Wednesday 30 July 2014

July Favourites


Here we are once again at the end of another month. July has been interesting, and the weather in particular has been gorgeous. I have been enjoying it by going on bike rides and having Barbecues. It's been a great month. To top it off, as you read this I will be abroad. Hopefully I will have more on that later, but for now, here are my favourite things for July.

Favourite make-up


This month I have adored using the Clinique Cheek Pop. I have used it constantly since I bought it. It really does give a wonderful colour to my cheeks. love the formula as it goes on so well. It's such a brilliant blush, and it is perfect for summer.

Favourite skincare


I purchased a new moisturiser this month. The Soap & Glory The Fab Pore, which I've fallen in love with. I use it as part of my morning routine. It's a light moisturiser and just sinks in brilliantly. I really love it.

The other thing I have adored this month is the Boots Soltan Once Sun Cream. This claims to last 8 hours and it really does. I spent an entire day in the sun with only putting one application on and I didn't get burnt at all. I was pretty amazed. Because of that, this has become my favourite sun cream.

Favourite Film

I hadn't watched any films this month until I watched Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel and fell in love immediately. It is such a quirky and brilliant film. It tells the story of the 'adventures of Gustave H, a legendary concierge at a famous hotel between the wars, and Zero Moustafa, the lobby boy, who becomes his most trusted friend'. It stars a lot of the usual Wes Anderson actors, and Ralph Fiennes in particular is absolutely brilliant. It was a very funny film and I honestly cannot recommend it enough



Favourite Television

This month E4 finally finished How I Met Your Mother. I am aware that everyone knows who the mother is now and the ending to the story, I've finally caught up. It's been an enjoyable series and strong series, and I'm quite sad to see it end.



Favourite Music

My friend introduced me to Postmodern Jukebox a few weeks back and they are amazing. Basically they do covers of popular modern day songs in a vintage style. Take a listen and fall in love.

Friday 25 July 2014

Camp Kit


I am going camping for a week soon, and it is important to me to keep my skincare routine up. The trip I'm going on is most certainly not glamping. Although it won't be completely roughing it, I don't know what the facilities will be like.

To help anyone else in this position, I have put together a few ideas of the sorts of things I take on camping trips.


-The Face-

The important part for my face is keeping it clean from all the dirt and impurities that have built up during the day. If we're honest, the facilities aren't always great, so I've tried to find a routine that will combat that. I always take face wipes as these are great as a quick fix to get the initial dirt of my face. I love these Yes To wipes as they are thick and gentle on the skin. The Liz Earle Hot Cleanser is brilliant for a camp as it all it takes is some hot water and a cloth and your face feels great. As I'm going on a week long camp I'm taking a big bottle of cleanser that I can use in the same way. Cotton wool pads are brilliant to use. Finally I use moisturiser and eye cream to really take care of my skin.


-The Make-Up-

As you can see, I keep my make-up very minimal, and I only really use it if we're going out into civilisation. I use the Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector and the Collection Long Lasting Concealers as my dark circles and blemishes are the areas I'm most concious about, so I like to try and cover these up. I find this to be a great combination. I only use them on areas that need it. If I'm feeling bold I will use some mascara, but mostly I don't bother. I will always use lip balm however, as being in the great outdoors isn't the best for my lips. I love the Carmex lip balms as they work well for me.


-The Hair-

If you are lucky to have showers at your campsite, then keeping your hair and body clean is a must. I use general shampoo and conditioner. Normally, whatever good travel sizes I can find. I also use something that can help my curls look decent in between washes, and this Aussie Curl Definition Serum is brilliant. If you don't have showers or are not washing your hair for a few days, then dry shampoo is the best thing ever, as it keeps your hair looking fresh for days. I use the Batiste Dry Shampoo. It's the only one I've used, but it works for me so I keep going back!


-The Body-

Ahe deodorant is a must as who wants to be smelly on camp! I use a stick deodorant as it's the easiest and I really like this Nivea Invisible. The body wash is just a cheap one I bought from Primark, but it does the job, and that's the main thing. If I  am going away for a long time in the summer then I will want to shave my legs. I use a disposable razor and a travel size shave gel. To lock in the moisture after shaving I use a body lotion or milk. There are two pictured here as I couldn't decide which one to take!


-The Rest-

Obviously a tooth brush and tooth paste is important. I saw this travel toothbrush in Boots, and I love it as it folds away being compact and protecting the head. Another important thing is Sun cream. I use face and body sun cream. This Boots Soltan Once sun cream is fantastic as it lasts 8 hours! I use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios cream for my face which works great, and doesn't leave my face sticky. Hand cream is important as being outdoors all day can really dry your hands. The L'Occitane hand creams are my favourites. One important thing to take is hand santitiser, as it's a quick way to keep your hands fresh and stop any cross-contamination. Finally, there are two other good things to take which aren't pictured as I bought them afterwards. Bug spray is brilliant as no one wants to be eaten alive, and I always make sure I take painkillers just in case a end up with a headache.

Is there anything extra you would take?

Wednesday 23 July 2014

3 Things: About me


I have been posting on here for a couple of months now, and I thought it was time for you to get to know me a little better. So below are 3 random facts about me:

-1- Whenever there are leaves on the ground I have to step on them and crunch them. Always. Without fail. I will admit that it has given me a few odd looks.

-2- I like to try and be active and take part in new things. I love going bouldering regularly, and I have begun cycling more. In the next few months I hope to start fencing.

-3- I love tea. I love tea a lot. My favourites include just a good everyday cuppa and rooibos teas. There's not much that can't be solved with a good cup of tea.

What are some random facts about you?

Sunday 20 July 2014

Summer Make-Up


For summer, I think it's important to have make-up which is simple and light enough to combat the heat. It's not a great feeling be suffocated by make-up or having it melt! I also like to make sure I have something that can last the day with minimal touch-ups. As I spend all my time at work, and can't really get away with spending my day in the toilets perfecting my make-up!

So I have come up with a simple routine. This is what works for me. I've tried to keep it as simple as possible but with still looking great.

To prime my face I like to use Benefit's Porefessional (£24.50, Feel Unique), as it gives helps give a smooth base to the skin and helps keep my face looking matte. This has pretty much become a everyday staple. As a foundation, I use Garnier BB cream (£9.99, Boots). It's such a light base, that it's perfect for summer. I find it gives a nice radiance to my skin too. It's always good to have a healthy looking glow in summer.

To conceal dark circles I use my secret weapon: Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector in light peach (£19.00, HOF). I love this so much as it just drastically changes my look and brightens up my entire face. I have recently hit pan on it which I'm quite sad about. On top of that, I sometimes use the Bobbi Brown concealer but I have found myself going back to the ever popular Collection Long Lasting Perfection concealers (£4.19, Boots). I stopped using them for a while when they changed the shades but I've started with them again, working them slightly differently which I love the results of. I use Cool Medium (2) under my eyes as it is lighter than my natural shade and brightens the area perfectly. I also use it down the bridge of my nose and to cover the red around my nose which brightens my entire face. I then go in with the warm medium (3) shade to tackle any spots and blemishes. It's a darker shade so it works to not highlight the spots. I then set all my face with Soap & Glory's One Heck of a Blot (£12, Boots), taking particular attention around my eyes.

I like to keep my make-up very simple daily, so I only use the Benefit Gimme Brow (£17.50, Feel Unique) on my eyebrows to really define them. I then curl my eyelashes and use the Soap & Glory Thick and Fast Mascara (£10.00, Boots) to really make my lashes stand out. I pair this with the Maybelline Great Lash (£4.99, Boots) for the bottom lashes. This combo really makes my lashes go BAM!

On my cheeks I use the Clinique Cheek Pop (£16.50, HOF) in the shade peach pop. The blush really is long lasting and makes my cheeks look bright and summery. I finally dab Benefit's Watt's Up (£24.50, Feel Unique) on my cheek bones, my cupid bow and the arch on my eyebrow to really highlight these areas when they catch the light.

To set it all in place I use Urban Decay's De-Slick (£20, HOF) setting spray which keeps me going most of the day.

What is the staple of your summer make-up?

Wednesday 16 July 2014

July Birch Box


It's time for another Birch Box! The theme for July is Sun, Sea & Sand, and the Birch Box team are helping for a summer away by suggesting products for taking away on holiday.

This is most is not the best box I've received, and it's quite hit and miss if I'm honest. It was always going to be hard to keep up the level of the last one. I am however, looking forward to using a couple of products in this box.

So here is what I received:

Benefit Porefessional - I was disappointed that this appeared in my box to be honest. Now I love the Porefessional, it is one of my favourite products and I use it daily; and that is the exact reason I was disappointed. For me Birch Box is about finding new products to love. I'm sure for anyone who has never used the Porefessional then it will be a great surprise as the product is great. I guess it means it will keep me going a little longer.

Whish Body Butter - This is in a lovely subtle lavender scent. I've used it once but it doesn't seemed to have lasted very long. I love the scent and it sinks into the skin beautifully. However, it did seem to leave my skin slightly sticky. Not one I am bothered about purchasing in the future.

Balance Me Wonder Eye Cream - Now this is one I am looking forward to using as it sounds so good and couldn't turn up at a better time. I have been looking for a good eye cream now that I have finished my Bobbi Brown sample.It's light on the skin and doesn't make my skin sting which is always a bonus. It says it brightens the eye area and keeps wrinkles at bay, so I have high hopes for this.

Laqa & Co Lip Lube pencil - So after I'd stopped giggling at the name, I could assess this one. I got mine in the colour Menatour which is a very purple shade. I'm not sure I'd ever wear this out in public for that reason... I know it's a trend for this season, and purple is my favourite colour, but it's just not so keen with it on my lips. I'm very much a neutral gal so it' not really my shade. It does feel really nice on the lips though, so we'll see. I could change my mind! It won't be the first time.

Models Own Nail Polish - This one came in the shade Magenta Divine which is a pink glitter shade, and if there is one thing I don't like it's glitter. I think I just have memories of it getting everywhere and having glitter all over my face. Glitter polish itself reminds me of being 14 and getting this type of polish free with magazines. I don't think I'll wear this one at all as it's really not me. I'm more likely to give it away to my niece.

Finally, the lifestyle extra is the Filosofille 4-sided nail buffer, which looks so cute!It doesn't seem very sturdy but does look like it'll get the job done. It's a nice little extra thins month. These things always come in handy.

Which product do you like the look of?



Wednesday 9 July 2014

A little Haul


Unfortunately, the few days after payday often means a shopping trip. It's great for me, but terrible for my bank balance. But it gives me chance to pick up things that I've had my eye on for a while.

This month I got busy with my credit card and bought some nice things. First off is Aussie Dual Personality Curl Definition and Soft Feel Serum (products need shorter names). I bought this on a recommendation, as I am constantly looking for something light to keep my curls defined and soft.Especially as after I nights sleep I wake with them all flattened. Hopefully this will rejuvenate my curls in a morning.

Next up is the Urban Decay De-Slick Make-up Setting Spray. I purchased the travel size to give it a go. For a travel size I think it's a good amount. I have used it a couple of times and so far I'm not sure about it. Working 8 hours a day means at the end of my shift my make-up is slipping off. I wanted to find something that would keep my make-up in place all day. I think I need to use it a bit longer to see for sure.

Next is the Ecotools Six Piece Essential Eye Set. I generally don't do eye make-up. Some mascara is good enough for me., but I recently purchased a Make-up Revolution Eye Palette (Girls On Film) and so I wanted to try out more. Obviously to do that I need the right tools.

And this brings me onto my next pick which is Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion, which, again, I used so I could try out some eye colour and thought this would be perfect to help it last. It seems like one that a lot of people use, so I thought it'd be the best one to give a go.

I wanted to find a summery blush so I decided to pick up the Clinique Cheek Pop blush in Peach Pop. I have heard really good things about this blush so I wanted to give it a try myself. I absolutely love the bright colour. Pop is definitely the right name for it!

Finally I bought two things to help me touch up my make-up on the go. I bought a Real Techniques Retractable Kabuki Brush as well as a The Vintage Cosmetic Company Make-up bag. The make-up bag was too cute to pass up. I do find myself just throwing all my make-up in the bottom of my bag, so having something to keep them organised it great. I absolutely love the brush. I think it's such a neat idea as you can make the brush any size you want. I bought it to use as a powder brush for when I need to powder my nose, but I love that it's so versatile.

Sunday 6 July 2014

Mid-year goals


At the beginning of every year I like to set a series of goals to accomplish through the year. It's not really resolutions as they're something to work on, and they're not necessarily as measurable as resolutions can be., but it's always good to have a focus for the year ahead.

Seven months on and I'm a different person to the one who started the year. Only slightly, as my role at work changed unexpectedly and I have new interests. Because of this I wanted to take a look at my goals and see where I want to be at the end of the year.

So these are the handful of goals to get me through to 2015 and hopefully beyond:

  1. Say 'yes'-  I'm one of these people who often puts things off, or who ends up avoiding something because I get anxious about a situation or don't know what to expect. I suspect I've missed loads of brilliant opportunities because of this, so it's time for me to keep experiencing more and say yes a lot more often.
  2. Keep healthy - This is a very important goal as I really want to get healthier by eating well and keeping active. I am currently doing C25K running program, as well trying to go on regular bike rides. Eating well is the hardest, as I do like my food, but I'm trying integrate eat more fruit and veg into my everyday diet. By the end of the year I'd like to have a good healthy routine and diet in place.
  3. Work towards my career - I heard or read recently that once you know what you want to do with your life, every decision you make should be towards that. I've only recently decided what it is I want to go into. I've spent many years just doing what I enjoy, or just things that'll get me by. Now I have an idea I can start working towards it and I want to be well under the way by the end of the year.

So that is my focus for the rest of the year and hopefully when we begin 2015 I'll be able to say that they're well under way.

What are your mid-year goals?



Wednesday 2 July 2014

Beach wishlist

1//2//3//4//5//6//7


The sad thing about living in the right in middle of the UK is that there are no beaches near me to frequent. The nearest one is about two hours away, and isn't the greatest beach to visit. But it doesn't stop a gal from dreaming.

When I think of the beach I think bright colours and airy clothes, so I've reflected that in my picks. I absolutely love the contrast swimsuit. It is incredibly cute and will look great on the beach. I also love the bright bold colours of the maxi dress and the cover-up. 

Lastly, I've added in some sunglasses and a hat because you can't go in the sun without them!

What is on your beach wishlist?

Contact

Name

Email *

Message *