Holiday Prep: Skin and Hair

If you follow me on Twitter, you will know I've been very excited about going on holiday with my boyfriend. The time is finally here! We fly at 7am tomorrow morning, so today has been a day full of pre-holiday prep... I've packed, checked I have my hand luggage essentials, printed my documents and of course I've prepared my whole body ready for a week in the sun. 

As women we like everything to be perfect: our hair, our nails and our skin. With this in mind, I've compiled a few of my favourite products and pre-holiday beauty routines for this post, so we can all look great on the beach. 

I like to use a body scrub on my legs and arms for around a week before I go on holiday, not only will this ensure silky smooth skin, but it makes shaving a lot better. By using a body scrub you are removing dead and dry skin cells, this means when you shave your legs the shave is closer. Anything that gives me a longer lasting smoother shave I will try! I always find shaving my legs such a chore, I'm 5 ft 11 so you can imagine how long my legs are! 
I love this Soap and Glory scrub, it really is the 'Scrub of Your Life' without feeling too harsh and scratchy.

After all that scrubbing and shaving, you will need to moisturise! My all time favourite is the Body Shop butter: it smells amazing and works wonders. There are so many flavours (yes, that is the right description!) to choose from its hard to pick a favourite. I tend to use the nutty ones such as almond, brazil nut or coconut. They still smell great without being over-powering to any perfume you might want to wear. However, I also love the blueberry one too. Some of the flavours are in the Body Shop sale right now, for only £5 ! Perfect time to invest and stock up.

 











The last thing you want when getting bikini-ready is shaving rash or in-grown hairs. Germolene antiseptic cream is the perfect cure. Stops any irritation and gets rid of any redness, what more do you need? My Nannan used to use this on me when I was younger, I was so clumsy I would fall and cut myself all the time. She called it magic cream.

When it comes to looking after the skin on my face, I love Temple Spa. My boyfriend's mum let me use her foaming Temple Spa cleanser just once and I was converted! I have combination skin; it can be dry but also it can get oily. The 'Good to Go' cleanser solves all this! As for moisturiser, I use Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser. It doesn't clog my pores but keeps my skin looking glowy. 

The sun and pool water tends to dry hair out, so before I go away I always use a hair mask. Lately I've been using an Argan Oil mask I bought in Home Bargains. Yes, really. I'm not even sure what brand it is! But you can find it on amazon here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Argan-Oil-Hydrating-Hair-220ml/dp/B00DT41ZB2. It leaves my hair so shiny, soft and bouncy. It's also really lightweight so doesn't leave any unwanted residue. The perfect hair pick-me-up. 

Before using the hair mask, I use a clarifying shampoo. The humidity abroad wreaks havoc with my naturally wavy hair, making it incredibly frizzy! To tame this frizz I use a lot of product. So to make sure my hair is completely clean before I go away I use TRESemme Deep Cleansing Shampoo. It cleanses away product build up which may weigh hair down, so I also use it when I get home too. 

I've also had my eyelashes tinted this week before I go. I have pretty decent eyelashes, but they are very blonde at the ends. The lash tint covers this and gives a subtle hint of mascara. I don't wear much make-up day to day anyway, but when I'm on holiday I usually wear even less. I've never been a big fan of waterproof mascara so a lash tint seemed like the obvious second choice and so far I am impressed. Unfortunately I couldn't really catch a good picture of my eyes  to show the results but I would recommend it. 

As I go away tomorrow, I won't be posting until next Sunday, 6th July. However, when I get home there will be lots of exciting posts to look forward to including a holiday look-book and a couple of book reviews. Orange is the New Black seems to be everyone's guilty pleasure at the minute, but did you know it based on a real-life memoir? Well, I've bought the book to take on holiday with me.. Should be an excellent read! 

Do you have any pre-holiday beauty rituals? What is your favourite moisturiser? Leave a comment and let me know! 

Top Five: Sunglasses

I have never really been that bothered about sunglasses before this Summer; this Summer I am obsessed! I've currently got 5 pairs, ranging from Michael Kors (TK Maxx bargain) to Primark. There are soo many fun and quirky styles out there right now and I am definitely looking to expand my collection. I've picked my five favourites for this weeks Top Five.

This is my collection at the moment (top to bottom): Michael Kors, fake Ray Ban, Primark. They are all pretty much the same colour so I'm looking for a bit of variety now!

1. Hello There Sailor, River Island. I love this style! Plus, these are a *slight* copy of a Henry Holland pair, for a fraction of the price. What's not to love?

2. Blue Cat Eye Sunglasses, Topshop. Slight cat eye shape, pop of bright blue... The perfect holiday sunnies! Just add a cocktail by the beach...

3. Mirror Lense Wayfarer, ASOS. The classic wayfarer is re-invented in this ASOS pair. The tinted lense looks so futuristic. 

4. Moschino Tortoise shell sunglasses, TK Maxx. Tortoise shell. Oversized. Moschino. There is nothing else to say. 

5. Floral Sunnies, FrameandOptic, Etsy. If you are going to a festival this summer, you need a pair of these! So cute and a steal at £9 !

Are you loving sunglasses this Summer? How big is your collection? Leave me a comment!

Fifteen Summer Holiday Essentials

Next week my boyfriend and I are going on holiday to Turkey and I'm so excited! We booked it back in September and it's finally here, I can't wait to escape to some sunshine. I've never visited Turkey before so I'm extra excited to explore. I've been preparing for this holiday for months... by buying lots and lots of holiday clothes! For this post I've picked my favourite fifteen essentials everyone needs to pack for a beach holiday...

1. Of course, a bikini is an obvious essential for any beach holiday, but make yours a little more interesting with a pretty print and stand out by the pool. This one is from H&M, I love the studs on it as well as the paisley print.

2. The floppy hat. I'm not usually one to wear hats, I'm all about my hair, but when I go on holiday I always take one. A floppy hat will protect your hair, your parting and your face from sun damage. I got mine in Primark for only £4!

3. A beach bag is a necessity when on holiday: nobody wants their handbag ruined by sand and chlorine! I got this particular bag last year when I went to Spain. It was around 4 euros. I don't want to spend too much money on a bag I'll probably use only once a year. This one is straw but its lined. Also, it's big enough for both mine and my boyfriend's stuff. 

4. Baggage limits can be such a pain so I like to take items away that have a double wear option, hello day-to-night playsuit. This gorgeous chiffon one is from H&M and it can easily worn for a walk along the beach during the day, or out for a nice meal at night. At only £19.99 I couldn't resist!

5. Summer 2014's must-have shoe: the slider. These shoes are a bit like marmite, you either love or loathe them. I am a huge fan! The embellished pair are from H&M and are perfect for adding a bit of sparkle to your beach look. The silver sliders are from River Island and are literally the comfiest shoes I've ever worn. Ever. Even comfier than trainers! You need some.

6. I love all things high-waisted so of course I love crop tops. This tropical print crop is from New Look and is perfect for holiday wear. 

7. Maxi dresses are the ultimate summer item. Even if you aren't going on holiday you need a maxi dress: day to night styling and so easy to wear. I love the pops of colour on this Primark dress, very summery.

8. This black lace kimono from H&M is a very versatile item, it can be worn as a beach cover-up, or a cover-up for evening. The lace will add an extra detail to any outfit. 

9, 10, 11. When on holiday, hairstyles should be relaxed, easy and quick. Invest in some hair scarves, salt spray and hair oil and you should be good to go. Salt spray tames and styles beachy hair into evening-appropriate waves in just a few squirts. Macadamia or Argan oil will not only nourish dry hair but will add shiny an bounce to sun-dried hair. Hair scarves are the easiest way to embrace beach styling, these are great if you have a fringe that needs pulling back! Both head scarves here are ASOS.

12. The co-ord is this season's must have. There are soooooo many around right now it's a little hard to choose just one to buy! I had been searching for literally months for one I really loved, then last night I found this beauty from Pretty Little Thing. I am obsessed! The print is very cute and definitely holiday appropriate. Also, the great thing about a co-ord is it's three outfits in one. You can wear the top and shorts either together or as separates. Bargain!

13. I tend to over pack and I like to carry a lot of stuff with me on holiday that I perhaps don't need. Because of this I have invested in a large cabin bag. It comfortably fits everything I will want on the plane including snacks, my Nook e-reader and some layers (I get cold because of the air con when flying). This bag is from Storm, its a summery color and has thick straps so is comfy to carry around.

14. A few months ago my iPhone tragically died of water damage. I now have a new one and I will be taking no chances when I'm by the pool in Turkey! This handy little pouch and many other variations can be picked up from Amazon for around £3. Trust me, it's so worth it. Rather be safe than sorry!

15. My last holiday essential is a good book. There is nothing better than relaxing by the pool reading. I would definitely recommend a Kindle or the cheaper Nook e-readers for holidays, saves so much space! I had six books on my Nook last year and I read them all in a week. You wouldn't like to carry six books in your hand luggage! This Summer I plan to read 'The Notebook' and 'The Fault in Our Stars'. I love the film version of 'The Notebook', but I have never read the book! Also, since 'The Fault in Our Stars' film comes out this week, I think I need to finally read the book version after much persuasion from my sister. 

Are you going on holiday this Summer? If so, where? Do you have any other essentials? Leave me a comment!

Top Five: Rain Macs

I've been thinking of starting a feature on my blog, so this is the first of a new weekly edit: 'Top Five'. This week in honour of the bi-polar weather we've been having, I've chosen my Top Five rain macs. 
If your childhood was anything like mine, you were probably forced to wear an ugly fold-away anorak type thing to school when it was showery outside, but fear not! The rain macs I've found are very pretty (also practical) and a far cry away from anything you would find in an outdoors shop.  

1. ASOS Longline Rain Mac with Spots, £35. I think this is my favourite of the bunch, just because it looks so chic but you know it will keep you dry when you are caught off-guard in a rain storm. 

2. Jaded London Hooded Rain Mac with Garden Flowers, £55. Bright and bold if you are looking to stand out at a festival this Summer.

3. Kacey Lace Print Scallop Hem Mac (Boohoo), £28. Pretty, girly and a bit different to your average rain coat. I think if Barbie wore a rain coat, it would be this one.

4. Hollie Heart Print Raincoat (Pretty Little Thing), £24. This darker print will see you through to early Autumn. Also the print is a little more reserved compared to the above options. 

5. Checked Rain Mac (Marks and Spenser), £49.50. One word describes this mac: classy. Looks like the essential trench coat, but it's waterproof. Perfection. 

Will you be sporting a mac this Summer? Are you packing one for a festival? Leave me a comment! 

Race for Life, Sweaty Selfies and The Bralet of Dreams

Today I ran the Race for Life again and it was a beautiful start to my Sunday! This year I completed it in 30 minutes and 46 seconds. I've ran for the past three years for many reasons: my mum was diagnosed three years ago and she has beaten it now, but there are too many people who don't. 
I'm not going to dwell on this however... The Race for Life is always a very happy and energetic event, there's a certain unity among all the women running, jogging and walking together all dressed in pink. It's a really fun day and I'd recommend taking part to anybody :) 

I don't usually love running, but when you see the finish line after 5k in the hot sun, something inside you switches. You must get there as fast as you possibly can! Safe to say I definitely got my runners high today, followed by a shiny medal and a charity flower from my step-dad. It may seem a pain to some to keep sponsoring me year after year, but giving money to a good cause should never get old! I'm going to do it again next year, and probably the year after that too.

After sprinting over the finish line at 10am, I was starving! So my day got even better when we all went for a carvery! Enter the Bralet of Dreams.

It's safe to say this Topshop bralet may change my Summer; outfit crisis wise anyway! It's got everything: pastel pink, tropical print and it fits great. I loved it for a while before I decided yes, I really did need it, and I am so glad I bought it! I've got sooo many outfit ideas for it from holiday wear to party wear. I have been desperate to wear it for a while but it doesn't look like a practical item does it? 

 That is what this Primark tee is for. Covers your modesty, but shows just enough. I have so many crop tops and this top means I can wear them all the time without looking slightly under-dressed... Admittedly I was slightly nervous about my outfit choice, but even my Nannan liked it! Nobody is immune to the power of this bralet.  

I got this leather skirt from H&M a few weeks ago and I've literally barely taken it off, it goes with anything and everything! I love the details on it, it looks less plain and less tacky than some leather skirts I've seen lately. 

All in all I've had a really good day and I  hope everyone has enjoyed their Sunday as much as I have! 

What did you get up to today? Leave me a comment!

Beauty Haul

I've finally finished my first year at university and this is why I haven't been able to blog for a while: so many essays and revision! Now it's over expect to be bombarded with posts over Summer! 

I thought I would do a beauty haul/review type post because I bought these products a few weeks ago and I've finally go the time to tell you all about them :) I suppose it's worked out okay because I have actually tried all these products now. 

I went to York Designer Outlet a few weeks ago with my boyfriend and although there aren't many clothes shops for girls, there is a Body Shop outlet and a make-up store, which is where I spent all my money! 

I got the banana shampoo + conditioner, Rainforest hair mask and coconut lip butter all from the Body Shop factory store for a bargain price, if you buy 4 items you get an extra 40% off! 

I love the shampoo and conditioner! It's seriously amazing. My hair can be quite dry at the ends and sometimes gets a bit frizzy as it's naturally curly but this shampoo works wonders. My hair felt soft, shiny and healthy after about a week of washing. And it smells great too!
The hair mask I use once every other week as my hair can sometimes get a bit weighed down with too much product. It's really nice, feels quite light as hair masks go but it does the trick when your hair needs a little pick-me-up. My hair always looks shiny after using this and stays shiny too. 
I really like this lip butter compared with other lip moisturising products. It hydrates the lips instead of drying them out and I only really need to apply it maybe once or twice a day for it to work.

In the make-up, they stock lots of higher-end brands such as Bobbi Brown, Bumble and Bumble, Clinique and Smashbox, but they are substantially cheaper here. The two lipsticks at the back of this picture are from Avon but I did get them around the same time so thought they needed to be included in this post. The Avon lipsticks both had money off of them so it was perfect timing. The lilac coloured one is  called Violet Friday and is from the Colour Trend range. It's such a great colour for Summer and goes on really smoothly. The lighter pink (Pout) is great for everyday wear as it goes with most outfits and it doesn't dry out your lips. 

The MAC lipsticks are both from the outlet and they were only £10 each! That's why I bought two. The dark purple, Smoked Purple, is a good colour but as it's matte I find it doesn't apply very well. I usually mix it with a little Vaseline to get it to cover easier, but other than that I am really happy with the colour. I wanted to try something a little different and this is great. As for the red, Lady Bug, I have been on the hunt for the perfect red lipstick for ages and I think I have found it! I usually look a little pale and strange wearing red lipstick but this colour matches with my skin tone and hair colour really well. I love it!

All in all, a successful trip and I have definitely found some products I will be buying over and over! What is your favourite lipstick shade? Do you have a shampoo you love? Leave me a comment!