I think I've found a new favourite film. I also think it is not going to move from this position. Ever.

Reviewing films/books/any other thing I could talk about is something I've wanted to try for a while, and so I thought why not start with something I loved, so here we go!

For those who are unaware, Boyhood is a coming of age film about a boy named Mason and follows his life from a small child up until leaving for college. The thing that is so interesting and unique about this film is the fact that every single character was played by the same person over a twelve year period, so these actors and characters really were growing up on screen. 

I have an undeniable interest and love for films that show people as people instead of an ideal character that the audience cannot reach, and I believe that every character is real and relatable. We see struggles the family go through, and how these develop the characters and their attitudes to life without it delving into melodrama or unnecessary issues or pain being brought up. It stays very close to truth and realism which just adds to the relatability.

Another way it stays close to realism is the fact that all the different topics covered were filmed in real time and so things such as the Harry Potter book being released and the rise in social media all coincided with my age at that time. It let me reminisce on times in my childhood that I maybe had forgotten about, for example the excitement every time a new Harry Potter was released, and it was refreshing to see it captured in film form. It also struck a chord with me in regards to Mason's later years of high school, with his interest in photography and yet not working hard enough in class and his relationship, and it truly felt like I had stopped watching a film and instead was just watching a boy grow up into the person he wanted to be.

The way the film ended filled me with a lot of hope and genuinely made me happier. I will not delve into too much detail of the plot just in case I spoil it, but as someone who does fear the future and the fact I still have no clue what to do in further education, the end made me realise a few things.

I can see why this film has generically amazing reviews, but can also see how some people can see the lack of appeal. It is almost three hours and if realistic films are not to your fancy you may find it incredibly boring, but I find everything from the editing and cinematography to the performances and soundtrack perfect and I really do respect how twelve years of work added together to create a truly realistic and inspiring piece of film. 

xx

Dear 2014,

Thank you. I can't quite grasp the fact that you're actually almost over, but you deserve the biggest thank you out of all my years so far. I have learnt so much, varying from the happiest I've ever been, to the lowest, where I thought I wasn't even going to manage to see 2015. I have made new, very close friends, I loved and lost, I travelled to places I always wanted to go and saw things I'd always wanted to see. I started writing my first book, which admittedly is going to take a lot of editing and time, but it has been a dream of mine since I first learned how to write. I found a new love for beauty and fashion, but also expanded loves for other things, for example acting and films. I am a completely different person to who I was this time last year, and for that I have never felt so strong and so capable. 2014, you have been both kind and cruel to me, and for that I thank you. 

Goodbye,
Shannon 

x

Before I say anything about the product, can we just admire how defined my jawbone looks? If only that were real life.

Anyway...

I bought this product on recommendation of Zoella in her November favourites due to the fact it looked incredibly similar to the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvets that I do love so much and also the fact it looked an incredible colour on her lips. This is in the shade 005 Parisian Passion and I thought it would be an incredible A/W shade.

Honestly, I am incredibly disappointed by this product. I have applied this a grand total of three times, and two times out of the three I have wiped it off not half an hour into wearing it due to how uncomfortable it felt. The colour pay off is not incredible, it is quite sheer unless built up a lot and is nowhere near as dark as I expected. However, the main issue with this product is the formula. It is much more of a gloss than a lacquer/liquid lipstick which I am not a fan of, especially with a bold lip. I like my darker colours to be matte in order to pack a much harder punch. It is very sticky, which is another pet peeve of mine, and does not stay put. It smudges everywhere even when applying, meaning that your lips look a mess from the beginning. I don't know if it's the formula or doe foot applicator which makes applying it so hard, but I found it difficult to apply it and get clean lines. It also came off quite patchy which is an absolute no. 

All in all, despite my expectations, this product has made me incredibly disappointed. I don't know if this formula is due to the shade, but I am not particularly keen to spend another £8 on a product I dislike this much. I'll stick to my Bourjois thank you!

xx

Sometimes playing "The Tourist" in your own city can be fun. You see it in a way you didn't before because you were too busy getting to where you needed to be and the surrounding areas were the same things you saw every day. Cities are amazing and definitely in the right lighting can look like a completely different place. 

I'm not being funny but where the hell is 2014 going? October flew by so fast, but as another month passes, another favourite is here!

FTN beanie; I've been wearing this a lot recently as it goes with pretty much everything I wear as I only wear monochrome, and adds a bit of colour and warmth to my outfit. This link will take you straight to it;
http://www.findthenomads.com/collections/products/products/script-beanie-burgundy

Revlon BB Cream in Light; In rushes for college in the morning, foundation isn't always an option, and this is where this BB cream comes in. It's a really quick lightweight option that I can just throw on and go in comparison to my Sheer Glow which takes a lot of blending. It is slightly too dark for me but I can pull it off if I blend it into my neck well, and this doesn't take much time at all so I feel it's worth it!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in Nude; I love this eyeliner for again, rushed college mornings where I seem to lose time and end up having none. It makes my eyes look bigger and makes me look awake when really I'm falling asleep. 

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Damsel; This comes with the In The Light Palette and I love it. For days when black is too harsh or I'm too scared/tired to attempt to use my Maybelline gel pen, this is a great alternative. It's ridiculously pigmented and creamy, and very easy to use, and once it is on it does not budge at all. 

Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeshadow Stick in 011 Bluffing; I feel like the theme of running late is popping up a lot in this post, and I won't lie, it happens a lot. This is my eyeshadow of choice when I'm late because it is such an easy thing to apply. It is very easy to blend as it is a creamy texture, but isn't crazy pigmented meaning it can be applied a bit hap-hazardly and you won't be able to tell. It gives off a bronze shimmery texture that looks like you spent time and effort on your eyeshadow as it gives a small amount of definition and is all round a great product.

Seventeen Falsifeye HD Mascara; When I first used this product I was not impressed as I found it just made my lashes blacker and did not add anything to them. However, after about a week I came back to it and found it much better. It really grips the lashes and coats each individual one and gives them both length and volume. I really love this mascara now, and my first impression definitely wasn't right!

NARS Audacious Lipstick in Audrey; I don't have any lipsticks like this colour, and I think that says a lot already. It's warm toned which makes me feel slightly uncomfortable usually as my teeth usually look yellow-er, but this lipstick doesn't which is a huge plus. It is very pigmented and goes on creamily but has good staying power and lasts a very long time. Because of how pigmented it is, it's not a good idea to put it on in a rush but I love it anyways. 

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Vintage Pink; This colour is great for days when you don't want a bright lip but you don't want a nude, and is super hydrating. The formula is really creamy and goes on so easily. The staying power isn't great but it's understandable due to the creaminess, but reapplying isn't a hassle as it's easy to apply. 

MUA Lipstick in Shade 11; This is a really nice nude colour as it has coral tones to it and gives your lips a bit of colour without giving them too much. It's very creamy but not moisturising or drying. The staying power again isn't great and you have to apply it very frequently but it's my go to college lipstick if I can't find one I like, and so I just reapply it whenever I have the chance. 

Too Faced Perfect Flush Blush in Candy Glow; This is like a highlighter and a blusher in one and I love it. It has three different strips to it and mixed together gives a really healthy looking colour while still being natural. It is great for the colder months as it gives you the look of going outdoors and being in the cold while still making you look healthy and glowy like you do in summer. It does smell disgusting though, just a word of warning. 

Okay, ignore the hideous facial expression (why?) and the fact I have no make up on (creys), the reason I chose this photo was because it is the only one I own which shows the true extent of how pale I am. This was taken in summer time as well, just to further it, and I do not tan. Only burn. You pale readers will understand my issues with the sun and finding correct foundation colours etcetc, but I'm here today to let you know why you should embrace the snowy complexion and milk bottle body. 

1. Pretty much every lipstick/hair colour suits you. If you're practically white, everything goes with white and so you never have the issue of looking odd. Minus black. Never try black hair unless you're feeling like having a zombie phase.
2. The satisfaction of finally finding a shade of foundation/concealer pale enough for you. It's like a life ambition has been fulfilled and you want to cry with happiness.
3. u always look pastel goth x0x0
4. Freckles can make you look cute, heck Topshop released a freckle pencil! That's when you know you're in fashion.
5. It's the skin you're born with. No matter how much you tan/burn/cover it in make up, at the end of the day you will always have it and not embracing it makes life very hard. So embrace the pale and be proud!

Dear October, 
I'm sorry I'm writing so late, I haven't known what to ask of you. 
September was a hard one. Please be nicer. Maybe a new wardrobe would be nice? I'm joking, but new clothes is a necessity. I'm wearing the same four things on repeat and I'm starting to think the people at college think I'm homeless. A winter jacket. I definitely need that in my life. 
Materialistic things aside, I'm still not sure what I want from you October. More blogging motivation is a definite one, at least two posts a week. I want to take more photos this month, to just go out with a camera and see what happens.
I want to go out for a meal with my best friends to a cute restaurant I found in Manchester. A catch up with some of my closest friends is also in order, especially seeing as I've not seen some since July.
To really try and tackle the anxiety that is creeping up would also be nice. I'm finding it hard to live at the moment, I want to at least be able to leave the house voluntarily by the end of the month. I want to smile more, to really just hold it all together and build myself back up again. 
October, I know I'm asking a lot of you, but I have a good feeling about this month. We should be okay if we work together. 
Yours, 
Shannon



photo credit