OLE HENRIKSEN PURE TRUTH MELTING CLEANSER

Usually an August favourites post includes a selection of various products which have been outstanding during the month of August. However, this month there was only one stand out product for me; the Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleansing Balm.

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

I've been a fan of cleansing balms, creams, milks and oils for a long time, the pure truth cleanser is a jelly. Once you get past watching it wobble in the pot, (slightly reminiscent of those pots of cheap hair gel that did the rounds during the 00's) the cleanser turns from a gel into luxurious oil when in contact with skin. It lifts even the most stubborn of makeup with pure ease, all whilst leaving my skin looking clean and plump. The products is extremely hydrating and when used with a little water it transforms into a cleansing milk. This really is a product for everyone, whether you prefer cleanisng milks, oils or balms.

The combination of beneficial ingredients leaves skin looking bright, clean and nourished. My face isn't left stripped feeling tight or dry which is thanks to the rosehip and virgin cherry oils. This product is seriously effective and luxurious another hit by Mr. Henriksen.

After all, Ole knows good face!

Turning 25 - Photodiary

This week I turned 25! A whole quarter of a century! As I put the quarter life crisis on hold I thought I'd share a photo diary from the celebrations.

The sun decided to show up for my birthday and the UK was hit with a glorious heat wave, perfect for a photo opportunity.

The two days were really a tale of 2 cities, the day of my birthday was spent lounging in the gardens of stately homes. The next was a busy hot, sweltering, and did I mention hot, day in London. Nothing beats London in the sunshine.

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The Quarter Life Breakthrough

To help us 1990's babies turning 25 this year.

1) Sometimes when your feeling rubbish books are best. You don't want to analyze your life, you don't want to talk, you don't want to apply for one more job. That's when you can lose yourself in a book that just gets you. 

2) Exercise your brain to think positively. 

3) Discover yourself, spend quality time with yourself and learn that being alone is liberating. 

4) Keep learning. Learning doesn't stop as soon as you throw that cap in the air. After graduating I started a blog and have been learning ever since.

5) Possibly the most important... Don't be so hard on yourself! Challenges can hit a raw nerve within us. Sometimes we need to take it step by step and nurture ourselves in the process. Be gentle on yourself.

This article by Buzzfeed hits the nail on the head!

http://www.buzzfeed.com/tahliapritchard/25-signs-youre-having-a-quarter-life-crisis#.jsrmO1130

Matchy Matchy

I've been really into dressing the 'matchy matchy' way lately. I love coordinating similar tones or in some cases the exact same tone. It's a simple hack to look both put together, and yet not like you tried too hard. I've took some pictures from my Tumblr page as inspiration on how to tone like a pro. 

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5 Things... That Have Made Me Smile

It's so easy to overlook the things that make you smile, as it's always the things that get you down which take up so much attention. I should do these "5 Things" posts more often as they help me to stay positive. Here's 5 things that have made me smile over the last few weeks.

Park Guell - Barcelona

1) Being Busy. This might sound strange but I'm so thankful to be busy and juggling many projects at the same time.

2) Bacon. Just cause.

3) When the Sun finally makes an appearance after days of rain! The best!

4) My house/room after I've been cleaning, organising and just generally sorting my life out.

5) Meeting new people who are genuinely really nice!

What has been making you smile lately?

The Anti-Advice Post

What I love the most about blogging is the ability to open up a new post page and just allow yourself to type away. Type what you're feeling, what you're loving or even what you're disliking right now. To have a space online which is truly yours is amazing and makes for so much unique content. I fell in love with blogging years ago and started my own just over a year ago now for this reason alone. I read so many blogs about a range of topics and each had their own distinctive qualities.

Lately, I've noticed a shift in blogging. With blogs now becoming gargantuan empires this has led to others trying to emulate their style. Their style of writing, photography and even opinions. A desire to appeal to the masses some blogs have completely lost their unique selling point. Going hand in hand with this are the 'advice posts'. The 'how to increase your traffic' or 'how to increase your SEO' posts. Advice posts which don't really offer any advice seem to be everywhere at the moment. There's nothing wrong with sharing advice, in fact some can be extremely helpful. The problem comes when too much advice is consumed. If you become too focused in doing things the 'right' way or the way some successful blogger is doing it, you get tunnel vision. Which leads to less experimentation with writing styles, blog topics and even photography. And who knows, that may be where you truly find your passion.

When I started blogging I was a bored graduate who wrote about the trials and tribulations of being another 18-24 statistic. Those are the posts that I am most proud of and my favourite to write because they were from my heart. Lately I don't know when but I seemed to have lost my blogging mojo. Whether it was to do with the lack of motivation. Or the advice posts being thrown my way about how I'm obviously doing it wrong because I don't have thousands of followers by now. I mistakenly took some this 'advice' aboard and I have to say I wasn't happy with the content. I was scared to do it the 'wrong' way. Now, here's my 'anti-advice' I urge you to do it your way. Write the way you want, about stuff that makes you happy. I may be a little old fashioned but I believe your blog should be personal to you, your own journey and that's what makes blogs so enticing to read. So don't be so strict on yourself or keep your blog too structured, find your own voice and enjoy the ride. Come on and step out of your comfort zone, the waters fine over here.

April Favourites 2015

April and March have been very busy months for me. A lot has changed and all of which I will update you on with a blog post. There have been a few new products which I have been testing and loving lately.

April Favourites 2015

First of which is the Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara. I  raved about this earlier in month and rightly so as I've still been reaching for it every day. Most morning I'm in a rush and always favour a few extra moments in bed than waking up early to do ma face. This product has dramatic results with only a few strokes of the mascara wand. A brilliant budget buy that I would definitely purchase again.

At the start of April I found myself with a Hydraluron shaped hole in my life. After using up every last drop of Hydraluron I was looking to try something new and a little more purse friendly. I opted for the Vichy Aqualia Thermal Hydrating Care Serum. Even though the serum doesn't contain the "cleanest" ingredients it still includes hyaluronic acid which is proven to infuse lasting moisture. The gel like consistency absorbs quickly even on my combination skin. It helps keep my skin hydrated all day and doesn't make me look oily throughout the day.

The Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer has been my best friend this month. It covers my dark circles and blemishes extremely well. Better than any other concealer I have tried. When I need to look super awake and basically alive again, this is the one I reach for.

I've been more and more conscious about the ingredients in shampoos and conditioners for a while now. Since removing SLS from shampoos my scalp has been much healthier. One of the brands I favour is OGX, their products not only smell amazing but are very effective. I love using the Kukui conditioner as it leaves my hair lightweight, and with no residue. My hair does not feel coated in product (yuk) but still manageable. OGX are affordable and well worth investigating if you're thinking of cutting out SLS.

What has been the highlight of your month?
  

New In: 3 From Soap and Glory

Soap and Glory have slowly but surely become one of my favourite drugstore brands. I've been a fan of their body care range for a long time now, so the progression into makeup was only natural. Every piece of Soap and Glory make up I have tried so far has been a hit, from the Sexy Mother Pucker gloss (questionable name) to the Kick Ass (seriously, that is the name) powder. I recently picked up these three beauties as I just can't seem to walk away from a tempting 3 for 2, well it'll be rude not to.

Soap and Glory Newness

One Heck Of A Blot Translucent Powder

After hitting pan on the Kick Ass powder I decided to pick up this one. It works just as well and does a fantastic job of reducing any shine. The Kick Ass powder is more yellow toned, whereas this is more of a traditional blotting powder. It keeps my t-zone shine free and provides a velvety finish. This powder does not cake or stick to any dry patches, and due to it being very finely milled you can reapply throughout the day without worrying about build up. This is bound to be my best friend this summer.

Kick Ass Concealer

This concealer is reminiscent of the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, however much more affordable. Bloggers always rave about this product and I can see why. I can only describe the packaging as like a Swiss knife. It holds two concealers, a translucent powder, powder puff and mirror! The two concealers are designed for two different jobs, step one is more for under the eye and step 2 is aimed at covering blemishes. Step one doesn't settle into fine lines and does last all day.  Step 2 has impressed me more, it is sightly thicker and does a very good job at covering blemishes and redness. The staying power is brilliant! I am also extremely impressed with the powder which comes with this kit. It can look scary at first as it's stark white in colour, however it blends beautifully and keeps my under eye concealer in place all day. This is a great little kit I only wish it came in more shades.

Lid Stuff
Possibly, the only name I really like from the makeup range. I have the palette 'What's Nude' and for £10 I haven't seen one better. There are three matte and one shimmer, the colour pay off is amazing, buttery soft, and not at all chalky. These also last all day with no fading or creasing on my eye lids. The shimmer shade needs a bit more work when applying, however it doesn't under perform. This palette is really worth a look. 

Mascara Of The Moment - Maybelline Lash Sensational

"What mascara have you got on? It's made your eyes go va va voom."

When your mascara gets that kind of compliment, you know its worthy of it's own post.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara

The mascara which led my friend to ask THAT question is the Maybelline Lash Sensational mascara. Round of applause for Maybelline. The brush captures even the tiniest of lashes, it adds volume and lashes do look layered and multiplied. The brush is curved and easy to use. The most impressive aspect of this mascara is how quickly and easily you can create a fluttered lash look. This is the only mascara I've been reaching for lately and that doesn't look like it's going to change anytime soon.

Are you a fan of Maybelline Mascaras?

Marsala Madness

In case you missed the memo, Pantone; the global colour authority announced that the colour of the year is... Marsala.  Best described as an earthy wine red, Marsala is a colour that is flattering on all skin tones. Whether we have Kylie Jenner (and her lips) to thank for this one, or the fact that everything 90's has come back to slap us in the face, either way it's great news.

Colour of 2015 - Marsala

Marsala is a beautiful colour to incorporate into interior design, fashion and even beauty. It particularly makes a for a beautiful lip colour. I have been loving the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in the shade Sultry (Ooh la la). The Revlon lip crayons are some of the best on the market. Not only are they nourishing but they are really easy to apply, the retractable crayon means no sharpener is required. The Matte Balms have more of a velvet matte finish and are not drying in the slightest. The whole shade selection is impressive but Sultry is my favourite by far. The browny- pink hue is extremely flattering and has a vintage feel about it. Purse friendly and perfect to test the Marsala trend.

I'm always more adventurous with colours when it comes to my nails. Essie's Angora Cardi is one polish which I've had in my collection for a while and always go back to. Not just limited to sweater weather, it's beautiful all year round. The Essie formula and brush make it one of my go to polish brands, as it makes for an easy fuss free at home manicure. The shade has the perfect blend of brown and brick undertones to suit all skin tones.

Will you be wearing Marsala this year?

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads

If I mentioned the words 'facial pads' most of us would immediately think of the Clearasil pads from way back when. They were as astringent as nail polish remover and just as harsh on the skin. However nowadays things are a little different, thank ya Jesus! The facial pads on the market today are less abrasive and alot more gentle on the skin.

The One For Everyone

First Aid Beauty have recently become one of my most trusted brands, everything I have tried from them has been impressive, effective and affordable.
The First Aid Beauty Radiance Pads are one of my favourite exfoliants. They're perfect for those who are just starting out with acid toners, and as far as acid toners go, these are as gentle as can be.
They are still effective enough for you to keep in your skincare arsenal to switch up daily. I use them after I've cleansed my skin. They are suitable for all skin types and are perfect for keeping skin exfoliated and toned.

American readers will be happy to know these are easily accessible for you too!

Have you tried any First Aid Beauty products?

Interior Inspiration

I've mentioned my passion for interior design before on this blog. In fact, I dedicated a whole post to what my dream home would look like. There are some things I will always be a sucker for *ahem, copper and marble*, but also new and unusual prints and textiles that I probably wouldn't have been attracted to earlier. I also just love sharing pictures of rad things I think others would enjoy. For my own interior preference think more, airy interiors with a more modern bohemian turn. 

'mother, may I?'

Knock Knock

All original sources can be found on my Tumblr page whatclothesaround.tumblr.com

Much Ado About Nothing?

This past week has been a roller-coaster of emotions to say the least.

I started last week with an interview, to what I still believe was to be my dream job.

Life

Strapped in, stomach churning due to anticipation. Emotions were ranging from fear to excitement back to fear again. I visualized the ending and saw myself getting that phone call which I was to be told the position was mine. I made it to the interview and dodged the first hurdle. At this point I'm strapped in, total chaos surrounds me and my thoughts. But I look ahead and set my thoughts to tunnel vision. Trying to make sense of the jumbled emotions, excitement, nervousness and fear I begin the assessment day. Before I know it I'm strapped in. I want to run away and hide but curiosity gets the better of me and the thought of what's to come is too compelling. Slowly, etching closer and closer the hours pass and most of the day is done. I can't see what's ahead of me, looking back and dwelling is not a good idea, looking sideways is too distracting so I decide to just look forward. With my thoughts slightly jumbled I try to adapt with the rest of the day and finally I can see the top of the hill approaching. I made it through the day. Was the worst over with? Or is it yet to come.

After the assessment day is done I am full of excitement, waiting for the happy news to arrive. Then the train stops on the tracks. There's nothing left to do but wait...

With my heart in my throat I try to keep visualizing the outcome, receiving the good news and being ecstatic with the result. The sudden silence lasts for days! I don't hear anything.

I wonder if this seat belt is secure at all? Until Friday when I MAKE THE CALL. As I await the outcome, my heart is in my throat, stomach is churning but I remain positive and think this ride could be life changing. Excitement rushes through like water in a river. Then she says the dreaded words "unfortunately you have been unsuccessful". Suddenly it all becomes black and there's a deafening silence. All of a sudden I can see the drop. My hands are gripped tight, im holding on for dear life and feel myself descending at rapid rate. All around is chaos, I didn't prepare for this. Thoughts and feelings are chaotic again. I feel the shakes as the coaster twists and turns, my thoughts try and keep up. Then it happens... the fall back down to earth. Before I know it the adventure is over, my head is spinning in ways I have never imagined, I climb out of my seat feeling sick, legs shaking, not knowing what to do next.

Could I possibly put myself through this again? Will a new faster, shinier roller coaster be less of an anti climax?

Is there a bigger better ride awaiting in the future?

10 Things That Have Made Me Smile

1) The sun coming out (don't be fooled it's still bloody freezing)
2) Meeting new and lovely people
3) Meaningful text messages, we'll, Whatsapp messages
4) Spring plants popping up throughout the park
5) First page of a new notebook
6) Reading all your lovely comments
7) PIZZA
8) Booking the Harry Potter Studio Tour!
9) Pealing a clementine in one peel. (Baller status)
10) Reliving 90/00's R&B

What's made you smile lately?

When Budget Meets Luxury - Skincare and Accesories

I mentioned in a recent post, that very rarely do you find products where you can use the words 'budget' and 'luxury' to describe it. There are however, a few gems which do fall into this category thankfully. I am aware that budget and luxury can mean different things to different people, so I have chosen a few products to suit most price brackets.

Skincare

It can be easy to spend top dollar on high end skincare which promises the world, and more. However, there are some products and brands which perform just as, if not better than some double the price. Merumaya is a brand I discovered late last year, by far the stand out product from the line is there Melting Cleansing Balm. It certainly feels like a luxurious oil when melted into the skin. It's affordable and just as effective as the Emma Hardie balm cleanser. Face masks, especially clay masks can vary in price considerably, from the very affordable to the eye wateringly expensive Omorovicza Im looking at you. One which I reach for more than my Omorovicza mask and is friendlier on the purse is the Una Brennan Anti Blemish Clay Mask. It doesn't leave skin too dry afterwards, is easy to remove with a warm flannel and clarifies the skin.

Finding a well performing lip balm can be quite tricky. You can only really test a lip balm when you see how it performs in the freezing weather. One which I constantly go back to is the Korres Tinted Lip Butters. When in contact with skin it melts into a luxurious soft butter texture which keeps lips hydrated for hours. Slightly reminiscent of the Dior Creme de Rose consistency. Not to mention they come in a range of colours and scents. They also come in a stick form which is perfect for on the go.

Accessories

I love wearing jewellery and even though I probably have enough pieces to last me a while, that never stops me buying more. Occasionally, I like to invest in a few key pieces which will last longer and are a classic style. Ottoman Hands is a jewellery brand which doesn't break the bank but still provide quality pieces. None of my pieces have tarnished they still look as lovely as when I first got them. Their use of precious stones certainly scream luxury but at a very reasonable price. The customer service is amazing too.

Mid Week Pick Me Up Products

When it comes to the middle of the week I always notice that my skin needs a little pick me up. A mixture of the freezing cold weather we've been experiencing, and the daily commute starts to take its toll on my face. There are three pick me up products I always reach for when I need to look alive again.

Body Shop Vitamin C Reviver
This product exceeded my expectations, it performs just as, if not better than some serums 2 or 3 times the price of this. The Body Shop Vitamin C Reviver is a brightening serum which instantly adds life back into the face. It refreshes and soothes skin, the product itself is very unique. The serum contains light reflective particles, but is in no way glittery or overly dewy. It has a gel like consistency which when applied is almost matte. A world away from traditional 'light reflective' products. It doesn't make my skin look overly oily it just helps to perk it up and look healthier.

Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask 
I always do a mid week mask, whether its a clarifying or hydrating mask. I've said this before and I still stand by it. This is the only face mask I have tried where you can see a noticeable difference in the look and feel of your skin almost straight away. The scent immediately awakens the senses and the unique marmalade-like texture feels cooling. I wash it off using a warm flannel and it's honestly the most effective way to remove a face mask. This mask is designed to renew complexion and that's exactly what it does. Dead skin cells are removed leaving brighter and more radiant skin.

First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads
Not only are these pre-soaked pads convenient they are also suitable for everyone and any skin type. The most gentle of exfoliating toners I have tried yet still perform very highly. Each pad is soaked in just the right amount of glycolic and lactic acid so they are safe to use daily. I use these in rotation with other exfoliating toners throughout the week. They really do help to renew the skin and skin is left glowing afterwards. Perfect as part of a midweek facial.

What are your pick me up products?

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil

It's no secret that I love The Body Shop. This product has been on my shopping list for a long time. Whilst making an online order I added this to my basket. Firstly I must add that The Body Shop have a superb delivery service, my order arrived within 2 days, brilliant.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil £10

Very rarely do you find a product where you can describe it using the words budget and luxury. However, this is one of them. The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil, is an oil you apply to a dry face (your fully made up face). As you struggle with saying good bye to your perfect makeup, massage the oil all over the face, the consistency is quite runny. This will lift away every scrap of makeup even the most stubborn mascara, with ease. When washed off thoroughly with a damp warm flannel it leaves no residue.The formula is gentle and doesn't leave your skin feeling tight or dry afterwards. This product is the easiest and most efficient way to remove makeup, it has a subtle scent which is not overpowering at all.  The best part about this product is the price, being from the Body Shop means it's very purse friendly and there's always some offer going on.

Are you a fan of cleansing oils?

My Dream Home

White floors, marble accents and a large kitchen island. These are just a few of the things I would have in my dream home. My Tumblr has lately become a catalog of pictures all of which I would want my dream home to look like. I love looking at them as design inspiration. 

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How I Stay Positive Part 2. Living In The Present.

Have you ever been presented with a meal that looks so delicious you just want to devour it straight away? Often I'll rush to take a bite and then the inevitable happens; a burnt tongue. This happens to me way to often with hot chocolate, pizza, so, so often with pizza. My point is that we can often be the same when it comes to life. I don't know about you but I spend so much time trying to rush things that I forget to live and enjoy where I am now.

Trust The Process

I often get too preoccupied with how I want my future life to look that I forget to appreciate what my life is like now. I forget to exist exactly where I am now. When I graduated University I had a certain picture of how my life would look a few years later. It didn't quite turn out how I expected. so I spent alot of time wishing I was ahead in life. I pondered on how much time had gone by and I was no where closer to any of these 'goals'. I found myself not being able to enjoy certain things because I was so focused on what I didn't have. I put off being 'happy' because I wasn't where I thought I should be. I should have been enjoying the life that I have now. If we keep wishing we were ahead in life we'll miss all the small lessons life tries to teach us. I should have taken all the energy I put into wishing I was ahead and instead focused it on the now and making the most out of my time. I mean, it's true we'll never be as young as we are right now so why waste time worrying on things we don't have total control over.

I've learned recently to trust the process, and not to rush things. I trust that right now is where I need to be. I can't skip and jump to the future because there's still so much I need to learn, and who knows if that future is really what I want? Let's embrace the now and really appreciate it. Millennials, we will get to where we need to be, we just need to trust the process.

Do you ever put off 'happiness' because you wished your life was different?

Falsifeye False Lash Effect vs Falsifeye HD

When Seventeen launched their Falsifeye mascara it was met with vast amounts of praise and hype. They've now come out with the Falsifeye HD, so which one should you try?

Falsifeye False Lash Effect 
Falsifeye is a striking mascara, the chunky packaging and the bold lettering makes you want to pick it up as it just screams FASIFEYE. After two quick coats you are left with thickened and lengthened lashes. The brush is pretty huge and easy to use. The only gripe I had with this product is that it had a tendency to become crumbly at the end of a long day. However, I can't complain too much as this mascara performed better than some that are twice the price.

Falsifeye HD 
When it comes to packaging I much prefer this tube, but I would prefer it to have much more of a minimalist print. The brush is the polar opposite to the original Falsifeye, its a plastic wand with much smaller bristles. This makes it easier to reach the smaller lashes. No matter which brush style you prefer they'll be one from the Falsifeye family to suit you. This product did a fabulous job of seperating lashes and making them look fuller. With one coat the bold claims of this mascara can be met, so with 2 or even 3 it knocks any other mascara out of the park. This one lasted much longer on my lashes without becoming crumbly or leaving me with panda eyes.

At the time of posting Boots Seventeen currently have a buy 1 get 2nd half price offer. So you could try both and make up your mind on which you prefer. Both mascaras perform incredibly well and better than some leading mascaras which are much more expensive.

Which will you be choosing?

I Like What She's Wearing

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January Loves

Now that January is over I've rounded up a few products which I have really enjoyed and found to be effective this month. Towards the end of the January I was struck down with the flu, my fever wiped me out for a good few days and everything I had planned took a back seat. I sneezed so much I think I got abs. Seriously it was like a workout. This left me to separate the wheat from the chaff, and I found some serious wonder products.

Just a few January favourites.

The Body Shop Aloe Lip Balm
Whenever I get ill, my lips are the first to know about it. They get dehydrated and sore. The Body Shop Aloe Lip Balm is a product I've mentioned before and I raved about how effective it was. I used it every night before bed and woke with lips which were significantly softer. If you've tried lip balms and still haven't one which makes a difference I'd highly recommend this as you can visibly see and feel a difference after the first use.

The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Reviver
Winter skin can be a pain, it can often look dull and lifeless. I found the Vitamin C Skin Reviver to be effective in adding radiance and adding glow back into the skin. The texture is very unique as it's light, weightless and silky. It doesn't make my combination skin more oily as it mattifies but still adds a glow. It's really unique.

Soap and Glory Butter Yourself Body Lotion
This month I couldn't get enough of this scent and I don't think things are going to change any time soon. I find 'Butter Yourself' more hydrating than 'The Righteous Butter' and much prefer the packaging too. This body lotion absorbs very fast so you can get dressed rather quickly and also hydrates the driest of skins. It softens and soothes even the driest skin.

What are some of your January loves?

The One? Tara Smith Working Curls Conditioner

Tara Smith Working Curls Conditioner 

When it comes to conditioners I've never really found The One, nor have I been loyal to any particular brand. I've always been on the search for a conditioner which checks all the boxes, leaves my hair frizz free, manageable, shinier and noticeably softer. I opted for the Tara Smith Working Curls Conditioner, this brand has intrigued me for a while as its vegan and free from 'nasties'. After doing some research I love the story behind this brand and their mission.  Most of the conditioners which I have tried which have been paraben and silicone free have never been anything special. However, this was different from the first wash. I noticed a change in my hair, but that can be said for most hair products you've used for the first time. So I continued to use this and continued to be impressed. My hair was noticeably softer, it was easier to comb through and tangles weren't so knotty. My hair is quite wavy and this product did a great job of keeping the waves without being frizzy. It basically made my hair sleeker than Chad Le Clos' butterfly finish. Did i really just compare a hair product to an Olympian? 

This is my second bottle of this conditioner and I have thoroughly tested it. I've tried it with different shampoos; different leave in products just to see if this was te product which made the difference to my hair. It definitely is! You can buy Tara Smith products from M&S beauty halls which are where I get mine. I'll most definitely be buying more from this brand as I've never been so impressed. Within the blogosphere I haven’t heard much about this brand, but I hope that changes very soon. The packaging is beautiful and stands in a display surrounded by boring white bottles. With all the boxes ticked, this might just be The One!?

Have you tried any Tara Smith products?

How I Stay Positive. Part 1

At the start of the month I wrote a post detailing ways in which I am making 2015 a positive year. I mentioned that I'm not the type of person who makes New Years Resolutions as I believe you don't have to wait for a new year to make a change. You can make a change at any time of your life. So during Autumn last year that's exactly what I did. I made a conscious effort to become more positive.

Isn't this just like real life Tumblr?

I mentioned in various blog posts last year that I was getting quite down, due to many factors but mainly through post graduation job rejection. To be honest I was sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. I read various pieces of literature, spoke to different people and quickly realised that there are many things in life which we cannot control. We can however take control of our thoughts. I was the only person who could help myself. Now, deciding to be more positive is one of the easiest and most difficult changes to make. It's easy as you can quickly decide to do it, and don't really need much outside help as it comes from yourself. However, STAYING positive is a little harder. I really had to retrain my thought process. These are a few things I do to stay positive:

Gratitude.
Thankfulness, gratefulness and appreciation is a feeling of a benefit. No matter how big or small it can have a positive affect on your mood. When I think I have nothing to be thankful for I always go back to my breath. Start from your breath and build from there. I do this in the morning and it really helps my mood throughout the day.

Stop and Think
During work when things aren't going right or even if its just been a busy day. I stop what I'm doing and think for a few moments about how I'm feeling and what thoughts are going on in my mind. By doing so I am instantly aware, and it helps me stay on a positive track. We all lead busy lives and our thoughts can get away from us, just stop for a couple minutes, and think about whats going on in your mind.

Mental Cleansing
This goes hand in hand with the above. Much like how you detox from bad foods this is like a detox of a mind. Getting rid of any mind clutter. Social media plays a big part in mind clutter as we're often bombarded with information which may have a negative effect on our mind. I like to take 10 minutes out of the day to get rid of any thoughts or worries cluttering my mind. Usually mental cleansing takes place in the shower, I guess its the whole symbolic thing of bad thoughts being washed away?

These are a few things I do to stay positive, sometimes I find myself falling back into old ways of thinking. Then I remind myself that I have control of my thoughts and I begin to reprogram again.

How do you stay positive?

Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

It's no secret that I love a good toner. Since Caroline Hirons cleared up a few misconceptions regarding toners I've been hooked. The latest one I've been using is the Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner. Targeted at combination to oily skin I was instantly drawn to this product. I've only ever experienced fabulous things from Ren so I had high hopes for this product.

Ren Clarimatte Clarifying Toner

Clarimatte is an alcohol free exfoliating toner. It does a swell job of removing dead skin cells revealing clearer and much softer skin. I've been using this a lot lately as the cold winter has left my skin looking a bit dull. It doesn't leave skin feeling tight and is very comfortable to use AM/PM. This product has done a good job of balancing my skin, by that I mean it has worked well with my oily t-zone and I notice my skin doesn't get as oily throughout the day. It has also worked well on getting rid of dry patches. The price is quite reasonable at £12 as I know a lot of brands can charge a ridiculous amount for a good exfoliating toner. Overall, another ace product by Ren that I highly recommend.

What's your favourite Ren product?

Nail Detox

Who was guilty of wearing glitter nail polish over Christmas? *raises hand* If you can't wear a little glitter over Christmas then when can you, hey? Glitter polish is so beautiful when on the nails but such a pain to take off! Especially as I'm someone who loves nail polish and can't have bare nails for too long. After a good year of nail polish lovin' and the stint of glitter over the festive season my nails were crying out for a detox.

The word 'detox' seems to be flying around everywhere at the moment. My nails began peeling and were crying out for some TLC. I decided after Christmas to not wear nail polish for a solid few weeks and restore my nails to their former health. That meant no New Years nail art and no subtle nude polishes. The products I used to help strengthen my nails were; Sally Hansen Cuticle and Nail Treatment, this is perfect for parched nails and the pen applicator is very convenient. Sally Hansen Nail Protex Strengthener which helps to strengthen nails and prevent further damage. The Dr Lewinns Renunail Ridge Filler, even though this is a ridge filler you can use it on its own as the avocado oil and vitamin E help hydrate nails.

After a few weeks my nails are definitely looking and feeling better. Now for the big question, which polish do I introduce to my nails first?

'Back' In Style?

Rucksacks, knapsacks, backpacks call them what you like but there's no escaping them right now. Not only are they practical (hello, both my hands are free), they're easy to wear, comfortable and oh so stylish. I've been on the hunt for the perfect backpack for months now and this one caught my eye for many reasons. Firstly, the size is ideal, not too big and not too small. Secondly, it was from TK Maxx so hello bargain! Lastly, and probably the most important is the way this back does up. The clip can be fastened at the top and the bottom either hiding or revealing the zip.

 This one is much more stylish than the purple Rugrats one I had as a kid.


Some stylish backpack inspiration.

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Rucksacks are most definitely back in style, will you be wearing one?

New Newbs - New Balance 620's

New Balance 620 

I finally caved and bought a pair of New Balance! I opted for the 620's and after searching high and low for a pair in black with no avail I eventually settled on a navy pair. I have to confess since these babies came into my life they have been my go-to footwear choice. I think the words "it's like walking on a cloud" came out of my mouth at one point. After following a lot of Scandinavian bloggers and admiring their effortless style I can see why these are so popular. The 620's are narrower and I had to go up in size so bear that in mind if you decide on a pair.

I'm going to ignore what Ryan Goslings character Jacob Palmer says and continue to wear my New Balance erry damn day.

5 Ways To Make 2015 Your Best Year

I'm not someone who makes new years resolutions. I feel you can make a change at any time throughout the year and don't need to wait till the start of January. Towards the end of 2014 I made a change in my life and I continue to take that with me throughout 2015.

1) Think Positive
In the latter months of last year I decided that I needed to change my thought process. I was very much a glass half empty person. Actually it was probably more like 'the glass is half empty so whats the point?' It came after a tough year full of rejection (the joys of being a graduate) and nothing going the right way. I was sick of feeling down and decided to take charge of my thoughts instead of them taking charge of me and how I was feeling. I will continue to take this with me through 2015. It's by no means easy but it's worth it.

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