Sunday 30 April 2017

Dewy Spring Makeup

I like to reach for luminous, glow inducing products all year round, however during the warmer months I like to up the ante. I have compiled a list of my top radiance-boosting offerings that help to deliver dewy Spring skin.  

Face oils are always a must have for me, but I've been adding an extra step into my routine to make sure that my skin looks as healthy as can be before makeup application. Applying a liquid highlighter to the high points of my face just makes my lacklustre skin look a little more healthy, before applying the Nars Radiance Primer which prolongs makeup wear; perfect for the warmer weather when your base is more likely to slip. 

For foundation, I have been reaching for the L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion offering for an all over luminous finish that disguises blemishes and imperfections, whilst being easy to build up coverage. If I want something a little different, then I usually mix in a liquid highlighter like the Cover FX Enhancer Drops into my Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue for an all over, light coverage glow - ideal for those "barely there" makeup days. 

When opting for radiant, dewy makeup it can be easy to overlook the importance of setting your makeup with a powder; something that during the Spring and Summer I like to make a habit of. The Bourjois Java Powder is the perfect pick as it reduces the size of my pores, whilst mattifying and subtly highlighting in all the right places in one go. 

Picking a blusher for dewy skin can be difficult as you don't want to get rid of the glow too much with a matte option, but shimmery ones often lack pigmentation. The H&M Golden Peach Blush is great as this peachy pink has gold flecks running through it, making it extremely flattering on my complexion, whilst being easy to blend into dewy makeup without separating. 

For lips, I often opt for a matte option as I find I don't have the fear of appearing too sweaty if I'm wearing a matte lipstick like the Tom Ford Addison offering. It's a perky pink hue that is understated, but a great pick for Spring. 

What are your dewy makeup must haves? 

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Saturday 29 April 2017

Hydration From Head To Toe

Despite the Winter being the season for lacklustre, dry complexion, the temperamental weather changes and daily hayfever struggles make my skin sore and dehydrated during the Spring and Summer months too. My hair gets brittle from wearing it up more, my legs get irritated from shaving and my face lacks hydration all year round...

First up is my skincare routine and during the warmer months, I like to swap out heavy creams for lighter lotions, all whilst not compromising on moisture. Two of my top picks are the Origins Ginzing and Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream, as both of these deliver a great deal of hydration without clogging up or sitting on the skin for too long. In terms of cleanser, I tend to stick with the same, but I have been reaching for my micellar gels more often to help soothe the complexion and reduce redness. 

As a Lush enthusiast, there's nothing I love more than a soak in a bath with a Lush bath bomb, however with Hayfever playing havoc on my body, making it super itchy and sore, I have actually been reaching for a simpler bubble bath. The Sanex Hypo-Allergenic Foam Bath is one I picked up for a few pounds, but the freshly scented offering really does wonders for my irritated skin. Although I've stopped with the Lush baths for the time being, I can't help but use one of their scented shower gels and the Comforter is one of my top picks for a refreshing, long lasting scent. If I want something a little lighter that will deliver a bigger boost of hydration then I opt for the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

I tend to keep my body lotions lighter during the warmer seasons to enable me to wear fake tan with ease, but it's still important that I regularly moisturise to keep my body feeling supple. The Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Body Souffle is an all year round favourite as the sweet scented cream feels extremely luxurious on the skin and helps to nourish too. Saying this, it can be a little heavy on some days or when I just want a quick application, so the Dove Goodness Body Oil is great at illuminating your pins and adding a velvety soft finish too. 

I've been trying to get better at treating my hair and- as someone who doesn't wash their hair very often- when I do, I tend to use a clarifying shampoo that is more prone to stripping the hair of moisture. To treat my hair I use the Schwarzkopf Got2B Oil on the ends of my dry hair to deliver shine and smooth the ends.

With the Summer months bringing sandals and open toe shoes into style, I like to spend a little more time treating and preening my nails. The Lush Lemony Flutter is a cuticle butter that helps to soothe any dry patches and is great paired with a pink pedicure. 

What hydrating products do you reach for in the warmer months? 

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Friday 28 April 2017

Three Non-Fiction Books To Read

There's nothing I love more than settling down for the night with a steaming hot chocolate and a story to delve into, but every now and again, I like to pick up a non-fiction book to teach me a few facts and to generally learn from. Today's line up is all about the three non-fiction books that I've been loving lately. 

Pretty Honest By Sali Hughes has been one of my favourite beauty books of all time and is one that I come back to time and time again. It's a must have and a great source for anything beauty related, from how to build a makeup routine to dealing with more complex skin issues. 


I picked up Dreamopedia last year when I wanted to learn a little bit more about my dreams. I remember having a similar, yet more complicated version when I was younger, but this easy to understand book is perfect if you're just starting out. It's one that you've got to have on your bedside table to remind you each morning to look up what you've dreamt before you forget it. 


Hygge was a topic everyone seemed to be talking about in the colder months and The Little Book Of Hygge* is a still a must-read for me. As an Autumn girl through and through, I absolutely love reading about all the ways you can embrace all things cosy including lights, books and endless blankets. 


What are your favourite non-fiction books?

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Thursday 27 April 2017

Easy Everyday Eyeshadows

Fast, easy to use eyeshadows are a must have for early mornings when I need a quick smoky eye fix. Although I love playing around with an array of shades, sometimes all I want is a one sweep wonder that does all the hard work for me. 

For the easiest look I have been loving the Clarins Gold Eyeliner*, which essentially isn't an eyeshadow, but can be worked across the upper and lower lash line like one. It's super creamy and blendable; perfect for when in a rush or paired with Summer, dewy makeup. 


Stick eyeshadows are a helpful addition to your makeup bag if you're on the go as they deliver colour in an instant, take up little to no room and you can carry a few to create a variety of looks. The By Terry Ombre Blackstar's are my favourite as they're super long lasting and easy to blend. 


The Charlotte Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise Bette Cream Eyeshadow is a great base, but also works great on it's own and paired with other powders too. The rich amber-gold shade is not only foolproof, but it's easy to wear on a daily basis and requires minimal effort. 


Although I love eyeshadows that add colour, sometimes all I want is a little shimmer on the eyes instead. The Clarins Aquatic Rose Eyeshadow* has a smooth texture and their cream to powder formula means that it works well when my eyes are feeling dehydrated too. I particularly like using this on my inner lids. 


The Nars Kalahari Duo is one of my top picks as the two shades compliment each other and work to create an easy, smoky eye. The copper and brown hues have a luxe feeling formula and a finish which is super dreamy against my blue eyes. 


What are your favourite easy, everyday eyeshadows? 

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Wednesday 26 April 2017

3 High End Brands To Try


When it comes to high end makeup there are plenty of brands and products to try out; so much so that it can become overwhelming. Here is a round up of three of my favourite luxury brands which I believe are worth a try. 

As a much-loved luxe brand, Charlotte Tilbury has quite the reputation, and as someone who has tried a fair few products from them, I can confirm that they deserve the hype they receive. The Pillow Talk Lipstick and Liner duo are two of my top picks for a long wearing, pink lip. 

Whenever I'm in a rush, I always reach for my one sweep wonders and the Bette Eyes To Mesmerise Eyeshadow is the perfect pick. It's super creamy and the coppery hue compliments my eye colour perfectly. I often pair this with the Dolce Vita Eyeshadow quad which is great at creating a soft, smokey eye. 

I've recently dug out my Bronze and Glow Palette and I'm loving it again. The two powders work wonders together to sculpt and add a glow to the cheekbones, whilst being natural on the skin. 


I come back to Nars products time and time again. Their broad range of high quality products and sleek black packaging always entices me back, so I knew that I had to feature them in this line up. I've already done a Nars round up before, but I still have to give a quick mention to the products that I would recommend. 

Although a new release, the Radiance Primer has quickly become one of my favourites. It prolongs the wear of my base whilst perking up my lacklustre skin in an instant. For an added luminous finish, the Copacabana Illuminator is the perfect pick; it looks gorgeous underneath your base makeup and can be used to add a sheen to the tops of your cheekbones too. 

The Nars Lip Pencils not only have a variety of shades for all occasions, but their formulas and finishes are dreamy too. From matte to satin, these are comfortable to wear, have great pigment and are long lasting too - A great product to have stored in your handbag for the day ahead! 


Finally, Hourglass is a brand which took me a while to try out. Their famous powders and luxe feeling blushers were on my wishlist for many months before taking the plunge, but once I did, the addition started. 

Their new Ambient Strobe Blush Palette is perfect for adding a flush of colour to the cheeks, whilst the marbling effect adds a sheen too. Although they're finely milled and super soft to apply, they don't lack in pigmentation, but still remain hard to go over the top with. 

Hourglass palettes always have me smitten and every Christmas when they bring out a new addition I always eye them up. The Surreal Light Palette; five powders encased in a marble packaging, is perfect for throwing into your makeup bag for a full face fix on the go - Perfect if you're going away! 

What high end brands would you recommend? 
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Tuesday 25 April 2017

12 Ways To Add A Little Magic In Your Life

After watching Harry Potter for the 1000th time, I thought to myself about all the ways you can add a little bit of magic to your life on a daily basis. Whether it's having a midnight feast in bed or taking a Lush bath will a bath bomb full of shimmer, I've compiled a list full of ways to make you feel magical today.  

Have Your Dinner By Candle Light | Whip up your favourite meal, bring out the tea lights and spread them around your house for a magical feeling. Adding fairy lights and dimming the lights can all add to the experience too. 

Look At The Stars and Full Moon | I'm always on the look out for when the next meteor shower and full moon are due. If there's a clear night, which is more likely during the warmer months, I always head out whenever I can to spot the constellations and the moon. 


Go Cloud Watching | Now that the weather is getting hotter, I am starting to spend more time outside and soon enough it will be picnic season. I'm planning on packing up my sandwiches and laying on my back watching the clouds whiz by and trying to find the shapes in the sky. 


Add Glitter To Everything | Whether it's making galaxy candy apples or simply just topping vanilla buttercream cupcakes with edible glitter, adding a bit of lustre to anything can make you feel magical. 


Watch Harry Potter In A Den | Nothing says magic more than a Harry Potter and if you haven't binge watched snuggled up under a duvet or in a blanket den, then have you really watched them at all? 


Watch The Sunset/Sunrise | Watching the pastel coloured sunset change is one of my favourite things to do, but I'm making it my mission to watch the sunrise from outside, something that is a little harder to do in the Summer, but come Autumn it's going straight to the top of my to-do list. 


Lighting Candles and Reading A Book In The Bath | An abundance of candles and a pile of soft, fluffy bubbles always perks me up and makes me feel magical. I've got several favourite magical Book picks including Harry Potter and The Night Circus


Look Out For Anything Golden or Holographic | I'm absolutely smitten with anything brass, copper or holographic and these Rose Gold Birkenstocks are currently on my wishlist. As for homeware, I love anything with a metallic finish, this West Elm Cat Trinket Dish and Urban Outfitters Round Planter


Make A Wish | Whether it's on a shooting star or when the clock strikes 11:11, I love making a wish whenever I can. 

Twirl Around In A Floaty Dress | I think I've been watching too many princess films lately, but is there anything better than twirling around in a floaty dress? 


Watch The Blossom Fall | Walking around bare foot in freshly cut grass, flying a kite in the wind and feeling the sun on your face are all of my favourite things to do in the Summer. Of course, in the UK we're more likely to feel rain upon us, but even that is magical in itself. Although watching the Autumn leaves fall is one my biggest pleasures, in the Spring when the blossom falls you can't help but feel magical too. Why not stand underneath and see if any fall onto your clothes and face? 


Cook Up Some Harry Potter Snacks | Whether it's an ice cold butter beer or delicious, warm pumpkin pasties, there are many Harry Potter recipes on the internet for you to re-create at home. 


How do you like to add a little magic to your life? 

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Monday 24 April 2017

Swoon Worthy Gold Favourites

I've done posts about eye catching packaging, rose gold favourites and blush pink must-haves, but when I was having a look through I noticed that I haven't done a post about one of my other favourite tone; gold. I have lots of makeup that either has speckles of metallic running through it or are encased in a luxe, gold exterior, so today I thought I would share with you my top favourites. 

Okay, so it's just the lid of the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation that is coloured gold, but I couldn't resist adding this to my line up. It's one that I've been loving lately when I want a higher coverage base, but is still hydrating which is great for drier complexions. 

Next up is the Sleek Solstice and Cleopatra's Kiss Highlighting Palettes, both of these quads has gorgeous shades which illuminate my cheekbones and help to deliver a strong radiant sheen. At under £10, they're an absolute steal and a highstreet gem that I recommend time and time again. 

The first blusher that came to mind when I thought of this post was the Becca Split Pan and, although they're limited edition, a few of them may still be floating around. The highlighter and blusher combination is perfect for perking up the skin and adding a glow to your cheeks too. Another favourite of mine is the Hourglass Ambient Strobe Lighting Palette which I'm sure you're sick of me talking about now, so I'll keep it short and sweet. The swirled blushers add just the right amount of colour and a radiant sheen to the skin in an instant. 

The YSL Nude In Private Lipstick is a rediscovery of mine that not only nourishes the lips, but adds a subtle pink shade to them which goes with my everyday makeup perfectly. Encased in gold packaging, this looks gorgeous in your makeup collection. 

When it comes to glitter on my nails, I always gravitate towards Essie. Whether it's a subtle glitter on top of a pink hue or strong metallic all over, I can't help but reach for Summit Of Style or Penny Talk. 

What are your favourite gold products? 

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Sunday 23 April 2017

A Spring Sunday Routine


Although the weather is getting warmer, my lust for cosy Sunday mornings with candles and books is still rife. I will always try to find time at the end of the week to pamper my body, preen my nails and spend a little more time on my skincare routine. 

My slow morning usually starts with a lightweight breakfast of either tasty vanilla and berry overnight oats or delicious mango chia seed pudding and it's then that my routine begins. I jump in the shower or bath pretty much straight away, as I like to feel awake and ready for the day from the get-go. Body brushing is one of my favourite parts of my body care routine and on a Sunday, when I've got a little more time, I like to concentrate on doing it thoroughly as it gets rid of dead skin and makes your body feels super smooth. In the morning, I like to apply the Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Body Souffle, a dreamy sweetly scented pick that feels wonderful on the skin, whereas at night, I opt for my Lush Sleep Lotion which is great when I'm starting to wind down for the evening. 


I tend to go makeup free on a Sunday, so I like to concentrate on cleansing and nourishing the skin with all my lotions and potions. I have recently discovered an old favourite of mine- the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel - a perfect pick me up for a dull complexion, which is perfect paired with an exfoliator. My go-to choice is the Superfacialist Vitamin C Scrub which smooths and perks up the skin in an instant. 


Sunday wouldn't be the same without a face mask to treat my irritated, dehydrated skin and I like to apply either the Origins Drink Up Overnight offering or the Avene Tolerance Extreme Mask* whilst I'm in the shower or bath. 


To finish my skincare routine, I opt for both an oil and a moisturiser to give my skin double the boost of hydration. My favourite pairing at the moment is the Caudalie VineActiv Detox Oil* and the Origins Ginzing Moisturiser which both work in sync to deliver a clear, glowing complexion in an instant - Perfect for if you're still suffering from over indulging on Easter eggs. 


It's then that I start my day properly, either by binge watching my favourite TV series, spending hours engrossed in a book in the garden, or spending my time outside enjoying the fresh air and Spring blooms. At the moment, I've been enjoying taking an hour or two to go exploring around our local woods, photographing flowers and generally having some time out. 

How do you like to spend your Sundays? 


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Saturday 22 April 2017

Blushers Perfect For The Warmer Weather

Although I'm secretly lusting after the cold, autumnal months, I have still been embracing Spring appropriate hues a lot lately. Blusher is one of my favourite ways to perk up the skin and add colour to the cheeks so I generally hoard as many as I can. Spring calls for me to bring out the bright pinks and fresh coral shades, so today I have a round up of my top blusher picks for the warmer months. 

There isn't a blusher more fitting for Spring than the Milani Tea Rose Blush, a matte pink offering that not only has a dreamy exterior, but the product itself is extremely pigmented and suitable for my skin tone. Although it's not the usual finish I go for- being matte instead of a satin finish- it doesn't make my lacklustre skin any more dull, but actually adds just the right amount of colour - Perfect for if you want to go a little heavier on the highlighter. 

I feel like I've been talking about the Hourglass Ambient Light Strobe Blush Palette non-stop recently, but this really is the creme de la creme of blushers, especially when my dull skin is craving colour. The swirled powders add a radiant finish and the range of shades never fail to suit any of my makeup looks. They're great when paired with a dewy base and if you're in a rush you can skip highlighter and still look glowing. 

Despite enjoying brights and corals in the hotter months, you can't beat a neutral pick when you want to avoid adding too much of an overpowering colour. The NYX Mauve Me Ombre Blush is perfect as the two shades merge to create a flawless finish and with the soft, finely milled powders, the formula is great for my dry complexion.  

What blushers are you loving this Spring?

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Friday 21 April 2017

The Products That Make Me Feel Good

Although I trial and test out new products on a regular basis, there will always be a handful of products that never fail to make me feel good. Whether it's skincare picks that perk up lacklustre skin, Lush products that help me relax or makeup offerings that never fail to add a healthy glow, here are my top product picks that make me feel like myself. 

If there's one product that will help you fake your way to healthy looking skin, its the Nars Radiance Primer; a lightweight formula that promotes a radiant, luminous finish that is perfect for wearing underneath your foundation of choice. 

Next up are eyes and this is where I like to keep it simple. My favourite routine is a strong liquid eyeliner with several layers of mascara to help open the eyes and give a focal point to the face. For an added pick me up, I like to apply highlighter in the inner corners to brighten the eye area. 

Adding a glow to the skin is one of my favourite ways to perk up my complexion and give it a healthy boost. The Sleek Solstice Palette continues to be one of my top highstreet finds and the highlight quad is an absolute gem at adding a sheen to my cheekbones, temples and across my nose.

It's all about blushers for me at the moment, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting offerings being a must have. They add a wash of colour to the cheeks without being too overpowering; perfect for this time of year or just when you want to make your complexion look more wide awake. 

Although this post has mostly focused on the makeup that makes me feel good, there are a selection of bath, body and skincare products that helps me when I need to give myself some extra TLC. The Lush's Comforter Shower Gel is a simple pick that probably doesn't look much from the outside, but the refreshing blackcurrant scent never fails to comfort me and cover me in a delicious lather. 

Whenever I'm feeling a bit down, the first thing I reach for product wise is nail vanish. A manicure never fails to make me feel like myself again and the Essie nail polishes have an amazing formula and finish with a wide range of shades to suit any occasion. 

Which products make you feel good? 

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Thursday 20 April 2017

The One's I've Finished and My Final Thoughts

As a beauty blogger I don't usually get through products very quickly as I always have a few on the go, but when I do, I know it's good and worth writing about. There's been a few of my favourite picks which I have finished recently, so I thought I would share my final thoughts with you.

First up is the Too Faced Hangover Primer, a coconut water-infused base that helps to nourish, smooth and help your lacklustre complexion. I used this up recently and although I'm loving the Nars Radiance Primer that I replaced it with, I'm already tempted to repurchase it. Both of them work together well, but the Too Faced offering is great at delivering radiance without shimmer particles, making for a very natural base. 

If you've been reading my blog for some time, then you'll know that I'm smitten with L'Oreal Cushion Foundation and have actually repurchased it more times than I care to admit. I tend to go through one every six weeks at the moment, which for some people wouldn't be ideal. Saying this, at under £15 I can't complain as the finish it delivers is beyond dreamy, especially for the warmer months. 



The This Works Deep Sleep Spray has been a must have of mine for many years now and despite using it nightly, a whole bottle has lasted me well over a year. I use just a few spritz on my bed, pillow and in the air to fragrance it with a delicate lavender scent which helps soothe me to sleep. After using it up I instantly missed it and went to purchase another one, so I think that says everything you need to know about this offering.  

I wrote about the Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil* in March last year and I've just finished the bottle over a year later, so despite the high price tag you definitely get plenty of bang for your buck. If you struggle with oils breaking you out then this one is great because not once did it irritate my skin, and in fact it helped to soothe, brighten and nourish on a daily basis. Although I want to venture into new cleansing oils and balms, I would consider repurchasing this one in the future. 


What products have you finished recently? 

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Wednesday 19 April 2017

Eyeshadow Tips For Beginners

I've come on leaps and bounds with eyeshadow application over the years and, as someone who rarely wore it, I have developed a new found love and have been adapting various techniques to make it easier. Today I am sharing with you a handful of my simple top tips that hopefully will make it a little easier for beginners too. 

Prime | I was rifling around in my makeup collection when I came across my much loved Urban Decay Primer Potion and it made me realise that I ought to prime my eyes more. It not only offers a smooth base for eyeshadow application, it prolongs the wear and prevents creasing. Although I usually forget, since bringing it back out on a regular basis  I've noticed a huge difference and will continue to add this step into my routine. 

Have A Clean Fluffy Blending Brush To Hand | When you're a beginner, it is obvious that you may make some mistakes, but the biggest one I've found is not blending enough. Having a clean blending brush to hand means that you're not adding any colour to the area, but you can easily ensure that there are no harsh lines and that they are all buffed out. 

Be Gentle and Build Up | I've never been the best at applying eyeshadow, but my number one tip would be to be gentle. When doing a smokey eye, I start with putting a colour though the crease and finish off with a quick sweep of colour on the lid and a highlighter shade in the inner corner before going in with either an eyeshadow or eyeliner on the bottom and top lash line. Doing it in stages and building up the colour means there is less room for mistakes and you can have more control over how much you apply. 

Start With Eye Makeup First  | I couldn't count how many times I've gone wrong with eyeshadow through panicking that I'll mess up after I've done my base makeup. To avoid this, I've been doing my eyebrows, eyeshadow and eyeliner first before going in with foundation, concealer and powder, meaning that if I mess up, I can just wipe away my mistakes easily. 

What are your top eyeshadow tips? 

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Monday 17 April 2017

40 Simple Yet Compelling Beauty Blog Post Ideas

As someone who posts daily, I know all too well what it feels like to run out of ideas or hit a blogging block, so today I thought I'd share with you my top simple yet compelling beauty blog post ideas that could possibly evoke interest and give you more food for thought. If you would like some extra reading, I've done a whole post all about how I generate ideas for my blog through various techniques, so I'm sure it'll be great for those looking for a longer solution. 

- A seasonal makeup round up 
- Pastel/brights/neutral makeup 
- The skincare products you regret buying
- A pamper routine
- Makeup for dry/oily/combination skin
- General tips for better makeup application 
- Winter skincare 
- The makeup that makes you feel great 
- A beauty wishlist 
- The makeup worth a repurchase 
- Products to add to your to-buy list
- Take a look inside your makeup bag
- A brand round up 
- 3 lipsticks to try 
- Makeup for a specific purpose (holiday, birthday, lazy days)
- New in beauty products
- Eyeshadow/foundation/lipstick tips for beginners
- My top beauty tools
- Matte makeup must haves
- Back to basics 
- Transitional summer favourites  
- Affordable top picks 
- Highlighters that will have you glowing 
- Party makeup routine 
- A makeup collection/storage tour
- The beauty bloggers who inspire you
- Favourite products you can buy from X (Boots, Space NK, Superdrug...)
- What's in your makeup bag 
- Pink blushers for Spring
- Red/orange/coral favourites
- 5 beauty books you'll love 
- The blogger made me do it 
- Current makeup picks
- New skincare finds
- An easy eyeshadow duo 
- Rediscovering old favourites
- Underrated products 
- Favourite scents for the season
- Everyday makeup
- Morning/evening skincare routine 

Has this post been helpful to you? What beauty blog posts do you enjoy reading? 
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Sunday 16 April 2017

A Spring Beauty Round Up

Spring Makeup
It feels like the crisp leaves of Autumn and the magical feeling of Christmas is very far behind us now, which means that we're officially in the midst of Spring and the hotter months to come. With April being the typical month of Spring cleaning, I have rekindled the love for some of my old favourites as well as trialling some new finds, so now have a collection of my top picks to share.  

I'm sure you're sick and tired of me talking about the Nars Radiance Primer, but the radiance boosting formula is something that my skin has been craving over the past couple of weeks as the transitional season hasn't been kind to my complexion. I apply this to the high points of my face or wherever looks like it needs a pick me up. 

It says a lot when I go back to a foundation as my dehydrated, lacklustre skin now tends to only work well with several lightweight, buildable formulas and dewy finishes. Last Summer I was absolutely smitten with the L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation and after being without it for some time, I decided to repurchase because it delivers a luminous base which offers longevity and can disguise a wide range of blemishes. 


As for face powder, I have been reaching for the Bourjois Java Rice Powder lately, using it with my beauty blender to press slightly into the skin, keeping my complexion looking illuminated, whilst still being long lasting. 


I've actually started to opt for perky pink blushers over the contour kit at the moment. My dull skin has been craving colour and the Hourglass Strobe Lighting Blush Palette is the perfect pick as it has a wide range of hues. If that doesn't tickle your fancy, then the Becca Pamplemousse Split Pan is a handy alternative for those who want a quick pop of colour. 


From vibrant reds to subtle pinks, I've really embraced wearing lipstick this season. The Jouer Liquid Lipsticks* are great for those who want a long lasting option, whereas the L'Oreal Eva's Nude is one that I have been reaching for often as it's easy to wear with a variety of makeup looks. 


I've really started to take care of my nails this Spring; pampering and preening whenever I can and treating myself to an at-home manicure regularly. Essie's Not Just A Pretty Face and Ladylike have been two of my top picks as their neutral tones help to elongate the fingers and are great for everyday wear. 


What makeup have you been loving this Spring? 
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Saturday 15 April 2017

What I've Been Reading, Watching and Listening To Lately

Although during the Spring and Summer months I love taking some time out for myself, walking more and generally just spending a lot more time outside, I can't help but delve into a book or two and binge watch my favourite TV show or podcast. Today I am sharing with you my top picks that will take you through the warmer seasons. 

Reading | Nothing says Harry Potter more than the crisp leaves of Autumn, the wind whistling outside and being able to  bundle up in several blankets with a hot chocolate, but due to my recent visit to the Harry Potter studios I have been lusting after this feeling one again, despite the warmer months being upon us. I've been re-reading the magical series and delving into the wizarding world and right now I couldn't be happier with my choice.

Another book I've been reading and this time it's non-fiction, is Pretty Honest by Sali Hughes; a must have and a great place to source information on pretty much anything beauty related. I've bookmarked a few of my favourite pages for regular research, but I've enjoyed learning more about the basics. 


Watching | With the new series of Line of Duty, I decided to take it upon myself to rewatch the old episodes along with some of my other favourite police series such as Happy Valley and Luther. They've had me hooked once again and I would recommend them to anybody looking for a gripping watch. 


Drifters, My Family and Friday Night Dinner are on regular repeat in my house as I'm always  looking for a giggle after a long day at work. They keep me entertained whenever I want a light watch, but I've recently been keen to re-watch Gilmore Girls, another favourite of mine, but I'm not sure if I should leave it to the cosier months. 


Listening | I've never been into podcasts before, but recently I decided to dip my toes in and listen to My Dad Wrote A Porno. I like to listen to one or two episodes every now and again as it never fails to put a smile on my face and make me nervously chuckle at what is being read out. If you're looking for a new listen that will have you smitten then look no further because this is pure gold. 


I've also been tempted to listen to Joe Lycett's audio book, Parsnips, Buttered. As one of my favourite comedians, I knew that I had to put this on my to-listen list and so far from what I've listened to it's kept me very amused. 


What have you been reading, listening and watching lately? 
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Friday 14 April 2017

Easter Weekend Treats

Now that it is officially the Easter weekend, I am planning on filling my time with long walks in the sunshine, delving into a book or two and eating my body weight in mini eggs. If you've got Easter weekend off like myself, then I'm sure theres a possibility that you will be doing something similar too, so today I am sharing my top treats and pampering routine. 

Although bath bombs and bubbles are associated with the cold, Winter evenings, I can't resist using my Lush Golden Egg to fill my bath full of enticing glistening water come Easter. It's one of my top picks purely for it's chocolate toffee scent and its ability to perk me up after a long day outside. 

If you're not consuming any chocolate this Easter or you just want to give yourself an extra treat, then I couldn't recommend the Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Body Souffle enough. It nourishes and leaves a delicious scent lingering on the skin. If I'm feeling that I need to double up on moisturiser, then I always opt for the Lush's Ro's Argan Conditioner to help my dehydrated skin out and give it an added boost.


During the Spring and Summer months, I like nothing more than heading outside with a picnic blanket, magazine and a bottle of nail vanish to get my nails back to looking in tip top condition. I'm currently having a love affair with Essie, so Not Just A Pretty Face, Urban Jungle or Ladylike will probably be on the menu. 

Spring is the season for sorting and cleaning, so I always like to make it my mission to have fresh sheets and crisp, new pyjamas to slip into. Although candles are still prominent in my pampering routines come the hotter months, I have been swapping them out and replacing them with wide open windows to let the ambient breeze flow through the house. My New Look Bunny Slippers are fitting for Easter and these ASOS Avo-Cardio Pyjama Set are another great fit for the long bank holiday weekend. 

How are you spending your Easter weekend?

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliates. 
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Wednesday 12 April 2017

Makeup For Glowing, Bronzed Skin

Dewy skin and a healthy dose of bronzer is my go-to look for the hotter months and when paired with a coppery eye makeup, it can be worn both day and night. I've been compiling a few of my favourites to share with you today so that you can create one of my top looks. 

The L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation and Bare Mineral Complexion Rescue are two of my top foundation picks as they never fail to conceal any imperfections, even out skin tone and perk my skin up too. I particularly like to apply it using the beauty blender for an even, natural finish that still allows my skin to breath. 

It can be hard to find a blusher that compliments a bronzed makeup look, but the Milani's Hermosa Rose* is perfect at adding colour to the cheeks and complimenting your highlighter and bronzer too. For bronzer I have been using a new addition, the Clarins Sunkissed Bronzer*, which is part of their new Summer range. It's great at making the skin appear healthier, more tanned and it's not very easy to go overboard with it either. 

For highlighter, I have been reaching for the fabled theBalm's Mary Lou Manizer to add a honey hue to my cheekbones, which works great if you're wanting something extremely long lasting. To go with this look more, a cream or liquid highlighter works best as you can really work it into your base before adding any powder, plus you can use it underneath your foundation for an extra added glow. 


The main focal point of this look is the eyes and recently I've been ditching the liquid eyeliner in favour of this Clarins Gold Pencil* offering, in order to help add colour and definition to the lash lines without being too harsh. This works perfectly paired with the Charlotte Tilbury Dolce Vita Palette for a soft, coppery smokey eye that looks great with dewy skin and a tanned complexion. For an added sparkle, I like to use a highlighter of my choice in the inner corners of my eyes to brighten my eye area up. 


To finish off the look, I like to either opt for a matte nude option or a glossy lip. The Nars Bahama Lip Pencil is perfect as it's understated and works well with bronzed skin, but a gloss is great at making the lips appear more plumped and fuller. 


What are your bronzed skin must haves? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliates. 
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