The Seven Skin Method

After seeing this method on That Grace Girl's Instagram recently, it reminded me that I wanted to give this Korean method a try. It works by layering seven toners on your skin to help your skin absorb more product as it claims that if you only apply one thin layer then it tends to evaporate before your skin reaps the benefits. 

Despite having quite an extensive skincare collection, I've kept my toner range to a minimum in comparison. Luckily, I like to use this method by either using the same toner seven times, two toners one after the other or using an acid first followed up by moisturising ones afterwards. The Fresh Rose Deep Hydration Toner* was the first offering that sprang to mind when this method came about as I know my complexion loves it and it's thin enough to not feel too heavy on my skin. 

This method is definitely to be done at night when you have a lot of time as you have to wait for each layer to sink in before you go in with the next. You have to remember to pat the product into the skin with your fingers rather than using any pads that soak up the toner or swiping which may mean you won't get all the benefits. It's not something I'd do everyday, but if you've got a pamper night going on and your skin needs some extra TLC then it's definitely one to look into further. You can read more about the method over on Glow Recipe's post here. 

If I use an acid toner first I tend to reach for my go-to Pixi Glow Tonic* just to help my skin get rid of dry patches and brighten the complexion too. I then apply two other Pixi products I really like, the Pixi Essence* and Pixi Rose Tonic* which both add hydration and radiance with every level leaving my skin looking very healthy and glowing. 

The Nuxe Aquabella Essence-Lotion* is thicker in formula than a traditional toner and for me, it feels to heavy to do the whole seven layers with this one, but it's a great finisher for tightening pores and making your complexion glow with the addition of hyaluronic acid and white lily. Another finisher I like is the Fresh Rose Toner* which you simply spritz and pat into the skin - it's nothing too intense, but is great if you're just starting out this method. 

Have you tried the seven skin method? 

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

A Pixi Makeup Round Up

Amongst all the amazing products Pixi has released, people's minds tend to wander to their skincare range rather than makeup, but today I'm sharing with you all of the pieces from my collection and my thoughts too. 

Pixi makeup was never really on my radar for a while, but their Weylie Eyeliner* which came with their eyeshadow palette is one of the most long lasting eyeliners I've ever tried - it seriously doesn't budge! After using this one up, I switched to their single Eyeliner* and it's just as good. 

I recently did a full post on the Pixi Pretties, so I won't go into too much detail, but the Cholette Palette* is a great multitasker as it has a range of eyebrow, eyeshadow and blusher shades to choose from. If you prefer a natural look on your eyes then you definitely won't need for any other eyeshadow and the same goes for blushers, as there's three for all different occasions. 

The Cafe Con Dolce Palette* is made up of nine shimmering shades that have a powder to cream formula that can be used on your cheeks and lid for a pop of highlighter in the inner corner or a sweep of colour on the apples. They're not the most wearable shades and you may struggle to use them all, but if you like experimenting or you're a fan of shimmer then it's definitely one to give a swatch. 

I've tried both their Liquid Lipsticks* and their Cake Lip Icing* and although the latter is my favourite, the liquid lipsticks are still super lovely, comfortable and come in a range of easy, everyday shades. The lip icing makes my lips look fully and healthy, my only problem I have with them is that it's in the same packaging as their Liquid Fairy Lights* which gets quite confusing when you're reaching for a lipgloss and getting eyeshadow. Talking of the liquid eyeshadow, they're definitely for the glitter lover as they pack a lot of punch, but BareBrillance and Rose Gold are the two shades that I decided to keep in my makeup bag. 

The Glow-y Gossamer Duos* are highlighters that add a gorgeous glow to anywhere you apply it. Delicate Dew is my favourite of the two as it gives that wet look that looks natural, yet super radiant at the same time. I've been using it so much since I got sent it and I'm so happy I gave it a good shot. 

I've got a few of their eye makeup products on top of their liquid eyeshadows too including their Mascara Primer* which is nothing mind blowing when applied to the upper lashes, but it's great for the lower ones and the Endless Silky Eye Pens* which are another one of their eyeliners that don't budge and is insanely pigmented. They have bright offerings that aren't for the faint hearted, but I find the matte ones really workable into my everyday routine. 

The Extra Eye Bright Liner* is great when ran along the waterline to brighten up the whole eye and it's particularly good when paired with just a simple layer of mascara for an everyday, relaxed look. 

What Pixi makeup have you tried? 

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

Three Blogging Tips To Know

I feel like in blogging there are certain things that aren't talked about like money, but giving out advice is another taboo subject too as there are so many ways to blog and go about things. Saying this, I wanted to compile a list of just a few of my blogging tips and discoveries I've made over the years that might help some of you out. 

Have A Plan B | Now when making money through affiliate links, I think it can be easy to put all your eggs in one basket and stick with just one site. Affiliate links work in different ways depending on which site you use, some use earn per click which means you earn a tiny amount if somebody clicks on that specific link or you earn per sale which means you only get a percentage of that sale if someone buys the product (at no extra cost to them ever!). The reason why I say use different affiliate sites for these is that you don't get your percentage straight away, you often have to reach a certain threshold ie. £20, £100 and if you're slowing building this up anything can happen in the process like the site shutting down and you don't want to have to start from scratch with a different site. For instance I use four sites for a range of different affiliate links this way I can cover a broad range of shops, brands and companies too. 

Social Media | Now I'm not saying you have to be on any social media to start a blog, but if you want to get yourself out there to more people then it's definitely the easier way to go about things. Trust me when I tell you I know what it feels like to stretch yourself too thin over too many social media platforms, that's why I like to keep it to three; Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram. Different platforms use different strategies, I schedule my tweets for Twitter, creating eye catching, engagement content for Instagram and share photographs to Pinterest and Pinterest boards. 

I use Tweetdeck to schedule my tweets as I find it the simplest, I rely on myself to post on Instagram, currently using Unfold to create some funky looking Insta Stories (although new apps come out and things change!) and I push Pinterest photographs when I see fit, usually in the morning that the post goes live. I think having easy to find handles are great to make sure people can find you on everything with ease. 

Let's Talk Money | If you've come here to see how much you should charge for your sponsored blog posts or Instagrams then you've come to the wrong person as I've been given all sorts of advice and guides over the years, yet it's taken me to this year to really judge what I should be charging. Things to consider is views, engagement, social media following, DA, how much work it'll take etc. If you get 1000 views on a blog post and you're getting lots of click throughs to the product you're promoting or getting comments engaging with what you're saying these are all valuable assets and one's to consider when putting together you're pricing. 

I get a lot of questions about how to approach the topic of charging to the PR and 80% of the time it'll be mentioned to me first, but I've definitely asked if there's a budget if I feel like there are lots of specifics the PR wants. I always go by 'if you don't ask, you don't get' and knowing your worth should always be at the forefront of your mind. Saying this, if you don't want to charge a brand, don't. There's no one rule for everybody! 

Disclaimer: This is what has worked for me, I am no expert when it comes to the ins and outs of blogging. I work hard, always follow guidelines and I try to keep up with new approaches to blogging. 

What are your top blogging tips? 

Bank Holiday TLC Facial

I don't mean to rub it in, but I've got an extra day either side of this bank holiday off and I'm loving it as it means I get to do all of my plans and have some time for myself too. My skin tends to play havoc with me during this time of the year because of the impending weather change, but I've decided to get one step ahead of the game and give myself my skin the TLC it deserves. 

After my usual cleansing and toning routine, I apply a thin layer of the Glossier Priming Moisturiser Rich as it seriously packs a punch in terms of hydration. I like to use this after I've exfoliated when my skin is struggling with lots of dry patches to try and get it back to tip-top condition. 

When I want to give myself a proper treat I use a face mask or two, starting with the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial to help brighten my skin and get it looking clear again and follow it up with the Fresh Rose Face Mask* to boost radiance and promote softness. 

Another duo that works in a similar way is the Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask*, a long time favourite of mine that works to reduce blemishes due to it's antiseptic and antioxidant properties. Next up I use the Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask another go-to of mine as I love slathering on a thick, rich layer of this offering as it never fails to make my skin glow and feel super healthy afterwards - plus it smells good enough to eat! 

I've been looking into investing in a face roller like this Rose Quartz one as I've heard amazing benefits of using something like this and I'm all for giving everything a go.

What are your favourite skin facial products? 

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

Full Face High Street Makeup

 There are so many gems on the high street and I really feel like they've upped their game in recent years. After scouring the aisles of Boots last week, I felt inspired to put together a full face makeup look featuring all of my favourite pieces from the high street that all come in for under £15 each. 

For a base, I used to love the Bourjois Happy Light Matte Primer which was one of, if not the best budget primer I've ever used, but I recently discovered that it looks like it's been discontinued. The next on that helps to keep my makeup look shine free and pores minimised is the NYX Pore Filler Primer* which is very similar to it's Benefit dupe in feel and helps my foundation go on smoothly. Talking of foundation, it's the Bourjois Healthy Mix offering that I reach for the most as it offers a great amount of coverage, sits comfortably on the skin and looks natural too. For an extra amount of coverage I use my favourite budget concealer, the NYX HD pick as it's light enough for me to use underneath the eyes and never looks like it just sits on top of my skin either. 

If I want to make sure my face looks absolutely flawless and I feel like I have an extra five minutes to spare, I do colour correcting, using the orange corrector to counteract any dark circles I have and lilac to promote radiance. The LA Girl Colour Correctors* are my go-to as I don't use them near enough to currently invest in any and these come in at under £5 each. 

To set my base, I use the Bourjois Java Rice Powder as it boosts radiance, yet doesn't make me look glittery whatsoever. One of my top tips when buying from the high street is to avoid any liquid formulas like primers, foundations and concealers that have shimmer particles in because usually doesn't blend into the skin and they don't look natural to the eye. 

If you're looking for an affordable contour and highlight, then look no further and Sleek has your back. Fun fact, but the Face Form Palette was the first product I reviewed and it's still a favourite to this day. The bronzing shade is the one we're talking about today as it's the perfect tone to help define the cheekbones and add warmth too. For highlight, it's the Cleopatra's Kiss Quad* that I think is dreamy and adds the most gorgeous glow to the complexion. 
For a pop of colour on your cheeks there's a few blushers I have to umm and ahh over including the Soap and Glory Peach Party Brick* which is a super shimmering offering, so it won't be for everybody, but I think it looks very pretty especially this time of the year. 

There's so many eyeshadows on the high street, it's no surprise that so many people feel overwhelmed by the choice. I'm slightly cheating here as the full priced NYX Cool Neutrals Palette* comes in over £15, but there's so many places at the moment to get it cheaper that I thought I'd slip it in anyway. There's 16 shades and they can help you to create a variety of looks with ease. The Ultimate Warm Neutrals looks like it'd be gorgeous too if you're more into the deep red and shimmering cooper hues. 

My liquid liner of choice is still the L'Oreal Super Liner which always stays in place all day, looking extremely black too. At the moment I've been lining my eyes with a darker brown eyeshadow and smudging it out, so I then just apply several layers of my mascara. There's so many great budget mascaras on the market especially from Maybelline, my favourite being the Sensational one. If I want some extra volume, I apply a pair of eyelashes in the form of the Eylure Fleur De Force ones as they look natural, sit great against my lash line and I always get compliments whenever I wear them. 

I define my eyebrows using the Soap and Glory Brow Archery* which I find a great match for my brows and both sides help to create a fuller, neater looking brow. To finish the look off I apply the NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams, whatever shade I feel matches my look (London is a fave!) and they never fail to look great and feel comfortable too. 

What are your high street makeup favourites?

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

Summer Body Care

With the quick downpour of rain we've had recently, it may not feel like Summer at the moment, but nevertheless it's due to return and therefore I'm pressing on with today's blog post - my current Summer body care routine. 

Fruity body washes are my current go-to, I love anything to refreshes and lingers on the skin to get rid of all the dirt, sweat and grime off my skin after a long day. A cool shower and the Original Source Mint Shower Gel is always blissful and the Imperial Leather Tropic Like It's Hot is the perfect addition to your shower if you want something good enough to eat. 

I would usually got for something a little bit more heavy duty when it comes to body scrubs, but during the Summer I've been loving something super simple, so the Ecococo Coconut Vanilla Scrub* has been my go-to. It can be sprinkled in the bath for a relaxing soak or used in the shower to prep your pins, my favourite way of using it. 

I'm a bit of a fake tan fiend, but as I've already got quite a good tan at the moment, I've decided to opt for a gradual tanner to keep the golden glow topped up and give me more of an even look (I've got the oddest tan lines). The NKD SKN Gradual Tanner* has been the perfect option for this as it's super easy to use as you only need 10 minutes to apply it and wash it off, plus it isn't drying at all, in fact it leaves your skin feeling silky smooth. 

What are your favourite body care products at the moment? 

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

The New Calvin Klein Women Perfume

- This post is sponsored by Fragrance Direct, but all thoughts are my own - 


If there's one thing that never fails to brighten up my day, it's a perfume that reminds me of long Summer days and the new Calvin Klein Women EDP which has recently launched on Fragrance Direct is the perfect one for this season. 

The bottle looks like nothing else I've got on my dressing table at the moment as the lid has an unique curved edge and printed black eye which makes it very contemporary, whilst the glass bottle itself oozes of a classic elegance. I always take a look at perfume bottles as it's the first thing that draws your attention and this one definitely won't be at the back of the shelf. 

With top notes of eucalyptus, heart notes of orange flower and base notes of cedar wood, this scent is the perfect balance between floral and woody without being too overpowering nor underwhelming either. It's fragrance is a great pick me up and whenever I feel like I need a refresh, I simply spritz this on and I instantly feel better. It's fresh, crisp fragrance is very distinctive, but sways away from being the usual ultra-sickly sweet that you often see in women's perfumes. 

Although it instantly reminds me of fresh, Summer days, I imagine that it's woody scent won't go amiss in the Autumnal and transitional months too. It's always a delight to smell it whenever the wind catches my dress, but I imagine it'll be just as comforting wrapped up in layers too. 

Buy the new Calvin Klein Women Eau De Parfum over at Fragrance Direct.

Will you be checking out this new fragrance? 

This post contains affiliate links. 

Luxury Skincare Favourites

When it comes to skincare, I've got my fair share of luxury products because I love trialling new lotions and potions out when I can, comparing the more pricier options with the high street alternatives. Today, I thought I'd give you a little sneak peak into my collection and showcase some of my favourites too. 

Starting with my favourite type of skincare; face masks. Clarifying, nourishing, chemical or pore extracting, I love them all, but it's the Drunk Elephant Baby Facial that stands out the most to me. It's not a product that's readily available in the UK yet, but when it is I know I'll want to invest in a big bottle as the little travel sized one has lasted me so long and has helped me battle many of my skin woes throughout this year. If you're looking for a hydrating luxe mask then the Glow Recipe Watermelon* offering is your best bet as it's definitely steep in price, but if you want to treat yourself then your skin will love it. It's a gel type consistency that can be worn for several hours for a deep treatment and my skin always feel so smooth afterwards. 

Fresh is one of my favourite skincare brands and although they may not be as expensive as other brands on the market, they still feel super luxury to me. Every single of their products excites me as there hasn't been one yet that my skin hasn't loved in some way. They always smell great, deliver amazing results and look perfect on my skincare shelf too - always a plus. It's hard to narrow down my favourites, but the Fresh Rose Mask* and Hydrating Moisturiser* has to be too products that are up there in my go-tos. 

The first time I saw Farmacy was on Instagram, their simple packaging and their promises of skin loving ingredients enticed me in. I've only tried their Honey Potion* and Honey Drop*, the latter being a lightweight moisturiser that sinks in the skin almost instantly and the former, a mask like no other. If you're looking for something a little different the mask is definitely one to try as there's no doubt dropping £51 on a mask is expensive, but let me tell you it's an experience. It's a warming mask which feels odd when applied to the skin as it's gloopy texture is rather fun to play around with, but it soon gets to work on any lacklustre spots I may have. 

Pixi is a brand I've used for many years now and it's one that I've built quite a collection up of. Their famous Glow Tonic* sits pride of place on my dressing table (and not just because it's got my name on...), but because it has helped clear my skin and improve it's texture over time too. Their Double Cleanser* is one that I'd totally recommend if you're looking to save time and space, whilst the Peel and Polish* is a great exfoliator if you're looking for something a little more intense than glow tonic. 

I feel like I haven't mentioned Aesop in a while, but it's a high end brand I really rate. Their Fabulous Face Oil* is a nourishing oil that seriously packs a punch and their Parsley Seed Cleansing Oil* is still a product on my to-repurchase list as it was so good at removing my makeup and never stripping my skin either. 

Talking of repurchasing products, the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel* is one that I have done many times and very recently was sent too. It's a long time favourite of mine and I've been using it lots recently, despite wanting to save it for the Autumn months. It's nourishing, removes makeup and helps keep my skin feeling softer too. A blemish treatment I have been using after cleansing is the Murad Outsmart Blemish Control* as it helps to banish any angry looking spots I have and keeps my complexion looking clearer. Due to the change of weather I've been going through this quite quickly, so that definitely says something!

What are your luxury skincare favourites?

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

The Books On My To-Read Pile

The recent rainy weather makes me want to curl up with a book under lots of blankets, but as my brain is still very much in Summer-mode I definitely won't be doing that anytime soon. Saying that, I've still got a few books on my Summer to-do read pile that I feel like would be good for an afternoon in the sunshine or even on holiday too. 

Do Not Become Alarmed is a book I got in a recent book swap with a friend and I'm looking forward to getting to grips with this thriller soon. The description of it sounds right up my street and the way the story is said to be told isn't something I'm used to, so I'm hoping it'll have me pining for more from the first page. 

Next up is the newest addition to the ACOTAR series and it's A Court Of Frost and Starlight. I'm only a few chapters away from finishing the third one and because this one is under 300 pages long, I wanted to savour it as much as I can, so it may be put on hold for a little while longer. The whole series has seriously got me hooked from the get-go and would be one I'd recommend to anybody looking to getting into the fantasy genre. 

I was recently sent Ageless Beauty by Clemence Von Mueffling* and I've got to admit I love having a new beauty book to get my teeth stuck into. I've had a flick through and it's full to the brim of lots of tips, so maybe one to check out if you're new to beauty or you'd like to add to your collection. 

I love an easy read for the Summer and The Undomestic Goddess seems like the perfect option. I've actually already started this and I love something you can have a slightly chuckle to and finish in a day. 

What books are you currently reading? 

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

A Champagne and Bronze Look

When the sun is shining and the weather is warm, there isn't a better time to gather up all your bronzed makeup items to define your cheekbones and add a shimmer to your lids. I've compiled a list of my go-to bronze products and a few champagne offerings that compliment them too. 

Starting with my base, I've been loving the Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Serum* to add warmth to my foundations or to mix in my moisturisers for a lightweight feel. Aside from my usual bronzers which I like to use to add definition, I rely on blushers to add a bronzed look to my skin. The Milani Hermosa Rose* pick has been a favourite for many years now, but it isn't too overpowering and still looks natural every time I wear it. When you think of bronze products, my mind often wanders to the shimmers and sparkles, but it's a matte option for blusher that I reach for the most. The Glossier Dusk Cloud Paint is a perfect everyday hue that adds colour to the face without going OTT and can be used in conjunction with a variety of other products too. 

Champagne highlighters go perfectly with a bronze smokey eye or a simple pop of blush. The Charlotte Tilbury Highlighting Wand is the perfect liquid illuminator as it blends perfectly into the skin and gives off the most impressive sheen. For a powder, I opt for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Amrezy Highlighter* as it's dreamy glow is just too gorgeous not to apply all over my face. 

On my eyes this is where I like to experiment the most and the Urban Decay Naked Eyeshadow Palette* is the OG when it comes to a bronzed smokey eye. There's matte neutral browns and warm toned shimmers, all that help to create a wearable look. If I want to add even more glitter, I go for the Pixi Liquid Fairy Lights* as they pack a serious punch and look great on a Summer's evening date night. If I want something super easy, I blend the By Terry Ombre Blackstar* in Bronze Moon allow my bottom lash line and over the lid as it's just so quick! To highlight my inner corners I always go for the Nars Rigel Eyeshadow as it's champagne shade just picks up my entire eye area and is great if I've got a little too heavy handed. 

What are your favourite bronze shades? 

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

Summer Pamper Routine

The current grizzly weather situation in the UK is far from the steaming heat we were having just a mere week ago. Although I'm disappointed that the sunshine hasn't stuck around a little longer, it has given me an excuse to get my pamper on. 

I've got myself a little tan after all the warm weather and I don't feel like I need to use my usual fake tan at the moment, so I've been switching it out for a gradual tanner instead; especially in the areas that haven't got a lot of sun. The NKD SKN Gradual Tanner* leaves a lovely nourishing layer on the skin and I find that using it twice on consecutive days keeps the tan nearly 10 days, at least in my experience. 

My hair definitely needs TLC every so often and up until recently I rarely gave it what it deserved. I did a full post on the Coco and Eve Hair Masque* not long ago so I won't go into much detail, but it's honestly changed my hair care routine so much. I feel excited to whip this out in the shower and treat my hair, especially as it makes styling so easy - it's great for a pamper night in as you can even leave it a little longer to give your locks a proper drink. 

Despite it being a little cooler, I still can't slather myself with lots of luxe, thick lotions as I feel too sticky and irritated, but I have been using a light oil in and out of the shower when I want something that feels very moisturising. The L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil* is amazing at keeping dry patches at bay, whilst the Nuxe Dry Oil* keeps my pins looking super nourished all year round. 

It's hard to narrow it down to one mask, but I've been trying out the Fresh Black Tea Overnight* offering and I'm loving it. It feels like a thick night cream and really packs a punch in terms of hydration. I simply pop this on in the late afternoon/early evening and take it off before I hop into bed to get as much out of it as possible. Combined with the Glossier Mask Duo which work so well together, combatting any blemishes I may have as well as calming general redness down too. 

Products aside, I actually think airing out your room or house by having all the windows open, treating yourself to a fresh bunch of flowers and sticking on your favourite TV series are just a few of the ways to pamper yourself without going too OTT. Catch up on the latest series of Love Island or get lost in a gripping thriller book; it's always nice to take some time out for yourself. 

What are your favourite Summer pamper products? 

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

Matte Makeup For Combo Skin

As a dewy skin lover, I never thought I'd write a whole post dedicated to a matte makeup routine, but with the recent spate of warm weather, I have been reaching for oil-reducing powders and mattifying bases to help keep the shine at bay. 

When it comes to prepping your combination skin for foundation application, I never like to skimp the amount of hydration I apply as the dry areas of my face needs an extra dosage when possible. The Fresh Peony Brightening Serum* is a new addition, but one that does what it says on the tin, adding just the right amount of brightness without interfering with how matte my base looks after it. I feel like adding a moisturiser or a nourishing primer to my routine really helps to make my foundation sit better. 

My base of choice is the Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation which feels like it changes the way it looks every time my skin changes, but it's undeniably matte, but with a natural, lightweight feel that looks undetectable on the skin. It doesn't sling to dry patches, yet it keeps any shine from my oiliness at bay. 

Face powders can be difficult for combination skin, but I find loose powders are the way to go as you get more control over how much you apply and you can dust away any excess with ease. The Glossier Wowder is great for longevity and for a healthy, yet matte finish, whereas if you want to minimise your pores, whilst adding a slight glow then the Bourjois Rice Java Powder is your best bet. 

Most of my blushers aren't matte, but the NYX Ombre Mauve Me Blush is one that I've gone on about for years now. It adds just the right amount of colour to the cheeks and helps to blur the face powder and browning products too. 
Matte bronzers aren't always the best option especially if they're powder in formula as they can almost sit on top of the skin if not used alongside a highlighter to add definition and a natural look to your skin. Saying this, the Too Faced Chocolate Bronzer* is still my favourite, but if I'm going for matte products everywhere else, I'd opt for the Charlotte Tilbury Contour Wand as it's a cream that blends into your complexion easier. 

For a matte eyeshadow look, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette* is a great pick as it has seven matte shades that choose from to create a strong berry smokey eye or a more natural brown option. To finish the look off I apply a few layers of mascara and put on my trusty Huda Beauty Liquid Lipstick* to pull it all together. 

What are your favourite matte products for combination skin? 

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

Recent Empties

Today I'm throwing it right back to an old YouTube and blogging topic; the empties post. I've been saving up my empty products and, despite contemplating whether or not to do this as I wasn't too sure how interesting my rubbish really is, I wanted to share the items I've recently used up. 

Starting with the humble shower gel and I've been going through anything summery and refreshing like there's no tomorrow. The Imperial Leather scents and Original Source ones are two of my favourites, but there's so many to choose from! I've also used up one of my favourite perfumes, the Giorgio Armani Si and I'm so gutted about it because it quickly become one of my staple scents. 

I've finished the IGK Jet Lag Dry Shampoo and I've got to admit that I was so very impressed by it, that I just had to look into the brand a bit more. I didn't use up the can too quickly which is a good sign as I like having something a little heavy duty, but despite it's ability to get rid of grease super-quickly, it doesn't feel too heavy or weigh the hair down. 

There's a few products that I'm particularly sad to say goodbye to, including the Too Faced Born This Way Foundation which has lasted me a year- pretty impressive- and the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser*. The former is the perfect base for me and is definitely one that I'm going to repurchase very soon, while the latter is what I've been using to take it off. It's only the mini version and I've owned quite a few of these, so I think it's about time I purchase the full-sized offering. 

The Glossier Priming Moisturiser is another one of Glossier's products I've loved, used up and would recommend. It's great if you want a healthy base to apply your foundation onto and it never failed to make my skin look more plump and hydrated. 

Two eye products I've finished are the Benefit Bad Gal Bang*, a much loved mascara of mine and the Pixi Weylie Hoang Eyeliner* which saw me through some of the most sweaty days this Summer without shifting. 

What products have you used up recently? 

If a product is marked with a * it is a PR sample. This pot contains affiliate links. 

What I've Been Wearing This Summer

I've really got into my fashion content lately and I have a lot more planned over the next month or so too. I've been sharing my outfits regularly on my Instagram, so I thought that I would share with you what I've been wearing this Summer along with a few staples. 

Wrap Dresses | I've had a thing for wrap dresses over the past couple of months as they're super flattering around my waist and some of them even allow you to wrap it around yourself, meaning you get the right shape for you. This Only V-Neck Dress that I'm wearing in these photographs was only £8.50 (like I keep telling everybody I meet!), so there's definitely some bargains to be had if you're new to the wrap dress trend. If you want something a little longer then this Vero Moda Striped pick is great as it's midi length, being longer at the back and shorter at the front, plus it has long arms that can be rolled up if you want a more casual fit. Girls with big boobs will rejoice at this tip, but grab yourself a mini safety pin and you can transform your wrap dresses almost instantly and they're practically unidentifiable to the eye. 

Skirts, Of All Kinds | When I shared this photograph of me in a sunflower field wearing this Nasty Gal Leopard Print Skirt (this one is similar) everyone went wild for it, and for  good reason too as it's super gorgeous and very flattering, with all the ruffles in all the right places. My skirt obsession hasn't stopped there, as my denim skirt has practically been lived in- especially when paired with this New Look Circle Belt- but I'm still on the look out for the perfect spotted midi skirt after seeing several other bloggers wearing one - I must keep my eyes peeled! 

Simple Accessories | I've kept my jewellery and bag buying down to a real minimum this season. Constantly wearing the now sold out Pimkie Circle Bag (it was an absolute bargain so definitely worth a save!) and a pair of the ASOS Hoop Earrings that only cost £3. They add something to an outfit, and as I've got so much wear out of them, I've definitely got my moneys worth too. When it's super hot outside I often get irritated if I'm wearing too much, so simple, delicate pieces are perfect. 

A Slogan Tee | I've been loving slogan tees at the moment as they're super easy to wear with a pair of culottes, lightweight trousers or a skirt for an everyday, casual vibe. I've been wearing quite a few like this ASOS Amour one and I certainly don't need any more, but here are a few of my favourites: 

What have you been wearing this Summer? 

This post contains affiliate links. 

Summer Beauty Tips

Yes that's a net bag you spot in this photograph and yes I caved and bought one after seeing that every blogger had one, but it makes for a very snazzy blog prop and it inspired today's blog post too. I wanted to share some of my top Summer tips when it comes to keeping your makeup sweat proof and looking refreshed. 

Putting your face mists in the fridge is a serious game changer as they are refreshing, can keep your skin looking glowy and cools you down too. The Caudalie Beauty Elixir* is my favourite as I like using it before my makeup to diminish the appearance of my pores and wake me up in the morning too. 

When using makeup in this heat I always wear a makeup setting spray both underneath and spritzed over my base too as it really hair it in. The Urban Decay All Nighter* is my current favourite and has been for many years now. For extra longevity when it comes to makeup, I like to make sure I set any cream products like blusher with a translucent powder after application. I don't want to dull the colour down nor make it look too matte, but a light dusting after you've finished all your makeup helps to keep everything in place. 

I've switched from a body lotion to a body oil recently as I find them easier to sink in and make my limbs look the way I want them to in the hot weather. Spray on oils like the Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse* are perfect as they're so easy to use and the shimmer version is great for a night out. 

I actually saw this tip on Twitter a few months back and again recently too and it stuck with me. When wanting to get the most of your dry shampoo, apply it the night before as it's more effective at banishing oiliness. My favourite has to be the IGK Jet Lag Spray as it's super strong and packs a punch. 

Talking of hair I always feel like my hair is the last thing I give extra TLC to and I've been trying hard to keep up with hair masks and SPF's as your hair can get dry and damaged in the hot, humid weather too. 

What are your top Summer beauty tips? 

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