Ruffles & Hat

Merry Christmas!

I hope you have a wonderful day surrounded by people you love.

xo

Live on Mars: A Bowie Tribute

On 30th November we went to see Live on Mars, which is a David Bowie tribute at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend on Sea. They projected some animations, retro adverts, pictures of Bowie, album covers and clips from his videos as they played songs such as Rebel Rebel, Starman, Fame and Queen Bitch. This is the second Bowie tribute I've watched live and I really enjoyed it. If you are a Bowie fan I would recommend it. Watch 3 more videos on my Youtube channel.

xo

Adorable Toddler Clothing at Popreal

This is a sponsored post.

Popreal.com is an online fashion boutique destination if you are looking to buy clothing for Newborn babies, Toddlers and Kids as well as accessories. They have hundreds of styles of dresses, coats, sets, shoes and accessories for different age ranges, including a section of Mum & Baby  matching outfits.

Today I want to share with you a few of Popreal pieces, including toddler girl jackets. A couple of my favourites are pictured above: a tiny hooded trench coat in the classic khaki colour will keep your baby's outfit dry when it's raining outside. And the pelted fur style coat adds lots of glamour to any Christmas party look. 

At Popreal there is also a section of toddler girl clothes sets where they have cute coordinates for girls in lots of fashionable styles. My favourites are the 2 pictured above (under the coats). The one on the left has a high fashion inspired navy coloured logo print red jumper and a matching navy blue pleated skirt, which would be an excellent casual party outfit. The outfit on the right reminds me of Blair Waldorf so much I just had to include it. The white shirt and pleated plaid skirt combination with matching plaid bow is great for daytime.

xo

Cute Bags for Winter at Dresslily

Dresslily is an online fashion shopping site selling Fashion Dresses, Home Decoration and Accessories. Recently, DressLily reached out to me via email, giving me a discount code to share with you (see below) plus there's free shipping on all orders so it's a great time to treat yourself.

Take a look at Dresslily's cute and fashionable bags for winter (see my favourites above) with everything from velvet to faux fur and heart shaped bags, you are sure to find something to suit your style. And don't forget to use the code 12DL12 to get 25% off!

xo

Cigarette Trousers

Carnations

Hat & White T

Shop Updated

Here it is! My first Christmas design available in the shop now: a cute gingerbread couple. There's gift tags, greeting cards and paper for now but I will be adding more items this week and keep your eyes peeled for new designs coming soon!

xoxo

Christmas Gift Ideas Under £50

DKNY Stories Set £44 // H&M Pile Jacket £49.99 // In Paris by Jeanne Damas £17

Nivea Treat Yourself Set £15 // Radley Heart Purse £35 // 2 Pack Wooden Hair Clips £5

Ghost Deep Night EDT Set £8 // Dr Jart Cicapair Correcting Treatment £36

Designworks Notepad & Pen £12 // Clinique Lip Out Loud Set £15

Kaws x Sesame Street Sweatshirt £19.90 // Maglite Torch £12.50 // Bulldog Shave Set £12

Pen, Pencil & Pouch Set £32 // Mi-Pac Backpack £35 // Bush Portable Cassette Player £18

Fat Face Washbag Gift Set £18 // Jack Wills Mug & Sock Set £12.50

Paco Rabanne 1 Million Lucky Gift Set £48.50 // Doiy Evolution Bookends £27

Christmas is less than a month away so here is my gift guide for her & for him with everything under £50. I've used full prices on items that are on sale, so you might be pleasantly surprised if you click those links. Happy shopping!

xo

Painting Again

I've been getting back into watercolour painting and started a new online shop where you can get greeting cards, wrapping paper and all sorts of stationery (even erasers!) personalised with my designs. I'll be continuously updating it with some Christmas designs this week so keep an eye out for them and if you have any product requests let me know. Also if you have a particular design in mind that you would like to commission just contact me. 

xo

Video: Blackpool 2018

The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist

A couple of months ago I used my £5 birthday voucher at The Body Shop to get their Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist as I've been into face mists lately and who doesn't want smoother skin, am I right?

This strawberry scented face mist is supposed to give a smoother looking complexion by hydrating and refining the texture of skin. It contains blueberry, sugarcane, orange, strawberry, lemon, guava, organic aloe vera, and sugar maple extracts which help exfoliate and soothe skin. 

It is suitable for all skin types and "makeup friendly" but I only use it at night: I spray it a couple of times on my hand, rub my hands together then apply to my face, instead of spraying directly onto face as you have to close eyes and mouth plus "wipe excess product off eyes and mouth" once applied. 

About the product: firstly, I love the smell, it's fruity without it being artificial (even tough the formula does contain fragrance). It's easy to use and lightly hydrates my skin. In the morning when I wash my face, my skin feels smoother and looks a bit more even, which is great. 

At first I thought it was a bit overpriced, however it seems like it will last quite a while, so if you are interested in face mists do give this one a try. 

The Body Shop Strawberry Smoothing Face Mist is £6. 

Are you a fan of facial mists?

xo

Hiking Boots

New in: October 2018

Jailhouse Rock

Laser Tattoo Removal at Pulse Light Clinic

This is a sponsored post.

There are several reasons why somebody might want to get a tattoo removed: it no longer fits their lifestyle, way of thinking or aesthetic; it didn't turn out looking they way it was expected; or maybe they would like to get it covered up with a different design. 

Whatever the reason may be, there are a few ways to remove unwanted tattoos, including dermabrasion, TCA, exicion and laser. The last method works by firing laser light into the tattoo, which breaks down the ink into smaller pieces, which are then eliminated by the body; this method avoids damaging the skin while removing the tattoo. 

Traditional lasers have been used for years for tattoo removal, however the new PicoSure and PicoWay lasers offer additional benefits such as needing fewer treatments, being effective on all colours, and being less painful. 

The newer PicoSure/PicoWay lasers at Pulse Light Clinic and City Tattoo Removal use photo-mechanical principles, combined with ultra short pulses to shatter the ink, helping the body eliminate the ink by itself. These lasers require less heat  and energy, meaning the surrounding tissue is left unharmed and space between treatments shortens as well. This powerful process means that a whole tattoo can be erased in as little as 3 to 8 treatments. 

You can easily book a free consultation for any of the 3 locations at City Tattoo Removal (Oxford Street 5 Percy Street, London, W1T 1DG, T: 0207 205 4085), Bank (1st Floor, Peek House, 20 Eastcheap, London, EC3M 1EB, T: 0207 523 5158) or Tottenham Court Road (5 Percy Street, London, W1T 1DG, T: 0207 205 4085). And with prices from as little as £40 per month, it is very accessible to finally say goodbye to that unwanted tattoo.

xo

Pink Blouse & Beret

Garnier Aloe Water Jelly

Hoodie & Jacket

5 Ways to Look More Polished in Under 5 Minutes

Sometimes you just don't have the time to dress up but you still want to look like you made a bit of an effort, so here are 5 quick ways to look more polished in under 5 minutes.

The classic: a red lip never fails to dress up any outfit, even if you are wearing something very casual. I've had comments from my husband saying I looked nice when the only thing I did was add a bit of colour to my lips while wearing jeans and trainers. Currently loving Maybelline Color Sensational in Pleasure Me Red (pictured above).

Consider swapping: think about wearing your structured hand bag - or a cross body, instead of a backpack or that trendy bum bag if possible; or maybe swap your trainers for loafers as it will transform your overall look and give the impression of more formality. 

Brush up: even if you don't normally fill in your brows (neither do I) or can't be bothered to shape them, do give them a quick brush so you don't appear to have just woken up from face-down slumber. You could use a brow brush or perhaps a brow gel that not only grooms them but also gives some volume, colour and hold. Benefit Gimme Brow is a nice product to try that does all of the above. 

Statement piece: as a minimal to zero accessory wearer, adding one extra piece of jewellery does make me feel more dressed up. Try a pair of statement earrings if you normally go for studded ones, a necklace if your neck is usually bare, or a watch to give the impression that you highly value everyone's time (even if you don't).

The scent: perfume acts like an invisible (but definitely noticeable) finishing touch to any outfit when I'm going out. If I'm staying at home all day in my pyjamas and dare spray some perfume on it makes me feel quite fancy, so do try adding some scent into your routine - it could be a body spray or mist which you can always reapply or a longer lasting perfume. My autumn go to scent is Guerlain's La Petite Robe Noir.

Have you tried any of the tips above?

xo

Ringer Tee

New in: September 2018

Hat & Mules

Olay Daily Facials

Blue Skirt

New Primark Skincare Line With Everything Under £5

Former Glamour beauty director Alex Steinherr has teamed up with Primark to create a budget friendly skincare collection with everything £5 or under. 

Comprised of 20 items across 5 different lines (Pore Balance, Pollution Solution, Plump and Glow, Maximum Moisture and Sleep Spa) and formulated without SLS, parabens, phtalates, essential oils or fragrance, in this cruelty free certified and vegan friendly range there is sure to be something for every skin type.

Available in selected Primark stores from October 8. 

Will you be trying this range out?

xo

Flowers & Fur

Outerwear For The New Season at Fashionmia

This is a sponsored post. 

It's officially autumn and the temperatures are already starting to drop, so if you are in need of updating your outerwear take a look on the Fashionmia website. They have a vast range of Women's Outerwear and accessories at very affordable prices. 

However if what you need is a nice accessory to complement your autumn look, you can also find jewelry at Fashionmia in a range of different styles: from classic to edgy and everything in between so be sure to check out their fashion jewelry. 

Above are a pick of my favourite coats: the pink fur coat adds a pop of colour to any outfit and if you are feeling a bit more daring, a classic leopard print never goes out of style. For accessories - if you are into crystals, these moon shaped earrings with gold hardware will give off mysterious vibes, while the crystal cross necklace will add a touch of gothic to your outfit. 

Have you got your autumn wardrobe sorted yet?

xo

Hat & Loafers

3 Natural Ways To Help You Fall Asleep At Night

Clashing Patterns

One Beauty Must Have For Oily Skin

If you are someone that has been blessed with oily skin like me, then you know how important it is to finish your skincare (or makeup) routine with a fine layer of mattifying powder in order to avoid looking shiny.

Normally I go for more affordable options, however I found this bareMinerals Ready hydrating touch up veil in TKMaxx a while ago as a set with the retractable brush for about £16 and couldn't pass it up. 

This is marketed as a weightless finishing powder that diffuses the look of imperfection and reduces shine. It is formulated with a "SeaNutritive Marine" Complex (positive charged sea minerals and antioxidants with grapeseed) oil to nourish the skin. 

The full ingredient list: 

Silica, Coco-Caprylate, Boron Nitride, Lauroyl Lysine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Zinc Oxide, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Cananga Odorata Flower Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Jojoba Esters, Cetyl Phosphate, Linalool, Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Salicylate, Geraniol, Titanium Dioxide (Ci 77891), Mica. (+/-): Iron Oxides (Ci 77491, 77492, 77499).

After using it a few times I really started to like it because of how lightweight it is, plus the fact you can't possibly pick up too much product with the brush as the powder is very fine. I was a bit sceptical on the hydrating properties of it but my skin does feel a bit softer and smoother at the end of the day when I remove my makeup. 

Unfortunately I think has now been discontinued and replaced by the bareSkin Perfecting Veil which I haven't yet tried, however it is formulated with light-reflecting optics to diffuse appearance of fine lines, Lilac Plant Stem Cells and Vitamin C to brighten skin and a mineral blend that absorbs excess oils. It doesn't seem to include as many moisturising oils but it does have Hyaluronic Acid.

Full ingredient list:

Silica, Zinc Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Jojoba Esters, Magnesium Stearate, Maltodextrin, Soil Minerals/Syringa Vulgaris (Lilac) Leaf Cell Culture Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Chlorphenesin. May Contain (+/-): Mica, Iron Oxides (Ci77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499).

Have you tried any of these products? 

xo

Top 3 Alternatives to The Ordinary

Revolution Multi-Peptide Serum £10 // Garden of Wisdom Daily Hydrator £10

The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum £5 // The Inkey List Collagen Serum £9

Garden of Wisdom Vitamin C + Ferrulic Acid Serum £10 // Revolution Quinoa Night Peel £8

Since the launch of The Ordinary and their simple, hard working skincare formulations without ridiculously high price tags an affordable skincare revolution started and some other similar brands are starting to crop up around the UK beauty market, including Garden of Wisdom, The Inkey List, and Revolution Skincare. Above are my top picks from each brand. 

Have you tried any of these products?
xo

New in: August 2018

Two The Ordinary Products for Acne Prone Skin

It's no news that I've struggled with acne prone skin for about 2 decades now. At times it will behave itself only to take a turn for the worse soon after. Last year I broke out really bad around my jaw area, which indicated hormonal issues (spoiler alert: I had a massive cyst on my ovary that's now long gone). 

This year, around March I started breaking out quite bad once more and I worried it would be hormones again, but I persisted and tried not to stress and get better sleep as well as being more consistent with my skincare (also adding a couple of products to my routine) and completely stopped consuming dairy and things seem to have improved since. 

Since May I started using The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% serum and I noticed how when applied to new and forming spots would help decrease the inflammation in about a day, and it would make a spot go away almost completely in only a matter of days. So I've been using this serum every morning and night all over my face and it's a must have for me now. 

As my skin was so inflamed and irritated I wanted to wait a bit before trying out The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% peeling solution, but I finally did about 4 or 5 weeks ago and have been using this mask once a week since then. After using my skin feels so much smoother and softer, I think spot marks are fading very well and since the first time I used it I noticed that new spots weren't appearing as frequently, which is amazing. I will keep using the mask as there's a lot of texture issues left by all the spots I was getting and hopefully it will improve that as well. 

The Ordinary products are so affordable but I took advantage of a sale at House of Fraser and a £10 voucher that I had so I actually only paid 35p for both items haha. 

Have you tried any The Ordinary products? 

xo

Why Your Skin Needs Probiotics

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Oats Soothing Mask £17 

Natures Alchemist Nourishing Body Whip £8 

Elizabeth Arden Superstart Cleanser £22 // Gallinée La Culture Foaming Facial Cleanser £13.90

Elemis Superfood Night Cream £46

Ruffles & Flowers

AW 18 Trends: Capes & Scarves

Asos Cape // Starburst Brooch // Spider Brooch // H&M Scarf // Uniqlo Hooded Coat

I know we are still in the middle of summer but looking through the August and September issues of magazines showing all the trends for the new season does get me a bit inspired. 

One of my favourite trends is the cape and giant scarf one - I love how cosy and warm they look and would love to try a cape this winter - or wrap one of my scarves around my shoulders and keep it in place with a sparkly brooch!

Will you be trying this trend?

xo

Stripes & Black

H&M Striped Top // Uniqlo Jeans 

(Similar: Striped Top)

One of the things I got for my birthday is a tripod, so I can now take outfit pictures and self portraits without compromising the integrity and safety of my camera by balancing it on uneven surfaces and actually getting more of me on the frame ha.

xo

Why SLS, Silicone and Paraben-Free Hair Products Are No Good

We all have heard about how SLS, Silicones and Parabens are "bad" for us, which made me want to try products without those ingredients out of curiosity, but the truth is they each have a purpose in beauty products. Here is why I won't be avoiding SLS/SLES, Silicones and Parabens in my hair care products: 

1. SLS/SLES: Also known as Sodium Laurel/Laureth Sulphate, is a surfactant that helps to break down oils and dirt, therefore helping cleaning a surface or in this case, the scalp. There are milder alternatives to SLS and SLES, of course but they somehow seem to dry out my scalp further. And if you are a fan of foaming shampoos then you'll probably prefer one that contains SLS (or its milder version SLES). 

2. Silicones: They're substances that contribute to the fluidity of a formula, as well as leaving a smooth and/or shiny finish. Without silicones I've found that my hair doesn't feel as soft and it was very hard to get a brush through it. 

3. Parabens: A type of preservative used in very commonly in cosmetic products. There's a lot of controversy around parabens, however I don't have a problem using them in products that are going to be in contact with my skin for only a couple of minutes, then rinsed off. Plus hair products such as shampoo and conditioner, which stay in a warm and humid environment, need some sort of preservative, otherwise they go off faster.

Of course the use of SLS, Silicones and Parabens is down to personal choice, and I generally try to avoid them on skincare products as they are milder, less likely to clog pores and won't stay on my skin for the rest of the day.

I recently acquired the Organic Shop Argan & Amla Shampoo & Conditioner, only to realise that I had used this brand before, and while it seemed to work at first, after a short time the products started to go off. Deciding to give them the benefit of the doubt, I used the Argan & Amla range twice and my scalp was even drier (I've been trying to find out how to make it less dry) and my hair was almost straw like, so it's safe to say I won't be trying any more of their products as sadly they don't work for me. 

What's your opinion on these cosmetic ingredients? 

xo

New in: July 2018

Not a lot of stuff again because I don't even have room to put stuff anyway haha! Trying to minimise as much as possible all the impulse shopping but there are times where I can't resist. Such was the case of those Pacifica Solid Perfumes, as they were just 90p each in Tesco. I got Fig, Vanilla and Rose. 

The Murad AHA BHA Cleanser came free in a magazine. Then in the H&M sale I got a new broderie anglaise top (only £12)  to wear on my birthday, which is in a couple of days. I only get used to my age and then it's my birthday again ha. Does that happen to you?

And last but not least, is the small Bella Freud makeup bag that came free with a magazine too. 

Did you get anything nice this month?

xo