Denim Skirt & Mules

H&M Jumper // Topshop Skirt // Zaful Mules // Topshop Bag

(Similar: White Jumper, A Line Skirt, Leather Bag)

It might sound like a little bit of an odd combination and I never thought I would actually wear this type of shoe but I saw these on the Zaful website and I knew I had to at least try them. When they arrived I noticed that they are very well made (they're 100% leather) and even though I got a size smaller than normal because they didn't have my size, they fit perfectly as they are backless so there's no rubbing on my heels and I won't need to break them in.

Anyway, I've loved this skirt since I started seeing it everywhere last year and then finally decided to get one, so I try to wear it every chance I get, and now that it's been sunny (but still kind of fresh) I thought it would be a great chance to wear it with my Zaful mules, which are a great dupe for the Gucci ones, and a cosy oversized jumper in a contrasting colour. 

Can't wait until it gets that little bit warmer so I can wear my summery pieces more, though I want to get some wear out of the new coat I got last weekend (!).

xo

Dresslily & Zaful Haul Video

Un video sobre los productos que me han mandado de Dresslily y Zaful.

For individual reviews of the products in English: Unicorn Tears Bag & Watch, Metallic Bag and Christmas Jumper, Black Tote.
xo

Grey Skirt

Topshop Pink Sweatshirt // Uniqlo Circle Skirt // Adidas Stan Smith // Pretty Polly Tights

(Similar: Pink Sweatshirt, Grey Skirt, Fleece Tights)

Lately I've been feeling like I want to be more active and have been thinking about playing tennis. There is a tennis court nearby where Dot and I could go and I can't wait for it to get a bit warmer so we can go and play. 

This is a bit of a tennis inspired outfit, with the Stan Smith and the skirt. I've also been thinking about getting a tennis skirt but so far I've only seen one in H&M and I'm not 100% sure if I like it enough to buy it. If you know any places that sell tennis skirts let me know!

xo

Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Range

As I was on the lookout for a new face wash and a mattifying moisturiser, when searching online for a product to try I discovered there was a new Pure Active Sensitive range from Garnier, which I decided to purchase as it was on offer. 

The Garnier Pure Active Gel Wash is formulated for sensitive skin with imperfections and has a gentle but effective formula against blemishes. It contains zinc which eliminates impurities without drying out skin, witch hazel soothes and refreshes and salicylic acid which ligthly exfoliates. I've been using this face wash for a couple of weeks now and I like how my skin feels clean but not stripped and tight after using. It has a nice fresh smell to it, lightly lathers and washes off easily.

The Garnier Pure Active Soothing Moisturiser also contains witch hazel, salicylic acid and zinc to purify and minimise marks without drying out the skin, as well as glycerin to hydrate with a non greasy nor sticky finish. I apply this moisturiser after washing my face each morning and before putting on my day cream as this doesn't have SPF in it, which is a shame. It does feel lightly moisturising and is not shiny or greasy at all but it feels ever so slightly tacky when I apply my day cream on top. Be careful to dry your face before you use this or it might sting.

I'm not sure why they don't mention using salicylic acid on the formula as it is an effective ingredient that fights spots, oil and marks by lightly exfoliating the skin when it is even higher on the list of ingredients than the zinc - or why moisturisers for oily skin never have SPF. Overall it is a nice affordable range of products for oily and spot prone skin that is gentle and doesn't dry my skin out. As for the spot reducing claims, I thought I was having good results but then my skin decided to break out in a few places but it was probably hormonal, so not much could be done about that anyway.

Find the Garnier Pure Active Sensitive Range in Superdrug.

xo

New in: February 2017

I bought a couple of skincare bits from Superdrug, including the Simple Micellar Water and the Palmers Skin Therapy Face Oil for less than £8 and got a free mini Versace Bright Crystal perfume bottle.

In Southend Dot got me a pink H&M tray and I got a mini Radley notebook from TK Maxx. 

Then in Romford I got some sponges and a Lotta Jansdotter notebook. The benefit They're Real mini mascara came free with a magazine and found the Dr. Bronner's Orange Castile Soap for under £1 in Tesco.

Also ordered a couple of things from H&M but they're too big :'( hope I can find them in store to swap for a smaller size instead of reordering as I got 20% off.

xo

Minimal Hair Care Routine

I've never been one to use that many products on my hair, be it for cleansing or styling, which I've only come to realise very recently. I wash my hair 3 times a week and for cleansing I only use one product as I concentrate more on conditioning and nourishing my hair to keep it soft and shiny. I do look after my hair as I find it is a way to express my femininity so I make sure I care for it properly.

The basics:

For cleansing I've been using The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Shampoo, it doesn't have sulphates, silicones, parabens or colourants, which is great but I don't think it cleanses the scalp that well so unsure about getting it again. Full review.

For conditioning I'm using the Garnier Ultimate Blends Blonde Illuminator Conditioner, it's meant to lighten hair naturally thanks to camomile in the formula. It's not very nourishing so probably won't be getting it again. Full review.

Once a week after washing my hair I use a hair mask, and currently I'm using the Tresemme Oleo Radiance Mask which is very thick and creamy. I apply this mask and leave it on for a couple of minutes while I wash my body and upon rinsing it leaves my hair feeling smooth and soft.

After washing I always use a leave-in conditioner, though lately I've been more inclined towards hair oils (and body and face oils but that's another story). While my hair is still wet I use 3 or 4 pumps of the Garnier Ultimate Blends Blonde Illuminator Oil and distribute it with my fingers through my hair, avoiding the roots. I've been using it for around a year now and still got a lot of product left. It definitely lightened my hair which makes it great for summer. Full review.

The extras:

We all need a little extra help with our hair every once in a while, which is why I have the great amount of 3 more products to fall back on when my hair is not cooperating with me.

If I must dry my hair, I make sure I apply a heat protecting product before blow drying it as not to damage it. This is my 2nd bottle of John Frieda Full Repair Styling Spray (which I got from the pound shop so I'm afraid it's been discontinued) so that tells you that I actually like this spray. It provides heat protection and a light hold without weighing hair down. Full review.

For styling, which is something I rarely do, I have a salt spray in case I want to give my hair some texture or any style some hold. I got the got2b Beach Matt Texturising Salt Spray, which does provide some texture when you scrunch your hair after you apply it, but be careful not to use too much as it can make your hair sticky. Don't love the glue-like smell and stickiness so would like to try a different one in the future.

In case of an oily scalp emergency, a dry shampoo is a very helpful tool. I've been using this Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo and I've actually had it for years as I use it very rarely, once a week at most. To use it I shake the can, separate hair an inch away from the parting and spray, then massage it in and it helps disguise oily roots and gives hair a bit of volume too.

What are your hair care essentials?

xo

Mother's Day Gift Ideas Under £50

The Body Shop Almond Milk & Honey Set £28 // Lancome Hypnose Gift Set £23.50 
Asos Sterling Silver Open Hoop Earrings £10
This Works Stress Check Face Oil £40 // Gucci Bamboo 30ml EDP £50

Mother's Day is coming up next month, so here is a few gift suggestions all under £50 to surprise and spoil your mum on her special day ♥

xo

Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Most days I use a makeup remover on my eyes and face. Some time ago I found the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser in the clearance section in Boots for just £1 and couldn't pass this offer up. 

The Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser is a cleanser that can be used without rinsing and contains a high percentage of Avene thermal spring water, which has soothing and anti-irritating properties that calm irritation quickly. This cleanser is designed to be natural and provide a very gentle cleansing that removes makeup without any irritation. The formula is designed with a minimum of ingredients and doesn't contain potential irritants such as parabens, fragrance or colourants. 

The formula of the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser is very fluid and oil-free, and is meant to leave skin feeling clean and comfortable without over drying. To use I apply it on a cotton pad and massage it onto my skin (you can also use your fingers). I find that it does remove makeup and leaves my skin feeling clean without any stinging or redness on neither skin or eyes, which is great but I feel that it does take a bit more product than it would with a liquid makeup remover. 

If you are looking for a gentle cleanser that won't irritate your skin or eyes and don't mind spending a bit more than you would on your usual high street cleanser, then I definitely recommend you try the Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser. 

Find Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser in Superdrug and Boots.

xo

Pink Wool & Black Cashmere

New Look Coat // Uniqlo Sweatshirt // H&M Scarf // Uniqlo Down Jacket // Topshop Jeans // Adidas Stan Smith

(Similar: Pink Coat, Grey Sweatshirt, Cashmere Scarf)

The sun is finally coming out these days, which I've missed, even though I'm getting more resistant to the cold (or maybe finally learned to dress for it haha). I like that this coat adds a pop of colour to an otherwise monochrome outfit, it's quite fitted so layering under it was a bit movement restrictive.

xo

Happy Valentine's Day!

Dot spoiled me as usual ♥ with some beauty bits and also 12 red roses, a heart shaped cake and macarons from Patisserie Valerie, and a card with my own artwork on it.

Hope you have a lovely day!

xo

Shop Now Open!

As you might know, I really enjoy painting and watercolour illustration is something I've been doing quite a bit the last couple of years. Well I've finally set up a place where you can shop greeting cards and stationery with my illustrations, if you so wish. Take a look!

xo

New In: January 2017

Last month I used one of my H&M gift cards to get the camel oversized cardigan, which I've been loving (see it on). Also got a mini notebook from the Works, and another set of sticky notes. 

Got the Bourjois eyeshadow quad thanks to Dot, as we got some makeup for his mum for Christmas and it was on 3 for 2. I won an agnes b. x Rough Trade records tote bag, got a new Garnier Face Wash and Moisturiser from their Pure Active Sensitive range. And last but not least I got a couple more bralettes from H&M ♥

xo

Longline Cardigan & Knee High Boots

H&M Cardigan // Topshop Coated Jeans // Next Leather Boots // Topshop Bag // H&M Jumper

(Similar: Grey Jumper, Leather Knee High Boots, Crossbody Bag)

Remember I said I completely forgot about these boots last winter? Well I wanted to make up for the times I didn't use them and have been wearing them quite a lot. I like how the combination of the boots and the black trousers make me look taller haha. I want to go and get my hair cut, thinking about going next week.

xo