Five Essie Nude Picks

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Essie still remains one of, if not my favourite nail vanish brand and after spotting the new Wild Nudes collection a few months ago, I have been on the look out for them ever since. At the weekend, I had a stock up of the shades I've been lusting after and the hues I needed to repurchase, so today I am sharing them with you. 

First up is Spin The Bottle, the lightest in this line up and a pale nude shade that compliments a tan perfectly. This one is a repurchase of mine and one that I reach for whenever I am in doubt of what to wear as it's super simple, 

Photographs could never do Ladylike justice, but this subtle mauve looks great for all occasions and lasts well on the nails too. With just two coats, you have an opaque muted tone that looks divine and dreamy. 

Next are the two new shades I picked up from the Wild Nude collection; Bare With Me and Clothing Optional. The latter was a hue I didn't expect to love, but the almost berry/brown nude is reminiscent of the shades worn in Autumn and can easily be worn daily. The rich colour and long lasting finish makes it a dream! Bare With Me is more of a classic nude, but with a slight twist of coral running through it, making it perfect for the warmer season. It's described as an apricot tone with grey cast which describes it pretty well. There are a few more shades from this collection that I want to pick up, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled for them. 

I bought Not Just A Pretty Face on a whim several months ago and it was one of my best decisions as it's a shade that I can't get enough of. It's the perfect pink if you want something a little more understated and it's one that actually elongates the fingers, so it's the perfect simple manicure shade. 

What are your favourite Essie shades?

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Switching Up My Summer Bodycare

Although it feels like Spring just flew by, Summer is just around the corner so I've started to make some body care switch ups to suit my changing needs. From lightweight oils to old tanning favourites, today's post is all about how I'm prepping for the warmer season. 

First up on the agenda is exfoliators and, although I've tried a few, I always end up back at my beloved Soap and Glory Body Polish. Although the scrub is coarse, it doesn't irritate my skin, instead leaving it looking soft, smooth and radiant. It's great at prepping your body for fake tan. 

Talking of fake tan, my go-to is the Bondi Sands Liquid Gold and since using this I haven't reached for any of my other lotions or foams. The lightweight formula, easy to blend oil and subtle coconut scent all makes it a delight to use, plus it's great for instant results and gets better after several hours. 

There are a lot of shimmering body oils on the market, but they tend to be a little steep in price and out of all the ones I've tried, the Dove Goodness Silky Body Oil* still remains a firm favourite. It's great at perking up your pins after tanning and works as an all over body illuminator, whilst the oils are nourishing too. I seriously can't fault it.

If I'm after something a little thicker, I love the Laura Mercier Creme Brûlée Souffle as it never fails to hydrate dry patches and it reminds me of Christmas due to it's deliciously sweet scent which is a huge plus! If you're after a lightweight, quick fix then the oils are still the best bet, but this body moisturiser is great if you have a little more time. 

The Lush Mask Of Magnaminty is the perfect addition to my body care routine as it not only works wonders on your face, but it can be used all over the body for a thorough cleanse. It's slightly exfoliating, reduces the signs of any blemishes and is cooling on the skin; great for the warmer weather - plus Lush's new self preserving packaging is super cute! 

What are your Summer body care staples?

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An End Of Spring Round Up

Spring has slowly started to come to a close, the 1st of June being my marker for the start of Summer. The weather is starting to warm up, the air is slowly filling up with the scent of BBQ's and my ASOS saved section is currently looking rather Summery. I wanted to reflect on the products I've been using over the past three months, from the old favourites to the new finds.  

The Nars Radiance Primer has been featured on my blog multiple times throughout Spring, being one of my most used products this season. It leaves a gorgeous sheen on the skin, perfect for using underneath a foundation for a healthy finish. 

As soon as the warm weather arrived, I dug out my favourite base, the L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation. For a lightweight formula, this gives me a little more coverage than you would have expected - Perfect for when you're in a rush! 

Dewy skin has come out in full force recently as I've been reaching for a mixture of liquid and powder formulas to add a delicate glow to my cheeks. The Illamasqua OMG Beyond Powder is a new find of mine and one that has lead me to seek out other Illamsaqua products worth a try too. Not only is the pan huge, but it's adds just the right amount of highlight to my complexion without being too subtle or overpowering either. If I want to add more glow underneath my foundation, I have been using the NYX Sunbeam Liquid Illuminator to the top points of my face for a dreamy glow. 

Although throughout Spring I haven't discovered any new eyeshadows, I have rekindled the love for my Urban Decay Primer Potion and it has transformed the way I do my eyeshadow once again. It prolongs the wear, prevents creasing and keeps the shadows from fading. 

For lips, I have been reaching for the subtle pink hues and matte mauves for daily wear. The Jouer Lip Crème Liquid Lipstick and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments are two of my top picks at the moment as the colours compliment my dewy base and the formulas are lightweight for easy wear. 

What have been your top products of Spring? 

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Pantone's Colour Of The Year Favourites

If you haven't heard what Pantone's colour of the year for 2017 is, it's greenery. They describe it as a refreshing and evoking shade and I've got to admit that I think they're right. My house is full to the brim with plants, I try to incorporate a lot of greenery into my photographs and food, but I also see the colour creeping into my beauty collection too. 

One of the most iconic green products out there has to be the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask - Perfect for dehydrated skin that needs a hydration boost. I've gone through tubes of this stuff, but I always repurchase as it's a product my complexion loves. 

The whole Caudalie ViteActiv Range* is just so dreamy, made up of detoxifying oils, nourishing lotions and radiance boosting moisturisers. I particularly like the overnight treatment as it works as a oil mask, deeply hydrating and soothing my complexion over the course of a few hours. It also helps to deliver radiance and battle the signs of fatigue. 

Colour correcting is a technique I've been playing around with lately and green is the particular colour I've been using regularly as it helps to counteract redness. I use the LA Girl Green Pro Concealer as it can be easily blended into the skin and once you apply foundation, you never get a green tint to your base. 

Next up is the Bourjois Poudre De Riz Java Powder, a illuminating loose powder that helps to add a healthy highlight, reduce pores and mattify your complexion. It's one of my current favourite high street picks and for under £10, it lasts a long time too! 

I couldn't pass the new Elle magazine and not pick up it purely because Lana Del Rey is on the cover. I'm sure if you've been following me on Twitter, you'll know how much of a massive fan I am. 

As I previously mentioned, greenery and plants are a regular feature in my house, but my love for the colour doesn't stop there. I love to work greens into my homeware whenever I can as I think that they compliment pink, gold and copper accents nicely. Below are some of my favourite green picks including interior and fashion: 

What are your green favourites? 

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Embracing Summer When You're An Autumn Lover

As we slowly transition into the Summer months, every year I start to feel bad for not liking the season as much as everyone else does. The warmer weather, coral makeup hues and the ability to wear less layers are all perks of Summer, but I- like a few others- forever long for the colder days, cosy nights in and all the events that take place during the Autumn. One of my main goals for the last nine months or so has been to embrace every event and every season, so today I am sharing with you the top ways I like to make the most of Summer. 

Pretending It's Autumn | It's inevitable that throughout Summer there will be sporadic rainfalls and gloomy, stormy days. As soon as these days come about, I like to spend a little time outside, feeling the rain of my face and splashing around in the puddles. I also allow myself to watch re-runs of the Halloween and Christmas specials of my favourite TV shows, snuggled up under a duvet after a bubble-filled bath. Embracing the slightly Autumnal weather, spending a little time on myself and finishing the day with a warm meal filled to the brim with vegetables is one of my favourite ways to get over the Summer blues. 

Likewise, I've actually came across several woods that still have pine cones on the floor, which instantly made me feel like I could embrace Summer a little bit more as its a little reminder to myself that Autumn isn't that far away. 

Start Small | This is the first Summer since moving out that I'll have a garden again and I'm fully determined to make the most of it. One of the biggest dilemmas of mine during the hotter weather is that I don't want to waste it being indoors, but I know that the local shops or garden centre's will be packed. Having a local park or having your own garden is a great way to get outside, not move for pretty much the whole day and get a lot of picnicking done. 

Having Events On Your Calendar | For me, I love having things on my calendar to look forward to. I'm lucky as I'm going away several times this Summer, but it doesn't have to be anything big to make it special. I've got a trip to an outdoor cinema planned, as well as  planning to spend a whole day reading, watching the sun go down on top of a hill and spending the day exploring my nearby towns whilst eating some yummy pub food outside. 

What are your favourite ways to embrace Summer? 

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The Makeup I Can Always Rely On

Whenever I'm feeling low on inspiration or I just need a quick and easy look, I always head back to the makeup I can rely on; the ones with just the right amount of coverage, the blush that offers the perfect flush of colour and the highlighter that will have you shimmering from hours. 

As my skin changes, my needs in terms of primers differ. I always want a smooth base, prepped ready for foundation and I love offerings that deliver longevity, however silicones ones never work well with my skin type, so when it comes to priming I tend to reach for the Urban Decay All Night Setting Spray*. I've used this since long before my blog was created and it's one I continue to go back to. I actually like spritizng this after moisturiser and before foundation to help prolong wear - perfect for the Summer!

The NYX Mauve Me Blush has been featured on my blog umpteen times, but I can never give this enough praise. It's matte, which is something that at first glance wouldn't work with my dehydrated skin type, but somehow it does and the mauve hue perks up my complexion whenever needed. 

I have to give a mention to The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer, a honey hued highlighter that has been in my collection for some time now and for very good reason too. Although, I love a wide variety of formulas and finishes, I always reach for this if I want a pick me up and a highlight that I know will wear well. 

I'm not very experimental when it comes to eyeliners and mascaras, as I tend to stick to my trusty offerings. I've gone through having oily lids to dehydrated ones, but I always come back to one of the L'Oreal Superliner Eyeliners as they cannot be beaten on longevity, price and pigmentation. 

When it comes to lipsticks that I can always rely on, a comfortable, easy to reapply pick is always at the top of my list either in the form of a NXY Soft Matte Lip Cream, YSL Nude In Private or one of the Clarins Joli Rouge's. They all add a healthy boost of hydration to the lips, keeping dry patches at bay and adding a soft flush of colour that can be easily worn day-to-day. The Nars Lip Pencils are always worth a mention, especially Cruella, which is a go-to of mine whenever I am stuck on what to wear in the evening. 

What makeup can you rely on? 

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3 Ways To Exfoliate

Now I'm no skincare expert, but over the years that I've been following a regular skincare routine I have learned a lot about the different ways you can cleanse, tone and exfoliate your skin. Exfoliating is one of my favourite steps in any routine as it makes my complexion appear brighter, clearer and less dehydrated. Today I am sharing with you three ways I like to exfoliate and the different products I use. 

Use A Face Scrub | When I think of exfoliating, my mind always wanders to face scrubs. They're perfect for when you want a quick fix; scrubbing away any dry patches and promoting a radiant, glowing complexion. The Pixi Peel and Polish is the perfect hybrid between scrub and mask as the enzyme peel can be left on for a more intense treatment if the scrub doesn't quite cut it. Too much scrubbing can can cause skin problems if used too frequently, so if you want a gentler option then I would recommend using a muslin cloth with a cleanser to lightly scrub away dead skin and patches. 

Using Glycolic Acid | Although I love a good face scrub to instantly make my skin feel soft, smooth and glowing, I do reach for a glycolic acid to lightly exfoliate and brighten the complexion on a day-to-day basis, especially when I don't want tor each for anything too abrasive. I love using The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid Solution; a simple formula that does the job and is comparable to Pixi's Glow Tonic. However, having used both, I have noticed that the latter treats blemishes a bit better; probably to do with the witch hazel ingredient. Now, I've got sensitive skin and I've never had a problem with using chemical exfoliant besides making my skin tingle, but it's important to note that acids can make your skin sensitive and more prone to sunburn, so steer clear of these if you know you're going to be in the sun all day. 

An Exfoliating Face Mask | I have quite a well established skincare routine which is perfectly tailored to all my skin's needs and I feel like it serves me well. Every once in a while, I opt for a face mask to either inject a boost of hydration to the skin, to promote radiance or just to prep my skin ready for makeup. An exfoliating face mask can do my skin all sorts of wonders in a matter of ten minutes. I've been using The Ordinary's Peeling Solution, a liquid that resembles blood both in consistency and colour, but after just one use my skin was transformed. It's one of my favourite ways to use a mask as the lightweight formula gets to work quickly and in the next 24 hours after use, my spots were brought to the surface and my skin appeared brighter. If a scrub style mask floats your boat, I really enjoy using the Origins Original Skin Mask*. 

What are your favourite ways to exfoliate? 

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5 Brands I Love and Want To Try More Of

Since clearing out my makeup stash I've started to make myself a wishlist of all the products I currently have my eye on. After noticing that the majority of them were from brands I already use and love, I thought I'd share them with you today. 

For me, NYX is a brand that has had me smitten during the last year. From their Soft Matte Lip Creams to their Illuminators, every product I've tried has never failed to impress me. Although, I've tried a fair few out, it doesn't stop me from wanting to try more and I can see myself picking up more of the Ombre Blush shades and maybe even trying out their Individual Eyeshadows. 

I actually made it my mission to start trying more Nars base products out and after the success of the Radiance Primer I'm very glad I did. Their Deep Throat and Bumpy Ride Blusher are still very much on my wishlist. The perky pink hue of the latter is unlike anything in my collection at the moment and Deep Throat is such a classic, I feel like I should own it by now. 

A couple of years ago, I was lucky enough to live near a Topshop that sold makeup, but since moving away, I rarely get to visit a stand. Saying that, I have started scouring the internet for new products to try and so far I have my eye on Smoke Sticks and Aircushion Skin Perfector, which look like they'll be similar to the Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleons and my beloved L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation. 

H&M makeup seems to never make an appearance on blogs anymore, but this underrated brand is actually one I reach for often. I dug out their Cream Velvet Blush not too long ago and have been loving the natural flush of colour on my cheeks for Spring. Their blushers are some of my favourite, super affordable and highly pigmented, but I would love to try their Halo Champagne Gold Illuminiser which swatches look super dreamy! 

When you think of Hourglass, you mind probably wanders to their Ambient Lighting Blushers and for a very good reason too. I've got my fair share of their powders, but I'm after some of their other products including their Girl Lip Stylos which I have been seeing a lot of lately. 

What brands would you like to try more of? 

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Styling Simple, Yet Enticing Blog Photographs

Although I've been blogging for two and half years now, it's only been since the new year that I've really started to like and take pride in my photographs. I've shared many blog photography tips on my blog, but I wanted to go into a little more detail about how I create simple photographs that can be used to build your own stock images to use on when you're stuck for inspiration. 

Start Small | The easiest photographs to take are the ones that only require two or three elements. Although simple, there's nothing quite as aesthetically pleasing as a coffee shot from birds eye view either with a blanket underneath or holding it between your hands. These images are perfect for Sunday Instagram's or when you're looking for a photograph for a lifestyle post. Likewise, a makeup flatlay that has complimentary colours and the perfect amount of props. 

Beauty Stock Photographs are Doable | When it comes to creating your own stock images, I've got to admit that styling beauty ones are the most difficult. When you have an idea for a blog post in your head, the products go along with it, but when you're creating an image purely for aesthetic reasons, it can be difficult to know which products you should feature. I'm going to be honest here and say I usually opt for the most pretty, reaching for golds, brass and complimentary pinks to work together perfectly. These images are great to have just in case you want to write a post on your favourite beauty tips or a makeup wishlist. 

Using laid down flowers or placing them in the corner to create a blurred effect is a great way to add colour and depth to a simple flatlay. I find the more products you add, the harder it is for the photograph to not look sporadic, so if you're a beginner in beauty focused stock photos, start with two or three products and work up. Lay them down on a blanket or coloured card if the natural lighting isn't in your favour, or place upright with a mirror behind them for a simple, yet arty shot. 

The Corners Are Key | I'm actually really envious of those people who can just pile products in the middle of a flatlay and make it look good, but for me, I like to add either my MacBook, a cute dainty dish or a textured blanket to a corner, just to add a little something to the photograph. Glasses, eyelash curlers, ribbon or a makeup bag work well too just to frame the image more if you have a problem setting your photograph up the way you like. 

Books, Flowers and Candles | These three are probably my most regularly featured props when styling a simple image. For books, I like to either stack them up to show their spines or  opened up to show their contents either on it's own, along the edge of an image or paired with a candle. Flowers are a great addition to a photograph as they can easily add colour, whether they're on their own, used to create a dreamy blurred background or spread out besides beauty products. 

What are your favourite blog photography tips for styling simple images?

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Everyday Mauve Favourites

Mauve is one of my favourite colours, being the perfect variation on the typical nude shades. It's more purple in tone, but still matches a variety of makeup looks and can be easily worn on a day-to-day basis. From blushers to lipsticks, today I am sharing with you my top mauve picks. 

The NYX Mauve Me Ombre Blush is perfect for a soft flush of colour on the cheeks when I want something a little more neutral. The lighter nude hue and darker mauve shade work together to create a beautiful subtle, matte offering. 

Although the Jouer Dulce De Leche* looks rather pink in the tube, it actually pulls a little mauvey on my lips. This liquid lipstick compliments any makeup look, lasts throughout the day and is easy to top up without flaking or being overly drying. 

Another lipstick pick is MAC Twig, which has a slight berry undertone so it is perfect in the Autumn if you're not the biggest fan of bold lipsticks. It lasts on the lips and sits comfortably too due to the satin formula, making it one of my most used MAC lipsticks ever. Nars Bahama is similar in tone and finish to Twig, but the stick application makes it a little easier to apply - A great handbag must have! 

Essie's Ladylike is my favourite of the bunch as the mauve shade is understated on the nails, easy to wear all year round and lasts a long time too. In the Autumn, it looks lovely paired with a simple, black outfit, whereas during the Summer it looks great with an all white dress. 

What are your mauve must haves? 

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What I've Been Loving Lately

As the blossoms are slowly falling to the ground and the weekends are gradually filling up with pub gardens and BBQ's, we are officially transitioning into Summer. Don't get me wrong; I love the peachy makeup hues, the ability to wear less layers and spending evenings in the garden watching the sun go down, but as Summer is my least favourite season, I have been taking time out to think about all the things I've been loving lately. 

The Moody, Gloomy Weather | As an Autumn girl through and through, I am secretly enjoying the moody, stormy weather as it's perfect for snuggling in with blankets and films. I've gone through a phase recently of wanting it to be Halloween, Fireworks Night and Christmas, so have been cracking out my favourite episodes of TV shows I love that feature all of the festive goodness! 

Peonies | I'm quite early this year for peonies, but I'm making the most of them and having them in every photograph I can on my blog. They help to improve my mood and the fresh blooms look great throughout my house too. 

Exciting Plans | We've been really enjoying going out on our bikes, so we've booked a couple of holidays to Wales and Scotland to explore up there too. The other day, I was surprised by booking a trip away to Paris in August - I'm so excited as I've never been there before (and of course Sephora too!) 

Cooking Up New Recipes | As a fussy eater, I have been determined to find new recipes that I love. We're currently trying out a new mushroom bhaji recipe and I've scoured Deliciously Ella With Friends to find some exciting new recipes to try like Aloo Gobi and sweet potato falafels.  

Blogs | I've got to admit that I don't read blogs as often as I should, but when I do there are many that I go to instantly. Francisca May has blog photography to die for, as do Gemma Louise, A Girl Obsessed and Makeup Savvy. I have loved nothing more than settling down to read a handful of blogs in the evening, but I'm always on the look out for new reads. 

What have you been loving lately? 

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Five Makeup Picks

With the change of season upon us, I have been ticking items off my wishlist and trialling new products. Today I want to share with you what I've been wearing on my face recently and my thoughts. 

For some reason, I had accumulated many Charlotte Tilbury Wonderglow samples through the orders I've made, and as I have been loving dewy, glowy bases and primers recently, I thought I'd give it a try. It's particularly nice under the eyes to illuminate them before foundation, but I like to apply it all over too for a soft glow. So far so good and I'm actually really tempted to buy a full size version soon. 

As soon as I set eyes on the Illamasqua OMG Beyond Powder, I knew that I had to have it. But after some debating with my myself as to whether I needed it, but it was secretly bought it for me! I've only had it a little while, but already I'm super impressed... and it's huge! When applied to the tops of my cheekbones it perks up my complexion and gives it a lit-from-within glow. This can be easily be built up, starting out with a subtle shimmer, but then can be layered for an intense glow. I can't wait to see what else I can do with this (it looks beautiful in the inner corners of my eyes!) and I've already added a few other Illamasqua bits to my wishlist including this Maiden Powder Glitter Eyeshadow. 

Another highlighter I have been wearing recently is the NYX Sunbeam Liquid Illuminator, a cheaper alternative to the Nars Copacabana offering. It applies super easy, blends in with my base without taking it off, and gives a understated sheen to wherever it is applied. Although slightly different in feel and intensity, once built up the shade and finish is uncannily like the Nars pick. 

Fun fact for you all, but I've loved the Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray* since before this blog was created. As someone who has suffered with oily, combination and dry skin throughout the years, this has remained a firm favourite. I've gone through bottles of this stuff, but having it back in my routine just in time for the warmer weather was a delight. I personally like to spritz it on my skin after my primer as I find that it keeps my makeup on all day long, then I apply a little bit after I apply my makeup if I need some extra assurance. 

The Nars Kalahari Duo has been a must have of mine recently as I've rekindled the love with this copper pick. With just a few moves, you can have a quick, easy eye look done in minutes - Perfect when you're in a rush. 

What have you been wearing on your face recently?

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Three Bases For The Warmer Weather

Throughout the warmer months I tend to reach for lightweight, dewy foundations that cover my imperfections with ease, but still allow my natural skin to shine through. Although I haven't tried any new releases yet, I have dug out three of my old base favourites that will no doubt carry me through the Summer season. 

First up is the L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation, which is one of- if not the best- base product I've ever used. It works perfectly in sync with my dehydrated, lacklustre complexion to smooth over any dry patches and give a medium coverage. When paired with a beauty blender, it can be applied easily with an even, natural finish - perfect when you want a "barely there" foundation that lasts all day! 

I first used the Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue two years ago and since then I've been through tubes of the stuff. Back then I had combination skin, so I'm delighted that it still works just as great on a dry complexion too. It's the lightest coverage base in this line up, but it's great if you want fresh looking skin in an instant. 

Lastly, the Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation had to be given a mention and although it's not as lightweight and Summer appropriate as the others, it definitely works wonders in the warmer evenings when you want something with a little bit more coverage, that still looks natural to wear. The demi-matte finish doesn't sink into pores, but instead smoothes off blemishes and imperfections. 

What are your favourite foundations for Spring and Summer? 

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Spring Lipsticks

Although I wear nude and pink lipsticks all year round, I can't help but incorporate them more frequently into my makeup routine when the weather starts to get warmer. The blush blooms of Spring certainly have an effect on the lip shades I reach for, so today I am sharing with you the my current top picks. 

Nourishing lipsticks are a must in the Spring as they tend to have a glossier finish and the hydrating formula helps with my dry lips. The YSL Nude In Private offering is perfect as the colour is light and can easily be applied on the go. With a watermelon scent it's almost good enough to eat too! 

For a liquid lipstick option, the Jouer Dulce De Leche* pick is great for a long wearing, matte option that fades beautifully and doesn't dry out the lips too much. The mauve hue compliments my skin tone and can be used with a variety of makeup looks. 

The classic Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick had to make an appearance in this line up; it's a great option for if you're going out for the evening and you want something that can be easily reapplied. It makes the lips appear fuller and more plump in an instant as the nude shade is perfect to wear on a day-to-day basis. 

Lastly, the L'Oreal Eva's Nude lipstick has been on my lips since the new year, but it is finally getting a lot of use during the warmer days. The nourishing option is great for a glossy, pink lip that's easy to wear daily without any fuss. 

What lipsticks have you been wearing this Spring? 

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A Muji Makeup Storage Overhaul

After neglecting makeup organisation throughout Winter, I've switched products around, filled the drawers up with the products I've recently picked up and removed any items I no longer get use out of to either sell or donate. 

I've always used my four drawers to store away the makeup I am currently rotating, depending on the season. As it's now Spring and we're quickly heading towards Summer, I've started to switch out my matte offerings in favour of nourishing, plumping picks for the warmer months. Saying this, I like to keep a few of my favourite matte liquid lipsticks to hand for nights out, so the Jouer Lip Crème's and NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are two of my favourites at the moment. The top drawer usually enables me to get the most out of all my lipsticks by selecting a few for that month for easy reach. 

As you can probably see in my photographs, my muji drawers are currently storing a wide variety of radiance boosting, glow inducing products that I enjoy incorporating into my daily makeup routine. From primers to highlighters, I like to keep them to hand for easy application. My top two picks are currently the Bourjois Poudre Java Powder; a divine makeup setting powder, and The Balm's Mary Lou Manizer; a honey hued highlighter.  

For perfume, I like to make sure I have a few favourites on top of my storage for an easy spritz in the morning. I've finally began using the Aerin Lilac Path offering daily as the lightweight, floral scent is perfect for Summer. 

I've accumulated my fair share of face powders and blushers over the past year, but as someone who has only got one face, I can't justify filling my makeup bag with more than one. Depending on the occasion, I like to swap and switch up the colours and the formulas I wear, so the Muji drawers are great at being able to select one with ease. 

How do you store your makeup? 

If a product is marked with a  * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliates. 

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Five Products I've Bought Lately

Slowly but surely, my makeup and skincare wishlist has begun to grow and grow. After finally convincing myself that I need to treat myself, I decided to pick up some of my most coveted items and I thought I'd share what I bought with you today. 

As an Essie enthusiast I'm always on the look out for new shades to try, but after moving house ruined the majority of them, I've had to slowly start building up my collection again. Ladylike and Spin The Bottle are two repurchases of mine and their neutral hues are perfect for the warmer months. 

I'm slowly running out of my Nars Copacabana Highlighter, so I decided to pick up it's alleged dupe, the NYX Born To Glow Liquid Illuminator. I've been smitten with using a liquid highlighter after a radiance boosting primer -but before my foundation- for an added glow. Although more subtle than the Nars offering, this is gorgeous on the cheekbones for an understated sheen. 

On the top of my list was the Pixi Peel and Polish as I was in desperate need of a new exfoliator and I've been meaning to try more of their skincare for a while now. Although glycolic exfoliators are all the rage at the moment, I do love a course scrub to instantly get rid of dry patches and promote radiant skin. Although I've only been trialling this for a little while and I can't yet give a full review, I have been loving the way it makes my skin look and feel. 

I've been seeing the Ordinary's Glycolic Acid Toning Solution everywhere at the moment and after tracking the much coveted item online, I finally got my hands on it. An initially comparable product to the Pixi Glow Tonic, I thought it would be good for reducing blemishes and midly exfoliating the skin. So far so good, but at the moment it's too early to see whether it's made any long term changes to my complexion. 

Another The Ordinary purchase of mine is the AHA 30% Peeling Solution, a hybrid of an exfoliator and mask that works to improve your skin's texture and brighten the complexion too. At £6.50, I was skeptical, but after using it once, I was pleasantly surprised by the instant results. Obviously I can't give it a review yet, but the thought of putting an acid solution on your skin was far more scary than the reality. 

What have you been buying lately? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliates. 

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25 Easy To Do Lifestyle Blog Post Ideas

Slowly but surely I'm getting more into lifestyle posts on my blog; from sharing my interior tips to telling you little better. I know how hard it is to think of ideas when you're in a rut, so after the success of my 40 beauty blog post ideas, I thought I would compile a lifestyle list too. 

- What I've been loving lately 
- Netflix TV shows to watch in one sitting 
- Three recipes to try
- Stationery must haves 
- Things to do on a sunny Summer's day
- A fitness routine 
- Share your favourite Instagram accounts 
- DIY's you want to try 
- Books to read this Summer
- Childhood favourites (Books, films etc) 
- Adding greenery to your room 
- Home accessories tour 
- Sharing your day in photographs 
- A new season wishlist 
- Share your top blogging tips 
- Making your house feel like a home 
- Your Spring playlist 
- Favourite cook books
- 24 hours in a city/your home town
- A bedroom tour
- A monthly do-to list
- Your favourite hobbies
- Ways to relax and de-stress
- Your go-to homeware shops 
- Half year goals  

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Everyday Shimmer and Sparkle Picks

Adding sparkle, shimmer and glitter to my everyday makeup routine is one of life's little pleasures at the moment, as the iridescent picks brighten my mood and make me feel somewhat magical every time I wear them. After seeing A Girl Obsessed's post, I was inspired to do my own post all about my top shimmery and sparkly picks. 

Although glitter and shimmer on the eyes are usually associated with the festive period, I have started to embrace it all year round. The MAC Tan Pigment is great at adding a shimmery copper hue to the eye as it can be worked into an everyday smoky eye with ease and the Nars Rigel Eyeshadow is a dreamy, champagne shade that looks perfect in the inner corners of the eyes too. 

Highlighter is obviously one of the easiest way to get shimmer and sparkle into your makeup routine, but it doesn't always have to be able the ones you apply to the tops of your cheekbones. The Bourjois Poudre De Riz De Java Powder is perfect if you want an understated glow and radiance to your complexion - Adding longevity to your base too! If you're after a subtle sheen to the cheeks then I would recommend the highlighter from the Charlotte Tilbury Bronze and Glow Palette, but if you're after something a little more intense then theBalm's Mary Lou Manizer and Sleek Solstice Palette are the perfect picks. 

Metallics are still all the rage, but as someone who tends to steer clear of anything too glittery in terms of lipsticks, I never thought I'd be able to incorporate them into my routine. When I got my hands on the Jouer Citronade Rose*, I was skeptical, but once I wore it as a lipstick topper I was converted. It's matte, so it doesn't come off too bold, but the shimmer makes your lips appear fuller and plumper. 

Lastly, I couldn't not give Essie a mention, as they're my go-to for sparkly nail vanishes and Summit Of Style, a gold glitter is a must have all year round. 

What are your favourite glittery makeup picks? 

If a product is marked with * it is a PR sample. This post contains affiliates. 

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