February Favourites

Beauty Blender

I have wanted to get my hands on a beauty blender for a long time as I have watched so many Youtube videos of people using the blender to create a flawless base. I can definitely understand why they are so raved about now. Since using this sponge I have found my concealer is much easier to blend under my eyes and after applying my foundation I use the sponge to blend down to towards my neck ensuring there are no foundation lines, just a flawless base to start with. I wish I'd bought this sponge sooner!

The Body Shop Foam Cleanser

I won't go into too much detail about this product as I have mentioned it a lot recently on my blog. This product has made it into my favourites this month because of how it's performed on my skin. Since using this cleanser my skin feels a lot healthier and looks a lot clearer. It feels re-refreshing and I have really been enjoying using it - will definitely be repurchasing this and for £5.00 you can't go wrong! 

Dove Summer Glow Nourishing Lotion in Medium/Dark

This month I have been lusting after summer and remembering how tanned I was last year so I thought I would apply fake tan whilst were still waiting on sunshine. I used this product religiously when I was at school but forgot about it. However, after re-purchasing it this week I realised why I loved it so much. It's a thick lotion that moisturises your skin whilst providing a gradual tan which you can build up. In addition, due to it being a lotion, it doesn't leave streaks - which is most peoples concern when looking for a good tanner. It also smells really nice and not of biscuits like a lot of other tanners on the market. You can apply this with either your hands (be sure to wash them after application), or a mitt. I grabbed this for only £2.49 at Bodycare.

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub

Everyone knows that before you apply tan, exfoliation is key to ensure an even tan and this has been my go-to exfoliator to use in the shower before applying my Dove Summer Glow Lotion. It smells amazing and with ingredients like brown sugar it removes all dead skin to leave your skin soft and ready for tan application.

Carmex Cherry Lipbalm 

My lips have been especially dry this month so I have been whipping out this Carmex lipbalm left right and centre to ensure my lips are moisturised and not chapped. It really helps soothe my lips when they are sore from the cold weather and it smells lovely.

Notepad

This might seem a bit of an odd favourite but a notepad is my lifesaver. I write absolutely everything down in it from shopping lists to blog post ideas to products I want to try or any sort of notes I must remember. I picked this A5 notepad up which is ideal to fit in my handbag for only £1.29 from Wilkinsons. 

Mac Pro Pan Eyeshadow in 'All that Glitters'

I have been after a MAC eyeshadow for a long while now. I have heard so many bloggers rave about them and how great they are and thought it was about time I got my hands on one. My first choice was 'All that Glitters' as I was originally drawn to the soft muted peach colour and thought it would look nice with my skin tone. I have been pairing it with 'Bootycall' from Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I think these eyeshadows are quite pricey for £10 each but I'm aiming to slowly build up a palette that I love. 

MAC Cremesheen Lipstick in 'Coral Bliss' 

Another MAC product in my favourites this month. Since spring time is fast approaching, I've been whipping out products that reflect my excitement for summer. Coral Bliss is a cremesheen finish and provides fantastic colour payoff as it lasts for a good while. I love this colour especially on tanned skin and think its an ideal summer colour - it has been my go to lipstick these last few weeks. 

Porridge

This may also be seen a bit of a strange favourite however I had to include it as it is definitely something I have loved this month. I'm a big lover of breakfast food and this has been my go-to brekkie in February. It is such a quick and easy breakfast to make and you can add so many different ingredients to vary it up each day. I often add honey, strawberries, raspberries or banana. It is healthy and fills you up ready to take on the day ahead.

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A Week of Breakfasts | Breakfast Inspiration

Everyone has heard the old saying 'Breakfast is the most important meal of the day'. This is rightly so, breakfast gives you the fuel to start your day. It gets your metabolism going and provides your body with vital energy for the day ahead. I'd have to say breakfast is my favourite meal of the day, there are so many types of breakfasts you can have and I love the variety and just love breakfast food in general. So I thought I would create a post for all the breakfast lovers out there showing 7 days of different breakfasts. So if you're getting bored with your same old granola or granary toast, look this way. A week of 7 Healthy Breakfast Ideas that I love! I hope these inspire you to spruce up your morning munch!

Day 1 - Special K with fresh Strawberries

I've always been a fan of special K, they provide so many alternatives for plain old cereal including honey and nut, berries, chocolate and berries, yoghurt and many more. I often buy the Special K with berries and add my own fresh fruit to it to jazz it up a bit and add a bit more colour and fibre. This week I added fresh strawberries. You can use blueberries or raspberries, it's up to you. I often mix it with skimmed milk, or my personal favourite almond milk. I love the nutty flavour of the milk that mixes with the strawberries. Yum!

Day 2 - Plain Porridge with Strawberries and a dollop of Nutella

Now, I know this breakfast would be a lot more healthier without that added dollop of nutella, but hey we all love something chocolatey. No but really, everything in moderation, and if you only have this breakfast once a week, it's fine. I often use sachets of porridge because they're quick and easy. I use skimmed milk/soya milk and slice up fresh strawberries, banana or frozen raspberries whilst the porridge is hot from the microwave, add your nutella and wait whilst it melts in the hot porridge. 

Day 3 - Golden Syrup Porridge with chopped bananas 

First off, I apologise for the photograph - I never realised how difficult it is to photograph porridge, it's so messy! However, I recently discovered this golden syrup porridge and I have been addicted. Obviously this choice is a bit more sugary however it is still healthy if you use skimmed milk/soya milk or almond milk which I love. I added chopped bananas for a slow release of energy in the morning. This has been my go to brekkie this week. If you decide to choose plain porridge, a sprinkle of cinnamon will help add a little bit of sweetness too.

Day 4 - Fresh Fruit Salad (Add Natural/Greek Yoghurt of your choice)

I think there is nothing more refreshing than a fresh fruit salad for breakfast. It is a healthy choice and is very filling. I often add natural or Greek yoghurt if I fancy a change which is also really yummy. Such an easy breakfast, especially if you prepare your fruit for the following days. The one below contains apple, black grapes, orange pieces and raspberries.

Day 5 - Poached Egg on Soya and Linseed Bread

Poached egg is my favourite way of cooking an egg and I love it on toast. When I'm having a super hungry morning I'm looking for carbs, so my favourite healthy bread is Soya and Linseed bread which is full of good seeds, full of fibre and Omega 3 and Calcium (you can also use granary or wholemeal). I poach my egg on the hob and add a thin layer of spread to my bread after toasting it and voila- one of my favourite breakfasts!

Day 6 - Pancakes with Raspberries and Nutella

Okay, so this one isn't that healthy at all but I couldn't not include it because it is something I do eat from time to time when I'm feeling indulgent. I cook about 4 small hand-sized pancakes and add my favourite fruits - raspberries, bananas or blueberries. If I'm feeling naughty I'll add a little quirt of golden syrup for some sweetness. 

Day 7 - Dippy Eggs and Sunflower and Chia Seed Soldiers

When I have this breakfast it just reminds me of being a kid. I boil an egg for 3-4 minutes depending on how you like your eggs, ( 4 if you wan't them runny enough to dip your bread in). I choose to have my favourite bread - either Soya and Linseed or Sunflower and Chia seed. I cut them into strips and cut off the top of my egg. Perfect Sunday morning breakfast! 

I hope you enjoyed this post and take some inspiration from it for sprucing up your breakfasts if you're getting a bit bored with your usual toast or porridge. Are there any breakfasts you enjoy that I haven't mentioned? Leave me a comment below! 

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Smashbox and Bumble and Bumble Blogger Event | Cardiff

On Saturday 21st February, I was lucky enough to attend a beauty event in Cardiff with Smashbox and Bumble and Bumble. This was my first beauty blogger event so I was pretty excited. At the event we were all seated at the Smashbox stand in Boots, Queen Street while we gathered and chatted. To start of with we watched a demonstration by Bumble and Bumble where they used a number of their products on a hair model whilst talking us through what each product can do for your hair. My favourite product mentioned was definitely their All Style Blow Dry Creme - a creme for oil-prone hair which reduces frizz and creates healthy looking hair for a perfect blow dry. It even has invisible microfine oil-absorbing powders to help extend the life of your blowdry which is amazing. Following this, we were given the chance to take some photographs of the stand and their products. We were then seated for Smashbox's demonstration where Jade, a Makeup artist at Smashbox created a smoky eye makeup look on the same model. She ran through each product, letting us test each one as we watched her build up a fantastic look using their products. After the demonstration each of us were colour matched to a suitable foundation which we could add to our goodie bags. The event was really interesting, having the chance to look at products I wouldn't have previously considered buying or using as I was pretty unfamiliar with Smashbox's products. My favourite products used to create the makeup look were definitely their new Double Exposure Palette, where you can use eyeshadows wet or dry - it's actually amazing, and their new Photo Finish Primer Water, which primes the face ready for makeup application and you can also use it as a eyeshadow primer to improve their staying power. The event ran for around an hour and a half and I got the opportunity to meet like-minded bloggers who were really friendly whilst being able to explore new and exciting products from Smashbox Cosmetics and Bumble and Bumble Haircare. 

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Zoeva Luxe Soft Definer Brush | Review

Zoeva's amazing range of makeup brushes have so much hype surrounding them these days and rightly so - they are fantastic quality and very affordable. I have been lusting after their Rose Golden Face Set for so long but I wanted to focus your attention to one brush in particular from their standard collection that is my holy grail eye brush. This is the 227 Luxe Soft Definer brush. The brush is so soft and it blends shadow across the lid seamlessly. I also use it when blending colour into my crease which works really well too. I bought mine from Love-Makeup.co.uk for an amazing £6.95 - such a great price. They clean really well and are of such high quality, they will last for ages! I also think being able to buy these brushes individually is so ideal if you don't fancy spending a huge amount in one transaction and you can slowly build up your collection as there are so many to choose from. I'm after the 102 Silk Finish Brush next as I have heard so many great things about it. 

What is your favourite Zoeva brush? Let me know!

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My Current Makeup Routine | Winter Edition

Many of these products have been featured on my blog before but I wanted to write a post specifically focusing on the makeup products I use on a daily basis. I'd definitely say I wear more of a 'heavy' makeup look during the winter months - during the summertime I choose a lighter base and wear less makeup in general. I have listed the products in the order I often apply them.

Revlon Colourstay Foundation in 'Sand Beige'. 

This is quite a thick foundation so I find it blends better using my fingers than a brush which can often be a hassle when trying to blend it. However, it provides great coverage and gives a flawless base to start off.

Maybelline Fit Me concealer in '10' 

I use this on any blemishes I want to hide as it a very similar colour to my foundation and hides imperfections extremely well. I have heard it's very similar to Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in its consistency as its very creamy and so easy to blend.

Yves Saint Laurent concealer in '1.5' 

I apply this under my eyes - this is a brightening concealer which is great at concealing dark circles under my eyes.

Rimmel Stay Matte Powder in 'Transparent' 

I sweep this powder across my face using the Real Techniques Powder Brush to set my face ready for blush. It provides a matte finish without cakiness and lasts throughout the day without my face becoming shiny.

ELF powder blush in 'Tickled Pink'. 

I often switch up my blushes from week to week but I have recently been using this beautiful one from Elf. It's so affordable and provides a subtle wash of pink providing a very natural 'blush'.

MAC Mineralise Skinfinish in 'Soft and Gentle'

I finish off my base by applying this gorgeous highlighter on the tops of my cheekbones to give a glowy, bright look to my face. A full review on this amazing highlighter will be coming soon. 

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette

Most often than not I wear a neutral eye shadow just to add some colour to my eyes as I don't wear eye liner every day. Naked 2 is my go to palette. My most worn colours are 'Bootycall' and 'Tease'. 

Maybelline Brow Drama in 'Medium Brown'

I know brows are one of the most important parts of my face because they shape your face but most often than not I am rushing and therefore just sweep a bit of this amazing brow gel onto my brows. It creates a shapely more defined brow with slightly added colour. 

Rimmel Wonder'Full Argon Oil Mascara in '001 Black'

I love this mascara as it provides the right amount length and volume and with added argon oil, it makes my lashes feel longer and more healthier.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in 'Patisserie'

I finish off my makeup routine with a nude lipstick - I have been using MAC's Patisserie a lot recently as it's the perfect nude for everyday. 

Do you use any of these products in your everyday makeup routine? Let me know!

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Valentines Day Surprises For Her

Originally I intended to lay out a little Valentines Gift Guide for her. However, when I really thought about it, I personally think Valentines day isn't all about the presents or what you do, it may sound pretty cheesy but it is really about spending the day with the person you love and making sure they know you love them. So I thought I'd put together a little guide of things which I think would make a lovely valentines day, whether it be breakfast in bed or a gift. 

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb // Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in 'Bitch Perfect' //Pink Peonies // NewLook Underwear Set // Pink Heart shaped Macaroons // LUSH 'The Kiss' Lip Scrub // Raspberry and Pink Coulis Pancakes.

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The Perfect Red Lip | Budget Buy Red Lipsticks

I do love a red lip. I think you can wear a red lip with no accessories within an outfit and it instantly adds a dressed up look. In this post I want to share with you five of my favourite low budget red lipsticks. I think these lipsticks are affordable and ideal if you haven't ventured out to a bright red lip yet but want to try before you splash out on a more expensive brand. All these lipsticks are sold at great prices and are provide great quality. They provide a number of finishes, mostly matte, but are all affordable. First off is...

Rimmel Lasting Finish By Kate Lipstick in '110' 

This lipstick is a bright red with coral undertones. It provides a matte finish but is fairly creamy and is non- drying on the lips unlike other matte lipsticks can be. I think this would make an ideal first red lipstick for anyone who is wanting to try out a red lip. It also smells like sweeties which is an added bonus!

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in '660 In love with Ginger'

Another Rimmel lipstick- this lipstick provides great colour but with great moisturisation for the lips. It is a creamy formula with a slight sheen to it, but it doesn't lose it's vibrant red/orange colour. Once again it smells lovely!

L'oreal Color Riche Lipstick in 'Julianne's Pure Red'

I just want to make note of the lovely packaging of this lipstick. It has black casing but you probably can't notice from the photos, it actually has a delicate leopard print which I think makes it look more high end than it is. I love this lipstick. As soon as I applied it I was in love. I'd probably say this lipstick is more a classic red, with more pinky undertones compared to the above lipsticks which have more orangey/coral tones. The lipstick also provides a semi-matte finish.

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquerer in 'Reckless'

A fairly recent purchase, but since using this lip product I have fallen in love - beautiful colour, easy application and extremely long lasting. Ticks all the boxes if you want a deep red, matte finish and long lasting red lip. Ideal for nights out so you don't have to keep applying all night.

MAC Lustre Lipstick in 'See Sheer'

One of my favourite lipsticks of all time- maybe not classed as low budget as the others but I love the quality of MAC lipsticks and this lipstick provides a sheen of red colour all over the lips. It is fairly long lasting considering it is a lustre and not a matte finish. I think this would also be an ideal lipstick to try first if you're not brave enough to sport a bright red lip just yet, as it provides you with a good wash of red colour without being too in your face. 

What are your favourite low end red lipsticks?

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High Street Haul | Discovering New Products

This week I picked up a couple of new products whilst on my travels in Cardiff. One of the products had been recommended to me and others are just ones I've had my eye on for a while.

The Body Shop Tea Tree Foaming Cleanser £5.00
I had been recommended this by a friend after I complained that I couldn't find an affordable cleanser that was suitable for blemished/oily skin, so when she recommended this Body Shop Foaming Cleanser I thought I'd give it a go. I have never tried any of the Body Shop's Skincare range before so I was looking forward to trying it out. The cleanser says it is suitable for blemished skin and comes in a green bottle with a pump dispenser. The liquid inside is pumped out into a light white foam which you then use to cleanse your face. So far I have been impressed with this product, however I can't provide a full review just yet until I have used it for a while.

Maybelline Colour Tattoo in 'On and On Bronze' £4.99
I have wanted to try Maybelline's Colour Tattoos forever so when I saw they had a buy one get another half price on Maybelline products, I thought I would grab one to try. I decided on On and On Bronze, mainly because it's the type of colour I'd usually go for when I wear eye shadow. I haven't worn cream eye shadow in years, not since I was young when I had no idea which way was the best to apply it etc. I can't wait to try this one out and if I love it, I will definitely be picking up Permanent Taupe, Eternal Gold and Pink Gold.

Maybelline Brow Satin in 'Medium Brown' £5.99
I originally went to pick up my usual brow pencil by Maybelline but came across their brow satin at the same time. I thought I'd have a change and pick it up. The product is basically a retractable pencil at one end and a stain on a little sponge tip at the other. It adds a light stain to your brows, helping fill in the gaps and making your brows look more defined and shapely.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Lipstick in 'In Love with Ginger' £6.49
In search of my perfect red lipstick I came across this beauty. I have heard the name 'In Love With Ginger' floating around blogs in previous years so when I recognised the name and liked the colour I thought I'd grab it. I swatched it in store and loved the orangey tones - thinking it would be an ideal summer red. It's fairly matte but it's not totally matte as it provides great moisturisation for your lips without losing it's vibrant colour.

MUA Luxe Velvet Lip Lacquer in 'Reckless' £3.00
I'd wanted to try Rimmel's Apocalips Matte Lip Lacquers in so long, so when I came across MUA's similar version at a cheaper price, I'm a sucker for a bargain and thought at £3 you can't go wrong. I was fancying a dark red so chose 'Reckless'. I can't even describe the staying power that comes with this product. I swatched it on my hand for the above photos and even with a shower, a day later there are still hints of it on my skin. This is an ideal product if you want a matte, extremely long lasting lip colour.

Have you tried any of these products? If so, let me know what you thought of them. I love hearing your opinions!

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January Favourites

Real Techniques Powder Brush

Everyone knows how great Real Techniques brushes are and this powder brush is no exception. I have been loving this brush for so long now as its perfect for applying either powder, which I use it for or a sweep of bronzer. It is so soft and big which makes it easy to apply product evenly across your face. 

Maybelline Brow Drama in Medium Brown

I have absolutely been loving this product as of late. I am often rushing out the door and don't have the time to fill my brows in perfectly with pencil so this brow product has fast become my go to product for touching up my brows in the morning. It is very much like a mascara but the wand has a ball shape at the end. It is a coloured gel and is so easy to use - setting my brows in place and adding a swish of colour. I chose medium brown which is the perfect shade for me. 

Soap and Glory Butter Yourself Moisture Lotion

Since receiving this in their The Next Big Thing gift box at Christmas time I have used it religiously. It is so moisturising and creamy which ensures my skin isn't left dry in these cold winter months. It smells amazing as well and comes in a handy pump dispenser making it easy to apply. 

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish in Soft and Gentle

This is my go to highlighting product for use on my face when it needs a little pick me up. In the winter months your skin can become dull but sweeping this across the tops of my cheek bones really adds warmth and a glowy look to my face which I love giving my face an instant radiance.

Green Tea

Since making a concious effort to eat more healthily, I have fallen in love with green tea. I recently purchased Tetley's Peach and Apricot Green Tea, shortly followed by their Raspberry and Pomegranate tea which I drink everyday and adore. I decided to try something new and picked up PG Tips Mandarin Orange so I'm looking forward to tasting this one. Green tea has left me feeling less bloated and my skin feels great and looks glowing since ditching regular tea, I love it!

Wishlist | Fitness

Since taking on my no spend challenge at the beginning of January, I have done very well and haven't bought anything unnecessary - clothes, makeup etc. However, this means I have been lusting after so many clothes as of late. This is my current fitness wishlist:

Nike Free Flykit 4.0 £110 // Misguided Active Sports Bra £10 // Nike Pro Training Pants £28 // Elle Sport Sports Bra £12.99 // Climawear Sports Top £14.99 // Adidas Prime Tank Top £13.99 // Davina Dumbell Tree £29.99.

What items are on your current wishlist? Let me know!

Love, Emma x