A Week in Photos #3

1. My lovely boyfriend surprised me with roses and lush goodies :)

2. Relaxing in my new coffee PJ bottoms I picked up in Forever 21 when I was in Amsterdam.

3. Discovering a new coffee shop while on my way to work, I will be revisiting this cute cafe soon!

4. Frozen Yoghurt date night! A new frozen yoghurt place has opened up in our area, so once every week we take an evening trip and try out some new flavours! This week I tasted their mocha and vanilla cake batter flavoured frozen yoghurt. Oh so yum! 

5. I love having a noisy in TK Maxx home section every now and again and found this lovely candle. I love the packaging and it smells wonderful! A bargain for only £6! Hooray!

6. I finished reading Caitlin Morans ' How to be a Woman' this week and really enjoyed it! It's written perfectly and includes hilarious insights into her teenage years, while making some incredibly thoughtful observations on modern feminisim. 

I hope you are all having a lovely weekend! 

Carly x

Mini Pamper Haul

I always try and fit in a pamper evening at least once a week (usually at the weekend) it does wonders for helping you to de-stress and get ready for the week ahead, not to mention it also feels pretty great to treat yourself. 

I picked up a few new bits and pieces to add into my weekly ritual and cant wait to use some of the goodies! Eeee!

First up, I restocked some of my Lush bath bombs- a bath never seems to be the same unless the water is turned magical colours and smells amazing! 

Lush 'Twilight' Bath Bomb

I've used this bath bomb before and I think it's one of ny favourites from Lush. It's sweetly scented with tonka absolute and contains essential oils, Lavender and ylang-ylang, which makes it a great one to use before bedtime, as the lavender helps ease you into sleep and great if you suffer from insomnia. Not to mention this  turns your bath water a deep shimmering purple!

Yuzu & Cocoa Bubbleroon

This is a new one for me, when I smelt this in store, it went straight in my basket! This bubbleroon smells of coconut and chocolate orange, yum!  It contains fair trade shea butter that promises to leave your skin soft and moisturised after. I've used a few of the other bubble bars from Lush and they create the softest bubbles ever! You really have to try it to believe it.

The Godmother Soap

I've been on the lookout for a good bar of soap to replace using shower gel all the time and I think i've found the perfect one! This foams beautifully, it doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry and it smells identitical to their limited edition Christmas shower gel Snow Fairy. It is so highly scented of all things candy it has made my shower room smell great! 

Lastly, I picked up some peel off face masks from Montagne Jeunesse. 

Cucumber, Manuka Honey and Green Tea. I've yet to try these but i'm excited to see how they work out! 

Have you ever used any face masks from Montagne Jeunesse?

Carly x

Updated Skin-Care Routine

Hi Folks! I hope you are all having a lovely Sunday! 

Today's post will be update on my current skin-care routine, I did a previous post about what I was using in February and only one product has stayed the same which is the cleanser which I use (Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish) so I thought it was about time I did an update! I am avid skin-care lover and love to try out new products, however I think I may have discovered my dream team of products that I have been using religiously the past few months.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

This has become a staple in my morning routine, it is just so quick and easy to use if you are in a rush to get up and out too work. I also like to use it before cleansing in the evening, if i'm wearing more makeup that day to ensure i'm getting rid of absolutely all the products i've slapped on! It doesn't irritate my skin or leave it feeling dry and tight,  it's true to its word of being gentle enough to use on sensitive skin. I have used the Simple micellar water before and am happy enough to swap between that and the Garnier one- I find they both do an equally good job of what they are supposed to do!

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish: Hot Cloth Cleanser

I have already spoke about this in my past skincare routine, but it has become an absolute staple for me. I religiously use this every evening, even if i've had a makeup free day. It's so relaxing and feels incredibly pampering on the skin. After having a bad bout of hormonal acne a year or two ago, this cleanser was recommended to me and helped clear it up (along side an acne cream treatment prescribed by the doctor) I have continued in using this cleanser as i've been cautious in using anything else. However, I think i'm ready to explore alternate cream cleanser. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Body Shops Vitamin E Hydrating Toner

I picked this up a few months ago when The Body Shop where having  a crazy online sale and had ran out of my Liz Earle Toner. I really enjoy using this toner and is great for dehydrated/dry skin, the consistency is different from any other toners I have used in the past, it has a slightly thicker texture which gives your skin the feeling of a moisture boost when applied. It is lightly scented and has added vitamin E which is great to help even out your skin tone and help reduce the appearance of scarring. I use this in the evening after cleansing. 

Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser  (dry/sensitive skin)

I got this moisteriser a while ago and completely forgot I had it until my much loved Celestial Moisturiser from Lush ran out. They both have the exact same thick luxurious texture which I look for in moisturisers, however I think I may prefer the Liz Earle Skin Repair now I have been using it for a few weeks, it seems to hydrate my skin a lot better and sinks in a lot quicker than Lush's Celestial. It is rich in natural actives like borage oil (a rich source of essential fatty acid GLA) and natural antioxidants beta-carotene and vitamin E to replace lost moisture and help protect against dryness. I highly recommend this if you are after a hydrating moisturiser!

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+]

After reading some reviews online about this miracle product for troubled skin, I thought I would give it a go and I haven't been disappointed. I am now on my second tube of this stuff and it has become a holy grail product in my evening skin-care routine. I apply this after my toner and leave to sink in (for about 30 minutes) before I apply moisturiser and facial oil. This is an anti-blemish cream, specifically formulated to target the key signs of blemish-prone skin. It helps unclog pores and refines skins texture and is suitable for sensitive skin. There has definitely been a reduction in the amount of breakouts I get and my skin tone is looking more even after using this every night for a couple of months. It is a hydrating enough formula toskip moisturiser altogether after applying this. 

Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil

I have done a previous post about his face treatment oil so I'll just briefly tell you why I'm currently loving this. I use 3/4 drops of this in my evening routine after my moisturiser, it does a wonderful job of giving my skin an extra boost of hydration before bed and have noticed my skin looking more healthy and refreshed in the morning. Also, the smell of this oil makes it a step I look forward to in the evening, think patchouli and all things spa! It also has added hazelnut oil which helps prevent fine lines from appearing which I suppose in my late 20's is something I should start factoring into my skin-care routine. 

Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish

I picked this up on a bit of a whim in Boots a few months ago and have been using it once a week ever since. I only use this once a week as i'd find it a bit too harsh to use anymore than that as it's a pretty intense method of exfoliating your face. This is a micro polishing treatment which encourages cell renewal for younger looking, more radiant complexion. After I use this I find my skin does feel a whole lot smoother and soft and leaves a subtle glow. The first time I used this it felt very abrasive on my skin but after a few more uses it does feel a lot more comfortable. I found this has helped reduce the appearance of any scarring left from previous blemishes. Also, it is on offer at the minute for £5 in Boots, may have to stock up! :)

What are your favourite skin-care products?

Carly x

A Weekend In Amsterdam: A Visual Diary

I was lucky enough to spend a weekend in Amsterdam, having never been before I was excited to explore a new country and I fell in love. A truly lovely place to visit. Here are some photos I took while exploring this beautiful city.

How I style short hair: Beach Waves

I recently took the plunge and chopped of over 9 inches of my hair, i've always had long hair and was terrified that I would hate it short, but a few months on from 'the chop,' I still love it! I don't know why I waited so long to get it cut!

Today i'm going to share some tips and products I use in my hair to create a beach tousled mane! 

 

1. First up is dry shampoo. I can't go a day without using this- if you have a fringe, you will understand what I mean. It helps mattify the hair but when sprayed at the roots creates a nice boost of volume. I have been favouring the Fudge Urban ' Crisp Pear & Sweet Vanilla' dry shampoo for this. Not only does it leave your hair smelling great, it's does the job top brands of dry shampoo! 

Next up I then use my straightners to create loose curls. I find using straightners instead of curling tongs much more efficient, also you're not left with big bouncy curls that take an age to

drop! 

2. I then use the Toni & Guy 'Casual Radiating Tropical Elixir.' This is a serum based styling oil that helps defrizz your hair and leaves a lovely (non greasy) shine. It also has an added UV filter, which is perfect for the summer! I use this mainly on the top of my head and fringe to tame any frizz, also the smell of this product makes it such a treat to use!

3. After curling and defrizzing my hair I use a few sprays of the Toni & Guy 'Sea Salt Spray' I tend to use this on a day to day basis as it has a light/medium hold, it creates a tousled, lived in look to the hair. 

5. On days where I'm going to be out and about and want a bit more hold to the waves I use the Toni & Guy 'Rough Texturiser spray' this is great for spraying on the roots and also through the length, it creates a natural 'dishevelled' look with maximum hold. It also comes in a spray can which makes application so simple! 

4. Lastly, I use the Percy & Reed 'Firm Session Hold Hairspray' to lock in the waves and tousled look i've just created. This does a great job of holding it in place and giving the waves an extra boost of volume. It's non sticky and easy to brush out at the end of the day!

What's your top tips for creating this style?

Carly x

Coffee 101

Have you ever walked into a coffee shop and been completely mind boggled at the vast array of coffees on the menu? Hopefully this post giving you the low down on some of the most popular coffees and will help you in the decision making process next time you are getting your morning caffeine fix!

Americano

• 1/3 espresso based (you can ask for a single or double strength)
• 2/3 hot water
• Can drink black or add hot milk
• Thin layer of foam at the top (crema)

Cortado

• An espresso cut with a small amount of steamed milk
• Usually served in a special glass with a metal wire handle
• Quite similar to a less foamy cappuccino 

Cappuccino

• 1/3 espresso
• 1/3 heated milk
• 1/3 milk foam
• A good option if you want a mild caffeine hit

Café latte

• 1/3 espresso
• 2/3 heated milk
• 1cm foam
• Usually served in a glass on a saucer
• Flavourings can be added such as vanilla, chocolate or caramel
• If you ask for this in Italy you will get a glass of hot/cold milk!

Café au lait

• 1 part hot coffee
• 1 part steamed milk
• This is similar to the café latte but with more coffee is added

Cafe Mocha

• 1/3 espresso
• 2/3 steamed milk
• portion of chocolate (usually in syrup form)
• Can be served with whipped cream & marshmallows
• Great if you have a sweet tooth 

Ristretto

• A less watered down version of the regular espresso
• Hailed as the most delicious part of the espresso as it avoid the burnt taste many have

Flat White

• Steamed milk (poured from the bottom of a pitcher) over a single or double shot of espresso.
• Similar to latte and café au lait
• Typically served in a small cup
• Uses microfoam instead of dry foam
• Usually made with whole milk

I hope this post helps all you coffee lovers decipher the abundant coffee options out there!

Hope you are all having a lovely weekend!

Carly x

(Images taken from weheartit.com)

Korean Beauty Top Picks

I have been a big fan of Korean beauty products for a while now and thought i'd share some of my top picks! 

Peripera Cushion Blusher

This is an easy to use blush with a cushion applicator. It leaves a dewy, natural glow and is easily buildable if you prefer a fuller coverage of colour. As it's a creamy consistency it easily blendable and doesn't cake at all! 

If you are a bit cautious about applicators like these, rest assured that the cushion applicator is easily removed for cleaning and pops right back on, simple! 

This adorable blush comes in 5 different shades; Sweet Pink, Happy Coral, Cheerful Orange, Shy Pink and Lively Lavender.

Laneige Water Sleeping Pack EX

This is a truly inexpensive dupe for the Origins Skin Drink! You apply this before you go to bed and it helps hydrate, reduce signs of fatigue and creates a barrier to lock in moister for the day ahead. It is a light gel like texture, non sticky and leaves no residue and if that's not enough it is packed with essential oils (orange flower, rose, ylang-ylang, sandlewood) This combination helps the mind to relax and aids sleep.

Ingredients to note: 

Beta glucan- skin regeneration effect

Hunza Apricot Extract- Skin purification

Chestnut Extract- Improves skin texture

Ceramide SLN- Moister loss prevention

Innisfree Second Skin Mask 'anti-trouble'

If you like sheet masks, this is a great one to try! It helps clear 'troubled' skin, so anything from blemishes to dehydrated skin, this mask will help sort it out. One of the key ingredients is 'propolis' which type of bee glue (sounds a bit grim) but this resinous mixture is what honeybees collect from botanical sources, making a great natural source of antioxidants that helps skin to remain healthy and clear. The sheet itself is made from fermented soy bean which helps cool down the skin (by 5° c!) which is perfect for the hotter weather we are having at the minute!  Once left on between 10-15 minutes, remove the mask and pat in any remaining formula to allow it to absorb into the skin.

Peripera Pens Tint Milk

These are handy travel sized lip tint, that come in 3 lovely shades; milky peach, milky pink and milky lavender. These have a doe foot applicator that makes the tint glide easily on the lips, no patches in sight! It is also really hydrating on the lips and leaves a natural flush, so perfect for a day time lip colour. They smell like peach aswell, which is a nice extra! 

You can find all of these products on ebay! Hooray!

Have you ever tried any Korean beauty products?

Carly x