Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk

June 25, 2014

When it comes to cleanser I always feel a little lost. Do I go for a balm, a cream and milk and oil - the options are endless. Having dehydrated and occasionally sensitive skin, I wanted something gentle that would keep my skin calm and reduce redness, and there I found Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk.

At first pump this cleanser is just like any other, except for its weird off white colour. However when applied to the face it goes through two stages. The first is just like any normal cleanser, but then the more you work it over the skin the thicker it becomes, and it really feels as if it is leaving your skin squeaky clean without stripping it. If you can get over the rather pungent herbal smell, this cleanser is ace. It's reasonably priced in my view (£16 for 150ml) and I bought mine at FeelUnique with a 20% off code making it even cheaper. The fact that it doesn't contain any mineral oil, parabens etc. is something that really sells this cleanser to me, as if you are a regular follower of skincare junkie Caroline Hirons, you will know these are things she says are a massive no no when it comes to skincare.

With this cleanser I felt like I noticed a difference in my skin immediately. It just leaves it looking less red and angry and calms everything. This cleanser actually makes me look forward to washing my face now...is that wierd? I also think this cleanser would work for a number of skin types, not just sensitive. I am interested in trying more products from Ren so let me know any of your recommendations.

Queen B

June 18, 2014

 Shock horror - until last month I had never tried one of the most highly coveted products in the blogging world BIODERMA. It appears that pretty much everyone has gone into a frenzy over this 'holy grail' water, but is it really worth all the hype it gets?

Not wanting to spend money and dislike it I opted for the 100ml size. Perfect for travelling especially as it doesn't go over the hand luggage limit when flying, I thought this would be a handy little product to have. Open first pouring I treated it as if it were gold dust...(maybe a bit extreme now but y'know) and did what anyone would do - placed it on my face. The first thing I noticed was the fact it didn't sting my eyes at all. It felt really gentle and took my make up of so fast and so effectively. From that moment on I was converted.

It truley is the best make up remover water I've tried. I've seen people compare things such as the Garnier Micellar Water and the Loreal one, but I have found nothing as good. This truley is the Queen B of cleansing waters. 

Jamie...

June 15, 2014

Due to the fact that 99% of the time I seem to be wearing black jeans, I think its important to find a pair that suit. Topshop is always a place I go to for jeans after years of being a lover of the Leigh style. However, it seams that I've been cheating on Leigh with my new found love - Jamie. They are possibly the nicest fitting jeans I have ever found for my figure. High waisted but not so much as the Joni, soft, but not so thin like the Leigh - they're just perfect. However like all Topshop jeans once you've washed them the knees do give a bit and they don't have that same incredible fit as they did when you first bought them. Nonetheless I'm in love these and I would recommend trying some on if you are in the market for some new leg wear - even if it is summer!



MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

June 08, 2014

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To me, having a classic red lipstick is a must in anyone's wardrobe. It's like a leather jacket or a white shirt - timeless. One of the most talked about red lippies around is the cult classic from MAC - 'Ruby Woo'. With it's Retro Matte finish it is the definition of the 'Classic Red Lip.'

Ruby Woo is a blue toned red with a very matte formula. On application you do have to drag it a bit to get it on the lips, but once on it will stay for a very long time. This colour would suit so many skin tones as I think it's just so flattering on many people. I have fallen head if heels with this lipstick and even though I have heard many people say it's too drying for them, I don't agree. Yes it's a Retro Matte so it's dry, but not uncomfortable to wear. I think it's even taken over 'Lady Danger' as my fave red lip. Paired with winged liner or a smokey eye this lipstick is ace and I can see myself wearing it a lot this summer.




The Classics...

May 11, 2014

                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       
                                       



I seemed to forget about these images until I found them on a memory card recently! Clearly these were taken a few weeks ago before Britain's weather decided to stop making up its mind any more, however I thought I would share them with you anyway! This outfit had a few of the classics in it. A classic white shirt paired with a classic red lip - we'll thank MAC's Ruby Woo for that. I really enjoyed wearing this as it is very casual but made me feel 'put together' at the same time. It would be lovely if the sun could show it's face for more than 5 minutes so I can please where this outfit again - thanks.

Shirt- Vintage, Shorts- Car Boot, Belt- Zara, Bag- Primark, Boots- Topshop and Rings- Topshop, H&M and Primark.


How To Cope With Exams...

May 05, 2014

Taking exams is just a part of life, but it can be a very stressful period in time. Whether in school, college or uni - exams can sometimes leave people feeling a little fragile, and I think it's best to take some 'me time' in order to do the best you can! I'm a believer in that if you look after yourself, you can achieve far better. 


    
          


1. Scheduled Revision Times
Now, I'm one of those people that finds revision so hard! I literally have the attention span of a 2 year old boy when I try and revise and that's why I find it easiest to scheduled in what I'm going to revise, for how long and when. Also taking regular 5 minute breaks can mean that you are not getting bored too easily. I also think it's best not to push yourself too far. If you feel to tired and like you won't retain any information, then don't revise. Just do it when you feel most able too! I also find revising with someone really makes me more motivated.

2. Have a bath
Having a bath can do wonders for a stressed mind. Switch off any distractions, light a candle and use some products which really pamper you. I have this Lush Blackberry Bath Bomb. It smells divine and will just make you feel all that bit calmer. Alternatively, if you need something to wake you up in the morning before an exam, use Lush Woosh Shower Jelly to get your senses going and feeling awake!

3. Face masks
When we're stressed our skin can sometimes not look it's best, so this is where face maks are your new best friend. As well as just being a nice calming treat, getting one that can target your specific skin problem can really help and just make you feel a bit more confident when you need. I love the Lush Catastrophe Cosmetic Fresh Face Mask. It feels so cooling and just generally makes my skin feel lovely!

4. Aromatherapy
The power of smells in stressful situations can be amazing. Just a spritz of Lush Au Roma Water can make me feel calmer in an instant! Also it can fit really well into your handbag for a quick spray before you go into the exam room!

So there are my few tips for coping with exam season. Sorry if the blog posts are a bit few and far between recently. My last exam is on June 18th so I will be getting back into the full swing of things after that! Now I should probably go back to the revision now ...wish me luck! And good luck to any of you taking exams soon! 


Ready For Summer...

April 23, 2014

                                    
                                   
                                    
  
  
  




I'm one of those people who is very optimistic when it comes to summer. In the UK if the sun comes out for more than about an hour in a day, the population basically goes into 'summer mode' and we all start heading out for picnics and wearing refilling through our wardrobes for a bikini that fits - but the frank reality is it's probably about 10 degrees. This is where my wardrobe also begins to alter as I see sun and will immediately throw on a frock, and when someone says 'are you not cold?', I simply reply 'No' - even though secretly I am. This is because summer has to be my favourite season and you can wear beautiful dresses like this one from Zara without having to worry about tights or coats. I think putting a jumper over a dress like this would ruin it as you just wouldn't be able to see the beautiful pattern. Therefor, I for one am bloody looking forward to summer!

Dress-Zara, Boots-Topshop, Rings- H&M, Topshop and Primark and Nails- Essie 'Bikini So Teeny'.

Fresh Faced Spring

April 16, 2014

      
      
      
Spring feels like a time for new life and new beginnings and changing your make up look from winter to spring can be so good. Forget heavy winter foundation and go for light, dewy bases which give you that 'lit from within look'. Rimmel Wake Me Up does the job well here. To conceal any blemishes etc. then use something light weight but with a good coverage such as Miss Sporty Concealer. Then your going to want a pop of colour on the cheeks and Clinique 'Iced Lotus' blush is perfect for a highlighty blush look.  For eyes your'rem going to want to keep it simple and a sweep of MAC 'Honey Lust' eyeshadow and lashings of Benefit They're Real Mascara will make your eyes look effortlessly chic. Then it's the brows. I like big bold brows and for that I just fill them in using a matte brown shadow like Natural Collection 'Crushed Walnut'. Finally the lips. You're going to want something light and girly and for that the Maybelline Baby Lips in 'Pink Punch' is perfect as it gives you some colour whilst keeping your lips moisturised. Et Voila - your new spring look is complete!

The Highlands...

April 13, 2014

I am writing this post from my holiday in a remote part of the Scottish Highlands where the Wifi is that of 2007 and the population is around 10. It is not all bad though as all of this leads to a very relaxing environment. There is something oh so lovely about being a bit more 'at one' with nature shall we say. You can go sans make-up and there is no real need to dress up nice as most of the time a windy walk or a sightseeing drive is all thats on the agenda. Now, I'm not going to pretend that this is the most on point outfit you will have seen, nor am I promising you will gain much inspiration, but quite frankly I'm on holiday in the middle of nowhere - it doesn't matter what I look like!














                  Coat- Miss Selfridge, Knit- Zara, Jeans- Topshop Leigh and Shoes- Converse

 

Company Blogger Awards + Update

April 08, 2014

Hi there internet - long time no speak...

I'm aware I've been a bit M.I.A at the moment, but I do have a very good reason! As many of you will know, in the UK (i'm not sure if this goes for the rest of the world - let me know!), the period between about April and June is exam season. This is obviously where people who are doing  GCSE's, A- Levels and Uni all sit exams (duh...!) and it appears its my turn to do so. This means that blog posts have been a bit few and far between at the moment, and will continue to do so for a month or so. I will be trying to schedule posts to go up for you all but unfortunately studying has to take pride of place at the moment *sobs*. I hope you all understand and I am very much looking forward to my exam free summer in which I can post till my hearts content!


Company Blogger Awards

For the first time I've entered my blog into the Company Blogger Awards 2014 under best teen blog (under 18's). I'm not expecting to do very well but I would be more than overjoyed if even one of you votes for me. I believe you can vote internationally so if you would like to do so just go here or click the image below and enter your email address and my blog URL. It would mean the world and I really appreciate all your support!

Thank you for all your support x                                                                           



Recently Loving

March 23, 2014

 
    
Seeing as I haven't done a favourites I'm a while, I thought I would share with you all a few of the things I have been loving recently.

Beauty

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation
I just love this foundation. The finish is not too dewy, not too matte, just a glowy lit from with in look. The colour is a bit dark but I believe they make a lighter shade so I might be giving that one a whirl. I wrote a full review on this foundation so you can get an idea of what I think of it.

Garnier Moisture Match
After receiving a small sample of this and using it until I was scraping the sides, I thought I would purchase it and add it to my skincare routine. I LOVE the smell which I know isn't the most important thing in a moisturiser but it definatley made me love it more. It also just makes my skin feel nice and hydrated without feeling greasy. I definatley feel a difference when I wake up in the morning as it just leaves my skin nice and plump and supple.

Nivea SOS Lip Relief
Not the most glamorous of products but something that really works. I have quite full lips and therefore I think I'm quite a good one to test lip products on as I can often get dry, chapped lips because of it. This is exactly what my lips were doing at the beginning of the month and this sorted them out really well. I wouldn't use this as an everyday lip balm, but if you're in need of a bit of 'lip relief', then I would definatley reccomend this.

Rimmel Soft Khol Kajal 'sable brown'
Brown eyeliner never really appealed to me, but one day I just added this product to my Feel Unique basket and I haven't looked back. I love tight-lining with it as it gives a much more natural finish than black liner and just makes the lash line look a little more full. It's also great for smudging into a brown smokey eye, and for £2.99 it's an absolute bargain.

Real Techniques Blush Brush
I just adore this brush. It was in my 2013 favourites and I have loved it since the moment I got it. It's a great all rounder and I totally recommend it to anyone.

Soap & Glory Butter Yourself Body Butter
The smell of this product never fails to make me happy. It has a kind of musky, fig, but with a hint if citrus smell which I just love. It's also a beautiful consistency and I just feel pampered everytime I use it.

TV/Music

Samantha Who on Netflix
This show just got me and I fell in love with it. If you like Rom/Com style films you'll love this TV show. With 2 seasons and 35 episodes and shamefully watched them all in a matter of weeks! 

Life Unexpected on Netflic
I WEEPED so much when I finished this. This was such a great couple of series in which I just felt attached to so many of the characters. Really reccomend this one!

Beyoncé 'XO' and 'Drunk In Love'
After watching Queen B preform on the Brits, I fell in love with her new songs. They've just been on repeat for weeks and I'm so glad she's back with a new album!