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.

5 STYLE OBSESSED SWEETHEARTS THAT WILL HAVE YOU WANTING TO GET DRESSED (BLOGMAS – DAY TWENTY-TWO)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Style

I don’t know about you but since the pandemic began I’ve been in one hell of a style funk. Living in old pyjamas whilst at home and lucky to make the effort with a sweatshirt and leggings when on the school run. I really don’t feel any desire to get up and ready. It just seems unnecessary and I miss the fire I used to have to look my best.

There 5 social media babes have all given me the kick up the arse I needed to get back on the horse and glam up in the new year. Here’s hoping it lasts!

Laura Byrnes

Instagram: laura.byrnes

TikTok: laura.byrnes0

Wardrobe staples to die for and the perfect place to start if you want ideas for your capsule wardrobe, Laura is the be all and end all of naturals in fashion.

Lauren Sarah

Instagram: its_laurensarah

TikTok: its_laurensarah

Sarah is adorably relatable and pulls together outsiders that are easily achievable but fun and could be adapted to suit anyone. I have a pair of faux leather flares on the way and if that isn’t the power of an influencer I don’t know what is.

Lily Melrose

Instagram: llymlrs

TikTok: lilymelrose

Everyday fun fashion with a dark, grungy edge is what Lily has to offer and I’m so here for it. She’s full of little tips and tricks for really transforming your wardrobe.

Sammi Jefcoate

Instagram: sammijefcoate

TikTok: sammijefcoate_

Luxury brands and harnesses, could there be a more perfect mix? Sammi has an eye for throwing together the most stunning and sometimes surprising outfit combinations.

Joanne Lewis

Instagram: petitesideofstyle

TikTok: petitesideofstyle

I feel just a little bit more stylish knowing this beauty is local to me, as if her influence might waft through the sea air and encourage me out of my dressing gown. Well, a girl can dream can’t she?

Have you found any new favourites?

FALLING IN LOVE WITH THE INKEY LIST (BLOGMAS – DAY TWENTY-ONE)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

I’m a sucker for trying new brands and I’ve found with age that skincare has become a particular obsession of mine.

The Inkey List is the perfect mix of beautifully formulated products and reasonable prices. One of the reasons I find this brand so interesting is that they break down each step down so simply. Honestly, anyone can do it!

KNOWLEDGE

Built on a belief that better information drives better decisions, knowledge is at the heart of everything we do.

INGREDIENTS

We stand for transparency and innovative ingredients. Every ingredient is Tried, Tested and True.

PLANET

Making our packaging as easily recyclable as possible and reducing our climate impact to carbon net zero through action and offsetting.

theinkeylist.com

Whether you’re a skincare novice or an expert I would seriously suggest giving The Inkey List a try because there is something for everyone.

Most recently I’ve been trialling a really easy, stripped back four step morning routine and it really helps to set me up for the day!

Salicylic Acid Cleanser £10.99

Hyaluronic Acid Serum £5.99

Niacinamide Serum £6.99

Bakuchiol Moisturiser £9.99

This combination of products is perfect for my oily, blemish prone skin. It feels light and refreshing whilst still getting the job done and I’m just kind of here for it to be honest!

In regards to my before bed habits the following has been my go to…

Salicylic Acid Cleanser £10.99

Retinol Serum £9.99

Succinic Acid Blemish Treatment £6.99

It’s a nice balance to be honestly and feels really lightweight on the skin. The blemish treatment can be skipped of you don’t suffer from random isolated breakouts like I do (but it’s honestly a little gem!).

I also have some hair products that I am yet to try but will be back at a later date to let you know my thoughts.

5 BEAUTY BASED ONLINE RETAILERS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT (BLOGMAS – DAY TWENTY)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the beauty industry is saturated. Which is great for the obsessed such as I but can be a tad overwhelming when it comes to shopping for a loved one or stocking up on essentials (treats!). I

’ve compiled a list of some of my favourite retailers that are the *chef’s kiss* of all things beauty.

Beauty Bay

If heart is what you’re after then Beauty Bay is the one for you. Boasting trending brands and products as well as on point tutorials and no holds barred information on EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know (yep, even the sexy stuff), BB is a power house not to be reckoned with.

How could I forget By Beauty Bay! That’s enough reason all in itself!

BEAUTY BAY’s mantra is to share our beauty obsessions with the world. Founded by two of life’s rebels who had no formal training, just a tonne of passion, we started out as a fragrance retailer and quickly discovered a whole universe of beauty just waiting to be unleashed.

We source the hard-to-find brands and products you can’t find elsewhere in order to bring our customers the best, first.

beautybay.com

Just My Look

Hi! We’re Justmylook, one of the UK’s fastest growing beauty retailers. Since launching in early 2015, we have rapidly grown and now proudly present a range of over 7,000 products from 300+ prestige brands, including industry icons such as ghd to cult brands like The Ordinary.

From salon-exclusive hair care ranges to on-trend cosmetics, we’re trusted by hundreds of thousands of beauty lovers to deliver cutting-edge products directly to their doors.

justmylook.com

A comprehensive collection of big name brands to satisfy even the biggest hoarder. Covering everything from skincare to beauty basics and tools to luxury brands, you’re set with Just My Look and their reliable service which guarantees satisfaction.

Cult Beauty

Cult Beauty to me just screams guilty pleasure, decadence and sleek glamour. With a huge selection of both luxury and affordable brands it’s no wonder the retailer lives up to its name.

Is your bathroom brimming with legions of barely-used lotions and potions that neither delight nor deliver? Are you bewildered by the marketing hyperbole (and unpronounceable ingredients) you come across while browsing never-ending beauty aisles?

Cult Beauty was born when two skin care obsessives grew frustrated by the all-too-often condescending messaging (and underwhelming offerings) they came across throughout the beauty industry. Having invested in innumerable ineffective creams and disappointing serums, Jess and Lex both vowed to boycott bathroom cabinets full of hollow promises (and wasted pounds).

cultbeauty.co.uk

Look Fantastic

Super fast shipping (so great for those last minute shoppers!) and a huge array of beautiful brands to try. Look Fantastic is an absolute staple.

As Europe’s number one online premium beauty retailer, LOOKFANTASTIC® is the ultimate destination for all your beauty needs. Carrying over 22,000 products with complimentary worldwide shipping to over 200 countries, we have become the online partner of choice for many leading brands including MAC, Kérastase and Yves Saint Laurent.

As we continue to build our luxury portfolio of partners, we are constantly adapting to and welcoming new trends in the industry. With more clean, vegan and organic beauty brands than ever before across skin, hair and body care, we have everything onsite to suit every individual beauty need and concern.

LOOKFANTASTIC® is driven by a desire to create brilliant customer experiences, which are built from the insight and data executed through our integrated technology and expertise. Widening access to premium beauty and empowering men and women all over the world, we are leading the online beauty movement. Dedicated to delivering the very best in beauty, we also have an onsite blog led by our team of experts. Whatever your beauty concern or question, we have a bank of educational content to help you look and feel fantastic.

lookfantastic.com

Feel Unique

Luxury brands galore is what Feel Unique has to offer. From Benefit to Olaplex and Chanel to Dior what more could you possibly want?

Beauty that’s more
than skin deep..

Founded in 2005, Feelunique is Europe’s leading online beauty retailer. From must-have palettes to game-changing skincare, there’s over 30,000 products at your fingertips.

Our philosophy is simple: beauty is more than skin deep. That’s why we’re as independent and inclusive as possible; providing trustworthy reviews and expert insights, so you can explore trends, find new favourites and discover the products that make you feel like you.

feelunique.com

Happy shopping folks!!!

MY EXPERIENCE WITH MALE FRIENDSHIPS (BLOGMAS – DAY NINETEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Friendship is a funny thing isn’t it? The act of just finding a person and claiming them in a sense.

I wouldn’t say I’ve struggled with it as such but I’ve always been quite introverted in a way, perfectly happy in my own company and always tending to stick to small friendship groups. I’ve been that way ever since childhood and looking back the majority of those friendships have been with other women which I guess is more or less normal?

Then there’s ‘that’ woman. You know the type. Claims to just not click with ‘the girls’. Men are easier, less drama. We all roll our eyes and make snide comments at such attention seeking because that’s what it is, isn’t it?

However, back in 2015 I started a new job that would change my perspective massively.

Having moved to a completely new area a few years before I didn’t really have many local friends. My job previous to that was a very fast paced retail environment so whilst I had met some lovely people I hadn’t built many lasting relationships of anything more than passing acquaintances.

Working in a much more social setting it was easier to make friends although with it being extremely male dominated it was only a matter of time before I realised I was now ‘that’ woman.

Obviously for me it wasn’t a conscious decision. It was circumstantial but never the less a welcome change. I relished being the only female in my little group. I was well looked after and actually now I can reflect back on that period of my life with honesty, I was spoiled.

My relationship at the time wasn’t a great one to begin with but he definitely wasn’t a fan of my new social life.

This is just my personal experience but I find that I constantly compare myself to my female friends and we all know that comparison is the thief of joy. I now had a newfound confidence because that just didn’t happen to me around these men. In actual fact, they helped me to see myself in a new non critical light. There were never any romantic feelings unrequited or otherwise. Just a really lovely friendship with a group of people who ‘got’ me but happened to be male.

I can also honestly say that in all that time I only ever came across one woman who didn’t immediately welcome my presence in their boyfriends life. We did eventually become friends ourselves though and I put the initial frostiness down to insecurity.

I’m writing this post from a bit of an unusual perspective because whilst I 100% believe that men and women can have a purely platonic relationship I am also the insecure girlfriend who doesn’t understand why another woman would want to be friends with her man. I know that sounds ridiculous. I don’t get it myself.

I completely understand how these types of friendships can come between relationships. As humans we don’t always act in a fair and logical way and a lot of us have deep-seated insecurities that mean we find the presence of a new person an instant threat to our relationship regardless of if we trust our partner or not.

As it stands I now have three friendship groups. Two full of my closest girlfriends and the other where I am the only female. These groups all offer me completely different things, having met them at different times in my life. I would definitely say that I now understand why there are women out there who tend to drift more towards male friendships. They do offer something completely different, a different way of seeing yourself through someone else’s eyes and at that particular time in my life it was exactly what I needed. It hit me through a period where I was broken. It saved me in ways I didn’t realise I needed saving and taught me to love myself in ways I didn’t know I could.

I wouldn’t say I’m now exclusively ‘that’ woman but I certainly get it. It’s not as clear cut as I initially thought.

GET YOUR GLOW ON WITH GLYCOLIC ACID (BLOGMAS – DAY EIGHTEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

I know the idea of putting anything acidic ANYWHERE near your skin might seem terrifying but here me out!

Glycolic Acid (which is a chemical exfoliant known as an alpha hydroxy acid AKA ‘AHA’) is your go to skincare ingredient to tackle breakouts, pigmentation and texture. It’s not a magic potion (but pretty damn close!).

First and foremost, Glycolic Acid is your guy if you want to exfoliate away dead skin cells to reveal a brand new, brighter you!

A naturally occuring ingredient you’ll find in the likes of pineapple, sugar cane and cantaloupe that is just the ticket if you suffer with a dull complexion. Hello mum life! Lack of sleep and constant stress. This is just the pick up you need.

Glycolic Acid is the strongest AHA as well as being absolutely tiny meaning that it can penetrate the skin on a deeper level and really get to work. Those small molecules really know their stuff!

By stimulating collagen production you skin will feel firmer, plumper and more youthful! Not to mention smoother and overall more radiant. A major advantage of glycolic acid is that it can help you tackle signs of aging, such as lines and wrinkles, which lets be honest it’s the be all and end all but sure is a nice touch?

Glycolic Acid is best used as part of your evening skincare routine as it has a tendency to make the skin sensitive to sunlight. I’d still recommend applying SPF in the AM though. It should always be a permanent fixture in your routine, regardless of the season, SPF is a must!

So, anyway…how does that sound?

SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME – A LOVE LETTER TO THE CHARACTER OF PETER PARKER (NO SPOILERS) (BLOGMAS – DAY SEVENTEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Entertainment

The character of Peter Parker has been approached in a variety of ways over the last 20 years and none of them have been wrong per say (because let’s face it, we all have our favourite Peter) but boy, have they been missing something.

I feel like in Tom Holland’s Peter we have achieved something magnificent. Character driven stories intertwined with action, fantasy and fast paced high stakes sequences.

It feels authentically Peter Parker. His super powers come second in this coming of age story which is ultimately just about a kid from Queens. Intelligent, brave and oh so awkward. Navigating his way through life, same as the rest of us.

It’s hard to go into the kind of detail I really want without spoiling anything so I think I’ll revisit this post at a later date.

No Way Home is beautifully shot and strikes the perfect balance of heart stopping and heart warming. A true celebration of the trilogy, Spider-Man and Peter Parker. Just absolutely stunning, I genuinely wouldn’t change a thing.

The superhero genre is so deeply ingrained in our popular culture, igniting dreams through the generations and truly cementing their place in cinematic history.

I just wanted to finish off by taking a moment to shout out my local cinema, Vue – Westwood Cross.

The staff are always extremely helpful and friendly but with such a huge occasion and what must have been an incredibly busy and tiring day the atmosphere was electric! The prep for No Way Home must have been rigorous but each and every staff member I encountered really put the effort in to be pleasant and hospitable. Honestly, it was just the perfect way to experience a once in a lifetime moment.

INFLUENCER? I WISH! OR DO I? (BLOGMAS – DAY SIXTEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Lifestyle

Hi guys! I thought today would be a good time to address a couple of misconceptions within the beauty community. I mean, obviously I can’t speak for everyone, so these views and experiences are entirely my own.

I’m a mum of three, but not a ‘Mummy Blogger’. I’m not a domestic goddess who bakes and dresses my kids in designer gear. I love cosmetics and beauty in general, but I haven’t mastered a cut crease or wings sharp enough to slit the throats of my enemies. I like fashion but my god can you imagine me trying to strike a pose next to a tree and not looking like an utter knob? Those are just a few of the areas that I fail miserably in but I’m sure there are plenty more.

The image you present online can be so misleading.

I’m lucky really, in comparison to some of my fellow content creators I have never received very many hate comment (if you ignore the fact half of Facebook seems to be convinced that I wear a wig) and most of the people I have met and befriended since starting my Instagram page have been amazing and incredibly supportive. The comments I receive are very sweet and one of the most common questions I get asked are ‘Where do you find the time to glam up as well as juggle everything else?’ and honestly? I don’t. I spend an awful lot of time in my pyjamas or a sweatshirt and leggings.

I suffer with anxiety, so I don’t often leave the house ‘just because’. I usually have a specific reason. I don’t live the glamorous lifestyle of established influencers, attending events and having the ability to purchase the latest products. Most of my time is spent looking after my family or trying to find something to binge watch.

I’m sorry I know this is starting to sound really depressing and it’s not meant to. If anything, I honestly imagined this post would be more humorous.

Anyway, long story short I just don’t really know what I am or who I want to be or even who I’m supposed to be to make these little online ventures a success?

If you have an opinion on this matter, I would genuinely love to hear it. I think it’s good to always try and see things from a different perspective and I’m usually missing something so your views can only help me in the long run!

TTYL guys.

Love Kelly.

3 OLD SCHOOL SHOWS TO BINGE WATCH ON NETFLIX (BLOGMAS – DAY FIFTEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Entertainment

Netflix, everyone has it right? Surely it’s just standard at this point. It is literally full to bursting point with amazing movies, binge worthy series and fascinating documentaries (because everyone is a true crime addict now aren’t they?!). With something new being added most days it would be ever so easy to overlook some of the older shows we once loved (or maybe those you never got round to watching in the first place!).

I’ve put together a little list of some of my personal recommendations for some of my favourite series from my teenage years. I’m hoping to turn this into a series focusing on different genres. I hope you like them and I would love to hear what is on your own watch list.

Friends

Surely this is a show that needs no introduction? Friends is so deeply ingrained into so many of our lives, like the catchphrases we hear on a daily basis…

“We were on a break!”

“He’s her lobster!”

“Pivot”

Well, you get the picture.

For those of you who don’t know (who even are you by the way?!) the series is based around a group of friends (obviously) living in New York. The trials and tribulations of the twenties something Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Ross, Chandler and Joey (progressing into their thirties and dealing with the changes that also come with age) kept the world absolutely hooked for the ten years it aired (and broke my heart with its final episode!).

The perfect mix of heart warming, tender moments full of love and humour that’ll have your sides splitting. The celebrity guess stars are also second to none! This is one to rewatch again and again.

Number of Series: 10

Total Number of Episodes: 236

Gilmore Girls

Mother/Daughter relationships can be tricky but compared to Lorelai and Rory Gilmore I’m sure most are a piece of cake! Throw into the mix Lorelais own mother and father who live a very different life to that of her and her daughter as well as a list of love interests and quirky goings on in the picturesque town of Stars Hollow and you’ve got Gilmore Girls!

The cast is full of well known faces (Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson and Melissa McCarthy to name just a few!) and the fast paced, witty dialogue will win you over in no time!
Oh! You will also be thrilled to know the show was given a revival with ‘Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life’ in 2016. 9 years after the show originally ended!!!

Number of Series: 7 + The Revival

Total Number of Episodes: 153 + 4

Skins

Completely different to my above recommendations but perhaps the most binge worth of them all. Skins was a revelation upon its release. Dark, gritty and arguably the most realistic look into life as a teenager (in the UK). 

It’s controversial storylines really hit home with so many people. Never shying away from important issues such as mental health, sexuality and substance abuse.

The show focuses on a group of friends tackling some of the most difficult times of their lives. The series format is slightly different to the norm though. The first two focus on the original group of friends. Tony and his gang. The third and fourth series then shift to the perspective of Effie (Tony’s younger sister) and her group whilst the fifth and sixth change the lineup again entirely. The whole lot is then brought together in the seventh series with each episode focused on a character from the past.

It is utterly addictive and you will not regret watching it.

Number of Series: 7

Total Number of Episodes: 61

I hope you enjoyed my little list! Like I mentioned above I would love to hear your recommendations and favourites!


SPECTRUM COLLECTIONS X EMILY IN PARIS COLLECTION (BLOGMAS – DAY FOURTEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

When I tell you that a collection has NEVER spoken to my soul more than this one, you best believe it!

There’s a fresh face in Paris! Emily Cooper is brightening up the City of Light with her signature colourful style and wit. From lunch with friends to a chic night out, celebrate everyday the way Parisiennes do and indulge in the full Spectrum x Emily in Paris collection. Most importantly, remember to say oui to possibility.

spectrumcollections.com

Spectrum Collections have captured the essence of the infamous Netflix series perfectly and I can’t wait to get my hands on it (so if anyone is looking a last minute Christmas gift idea for me then here I am serving it to you on a pretty pink platter).

For those of you who haven’t joined the masses and binged watched what can only be described as the guiltiest of pleasures then this little run down might give you a glimpse into the dream world of Emily…

Emily in Paris follows Emily, a driven 20-something American from Chicago who moves to Paris for an unexpected job opportunity. She is tasked with bringing an American point of view to a venerable French marketing firm. Cultures clash as she adjusts to the challenges of life in Paris while juggling her career, new friendships, and love life.

wikipedia.com

The collection includes…

La Vie En Rose 10 Piece Brush Set £49.99

La Mode Clutch Bag £19.99

I like Paris 4 Piece Brush Set £19.99

Macaroon Sponge Trio £12.99

Cafe Au Lait Brush Storage £12.99

But you can also pick up the bundle for a discounted £99.99 (saving you over £15).

Paris anyone?

UNICORN COSMETICS PINK ALLSORTS MYSTERY BOX REVIEW (BLOGMAS – DAY THIRTEEN)

by Dreadfully Kelly, posted in Beauty

There’s just something about a mystery box that feels like the ultimate guilty pleasure.

Of course, it’s a mystery for starters so if ever there was the perfect opportunity to treat yourself whilst still feeling like you’re in present territory then this is it.

Unicorn Cosmetics have dabbled in Mystery boxes on and off for years but this Black Friday was something new entirely and takes the concept to a whole other level.

The Pink Allsorts Mystery Box which costs just £34.99 (worth £94.99) and contains 8 exclusive new products is pretty much the kind of thing I am 100% sure Lizzie McGuire’s daydreams are about.

Now the box is actually still available so I don’t want to spoilt it in it’s entirety BUT I’m sure you’ve all at least seen sneak peaks of the exclusive Pink Allsorts Eyeshadow Palette by now so I don’t feel too guilty sneak peaking that…

Isn’t she a beaut?! Throwing it back a couple of decades and celebrating everything that made our childhoods so special. It’s nostalgia in a palette!

With the kind of pigment UC is renowned for and a concept that just absolutely kills it I think it’s safe to say I’m wishing and hoping and thinking and praying that Unicorn Cosmetics are planning and dreaming (see what I did there? If you haven’t seen My Best Friend’s Wedding then we can’t be friends 😉) up their next mystery box, I’m thinking Valentine’s Day might be good?