22 Summer Blog Post Ideas

When it comes to Summer blog content I start off feeling inspired and full of ideas, but unlike Autumn where I feel like the ideas are never ending, I start to fizzle out come mid July. I thought I would compile a list to help anybody out in the same position or who may need a few ideas for inspiration. 

- Summer Makeup Routine 
- Wedding Guest Makeup 
- What's On My Holiday Reading List
- A Day In The Life: Summer Edition 
- Heat Proof Products 
- 5 Things You Want To Do This Summer 
- A Pamper Routine For Warmer Weather 
- Blogs To Read This Summer
- Packing Light For Holiday 
- An Everyday OOTD  
- Summer Lipsticks/Blushers/Foundations 
- An End Of Season Round Up 
- Favourite perfumes 
- New Summer Style Additions 
- What You've Been Listening/Watching
- Share Photographs 
- Why Summer Is or Isn't Your Favourite Season 
- Self Tanning Routine
- A Weekend Routine
- Favourite Summer Meals 
- Manicure/Pedicure Must Haves
- Switching Up Your Makeup For Summer 

What's your favourite blog post to read in the Summer? 

Skincare That Banishes Blemishes

Despite having dehydrated, lacklustre skin, I can still get my fair share of blemishes from time to time. I always rely on handful of skincare products to keep my spots at bay or tame any that may be getting out of hand, so here are the products that I'm currently loving: 

I have been quite poorly recently, but I've put the fact that I've not had a single spot down to the Medix8 Blemish Control Pads*. They are soaked in an alcohol free, salicylic acid formula which helps to soften and de-clog pores and lightly exfoliate the skin. This has made me intrigued to try out other salicylic acid products as it really has had a positive effect on my complexion both in appearance and texture. 

Another toner I've been enjoying using is The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid Toning Solution; an alternative to the Pixi Glow Tonic. Both work amazingly at exfoliating, making sure all my makeup is removed and drying out any blemishes I have. 

I've spoken about the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil many times before, but it's seriously good stuff. You apply it just before you go to bed and it helps to banish blemishes and nourish your skin in one go. With a concoction of ylang ylang, jasmine and juniper berries, there's many benefits to this, but I have noticed that (even after using two bottles) it continues to help reduce redness of spots and keep those pesky dry patches from my blemishes. 

For a thorough skin detox, The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution is the best bet. Straight after use your skin feels exfoliated, but as the hours pass, any spots that were underneath the surface come out. It's important to note that this offering makes your skin feel a little sensitive and you should be careful in the sun after use.

If you're looking for something a little less abrasive or a face mask that you can use before makeup to banish any blemishes, then the Lush Mask Of Magnaminty is a long serving favourite of mine. It's cooling due to the peppermint oil, helps prevent spots due to the antiseptic properties of honey and cleanses due to the kaolin. 

For a fast and effective treatment, the Mario Badescu Blemish Lotion is great at reducing the size of your spots overnight and with ease. Just pop a little bit of the pink substance onto a cotton bud and then dab onto any spot that you see - voila! 

What are your favourite products for banishing blemishes?

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

The Makeup I've Been Wearing Lately

I always like to switch up my makeup, whether it's due to the change in weather, the season or I just feel like I need a makeup bag update. I've had a few new additions to my routine, so I thought I'd share the makeup I'm currently wearing.

Bronzers are a must for me during the warmer months, but it can be hard to find one that's the perfect balance between being pigmented, but not too orange. The Becca Sunlit Bronzer* was one I've had my eye on for a while and the shade I chose, Capri Coast, is a great match for my skin tone. It easily sculpts the face, adds a dose of colour and doesn't look flat due to the hint of shimmer it has. 

I'm still very much into cream eyeshadows and a sort of doe-eyed look in the form of the Sigma Brilliant Shimmer Cream*, MAC Bare Study Paint Pot and the NYX Wonder Pencil. The latter is great at lining the eyes, concealing any blemishes and genuinely being a good all-rounder to have in your makeup bag, whilst the other two offerings work perfectly to create an almost wet lid look that can be set easily with a swipe of an eyeshadow. 

The Becca Light Chaser Rose Quartz Highlighter* is one I'm currently testing out, but as a highlighter that isn't like anything else in my collection it has been welcomed with open arms. Although priced the same as their other illuminators, you do get 1.5g of product less, but I can't fault the colour pay off and longevity. It's a pink highlighter that works well as a blusher topper, yet on it's own it's unique shift helps it to blend into the skin, making it- in my opinion- slightly more wearable than even some of my champagne hued highlighters. 

If there's one product that keeps creeping it's way back into my makeup bag it's the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams. Ibiza, a vivid pink, is a new shade in my collection and one that I picked up on a whim. It looks absolutely divine paired with a bare face and bronzed skin and is a shade that I think I'm going to reach for throughout the Summer! 

What makeup have you been wearing lately? 

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

Three Summer Essie Picks

I'm sure you're all aware by now that I'm smitten with Essie nail polishes. I tend to switch them up, bringing a handful of my favourites to the front of my collection every season. Lately I've been scouring the Essie aisle in Boots every week, picking up a few shades I've been lusting after - An expensive habit for sure! I thought I'd share with you three of my top Summer picks that will take you right through the warmer months. 

I usually associate reds with the festive season, but decided to pick up Essie's Russian Roulette on a whim after wanting a bright orange-red for some time. Although in the bottle it can look a little intimidating, on the nails it actually appears like a true red and I bet it would look flattering on all skin tones - You only need one coat if you're in a rush which is a bonus too. 

Next up is Essie's Cute As A Button, a hue that I never thought would make an appearance in my collection. It's bright, it's bold and it's certainly fit for Summer. This coral pink shade has incredible longevity and applies smoothly with the help of Essie's classic wide brush. 

Not Just A Pretty Face is more of an everyday wearable shade than the other two, as it delivers a soft pink hue that is the perfect manicure shade; it elongates your nails making your fingers appear longer. It's glossy, it's girly and it's everything I want in a nail polish. 

What are your favourite Essie nail vanishes?

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

Dreamy Princess Products

I spotted this post on Love, Catherine's blog and instantly fell in love with the idea, so I decided to compile a list full of my princess products that never fail to add a little sparkle and make me feel great. Basically, I wanted another excuse to do a round up of my current favourite pink and champagne hues to share with you.  

Illamasqua is a brand that I used to lust after when I was younger. I'm not sure if it's down to the packaging or not, but it really reminds me of Halloween and the magic of Autumn. Their OMG Beyond Powder is a fairly new addition to my makeup routine, but one that makes my cheekbones dazzle with just one sweep. 

Becca is a brand best known for it's cheek products, whether it's a perky blusher or a luminous highlight, so of course they had to make it into this line up. Their new Light Chaser Highlighters* are beautiful and flattering on the skin, but their Champagne Splits still remain one of my favourites (Although they're hard to get hold of now!). 

When I first set eyes on the Sigma Brilliant Shimmer Cream* I didn't think much of it, but once swatched and worn on the eyes I was smitten. It creates an almost pink, glossy lid effect and when paired with a champagne eyeshadow on top it looks gorgeous, delicate and lasts a long time too! The MAC Bare Study Paint Pot works in a similar way and is beautiful on the lid when doubled up with MAC's Tan Pigment - It reminds me of the festive season whenever I wear it! 

Soft pinks and subtle nudes are what I reach for the most on a daily basis, especially if they have nourishing, easy to wear formulas. The Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments, Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk and YSL Nude In Private are three of my favourites, not only for their pretty packaging, but for their shades too. 

What are your favourite princess picks?  

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The High End Alternatives That Won't Break The Bank

Scouring the aisles of Boots is something that I love to do when I want a little splurge, yet I don't want to break the bank (easier said than done though!). When you've got an eye on a high end product it can be hard to get your mind of it, but today I thought I'd share with you six alternatives and dupes to some of the most beloved products. 

There's been a lot of hype around cushion foundations over the past year or so and although I haven't tried any of the high end offerings, nothing for me could beat the L'Oreal Nude Magique base. This lightweight, fresh pick offers medium, buildable coverage and at under £15, it's nearly half the price of most of the cushion foundations on the market. 

I've previously spoken about the similarities and differences between the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders and the Bourjois Java Rice Powder, but to sum it up, they are the most glow inducing powders that set my makeup beautifully and illuminate in all the right places. The latter obviously comes in at a much more affordable price, so would be the one I'd recommend trying if you like loose powders and luminous finishes. 

Some may put Zoeva eyeshadow palettes in the high end bracket, but at half the price of the Urban Decay Naked palettes, they're a great alternative if you want a range of  complimentary colours. Rose Golden has the same pigmentation and dreamy formula as my other favourite high end eyeshadow brands without the price tag - Under £20 is still fairly good in my eyes for ten beautiful shades. 

If you've been eyeing up the Nars Copacabana Highlighter, then I recommend you listen now as I have found a dupe that actually works in a similar way. The NYX Sunbeam Illuminator is great used underneath your base for a subtle finish or on the top of the cheekbones for a slight sheen.  

I'm sure you're all aware by now how much I adore the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, and I actually owned a fair few before I tried the Jouer Long Wear Lip Cremès*. Both of these smell like sweet vanilla, have a whipped texture and dry down to a comfortable matte. 

Although the Sleek Lip Power Plump Pencils* and Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils look very similar on the outside, with their sleek black packaging and coloured tips, their formulas and colours are fairly comparable too. Although the Sleek picks are more of a satin finish, Raving Rouge is a very similar shade to Nars' Mysterious Red. 

What are your favourite high street dupes? 

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

The Skincare Item You Need To Try

The Ordinary has quickly become one of my favourite skin brands, not just because of their affordable price tags, but because the products I have tried have really delivered. Although I've spoken about it before today, I am talking about my new found love for the glycolic acid 7% toning solution because I think it deserves a full review for itself.

As someone who has used glycolic acid toners in some form or other for many, many years, I love when a new product catches my eye. They help to exfoliate, banish blemishes and make your complexion appear brighter. I was skeptical about trying a toning solution for under £10, but after a few goes I knew I was smitten. It really helped my lacklustre skin and when used in the morning before makeup, it made my makeup go on much smoother. Then when used at night, it got rid of any traces of makeup left behind after cleansing. 

The product it is most comparable to is the Pixi Glow Tonic and I get a lot of questions about the similarities and differences between the two. From the get go, I noticed that The Ordinary's offering has little to no scent at all for despite having ginseng root, aloe vera and Tasmanian pepper berry in it, whereas Glow Tonic has quite a strong scent. Saying this, some have said that the added rosewater did irritate their skin, so be careful when purchasing if you have sensitive skin. The next difference is the percentage of glycolic acid in it, Pixi's pick coming in at 5% and The Ordinary's being at 7%, but if I'm honest I notice very little difference with how the two perform, if anything I find it slightly more gentle on my skin. 

If you're new to trying glycolic acid then I would definitely recommend trying The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toning Solution. 

Have you tried this yet? 

10 Summer Self-Care Ideas

When it comes to the warmer season, I actually struggle to practice self care as I find it easier to get comfy and cosy during the Autumnal months instead. Saying this, I have come across several ways to get myself through the Summer blues, help me unwind regularly and have a little fun in the process. 

Set An Afternoon Aside To Give Yourself Head To Toe Treatments | From dying my eyebrows to painting my toe nails, I like to set an afternoon or evening aside every now and again to pamper and preen myself. Shaving my legs, putting on a face mask and having the most invigorating shower with all my Lush treats. 

Cycle In The Sunshine | So many places let you hire bikes now, either around the woods or a lake. Luckily we have bikes, so I like to make the most of the sunny weather and cycle for a few hours. 

Take Your Favourite Drink Outside | Fizzy elderflower pressé and mint green tea are two of my favourite drinks in the Summer, but instead of drinking them off the sofa, I thought I'd spend just five minutes outside feeling the sun on my face. 

Grow Some Plants | Whether it's taking care of the succulents you already have or going into the garden and planting some new seeds, I actually find any sort of gardening super relaxing. 

Take Your Reading Nook Outside | Find a bench or take your picnic blanket outside into the garden, snuggle up and delve into a new read. 

Treat Yourself | I'm slowly falling in love with the new Ciate products, including their Glow To Highlighter and Blushers - just look at that packaging! I've also got a few new Summer wardrobe pieces that are tempting me too. 

Do Some Summer Baking | Whether it's baking some meringues to make an Eton mess or a twist on the classic lemon drizzle cake (This Summer fruit one sounds amazing!)

Take A Break | It's not always easy to get a weekend off or go away, but taking a break can just be going to the beach or the nearest group of hills. Take some time away from the screen and spend some time in the sun. Maybe even take your favourite Podcast with you! 

If You Like The Feeling Of Christmas, Embrace It | Put on your favourite Christmas episodes from your go-to TV shows or watch old Vlogmas' to make you feel all festive. 

It Doesn't Have To Be Outside | I feel like I've gone on about all the activities you can do outside, but it doesn't always have to be. To keep away from the hot weather, you can turn your fan on, open the windows and stick on your favourite film or box set. 

How do you like to practice self care in the Summer? 

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

Mid Year Lifestyle Favourites

Following on from my mid-year beauty favourites post I did a few days ago, I thought I would do a lifestyle one too. I have compiled a list full of the books I've been reading, the TV shows I've been watching and the things I've been loving. 

Books | I've kind of fallen off the book bandwagon this year, despite telling myself I would try and read a book a week. Saying that, I have found some new reads including We Were On A Break and non-fiction picks like Dreamopedia and Pretty Honest. 

TV Shows | Although not a TV show, I have to give a mention to my favourite discovery of 2017; My Dad Wrote A Porno. This podcast is light hearted, funny and a great listen whenever you need a pick me up. In terms of TV shows, I have been making my way through the My Family box set I got for Christmas, a long term favourite of mine as well as enjoying new seasons of Broadchurch, Orange Is The New Black and Love Island. 

Food  | I've really tried to embrace each season and use it as an excuse to switch up my eating habits. I've been finding lots of yummy recipes to try including overnight oats, mushroom curry and mushroom, halloumi and avocado burgers. 

The Places I've Been | Back in February and earlier this month, we went on two staycations to Wales, both being trips that have helped me relax and unwind for a week. In April, we headed back to the Harry Potter tour even though we had only gone six months previously, it was still as magically, if not more, the second time around (A third trip anyone?).

I have also decided to make a bucket list for this year, compiling all the places we want to go, all the things we want to see and what we want to do to ensure that we get everything done. It involves picking fruit, going to Paris and visiting the christmas markets.  

What I've Achieved | Since the new year, I've been working really hard on blog content, photography and the way I promote it. I finally feel settled with the work I'm producing, whilst enjoying it along the way too. I was also beauty editor for Blogosphere's magazine not once, but twice this year which is a huge achievement that I'm proud to celebrate. Although I don't like to track my success by numbers, I thought I'd give a mention to reaching 4,000 followers on Bloglovin - Which is a crazy amount! 

What have you been loving so far this year? 

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

Spring To Summer Makeup

Spring for me was all about the subtle pinks and the soft shimmers, the nourishing lipsticks and healthy, hydrating bases. Although my makeup between Spring and Summer only changes a little, I wanted to document this for you today. So with Summer being less than a week away, here are my top transitional picks. 

The weather is now in the 20's and this is when my makeup tends to slip and slide, especially my base. The Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray* is perfect for spritzing on quickly before your foundation to ensure that it stays on all day. 

I've been embracing the cream formulas at the moment because they appear fresher on my skin, I've always struggled with the majority of them up until now, but I've dug out the H&M Cream Blusher as it is great at adding just the right amount of colour to your cheeks. 

Cream eyeshadows are a re-discovery of mine this Summer because they're super quick to apply -especially in stick form- and they're light on the lid. They are also great in conjunction with powders or to be worn on their own for a subtle finish. The By Terry Misty Rock Ombre Blackstar and Charlotte Tilbury Bronzed Garnet Colour Chameleon are two of my favourites as they're long wearing and are gorgeous colours. 

Nourishing lipsticks with intense pigmentation are hard to come by, but I've now found my fair share. The Clarins Joli Rouge Lipsticks* have been favourites of mine for some time now and, come the warmer months, I always bring them back out. Another favourite has been the L'Oreal Eva's Nude Lipstick; a perky pink offering that can be worn daily with ease.  

How do you transition your makeup from Spring to Summer? 

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

10 Ways To Add A Little Magic To Your Summer

A couple of months ago, I did a post all about 12 ways to add a little bit of magic to your everyday life, but now I want to expand to a seasonal post and share with you my favourite things to do to add a little magic this Summer. 


Pick Up A Massive Bunch Of Peonies | If there's one flower that makes me feel magical just to see or sniff it, then it's peonies. Their scent brings back really good memories for me and I like to have a bunch or two every so often. 

Reminisce | I recently asked on Twitter about what things you collected when you were a child and it got me reminiscing. I personally used to be obsessed with all things fairies, crystals and gemstones. It's a great way to feel like a child again, even if it's listening to the music you used to listen to or going to a place you haven't been to in a while. 

Eat Your Dinner Outside By Lantern Light | Dig out all of your tea lights to put in lanterns and light any of the candles that haven't been lit since Winter, so you can eat your dinner in a romantic style. 

Find A Hill, Grab A Book and Watch The Sunset | The pink pastel skies as the sun sets in the Summer are so beautiful and as it's getting dark much later nowadays it gives me enough time to pack up some dinner, grab a book and head to the local hills to watch the sun set. 

Go To A Lavender Field or Fruit Picking | There's something quite special about seeing the lilac lavender fields or the bushes full of strawberries lined up ready to pick. It's a great way to spend the afternoon, but it's also means that you display fresh lavender in your house or whip up a batch of strawberry jam. 

Twirl Around | Whether it's a floaty dress or a midi skirt, twirling around bare footed in freshly cut grass is one of life's little luxuries for me. 

The Outdoor Cinema  | We've got quite a few options of outdoor cinemas near us, whereby you sit in your cars or you grab your picnic blankets to watch some old classics (we're eyeing up Hot Fuzz or Shaun Of The Dead at the moment). 

Make A Garden Den | If outdoor cinema's aren't your thing, then you can always set up an outdoor den between two chairs in the garden, bundle in some blankets, add some fairy lights for good measure and snuggle up watching a Harry Potter film or two - It's a great way to stay cool whilst you binge watch your favourites! 

Drink All The Elderflower and Get Bubbles Up Your Nose | Elderflower is such a summery drink for me and is one that always gives me a fizzy nose whenever I drink it. 

Build Sandcastles | I may no longer be a child, but I can still build a top notch sandcastle (obviously with a flag and a moat!). I don't think I can go to a sandy beach without getting the bucket and spade out. 

How do you like to add a little magic to your Summer?

A Casual Makeup Look

With the weather being all over the place at the minute, my enthusiasm to wear a lot of makeup usually takes a bit of a hit right about now. Today I wanted to share with you a casual makeup look that I've been loving. 

For base, I love using a good all-rounder that will perfect, conceal and add radiance too. The L'Oreal Nude Magique Cushion Foundation has been a Summer essential for the second  year running due to it's lightweight formula and medium build coverage, as it means I don't have to bother with concealer if I don't want to. 

Bronzer can be easily worked into this routine, but my absolute favourite way to add colour is through blush. The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blusher has been another long serving favourite of mine due to it's natural, soft finish and skin brightening shade. 

Eyes are usually something I leave bare if I'm after a minimal makeup look, but the By Terry Ombre Blackstars and Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleons make it so easy to create a soft, smokey eye in an instant. They're creamy and super pigmented, making them easy to blend and wear in the warmer weather without compromising on longevity. It's great when paired with a lengthening and voluminsing mascara. 

A casual makeup look wouldn't be the same without a staple nude lip courtesy of the Nars Bahama Velvet Lip Pencil. This mauve shade is great as it's understated and easy to wear on a day-to-day basis, but is still dreamy and nourishing. 

What are your casual makeup must haves? 

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

3 Oils For Dry, Lacklustre Skin

As someone who suffers from dehydrated, lacklustre skin, adding oils into my daily skincare routine was one of the best things I ever did. They can add an intense boost of hydration and, in some cases, can banish blemishes or subtly exfoliate the skin. Here are my top three facial oil picks. 

First up is the Caudalie Overnight Detox Oil*, the thickest offering I've ever tried, but this doesn't stop it from feeling comfortable and working amazingly. It sits on the skin similar to a mask, sinking in after an hour or two. It boosts the skin's radiance, battles fatigue and keeps the skin feeling fresh. 

Although not a traditional oil, The Ordinary's Peeling Solution has an oil consistency and delivers radiant looking skin in under ten minutes, so I had to include it in this line up. It pulls out all my impurities and exfoliates the skin, making it appear glowing and clear. 

A long running favourite of mine is the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil, a blemish busting pick that sinks in to the skin in a flash and leaves my skin feeling refreshed instantly. Although the smell may be a little strong to some people, there is a reason why I've repurchased this several times. 

What are your favourite facial oils? 

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

Mid Year Beauty Favourites

After looking through all my new discoveries of 2017 I decided to do a mid-year favourites post, compiling all the products I've been loving in the first six months of this year (How are we half way through already?). 

I've been trying to be a little bit better at which makeup I purchase, steering away from impulse buys and only picking up the items that I've been lusting after for a while. I picked up the Nars Radiance Primer back in March when I was on the look out for a base that would prolong my foundation wear, add a subtle glow and smooth over any imperfections - This offering does all three and I have been smitten ever since. 

The NYX Sunbeam Illuminator is a fairly new addition to my makeup collection, but one that I've hardly put down. It's a cheaper alternative to the Nars Copacabana Highlighter, being only a fraction of the price. It's great for the warmer days when I want a natural glow and it can be used underneath foundation to illuminate your face beautifully. 

I wasn't originally going to include the Bourjois Java Rice Powder in this line up, but after some time thinking, I realised that I have used it nearly daily since I got it. It's great at just sweeping over your face to quickly set your makeup and brighten any areas that appear dull. 

Blushers have been the recent obsession of mine and multiple offerings have made it into my makeup bag. The Hourglass Surreal Light Palette was one of my top purchases and I have been using it ever since I bought it. With a range of three shades suitable for all seasons, I no doubt will be using this for the rest of the year too. On the cheaper side of blushers, another favourite is the NYX Mauve Me Ombre Blusher, a nude hue that compliments my skin tone and adds just the right amount of colour to my cheeks. 

I could be here all day listing all the lipsticks that have wooed me lately, because I'd say this is the area f products that I've been most impressed by since the start of the year. Saying that, there is one lipstick that stands head and shoulders above the rest; the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick. This soft pink nude pick is nourishing, comfortable and easy to wear on a daily basis. 

Skincare hasn't been high up on my to-buy list because I've trying to use up my endless stash of cleansers, toners and micellar waters, but Pixi and The Ordinary were two brands that I've been wanting to try. The Glycolic Acid has been amazing for my problematic skin this Spring and Summer; lightly exfoliating and clearing my complexion of blemishes. I've recently ran out of my Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, so I may need to pick up another bottle of it soon as although it's not a 2017 new pick, I really fell back in love with it this year. 

What have you been loving so far this year? 

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

What I've Learnt From Taking A Break

When you blog regularly like myself, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and even harder to take a proper break. Not opening my laptop up for a week and having very limited phone signal meant that I had no choice but to relax and now I feel better than ever. Here is what I learnt from taking a break for a week. 

Wifi Free? No Problem | Although I liked to check in on Twitter for fifteen minutes a day whenever we happened to be in a cafe with wifi, I didn't pine after the internet like I thought I would. In fact, I quite enjoyed switching off completely, riding bikes around for several hours a day and relaxing with a book or two by the fire. I have to admit though, that instead of aimlessly scrolling through Instagram like I usually would do, this did get switched up with watching episodes of Four In A Bed and Come Dine With Me in the late afternoon whilst we were getting dressed for dinner (Guilty!). 

I Need To Invest In More Books | Not only more books, but more time to read too. I'm forever guilty of only reading before bed, as I find sitting with a page turner so much easier in the Autumn. I followed the tradition of bringing a Harry Potter book on holiday with me and it took me off into my own little world for a while - perfect when paired with the storms we had over the last few days of our break. 

Do I Need To Make It Regular? | I think going away really taught me how much I actually needed it and although it's not possible to go away very often, I've finally realised how much it benefits me to take regular breaks. I'm very guilty of saying I'll have a day of self-care, but end up only having a quarter of the day doing what I want to do. I want to make more time to spend away from my phone. 

I'm Ready To Go Back | I thought on the way back on Friday, it would hit me that I only had a couple more days to go until I was officially back to work, but as I write this post now, I'm actually feeling more inspired than ever. As I daily blog, it's been nice not to have to constantly think of new ideas and never feel like you're ever ahead with work, but I've had a whole week just to ponder and clear my mind ready for the new week. 

Have you taken a break away from your blog recently? 

June Makeup Bag

I'm still on a mission to use as many products in my collection as possible, rediscovering old favourites and digging out any makeup I haven't used yet. June is all about lightweight bases with SPF, nourishing lipsticks and radiant boosting highlighters. 

My base is still very much the same and I can't see it changing soon, so blushers are what I'm currently experimenting with. The Nars Fevror Duo was slowly gathering dust in the back of my muji drawers after not pulling this one out in months, so I decided to put the perky pink pairing back in my makeup bag for June. 

Rather than purchasing the new Tanya Burr Neutral Ambience Palettes (which look gorgeous!), I decided to dig out my beloved Birthday Suit palette. With four easy to wear, everyday eyeshadows, this one is great at creating a variety of brown smokey looks. 

Although the UK weather is rather unpredictable, I expect that as the weather gets warmer, I will need to tailor my makeup to last longer and withstand the heat. I always have an irrational fear of my eyebrows melting off in the heat, but there's no need to worry with the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow, as once it's on it stays put all day. 

The NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams are my favourite all year around, but with a NYX stand just down the road from me, I have been picking up some more Summer appropriate lipsticks. Subtle corals, vivid reds and everyday nudes are currently on the lipstick menu and I can see that they will take me through the Summer. 

What have you got in your June makeup bag? 

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

A Summer Skincare Routine

Although I am someone whose makeup chops and changes fairly regularly, I actually have a pretty steady routine when it comes to skincare; only changing up products depending on the season. For Summer, I have been reaching for nourishing makeup removers and spot busting treatments to help get my skin looking radiant and clear for the warmer months. 

I've been doing my first cleanse with the La Roche Posay Micellar Gel*, but it's nearly finished so I think I've replaced it with my beloved Bioderma Micellar Water. It gets rid of the majority of my makeup before going in with my second cleanse. 

I tend to stick to the cleansers that boosts radiance, so I've been opting for the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel to help melt away any traces of makeup left and nourish the skin. 

When I want more of a coarse scrub, I love using the Pixi Peel and Polish as it exfoliates all my dry patches and delivers soft, radiant looking skin. For a quick fix, you can scrub and then go or you can leave it on for five minutes to have a more intensive treatment. 

The Ordinary's Glycolic Acid has been a must have in my routine recently and I've been reaching for it every night. It's a simple chemical exfoliator that helps to clear and gently polish the skin. It's an absolute treat to use and I've started to really see the long term benefits. 

As for masks, I have been reaching for two, the first being The Ordinary's AHA Peeling Solution, an intense treatment that pulls out impurities, smoothes the complexion and deeply exfoliates too. Be careful though as this has warnings about using it and avoiding the sun (always wear SPF!). Next up is an essential of mine, the Lush Mask Of Magnaminty; a clarifying and soothing offering that can be used both on the face and body. The added peppermint makes this mask extra refreshing; perfect for cooling down in the Summer - plus the new packaging is super cute too! 

I'm still undecided about getting a jade roller, so I've been practicing face massaging for several weeks now and I've got to admit I love this little ritual I have every evening. I haven't noticed a huge difference, but it relaxes me and gets me ready for bed. I then apply my Caudalie Overnight Oil* to my face to hydrate, soothe and smooth my complexion. 

What skincare have you been using?

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

How I Create Daily Blog Content

I started daily blogging at the end of Summer last year and I haven't looked back since. It's super addictive and I now have more blog post ideas than I ever have done. Although there's no magic formula to being able to post daily, I have put together some of my top tips to help you manage. 

Use The Seasons | People always laugh at how much I mention the different seasons in my blog posts, but they are a main source of inspiration for me. I often chop and change my beauty regime depending on whether it's hot or cold outside, so I like to use this to my advantage.

Doing monthly favourites, end of season round ups and sharing your Summer makeup routines are all easy seasonal ideas and many of them you can do every month. 

Photography Is The Hard Part | When I first started daily blogging, I found finding different ways to snap a product or do a flatlay one of the hardest aspects, but after finding my feet a little I have fallen into a routine. I don't photograph too far ahead, but if I have a blog prop with a shelf life like flowers, then I have several photographs that I want to snap using the fresh blooms and space them out over the upcoming weeks. I've got many props for my blog photography like dishes, blankets and copper bells, to make sure each photograph is varied and unique. 

Switch Up What You Write About | Although I predominately blog about beauty, splicing in elements of lifestyle and fashion enables me to daily blog. I like to share what I've been watching, loving and lusting after regularly and it's actually a great way to get to know a blogger better too.

The Techniques | I mentioned many of my blog techniques here and how the three word method and spider diagram are two of my favourites. I particular like picking up a product, writing one to three post ideas about that particular product and repeating this process with several other products until you have a long list of ideas. This one is great if you're on a budget and you're looking for different ways to use your existing makeup - The longer you do it, the easier the ideas flow. 

Motivate Yourself First | When I'm settling down for a writing, photographing or planning session, I like to make myself as comfortable as possible, have everything I need out in front of me and any inspiration I need. Motivating yourself can be super difficult, but never put too much pressure on yourself to get content out daily as it's all about quality not quantity. 

Would you ever consider daily blogging?