4.12.17

Party Season Skincare Prep

Party Season Skincare Prep
- This post is in collaboration with The Body Shop -
Party season has arrived (hooray!), so it's time to up my skincare game. During December my usual pre-sleep cleanse doesn't cut the mustard. The late nights, back-to-back parties, cold weather and weekday boozing leave my complexion dull, blotchy and spotty. So I've put together a whole host of effective skincare products from The Body Shop, to help prep and preen my skin for the party season. 

CLEANSE

It probably is no surprise that you’ve got to start by cleansing the skin. I tend to double cleanse every evening as I work in the city and wear makeup regularly. For the initial cleanse I will use a basic no-fuss cleanser such as The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil £12.00 to remove makeup and surface grime. And then I'll use a targeted cleanser (i.e. for dry or congested skin) for a deeper clean.

EXFOLIATE

Next I'll scrub-a-dub-dub. Exfoliation is key for glowing skin, as when old skin cells start to pile up, your complexion can become rough, dull and clogged. My polish pick is The Body Shop Tea Tree 3-in-1 Wash Scrub Mask £8.50, the grainy scrub contains tea tree oil (an ol' faithful of mine that treats without over-drying) and tiny exfoliating particles that gently unclog blocked pores, smooth the top layer of the skin and reduce the appearance of those unsightly blackheads. I recommend exfoliating 1-2 times a week, applying the scrub to damp skin in circular motions and tailoring the pressure to your skin. 

DETOX

My favourite skin-boosting treatment pre-party is a mask. If you suffer from blemish prone skin, or have spots that like to linger, I recommend using a clay based purifying mask to help lift out impurities and speed up the healing process. I love The Body Shop Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask £17.00, formulated without any nasties it helps clear congested skin. I apply generously ideally using a Facial Mask Brush £8.00, let it set and then use a warm flannel to remove every last morsel. And for those mornings of a party when I wake up with a throbbing spot (typical), I use the clay mask directly onto the spot with a cotton bud and leave it to work as long as possible. 

REHYDRATE 

Whenever I use a purifying mask I always like to follow up with some facial oil to rehydrate the skin. The Body Shop Drops Of Youth™ Concentrate £26.00 is packed with several do-good ingredients that help to soften the skin and prevent moisture loss. It sinks in nicely with a little facial massage and by morning (as I prefer to apply oil in the PM) it's soothed away red patches and left my skin plump and glowy. And if my complexion is freaking out I'll use The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Daily Solution £13.00, pre-serum/oil concentrate that combats blemishes.

If you're looking for a mask to hydrate, plump and soothe The Body Shop British Rose Fresh Plumping Mask £17.00 is a great pick. It's infused with real rose petals, rosehip oil and aloe vera and is perfect for dry and sensitive skin. As a last-minute quick fix, apply the mask 30-60 minutes before you apply your makeup for gorgeous dewy skin.

PREP

Skincare is truly the first step in applying makeup. So for the perfect canvas I always moisturise, as dehydrated skin shows all the lines, can aggravate blemishes and leave it looking dull and flaky - not desirable. I'm currently enjoying The Body Shop Drops Of Youth™ Cream £22.00 (which fyi smells heavenly) and leaves my skin smoother, more luminous and awake - very desirable. Just make you wait five minutes before you apply your foundation to prevent a messy make-up slip 'n' slide.

What products do you reach for to prep your skin for the party season?
Emily
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23.11.17

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation | Review

Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation | Review

Huda Kattan’s new beauty launches this autumn have left me wanting to buy and try more from her award-winning makeup line. Not only have the Obsession palettes bowled me over, the #FauxFilter Foundation* has pleasantly surprised me. #FauxFilter may sound like a load of nonsense marketing but never has a matte foundation been more flawless without sucking the life outta my skin. It’s as close as I’ve got to an Instagram filter IRL and I’m digging it. 

However, there’s one caveat; the coverage is heavy (but note: not mask like, think MAC Studio Fix Fluid) so application requires a little work and extra help from a hydrating primer, especially if your complexion is on the drier side, so in short it’s not a chuck on job done kinda foundation. 

But when my skin doesn’t resemble the Sahara Desert, boy does it deliver. It’s the most highly pigmented foundation I’ve ever tried, trust me a single pump will do the trick at concealing redness, blemishes and everything else in-between. It has a healthy satin finish, that doesn’t go chalky after a few hours wear like Estée Lauder Double Wear and loose powder isn’t a necessity when wearing #FauxFilter, because it wears pretty well and still looks good by 6pm. The liquid foundation does have a floral scent, but it doesn’t bother my nose, or my skin, so I can look past that. But it does have an admirably wide shade range, with 30 to choose from, but be warned the formulation oxidises, so opt for a shade lighter.

All in all, it’s no surprise Cult Beauty has found it difficult keeping Huda’s first foundation in stock. So if you like full coverage radiant makeup, this could be your pick for the party season and the best part? I’ve just checked and Cult Beauty now has every.single.shade available. 

Have you tried the Huda Beauty #FauxFilter Foundation?
Emily
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21.11.17

Five Beauty Products I'm Currently Reaching For

Five Beauty Products I'm Currently Reaching For

Up until now few new beauty products have managed to cement themselves into my beauty routine this year. I’ve tried and tested countless products, but after a few weeks wear, they like most, have resided to the back of my IKEA drawers. But with the influx of new beauty launches this autumn, I’ve had a bit of a makeup mix-up and I’ve been left reaching for a handful of new(ish) beauty products on a daily basis and I'm impressed.

Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Concealer £19*

Something old rather than something new, Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer is an ol' beauty favourite of mine and for good reason. In recent months I'd been gravitating towards the Shape Tape Contour Concealer from Tarte, but with the change in the weather the heavy duty concealer started to extenuate my dehydrated under eyes with its thick matte formulation. But Urban Decay's Naked Skin Concealer has a medium-to-full coverage, yet is super light and has a natural finish that leaves my under eyes soft and smooth. 

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette £25

This palette was made for me. No seriously, Huda Kattan has done a stellar job creating the Obsessions eyeshadow palette collection. There isn't a single dud in the Warm Brown Obsessions palette, every single shade is highly pigmented, smooth and blendable. What's more, it's diddly so ideal for on the go and Kattan hasn't scrimped on product, as the pans are the same size as her original palettes. No doubt I'll be adding another to my online basket soon.

PIXI Glow Mist £16

Many question why you'd need a face mist, but I've been a long-standing lover of the stuff especially during autumn/winter months when my skin is dry or dehydrated. Just think of the PIXI Glow Mist as a quick fix. A couple of spritz of the bi-phase lightweight spray, instantaneously hydrates leaving my skin smoother and dewier. 

Glossier Boy Brow £14

Benefit Gimme who? There's no denying Benefit's Gimme Brow is a decent product and one I've used for some time now, but with Glossier's arrival here in the UK, it's found itself in competition with Glossier's best-seller Boy Brow. Boy Brow is nice; it thickens, tames, tints and is fuss-free, but its texture is what sets it apart from the rest. The formulation is far wetter and creamier (similar to a brow pomade) so doesn't stiffen or flake throughout the day. For me, it's my go-to for cba makeup days and works well with my holy-grail Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade

Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation £9.99

If you've got dull or dry skin you should give Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation a go. It's a great high street base and one I often return to come the colder months. And over the last week it has been welcomed return, as many of the foundations I had been wearing had started to leave my skin looking cakey, dry and far too matte. But Healthy Mix is radiance-enhancing and nourishes my skin with its blend of vitamins C, E and B5.

What beauty products have you been reaching for recently?
Emily
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17.11.17

Black Friday: The Best Deals, Offers and Discount Codes in One Place

Black Friday: The Best Deals, Offers and Discount Codes in One Place

Black Friday may technically be a week away (Friday 24th November), but many brands and retailers aren’t wasting any time and are already dropping new deals, offers and discounts in the lead up to the big day. 

Let’s be honest, Black Friday isn’t just a day or a weekend anymore, it’s four freaking weeks long. I’m not complaining though – that’s four weeks of guilt free shopping in my books! And as per there are ridiculous deal on TVs and electronics, but there are also a lot of offers, discounts and promo codes in the fashion and beauty sphere worth sharing.
So below you’ll find the best deals and be able to click through for a peek at my top product picks from beauty products, clothing and homewear, so you won't have to get off your couch and tackle fellow Black Friday shoppers for that red cable knit we’ve all been lusting after. But be quick, ‘cos not all these deals will be sticking around. Oh and feel free to bookmark too, as I’ll be updating this list daily. 


Clothing, Shoes & Accessories

ACCESSORIZE | 30% off bags and 3 for 2 on gifts
ALDO | additional 50% off all sale items
ASOS | 20% off using the code WIN20
ASPINAL OF LONDON | 20% off gifts for her & him
BOOHOO | 50% off everything and free delivery
CATH KIDSTON | Sale
DOROTHY PERKINS | Up to 50% off selected lines 
FARFETCH | 10% off using code 10BF
FOREVER 21 | 30% off casual styles
H&M | Up to 50% off
KURT GEIGER | Up to 20% off selected lines 
LOVEHONEY | Daily deals up to 20% off everything
MANGO | 30% off everything using code CYBER17
MISSOMA | 25% off everything using code BF25
MISS SELFRIDGE | Up to 50% off selected lines
MISSGUIDED | 50% off everything using code CYBER50
MONICA VINADER | Up to 30% off online and in-store
MOTEL ROCKS | 30% off everything using code 30CYBER
NASTY GAL | 30% off everything and free delivery using code LETSGO
NEW LOOK | 25% off everything
OFFICE | 20% off using code SHINE
PRETTY LITTLE THING | 31% off everything using code CYBER31
RIVER ISLAND | 20% off when you spend £75+
THE OUTNET | Up to 80% off selected lines
TOPSHOP | Up to 50% off
WAREHOUSE | Up to 40% off everything
WHISTLES | 25% off everything online and in-store

Health & Beauty

BEAUTY BAY | Promotion ended
BEAUTY EXPERT | 20% off using code BECM20
BOOTS | Up to half price off gift sets
CHARLOTTE TILBURY | Daily Black Friday deals
ESCENTUAL | 10% off using code BLACK10
FABLED | 15% off everything using the code BLACKFRIDAY
FEELUNIQUE | 15% off using the code SHINE 
GHD | Up to 30% off 
HOUSE OF FRASER | Up to 20% off beauty gift sets
HQHAIR | 20% off using code CYBERM
QVC | Black Friday Beauty
LOOK FANTASTIC | 20% off using code LFCM20
ORIGINS | Origins Hydrate & Celebrate Black Friday Set £42 (worth £105)
SPACE NK | Buy one get one 1/2 price
SUPERDRUG | Up to 60% off selected Christmas gifts
THE BODY SHOP | 40% off selected items using code 19806
URBAN DECAY | 30% off all Naked palettes using code GETNAKED

Department Stores | Auction Houses | Retail Outlets

ANTHROPOLOGIE | Sale 
AMAZON | Black Friday Daily Deals
ARGOS | 14 days of deals
DEBENHAMS | Up to 50% off women's clothing & footwear
EBAY | Black Friday deals
JOHN LEWIS | Price match / Black Friday deals on the way
HOLLAND & BARRETT | Better than half price off selected products
HOUSE OF FRASER | Up to 40% off selected lines
MARKS & SPENCER | 20% off selected Christmas hampers
MATALAN | Up to 50% off selected items
NEXT | Black Friday deals are on the way
OLIVER BONAS | 400+ sale items
THE WHITE COMPANY | Black Friday deals on the way
URBAN OUTFITTERS | Up to 30% off selected lines 
WEST ELM | 20% off select dining, living and mirrors 


Have you bought, or will you be buying anything during the Black Friday 'warm up'?
Emily
*This post contains affiliate links
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14.11.17

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette | Review & Swatches

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette | Review & Swatches

Behold, Huda Beauty’s Obsessions Palettes. The newest and cutest beauty buys created by award-winning beauty blogger Huda Kattan and I’m shamelessly obsessed rn. I purchased the Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsession Palette on launch day and after putting the palette through its paces I can confirm, the slimline eyeshadow edit is worth the hype. And although they’re teeny-tiny I might just need a bigger makeup bag, because I want them all. 

There are four colour combos to choose from: Smokey, Electric, Warm Brown and Mauve. And each palette houses nine shadows opposed to 18 like the brand’s larger shadow collections. And surprisingly despite the Obsession palettes size the pans are still the same size. 

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette | Review & Swatches
Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette | Review & Swatches

Warm Brown is comprised of one metallic eyeshadow surrounded by eight versatile mattes and even has a decent-sized mirror built in. Warm Brown was my favourite at first glance; the shade range is bang on trend. It’s all about reds, oranges and those neutral hues we all know and love and they go perfectly together, no guessing needed. The palette has a similar vibe to the Desert Dusk Palette and Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette (two best sellers), but has a smaller selection of shades. But let’s be honest, one can only fit so many shades on to one’s lids at a time.

Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsessions Palette | Review & Swatches

The formulation echoes Huda’s previous palettes, as the eyeshadows have excellent pigmentation and are super blendable. I love a good matte look and the transition and base shades are perfect for contouring my eyes and the pop of copper is ultra-flattering on my blue eyes.

I’ve tried and tested many eyeshadow palettes this year and while they’re all pretty in their own right, The Huda Beauty Warm Brown Obsession Palette is undeniably my favourite eyeshadow palette release of 2017. It’s a fantastic set to have on hand, that’s portable and affordable priced at £25. Kattan is killing it. Bravo.


What are your thoughts on Huda Beauty’s Obsessions Palettes?
Emily
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11.11.17

5 Current Beauty Favourites

5 Current Beauty Favourites

Can you believe it's November already? This year has flown by unlike any other. I've had a lot going on over the last 12 months and honestly, its kinda left me feeling a little bit behind in the ol' blogosphere. But I'll save the life update for another time. Today I want to give you a quick rundown of 5 current beauty favourites, that I've been using every day for the past month that are pretty damn good. 

Glossier You Eau de Parfum £45

Seriously, has anyone not bought anything from Glossier yet? I placed an order the day Glossier launched online here in the UK and have since placed several more orders. Safe to say Glossier has my attention and a lot of my moolah. Glossier You, the brands debut fragrance is beautiful. I'm not sure how best to describe this scent. But it's subtle, creamy, warm and designed to enhance your natural skin scent. Others have said Glossier You is similar to Escentric Molecule's Molecule 01, but I disagree. The only similarities are the two fragrances are gentle and designed to amplify your natural skin scent. It seems once again Glossier have done it. 

Glossier Generation G in Cake £14

It's been some time since I've gravitated to one particular lip shade on the daily, but enter Generation G in Cake in all its diffused, sheer matte goodness. This lipstick sits somewhere in-between a lipstick and tinted balm - it's matte, highly pigmented and easy to apply. Cake is a gorgeous nude with a hint of peach and not too far off my natural lip colouring, so it's a great everyday lip option. But it isn't unlike other matte lip products as it can be a tad drying, especially now the weather has taken a cold turn. But I predict I will be receiving more pink bags in the post, as I'm currently lusting after Generation G in Leo and Like.

Glossier Generation G in Cake
- Wearing Glossier Generation G in Cake -

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream £70*

I've gratefully received an influx of goodies from some of my favourite brands in recent months and one product that landed on my doorstep that's been a staple in my skincare routine ever since is Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Cream. It's a rich no-nonsense moisturiser with SPF15 and I simply love slathering this stuff on my face, as it makes my skin feel so soft. Its formulation includes hyaluronic acid, antioxidant vitamin E, rosehip and camellia oils. My only negative is the packaging. Although pretty, dipping your fingers into the pot reduces the efficacy of the ingredients. But if money is no object and you've got seriously dry, dull or dehydrated skin it's more than worth it. 

BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector £21

A bout of insomnia last month resulted in dark under-eye circles. You know, the kind that won't disappear no matter how much concealer you apply. This is where BECCA Under Eye Brightening Corrector comes in - a peachy, pink corrector that when applied before concealer helps banish dark circles. To apply I use my fingers and tap a little to inner corners of my eyes and blend the product under my lash-line and boy does it brighten. It has a very creamy texture that works wonders for my dry and exhausted skin, but I always set with a powder otherwise my concealer will crease and slip'n'slide all over the place. 

Too Faced Love Light Highlighter in Blinded By The Light £25

I very rarely hit pan on products, but I can imagine I will on this one. Too Faced's Love Light Prismatic Highlighter in Blinded By The Light doesn't look as blinding on the skin as the name suggests. Rather it's an incredibly subtle beige pearlescent highlight, with a hint of shimmer and I've been reaching for it on the regular. It doesn't trump my cult-fave Laura Mercier Matte Radiance Baked Powder in 01, but is another great pick for a subtle, pretty, everyday highlight. Not to mention, the metallic heart-shaped packaging is pretty cute. 

What beauty products have you been loving recently? 
Emily
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9.11.17

Tanya Burr Selfie Story Lash Mascara & Flick Eyeliner | Review & Swatches

Tanya Burr Selfie Story Lash Mascara & Flick Eyeliner | Review & Swatches

Tanya Burr Selfie Story collection is the first makeup launch of YouTuber Tanya Burr that's got me excited. Besides her debut makeup line, back in 2014 where I purchased a handful of glosses and polishes, I've completely overlooked her brand. 

Burr has spent years testing, swatching and reviewing beauty products for her legions of fans, so naturally I expected her Selfie Story collection to be good. And Burr hasn't disappointed. Her latest launch is completely worth purchasing. 

Selfie Story includes three brow pencils, a liquid eyeliner and mascara priced from £4.99 - 7.99. And as I have a hard time resisting new products, especially a good mascara and liquid eyeliner (two of my everyday makeup staples), I had to give 'em a go. 

Tanya Burr Selfie Story Lash Mascara & Flick Eyeliner | Review & Swatches
- Wearing Tanya Burr Selfie Story Lash Mascara & Flick Eyeliner -
Firstly, I've got to praise Burr as the packaging alone is a major selling point, not many drugstore beauty products have such pretty packaging. But is the packaging as good as the formula? Tanya Burr Selfie Story Lash Mascara (£7.99)* has densely packed short bristles that make it easy to coat every single lash. A couple of coats lift, curl, lengthen and separate my lashes to maximum effect. It isn't too dissimilar to Maybelline's best-selling Lash Sensational Mascara, but it doesn't layer as well. If you apply too much whilst the formula is still wet, it will leave your lashes stuck together. So give your lashes the chance to dry a little before applying another layer - unless you dig big clumpy lashes. All in all, it wears well, doesn't transfer and is a great option if you love fluttery lashes. 

One of my go-to looks is a cat eye, so liquid eyeliner is an absolute staple in my makeup bag. Now I wouldn't go as far as saying Tanya Burr Selfie Story Flick Eyeliner (£4.99)* is the most idiot-proof liquid eyeliner on the market, as it does require a little patience. But the perk of this product is it's seriously matte and stays all day, which can be hard to come by. The application isn't as smooth as the likes of Lancôme's Grandiôse Eyeliner, but it doesn't tug or drag and has a superfine tip for precise, thin lines. What's more, it doesn't come with a heft price tag and is easy to remove. It stacks up against luxe brands and has since become the liquid eyeliner I choose to use.

Have you tried any products from Tanya Burr's Selfie Story Collection? 
 Emily
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13.9.17

My Most Reached for High-End Foundations

My Most Reached for High-End Foundations
I'm a daily foundation wearer through and through, whether its full coverage, light coverage, mattifying or dewy I've got a foundation for the job. Needless to say, picking a foundation out isn’t easy, shade matching and finding a formulation that doesn’t oxidise, or cake come 3pm can seem impossible. But I have a few high-end foundations I fall back on daily that are mainstays in my collection. So here’s a rundown of my favourites.
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11.9.17

It's a Sell-Out: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara | Before & After

It's a sell-out: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara | Before & After
Drop the falsies and lash curlers, there's a new mascara on the block and its a sell-out. I spent two weeks trying to snag a tube of L'Oreal Paris Paradise Mascara £11.99, it was clearly a popular product as it flew off the shelves and consequently sold.out.everywhere. Tbh, I always want what I can't have, especially when it comes to beauty products and although I was disappointed, I felt reassured it would be worth the wait, because if the masses were buying it, it must be good. But does this new release live up to the hype? In short yes. I was blown away by, well, everything.
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6.9.17

4 Beauty Products to Try

4 Beauty Products to Try
My love for beauty products runs deep. No matter how hard I resist I always want to try more, see what's new and discover real beauty gems. Last month my spending was restrained as I got a lil debit card happy during a few too many social occasions including a very boozy bank holiday weekend. But this didn't stop me from reviving an old eyeshadow palette from within the deep depths of my IKEA Alex drawers and dropping a few pounds in my local Boots. And I've found four you-need-to-try beauty products, all tried, tested, loved and recommend by moi. 
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4.9.17

Hormonal Breakouts: My Go-To Routine

Hormonal Breakouts: My Go-To Routine
It's a fact of life that we all at some point get spots, regardless of how regimented our skincare routines are. Generally speaking day to-day I have relatively blemish free skin, my biggest skincare woes are redness and uneven texture. BUT, once a month my skin has a hormonal orgy where all participants (blackheads, whiteheads and those pesky red bumps) are invited (not on my behalf) to gather around my chin and jaw line. I have zero self-control when it comes to popping blemishes and I know its best to leave them alone. Frustrating but true. And whilst I can't prevent the natural from occurring, I can treat them and prevent scaring. So here's my go-to routine for hormonal breakouts.
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30.8.17

How to Achieve the Natural 'No Makeup Makeup' Look

How to Achieve the Natural No Makeup Makeup Look

‘No-makeup makeup’ is a contradiction I know. But as much as I love makeup I don’t always want to wear a smoky eye, cut crease and bold lip. Day to day, natural(ish) makeup is my thing. The kind of makeup that’s soft, fresh and flattering, playing up to my favourite features without using a heap of makeup products, just the bare necessities. So I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite products to add to your bag to achieve a no-makeup look. 
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28.8.17

Warm Weather Summer Scents

Perfume was my first foray into beauty, I can faintly remember pushing open the heavy door of the little fragrance shop in my local town for the first time when I was just 11. I instantaneously became overwhelmed with excitement at the beautiful glass bottles that lined the walls. I left with a bottle of perfume that day Lolita Lempicka to be precise (which so happened to be the prettiest bottle I could find) and that’s where my love for fragrance began. 
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26.8.17

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation | Review

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation | Review

Foundation. I have enough bottles of the stuff to cover my entire body and then some. And while over the summer months I've been gravitating towards lightweight, barely there bases, one new release has quickly become a favourite having lasted until after-work drinks (tested, on multiple occasions). The foundation in question is Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation, a full coverage, almost weightless foundation with the added bonus of SPF.
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16.8.17

Too Faced's Sweet Peach Eyeshadow & Glow Palette | Review & Swatches

Too Faced's Sweet Peach Eyeshadow & Glow Palette

The Sweet Peach Collection from Too Faced has gained a loyal following of editors, celebs, bloggers and beauty addicts alike since its release back in March. And it's popularity is not surprising, I mean it’s not every day your makeup both looks and smells delicious. The collection includes a slew of fruity fragranced peach-inspired products; eyeshadows, blush and highlighter palette, and seven creamy lip oils. And as peach is a hue I wear on the regular, I simply couldn't resist. Now I'm well aware the world wide web is saturated with Too Faced reviews (#sweetpeachpalette has racked up over 66,000 mentions on Insta alone), but is this collection worth the hype? Well, without further ado, here's my thoughts, swatches and all the sweet deets...
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6.7.17

Cream Of The Crop | Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

I’ll try to keep things short and sweet, but forewarning you, this may be a lengthy love letter. Now I don’t know about you, but during the winter months I very rarely use skincare past my collarbone (awful, I know), but June saw a major heatwave with blistering sunshine and in short, my legs weren’t ready to see the light of day. Introducing Sol de Janeiro's Brazilian Bum Bum Cream the body cream that’s inspired by the Brazilian’s favourite feature - their derrières and currently residing in every beauty editors bathroom cabinets. I can’t remember the last time a body cream caused such a stir. I was skeptical at first, as a pert derrière doesn’t come cheap, priced from £18 for 75ml. But(t) I couldn’t wait to try it and revive my limbs. 
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4.7.17

Quick Summer Body Beauty Fixes

The temperature has been rising over the last couple of weeks, as has my fear of showing some skin. I can no longer wear jeans to cover up my pasty *cough* hairy legs and hide my feet in my favourite pair of Forever 21 boots. We’ve all been there, dashing to the shops to buy a new maxi dress and a razor to replace the blunt blades collecting dust in our cupboards. But when a heatwave arrives announced we can be hard pushed to fix our body woes fast. So today I’ve rounded up a few summer beauty must-haves to help fix them fast. 

Sol De Janerio Brazilian Bum Bum Cream £18 - £44
I’m a slacker when it comes to moisturising my bod on the regular, so slathering on a sticky layer of moisturiser on a 28 degree day is not the one. But once again I succumbed to the hype and purchased Brazilian Bum Bum Cream. Packaged in a bright tangerine and white tub the cream recommend for your derrière can be used all over. It’s formulated with caffine-rich Guarana to stimulate circulation, lift and tighten and Capuacu Butter, Acai, and Coconut Oil deeply nourish and soften the skin. Sounds good right? Well it smells bloody good too and the scent lasts all day. So much so it had me thrusting my arm under my mums nose all day “Mum how good does this smell?”. Not to mention is soaks in super-fast, leaving my skin softer and healthier looking with its subtle shimmer. And yes, my butt does kinda look firmer. Wishful thinking maybe, but it’s doing something! The one thing that might sway you is the price tag, but if it encourages me to moisturise you can’t put a price on that!

Skinny Tan Express Mousse 1 Hour Tan £27.99*
Skinny Tan Express Mousse 1 Hour Tan is one of the newest self-tanners on the scene and another product in this line-up that smells delicious. I applied the mousse for the first time last week to give my current sun kissed skin a boost. It has a good guide colour, but it didn’t blend as seamlessly as other tanners I’ve tried, so I recommend prepping your skin first with a light moisturiser. After a couple of hours I showered and the end result was faultless with no streaks in sight. And for the first time EVER I didn’t smell like a walking bottle of fake tan the following day and I even had a colleague ask “have you been on holiday”. In short there’s a whole lotta fake tans on the market, but this is a product you need to know about. 

Scholl Pedi Velvet Smooth Electronic Pedicure Foot File £39.99*
What’s happening under our socks isn’t always a pretty sight. So when I swapped my boots for sandals and sat crossed-legged on the tube baring my cracked skin and chipped toe nails for all to see, I swiftly excited the tube ran to Boots and purchased a roller refill for my Scholl Pedi Velvet Smooth Electronic Pedicure Foot File. This device is a life saviour and always makes a triumphant return during the summer months. It blasts away hard skin in minutes softening things up quickly. The battery operated device is easy to use, just gently rotate the file over dead skin and poof (literally) see the dead skin disappear. 

Gillette Satin Care Violet Swirl of Olay £1.97
Confession time: I’ve shaved my legs more time in the last 3 weeks than I have in the last 3 months. Just like washing my makeup brushes, shaving my legs is hard work. But one product that’s been making this tedious task a little easier is Gillette Satin Care Violet Swirl of Olay. Shaving cream is pretty basic, but this stuff is worth the extra few pounds. It lathers well, smells good, no irritation (cuts are less likely) and the end result is seriously smooth fuzz free pins. So next time you pop out to pick up a razor, I recommend you pop this in your basket too! 


What beauty products do you recommend for a quick fix?
Emily
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2.7.17

5 Reasons To Love Your Body

5 Reasons To Love Your Body
I know from my own experience body positivity isn’t as simple as saying “You should just love your body!” It’s not an easy problem to solve. Personally I’ve struggled between loving and loathing my body for as long as I can remember. Bouts of anxiety trigger binge eating, which sees my body balloon several dress sizes leaving me feeling terribly insecure and frumpy. And yes, my body has broken down and failed me. In the last year I’ve suffered from more episodes of tonsillitis than Breaking Bad and have had a tonsillectomy and appendectomy. Ailments aside, it’s easy to forget all the amazing things about our bodies that make us beautiful. And blanket statements this post is not. It’s more a reminder to love the skin I'm in and become more accepting of myself.  


1. THE 'PERFECT BODY' IS A LIE 
Living in a media-saturated world body shape is a never-ending debate. For years I believed the ‘perfect body’ was to be seriously slender with porcelain skin; like the girls who graced the front pages of my favourite glossy mags. These images and expectations were a constant pervasive taint in my teens. But in reality they were neither realistic, or healthy. Not many woman fit into that description, but even those who do are still exposed to body shaming. I’ve seen images of what I used to perceive as the ‘perfect body’ slammed with an onslaught of negative body image comments like “Anorexic”, “You’re too skinny”, “Ew your collar bone”. Body shaming in all forms is inexcusable. Even the likes of Kylie Jenner masterfully edits her photos to get that ‘perfect selfie’. But perfection is an elusive thing. Cellulite is reality, scars, wobbly bottoms, hip dips, stretch marks are a reality, spots, flat chests and big chests are reality. Don’t let the dogma trap you. Society can kiss my fat ass!

2. YOUR OPINION IS THE ONLY ONE THAT MATTERS
My boyfriend has always said, “It really doesn't matter what anyone thinks.” And he’s right (in this instance). When it comes to my life, the opinion of others should matter very little, but in the past I’ve become hung up on other people’s opinions. Sure comments made by family and close friends shouldn’t be disregarded, but off hand comments made by strangers? Fuck ‘em. Unpleasant things people say often stem from their own insecurities, or jealousy. And one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself is to cut off the people who make you feel crap about who you are. Your opinion is King. Be true to yourself, as the only way to make yourself feel better is to change your opinion of you. What do you want? What's important to you? How do you get there? 

3. YOUR BODY IS AMAZING
We take for granted the wonderful things our bodies do. I could reel off a long list, but as an example, did you know our heart beats 115,200 times a day – amazing, huh? I used to be so darn critical of my own body; it’s true when they say we’re our own worst enemy. Growing up I had the chest of a ten-year-old and although I’ve blossomed since, I’ve become grateful for my not-so-big-bust when I tie up my trainers and head out for a run. I don’t have a thigh gap, or a tiny waist. But so what? I can squat like there’s no tomorrow and run for miles all thanks to my thunder thighs. Yes, I would love to have someone else’s long legs and feminine fingers, but I can recognize the beauty of someone else's body and appreciate it, while also loving what I’ve got.

4. LIFE'S TOO SHORT
Worrying is simply a waste of time and hating your body is exhausting. A few years back I became more aware of my body than ever before and how I held a little more weight than my friends. I didn’t feel pretty or desirable and seeing myself naked was unsettling. I spent 2 years attempting to ‘fix’ my body. I was constantly wrapped up calorie counting, weighing myself, exercising and reading ‘how-to’ guides. I don’t regret this period of my life, as I now understand my body a little better. But I missed out on trips, backed out of dinner plans and spent an obsessive amount of time dissecting my body. Although I lost 3.5 stone it didn’t necessarily make me feel more comfortable and happy and I realised loving my body wasn’t just physical, it was mental. Sure I still get caught up in the areas I’d like to improve, but I don’t need the added stress in my life. I need to learn to love my body now and get out there and live my life. Heck, I want to eat a Five Guys without spending the following 48HRS in complete desolation on the tightness of my waistband!

5. YOU WILL FEEL STRONGER & EMPOWERED  
I’m still on the path towards loving my body but I truly believe caring for yourself is one of the most important things you can do. I work out and I love it. It makes me feel good, energetic, confident and more comfortable with my forever-changing body. I think most people underestimate just how liberating liking yourself can be, but I feel stronger, both physically and mentally. Having a positive attitude attracts positive attitudes and you may be setting an example for someone else without even realising it. So it won’t just be your saving grace, it could be someone else’s too. We may be submerged among slender women in glossy mags, but we’re also surrounded by freakin’ empowering women from fictional Mrs Potss, Tiana and Elsa, to bloggers Georgina GroganLaura Ferry and YouTubers Brogan Tate, Jordan Bone, Zoe Sugg, xAmeliax and Rosanna Pierce

What's one thing you love about your body?
Emily
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29.6.17

Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze | Review & Swatches

Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze | Review & Swatches
It's no secret that I have quite a stash of eyeshadow palettes. But my current go-to palettes all have one thing in common; they're warm toned. Y'know, those orange, matte terracotta, warm brown, eyeshadows, I simply can't get enough. So it will come as no surprise that I took an instant liking to the Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze. Plus I adore it's pocket sized packaging (although it has got lost among the mess on my vanity!) and the fact it's been created in collaboration with my favourite Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell. 

Considering this palette is tiddly, it's not fiddly! My blending brush fits perfectly into every single pan and the slim compact also has a generously sized mirror in the lid. Not only is it ideal for on the go (top-ups are a doddle), it's far from overwhelming as it's made up of 8 gorgeous, versatile shades. Speaking of which I've experimented with every shade and there isn't one I dislike. They're the perfect match for my blue eyes and the playful shades are more wearable than I expected, especially Nirvana a medium reddish berry which isn't too dissimilar to ABH Love Letter. I also like the fact the palette can work for daywear all the way through to the evening with the addition of deeper shades such as Darkhorse a deep matte brown which adds extra depth and contras. A few of my favourite shades include Moccasin a beautiful copper and Siesta a rosy copper with a stunning pearly sheen, which looks frankly awesome worn across the lid, reminding me of an old favourite MAC Gingersnap. TBH these shimmery neutrals are fool proof and perfect for creating a one-tone sweep of colour across the lid, which is what I've been opting for day-to-day. Finish-wise the palette has a decent mix of matte and shimmer and they last incredibly well and all in all are relatively crease-free. 

Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze | Review & Swatches
Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze | Review & Swatches

Smashbox Cover Shot Eye Palette in Ablaze IMO totally deserves more attention and top marks! A deeper matte peach would have been a welcomed addition, but on the whole I don't have a bad word to say. In fact, its formulation is on par with the coveted Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette AND I've been reaching for Ablaze over my Urban Decay Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette. Not to mention it costs just £24 so not only is it great value for money; it's a wallet-friendly alternative to the best sellers. Need I say more? 

What's your favourite warm toned eyeshadow palette? 
Emily
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27.6.17

Lancôme Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick & Monsieur Big Mascara | Review & Swatches

Among the latest beauty offerings that have hit the high street are two new launches from Lancôme. TBH myself and Lancôme had never truly been lovers until the release of their Grandiôse Liner which has been a staple in my makeup bag ever since. A year later, I have a handful of Lancôme products in my collection including Grandiôse mascara, Miracle Cushion Foundation and Juicy Shaker Lip Glosses, so I’ve welcomed their two new arrivals with open arms. But will they be added to their roster of best-sellers?

Lancôme Monsieur Big Mascara £21.00
Monsieur Big translates to Mister Big and I can confirm the brush is pretty big. So much so, I was a little hesitant at first. The flat fluffy brush is far from my usual lengthening mascaras; the ones with curvy wands and short plastic teeth. The intense black thick fibre formula deposits a hefty amount of product, which immediately coats every single lash in just a couple of swoops. It’s effect is voluminous, Twiggy (mod, spider) like lashes that are borderline clumpy. Surprisingly it isn’t a pain to remove and doesn’t flake or smudge. And yes, it is better than sex (Too Faced’s mascara, not fornication). I will be keeping this one in my makeup bag for when I want big lashes fast. 

Lancôme Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick £19.50
First things first, the colours I received aren’t really my jam (top-bottom: Kiss Me Cherie/ Pink Power), I simply don’t loathe or love the shades, but they worked and I wore them. And like a classic red lip the Lancôme Matte Shaker Liquid Lipsticks made me feel more confident. The cocktail-shaker lip product holds a bi phased formula just like the Lancôme Juicy Shaker Lip Gloss and they retain the fun cushion applicator, but its formula isn’t sheer or juicy. You simply shake and swipe the semi-matte colour onto your lips. The formulation is super weightless and leaves the lips feeling soft and comfortable. However, it’s not precision-friendly due to its quirky applicator and unlike your regular matte liquid lipstick the colour does transfer. If you like bold, highly-pigmented lip colours the Lancôme Matte Shaker Liquid Lipsticks won’t disappoint. But I for one will be waiting patiently for the release of a few nude shades before they become a must-have in my makeup bag. 


Have you tried of Lancôme's new releases? 
Emily
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