June Favourites| Beauty, Music and More!

June? Where did you disappear? This month has been full of exams and celebrations, and as this is been published I am in Germany on a well deserved break. Not many beauty favourites this month but a lot of random! 

June has meant that I have had to get my arms and legs out, the dry skin on them was horrible and the only thing that fixed it was the Body Shop Amazonian Wild Lily Lotion, not only does it smell amazing but it nourishes your skin and settles in straight away so you can put you clothes on straight away. 

Summer for me is also a chance to have lazy hair days, no washing or heat just a spritz of the Dove Dry Shampoo and I am good to go. Compared to all the other dry shampoos that I have tried, this smells amazing and doesn't leave a white powder in hair - win win. 

Can you tell this month's favoruites has a summer theme? Bronzer is something I am slowly getting into and the I Heart Makeup one is perfect for that subtle look and warm glow. The only thing that I don't like is the size of the bronzer because when I touch it with my brush, it goes everywhere (you should see my floor!) 

A favourites post isn't a favourites post without my nail polish picks, right? The first one is a instagram enabled purchase Eat My Dust is a stunning blue and a lot of people have complimented me on the colour as well. Then we have Resort Fling on the total opposite end of the scale, a bright orange coral that looks stunning in the summer and is my official toenail colour! Having bright nails and a warm glow to my skin means that I have had to tone down my lips a little bit to keep it natural, Berry Smoothie is the perfect everyday lip colour with a slight pink tint.


This month I have been loving Black Magic by Little Mix, I am a huge fan as it is but this song has made me love them even more! As well as that TV wise this month I have been loving the re runs of Rules of Engagement on Comedy Central as well as The Mindy Project which has just started again on E4!

What have you been loving this month? 

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Worth the Hype - Benefit Licence to Blot

Benefit had a little sign up thing on facebook for bloggers to review their newest release 'Licence to Blot', of course I filled the form in, but no way did I think I would actually be chosen! So when it came through the post, you can imagine my face was in complete shock but I was also super excited to try it out and see what the fuss is all about. 

I don't own a whole lot of Benefit products but I love the brand for always solving problems, like this the third instalment in their Porefessional range for combating oily skin! Licence to Blot is a oil blotting stick that claims to mattify skin within an instance. To use it all you have to do is twist and slide the eraser over the oily/shiny areas of your skin. I love the fact that this is like powder/blotting sheets put into one.

The first time I used this was under makeup but found that it didn't help my makeup at all, if you do want to apply it before then I highly recommended moisturising lots as well as warning you it doesn't cover redness or anything else. 

Then I tested it during the day, when my skin became oily, it doesn't apply as 'nicely' as I thought (like a lipbalm) it was more of a press and glide motion and quite a lot as well. This made my makeup look even worse than it did before and don't forget to clean the stick, but then I set it all with some powder hoping it looked a little bit more decent - and I kind of did. It definitely helped the oiliness for the next hour but then I felt that it melted straight off - is this because of my stubborn skin or am I doing something wrong? 

I wouldn't 100% say that this is a product that you need in your makeup collection, but everything is worth a try right? I will be however, taking it on holiday and seeing how it helps me in warm situations! 

Have you tried the blotting stick? What was your experience like? 

 

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Hand Luggage Essentials

Your hand luggage always depends on where you are going and for how long, no matter how many people you ask or how many posts you read about what to pack, you will still end up taking the 'non-essentials' and the essentials. This time around for a city break I have been very strict, only packing things what I need and nothing that I am unsure about. Here are those things, split into three categories: 

> Staying Hygienic 

A must when travelling my plane, train or even car is hand gel this will be your life saver when you have to use the loo or clean your hands after touching something. It comes in various scents but I opted with a plain one and under 100ml. The second thing is wipes these are great for freshening up on the go and to clean any mess, I went with Strawberry Laces scent as the soap version of this smells divine.  

> Looking Fresh

After a long journey, the last thing you want to be worrying about is doing your entire face again and looking really glamorous. Because let's be honest, who can honestly be bothered. I am not someone who takes a entire kit full of skincare and makeup on the plane because there isn't any point. Instead I stick to a few essentials, a blemish stick* that is perfect to kill spots on the go, a pocket mirror to keep everything in check, a lip moisturiser to fight dry lips, some form of oil blotting to control your makeup and finally some relaxing treatment to keep you calm - this time I am opting with eye masks.* 

> Keeping Sane 

Rules and Regulations mean that you can't take certain things with you on flights, with other transports there isn't a problem so fill your bag with drinks, snacks and lots of sweets. But when flying you must always remember the rules, and to avoid any problems I tend to but things after I get through security. Apart from sweets which are must for me when on a plane, plasters in case of an emergency and some medicine for when you don't feel your best. 

Three simple categories make packing your hand luggage a lot easier, what are you essentials? 

*PR SAMPLES 

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City Break| Makeup Bag

BASE

I have been debating about this for months, what products do i take? something new or something that I am used to? In the end I have settled for the infallible duo because they are two products that I can trust and know that they will stay on me for the long days when we are out and in the evening as well. Also, taking along with me the CC Cream you will be seeing a first impressions in a few weeks, but this will be my second time using it and hoping for the best. Concealer and powder are the same as always because I can trust them and then a lip balm to keep my lips hydrated. 

> L'Oreal Infallible Primer and Foundation  //  £7.99

> Collection Concealer // £4.19

> Rimmel Stay Matte Powder // £3.99

Superdrug CC Cream //  £8.99

>Balmi Lip Balm // £4.99

EYES AND FACE 

My aim is to take products with me that are mutli purpose, and all of the palettes that you can see above do exactly that. They will be making my life easier and hassle free as it gives me more option without having to take separate things along. See more about the palettes I am taking here, There is a mascara in the On The Run palette but I am also taking along Roller Lash because its the perfect evening out mascara and looks amazing on my lashes, as does the rose gold blush for the evening time and it gives me another option if I get bored of the things in the palette. 

> Benefit Roller Lash // £19.50

> On the Run // £37.00

> Eyes Uncovered // £2.99

> Sleek Rose Gold Blush // £4.49

>MR Protection Palette // £6.00

LIPS

The toughest part of them all, having to whittle down my lip product selection to only a few because I don't want to be taking everything with me is very hard. My aim is to take these four only as they provide me with different looks, but knowing me on Thursday right before I fly I will end up putting more in or even buy some at duty free oops. Taking a red lip with me is essential, mainly for the evening and the Maybelline one doesn't budge and is easy to put on in a rush. Then we have a lip gloss and a neutral lip for everyday, both are quick to apply and smell good too. And finally a bright pink colour, perfect for morning and night and the formula of these are amazing, thinking I might just have to take another one because they are just that good! 

> Maybelline Colour Drama in Red Essentials // £4.99

> Tanya Burr in Chic // £6.99

> Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle //  £7.99

> Bourjois Rouge Edition in Ping Pong // £8.99

BRUSHES 

There isn't a chance that I am able to cut down the brushes I bring with me, I just have to have them all oops. Real Techqiues are my most trusted brand, along with me I am taking;
> Multi Task Brush (Part of the travel collection)
> Setting Brush
> Contour Brush
>Buffer Brush
As well as these I am taking a random blush brush I found one day, my EBAY MAC shadow brushes and the RT Miracle Complexion Sponge which is just AMAZING!

This is what I am taking in my suitcase, pretty simple and basic but everything that I trust and know will make life easier. The things coming with me in my hand luggage are a bit different, but there is a whole post coming on that soon! 

p.s don't forget to enter my giveaway  ENTER HERE

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Joe Browns Summer Sale Top Picks

Summer is finally upon us and I don’t know about you but my wardrobe is in need of a serious revamp. Joe Browns is a brand that creates a unique range of clothing items that are different from the items you find on the high street. Their BIG Summer Sale has just launched and I thought of sharing a few of my favourite picks from the sale and items YOU NEED in your wardrobe this summer.

1. Chill Out Trousers WAS £29.95 NOW £19.95

I have been on the hunt for a pair of printed trousers for a few months now and the hunt has officially ended today. These trousers are perfect, the colour is bright which is perfect for the summer and the pattern on the trousers is also very simple which makes me feel more comfortable to wear them.

2. Lacey Daisy Vest Top WAS £34.95 NOW £21.95

As soon as I saw this top my first thought was summer. Lace and daisies are the perfect combination for the summer time, and this vest top is great to wear with the trousers I mentioned above, jeans as well as a skirt. It can also be dressed up and down to suit you. 

3. Tropical Jersey Dress WAS £29.95 NOW £17.95

This is one of those dresses that you can just throw on with a pair of sandals and your good to go. Perfect for those lazy days at home as well as for the days you go to the beach and want to just relax. 

4. Polka Dot Skirted Swimsuit WAS £39.95 NOW £27.95

Isn’t this just the sweetest thing ever? It’s a swimsuit but with a skirt at the bottom giving you another layer and in my opinion make you feel more comfortable wearing a swimsuit. The print is also really pretty.

5. Floral Mac WAS £49.95 NOW £29.95

I live in England after all and summer isn’t summer without the rain, but instead of a coat something much lighter yet protective is the best option. This floral mac is absolutely stunning and I would wear it even if it wasn’t raining because I love the print. 

6. Funky bow court shoes WAS £29.95 NOW £19.95

No Wishlist is complete without a pair of amazing shoes! This pair is quirky and fun, and very not me but this summer I want to take more risks and wear things which are bright and stand out similar to the trousers. The heel also isn't that big, making it wearable for everyone. 

There you have it, my top picks from the Joe Browns Summer Sale! Is there anything that you have got your eye one?

*part of the joe browns blogger competiton

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Pre-Holiday Pamper

Before I have big event or I am going away I like to de-stress, calm down and pamper myself. Sometimes it is as simple as putting a face mask on and sometimes it is the full works and I mean why not - sometimes you need it! 

The first step in my pamper routine is to get rid of all the makeup and let my skin breathe. I am one to swear by micellar water and wipes, until I discovered the Bliss Fabulous Makeup Melt*(£24) the other day. I'm still getting used to using the whole concept of a gel to oil cleanser but all it is a gel cleanser that turns into an oil once massaged into your skin to remove makeup and impurities. The cleanser is full of seven different essential oils (here is a quick low down):

• Tamanu Oil: antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
• Abyssinica Seed Oil: nourishing 
• Mirabelle Plum Seed Oil: conditions and softens skin.
• Olive Oil: full of antioxidants 
• Orange, Sage, and Lavender Oils: calming, soothing, and relaxing
• Milk Thistle (silybum marianum ester): transforms the oils into a fluid that cleans the skin

After my face has been cleansed, cleaned and nourished it is time to focus on the under eye circles, mine are awful and with a 2 hour flight this week I need to look good and not blame the jet lag. The classic cucumber trick works but having to sit there is a pain, now I am a convert to the Bliss triple oxygen instant energizing eye masks *(£40.00). These little packs a genius, there are four in the pack and the size makes them perfect for travelling with as well and ideal to pop on whilst on the plane. You soak the pads with the vitamin water in the smaller section of the packet and then place them under your eyes for 15 minutes. Enough time to paint my nails and put on a face mask to help my skin. 

Painting my nails is a must, otherwise it isn't a pamper session. My toes have recently just come out of hibernation, they still look a mess and to cover that up I am sticking with bright, bold colours such as Maybelline's Pink Volt (£4.49) which is absolutely gorgeous and the perfect summer colour. Then sticking with something a little more neutral on my hands is Nail Inc Uptown (£14.00) a colour that makes your fingers look neat, tidy and a lot more elongated. The formula of both these are amazing and very long lasting. 

After all this, it is  time to apply some heel genius on both my hands and feet, remove my mask and eye patches and sleep. The best kind of spa treatment there is. 

Do you have a pre-holiday pamper routine? 

*PR SAMPLES

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