First of all, I know I'm rubbish at posting right now, but bare with me as I've had brain fog for the past few weeks, as much as I try I just can't come up with any content that I feel is good enough and the content I have come up with is perfect for the approaching season but not for the end of summer. So since I just can't get Autumn off my mind, I thought why not start my content early! Bank holiday weekend was an absolute scorcher; but as summer comes to an end - I find myself getting more and more excited about the approaching Autumn season. Don't get me wrong I like summer and love a good beach holiday but to me Autumn is one of my true loves. There are so many reasons to love Autumn and look forward to the season ahead so I thought I'd share just a few with you! #1 Movie nights, snuggled up in cosy blankets and candles - quite possibly one of the best ways to spend Autumn evenings. Nothing beats the smell of a pumpkin candle burning away whilst watching your guilty pleasures and snuggling up with your other half or best friends. #2 Pumpkin everything! - Talking of pumpkin candles, pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin pie, and pumpkin muffins will be here in abundance and quite honestly I couldn't be happier! #3 Cosy Knits galore - Cosy knitwear makes up about 97% of my wardrobe for September through to about April, so imagine my delight when the shops started getting jumpers and cardigans. Let's face it throwing on an oversized jumper looks good with just about anything! #4 Chilled mornings and crisp leaves - In my opinion nothing beats a nice chilled morning with fresh crisp leaves on the ground; walking my dog through the park and kicking the crunchy leaves on the ground is just so satisfying! #5 Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas!! - Yes, technically Christmas is in Winter but let's face it we spend most of the Autumn season getting Christmas ready. But for them comes two of my favourite events of the year: Halloween and Bonfire Night - is it too early to start watching Hocus Pocus?! After thinking off all the great reasons to look forward to Autumn (there is definitely more than 5 but I'd be writing for days if I was to list them all!) I'm off to do some online shopping for jumpers! What are your favourite things about Autumn?
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First things first, apologies are in order regarding my lack of posts recently I'm trying to get back into my mojo and find my voice within the blogging world; more importantly I'm only focusing on quality posts rather than the quantity of posts. Now onto the actual blog post (which is pretty obvious what it is about considering the title...stick with me though!) Anastasia Beverly Hills is one of those cult brands that I'm pretty sure most beauty lovers will lust after; the products produced by the brand are some of the most talked about in the beauty industry. The brow pomade, The Glow Kit and The contour kit just to name a few and yet I'm only just starting to venture into this brand. Last year in Florida I thought since the brand was right in front of me in Sephora I'd pick up something to give a go (The Brow Wiz - AND trust me I'm not really sure why I only picked up one thing, guess I got distracted by all the other brands). Anyway I was positively in love with the brow wiz that I desperately wanted to try more from ABH; however I'm sure it was pretty hard to get hard of in the UK or I missed the memo. So whilst I was perusing Beauty Bay the other week looking for a new brow pencil I gleefully came across the ABH section and of course added the Brow Wiz straight to my basket - one thing led to another (my hand must of slipped or something) and the much lusted after Modern Renaissance palette just happened to fall into my basket. So whilst I'm sure most people are now talking about Subculture I thought I'd share my thoughts on the Modern Renaissance Palette. ABOUT THE PALETTE The palette itself is described as a 14 highly pigmented eyeshadow palette containing both neutral and berry tones. On the ABH website Modern Renaissance is described as an "essential eye shadow collection...that will create endless looks for day and night". Encased in the velvet palette (the cutest packaging ever!) you will find 11 Matte shades and 3 metallic shades accompanied by a dual ended eye shadow blending brush. THE SHADES (as described from the ABH website) "Tempera - Velvety beige with an ultra-matte finish (Great to start with to create even colour tones) Raw Sienna- neutral amber with an ultra-matte finish (I also use this to blend together at times) Golden Ochre - Earthy yellow with an ultra-matte finish (I use this to start in the crease) Burnt Orange- deep orange with an ultra-matte finish (Second to be blended into the crease) Vermeer - Iridescent shell with a metallic finish (Great to highlight the corner of the eye) Primavera- shimmery gold dust with a metallic finish (Great to blend it all together and the inner crease) Buon Fresco - Antique lavender with an ultra-matte finish Red Ochre- Sienna with an ultra-matte finish Antique Bronze - Metallic sable with a satin finish Venetian Red- Crimson with an ultra-matte finish Love Letter- Raspberry with an ultra-matte finish Warm Taupe- Earthy grey with an ultra-matte finish Cyprus Umber- Dark coffee with an ultra-matte finish Realgar- Brick with an ultra-matte finish" (Sometimes I add this into the crease too - If I'm feeling it) THOUGHTS Eyeshadows have always been the one makeup product that I've tended to struggle with, I'm definitely no makeup artist and my blending skills were never particularly on point. However after years and years of working with different palettes such as UD Naked 1 or Kylie Cosmetics Burgundy Palette - I've started to feel a little more confident when applying these products. The Modern Renaissance palette has some absolutely gorgeous shades that can be used to create either a natural eye look or a more dramatic look. Currently I'm obsessing over the burnt orange shades as they create a gorgeous natural(ish) eye; however I'm definitely looking forward to venturing more into the red tones for Autumn! Each shadow is super pigmented so you only need a little of each product plus they blend so lovely since they are so creamy so you definitely aren't stuck with blunt eyeshadow lines! I was also super impressed with the staying power of these shades; usually throughout the day I see a little bit of fall out BUT with this palette there was no fall out what so ever even without me using primer. Finally the brush that comes with it - usually I hate the brushes that come with eye shadow palettes but this one truly surprised me. The fluffy side is great for blending whilst the flat ended brush is great for adding highlight into the corner of the eyes (I use the shade Vermeer for this). So do I think it is worth the hype?! ABSOLUTELY! I would recommend this palette to everyone, even if your skill set doesn't land in eyeshadow blending, this one is so easy to use to create a gorgeous eye. This has become my everyday (except the days I don't wear makeup) go to palette because the shades are just so gorgeous, creamy and blendable. I'm definitely in love with my modern renaissance! But what cult beauty favourites do you love?!
Summer has been a time of reflection for me, particularly on the lifestyle I've been living for the past few years. With university and life changes happening left, right and centre; it's no wonder that some of the time we get stuck in a rut or routine that isn't aiding our lifestyle or body at all. When it comes down to it, we all crave this perfect lifestyle that we see plastered across celebrities and influencers social medias - but when it comes down to it, that lifestyle isn't fully real (sure some of it might be, but most of it is probably mapped out and planned to create the best possible impression) - I too am guilty of doing this, just like I'm sure that most of us are... However after a brief break from social media (read my post about the importance of this here) I've had time to think about my lifestyle and ways that I can improve and change it in order to be the best possible me that I can be. It's important when making lifestyle changes to remember that we are all different and what may work for me - may not work for you and vice versa. There seems to be many opinions and strong opinions floating around on how people should be living their lifestyles but I'm making my own rules and you definitely should be doing too. When it comes down to it, I'm changing my lifestyle for a number of different reasons - to make myself for happier, more motivated, have a happier mind, have a healthier body and to truly take care of myself (hopefully the changes I make will also help me cut out those afternoon naps I can't seem to live without or at least some of them!). So whilst I do think everyone should make their own lifestyle rules; I wanted to share some that I'm making as some of you may be in similar positions to me! #1 Paying closer attention to my diet Okay, so you may or may not have seen the recent document on Netflix titled "What the Health" - if you haven't beware SPOILER ALERT. The documentary focuses on how humans don't need meat and animal produces to live a healthy lifestyle and how certain foods could be linked to different long-term and chronic illnesses. First of all, as a Type 1 diabetic diet is one thing that I really need to think about and second of all, diet is probably the one thing I am not really educated in (apart from knowing the main food groups and what counts as good or bad for you. This documentary did make me think about what I was eating and whether I was aware how certain foods could be affecting my body, and if I really knew where the food I was consuming was coming from. The show strongly recommends a plant-based diet which before I saw it, had never really considered however my friend Amy (check out her blog here) also gave me advice since she sees a nutritionist. Being diabetic cutting out a major food group may not exactly be in my best interest - so instead I'm looking closer into my diet - moderating my intake of certain foods, cutting down severely on my dairy intake and swapping (most) of my processed snacks in favour of raw snacks free from refined sugar. #2 Switching off from Social Media I've already mentioned that it is great to take a break from Social Media every now and then. However I'm a big believer in getting out of the habit of constantly checking social media - I'm totally guilty of waking up every morning, scrolling through instagram, through Twitter, checking snapchat and repeating at least THREE times and the same most nights before I go to bed. So I've decided it is time to kick this habit once and for all! Recently when I wake up I've checked my social media once and then made myself put my phone down and instead get up ready to start the day. At nighttime I also use Apples handy little "Do not Disturb" feature, meaning that as soon as it gets to 10pm any notifications I get from Social Media are muted so I can get a good nights sleep without waking up to check my social channels. Whilst I know that social media is a big thing for us bloggers, I'm learning the importance of taking time away just for myself. #3 Exercise, Exercise, Exercise Embarrassing confession - before last month I had probably realistically stepped foot in a gym about 5 times in my entire life and my exercise regime was at the least inconsistent. Terrible I know, judging myself just writing this!! Probably one of the biggest changes I'm making to my lifestyle is this. So I've joined a gym, and I tend to go 4-5 times a week. Going early in the morning to the gym has really made a difference to my days - not only am I getting up and starting my day earlier but also I've had a happier and healthier mind - loving those exercise endorphins. Of course you don't have to join a gym to exercise as you can do all types of home workouts but for me this was definitely the right options as paying for the gym means I'm determined to get my money's worth but also when I am there I feel my body getting healthier and push myself to achieve as much as possible. Exercise is so important when aiding your lifestyle as it helps both the body and the mind (also it's helped me cut out a few naps!). #4 Continuing my confidence journey Recently I wrote a post all about how to build your confidence (read it here) and over the past few months I've been continuing to do this - the very fact I'm building my confidence has made me feel like I can truly make these few lifestyle changes. I will continue to build my confidence as it has created a happier lifestyle for myself. My confidence growth means that I've felt like I can experiment with my diet to make myself feel my best, it has also meant I had the confidence to join a gym - not only that, but also to attend a class I've never done before ALL BY MYSELF! This continued journey of confidence will hopefully help these lifestyle changes, but also help me make it through my final year of uni, navigate the blogging world and enter the big scary world of work! #5 Hydrate! Probably one of the most difficult things to do, and I have no idea why! I'm terrible at drinking my water intake, maybe it's because I forget or maybe it's because I grab a glass of water and realistically drink half because I get bored of drinking plain water all the time. BUT it is so so so important to make sure that we hydrate - so for this lifestyle change I'm determined to up my daily water intake. Not only is it so much healthier than fizzy drinks (not that I really drink these) but it's great for you skin, eyes, mind, soul and can help reduce bloating!
Hopefully these lifestyle improvements will really help me be happier and healthier in the long run - but I'd love to know what changes you've made or are making? This post is in collaboration with Ideals of Sweden and contains products that were gifted to me; however all views, opinions and words remain my own.
Another month down, which means another post about my favourite things I've been using this past month. For July's favourites I've focused mainly on beauty products because I've been using so many that are amazing recently. The products that are featured this month aren't exactly new products to me but instead products that I've relied on many times before BUT this month I'm finally giving them the recognition that they really deserve! With Summer in full flow I've been relying on products that help out my combination skin in the sun and also that will create a long-lasting makeup look. Garnier PureActive Micellar Water I've been a fan of Micellar water for the longest time and I used it every single day and night. Garnier, for me has always had the absolute best micellar water. So when PureActive was introduced I was straight on board. Made for combination to oily and sensitive skin, this product is practically perfect for me. Whilst my skin is less oily right and more combination I still really rate this micellar water - as it removes my makeup amazingly well but also helps to cleanse my skin, leaving it soft and smooth before I've even got to the moisturising stage. Loreal Pure Clay Detox Wash When I picked this up I originally wanted the Pure Clay masks (still yet to pick it up) but there wasn't any in stock where I was - however I was intrigued when I saw these Pure Clay washes and haven't looked back since. This gel-wash cleanser contains charcoal which means it banishes impurities when used daily creates a fresher and clearer looking skin. After use my skin always feels super clean and fresh and any impurities that I have seem smaller and may skin looks clearer. Vaseline Cocoa Lotion Okay, so confession - I actually started using this in June after I got a little bit sunburnt (wear your SPF guys!!) but oh my gosh, I'm so happy that I started using this. If you ask me Vaseline is actually so underrated! Instead of picking the usual Aloe Vera lotion that I'd normally use, I picked the Cocoa Lotion as it is supposed to help dry skin to reveal a natural glow. This lotion has made my skin feel so soft and look so good that I can't stop using it, I'm truly obsessed! Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz I hype about this brow product so much to people because it is honestly my favourite brow product ever - I love Benefit however ABH just has a slight edge for me. Used in Medium Brown, this product never fails me and always creates a flawless and strong brow. Even on days where I don't feel like wearing makeup, I always use the Brow Wiz as it makes me feel 100x more put together! Kylie Cosmetics Liquid Lipstick in Dolce K Okay so it's no secret that I love Kylie Cosmetics and yes I eat into the hype around every release she does. However my favourite has and always will be Dolce K - this is actually the first colour that I got from Kylie Cosmetics and I just can't get enough of it. Having gone and finished my lip kit edition, my boyfriend was nice enough to order me the Dolce K Matte Single (thanks J) and I can't get enough of it! If you want to know about this more in depth; read my review here! It may be August and I may be loving summer but I can't wait for Autumn now, I'm counting down the days for Halloween, cosy knits, hot chocolate and pumpkin candles! What are some of your favourite things from the past month?
Skincare is something that I am absolutely obsessed with, I seriously cannot get enough of it. I have a drawer at home dedicated to just skincare. Garnier is a brand that I've loved for so long as I really trust their products and they pretty much have something to suit any skin type. As a person with combination skin I find it really hard to find a moisturiser that I am completely happy with. In the daytime I need a light moisturiser that definitely won't clog up my pores whereas at nighttime I need one that will rehydrate my skin as the antibiotic cream for my skin is quite drying. I'm a big fan of the Garnier Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask (read my review here) so when I saw that Garnier had extended the range I couldn't wait to try it (and yes I know I'm late to the game aha). I picked up the Garnier Moisure Bomb Night Gel Cream (I know such a mouthful to say!) as it promised to hydrate my skin so it felt recharged and make my skin plumper to create a glow. After a month and a half of using this gel-cream I thought I would share my thoughts on it! What did I think? The texture of this cream is one of my favourite things about this product - its gel-like formula is so smooth and lightweight that it practically melts into the skin and doesn't make the skin feel greasy at all and best of all if any hair falls near your face it won't automatically stick to your face like it does with other moisturisers. The formula is enriched with Pomegranate and Plant Serum that in turn help to rehydrate and smooth the skin. After using this for a few days I noticed improvement to the appearance of my skin and instantly less dry patches from my antibiotic cream. After a month of using it, I've noticed a great improvement to how my skin looks and feels - I feel brighter, hydrated and overall really happy with how my skin appears in the morning! At £7.99 (in Boots) I feel like this product is really worth its money. After just a month of use (and probably another month left in the tub) I can really see a difference in my skin - gone is the dull tired skin I used to wake up to and each morning I'm welcomed with smooth nourished looking skin. If you suffer from dry/combination skin I would definitely recommend giving it a try! I can't wait to try out the rest of the moisture bomb range. Have you tried any of the Garnier Moisture Bomb range?
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December 2018
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