Clinique Skincare

Clinique Skincare

This is another post that I have been meaning to write for so long! But I guess the fact that it is probably nearly two months after I took these photos, and I still want to talk about these products means they really are that good!

Sadly, unlike a lot of my friends, I was not one of those people who was blessed with the genetics of perfect skin. My skin is something that I have had issues with ever since I started Secondary School and I still have some problems with now. I can't even being to imagine how many skincare products I have tried from so many different brands, all claiming to left my skin perfectly clear, and most leaving me pretty disappointed.

Clinique is a brand pretty well known for their skincare, with products that a lot of people (including some of my "perfect skin" friends) swear by. I first came across the Clinique anti-blemish solution over a year ago now after it was recommended by my doctor. At £20 for a little bottle of gel, it seems a little expensive. I thought the same when I first look the plunge and bought it. But this is one of the few products in my skincare routine that I use almost everyday and have continued to repurchase ever since.

Thankfully for my purse, a little bit of this really does go a long way. Particularly if you have fairly sensitive skin like I do, you don't want to be using too much of this stuff. When I first used it I thought I needed it on every single spot I had, so I literally slathered it all over my face, which just left my face feeling very tight! I have found that the best way to use this is after my cleanser and toner, morning and night on specific spots. And then if I have a particularly nasty one I will reapply this a couple of times throughout the day too. What I really love about this is as soon as I start to feel a spot coming I can apply this a few times during the day and often the spot will disappear without ever coming to the surface!

The Clinique dramatically different moisturiser is something that is slightly newer to my skincare routine. Not long ago while I was really trying to get rid of my acne I was using a moisturiser for spot prone skin that wasn't actually particularly moisturising. I thought that the best way to get rid of my spots was to dry my skin out. And to some extent that does work, to get rid of a spot you want to dry it out, you just don't want to dry your whole face out in the process! Especially if you have dry/combination skin like myself.

One of my best friends who I am currently living with swears by this moisturiser (and most things from Clinique). So when last Winter I was complaining about my skin feeling really dry she let me use her bottle of this for a few days. And it only took a few days for me to be completely sold and go and buy myself  a bottle. This is just the nicest moisturiser than I have used. It doesn't smell weird, its so easy to apply and feels really lovely. It sinks into my skin quickly and feels moisturising without being greasy. And on top of all that I also find that it is the perfect base moisturiser underneath makeup.

Let me know if you have tried either of these products or if you have any other favourite products from Clinique.

Speak soon xx

The Cutest Summer Bag

The Cutest Summer Bag

I like to think of this purchase as an upgrade to a very similar handbag that I used almost everyday last Summer. The previous one was from Primark in an almost identical shade but more of a satchel style. For £6 it was a total bargain, but sadly by the end of the Summer the thread was unravelling and there were some black scuff marks that weren't going to come off.

I think I spotted this one on the Mango website (my favourite store right now) quite a while ago. And this colour that I wanted must have been out of stock at the time because I clicked remind me when back in stock and then forgot about it. So when I got a surprise email from Mango to let me know the bag was available it was love at first sight all over again! And this time I did manage to get it!

I think this has to be the smallest bag that I own, hence the cutest. But despite it being so tiny I can still fit everything I need in here. And it is actually quite refreshing knowing I am only carrying around the bare essentials and not half my bedroom like I usually do! I love the silver hardware and the lovely chain strap but it is honestly the colour of the bag that had me sold. The bag is described as pastel blue, but it looks a little grey as well. The colour is really unique yet will still go with nearly everything in my wardrobe. I also feel like it adds a little bit of colour rather than a black or white handbag, but that is just because I only really wear neutrals!

The lock mechanism has to be opened at the bottom and then the flap pops outs. Its a little more complicated than a regular popper and sometimes a bit of a struggle if you only have one hand, but it feels sturdy and looks pretty.

I am so in love with this beautiful bag right now and can't wait to start using it even more as the weather gets warmer. It's so chic and simple and I feel the design, details and colour make it look much more luxurious.

Cross-Body Small Bag - Mango 

Speak soon xx

Hats and Pouts

Hats and Pouts

I really wanted to share some photos of an outfit that I wore to uni last week, but then the weather went really hot and suddenly it didn't seem appropriate to post about wearing felt hats and blanket scarves. However typical British weather means we are back to chilly winds and heavy rain again and I am spending my Sunday snuggled up in bed with my laptop. But I thought I would make the most of it and finally post this outfit.

As you can probably tell, I am still really feeling the monochromatic minimal style. I can't stop wearing my Zara trench coat at the moment, it feels classic but stylish and is the perfect Spring transition piece when the weather is still all over the place! In this outfit I have kept everything really simple, trench coat, white jumper and denim jeans, but I've played around a bit with accessories.

This black hat is actually from Primark, but I think the simple design and colour make it feel so much more expensive. It is also the perfect compliment to this beautiful blanket scarf from Joules, which is so soft and looks great draped around the neck showing off the subtle print.

What I am wearing:

Trench coat - Zara
Scarf - Joules
Jumper - H&M
Hat - Primark
Necklace - Accessorize
Watch - Nixon
Rings - Accessorize

I do actually have another little outfit post that I can't wait to share which was from when the weather was really lovely. So now I feel like I am going to have to wait until it has warmed up again before posting those photos! Blogger problems!

Hope everyone has had a lovely weekend. Speak soon xx

New and Nude

New and Nude

I have finally taken my umbrella out of my handbag and swapped it for my sunglasses, which means Summer is well and truly on the way. And while I will be the first to admit that I do not need to be doing anymore shopping I somehow ended up buying two new pairs of shoes yesterday. Such is life! So in an attempt to make myself feel slightly less guilty about my purchases I thought I would share them on my blog.

Last Summer I bought a pair of beige slip-ons from Accessories for only £10, and my love for slip-ons was born. They were comfy, went with everything and just looked cool. Sadly like most things in life, they didn’t last forever. To be honest I am actually embarrassed by the state that they are currently in and the fact that I hadn’t replaced them sooner.  I spotted these beautiful replicas in Schuh and fell in love. They are exactly what I was looking for and I actually prefer that they are slightly more pinky. They also feel much better quality so hopefully if I look after them they will last a little longer! And at £25 I think they are a total bargain as I know I will be living in these this Summer.

 

The second pair of shoes were slightly less justified, however I have been looking for something similar for a while now. I saw these in a haul by FreddyMyLove, and immediately clicked the link to have a look at them. So when I saw that they had gone down to £20 in a recent promotion I was sold. I have wanted a pair of Summer sandals with a small heel that would still be wearable for a smarter everyday look. These clog style shoes, which are everywhere at the moment still feel pretty and feminine and the nude colour will work with most of my wardrobe. I think these are also going to be really versatile and work well with skirts and dresses but also cropped jeans and a pretty blouse.

Now that I am writing this and looking back at the pictures I have absolutely no regrets! I can start to pack away all of my Winter boots and look forward to wearing these beauties.

And in case you wanted to treat yourself too the links of both products are below.

Schuh Natural Slip On Flats 
River Island Pink Leather Clog Sandals

Happy Friday everyone! xx

Recent Randoms

Recent Randoms

I recently found a few pictures that I took over the Easter holiday so I though I would upload them today. Looking at this one from my bedroom back home is making me miss it a lot. It looks so much prettier and whiter! Especially with my favourite flowers.

This was the most amazing box of chocolates that Jack brought when he came to visit me after my operation a couple of weeks ago. He knows the way to my heart!

A few weeks ago I also got a few more pieces from VS PINK! Think I might have to do a huge haul soon!

Finally starting to catch up on all of the blog posts that I wanted to write last week! Thank you for being patient! xx

Spring Shade

Spring Shade

So I actually got my hair recoloured over a week ago now while I was still at home, but coursework and life have meant that I am starting to fall behind on blogposts. Either way I thought I would share a couple of photos with you now.

At the end of last Summer I took the plunge and first dyed my hair. I say dyed, but what I really got was something called Balayage, a mix of highlights and ombre all the way through the hair. I still wanted to keep my natural colour, but add some depth and lighter shades too. I was so happy with the results, and how the colour made my hair look healthier and glossier. So last week I got a trim and the same again but slightly lighter.

Once again I love the results, particularly when I have curled my hair like this and you can see all the different shades. I know that dyeing hair isn't the healthiest thing, however I am careful about looking after my hair and making sure that it stays as hydrated as possible. I like to use a hair mask almost once a week as well as serum and leave-in conditioner whenever I wash my hair.

Please let me know if there are any hair products that you love to use, especially ones for hydration. For now I am so happy with my new look for the new season and hope you like it too. Speak soon xx

Pandora Moments

Pandora Moments

Firstly sorry for the short break, I am now back at uni in Manchester after Easter and had a few things to sort out (coursework to catchup on!). I'm so sad that my Easter holidays are over, especially when my brother and my friends at home are still off. Although it has been lovely to come back and see all of my friends at uni.

During the Easter holidays I spent a bit of time helping my mum sort out her wardrobe and bedroom. I am someone who loves to have clear outs and keep my wardrobe very streamline and my mum is totally the opposite. We found clothes that she didn't even know she had from about 20 years ago! So during my recovery from my op, while I wasn't ready to do work but still wanted to get out of bed my mum and I sorted her closet and the rest of her bedroom. I won't really go into details, it was a very long process! But we managed to fill quite a few bin bags and her wardrobe doors can now shut!

We also sorted all of her jewellery, which consisted of a whole morning of untangling necklaces! Sadly there were a lot of broken things and single earrings but we did find a few treasures. In the depth of one of the drawers I found this Pandora box with the most beautiful earrings inside. My mum had completely forgotten that she even had these as she doesn't really wear stud earrings. And I think she caught me admiring them, because after days of sorting her wardrobe, jewellery, makeup, books and paperwork she gave them too me!

The studs are little silver ones with a blue stone and look so beautiful and delicate. I have already worn them once and love how classic they look. But for now I am going to keep them safe in the little box with the ribbon on as they have become some of the most precious jewellery I own.

I should probably try and get back to my coursework now, but I hope you are all well. Speak soon xx

Chic Backgrounds

Chic Backgrounds

A few weeks ago now I had an unfortunate incident with my phone in my back pocket and a trip to the toilet...you can probably guess how that ended. And after over a week without a mobile (not something I would wish on anyone!) I finally got a new iPhone. Well, it's actually exactly the same as my old phone, it just works.

So while my beautiful phone case is still the same as before (thankfully that did survive) I have been enjoying changing up my backgrounds and screensaver images. I tend to go for something light and fresh, especially for Spring, and pretty minimal. My current lockscreen which say CHIC HAPPENS is my favourite. It's cute and pretty and totally matches my blog.

And speaking of matching I have also matched my phone and laptop backgrounds to this beautiful palm print. I love how this looks on both!

I have been finding all these beautiful backgrounds on the incredible world that it Pinterest. Just when I thought that website couldn't actually get any better or more addictive. Just search background and whatever style you are looking for to find some beautiful, free images. I've started to make a board of my personal favourites which you can check out here. Hope you enjoy! xx

Little Lush Surprise

Little Lush Surprise

I have literally spent the whole of today at my desk doing a fun mix of revision and coursework. So when my little sister got back from her shopping trip (I wish I was still 13!) and surprised me with my favourite LUSH bathbomb, Butterball it was the reward that I needed. I thought I would take a quick break to take a pretty picture and write up a quick blogpost. Although it does mean I still haven't really moved from my desk yet!

I know that I have already talked about this product on my blog before, but I think it might even be over a year ago now. I don't actually find myself in LUSH that often, all the different scents can get a bit overwhelming for me and for some reason I tend to get a sore throat. But of the LUSH products that I have tried this is the one that I will always repurchase. It smells clean and fresh but adds a small amount of oil or "butter" to the bath that leaves my skin feeling so silky smooth.

The idea of a LUSH bath this evening is making me so excited. I only shower at when I am at uni and avoid the bath altogether for hygiene reasons, the idea of using a bath in a student house wouldn't make me feel clean! So for me going home means seeing my family and dog, a bed where I can't feel the springs and a nice hot bath.

Hope you all have a nice relaxing evening xx

Another Olivia Palermo Lipstick

Another Olivia Palermo Lipstick

It wasn't too long ago since my last Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London haul (which you can have a read of here)! I picked up two beautiful nail polishes and a lipstick, which I have worn almost everyday since. The packaging is gold and beautifully sleek, and the formula is just perfect. It feels so lovely to apply, lasts for a long time and isn't at all drying. So when I recently found myself back in TK Maxx and spotted the same lipstick in a different shade I just couldn't leave it behind.

The shade I picked up is called Cashmere and it is another beautiful nude. I probably already have too many nude lipsticks but it is what I wear nearly everyday so why not have a selection?! I don't actually have anything too similar to this Cashmere shade, it's a lot paler than I would usually go for. But I would describe it as being the lighter version of the other Olivia Palermo lipstick that I already have. What I really love about these lipstick is they are the perfect blend of nude, brown and pink, and they still look so lovely and natural on the lips. They are also great for everyday but also to compliment a smokey eye as I imagine Olivia Palermo would wear them.

I really can't get enough of these lipsticks, they definitely have the best formula that I have tried in a long time. I personally find them even better than some of my MAC lipsticks! I really can't rave enough about the Olivia Palermo x Ciaté London collection, it's sleek, the formulas are amazing and she has chosen all of the classic shades that you need. Definitely recommend! xx

March Favourites

March Favourites

I'm so sad that April is here already which means that I only have one week left of my Easter holiday and so much that I want to do. After my operation it feels like I have lost a whole week lying in bed doing nothing! Anyway, I guess this means we are that bit closer to Summer which is exciting. So here are some of the things that I have been loving this last month.

The Body Shop Shea Body Butter 
I am sure that I have talked about this before on my blog. This is my favourites scent from the Body Shop, it just smells fresh and reminds me of summer. This body butter is so thick and moisturising, so before be I have been slathering it on really dry patches like elbows and knees.

Simple Soothing Eye Cream 
I always use an eye cream, but it is hard to find on that isn't so thick it feels like it is dragging on your eyes. This one is so light and a little bit goes a long way so I use this before bed and sometimes before my makeup in the morning. It's also really reasonably priced.

PINK Sweet and Flirty Body Mist
This just smells incredible! I have been trying to ration this before Summer so it lasts because it is really more of a Summer scent. But since I've come back home and rediscovered this on my shelf I've found myself reaching for it every morning.

L'Occitane Shea Butter Lip Balm
I didn't actually realise this was also Shea Butter until I picked it out for my favourites! Guess it is definietly my favourite scent! This is more of a before bed lip balm or for really dry lips. It's so moisturising and lasts a really long time but I don't think this would work as well under a lipstick.

Percy and Reed London Wonder Balm 
I forgot about this stuff for a while but I have been really getting back into using this after I wash my hair. Even though you are putting product in your hair it doesn't feel like it. My hair feels lighter, but volumised. And again, a little bit goes a long way.

Maybelline 24hr Colour Tattoo - Creme de Rose 
The Maybelline colour tattoos are just amazing! I have four already and think I am going to have to dedicate a whole blogpost to them sometime soon. This shade is just the perfect base colour, so I use it pretty much everyday that I am wearing makeup. It also looks great on its own with some liner and mascara ora light brown in the crease.

Monthly favourites are some of my favourite posts to read so if you have also written one then link it in the comments below and we can all share the products that we have been loving this month.

xx