So, I've got a week off...

So I've been blessed with an entire week to myself. 

and what do i go and do? buy a onesie, hair dye and enough yogurt to sink a small battleship and i bake. ALOT. 

And stock up on my most favorite yogurt, must say, i do have an unhealthy obsession with Rachel's Greek style yogurt with honey, so if your feeling a little bit in need of some comfort, i'd suggest investing in a pot of this: 

Despite having factored in some well earned me-time into my week of (gym time and long lay ins ahead) I've also factored in some well needed blog time, and general "get stuff done" time - ever get in such a to do list mess you've no idea which list you started first? So with a room to reorganise, a make up draw to clear out, a make over to conduct and a wall to decorate, I better get cracking. 

Here's to a week of me-time! 

X BB X

When life gives you a dermatologist...

I cant remember a day where I didn't need a dermatologist. 

Well, that's a lie, I can remember trying to self-diagnose every spot, red bump, reaction, dry skin day, oily moment and well, every skin "issue" I faced. What a palava! 

I would put my hand on my heart and suggest that everyone, from when you start noticing your skin changing, Id recommend from the teenage years, you should consult a dermatologist.

Dermatologists are common in the USA and this is one trend we must adopt in the UK. As they become more and more popular, people are coming round to the idea of the skin doctor, we look after our teeth, our bodies, why not our skin?

Over the past few months I've being seeing a top Dermatologist and his team to figure out the cause of my redness (Roseaca) And I've had a few treatments (Posts to come), which i cannot recommend enough. 

The point of this post is to highlight importance of seeing a Dermatologist, If you're lucky to go through life with normal skin and wear an SPF every day, chances are your skin will do just fine. But for those with more targeted concerns such as Acne, Scaring, Pigmentation and Redness it is important to consult someone who can help, this can save A LOT of time, effort and money, if you get to the root of the problem quickly.

I took a break from product testing because it took its toll on my skin, not to mention my bank balance! (and sanity) Now I have a regime that works, that im happy with and my skin is FINALLY starting to normalise (whatever that means)

So here's to having the confidence to go barefaced!

X BB X

I'm Back!

I've been hiding away, thinking up ideas, buying shoes, the natural things, 

Drinking endless cups of coffee, making my mark (Barry M in case you're wondering)

And eating endless healthy snacks... okay, SOME healthy snacks, and a lot of chocolate, but if i photographed  all the chocolate i ate recently I'd have an army of dentists chasing me down the road. I Promise next year, ill *try* give up the sweet things!

Gained an unhealthy addiction to smoothies.

And pampered myself a little, well, it is summer after all, if a girl cant pamper herself during summer when can she?!

So, Heres to getting the blog back on the road with beauty, what i've been up to recently, what i've got planned, career and lifestyle and how im getting on trying to get abs*

X BB X

*Vain attempt, but its on my "before im 30" list, so i might as well attempt it

Power Peptide Serum

I've never used a Sanctuary face product before, I've used the body scrubs and body butters but the face serum is a new one.

on the tin

"A targeted peptide serum with nourishing 7 oil helix to visibly lift skin & noticeable reduce fine lines & wrinkles"

What it does

Sooths skin, firms and leaves complexion significantly brighter.

Very attractive packaging, no sure how they got it to look like that, but it is amazing! Also helpful that you can see how much you're using and when your almost running out great for pre planning trips on stocking up on skincare!


The Basics


Texture: Soft, almost fluffy, light and soaks in like a dream...

Smell: A hint of orange, otherwise no other smell.

Taste: Don't eat it. 

I have noticed a small difference in the fine lines around my mouth, whilst they re significantly prominent yet, I am a firm believer in getting rid before the lines get comfortable! 

I have only been using this at night, as I felt it was a little to silky for day use. 

Priced at £18 in boots at the moment. Usually £25. In comparison to other serums claiming to do the same thing, this one is a bargain, and not only that, Sanctuary is a well loved brand. The body scrubs are my absolute favourite skin treat and this serum has earned it's place on my shelf. 

X BB X

So, I went and had a Chemical Peel.

As the title suggest, I did indeed go and have a peel on Friday June 21st.

The Treatment

I'm not one for pain, I'm not scared to admit that whilst "no pain no gain" may be true in some cases,I'm mire a fan of "i shouldnt have to be in pain to look beautamous"

So i was a tad nervous the word "chemical" instills fear in me, and I think treatments should be relaxing and not leave you feeling like you need an entire bottle of wine to calm down afterwards, so, i hear you say, did it hurt?

No.

Simply, it didnt hurt, it stung but it didnt hurt, the slight stinging sensation was bareable and my face did feel a little hot at times but i wasnt crying for my mummy throughout the treatment. After a whilst i was asked to wash it off and i gladly washed my face with cold water to be greated with a face redder than rudolphs nose. Luckily the redness calmed down after about 30mins. My face did feel SO soft and i had to keep reminding myself to stop touching it.

Day 1

Barely any redness. Slight pink tint around my nose area but as i suffer with Roasea this didnt bother me in the slightest. I avoided using any harsh soaps and opted for a Hydrating cleanser in the morning followed by Simple's purifying creamy cleanser which is softer on my skin.

Day 2 sunday

And here comes the peeling. Light peeling around my nose area and chin area. Not bad, and I'm able to cover it up a bit, but im trying to avoid using make up - so using a light BB cream instead.

Day 3

MORE PEELING, starting to think my skin was in worse condition than i actually thought it was. Harder to hide today, but all in all no redness and no pain, just a little peeling, looks like I've been on holiday and not got a tan... 

Tried to show The peeling, but it doesn't show up to much in photos (blessing in desguise) 

So here's to good skin (hopefully) I will post an update once all the peeling has stopped

x BB X

Paint that pout .. X

It has come to my attention, that for someone who doesn't wear a lot of lipstick, I seem to have gained quite a significant collection. Over the past week. I have challenged myself to wear it more often and, go a little crazy with neon. Well, if the sun won't shine, I have inject a little brightness into my day somehow! 

So, with this in mind, I thought I'd do a little lipstick post. 

First a quick peak at my (growing) collection

Whilst its not horrifically huge, it is for someone who wears Carmex on a daily basis. 

I did purchase a few Barry M neon shades, in my opinion Barry N do the best neon lip sticks, non drying, and on budget. I tend to not go to expensive when things like the neon lip phase in and out, also the likelihood of me actually wearing it, it quite slim. 

Shades pink: 62 and orange : 151

If I'm going to do a statement lip, I play down everything else. So I don't look like a toddler has done my make up while I wasn't looking.

My ultimate fave shade is Rimmel's electric plum. I'm quite fair, so pulling off dark colours can be tricky, but this shade is just right, vampy cool rather than washout. 

A go to for a girly lunch, a cheeky date or even on those days you don't feel like making an effort, this definitely perks up my mood. 

I received this next one in a glossy box box a few months ago, and thought I'd give it a try, I'd never heard of this brand before, but turns out, it's those unsuspecting ones that you fall in love with. Head. Over. Heels.

Creamy peachy? Perfect for summer days, not to bright, moisturising and more importantly, doesn't wear off to easy. I can also identify which coffee mug is mine. 

So, from now on, I vow to wear lipstick more often. 

X BB X 

The Ultimate Fix

Quick Post! 

Isn't waiting for your nail polish to dry boring, tedious and annoying?

I think so. 

So here's my little trick, The Ultimate Fix. 

It mimics the dry spray used in nail salons, and aids the drying process. My biggest annoyance is having to put shoes on after painting my toes, they ALWAYS smudge, and you cant wear any form of toe showing footwear without a splash of colour on your tootsies! 

here's the process:

Paint

Spray

Paint

Spray

DONE (top coat optional)

The whole process can be done in a few minutes, and it does dry very quickly, its usually the second coat that i smudge - this has cured this little aliment. So if your looking for a quick fix to waiting for nail polish to dry, i would give this a go, takes the waiting out of painting your nails!

My Pedicure is currently 5 days strong, chip free and shiny!

X BB X