My Top 5 Life Hacks

My Top 5 Life Hacks

Life. Always getting in the way and creating a problem for us. 
We always try to make it more difficult for ourselves than we really need to and the only way to get around it is letting go and life hacks, small things that we can do to make everything a little easier. Today I am sharing with you my top five life hacks - these are a mix of beauty + general everyday. 

1. I hate having to always find the end of the sellotape roll, to avoid the faff  I use a paper clip at the end which makes it quicker to find and use.

2. If you want to make your own at home 'sound system' then place your phone/ipod in to a empty glass and this will increase the volume. Great for the bathroom.

3. Lipstick always getting on your teeth? Place your finger inside your mouth and then remove to leave you with a lipstick ring, this is what would have gone on your teeth. 

4. Blot your face with a tissue before you use powder as this will remove excess oil and prolong the wearing of your foundation.

5. Creases in your clothes? For a quick fix use a hair straightener. 

Simple because they make your life a whole lot better! I actually worked with First Utility on this post who are going to be running a social media campaign to find all the best life hacks, so get your thinking caps on and be sure to keep an eye out on first-utility.com!   

p.s how sweet is the illustration of me and it matches with my brand new blog design - ENJOY!



*SPONSORED BY FIRST UTILITY*


5 Top Benefits of Honey for Gorgeous Skin




5 Top Benefits of Honey for Gorgeous Skin


Delicious and healthy, honey is one of the best all-natural products used in the beauty industry. Thanks to its outstanding health-beneficial properties, honey can help counter various skin conditions such as acne, aging, pore cleansing, treatment for sunburns, and it is also ensures thorough skin revitalization. This makes honey an all-in-one organic tonic for both internal and external use. When thinking about taking it for the internal benefit, Gold Bee is the best place to go.

Honey’s Top Five Skin Perfecting Benefits

1. Complexion booster
Due to its soothing and moisturizing nature, raw honey can be used to revitalize a sagging complexion. Honey also  adds a touch of radiance to dry, parched skin. To get the most out of your delicious skincare routine, use honey as a facial mask.  First, clean your face well with a damp cloth or wash it with water and light soap, then apply a thin layer of honey by gently massaging it into your skin. Leave the mask to sit for 30 minutes, and then rinse it off with warm water. What you’ll get is a silky, well-nourished skin that looks healthy - and feels good to be in, too.

5 Top Benefits of Honey for Gorgeous Skin

2. Pore cleanser

Honey also helps unclog blocked pores, so it will make a great home-made exfoliator. Prepare a paste with 2/3 honey and 1/3 baking soda (the latter will boost the exfoliating effects without causing skin irritation), then apply the mixture to the face, neck and other parts of your body in need of a quick dead cell removal regimen. Rub in the blend carefully, leave it on for about 10-15 minutes, rinse it out, and then enjoy a smooth, soft skin for weeks on end.
You can always use skin care products that contain honey, too. Don’t forget to make sure they are 100% pure organic skin care products.

5 Top Benefits of Honey for Gorgeous Skin
SOURCE
3. Acne treatment
Known for its antibacterial effects, honey is a perfect home acne preventive and remedy. In case of a severe breakout, apply a dab of honey onto the pimples using a cotton swab and leave it onuntil it’s dry, then wash it off.  For persistent acne, a paste prepared from honey and cinnamon may prove to be helpful. Start the process by applying the mixture to the problematic area, and let it soak overnight. Wash your face with lukewarm water in the morning, and avoid makeup until the acne area clears. You can also boost the effects of this skin care regimen by adding several drops of tea tree and lavender oil to the mixture.

5 Top Benefits of Honey for Gorgeous Skin


4. Anti-ageing effect

Honey contains antioxidants, organic compounds that help prevent cell damage, combat inflammation, and minimize the negative effects of free radicals that lead to aging. For this reason, honey may prove an invaluable ally in prevention of wrinkles, fine lines,  and acne scarring. Turn back the clock with a concoction prepared from honey and milk (or curd), and then coat over your face in a thin layer. Leave the paste to dry overnight, or allow it at least a couple of hours to soak. Rinse your face with lukewarm water afterwards, and check the mirror for the regimen effects.

5. Sunburn treatment
According to numerous medical studies, honey can also be highly efficient in treatment of sunburns and similar heat-induced wounds. With a range of antiseptic, moisturizing, and antibacterial effects, honey contributes to prompt healing of deep and/or large sunburns. For a speedy recovery,regularly apply raw honey to the vulnerable parts of your skin. You’ll  find that time is not the only organic healer – honey’s just as effective, and it tastes great too.

Whether you decide to use it in your diet or beauty regimen, you cannever go  wrong with honey. A natural formula for overall well-being, the bee nectar will keep all your needs covered 24/7 with a premium quality film of sweetness and health.

5 Top Benefits of Honey for Gorgeous Skin


About the Author
Amy Mia Goldsmith is a literature graduate from Melbourne who loves to write short stories and reviews. Amy is a regular contributor at High Style Life. Her passion is beauty and makeup and she loves to spend her free time travelling and of course – make up shopping! You can contact Amy on her Facebook page.

If you would like to guest post on Class and Glitter then please email pariejoshi@hotmail.co.uk

Beach/Poolside Essentials

Beach/Poolside Essentials
Apologies that this post is so late, I have no idea where the pictures for this post went - scary. But, whilst on the beach in Mauritius I wanted to share with you my Beach/Poolside essentials, things that I just have to have with me.


Reading Material // I love having a trashy magazine to read whilst soaking up the sun, but on a flight that was 16 hours the magazines were all finished. The HELLO! Fashion magazine that I picked up came with a free book from Lindsey Kelk, author of the Shopaholic series and this is her new collection of books and I whizzed through it. A great read.

Sun Lotion (Body + Face) // For the body I love using the Aloha Ultralite Sun Lotion it is a non-greasy formula and sinks into the skin as soon as you apply it. Sunscreen is a hate of mine but a love as well as it protects you. And I personally prefer applying a separate one on my face like this one from Eucerin it came in the LIB box, a product that I wasn't expecting to love but do. I took it to Germany and Mauritius with me, and need to buy another one due to it nearly running out on me and summer in mind is still happening!

Lip Balm // Something I picked up last minute at the airport, as my lips were extremely dry from all the travelling. I also tended to opt for only lip balm on my lips during the day and not the 100 lipsticks that I packed with me.

Insect Repellent // This is a must when your in a country where little insects are flying around everywhere. These are actually wipes that I found in the Poundshop, and actually worked really well.

Hand Wipes // Another necessity wherever you go in the world/near sand where everything gets really messy and these smell amazing so I couldn't resist getting them.

Glasses Holder// A very fancy and boring accessory to have, but this allows me to wear my glasses and swim so I don't have to be blind. They clip on to the back like a headband and you can find them in Boots!


What are you essentials? 

 

BeautyCrowd Haul

BeautyCrowd Haul

It was a late night and my eyes were half asleep, so that meant I was bound to do some damage online...


L.A Girls Pro Concealer - £5.00 

This was the main reason for a small haul as both my self and Aamira wanted to try this concealer out, and I knew that if I didn't order it on a whim then I wouldn't ever order it. The Pro Concealer is so talked about in the beauty world, I knew that it would be worth the investment. It is very different to any concealer I have ever used as it isn't a dofer/sponge applicator, its a brush?! Very bizarre but the coverage and longevity of it is amazing - maybe a review very soon?

Bell Hypoallergenic Lipstick

BeautyCrowd Haul

BeautyCrowd Haul

Bright pink lips are slowly becoming my new favorite thing, they are something different to my usual nude or red lips and the change is perfect for the summer (well when the weather is nice). The formula of this mositurising lipstick is very soft on the lips and it almost makes the lip stick sheer in a way, so you can wear it without it been too heavy.

What a small haul, but I wanted to share BeautyCrowd with you all, as if you didn't know you can buy so may USA brands on there such as L.A Girls and Milani! Be sure to have a browse...




OOTD: Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece


 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece



It has been forever since I last did an outfit post, but now that is all changing with me promising you at least one a week. To kick it all off, I am starting with the Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece. The two piece is LIMITED EDITION, so if you want it after reading this post then make sure you get to it quickly!

No wonder it's limited edition as it is beautiful, it's all white and then has lace detailing on the bottom of the top and the skirt, making it casual and elegant at the same time. I adore the lace trimming as it doesn't make me feel as conscious about showing off too much skin, and it sits nicely too.

I am loving wearing everything white at the moment due to the lovely tan I have caught from my holidays and to keep it simple I paired it with silver accessories and black shoes, so that the outfit is the main view point. I have become part of the Luxemme blogging group, so expect a lot of them very soon!

The Olivie Lace Trim retails at £35, and is available from Luxemme!

 Luxemme Olivie Lace Trim Two Piece




*POST IN COLLABORATION WITH LUXEMME*

Dubai Sephora Haul

Dubai Sephora Haul

It happened. I went to Dubai and my main expenditure was at Sephora. Yes, I bought makeup whilst on holiday but I'm a girl! This Sephora is in the Dubai Mall, which is glorious so big and full of so many USA and UK Shops, it's mad that you need a week to look at everything. This Sephora didn't stock everything that normal Sephora does eg Becca which I wanted to get my hands on and brands such as Too Faced which was there didn't have everything. Very mismatch, but I did end up buying a few things for myself and the rest for others. 
Dubai Sephora Haul

At Sephora, they have a free gift wrapping service! And seen as though I had to go on a 8 hour flight, I thought why not get them all wrapped for extra protection and because it looks a lot prettier - so much choice. The lady was also super nice and was talking to me all about how Sephora needs to come to the UK! HELL YES. 

Dubai Sephora Haul

The first three things I picked up were from Bare Minerals, I don't like the BM counters in the UK they never seem to have a clue what they are talking about but the one in Dubai was great. The main purchase was the Complexion Rescue which has been very raved about recently, and I want to see whether it is Worth the Hype?! Then a eye brightener for my ugly dark circles, the lady at the counter put this on me there and then in 45 degree heat and it managed to work well! At this point I was walking away but she got me again with a nude Moxie lipgloss - how can I resist! 

Dubai Sephora Haul

The next thing I got my hands on was a Sephora X set, it is a travel mini pack that comes with the base coats, one colour and a top coat. They have an entire travel section which I found amazing, everything from eye-shadow sticks to mini beauty blenders (but the price tag was insane!).  And I picked up a matte lip cream as these things are amazing and such a great formula. 

This haul isn't the biggest one in the world because I had the shortest amount of time inside and didn't want to spend a ton of money in one go, but an online order is coming as a little treat to myself oops. 


Everyday Shower Routine

Waking up in the morning is a struggle; the warm cosy bed is a lot more attractive than having to put effort in and getting ready. The only thing for me that makes it a little less daunting is that when I jump in the shower, I have an array of products waiting for me! That will make me feel more awake and smell amazing.

Everyday Shower Routine


SKINCARE


Everyday Shower Routine

The bulk of my skincare routine happens in the shower due to it being more convenient and seeing as though the rest of me is getting a good clean, why not tackle my face as well? On an everyday basis I use the MagnitoneLucid Brush with the Bliss Makeup Melt (£24), together they remove any makeup from the day before and thoroughly clean my face leaving it oil and dirt free for the day ahead. My skin is far too sensitive for a scrub every day; therefore I use the Garnier Pure Active(£2.65) only once a week. The scrub has an amazing cucumber scent and feels all tingly on the skin. 

BODY


Everyday Shower Routine

After my face has been completely cleaned it’s time to move onto the body – the part that makes you feel and smell beautiful! In the summer I love using products that smell fruity and are quite overpowering because then you can guarantee the smell will last. All over my body I use the Soap & Glory Sugar Crush body wash (£6.50) which smells divine! The zesty scent really wakes you up in the morning and it makes the bathroom smell great too, the entire Sugar Crush range is well worth the splurge! Every other day I use a scrub on my arms and legs to help keep my stubborn, ingrown hairs away – my all-time favourite is TBS Raspberry. It also seems like it’s been discontinued which breaks my heart. The last area I focus on in the shower is the more intimate one, it is just as important to look after that area as it is the rest of your body. For this I like to use the femfresh Daily IntimateWash (£2.99/250ml). What is femfresh? First off, it has a low pH which helps to keep the area down there calm and with it having no soap and a light scent it doesn’t irritate. The hint of Aloe Vera gives the wash soothing and calming properties, and anything with Aloe in I am drawn towards!

 AFTER SHOWER AND STAYING FRESH 


Everyday Shower Routine



Part of my everyday shower routine includes products that I use afterwards that help me to smell amazing and feel fresh all day. It starts with a double dosage of body moisturiser, two seems unnecessary but it works wonders! First up is for the dry patches on my skin and for this I love the Garnier Intensive 7 Days (£2.45) - it restores my skin and leaves it feeling silky and soft. Then I like to use another moisturiser that smells a little better and any from Victoria’s Secret is fine for me. They smell gorgeous and the scent stays on longer than perfume does which is surprising and when night comes a hint of glitter appears too! (£9.30).
During the day I love using a mist to cool me down, especially in the hot weather whilst I’m at work my body tends to heat up and a mist is the only thing that works. I grabbed this one from the Poundshop but they are now readily available in supermarkets! The other thing I use is Freshening and SoothingCloths from femfresh (£3.49), like the wash they contain a pH balanced formula that cleanses, freshens and soothes your skin. I love taking these to work with me on longer days as by the time 2 o’clock comes around I feel all sticky. These refresh me and make me feel less conscious of smelling horrible along with a spritz of deodorant of course!
All of these products help me to stay fresh all day and work well together like a magical recipe to keep me fresh and clean! 

 
*SPONSORED BY FEMFRESH*

KISS Cosmetics Mini Kisstick in Toxic Kiss


KISS Cosmetics Mini Kisstick in Toxic Kiss

KISS Cosmetics Mini Kisstick in Toxic Kiss

If you didn't already know, I am a lip product addict. Having 100 of the same colour would still make me buy even more, and my latest excuse has been buying ones to pop into my handbag for quick on the go application. The ideal candidate lately has been the KISS Cosmetics Mini Kisstick in Toxic Kiss, it is tinier than my hand and is great for keeping in the little side pocket I have in my purse, making it easy access when in a rush. The colour Toxic Kiss is very vibrant and is a neon pink, which makes your teeth look insanely white. 

The colour is something I would never pick up, but I have fallen in love with it, I apply using a lip brush so that it doesn't get everywhere. The formula of the Kisstick is very soft and applies like a gem on to my very dry lips. Lasting time is around 5 hours, but that is on my lips which I am always touching ect, still amazing for a bright lip! 


You can buy your very own Mini Kisstick here


*PR SAMPLE*

Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Gold Review

 Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Gold Review

 Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Gold Review

 Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Gold Review

I am a huge fan of Teeth Whitening and the love affair started with Beverly Hills Formula Black Toothpaste, this time BHF have stolen my heart again with their Perfect White Gold Toothpaste*Just like the name suggest the new toothpaste has been made with actual gold particles (fancy i know!) this is because gold has some amazing properties for your teeth such as been anti-inflammatory to fight gum disease, antibacterial to help with oral hygiene and the main ingredient advanced hydrated silica which boots the whiteness of your teeth!  

Does it Work? 


I have been using it for the past week since coming back from holiday and have loved using it! My teeth in the morning feel clean and look white for once. The cleanliness feeling also stays all day long even after eating my lunch and a few naughty snacks. It isn't overpowering in the taste, not too minty and strong so it is suitable for those of us with sensitive teeth. 

You can also see small specs of the gold inside the toothpaste which looks like glitter but it doesn't come on to your teeth which scared me at first! I haven honestly loved using this toothpaste and will carry on using it to keep my teeth looking amazing every single day!

The Beverly Hills Formula Perfect White Gold Toothpaste Retails at £5.49 and can be found in your local Superdrug! 

Have you tried anything from BHF? 



*CONTAINS PR SAMPLES*

Next Chapter in My Life:University!

Next Chapter in My Life:University!


If you didn't already know then yesterday was A-Level Results Day, a very daunting time for teenagers across the country and next week for GCSE students. I share majority of my life on this blog so it was only fair that I told you all THAT I'M GOING TO UNIVERSITY! 

I officially start at the end of September and couldn't be more pleased, it is still a shock to the system  and my mind can't quite believe it but its happening! Now I have to do a lot of shopping, reading beforehand and get myself ready for the next chapter in my life. 

In the next few weeks/months a lot of posts will be Uni related and then posts might slow down a little bit whilst I find my feet in a scary new place, but not to worry I will still be here! Any tips/ticks about Uni Life in general or anything at all is much appreciated! Here's to the next 3 years of my life, my blog and my career!


Talking of University I recently did a guest post for the StudentMoneySaver blog all about a guide to what to wear for Freshers! If you fancy reading it then you can find it here..


 

Bourjois Aqua Blush Review & Swatches

When a 'drugstore' brand release something new, I am usually an eager beaver and jump to the chance of trying the new product out. But this time it was different with the Bourjois Aqua Blushes, I didn't really fancy them and then the other week I was browsing Boots.com as you do and they magically appeared in my basket. Oops. After testing them out for a few weeks I thought of sharing my thoughts and swatches of the two that I have.

Bourjois Aqua Blush Review & Swatches

About the Aqua Blushes
> Four Shades in Total - inge-nude, cocoricorail, pink twice & berry nice
> Price - £8.99
> Sheer Fresh Colour
> Water-light and Gel Texture
> Wear time 12 Hours

My Thoughts
It is recommended my Bourjois that you take small amount of the blush using your finger and then tap it on to your cheeks to spread the colour out. The blush blends out amazing, and a few little taps and it will spread over your cheeks. 
I've always been scared of using liquid/cream blushes in case they look awful on my face but these have been really easy to use, and the light-weight formula makes it easier and allows you to build up the colour gradually. It didn't turn patchy as the day went on, it just disappeared within a few hours not 12 hours! This meant I had to re-apply which was a big faff, maybe because it is a gel formula and not really cream which is meant to last longer.
Currently, I am using these with my fingers but I think I need to invest in a stippling brush as this will help with the application. p.s they smell amazing!
Bourjois Aqua Blush Review & Swatches
Bourjois Aqua Blush Review & Swatches


Overall
I'm over the moon with this range of blushes from Bourjois, they are really pretty colours and my favourite shade of the two is --- because it looks natural on the skin and gives you face a fresh glow. I took them away with me and found it lasted longer than normal blush, but don't think in the winter they would be great with my dry skin.  



 

Nails Inc Gel Effect - UpTown


Nails Inc Gel Effect - UpTown

I've been at a stand still with my nails at the moment, it has been my very last priority, due to so many other things going on at the same time! 

A few weeks ago I had two family weddings in the same weekend and my biggest dilemma was nails! One day I was wearing blue and lilac the other day, very confusing to decided what colour to wear on my nails. In the end I went with a pinky nude, and this one is from Nails Inc in UpTown. It is part of their gel effect collection and I love it! The formula is very thick so you do get that gel look, and the shine is unbeliveable I didn't even wear a top coat. 

Then topped the nails off with BarryM Glitter in Rose Quartz, one I go back to over and over again  due it going with everything! 


What colour have you got on your nails?! 


 

Maybelline Master Sculpt Review

Maybelline Master Sculpt Review

Contouring has blown up recently, from the likes of Kim K to Maybelline's newest face Mollie King. I tend to step away from contouring, due to being scared of it looking like I've applied mud to my face and instead of carving out my cheekbones I have made them look worse. The W7 Kit I talked about a while ago is amazing for a subtle look,but sometime I need a little more. Now it seems all the high street brands are bringing out kits, and the Master Sculpt from Maybelline is the one I am trying out today. 

Maybelline Master Sculpt Review

Maybelline Master Sculpt Review

Packaging

The bronzer and highlighter duo comes packed in a square compact, 2/3 of it the contour shade and the other 1/3 is a highlighter. You then flip that up and beneath it is a mirror and a handy little brush. The mirror is great to for when you pack it in your bag and need to touch up, and the brush isn't that bad at all, great for the highlighter compared to the contour. 


Colour

I went for the darkest of the two shades 'Medium/Dark' but there is also 'Light/Medium' available, the dark one is perfect for me. It doesn't show up with one sweep, but once built up it looks very natural, yet effective. The contour colour is a cool toned brown, that makes it suitable for a lot of skin tones. The grey undertones in the contour shade makes it perfect to create a shadow line under your cheekbones rather than a glow like bronzer does.

Texture

Both of the products in this compact are very pigmented, not too much to look heavy, it is just right. They are also really soft and silky, you need a quick swipe of the contour and you are good to go, although the colour is build able if you want to have more of an impact. The highlighter is subtle, powdery with a hint of shimmer, doesn't show when you swatch it but does on the skin in the light. 

I adore both of these products in this little magical box, they are great for everyday use as well as using it at night. I don't think it is necessary to spend lots of £££ on a contour kit when brands like Maybelline are retailing them for £6.99 and do the job well. 

Buy HERE


Have you tried the Master Sculpt yet? Will you?!