Another budget buys for you today, and I've got a few gems here that I can't wait to talk you about! I love doing these as I always think you can find some amazing products at the drugstore that don't break the bank but work just as well as some from higher-end brands.

Firstly a skincare product I've fallen in love with is The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum which I've been applying every morning before moisturiser. One pump of this will do as it's quite a liquid-y gel type consistency but it sinks into the skin beautifully. Since using this I feel like my skin has been a lot more plump and my moisturiser works better with this underneath. If you're looking for some new skincare The Body Shop Vitamin E range is one I would highly recommend for dry/normal skin.

For makeup there are a couple of bits worth mentioning. Topshop do some great bits which I think are very underrated in the industry, being a cult product their Glow Cream Highlighter was one I wanted to try and I wasn't disappointed. Although it's more creamy than other highlighters I've used I find it's easy to blend and the gold shimmer looks stunning on the skin, especially in the summer. I find patting it in with my fingers the best way to apply this, when I use a brush it seems to rub off the foundation I've got underneath so I would use fingers if you can. With a peach or coral blush this looks amazing! Soap and Glory is another brand who's makeup I really rate and their Archery Brows Pencil is a great Brow Wiz dupe for those of you who don't want to splurge. A brow product which has a spoolie on one end already wins in my books and the fine nib makes it easy to draw on hairs for a natural look. The colour selection isn't fab but if one of them suits your brows I would highly recommend picking it up.

I don't think I've mentioned a nail polish before on this series, so today I thought I'd mention two. Essie is an obvious favourite and the shade I've been loving at the moment is Splash of Grenadine which is a nice purple, not sure what kind of purple but it's purple. With a good top coat I can go a good 3-4 days without chipping and the brush makes it really easy to coat the nails evenly. If this colour isn't for you they have a million and one other beautiful shades to choose from. The Maybelline Superstay polishes are another range which are rated highly in my books, all the colours are also really nice and their new summer range is worth checking out. These are great for longevity and, again, I can go nearly a week without this chipping!
Let me know what drugstore products you've been loving below! 

SHOP THIS POST

Budget Buys No.4


Another budget buys for you today, and I've got a few gems here that I can't wait to talk you about! I love doing these as I always think you can find some amazing products at the drugstore that don't break the bank but work just as well as some from higher-end brands.

Firstly a skincare product I've fallen in love with is The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture Serum which I've been applying every morning before moisturiser. One pump of this will do as it's quite a liquid-y gel type consistency but it sinks into the skin beautifully. Since using this I feel like my skin has been a lot more plump and my moisturiser works better with this underneath. If you're looking for some new skincare The Body Shop Vitamin E range is one I would highly recommend for dry/normal skin.

For makeup there are a couple of bits worth mentioning. Topshop do some great bits which I think are very underrated in the industry, being a cult product their Glow Cream Highlighter was one I wanted to try and I wasn't disappointed. Although it's more creamy than other highlighters I've used I find it's easy to blend and the gold shimmer looks stunning on the skin, especially in the summer. I find patting it in with my fingers the best way to apply this, when I use a brush it seems to rub off the foundation I've got underneath so I would use fingers if you can. With a peach or coral blush this looks amazing! Soap and Glory is another brand who's makeup I really rate and their Archery Brows Pencil is a great Brow Wiz dupe for those of you who don't want to splurge. A brow product which has a spoolie on one end already wins in my books and the fine nib makes it easy to draw on hairs for a natural look. The colour selection isn't fab but if one of them suits your brows I would highly recommend picking it up.

I don't think I've mentioned a nail polish before on this series, so today I thought I'd mention two. Essie is an obvious favourite and the shade I've been loving at the moment is Splash of Grenadine which is a nice purple, not sure what kind of purple but it's purple. With a good top coat I can go a good 3-4 days without chipping and the brush makes it really easy to coat the nails evenly. If this colour isn't for you they have a million and one other beautiful shades to choose from. The Maybelline Superstay polishes are another range which are rated highly in my books, all the colours are also really nice and their new summer range is worth checking out. These are great for longevity and, again, I can go nearly a week without this chipping!
Let me know what drugstore products you've been loving below! 

SHOP THIS POST

Sunday, August 30, 2015

I think Etsy is one of my favourite places to shop for little bits for the home and stationary, the shops are super underrated and it's all amazing quality for good prices. Their art/print section is somewhere I find myself a lot, I love all the cools sayings and different things which look so simple yet elegant and chic. I'll have all these linked down below so you can check them out but I'm in love with them all! It's awesome how we now have access to all these independent designers via the internet so we can support them and their work worldwide. These are some of my favourites but I'm constantly coming across more which I add to my basket but never buy..oops.

Flamingo // https://www.etsy.com/listing/158861623/flamingo-art-archival-print-from-my?ref=favs_view_20
Love Typography // https://www.etsy.com/listing/203473147/love-typography-love-print-gold-foil?ref=favs_view_9
New York is Always a Good Idea // https://www.etsy.com/listing/183316405/gold-foil-print-new-york-is-always-a?ref=favs_view_3
I'm Sorry for What I Said When I was Hungry // https://www.etsy.com/listing/125789250/im-sorry-for-what-i-said-when-i-was?ref=favs_view_19
Ferris Wheel // https://www.etsy.com/listing/115333418/ferris-wheel-photograph-carnival?ref=favs_view_14
Zebra Gold Foil // https://www.etsy.com/listing/159581290/zebra-gold-foil-wall-art-print-8x10?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gold%20zebra%20print&ref=sr_gallery_11

Etsy Prints I Love


I think Etsy is one of my favourite places to shop for little bits for the home and stationary, the shops are super underrated and it's all amazing quality for good prices. Their art/print section is somewhere I find myself a lot, I love all the cools sayings and different things which look so simple yet elegant and chic. I'll have all these linked down below so you can check them out but I'm in love with them all! It's awesome how we now have access to all these independent designers via the internet so we can support them and their work worldwide. These are some of my favourites but I'm constantly coming across more which I add to my basket but never buy..oops.

Flamingo // https://www.etsy.com/listing/158861623/flamingo-art-archival-print-from-my?ref=favs_view_20
Love Typography // https://www.etsy.com/listing/203473147/love-typography-love-print-gold-foil?ref=favs_view_9
New York is Always a Good Idea // https://www.etsy.com/listing/183316405/gold-foil-print-new-york-is-always-a?ref=favs_view_3
I'm Sorry for What I Said When I was Hungry // https://www.etsy.com/listing/125789250/im-sorry-for-what-i-said-when-i-was?ref=favs_view_19
Ferris Wheel // https://www.etsy.com/listing/115333418/ferris-wheel-photograph-carnival?ref=favs_view_14
Zebra Gold Foil // https://www.etsy.com/listing/159581290/zebra-gold-foil-wall-art-print-8x10?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gold%20zebra%20print&ref=sr_gallery_11
Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Going to Paris, Sephora was definitely on the list of things to do, and there was one about 5 minutes from our hotel...amazing! I went in for a few different brands and realised that none of those brands were stoked in the stores across Paris - I must have dragged my boyfriend around about 5 - but regardless, I did come out with a couple of bits.

When I was about 14 I went into my first Sephora with my mum in San Francisco and picked up their nail buffer, and ever since it's something I have to pick up! It's essentially a nail file with four different sides to provide different treatments for your nails, I love it for doing a quick at home manicure. I tend to be in the states every couple of years and this isn't something which will last a lifetime (especially the file side) so picking a new one up every now and then has worked out well for me. These aren't expensive so if you ever come a across one pop it in your basket.

After hearing endless things about their Matte Lip Creams I of course had to check them out. They had a few shades which caught my eye but I had to go for 01, which is a true red shade. I was so surprised at how lovely these felt on the lips, they weren't sticky or too thick and it lasted ages. I would definitely recommend these and I will be picking up some more!


Mini Sephora Haul


Going to Paris, Sephora was definitely on the list of things to do, and there was one about 5 minutes from our hotel...amazing! I went in for a few different brands and realised that none of those brands were stoked in the stores across Paris - I must have dragged my boyfriend around about 5 - but regardless, I did come out with a couple of bits.

When I was about 14 I went into my first Sephora with my mum in San Francisco and picked up their nail buffer, and ever since it's something I have to pick up! It's essentially a nail file with four different sides to provide different treatments for your nails, I love it for doing a quick at home manicure. I tend to be in the states every couple of years and this isn't something which will last a lifetime (especially the file side) so picking a new one up every now and then has worked out well for me. These aren't expensive so if you ever come a across one pop it in your basket.

After hearing endless things about their Matte Lip Creams I of course had to check them out. They had a few shades which caught my eye but I had to go for 01, which is a true red shade. I was so surprised at how lovely these felt on the lips, they weren't sticky or too thick and it lasted ages. I would definitely recommend these and I will be picking up some more!


Monday, August 24, 2015

For my birthday this year the boyfriend and I decided to take a little trip to Paris, he treated me and I'm truly spoilt but very grateful! I had only been to Paris for one day before so was very excited to see it in greater detail and roam around the cute streets. Instead of rambling on for 3-4 posts about our day to day happenings, I thought I would do a little photo diary instead.


Millennium Opera Hotel - 12 Boulevard Haussmann


The Louvre


Welcome Cafe - 210 Rue de Rivoli

210 Rue de Rivoli


Lovelock Bridge



Pâtisserie Boulangerie - 13 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportune

13 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportun13 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportune




Moulin Rouge 



Sacre-Coeur



Macarons Gourmands - 62 Rue de Seine


Arc de Triomphé 

Paris In Photos


For my birthday this year the boyfriend and I decided to take a little trip to Paris, he treated me and I'm truly spoilt but very grateful! I had only been to Paris for one day before so was very excited to see it in greater detail and roam around the cute streets. Instead of rambling on for 3-4 posts about our day to day happenings, I thought I would do a little photo diary instead.


Millennium Opera Hotel - 12 Boulevard Haussmann


The Louvre


Welcome Cafe - 210 Rue de Rivoli

210 Rue de Rivoli


Lovelock Bridge



Pâtisserie Boulangerie - 13 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportune

13 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportun13 Rue des Lavandières Sainte-Opportune




Moulin Rouge 



Sacre-Coeur



Macarons Gourmands - 62 Rue de Seine


Arc de Triomphé 
Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Over the summer is definitely when I get into the habit of reading. With holidays and no university work, it seems like the perfect time and I'm trying to make it a more year round thing. There have been a few books which I've read, or in the process of, which I thought I would talk you through today.

The first one I really got my teeth into was Paula Hawkins 'The Girl on the Train' which is a fantastic thriller/drama fiction novel. If you want something that works your brain and is a real page turner this is for you. I won't spoil it too much if you're yet to pick this up, but it's written from three different perspectives and the end doesn't turn out as you may think - ooo - now moving on. Another fiction I've been reading is 'Paper Towns' by John Green which follows two teens in suburban Florida. If you grew up in a small town or village you'll find this very relatable and a good fun read. I'm only about 1/4 of the way through so can't comment too much but I'm really loving it so far.

Something a bit different now and my recent trip to Paris definitely spurred me on to give this a read. 'How to be Parisian' is one of those books I've always wanted to read but never ended up buying it until I had the excuse to. I love how casually this is written and the recipes and fun Parisian traditions filtered throughout makes it really unique and interesting to read. I finished this a few weeks ago and will probably end up going back and reading it all again - 100% recommend.

What I've Been Reading


Over the summer is definitely when I get into the habit of reading. With holidays and no university work, it seems like the perfect time and I'm trying to make it a more year round thing. There have been a few books which I've read, or in the process of, which I thought I would talk you through today.

The first one I really got my teeth into was Paula Hawkins 'The Girl on the Train' which is a fantastic thriller/drama fiction novel. If you want something that works your brain and is a real page turner this is for you. I won't spoil it too much if you're yet to pick this up, but it's written from three different perspectives and the end doesn't turn out as you may think - ooo - now moving on. Another fiction I've been reading is 'Paper Towns' by John Green which follows two teens in suburban Florida. If you grew up in a small town or village you'll find this very relatable and a good fun read. I'm only about 1/4 of the way through so can't comment too much but I'm really loving it so far.

Something a bit different now and my recent trip to Paris definitely spurred me on to give this a read. 'How to be Parisian' is one of those books I've always wanted to read but never ended up buying it until I had the excuse to. I love how casually this is written and the recipes and fun Parisian traditions filtered throughout makes it really unique and interesting to read. I finished this a few weeks ago and will probably end up going back and reading it all again - 100% recommend.
Monday, August 17, 2015

I always ramble on about skincare on the blog, and the happy skin tag was something I'd seen around and thought 'yes! I must do that', so I'm only now getting round to it! Any excuse to talk about skincare really...There are about 11 questions so I'll try to make it short and sweet.

1. How would you best describe your skin? 
My skin is overall dry/ combination, I can get oily down my T zone in the summer and it tends to be pretty dehydrated all year round. I've never had major problems with acne and I love anything that's going to add a glow back into my skin.

2. What are your main skincare concerns?
My main skincare concern is how dehydrated and dull my skin looks, especially halfway through the day. If I don't use a good moisturiser in the morning my skin looks tired and blotchy after a few hours and my makeup no longer ends up looking good on my skin. If anyone has dealt with this and has a miracle product to help please let me know down below!

3. What's the weirdest natural ingredient you have used in your skincare routine? 
As far as products go I can't think of any that have shocked me when I look through the ingredient list. I've done a couple of homemade oat-y banana type masks so I would have to say those.

4. How do you define happiness? 
I think everyone has a different answer to this in relation to what makes them happy so it's hard to define that. For me it's doing things I love with the people I love and trying not to worry about everything as it's never going to change the outcome of a situation. And it's ok to have those YOLO, spontaneous moments as those can end up being the best, so just say yes to everything and anything you can to get the most out of life.

5. Describe your skincare routine in 5 words. 
Quick, minimal, hydrating, makeup wipe free and gentle. That was technically 7 but hay! 

6. Tell us your top skincare tip.
Try to keep eye creams in the fridge so when it comes to applying them in the morning they're even more cooling and will really help combat tired eyes.

7. What makes you laugh everyday?
My dogs and boyfriend as they're always doing cute funny things which make me giggle, even if it's not intentional.

8. What steals your skins natural radiance?
Lack of water, I'm trying to drink more I promise!

9. What are your top tips for healthy, glowing skin?
Feeding your skin from the inside is super important and loading your body up with bad fats and carbs will only result in acne and lack lustre skin. Juicy fruits and veg and of course plenty of water will in turn make your skin look healthier and clearer as well as making you feel better on the inside. If you feel like you've started to get acne change your diet first to see what difference it makes before going into a more technical skincare based route, you'll be surpised!

10. What's your skincare 101?
Invest in a good serum. You can get so many for so many different skin concerns and from my experience serums and oils are the one thing in my routine which I feel like make a dramatic visible difference. Don't be afraid to splash the cash a little here as normally they will last months and months and are well worth it.

11. What is your happy place?
To be honest, in bed with Youtube or Netflix...I also love going out for meals with family and friends, I think it's so nice to be surrounded by good food and company for a few hours and forget any bad things going on and just enjoy and nice meal.








Happy Skin Tag


I always ramble on about skincare on the blog, and the happy skin tag was something I'd seen around and thought 'yes! I must do that', so I'm only now getting round to it! Any excuse to talk about skincare really...There are about 11 questions so I'll try to make it short and sweet.

1. How would you best describe your skin? 
My skin is overall dry/ combination, I can get oily down my T zone in the summer and it tends to be pretty dehydrated all year round. I've never had major problems with acne and I love anything that's going to add a glow back into my skin.

2. What are your main skincare concerns?
My main skincare concern is how dehydrated and dull my skin looks, especially halfway through the day. If I don't use a good moisturiser in the morning my skin looks tired and blotchy after a few hours and my makeup no longer ends up looking good on my skin. If anyone has dealt with this and has a miracle product to help please let me know down below!

3. What's the weirdest natural ingredient you have used in your skincare routine? 
As far as products go I can't think of any that have shocked me when I look through the ingredient list. I've done a couple of homemade oat-y banana type masks so I would have to say those.

4. How do you define happiness? 
I think everyone has a different answer to this in relation to what makes them happy so it's hard to define that. For me it's doing things I love with the people I love and trying not to worry about everything as it's never going to change the outcome of a situation. And it's ok to have those YOLO, spontaneous moments as those can end up being the best, so just say yes to everything and anything you can to get the most out of life.

5. Describe your skincare routine in 5 words. 
Quick, minimal, hydrating, makeup wipe free and gentle. That was technically 7 but hay! 

6. Tell us your top skincare tip.
Try to keep eye creams in the fridge so when it comes to applying them in the morning they're even more cooling and will really help combat tired eyes.

7. What makes you laugh everyday?
My dogs and boyfriend as they're always doing cute funny things which make me giggle, even if it's not intentional.

8. What steals your skins natural radiance?
Lack of water, I'm trying to drink more I promise!

9. What are your top tips for healthy, glowing skin?
Feeding your skin from the inside is super important and loading your body up with bad fats and carbs will only result in acne and lack lustre skin. Juicy fruits and veg and of course plenty of water will in turn make your skin look healthier and clearer as well as making you feel better on the inside. If you feel like you've started to get acne change your diet first to see what difference it makes before going into a more technical skincare based route, you'll be surpised!

10. What's your skincare 101?
Invest in a good serum. You can get so many for so many different skin concerns and from my experience serums and oils are the one thing in my routine which I feel like make a dramatic visible difference. Don't be afraid to splash the cash a little here as normally they will last months and months and are well worth it.

11. What is your happy place?
To be honest, in bed with Youtube or Netflix...I also love going out for meals with family and friends, I think it's so nice to be surrounded by good food and company for a few hours and forget any bad things going on and just enjoy and nice meal.








Friday, August 07, 2015

If I'm sitting on my computer for the whole day there's a few things I like to keep at arms length if I feel like my body is starting to look as tired as I actually am. It's nice to treat your body, especially hands when they've at the keyboard all day, plus I hate looking down at them if they're dry and flakey.

To keep my lips hydrated throughout the day I keep a lip balm in every possible place I can around the house, desk included. The Nuxe Rev de Miel is a lovely intense matte balm which contains tiny grains to also exfoliate. I love to leave this on my lips as I work though the day as I can really feel it sinking in and doing it's thing. This is one of my favourites for making my lips feel baby soft.

For my hands there are a couple of things I keep on my desk to get them through the day, a good hand cream and a cuticle oil/nail cleanser. The former is a staple to keep your hands chap free and feeling fresh. I've been using the Liz Earle Superskin Hand Serum which has fresh scent and is great to prevent your hands from ageing. A cuticle oil or nail cleanser is also great to have around. Whilst you're typing away it can be a perfect time to give your nails a treat and I've been taking the Formula X Nail Cleanser, slapping that all over them and let them air dry. If you do this in the morning, let an hour or two go by, and your nails will be dry and look shinier and healthier, and it makes looking at them typing away not so bad!

SHOP THIS POST

Desk Essentials


If I'm sitting on my computer for the whole day there's a few things I like to keep at arms length if I feel like my body is starting to look as tired as I actually am. It's nice to treat your body, especially hands when they've at the keyboard all day, plus I hate looking down at them if they're dry and flakey.

To keep my lips hydrated throughout the day I keep a lip balm in every possible place I can around the house, desk included. The Nuxe Rev de Miel is a lovely intense matte balm which contains tiny grains to also exfoliate. I love to leave this on my lips as I work though the day as I can really feel it sinking in and doing it's thing. This is one of my favourites for making my lips feel baby soft.

For my hands there are a couple of things I keep on my desk to get them through the day, a good hand cream and a cuticle oil/nail cleanser. The former is a staple to keep your hands chap free and feeling fresh. I've been using the Liz Earle Superskin Hand Serum which has fresh scent and is great to prevent your hands from ageing. A cuticle oil or nail cleanser is also great to have around. Whilst you're typing away it can be a perfect time to give your nails a treat and I've been taking the Formula X Nail Cleanser, slapping that all over them and let them air dry. If you do this in the morning, let an hour or two go by, and your nails will be dry and look shinier and healthier, and it makes looking at them typing away not so bad!

SHOP THIS POST

Wednesday, August 05, 2015

Sources; 1, 2, 3, 4

I've been loving looking at bathrooms and kitchen lately and my inner interior design geek is getting all excited over Moroccan tiles! I think it's so nice to see something a bit different and they add such a nice modern twist. All the different patterns and colours are so fun and rustic and I wish I had my own home so I could decorate my walls and floors with them!
Are you loving this trend? 

Currently Craving: Moroccan Tiles


Sources; 1, 2, 3, 4

I've been loving looking at bathrooms and kitchen lately and my inner interior design geek is getting all excited over Moroccan tiles! I think it's so nice to see something a bit different and they add such a nice modern twist. All the different patterns and colours are so fun and rustic and I wish I had my own home so I could decorate my walls and floors with them!
Are you loving this trend? 
Sunday, August 02, 2015