Now that Summer is fast approaching festival line ups, road trips and buying new records to play in the sunshine has been on my mind lately. After travelling for many hours in the car last week, I have already started to put together a few playlists of my old favourites and new sound tracks that I have been loving. Today, I thought I would share with you some new additions to my playlists. I currently use Apple Music to store all my tunes and for now it has been working perfectly to suit all my music needs.
Although I like a mix of genres, I tend to stick to the same Lana Del Rey, Arctic Monkeys and Banks' albums. I've got a massive soft spot for early 00's music at the moment, so I find that 90% of my road trip playlist is made up of embarrassing, yet increasingly addictive songs from Busted, Sean Paul and Kelis.
I listen to the radio on a regular basis, so when it comes to choosing personal music I try and steer away from what's in the charts at the moment. Saying this, The Weeknd has me hooked and Prisoner featuring Lana Del Rey is one I currently have on repeat.
Spring and Summer are all about relaxing, uplifting songs to me and no one does it better than Paolo Nutini. I can't help but have a few albums on there, on repeat for when I'm going on a long road trip or I am in need of some relaxation. Chvrches and The Raconteurs are two artists that I always artists I whip out every Summer too - Perfect for those long Summer days. If I'm after something a little bit more upbeat, Flume's Greatest View and Insane are the perfect duo, especially if I want something to play on repeat.
What are your favourite songs at the moment?
Now that February is nearly over and Spring is fast approaching, I have been reflecting on the products I have used over the past couple of months. Although the Winter wasn't as cold as I expected, I couldn't help but slather on multiple layers of moisturiser and cover my skin is nourishing formulas.
Starting with makeup, January and February have been filled with new discoveries including the Too Faced Hangover Primer; a replenishing base that revives lacklustre skin, brightens and prolongs makeup wear. It has continued to transform my skin throughout the colder months and I'm sure it will remain a must-have product come Spring too. As for foundation, I have been keeping with my trusty Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation and Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue combination, but have been adding some extra glow on top. The Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter is the perfect illuminator for complementing your contour and creating the illusion of glowing, chiselled cheekbones.
The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are practically all that have been on my lips this season, as the hydrating formula, long lasting finish and array of shades suit my everyday needs. London and Milan are two hues that look perfect swept over the lips together to add volume and fullness to the lips.
Now, every Winter I tend to splurge on a lot of unnecessary moisturisers, but this year I was content with my Aesop Fabulous Face Oil and Origins Ginzing Energy Boosting Moisturiser duo. Saying this, a muslin cloth, exfoliator and face mask have been essentials of mine for the past few months. The exfoliator of choice has been the Superfacialist Vitamin C Micro Polish Wash; a coarse face wash that helps to promote glowing, radiant skin by getting rid of dry patches and impurities. Although it can be a little abrasive on the skin, I particularly like this paired with a muslin cloth to get the smooth the skin and get the best results.
If my skin is feeling dehydrated and is in need of some extra TLC, I always reach for the Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Mask to soothe and hydrate my complexion. Not only does it rejuvenate dull skin, but it helps to clarify and de-congest without compromising hydration.
In the shower, I have had some new additions- the Lush Ro's Argan Body Conditioner and the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil. Both of these are a lazy girl's dream, especially if you're not a fan of moisturising after showering as these do all the hard work for you. Although bodycare has been a little uneventful, hair care has really stepped it up a notch. Bumble and Bumble and O&M are two brands that have had me smitten. The O&M Atonic Thickening Spritz was a late discovery this season but one that has continued to impress as this multitasking spray helps to lock in moisture, as well as straightening and smoothing every strand of hair. Perfect for a hair care treat!
What products have you been loving this Winter?
When it comes to dreamy duos, no one does it better than Nars. Their eyeshadow compacts come in an array of shades which are perfect for those for want to create a smoky eye quickly. Whether you're looking for a black, gold or vivid purple offering the Nars eyeshadow duo's have you covered.
Kalahari- a copper combo- compliments my eye colour and can create an instant smoky eye with ease; perfect for those on the go. I use the gold hue all over the lid to brighten the eyes, whilst the darker brown helps to define and line the eyes as well as subtly adding a slight purple to my lids. If you're after a darker offering then Surabaya is your best bet; this brown pairing adds the perfect amount of colour to the lids, can create a minimal eye defining look and is suitable for daily and night time wear. The soft texture and high quality finish of these shadows are what makes them great. Although I wear them dry if I'm after a quick, easy eye look, I do like to occasionally wear them wet to prolong the wear and intensify the finish.
Next on my list to buy is Alhambra and Isolde, both of which would be suitable for the Summer as they have a range of rose gold and golden hues.
Have you tried the Nars Eyeshadow Duos?
A couple of weeks ago something happened- I purchased the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette; a powder trio that is designed to treat all of your dull skin woes. I have been lusting after it ever since it's release many years ago, but always convinced myself that I didn't need any more powders. Then one day in Space NK I decided to just go for it and well, the rest is history as I'm now totally smitten.
This palette is made up of a trio of shades. First up is Dim Light; a neutral peach beige shade that helps to set makeup and mattify the face without sacrificing any glow. The finely milled, soft powder brightens up my complexion in such a unique way as it conceals imperfections and pores, leaving my skin perfected and radiant.
Next up is Incandescent Light and although I like it, I don't love it. The intense shimmer in this powder works better to brighten up the corner of your eyes than it does on your cheekbones as I find that, as a highlighter junkie, it just doesn't quite cut it as an illuminator. Saying that, it's nice to have this offering in the trio as if I don't want an intense glow or I'm going for a barely there makeup look this is perfect for adding that very subtle glow that your skin sometimes needs.
Radiant Light- a sun kisssed golden beige shade- has changed my perception of shimmery bronzers and instead has sparked an obsession for glowy, tanned skin. This powder looks perfect swept across my cheekbones and forehead as it adds warmth and creates the illusion of sculpted cheekbones; a great hue for those who are looking for a substitute to contouring. The glitter particles are barely detectable once applied to the skin, so you have nothing to worry about if you're a glitter-phobe like myself.
At £59 this is a pricey investment, but one that will last you a long time and is totally worth the price tag.
Have you tried the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders?
With Spring just around the corner, I have started to make changes and alterations to my wardrobe to fit the season. Winter in the UK was surprisingly warm this year, so aside from a few days when I had to crack out several layers, I have usually stayed loyal to a black coat, a knit and a pair of skinny jeans. After feeling rather down about my wardrobe after Christmas, I decided that I would buy a few new pieces to update my wardrobe and get myself ready for the hotter weather or so I can hope. Today I have put together a few additions to my wardrobe to share with you.
RIPPED JEANS | I have found them, the perfect pair of ripped jeans; the Topshop Jamie Mid Blue Ripped Jeans. These high waisted, stretchy jeans are comfortable to wear daily, have a soft denim feel and can be worn with just about anything. I like pairing them with a grey t-shirt and Adidas Superstar Black and White Trainers for a relaxed, yet well put together outfit. After finding these perfect ripped jeans, I have been lusting after a few other pairs. I think these Authentic Ripped Jamie Jeans will be another great addition to my wardrobe.
PINAFORE DRESS | Whenever I buy a new item of clothing I try and picture it with a variety of outfits. When I spotted the ASOS Pinafore Dress was back in stock I knew that it had to be mine, in many different colours. I usually stick to monochrome, but navy and burgundy hues are great ways to subtly add colour to outfits.
ADIDAS | I've never been a huge fan of logo t-shirt or branding but I knew when I saw this Adidas Originals Raglan Long Sleeve T-Shirt it had to be mine. Aside from lusting after a rose gold Adidas T-Shirt for some time, I have wanted a baggy, easy to wear top that I can lounge around in without much fuss.
SLOGAN JUMPERS | Jumpers are something I live in and after stealing my boyfriend's grey jumpers for several months I thought it was about time I got one of my own. I had been contemplating buying this Private Party Avocado Toast Sweatshirt for many weeks before I caved and bought it. This oversized fit put me off initially as it felt a little too lose in all the wrong places, but once tucked into jeans I knew that I had to keep it.
Have you made any new wardrobe purchases?
Valentines day is tomorrow and as I'm away Monday I have had to start making my preparations early. This year I am going for a soft, dewy look with gold eyes and a red lip.
For a long lasting makeup look, I start by applying the Too Faced Hangover Primer to my lacklustre skin to add radiance, boost hydration and prolong my makeup wear. As for foundation I will be reaching for my trusty Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation to conceal any imperfections, even out my skin tone and create a flawless looking base. I have been using the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders to set my makeup lately as they brighten up my complexion, soften the way light is reflected on my skin and are a great way to still add glow.
The Kevyn Aucoin Sculpting Powder and Becca Champagne Pop Highlighter are both miracle workers if you're looking to create the illusion of defined, chiselled cheekbones as the grey hued powder helps to give shadow, whilst Champagne Pop compliments my skin tone. To finish and add a pop of colour, I will be suing the H&M Pure Radiance Blusher in Golden Peach to add emphasis to my contour and add a healthy sheen.
Lately I have been obsessed with applying my eyeshadows with a wet brush to increase the intensity and prolong the wear. Although I am opting for more of a natural look on Valentines Day, I still can't help but reach for the Nars Steven Klein Eyeshadow Palette and MAC's Pigment in Tan as all the hues work in sync to define and compliment my eye colour. After several lashings of the L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara, I apply the Eylure Fleur De Force - Fleur Loves lashes as they stay on for several hours and create fuller, longer looking lashes.
I am going to be donning a red lip on the big night and if you're a regular around here then you've probably already have guessed which would be my go-to hue. The Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella has a moisturising, long lasting formula that sits comfortably on the lips and is easy to apply.
What makeup look are you going for this Valentine's Day?
Over these past couple of months I have started to take more care over improving and refining my skincare routine so that I only use products that really benefit my skin type. I've been taking a much simpler,more natural approach to my skincare, so it's no wonder that Aesop has been a huge factor in the overhaul of my routine. Today I have put together a duo that I believe has helped nourish, soothe and heal my problematic, parched skin.
I tend to find myself reaching for the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil on a daily basis as it adds an intense hit of hydration, whilst promoting supple, radiant skin. This lightweight oil is enriched with juniper berries, jasmine and ylang ylang to de-congest and fix any skin woes. I usually find products targeted to prevent and heal blemishes can be the ones that dry my skin out the most, but this offering has the balance just right. It visibly improves my skin instantly by giving it a boost, but with sustained use I have seen a massive difference in glow and clearance.
Although we're well into February, throughout January I still felt that my skin was suffering from the overindulgence of Christmas and it was in serious need of some extra TLC. Clay masks are notorious for draining the skin of moisture, but with their skin clearing and blemish busting formulas I usually end up slapping on a few extra layers of moisturiser to compensate. That was until I tried the Aesop Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque; a clarifying mask that perfects neglected complexions and rejuvenates dull looking skin. It draws out imperfections, makes the skin glow and helps it to appear clearer and calmer after one application. If my skin is in need of hydration, but I have some aggravated blemishes, I always reach for this offering as it's a great all-rounder that deals with all of my skin's problems in 15 minutes.
Have you tried any Aesop products?
After years of dreading the chore of washing my makeup brushes and trying to find the perfect quick, deep cleansing solution to all of my dirty brush woes, I finally have my routine down. If I'm struggling with time and am after a speedy fix then spot cleaning is the way to go, but as I haven't found a brush cleaning spray that has knocked me off my feet, I tend to stick to my trusty deep clean ritual.
More often than not I used to clean using any old shampoo, but then I discovered the Dr. Bronner's 18 in 1 Hemp Baby Pure Castile Soap and I never looked back. With a gentle formula and little scent, I find that this offering cares for my brushes and is much suited to my sensitive skin.
Although this liquid soap is good, it's the Soap and Glory Massage Glove that really has the wow factor and makes the most difference during my routine. Not only does it protect your hands from the repetitive process of wash, swirl, rinse, repeat, but it also deep cleanses and gets rid of every bit of dirt. This soap and mitt duo is unbeatable and once they come in contact with water it takes only a few seconds to get my brushes spotless. Pure bliss for those who hate the brush cleaning chore.
How do you clean your makeup brushes?
Storage addicts assemble, as today I am discussing my storage solution for those that have an ever-growing makeup collection.
One way I like to store my stash is in the Ikea Alex Drawers, they're easy and affordable if you have the space, but if you're in need of a simpler, more compact option then the Muji Acrylic Drawers are the perfect solution.
In my makeup cache, I have a range of products. My Muji storage tends to hold my everyday makeup or the items that I want to try out, whilst the Ikea offering stores away my hair care, skincare and products that I don't use as often.
Shrinking, de-cluttering and refreshing your makeup collection can be hard, but today I have put together a few tips to help you do just that.
CHECK THE SELL BY DATE | Although most people associate sell by dates with the tins you have at the back of your kitchen cupboard, they are actually relevant when it comes to your beauty stash too. Although I should take more notice and practice what I preach with this tip, it is important to throw away any out of date products not only to de-clutter, but to make sure your skin is kept healthy and clear.
ROTATION | I tend to do a seasonal rotation of my muji drawers, making sure I get use out of new products and those which are more suited for the climate. Packing in hydration is essential during the Winter, whilst in the Summer I usually opt for lightweight, glowy makeup. Keeping your storage fresh and giving it a good clean every now and again will help you clear out any unwanted items. Cleaning your brushes and dusting your drawers helps too.
THE THREE MONTH RULE | If I haven't used a foundation, lipstick or nail vanish in three months, I either try to re-home it or rekindle the love. This helps to keep my makeup collection from gathering dust on the products I no longer get use out of and instead makes me think twice before purchasing any more products.
How do you store your makeup?
Despite being the proud owner of an excessive amount of makeup , I still lust after new releases and raved about products on a regular basis. From budget offerings to luxe treats, I always have a wishlist as long as my arm. Today I have put together a few brands that I want to delve into more and expand on my collection.
There were a lot of makeup brands that wooed me in 2015, but Nars was the brand I remained faithful to. Their eyeshadow duos and palettes stole my heart, but it is actually their base products that I want to try more of. The Nars Velvet Matte Skin Tint was released in the UK yesterday and I am very excited to give it a whirl. Becca's Champagne Pop was a much anticipated release last year and one that didn't fail to impress me, so there's a few Becca highlighters and a primer sitting in my Space NK basket ready to be bought.
It took me a fair while to persuade myself to splurge on some Hourglass and Tom Ford makeup - but oh my was it worth it. Aside from their infamous powders, blushers and lipsticks the Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo and the Hourglass Opaque Rouge Liquid Lipsticks are just a selection from the handful of products that have been on my wishlist for months.
I recently spoke about my love for NYX in a recent post and even since then I have been contemplating buying a few more pieces.Their large array of Soft Matte Lip Cream shades are currently calling my name and I'm sure I can sneak a bronzer or two in their too.
As for skincare, the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil and Primrose Facial Cleansing Masque have been my go-to products for banishing blemishes lately, so I am already scouring the internet for some new additions. Now that the Spring and Summer are approaching I feel like I need to take more care of my dehydrated skin, so the Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream is the moisturiser that I feel will tick all the right boxes.
What brands do you want to try in 2016?
I've been lusting after a record player for some time, so recently I finally took the plunge and bought one. This rose gold Crosley Cruiser Record Player was the one I opted for as I didn't want anything too expensive and well - because It's rose gold. Luckily I don't have any collectable vinyls as I heard that this offering isn't the greatest of designs. But for me, it is easy to use and exactly what I was after.
Despite me being apprehensive, I think the built in stereo speakers are good quality and give off just the right sound for such a small record player. I bought two LP's straight away; Lana Del Rey and Arctic Monkeys, and I instantly fell in love with their albums all over again in vinyl form.
For a record player beginner like myself the Crosley is perfect. With a portable design, easy to use manual return arm and an ability to play all of my favourite tunes, I'm sure this will carry me through many years of music.
What do you think of the Crosley Record Players?
