Bedtime Beauty Essentials

The low down on the products I apply to my skin just before I get my beauty sleep...

Whilst researching natural remedies for anti ageing an ingredient that kept popping up website after website was Rosehip Oil, the hype around this ingredient is pretty big with claims that this is the holy grail for slowing down the ageing process. There are lots of facial oils on the beauty market which contain Rosehip Oil so knowing which one to go for can be a little tricky, I decided on Rio Rosa Mosqueta Pure Chilean Rosehip Seed Oil after it was recommended to me by a friend. I love that this is 100% natural and suitable for all skin types. This oil is recommended for dry skin, sun damage, scars, stretch marks, crows feet, fine lines etc.. the list goes on, you can see why it is such a popular ingredient at the moment!

I use this as directed every evening, a little oil goes a long way so one pump is normally enough for my face and then I use any excess oil for my neck. I spend two to three minutes massaging this into my skin making sure the product is evenly covering my skin, next I use my Body Shop facial massager, I gently roll this over my face and down my neck. This helps to even out skin tone and improves the skins ability to absorb moisture. I have been doing this routine nightly for a month now and I am really starting to see results, my skin tone is looking a lot more even and the fine lines around my eye area are harder to see, I think that Rosehip Oil is definitely something that will be sticking around in my evening routine!

To follow up my facial oil I like to use a super hydrating night cream, recently I have been using the Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream from The Body Shop, this is enriched with Wheatgerm Oil which is great for protecting the skin against pre-mature ageing as well as things like pollution and the environment, like the Rosehip Oil this is suitable for all skin types. The rich cream also contains Community Fair Trade Shea Butter which gives the night cream its thick texture. Again I follow this up with my facial massager to improve the skins circulation.

My skin in the morning looks plump, youthful and hydrated thanks to this darling duo! Have you tried either of these two yet? I'd love to know your current bedtime routine, feel free to leave me a comment below.

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Handbag Must Haves

The busy girls guide to on the go product necessities...

Preparation is key to always looking flawless, you never know where the day might take you and you have to be prepared for all eventualities, by that I mean rain or last minute drinks with the girls after work, I'm not talking survival kit here - just the beauty basics.

No product delivers a hair refresh quite like the Living Proof Instant Texture Mist, if your hair is anything like mine then after an eight hour stint at work it certainly is not looking quite its best, I say embrace the boho vibe - spritz in a little of this magic spray and work it in with your fingers, I promise this will bring your hair back to life, think volume, texture, that little something something that makes the boys heads turn. This feels super lightweight on the hair and delivers a perfect balance of bounce, definition and separation. It is also worth noting that this formula is free from silicones, parabens and sulphates. Next time you pop into your local Space NK treat your hair to a spritz of this.

Another product I cannot stop spritzing is The Body Shop's Fuji Green Tea Eau de Cologne, this fresh sexy summer scent is a recent launch so as you can imagine I have been dowsing myself in this daily for work, It is a classic sophisticated citrus fresh fragrance that is wearable for both day and night with notes of green tea, bergamot, lemon, mandarin and jasmine. The rest of the range is equally as exciting with body sorbets, scrubs and even bath tea - definitely worth checking out.

If I had to choose one product to carry with me at all times I would have to opt for a pressed translucent powder - it is hardly an exciting product choice but believe me it is an essential, my skin type is oily so in a bid to control excess oil I purchased the Rimmel stay matte powder, the formula is fine and very natural looking on the skin, I just stipple this onto my T zone to banish shine, I like to keep my cheeks powder free to keep that glowy radiant healthy looking sheen.

If you emptied the contents of my handbag out I can assure you that you would discover about ten different lip products, from balms, to scrubs to liners my bag is full of them, for the purposes of this post however I will only discuss my very bare essentials so I have whittled it down to three lip laquers and two lip liners. Without a doubt the best lip liners on the high street are the Rimmel Exaggerate Liners, these retractable creamy liners are perfect for creating a full dramatic look. My two favourite shades are East End Snob - a cool toned matte light pink and Addiction - a more neutral tones nude. Both shades are very wearable and compliment my skin tone nicely. If I want more of a colour pop I normally opt for a Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lip- these are very pigmented and have the finish of a satin liquid lipstick with incredible staying power. My all time favourite shade is Frambourjois - a rich deep raspberry hue with warm undertones, this is so flattering and works well with classic cat eye liner and lashings of mascara. Another Velvet Lip hue I have recently been loving is Peach Club - a warm apricot shade, this looks great with a dramatic smoky eye. For more of a day time look I like to use the Bourjois Aqua Laque in the shade Appechissant - a glossy neutral pink with an intense high shine. All three have a lovely easy to use applicator that is always loaded with product.

So there you have it - my beauty basics for busy girls on the go. Have you tired any of these must haves yet?

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

The New Glow Boosting Moisturiser

Dull, Tired or Grumpy Skin? The Body Shop's got it covered...

Recently my skin has been looking a little lack lustre, my current day cream was not quite delivering the glow I was after so I decided to try out this new launch from The Body Shop, unlike my current day cream which has a thick rich texture this one is of gel like consistency which is easily absorbed into the skin making it perfect for applying before putting on make up. Although lightweight this moisturiser really packs a punch in the hydration stakes, after applying this my skin feels refreshed and plump for the whole day.

The gel like moisturiser is infused with Vitamin C from the Camu Camu Berry which contains 60 times more Vitamin C than oranges, it helps skin cell renewal and regeneration revealing skin that looks healthy, younger and glowing, Vitamin C is also a very powerful antioxident which helps to fight free radicals. Other skin loving ingredients in this product are Aloe Vera - which is perfect for calming angry/sensitive skin down with its gentle soothing effect, and sesame oil which helps to hydrate the skin.

After a week of using this daily I can say I have already started to notice a difference in the apperance of my skin, it looks so much healthier and radiant. I would really recommend this for normal to oily skin types but for dry skin this might not be quite as hydrating as a creamy textured moisturiser.  Launched alongside this new beauty is the Vitamin C Glow Enhancer - a rosey tinted hydrating primer, cannot wait to try that out!

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Caring for Sensitive Skin

Finding a cleanser for sensitive skin that is gentle yet effective can often be tricky, but recently I have been using The Body Shop's Aloe Vera Calming Cleanser for sensitive skin, read on for the full review...

After trying out the Skincare Diagnostic Tool on The Body Shop's website I was recommended the Aloe Cleanser and Toner as my skin shows signs of irritation and sensitivity - i.e dryness, tightness, redness etc. The gentle formula ensures your make up is removed effectively without causing any irritation, the community fair trade Aloe Vera soothes the skin and helps to calm down any redness. This calming cleanser also contains sorbitol an ingredient which helps the skin to retain its moisture making it feel hydrated and supple.

How to use - First I use an eye make up remover like Bioderma just to remove stubborn waterproof mascara, then I gently apply the Aloe cleanser onto dry skin massaging it down my neck and on my face, next I use The Body Shop's super soft facial cleansing brush in round circular motions, the soft bristles buff the skin removing dirt, make up and impurities revealing fresh, soft, cleansed skin.

After cleansing I like to tone my skin, recently my skin has been slightly de-hydrated, probably becuase the central heating is playing havoc with my skins moisture levels, so I have been reaching for The Body Shop's Vitamin E Hydrating Toner, this helps to inject moisture into my skin at the same time as cooling and removing any final traces of dirt and cleanser. Like the rest of the Vitamin E range this is packed with Wheatgerm Oil, an ingreadiant that protects the skin agaisnt pre-mature aging and for all you big city gals out there - pollution.

If like me your skin is sensitive I definitely recommend giving the Aloe Calming Cleanser a try, if you like products like the Avene Tolerance Extreme Cleansing Lotion (£14.50) then you will love this, there is a whole range dedicated to sensitive skin types, the soothing aloe gel is next on my shopping list, have you tried anything from The Body Shop's Aloe Vera range?

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop, the opinions expressed are all my own and unless stated the products mentioned were purchased with my own money.

Two Simple Hair Up Ideas

If your looking for new ways to wear your hair up here are two pretty yet simple styles that can be created in a matter of minutes...

As with most things good preparation is key to achieving these easy hair up styles, first I wash my hair using the Soap and Glory Glad Hair Day Shampoo and Conditioner, the shampoo is gentle enough to use every wash and the conditioner keeps hair feeling super soft and silky, I usually leave the conditioner on for a couple of minutes so the formula can really have a chance to work its magic. After rinsing I towel dry my hair and brush through using the Wet Brush and a few spritzes of a detangling spray or leave in conditioner, my current favourite is the Body Shop Rainforest Detangling Milk for Coloured Hair, this keeps my colour looking fresh and adds an additional layer of moisture.

I like using a large paddle brush to blow dry my hair along with Bumble and Bumbles Thickening Spray to create volume, then I use my straighteners just to smooth the ends of my hair down otherwise it tends to look slightly wild, usually I use an oil like the L'Oreal Mythic Oil which keeps my hair hydrated and adds a nice healthy shine.

For a simple side plait I part my hair to the side and backcomb the roots slightly to create texture and volume, then I bring all the hair round to one side and plait it nice and tightly, then I secure the bottom with a hair tie. Next I pull at the plait creating a more loose/natural effect, you could also tease the plait using a backcombing brush, this makes the plait look nice and full. To frame my face I simply pull the hair around my face out of the braid, again this creates a more natural look. If you prefer something a little neater you can always take the end of the plait and secure it onto the head using hair clips, just make sure you tuck the end of the plait under a layer of hair to conceal the hair tie. Simply spray with a good hairspray for a style that will hold all day!

What are some of your favourite hair up ideas?

Current Loves - The First Edition

The products that have been tickling my fancy so far this January with a book thrown in for good measure... 

Last year I featured a 'current favourites series' on my blog for a few months where I wrote about products, clothes, food etc. that I had been loving at the time, a monthly favourites type of thing just not necessarily at the end of each month, this year I hope to make this type of favourites posts a regular feature on my blog, I love reading what other peoples favourite items are so here are mine...

First up is an old favourite just in a lovely new bottle as I had run out of my first one, Chanel's Chance Eau Fraiche is such a gorgeous scent, it's light, fresh and feminine without being overpowering. Next up is The Body Shop's Hemp Hand Protector, this is a must have in the winter months for me, the cold weather can really take its toll on my skin and nothing comes to the rescue better than this rich hand cream. Packed with Community Fair Trade Hemp Seed Oil this hand cream is super heavy duty, it even heals cracked sore skin so definitely one I recommend if you are outdoors a lot.

Another Body Shop favourite is the Camomile Waterproof Eye Make Up Remover, this oil and water combination is perfect for removing stubborn mascara and matt lipstick, I just shake the bottle to activate to formula and apply to the skin using a cotton pad, it lifts away make up effortlessly without having to spend ages tugging away at the lashes.

Soap and Glory's Calm One, Calm All Bubble Bath has been keeping my baths nice and relaxing with subtle girly aroma and moisturising bubbles, the formula is enriched with lemon balm and mallow extracts meaning if your feeling super lazy you can skip the moisturiser and fall straight into bed, which is what you will want to do after using this - this stuff is seriously relaxing!

My final favourite is one I literally struggle to put down, Lena Dunham's Not That Kinda Girl is such a hilariously honest account of Lena's journey into becoming a woman, she is so relatable, as a reader you feel as though she is willing to share anything with you no matter how dark or embarrassing that might be, I especially loved her food diary entries. Definitely recommend checking this book out if you're a Girls fan.

So that's my most recently loved products so far this year, what are some of yours? Leave your blog links below.

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Just Landed - Drops of Youth Bouncy Sleeping Mask

I absolutely loved The Body Shop's Nutriganics Drops of Youth Concentrate when it launched last year, and the rest of the range is so gentle yet effective when it comes to anti-ageing and keeping skin looking fresh and youthful, so when I heard that a new sleeping mask was on the horizon I knew it was something I needed to try...

The New Bouncy Sleeping mask has well and truly made its way into my everyday night time routine, this is the perfect final step in any skincare routine as the sticky gel like cream sits on the skin overnight sealing in night creams, serums etc. The innovative bounce back texture is super lightweight and easy to massage into the skin, I like to use my facial massager as this helps improve circulation and feels nice and relaxing.

The mask is packed with skin loving ingredients like Edelweiss plant extract - this precious plant is great for renewing skin cells, the stem cell technology used in the mask encourages the skins cell renewal and slows down the natural collagen breakdown that happens as we age, meaning the skins elasticity decreases at a slower rate, basically meaning younger looking skin, as well as that this mask is packed with hyaluronic acid which holds one hundred times its own weight in moisture so skin feels plump and hydrated when you wake up.

Will you be trying out the Bouncy Sleeping Mask? 

Keep an eye out for part two of the 'Just Landed' series as The Body Shop have also released a brand new hydrating primer! 

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

Bath Time Essentials

My must have products for the ultimate bath time experience...

When it comes to it nothing is quite as relaxing as a hot bath especially one filled with fragrant luxurious bubbles, I love the Lush bubble bars as they not only fill the bath with a mountain of bubbles but they leave the skin feeling super soft and moisturised afterwards. Two new bubble bars I have been trying are from the Lush Christmas collection, first up is Holy Golightly - shaped like a Christmas pudding and covered in silver glitter this is perfect for a festive pamper evening, this bubble bar is packed with spicy Christmas scents like clove leaf oil, cinnamon leaf oil and sweet orange oil. Another Lush bar I love is Candy Mountain, this sweet bath treat is packed with comforting vanilla scent and turns the bath water a beautiful shade of pink. 

The Body Shop's Honeymania Bubble Bath Melt is also another bath time favourite, the perfect mixture of honey and wildflower give this bath melt a gorgeous fragrance, the creamy bubbles leave a rich layer of moisture on the skin. My final bath time must have is The Body Shop's Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub, this stuff smells incredible and the seed like texture lifts away dead skin helping to improve the body's circulation.

What are your favourite bathtime products? Have you tried anthing from the Lush Christmas range yet?

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop, this is no way effects my opinion.

The Skincare Series: Part Two

I've talked cleanser, make-up remover and toner but now it is time to find out what products I like to use on a daily basis to keep my skin hydrated...

After using my L'Oreal Velvety Soft Toner I like to prepare my skin for moisturiser by using a serum, my current go to is Hydraluron from Indeed Labs, this contains a pure form of hyaluronic acid - an incredibly moisturising ingredient that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water which helps to keep skin feeling hydrated and plumped.

To prepare my eyes for moisturiser I like to use The Body Shop's Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate, like Hydraluron this helps keep the skin plump and youthful, it also helps to reduce fine line and eye bags. I love the cooling sensation of the metal roller ball - this is perfect for waking yourself up in the early winter mornings. The active ingredient is Elderweiss - a plant stem cell proven to help with the skins renewal properties.

After my serums have had time to sink in and work their magic I like to apply my moisturiser, the Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, again by The Body Shop, is perfect for my combination skin type, this lightweight sorbet texture sinks into the skin very quickly so there's no waiting around to apply my foundation, it is enriched with wheatgerm oil so keeps my skin hydrated all day. For my eyes I have been using the Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff. The formula is enriched with coffee bean, ginseng, magnolia extract and natural optic brighteners, these ingredients help to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

Next week I'll be discussing skin treatments and skin saviors so stay tuned.....

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

The Skincare Series: Part One

When it comes to my skincare routine I think I have finally got it just right, all that experimenting has paid off and now I am left with a selection of products that suit my skin and a routine that works well, here is what I use to cleanse and tone...

Cleansers come in so many different formulas - creams, balms, foaming washes etc but nothing takes my make-up off better than an oil cleanser, the oil breaks down dirt and make-up like nothing else out there, my current cleanser is The Body Shop's Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, this is super gentle and melts into the skin leaving it feeling super soft. I massage this into dry skin and then add water so the oil emulsifies, next I take a clean muslin cloth and soak it in warm water, ring out excess liquid and then use to take the cleanser off - make-up and dirt literally melts away to reveal a squeaky clean face.

If I have a little more make-up on than the usual everyday face like a smoky eye or a heavy lip then I like to use something slightly more heavy duty like the Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover, this on a cotton pad makes removing a smoky eye effortless - again the formula is great for sensitive eyes as its incredibly gentle and soothing.

To prepare my skin for moisturiser I have been using the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfection Velvety Soft Toner - this is specially formulated for sensitive skin and is infused with skin softening actives which leave skin feeling clean and smooth, I like to apply this day and night after my cleansing routine to help improve my skins texture, this is also alcohol free so doesn't cause dryness or discomfort.

The next step is to hydrate and moisturise, stay tuned for part two...

DISCLAIMER: Although I work for The Body Shop, my opinions are all my own. 

Colour Crush Nail Polish by The Body Shop

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop, my views and opinions are 100% honest and my own. 

The Body Shop's new nail polish collection has landed - details below...

When I first found out the The Body Shop were planning to release a nail polish collection I was pretty excited, I am forever painting my nails and can never say no to the idea of a shiny new lacquer lining my bathroom cupboard. The range is packed with some seriously stunning colours, one my favourites being Mint Cream, this shade is super pretty and looks great with tribal jewellery. Meet Me At Dusk is also a favourite, its a gorgeous vintage pink that is a great transitional summer to autumn shade.

Most of these shades require just two coats for a super glossy opaque finish, they are also very long lasting especially if you apply the top coat over your desired colour - this adds extra shine too for that salon style glass like appearance. Application wise the brush is somewhere between an Essie brush and a Barry M brush so if your not a fan of a super wide brush or a very thin brush then you will love these.

What shades have you picked up from the new collection?

Day to Night

Subtle styling changes can take a pretty floral dress from day to night...

I picked up this dress from Bershka a couple of weeks ago, it has a super pretty floral print that is easy to dress up or down, for a more casual event such as lunch with friends I paired this dress with a Topshop leather jacket and my H&M black heels, the leather adds another dimension to the outfit giving it a tougher edge. For the evening look I wore the dress with my vintage fur wrap and a pretty clutch from a charity shop, I also went for a dark lip to keep with the old Hollywood glamour theme.

Dress - Bershka

Jacket - Topshop

Bag - Charity Shop

Fur Wrap - Vintage

Shoes - H&M

Earrings - Brighton Laines 

Lipstick - Rimmel 107

Nails - The Body Shop Minty Amour

How would you style this dress?

Current Make Up Picks

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

The products that have made the cut into my everyday routine, The brief? - fresh faced long lasting foundation, a golden glow and a touch of shimmer, the products used? read on...

As the weather has taken an autumnal turn the need for a super lightweight base is no more, and when it comes to foundations offering that little bit of extra coverage no one does it quite like Vichy, their Dermablend foundation is medium to full coverage and gives a slightly velvety finish without being too matte, a little also goes an incredibly long way so less is definitely more when applying.

For contouring I have been using a combination of my two favourite bronzers, the first is one of my most loved make up products - Nars Laguna, this just gives a very natural looking contour without looking muddy or too warm, I like to use my Real Techniques Contour Brush to apply this into the hollows of my cheeks and my temples etc, after I like to use a Kabuki brush to apply another matte bronzer - The Body Shop's Honey Bronzer in 03, the combination of the two create a subtle warmth to the skin and give that much needed definition of the cheekbone area.

The shimmer mentioned in the brief? Well look no further than The Body Shop's Shimmer Cubes, incredibly pigmented and bursting with shimmer these little squares of pure beauty goodness are perfect for creating all number of eye looks whether you want a light natural wash of colour on the lids or you want to go for a full on dramatic smoky eye. I have the Spring Bronze quad, this is packed with warm earthy tones that are very flattering.

To keep things in place and lasting all day I like to use a setting spray, The Body Shop's Vitamin E Face Mist is perfect for adding a little moisture as well as holding your make up in place - perfect if you have gone a tad overboard on the powder front and need to get things looking a little less cakey. This lightweight spray contains rosewater and is very refreshing, it is great for carry round in your handbag for on the go touch ups.

Let me know if you have tried any of these in the comments below:)

Strawberries, Cherries and an Angel's Kiss in Spring

A late Summer inspired look perfect for a casual date night...

Dressing for this time of year can often leave one in a slight predicament, if you had of listened to the weather reports over the last few weeks then all your summer clothes will have been neatly stored away until next year, however Summer isn't going as quietly as some predicted, this past week has seen some gorgeous English weather so I thought I would put a late Summer inspired look together.

Cropped top - Asos

Skirt - Asos

Hat - H&M

Shoes - H&M

Bag - Primark

Jewellery - Topshop/ New Look

Nail Varnish - The Body Shop Minty Amour

The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Picks

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this is no way effects my opinion.

See what my favourites are from The Body Shop's new Wild Argan Oil Range...

Argan Oil is an ingredient that I have been familiar with for a while now, the essential oil's moisturising properties mean that using a hair oil has become a staple in many girls hair routines. So I was rather excited when I heard that The Body Shop were bringing out a body care range packed with new exciting products. The Organic Community Fair Trade Argan Oil comes all the way from the remote Atlas Mountains of Morocco where the nuts are hand picked, hand cracked and slowly pressed to get the purest oil. The Body Shop's trade is helping provide women from six Targanine Co-operatives with a regular income.

My favourites from the range include the Wild Argan Oil Bubbling Bath -  a wonderfully fragrant bath must have that creates rich, indulgent bubbles. This leaves skin feeling supple and moisturised. For super dry skin in need of a little extra hydrating boost I like to use the Wild Argan Oil Miracle Solid Oil, this multi-purpose product can be used on hair and body. I love applying this to the ends of my hair as a finishing styling product to tame flyaway hair and improve the hairs texture if it is looking a little dry. This solid oil is 70% oil so is incredibly moisturising - it is perfect for especially dry areas like heels, elbows and knees.

Have you tried anything from the Wild Argan Range?

The Body Shop Pomegranate Night Cream

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

The Body Shop's extensive skin care range means you can select products that are specially formulated for your skin type, lately I have been testing out the Pomegranate Firming Night Cream...

The Pomegranate skincare range was developed for the signs of aging, I picked up the night cream as it claimed to firm the skin giving a more youthful appearance. This luxurious feeling cream contains organic pomegranate which is high in skin loving anti-oxidants and is often used in anti-aging products.

As directed I apply this in the evening to a cleansed, dry face in upward circular motions which help to improve the skins circulation. The rich texture is thick and creamy and sinks into the skin well so is perfect for providing night time hydration. It makes the skin feel nourished as well as giving a temporary lifting effect so skin appears plump and healthy and wrinkles appear softer.

I will be trying out the Pomegranate Day Cream in the winter months as my skin will need plenty of re-hydration. Have you tried any of The Body Shop's Skincare yet? Which range suits you best?

Current Lip Favourites

Disclaimer- Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion.

My go to lip formulas for when I need a moisture boost and a hint of colour...

Lip care is an area of my beauty routine that gets slightly neglected, I have all these wonderful lip products that sit side by side in the draw waiting to be used, there are a few however that manage to make the jump into my daily routine, first up is the Korres Lip Butter in Pomegranate this is perfect for chapped lips and gives a slight hint of sheen and colour, Pomegranates are rich in antioxidants which help to reduce aging.  If I am looking for something quick with a little colour this is my go to. Next up is the Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm, this natural lip product is packed with coconut and sunflower oils which nourish and condition the lips, the beeswax helps to seal in this hydration keeping your lips looking moisturised, it also contains peppermint oil so it feels fresh when applied.

If I need something more intense I turn to my Nuxe Reve de Miel Honey Lip Balm, the consistency is rich and thick and feels more like a lip treatment that a balm, I like to use this at night so it is a perfect product to keep on the bedside table, the plant oils and grapefruit essence help to soothe the lips while the Shea butter and honey nourish and repair.

For moisture and colour I like to use The Body Shops Colour Crush Lipsticks, I have the shades Coral Cutie105 - a bright coral hue with true orange tones and Blushing Pink 225 - a pretty pink shade that looks great with a tan. The lovely texture of these lipsticks means they glide on easily and the colour can be built up depending on how bold you want to go. They are lots of shades in this range so I will definitely be picking a few more of these up!


What are your favourite lip products at the moment?

New Skincare and Haircare Additions

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

Recent purchases that made it to the top of the favourites list.

When it comes to cleansers I have tried a fair few, oil cleansers however have never appealed to me mainly because my skin is oily and putting and oil based product onto my skin feels like a big no no, that being said however Kate from Gh0stparties recently revised the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop and loved it so I thought it must be worth a try, and I have to say I am now fully converted to oil cleansers. Of course it is a common misconception that an oil based product will increase the skins own oil production, this particular oil cleanser is gentle and effective and removes dirt and make up in an instant, I apply this onto dry skin and then add water to emulsify the product which produces a rich, soapy lather. Then using a warm muslin cloth I remove the product to reveal a nice cleansed face, If I am in a hurry however I will use The Body Shop's Vitamin E Cleansing Facial Bar which effectively removes dirt and impurities whilst providing the skin with hydration.

Another moisturising product on my list is the Origins Overnight Drink Up Intensive Mask, this is perfect if my skin is feeling dehydrated, I just pop this on right before bed and wake up to thirst quenched skin. The last product on my list is in the hair care

category, something not often mentioned on my blog as it takes a real backseat in my entire beauty regime, this product however deserves a mention, the NSPA Hair and Scalp Miracle Mask  is the perfect hair treatment, I was looking for a rescue and repair product that would not weigh down my roots and mid lengths but that would still be rich and hydrating enough for my ends, I had previously tried masks that direct users to apply only to the ends so as not to weigh down the roots, my hair however is incredibly hard to brush post hair wash so ideally I needed a product that would smooth and condition all my hair - not just the ends, that is why I love this mask, it is super hydrating at the same time it is great for my roots as it is so lightweight. As directed I apply this after my usual shampoo and conditioner routine, I massage this into my scalp working it right through the lengths of my hair to the very ends. I leave this on for around five minutes and rinse thoroughly.  I do this once or twice a week depending on how in need of a treatment my hair is.

That is it for my most recent additions, I am sure it won't be long until my next haul post... I may have made a few cheeky purchases already... Stay tuned.

Pampering Must Haves

Find yourself with an evening to spare? Grab a pen and paper and add these must haves to your evening pamper list...

Since I started working at The Body Shop I have definitely been inspired to spend more time on body care, I used to dread the thought of coming home, exfoliating etc but now I have turned it into a more luxurious end to the day and it is something I really look forward to. So if you are looking to shake up your routine then read on...

The Body Shop Mango Body Scrub - This sugar scrub removes dead skin cells and improves skins circulation, it contains mango seed oil so it has a real fruity scent, I like using this with exfoliating gloves or a mitt. As well as leaving my skin feeling super soft it is also perfect for removing fake tan.
Next up is the Korres Vanilla and Cinnamon Body Milk - I think the main reason I love using this so much is because it smells delicious, the vanilla and cinnamon scents combine to create a really yummy smell.. almost pudding like. This is packed with skin loving ingredients like almond oil, aloe and Shea butter that combine to hydrate the skin. If I am looking to moisturise in a hurry I always turn to the Satsuma Body Sorbet from The Body Shop, this is super hydrating leaving the skin feeling moisturised, the sorbet texture sinks into the skin quickly as it is so lightweight, it also is very cooling on the skin.

I am always looking to add products to my pamper regime so let me know in the comments your current favourites.

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?