Maintaining That Glow From Within

Even though the summer months are (sadly) behind us now, it doesn't mean that the 'glow from within' look has to be behind us too. I much prefer a dewy makeup look over a matte one, and I'm determined to keep that going through the colder months.

Pretty much all of the products included in this post are liquid based to pop on before foundation, but I think thats what gives you the real 'inner glow', if you will haha. The first thing I've been loving is the MAC Strobe Cream. I wanted to try this for a very long time, but didn't want to splash out on the full sized/full priced one. So when I was at the airport on the way to Amsterdam this summer, I decided to pick it up, as it was only around £8 in duty free. This gives a really healthy glow underneath foundation, or you can just pop it on and add concealer, that works nicely too.

A product similar to this, is the NARS Copacabana Illuminator. This is obviously very pink toned compared to the MAC Strobe Cream, which I think makes it a tiny bit more natural. Although it has much more of a sheen to it, which really brightens the skin up. This also looks beautiful dotted along the cheekbones as a liquid highlight. Next up we're straying away from makeup a lil bit, and onto skincare. The Botanics All Bright Radiance Balm* is perfect for adding a natural radiance to the skin before applying makeup. Its much more subtle than the previous two, but equally as pretty and also good for the skin!

Finally, a palette close to my heart (lol), the Sleek Solstice Palette. Every bloggers dream, I'm pretty sure of that. This doesn't necessarily give you the most natural glow, but it certainly looks pretty. I think the most natural looking shade in the palette, is 'Equinox'. A shade I will always go back to time and time again.

- Lucy

A Birthday Trip To Brighton

As you may have seen, or guessed, last weekend was my birthday. To celebrate, I went on a lil weekend trip to Brighton. I was very lucky to be taken to Brighton for my birthday this year, and I couldn't be more grateful. I had the best time, and I thought I'd share some of the photos I snapped whilst I was away. We arrived on the Saturday, and wondered around the lanes and the main shopping centre for most of the day. We found Magazine Brighton, a magazine shop I've been wanting to visit for ages, so that was really nice!

Our hotel was at the other end of the beach, in the marina, which meant we had to walk along the beach to get to the pier and shops. Luckily it was a really sunny day, and actually quite warm, so it was nice to just wonder along the beach for a bit. We decided to go to The Breakfast Club for breakfast (of course), and it was incredible. Although the pancakes were a bit much I will say that!

I thought this was a nice photo to end with, sunny Brighton.

- Lucy

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara Review

I never tend to do single product reviews these days, but I thought this one was worth its own post!

Yes, its the highly coveted Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. A few months back I included this mascara in a 'disappointing products' post, but after writing that, I decided to keep trying it and persevere a bit more. I was pairing it with my much loved Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara, and I was loving the duo. So, when last payday arrived I decided to bite the bullet and pick up the full sized version of the better than sex mascara. 

I opted for the waterproof version, because with the 'normal' one, I found it gave me really bad panda eyes, so I was hoping for better luck with the waterproof version. So, lets actually talk about how I've been getting on with this. My initial impression was just, meh. I wasn't blown away with it on first application, but part of me expected that as I wasn't a fan of the original one in the first instance.

What I was blown away with however, was the packaging. Its absolutely gorgeous, and feels quite heavy - very luxurious if you ask me. Anyway, the first application wasn't overly impressive. It didn't give my lashes the length I wanted at all. Sure, it was giving good volume and wasn't making my lashes clump together, which I loved, but I really do look for the lengthening effect in a mascara. So, its about three weeks on since that first application and I can actually say I'm getting on with it better. I feel like the more I've used it, the more I've fallen in love with it. It still doesn't give me the length I would preferably like, but it does make my lashes look natural and I think its a perfect 'everyday' mascara. Although, because this is the waterproof version, its an absolute pain in the arse to get off at the end of the day. When it says waterproof, it really means waterproof, so I'd keep that in mind haha. 

So overall, I do like this mascara, but do I think its worth £19? No, not really. I think I'll be sticking to my Maybelline Lash Sensational, as it gives me more length and is 10x easier to get off at the end of the day!

- Lucy

Nineteen

Its my birthday! One more year of being a 'teenager' and then I'm heading into my 20's...

Sooo, its my birthday today - woo! I was intending on writing a, '19 things I've learnt in 19 years' post, but I'd already written down 18 things last year. So there wasn't much point in doing another one for this year, as it'd be pretty much the same.

I'm currently in Brighton as you're reading this, which is one of my happy places. I feel so lucky to be spending my birthday the way I am this year, and I couldn't ask for anything more. This year has been a crazy one so far, and nothing like I expected or intended. I suppose from the age of 18 onwards your life really starts to pick up and change, and you really have to start adapting. I feel like I'll end up writing a post of 20 things I want to do before I'm 20, so watch out for that coming your way soon.

I don't really have much else to say other than another year has gone by, and it gives me time to reflect on whats happened and how I'm slowly (and scarily), heading towards my 20s. But, I've still got a year left to enjoy of being a 'teenager' - yay!

- Lucy

Botanics | The Power Of Plants

Botanics are back with a whole new look!

I remember when Botanics came out in Boots a few years ago now, and I used a few of their products for quite some time, and loved them. So when I heard they were relaunching with brand new packaging, I was really eager to try it out.

I think first of all, we need to take a moment to appreciate how gorgeous the packaging is. Compared to the old style, this is really chic. I got to try out a few things from the 'all bright' and the 'organic' range, the 'all bright' range is with hibiscus and the 'organic' range is with rosewater. The first thing I tried out was the 100% Organic Rosewater Refreshing Toning Spritz*. I do love a good toner, and this is so refreshing. I've been using this as part of my evening skincare routine, and just spritz this all over my face before applying serum and moisturiser.

The second thing from the organic range I received, was the Organic Hydrating Day Cream*. I have quite oily skin, so I don't tend to use a moisturiser or day cream before applying makeup, but I was willing to give this a go. It contains rosehip, and let me tell you, this has a very strong scent. Personally, its not to my liking and the smell lingers on the face which isn't great. However, this cream sinks into the skin quickly and feels very hydrating. I'm not sure its ideal for my skin type, but if you have dry/dehydrated skin, I sure would give this a go!

Now onto the brightening range. I'm so obsessed with the pink packaging on this, its far too pretty. The first thing I tried, was the All Bright Purifying Face Scrub*. This contains hibiscus, and smells so lovely. This scrub is gentle, and really buffs away any dry skin and impurities. It leaves the skin feeling super soft, so I'm really enjoying this. Something thats a bit different, but something I'm loving. The All Bright Illuminating Radiance Balm*. This is a balm made to brighten the skin and give you a beautiful glow from within. It smooths over the skin so nicely, and works really well underneath makeup to give you that natural glow.

Have you tried anything from the new Botanics range?

- Lucy

This post contains PR samples/gifted items*

Asos Autumn Wish List

Pretty much every autumn I create a lil asos wish list of things I think would be perfect for the up and coming colder months!

As much as I love summer as a season, I much prefer autumnal fashion. Big cosy jumpers, jackets, scarfs and just generally layering things up is my fave. So heres a few things I'm lusting over this autumn!

Theres a lot of monochrome here, I'm quite aware of that but black, white and navy is just my go to haha! Whats on your wish list this autumn?

- Lucy

Having A Bad Day

Everybody has bad days, whether its down to illness, mental health, lack of motivation, the latter or something else.

The August Beauty Edit

Instead of a monthly favourites post, I think I'm gonna start doing a monthly beauty edit instead, so welcome to August's!

Skinny Tan Body Glow

Summer is slowly drawing to a close but that doesn't mean your tan has to!

Introducing to you, the Skinny Tan Body Glow*. As you may have gathered from previous posts and passing comments, I'm extremely pale. Although, I really don't like the chore of fake tanning. It means you have to prep your skin, pop it on, wash it off, maintain it etcccc. It looks good, but I'm lazy, so I only really bother with it on special occasions or when I feel like I need a 'pick me up'. So, the body glow is perfect.

Essentially, its a tinted body moisturiser that you use daily, and it develops into a subtle tan the more you use it. As always with Skinny Tan products, it smells soo good so none of that nasty fake tan smell lingering for a few days. This comes in light and medium, so if you're opting for a more natural tan I'd say light, which is what I went for. I apply this when I get out of the shower, whether thats morning or evening, as its just like applying your regular moisturiser. It only takes about two minutes and then you're good to go!

I really like how this turns out, its very subtle but not so subtle that you can't tell. If that makes any sense at all! It smells good, easy to use and its not too expensive either which I love. Would highly recommend if you're looking for make your tan more natural for the upcoming autumnal months!

- Lucy

PR/Gifted Items*

University Stationery Haul

Its nearly that time of year again to go back to school/college/uni!

T-Zone Charcoal And Bamboo Range

Say hello to T-Zones new range!