July's BirchBox

Birchbox is one of my favourite monthly beauty boxes, it comes in neat yet no fuss packaging. The tie bags are incredibly useful and are a prize in itself. 

This month features:

Models Own glitter nail polish, to use on just one nail for a little drama or on all 10 for a lotta' drama! 

Whish - lavender body butter, this will fit perfectly in my gym bag!

Benefit - Pore professional - a cult beauty must have.

Laqa & Co lip crayon in a gorgeous Menatour (purple)

Balance me wonder eye cream - Eye greens are essential for your daily routine, this is the most sensitive part of your face, it makes sense to take care of it.

Filosofille nail buffer. - with many BBQs and the need for a perfect manicure all the time this is so handy when it is impossible to go for professional manicures weekly. 

A great collection of essentials.

Sign up for +Birchbox here from £10 per month. 

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In the nude

A nude lip is everyone woman's failsafe, a comfort blanket in the form a lipstick. 

Here are my current fave nude shades, 

Illamasqua in rose pout (1) full of colour, perfect to make that nude lip impact, that's less skin coloured with a deeper pink pigment, MAC myth - which is a pale nude, lighter than hue (2) with a more of a yellow undertone, Body Shop colour crush 310 (3) a slightly darker nude, perfect for warm skin tones, Autograph at M&S - Nude (4) an almost sheer tone with a gloss effect and Kiko - 131 Shiny Lipstick (5) with golden undertones, this colour is perfect for beachy days and adds a bit more shimmer and blends with a natural lip colour and becomes almost sheer. 

Each of these nudes are colour rich so the colour you see is the colour you get, rather than it being overly sheer and the colour disappearing . Mixing any of these with a foundation base really brings out the colours. 

Available from Marks & Spencers, Selfridges and Body Shop, Kiko Stores.

From £6.90 to £18.50 

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Original Beauty Blender

If you wear foundation, you NEED one of these!

This Latex free little miracle leaves you airbrushed and line free when applying foundation, making it almost effortless to blend, and to over up any blemishes should you want to. I have always used my pinky finger to blend in the past until using the beauty blender. It also comes with a handy little Solid Cleanser for easy cleaning. I'm a bit of freak when it comes to brush cleansing (I keep my beauty blender still in the tube it came in). The Lavender scent of the cleanser is so much nicer, some cleansers can smell a bit to clinical or overly perfumed, a calming lavender is always pleasant. 

I would recommend getting the sponge / soild cleanser combo just purely for ease, its much easier and you can use the solid cleanser with other make up brushes too. With it being summer as well, if you needed to take your Beauty Blender on holiday, the solid cleanser would be one less liquid in your case! 

The blender allows you to really get the best of your foundation, I had never really considered that it was the tools and not the method or product that was not right with my made up face, (4 foundations later, I've discovered they're all perfect, it was just the brush that needed to be changed). You are able to blend the corners of your nose without going to cakey and even gently go quite close to the eye without causing future wrinkle damage as it really is gentle. Product wise you SAVE product, using less foundation per application because it really helps cover a large surface area with such a small amount - we're talking pea sized rather than 50p sized. 

A worth while beauty investment. Available on Beauty Bay RRP £26 (for the sponge and cleanser duo) HERE

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Alpha H - Liquid Gold

I LOVE THIS. 

I've been using this for 2 weeks on alternate evenings and I have noticed such a difference in my skin. This product gently mimics that of a peel, reviving and renewing the skins surface to reveal brighter skin and more even complexion. 

after a long winter, my skins battled harsh winds, hot and cold temperatures and maybe the odd late night, it's nice to have this to renew my skin to its former glory. 

BEFORE: My skin felt dry, no amount of exfoliating and mud masks was shifting this feeling that something just wasn't right.

AFTER: Two weeks of trialling this product i can safely say that my skin will never reach that point again. My skin feels nourished, and I'm able to get the best out of my products.  

A uncomplicated, easy to use product that delivers. Suitable for all skin types. Just pour onto a cotton pad, gently wipe over your face, avoiding the eye area, and leave over night. 

Wake up brand new. 

X BB X

Available HERE from Beauty Bay RRP £31.50

Caudalie - Instant Foaming Cleanser

I was recently forced out of usual cleansing routine. Much to my dismay, my face, as I only have the one has become quite accustomed to being well cared for. I thought that while I am able to try new products I was going to go all out and go for the Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser – Grapes & Sage.

First off, don’t let the scent put you off. I am not fond of perfumed facial products, when I smell perfume in a cream or lotion or potion, I automatically think, Breakouts, Clogged pores, Chemicals and ARRGGHH. The latter being the first thought. I've found that with time, you get used to the smell and this is the TOTAL opposite of my initial thoughts.

My skin is, Refreshed, Cleansed, Bright and HURRAH no breakouts. This is also the creamest, foamest cleanser I’ve ever used, it’s so gentle and soft that whilst cleansing, the smell has become a somewhat relaxing comfort. A great cleansing multitasker, being able to remove makeup in one swift wipe on most days and there is no fight for suds. Bubbles mean clean right??

Suitable for all skin types meaning my combination skin gets a treat and not one area of my face is left out. Miraculously it is also SOAP FREE meaning you’re faces natural PH is undisrupted, making it less likely have a breakout or reaction.

98% natural ingredients – something to boast about for sure! NO NASTIES, whilst I accept some preservatives are needed in our products or we would be buying them daily, it’s nice to know that a product goes that extra mile to eradicate the serious nasty’s like SLS from its ingredients. I don’t want SLS in my shampoo, I certainly don’t want it on my face. 

The perfect get up and go cleanser. Definitely a must try!

RRP £14.25 on feelunique Available HERE. 

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Fountain - Hyaluronic Molecule

Now. I am far from the worries of ageing - not to say that im not taking precautions in slowing down this inevitable process. But the buzz around this is just to much to resist.

The Hyaluronic Molecule is a key anti ageing ingredient in helping restore the plump youthfulness to skin, to even out wrinkles and is now available in drink form!

I am a firm believer of what you put in is what you get out, so when offered the chance to give this a shot i jumped at the chance. I have so far trialed it for just over 3 weeks and have to say, I've noticed a small improvement in my skins texture. I suffer with Rosacea, and whilst it hasn't helped with the redness, my skin is usually among the first to start showing the effects of the wet wind and cold weather we suffer in Britain. I've noticed that not only is my skin retaining the suppleness of summer, but also isn't loosing its glow as fast, I have also made my mother drink it and I've lost count of how often she tells me to look at her face and says "look how nice it looks" - not one for the in-depth description, but she seems happy and as a smoker her skin is naturally battling extra demons on a daily basis, whilst her skin hasn't snapped back to that of a teenager, it is brighter, smoother and has improved all round - i must mention shes not one to invest in a full time regime either so, from the both of us, we are both happy with the results, so by the time Christmas comes around i imagine a certain someone wont be shying away from the family photos!

The taste is something you get used to, but just as a pre warning a glass of water may be needed for the first taste.

X BB X

*Press Sample*

I've Been Practicing...

I invested in a Liquid Eyeliner as practice before i move onto gel. I do love this one from Collection, its on the bargain end of my budget in comparisons to others, but with my lack of know-how when it comes to the eye flick i thought go bargain before i splurge and realise i can't get a grips with it.

I love this, because you can control how thick you go, and you can really build it up, it dries quickly, so you do have to move slightly quickly, but it comes off quite easy with a bit of eye make up remover, so if you do make a mistake there's no dark grey smudge giving you away. 

Here's my finished result - not bad for a rookie! The way im getting used to it is practicing every day and working into an every day look - I cant wait to go more dramatic for a night time look.

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Elie Saab

Perfume of the Week.

I honestly think this is one of my favorite smells, its happy notes just cheer up a dull day. It lightly lingers around for hours, catching the soft floral but not over powering feminine scent as you move. 

An elegant scent that would suit most girly girls, strong and memorable, this one is one for lazy TV days, or lunch time with the girls, one to get you noticed. 

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Stay Matte Mousse - Rimmel

I can't live without foundation, its such a part of my routine, and it helps me feel normal. We put so much trust in a product to enhance ourselves, to enable us to feel ready to face the day, so why not research it? 

Rimmel Stay Matte Mousse Foundation is a lightweight creamy foundation that gives excellent coverage and has excellent staying power. I haven't been a fan of mousse like foundations in the past because the texture just doesn't feel right to me, (unless im eating it) My skin can also be oily in places one minute and dry the next so the Matte element did make me wary. Pleasantly surprised this foundation is quite hydrating.

Swatch for Ivory 100.

Rimmel is an excellent on budget brand which delivers its promises. Excellent value, only a small range of colours available, but they cover the basics. 

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Vichy Idealia Life Serum

Designed for over stressed, skin exposed to pollution and built to counteract an unbalanced diet. If ever there was a reason to have a cheeky slice of cake it's this stuff. Ive always believed in what you put in shows on the outside and whilst I advocate a balanced lifestyle, sometimes, over indulgence is something we all keep as a little guilty pleasure so its about time someone created something to counteract the bad days! 

This Serum is cream like in texture when you first put it on but once you start to rub it in it glides like a serum and soaks in leaving skin feeling nourishing, has a happy scent and isn't to over powering.

Once rubbed in it leaves a dewy glow and during the summer can be worn alone without foundation. Although it doesn't even out skin tone, if you're happy going foundation-less this will leave you fresh faced all day. 

Used twice a day for a few weeks i can see the benefits, and if it helps me feel a little less guilty when i indulge at the weekends, then that's a huge plus. With the festive season just around the corner we all need this on our beauty shelves.

Usually £29.50 in boots, but at the moment its £22.12! (Price correct of 11.9.13)

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The New Night Time Find!

Night Creams are SO Important. As we sleep our skin repairs (or tries to) any damage done during the day. I picked this up the other day, I love its nourishing feel, I can feel the antioxidants soak into my skin and get to work on making my skin have that morning glow! 

Although it may seem thick to begin with, it soaks in nicely and leaves skin feeling nourished, healthy and is the ultimate bed time skin treat.

With added Anti-Ageing benefits, this one is definitely a keeper!

Night Night!

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OOTD

With my recent River Island Haul, How could I resist wearing this!

I may be longing for cosy days, but me and my dresses are still coming out to play!

Dress: River island

Shoes: Dorothy Perkins

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River Island Mini Haul

Well, With Elle UK offering 25% off this month, how could i not indulge in a few goodies?

This skirt is just AMAZING. Such a statement for AW13, Dressed up for a night out or just adding a bit of pizazz to the office wardrobe, an absolute must have, I cannot wait to wear it!

A green leopard print t shirt dress - T shirt dresses are my ultimate staple, i can hide in one, or show off a little waist if I add a belt, the perfect multifunction-er. 

Well.. Nothing really needs to be said here! Who doesn't like a cosy slogan baggy jumper for those winter days trudging around trying to pretend you haven't started the summer countdown already?!

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Vampy updates

Embracing Autumn and opting for deep purple nails and a dark lip colour. Hello Autumn, I'm ready. 

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Mid Week Nail Update

I've gone all sparkly this week - Part of me is testing out Christmas colours. 

Pink Glitter by Barry M - I don't often paint my own nails for the simple fact that I get bored waiting for them to dry, and they end up smudged. However this week i painted them as the baby pink got a tad boring after a few days. This is a great colour to perk up those dark evenings which I'm sad to say are now upon us. Fast Drying and also has a rough texture before you apply a top coat - I chose to leave the top coat out this time to give it more of an edge. There is no under colour on my nails, this is how it comes out, which is great, because having to pre-paint my nails is also something im reluctant to do. 

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Ginvera Exfoliating Gel

In my ever lasting quest for skin perfection, an Exfoliating Gel sounded like something that may unleash my inner good skin days that i know are waiting somewhere.. 

Ginvera is a brand I've come across a few times, and doesn't get to much coverage in the glossy's.

The gel is smooth, something you don't associate with an exfoliator, to be honest, its slightly odd, and doesn't feel like its scrubbing away the dead skin cells. Its a light texture and is certainly more gel like, and more on the side of a wash than an exfoliator. 

Despite the lack of beads, this is a lovely product my skin feels refreshed and clean, but not necessarily exfoliated. The green tea aspect is definitely a plus, and an ingredient associated with cleansing and freshness. 

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M.A.C BB Cream

When iIm in M.A.C I almost feel like I've been dropped into a see of cosmetics and I don't know whether to run out the door, purchase everything or where to start. 

Wondering around the store, glancing at foundations, winter's almost here and my summery glow is mere weeks from disappearing for another few months (unless someone wants to take me on a winter sun getaway?)

I never know whether to go slightly thicker with my foundation in winter to hide from the harsh winds or to go slightly more dewy to avoid my skin being suffocated. This year, im going Back To BB.

With SPF35, if anyone does take me away this winter, I wont have to pack another SPF containing foundation. Sun protection is SO important in skincare and in foundations, our faces are constantly exposed to UVA and UVB rays (yes even in winter!)

What i love most about MAC foundations, and why I constantly go back, is the range of colours, for pinky tones, yellow tones and tanned tones - I'm sort of in the middle of pink/yellow. This is MAC BB in Extra Light, which is perfect, light sometimes can be slightly to dark for me sometimes. This is a really lightweight BB Cream, blends nicely, and can be layered up if you wanted a more doll like appearance, quite natural at the same time as having quite good coverage and long lasting.

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Signorina - A Summer Scent

Signorina by Salvatore Ferragamo

I rarely see this in magazines or in the perfume articles, half as much as I should .

This light, floral girly scent is such a summery smell, it reminds me of long summer evenings in the park and it lingers on past the BBQ smell to. 

Its quite a strong floral scent so spray sparingly otherwise you drown in it, but i also like that because its a saver in time, reapplying perfume throughout the day isn't always realistic

A light hearted, girly scent, im not quite ready to leave behind in the summer... I may just have to wear it a few more times, and on the first few rainy days to remind me that summer (even if it was a short lived) will return! 

Si - Giorgio Armani

I seem to be on a little perfume frenzy of late.

I have come across Si by Giorgio Armani. I've not liked any previous GA scents in the past, not enough to wear them, i always feel they clash a little with my personality.

Recently perfumes have gone very citrus like and this is no different.

SI is sweet smelling, with a floral undertone with a citrus after smell. 

I object to spraying perfume on cards to get a real smell of it, because, quite frankly, I don't smell like paper. 

I REALLY like this perfume, so a little spritz goes a long away (perfect in my opinion, nothing like having to half drown in the stuff before you get a whiff) I do own enough perfumes to last a small lifetime, however this is going on my Christmas wish list, definitely spring scent! 

RRP £44 for 30ml 

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The Trouble With Rosacea ...

In total I have suffered with Rosacea for 4 years, I started to get redness when I was around 18/19 it would mostly flare up in severe hot and cold conditions, gradually it became a daily battle to hide and manage.

If you have never suffered with a facial skin condition, its hard to imagine how redness can effect your day to day life. It becomes something that you always focus on, I'm talking reapplying make up several times throughout the day, during lectures, on the tube and so on.

Welcome, self diagonsis.

I did nothing for a while, except spend a fortune on concealers in as many colours as you can imagine and on redness relief products from every brand imaginable. Rosacea can knock your confidence especially as it's on your face, your face is the first thing people see, make up becomes less of an armor and an enhancer and more a necessity.

It'd hard to explain how life changing it can be when suddenly the center of your face goes bright red to the touch, a slight wind, a slight bit of sun - often people would ask if i was sun burnt. I was rivaling Rudolph at some stages.

UNTIL

I saw a dermatologist. Redness almost doesn't seem worth it, but trust me it is! Over the past 7 months I've learnt about Rosacea, how to manage it, and what my triggers are. I have been using a combination of antibiotics, topical treatments, IPL and peels to alleviate the symptoms.

In total I have had 3 IPL sessions - IPL takes around 2-3 weeks to notice a difference and can also reduce the signs of sun damage - in 23 years I've done a lot of damage! IPL Stings, its like splashing hot water on your face, but you know what, it works. The only down side to this is that i was BRIGHT red for a few hours after.

I had 1 Peel - Which is unsightly so do this when you have the time because a peeling face doesn't do wonders for the confidence either, the after effects however, are just amazing. A smoother, more radiant and slightly less pink appearance. 

I'd recommend a combination personally, especially if you want quick results! 

I can safely say, that while my skin is by no means flawless now - there's a spot that has driven me crazy for a day or two - The redness is now a mild pink, my confidence rarely wavers, and whilst i have flare ups occasionally I am well armed to deal with it!

I've used a combination of Zineryt and Rozex topical treatments. Zineryt reminds me of a huge bingo dabber for your face - and works wonders, smells a bit, but if it works, it works right? So after years of hunting and using the wrong products I've found these work the best. There is a limit to the achievable results of using CC's BB's and redness relief products without targeting the root of the problem.

To all the Rosacea sufferers there is an end! 

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*Rozex and Zineryt are only available via prescription from a doctor or dermatologist