SUMMER FAVOURITES | BEAUTY, LIFESTYLE, STYLE + MORE

Hello everyone! Seeing as autumn is fast approaching us and it is safe to say we have said goodbye to summer for another year, i thought for today's post i would do something a little bit different. The something different being an end of summer favourites type of post, to make up for the fact i haven't posted a "monthly favourites" post in a couple of months now. I have so many favourites from the whole of summer, from beauty products to clothing, accessories, music, movies and books...

1. ps bronze dewy glow face + body butter

Kicking things off with probably one of my favourite beauty finds of the summer, which is crazy as it is a super affordable product. Cream highlighters have been an essential part to my everyday makeup routine this summer, as they are super lightweight on the skin yet they still give you that beautiful/healthy sun-kissed glow. One thing that really made this product a summer favourite (glow aside) was the fact it is coconut scented and what makes a product more summer appropriate than that? 

2. topshop onara lattice white cross body bag

Next up is an accessories favourite of mine from this summer, in the form of this small white cross body bag from Topshop that i picked up for just £10, when they had 25% off a few months ago (not available anymore). This bag has been perfect to pair with so many different summer outfits, especially for going out for a more casual yet still dressy dinners. One of my favourite things about this bag is even though it is super small and compact, you still had a central section to put your money and cards in securely/hidden without needing to pack a purse.

| featured cream highlighter post | featured cross body bag post |

3. nude nails

This next favourite can be an all year round favourite of mine, but even more particularly this summer and that is of course nude nails. I just love how natural they look, they go with every single outfit you are going to wear and i just don't ever get bored of them. That being said i could never narrow it down to just one (even though i do have a top favourite which is included) and i have found myself reaching for a selected few this summer. The nude nail polishes are rimmel 60 seconds let's get nude, barry m gelly hi shine peanut butter, barry m speedy winning streak and of course essie spin the bottle.

4. summer music favourites

This summer i have been loving a lot of music, from the music that i listen to on an everyday basis and then also the music that keeps me motivated during workouts. I always listen to my music on Spotify which is perfect to keep track on what music is new, as well as making your own playlists and also listening to other already made playlists. Some of my favourite playlist's made by Spotify are the this is: playlist's, as well as the release radar playlist which is tailored to suit the style of music that you personally listen to.

| this is: dvsn playlist | this is: majid jordan playlist | are & be playlist |

5. my summer reads

This summer i have read so many books, well like i have been doing for the most of the year as i made it one of my new years resolutions, to read as many books as possible this year. Of course i have some of my ultimate favourite reads from the summer, starting with Driven. I loved every single page of all three books from the Driven series, which i mentioned i wanted to read before the series was released in movie/tv series form on Passionflix. Next up and two books part of a two book series by my favourite author and that is of course Jodi Ellen Malpas and her fantastic Smoke & Mirrors series (The Controversial Princess and His True Queen). 

6. protein world slender blend

I have mentioned how this year i have been super motivated and have been a lot stricter with my diet and my lifestyle. One product that i have been loving reaching for a lot to help with that this summer is the Slender Blend protein powder from Protein World, as it is not only a perfect quick meal especially after a workout but also great for adding into smoothies or even porridge. The Slender Blend is packed full of protein, fibre and is also low in sugar, calories and fat.

| august must-buys post | six books to binge-read this month post |

xo.

AUGUST MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING, FOOD, MOVIES + MORE

Hello everyone and Happy August! With it being a new month means only one thing, it is time for another instalment of monthly must-buys. This month i have a good selection of must-buy items from fashion to food and even tv/movies, as well as some upcoming/things i want to pick up ASAP...

1. protein world slender blend | £31.99 (1.2KILO) |

So first up i recently decided to pick up some of the slender blend, as i had been wanting to give it a try for a while now and i thought it would be perfect for something super quick (meal replacement perfect for breakfast time) yet was full of  good stuff. I actually picked mine up whilst they had money off on the site so this huge size only cost £22.99 yet it is usually £31.99 and you get 30 servings out of it. They also come in a wide range of flavours but i decided to just try simple vanilla to begin with, although i do have my eye on chocolate mint.

2. prettylittlething tan large wooden structured clutch | £35 |

If you follow me on Instagram then you might have seen my stories earlier in the week, sharing a few of my favourite things on PLT at the moment and this bag is definitely one of them. I have mentioned in a few different style related posts about how obsessed i am with the whole wooden/wicker bag vibes right now, what makes this one different is you can also pick one up in either black or white and of course the traditional wood colour.

3. primark beauty coconut body scrub | £3 |

When it comes to shower gels, body lotions and scrubs i am all for anything and everything coconut scented, so naturally when i spotted that Primark now have a coconut body scrub i was going to be excited. The scent of this is literally giving me all of the summer holiday/beach vibes and for just £3, what a bargain must-have product to have in your shower this August.

4. boohoo basic swing cami | £5 |

I am always picking up new basic tops as you can never have enough, as they are so good for day to day wear with a pair of jeans. I had tried the cami tops like this from Boohoo before and i wasn't that much of a fan but i am pretty sure they have recently changed them, for the better! I recently picked up a couple, one in black and one in this beautiful mustard colour.

5. topshop panther quilted shoulder bag | £29 |

Ooops another bag, but i am honestly such a sucker for Topshop bags and when i saw this new-in on the site i was just instantly in love. I know we have another month or so left of summer but i think this will make a great transition into autumn bag, re-introducing my favourite a/w colour....black of course!

6. silk fred black leather biker jacket | £49.99 |

So if you have read a few of my posts recently/have been keeping up, then you will probably know that this year i have become a lot more healthy in my lifestyle choices and with that of course i have lost weight. I actually picked up a brand new leather jacket from MissGuided earlier in the year but obviously once the warm weather hit, i wasn't reaching for it anymore. That being said when i did try it on a few days ago, i couldn't believe how much bigger it was on me and i definitely need a smaller sized one. There are always so many different black leather jackets to choose from online/in-stores but at this moment in time, this Silk Fred number is definitely my favourite (well favourite one out of those you don't need a mortgage for).

7. mister tonight kindle book by Kendall Ryan | £2.99 |

Once i had finished my current read, i was browsing through the kindle book store for inspiration on what to read next and i decided to give something a go by Kendall Ryan. I have heard of the author a lot before yet i hadn't read anything buy her and ever since finishing Mister Tonight in just two nights, it definitely left me wondering why i haven't read her books before. The way her books flow, how easy they are to get into is just perfect, i am also currently reading another book by her which i will be talking about in a post coming soon...

8. passionflix | $5.99 / £4.60 per month |

I have spoken about my love for the Passionflix movie service for almost a year now ever since it launched, as it is something that i personally subscribe to also and love. The idea of Passionflix is turning romance books into movies/tv shows, which who doesn't love seeing some of their favourite books turned into film? Getting to the point in just one week, the first tv series to the site will be released (the first three episodes) and that is Driven. Driven is a book series that i have mentioned over the past couple of months, which i decided to read as i hadn't done so already before it was released on screen. I never expected this series to be one of my favourites i have ever read, which has me even more excited to binge watch on release day! 

Catch up on last month's must-buys post HERE...

xo.

TRAVEL BEAUTY | TEN PRODUCT WEEKEND MAKEUP BAG

Hello everyone! I know i only shared a "what's in my travel makeup bag" post just last month, but i am going away for the weekend and i didn't want to take too many products with me (literally just the bare essentials). So as i was thinking of what products i could pack, as well as knowing what products would be compact/used for multiple things and i managed to get it down to a ten product makeup bag which for me is quite a challenge, as half of the time i love to over-pack and bring about five too many lip products that i don't end up reaching for...

Seeing as i was only taking a small amount of products and i didn't need a huge wash/makeup bag, i decided to go with one of the smaller sized skinnydip makeup bags and you can get them from the skinnydip site/stores, ASOS, topshop and now beautybay.com too. I personally always use these makeup bags, as they always come in cute patterns yet are still see-through and you can not only see what you are looking for but also you can fit so much inside of them. Another thing i did to cut down on the amount of products i needed to take, by doing my eyebrows the night before using the revolution brow tint in the shade dark brown leaving it on for the full two hours and this way i know my brows are going to be good for the whole weekend.

nuxe huile prodigeiuse (sample/travel size)
So something that i use every single day is this dry oil by Nuxe and i love to apply it right before i do my makeup, so this is an essential for me. The only downside was when i was to travel with it, it is huge as it comes in a 50ml glass bottle and i was always scared it was going to smash. That being said i recently received a bag full of mini Nuxe products, including a mini version of this perfect for taking away with me.

l'oréal infallible pro-glow foundation in the shade 205
My foundation of choice for the weekend is the pro-glow by L'Oréal, not only because it comes in a squeeze-y plastic compact tuble, rather than a glass bottle but also because i know it is going to look good/last all day.

ps my perfect colour concealer in the shade nude beige
This concealer is pretty much my everyday go-to concealer, so i know that it is going look good and last all day long without creasing etc. This concealer is also super slim and compact.

bareMinerals invisible light powder duo
So my powder of choice is probably not the most travel friendly size-wise but by taking other things that are more compact, does make for some room and i know this powder is going to do what i need it to do. As this is a powder duo, it has one side that is a matte powder perfect for the t-zone area to control shine and a glow powder side on the other for other areas of the face.

bareMinerals gold obsession chandelight glow illuminator
This is actually a product that i mentioned in my previous post, which is also a good one for travelling with as it is a cream to powder product and there is no need to pack two individual products.

bronze bronze queen bronzer in the shade sunset
This bronzer has pretty much been my go-to everyday bronzer for both warming up the face and used on my eyes, for a quick bronzed eye look ever since i picked it up last month. Skipping on the hefty eyeshadow palettes and just using bronzer is perfect for travelling, as you are multi using products and cutting down on space.

ps pro hd mascara in the shade black
Another everyday favourite from Primark is this ps pro HD mascara and i have mentioned before how it is a great dupe for my favourite KIKO 30 day lash treatment mascara, yet this one is only £3. I would normally take a sample sized mascara i have from MAC but i seem to have miss-placed them so this one has to be packed.

mac pro longwear waterproof brow set in the shade brown/ebony
Talking of products from MAC, the only thing when doing my makeup to my brows is to brush through them with some brow gel once my makeup is all done. This has become my favourite brow gel i have ever used, it also happens to be super travel friendly sized.

mac lip pencil in the shade stripdown
So for the final two items, they were probably the two hardest items to choose and know what to pack and this is probably why i usually end up packing way too many. That being said when i reached a decision i decided to go with stripdown liner, as it looks good on its own as well as with pretty much any other lip product applied on-top because of its creamy beige/brown colour.

charlotte tilbury hot lips lipstick in the shade KKW
Finally for lipstick i decided to go with a trusty handbag favourite of mine, which happens to be a perfect shade of nude for the time of year. Another reason why i decided to go with this lipstick is because i know it is super pigmented, creamy/hydrating on the lips and of course long-wearing. I also love the way it looks paired with stripdown liner, as it adds a touch of pink to the beige/brown liner creating a beautiful nude.

Catch up on my travel wishlist #4 summer edition HERE...

xo.

DRIPPING IN GOLD | MY THREE GO-TO CREAM HIGHLIGHTERS

Hello everyone! So a couple of weeks back now i shared my current three go-to powder highlighters, in part of an updated "my three go-to post" series. As i mentioned in that post (linked at the end) i am such a highlighter hoarder, but i definitely have my favourites from powder finish, to liquid and cream which i am loving the way they look on the skin this current spring/summer...

1. bareMinerals gold obsession chandelight gold illuminator | was £32 now £20 |

This is a product i have been loving since it was first released back in December, as part of a limited edition set from bareMinerals and i reach for it so often yet i have barely spoken about it. That being said even though this is a limited edition product, you can still pick it up and it currently has money off on the bareMinerals site, along with a free brush. This highlighter is so unique as it in the pan and when first applied is a cream formula, yet it dries down flawlessly into more of a silky powder finish and you are left with a beautiful natural golden looking glow. You can apply this product to where you normally would with the brush, but i prefer to go in with my damp beauty blender for that flawless/natural finish.

2. topshop glow pot in the shade gleam | £10.50 |

If you love cream highlighter or you just simply love a beaming/strong highlighted look, then you need to give this Topshop beauty a go because it is insane. Since i picked mine up the have upgraded the packaging to this beautiful gold hardware, so i might pick myself a back up next time i am in Topshop because i am probably 2/3 the way through mine. This product is super pigmented so you do only need a tiny amount, creamy/easy to apply and blend out, which will leave you with this beautiful gold/almost rose gold tinted glow. My favourite way to apply this is to dot a small amount where i want the highlighter to be with my finger and then blend out with my damp beauty blender, yet again but personally a beauty blender is your best friend when it comes to blending out cream or liquid products for the best flawless result.

3. ps bronze dewy glow face + body butter | £2.50 |

Finally we have the bargain of the post and the biggest in size too, i have been reaching for this non stop for everyday makeup looks because of how natural/dewy this leaves your skin looking. This product is quite similar is formula to the bareMinerals product, as it is more of a gel/balm cream product which i am loving at the moment. My favourite way to apply this is shock horror with a damp beauty blender, but this time i just rub some product straight onto the sponge before applying/blending at the same time. As this is a face and body butter i like to apply some not just to the places i normal would apply it on the face, but it also looks nice if you apply a small amount to the shoulders, décolletté and collar bone areas which will leave you with a beautiful dewy golden bronze glow. That is not the best thing though, this product smells incredible and is perfect if you are like me and are obsessed with anything coconut scented.

Catch up on my dripping in gold, my three go-to highlighters post HERE...

xo.

JUNE MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING, BEAUTY + ACCESSORIES

Hello everyone! So in my previous post, which was a recap of the year so far in the form of a mid-2018 most read posts and in that post i mentioned how coming up was the next instalment of my monthly must-buys. As last month it seemed like i bought so many new clothing pieces and especially towards the end of last month, some pieces i picked up and haven't had chance to share yet until now from clothing, to beauty and accessories...

1. MAC bronzing powder in the shade delphic | £25.50 |

I am always all about that golden/bronzed glowing look when it comes to makeup, so naturally when a new bronzer is released...I am more likely going to want it. That being said i am actually quite fussy when it comes to bronzer and i am usually hard to please, although the shade of this bronzer from the new Mirage Noir collection at MAC looks beautiful along side the packaging.

2. missguided white broderie tier bardot top | £24 |

I have mentioned in previous clothing related posts how much i am loving the detailed/broderie fabric tops at the moment, especially in white. I think this is particular top is perfect for summer either dressed up or down, with a pair of either white or black jeans if the matching co-ord isn't your thing.

3. topshop onara lattice cross body bag | was £25 now £15 |

If you read my recent may beauty + lifestyle favourites post then you will have seen that i featured this particular bag favourite of mine recently. I love how different the detailing of the bag is, as well as it being compact yet you can still fit a sizeable amount of things inside and it also has a secure zip section for money etc. You can also get this bag in black, green and orange also i believe.

4. ASOS design swing cami top | £12 |

The whole "silk" style cami is the perfect more dressy basic that you need to have in your wardrobe and for me they are such a staple, as you can simply just throw one on either dressed up or down and they go with so many different options on the bottom half (either plain or patterned). That being said in my wardrobe i only had black or white, no other colour so i decided to pick up this really pretty blush toned one.

5. primark mint cami pyjama top + mint pyjama shorts | £5 each |

Ok so i pretty much only ever wear/buy pyjamas from Primark as they don't break the bank and let's face it, they always have a ton of different cute pairs/sets to choose from. I think this mint cami/short duo is going to be a summer staple for bedtime, i also love how expensive they look and i definitely want to pick up some different colours/patterns that they have too.

6. MAC oh, sweetie lip colour in the shade coconut macaroon | £15.50 |

Another new MAC launch that i knew i would be drawn to and that is from the oh, sweetie lip collection and shock horror, it's the nude shade that i am living for. MAC lip products are one of my favourites especially the lip liners and lipsticks and i own more than i dare to admit. The packaging on this lip collection is super cutesy and just like any MAC lip product, you want to eat it because they smell so good.

7. mango faux suede strappy flat sandals | £29.99 |

I have mentioned before but in summer i pretty much live in flat/strappy sandals and it is one of my favourite things about summer because they just go with so much. I also must admit when it comes to summer i always end up going a little over the top and buying one pair too many, but to justify things i don't have a pair like this in my wardrobe and i love the suede/orange coloured combo (which will look so good with a tan).

8. morphe 8w warm master blush palette | £20 |

Finally i am loving this blush palette, which is funny because blush is something i can take or leave usually but recently i have really been getting back into wearing it more frequently. Morphe is such a good brand known for it's good quality brushes/makeup with a good price point, i am loving the look of the whole range of new-in products from them on BeautyBay at the moment. This palette can also be bought in a cool toned palette, if cooler toned shades are more suited to you but for me and my colouring it is all about those warm tones.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

MAY FAVOURITES | BEAUTY + LIFESTYLE

Hello everyone! It is that time of the month again and when i say time of the month i mean, monthly favourites. I honestly can't believe how fast this month has gone, i swear it was the beginning of the month just last week? yet somehow we are in June in just a couple of days and i don't know if that upsets me or makes me happy because it is my birthday month. Putting that to the back of my mind for now, this month i didn't a whole lot of new beauty favourites so i thought i would do another combined favourites of both beauty and lifestyle...

topshop onara lattice white cross body bag

So first up we have this super cute small cross body bag which i picked up a few weeks ago from Toshop (currently has £10 off) and i actually featured it in my recent how to update your wardrobe for summer on a budget post. I am obsessed with this style of bag and the white is perfect for summer yet it goes with so many different coloured outfits. What i love the most about this bag is even though it is a "see-through" style bag with its lattice design, it also has a zip section in the middle to hide your money, cards etc.

good grain high fibre puffed wheat

As i mentioned in my previous post, i like to switch my breakfast up pretty much everyday and rotate what i am having, just so i don't get bored of having the same thing over and over again. So on the days when i just want something quick that isn't overnight oats, i have been loving having some of this puffed wheat with some almond milk and a drizzle of honey. If you are a 90's kid or you grew up around the cereal "sugar puffs" this is basically the healthy version of those and so low in calories/sugar/fat yet super high in fibre.

palmer's cocoa butter natural bronze tan lotion

In my eight products to keep you smelling beach-y this summer post i talked about a bunch of different Palmer's products that i love and i also mentioned how i had recently switched up the everyday tan lotion from what i usually use. I feel like this natural bronze tan from the brand lasts longer/looks fresher longer, as well as it being easier to apply to a mitt as it has a pump top. Another thing i love about this tan is that it smells so good with the original cocoa butter scent, as well as keeping my skin super hydrated. 

primark bronze + glow bronzer/highlighter butter duo

The two makeup items that i have been reaching for this month different to past months are a bronzer and highlighting face/body butter both from Primark (first impression linked). Since we are now coming into the summer months i have been loving the whole bronzed up skin with a natural/dewy highlighted look and these two products used together do just that.

the controversial princess by jodi ellen malpas

So i am currently suffering from a serious book hangover because i read the whole of this new book release within days of it being released, as i was just so hooked, so fast just like i always seem to be when Jodi releases a new book and that is probably why she is one of my favourite authors. I know i have a bunch of other books on my to-read list which i did do a post on recently here but i still can't wait for August for the next instalment. 

tv show favourites

Finally we have TV show favourites and i actually have a few different shows that i have been enjoying this month, a couple of regulars and a couple of new shows. This month has been leading up to the end of the current season of Grey's Anatomy, which has been my favourite show for years but with a couple of the main cast members leaving it has been a gripping yet emotion few episodes and i have loved every single one. Sticking with the similar show theme i have also been loving Station 19, which i had saved a few episodes back to binge watch. Finally a new show that i have been loving is called Bulletproof on Sky One, if you love police/crime/action tv shows you will love this and i especially love the whole banter/comedy elements between the two main cast. 

Catch up on a similar post HERE...

xo.

HOW-TO | UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE ON A BUDGET FOR SUMMER

Hello everyone! If your wardrobe needs some serious TLC and updating for this upcoming summer, but you don't really want to be spending a ton of money. There are so many great tips and tricks that i have learnt to not only save money when buying clothes, but also different ways to work with some things you already might have sitting in your wardrobe. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you some of my personal favourite tips, on how to save money on a wardrobe update...

1. have a wardrobe de-clutter

First things first before you make a start on shopping to update your wardrobe, have a de-clutter/a look through what you have already got in your wardrobe. Keep pieces you think you could still wear during the summer, such as basics jeans/t-shirts etc and either store away for the next season or sell items online for a little extra cash.

2. write a note/list on what you actually need

By writing a list of what you actually need, you are more likely to stick to it and not go off course buying things you don't necessarily need and just wasting your money in the long run. 

3. when shopping online, search for discount codes

If you are choosing to pick items up from online stores such as ASOS, Missguided, Boohoo or PLT, always save your favourite items for later and shop when there is a discount available (which is on a regular basis). Other ways to get a hold of discount codes are by downloading discount apps, the store apps, signing up for email subscription and also by following the brands on social media sites. 

4. shop the sales section

Sticking to the online shopping theme, a great way of finding the bargains is to shop sites sale sections or view each section using the low-to-high pricing filter. Going in-store a lot of them also more often than not have a sale section, as well as so much money off selected items (such as 10%, 15% and as much as 30% off).

5. shop around for the most affordable "dupe"/style steal pieces

Really want a Chanel handbag? Who doesn't but we can't all always afford that or justify spending that much right now, then pick up a dupe or style steal version (Shein is a great site for designer handbag dupes). This works with pretty much any item of clothing or accessory, the high-street or affordable sites.

6. invest in items that can be worn with lots of different outfits

By picking up new key pieces to pair with some either new basics or basics you might already have in your wardrobe, rather than just buying things that only work well with one specific outfit. 

7. take a trip to Primark

Everybody loves a good trip to Primark right? I know i do, especially when you find some real gems. You can pick up some basics for as little as £2.50, they also currently have some great summer pieces costing between £4 and £12. Primark is also the perfect store to visit to pick up your holiday pieces, like swimwear for under £5 and their bargain trusty 90p beach flip flops. 

8. if you aren't 100% sure on something don't buy it or keep it

We have all been there when you buy something, then when it comes to trying it on you either don't feel like it suits you or it doesn't fit quite right but you keep it because you simply can't be bothered to send/take it back. This is such a waste of money as it is more than likely just going to sit there, un-worn with the tags still on in months or years to come. You could use that money to get something that does suit you and does fit you.

9. DIY what you already have

Looking for the perfect pair of ripped jeans or a mini/midi skirt rather than a maxi then DIY some pieces you already have in your wardrobe, that could just be sat there going un-worn. There are so many great videos/tutorials online and on Pinterest for clothing DIY.

10. make the same outfit look different

Of course we all wear the same outfits multiple times, because they tend to become favourites of ours and we feel nice in them. That being said you don't always want to look same old same old in something too quick, make an outfit look different by switching up your hairstyle, makeup (especially lipstick colour). You could also switch up the shoes and accessories you pair with a specific outfit, to either dress up or dress down the occasion. 

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.

MAY MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING, HOMEWARE + ACCESSORIES

Hello everyone and Happy May! Firstly if you didn't catch my april favourites: beauty edition post,
then you can catch up on that here and second of all i still can't seem to get my head around the fact we are already five months into this year already! Keeping the new month in mind i thought for today's post i would share with you some of my must-buy items for May, as i have actually been splashing the cash quite a bit because there has been a ton of great spring/summer pieces at the moment...

1. boohoo evelyne crochet trim cold shoulder top | £15 |

So i picked up a few things from Boohoo last week that i am loving, two items especially and everything else was just basics. First up was this cold shoulder almost bardot style top, i really love the whole crochet vibe for summer and i think this will go with a ton of different things. When i ordered it i wasn't sure if it was going to be see-through or not but it isn't, i also got some money off my order as there was a 20% off everything discount.

2. boohoo petite holly western black denim jacket | £25 |

I know i already picked up a new denim jacket last month, which i will get to but i also decided to pick up this black one i saw on Boohoo, as i thought it would be something a little more casual than always opting for a leather jacket when i want to wear something black. This jacket was a bargain at just £20 with the 20% discount, saving me £5 and i also got this in the 5ft 3 and under fit.

3. topshop sade chain shopper bag | £26 |

If you read my recent topshop lust list post then you will probably know that i featured this bag in that post and of course i had to place an order to get the bag. I recently took it for a spin on a shopping day and it comes in handy, as it is super lightweight to carry either on your arm or shoulder and you can fit a ton inside of it. 

4. asos chunky round milky tort flash lens sunglasses | £10 |

This purchase was one of those where you didn't need to put them in your basket but somehow it just happened, stuff like that happens. If you love the whole flash lens vibe when it comes to sunnies, then ASOS is your place to pick up an in-expensive pair. I love a good tortoise print, as i feel like it is the print that always suits me because of my dark brown hair. 

5. topshop hush two strap black sliders | £22 |

In my Topshop lust list post i originally shared this pair of slider sandals in the nude shade, that being said when i went in-store i decided to go with the black pair instead as i just liked the way they looked more. They are super comfy to wear, so i have a feeling i am going to be getting a lot of wear out of them this spring/summer.

6. h&m home glass dispenser | toothbrush mug | from £6.99 |

I am loving the whole coloured glass style in homeware at the moment, especially in this pink colour and paired with gold hardware. My sister actually picked a couple of the toothbrush holders up to use as makeup brush holders and they look so nice, as well as being able to fit so many different sized brushes in them.

7. yankee candle coconut splash candle | from £1.70 |

If you want a candle that screams tropical summer vibes but still has a cosy vibe to it at the same time, then you need to give this candle a smell. I have honestly not smelt a candle so good in a long time and i love a lot of candle scents. This candle isn't straight up coconut scented, you also get notes of fresh water and warm vanilla.

8. asos design denim shrunken jacket | £32 |

Finally this is the denim jacket that i was talking about before and the one i mentioned in my things i'm loving on asos right now post. I love how this denim jacket is cropped, which is what i was looking for and i got just that. I also love how it is super lightweight and not too heavy, unlike some denim jackets. 

xo.

APRIL FAVOURITES | BEAUTY

Hello everyone! Here we are yet again at the end of another month, about to say hello to another as well as keeping our fingers crossed and saying goodbye to April showers. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of my favourite beauty items from this month...

1. revolution brow tint in the shade dark brown

First up, earlier this month i shared a five makeup favourites for £5 and under post and i mentioned how i after giving it a go for the first time, i was left wondering why i hadn't tried it before. This brow tint is literally a brow time saver/game changer for me, as you literally paint it on like you are filling in your brows, leave it on for up to two hours before peeling off and you are left with perfectly done brows for up to three days!

2. c.y.o matte an eyelid eyeshadow in the shade deep thought

This is actually another item from that same post i mentioned above, which is an eyeshadow that has become an everyday favourite of mine and is the perfect dupe for a favourite warm matte brown eyeshadow of mine that i have almost ran out of. This brand is new to the UK and you can pick them up in most Boots stores and online, this eyeshadow was a bargain at just £3.50 and it is super pigmented, easy to blend out without any fall-out.

3. essie nail colour in the shade spin the bottle + next rose gold glitter polish

Next up is two nail polishes that have definitely been my nails and toe nails combination of choice this month, especially now we have had a handful of opportunities to wear sandals this month. I have mentioned in so many posts through the years on how Spin The Bottle from Essie is my favourite nail polish, as nude nails are my thing. That being said i have been loving switching things up by adding in a couple of accent nails using this Rose Gold Glitter polish from Next, which just adds a new level of sass to your manicure. 

4. maybelline master chrome highlighter in the shade molten gold

This favourite is actually one that i forgot to mention in last months monthly favourites post, that being said i did mention it in my affordable/drugstore go-to flawless/glow-y base makeup post. Sometimes drugstore highlighters can be hit and miss, some are good and some are not as good but this one is definitely high-end level. If you are into the whole glowing from space highlighted look, then this highlighter is for you. It actually really reminds me of the ever so famous Laura Geller Gilded Honey highlighter but half the price, twice as big and actually more pigmented, which is crazy because that is pigmented!

5. l'oréal elvive dream lengths restoring shampoo

Finally i have really been enjoying reaching for this shampoo this month, which i decided to try-out since i know how much i love the No Haircut cream and i use that religiously whenever i have washed my hair. Since using this shampoo/conditioner and then the No Haircut cream, i have noticed a huge difference in my hair as it is stays cleaner looking longer, super silky soft and a lot healthier. I would of never of said that a product would be able to help prevent split ends but this one does just that. 

Catch up on my books i want to read in 2018 part two post HERE...

xo.

CURRENT TOPSHOP LUST LIST | SPRING/SUMMER

Hello everyone! So the other day i found myself browsing the Topshop site, just because i thought it would be rude not to take a quick look and just like the other month i found myself lusting after quite a few things. A lot of the items on the site are perfect spring/summer pieces and as you will probably be able to tell, i am living for a lot of blush/nude tones with black because i just love the way they look together recently...

1. satin animal print pyjama style shirt | £34 |

I am loving the whole "pyjama" style shirts at the moment and i actually picked a couple up recently from missguided and also boohoo, with this type of shirt you can style it in so many different ways either dressed up or dressed down. This is also the style of shirt that looks good either tucked into a pair of jeans or a skirt, then you can also wear it normally without it being tucked in.

2. gold sheet mask by oh k! | £8 |

I have seen that a lot of sites/stores are now stocking this brand of sheet masks, including Topshop. I love a good sheet mask as they are super hydrating on the skin and this particular one really got my attention as it claims to help achieve beautiful glowing skin.

3. topshop beauty limited edition afterglow highlighter | £12 |

Sticking with the whole glowing theme, this time on the limited edition beauty section of the site this particular highlighter in the shade afterglow caught my eye. I have a couple of different highlighters in my collection from Topshop beauty and i love them both as they are easy to work with, also not to mention so pigmented that you will glow all the way to space.

4. happy two part nude slides | £22 |

As soon as the weather starts to improve and we actually get a little bit of nice weather in the UK, i will basically live in flat sandals and i have so many pairs but some are starting to need an upgrade. I am loving the whole slide sandal vibe at the moment, which they have a ton of great affordable ones in Primark at the moment but i have my eye on this particular nude pair!

5. leopard print peplum camisole | £19 |

I have mentioned the plain black version of this top in a previous post and how much i love that, then i noticed they now do it in different patterned styles too. I love how this leopard print is still a super spring/summer piece but also has some black incorporated with it, these tops are so great to just simply throw on with a pair of jeans paired with a leather jacket.

6. washed black super ripped jamie jeans | £46 |

Talking of jeans, i have been looking for a pair of washed/faded black jeans but with rips in for a while now yet i completely didn't even think that Topshop would have some, but they do and i really like this particular pair as the rips aren't just at the knee area. If you are like me and have short legs then you will understand the struggle with ripped knee jeans ha ha!

7. crystal denim jacket | £95 |

Sticking with the denim theme but this time a denim jacket i am literally so in love with, since the moment i saw it. I saw this crystal embellished denim jacket on Hello October's instagram and thought how perfect this would look with a simple all black outfit, paired with this. I think so many people have the same thoughts as i do, as the jacket is currently almost sold out.

8. sade chain shopper bag | £26 |

I spotted this bag on a sponsored post for Topshop, which is actually what prompted me to take a look on the site in the first place and i thought how perfect this bag would be for spring/summer. I love the mix of the blush nude colour and the rose gold chain detailing, what i also love about this bag is even though it is a shopper bag it actually has a zipped area inside which is a lot safer for when you are out and about. I am also shook that this bag is only £26, such a bargain!

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.   

MY MARCH MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES + BEAUTY

Hello everyone and Hello new month! Where did March spring from? (no pun intended), it honestly felt like January lasted a lifetime and February went in a flash. So the past couple of months at the beginning of the months, i have been sharing a selection of my must-buy items, whether that be the things i have already bought or if i am wanting to buy. That being said so far they seem to be a huge hit views wise, so with that in mind and now we are into a new month here are my March must-buys from clothing to beauty and accessories...

1. bareMinerals gen nude lip lacquer in the shade major | £17 |  
bareMinerals gen nude glow blush in the shade pretty in pink | £22 | selfridges |
Fun fact bareMinerals is probably my favourite high end makeup brand, especially for products like my all time favourite invisible bronze bronzer. They have recently launched a bunch of new gen nude products, which naturally i was going to be excited for especially the nude lip colours.

2. black faux leather jacket | £30 | missguided |
I have been in need of picking up a new black leather jacket, as i have had my other one for some time now and i decided to take a look on the missguided site. I ended up going for this one which to be honest is a bargain at £30, yet it was even more of a bargain as it was included during the 50% off everything on the site so it ended up being £15. I also took full advantage of this 50% off and picked up a few other things, but returned a couple of them as they ended up being too big.

3. casual peplum camisole top | £14 | topshop |
When it comes to tops i am all about stocking up on basics, especially tops like this one as they are so great just to throw on with a pair of jeans and look great paired with a leather jacket. I also like how they come in several different colours, but of course for me it is all about the black.

4. pretty trim bardot top | £22 | topshop |

Another Topshop number that i am loving at the moment is this bardot top, in this gorgeous peachy shade. I actually first mentioned this top in my recent early spring clothing + accessories lust list post and i said how perfect this would be for spring/summer with a pair of jeans, that is if we even end up getting any nice weather in the UK soon!

5. luna oriental kimono wrap dress | £20 | boohoo |

I have really been loving wearing print blouses when it comes to wanting something a little more dressy, then i saw this patterned wrap dress on Boohoo and thought how nice this would look styled in so many ways. You could style it either with heeled boots (ankle or thigh high) or with heeled sandals or block heels.

6. layla basic crew neck t-shirt | £5 | boohoo |

As i mentioned before i like to stock up on basics, as they always come in handy so when i placed a Boohoo order i decided to pick a few of these up whilst i was on the site. Of course i went for a couple of the black, but i also picked up a grey one and a mocha colour (which looks more of a nude colour). 

7. yellow tie up block heel sandals | £42 | river island |

Another item that i mentioned in my recent early-spring lust list is these gorgeous block heel sandals from River Island, which as i mentioned in that post i am obsessed with this yellow colour. I have a feeling these sandals are going to be a summer outfit staple, which you could either dress up or dress down.

8. with this man by jodi ellen malpas | £5.43 | amazon |

Finally the thing that i am probably so excited for at the end of the month, which is the next chapter in the This Man series of books. If you read my recent music, tv + books at the moment post then you will probably know how i started re-reading the series just to refresh my memory (well that is my excuse anyway). I definitely recommend giving this series a read, especially if you are a sucker for an alpha male and Jesse is the lord of alpha males!

 I hope you all have a lovely weekend!

xo.

EARLY SPRING CLOTHING + ACCESSORIES LUST LIST

Hello everyone! I know Spring might seem a long way off, especially seeing as we are currently still shivering in the cold. That being said this past weekend whilst out shopping, i spotted a handful of new-in clothes/accessories on the high street that i instantly fell in love with and even more so because they are perfect for spring. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of the pieces that i have my eye on...

1. river island tie up block heel sandals | yellow | £42 |

So River Island is somewhere i haven't found anything i really liked for a while now, yet whilst visiting two different stores in town with my sister the other day i actually found so many items that i am completely in love with. First of all i am actually obsessed with anything this shade of yellow recently, i think it is stunning just like these block heel sandals are and i think they would be a really great wardrobe staple for spring/summer this year.

2. topshop pretty trim bardot top | coral | £22 |

When i first walked into Topshop this is actually the first thing that caught my eye, as it is not only beautiful but this style of top is what i love for spring/summer time and it is so great for throwing on with a pair of black jeans (or white in the summer).

3. silkfred san diego shirt | leopard | £37 |

This item is actually a recently online discovery from Silkfred and this blouse/shirt immediately caught my eye, because of the beautiful style of leopard print. I think this item is something you can easily dress up with a leather skirt or trousers, then down with a pair of black ripped jeans. I also have my eye on a black and white spotty blouse, which i would probably style in the exact same way as this print. 

4. topshop olive gem embellished cross body bag | pink | £29 |

Back to Topshop and this is bag one of two i love from there at the moment, in fact every single time i head into a Topshop i find myself looking at the bags and i always like multiple styles each time. I must say cross-body chain bags are always a favourite of mine, as they are easy to carry and perfect for both day and night.

5. river island black gold tone double ring belt | black | £12 |

There are actually a few different brands stocking "gucci belt" dupes such as Primark and H&M but i have to say this River Island one has to be my favourite, not to mention the one that is in-expensive but really good quality. I really love the way this looks with an all black outfit paired with a belt like this, i think this belt with black jeans, tee and the yellow block sandals would go great together.

6. topshop "peachy" motif t-shirt | black | £14 |

Whilst on the subject of black tee's, a t-shirt that caught my eye in Topshop is this black cropped tee with a sweet as a peach motif on it. I am such a sucker for anything peach designed for some reason, it just gives me serious spring/summer vibes. I would pair this super casual with some high-wasted jeans or leggings.

7. h&m polarised sunglasses | beige | £34.99 | 

Earlier this month i shared a pair of sunnies in my "february must-buys" post but since then i actually came across this luxuary h&m like premium brand sunnies, which i actually prefer. I like how they are still the style/design i would go for and what suits me best, but this pair is lighter in colour and i think they would make more of a statement paired with certain outfits.

8. silkfred faux suede jacket | blush | £45 |

Another item that happened to catch my eye whilst i was browsing on the Silkfred site, this time this faux suede jacket in this beautiful blush shade. I think this style of jacket is perfect for spring to just throw on when it is still too cold not to wear a jacket or something, this blush shade also fits in perfectly with a lot of my clothes already in my wardrobe therefor making it the perfect spring staple piece.

9. topshop seline cross body bag | yellow | £25 |

Finally we have the second bag of the bunch that i have my eye on from Topshop, this time in this beautiful yellow colour again. They actually have a similar style in River Island also, but if i am being honest i prefer this one as it has the beautiful gold detailing on the front and the River Island one is just plain. I also like how this is half "leather" half suede unlike the River Island one which is all suede effect, i just feel like the Topshop version would be a lot more practical and stay in a better condition longer.

Catch up on my recent "february must-buys" post HERE...

xo.

MY JANUARY MUST-BUYS | CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES + BEAUTY

Hello everyone! Now that we are in January things tend to go either way when it comes to that "after Christmas spending" period, some do no-spend January and some save their money for January, more specifically for the new-in items or sale items. With that in mind for today's post i thought i would share with you a selection of things that are my personal favourite must-buy items this January, which is a mixture of things i have already bought and some that i still want to pick up. *some items linked are similar or limited stock on the sale items*

1. | missguided tan roll neck knitted jumper | £20 |

Now that it is January and we are well into winter, something warm, cosy and that is great for layering is going to be your best friend. This particular missguided number is perfect for doing just that, as it is such a neutral colour it will go with a so many different items all depending how you want to style it.

2. | dkny bryant park leather purse | was £90 now £60 |

If you are looking into investing or picking up a more "designer branded" purse then January is definitely the time to do so, as the majority of the department stores always have sales on. I was super lucky with mine as it was the last one in stock and i can't find it anywhere online now, but they have similar styles available.

3. | real techniques filtered face set | was £80 now £40 |

Just like i mentioned with the purses, the same applies with makeup brushes (which lets face it they can have a hefty price tag). Earlier this week i picked up this bargain half price real techniques set for just £40 instead of £80, which is such a good deal as it includes three different sponges (usually £5+ each), a brush holder and eight brushes (usually around £6+ each). I also received a different set also by Real Techniques for Christmas, which really inspired me to have a good clear out/brush replacement session.

4. | shein detail flap chain bag (chanel boy dupe) | £20.37 |

I have seen so many people talk about a site called Shein for a few months now and a fair few people have done hauls from the brand, so i decided to take a look for myself and i picked up this Chanel Boy bag dupe in the beginning of December. This particular bag is probably the closest dupe to the ever so expensive bag i have seen and to begin with before it arrived i wasn't too sure what the quality was going to be like, but i was proven wrong and now it is my go-to everyday bag at the moment. 

5. | st.tropez self tan luxe dry oil | £19.50 |

Seeing as we are in winter and we have all virtually lost our summer glow, more often than non we have to fake it and that can become a chore as all you want to do in the evenings is snuggle up in your cosy pyjamas in bed. That being said i love to stay tanned all year round, as it just makes me feel better within myself and this particular self tan dry oil is perfect for not only giving your that bronzed skin but also super hydrated skin.

6. | dorothy perkins mink apurla heeled boots | was £45 now £12 |

These particular boots are my most recent purchase and i am still waiting for them to arrive, but i am living for how stunning they are with the detailing on the block heel and not to mention how much of a bargain they were for just £12. I ordered mine from the Dorothy Perkins site which is now out of stock, but they still might be available in-store or on other Dorothy Perkins stocked sites. I can't wait to wear them already!

7. | boohoo natasha teddy fur biker style jacket | £45 |

I have been looking for a teddy styled jacket or coat for quite a while now and i noticed that Boohoo have quite a few different styles, new-in on their site and this particular one is definitely my favourite. I just love how cosy and warm, yet still stylish and versatile they are to just throw on and head out of the door. 

8. | topshop rio floral embellished cross body bag | £30 |

I am living for the different embellished cross body chained bags on Topshop at the moment, especially this particular style as it would go great with nude/neutral coloured outfits and also black outfits. Having a detailed bag in your collection is great to add a little something different, to an otherwise plain looking outfit.

9. | asos pimkie chunky cardigan | £39.99 |

During the winter months i love me a chunky knit cardigan, as they are just cosy and comfortable, as well as adding something to a plain pair of jeans and top. I really love this particular grey chunky knit cardigan, which is super similar to one i picked up last month in Primark along side a couple of others for just £13 each.

10. | anastasia beverly hills liquid lipstick set | £26 |

If you read my 2017 most read posts post, then you will have seen my review on finally being able to get Anastasia Beverly Hills lip products in the UK, either from their UK site, BeautyBay or Cult Beauty. That being said this particular set of mini liquid lipsticks (dazed, bittersweet and hudson) are great if you simply want to give a couple of shades a try, before picking up a full size or even if you have a friend's birthday coming up this month and are stuck on what to get them.

Catch up on my previous post HERE...

xo.