Skincare #1

So I’ve recently been venturing into the realms of skincare, and to be totally honest, I’m going in a bit blind. 

Everything I’ve learned about skincare is from reading blogs over the years. My mum used to always tell me when I was younger how important it is to moisturise everyday but it’s only really been over the past year or so I’ve actually started doing it and noticed a difference.

I thought I’d share my most recent ‘skincare routine’ with you all – although I doubt you can even call it that as I literally throw them on as I am always in a rush.

Also, I’d like to say I wouldn’t openly recommend any of these products, as everyone has different skin and what works for me might not for you.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo 

Out of my overall routine, this is what I absolutely cannot live without. It’s the only moisturiser I’ve ever re-purchased (3 times!) and as soon as I stop using it my skin seems to hate me and goes beserk. It doesn’t really smell like anything, and although it has a really thin consistency you don’t need a lot. Any of my friends who have used this also swear by it.

Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment

I bought this after seeing it on a few blogs. I didn’t use an eye cream before but I’d decided to get one before the hayfever season came in as it makes my eyes terribly dry. This one is perfect as it’s extremely nourishing but not greasy at all. 

Simple Kind To Skin Purifying Cleansing Lotion

Like the plain Jane that I am I just use simple cleanser to remove my make up (and occasionally Simple wipes if I’m being lazy). I’ve tried Bioderma and the L’Oreal dupe but it just breaks me out. This works, it’s cheap and cheerful so I’m not changing it.

Finally – my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum. 

This stuff was mega hyped over about a year and a half ago, and I bought it in New York not because my skin needed it, because yes, I am one of those who cannot help themselves with blogger hype. And it’s fantastic. I was dubious about putting any sort of oil/serum on my skin but its not oily at all. It actually clears up any spots/redness and leaves my skin smooth.

I've been a bit of a busy bee this week - I visited a friend in London and then got my exam results (pass yay!) so I've been in total la-la-land!

 Thanks for reading - be sure to share all your skincare posts below!

Work Wear #1

                

Hello lovelies!

Office wear is sometimes really difficult to get right – especially in the summer months when it gets a little warm and you don’t want to be uncomfortable. I decided to revamp my work wardrobe this summer. Usually I tend to just ‘demote’ whatever I can in my normal wardrobe, but this year I decided to make some new purchases –  summer fashion trends are so nice this year, it is devastating me that I don’t have a holiday booked!

Anyway I thought I would start to do a sort of Look book with a few of the things I purchased as I do think it is sometimes quite difficult to find nice things for work. Its so much easier for guys as they can just wear suits etc!

I generally try to be quite comfortable but I work in an office so need to look smart too. The trousers I bought new in Topshop last week (and I also bought them in white on black too after seeing them on Essie Button’s Instagram - I couldn’t help myself!).

White Wrap Top - River Island (similar)

Gingham Cigarette Trousers - Topshop

Peep Toe Shoes - Office

Watch - Marc Jacobs

Ring - Calvin Klein

Nails - Essie 'Muchi Muchi' and 'A Cut Above'

Bag - DKNY

I like to wear heels to work but our office has a lot of stairs and sometimes I’m on my feet a lot so some days I opt for little flats. If you are looking for durable flats that will last I would totally recommend Office. I’m not sure if they still have these particular ones but they have lasted me well over two years, I don’t wear them everyday right enough, but I will definitely be going back there for another pair come autumn. 

Scallop Collar Shirt - ASOS

Tan Pencil Skirt - ASOS

Black Wedges - Primark

Watch - Michael Kors

I love the scallop collar on this shirt - I've had this one a while now and actually considering buying another. I would add tights and a blazer to this outfit for colder months. I'm also obsessed with anything nude/camel at the moment!

Hope you liked this - these are one of my favourite kind of posts to read! I am loving the 'Workwear Wednesdays' tag on twitter. If anyone has any posts like this or even any OOTD posts pop your link in the comments so I can have a read.

Thanks again to everyone who entered my giveaway, I have been collecting little beauty goodies for it and will let you all know the winner on twitter tomorrow!


Thanks for reading x

An Ode to the Philips Lumea + A Giveaway!

Hello lovelies!

It had never occurred to me to do a post on this wonderful thing - even though as soon as summer arrives its all I rave about and all my friends borrow it. 

I don't even know where to begin except by saying beauty-wise, it has been one of my best purchases.

I bought this around 4 years ago, and it cost a whopping £400 (they are less to buy now). I was still a student at the time so my mum and I both paid half each, although, with her being blonde she only had to use it a few times and is now practically hair free.

Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal System

How does it work?

You shave, zap and repeat every so often.
Ok, so the instructions are a little more lengthy than that to be honest, because there are safety precautions and it doesn't suit a couple of skin tones - but that is how I use it and it works great for me. I did read them all to check before I bought it though, just in case it wasn't suitable for me.

Zap Zap! - (Pain free!)

Unsuitable and most effective skin tones

My verdict?

I've never had course hair but mines is quite dark. I only use it during the summer so I guess if I used it more it would permanently remove hair however I don't think I could ever go a summer without it. Not only does it pro-long the length of time the hair grows back in, but it also comes back much lighter and much thinner each year. So much so if I use it before I go a four week holiday I have no need to pack any razors or anything of the like, and can still go a good while without them when I get home.

My absolute favourite part of this gadget is that it is totally pain free. There are different levels you can set the laser to (1-4) depending on how sensitive the area, so for bikini line I would have it 2/3 and anywhere else I just keep at 4. Mines is not suitable for facial hair but the ones you can buy now are. 

It was expensive but I'm always of the mind that you can't put a price on feeling happy and comfortable when it comes to this. Although I've never had any issues I can imagine it would bring a lot of girls down if they had thick/dark facial hair etc. Also, when you calculate up the price of all the creams and razors you would save over time its definitely worth it - or even comparing it to prices for IPL in a salon!

As a side note... I have 120 followers which is AMAZING as I only really started blogging a month ago. I didn't particularly start writing for followers - just because I enjoy it. Anyways I'm doing a little giveaway to celebrate because I'm so pleased. I'm giving away some girly 'feel good' treats and an Essie nail polish of your choice (they have some gorgeous new colours out!). Enter below via raffle copter. I'm really enjoying being a part of the blogging community - can't believe how nice everyone is!

Thanks for reading!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

OOTN #1 Floral Playsuit

   

Hello - I hope you are all having a nice weekend!

I went out for unplanned drinks on Friday night and had to quickly pull together a very rushed outfit. I thought I'd share it with you all as I love the floral print on this playsuit.

I picked it up in Topshop last week on a 'Last Chance to Buy' rail and I didn't even try it on so luckily it was an alright fit! 

The shoes are also from Topshop and they have about a 4 inch heel and small platform - they are actually the most comfortable heels I own! 

I used my trusty New Look envelope clutch which is about 2 years old but is one of those bags I seem to always use on a night out.

I wanted my nails fairly plain so I wore a nude and painted some silver glitter on top.

As you can see I didn't have time to do my hair properly so I straightened it and popped it over to one side (it really needs cut but I'm one of those people who HATES getting a haircut haha).

Floral Playsuit - Topshop
Envelope Clutch - New Look
Zip Front Peeptoe boots - Topshop

                                           

                         

Watch - Michael Kors
Leather Bracelet - ASOS
Midi Ring - River Island
Nails - Essie 'Ballet Slippers' and Model's Own 'Snowflake'

    

Sorry the photos aren't great quality - I'm still trying to find the best spot in my flat for natural light!

What are you all up to this weekend? It's been so sunny in the UK at the moment and makes such a nice difference when you have plans! 

Thanks for reading, look out for my next post... doing a little giveaway!