My First MAC Purchase! Lustre Lipstick in Plumful

I finally done it- I finally got something from MAC- wooo! Despite the never ending recommendations I read in posts or get on twitter, I actually went in completely clueless. All I knew was I wanted a lipstick. I spoke to a woman (I am actually getting worse at speaking to women at makeup counters as time goes on!) and asked her to recommend a few shades that were non-drying, added colour to lips but were still wearable on an everyday basis and had tones to match my colouring and not make my teeth look yellow. Haha I didn't ask for much! From the shades she selected for me, I was immediately drawn to Plumful- a muted crimson. I tried it on after she sanitised it (I was pretty impressed that they do that!) and I decided I really liked it. It came in at £14 - which compared to my usual £1-a-pop MUA lipsticks, was extortionate. However, I think the price is completely justifiable given the amazing quality.

Firstly, the packaging is so high quality- classic MAC- black with silver sparkles, a rounded top and MAC written in silver. There is something all-too-satisfying about the 'click' the lid makes. It has a strong vanilla smell, something which I'm not completely in love with, but it reminds me of traditional ladies' lipsticks from when I was younger, so I can live with it.

I think the actual stick of product looks darker than how it applies which is a dark rose with slight purple/brown tones. It has a very smooth application, and has quite a balmy, satin texture. In hindsight I'm so glad I got the Lustre finish as it isn't at all drying yet I still get good colour pay off. Lasting power isn't great though- maybe a few hours.

I absolutely love this lipstick. Its the perfect wear-with-anything lipstick. Its neutral enough to wear on a day to day basis but bold enough so its obvious you have something on your lips.

I have also found that it pairs really well with a few of my other lip products. It becomes more metallic and rose brown with MUA shade 9 over the top (featuring in an upcoming FOTD post) and gives a shiny hot pink pay off with Sexy Mother Pucker over the top.

MAC Plumful with S&G Sexy Mother Pucker over the top.

Overall I'm really glad I bought this and I'm excited to get lots of wear out of it!

Have you tried Plumful?

Life's Little Luxuries... Pip Studio @ Amara.co.uk

Hey Everyone!

This evening I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful online gift and home accessories store- amara.co.uk. If like me you are a sucker for luxury items and unique designs, you may kick yourself (as I did) for not discovering it sooner. 

Amara was created in 2005 by Interior Designer Sam Hood and sells an array of designer brands including Missoni, Cath Kidston, Ralph Lauren and much more, meaning you'll never fail to find the perfect gift. 

When I was contacted about featuring one of their brands 'PiP studio' on Julz' Obsessions, of course I was delighted. The day after my parcel was sent out, I had a knock at the door (never leaped out of bed quicker!) from DPD courier service. This is the best online delivery I've experienced to date- I even got a text to let me know when it would arrive.

Its safe to say that the PiP studio range is every girly girl's dream. Its a vintage-inspired explosion of pretty florals, bright colours. With a motto like 'Happy products for happy people,' its hard not to like it! What's even better is that because the brand isn't that widely known (to my knowledge), its unique, and you can be that one person who has the amazing home decor that no one else does- a theme that runs with most of Amara's brands. 

Firstly, I received Flowers in the Mix Filler Cushion*. I think we should just take a moment to appreciate how darn pretty it is. This cushion instantly fuses a vintage chic style into a room. Its really sturdy (exactly as a cushion should be) and is great quality- from the stitching to the material. The main colours are pink and green which coordinate with my room perfectly yet the aqua and yellow harmonise with it beautifully also. I really like the contrasting rim- I'm actually tempted to draw it in a notebook or something-its so creative. To be honest I never realised how such different designs would work so well together.

Next is the Flowers in the Mix Bolster Cushion*. This is a longer, more 'pillowy' cushion. It is the snuggliest thing ever- it just moulds around you and you sink into it. It is the same lovely fabric as the filler cushion and again, I think the bold, contrasting fabrics really compliment each other. Also, weird observation- the drawstring side will make it really easy to wash. I am currently sitting on my bed with my back against this cushion and it is so comfy- it will definitely be my travelling accompaniment from now on.

I think the cushions look amazing against both plain background and with clashing florals. Who would have though two simple cushions could improve my bed in such a way? If your looking to revamp your room but aren't up for a full decor change, add a few of these gorgeous cushions and taadaa- room transformed. 

I think these cushions are gorgeous additions to my room, even if I do say so myself, and I have definitely discovered a new obsession with PiP studio @ Amara! Even my mum is head over heels- I have already had to take them back after she sneaked them into her own room, which makes me think- Amara really have succeeded in stocking the perfect gifts- Mother's day is soon after all!

Do you have anything from PiP studio or Amara? Aren't these cushions just the prettiest things you've ever seen?

Cute Decor Ideas

Hey Everyone!

How are you? I am finished my exams (woohoo!) which means some time to myself! I'm currently sitting watching Friends all cosy with the snow outside. Today I done my History exam, then came home (rather drenched!) watched YouTube videos and caught up on Pretty Little Liars, which had me a nervous wreck to be honest- I can't handle the dramatic music haha! Do you watch it?

Looking back on old posts yesterday reminded me that I used to do decor themed posts and since I still really enjoy DIY and recycled decor, I thought I'd show you some of my ideas! 

 I think this is an amazing storage solution (if I do say so myself.) The medium and small jars are washed out candles and the larger one had sweets in it. I really like clear storage as you can grab what you're looking for really quickly. What's even better, I didn't have to spent a fortune- applause all around.

 This is another recycled container- it was the packaging of scented drawer pouches and I thought it was wayy too pretty to throw out. And anyone who knows me will know I am an absolute sucker for anything floral! 

I also think its really nice to just display some of your favourite products. Not only to they look pretty, but save me delving into drawers when I want to use them. And fairy lights are always a cute touch.

Finally, I put these miniature decorative plates on my wall (one attached with a cork pin, the other with blue tac because I'm just so resourceful!). They used to be my mum's and she was going to sell them at a car bootsale and I grabbed them! They're so pretty and vintage I thought they made lovely touches to my wall.

So that's everything! I hope you have gained a little inspiration from my ideas :)

Would you like to see more of this kind of post?

Julz' Obsessions- The First Year

Hey Everyone!

To celebrate the first birthday of this little blog, I thought I'd make a collage of posts from throughout the year. Its been so fun looking back! For the first few months blog design was a huge priority and I had several major fights with HTML and I'm happy to say I came out the other side. Its weird looking back at what products I used and stuff and even what I look like-I think I've changed quite a lot. 

I've included some pictures of special moments of my blog too, such as my first post, winning Melanie's giveaway and MUA mentioning my review on their facebook page. I've also noticed as I went through old posts that I've lost a bit of personality when posting, something which I do want to get back to. Though be warned- that involves rambles! I posted so much in summer, something which I also want to try and get back to.

What would you like to see more of? Do you remember any of these posts?

Happy 1st Birthday Julz' Obsessions!

Hey Everyone!

Today marks a very special date- its Julz' Obsessions one year anniversary! I honestly can't believe its been a whole year- its flown in. I remember my first posts and being so unsure of what was ok and I'm so pleased with how far I've come. It seems like posts I wrote months ago were just a few days ago! I'd also like to thank each one of you for supporting my blog and for all your lovely comments and tweets. I have enjoyed blogging so much and I definitely plan to be here writing another anniversary post next year.