My April, May, June, July and August favourites!

I am really going to condense everything I’ve loved in the last 5 months with a burning passion into one post? Yes, yes I am. Cos I can.

And let’s be real, this ain’t gonna be that long cos I have a real short memory nowadays and neither can I pin point exactly which fave is from which month cos I can’t seem to grasp the concept of time lately. Shit, did this really take 5 minutes to type?

My fingers know it’s been awhile since I’ve typed vigorously cos the keys feel real shallow on this laptop. Such a weird feeling.

Anyway on to numero uno;

Acne be gone!

So I think I may have just discovered the best thing for preventing and getting rid of spots (well for me at least). I can’t say that I’ve had full blown acne ever but in my teenage years I did have clusters of spots taking up residency across my face (and I have the scars to prove it). Back then I knew absolutely nothing about skincare and or how to look after my skin properly and for one having a real cleansing routine has definitely sorted (at least) 70% of my spotty issue.

Secondly, I figured out that excessive sugar consumption breaks me out so I try my best to avoid foods that would trigger a reaction.

But for all other random spots appearing on my face from time to time for whatever reason, I use 100% tea tree oil to zap them away.

For a while I have been using one that I purchased from a local chemist but to my absolute delight I found that Poundworld sold them too. So far there has been no difference in terms of results, they both did the exact same thing though the products smell different to each other, not too dissimilar but noticeably.

I tend to apply this at night after I have cleansed my skin and moisturised, with clean hands (very important) I dab just a tiny bit directly on the spot, you don’t really need to use very much of this product at all. In fact, with continued use, it can be harsh on your skin and it can dry it out but usually the next day you should see the redness disappear and the spot diminished in size (if not completely gone!) or have it blossom into a whitehead ready to pop (gross but necessary).

It’s important to note that you should only use this when you have a spot or when you can see one developing, do not by any means slather this over your face as a preventative measure because it will dehydrate your skin. You have been warned!

Btw, this this great for those ‘under the skin’ spots, you know the ones that you can’t pop but you can feel it’s there?

If you have sensitive skin I would dilute the oil with some water before applying because it is quite strong stuff and the last thing you need is more irritation!

So I hope I have saved you a fortune on spending on blemish treatments, let me know if you tried this out and your results!

Lust list: Item #1

😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍 😍

Currently on my lust list, these amazing shoesies from Zara (click on the image to take you to the store) I think these are definitely going to be my go to summer shoe. I love that it’s not too OTT for daytime wear and can be easily styled for a more glam evening look. Also I’m so over huge platform heels, the summer is for comfy(ish) feet.

Stay chic ✌️

My Recent Faves

Okay, I hate that I have not posted more than once a month – if that lately. I’m just been struggling in the real world and this whole shindig has completely slip my mind but I shall delight you with my recent faves. I wish I could call this my April favourites but we’re halfway through may already, so who am I kidding?

Btw, this is just gon be a quickie because my attention span of late has been absolutely abysmal. It’s gonna be facts and figures guys.

1. Revlon Parfumerie Nail Polish in Orange Blossom

Now that the sun is finally making more of a semi permanent appearance I love and (feel more comfortable) wearing bright colours on mah nails, right now I’m lovin’ this super bright orange colour. It just screams ‘SUMMER I AM READY FOR YOU’.

2. Nude Magique BB Powder by L’oreal

I never really incorporated powder into my routine until last year and by the blessing of the beauty gods I so happen to pick up this magical thing, tbh the only other powder I have in my life right now is the L’oreal True Match and I prefer the BB powder so much more, it’s not super pigmented so I don’t feel like I’m adding more colour to my face and I find the finish of this powder so much more flattering and easier to blend back into my face — if y’all wear glasses you’ll know what I’m about.

3. Brow This Way by Rimmel

When I first got this I wasn’t like majorly impressed or anything but now I love it. So easy to use and it fills and sculpts my brows into harmony.

4. Eau Thermale Avene Water Spray

I know it seems insane to spend money on a water spray but this is so soothing, I personally love spraying this on my face when my skin is feeling angry and agitated and it just calms it alllll down. It’s also great to use after shaving, the cool mist makes shaving tolerable I swear. This is a bit of a luxury item so I only tend to use it when absolutely necessary (though sometimes I do get carried away) but I think it’s worth the investment especially if you have sensitive skin!

5. MUA Undressed Palette

Eyeshadows aren’t part of my everyday make up routine but from time to time I like to experiment with new looks and attempt to get it looking as flawless as Kathleen Lights‘. I love this palette because the colour pay off is pretty decent for something that only cost £4. Maybe a little primer is needed to really exaggerate the colour. This is a great purchase if you’re new to eyeshadow or you’re trying new colours!

What are your current faves? Also I’m shopping around for a new eye make up remover (drugstore pref) so I would love your recommendations!

Empties Galore!

Hey guys, so I thought I would round up all my empties and kinda do a quick fire post to get the ole blogging cogs turning again. If you haven’t noticed I have been away for a long while and I really haven’t been in the mood for writing. I know, shock horror. But it’s looking good today and I’m feeling a little it more inspired than usual, so park your ass and enjoy the ride.

Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude Review

So this was one of thing things on my wishlist last month and when I saw it in store for £5.99 (it’s introductory price) I just had to get it. Can’t resist a deal.

The Maybelline Dream Flawless Nude is a ‘fluid touch’ foundation, it is essentially beigey coloured water, if you accidentally knock this over it’s gonna ruin your carpet forever so be extra careful handling this motherflower. I’ve never come across this formula before so I’m even more intrigued about it’s claims.

What makes this foundation unique also is the applicator, there’s a teardrop shape at the end of the wand and you are supposedly meant to drop a bit of the foundation onto your finger and apply it to your face. I have to say I don’t find that method very efficient for me personally as I’m also super clumsy so to speed things along I swipe and dab the wand on my face directly. It looks crazy and a little weird but it’s what works for me and I then buff the foundation in with my Real Techniques buffing brush (it is amazing and worth having in your brush collection if it’s not there already!)

Because I am such a klutz, the applicator and the way you have to dispense the product it’s not ideal for me. If Maybelline wanted to go with the whole dropper thing I think a pipette would have been a better idea, it would be easier and less risky to manoeuvre the product from bottle to your hand or face you know? But I have to say I do like the design of the wand, it is pretty but perhaps not the most practical.

Week #5: Almost Halftime

[Note: I was supposed to post this more than two weeks ago but I’ve been not feeling up to blogging much lately. Here it is anyway… once more with feeling! (Side eye)]

I totally went ham on pancake day and had pancakes for lunch and for breakfast the next day. I regret nothing cos it tasted damn fine, not gonna lie guys. Also shout out to Jamie Oliver’s pancake recipe, it’s pretty much fail proof. So on to the important part, I’ve actually lost some weight this week, hallelujah, another 0.8 lbs gone. Lets hope that actually stays off but I have been neglecting exercise so I suppose that’s not going to bode well for me… We’ll see!

Peeling, Toning and Preening

So I bought two skincare products that one, I needed and the other I was really curious about and they are the Botanics All Bright Toner from Boots and B. Revealed Glycolic Peel from Superdrug as well as a cheeky treat, the Eyebrow Stylist by Sleek cos why the hell not. I’ve been using the skincare products for a good three weeks now so Imma give you my review on them.

Grown Up Glitter – Maybelline Colour Show Nail Polish Review

I was just leisurely strolling around the supermarket when I came across this, I thought it looked so pretty in the bottle and I just had to get it. I feel like glitter nail polish is like the marmite of the nail polish world, it very much divides opinion and I for one, love glitter. The more speckles the better.

Though I am always apprehensive when it comes to the formula as there are a lot of duds out there when it comes to getting a full coverage and even dispersing of particles on the nail. I scoff at the pallid top coats, I’m very much ‘go hard or go home’ when it comes to this. I take my glitter very seriously.

I am wearing two coats in the photo but one is more than enough if you prefer a more subtle look and you’ll be able to see a little bit of your nail but the colour of the nail polish makes it hardly noticeable. This applies like a dream I tell ya, it’s so easy to use and if you’re not great at painting your nails like myself this really is a fuss free formula. If I had a negative point about this polish it would be that, when it dries the texture of the polish is a little bit gritty however this is surprisingly easy to take off. I have to say this is becoming one of my fave polishes based on formula alone, I would love to see Maybelline release this in more colours! (if they haven’t already I only saw two on display.)

I have to say I did pick this up after reading a load of posts on going for a more subtle look for Valentine’s day. Pastel pinks seemed to be in favour and then I realised its not a colour I have in my shoe box full of polishes so I went and gone get it. Also Valentine’s related, if you haven’t seen the Funny Valentine’s on iPlayer I recommend it, well, you should see this one. Which in my opinion is the funniest one.

Anyway, are you a fan of glitter nail polishes? Let me know your faves!

Week #4: Ewwy Stewy

So guys I have to make a confession, I did go slightly off piste on my diet last week and I broke it literally at the last minute and I feel terrible but what is done is done. Even though I did cheat I have managed to loose 0.2 lbs, I know it’s tiny but it’s something especially considering my midnight binge and I wasn’t even hungry. Temptation is everywhere.

Day #7

Breakfast 11:20am – Boiled Egg, Bacon and Cherry Toms (212 kcal), Tea with almond milk (11 kcal)

Ya average brekky, was nice, though I’m disappointed in myself for letting the egg boil for too long. No runny yolk for me today. Sad face emoji.

Lunch 3:40pm – Charred Aubergine, Pepper and Bulgur Wheat Salad (198 kcal)

I’ve never had bulgur wheat before but I hazarded a guess that it is something like couscous and it kinda is, just a bigger grain. It’s a lil fussier to cook than couscous considering all you have to do is pour hot stock on it and leave it be, bulgur wheat actually required cooking. I don’t know if that is just for this specific brand of wheat but I wasn’t in the mood to experiment so I just did as I was told by the packet. I cooked the wheat in chicken stock as I learnt from an earlier mistake of cooking couscous with water — it was the the most plainest thing ever. When I read through the recipe I was afraid it was going to lack flavour but charring the red pepper really makes it taste sweeter and I am surprised at difference the humble salt and pepper can really make to your dish. Overall, a really great lunch actually!

Dinner 8:30 – Squash and Chorizo Stew (264 kcal)

I love squash I would say it’s one of my top 5 vegetables ever but somehow it was lacking in this ‘stew’ and I don’t think it was because of under seasoning. I was concerned from the lack of ingredients in this dish but I liked everything on there so I thought ‘what the hell, I’ll try it’. To me it didn’t feel like the squash and chorizo really go together, it was really like I was biting into a bit of squash which was kinda bland and then a chunk of chorizo which was fiery and hot. Nil point for enjoyment.

Treat 10:00 – Hot Chocolate (60 kcal)