Sunday, 26 February 2017

Beauty Bag: Travel Essentials


As Easter half term will soon be upon us and some of you may be lucky enough to be going on holiday, I thought I would collate my beauty must-haves for travelling. 

The Eyes
Packing light is a must, which is why this Nars eyeshadow duo in Isolide is the perfect travel companion. These gorgeous golden shades will look great on any skin tone, and they look best when applied with the fingers which means one less tool to bring along..

For someone with naturally straight lashes an eyelash curler is a girl's best friend. Too Faced's Better than Sex Waterproof Mascara goes hand in hand with this and is probably the most brilliant mascara I have ever tried. As a recent addition to my beauty bag I am surprised at how much I am already in love with it, my eyelashes stay curled from the time I leave home to the time I come back (no signs of them dropping at all!), a huge 10/10 from me. 

The Brows
During the daytime I typically like to go bare-faced but if I fancy throwing on a little make-up then I love using Benefit's Gimme Brow to add some definition.

The Face
I always go back to my trusty Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser to conceal my under eyes and any blemishes. The shades are great and is super easy to apply when you are in a rush!   

Having glowing skin is what I always aim for with my make-up routine which is why Nars Sheer Glow has been the only foundation I have been using for the past two years. It is light on the skin, smooths out your skintone and leaves your skin feeling heavenly! To perfectly buff the foundation into my skin I use my trusty Kiko stippling brush. 

The Cheeks
To add a pop of colour back to the face I have been loving using the Chanel Les Beiges Blush in No 20. The product glides onto the skin and it is very easy to blend in for a natural finish. This shade has a lovely shimmer to it which helps achieve the glowing look and adds a lovely sheen to the face. 

To say I have a highlighter obsession may be a tad of an understatement but when I saw this mini travel duo pack of the Becca highlighter in Opal I couldn't help myself! The travel friendly size, the glow and the application of these is wonderful! I use my trusty The Body Shop Fan Brush to apply the powder highlight directly onto my cheekbones, bridge of my nose and cupids bow. 

The Lips
I usually pick my all time favourite lipstick or lipgloss to take on holiday with me and in this case it is Nyx's Liquid Lipstick Lingerie in Ruffle Trim. This was seriously stay on your lips for a long time and also does not dry them out. 

Ready, Set, Go
To finish it all off and ensure that my make-up does not budge throughout the day I have been using my Urban Decay Stay All Day Setting Spray - works like a miracle! 

Sunday, 12 February 2017

14 Little Ways To Say I love You

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and I like to think of it as a time to celebrate with all your loved ones, whether that be your boyfriend, girlfriend, friends or family. It's a great time to show your love and appreciation towards others and also a great opportunity to get creative. Here are 14 little ideas to show someone a token of love:


1. Flowers & Plants
Flowers may be cliché yes, but it doesn't make them any less beautiful. If you want to get a little more creative why not press some flowers and stick them in a frame or if you're into symbolism buy them a plant like a succulent as they last (nearly) forever. 

2. Have a Cosy Night in  
Light up some candles, dim the lights, get your big cosy blankets out, crack open the wine and snuggle down, watch a few films, play some board games whatever tickles your fancy. There is nothing that beats spending quality time with one another. 

3. Make a Den
Get out all the stored away bed sheets and grab your chairs, pillows, blankets, laptop, fairy lights and create a little safe haven that looks absolutely magical and would be a dream to sleep in. 

4. Go Alcohol Tasting
Whether its just the two of you or a group, wine/beer/spirit tasting is a fun and social activity to do and a night that you probably won't forget (or maybe you will...) Alternatively buy a selection of alcohol from around the world and have your very own tasting session at home. 

5. Do a Cake Making Class
Simple as, research classes in your area and book up for it not only will it be a great day out but you will also come home with a cake or too - winning! 

6. Treat Them to their Favourite Meal
This could entail splurging out a little and taking them to their favourite restaurant or you could try and recreate the dish at home. If there is a big group of you why not take in turns to make a dish or a course each?

7. Go and See a Show
Why not go and entertain yourselves at a musical, drama, comedy or ballet show? Put away all forms of technology and enjoy others creativity and come away inspired. 

8. See a Live Band
Whether it be your favourite band or a band you have never heard of before go and see them. Whether they are a good or bad it's an experience, if you love the band have a fab sing-a-long and I don't ever think you can beat the atmosphere musician's bring. 

9. Be a Tourist

Go and be a tourist - how often is it that we go sightseeing in our city? We often forget to do this as we became so absorbed in the idea of going to another country to do this. You never know what you may stumble upon along the way. 

10. Treat Them to a Wishlist Item 
We all have wish lists, so why not pick one big or small off of it and treat them to it. 

11. Escape to Nature
Go on a little road trip out of town into the country and hire a cottage, treehouse or other sweet accommodation. Nature is beautiful so go for long walks, have a picnic and find an epic view point to look at the stars.  

12. Create a Plan
Give them adventures to look forward to together, make a list of all the things you would like to achieve this year and do it. Make this the year of creating great memories - go interrailing, learn a new language together, get an apartment whatever will please yourselves or your group.

13. Make a Note Jar 
I couldn't not throw this pinterest idea in here - write down on little slips of paper your favourite memories together, what you love about each other, give them clues to something else you have planned and pop them in a mason jar. You could do one a day for a whole year or two notes per week to open whatever you fancy. 

14. Send a Hand-Written Note
Sometimes the best way to express your appreciation and love for someone is though writing - buy some lovely stationary write it all down and for the finishing touch pop it in the post. It will be a lovely surprise when they receive it.