Liz Earle cleanse and polish | re-loving

Back when I first started blogging and wearing a full face of make up regularly, I decided it was time to invest in a decent make up remover. I fell in love with the Liz Earle cleanse and polish, although initially I remember being a bit dubious, it grew on me pretty fast and it became a staple in my make up removal routine. 

Nearly three years on I've rediscovered this little beauty in a sample size I got from John Lewis. It's easy to use, removes my make up really well and leaves my skin feeling amazing. I'll definitely be picking up some more of this next time I'm out shopping!

Have you ever used this cleanser?

n xx

One Hundred Names

paperback | hardback

One Hundred Names by Cecelia Ahern (here), the same author who wrote P.S. I Love You, was a novel that caught my eye mostly because of the cover. I read P.S I Love You about a year ago and really enjoyed Cecelia Ahern's writing style; it's really easy to follow and feel involved with the characters, which is exactly what I currently look for in my off-duty non-study books. Though Kitty is essentially the bad guy of the novel, the story comes from her perspective as she realises that actually her friends are right and she's become a pretty horrible person. 

The main reason I loved this is because it represents something that I really believe in: everyone has their own story and is good at different things, and you shouldn't ever judge a book just by its cover. I'd honestly recommend it if you're interested!

goodreads

the night circus

n xx

Style inspiration | Alexa Chung

I've always loved Alexa Chung's style, it really appeals to my inner girly-girl without repulsing the tomboy I-only-dress-for-comfort part of me (really it's a wonder I manage to find clothes at all). I bought her book 'It' when it first came out, though I confess it was mostly out of curiosity and the hardcover copy being irresistibly pretty somehow. Other than that she's never been someone who's on my radar much until recently. Somehow she manages to pull of that chic but messy look that I constantly dream of, and recently I've even considered heading for the half grown out fringe look- though Felicity Jones is also partly behind that lust.

Who's your current fashion icon?!

n xx

Loving lately #11

I've been struggling with a lot of things going on in my life recently, so I like to make sure I have plenty of down time and time to just generally relax. The top 8 things helping me do that are...

1. baths, and plenty of Lush bath bombs

2. reading non-uni related novels

3. scrapbooking

4. netflix and disney films

5. hot chocolates with mini marshmallows by the hundred

6. having flowers in my room

7. getting out of the house for mini adventures

8. candles

How do you relax during really busy times?!

n xx

Review | Clinique anti-blemish solutions

Cinique anti-blemish solutions

this set | £25

I picked this up recently because I've been really struggling with breakouts (I'm blaming it mostly on university), and when I saw it I knew I had to try it. My skin gets on really well with the dry combination normal 3-step cleanse, and Clinique in general is always a good brand for my skin. This 3-step routine has a cleansing foam, a clarifying lotion and an all-over clearing treatment.

I really enjoy all 3 steps of this, and my skin is definitely looking a lot clearer two weeks on. I use them as my morning skincare routine, and as well as clearing up remaining redness from spots I've noticed that my pores are looking significantly clearer of blackheads. All three are easy to get out and use; first I pump out the foam and wash it over my face, and wash it off with water. I sweep the clarifying lotion over on a cotton wool pad and the clearing treatment is easy to get the right amount of. I'd say that if you have super sensitive skin then this might not be for you, as the clarifying lotion in particular is very drying. I counteract this through using something super moisturing in the evenings (like The Body Shop Vitamin E overnight serum).

I'm super glad I picked this up and I'd definitely recommend it if you're looking to try out new anti-blemish products. 

Have you ever tried this product?

 n xx

Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil

Organix renewing moroccan argan oil penetrating oil 

£6.99

'Oil' sounds a bit terrifying to me when in a beauty product, but I decided to throw caution to the wind and give this a go since I've heard so much about it. This is aimed to give your hair a smooth and silky look, as well as strengthening individual strands and leaving your hair feeling soft. I've noticed a definite difference in my hair since I've started using this, and I'd say that it's definitely noticeably softer.

I use this in two ways, but mostly after showers. I'll put a small pea sized amount in my palm and rub it through damp hair. You definitely have to be careful how much you apply because you can easily leave your hair looking pretty greasy (I learnt the hard way), but because it's just a pour out bottle it can sometimes be hard to get the right amount. The other way that I'll use this is as a deep treatment mask before washing, and apply about double of my post-shower amount. I'll then leave it in for a few hours (or overnight) before washing. I've not done this too many times yet, but when I did my hair was super soft all over and  so lovely when it was dry!

Overall I really like this, but if you're a bit of an oil-phobe like me then be careful!

Have you tried this, or other hair oils? 

n xx

The Body Shop | body butter

I've often thought that the Body Shop body butters are very under rated; I always have about five hidden away in my room in various scents. They're a very thick moisturiser so I know they don't float everyone's boat, but for me and my sensitive/dry/thin skin they're a dream. I smother at least my legs in this most nights as I'm getting into bed, so I don't have to worry about it soaking before getting ready in the morning.

The recent limited edition scent blueberry is so fresh and lovely, but my other favourites include cocoa butter, raspberry and strawberry. The Body shop are constantly switching up scents and bringing back old favourites depending on what's popular (raspberry comes and goes quite a lot). For £13 each I think these are a total steal because a tub lasts at least a month or two, so if you've never tried these I'd really recommend trying one!

What's your favourite scent?

n xx

My top 5 Pinterest 'to try' recipes

moroccan roasted garlic and cashew pizza

spaghetti but skinnier

salt and vinegar sweet potato chips

broccoli quinoa casserole

quinoa cheesy garlic bread

If you've never used Pinterest, you're missing out. I use mine for anything from hair inspiration to remembering recipes. It's so easy to search and find new things, especially recipes that it's become my go-to place to look when I've got carrots and no idea how to use them (I highly recommend caramelised carrot risotto).

my pinterest

Do you use pinterest? Leave your username below so I can find you!

n xx

Dry hair treatment

Way back in September I was having a dry hair dilemma that's still a bit of a work in progress; after some washes it's fine but others it's like straw. Though I've found some good after care, I decided to venture into Lush to get something a little bit more natural and loving for my hair.

After telling an employee what my hair has been like (slightly greasy at the roots but dry as anything at the ends), I was pointed towards these two.

Rehab shampoo (£5.50 for 100g)

Retread conditioner (£10.75 for 245g)

Originally I was using the Jungle solid conditioner, but I didn't get on well with it being solid. Since I've been using Retread I've noticed a big difference in my hair. It's a lot softer and smoother after washing, and Rehab leaves it feeling much cleaner and refreshed. The two together work really well (it even recommends using  them together on the packaging), though I have found that Rehab leaves my hair far too dry without using a conditioner, so if you're thinking of trying them I'd definitely recommend them as a pair.

I'm thinking of trying out American Cream conditioner next, as a deep treatment mask because I feel like that's what my routine is still missing.

Do you have any dry hair recommendations?

n xx

In the bottom of my bag...

It must be said that I'm not known for my shining immune system. So lurking in my bag I now have this handy little purse from H&M filled with odd bits that I don't really want lurking around the bottom of my handbag. It's been a lifesaver since I put everything in the same place, and it makes changing over handbags super easy!

At the moment I have in there paracetamol, plasters, gaviscon,dextrose energy tablets, migraleve and some Nelsons tablets- my mum gave me these as they help relieve sickness, which I get a lot when I travel (you can pick them up from Boots). I add in extras as and when I need them, which is why there's currently dextrose tablets in there- I'm struggling with early uni mornings!

Do you have an organised handbag?!

n xx

Scrubbin' up

Whether it's summer or winter, I pretty much always have slightly dry lips, so I love a good lip scrub. The two that I'm currently using are both from Lush, though The Kiss is a limited edition valentines product. It tastes like jam donuts to me, but the real winner for me is the other flavour; Popcorn.

"Popcorn makes sure your lips are the main feature thanks to the special effects of coconut oil, sugar and sea salt. You’ll be ready for your close-up once Popcorn’s sugar, sea salt and polenta combine with coconut and jojoba oils to buff and prime your lips – without leaving a film. Just gently rub the popping candy-sweet scrub onto your lips with a clean finger, and your Hollywood smile is all set."

You can definitely make your own for cheaper, as this is £5.50 for a 25g pot, but honestly I much prefer paying that little extra for these. It's quite sweet, though it does also remind me of the mixed sweet and salty popcorn (which I'm a big fan of). The main reason I love these lip scrubs so much is because of how they leave my lips feeling; refreshed, nourished and not at all like I've just taken a piece of sandpaper to them. The sugar buffs away dead skin without being too harsh or too gentle. 

My main down point with these is how badly it gets under long nails.. any pointers are very welcome!

Have you tried the Lush lip scrubs before?

n xx