My Current Skincare Routine

Before we get into this post, I would like to say it is in no way sponsored by Liz Earle, I just really love their skincare range and find it works for my skin.  

Until about two years ago, I'd never really been into skincare and tended to use a baby wipe to 'remove' my make up at night - I say 'remove', as I would wake up with panda eyes the next morning without fail.  When I began blogging, there was a huge buzz around Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish. Liz Earle were a brand I'd never heard of before blogging and I owe some of you lot my life as there's certainly no way I could do without now!  I thought I'd share with you my current routine, when I use products and why, so without further adieu...

When I wake up the first thing I grab from my basket of goodies is my cleanser.  I find my skin to be dull and rather puffy when I wake up and by using the infamous hot cloth cleanser, I find it really helps wake up my skin and also brighten it. About six months ago that would be it for my skincare routine (perish the thought).  

I follow up my cleanser with the Instant Boost Skin Tonic which refreshes the skin as well as removes any traces of cleanser.  I squirt a bit onto a cotton pad and then rub in circular motions over my face.  Once I've done this, I'll use the Skin Repair Moisturiser for normal/combination skin. I've learnt that a little goes a long way with this product!  After the three step routine is complete, I use the Daily Eye Repair cream on my under eye circles. This product is great as it has light reflecting particles, which really open up and brighten your eyes. This can also be used on fine lines around the mouth and on the forehead.  When it's complete my face is completely transformed from dull to bright and glowing!

In the evening I take my make up off with Cleanse and Polish and follow up with the tonic and moisturiser.  The only difference at night is that I don't use the eye cream. I want to invest in an evening eye cream, do you have any recommendations? 

About once or twice a week, depending on what my skin has been like, I will exfoliate with the Gentle Face Exfoliator.  It's a great exfoliator for all skin types as it's not harsh against your skin and also digs deep into the pores.  I use this after cleansing and usually in the shower and the jojoba beads are quite difficult to get off otherwise!

What products feature in your current skincare routine? I'm looking into trying some skincare which contains bee venom, as I've heard it's great for the skin!

"There is only One Tree Hill and it is your home".

If you haven't gathered from the title and the picture, this is going to be a tribute to One Tree Hill.  Nine years ago I watched the first episode at the ripe age of 11 (this makes me feel old).  I was hooked from the pilot, although the critics didn't think it would last more than a season.  Mark Schwahn rightly said "the little show that could, became the epic show that did".  There was a hell of a lot of drama in Tree Hill, love triangles, on and off friendships, shootings, kidnappings, weddings, basketball, music tours, Fall Out Boy, car crashes, psycho's, deaths and so much more.  While at times the story lines could be a little too unbelievable it kept us entertained for nine years and chucked in a few subtle morals along the way.  I wont say much more, here's a few videos and photo's.

Beauties Best Kept Secret: Bellezo.com

As you know, I'm going on holiday next month (yay!) but with bleached hair, I need to be extremely careful in the sun (nay!).  I bought the Aveda Sun Care Protective Veil to take to the beach or down to the pool but I also need a shampoo that will remove all traces of chlorine or salt from my hair. I decided I'd get the Aveda Sun and Body cleanser, but didn't want to pay the £16 price tag.  I always check the Google shopping tab to ensure I'm buying the product from the cheapest place possible (usually Amazon).  A new website, Bellezo.com, came up as cheapest at £11.90.  I'd never heard of the website, but they were another beauty etailer like Feel Unique or Look Fantastic.  They sell brands like Bumble and Bumble, Bare Minerals, Morrocanoil and Pureology at discount prices (sometimes getting almost £5 off the RRP).

I must admit, at first glance I was slightly skeptical, their prices were incredible, so I turned to Google.  After a quick search for reviews, I decided they were legit and I placed my order. I ordered on Friday and it was despatched on Monday.  They offer free postage and packing, which is sent Royal Mail 1st Class, which you can't really grumble at.  I got in touch on Twitter about despatch and they responded right away - brilliant customer service if you ask me. I received my package yesterday via the Postie. My product was wrapped in bubble wrap and the lid was held down with sellotape.  

The Bellezo.com team also popped some Aveda samples in with my purchase, which was a nice added extra and certainly something none of the other beauty etailers do.  I've definitely converted to Bellezo.com - will you?

Accessory Lust: McQ Pre-Spring Collection

This week Alexander McQueen launched their pre-spring McQ collection and ever since I've been finding myself clicking on to the website quite a bit. The dresses are amazing form fitting bodycons in bright neons and contrasting navy, but it's the accessories that have got me going a bit crazy.  From scarves emblazoned with razor blades and graffiti, to studded purses and gorgeous popper snap shoes - the McQ accessories steal the show. 

Black Stepney Tote | Black Graffiti Print Scarf | Bone Collar Stud Wallet | Neon Navy Snap Sandal

Handbags are one of my biggest weaknesses, if I had it my way I'd have some of the iconic shapes in my collection.  The beauty of McQ is that it's the more affordable sister label to Alexander McQueen, with the same amount of edge to it.  The Stepney tote is made from beautiful black leather and has silver detailing, including a silver razor blade hanging from the handles. The perfect everyday bag at a more affordable £560.  McQueen are known for their scarves and McQ is no different, boasting three different designs, priced at £110.  My favourite was this black and white graffiti print number, which is versatile to any look.  Every bag needs a purse and from the transparent coloured wallets to the studded leather ones, this was certainly my favourite.  This design comes in three different colours and are priced at £145 each.  Of course, we can't forget shoes (my motto is 'the higher, the better').  These navy sandals will cost you £370 and feature popper fastenings, a cylindrical heel and neon pink rubber piping, which adds a burst of colour to an otherwise plain look. 

What do you think of the McQ accessories? I'll still have to win the lottery to be able to have any of them (student life) but a girl can dream!

Beauty Review: CHANEL Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universal

It's quite a mouthful but this is possibly the most illusive bronzer on the market.  After receiving rave reviews from the beauty community, this product was no where to be seen.  I'd constantly be at my local Chanel counter asking after it to no avail.  Four months later I finally got my hands on the beauty (literally). I must admit, I was slightly dubious after the MUA at the Chanel counter tried it on me.  I think she had a heavy hand, or was in fact trying to make me look like an Oompa Loompa.  After further research I decided that I still wanted it.  

A month later and I've really been enjoying using the bronzer.  Like every other Chanel product I've tried, it has a gorgeous scent to it, which smells to me like holiday.  It's creamy in consistency and glides easily from brush to skin.  I use this with a buffing brush and a light hand, although a kabuki brush would also work well.  The key to using this product without looking like you're fresh from a night out at the Sugarhut is to completely blend it into the skin.  I find that even on my pale skin it gives a really subtle glow.  

You only need a small amount of product and after a months use I've barely scratched the surface. This is also a bit of a con, because if you put too much onto the brush it can be difficult to blend in - resulting in the not so desirable streaky look. At £29 it's not the cheapest product on the market either, but the fact that you don't need much means it's going to last you for a long time.  

Were you one of the lucky ones who managed to get hold of this product?

Book Club | The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?

I really enjoyed this book. It wasn't the most intellectual of books I've ever read, but sometimes after a long day at uni or work it's nice to kick back with an easy read and just relax.  I noticed some similarities character wise in the book. Obviously it follows on with Madison and Gaby but the new additions Kate and Carmen were definitely the new Jane and Scarlett (in that order).  I'm excited for the second book in the series, out in September, as I could have quite happily read another 400 pages of this book.  If you like chick flick novels you'll love this book - and all the other novels Conrad has written as well.  

Reviewed in the series: Starstruck

Currently reading: The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks

Getting Organised

In four weeks time I'll be on a sun lounger by the pool, or maybe the beach in Spain with two good friends. It comes after such a hectic five months at uni and I really can't wait (probably why I've been banging on about it so much).  I've been trying to get myself organised so that I don't panic before whilst packing.  Getting organised has consisted of a few online purchases - well it would be rude not to! Here's what I've picked up so far. 

River Island Candy Stripe Bikini - Top £12, Bottoms £10

A holiday always means a new bikini.  I usually only get one a year, sometimes not even that and so I try and avoid tan lines as much as possible.  I love all the candy colours for this season and so decided on this bikini from River Island.  I got it on Asos.com for the student discount as I think it's ridiculous that River Island don't offer it!

ASOS Spot Dress with Contrast Spot - £17.50 in the Sale

I need some dressier items for the evenings when we go out dancing or for a few cocktails. When I saw this in the sale I couldn't resist. I've got some brown heeled sandals from Primark which will look great with this.  

New Look Aztec Ombre Cover Up - £12.99

For me, New Look and Dorothy Perkins are two shops that can be a hit or a miss.  Whilst browsing the New Look site, I accumulated several things in my basket.  Apparently maxi dresses really suit me and I thought this would look cute over the top of my striped bikini whilst on the beach or walking to and from the bar.  At £12.99 you really can't grumble.   

New Look Print Shell Top £17.99

I think most girls when looking at clothes think 'what could I wear with this'. When I saw this I had several options and I just loved the print.  Definite winner.  

New Look White Kaftan - £9.99

This probably wont get busted out on the holiday until I have a bit of colour (currently verging on albino...) but I thought for £9.99 it would be silly not to pick up a much needed basic.  I'll mostly be in swimwear for the duration of the holiday.   

New Look Patterned Platform Strappy Shoes - £24.99

It was love at first sight. I first saw these shoes in an issue of More! magazine months ago and knew I had to buy them.  After weeks of looking for them on the website, I gave up all hope that they even existed until last week.  They were the first items in my virtual basket and possibly my most loved thing out of the order.   

Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil - £19.00

This was on my beauty lust list but it was an item that I needed to get.  With bleached hair, I can't risk any more unnecessary heat damage and this product is essentially sun cream, for your hair.  I will also purchase the shampoo which is supposed to wash chlorine and salt out of your hair - which will come in mighty handy!  

As for feeling organised, I'm getting there.  I still need to change up money, get travel insurance and make a list of everything I need and tick off what I've got, as and when I get it.  Are you going on holiday over the summer months?

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow vs. Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua

In my recent monthly favourites post (which you can read here) I mentioned that I had been loving two foundations in particular.  Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow and Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua have had me singing 'eenie meenie miney mo' most mornings, but what is the real difference between the two? 

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B10 - £31.00

Chanel's make up always seems to have a lovely, fresh scent to it, which makes application all that luxurious. Vitalumiere Aqua's packaging is different to most of the Chanel foundations, in that it has a twist off lid and you need to squeeze the bottle to get the product out.  It's a light coverage foundation which is buildable depending on the look you're going for, or if you're like me, how you're skin looks that day.  It gives the face a healthy glow and a flawless finish.  The foundation only comes in seven shades which is quite limiting and I even find my B10 to be slightly too dark.  This will change in the summer when I tan but isn't ideal during winter.  The shades are yellow in tone, so great if you have red undertones or hyper pigmentation.  I find that, personally, this foundation doesn't have great lasting power and can go patchy during a long day, even with primer. I love the finish too much not to use it.  

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in 'I'm Pure 4 Sure' - £24.50

Benefit's long awaited, first liquid foundation had received a lot of hype and greatly deserved I think.  The packaging embodies Benefit's aesthetic, feminine and fun.  The foundation has a pump which makes life a lot easier when it comes to how much you need.  I usually use between 1-2 pumps, again depending on how much skin is looking that day.  Another light coverage foundation with buildability, HFOW (it's A LOT to type out...) comes in nine shades, catering for both yellow and pink undertones.  It claims to be brightening which I agree with, I feel I get a much more dewy finish with this base, compared to Vitalumiere Aqua.  Compared to the Chanel foundation, I feel this stays on my skin a lot longer and I now find myself reaching for it when I have a long day at work or uni ahead of me.  

Both foundations have pro's and con's and are great for different things.  If you're looking for a foundation for an event or occasion that's lightweight and gives your skin that sought after healthy glow - Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is perfect.  If you're looking for a light coverage foundation to wear to work that brightens your skin to give you a more awake appearence then Benefit HFOW is the choice for you.  Both products contain 30ml of foundation.  If I had to choose between the two right now I would go for Benefit over Chanel - but that could always change!

Do you have either of these foundations? Let me know in the comments below what you think.  

Book Review: Mockingjay (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Can Katniss Everdeen win the final fight against the Capitol? Against all odds, she's survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she's made it out of the bloody arena alive, she is still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what's worse, President Snow has made it clear that no-one else is safe either. Not Katniss's family, not her friends, not the people of District 12...

May the odds be ever in your favour.

The third and final book in The Hunger Games was a bit hard going but once I got into it I was hooked. The last book ended with the tributes being taken from the arena.  As this book progressed we learnt more about District 13, something briefly touched upon in the second book, Catching Fire. I enjoyed all the action but wasn't impressed with the ending - more because of the choice Katniss makes between Gale and Peeta (but I won't spoil it for you if you haven't read it!) Out of the three books, The Hunger Games was my favourite and probably the one I'd read out of the three again. 

Which of the three was your favourite? 

Currently reading: The Fame Game by Lauren Conrad

Beauty Lust List #2

Where I've been interning there's a small Space NK not too far which has become slightly dangerous.  I've been in once and ever since have been thinking about some NARS products.  As well as this, there's been a few others cropping up on my lust list, so without further adieu...

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

1.  I'm going on holiday in just over a months time and my hair is rather blonde at the minute and will only go brighter in the sun.  Whilst researching products I found the Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil, which is essentially sun cream for your hair.  They also have a shampoo to rinse out chlorine which I'm looking at too.  

2. One of the NARS products I looked at in Space NK was the Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in Mexican Rose.  It's a really gorgeous raspberry colour that would look great on a night out to add a pop of colour to your make up.  

3.  The lipgloss doppelganger of Mexican Rose is Place Vendome which I also saw in store.  I tried it on my hand and found it has great staying power as it wouldn't come off, even when I showered!

4. As previously mentioned, my hair is super blonde and looks forward to the one day a week I drown it in conditioner for an hour.  This bumble&bumble 'deeep' conditioner looks great and you only need leave it for a maximum of 20 minutes.  It also requires heat of some sort to work which I find interesting.  You can pick up a 50ml size for £9.50 which is a good trial bottle.  

5.  This has had so much hype on YouTube lately that I'm wondering if I should dare to move away from my Liz Earle Skin Tonic to try it. Caudalie Beauty Elixir is supposedly favoured by Mrs.Beckham among others and is supposed to be good for spot prone skin. Winner. 

6.  Another NARS product! Now, I hardly ever wear eyeshadow these days, pretty much because at the moment I've been doing very simple eyes to get myself out the door quicker.  I like the look of the NARS Modern Love palette, although it's pricey at £39, the colours are gorgeous and I know it would be one of those palettes that could take you through day to night. 

Are you lusting after anything lately? You probably shouldn't tell me, it will end up on a to buy list (compulsive, impulsive shopper alert).  

April 2012 Favourites

Another month gone, where is 2012 going? April was an extremely busy month with the magazine unit due (see the finished product here) and then work experience starting, I haven't really stopped.  When it came to my make up for this month it was quick and simple which is reflected in my favourites.  

For my base I've kept it light and dewy as I haven't really had the time to buff out a heavy duty foundation, plus my skin hasn't really needed that extra coverage. I've switched between my Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow in shade 'I'm pure 4 sure' and my Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua in B10.  These both give a dewy finish which leaves your skin looking really natural.  My brush of choice is the Sigma F80 flat top kabuki which makes life so much easier! It applies the foundation extremely quickly, leaving a flawless finish. 

To add warmth to my cheeks I've been using the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronze Universel with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush from the Core Collection.  As I am so fair at the moment, I use the tiniest amount otherwise I might look like an oompa loompa (sorry Roald Dahl, it was never a good look).  I'm looking forward to taking this on holiday and using it when I have a tan! I've also been picking up my Sleek Face Contour Kit and using the highlighter to brighten the inner corners of my eyes as there was a lot of early mornings and late nights through April.  

Keeping with the simple look, I haven't really done anything other than kohl liner on my tight line and mascara.  My mascara of choice is MUFE Smoky Lash in black which I will definitely be stocking up on when I go to Sephora in Spain next month.  For lips I've kept things pretty nude or sheer in colour.  My favourites have been the Clinique Chubby Stick in wooping watermelon and 17 Mirror Shine On Lipstick in Beehive.  

What have been your favourite products of April? 

Kindle 'To-Read' List

Since getting a Kindle for Christmas, I've turned into a bit of a bookworm.  I always was an avid reader but for some reason, I've found that my Kindle makes it easier to read.  One of the features I love most about the Kindle is that you can download samples of books which you would like to read or that have perhaps been recommended to you.  I don't know about you, but I used to by books that were recommended or sounded good and I've not gotten past the first 30 pages - money I'll never see again!  This gimmick completely erases that and if you're not wanting to read on when it finishes, you can delete it and not feel like you've chucked a fiver down the drain.  The downside? I've accumulated quite a list of samples! I thought I'd share my current to-reads with you and a blurb for each - you never know, you might come across a book you'd like to read.  

The Fame Game - Lauren Conrad

"In Hollywood, fame can be found on every corner and behind any door. You just have to know where to look for it. Nineteen-year-old Madison Parker made a name for herself as best frenemy of nice-girl-next-door Jane Roberts on the hot reality show L.A. Candy. Now Madison's ready for her turn in the spotlight and she'll stop at nothing to get it. Sure, she's the star of a new show, but with backstabbing friends and suspicious family members trying to bring her down, Madison has her work cut out for her. Plus, there's a new nice girl in "reality" town—aspiring actress Carmen Price, the daughter of Hollywood royalty—and she's a lot more experienced at playing the fame game... When the camera's start rolling, whose star will shine brighter?"

I've read all of Lauren Conrad's L.A. Candy novels and loved them.  They are extremely easy to read and after a long day at work or uni, they take the edge off.  I thought she was no longer writing but here we have the first of another novel series which I will probably dive straight into, once I've finished Mockingjay. 

Can We Still Be Friends - Alexandra Shulman

"It's the summer of 1983 and best friends, Salome, Annie and Kendra have left university to embark on adulthood. Three very different girls with very different paths ahead.

- Annie, the capable domestic beauty, convinced that marriage will give her everything she wants.

- Sal, the aspiring journalist whose personal demons threaten to destroy everything she has achieved.

- Kendra, the daughter of chic, liberal parents who, searching for her own identity, encounters a life she never expected.

As they navigate the decade of ra-ra skirts and shoulder pads, Duran Duran and Margaret Thatcher, they discover that the future is what happens to you, not what you plan.

Their interwoven tale captures brilliantly what it is to learn the exhilarating and painful truths about love, work, family and the ties of friendship."

I found this book whilst flicking through the latest Vogue.  I was completely unaware that Shulman had penned a novel and the reviews seem pretty good so I quickly clicked 'send sample now' on Amazon.  

Divergent - Veronica Roth

"She turns to the future in a world that’s falling apart.

For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs.

Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead….

A debut novel that will leave you breathless."

Elle Fowler from YouTube has a vlog series for books called 'Glitterature' which I always watch and this was one of the books she reviewed.  It seems a bit like The Hunger Games and Uglies trilogy which I loved, so I'm sure this will be a winner too! 

The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks

"Is there really such thing as a lucky charm? The hero of Nicholas Sparks's new novel believes he's found one in the form of a photograph of a smiling woman he's never met, but who he comes to believe holds the key to his destiny. The chain of events that leads to him possessing the photograph and finding the woman pictured in it is the stuff of love stories only a master such as Sparks can write."

Nicholas Sparks is one of my favourite authors of all time.  He wrote the book which later turned into my favourite film, The Notebook and every other story he has written always grabs me.  Not to mention, they always transfer so well onto the big screen.  His latest book-to-film is The Lucky One, which is one of the only books I haven't read by him.  I'm 

really looking forward to this one - will probably be a holiday read!

The Vow - Kim & Krickitt Carpenter

"Life as Kim and Krickitt Carpenter knew it was shattered beyond recognition on November 24, 1993. Two months after their marriage, a devastating car wreck left Krickitt with a massive head injury and in a coma for weeks.
When she finally awoke, she had no idea who Kim was. With no recollection of their relationship and while Krickitt experienced personality changes common to those who suffer head injuries, Kim realized the woman he had married essentially died in the accident.
And yet, against all odds, but through the common faith in Christ that sustained them, Kim and Krickitt fell in love all over again. Even though Kim stood by Krickitt through the darkest times a husband can ever imagine, he insists, “I’m no hero. I made a vow.”

When I saw the trailer for this film, I wondered if there was a book behind it, as it was based on a true story. There was. But it was Kindle ready. I headed on over to Goodreads and found that A LOT of people were petitioning to get this on the Kindle and we got our wish! I'm really excited to read this, although it is sure to be a tear jerker.  

The Fault in our Stars - John Green

"Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 12, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs... for now. Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means) Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault. Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly, to her interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind."

Gemma from Gemsmaquillage on YouTube started a book club and this was the first book in it. I liked the idea of the story and downloaded a sample ages ago but since then got hooked onto The Hunger Games.  

Have you read any of these books or got a recommendation?