye & Cheek Palette is your all inclusive transformation station, themed perfectly for the day you walk down the aisle towards the love of your life!

The 7-shade palette for eyes, face and cheeks features a range of complimentary shades in both matte and foil formulas all encased in the most beautiful of packages!

I felt like a proper glowing goddess with this little beaut!

Revolution Pro True Love Eye & Cheek Palette £9

Last but certainly not least was something a little bit different for me, but hey, variety is the spice of life! Am I right?

The Revolution Beauty Fragrance Collection has been around for a hot minute now and I can’t believe I’m only just giving it a go!

Timeless is a classic mix of fruit and florals with some deeper, spice undertones thrown in for a bit of oomph! It’s such a gorgeous scent and that price tag is definitely Boo Approved!

Revolution Purse Spray £4

All products are also Cruelty Free!

So, what do you think? Have you seen anything you like?

MY BRIDAL SKIN JOURNEY

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

I’m getting married in three months and I want you to come on a skincare journey with me!

Everyone is different but the things I’d like to focus on in the lead up to my wedding are blemishes and breakouts, brightening and hydration.

So let’s jump into it!

Blemishes & Breakouts

Each product contains either salicylic acid or tranexamic acid which are which are amazing for breakouts, blemishes and brightening any dark spots you might have.

Revolution Skincare 2% Salicylic Acid BHA Anti Blemish Liquid Exfoliant Toner £10

Revolution Skincare Blemish Resurfacing & Recovery 2% Tranexamic Acid Serum £10

Revolution Skincare Salicylic Acid & Zinc PCA Purifying Water Gel Cream £8

Revolution Skincare Salicylic Acid BHA Anti Blemish Blemish Stickers £6

Brightening

The Vitamin C Exfoliating and Brightening Mask is absolute beautiful, does wonders for my skin and the texture is lush!

Revolution Skincare Vitamin C, Turmeric & Cranberry Seed Energising Mask £8

Hydration

Hyaluronic Acid is key to hydration! Last but not least – water, water, water! Hydrate from the inside out.

Revolution Skincare Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Sheet Mask £8

Water Bottle Black Soft Touch £15

Two months to go guys, wish me luck!

REVOLUTION SKINCARE SPF RANGE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

I actually cringe when I think about the years I actively avoided wearing SPF, it’s a bit sickening to accept that I was quite happy to behave in way that was hazardous to my health all in the name of beauty.

I’m in my 30s now and so pleased to say I have put that toxic mindset behind me. Now I’m focusing on treating my skin in the way it deserves, and that includes slapping on the SPF like I’m making up for all of those years of stupidity

Thankfully, I’ve got Revolution Skincare at hand to make it super easy!

The new SPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser and SPF30 Lip Balm have become staples in my routine and to be honest, the difference is massively noticeable!

Revolution Skincare SPF50 Daily Defender Lightweight Moisturiser £15

Revolution Skincare SPF30 Lip Balm £6

Promising ‘Hybrid hydration’ and vital sun protection that will simplify your routine, the SPF Duo are an easy way of getting the things you need into your skincare routine without the stress!

Some of the benefits include…

– SPF protection
– Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide – A nourishing blend of oils (coconut oil, castor seed oil and sunflower oil) and butters (shea butter and cocoa butter)
– Suitable for all skin types
– Vegan and cruelty-free (of course!)

100% worth the investment (affordable as they are!), they have revolutionised the way I see and approach my skincare routine!

BY BEAUTY BAY TECHNIDAZE COLLECTION REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

Looking for a collection that just screams SUMMER? Then look no further, Beauty Bay have (as usual) got you covered!

Are you ready to experience the Technidaze? Introducing By BEAUTY BAY’s Technidaze Collection, here to help you create your own summer of love.

Summer ’22 is all about letting loose, standing out, and feeling free and the Technidaze Collection has everything you need to create your boldest, brightest, and most psychedelic looks yet. Experiment, play, and find your own Technidaze this summer ’22.

beautybay.com

From beautiful brushes to the most groovy palettes, this collection is what festival dreams are made of. It’s also completely vegan and cruelty-free which is no less than you’d expect from Beauty Bay really.

The collection includes:

TECHNIDAZE Pressed Pigment Palette £10

TECHNIDAZE Liner Palette £12

TECHNIDAZE Jelly Lip Oil Trio £12

TECHNIDAZE 8 Piece Eye Brush Set £15

The Technidaze Summer Bundle contains the whole collection at a bargain price (£39.95), I can’t recommend it enough! You’ll also get your hands on the most adorable white bucket hat with TECHNIDAZE graphic detailing on the front that can’t be bought separately!

I just love everything about this collection. It’s bright, fun and takes me back to carefree summer holidays before covid and lockdown were a thing.

The Jelly Lip Oils are definitely my favourite product. I’m not much of a gloss fan (I know, controversial) and these are the perfect substitute, plus they smell gorgeous!

Overall it’s an affordable purchase for anyone obsessed with colour or looking to dip their toe into something more adventurous.

THE SWEETEST COLLECTION EVER?! MAD BEAUTY TAKES ON WINNIE THE POOH…

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

The sweetest collection ever? I think it might just be!

I was kindly sent some Winnie the Pooh themed products to test out and honestly they are just the cutest!

Mad Beauty know how to absolutely nail a Disney release so you can imagine how I excited I was to get stuck in. They had me feeling some type of way I tell ya!

Products range from £3.99 up to £15.99 which is incredibly reasonable in my opinion and includes makeup, skincare and bathroom essentials.

Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.

Winnie the Pooh

The Honey Pot Lip Balm Duo, which costs £7.99, has became a handbag staple. Cute as hell but also hydrating so perfect for this time of year when my skin really suffers.

When it comes to eyeshadow palettes I kind of think I’ve seen it all to be honest but I will always appreciate a warm toned moment! The 16 shade Winnie The Pooh Eyeshadow Palette retails for £15.99 and contains and mix of formulas to take you from day to night. It’s literally my favourite kind of colour story so I was an easy sell.

To top it all off I had the pleasure of experiencing the Piglet Face Mask (£3.99). Now, if you’ve seen my reel you might question my choice of words there as I’ll agree I did look like some sort of Disney obsessed Leather Face. However! The sheet mask itself was lovely. Paired with the Piglet Hairband (also £7.99) which will just be great in general for when i apply my skincare, I was looking kind of adorable!

In conclusion, yes to Disney themed cosmetics and yes to Mad Beauty. I’m a fan!

A LOVE LETTER TO HOUSE 21

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Today I received the devastating news that House 21 is coming to an end and to be completely frank, it has absolutely broken my heart.

Without Mel, Donna and House 21 I wouldn’t be where I am now. They helped build me up from someone who was terrified of letting others see my work to being an award winning blogger who has seen her articles and short stories printed in magazines.

They gave me the confidence to be able to even comprehend the idea of returning to education and introduced me to the most incredible bunch of women (such as Steph Cullen who I know will be a friend for life!) I could ever hope to meet.

I was welcomed into a community of writers, a family of inspiring individuals who pushed me to be the best version of myself. My heart is heavy but I am so proud of what House 21 has achieved and that I could be part of that.

So here’s to the future 🍾

BY BEAUTY BAY ‘LOVE NOTES’ EYESHADOW PALETTE REVIEW

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

Post contains gifted products. All views are my own.

You know I’m a fan of pretty much absolutely everything that Beauty Bay produce. Their releases always feel fresh and innovative in this saturated industry which is just so needed right now.

It may not be the new kid on the block anymore but The By Beauty Bay ‘Love Notes’ Eyeshadow Palette is another jewel in the crown of the Beauty Bay dynasty and I am so here for it!

Rediscover your romantic side with By BEAUTY BAY’s Love Notes Palette. With 20 soft lavenders, sparkly pinks, glitzy golds, and rich purples, all made with By BEAUTY BAY’s much-loved ultra-pigmented, ultra-blendable, ultra-wearable formula, this is the perfect shadow palette to help you fall back in love with your creativity. It’s time to meet your next makeup suitor…

beautybay.com

The Love Notes Palette is made up of the same iconic formula that has put By Beauty Bay on the map in recent years, they clearly work by a “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rule and that’s fine with me. The brand have proven time and time again that good quality does not have to mean pricey which is key to grabbing the attention of the masses. The day of high end brands owning the market is over in my very humble opinion.

Love Notes swatches beautifully but I wouldn’t have expected anything less. The colour story is made up of perfect purples, lovely lilacs and selection of more neutral shades to ensure endless combinations from this beautiful colour story.

Cruelty free and vegan as ever and just utterly gorgeous. At just £15 it’s definitely one for the collection.

GETTING DIVORCED IN YOUR TWENTIES: THE REALITY

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Marrying in my early twenties seemed like the natural progression for me. As a young mother I was already so much more mature than my years (or so I thought) and just wanted to settle down. I craved stability.

As far as taboo subjects go this may not be one you have really put much thought into but divorce in your twenties comes with more baggage than you would ever realise. Not only did I have to deal with my marriage breaking down and my own personal thoughts and feelings associated with that but also everyone else’s opinions. Believe me, there were plenty of those!

On paper we were married for over five years, in reality it was barely eighteen months. The shame and disappointment in myself was overwhelming. It was suffocating at times and if I’m honest that was harder to deal with than the breakup itself. I wanted to hide and heal. Divorce wasn’t something that happened to people my age, was it? It felt like a dirty word, sour in my mouth. My social media was full of photographs and memories. Even now many years later I’m still reminded of things I’d usually rather forget.

Whilst my family were amazing for the most part I won’t pretend that there wasn’t an element of ‘I told you so’ in the air. Attitudes like that can be so damaging to a persons mental health at such a vulnerable time. The experience has really taught me more than I ever realised about how important it is to be considerate and kind. Not to judge and that gossip really is the devil.

The fear of giving into failure can ultimately be the thing that keeps you in an unsuccessful marriage and if I could give anyone in my position some advice it would be to never, ever feel ashamed of choosing the path that’ll make you happy in the long run. The short term may seem daunting, even terrifying but before you know it you’ll look back with nothing but relief.

Our experiences are never entirely negative. You can learn so much from what you perceive as a waste of time. I came away from my marriage knowing more about myself and who I wanted to be in the future. I’m stronger, wiser and more grounded than I ever was. My thirties may have started with an ending, but that made way for some beautiful new beginnings and for that I will be forever grateful.