Spring and summer are definitely the seasons where I go a bit blush crazy. I love a coral blush and coral lip or pink cheek and lip ect ect. Cream formulas are definitely my favourite for this kind of year, but I have some powders too incase creams aren't really your thing.

I love corals and when it starts hotting up I instantly get very excited as it means I can crack out all my favourite shades. A cream I love is the Bobbi Brown Lip and Cheek in Cabo Coral. This isn't a cream to powder formula, nor is it super tacky, it sits somewhere in the middle. The pigmentation is great, it lasts well, it's easy to blend and the colour itself if really beautiful. I find this kind of coral shade looks great with a tan, or paired with a bronzy look. My next coral pick is more on the shimmery side of things. The Laura Mercier Blush in Lush Nectarine is such a stunner and one I love and will always go back to. It seems like it would be very shimmery from the way it looks in the pan, but actually it doesn't show up as blocks of shimmer, instead gives you a healthy glow-y sheen to the skin which I think is very flattering. I don't feel like I need to go in with a highlighter after applying this as it kind of doubles up as both.

The next three are all some sort of pink shade, another colour I think looks lovely for this time of year. Lets get the cream one out of the way first. This one is a bit tackier than the Bobbi Brown, but does last a bit longer. Stila's Gerbera Colour Convertible is a light pink shade which can also be used on the lips, same for the Bobbi Brown if I didn't mention that earlier. I really love this in the summer. It's a nice shade to build on so if you want a subtle flush you can achieve that, but if you want something more prominent then that can be done too.
A blush I had to mention is my new fav, the MAX Factor Cream Puff Blush in Lovely Pink, and it really is a lovely pink. These are great if you want to add some glow and shimmer but without the need to highlight or look like a disco ball. The sheen they give is very natural and pretty, the shade range is also lovely. I think MAX Factor have done very well with these. And last but not least, the brightest of the bunch, the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface. This really is a bight pink in the pan and you do have to have a light hand when applying it. This looks so stunning with minimal makeup and can really perk up the skin. It also contains a little bit of shimmer, but not too much so don't be alarmed. If you build this up too much you may look slightly clown like - I can talk from experience - but a light flush, and you'll be good to go.
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Spring/Summer Blush Edit

Spring and summer are definitely the seasons where I go a bit blush crazy. I love a coral blush and coral lip or pink cheek and lip ect ect. Cream formulas are definitely my favourite for this kind of year, but I have some powders too incase creams aren't really your thing.

I love corals and when it starts hotting up I instantly get very excited as it means I can crack out all my favourite shades. A cream I love is the Bobbi Brown Lip and Cheek in Cabo Coral. This isn't a cream to powder formula, nor is it super tacky, it sits somewhere in the middle. The pigmentation is great, it lasts well, it's easy to blend and the colour itself if really beautiful. I find this kind of coral shade looks great with a tan, or paired with a bronzy look. My next coral pick is more on the shimmery side of things. The Laura Mercier Blush in Lush Nectarine is such a stunner and one I love and will always go back to. It seems like it would be very shimmery from the way it looks in the pan, but actually it doesn't show up as blocks of shimmer, instead gives you a healthy glow-y sheen to the skin which I think is very flattering. I don't feel like I need to go in with a highlighter after applying this as it kind of doubles up as both.

The next three are all some sort of pink shade, another colour I think looks lovely for this time of year. Lets get the cream one out of the way first. This one is a bit tackier than the Bobbi Brown, but does last a bit longer. Stila's Gerbera Colour Convertible is a light pink shade which can also be used on the lips, same for the Bobbi Brown if I didn't mention that earlier. I really love this in the summer. It's a nice shade to build on so if you want a subtle flush you can achieve that, but if you want something more prominent then that can be done too.
A blush I had to mention is my new fav, the MAX Factor Cream Puff Blush in Lovely Pink, and it really is a lovely pink. These are great if you want to add some glow and shimmer but without the need to highlight or look like a disco ball. The sheen they give is very natural and pretty, the shade range is also lovely. I think MAX Factor have done very well with these. And last but not least, the brightest of the bunch, the Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Dollface. This really is a bight pink in the pan and you do have to have a light hand when applying it. This looks so stunning with minimal makeup and can really perk up the skin. It also contains a little bit of shimmer, but not too much so don't be alarmed. If you build this up too much you may look slightly clown like - I can talk from experience - but a light flush, and you'll be good to go.
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Monday, April 27, 2015

I really like doing my skincare routine in the morning (when I have time of course) and I feel like it makes such a difference to the way my skin looks and feels pre makeup. I've been using a couple of new products which I have been enjoying as well as loving some I've used for a while.

First I have to wash my face and attempt to get all the sleep that gathers up in your eyes, out. Not sure if "sleep" is the technical term, but we'll role with it for now. The Oskia Rennasance Cleansing Gel is my favourite to use at the moment. It's a lovely constancy which feels creamy on the skin and scent is rosy and fresh but not too sickly or overwhelming for the morning. This also does an excellent job at taking off any makeup residue that I may have missed the night before.
Then I will go in with some kind of spray or toner to wake up my face. These aren't 100% necessary I have to say, but they do feel lovely on the skin. I have been using the Avene Thermal Water Spray which doesn't have much of scent but I love the way it makes my skin feel. It takes a while to sink in though so bare that in mind.

Serum and moisturiser is next on the list. I was never fussed about using a serum in the morning, I would always go straight on to moisturiser, but since trying out the Origins Original Skin Serum it's a step I can't skip. Its a creamy, gel formula which sinks in quickly and leaves your skin looking more even and plump. It also gives a nice natural glow to skin which we all know I love. For moisturiser I've gone back to using the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser which is an old favourite of mine. It's a very simple product to use in the morning and does the job well. It doesn't have much of scent which I like and it makes a really good base for makeup. These come in a few variations to suit different skin types, so you'll be sure to find one that will work for you.
I've also been using a new eye cream. I received this little sample of the Origins GinZing Eye Cream in a set and I love it. I'm a big fan of the moisturiser and had wanted to give it a go for a while. It has almost like a tinted element to it to help counteract dark circles and it's not too heavy so a perfect option for the morning. If you like products that will help make you look more awake then I think you would really get on with this.

A Morning Skincare Compilation

I really like doing my skincare routine in the morning (when I have time of course) and I feel like it makes such a difference to the way my skin looks and feels pre makeup. I've been using a couple of new products which I have been enjoying as well as loving some I've used for a while.

First I have to wash my face and attempt to get all the sleep that gathers up in your eyes, out. Not sure if "sleep" is the technical term, but we'll role with it for now. The Oskia Rennasance Cleansing Gel is my favourite to use at the moment. It's a lovely constancy which feels creamy on the skin and scent is rosy and fresh but not too sickly or overwhelming for the morning. This also does an excellent job at taking off any makeup residue that I may have missed the night before.
Then I will go in with some kind of spray or toner to wake up my face. These aren't 100% necessary I have to say, but they do feel lovely on the skin. I have been using the Avene Thermal Water Spray which doesn't have much of scent but I love the way it makes my skin feel. It takes a while to sink in though so bare that in mind.

Serum and moisturiser is next on the list. I was never fussed about using a serum in the morning, I would always go straight on to moisturiser, but since trying out the Origins Original Skin Serum it's a step I can't skip. Its a creamy, gel formula which sinks in quickly and leaves your skin looking more even and plump. It also gives a nice natural glow to skin which we all know I love. For moisturiser I've gone back to using the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturiser which is an old favourite of mine. It's a very simple product to use in the morning and does the job well. It doesn't have much of scent which I like and it makes a really good base for makeup. These come in a few variations to suit different skin types, so you'll be sure to find one that will work for you.
I've also been using a new eye cream. I received this little sample of the Origins GinZing Eye Cream in a set and I love it. I'm a big fan of the moisturiser and had wanted to give it a go for a while. It has almost like a tinted element to it to help counteract dark circles and it's not too heavy so a perfect option for the morning. If you like products that will help make you look more awake then I think you would really get on with this.
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Friday, April 24, 2015

There has been many great products that have launched just in time for the spring and summer, and some that really have my makeup juices flowing. Today, why not share with you some of my top products to try out, I've also thrown in a little old favourite too. 

I've been on the hunt for a new light, tinted base for a couple of months now and could never settle on one to pick up. After hearing about the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue though, it sounded right up my street and one I had to try. I love it. I think for the summer its the perfect mix between being light and dewy, but still offering enough coverage to satisfy those who think they may need it. It says it's a gel, but to be honest I don't think it's all that gelly in consistency, more creamy. They come in a tonne of shades which is great as a lot of tinted moisturiser type products only come in a few so it can be hard to pick one that will match you exactly. I have the shade Natural 05, and it's a really lovely match for my skin. 

Moving on to some blushers now, and it will be no surprise that I'm mentioning the MAX Factor Cream Puff Blushers. I have the two shades, Lovely Pink and Seductive Pink. The former is a beautiful light pink with some peach running through and the latter is more mauve which is lovely for something a bit different. These give off such an amazing natural glow to the cheeks and are a great dupe for the Hourglass ones, for a fraction of the price. I don't feel I need to use a highlighter with these as they really do glow. Definitely one to swatch when you're next in Boots. 

For nails, there has been a couple of new(ish) launches I have been excited about. The first being the Nails Inc new re branding situation. I picked up the shade Mayfair Lane which is a light pastel pink. This shade is great for spring and I'm loving getting back into lighter, off white shades. I didn't realise these were £14.00 though...pricey for a nail polish don't ya think? 
The second are they Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Polishes which come in a lovely array of shades too. The two that I love are In a Heart Beat, a peachy pink, and Road Rage, a minty green. These are super affordable and do dry within 10 minutes so I would highly recommend these. 

An old favourite and one I love to use in spring is the Superfacialist Rose Intense Hydrating Mask. I find that coming into spring my skin can look dull and dry thanks to the cold winter weather it's been exposed to. It has a rose scent which is very fresh and makes your skin feel so soft after you rinse it off. It's a creamy constancy so doesn't feel very heavy on the skin which is why I love it so much. 

5 To Try This Spring

There has been many great products that have launched just in time for the spring and summer, and some that really have my makeup juices flowing. Today, why not share with you some of my top products to try out, I've also thrown in a little old favourite too. 

I've been on the hunt for a new light, tinted base for a couple of months now and could never settle on one to pick up. After hearing about the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue though, it sounded right up my street and one I had to try. I love it. I think for the summer its the perfect mix between being light and dewy, but still offering enough coverage to satisfy those who think they may need it. It says it's a gel, but to be honest I don't think it's all that gelly in consistency, more creamy. They come in a tonne of shades which is great as a lot of tinted moisturiser type products only come in a few so it can be hard to pick one that will match you exactly. I have the shade Natural 05, and it's a really lovely match for my skin. 

Moving on to some blushers now, and it will be no surprise that I'm mentioning the MAX Factor Cream Puff Blushers. I have the two shades, Lovely Pink and Seductive Pink. The former is a beautiful light pink with some peach running through and the latter is more mauve which is lovely for something a bit different. These give off such an amazing natural glow to the cheeks and are a great dupe for the Hourglass ones, for a fraction of the price. I don't feel I need to use a highlighter with these as they really do glow. Definitely one to swatch when you're next in Boots. 

For nails, there has been a couple of new(ish) launches I have been excited about. The first being the Nails Inc new re branding situation. I picked up the shade Mayfair Lane which is a light pastel pink. This shade is great for spring and I'm loving getting back into lighter, off white shades. I didn't realise these were £14.00 though...pricey for a nail polish don't ya think? 
The second are they Barry M Speedy Quick Dry Polishes which come in a lovely array of shades too. The two that I love are In a Heart Beat, a peachy pink, and Road Rage, a minty green. These are super affordable and do dry within 10 minutes so I would highly recommend these. 

An old favourite and one I love to use in spring is the Superfacialist Rose Intense Hydrating Mask. I find that coming into spring my skin can look dull and dry thanks to the cold winter weather it's been exposed to. It has a rose scent which is very fresh and makes your skin feel so soft after you rinse it off. It's a creamy constancy so doesn't feel very heavy on the skin which is why I love it so much. 
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Wednesday, April 22, 2015
ASOS is most definitely my favourite store (online anyways) and I could spend hours searching through all the different brands, categories, and they also have a good beauty section! When the weather starts heating up there's nothing I want to do more than fill my wardrobe with new spring pieces and ASOS is my favourite place to start.

I'm a lover for black and white and theres no steering completely away from the monochrome look, no matter how hard I try, but I am more accepting of colour when the hot months approach. I love light pastels too, and this year I'm all about the white jean obsession and will trying out a pair for sure.

I hope you enjoy having a little peak into my wish list and an insight into what my style is like, not too adventurous I know, but that number in the middle is kind of daring right?...



ASOS Lusting
ASOS is most definitely my favourite store (online anyways) and I could spend hours searching through all the different brands, categories, and they also have a good beauty section! When the weather starts heating up there's nothing I want to do more than fill my wardrobe with new spring pieces and ASOS is my favourite place to start.

I'm a lover for black and white and theres no steering completely away from the monochrome look, no matter how hard I try, but I am more accepting of colour when the hot months approach. I love light pastels too, and this year I'm all about the white jean obsession and will trying out a pair for sure.

I hope you enjoy having a little peak into my wish list and an insight into what my style is like, not too adventurous I know, but that number in the middle is kind of daring right?...



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Monday, April 20, 2015

The weather has been rather lovely this past week and inspired me to do a bit of tanning come the weekend. Of course, typical England, by the time Friday roles around the weather starts getting rubbish again, but I still wanted to give a new product a go regardless. The St Tropez Express Tan made the rounds last summer and the response was great. I didn't pick it up last year as fake tan scares the hell out of me, but I decided to put my brave face on and bite the bullet. The idea behind this is that you can get a customisable colour depending on how long you leave it on for. Genius. As I'm reporting from my first time, of course I only left it on for 1 hour to get a light colour.

It's a mousse, so when I fist pumped it onto my mitt and applied it to my skin I panicked as it felt like I had 0 time to blend it in. To overcome this I did just stand there for about 15 minutes blending it in to be safe. With that being said, once I was done buffing all my skin cells off, it did look even and there were no streaks that I could see. I would 100% recommend using this with a mitt, same with any fake tan really, to avoid orange hands!

When it came to rinsing it off, I have to be honest, it didn't look all that different. My arms were more tanned yes, but the rest of my body I couldn't see much colour developing. This may be because I was extra cautious as I'm a fake tan noob, but next time I'll definitely need to either apply more, or leave it on for longer if I really want a golden glow. Waking up the next morning however, my skin was a good shade darker than when I hit the sack. It claims that the tan will continue to develop for 8 hours post application and I'm happy to report it does! So don't panic if you're not as dark as you'd hoped, give it time! It leaves the skin looking natural and streak free, so there's my boxes ticked, and the smell is fruity and amazing, not what you'd expect from a fake tan.

Overall I'm happy with the outcome of this. If you're like me, and fake tan is scary territory and you're scared the wotsit gods might get you, then give this a go. The fact you can go a customisable shade of brown is amazing and perfect for testing out the fake tan waters.

The Sunday Post: A Spot Of Tanning

The weather has been rather lovely this past week and inspired me to do a bit of tanning come the weekend. Of course, typical England, by the time Friday roles around the weather starts getting rubbish again, but I still wanted to give a new product a go regardless. The St Tropez Express Tan made the rounds last summer and the response was great. I didn't pick it up last year as fake tan scares the hell out of me, but I decided to put my brave face on and bite the bullet. The idea behind this is that you can get a customisable colour depending on how long you leave it on for. Genius. As I'm reporting from my first time, of course I only left it on for 1 hour to get a light colour.

It's a mousse, so when I fist pumped it onto my mitt and applied it to my skin I panicked as it felt like I had 0 time to blend it in. To overcome this I did just stand there for about 15 minutes blending it in to be safe. With that being said, once I was done buffing all my skin cells off, it did look even and there were no streaks that I could see. I would 100% recommend using this with a mitt, same with any fake tan really, to avoid orange hands!

When it came to rinsing it off, I have to be honest, it didn't look all that different. My arms were more tanned yes, but the rest of my body I couldn't see much colour developing. This may be because I was extra cautious as I'm a fake tan noob, but next time I'll definitely need to either apply more, or leave it on for longer if I really want a golden glow. Waking up the next morning however, my skin was a good shade darker than when I hit the sack. It claims that the tan will continue to develop for 8 hours post application and I'm happy to report it does! So don't panic if you're not as dark as you'd hoped, give it time! It leaves the skin looking natural and streak free, so there's my boxes ticked, and the smell is fruity and amazing, not what you'd expect from a fake tan.

Overall I'm happy with the outcome of this. If you're like me, and fake tan is scary territory and you're scared the wotsit gods might get you, then give this a go. The fact you can go a customisable shade of brown is amazing and perfect for testing out the fake tan waters.
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Sunday, April 19, 2015

As you all know I've had a love affair with the Origins Plantscription Concealer for a while now and figured I would give the Plantscription Foundation (£29.50) a go too. Spoiler, I don't love it as much, but more about that as the post goes on.

First off, the packaging is great, I love the squeezy tube, meaning you can get a controlled amount of product out and it's perfect for travel. I have the shade 02-light natural which is good match for my skin right now and should see me through the summer months. The shade range is okay, if you're super pale then you may have some trouble working with this as I don't think the lightest shade would be light enough, but you can always ask for a sample if you're unsure.

It's medium coverage and I would say the finish is more satin than dewy, so a bit more matte than what I tend to go for which is why this isn't my fav. If you don't love super dewy, glow-y foundations then I would try this for sure. Blending wise is was super easy and didn't cling to any dry patches and it also left my skin looking very natural. It has SPF15 which is also a bonus for the warmer months, although I probably wouldn't opt for a medium coverage foundation in the summer anyways, but if you would, then this again is great.

Bare in mind the concealer is only (well I say only) £17.00, the foundation is marketed at £29.50... overpriced in my opinion, but may be worth it in some other peoples eyes.

Summery time...if you're a lover of medium coverage foundations that give off a natural finish whilst not being too dewy, you're going to love this. It has some great properties to it and overall is a nice foundation, but I won't be repurchasing.

My New Plantscription Addition

As you all know I've had a love affair with the Origins Plantscription Concealer for a while now and figured I would give the Plantscription Foundation (£29.50) a go too. Spoiler, I don't love it as much, but more about that as the post goes on.

First off, the packaging is great, I love the squeezy tube, meaning you can get a controlled amount of product out and it's perfect for travel. I have the shade 02-light natural which is good match for my skin right now and should see me through the summer months. The shade range is okay, if you're super pale then you may have some trouble working with this as I don't think the lightest shade would be light enough, but you can always ask for a sample if you're unsure.

It's medium coverage and I would say the finish is more satin than dewy, so a bit more matte than what I tend to go for which is why this isn't my fav. If you don't love super dewy, glow-y foundations then I would try this for sure. Blending wise is was super easy and didn't cling to any dry patches and it also left my skin looking very natural. It has SPF15 which is also a bonus for the warmer months, although I probably wouldn't opt for a medium coverage foundation in the summer anyways, but if you would, then this again is great.

Bare in mind the concealer is only (well I say only) £17.00, the foundation is marketed at £29.50... overpriced in my opinion, but may be worth it in some other peoples eyes.

Summery time...if you're a lover of medium coverage foundations that give off a natural finish whilst not being too dewy, you're going to love this. It has some great properties to it and overall is a nice foundation, but I won't be repurchasing.
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Friday, April 17, 2015

I love makeup in the spring time, it's when you start experimenting with colours and going a bit lighter on the base. The majority of my products change this time of year and I love introducing products that make my skin look fresher and brighter. 

For my base I put my foundations aside and turn to the trusty tinted moisturisers, BB, CC and all those kind of products. I've always loved the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (£34.00) for a light base in the warmer months. It hydrates and makes your skin glow but also has a nice amount of coverage. In the evenings I tend to opt for something that gives more in the coverage department, but for the daytime this is perfect. Also, for days where you really want to go light on the makeup, skin perfecters are a great way to go. These don't add coverage, instead it's almost like an extra skincare step. Blurring out imperfections and evening out the skin tone is something the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (£29.00) does really well. 

Onto the cheeks, bronzer is something I do all year round so I thought I'd not ramble on about that for once. Instead lets talk about blush, cream blush to be more specific. I think cream products are a great way to go in the spring and I always relate them to this time of year. They look fresher, more dewy than powders and sit better on the skin in my opinion. Another Laura Mercier pick is their Rosebud Creme Cheek Colour (£21.50). I love this natural, rosy pick shade to add a natural glow to the cheeks and it's a cream to powder formula so it's not sticky or hard to blend. 

Keeping the eyes minimal and simple is something else I love to do in the spring. I think when people where just mascara with a bright lip it looks really good so that's what I tend to go for. If I want a wash of colour I'll use the Maybelline Creamy Beige Colour Tattoo (£4.99)  which is a really beautiful nude. The formula of these are great and I think this shade is lovely for everyday and adds a hint of something something, without being too much. 

Mascara time now and having a waterproof formula is essential. They don't smudge, they hold a curl and won't melt off in the sun! Clinique mascaras are great and I love their High Impact Waterproof Mascara (£17.50) for adding length and volume but still keeping the lashes looking natural and separated. 

Bright lips is a must for spring and you can find good brights from every brand, drugstore or high end. Matte formulas are best if you want a pigmented shade that will last, and if you want something more moisturising, tinted balms are great for adding a nice amount of colour. 

Switching Up Your Makeup For Spring

I love makeup in the spring time, it's when you start experimenting with colours and going a bit lighter on the base. The majority of my products change this time of year and I love introducing products that make my skin look fresher and brighter. 

For my base I put my foundations aside and turn to the trusty tinted moisturisers, BB, CC and all those kind of products. I've always loved the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser (£34.00) for a light base in the warmer months. It hydrates and makes your skin glow but also has a nice amount of coverage. In the evenings I tend to opt for something that gives more in the coverage department, but for the daytime this is perfect. Also, for days where you really want to go light on the makeup, skin perfecters are a great way to go. These don't add coverage, instead it's almost like an extra skincare step. Blurring out imperfections and evening out the skin tone is something the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (£29.00) does really well. 

Onto the cheeks, bronzer is something I do all year round so I thought I'd not ramble on about that for once. Instead lets talk about blush, cream blush to be more specific. I think cream products are a great way to go in the spring and I always relate them to this time of year. They look fresher, more dewy than powders and sit better on the skin in my opinion. Another Laura Mercier pick is their Rosebud Creme Cheek Colour (£21.50). I love this natural, rosy pick shade to add a natural glow to the cheeks and it's a cream to powder formula so it's not sticky or hard to blend. 

Keeping the eyes minimal and simple is something else I love to do in the spring. I think when people where just mascara with a bright lip it looks really good so that's what I tend to go for. If I want a wash of colour I'll use the Maybelline Creamy Beige Colour Tattoo (£4.99)  which is a really beautiful nude. The formula of these are great and I think this shade is lovely for everyday and adds a hint of something something, without being too much. 

Mascara time now and having a waterproof formula is essential. They don't smudge, they hold a curl and won't melt off in the sun! Clinique mascaras are great and I love their High Impact Waterproof Mascara (£17.50) for adding length and volume but still keeping the lashes looking natural and separated. 

Bright lips is a must for spring and you can find good brights from every brand, drugstore or high end. Matte formulas are best if you want a pigmented shade that will last, and if you want something more moisturising, tinted balms are great for adding a nice amount of colour. 
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Wednesday, April 15, 2015

I always struggle to get my nails looking nice and presentable without polish. There are times where I can go a few days without painting my nails but still want them look well maintained which is where this little routine comes into play. It can sometimes seem like more effort than actually painting them, but hey, it's still a good pampering you can do in front of Netflix on a sunday night.

First off, it's all about the hands - that's what she said - and applying hand cream regularly is an important step. Although I tend to forget this most of the time, when I do remember my hands feel so soft and moisturised. You can't have nicely manicured nails without paying some attention to your hands. You can go all fancy with this step and do a little hand sock by filling up a little bowl with warm water and adding a dash of oil, but hand cream will do too. I'm really liking the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (£19.00) at the moment (and yes I realise I picked up the foot cream when it came to photographing this...it was an early start to the day...) The shea butter makes it really soft and kind to the skin. It sinks in well and is a beautiful creamy formula which isn't too thick.

Onto the nails themselves, I use a cuticle oil and one of those scary looking metal utensils, which is formally called a cuticle remover, to tidy up the nail bed. I really like the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil (£8.99). A little bit of this on the base of each nail, leave it to sink in for about a minute or so and then go in with your cuticle remover. I don't do this often but it's a nice step every now and then.

I love my Sephora Nail Buffer ($6.00) it makes an appearance every time I do my nails and I've used it for years. It comes with 4 difference sides; file, buff, polish and shine. This alone makes your nails look amazing, especially when it comes to using the 4th side, shine, which really does give your nails a natural sheen, almost like you've applied a base coat or something. It's a super great tool to have around. They also stock these buffer blocks in the UK at Boots ect, so if you can't get hold of the Sephora one, don't panic.

Lastly, I love all the nail treatment polishes you can get which can add a nice hint of pink and overall help to strengthen the nail. Essie Grow Stronger (£8.99) is my personal fav. It is marketed as a base coat, but I use it on its own and I find it's great for repairing brittle nails and making them stronger. It also evens out your nails so they don't look to dishevelled without polish. I also really like the Nails Inc A&E Treatment Base Coat (£12.00) which does a similar job.

Embracing Natural Nails

I always struggle to get my nails looking nice and presentable without polish. There are times where I can go a few days without painting my nails but still want them look well maintained which is where this little routine comes into play. It can sometimes seem like more effort than actually painting them, but hey, it's still a good pampering you can do in front of Netflix on a sunday night.

First off, it's all about the hands - that's what she said - and applying hand cream regularly is an important step. Although I tend to forget this most of the time, when I do remember my hands feel so soft and moisturised. You can't have nicely manicured nails without paying some attention to your hands. You can go all fancy with this step and do a little hand sock by filling up a little bowl with warm water and adding a dash of oil, but hand cream will do too. I'm really liking the L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (£19.00) at the moment (and yes I realise I picked up the foot cream when it came to photographing this...it was an early start to the day...) The shea butter makes it really soft and kind to the skin. It sinks in well and is a beautiful creamy formula which isn't too thick.

Onto the nails themselves, I use a cuticle oil and one of those scary looking metal utensils, which is formally called a cuticle remover, to tidy up the nail bed. I really like the Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil (£8.99). A little bit of this on the base of each nail, leave it to sink in for about a minute or so and then go in with your cuticle remover. I don't do this often but it's a nice step every now and then.

I love my Sephora Nail Buffer ($6.00) it makes an appearance every time I do my nails and I've used it for years. It comes with 4 difference sides; file, buff, polish and shine. This alone makes your nails look amazing, especially when it comes to using the 4th side, shine, which really does give your nails a natural sheen, almost like you've applied a base coat or something. It's a super great tool to have around. They also stock these buffer blocks in the UK at Boots ect, so if you can't get hold of the Sephora one, don't panic.

Lastly, I love all the nail treatment polishes you can get which can add a nice hint of pink and overall help to strengthen the nail. Essie Grow Stronger (£8.99) is my personal fav. It is marketed as a base coat, but I use it on its own and I find it's great for repairing brittle nails and making them stronger. It also evens out your nails so they don't look to dishevelled without polish. I also really like the Nails Inc A&E Treatment Base Coat (£12.00) which does a similar job.

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Monday, April 13, 2015


Now that the weather has finally started to heat up, I've been getting more and more excited for summer to begin! I know it's only April and it's still very much spring but that doesn't mean I can't start thinking about my summer plans. This post is all about getting inspired for the months to come and things I want to try and places I want to go...hope you enjoy.

Food
I'm a huge foodie and I love experimenting with lighter recipes such as salads in the summer. After searching through Pinterest and lusting over numerous food porn, there were a couple of recipes I can't wait to try. The first is a blueberry lemon loaf which sounds divine and the perfect summer treat. After baking up some banana and walnut bread, switching out the flavours for something fresher and more zesty sounds fab. I also stumbled across some lovely looking lemonade recipes which all sound super tasty and can't wait to try some of those out. Pomegranate pink lemonade anyone? 

Travel
This summer the boyfriend and I are hopefully going to be taking a little trip to Paris for my birthday. I'm very very excited about this and can't wait to experience all things parisian while meandering around the cute streets and hopefully consuming some rather delicious food. If you have any recommendations on where to go, please let me know. I'm also hoping to experience London a bit more. All the little, or large, shopping streets and markets really appeal to me, especially when the weather is behaving itself and the sun is out. Chelsea Flower Market is definitely on the list!

Style
All I can think about style wise right now is white jeans! I recently picked up some lovely tan suede ankle boots from River Island which I keep envisioning being paired with some white skinnies. A bit risky, but I think they can look so chic in the spring and summer, and I'm not a massive fan of light wash blue jeans so these will be an good alternative to try. I'm also in the market for some new swimwear to rock, the Triangl two pieces appeal to me, however the price isn't very justifiable in my eyes, so maybe I'll find a good alternative. First things first though I need to start getting that bikini body back!!

The Sunday Post: Getting Inspired


Now that the weather has finally started to heat up, I've been getting more and more excited for summer to begin! I know it's only April and it's still very much spring but that doesn't mean I can't start thinking about my summer plans. This post is all about getting inspired for the months to come and things I want to try and places I want to go...hope you enjoy.

Food
I'm a huge foodie and I love experimenting with lighter recipes such as salads in the summer. After searching through Pinterest and lusting over numerous food porn, there were a couple of recipes I can't wait to try. The first is a blueberry lemon loaf which sounds divine and the perfect summer treat. After baking up some banana and walnut bread, switching out the flavours for something fresher and more zesty sounds fab. I also stumbled across some lovely looking lemonade recipes which all sound super tasty and can't wait to try some of those out. Pomegranate pink lemonade anyone? 

Travel
This summer the boyfriend and I are hopefully going to be taking a little trip to Paris for my birthday. I'm very very excited about this and can't wait to experience all things parisian while meandering around the cute streets and hopefully consuming some rather delicious food. If you have any recommendations on where to go, please let me know. I'm also hoping to experience London a bit more. All the little, or large, shopping streets and markets really appeal to me, especially when the weather is behaving itself and the sun is out. Chelsea Flower Market is definitely on the list!

Style
All I can think about style wise right now is white jeans! I recently picked up some lovely tan suede ankle boots from River Island which I keep envisioning being paired with some white skinnies. A bit risky, but I think they can look so chic in the spring and summer, and I'm not a massive fan of light wash blue jeans so these will be an good alternative to try. I'm also in the market for some new swimwear to rock, the Triangl two pieces appeal to me, however the price isn't very justifiable in my eyes, so maybe I'll find a good alternative. First things first though I need to start getting that bikini body back!!
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Sunday, April 12, 2015

There are a couple steps in my routine which if I skip I can see a noticeable difference at the end of the day. I chop and change what products I use daily, whether I skip foundation or want to have a wicked (well, maybe not so wicked) smokey eye, there's a couple of things that help my makeup look that little bit better which I can't live without, no matter what the makeup situation.

Prepping the skin is a huge part of my routine, and one I feel like I've been banging on about a lot lately. Since getting back into primers and so on, I now can't go a day without them and rather dislike the way my makeup looks after a few hours if I've skipped this step. The same goes for skin perfecters, and I'm a sucker for anything that makes your skin look decent pre makeup, which is why I tend to use them daily. The Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (£29.00, 50ml)  is one of my favourite products to use before foundation. If I'm going heavy on the base or not, this beauty gem makes whatever I'm using next sit and look better. A must have in my eyes.

Curling your eyelashes is another step I do without thinking. Investing in a good pair of lash curlers will change the way your lashes look and make your eyes look more awake from the word go. I actually use the ones from No7 (£8.00) and really like them. Having a good waterproof mascara lying around will help keep your lashes curled all day, so something to bare in mind if you're using a regular mascara formula. Even on no makeup days I still reach for them, as they open the eyes and make them look bigger, which makes a key difference but with zero effort and just one handy tool.

Upping Your Makeup Game

There are a couple steps in my routine which if I skip I can see a noticeable difference at the end of the day. I chop and change what products I use daily, whether I skip foundation or want to have a wicked (well, maybe not so wicked) smokey eye, there's a couple of things that help my makeup look that little bit better which I can't live without, no matter what the makeup situation.

Prepping the skin is a huge part of my routine, and one I feel like I've been banging on about a lot lately. Since getting back into primers and so on, I now can't go a day without them and rather dislike the way my makeup looks after a few hours if I've skipped this step. The same goes for skin perfecters, and I'm a sucker for anything that makes your skin look decent pre makeup, which is why I tend to use them daily. The Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (£29.00, 50ml)  is one of my favourite products to use before foundation. If I'm going heavy on the base or not, this beauty gem makes whatever I'm using next sit and look better. A must have in my eyes.

Curling your eyelashes is another step I do without thinking. Investing in a good pair of lash curlers will change the way your lashes look and make your eyes look more awake from the word go. I actually use the ones from No7 (£8.00) and really like them. Having a good waterproof mascara lying around will help keep your lashes curled all day, so something to bare in mind if you're using a regular mascara formula. Even on no makeup days I still reach for them, as they open the eyes and make them look bigger, which makes a key difference but with zero effort and just one handy tool.
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Friday, April 10, 2015

In the morning I like things to be quick and invigorating and make sure I'm ready to tackle the day. I never feel like I can properly start my day without hopping the shower and waking myself up a little, or a lot depending on how much sleep I've had...

I love to use shower gels that lather well and have a nice smell. Currently I'm using the Korres Guava Shower Gel (£8.00) which has a fresh scent and is a great formula which lathers well on the skin and leaves it feeling nice and soft.

Scrubs are also something I use in the morning. After meandering around Boots I came across the Garnier Oil Infused Nourishing Scrub (£4.77) which seemed like a great product and I do really like it. It has those little beads which sit in a gel-cream liquid infused with oils. The oils are great as they give your skin that lovely glow and also moisturises the skin which is rare to find in a scrub. If you're on the hunt for a cheap scrub that makes the skin look healthy and nourished, I would recommend you try this.

If I'm in a bit of a rush I'll wash my face in the shower too, to save time. I use the Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash (£18.50)  as it smells very fresh and cleans the face well. It does foam so if you have sensitive or very dry skin I would steer clear of this as it may be quick stripping to the skin. Otherwise I think is a good morning option to prep your skin for serum, moisturiser and so on.

Morning Shower Favourites

In the morning I like things to be quick and invigorating and make sure I'm ready to tackle the day. I never feel like I can properly start my day without hopping the shower and waking myself up a little, or a lot depending on how much sleep I've had...

I love to use shower gels that lather well and have a nice smell. Currently I'm using the Korres Guava Shower Gel (£8.00) which has a fresh scent and is a great formula which lathers well on the skin and leaves it feeling nice and soft.

Scrubs are also something I use in the morning. After meandering around Boots I came across the Garnier Oil Infused Nourishing Scrub (£4.77) which seemed like a great product and I do really like it. It has those little beads which sit in a gel-cream liquid infused with oils. The oils are great as they give your skin that lovely glow and also moisturises the skin which is rare to find in a scrub. If you're on the hunt for a cheap scrub that makes the skin look healthy and nourished, I would recommend you try this.

If I'm in a bit of a rush I'll wash my face in the shower too, to save time. I use the Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash (£18.50)  as it smells very fresh and cleans the face well. It does foam so if you have sensitive or very dry skin I would steer clear of this as it may be quick stripping to the skin. Otherwise I think is a good morning option to prep your skin for serum, moisturiser and so on.
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Wednesday, April 08, 2015

I've found myself gravitating towards certain products lately and really loving the way they look and feel on my skin. Using them pretty much everyday, I thought it would be more than appropriate to share them with you and let you in on why I love them.

As for skincare, I never really used a serum in the morning, but with Origins releasing their new Original Skin Serum (£32.00) I wanted to give it a go and see what difference it made. I have to say, I do love it. It's a beautiful consistency which smooths over the skin, creating a perfect base for moisturiser. It makes your skin have that glow from within type look which I love, as well as helping to blur out imperfections. It almost reminds me of a primer, but with 101 more skin benefits, can't really go wrong in my opinion.

Body moisturiser is a must for me and I do everything in my power to get rid of the dry skin which lurks on my limbs - lovely image I know - The Body Shop Body Butters (£13.00) have been a rediscovery for me and I have fallen back in love with them. They are thicker than most other body lotions ect that I own, but in my opinion I prefer that for an evening application. I have the Coconut scent which is divine and my body feels amazingly soft after I've used this. I would definitely recommend these if your body needs a bit of TLC post winter.

Onto makeup and something else which has been sitting in the back of a drawer collecting dust and a bronzer I used to love. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer (£13.00) is a really lovely option, especially if you have a paler complexion. I own the shade 02 and it's not orange at all, it just gives off a lovely bronzy glow. It's also matte so great if you want some definition too. This is the perfect pick you're on a budget.

3 Daily Essentials

I've found myself gravitating towards certain products lately and really loving the way they look and feel on my skin. Using them pretty much everyday, I thought it would be more than appropriate to share them with you and let you in on why I love them.

As for skincare, I never really used a serum in the morning, but with Origins releasing their new Original Skin Serum (£32.00) I wanted to give it a go and see what difference it made. I have to say, I do love it. It's a beautiful consistency which smooths over the skin, creating a perfect base for moisturiser. It makes your skin have that glow from within type look which I love, as well as helping to blur out imperfections. It almost reminds me of a primer, but with 101 more skin benefits, can't really go wrong in my opinion.

Body moisturiser is a must for me and I do everything in my power to get rid of the dry skin which lurks on my limbs - lovely image I know - The Body Shop Body Butters (£13.00) have been a rediscovery for me and I have fallen back in love with them. They are thicker than most other body lotions ect that I own, but in my opinion I prefer that for an evening application. I have the Coconut scent which is divine and my body feels amazingly soft after I've used this. I would definitely recommend these if your body needs a bit of TLC post winter.

Onto makeup and something else which has been sitting in the back of a drawer collecting dust and a bronzer I used to love. The Body Shop Honey Bronzer (£13.00) is a really lovely option, especially if you have a paler complexion. I own the shade 02 and it's not orange at all, it just gives off a lovely bronzy glow. It's also matte so great if you want some definition too. This is the perfect pick you're on a budget.
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Friday, April 03, 2015

I thought I would switch up the way I do my favourites and include other bits and bobs, not just beauty. If you're here for the beauty, don't worry I still have you covered, but with a few other little bits thrown in to get a grasp of other things I've been loving throughout the month! Please let me know if you like this format better, or if you would like me to stick to beauty. But for now, lets give this a go..

Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes... I have been in love with this throughout March and when it comes to  an end I may shed a little tear as I don't want to ever finish it. It has countless tips and tricks and I love the humour Sali injects throughout, such a lovely read for beauty lovers and it's beautifully designed. 

Getting the chop... My hair was in desperate need of some attention and my long hair was becoming a nuisance and it needed to go. I know I know, it's not that short and what some would still consider long, but I did get a couple of inches taken off, promise! I find now I'm using a lot less hair products and it's a hell of a lot easier to style and manage! Thumbs up all around.

Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Texturising Spray... With a new do, comes new hair products, and I really want to pay my hair some more attention now it's not such a daunting task. This is a lovely texturising spray and I love the volume it gives my hair. I also love the way it looks after you've curled your hair, it gives it that lived in vibe which I personally adore. 

Getting into the baking zone... Since coming home for Easter I've had endless urges to go into the kitchen and rustle up some sweet treats. I've recently done a post on some muffins I baked so I'll link that here for you guys. Banana bread is definitely next on the list! 

New Base Duo... I say new, but I've already mentioned these at least 100 times on my blog, so I'll make it short and sweet. The L'Oreal True Match (£9.99) is a great dewy base, and I no longer have to look up how much this costs because I've become over familiar with writing it out...and to pop underneath or to mix in the Dior Glow Maximiser (£28.50) is what I go for. I love this combo, it's dewy, fresh, doesn't feel heavy, and perfect for spring. 

Monthly Medley - March Edition

I thought I would switch up the way I do my favourites and include other bits and bobs, not just beauty. If you're here for the beauty, don't worry I still have you covered, but with a few other little bits thrown in to get a grasp of other things I've been loving throughout the month! Please let me know if you like this format better, or if you would like me to stick to beauty. But for now, lets give this a go..

Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes... I have been in love with this throughout March and when it comes to  an end I may shed a little tear as I don't want to ever finish it. It has countless tips and tricks and I love the humour Sali injects throughout, such a lovely read for beauty lovers and it's beautifully designed. 

Getting the chop... My hair was in desperate need of some attention and my long hair was becoming a nuisance and it needed to go. I know I know, it's not that short and what some would still consider long, but I did get a couple of inches taken off, promise! I find now I'm using a lot less hair products and it's a hell of a lot easier to style and manage! Thumbs up all around.

Bumble and Bumble Dryspun Texturising Spray... With a new do, comes new hair products, and I really want to pay my hair some more attention now it's not such a daunting task. This is a lovely texturising spray and I love the volume it gives my hair. I also love the way it looks after you've curled your hair, it gives it that lived in vibe which I personally adore. 

Getting into the baking zone... Since coming home for Easter I've had endless urges to go into the kitchen and rustle up some sweet treats. I've recently done a post on some muffins I baked so I'll link that here for you guys. Banana bread is definitely next on the list! 

New Base Duo... I say new, but I've already mentioned these at least 100 times on my blog, so I'll make it short and sweet. The L'Oreal True Match (£9.99) is a great dewy base, and I no longer have to look up how much this costs because I've become over familiar with writing it out...and to pop underneath or to mix in the Dior Glow Maximiser (£28.50) is what I go for. I love this combo, it's dewy, fresh, doesn't feel heavy, and perfect for spring. 
Read more »
Wednesday, April 01, 2015
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