19.6.15

5 Thing To Do This Weekend

5-things-to-do-this-weekend

Cheers to the freakin’ weekend! That’s right, Friday is among us and following my usual Friday routine, singing along to various playlists on Spotify (including a little Mariah Carey) and sipping black coffee in the hope to stay awake past 9:30pm, I have complied a small list of 5 things to do this weekend...

#1 GO TO THE CINEMA
After a lot of laughs this weekend? Well, grab a ticket to see 'Spy'. After watching 'Jurassic World' last weekend and feeling a little underwhelmed, myself and my Ben decided to watch 'Spy'. The movie follows Melissa McCarthy who plays a desk-bound CIA analyst who volunteers to go undercover. And it’s a howler! The witty humour throughout left my cheeks sore and my abs all a little tighter, as I laughed along with the rest of the audience. The all-star cast included Miranda Hart, Rose Bryne, Jude Law and Jason Statham - who stole the show. 'Spy' is directed by Paul Feig who directed both 'Bridesmaids' and 'Heat' and I would go as far to say 'Spy' is just as funny, if not more so, than the likes of 'Bridesmaids'. 
#2 SPRING CLEAN YOUR BEAUTY STASH
I’m sure we all have one too many open mascaras, sun cream that is at least a year out of date and clear mascara that’s looking anything but clear. So when was the last time you have a good beauty clear out? Read my post all about makeup expiry dates, along with tips and tricks here. And don’t forget your makeup brushes, grab a bar of Simple Soap and get to work ladies.

#3 START READING A NEW BOOK
I love getting wrapped up in a thrilling storyline and getting lost amongst a good book. This weekend take the time out to buy a new book, or make a start on the book that’s currently sitting on your shelf unturned. On my recent trip to Rhodes I read two books one of which was called ‘I Let You Go’ by Clare Mackintosh. ‘I Let You Go’ has fast become one of my favourite books. Read within 24 hours, ‘I Let You Go’ left me with the biggest book hangover; the inability to start a new book because you’re still living in the last book’s world. Highly recommend.

#4 GO FOR A RUN
As the majority of you snooze away under your duvets and tuck into your breakfast this Sunday morning, I will be running around Victoria Park for the Nike Women’s 10km London raising money for The British Heart Foundation in memory of my Granddad. If you follow me on Twitter you may be aware I’ve been loving a good run gone 9pm. 6 months ago I was 2.5 stone heavier and couldn’t walk up the hill home without becoming out of breath. Running is a great way to get and stay fit. If I can do it, so can you! I’m sure I will update you all with a beetroot faced selfie once I cross the finish line and if you would like to help me raise money for such a worthy cause, you can text KNOT90 followed by £1, £2, £3, £4 or £5 to 70070, or visit my Just Giving page - thank you

#5 SHOP THE SALES
Why is it a week before payday my inbox becomes inundated with summer sale emails? So life can be a little unfair at times, but I’ve had a little look (how could I not?!) and the ZARA sale has much to offer from stripy skirts to leather bags, the TOPSHOP sale on the other hand is a little disappointing as within 24 hours it has been raided and little of what I like is available in my size. Feel Unique are offering up to 50% off, which I have currently resisted, but I have a feeling the bareMinerals base I’ve been lusting after might just make it into my online shopping basket by the end of the weekend.

What are your plans for this weekend?
Emily
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17.6.15

MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick | Review & Swatches

MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick // Review & Swatches




MAC Peach Blossom lipstick was my most worn lipstick of spring/summer last year and with spring 2015 well underway and summer just around the corner; this nude lipstick from MAC Cosmetics has made a triumphant return.

MAC Peach Blossom is described as a 'frosted cool nude’, but really it’s more of a peachy pink. It has a cremesheen formula and offers a semi-sheer lightweight coverage, much like a tinted lip balm. The formula makes it effortless to apply and comfortable to wear. And don’t be deceived by the colour of the bullet, when applied MAC Peach Blossom lipstick makes my lips look lush. The universally flattering shade and subtle shimmer enhances my lips, leaving them looking luscious and fuller as it blurs lip lines. This lipstick goes with every outfit and is great for everyday wear. Its also the perfect lipstick to wear with a smoky eye. The downside? It lacks lasting power, but that’s not surprising considering its glossy finish. Overall, MAC Peach Blossom is my favourite nude lipstick and a great alternative if youre not a fan of lipgloss. 

MAC Peach Blossom Lipstick // Review & Swatches

What’s your favourite MAC lipstick?
Emily
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15.6.15

How to Pair Blush with Bold Lipstick

How to Pair Blush with Bold Lipstick
Pulling off a bold lipstick isn’t always easy and it can be even harder finding a blusher to pair it with that doesn’t make you're look like your joining the Cirque du Soleil! I had always feared the dreaded clown look, so up until recently steered clear of bold lipsticks. But bold lips and a subtle touch of blusher on your cheeks can be a winning combination. It can enhance your lipstick colour and stop your skin from looking washed out and I have found the perfect product.

Rimmel's Lasting Finish Soft Colour Blush in Santa Rose may appear uninspiring in the pan, but this blusher adds just the right amount of colour, whilst defining those cheekbones. The shade is a natural, matte, soft, dusty rose with a brown undertone. This inexpensive blusher’s packaging may be a little shoddy, but the lasting power, buildable pigmentation and finish makes it the by far the most complimentary shade to wear with any lipstick colour. It’s hint of colour won’t leave you looking like a clown, or like your wearing a shed load of makeup, it’s simply perfect. And the best part? It won’t leave you out of pocket, costing just £3.99.

Do you wear blusher with bold lipsticks?
Emily
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13.6.15

Beach Bag Essentials

beach-bag-essentials
With summer fast approaching and holiday bookings well underway, that can only mean one thing; beach season is almost here! And I’m sure we can all agree that a well-packed beach bag is essential for a stress free day spent lounging in the sun, there is truly nothing worse than forgetting to pack your sunglass, or your favourite book (well other than forgetting your passport!). So before you board the plan, make sure you’ve packed the following...

1. BEACH BAG TOTE
Let’s start with the basics, a tote large enough to hold all your essentials. Opt for something lightweight, like an overside canvas beach bag, or opt for a waterproof beach bag. I picked up my black mesh tote from Primark for just £3.00.

2. BEACH TOWEL 
Whether youre spending the day on the beach, or by the poolside a beach towel is essential. Pick a fun, vibrant and preferably large towel that you can lounge on, dry off on, cover up with and protect yourself with from the wind. ASDA have a great selection of cheap beach towels starting from £5, but if you know me, youll know I couldn’t resist this large pineapple printed beach towel from John Lewis when I spotted it online. Obsessed.  

3. BIKINI
Picking swimwear can be an awfully tricky task.  Chose something that flatters your shape, or opt for something snazzy and waterproof like a Triangl bikini. I have the Milly Santa Rosa Splash Triangl Bikini* and love it! I also bought a tie-side bikini from Topshop, which was great value for money.

4. BEACH COVER UP
Pack a beach cover up to throw over your swimwear. Primark’s offering is currently on point. I picked up mine pictured above for £10.00 and wore it all holiday! But remember you can still catch the sun through sheer clothing, so take cover under a parasol and pack a floppy hat. 

5. FLIP-FLOPS
Leave your expensive sandals back in your hotel room and pack a pair of simple rubber flip-flops - a beach bag essential! You don’t have to worry about them getting wet or ruined and they are easy to chuck on and remove. Again Primark, £1.00. Bargain. 

6. SUNGLASSES
You all know the drill, protect your eyes and your skin with sunglasses. Squinting when reading is not fun, nor is wrinkles! So pack your favourite sunglasses. I picked my Ray-Ban Classic Clubmaster Sunglasses

7. SPF
You’d be a fool not to lather up with SPF. There is so much choice on the market from gel, creams and sprays, waterproof and all day formulas so make sure you pick something best suited for you. Remember SPF is your #1 holiday requirement so invest money into your protection and pack a body, face and lip SPF. My favourite brand of sunscreen is Piz Buin. It’s lightweight and non greasy.  

8. HYDRATING MIST
My skin gets parched after sitting in the sun and a hydrating mist does the job of taking that tight feeling away. My top choice is thAvène Thermal Water Spray, its soothing and anti-irritating. It is also great for helping to treat sunburn. 

9. READING MATERIAL
On holiday I’m a book whore, that may be little crass, but true, last year I read 4 books in the space of 7 days. So I always make sure I've packed my favourite paper back, or picked up a glossy magazine (or two) in the airport. On my recent trip to Greece I read ‘I Let You Go’ by Clare Mackinstosh in less than 24 hours - highly recommend you give it a read, especially if you liked 'Gone Girl'!

10. IPOD & HEADPHONES 
The sounds of the waves may be heavenly, but it’s nice to have the option to bathe to a bit of Beyonce. Create a playlist of your favourite songs and don’t forget to pack your headphones. 

11. HAND SANITISER
Any bag should contain hand sanitiser. Need I tell you why? Soap & Glory offer the best antibacterial hand gel. It smells like grapefruit, dries quickly, isn’t sticky and costs just £2.50. 

What do you like to pack in your beach bag?
Emily
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11.6.15

British Beauty Addict’s 2nd Blog-Versary!

British Beauty Addict’s 2nd Blog-Versary!

As you read this, I’ll be in Greece basking in the sun. But I couldn’t go on holiday and forget all about my Blog’s 2nd Birthday. That’s right, today British Beauty Addict is 2-years-old! A year on and I’ve had over 296,000 page views, published over 160 posts and in the last 12 months alone, another 1,000 people have subscribed to my blog via Bloglovin’

You could say BBA is a small fish in a very large pond, but to me my little blog is a very large part of my life (what ever did I do with my free time beforehand I’ll never know!). Although I still haven’t quite got the hang of my DSLR, take a ridiculous amount of photos to get that one shot, pray for sunshine more often than not and have only just started to get on top of this scheduling lark, all in all blogging is pretty darn fun.

This is the part of the blog-versary post where I say a massive THANK YOU to every single one of you that take the time to read, share and comment on my posts.

Here at 10 of my most popular posts from the last 12 months: 

1. MAC Eye Shadow x15: Warm Neutral Palette // Review & Swatches
2. MAC Fanfare Lipstick // Review & Swatches
3. My MAC Eyeshadow Palette
4. Soap & Glory Supercat Eyeliner Pen // Review
5. Makeup Must Have: Rimmel London East End Snob Lip Liner
6. Seventeen Doll’d Up Mascara
7. Charlotte Tilbury: The Dolce Vita Eyeshadow Quad // Review & Swatches
8. Beauty Packing With MUJI
9. Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask // Review 
10. NARS Virtual Domination Cheek Palette // Review & Swatches

Let me know what your favourite post has been here on BBA,

Love your resident British Beauty Addict,
Emily
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9.6.15

Unsung Hero: MAC Painterly Paint Pot

MAC-Painterly-Paint-Pot

I often express my love for eyeshadow here on BBA. But up until now I have never spoken about MAC Painterly Paint Pot - the unsung hero in my makeup collection. This paint pot from MAC is the perfect eyeshadow companion and a product I reach for more often than not when I apply eyeshadow. If you buy one thing this month, I recommend you pop this pot into your basket.

MAC Painterly Pro Longwear Paint Pot is a nude, flesh toned beige with a matte finish. The product comes in a sleek, sturdy, glass pot. But be warned, if you dont close the lid properly, this product does have the tendency to dry out. Negative point aside, the formula is second to none. It’s highly pigmented, offering an even application over the lids, helping to disguise veins or any redness. The creamy formula makes it effortless to apply. And once set, it does not feel heavy on the lids, crease, fade or smudge, creating the perfect eyeshadow primer. Although Painterly can be worn alone and looks great paired with winged liner and lashings of mascara, it’s longevity and pigmentation creates the perfect canvas to apply eyeshadow. It enhances eyeshadow colours, helping them to appear on the lids as they do in the pan and helps near enough any eyeshadow last all day! I like to buff a thin layer over my lids and add a light dusting of translucent powder, or a neutral eyeshadow on top, to help the eyeshadows blend seamlessly together. Priced at £15.50 it’s essentially great value for money and MAC Painterly Paint Pot is by far my favourite eyeshadow primer, even over the likes of my Urban Decay Primer Potion.

Have you tried any paint pots from MAC?
Emily
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7.6.15

Holiday Beauty Packing & Printable Checklist

Holiday Beauty Packing & Printable Checklist

I'm a beauty addict and it would be impossible to cram the contents of my bathroom cabinet and my vanity into my suitcase. But, I would like to believe I’m pretty darn ruthless when it comes to holiday beauty packing. I spend all year stocking up on miniatures in the hope of a holiday yet to come and fill my drawers with zip lock bags and travel bottles. And today I’m sharing some of my favourite holiday beauty products & a holiday beauty packing checklist, so you too can jet off a little smoother this summer, with your perfectly planned toiletry bag.

Travel Bottles
Unless your planning on not coming back (wishful thinking) decant your products into travel sized bottles like these from eBay for £2.89. Remember if you’re flying, you must ensure all hand luggage liquids are stored in a transparent plastic bag and each product must be no more than 100ml and any larger items must be packed in your suitcase. I’ve had products confiscated before. It was a sad day. You have be warned.

There is nothing worse than arriving at your hotel, unpacking and finding a bottle of shampoo has exploded in your suitcase (we’ve all been there). So, store products in ziplock bags and secure them with a bit of tape. Don’t have ziplock bags? No worries, grab some cling film, cut out a square, take the lid off the bottle and lay the cling film over the top and secure the lid back on. Disaster averted. 

Tools & Wash Bags
Even if you spray your perfume like it’s air freshener it’s unlikely you’ll get through a whole bottle. So invest in a Travalo. These refillable perfume atomizers are fantastic. You wont have to pack a heavy perfume bottle, or have the worry that it may smash in your luggage. They’re not expensive either, I bought mine online from Amazon for just £6.99 - they make for the perfect everyday handbag companion too. 

Everyone needs a functional cosmetics case and wash bag whilst traveling. I picked up my Muji Cosemtic Case last year, but it has sadly been discontinued. This cosmetics bag is just the right size and has handy separate compartments for brushes, lipsticks and hairbands. I also like the convince of hanging wash bags, which as the name suggests can be hung from doors and towel rails. Pick something durable, waterproof like this one from Muji, or pick up something a little more colourful like this one from Debenhams. For those of you that like simplicity and after something a little cheaper pick up Superdrug’s three clear bags for £5.99.

Multipurpose Products
Although less is more, don’t scrimp on essentials like SPF. And If need be, stick to a three step routine; cleanse, treat and hydrate. Keep an eye out for multipurpose products, like Nivea’s In Shower Body Moisturiser which is a convenient way to moisturise whilst washing. One of my holiday essentials is my Elizabeth Arden’s 8 Hour Cream, it’s a wonder product, helping to relieve and sooth chapped, dry, irritated skin and soften hard cuticles and lips.

Makeup
If you wish, you can skip makeup all together and revel in natural beauty whilst basking in the sunshine and sipping cocktails in the evening. Although I prefer to go bare faced during the day, I have an uneven skin tone and sometimes its nice to wear a little something. Opt for a lightweight hydrating base, with an added SPF, like the Vichy Capital Soleil Face BB Tinted Velvety Cream, or Laura Merciers Tinted Moisturiser you can read my full review here

Print and pack with my tick-off checklist [DOWNLOAD]
Holiday Beauty Packing & Printable Checklist
Do you have any beauty packing tips? 
Emily
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5.6.15

Pre-Holiday Beauty Regime

Pre-Holiday Beauty Regime

In a matter of weeks I will be on a beach sunning myself, baring all. And although this sounds rather lovely (minus the baring all part), the last minute booking has plunged me into pre-holiday panic, the kind where you book beauty treatments and buy products in the hope of looking fabulous in time for your flight. But panic aside, it’s time to put my game face on and step up my beauty routine.

BODY
Full body exfoliation and moisturisation will give your skin a pre-holiday boost and ensure it is primed and prepped for the long awaited sunshine. A vigorous all-over body scrub will ensure your tan will last longer, appear more even and be less prone to peeling. This is because the sun colours the top layer of your skin, which sheds approximately every two weeks. Exfoliation will also leave the skin silky smooth, so scrub away those skin cells and grab your choice of scrub, exfoliating mitts or both and get to work paying close attention to your knees and elbows. Goodbye lizard skin! Exfoliation and moisturisation go hand in hand, so hydrate your body with an all-over deep moisture massage. This will promote circulation, in turn helping the skin to appear smoother in texture, all whilst reducing the appearance of both cellulite and stretch marks. 


DE-FUZZ
Hair removal is an absolute must. We’ve all seen that one lady sunning herself who is literally bursting at the seams! Forget the razors and hair removal creams, opt for a bikini wax at least 24 hours before your holiday instead. It really isn’t all that bad. Waxing will ensure your bikini line is smoother and far longer lasting. My top tips for a bikini wax, is to exfoliate your groin area prior to your wax and apply tea tree oil post wax to sooth and protect against ingrown hairs. Don’t forget to pack tweezers to pluck out any small hairs if they are to grow back during your holiday.

BROWS & LASHES
In all honesty I don’t bother with waterproof mascara on holiday, I want to be carefree, not worrying if my mascara is running down my face, as I splash about in the pool! I suggest tinting your lashes before you travel, this can be achieved either at home, or at a beauticians. Don’t forget to pay attention to your brows also, tame them and tint them too as the sun can bleach hair. The colour will last up to two weeks and you will gain effortless structure without the use of brow products.
FACE
Our skincare routine may serve us well, but it’s always a good idea to give your skin a little extra TLC before a holiday break. You can either book a facial at your local beauticians, or use your favourite products at home. I like to treat my skin with my 3 step detox routine, which gives my skin a much needed hydration boost and leaves my skin looking fresh, bright and more importantly clear of any pesky spots.

NAILS
I for one struggle to find a polish that truly doesn’t chip after a good few days, careless of the price or what it promises. So I opt for a long lasting durable mani and pedi before a holiday in the form of Shellac. Shellac is longer lasting and more durable than your regular polish and lasts around 14 days and even longer on your toes! I have an at home kit which I bought on eBay, but you can have the treatment in store which costs around £25. The application process is relatively simple and your nails will be dry instantly, not to mention look seriously glossy. Also no need to pack polish, or remover! Bonus!


FEET
I’m sure we are all aware of how sole destroying sandals can be! I like to treat my feet and soak them in a bowl of warm water - you can add bath milk, or a soaking scrub to increase softness. Next, I dry off my feet and exfoliate away any rough areas with a pumice stone, or foot file and follow up with a scrub. To finish, I like to massage a small amount of Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream onto the bottoms of my feet, (any foot cream, or even vaseline will do) and pop on some socks before bed. It may take time to get super smooth feet, so repeat this a couple of times a week and voilĂ , you’ll be flip-flop ready! 

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream - Fragrance Free (Full Review) / Boots Pharmaceuticals Smoothing Foot File / Superdrug Pumice With Rope

What products do you reach for prior to a holiday?
Emily
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