I've been using the Keihls Midnight Recovery Oil for a few years now and safe to say it's probably my all time favourite. Recently though, I've found myself gravitating to the Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil instead, and hears why...

I can really see a different in the morning, even more so than when I use the Keihls concentrate. My skin looks radiant, plump and extra glowy which is what it promises and it feels soft. The formula is quite watery so you only need a pump or two to cover your face, and I feel like with some dryer oils you need loads to feel like it's going to coat your whole face. It contains vitamins A and C which all help to brighten the skin and helps boost healthy collagen production which in turn makes your skin firmer. Vitamin A is also great for anti-aging - not that I need that just yet but its all about prevention right? - so try this one out if you want your skin looking and feeling younger and fresher.

The smell is my only issue with this, its quite a strong lemony scent which smells like those boiled sweets you can buy...not a fan, but some may love it. I only have mini size that I was sent in a beauty box, but will I repurchase? Probably, even thought the price is nearing £50 for the full size, I know oils last a long ass time, so it's worth it right guys?..

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An Oil That Rivals My Favourite


I've been using the Keihls Midnight Recovery Oil for a few years now and safe to say it's probably my all time favourite. Recently though, I've found myself gravitating to the Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Youth Activating Oil instead, and hears why...

I can really see a different in the morning, even more so than when I use the Keihls concentrate. My skin looks radiant, plump and extra glowy which is what it promises and it feels soft. The formula is quite watery so you only need a pump or two to cover your face, and I feel like with some dryer oils you need loads to feel like it's going to coat your whole face. It contains vitamins A and C which all help to brighten the skin and helps boost healthy collagen production which in turn makes your skin firmer. Vitamin A is also great for anti-aging - not that I need that just yet but its all about prevention right? - so try this one out if you want your skin looking and feeling younger and fresher.

The smell is my only issue with this, its quite a strong lemony scent which smells like those boiled sweets you can buy...not a fan, but some may love it. I only have mini size that I was sent in a beauty box, but will I repurchase? Probably, even thought the price is nearing £50 for the full size, I know oils last a long ass time, so it's worth it right guys?..

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Monday, May 25, 2015

This sunday I thought I would run through some of the lip products I've been reaching for a lot this spring. As you will be able to see, I love a good tinted lip balm. They're easy, subtle, moisturising and great to use everyday. So we'll start with those shall we?

Coral wise, I've been loving the Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment which I have had and used for a couple of years now. These smell amazing and feel so soft and buttery on the lips. The shade I have is Coral, but I find it's more on the red side which I do like, and for a tinted balm these do pack a punch. Another one which is a similar shade is the Clarins Instant Lip Perfecter Balm in 05 Red. This is very similar to the Fresh one so if you can't get hold of Fresh products, try this. I can never get over the smell of these and I'm constantly shoving them in peoples faces shouting "smell this smell this", needless to say its dreamy. I also have this in 01 Rose which is basically a lip balm with a very slight pinky colour pay off. This one definitely isn't as pigmented but I love it over the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat to give my lips glossy finish and add some extra moisture. I also picked up another one of the Kiko Ultra Glossy Lipsticks as I loved the coral one so much! The shade Pearly Watermelon caught my eye and I love that it's a great everyday pink shade. It's definitely more pigmented than the Clarins 01 Rose, and is more of a watermelon pink as the name would suggest. 

For lipsticks there has been a couple that have made it back into my everyday stash. The first being MAC's Vegas Volt which I fall in love with every summer. It's a gorgeous coral orange and the one that got me hooked on coral lipsticks. It is moisturising and also has good colour pay off, as all MAC lipsticks do. On the more matte side I've been into the Revlon Matte Balm in Unapologetic which was all the rage last summer. It's a bright matte raspberry, fuchsia pink which looks gorgeous with simple eyes and fresh, dewy skin. Even though these are matte, I don't find them too drying but I would go in with a balm beforehand and they have great lasting power. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the smell, it's a very artificial mint scent which some may like but I find it way too overpowering. 

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The Sunday Post: Spring Lips


This sunday I thought I would run through some of the lip products I've been reaching for a lot this spring. As you will be able to see, I love a good tinted lip balm. They're easy, subtle, moisturising and great to use everyday. So we'll start with those shall we?

Coral wise, I've been loving the Fresh Sugar Coral Tinted Lip Treatment which I have had and used for a couple of years now. These smell amazing and feel so soft and buttery on the lips. The shade I have is Coral, but I find it's more on the red side which I do like, and for a tinted balm these do pack a punch. Another one which is a similar shade is the Clarins Instant Lip Perfecter Balm in 05 Red. This is very similar to the Fresh one so if you can't get hold of Fresh products, try this. I can never get over the smell of these and I'm constantly shoving them in peoples faces shouting "smell this smell this", needless to say its dreamy. I also have this in 01 Rose which is basically a lip balm with a very slight pinky colour pay off. This one definitely isn't as pigmented but I love it over the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Cheat to give my lips glossy finish and add some extra moisture. I also picked up another one of the Kiko Ultra Glossy Lipsticks as I loved the coral one so much! The shade Pearly Watermelon caught my eye and I love that it's a great everyday pink shade. It's definitely more pigmented than the Clarins 01 Rose, and is more of a watermelon pink as the name would suggest. 

For lipsticks there has been a couple that have made it back into my everyday stash. The first being MAC's Vegas Volt which I fall in love with every summer. It's a gorgeous coral orange and the one that got me hooked on coral lipsticks. It is moisturising and also has good colour pay off, as all MAC lipsticks do. On the more matte side I've been into the Revlon Matte Balm in Unapologetic which was all the rage last summer. It's a bright matte raspberry, fuchsia pink which looks gorgeous with simple eyes and fresh, dewy skin. Even though these are matte, I don't find them too drying but I would go in with a balm beforehand and they have great lasting power. The only thing I'm not so keen on is the smell, it's a very artificial mint scent which some may like but I find it way too overpowering. 

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Sunday, May 24, 2015

I really love having nice long, defined lashes, they complete a look and is an essential on every occasion I wear makeup. There are so many different brands that all seem to have something to offer, so today I'm going to whittle down my top four, so if you're in the mascara market, you know what to look out for. Mascara differs for everyone, some go for length, some for volume, some love wet formulas and others get on better with ones slightly dryer. Me, I'm like a bit of everything, but nothing too wet. Shall I carry on with the innuendos?

L'Oreal and MAX Factor rock when it comes to mascaras - in my opinion - they seem to cater for everyone and the ones I love give me defined, long and thick lashes. From L'oreal there are two that I adore, Miss Manga and Telescopic. The former has a tapered wand which grips every lash and adds great length and volume. They have come out with a few different formulations of this, but the original is my favourite. Telescopic has been one I've had and loved for years. I started out with the one in the blue tube which sadly got discontented, so I had to widen my search and go for false lash effect version. Needless to say I love it just as much, it's just not waterproof! It is very black and has one if those plastic wands with shorter bristles which is great. It builds the lashes up beautifully but still leaves them looking natural and fluttery, perrrrfect for everyday! 

The MAX Factor False Lash Effect is another one I reach for regularly. I actually have this in brown/black which is a nice change and even more wearable day to day. This is another plastic wanded number as works wonders for volumising. I wonder if I can say wand anymore times? If you're on the hunt for something thats going to add drama, yet separation, this is one to try. It's also worth noting I'm not into the spider lash look, so all these mascaras are great for separating. 

If your budget is a bit higher, head over to Benefit and pick up their They're Real Mascara. I've always had a bit of a love affair with Benefit mascaras. Ever since I picked the Bad Gal Lash in blue - yes blue, what was I thinking? I was about 15 okay... - I always love to see what else they have to offer. They're Real was a massive launch, but what Benefit mascara wasn't, and the hype was real people. If you haven't tried it, do. It will give length, definition, volume and I always seem to get compliments saying my lashes look so long when I use it. 

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My Top Mascara Buys


I really love having nice long, defined lashes, they complete a look and is an essential on every occasion I wear makeup. There are so many different brands that all seem to have something to offer, so today I'm going to whittle down my top four, so if you're in the mascara market, you know what to look out for. Mascara differs for everyone, some go for length, some for volume, some love wet formulas and others get on better with ones slightly dryer. Me, I'm like a bit of everything, but nothing too wet. Shall I carry on with the innuendos?

L'Oreal and MAX Factor rock when it comes to mascaras - in my opinion - they seem to cater for everyone and the ones I love give me defined, long and thick lashes. From L'oreal there are two that I adore, Miss Manga and Telescopic. The former has a tapered wand which grips every lash and adds great length and volume. They have come out with a few different formulations of this, but the original is my favourite. Telescopic has been one I've had and loved for years. I started out with the one in the blue tube which sadly got discontented, so I had to widen my search and go for false lash effect version. Needless to say I love it just as much, it's just not waterproof! It is very black and has one if those plastic wands with shorter bristles which is great. It builds the lashes up beautifully but still leaves them looking natural and fluttery, perrrrfect for everyday! 

The MAX Factor False Lash Effect is another one I reach for regularly. I actually have this in brown/black which is a nice change and even more wearable day to day. This is another plastic wanded number as works wonders for volumising. I wonder if I can say wand anymore times? If you're on the hunt for something thats going to add drama, yet separation, this is one to try. It's also worth noting I'm not into the spider lash look, so all these mascaras are great for separating. 

If your budget is a bit higher, head over to Benefit and pick up their They're Real Mascara. I've always had a bit of a love affair with Benefit mascaras. Ever since I picked the Bad Gal Lash in blue - yes blue, what was I thinking? I was about 15 okay... - I always love to see what else they have to offer. They're Real was a massive launch, but what Benefit mascara wasn't, and the hype was real people. If you haven't tried it, do. It will give length, definition, volume and I always seem to get compliments saying my lashes look so long when I use it. 

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Friday, May 22, 2015

I don't like to be too negative around these parts, however I feel it's appropriate every now and then to chat about the products that didn't really float my boat. This isn't to say I dislike the brand or that these won't work for you as every one is different, but here's my opinion on a few things I won't be repurchasing.

Lets get makeup out the way first and there are two lip products that I really wasn't a fan of. The first is from Bourjois which is a brand I love and this is one of there Velvet Rouge Edition Lipsticks which I also like, just not this particular one. I have the shade Grand Cru which I've heard isn't the best one anyway...the colour itself is actually really nice, a deep burgundy shade. Application wise, it sucks. Its really drying, goes very patchy and I find it hard to get a good even coat without loading a tonne of product on the lips, which then feels uncomfortable. Not a great one from Bourjois, but the other shades in the line are nice. Next is the Maybelline Super Stay14 Hour Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral which is another one that looks beautiful in the tube, but makes the lips so dry it's impossible to wear. It drags on the lips when trying to apply it, and although some may like that is means it will stay all day, there are other ones that last but feel more comfortable on the lips.

A mascara now, and I knew as soon as I opened this is wasn't going to be for me. I picked this up in a Soap & Glory set, otherwise I don't think I would have ever tried it. Their Thick and Fast Mascara has a fatter than fat wand which I find very hard to manoeuvre. I don't find it grips the lashes at all, making it hard to achieve fuller looking lashes and the formula is very wet which means it gets everywhere when you're trying to apply it. There are so many other great mascara formulas in the drugstore that I wouldn't recommend you trying this out.

The Colab Extra Volume Dry Shampoo was something I was surprised I didn't get on with as I love the original formula so much. The idea of this is that it's a dry shampoo but gives your hair a lot more volume. When I first used this it left my hair so chalky and my roots felt like they were all clumped together and had no movement at all. Second time around I thought maybe I didn't shake it well enough, so I shook the hell out of it, and the same thing happened. It felt horrible in the hair and after brushing it through, I still felt like I needed to wash my hair as it felt so gross. The original is great so I would recommend that, but this version I really wouldn't pick up again.

Another one where I loved the original but failed with bringing out a second version is the Original Source Blood Orange Daily Scrub. This wasn't expensive at all so I'm not too bothered this didn't work for me, but for the sake of the smell, I keep using it just so I don't have it laying around. It smells amazing and is perfect to rejuvenate your body in the morning, but the idea of it being a scrub went over my head completely. It has those scrubby bead things, but very little of them that they do nothing anyway. It doesn't lather well either and just kind of falls off your body after slapping it on, so I find half the product gathering at the bottom of my shower. I think the original shower gels are so much better as they lather up well and actually feel like they are cleaning the skin, so those I would try.

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Disappointing Products


I don't like to be too negative around these parts, however I feel it's appropriate every now and then to chat about the products that didn't really float my boat. This isn't to say I dislike the brand or that these won't work for you as every one is different, but here's my opinion on a few things I won't be repurchasing.

Lets get makeup out the way first and there are two lip products that I really wasn't a fan of. The first is from Bourjois which is a brand I love and this is one of there Velvet Rouge Edition Lipsticks which I also like, just not this particular one. I have the shade Grand Cru which I've heard isn't the best one anyway...the colour itself is actually really nice, a deep burgundy shade. Application wise, it sucks. Its really drying, goes very patchy and I find it hard to get a good even coat without loading a tonne of product on the lips, which then feels uncomfortable. Not a great one from Bourjois, but the other shades in the line are nice. Next is the Maybelline Super Stay14 Hour Lipstick in Stay With Me Coral which is another one that looks beautiful in the tube, but makes the lips so dry it's impossible to wear. It drags on the lips when trying to apply it, and although some may like that is means it will stay all day, there are other ones that last but feel more comfortable on the lips.

A mascara now, and I knew as soon as I opened this is wasn't going to be for me. I picked this up in a Soap & Glory set, otherwise I don't think I would have ever tried it. Their Thick and Fast Mascara has a fatter than fat wand which I find very hard to manoeuvre. I don't find it grips the lashes at all, making it hard to achieve fuller looking lashes and the formula is very wet which means it gets everywhere when you're trying to apply it. There are so many other great mascara formulas in the drugstore that I wouldn't recommend you trying this out.

The Colab Extra Volume Dry Shampoo was something I was surprised I didn't get on with as I love the original formula so much. The idea of this is that it's a dry shampoo but gives your hair a lot more volume. When I first used this it left my hair so chalky and my roots felt like they were all clumped together and had no movement at all. Second time around I thought maybe I didn't shake it well enough, so I shook the hell out of it, and the same thing happened. It felt horrible in the hair and after brushing it through, I still felt like I needed to wash my hair as it felt so gross. The original is great so I would recommend that, but this version I really wouldn't pick up again.

Another one where I loved the original but failed with bringing out a second version is the Original Source Blood Orange Daily Scrub. This wasn't expensive at all so I'm not too bothered this didn't work for me, but for the sake of the smell, I keep using it just so I don't have it laying around. It smells amazing and is perfect to rejuvenate your body in the morning, but the idea of it being a scrub went over my head completely. It has those scrubby bead things, but very little of them that they do nothing anyway. It doesn't lather well either and just kind of falls off your body after slapping it on, so I find half the product gathering at the bottom of my shower. I think the original shower gels are so much better as they lather up well and actually feel like they are cleaning the skin, so those I would try.

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Wednesday, May 20, 2015

As much as I love my high-end lipsticks, there's nothing more satisfying than finding a pretty exact dupe for half the price... am I right? After owning both these two lipsticks for a good amount of time, it's only just occurred to me that they are basically the same, so here's the lowdown.

MAC's Patisserie lipstick is my all time favourite nude and I wear it all the time, for me, it's the perfect my lips but better shade which can be paired with any look. It has a nice sheen to it, so doesn't look flat on the lips and the formula is very moisturising. Colour wise, it's a pinky beige which I think compliments many skin tones. If you go in with a pinky nude liner beforehand and add this to the centre of your lips, it looks stunning! MAC lipsticks seem to be going up in price every hour - £15.50 now to be exact - they are still worth it in my eyes and I will always be searching the counters for more.

To rival that, we have one of the Topshop Lip Bullets which also have great colour pay off and feel creamy on the lips. This one is called Tamed and is slightly more pink and opaque but as you can see from the two swatches, you can barely tell them apart (Tamed is bottom one...I think). If you've been hearing about Patisserie for a while and not sure if it will suit you, go for the Topshop one! Both of these I would highly recommend as great everyday shades and depending on your budget, definitely try one of these out.
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A Dupe For That Perfect Nude


As much as I love my high-end lipsticks, there's nothing more satisfying than finding a pretty exact dupe for half the price... am I right? After owning both these two lipsticks for a good amount of time, it's only just occurred to me that they are basically the same, so here's the lowdown.

MAC's Patisserie lipstick is my all time favourite nude and I wear it all the time, for me, it's the perfect my lips but better shade which can be paired with any look. It has a nice sheen to it, so doesn't look flat on the lips and the formula is very moisturising. Colour wise, it's a pinky beige which I think compliments many skin tones. If you go in with a pinky nude liner beforehand and add this to the centre of your lips, it looks stunning! MAC lipsticks seem to be going up in price every hour - £15.50 now to be exact - they are still worth it in my eyes and I will always be searching the counters for more.

To rival that, we have one of the Topshop Lip Bullets which also have great colour pay off and feel creamy on the lips. This one is called Tamed and is slightly more pink and opaque but as you can see from the two swatches, you can barely tell them apart (Tamed is bottom one...I think). If you've been hearing about Patisserie for a while and not sure if it will suit you, go for the Topshop one! Both of these I would highly recommend as great everyday shades and depending on your budget, definitely try one of these out.
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Monday, May 18, 2015

I love finding great products for an even better price, so here's my fourth instalment of budget buys!

I think haircare is something that comes in the bucket load when wondering around Boots and Superdrug and although there are some great high end hair products out there, for me, the lower-end stuff hits the mark (is that the saying?..). Dove is a brand I love and everything (hair wise) I've tried has given me great results. Their leave in conditioner is a lovely one to try, if you want something to treat your ends and make your hair softer and easier to comb through I recommend you try this out. It doesn't weigh my hair down, it has a nice scent and the spritz disperses the perfect amount of product. Make sure you give it a good shake beforehand! 

For skincare, there's been one thing that's stood out for me and that's the Nivea 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water. The hype around this was huge and rightly so as it's probably the best micellar water you can find in the drugstores. It doesn't sting your eyes, removes makeup well and feels nice and gentle on the skin. 

Makeup time now, and there's three items that deserve a mention. First is a cream eyeshadow, and I think I've mentioned one of these before on a similar post but hey! Maybelline bring it when it comes to cream shadows and the Colour Tattoo in Vintage Plum is such a beautiful colour. It's obviously a bit different from the typical bronzy shades I tend to where but I love it never the less. It looks great as a base all over the lid or in the crease to add some definition to the eyes. I have hazel eyes so these purple-y tones really compliment me as I think they would any eye colour. I now own three of these and still want to go back for more. Another eye product is the L'oreal Miss Manga Mascara. I love this for adding length volume and definition to the lashes, it does it all in my opinion. The wand is tapered at the end to insure you can get right into the inner corners and coat every single little lash. It can be quite a wet one when you first work with it, but leave it for a week or two and it will be perfect. One lip product I think everyone should pick up is from Kiko and it's their Ultra Glossy Lipstick in 806 Tangerine which is a gorgeous sheer coral orange shade. These are around £3/£4 and are brilliant, moisturising and feel so soft on the lips. I definitely want to pick up some more of these.
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Budget Buys No.4


I love finding great products for an even better price, so here's my fourth instalment of budget buys!

I think haircare is something that comes in the bucket load when wondering around Boots and Superdrug and although there are some great high end hair products out there, for me, the lower-end stuff hits the mark (is that the saying?..). Dove is a brand I love and everything (hair wise) I've tried has given me great results. Their leave in conditioner is a lovely one to try, if you want something to treat your ends and make your hair softer and easier to comb through I recommend you try this out. It doesn't weigh my hair down, it has a nice scent and the spritz disperses the perfect amount of product. Make sure you give it a good shake beforehand! 

For skincare, there's been one thing that's stood out for me and that's the Nivea 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water. The hype around this was huge and rightly so as it's probably the best micellar water you can find in the drugstores. It doesn't sting your eyes, removes makeup well and feels nice and gentle on the skin. 

Makeup time now, and there's three items that deserve a mention. First is a cream eyeshadow, and I think I've mentioned one of these before on a similar post but hey! Maybelline bring it when it comes to cream shadows and the Colour Tattoo in Vintage Plum is such a beautiful colour. It's obviously a bit different from the typical bronzy shades I tend to where but I love it never the less. It looks great as a base all over the lid or in the crease to add some definition to the eyes. I have hazel eyes so these purple-y tones really compliment me as I think they would any eye colour. I now own three of these and still want to go back for more. Another eye product is the L'oreal Miss Manga Mascara. I love this for adding length volume and definition to the lashes, it does it all in my opinion. The wand is tapered at the end to insure you can get right into the inner corners and coat every single little lash. It can be quite a wet one when you first work with it, but leave it for a week or two and it will be perfect. One lip product I think everyone should pick up is from Kiko and it's their Ultra Glossy Lipstick in 806 Tangerine which is a gorgeous sheer coral orange shade. These are around £3/£4 and are brilliant, moisturising and feel so soft on the lips. I definitely want to pick up some more of these.
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Friday, May 15, 2015

I love wearing nude nail polishes - pinky nudes to be exact - and although nothing can beat Essie's Mint Candy Apple in the spring, something a bit classier is always welcome. I have a mixed bag today, some more pink and some more nude, so hopefully something for everyone. Like nude lipsticks, finding one that can suit your skin tone can be challenging and a bit hit and miss, but you'll find one! 

Starting with the pinkest of the bunch and the most inexpensive, Maybelline's Colour Show nail polish in Nebline is a great girly, spring option. I would say this is a great colour dupe for the Nails Inc one I'm about to show you, but a bit darker and a hell of a lot cheaper. I find Maybelline polishes to last really well on the nails and this shade is a good one for all you nude newbies who want a transition colour to start you off. Nails Inc Mayfair Lane is a lovely bridal shade for all you ladies whose special day may be approaching. It's one of the lightest pinks I own and looks subtle, pretty and classy on the nails. This one isn't cheap but if you follow up with a good top coat will last a good 3-5 days on the nails with minimal chipping. Essie's Fiji is a cult nail polishe which always goes down a treat. This one is more of an off white pink shade. Looks great with a tan and 3 coats will give you a nice opaque colour pay off. 

As far as actual nude nude shades go, there are two that I love. Essie Cocktails and Coconuts and Nails Inc St Paulo Street. The latter is more of a beigey grey - greige as people like to say - but has a slight lilac pink tone running through it making it very beautiful on the nails. Cocktails and Coconuts however, is more of your classic nude. More tan than grey and has a little shimmers which doesn't make it look too flat which I find very flattering. I think this was limited edition, but St Tropez is very very similar! 
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The Pinky Nude Nail Edit


I love wearing nude nail polishes - pinky nudes to be exact - and although nothing can beat Essie's Mint Candy Apple in the spring, something a bit classier is always welcome. I have a mixed bag today, some more pink and some more nude, so hopefully something for everyone. Like nude lipsticks, finding one that can suit your skin tone can be challenging and a bit hit and miss, but you'll find one! 

Starting with the pinkest of the bunch and the most inexpensive, Maybelline's Colour Show nail polish in Nebline is a great girly, spring option. I would say this is a great colour dupe for the Nails Inc one I'm about to show you, but a bit darker and a hell of a lot cheaper. I find Maybelline polishes to last really well on the nails and this shade is a good one for all you nude newbies who want a transition colour to start you off. Nails Inc Mayfair Lane is a lovely bridal shade for all you ladies whose special day may be approaching. It's one of the lightest pinks I own and looks subtle, pretty and classy on the nails. This one isn't cheap but if you follow up with a good top coat will last a good 3-5 days on the nails with minimal chipping. Essie's Fiji is a cult nail polishe which always goes down a treat. This one is more of an off white pink shade. Looks great with a tan and 3 coats will give you a nice opaque colour pay off. 

As far as actual nude nude shades go, there are two that I love. Essie Cocktails and Coconuts and Nails Inc St Paulo Street. The latter is more of a beigey grey - greige as people like to say - but has a slight lilac pink tone running through it making it very beautiful on the nails. Cocktails and Coconuts however, is more of your classic nude. More tan than grey and has a little shimmers which doesn't make it look too flat which I find very flattering. I think this was limited edition, but St Tropez is very very similar! 
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Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Since running out of a couple of my daily (morning) moisturisers, I hunted the isles of Boots looking for something inexpensive to try out. I've heard great things about La Roche-Posay and I was having a look at their section and the Toleriane Riche Soothing Protective Cream caught my eye. This is around £15.00 if I can remember correctly, which isn't a bad price,as these days brands can expect you to pay up to £40...crazy I know...

This a thick white consistency - reminds me a bit of sun cream - but it actually sinks in really well and doesn't clog pores, although I would recommend leaving it 5-10 minutes before applying makeup to ensure it's sunk in properly. It doesn't have much of a scent which is good if you have sensitive skin as it shouldn't cause any irritation. I have /normal/combination skin which can also be dehydrated a lot of the time, and I love the way this works for me. 

I use about a small dollop and massage it into my skin. It leaves my skin feeling so so soft and keeps it that way throughout the day. With some moisturisers I feel like half way through the day my skin feels and look a bit dry and dull again, but since I've been using this, those problems have been kept a bay. Amazing! It also has something in there which almost evens out the skin and blurs imperfections. Not sure about the technology behind that, as it's not tinted or has any colour correcting properties, but I'm willing to accept its awesomeness without question.

If you are looking for something to use in the morning which will make your skin soft and keep it hydrated and fresh throughout the day, this is a great one to try, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money. Very pleased I picked this up! 
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A New Moisturiser On The Scene


Since running out of a couple of my daily (morning) moisturisers, I hunted the isles of Boots looking for something inexpensive to try out. I've heard great things about La Roche-Posay and I was having a look at their section and the Toleriane Riche Soothing Protective Cream caught my eye. This is around £15.00 if I can remember correctly, which isn't a bad price,as these days brands can expect you to pay up to £40...crazy I know...

This a thick white consistency - reminds me a bit of sun cream - but it actually sinks in really well and doesn't clog pores, although I would recommend leaving it 5-10 minutes before applying makeup to ensure it's sunk in properly. It doesn't have much of a scent which is good if you have sensitive skin as it shouldn't cause any irritation. I have /normal/combination skin which can also be dehydrated a lot of the time, and I love the way this works for me. 

I use about a small dollop and massage it into my skin. It leaves my skin feeling so so soft and keeps it that way throughout the day. With some moisturisers I feel like half way through the day my skin feels and look a bit dry and dull again, but since I've been using this, those problems have been kept a bay. Amazing! It also has something in there which almost evens out the skin and blurs imperfections. Not sure about the technology behind that, as it's not tinted or has any colour correcting properties, but I'm willing to accept its awesomeness without question.

If you are looking for something to use in the morning which will make your skin soft and keep it hydrated and fresh throughout the day, this is a great one to try, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of money. Very pleased I picked this up! 
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Monday, May 11, 2015
Photo: Urban Outfitters

On the blog recently, I've been into keeping Sundays random, kind of ramble-y and not beauty related - just to mix things up. Today I thought I would go through some wardrobe staples that I either wear all the time at the moment, or think my closet would benefit from. 

White Jeans:
Although this is yes, still technically monochrome, its not black. Black jeans are my go to in the colder months, but to jazz things up, why not go for white? They can go with anything and every highstreet brand is coming out with some white jean variation. In my opinion, I would go skinny and pair with some brown or tan ankle boots which I'll come on to later. 

Lightweight Trench:
Another piece which has been making the rounds and for good reason. Ditch the heavy coats and opt for something lighter, in colour and material. Paired with a simple tee, jeans and boots, or over a cute summer dress, I think trench coats can make any look 100 times more chic. It's also worth investing in one that will last you as this is a timeless piece to have in your closet. 

A White Button Down:
Simple, yet classy, goes with anything, and can make an outfit seem more put together and like you really tried. These can be worn for work or out for dinner, whatever and whenever you want, this will work a treat. I think with a pair of boyfriend jeans and heels, this could look really cool - although I'm definitely no way cool enough to pull that off. 

Brown Ankle Boots:
With white jeans, or any jeans, these can look so cool and different from your typical black ankle boot. I have a pair of brown suede ankle boots which I wear to death and love for the spring. Go for something with a low block heel, to make them easier to wear all day and don't be afraid to splurge as these will last ages and can be transitioned into any season. 

Stripe Tee Shirt Dress:
I love having one of these laying around for those days when I have no idea what to wear. If it's cold, pair it with some tights and black boots, or for the warmer days show some skin and add some cute sandals or flats. Loads of places do a stripe dress in some shape or form and I love how simple, yet classy it can look. You can also add a red lip to go ultra parisian chic.
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The Sunday Post: Fashion Essentials For Spring

Photo: Urban Outfitters

On the blog recently, I've been into keeping Sundays random, kind of ramble-y and not beauty related - just to mix things up. Today I thought I would go through some wardrobe staples that I either wear all the time at the moment, or think my closet would benefit from. 

White Jeans:
Although this is yes, still technically monochrome, its not black. Black jeans are my go to in the colder months, but to jazz things up, why not go for white? They can go with anything and every highstreet brand is coming out with some white jean variation. In my opinion, I would go skinny and pair with some brown or tan ankle boots which I'll come on to later. 

Lightweight Trench:
Another piece which has been making the rounds and for good reason. Ditch the heavy coats and opt for something lighter, in colour and material. Paired with a simple tee, jeans and boots, or over a cute summer dress, I think trench coats can make any look 100 times more chic. It's also worth investing in one that will last you as this is a timeless piece to have in your closet. 

A White Button Down:
Simple, yet classy, goes with anything, and can make an outfit seem more put together and like you really tried. These can be worn for work or out for dinner, whatever and whenever you want, this will work a treat. I think with a pair of boyfriend jeans and heels, this could look really cool - although I'm definitely no way cool enough to pull that off. 

Brown Ankle Boots:
With white jeans, or any jeans, these can look so cool and different from your typical black ankle boot. I have a pair of brown suede ankle boots which I wear to death and love for the spring. Go for something with a low block heel, to make them easier to wear all day and don't be afraid to splurge as these will last ages and can be transitioned into any season. 

Stripe Tee Shirt Dress:
I love having one of these laying around for those days when I have no idea what to wear. If it's cold, pair it with some tights and black boots, or for the warmer days show some skin and add some cute sandals or flats. Loads of places do a stripe dress in some shape or form and I love how simple, yet classy it can look. You can also add a red lip to go ultra parisian chic.
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Sunday, May 10, 2015

Ever since the hype around Bioderma (which FIY, I have yet to try) budget brands have cottoned on to this little craze and launched some of their own for us all to try. I love micellar waters for removing makeup, they're gentle, non stripping and it's an easy way to prep your skin before cleansing. I thought I would share a few that you can pick up from Boots which will be worth your while.

The L'Oreal Micellar Water was the first one I tried. Not knowing what to expect I said good things and used it continually for some time. Battling with the fact it leaves a sticky residue on the skin however, I stopped using it a continued my search. That's the only negative thing I really have to say about this, the tackiness post use is annoying, but one I'm sure not everybody will mind if you follow it up with the right products. Some people said that it made their eyes sting, I personally didn't find that, but everyone is different. I don't love it, nor hate it.

Second was the Garnier Micellar Water, which had been preferred over the L'Oreal one by pretty much everyone. It doesn't leave a sticky feeling after you use it, so we were already on to a winner. You also get quite a lot of product so if, like me, you don't use these every day, it'll last a good while. Doesn't have much of a scent (none of them really do) but a really lovely, gentle option.

My favourite of all...the Nivea 3 in 1 Micellar Water. The fact this is for sensitive skin types and does more to the skin than just removing makeup, makes this one a real love of mine. I haven't been using it for that long - as you can see from the bottle - but I've really enjoyed it when I have. It's slightly more moisturising than the other two, and makes my skin feel more clean and makeupless. The packaging is also great, the product doesn't squirt out the bottle like the L'Oreal one and this  doesn't sting my eyes at all.

All three are more than safe to use on the eyes and do remove makeup well. If you a heavy wearer of waterproof makeup, you may not be a fan and might need something stronger, but day to day, I would recommend these.
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A Budget Micellar Roundup


Ever since the hype around Bioderma (which FIY, I have yet to try) budget brands have cottoned on to this little craze and launched some of their own for us all to try. I love micellar waters for removing makeup, they're gentle, non stripping and it's an easy way to prep your skin before cleansing. I thought I would share a few that you can pick up from Boots which will be worth your while.

The L'Oreal Micellar Water was the first one I tried. Not knowing what to expect I said good things and used it continually for some time. Battling with the fact it leaves a sticky residue on the skin however, I stopped using it a continued my search. That's the only negative thing I really have to say about this, the tackiness post use is annoying, but one I'm sure not everybody will mind if you follow it up with the right products. Some people said that it made their eyes sting, I personally didn't find that, but everyone is different. I don't love it, nor hate it.

Second was the Garnier Micellar Water, which had been preferred over the L'Oreal one by pretty much everyone. It doesn't leave a sticky feeling after you use it, so we were already on to a winner. You also get quite a lot of product so if, like me, you don't use these every day, it'll last a good while. Doesn't have much of a scent (none of them really do) but a really lovely, gentle option.

My favourite of all...the Nivea 3 in 1 Micellar Water. The fact this is for sensitive skin types and does more to the skin than just removing makeup, makes this one a real love of mine. I haven't been using it for that long - as you can see from the bottle - but I've really enjoyed it when I have. It's slightly more moisturising than the other two, and makes my skin feel more clean and makeupless. The packaging is also great, the product doesn't squirt out the bottle like the L'Oreal one and this  doesn't sting my eyes at all.

All three are more than safe to use on the eyes and do remove makeup well. If you a heavy wearer of waterproof makeup, you may not be a fan and might need something stronger, but day to day, I would recommend these.
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Friday, May 08, 2015


Achieving a no makeup makeup look is easier said than done. Sometimes it can be easier to slap on a whole face of makeup, than tweaking everything in detail but today I'm (hopefully) going to show you how to achieve a natural, I didn't try but secretly really did, look in a few simple steps.

Conceal...Skip foundation and only cover what you need to, this way you're letting your natural skin show though and won't look cakey or too flawless. Flawless isn't the aim here people, we want to achieve a natural look enhancing our features using light, minimal products. The Origins Plantscription Concealer is great to go under the eyes and on any blemishes. You can also blend some around your nose and mouth if they tend to get red. Also feel free to powder at this stage if you get oily!

Subtle cheekbones...I'm lucky enough that I have fairly prominent cheekbones so this step for me requires little bronzer and a natural pinky blush with minimal shimmer. For that I used the Body Shop Honey Bronzer and MAC Fluer Power Blush, an old fav of mine. If you want to sculpt the face more, go a tad heavier on the bronzer/contour but make sure it's matte and blended out well to create a natural shadow. You can add highlighter if you wish, however I'm going to let my natural shine do the work here.

Don't over do the brows...Brows are important as they frame the face, but making them look not so dramatic is key. As the eyes are going to be very simple, so you don't want super dark brows - unless thats your natural colour - as it will be too overpowering. Instead run a powder through the ends to shape then use a gel to set in place. I love the Benefit Gimme Brow for this step as it adds fibres to the brows making them look fuller and more defined, yet natural.

Brown mascara is the way forward...Try to avoid black as it can look to harsh, so make sure to have a good brown lying around, it's handy for these kind of looks. Curl your lashes before to make your eyes appear more awake and widened then pop on a coat of mascara. I'm using the MAX Factor False Lash Effect in Black/Brown, it's still dark enough to define and add volume and length which I love. You can also go in with a matte light brown shadow in the crease, the Urban Decay Naked Palettes are prefect for this, or smudge some brown liner into the roots of the lashes to make them look fuller and further define the eyes.

Nude nude nude...It goes without saying but you want to wear a nude/your lips but better shade, not red! You can always stick to balm as that would work amazingly well, however for a bit of something something I would recommend going for the nude that you know and love. For me that's of course MAC's Patisserie, but you all knew that. Blend it in with your finger so it creates more of a stain and sinks in to your lips.
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My Take On No Makeup Makeup



Achieving a no makeup makeup look is easier said than done. Sometimes it can be easier to slap on a whole face of makeup, than tweaking everything in detail but today I'm (hopefully) going to show you how to achieve a natural, I didn't try but secretly really did, look in a few simple steps.

Conceal...Skip foundation and only cover what you need to, this way you're letting your natural skin show though and won't look cakey or too flawless. Flawless isn't the aim here people, we want to achieve a natural look enhancing our features using light, minimal products. The Origins Plantscription Concealer is great to go under the eyes and on any blemishes. You can also blend some around your nose and mouth if they tend to get red. Also feel free to powder at this stage if you get oily!

Subtle cheekbones...I'm lucky enough that I have fairly prominent cheekbones so this step for me requires little bronzer and a natural pinky blush with minimal shimmer. For that I used the Body Shop Honey Bronzer and MAC Fluer Power Blush, an old fav of mine. If you want to sculpt the face more, go a tad heavier on the bronzer/contour but make sure it's matte and blended out well to create a natural shadow. You can add highlighter if you wish, however I'm going to let my natural shine do the work here.

Don't over do the brows...Brows are important as they frame the face, but making them look not so dramatic is key. As the eyes are going to be very simple, so you don't want super dark brows - unless thats your natural colour - as it will be too overpowering. Instead run a powder through the ends to shape then use a gel to set in place. I love the Benefit Gimme Brow for this step as it adds fibres to the brows making them look fuller and more defined, yet natural.

Brown mascara is the way forward...Try to avoid black as it can look to harsh, so make sure to have a good brown lying around, it's handy for these kind of looks. Curl your lashes before to make your eyes appear more awake and widened then pop on a coat of mascara. I'm using the MAX Factor False Lash Effect in Black/Brown, it's still dark enough to define and add volume and length which I love. You can also go in with a matte light brown shadow in the crease, the Urban Decay Naked Palettes are prefect for this, or smudge some brown liner into the roots of the lashes to make them look fuller and further define the eyes.

Nude nude nude...It goes without saying but you want to wear a nude/your lips but better shade, not red! You can always stick to balm as that would work amazingly well, however for a bit of something something I would recommend going for the nude that you know and love. For me that's of course MAC's Patisserie, but you all knew that. Blend it in with your finger so it creates more of a stain and sinks in to your lips.
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Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Festival seasons is right around the corner and for all of you who will be of attendance, I thought I would throw together a few must haves! The makeup bits aren't essential but everything else I would highly recommend you throwing in your backpack.

Lets start off with body. Deodorant is of course an extremely essential item. You're going to be dancing, sweating, surrounded by a tonne of people in crowds, so you want to make sure you keep any smell at bay - only good smells allowed here. The Mitchum 48hr is my favourite as it keeps your underarms fresher for longer and it has a nice smell too, not soapy like I find others can be.
Face wipes can be very multi use at festivals. Whether you use them on your face to remove makeup, or to freshen up your body if the showers don't seem inviting, these are a must. I would recommend picking up the Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes which are super cheap and, as the name would suggest, kind to the skin. Not often will I recommend face wipes, but for festivals they are acceptable.

A quick hair recommendation would of course be dry shampoo. Its very likely your hair won't be washed for at about 3-4 days so triple check that the dry shampoo is packed. My favourite at the moment are the Colab dry Shampoos which come in loads of lovely scents and you can also get these in a travel size which is perfect. You can also use these on first and second day hair to add a bit of volume.

Face mists are another thing I would carry around. These can freshen up the face and give your skin a bit of a boost when you've been raving all day and all night. Loads of brands make these but I love the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for it's fresh and almost minty scent, and the way it leaves my face feeling.

A bit of makeup now and for a base I would recommend going light and preferably something with SPF. The one I'm sharing today unfortunately doesn't have SPF so make sure you apply one before hand if you bring this along. The Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue is a lovely tinted moisturiser type product. I find it more moisturising than some of my other lighter bases which is why I love it as it can double up as both. Of course you can use foundation if you'd prefer, but in the summer you'll be sweating it off anyways so this way you don't have to worry about it fading awkwardly or having foundation streaks down your face... not a very classy look people. To add a bit of colour, go for coloured eyeliners. These are a huge hit a festivals and is your chance to try something a bit new and wild. The Kiko Glamorous Eye Pencil in 409 is a lovely petrol blue shade. It's got some green in there and some grey and I think would compliment any eye colour. These are very inexpensive so you can pick up a few shades and create some really cool looks. Lips, again, I say go bright, but make sure it stays as you probably won't be touching it up throughout the day. If you know it'll fade then opt for a nude or a sheer shade so it's not as noticeable and you don't get those awkward lines of colour around your lips. I love the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Balms as they contain SPF 15 (crucial in the summer) and they have some lovely shades. I have the shade Cherry which is a beautiful sheer and moisturising red.
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A Brief Festival Checklist


Festival seasons is right around the corner and for all of you who will be of attendance, I thought I would throw together a few must haves! The makeup bits aren't essential but everything else I would highly recommend you throwing in your backpack.

Lets start off with body. Deodorant is of course an extremely essential item. You're going to be dancing, sweating, surrounded by a tonne of people in crowds, so you want to make sure you keep any smell at bay - only good smells allowed here. The Mitchum 48hr is my favourite as it keeps your underarms fresher for longer and it has a nice smell too, not soapy like I find others can be.
Face wipes can be very multi use at festivals. Whether you use them on your face to remove makeup, or to freshen up your body if the showers don't seem inviting, these are a must. I would recommend picking up the Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes which are super cheap and, as the name would suggest, kind to the skin. Not often will I recommend face wipes, but for festivals they are acceptable.

A quick hair recommendation would of course be dry shampoo. Its very likely your hair won't be washed for at about 3-4 days so triple check that the dry shampoo is packed. My favourite at the moment are the Colab dry Shampoos which come in loads of lovely scents and you can also get these in a travel size which is perfect. You can also use these on first and second day hair to add a bit of volume.

Face mists are another thing I would carry around. These can freshen up the face and give your skin a bit of a boost when you've been raving all day and all night. Loads of brands make these but I love the Caudalie Beauty Elixir for it's fresh and almost minty scent, and the way it leaves my face feeling.

A bit of makeup now and for a base I would recommend going light and preferably something with SPF. The one I'm sharing today unfortunately doesn't have SPF so make sure you apply one before hand if you bring this along. The Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue is a lovely tinted moisturiser type product. I find it more moisturising than some of my other lighter bases which is why I love it as it can double up as both. Of course you can use foundation if you'd prefer, but in the summer you'll be sweating it off anyways so this way you don't have to worry about it fading awkwardly or having foundation streaks down your face... not a very classy look people. To add a bit of colour, go for coloured eyeliners. These are a huge hit a festivals and is your chance to try something a bit new and wild. The Kiko Glamorous Eye Pencil in 409 is a lovely petrol blue shade. It's got some green in there and some grey and I think would compliment any eye colour. These are very inexpensive so you can pick up a few shades and create some really cool looks. Lips, again, I say go bright, but make sure it stays as you probably won't be touching it up throughout the day. If you know it'll fade then opt for a nude or a sheer shade so it's not as noticeable and you don't get those awkward lines of colour around your lips. I love the Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Balms as they contain SPF 15 (crucial in the summer) and they have some lovely shades. I have the shade Cherry which is a beautiful sheer and moisturising red.
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Monday, May 04, 2015

Health and fitness is always something I'm trying to improve, whether that be exercising more or eating more nutritious food and not so much chocolate - not quite at that point just yet however - but there is always something that can be worked on I find.

Food wise, I'm not into crazy diets, I love food way to much for any of those, and would rather make healthier choices overall - she said eating a cadburys chocolate bar - than stop eating most of the foods known to man. Things like, eating more fruit, white meat over dark, cooking from scratch and using vegetable substitutes where I can, is kind of how I like to go about things. Of course I have the odd dominoes here and there, and when I eat out I don't really think too much about what I'm ordering, but having a little naughty meal once in a while isn't going to show if the rest of time you remain healthy. Fresh smoothies and juices are also great, especially if you're short on time as you can throw a few things into a blender and be out the door. And make sure you keep hydrated with water, something I'm definitely trying to improve and something you all know anyway.

A few of my favourite healthy recipes: 

1. Deliciously Ella - The Healthiest Chocolate Mousse
2. Deliciously Ella - Green Coconut Smoothie 
3. A Couple Cooks - Roasted Nourish Bowl 
4. Sprouted Kitchen - Peanut Butter Granola Bars 
5. Hemsley + Hemsley - Courgetti with Red Pesto

Some good cookbooks to try out: 

1. Deliciously Ella
2. The Art of Eating Well
3. The Natural Food Kitchen
4. Eat. Nourish. Glow.
5. Honestly Healthy

A bit of fitness for you now. A simple breakdown of what I do to keep fit and get toned; swimming 3-4 times a week, yoga most days, walking, and simple work outs at home.
Swimming is great exercise and I love to do it. It helps to build stamina, it's a great form of cardio and helps to get a flat belly..bonus after a indulgent weekend.
Yoga is really great to improve flexibility and strengthen your body through balancing practices and strong poses. I've done a whole post dedicated to my love for yoga so I'll link that here.
Walking, again, just good cardio really, and something everyone can do!
Other work outs I do at home include a variation of squats, lunges, planks, tricep dips, push ups, crunches, to help tone my muscles. I tend to do these every other day (if I feel up to it..). I don't always feel motivated enough to do everything all the time but I try my best to stick this kind of routine weekly. I feel better, healthier and more confident when I work out and I do it to feel good in myself, not because I feel pressured into doing so. I've also just started going to the gym more frequently and hoping to widen my gym horizons and try out some weights ect, so let me know if you have any gym workouts you love to do as I will be reading up on those.

Health and fitness Youtube channels you should be subscribed to: 

1. Yoga With Adrienne 
2. The Lean Machines
3. Carly Rowena
4. Blogilates
5. Tone It Up

Shop some of my favourite workout looks

The Sunday Post: A Health and Fitness Ramble


Health and fitness is always something I'm trying to improve, whether that be exercising more or eating more nutritious food and not so much chocolate - not quite at that point just yet however - but there is always something that can be worked on I find.

Food wise, I'm not into crazy diets, I love food way to much for any of those, and would rather make healthier choices overall - she said eating a cadburys chocolate bar - than stop eating most of the foods known to man. Things like, eating more fruit, white meat over dark, cooking from scratch and using vegetable substitutes where I can, is kind of how I like to go about things. Of course I have the odd dominoes here and there, and when I eat out I don't really think too much about what I'm ordering, but having a little naughty meal once in a while isn't going to show if the rest of time you remain healthy. Fresh smoothies and juices are also great, especially if you're short on time as you can throw a few things into a blender and be out the door. And make sure you keep hydrated with water, something I'm definitely trying to improve and something you all know anyway.

A few of my favourite healthy recipes: 

1. Deliciously Ella - The Healthiest Chocolate Mousse
2. Deliciously Ella - Green Coconut Smoothie 
3. A Couple Cooks - Roasted Nourish Bowl 
4. Sprouted Kitchen - Peanut Butter Granola Bars 
5. Hemsley + Hemsley - Courgetti with Red Pesto

Some good cookbooks to try out: 

1. Deliciously Ella
2. The Art of Eating Well
3. The Natural Food Kitchen
4. Eat. Nourish. Glow.
5. Honestly Healthy

A bit of fitness for you now. A simple breakdown of what I do to keep fit and get toned; swimming 3-4 times a week, yoga most days, walking, and simple work outs at home.
Swimming is great exercise and I love to do it. It helps to build stamina, it's a great form of cardio and helps to get a flat belly..bonus after a indulgent weekend.
Yoga is really great to improve flexibility and strengthen your body through balancing practices and strong poses. I've done a whole post dedicated to my love for yoga so I'll link that here.
Walking, again, just good cardio really, and something everyone can do!
Other work outs I do at home include a variation of squats, lunges, planks, tricep dips, push ups, crunches, to help tone my muscles. I tend to do these every other day (if I feel up to it..). I don't always feel motivated enough to do everything all the time but I try my best to stick this kind of routine weekly. I feel better, healthier and more confident when I work out and I do it to feel good in myself, not because I feel pressured into doing so. I've also just started going to the gym more frequently and hoping to widen my gym horizons and try out some weights ect, so let me know if you have any gym workouts you love to do as I will be reading up on those.

Health and fitness Youtube channels you should be subscribed to: 

1. Yoga With Adrienne 
2. The Lean Machines
3. Carly Rowena
4. Blogilates
5. Tone It Up

Shop some of my favourite workout looks

Sunday, May 03, 2015

I love beauty when it comes to the spring, and this past month there are loads of things that I have been loving to get me in the mood for summer. Everything is so much lighter and fresher and I love pastels and muted shades so here's a run down of a few products that tick those boxes. 

Body first, and I've been all about the fake tan, very surprising for me. I have never been a fake tan kind of gal, I've always opted for the gradual choices from Dove ect, but I wanted to branch out and go for something a bit more immediate. The St Tropez Express tan has me wanting to tan all the god damn time. It doesn't have that biscuity smell, the colour is customisable and non orange, it doesn't streak (if you apply with a mitt) and its converted me. If you are just starting out with fake tan, try this one! 

For my skin I'm a sucker for a good face mist, especially when the weather starts to heat up. Recently I've been reaching for the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which is super fresh and cooling when spritzed on the face. I can find some facial waters sit on the skin and feel wet and horrible, this however sinks in beautifully and has a lovely spa like scent. It also comes in a mini size which is perfect for travel. Another travel friendly item is a dry shampoo. Never did I think a dry shampoo would make it into my favourites but this one is fab. Of course it's the Colab dry shampoo. I tested out the extreme volume version and wasn't a fan, however the original is really really good. It doesn't leave that chalky whiteness I find some of my others ones tend to do and it gives volume but without weighing your hair down, I'm not sure how is does it but I'm not going to question. The scent I have is Rio which is a fruity and perfect for summer, I also love the green pattern on the bottle!

Makeup wise, there hasn't been a tonne of products I haven't been able to put down, but there is one which deserves a little mention. I'm new on the Kiko bandwagon, and boy am I pleased I got on board. I went in and had a little mooch and ending up finding (another) coral lipstick. The shade is 806 and it's part of their ultra glossy lipstick line, which contains SPF 15, amazing! Its more sheer and glossy than some other corals I own, but I love how moisturising it is and the colour pay off is actually really beautiful. The price of Kiko products is amazing and the quality is even better so definitely a brand to try out if you haven't already.

An old fav now, the Nails Inc Royal Botanical Gardens polish. I loved this all spring and summer last year so it's no surprise I've come back to it. It's a pretty blue-green shade, which is slightly darker than the pastels I opt for but still a lovely pick. The formula of these are really lovely as well. 
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April Beauty Favorites


I love beauty when it comes to the spring, and this past month there are loads of things that I have been loving to get me in the mood for summer. Everything is so much lighter and fresher and I love pastels and muted shades so here's a run down of a few products that tick those boxes. 

Body first, and I've been all about the fake tan, very surprising for me. I have never been a fake tan kind of gal, I've always opted for the gradual choices from Dove ect, but I wanted to branch out and go for something a bit more immediate. The St Tropez Express tan has me wanting to tan all the god damn time. It doesn't have that biscuity smell, the colour is customisable and non orange, it doesn't streak (if you apply with a mitt) and its converted me. If you are just starting out with fake tan, try this one! 

For my skin I'm a sucker for a good face mist, especially when the weather starts to heat up. Recently I've been reaching for the Caudalie Beauty Elixir which is super fresh and cooling when spritzed on the face. I can find some facial waters sit on the skin and feel wet and horrible, this however sinks in beautifully and has a lovely spa like scent. It also comes in a mini size which is perfect for travel. Another travel friendly item is a dry shampoo. Never did I think a dry shampoo would make it into my favourites but this one is fab. Of course it's the Colab dry shampoo. I tested out the extreme volume version and wasn't a fan, however the original is really really good. It doesn't leave that chalky whiteness I find some of my others ones tend to do and it gives volume but without weighing your hair down, I'm not sure how is does it but I'm not going to question. The scent I have is Rio which is a fruity and perfect for summer, I also love the green pattern on the bottle!

Makeup wise, there hasn't been a tonne of products I haven't been able to put down, but there is one which deserves a little mention. I'm new on the Kiko bandwagon, and boy am I pleased I got on board. I went in and had a little mooch and ending up finding (another) coral lipstick. The shade is 806 and it's part of their ultra glossy lipstick line, which contains SPF 15, amazing! Its more sheer and glossy than some other corals I own, but I love how moisturising it is and the colour pay off is actually really beautiful. The price of Kiko products is amazing and the quality is even better so definitely a brand to try out if you haven't already.

An old fav now, the Nails Inc Royal Botanical Gardens polish. I loved this all spring and summer last year so it's no surprise I've come back to it. It's a pretty blue-green shade, which is slightly darker than the pastels I opt for but still a lovely pick. The formula of these are really lovely as well. 
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Friday, May 01, 2015