Handbag Beauty Items

My bag pretty much contains everything but the kitchen sink. I am very much a “oh but what if I need this” type of person and have a hard time cleaning out my bag and getting rid of the unnecessary bits and bobs! However, amongst what is mostly junk I have a small number of beauty products that I keep in my Forever 21 beauty bag which I thought I would share with you all today.

Soap & Glory Hand Food

The first product that I like to keep in my handbag for easy access is hand cream. I am someone who suffers from very dry hands so I like to regularly moisturise them. The Soap and Glory hand food is definitely one of the best hand creams I have used plus it smells absolutely delicious!

Easter Weekend Beauty

The long weekend has finally arrived! Sweet-toothed beauty fans rejoice; you have the perfect excuse to eat your body weight in chocolate. As for make-up I have listed below a few ideas that I think will get you through this Easter weekend.

The Best Hair Texturizing Products

 

I’m a girl that loves my hair to be big and voluminous with very little effort. There has been a lot of products that have popped onto the market over the years, and today I wanted to share with youse some of my faves; which of course are all budget friendly.

How to Deep Clean Make-up Brushes

 

One thing I really hate to do is clean my make-up brushes, but unfortunately it is a must. Every time you use a make-up brush you are picking up bacteria on your face, which is then left to fester on the brush after use. Therefore, the next time you pick up this brush to use the bacteria that has been left to fester is going to be applied to your face when you go to use the brush. Disgusting isn’t it? It’s a vicious cycle and it will make you break out, unless of course you clean your brushes. Obviously brushes that are predominantly used for eyeshadow will not be a problem and can be washed every few weeks. However ones that are used on a regular basis for face products should be washed regularly, such as foundation brushes. If you suffer from acne or problematic skin, try washing your brushes more than normal and see if you notice an improvement.

3 Tips to Make Your Nail Polish Dry Faster

I don’t know about you, but I absolutely hate painting my nails solely on the fact the polish can take so long to dry. Suddenly, once I have started painting my nails I suddenly have a hundred and one things to do. But fear no more friends, I have done my research and wanted to share the quick ways you can make your nail polish dry in a matter of seconds

How to Fill in Your Brows

Hey guys hope you are well! Today I wanted to share some of my quick tips for achieve beautiful brows. I have come to realise that eyebrows are a very personal thing, and everyone prefers their eyebrows looking a certain way. Where one style of brow may suit one person, another may suit someone else. However, hopefully these simple basic tips will help you if you are struggling to fill them in.

The Best Drugstore Foundations

Recently, I was going through my foundation collection and realised there was a fair few drugstore foundations lurking around in there. When it comes to foundations, I think the drugstore have got it pretty spot on and there is one that tailors to everyone’s skin type and desired finish. Today I am going to share with you a few of my faves, and you will realise that achieving flawless skin really isn’t that expensive.

How to Conceal Spots

 

Everyone has days where their skin looks flawless and they look amazing: but today is sadly not one of those days for me. When life gets stressful, this definitely shows on my skin. Waking up this morning I was greeted by gross red blotchy spots on my face, which inspired me to make this blog post. Sometimes, it can be difficult to cover up blemishes with just a plain foundation, however using the correct concealer and using some of my steps below will help make a bad skin day better.

Ariana Grande Inspired Hair

Ariana Grande's popularity is growing by the day and she is well known for her signature hairstyles that lots of people love. Today I am going to teach you how to achieve her half up, half down hairstyle that is perfect for every occasion.

This hairstyle is a great way of keeping your hair out of your face whilst still looking soft and pretty with your locks falling down the sides and back. It's super girly and playful, and most importantly very easy to achieve at home.

How to Clip in Hair Extensions

If you didn’t know already I am obsessed with hair extensions. For almost 2 years I have been an avid wearer of hair extensions and will literally never leave the house without them clipped in. Today I wanted to share my quick steps on how to clip in hair extensions and help you achieve beautiful long locks.

How to Take the Perfect Selfie

Hello my beauties, I hope you are all having a lovely weekend and are doing well. Today I wanted to blog about how to take the perfect selfie. Although selfies are just a bit of fun it can be annoying when you can’t capture the perfect one. Here are a few of my quick tips and tricks, I hope you enjoy and I will see you all in my next blog post,

My Top 5 Favourite Perfumes

I am obsessed with smells. To me there is nothing better in the world when I smell good, when someone else smells good or when a place smells good. Today I am going to tell youse all about my favourite perfumes. I could write a 10000 word essay on them all, but instead I have narrowed it down to 5. Perfume is one of those products that I don't mind splurging money on, and look at it as an investment for the greater good- because no one wants me smelling bad.

How to 'Bake' Your Make-up

Cropping up all over you tube, are tutorials on how to 'bake' or 'cook' your make-up. Although this term has been used in drag for years, it came to be more well known when Kim Kardashians make-up artist posted this trick over Instagram.

'Baking' your make-up consists of letting translucent powder sit on your face between 5 and 10 minutes. This allows the heat from your face to set the foundation and concealer. Once dusted off, it should leave you with a flawless, crease less finish.

To start, ensure your eye area is well hydrated. Applying eye cream around this area will hydrate and plump the skin, whilst minimising the appearance of any fine lines. I like to use the Palmers Cocoa Butter Smoothing Eye Cream.

Next apply a thick concealer under the eyes. Although concealer contains oils that have a tendency to crease, if set properly this will not happen. I use the Collection 2000 Concealer, applying it in a triangle shape under my eyes and blending.

Next dust on a layer of translucent powder. Try using a fluffy eyeshadow brush to pack this onto the area where we just put concealer. A particular favourite of mine is the Ben Nye Translucent Powder.

Next comes the 'baking'! Using a damp Real Techniques Beauty Sponge, dip into the translucent powder and dab generously over the area where you applied concealer. Leave the powder to set for around 5 to 10 minutes.

Finally dust off the excess powder with that same fluffy eyeshadow brush and boom you are baked! Leave a comment below and let me know how you found this technique.

Until next time beauties, have an amazing day and I'll see you in my next post,

At Home Pamper Routine



I don't know about youse, but for me this week has been hectic and stressful! When life does get a bit too much, I love to take some me time and pamper myself. Today I am going to show you how you can also have an at home pamper session! Because who doesn't love a good pampering?

First off, we need to start with picking the right scented candle. I am a massive fan of Yankee Candles and have many favourites that I like to use. What is also great is Yankee Candles can be found online for extremely good prices. My favourite at the moment that I like to burn when I'm feeling pretty stressed is Pink Sands. It reminds me of being on holiday, and what's more relaxing than the thought of lying on a nice sunny beach with a cocktail in hand?

Next up is of course music! I love to listen to music to relax, whether they be chilled or upbeat songs. At the moment I am OBSESSING over the 1975! Their song 'Somebody Else' is just incredible.

And of course it is a given that we have to wear fluffy dressing gowns, what pampering session would be right without one? This step isn't necessary and some cosy jammies will do instead. But if you are like me and want to feel extra pampered, grab that robe girl.

A beverage is a must when we are pampering ourselves since we have to stay hydrated. I have loved sipping on some freezing cold peach ice tea at the moment. Makes me feel refreshed.

Next, it's time to annoyingly take the make-up off. Using make-up wipes will help do the job plus it's quick and simple too. Afterwards wash your face with your everyday cleanser and you are good to go.

The next step in our pamper routine is so obvious- a bath! I love to a warm bubble bath filled with lush goodies. Not only do I come out smelling amazing but I truly feel relaxed afterwards.

Next I will wash my hair with my usual shampoo and conditioner, and if I'm feeling my hair needs some extra TLC I will follow up with a hair mask. After I will wash my body and make sure I'm not only clean but I'm smelling lush. My favourite at the moment is the Foam Burst body washes by Imperial Leather. The Japanese Spa scent is to die for!

Once I am done relaxing in my bubble bath, I will wrap my hair up in a towel and hop on out. Drying off my body, I apply some of the Soap and Glory The Righteous body butter.

It's face mask time!! Usually I will make a home made face mask and pop this on over my face. If you haven't checked it out already here are some of my favourite home made face masks.

To pamper my lips, I will take a little bit of sugar and my toothbrush. Applying the sugar to my lips and lightly exfoliating with my toothbrush over top will help get rid of the dry patches and give me soft, smooth lips.

For the grand finale, time to paint those nails! And there you go, that's my own at home pamper session. I hope you are feeling nice and relaxed after following some or all of these steps.

Until next time my beauties, take care and I'll see you in my next post,

Strobing 101

Why look sculpted when you can look dewy?

Just when we had started wrapping our heads around contouring a new make-up craze has occurred. In simple terms, strobing is basically just a fancy word for highlighting. Forget about contouring, going crazy with the highlighter will give you a dewy, more youthful glow. To keep you on the right track and keep you looking glowy and not sweaty, here are a few tips.

Prep your skin
Strobing is all about getting the perfect glow. Moisturising your skin  will replenish dull, dry skin. I would recommend using an oil free moisturiser.

Pick the Correct Shade
Use a Highlighter that is going to suit and compliment your skin tone. If you have fair skin, opt for a pink champagne colour. If you have medium skin, go for a peach champagne colour. If you have olive skin, a gold shade will look perfect on you. And if you have dark skin opt for a beautiful copper colour. Instead of going out and buying an expensive highlighter, why not try using a sheer eyeshadow.

Highlight the Parts that Catch the Light

Along your cheekbones, down the bridge of your nose, below your brow bone, along your temples the corner of your eyes and your Cupid's bow are all places where you should be placing your highlighter. This will enhance your natural features without going overboard.

Blend
After you've applied your highlighter, using either your fingertips or a fan brush blend out the product to avoid any harsh edges.

For those of you will oily skin, like myself, opt for a matte bronzer or blush to avoid looking like a disco ball.

And that's it beauties! To me this isn't as hard to grasp as contouring, and gives a beautiful youthful glow- perfect for spring!

Until next times lovelies, take care and I'll speak to youse in my next post,

 

 



How to Remove Make-up Correctly

After a long exhausting day, or on weekend nights when you are home in the early hours of the morning, you may be tempted to skip removing your make-up and jump straight into bed. Although it may not seem like a big deal, leaving your make-up on overnight can cause your lashes to dry and break, your pores to clog up and cause breakouts. By simply taking a minute or two to follow these quick and easy make-up removal tips, you will wake up with refreshed and happy skin.

Start with removing your eye make-up first. If you are wearing heavy eye make-up or waterproof mascara try using an oil-based product. This will quickly dissolve and breakdown the make-up making it easier to remove. Saturating a cotton wool pad in the eye make-up remover of your choice, hold the cotton pad against your closed eye for 10-20 seconds.

Placing the pad against your eye using gentle pressure will allow the make-up remover to dissolve the make-up, ensuring it will wipe off with ease and with little rubbing as possible. Remember that the skin around your eye is thinner than the skin on the rest of your face, so avoid any harsh rubbing. If needed, use a clean cotton pad to get all traces of mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow off.

To remove make-up on your face, such as foundation, blush and bronzer, a selection of products can be used.  I like to start with using a make-up wipe and then follow up with my daily cleanser. This ensures I get all the make-up off my face and don’t have any leftover traces clogging my pores. Afterwards, rinse your face with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel.

An extra step in removing your make-up is the use of a toner. For those nights where you have a little extra time to spend on your skin, using a toner can help make you feel refreshed. Applying generously to a cotton pad, wipe all over your face to remove any traces of make-up, dirt and oil that your cleanser may have missed.

Hopefully these quick and simple tips will help you successfully remove your make-up and wake up with refreshed, happy skin. Let me know in the comments below what you use to take off your make-up at the end of a long day.

Until next time beauties, have a great day and I will see you in my next blog post,

 

 

How to Create the Perfect Top Knot

A hair style I have been loving recently is the top knot! Top knots are perfect because you still look put together whilst having your hair up off your face. Top knots are pretty easy and don't take much effort, however here are my quick simple steps to help you achieve this hair do.

Step 1
Placement is key when it comes to creating the perfect top knot. In an ideal world, the top knot should sit flat on the top of your head, ensuring it is not too far back. Pulling all the hair upwards, ensuring the back of the hair is nice and smooth, secure the hair in place with an elastic.

Step 2
To create a top knot that has lots of volume (my fave), back comb the ponytail for extra fluffiness.

Step 3
Once step 2 is completed, twist the hair into a circular shape around the hair elastic. Hair donuts can be used to help achieve the shape.

Step 4
To secure the bun in black, use some hairpins. However, if you back combed the hair, you shouldn't need to keep it in place.

Step 5
To finish and hold the look, apply some hairspray.

And you are done! I love this look as it is so quick and easy to do, but it really looks like I spent a lot of time on my hair. Let me know your favourite hairstyles to keep your hair out of your face. Until next time beauties, have a great day and I'll see you in my next blog post,

 

 

Soap and Glory

I am so easily won over when it comes to products that are packaged in such a pretty way. This is what happened to me when it came to Soap and Glory.

For years I have loved this brand. Soap and Glory can be found in Boots stores all across the UK. Unfortunately I am unsure whether these broads are sold in international stores, however I'm sure you will be able to find them online. In Boots these products are often on promotion which is fabulous but also dangerous for my addiction. Not only do these products come in pretty packaging but they smell amazing too! Below I have listed some of my favourite products from the range.


Soap and Glory Flake Away Body Scrub 

This product is absolutely insane! Not only does is smell absolutely amazing, but it exfoliates my skin beautifully during the week to help me maintain my tan and get rid of any dead skin.

Buy here: Flake Away Body Scrub

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker XL Lip Plumping Gloss

Unfortunately we all can't have beautiful big lips and girls like me need some help sometimes. When I first purchased this gloss I was a little sceptical and doubted it would really make that much of a difference. However, it definitely delivered and gave me plumper looking lips.

Buy here: Sexy Mother Pucker XL Lip Plumping Gloss

Soap and Glory The Righteous Body Butter

Again the first thing I have to comment is the smell of this product- incredible! I love to lather myself in this body butter, not only does it make me smell amazing, but also helps my skin stay moisturised.

Buy here: The Righteous Body Butter

Soap and Glory Clean on Me Creamy Shower Gel

Apart from the smell, which of course is going to be amazing (spot a trend yet?), this product leaves me feeling clean and fresh all day long.

Buy here: Clean on Me Creamy Clarifying Shower Gel

Soap and Glory Drama Clean 5in1 Micellar Cleansing Water

This is by far one of the best products to remove your make-up with. I have tried multiple cleansing waters, and this one is the best by far! I guarantee, once you have used this to take your make-up off your skin will be feeling refreshed and revived.

Buy here: 5in1 Micellar Cleansing Water

 
Although I haven't tried out all of the Soap and Glory products, I can say that I have been delighted by each and everyone. Above are just a few of my favourites, however there has not been one product from the range that I haven't enjoyed using.

Until next time beauties, take care and have a fab day,

 

 

Skincare 101

 

Today I wanted to make a post covering all the basics of skincare. When I first started out with skin care products I had absolutely no idea what I should be using or if it was right for me. The first step to taking care of your skin, is figuring out what skin type you have, whether that’s oily, dry, normal or a combination. For myself I struggle with an oily t-zone, however the rest of my face is normal- this is known as oily/combination skin. This is extremely helpful for tailoring the products I use to help me with this problem. Now we have that out of the way, let’s talk about a few of the steps in my skin care routine.
 

Cleanser

There are many different versions of cleansers/face washes out there, suited to everyone’s needs. My recommendation is not to using an exfoliating cleanser as it is too harsh on the skin when it is being used so frequently. By washing your face both morning and night, this will remove all the dirt and oil that has built up on your face, and will help minimise breakouts.

Toner

Although this part is not essential, adding a toner into your skincare routine will help smooth, soften and calm the skin, whilst removing any left-over traces of make-up. Toners are filled with skin repairing ingredients that will rehydrate and replenish the skin’s surface after being cleansed. If you suffer particularly from dry patches or redness, a toner will help in minimising these.

Exfoliating

Exfoliants are used to remove the build-up of dead skin cells. By removing these dead skin cells, the skin can appear looking healthier and more radiant. Exfoliating can help eliminate pores becoming clogged, an uneven skin tone and dullness. However, be careful not to over exfoliate the skin. I would recommend to use an exfoliant of your choice 3/4 times a week.

Moisturising

Daily moisturising is key for everyone, not just if you have dry skin. I used to think applying moisturiser would add more oiliness to my face so I never used to moisturise (gasp). However, with the correct products moisturiser can actually help us girls with oily skin. Moisturiser helps balance the moisture in your skin, so applying the correct type of moisturiser depending on your skin type will improve your skin dramatically.
 

Although this is a very basic skincare routine, almost everyone should be following a similar process for taking care of their skin both in the morning and at night. Adapting this routine and adding in products that are suited to your skin type will give you the best results.

If you would find it useful for me to go further into detail and tailor a skin care routine for each different skin type and each different skin problem, please let me know in the comments below. Until next time my beauties, have a lovely day and I’ll see you in my next post,
 

 

The Best Budget Make-up Brushes

I have always been a little sceptical with budget brands make-up brushes. I have always been a big believer that your makeup will only look as good as the tools you apply it with. However, recently my opinion has changed and my bargain brushes sit happily with my higher end investments. The handles of these make-up brushes are now nice and heavy, which gives better control over the brush. Also, these budget brands are creating their brushes to a high quality, and have showed little signs of the brush bristles shedding. Below are some of my budget options that have earned their spot in my make-up kit. 

Topshop Makeup Neon Pink Brushes, from £4, topshop.com

These brushes are absolutely fab, plus they are pink what more could a girl want? I would recommend these of the signature black range that Topshop offer, not only because of the colour but the general quality of the brushes. My faves are the foundation, smudged and slanted eyeshadow brushes. 

Real Techniques, from £6.99, realtechniques.com

A well priced and well known range of make-up brushes are from Real Techniques. Brush kits are priced around £20 which I think is a steal for these brushes. A particular favourite of mine which deserves a mention is the Real Techniques beauty sponge- similar to the beauty blender this flawlessly applies make-up and is well worth a try!

Eco Tools, from £4.99, boots.com

If you are looking for brushes that are eco friendly and cruelty free, Eco tools is just for you. These brushes come at a fair price and have the softest bristles! My top picks are the deluxe concealer brush and the bamboo eyeshadow brush.  

Models Own, from £4, modelsownit.com

These are not only a bargain but are also great looking. In particular I would recommend buying the eyeshadow brushes, or the five piece brush set for just £10.

Leave a comment below letting me know your favourite make-up brushes, whether they are budget busting or not! Until next time beauties, have a great day and I'll see you in my next post,