Saturday 28 February 2015

The Edit | Bedroom Decor

If you know me or follow me on Pinterest you will probably know I have a bit of an obsession with decor at the moment. I love the Scandinavian style and have been taking inspiration from it when decorating my room. I've been adding things slowly as I find things I like which has been really fun to do and I thought I would share some of my favourites bits that i've collected.
The Edit | Bedroom Decor

The Edit | Bedroom Decor

DRESSING TABLE: When we moved it meant I finally had a decent sized room where I could have a dressing table area. This has been one of my favourite ares to decorate. I already have my Muji Acrylic Drawers which sit on the table and an Ikea plant pot which I use to store my brushes. I found these cut metal candle holders from H&M which I use to store eyeliners and lip products in. I have a big mirror above my dressing table which I added some fairy lights over which I got from Amazon.
HERMES DRESSER: Next to my dressing table I have a big drawer unit which I store a lot of my clothes. On top I have an Acyrlic Nail Polish Holder which I got from Amazon,  tray from Ikea which I store my perfumes on. I also have some more star fairy lights which I got from Sainsbury's over the top of the unit. I got a cute rose gold ring holder as a gift which I love and another Sainsbury's find was this cute little plates designed for dipping sauces put I again use them to store rings. The owl was a great find in The Range near Christmas and only cost around £2 which I thought was a great deal as it also lights up.
The Edit | Bedroom Decor
RECORD PLAYER: For Christmas I got a record player which sits at the bottom of my bed. This is the area that still needs some work. I want to get a nice unit to put this on that I can store my records underneath. On the wall is another project i'm working on where i'm collecting pictures I like and putting them in frames to cover that section of wall.
The Edit | Bedroom Decor
TRAVEL FINDS & THE CUSHION OBSESSION: Something i've started doing is picking up when I go traveling relating to that place. When we were in Stockholm last year I picked up this wooden horse that is hand painted, you see these a lot in Sweden and I thought it was a nice addition and a reminder of  great trip. I love mirrors and got the one above my bed from Ikea, I love the pattern on it and the pastel shades go nicely with my room. I also love cushions, the chevron ones were a great Matalan find, the black and white one is from H&M and the anchor one I got from Sainsbury's a while ago and goes really well in this room.
The Edit | Bedroom Decor
BEDSIDE: I like to keep my bedside table fairly empty, the drawer in it is where I stash my lip balms and hand creams. I have a small tray where I keep the jewellery I where most days. Underneath I have this acrylic bath from WIlko's which I keep some bath bombs on as well as the book i'm currently reading. Above I have a shelf with more books and these cute drawers I got in the Boots Christmas sale.
The Edit | Bedroom Decor
Something I do want to change is the carpet which I don't love, until then this H&M black and white rug is doing a nice job of covering it and I think it brings the room together nicely.

So that's a peak into my bedroom and some of the things i've picked up to decorate it. My favourite places to shop from home ware are definitely Ikea, H&M home and Sainsbury's who always do great offers. What are some of your favourite decor pieces in your room?

Thursday 26 February 2015

February Beauty Favourites

This month seems to have gone so fast and for most of it I haven't tried too many new things, either going without wearing makeup or sticking to my old favourites. There are a few new bits that i've been loving since the start of the year that i'm still using a lot.
February Beauty Favourites
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+]
SKINCARE: Something that i've been using for a while and haven't really mentioned is The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. I use this every night to remove makeup and cleanse then skin, it does the job and leaves my skin feeling nourished which is needed in the Winter. My skin has been a bit spotty so i've gone back to the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+] which I find effective and getting rid of blemishes, reducing redness without being drying.
Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave In Spray
BODY & HAIR: My skin has definitely been feeling dry due to the cold weather, for the body i've been loving the Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Moisture Lotion. The is a thick lotion that is really nourishing, it takes a little while to sink in so I tend to use it in the evening but it's really been helping with my dry skin. For hair i've gone back to the Dove Hair Nourishing Oil Care Leave In Spray which used to be a staple of mine. I love that this makes my hair feel soft but not weighed down like some leave in conditioners can do, it also smells amazing.
Nivea Fruity Shine Peach Lip Balm
LIPS: I've been reaching for some of the same lip products recently, one that I added back into the mix is the Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm Stain in Provocateur which is a nice glossy red which can be worn bold or sheer. A lip balm which i've been using a lot but not mentioned is the Nivea Fruity Shine Peach Lip Balm which smells like peach ice tea and really nourishes the lips whilst leaving a slight sheen. My lips have been very dry so i've been wearing this most days.
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
EYES: Like most people I picked up a copy of Elle magazine this month to try out the Benefit Roller Lash Mascara. I'm definitely a drugstore mascara girl but I have to admit I do really like this. The brush is curved which helps to add curl but also gives good length and definition to the lashes. For eyeshadow i've been reaching for the Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown (review) which is the perfect brown quad. The shadows are pigmented and blend really nicely on the lids whilst lasting really well.

So those have been this months beauty favourites. A few new products but i'm trying to use up things I already have and shop my stash more. Have you tried any new products this month? What have been your beauty favourites?

Tuesday 24 February 2015

February Empties!

This month i've been so good at finishing products that i've used up a lot of things without really realising it! I've been tackling my shampoo stash especially as I have too many that are half empty so expect a lot of shampoo over the next few months.
February Empties!
Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Volume Shampoo
L'oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Shampoo - This was my favourite shampoo for a lot of last year and I still love it. It leaves the hair feeling clean but not dry and definitely helps to add volume to the hair. Repurchase? Yes, although I already have a backup to get through.
Herbal Essences Clearly Naked Volume Shampoo - This is the shampoo that took the spot as my favourite shampoo as it makes my hair feel so nice and shiny. It feels healthy and to have more volume when I use this. Repurchase? Yes, once i've finished a few more shampoos.
Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo
Dove Colour Radiance Leave In Conditioner & Care Spray - Dove are my favourite brand when it comes to leave in conditioners as they're cheap and don't weigh down my hair. This one was nice, i'm not sure it if did anything to my coloured hair but it helped me to brush through it after washing. Repurchase? Yes, I got the oil care version though.
Batiste Tropical Dry Shampoo - This is probably my most used beauty product and i'm never without it. This is a go-to when I have second day hair and need a refresh. Repurchase? Yes.
Soap & Glory Whipped Clean Shower Butter
Nspa Pampering Jojoba and White Jasmine Body Wash - I've been a big fan of the scent for a long time and I used this as a bubble bath. It's smells lovely and creates a nice amount of bubbles. I won't go out of my way to get it again but I did enjoy it. Repurchase? Not straight away.
 Soap & Glory Whipped Clean Shower Butter - I loved this product, this smell was a lovely sweet nutty scent and felt nourishing on the skin. The downside was it didn't last that long and for the price it's a bit of a treat for me. Repurchase? Yes, if it's on offer.
The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Butter
Nivea Stress Protect Anti-Perspirant - I really like this, the smell was pleasant but not too overpowering and it did the job. I can be picky with deodorant but this one didn't irritate my skin at all. Repurchase? Yes.
The Body Shop Almond Hand & Nail Butter - This was something else I was sad to finish as I loved using it at night before bed. It has a lovely almond scent and left my skin feeling so soft yet not greasy. Repurchase? Yes, once i've finished a few more hand creams.
Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Vitamin Enriched Toner
Garnier Pure Sauna Self-Heating Mask - The mask comes with two uses and I got round to finishing the other half this month. This is a nice quick fix to help with oil control and blackheads. It's pleasant to use and is cheap. Repurchase? Yes, if I needed a quick fix.
Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Vitamin Enriched Toner - This is the toner I used everyday and sadly this bottle ended up leaking in my bag when I was traveling with it. It's a great basic toner that is affordable. Repurchase? Yes.
Clinique High Impact Mascara
Clinique High Impact Mascara - I actually used this up last month but forgot to include it. This is just a sample size but I really loved this mascara. It gave a natural look to the lashes whilst adding volume and definition to the lashes. Repurchase? Probably not as it's a bit expensive.

So that is this months empties, I told you I had managed to use up a lot of products this month. Have you managed to use up any of your favourite products this month?

Sunday 22 February 2015

February Health Favourites

So we've almost made it through the second month of the year and i'm still on my health kick. This month definitely felt easier, I tried a few more things and came up with a few new snack ideas which really help to step away from the chocolate. I did indulge a couple of times, a burger and Ben's Cookies may have happened on a trip to London, but when i've been home i've kept on track.
February Health Favourites
Cookbook:
Like a lot of people I picked up the Deliciously Ella cookbook at the end of last month. This has really helped to try a few more recipes. I've been eating a lot more beans, lentils and quinoa to bulk out my meals, keeping me fuller for longer. I've also been bulk cooking these things and keeping them in the fridge which makes putting together meals a lot quicker. The book is really great if you are trying to eat clean yet still want tasty dishes.
Drinks:
I've really been trying to up my green tea consumption. I discovered a new favourite in the Twinings Orange & Lotus Flower Green Tea which tastes amazing and has a real orange flavour. I would definitely recommend if you're not a fan of the taste of green tea. I drink a lot of water but I spotted a new drink in Sainsbury's recently which i've loved. Their Peach & Black Tea is so tasty and isn't full of sugar like most ice teas. A glass is around 14 calories which is great and is a nice treat to have, I can see myself loving this in Summer.
Snacks:
Snacking and sweet treats is my downfall for sure. A snack I came up with this month is a banana sliced topped with a little peanut butter and dark chocolate chips. This really helps with the sweet cravings and is surprisingly filling.
February Health Favourites
Other snacks i've been loving are my Energy Balls which I tend to have in the fridge and again help when I want something sweet. Finally i've really enjoyed the Rachel's Organic Greek Style Coconut Yogurt with a few berries.
Pancakes:
I forgot to include a picture but since it was pancake day this month i've been made my healthy pancakes a few times this month. You basically mix a mashed banana with two eggs, mix it together and cook it! I add some cinnamon and a few blueberries and they taste amazing.
Fish:
I've been trying to eat more fish as it is so good for you. I had some cod with a load of veggies which made a great evening meal. I'm definitely going to try out a few more recipes to keep things interesting.

Exercise wise i've been sticking to the Fitness Blender videos again which i've definitely noticed have been helping to make me feel stronger, especially in my core and arms. I started doing yoga which I love to relax me and helps to stretch out your muscles if you've been working out. 

So those have been my health favourites for the month, i'm pleased i've been keeping on track and when I have treated myself i've gone back to eating clean. What have been your health favourite this month?

Friday 20 February 2015

Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown - Reviewed!

I was recently lucky enough to win a few Bourjois bits in a twitter giveaway last week and this was one of the product. I've tried a lot of Bourjois products over the years but i've never really tried their eyeshadows so I was excited to try this, especially since i'm always trying to find good quality, affordable eyeshadows.
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
The packaging is nice and compact. The product comes with a sponge applicator which I personally haven't used but you could definitely use it to apply the shadows; it also doesn't take up a lot of space so you're not getting less product.
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
All the shades are in the same colour family. The lightest shade is designed to prime the lids, the next shades is the shadow shade which you apply in the crease, the darkest shade you define with in the socket and on the lash line. Finally the center, glittery shades is to highlight the inner corner. I like this idea as it's easy to put together a smokey eye by following these steps, however you could definitely use them in different ways to create other looks.
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
The shadows have a creamy, buttery texture to them which makes them very easy to blend on the lid, however there is very little fallout. There is a little glitter fallout from the highlight shade however this is also the shade I will probably use the least as I don't love wearing glitter. The other shades are very nicely pigmented which surprised me, the shadows definitely feel more expensive than they are. You only need a small amount of product to create a lovely eye look.
Bourjois Quad Smoky Stories in Upside Brown
I always tend to use some sort of primer on my eyes; and with that these shadows held up really well. There was a slight bit of creasing which was hardly noticeable but best off all the shadows stayed in place and look almost as good as when I first applied them. I've been really impressed with the quad and I think these are the perfect mix of bronzey shades. I definitely will be checking out what other shades they do as the quality of the shadows is really impressive.


So it's not the cheapest highstreet quad out there but the quality is definitely worth it. Have you tried any of Bourjois eyeshadows?

Wednesday 18 February 2015

The Skincare Add-Ons

Following on from sharing my skincare routine last week I thought I would to a post on the extra bits I include every now and then when my skin needs something a bit more intense. Most of these are masks but there is also an exfoliating toner which is a favourite of mine.
The Skincare Add-Ons
The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask
The Body Shop Honey & Oat 3 in 1 Scrub Mask - £10.00.
Starting with one of my favourite all in one masks. This mask moisturisers the skin, exfoliates and gives a nice 'deep' clean. I tend to use this when I need a mid week pick me up.It smells lovely and seems to just balance my skin out and make it feel refreshed and soothed. I think this would work really well for a lot of skin types.
Dr Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask
Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask - £6.99.
This is my go to clay mask at the moment as it does the job whilst being affordable. I use this mask normally on a Sunday when my skin needs a detox. It removes excess oil on the skin and helps with any blemishes I may have. For a clay mask it isn't that messy to remove which is an added bonus.
Dr Organic Manuka Honey Face Mask - £7.49.
Manuka Honey is a great ingredient that helps with blemishes which is what I use this mask for. Whenever I have some breakouts and want something to sooth them whilst having some clay in it to draw out any impurities. This is a great mask if you don't want something harsh but still want something effective.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask
Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner - £22.00.
I still use chemical exfoliators every now and then to help with scarring a to smooth out the skin. This is one of my favourite toners that is very gentle on the skin but really helps to improve the appearance of the skin. You could definitely use this everyday but I tend to stick to ever other day as I find I see the most results that way.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Instant Oatmeal Mask - £17.50.
I do use moisturising masks when my skin is feeling dry but I don't have a stand out favourtie at the moment. This mask is moisturising, gentle and the oats in the mask give a very gentle scrub as you remove it. It is similar to The Body Shop mask however this one is more suited to dehydrated skin that is in need of a moisture boost. It's effective and doesn't irritate the skin at all.

So those are some of the products I use when my skin needs something extra. I don't use all of these every week. I tend to do two masks a week and the toner 3-4 times. I tend to see how my skin is feeling that day when deciding what product to use. What are some of your skincare add-ons?

Monday 16 February 2015

Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer - Reviewed!

I recently tried, and feel in love with the Lasting Finish Nude foundations (review) so when I spotted a new primer from the same range on offer in Boots I instantly wanted to try it. I really enjoy the Stay Matte Primer so I had eye hopes this would be as good, if not better.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer
The packaging has the same colour scheme of the other Lasting Finish products; white with red writing. The product itself claims to reduce the appearance of pores, even skintone whilst mattifying the skin without being drying. All of that sounds like the perfect product, so does it really work?
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer
The product is a thick white cream, you definitely don't need a lot of it to cover the face, around a pea sized amount works best. Applied to the skin it helps to make the skin feel smooth and prepped for makeup. It does help to remove any shine on the skin as well which help foundation to apply better compared to applying the on bare skin.
Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer
I have found that when I use this primer my makeup does apply nicer and stay in place for longer. The area I find it struggles is oil control, it works better than not using a primer at all however I still found I got oily in my t-zone after around 6 hours. For that reason I prefer the Stay Matte Primer; on a plus side it doesn't make my foundation wear away unevenly, or look patchy. If you have more normal skin I think this would be a great everyday primer, however if you get oily it might not be the best option. I will still use this on days where I don't need my makeup to be very longwearing or my skin isn't very oily. For the price, especially whilst it is on offer, it is worth trying to see if it will work for your skin.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Primer retails for £6.99 (currently on offer for £3.99).

Have you tried this primer? What is your favourite affordable primer?

Saturday 14 February 2015

Battle Of The Clay Mask - Orgins vs Botanics

As someone who has oily skin clay mask have become my best friend and one of the most effective steps in my skincare routine to remove excess oils and keep blemishes at bay. The Origins clay mask has been a favourite for a long time and for a while i've been on the hunt for a cheaper option which was when I came across this Botanics offering.
Battle Of The Clay Mask - Orgins vs Botanics
Battle Of The Clay Mask - Orgins vs Botanics
PACKAGING:
Both products come in a similar style packaging; a tube which you squeeze the product out of. This is my favourite way for masks to come as you can get the right amount of product you need without dispensing too much and wasting it.
Origins Clear Improvement Mask
CONSISTENCY:
The Origins mask definitely feels the thickest, however it still is easy to apply onto the skin. One of the big differences between the masks is the Botanics one I would recommend giving it a shake as it can separate a little in the tube. After giving it a good shake the product is a little runny so you have to be a little quicker applying it onto the skin.
Botanics Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask
APPLICATION:
Both a pretty easy to apply onto the skin. Another difference I saw between the two is that the Botanics one sets quicker and is dry after around 5 minutes. The Origins mask takes around 10 minutes. Neither feel particularly drying on the skin, out of the two I would say the Botanics one is a little drier but not in the sense that it feels stripping on the skin.
Battle Of The Clay Mask - Orgins vs Botanics
L-R Botanics, Origins
RESULTS:
I'm happy to report I saw similar results from both masks. Both remove excess oil and leave the skin feeling really clean. Both helped to sooth any blemishes I had and helped them to reduce in size. The Origins mask cracks more when it's on making it the harder of the two to remove afterwards whereas the Botanics one isn't as thick so is a little easier to remove. I find out of the two when I use the Botanics mask my skin soaks up my moisturiser quicker after I remove it which may make it a little too intense for dry skin.

Both give very similar results and although their are differences between the two if you're looking for a cheap, effective clay mask the Botanics one is definitely worth checking out. If you're looking for a splurge the Origins one is a great product and something I would still recommend.

Origins Clear Improvement Mask retails for £23.00.

Have you tried either of these clay masks? Do you tend to spend or save when it comes to clay masks?
 

Thursday 12 February 2015

Evening Skincare Routine

So the other day I shared my morning routine which is very much focus on product that are light on the skin so they feel nice under makeup. My evening routine however is where I really try to add some hydration to the skin so that it feels soft and smooth in the morning. There's a few more products and I sometimes will add a treatment or mask into the mix depending on how my skin is feeling.
Evening Skincare Routine
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil
The first thing I start with is makeup removal. If i'm not wearing a lot of makeup I skip this step but when I have a full face i'll remove the majority of it with the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. This is very gentle and removes most of my makeup. I then follow that up with my cleanser which is The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. I love to use a balm or oil in the evening, this is one of my favourites as it feels so nice to use and removes any left over makeup whilst cleansing the skin. It feels really nourishing on the skin which is an added bonus.
Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil
Next I go onto eye cream, I discovered a great affordable find in the Boots Simply Sensitive Hydrating Eye Cream. This is a basic eye cream but it really softens the skin and hydrates the eye area. The next step I do is a mix together The Body Shop Aloe Protective Serum which is a really hydrating serum with the Trilogy Certified Organic Rosehip Oil which helps with any pigmentation and scarring I have. The combination of these two together is one of my favourite parts of my routine as it really hydrates the skin and helps with redness.
Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm
The last few steps I do is The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Night Cream which is a bit thicker than the day cream so is more hydrating. It feels light enough to layer on top of the other products I use without feeling to heavy. Finally I use the Nuxe Reve De Miel Lip Balm which i've been using for a long time as it's a really hydrating lip balm that makes the lips feels so soft. I forgot to use this this other day and my lips felt so dry in the morning.

So those are the products I use in my evening routine, I can do all this is around 5 minutes and my skin always feels best when I do it. I actually find doing my skincare routine really relaxing. What are your favourite products to use in the evening?

Tuesday 10 February 2015

Morning Skincare Routine

I've been meaning to do an updated skincare routine for so long but I hadn't settle on a group of products that I really liked. I've been sticking to this routine for a good few months now and my skin seems to be liking it so I thought it was about time I shared. My skintype is definitely more combination, I still get oily in my t-zone but my skin can also feel dehydrated easily and I suffer from a few breakouts and pigmentation from having acne.
Morning Skincare Routine
Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Vitamin Enriched Toner
Starting with cleanser, I always have to wash my face properly first thing in the morning. I like something basic and gentle. The one i've been really liking is The Body Shop Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser. It's a cream cleanser that leaves the skin feeling clean but not dry. I then follow this with the Garnier Simply Essentials Soothing Vitamin Enriched Toner. I don't think this does anything amazing, I just like how fresh it makes my skin feel in the morning. It's has no alcohol, colorants or perfumes in it which is an added bonus.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+]
I don't feel the need for a heavy eye cream in the morning, instead I prefer something that is a gel which is refreshing. The one i've been using is the Boots Essentials Cucumber Eye Gel. I don't think this does anything ground braking but it feels nice and cooling. I'm still looking for a good morning eye cream, so if anyone has any recommendations I would love to know. In my t-zone, on breakouts or areas where I have some scarring I love to use the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo [+]. This is a light gel/cream so is perfect to use in the morning as it is light on the skin and works well underneath makeup.
The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Day Cream
For moisturiser again I look for something light that is good under makeup. The one i've been using for a long time now which is The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Day Cream. Although this is a cream it does have a bit of a gel texture to it. You don't need a lot of product yet it feels really hydrating and soothing on the skin. This really helps to stop my skin feeling dehydrated.

So that is my current morning skincare routine, I will be sharing my evening skincare routine as well which has a few more product in it that are hydrating. What products do you use in your morning skincare routine?

Sunday 8 February 2015

Three Great Blushers That Won't Break The Bank

Blush can be one of the hardest makeup product to get right. It need to be pigmented, but not too much, long wearing and be a nice shade that will work with your skintone. For this reason I did wear blush for a long time. Today i've rounded up 3 that are affordable and ones I reach for a lot.
Three Great Blushers That Won't Break The Bank
Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink
Max Factor Miracle Touch Creamy Blush in Soft Pink - £6.99.
Cream blush is a new favourite for me and this is definitely one that I reach for a lot. I will say the price is a little high for the amount of product you get however you don't need a lot and i've used this a lot and there isn't much of a dent in it. The shade soft pink is the perfect pink shade that adds a natural, healthy glow to the skin. It's also good to wear underneath another blush to give even more of a glow.
Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore -$8.49. (Price varries on Ebay/AmazonUK)
This isn't the easiest product to get hold of in the UK however I wanted to include it because it is definitely one of my most used in my collection. This is a baked blush so gives a nice sheen to the skin without looking glittery. The shade is called Berry Amore however it also has some peachy tones going through it. If I can't think what blush to wear I often reach for this as I know it will look great on.
Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Peach Melba - £1.99.
Ending with a great cheap option. I had forgotten how great this blush is. The packaging is very basic and cheap however the product definitely makes up for it. It is the perfect matte peachy pink shade that adds just the right amount of colour to the skin. If you are looking for the perfect natural everyday shade to brighten up the skin this is definitely worth checking out. 
Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore
Natural Collection Blushed Cheeks in Peach Melba
L-R Soft Pink, Berry Amore, Peach Melba
All of these aren't too bold which is something I look for with having fair skin. They're long wearing and always add just the right amount of colour and glow to the cheeks. What are your favourite affordable blushers?