RECENT FAVOURITES #2

                      

There have been a number of products making me smile recently and here are three of my personal best.

            

First up, is this face cleanser by First Aid Beauty. This is a gentle cream cleanser and is specially designed for sensitive or irritated skin. As far as I'm aware this is only available online in the UK and I purchased mine from Amazon. I decided I wanted to try this simple and gentle cleanser as an alternative to the exfoliant or gel face washes I normally use. So far, so good and my skin has thanked me for it. I used to think cream cleansers would feel thick on my oily skin but this feels clean and removes all grime and oil. It also has no parabens, harsh chemicals or colourants. My only gripe is it can slightly sting the eyes if not careful.(ouch!) 

           

Next up, the lovely Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation. I seriously struggle to find a foundation that lasts on my skin. I didn't think this would be much different as I had tried the Rimmel Matte BB cream and that still slipped by mid morning. Now, I'm not saying this is my holy grail foundation and I've found "the one" but I think it really has helped keep my shine at bay and last longer than most foundations I have used. As it is a mousse it is light and goes on like a dream. My skin feels soft and velvety. Will most probably re-purchase!

            

Lastly, the Seventeen cheek stamp in blushing. This is a really light dolly pink blusher. I must admit, it was a bit of a novelty purchase because of the sponge stamp applicator. But I really enjoy using this. You simply stamp the colour on to your cheeks and a pop of pink is applied. I find I have to blend it out after with a brush as there is quite a bit of product on the sponge applicator. I'm very happy to use any product that makes me feel like a porcelain doll, plus this comes with a little mirror on the lid so this gets a cute factor thumbs up!

STATEMENT STYLE

My collection of necklaces are taking over and my jewellery obsession growing. Recently I've been wearing a plain top or dress with a large statement piece. Easy but oh so pretty! Here are my top three recent beauties...

What's your favourite necklace style?

BIRTHDAY STYLE

             

It was my birthday last weekend but due to family bits and bobs, I ended up going out with friends for a night out this weekend. 

I always like to get a new party outfit and here it is!

Powder blue faux leather midi skirt - Zara
Silver grey bralet - Topshop
Necklace - Dorothy Perkins
Shoes - New Look
Emerald Green top - Vintage Charity shop

               

How beautiful is this sequinned top? I happened to wander into a vintage and retro charity shop near to where I work and sparkling amongst the rails was this beauty. Wore with leather look leggings and peep toes for dinner and drinks.


                          

Hope you all had a beautiful weekend x

LIEBSTER AWARD

                                       

I've been nominated by Lou from loudoesbeauty for the Liebster award! It's very exciting and lovely to know that people are actually reading this :)

Rules:

* Link back to the person who nominated you.
* Answer the questions given to you.
* Pick nominees with under 200 followers to answer 11 questions     you choose for them.
* You can't nominate the person who has nominated you and you    must tell the nominees.
* Include 11 facts about yourself!

So here goes...

Facts about me:

1. I have a beautiful, loving sister called Natalie.
2. I live with my boyfriend Luke in a cute little rented house.
3. I am currently studying for a Diploma in Events and Wedding   styling.
4. I worry. A lot.
5. I enjoy being creative when I get the chance.
6. I love Greek and Spanish food.
7. I own a lot of bags, and shoes for that matter.
8. One of my favourite shops is Primark :)
9. I still don't know what I want to do for a career.
10. I buy and read a lot of magazines.
11. I love donuts, especially jam filled from the bakers mmm!

Questions from Lou:

1. Are you shy or outgoing?

Shy unfortunately...although I can act my way through and I don't think I appear as shy as I feel!

2. Have any pets?

When I was younger, my sister had a hampster called Titania. No pets now though!

3. Beauty essentials?

Concealer, unfortunately I havn't got the best skin so cover up is top of my beauty list! Also lipgloss, I feel bare without something on my lips!

4. Fashion accessory you always wear?

Necklace, I love a statement piece!

5. Heels or flats?

My heart says heels but my body says flats! For some reason I can't walk in heels which hurts my love for them!

6. Favourite food?

Any kind of home cooking-casseroles, roasts, pies! My mum is the best cook so I love to go home and treat myself.

7. What country do you want to visit most?

I have already been to America but there are so many places I would like to visit in the US. I would particularly like to travel North America and Canada.

8. Celebrity crush?

I'd probable have to pick Ryan Gosling since "The Notebook"

9. Favourite blog?

I love the look and feel of From Roses.co.uk and Milk bubble tea

Beautiful!


10. Favourite make-up brand?

I couldn't pick a favourite! I literally jump from one to another.

11. Tea or coffee?

Coffee, give me a Caramel Latte any day <3


So far, I nominate the following bloggers...

Sophia Beltran
adelia_xx


The 11 questions are:

1. What made you start blogging?
2. Shower or bath?
3. Where did you go on your last holiday?
4. For the next month you can only buy fashion or beauty products, which would you choose?
5. Sweet or savoury?
6. Who is your favourite blogger?
7. What is your favourite shop?
8. If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
9. What would be your dream job?
10. What do you ejoy most about blogging?
11. Pick a favourite product from last month.

ALTERNATIVE PRODUCT USE

Conditioner for body instead of my hair, scrub for my hair instead of my body and BB cream for my body instead of my face.

Recently I have been mixing it up and really enjoying products with a difference. 

                              

I'm fully aware I'm late trying out the Nivea in-shower body moisturiser, however I'm so glad I have now. To be honest I'm pretty lazy applying body moisturiser on a day to day basis. So this is perfect! When I first used it it did feel strange applying a product the texture of moisturiser on wet skin, but its so quick and simple and after rinsing leaves your skin deliciously smooth. Plus your not left with greasy hands!

                                           
 Nivea 'In-Shower' body moisturiser skin conditioner with Almond                         Oil for dry skin.


Another strange texture to use on my hair is a scrub. I decided to try out the new range of Garnier hair care 'Ultimate blends' so aswell as the shampoo designed for mid-length hair with split ends I also tried the hair scrub.

This product has micro beads and claims to gently polish the hair surface to smooth split ends. This appealed to me as I have ombre hair and therefore my ends are a lot drier. After leaving the scrub in for 1 minute and then rinsing the ends felt really good and smooth and also smelt really great.

                                        
Garnier Ultimate Blends 1 minute polishing scrub with vanilla                            milk and papaya.

Finally, on a recent shopping trip I saw this beauty! Rimmel's Instant wash off tan BB Skin perfector. As soon as I saw this fake tan with 'skin perfecting powers' I had to try it! I am awful at bumping and grazing my legs so even though tanning my body can improve the general look of my skin some imperfections can still 'shine' through. According to Rimmel this evens skin tone, covers, perfects and lasts for 24 hours. I haven't yet tested the longevity of this product but fingers crossed that this is my new Saturday night saviour!

                                       
  Rimmel Instant tan 9 in 1 BB Skin perfector in Medium Matte.


Let me know if you have any favourite "mixed-up" beauty treats!

SWEET TEMPTATIONS

Take a bath and all my troubles fade away...for a few minutes at least! Most of the time I jump in the shower and everything is a bit rushed, however every now and again I crave a long soak in the bath.  Tonight was one of those nights and I thought I would try out a couple of sweet (bath) treats as well.
                             
                                             

Lighting a candle helps with the relaxation and Yankee candle's Fluffy towels scent is perfectly fresh and clean.


                                            

Beauticology's Sweet Temptations set looks adorable and also smells great. If you like sweet scents this would be a lovely treat, even it is just for the packaging!
  

                                                                                                         

The set includes Strawberry Swirl shower creme, Candy swirl soap and Pink Peppermint hand and body lotion. They are all travel size so could even be used for a trip away. I picked these up whilst buying my weekly shop online and the set is currently half price on Ocado.com from £12 to £6 you can find Beauticology offer here.

Happy bathing!!

VALENTINE'S WEEKEND

I hope you have all had a lovely Valentines! Myself and my boyfriend don't really go all out but we buy each other a little something and it's a nice day to show someone special you care for them I guess.

                              

I mixed both sweet and salted popcorn together with pieces of chocolate in a mason jar and tied with a ribbon. I think this was a fairly simple but cute pressie for my boyfriend as we were having a movie night, so popcorn was the perfect accompaniment.

     
                               

He bought me a bunch of red roses, what more could a girl want? I'm a sucker for a handmade card and some heart-felt words, so that would have done alone. However, after a day at work coming home to these certainly put a smile on my face.

                                            

After having stayed in for Valentine's night, having some yummy food and watching a film (personally I feel it get's a bit 
too busy going out for dinner etc.)we decided to go out for lunch today. I've been wanting to try out Bill's as from looking at the menu the food looked really good. I had the macaroni cheese and Luke had the chicken skewers. Both the presentation and food didn't disappoint and I would look into going back there to try the breakfast! 

     

What did you get up to for Valentines?