Monday Wishlist

Crop Tee, Topshop  -  Peach Studded Shorts, Miss Selfridge  - Necklace,  Miss Selfridge  - Aztec Ring, Miss Selfridge  -  T-Zone Balancing Day Fluid, Ren  -  L'oreal Paris Nude Magique CC Cream, Feel Unique  -  ClearCalm 3 Clarity Restoring Mask, Ren  -  No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm, Ren  -   Moisture Surge CC Cream, Cllinique

Wishlists are usually reserved for weekends, but with Mother's Day taking front seat this time around, there just wasn't time, unless I wanted to post twice in one day, which I didn't, as I was sure nobody would be back to read a second post. So instead, once again we are breaking the rules, and I've saved all my goodies for this dreary Monday morning. Now, if I was actually buying these then it would be a great way to start the week, but instead I'm going to have to make do with admiring from afar.

Having gone through a phase of trying out some skincare products that didn't agree with me, my skin has not exactly been looking its best lately, so I want to get settled into a regular regime and not bombard it with too many different ingredients at once. That said, I still stand by not wanting any nasties in my skincare, so I'm going to try and switch my day-to-day routine over to Ren. Of course, I'll still reserve the evening slot for trying out new products, but I'm going to be a lot more careful about checking out the ingredients first and making sure there are no comedogenics (pore cloggers) in there before forging ahead.

I'm intrigued by CC creams at the moment. Having been thoroughly disappointed with BB creams, I'm hoping that this time, there really is something to shout about. Two of the best I've heard about are the L'oreal Paris Nude Magique one (available in three varieties - anto-fatigue, anti-redness and anti-dullness) which rings in at just £9.99, and the Clinique Moisture Surge CC, which I can't actually find for sale anywhere as yet.

Besides that, I'm lusting after some Spring clothing and accessories. and could have included far more here, but I decided to exercise some restraint. These items are my top picks from the lot, and it's torturing me.

Well, that's it for this week's wishlist, I hope you've seen something you like.

Have a great week.

xx

Last Minute Mother's Day Dash!

Ren Moroccan Rose Experience Gift Set, Marks and Spencer  -  Spring Days Bouquet, Marks and Spencer  -  Orange Grove Signature Candle, The White Company  -  Indulgent Spa Day for Two, Marks and Spencer  -  Mini Macaroons, Marks and Spencer  - Home Scenting Gift Set, Neom  -   La Petite Patisserie Quartet in Creme de Pistache, Laura Mercier  -  Full Moon Soak, Soak Yourself

It's Saturday night. You've forgotten it's Mother's Day tomorrow. That, or you've been so busy all week that you just haven't had the chance to pick up something lovely for the special lady in your life. Cue a mad Sunday morning dash to the shops to find something equally special.

If that's you, then fear not, because there are loads of gorgeous gifts out there to please any mother, and here I've put together a selection of my top picks. 

First things first, why not surprise her with this Ren Moroccan Rose Experience Gift Set, which contains a selection of Rose Otto products, including body wash, body cream, bath oil and body oil. I nearly got this one for my own mum, as it's got everything in there to have a nice, luxurious Sunday afternoon pamper session. 

On the subject of baths and pampering, I can't imagine any mother who wouldn't be thrilled to bits to receive the Soak Yourself Full Moon Soak Box, which is packed with goodies such as handmade soap, candles and a relaxing blend of tea. It's quite pricey at £40, but I love the idea and think it would be perfect for unwinding at the end of a stressful week.

There seems to be a bit of a theme here, as next up is the luxurious Neom Home Scenting Gift Set, containing aromas of lavender, jasmine and Brazilian Rosewood. You get a warming candle designed to evoke feelings of peace and tranquility, a gentle pillow spray for refreshing sleep and of course, a diffuser through which to enjoy the wonderful scents provided. I think this is probably my favourite of the lot, and it comes in at £50 - not cheap, but just think how much enjoyment can be had from it.

I have been lusting after the Laura Mercier La Petite Patisserie Creme de Pistache Quartet since Christmas. All the products smell absolutely divine, from the Souffle Body Creme and Creme Body Wash to the hand cream and Eau Gourmande - literally like you have just stepped out of a French bakery. I don't know a mum who deosn't like hand creams, and I think the scent of this little lot is enough to win anyone over.

If you're after something calming and relaxing, but without the hefty price tag, then I love the look of the The White Company Orange Grove Signature Candle, which is a more purse-friendly £20.

And if all else fails, you can always give her an Indulgent Spa Day Experience (£199), some delicious Marks and Spencer Mini Macaroons, or of course the classic bunch of flowers - my favourite this year is the Marks and Spencers Spring Bouquet, £30.

I hope this have given you a few ideas if you were feeling a bit stuck, and if not then perhaps you've seen something you might like to treat yourself to!

What are your plans for Mother's Day?

I hope you have a lovely day.

xx

What I Wore

Cullottes, Miss Selfridge  -  Monochrome colour block top, Primark  -  Bracelet, Ebay  -  Sandals, Brazil

Ok, I'm quite sure you're bored of seeing these sandals by now, but I'm not bored of wearing them yet. They are the comfiest pair of shoes I've ever owned, and they go with absolutely everything!

Today, we have just been for a bit of a wander round the shops in town, and had lunch, which in my case was a big chicken and avocado salad - yum! Sadly, I forgot to take a photo of it, which is a shame as I know how you all like to see pictures of food ;) Me too, actually. This afternoon, we're just going to chill out and do a bit of reading and coffee drinking in a coffee shop nearby, which seems to be a bit of a ritual of ours when we are both off work and there's nothing else to do. There's something so nice about sitting quietly, each engrossed in something different, but still together. 

I'm wearing Mac Vegas Volt today, which is by far my favourite lipstick for the warmer months, and I had been looking forward to cracking it open again this year! Now that I have, you can be certain you'll be seeing it on my lips a fair bit. The formula is lovely and moisturising, and doesn't feel heavy at all, which is a huge bonus for when the temperature heats up.

This evening is very much reserved for pampering and blogging, and catching up on the week's Youtube videos, and I can't wait to get all settled and cosy and lose myself in some of this week's posts on my Bloglovin' feed.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend!

xx

Done and Dusted:January/February Empties

I don't often do empties posts, mainly as it seems to take me far longer to get to the bottom of a product than anyone else. I think I'd put it down to being easily bored, as no sooner have I ascertained that a product could be doing more for me, or that it doesn't quite live up to the hype, than I'm on the hunt for something new. The trouble is, finding something that 100% does do what it says on the tin can prove difficult, so at times it can be a fruitless search.
Anyway, more about that later. Let's see what I've 'got to the bottom of' over the past couple of months.

1. Redken All Soft Conditioner
This was one of those products that, for the first few weeks, seemed to be incredibly helpful to my straw-like ends, which were in a bad way back when I first had my hair ombred. Unfortunately, I can confirm that they are in more or less the same condition today -it seemed that after that initial period where it was making the difference that nothing else would, it suddenly ceased to have any effect whatsoever on my locks. My hair no longer began to feel silky upon application in the shower, and looked just as distressed once it had tried. On that basis, I'd have to say that I won't be repurchasing - it's not the cheapest of conditioners, and there are high-street brands that are just the same in terms of what they can do for me.

2. John Frieda Smooth Start Repairing Shampoo
I did quite like using this shampoo, but I think without a really good conditioner and mask, it's hard for any benefits it may be giving to shine through. I can't really say one way or the other what, if anything, it's done for me, but that's often the case with shampoos. They work best as part of a team, so while I might buy this again, I would feel inclined to get some of the other products in the range so that then I could really get a clear picture.

3. Origins Modern Friction
Now this one is something I do love. It's got a refreshing lemony scent, and is fantastic for those days when you've got a bt of flakey skin -which in my case tends to occur on my nose, if at all. Just massage a bit of this over the offending area for about a minute, add some water, rinse and voila - smooth skin. Repurchase? Why yes.

4. Origins Make a Difference Cleansing Milk
I got this for Christmas, as part of the Make a Difference Moisture Makers gift set. It smells absolutely divine (think fresh, juicy oranges), and was an absolute pleasure to use. The only downside is that, being a milk, I didn't find it that effective in removing makeup, so you end up using quite a lot of product as you have to double cleanse. On that basis, I unfortunately probably wouldn't purchase again, but if they made this into a cream/hot cloth cleanser then I'd be all over it.

5. Origins Make a Difference Skin Rejuvenating Serum
I absolutely adored this. Like the cleansing milk, it had that same fantastically fruity fragrance, and it left my skin feeling SO hydrated, soft and plumped. I would love to repurchase this and keep it for either morning or evening, as I feel that I need to be using an anti-ageing one too in my daily routine.

6. Origins Gin Zing Eye Cream
This is one of those products that was really hyped up, and at first I thought it was a complete disappointment. However, as I mentioned recently, I then tried a couple of other eye creams, and it was only  when I came back to Gin Zing that I noticed the difference it made. I wouldn't say it has any long-term benefits, but when you pop some on in the mornings it certainly brightens the under-eye area and improves the appearance of dark circles.. Don't expect it to completely banish them though, and the same goes for puffiness. But then, can you show me an eye cream that truly does? I think I will repurchase this, as it's become a morning time staple, and I'm yet to come across anything I'd replace it with.

Which products have you used up this month?
Hope you're having a lovely week.

xx

February Favourites

When I posted my February Favourites Video on Saturday, I did promise that, as usual, I would write up a post on my monthly favourites too. So, without further ado, here it is!

Throughout February, I was loving.....

1. Tropic Hot Bamboo Organic Smoothing Cleanser

Cream hot cloth cleansers are my favourite way to remove all the day's grime and debris from my skin, and this one is no exception. In fact, with it being organic, vegan and cruelty free, it's shot straight to the top of my most-used cleansers list.

Review here

2. Elemis Nourishing Milk Bath

I haven't got a bath in my house at present, but as I won this in a competition, I wanted to try and make use of it somehow. Luckily, when scanning the back of the bottle I noticed that it could also be used as an intense body lotion, so I've been applying it straight onto my skin when I get out of the shower. The results have been quite fantastic - full review coming up very soon.

3. Essie Smoothies Coconut & Pineapple Hand &Body Lotion

I'm not hugely fussy when it comes to hand creams, but having now discovered one that smells like Pina Coladas, this little beaut is here to stay. I love slinging it in my handbag and whipping it out when my hands are in need, as it instantly whisks me away on holiday for a second with it's tropical scent.

4. HD Brows Brow Beater Gel

I reviewed this one last week, and if you saw that then you'll know that this has fast become a staple in my daily make-up routine. Groomed brows make all the difference.

Review here

5. MUA Pro Brow Kit

For the same reasons as above, this one is also a must-have of mine, and is a snip at just £3.50. It contains three shades, which can be mixed to find the perfect match for your brows, and the lightest can also be used to highlight under the brow. It does contain a wax too, but I pass that up in favour of Brow Beater.

Review here

6. Topshop Lips in Infrared

An oldie but goodie, I've had this one since last summer, and while I've always loved it, I do remember often wondering back then if it really suited me or not. So, when I stumbled upon it at the beginning of February and quickly whipped some on, I was pleasantly surprised and have been happily sporting it ever since. It's such a bright and zingy shade, perfect for the warmer months.

7. MUA Bronzed Perfection Bronzer

This really warms up my face, and is good for contouring too. Again, it's also a huge bargain, and will last ages because the compact is just huge.

Review here

8. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Light Year

Last but not least, this little beaut first joined my make-up collection back in December, but it's only now that I've begun to team it with my MUA bronzer for more of a sun-kissed look that it's really come into its own. It serves as both a peachy blusher and a subtle peachy-gold highlighter at the same time, so a dusting of this on top of my cheeks and a bit of really light contouring with my bronzer and I'm sorted. I'm usually more of a  coral blush kind of girl, so this has been making a welcome change.

I hope you enjoyed having a nose into my favourites this month. What were your favourite February products?

xx

Week in Pictures

A Sunday post on a Monday? Yeah, that's right. Actually, I wasn't feeling at my best over the weekend, so I didn't manage to get much blogging done. I did, however, get to catch up on my Youtube feed, which is always a pleasure at this time in the month, as everyone's favourites videos are up and I always seem to come away with a mental list of new products I want to try. Apart from that, I lay around with a headache all evening yesterday, browsing some online shops and trying to pick out what I'd like for my birthday, as requested by my mother.

Last week was pretty uneventful, but I did seem to manage to document it pretty thoroughly on Instagram nonetheless. I ate healthily, dodged the chocolate eggs in the supermarket, did a teeny tiny bit of shopping and mixed up my daily makeup routine. I've really been getting into Instagram lately, as while I've had it for some time, I was only really following close friends. But now that I'm using it more as a 'blogging account', I'm having lots of fun keeping up with everyone's daily antics, whether it be what they had for lunch (which gives me a constant case of food envy) or what makeup they have been using that day. I've also been taking a lot more photos myself, and I find that it really helps you to pick out the nice parts of an otherwise boring day, which in turn makes me feel more positive. And that can only be a good thing, right?

Today is a bit of a novelty, as I've got most of the day free before working later on this evening, so I'm quite enjoying having my Monday morning free to do a bit of blogging and catch up on some of your posts.

Hope everyone has a lovely week.

xx

What I Wore - Outfit and Nails

Shorts, Zara  -  Shirt, Zara  - Spike Necklace, Ebay  -  Sandals, bought in Brazil   -  Bracelet, Ebay  -  Sunglasses, H&M

Buongiorno, it's a little bit late in the day, but better late than never is what I say, and anyway, who makes the rules? I like living on the edge.

Today's outfit is a bit of a Zara-fest, and is finished off with a pair of sandals that you will probably keep seeing popping up in my OOTDs, as I rather like them.

Nail-wise, I've opted for a spot of glitter, in the form of a Hit Nails polish in 'Rio' (how fitting) over Essie Liquorice (a creamy jet black), which is a current favourite combo of mine. To be honest, I think their are few pairings that look better than glitter against black or white.

I had the day off today, as I don't work Fridays, and neither does the hubby, so we went for lunch together and spent the afternoon chatting over coffee. He's headed off to work this evening, which means I'm left to my own devices, and am going to take full advantage by having a bit of a pampering session. My skin has gone a bit mental lately, and I seem to have constant break-outs on my skin, so I'm trying to do a detox mask a couple of times a week to help it along. Other than that though, I'm trying to keep my skincare pretty basic, as I'm not sure what exactly it was that was responsible for my skin troubles. With this in mind, I'm sticking to a couple of products that I know I can always rely on to keep my skin in check, and yesterday I finally caved and bought the La Roche Posay Effaclar Duo, which I'm sure everyone is sick of hearing about, but needs must now that my skin is misbehaving. If anyone is interested in my fail-safe 'back to basics' routine, then I'm most probably going to be posting about it next week, so keep an eye out for that.

I haven't got much planned for the weekend, as I'm trying to save my pennies for our big move, but I've decided to go back to my Sunday 'Week in Photos' posts, as although I know they are a bit of a blogging cliche, I enjoy sharing my snaps at the end of the week. I've been getting much more into Instagram lately which means I will have plenty of photos to pop into the post, and I miss having rounding up my week on a Sunday, and having that weekend routine. What I post during the week is very much what I feel like at the time, but it's nice to have something regular for Saturdays and Sundays.

I hope you've all got some lovely things planned. Have a fantastic weekend.

xx