Summertime Glow


When you think of summer make up - looks that spring to mind are glowy, radiant fresh dewy skin with a minimal eye and lip combo, here are my favourite products for creating that summertime glow...

Benefits Hello Flawless foundation is perfect for daytime, it contains SPF 25 which is great for protecting the skin and it is also oil free, so you don't have to worry so much about keeping oil at bay. It really brightens up the skins complexion for a fresh look, I find this to be medium coverage but when applied with fingers you can achieve a more sheer finish.

Two products I love for creating a radiant look are The Body Shop Brush on Radiance powder pearls, and the No.7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter. Both formulas are very different, the powder pearls create a long lasting shimmer to the cheekbone area, the colours are a mix of warm pinks and cool champagnes, which give an incredibly pretty multi tonal look. The Bronzing Highlighter is perfect for a light contouring, this cream stick glides over the skin and is super easy to blend. The colour is very warm and looks very natural, it is very shimmery so maybe not for you if you like more of a matte finish to your contour.

If you find your make up looking a little lack luster during the day then I cannot recommend The Body Shop's Vitamin C Energizing Facial Spritz enough! It really refreshes the skin making your make up look freshly applied. This product is great used with the Beauty Blender, just spray the product over the skin and lightly dab, this will instantly give a stunning dewy look - perfect if you have accidentally over powdered!

 What are some of your summer must have make up items?


Skincare Additions


Rediscovering an old favourite and trying out something new...

I have been through two bottles of the Dr Jart V7 Balancing Toner and I still love it, it is one of those products that has been a staple in my routine ever since purchasing my first bottle. This product is packed with ingredients that improve the skins appearance including witch hazel and nutgall which help to control sebum production, which is perfect if your skin is more on the oily/combination side. This toner is also perfect for sensitive skin and it provides high levels of moisturisation. I apply this to my skin post cleanser with a cotton pad both day and night to keep my skin in check.

To remove make up recently I have been reaching for the Eucerin Dermo Purifyer* - this cleanser is super gentle to the skin and again perfect for more oily skinned gals out there as this is great at keeping shine at bay. I wet my face and then massage this into the skin and use a muslin cloth to remove, this way my skin gets a little exfoliation/polish from the cloth and all my make up is removed. I have also been sampling the Eucerin Even Brighter Day and Night Creams* I apply these respectively after my morning/nighttime routines and my skin has been loving them. The day cream which contains SPF 30 is perfect for wearing underneath make up, it moisturises the skin without feeling too heavy and it helps to brighten and even out the skins pigmentation. Like the day cream the night cream also reduces the skins uneven skin tone, it also contains Glycyrrhetinic Acid which helps to repair cell damage caused by the sun. These two creams claim that after four weeks your skin should look visibly brighter, I am really happy with the results so far but stay tuned and I will keep you updated!

What are your current skincare favourites? Any new additions?

*These items have been sent to me for review, this in no way effects my opinion.


Faking Fabulous Lashes


Not all of us are blessed with naturally thick, dark long lashes, but that doesn't mean we can't all have them...

I have unusual eyelashes, you know the type that are super long but ridiculously straight? Yeah those. No matter what mascara/eyelash curler combo I go for it never quite looks perfect. So recently I have been using individual eyelashes. Unlike strip lashes that have to be removed each night individual lashes can last for up to 7 days depending on how gentle you are with them, they can even have mascara coated on top and removed and they stay put. My all time favourites are the Eylure individual lashes in black, you receive three rows of lashes, short, medium and long. Using a combination of the three really helps to create an elongated natural effect. I like using the Eylure Superfix glue in black as I think it blends in nicely and makes the lash line look more full.

Not got time for individuals? Try the Eylure strip lashes in 154 'Texture' these are full and natural in length and the strip is clear meaning they are more undetectable. If you have sparse lashes then these will be great for you as the lashes are super dense. Unlike the individual lashes these can be reused, I like to give them a quick wipe post night out with some make up remover and then they are as good as new.

If falsies are just not for you then you can still create bold lashes with the Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, this gives a natural yet defined look to the eyes, remember if your eyelashes don't hold a curl too well try switching to a waterproof mascara, the formulas are a little different and are a lot better at keeping that curl in tact. Finally to give my lashes that extra full look I use the Bourjois Intuitive Liner, the nib - made up of three dots this can be doted along the lash line to give the appearance of denser lashes.

What are your favourite products for cheating fabulous lashes?


New Favourites - Beauty #2



Check out the new additions to my beauty collection that I have instantly fallen in love with...

This week I have been trying out a lot of new products and I have instantly fallen in love with quite a few, first up is a fragrance, I have been looking for a summer time scent ever since the weather improved, I wanted something fresh and long lasting so I picked up the Hugo Boss Orange Sunset Eau De Toilette from Boots, the fragrance has a base of creamy sandalwood combined with vanilla with feminine notes of rose and fresh notes of bergamot and mandarin. It is a very distinct scent, and one that lasts all day. Another beautifully smelling product I have been loving is the Korres Fig shower gel, this lathers up really well and unlike other body washes I have tried the scent of the freshly cut figs can be smelt for ages after washing. The Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate has also made my list, it has been keeping my lips in great condition with its super moisturizing properties, It is also slightly coloured so recently this has been my go to lip product, I also love wearing this over the top of my Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick for a more wearable everyday look.

Skincare wise I have completely overhauled my routine, more on that later, but I thought I would mention the Eucerin Dermo Purifyer Cleanser*, this is specially formulated for blemish prone or oily skin, now touch wood my blemishes are ok at the moment but I do get oily during the day so I thought this would be great to try. You apply this to wet skin and massage into the skin in circular motions removing make up and excess sebum, since using this I have found myself powdering a lot less and the anti bacterial properties in the cleanser mean I am less likely to get blemishes, so a big thumbs up from me!

A new foundation now and this is one I have been constantly wearing since purchasing it, the Revlon Colourstay for oily/combination skin is perfect for long days when you need your foundation to last, for my perfect shade I have been mixing 'Early Tan' and 'Sand Beige' the two combined create my base. The finish is matte but not cakey and it feels lightweight at the same time as being medium to full coverage. Last but not least is the No.7 Instant Radiance Bronzing Highlighter, I read a lot of great reviews for the Radiance Highlighter so when I saw No.7 had released a bronzing version I knew I needed it in my collection. This looks stunning swept across the cheekbones for a bronzed goddess look, but I have also been loving using this as a contour, the shade is definitely dark enough to create a shadow and the shimmer adds a little glow to the skin.

What are some of your new favourites? Have you tried anything recently and instantly fallen in love?

*this product was sent to me for review, this in no way effects my opinion. 



My Current Everyday Make Up Routine


Fluttery lashes, fresh skin, a natural brow and a bold lip, get the low down on my everyday make up look...

Over the past few weeks I have been really enjoying wearing a bold lip in the daytime, lip statements shouldn't just be for nights out. My go to bold lip product has to be the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in the shade Frambourjoise - a vibrant matte raspberry hue that is super opaque and long lasting making it a great choice for a work day as you don't need to worry too much about touch ups. I sometimes pop a little balm over the top if I want a more glossy sheen to my lips, my go to's at the moment are the Korres Lip Balm in Pomegranate and my beloved baby lips.

Skin wise I have been keeping it simple with just a little foundation, I have been testing out the Revlon Colourstay for Oily/Combination skin and I have to say so far I am loving it, I will keep you updated with how I am getting on with the formula - review on it's way! I have been using the Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki Brush for my foundation application and the finish it gives is very natural, the brush is a lot denser than my usual choice - the Real Techniques Buffing Brush, and since purchasing my Sigma brush my Real Techniques one hasn't got a look in. Onto blush - usually I go for a natural flush by applying it to the cheekbone but recently I have been stippling it onto the apples of my cheeks and the overall look is so flattering, for this I have been using the Bourjois Cream Blush in the shade Healthy Glow, a warm peach shade with a cream to powder finish, the texture of this is very velvety and it blends perfectly.

For my brows I have been keeping things natural with Soap and Glory's Archery - a double ended pencil/felt tip duo that creates natural yet defined brows, I posted a review not long ago if you fancy a read? (Soap and Glory Archery Review Here) To finish off my day time look I apply a few individual lashes and give my face a dusting of the Bourjois Java Rice Powder which makes my skin look radiant and gives a nice glow.

What's your favourite daytime look at the moment?





Big Hair Don't Care


My thoughts on the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce range...

I picked up this duo whilst in Boots the other day, I wanted a high street texturising spray that would give me similar results to the Bumble & Bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray without the price tag. I went for the Charles Worthington Volume and Bounce Texturising Spray, this stuff promises thick, full and textured hair with a back combing like effect, it isn't quite as undetectable and the Bumble and Bumble spray but I do think the results are longer lasting, I spray this onto my roots after styling with my GHD's and use my fingers to rough up my hair a little. If I have freshly washed my hair and it is looking a little flat then this product is a must use. I also picked up the Thick and Full 3D Boosting Creme, this is used on damp hair pre blow dry to give the hair maximum volume and texture, again I concentrate this product onto my roots and then blast my hair with the hairdryer whilst parting my hair in different directions which increases volume.

These two products together are great for giving the hair a lot of lift, the texture spray lasts really well and you can always use this on the go if you need a little boost. Have you tried anything from this Charles Worthington range? What are your favourite products for creating texture? Let me know in the comments!



Favourite Primers


Do you find your foundation doesn't seem to last all day? Skip primer? If you answered yes, keep reading...

I never used to use a face primer, but since I have started to include it into my basic everyday routine I have found my make up lasts so much longer. My daytime primer is from the Superdrug Naturally Radiant range, marketed as a Brightening Radiance Balm I am not entirely sure this is even a primer but to me it does the same job - it gives your foundation something to hang on to as well as illuminating the skin giving a healthy glow. This sinks into the skin so well, it feels more of a skincare step than a make up one. The balm is infused with plant extracts so it smells great. The whole Naturally Radiant range is wonderful, try the Hot Cloth Cleanser if you are looking for a budget Liz Earle dupe!

Nights out take primer to a whole other level of dewy, the Revlon Photoready Skinlights in Bare Light is my go to, when you first pop this onto the skin it looks very illuminating, almost to the point of being a tad scary, but apply your foundation over the top and I promise you will fall in love. I wanted this product for ages after seeing Kate from Gh0stParties rave about it, it perfects the skin so once your foundation is applied not only do you look radiant but your pores appear reduced and your skin looks as if it has a soft focus filter on it. 

Will you be adding this essential step to your routine? What are some of your favourite primers?







Spring Style Updates


If you are looking to update your wardrobe on a budget then here are a few purse friendly purchases that will transform last seasons dress...

A trend that I have been loving since it's comeback last year is the Scrunchie revival, who remembers having a scrunchie that matched the colours of your school uniform? Love them or hate them the Scrunchie has made a dramatic return to the high street. I have always been inspired by out there Asian street style and the idea of creating a fun, colourful character, and let's face it - an oversized polka dot scrunchie is a fun statement piece that can make even the most simple dress look more thought out. Lots of high street shops are selling these at the moment, Urban Outfitters have some great Vintage designs, I picked up mine from New Look where they retail at £2.99 - bargain!

If 80's hair isn't your thing then check out Native Wolf on Etsy, a lovely online jewellery shop with hand made bohemian gypsy inspired designs, all pendants retail around the £10 mark and include chains, this Pink Geode design with wire wrapping and long chain looks great mixed with other crystal and stone necklaces, I like to layer them to create a real hippy vibe. Check out the website here.

Another jewellery trend that I cannot get enough of is candy inspired pastel pieces, these statement drop earrings from River Island are stunning and the mix of colours mean these are going to go with so many different things, again these are £10 and can really transform a plain dress taking it from day to night.

What are your favourite accessory trends at the moment? Let me know in the comments below!



Weekend Trip Essentials


Weekend away planned? Not sure what Beauty essentials to pack? I've got your list covered... 

Every girl needs those go to products that she knows wont let her down while she is away, staying somewhere that isn't your house means you need products that you know work but that also mean you can pack light, I have whittled down the essentials to the bare minimum. If you are staying somewhere over night one of the most important things to remember is make up remover, plan ahead and your skin will thank you for not using a make up wipe or worse - sleeping in your make up! Try the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser, this will suit even the most sensitive skin whilst removing all your make up - yes even waterproof mascara, just don't forget to pack a few cotton pads. Next is dry shampoo, whether you need a little root boost and texture or a full de-greasing then I really recommend the Label M dry shampoo, however sometimes the night before wild shenanigans just need washing away and no dry shampoo on the planet can deliver completely clean hair, so try Klorane Nettle Shampoo, this is super cleansing leaving your hair feeling fresh and as good as new, and the bottle is slimline so is perfect if your struggling to pack all your essential items into your weekend bag! On the subject of staying fresh the next product is a must have - deodrant, forget this and you will be rushing to Boots in a real hurry. For me nothing does the trick like Mitchum, this is 48 hour fool proof so roll this on after showing and you don't need to think about it again for ages.

Face wise a good moisturiser and a simple lightweight foundation are a good basis for a fresh look, Try the Super Facialist Vitamin C Skin Defense Daily Moisturiser, if you are waking up in a hotel room slightly fuzzy headed from the night before you can be sure your skin isn't looking quite it's best, give it a helping hand with this brightening moisturiser, it helps to bring a little life back to the skin, follow up with L'Oreal's most natural foundation to date - Eeu De Teint, an incredibly build able, light base that covers and conceals imperfections without looking at all heavy, I like to apply this with the Sigma F80 flat top kabuki brush, this brush is perfect for seamlessly buffing the foundation into the skin.

Now that you've got the basics covered what are some essential products you would add?



On Wednesdays We Wear Pink


"Because being with the Plastics was like being famous... people looked at you all the time and and everybody just knew stuff about you" ... "I saw Cady Heron wearing army pants and flip flops so I bought army pants and flip flops"

Recently I have been wearing a lot of pink, usually I go for coral shades for my blush and lip products but after sorting through my make up I noticed I had quite a few unloved beauty's and after making a conscious effort to include them into my routine I can safely say I may have been converted to pink as my go to shade, also I have to admit to being slightly inspired by the whole Mean Girls ten year anniversary, seeing 'On Wednesdays we wear pink' quoted all over the inter web definitely helped.
First up is the Bourjois Rouge Edition Lipstick in Rose Neon, this is a bright bold pink with a slight cool undertone, the formula is super moisturising and lasts for a god four hours on the lips, it is also really pigmented giving you opaque colour that sticks around. I love this shade if I want a bright pop of colour, I wear this with a neutral played down eye so the lipstick gets all the attention. If I want something more matte I use the Revlon Colourburst Matte Balm in the shade Unapologetic, again this is a real neon pink, it's a little more warm toned so this looks great if I am rocking a bit of a glow. My first blush pick is the Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in So Pretty, I talked about my love for this in a recent post but I just can't stop talking about it! I am so in love with the formula, it gives the skin a beautiful radiant appearance, the shimmer acts as a highlighter and the stunning pale pink gives the skin a healthy complexion. Finally is the Revlon Baby Stick in Pink Passion for cheeks and lips, I find this slightly drying on the lips but on the cheeks this product works wonders, although the shade looks bold and bright, once applied this looks so natural, the formula is creamy and I find it is best applied with the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush as the bristles are well compacted.

So will you be embracing Pink when it comes to your make up? What is your ultimate Pink Lipstick? Let me know in the comments below!


Brighton Food Festival


At weekend we headed down to the Brighton Food Festival on the seafront, the weather was perfection, I even caught the sun a little on my forehead - not a good look. The entry fee was £6 and it was full of the most amazing food from steak baguettes to jerk chicken, I got the most amazing burrito for lunch as well as some ginger bread cake, there was lots of different food to try as well as plenty of drinks including frozen cocktails and healthy juice bars. Lots of people took picnic blankets so that could relax in the sun. The whole place just had a really good atmosphere with live musical performances as well as talks and demonstrations by winners of shows like The Great British Bake Off and Masterchef, we couldn't resist a photo opp with John Whaite, winner of the 2012 GBBO. He was doing a demonstration on making caramelized onion flat bread that looked delicious.

The Brighton Festival goes on until the end of May I think, there are lots of interesting things to go and see like theater performances, art exhibitions, films etc and lots of them are free. Think we will definitely be going back to The Food Festival next year!














New Favourites - Beauty


You know the moment you try out a new product and fall instantly in love with it and want to tell everyone just how great they are? Well that is what todays post is all about - newly acquired instant favourites that have been added to my ever growing collection.

First things first though how perfect is my new clutch bag? Neutral shades with a pop of neon making it perfect for spring/summer, and this baby is from Primark and retails at £6... but before you run to your nearest store to grab this bargain have a read of what else I have been loving lately... let's start with the high end purchase, enter the Nars Eyeshadow Duo in the shade Silk Road, I had been looking for an everyday high end shadow but I didn't really want to go all out on a palatte, so I went for this neutral shimmery duo, Nars are famous for great shadows and these are no exception, really pigmented, long lasting, not a crease in slight. Both shades have a warm undertone which suits my skin tone really well. If you are looking to dip your toe into the world of high end shadows then these duo's are a great option. Next is the Karma Komba Solid Shampoo, although this looks a little unusual it is perfectly simple to use, wet your hair as you normally would then rub this onto the scalp in circular motions, then using your fingers massage the product in to create a rich, foamy lather. This shampoo is made with Lavendin Oil, which gives the bar its gorgeous smell, it also contains orange oil, pine and patchouli which all help to soothe the scalp. This is great at really cleaning the hair and getting rid of product build up, so I find it is great to use the day before a night out as it gives the hair lots of volume. Last but not least is my favourite of the bunch, the Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick in the shade Frambourjoise, a stunning, deep raspberry red. These formulas are matte, they are incredibly long lasting and pigmented and the applicator makes it easy to be precise when applying. The collection boasts six bold colours with pinks and reds, this shade just caught my eye as it is a little different. It is also really wearable. I literally haven't put this down since purchasing it.

What are some of your favourite new beauty finds?



Brows - Soap & Glory Archery


Whether you are going for the big, bold Lily Collin's esque brows or for a more natural look I have just the product for you...

After years of being devoted to my loyal HD Brows palate I have finally been converted to a non powder formula, enter Soap and Glory's Archery - a double ended eyebrow duo. On one end we have a brow tint, on the other a precision shaping pencil, here's the low down: Lets start with achieving the basic shape, for this I use the pencil, a subtle, soft rounded pencil, this is great for filling in where your natural brows may be slightly lacking, The pencil doesn't drag, it applies nicely without creating harsh lines. Next I use the brow tint, this felt tip style applicator is perfect for creating hair like fines lines, making the brows look nice and full. This is by far my favourite way to shape my eyebrows, the tip of the brow tint is fine allowing you to be precise at the same time as keeping things looking natural. I have the shade 'Brownie Points' - a true brunette shade, not too warm in tone.

We all know how important eyebrows are, they really do frame the face... treat your brows to Soap and Glory's Archery on your next trip to Boots.




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