Showcase XPlus Premier | Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes

I was lucky enough to be invited to the VIP XPlus Premier Screening of Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes. The evening started at 6:30 pm where we were welcomed into the Studio One Bar and were greeted with a choice of either Champagne, Sparkling Elder Flower Cordial or Orange Juice. I chose the Elder Flower - I thought it was a nice refreshing choice as I was the designated driver...I know! No fair! The room was in full swing by the time we arrived. Waiters were serving the most delicious canapes from every corner of the room, shortly followed by mini desserts which I was trying very hard to say no to. I took this as my que to go and take as many pictures of the event as possible. From the Champagne being poured, to the superior XPlus screen itself!

 With the assistance of the complex manager we ventured up to the third floor where the XPlus Screen is located to marvel at its greatness! I was in absolute awe as I walked around the corner and caught a glimpse of this vibrant blue screen that just hits you smack in the face! Needless to say I was impressed. Very impressed.

Once all the the guests had arrived we were asked to take our seats and revel in the XPlus experience. Once at our seats we were given little goodie bags containing popcorn, 3D glasses and a bottle of water. The seats themselves were brand new and I have to say, very comfortable indeed. I'm normally a bugger for fidgeting about when watching a film but I didn't move once.

So on to the actual XPlus experience...this was like no other cinema experience. It was amazing and certainly revolutionary. I am an avid cinema goer, so when something new comes along which is going to make my viewing more extreme I'm definitely up for trying it out. It was awesome!!

So, what is Showcase XPlus? It's a proprietary large format auditorium featuring Dolby Atmos™ sound and the most advanced digital projection and screen technology.  XPlus offers a premium cinema experience with immersive sound, crystal clear projection and reserved seating.

At the start of the film we were given a brief presentation of how XPlus creates an experience like no other. We were told that in the next few minutes we would hear a man singing, however it would be as if he was walking around the auditorium. So the music starts (there is nothing on the screen) and you feel the man is literally walking in a huge circle around you. People were turning around in their seats as he was 'walking' behind them. The sound was just immense and the quality of sound was like no other. We were then thrown into what could only be descried as a monsoon storm in what would seem like a rainforest. Thunder, lightning, torrential rain! It was fantastic - it was as if you were there, experiencing it for yourself - just not getting drenched.

Then came the picture; we were asked to put on our 3D glasses and revel in the ultra sharp image quality. Again, we were not disappointed - the quality was second to none and was visually stunning. If Showcase could fit one of these in my lounge - that'd be great! In all seriousness, this really will make people get out of their homes to go and experience a film at Showcase as it's completely out of this world.

People were cheering, whooping and applauding this magnificent technology. Needless to say I was joining in too! I knew this would certainly make watching any film a hundred times more intense.

With regards to the film itself - I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, but it was brilliant, exciting and quite worryingly life-like! Also it's not essential to watch the first film in the series, so don't let that put you off seeing it.

So; prices to watch a film in a Showcase XPlus is £14.90 a ticket. To watch a 3D film in a standard screening is £12.40, so I really do think it's worthwhile spending that extra few pounds to experience something extraordinary.

There are currently only 3 XPlus Screens in the UK at the moment in Derby, Nottingham and Leeds. However we were told last night that Leicester and Bristol are due to have them fitted this year. So watch this space.

Also on a side note; if you sign up to become an Insider you benefit from discounted tickets and food deals. It really is worthwhile doing, so sign up now.

Make sure to book soon!

Char

xXx

| A Few Liebster Awards |

Helloooo Lovelies!!!

So the title of this post might come across a bit show offish - but this is not my intention. I had an influx of these nominations in the space of about 2 weeks and couldn't keep up! So I thought I'd kill several birds with one stone.

Disclaimer : No birds were harmed in the making of this post.

So basically the rules are; Link back to the person who nominated you. State 11 random facts about yourself . Answer their questions. Then come up with 11 random questions to ask and nominate 11 people to answer them. For more info and my 11 random facts about myself click here!

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So my 2nd nomination was from the rule breaker Lauren +Porcelain Queen She defied my rules and decided to nominate me back (which is SO not allowed!) However I'll let her off as she's so damn cool and writes awesome posts! Seriously go and check her out below, you won't be disappointed!

So - on with the questions!

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www.porcelainqueen1.blogspot.co.uk

Number One - What is your one holy grail product that you would recommend to every one?

Humm, this is a new one for me and I absolutely love it. It's the Sleek Face Contour Kit. You can choose between light, medium & dark. It's such a good price and really does work. I don't leave the house now without using this. The little diagram that comes with it is very useful too.

Number Two - Which part of your makeup do you enjoying doing the most?

Easy - foundation. I love the fact I can create a flawless blank canvass to work on :)

Number Three - Which one brand in your opinion makes the best eye shadows?

I have loads of MAC eye shadows, Urban Decay Pallets and Laura Mecier shadows. It's a close one between the 3 but I would have to say Urban Decay as the pigments are amazing.

Number Four - What are you beauty 'hang-ups'? For example, mine is my ridiculously untameable hair and my combination skin.

My skin. I have combination skin and it drives in insane! I'm like make up your mind already!

Number Five - What's the worst beauty blunder that you used to do?

Never used to do my eyebrows. I know. Shocking!

Number Six - At what age did you first ever start wearing makeup on a regular basis?

I was a late starter haha I didn't wear makeup properly until I was about 15/16.

Number Seven - What is you all time favourite high end brand?

YSL and Illamasqua

Number Eight - What is your all time favourite high street brand?

Rimmel and Maybelline

Number Nine - Name your top three brushes, for example, MAC 239, Real Techniques Buffing brush...

Real Techniques Stippling Brush, Real Techniques Contour Brush &  Real Techniques Detailer Brush.

Number Ten - What celebrity are you regularly compared to?

Ha I actually have 2... Holly Willoughby and Sophie Dahl. I think it's the eyes!

Number Eleven - Name one thing about yourself that you love.

My eyes :)

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www.beautybooandteatoo.blogspot.co.uk

1. what's your favourite beauty product?

I'm going to go with my Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation on this one.

2. what does your blog mean to you?

The world. I can't believe it's taken me this long to pluck up the courage to write one.

3. what's your favourite song at the moment?

Erm - Let It Go...Frozen! Hell yes I'm a Disney fan and proud!

4. when you were little what did you want to be when you 'grew up'?

A princess. Still aim to be. Prince Harry hasn't met me yet.

5. Did you make any new years resolutions, have you stuck to them?

Yes! My blog was a New Years Resolution (check out my first post here!)

6. If you were a Disney character, which Disney character would you be?

Ahh LOVE THIS!!! I would be Elsa from Frozen as she's a Princess who doesn't need a man - GIRL POWER! Also add in a bit of Dory from Finding Nemo and Timone & Pumba from Lion King haha

7. If you had to describe yourself in three words what would they be?

Fun, Confident & Captivating

8. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Marrying Price Harry and becoming a Princess. What? haha

9. What is your most prized possession?

My sunglasses collection....bit of a sucker for designers and my car!

10. What's your guilty pleasure?

Ice Cream

11. If you could have any superpower, what would it be?

Humm good question! I would have the power to click my fingers and be ready. I take hours getting ready for a night out!

- 

www.beaut-iful-you.blogspot.co.uk

1. What inspired you to start blogging in the beginning?

I wanted a change, something different. I wanted to make new friends and change my life.

2. How long have you been blogging for?

Nearly 2 months - eek!

3. What's the best thing that has happened to you since starting blogging?

Met so many amazing people, and the fact people like what I write is just mental!

4. Would you encourage other people to start blogging? If so, why?

Definitely - You'll meet like minded people and it'll really open your eyes that there are so many people out there who appreciate you and what you write.

5. What are your top 5 makeup brands

Laura Mercier, Illamasqua, MAC, Urban Decay, Rimmel

6. What would you rather give up, make up or skin care?

Oh god! Tough Question. I'd probably say skin care as make up can cover blemishes up.

7. Favourite nail varnish brand

Humm Illamasqua and Rimmel

8. If you could have £200 to spend on makeup, what would you buy?

Some things from Charlotte Tilbury

9. What's your favourite colour?

Lime Green and Pink

10. Favourite all time shop

Libertys or Harrods - I seriously get goosebumps every time I enter these stores.

11. Do you like my blog? If yes, thank you! But if not what can I do to improve?

Of course! I love the header picture its great and I love how clean cut your posts are.

1. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?

Canada. I loved it there but only in the summer when there's no snow. So perhaps I should choose America!! haha

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www.hollieclairexo.blogspot.co.uk

2. What are your top 5 makeup products you can't live without?

Illamasqua Skin Base Foundation, Sleek Contour Kit, Illamasqua Skin Base Lift, Rimmel compact face Powder & YSL Mascara.

3. If you could spend one day in the life of someone else who would it be?

Nice question - It would have to be Oprah!

4. What type of blogs do you find most interesting to read?

Blogs with a personal touch. I'm not too keen on posts that just show a picture of a product and talk about it like a robot. I really like to get to know the author :)

5. Your favourite item of clothing that you own?

Scarves! I have a serious collection of Scarves!

6. Lipstick or lipgloss?

Lipstick.

7. Whats a weird fact about yourself that not everyone might know?

I'm related to Judi Dench & Beatrix Potter (random I know!) :)

8. Your favourite shop to shop in?

As above Liberty's & Harrods!

9. What is your favourite makeup brand?

Illamasqua and MAC

10. Your best and favourite makeup tip?

Always prep, prime and hydrate your skin before applying makeup!

11. Your favourite song?

Ever?! Humm At the moment it's Let It Go - Frozen however all time fav I would have to say - GOD THIS IS TOO HARD! I like classics so it would have to be - no I can't do it. Sorry!

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www.justmsmaxwell.com

1. your worst habit?

Cutting my cuticles..

2. your dream job?

Creating a fashion line for women who are blessed with curves of all different shapes and sizes, whether your petite or on the larger side! Nothing out there no matter what anyone says.

3. bar or pub?

Bar. Pass me a cocktail!

4. high street or high end?

Humm, high street.

5. where you see yourself in 5 years time?

Probably writing my 10000000000 Leibster Award post!

6. favourite childhood show?

Sabrina the teenage Witch! Or Buffy!

7. favourite quote and why?

Winners never quit, Quitters never win.

8. the person you are most inspired by?

I'm inspired by everyone around me. They keep me motivated and ambitious!

9.  feelings about the ugly shoe trend?

Hate it.

10. favourite youtube vlogger?

I love Fleur De Force, she's different to the rest of the big youtube vloggers.

11. greatest achievement to date?

Not going to University and working bloody hard to get a good job! Which I love.

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So there we have it, a load of questions and answers! So now for my nominations....this is tough as so many people have done this now, so instead I nominate you! Whoever is reading this to answer just 5 questions! I'm changing the rules a bit as like Lauren said - Rules are meant to be broken!

1. Whats the best post you've written on your blog (in your opinion)? Link it below :)
2. What is your greatest achievement to date?
3. Who was the first beauty guru or blogger that you watched on Youtube or read on blogger?
4. What is your holy grail Skin Care product?
5. Which part of your make up do you enjoy doing the most? 

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Thank you for taking the time to read this, let me know what your thoughts are on my answers! 

Even if you don't fancy writing up a post on this, let me know down in the comments what your answers would be to my questions :)

Also please follow me on twitter, instagram & bloglovin. It would mean the world to me!

So, as always guys, It's been a pleasure!

Char

xXx

Mwah xx

Confidence | Own It

Hello lovelies, this is going to be a bit of a different blog post, something that really comes from the heart, I hope you like it.

There is no definitive answer to the question 'How can I become more confident?' I just hope the following will open your eyes to my experience and how I overcame some insecurities and how you can help others too.

I was looking at one of my recent blog posts and the feedback I got was really lovely, however I couldn't help but notice a lot of women saying that they don't have the self confidence to wear a bright colour. Whether it be in regards to make up or clothes. 

This brought back distant memories of how I used to be that girl at school / college who had no confidence what so ever. This maybe quite hard for people who have only just met me to understand, as I seem to be that outgoing loud bubbly woman who smacks confidence right round the chops. However this is not necessarily the case. I always think of the the song 'Tracks Of My Tears' to describe how I feel sometimes, as it's saying that no matter what you look like and feel on the outside it might not be what you always feel on the inside!

This post isn't to get sympathy votes, it's just to let you all know that everyone goes through confidence issues. Whether it be through their looks, personality or something else. It's completely normal and everyone handles it in different ways. I look back at old photos of myself when I was 16 - 19 and think to myself why did I feel so insecure?! I was a size 12 with long blonde hair (that I always wore in a ponytail) and curves. What. The. Hell. And I still didn't dare wear a bikini or wear nice fitted clothes. I think to myself if I had that figure now I'd go out butt naked. I'm not even joking. Haha!

I don't know about you, but being insecure makes me think quite irrationally. I was a girl who looked at every other girl and thought why can't I look that good, why can't I have her confidence...why can't my hair look that good....why, why, why. I wouldn't even wear my make up as I thought oh god, what if someone notices my eyeliner is thicker on my right eye compared to my left..Now I laugh and think not only does practice make perfect but this is something that happens to all women and girls alike. Whether you're new to make up or a well seasoned pro!   

Why not?! I asked myself. I thought the only way I'm going to do something about my severe lack of confidence was to do something a little out of my comfort zone each day, to prove to myself that I can be that person if I just put myself out there a bit.

So the very next day I wore mascara (I know this doesn't seem like a big deal, but to me it was huge!) It meant my eyelashes stood out like a sore thumb! I noticed people looking at me a bit different. Instead of just being that girl who had her hair tied back in a ponytail, glasses and no make up. I had something a little different about me. A few people said to me you look different Charlotte, what have you done? I explained that I'd put mascara on and they were so complimentary that I felt awesome! 

So the next day I wore a tinted moisturiser and got the same response...the following day I took a step further and wore a tinted lip balm, it was a snowball effect following that. I became obsessed with make up and that made me feel great! It was this mask that I could take on and off when I pleased and it gave me the greatest feeling ever, something I'd never felt before - confidence.

This is certainly not an answer to everyone's issues on confidence! I'm not saying wear makeup and your confidence will suddenly appear. What I'm saying is, have a goal of what you want to achieve. Whether it be in looks, lifestyle, school - anything. And take little steps in getting yourself to that goal. It's important not to give up on yourself and sometimes putting yourself out there is so daunting it scares you. In those moments, stop take a breathe and own it. Own yourself and control your thoughts and know that your doing this for you and nobody else. Your self confidence will soon grow and trust me, it'll be the best thing you ever do.

So step out of the shadows once in a while and show everyone the real you, what your passions are and shine!

From that day on I never looked back, only forward. Which tended to be in the direction of the make up counters at Boots! I still sometimes have days when I feel insecure so I go straight to my make up draw and pull out my favourite deep pink or red lipstick, wave my magic wand and I'm ready to take on the world. 

Do any of you feel like that when you put on a certain lipstick? If not, why not try it? Post a photo on twitter / instagram and you will get tonnes of love! 

On a final note, I hope this has been helpful to some, but also to the rest of you fabulous women who ooze confidence - I think one thing we can agree on,  is that if it wasn't for people telling me how amazing my mascara looked, or that they loved my lip colour I wouldn't be half as confident as I am now. So whenever I see someone rocking a bold lip or even just a nude pink lip I like to let them know it looks fab! Because at the end of the day I don't know what they are feeling like on the inside so it's also our words that build up peoples confidence as much as their own actions. 

Anyway I've rambled on quite a bit now, so I hope you've enjoyed this post and will spread the love. 

As always, It's been a pleasure. 

Char

xXx